http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=25534
Only 45, 998 IDPs remaining in Vavuniya
29 Jun 2010 - 21:09
The total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remaining in welfare centers in the North as of today (29 June) is 45, 998, according to Colonel Vadugodapitiya, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Competent Office for IDPs in Vavuniya. All IDPs are free to move outside their welfare centres and return on dates they specify.
Nearly 300,000 escaped from the LTTE during humanitarian operations carried out by the Sri Lankan military and the government has been providing them with shelter, food and other necessities in welfare villages.
Out of those remaining in welfare centers, 1500 IDPs in Menik Farm relief village will be resettled in Karachchi, Kilinochchi tomorrow (June 30).
The Government will resettle 10,000 IDPs in Menik Farm to other areas in Kilinochchi by July 26.
The Chief Coordinating Officer states that each week within the month of July, around 3000 IDPs will be resettled to their places of origin.Courtesy:priu.gov.lk
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Northeast poised for massive development
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100630_03
Northeast poised for massive development
Though the media highlighted the 290,000 internally displaced persons on May 18 last year, there were a larger number of persons who were displaced since 1980s in the country as IDPs languishing without even a hope of going back to their homes, Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando said.
Addressing a press conference at his ministry in Colombo yesterday, he said these people are eager to go back to their native palaces. The Government was taking measures to bring them to their former places of residence. The main impediment was the land mines that were laid by the LTTE.
As soon as the Government completes clearance of land mines The IDPs will be resettled in their former villages. The Government will provide assistance to improve their economic conditions and livelihoods by providing seeds, fertilizer, dry rations for six months, temporary shelter and a grant of Rs. 25,000 he further said.
Addressing the press conference, Deputy Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said the army personnel were working day and night to remove land mines and about 95 percent of the land mines were cleared in the Mulaithivu area. All the IDPs will be resettled in two months from now.
He said the Government with the assistance of NGOs and other donor countries were building houses for the IDPs. Already, 58,000 houses have been built in the North and another 170,000 houses were needed. The Indian Government had agreed to provide funds to build 50,000 houses.
Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said only 12,000 hectares were cultivated in the Batticaloa District last year. It has increased up to 60,000 hectares. Milk production in the district last year was only 9,000 litres a day. It has increased to 50,000 litres. Fish production also had increased from 5,000 tons to 23,000 tons in the East.
He said the development taking place in the East will also happen in the North as effort was being made by the government.
Some political parties and groups who boosted the LTTE earlier were making comments and criticizing the government without knowing the ground situation. The people are aware about the progress being made.
The people of the North and East will no longer support the parties who are critical of the Government as they are aware that the Government is with the people, he said.
The government will develop local and foreign tourism in the North and East.
Courtesy : Daily News
Northeast poised for massive development
Though the media highlighted the 290,000 internally displaced persons on May 18 last year, there were a larger number of persons who were displaced since 1980s in the country as IDPs languishing without even a hope of going back to their homes, Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando said.
Addressing a press conference at his ministry in Colombo yesterday, he said these people are eager to go back to their native palaces. The Government was taking measures to bring them to their former places of residence. The main impediment was the land mines that were laid by the LTTE.
As soon as the Government completes clearance of land mines The IDPs will be resettled in their former villages. The Government will provide assistance to improve their economic conditions and livelihoods by providing seeds, fertilizer, dry rations for six months, temporary shelter and a grant of Rs. 25,000 he further said.
Addressing the press conference, Deputy Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said the army personnel were working day and night to remove land mines and about 95 percent of the land mines were cleared in the Mulaithivu area. All the IDPs will be resettled in two months from now.
He said the Government with the assistance of NGOs and other donor countries were building houses for the IDPs. Already, 58,000 houses have been built in the North and another 170,000 houses were needed. The Indian Government had agreed to provide funds to build 50,000 houses.
Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said only 12,000 hectares were cultivated in the Batticaloa District last year. It has increased up to 60,000 hectares. Milk production in the district last year was only 9,000 litres a day. It has increased to 50,000 litres. Fish production also had increased from 5,000 tons to 23,000 tons in the East.
He said the development taking place in the East will also happen in the North as effort was being made by the government.
Some political parties and groups who boosted the LTTE earlier were making comments and criticizing the government without knowing the ground situation. The people are aware about the progress being made.
The people of the North and East will no longer support the parties who are critical of the Government as they are aware that the Government is with the people, he said.
The government will develop local and foreign tourism in the North and East.
Courtesy : Daily News
UNHCR closing Batti office as resettlement completes
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100630_07
UNHCR closing Batti office as resettlement completes
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is closing its office in Batticaloa this week as it starts to scale back its operations with regard to IDPs as resettlement enters the final phase in the Eastern Province.
"As the majority of internally displaced people in Batticaloa District over the last eight years have now returned to their places of origin and have been receiving protection and assistance from UNHCR, we are now able to start phasing down our operations," said UNHCR Representative in Sri Lanka Michael Zwack.
The conflict in the east ended in 2007 and the government resettled the displaced in their places of origin with UNHCR assistance. Once de-mining is completed, those remaining will also be resettled. UNHCR states that they too will be able to return within the next couple of months.
In the North as of today (29 June), only 45,998 IDPs are left to be resettled in their places of origin from the initial 300,000 IDPs who escaped from the LTTE during the humanitarian operations carried out by the Sri Lankan military.
While helping the villagers rebuild their lives after resettlement, the UNHCR is now assisting them to protect themselves against another threat; wild elephants.
Earlier this month UNHCR opened a new community library in Iralaikulam village in the Chenkalady area - a former LTTE stronghold.
"The people asked us to rebuild their library which was destroyed by the natural elements and wild elephants in their absence," said the Head of UNHCR's Batticaloa office, Francis Muwonge.
Solar lamps, provided by UNHCR as a security measure, help to protect the library and village from visits by wild elephants which can cause considerable destruction.
Courtesy: Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka
UNHCR closing Batti office as resettlement completes
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is closing its office in Batticaloa this week as it starts to scale back its operations with regard to IDPs as resettlement enters the final phase in the Eastern Province.
"As the majority of internally displaced people in Batticaloa District over the last eight years have now returned to their places of origin and have been receiving protection and assistance from UNHCR, we are now able to start phasing down our operations," said UNHCR Representative in Sri Lanka Michael Zwack.
The conflict in the east ended in 2007 and the government resettled the displaced in their places of origin with UNHCR assistance. Once de-mining is completed, those remaining will also be resettled. UNHCR states that they too will be able to return within the next couple of months.
In the North as of today (29 June), only 45,998 IDPs are left to be resettled in their places of origin from the initial 300,000 IDPs who escaped from the LTTE during the humanitarian operations carried out by the Sri Lankan military.
While helping the villagers rebuild their lives after resettlement, the UNHCR is now assisting them to protect themselves against another threat; wild elephants.
Earlier this month UNHCR opened a new community library in Iralaikulam village in the Chenkalady area - a former LTTE stronghold.
"The people asked us to rebuild their library which was destroyed by the natural elements and wild elephants in their absence," said the Head of UNHCR's Batticaloa office, Francis Muwonge.
Solar lamps, provided by UNHCR as a security measure, help to protect the library and village from visits by wild elephants which can cause considerable destruction.
Courtesy: Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Top official: Tamil Diaspora realizes importance of working with the State
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=953
Top official: Tamil Diaspora realizes importance of working with the StateJune 29, 2010, 7:24 am
By Shamindra Ferdinando
In a post-LTTE era, the government and the Tamil Diaspora can work for the betterment of the Tamil speaking people. Commenting on an unprecedented rapport between the government and the Tamil Diaspora, which at one-time backed the LTTE, a senior official told The Island: "They have realised the importance of working with the government than supporting an unattainable cause. By quitting their Eelam project and throwing their weight behind ongoing rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement efforts, an influential section of the Tamil Diaspora showed its readiness to work for the future.
Responding to a query by The Island, the official emphasised that the willingness of Kumaran Padmanathan aka ‘KP’, one-time LTTE heavyweight and some members of the Diaspora to support the government efforts should not be a political issue.
Now, that the LTTE’s military capability had been eradicated, the Tamil Diaspora and the government could work together, he said.
External Affairs Ministry sources said that an understanding between the government and the Diaspora could be the key to thwarting a fresh attempt to revive the LTTE.
Sources said that there was general understanding that Tamil political parties and the government could work together in a post-LTTE era, though some feel the Diaspora may overshadow political parties. Sources said that the Diaspora factor could not be ignored and the post-LTTE rehabilitation issues discussed in isolation.
Top official: Tamil Diaspora realizes importance of working with the StateJune 29, 2010, 7:24 am
By Shamindra Ferdinando
In a post-LTTE era, the government and the Tamil Diaspora can work for the betterment of the Tamil speaking people. Commenting on an unprecedented rapport between the government and the Tamil Diaspora, which at one-time backed the LTTE, a senior official told The Island: "They have realised the importance of working with the government than supporting an unattainable cause. By quitting their Eelam project and throwing their weight behind ongoing rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement efforts, an influential section of the Tamil Diaspora showed its readiness to work for the future.
Responding to a query by The Island, the official emphasised that the willingness of Kumaran Padmanathan aka ‘KP’, one-time LTTE heavyweight and some members of the Diaspora to support the government efforts should not be a political issue.
Now, that the LTTE’s military capability had been eradicated, the Tamil Diaspora and the government could work together, he said.
External Affairs Ministry sources said that an understanding between the government and the Diaspora could be the key to thwarting a fresh attempt to revive the LTTE.
Sources said that there was general understanding that Tamil political parties and the government could work together in a post-LTTE era, though some feel the Diaspora may overshadow political parties. Sources said that the Diaspora factor could not be ignored and the post-LTTE rehabilitation issues discussed in isolation.
European Parliament MP condemns EU conditions
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100629_07
European Parliament MP condemns EU conditions
Vice President of the Committee on Overseas Development of the European Parliament, Niranjan Deva-Aditya (Nirj Dev) condemned more than ten impossible conditions set by the EU to renew Sri Lanka's GSP Plus facility as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.
Deva-Aditya told The Nation that it was up to the parliament, government and people of Sri Lanka to decide on the laws that should govern them and not the business of ex-colonial masters to instruct a former colony what to do.
Deva-Aditya, said it was not the 700 elected fellow MPs of the European Parliament that was making all these demands, but the European Commission (the civil service) at the behest of the European Council (the second chamber) made up of European government ministers.
As far as the demand for complying with the covenants of the ICCPR, he said it was fair since Sri Lanka had signed it some years back. "Since the country has signed the agreement there is no choice but to meet its obligations, but other demands are gross.
Courtesy: President's Media Unit
European Parliament MP condemns EU conditions
Vice President of the Committee on Overseas Development of the European Parliament, Niranjan Deva-Aditya (Nirj Dev) condemned more than ten impossible conditions set by the EU to renew Sri Lanka's GSP Plus facility as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.
Deva-Aditya told The Nation that it was up to the parliament, government and people of Sri Lanka to decide on the laws that should govern them and not the business of ex-colonial masters to instruct a former colony what to do.
Deva-Aditya, said it was not the 700 elected fellow MPs of the European Parliament that was making all these demands, but the European Commission (the civil service) at the behest of the European Council (the second chamber) made up of European government ministers.
As far as the demand for complying with the covenants of the ICCPR, he said it was fair since Sri Lanka had signed it some years back. "Since the country has signed the agreement there is no choice but to meet its obligations, but other demands are gross.
Courtesy: President's Media Unit
Indian Naval Chief calls on Secretary Defence
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100628_06
Indian Naval Chief calls on Secretary Defence
Indian Naval Chief Admiral Verma paid a courtesy call to Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Monday (June 28) morning, at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo.
Discussions were held between the two officials to promote bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries while, enhancing security in the Indian Ocean region. Admiral Verma is on a five day official visit to the island nation, first by an Indian top military brass since defeat of the LTTE terrorist outfit. Exchanges of plaques were also made between the officials marking the occasion.
The Indian Naval Chief was also accompanied by Sri Lankan Naval Chief Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Damayantha Dharmasiriwardena including officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and Defence Attache(DA) Captain Pradeep Singh.
Indian Naval Chief calls on Secretary Defence
Indian Naval Chief Admiral Verma paid a courtesy call to Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Monday (June 28) morning, at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo.
Discussions were held between the two officials to promote bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries while, enhancing security in the Indian Ocean region. Admiral Verma is on a five day official visit to the island nation, first by an Indian top military brass since defeat of the LTTE terrorist outfit. Exchanges of plaques were also made between the officials marking the occasion.
The Indian Naval Chief was also accompanied by Sri Lankan Naval Chief Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Damayantha Dharmasiriwardena including officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and Defence Attache(DA) Captain Pradeep Singh.
Monday, June 28, 2010
MoD goes ahead with alliance with LTTE rump
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=877
MoD goes ahead with alliance with LTTE rumpJune 27, 2010, 9:15 pm
The move is likely to upset moves to revamp the LTTE and set up the so-called provisional transnational government of Tamil eelam. The government says an understanding will give stability and help convince the international community of President Rajapaksa’s sincerity.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
One year after the conclusion of war, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government and the LTTE rump have reached an agreement, thereby giving the SLFP-led ruling coalition an unprecedented political advantage.
Well informed sources said this would boost on-going rehabilitation efforts and pave the way for the Tamil Diaspora to invest in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Responding to a query by The Island, an authoritative military official said that Kumaran Padmanathan alias ‘KP’, who spearheaded the LTTE’s overseas procurement network for over two decades had pledged his support to the move. Emphasising the importance of a workable arrangement between the government and the LTTE rump, the official said that this was a major victory for the government.
The official said that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had spearheaded the surprise move. He said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could work with the government and the LTTE rump to serve the Tamil speaking people. According to him, both the government and what remained of the LTTE could benefit from reaching an agreement, now that the LTTE had no conventional military capability.
Intelligence sources told The Island that a deal between the government and KP had caused a major rift among the LTTE rump, with an influential section throwing its weight behind ‘KP’.
Had they believed a rapid reorganisation was possible in a post-war era, a marriage between the government and a section of the LTTE rump would deal a severe blow to them, sources said.
Once they had realised that eelam would never be a reality, those who had directed the LTTE military machine from abroad reached out to the government, sources said. The extradition of ‘KP’ from a South East Asian country to Sri Lanka last year had helped Sri Lanka to deal with the LTTE rump from a position of strength.
Sources pointed out that successive governments had accommodated members of Tamil terrorists groups, including the LTTE and facilitated their entry to mainstream politics.
Addressing a meeting chaired by Defence Secretary Rajapaksa recently at the Defence Ministry, ‘KP" told a group of visiting LTTE supporters how he had come to realise the futility of continuing an armed struggle. KP said: "When I was seized abroad and brought to Colombo and then taken to meet the Defence Secretary at his residence, I thought it was the end of the story. But a Buddha statue at the entrance to the bungalow calmed me and I felt that there was still an opportunity to change. Although I was shivering when I was taken there, gradually the situation improved."
KP is widely believed to be responsible for helping Sri Lankan intelligence services to tackle LTTE operatives in two countries and locate LTTE ships once used to smuggle in arms and ammunition to Sri Lanka.
TULF leader V. Anandasangaree yesterday told The Island that a marriage of convenience between the government and the LTTE rump should not be at the expense of Tamil moderates, who backed the government’s war against the LTTE.
An irate political veteran accused the government of conveniently forgetting his role, both here and abroad was and now acting as if he did no longer exist. "It is nothing but a shame that I have been discarded, and the likes of Kumaran Padmanathan, who had caused death and destruction receive special treatment."
Responding to a query, Anandasangaree said that the government media had denied him coverage since the conclusion of war. "I am being isolated and given step motherly treatment by a government, which used me cleverly against the LTTE," Anandasangaree said.
According to him, the pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora had changed its approach a few months after the army wiped out the LTTE on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May last year. He revealed that during a confab in Austria late last year, a proposal was made to give the TNA control of overseas funding for development and rehabilitation efforts in a post-LTTE era.
MoD goes ahead with alliance with LTTE rumpJune 27, 2010, 9:15 pm
The move is likely to upset moves to revamp the LTTE and set up the so-called provisional transnational government of Tamil eelam. The government says an understanding will give stability and help convince the international community of President Rajapaksa’s sincerity.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
One year after the conclusion of war, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government and the LTTE rump have reached an agreement, thereby giving the SLFP-led ruling coalition an unprecedented political advantage.
Well informed sources said this would boost on-going rehabilitation efforts and pave the way for the Tamil Diaspora to invest in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Responding to a query by The Island, an authoritative military official said that Kumaran Padmanathan alias ‘KP’, who spearheaded the LTTE’s overseas procurement network for over two decades had pledged his support to the move. Emphasising the importance of a workable arrangement between the government and the LTTE rump, the official said that this was a major victory for the government.
The official said that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had spearheaded the surprise move. He said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could work with the government and the LTTE rump to serve the Tamil speaking people. According to him, both the government and what remained of the LTTE could benefit from reaching an agreement, now that the LTTE had no conventional military capability.
Intelligence sources told The Island that a deal between the government and KP had caused a major rift among the LTTE rump, with an influential section throwing its weight behind ‘KP’.
Had they believed a rapid reorganisation was possible in a post-war era, a marriage between the government and a section of the LTTE rump would deal a severe blow to them, sources said.
Once they had realised that eelam would never be a reality, those who had directed the LTTE military machine from abroad reached out to the government, sources said. The extradition of ‘KP’ from a South East Asian country to Sri Lanka last year had helped Sri Lanka to deal with the LTTE rump from a position of strength.
Sources pointed out that successive governments had accommodated members of Tamil terrorists groups, including the LTTE and facilitated their entry to mainstream politics.
Addressing a meeting chaired by Defence Secretary Rajapaksa recently at the Defence Ministry, ‘KP" told a group of visiting LTTE supporters how he had come to realise the futility of continuing an armed struggle. KP said: "When I was seized abroad and brought to Colombo and then taken to meet the Defence Secretary at his residence, I thought it was the end of the story. But a Buddha statue at the entrance to the bungalow calmed me and I felt that there was still an opportunity to change. Although I was shivering when I was taken there, gradually the situation improved."
KP is widely believed to be responsible for helping Sri Lankan intelligence services to tackle LTTE operatives in two countries and locate LTTE ships once used to smuggle in arms and ammunition to Sri Lanka.
TULF leader V. Anandasangaree yesterday told The Island that a marriage of convenience between the government and the LTTE rump should not be at the expense of Tamil moderates, who backed the government’s war against the LTTE.
An irate political veteran accused the government of conveniently forgetting his role, both here and abroad was and now acting as if he did no longer exist. "It is nothing but a shame that I have been discarded, and the likes of Kumaran Padmanathan, who had caused death and destruction receive special treatment."
Responding to a query, Anandasangaree said that the government media had denied him coverage since the conclusion of war. "I am being isolated and given step motherly treatment by a government, which used me cleverly against the LTTE," Anandasangaree said.
According to him, the pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora had changed its approach a few months after the army wiped out the LTTE on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May last year. He revealed that during a confab in Austria late last year, a proposal was made to give the TNA control of overseas funding for development and rehabilitation efforts in a post-LTTE era.
Defence Secretary says LTTE remnants still haunting from foreign soil
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15800&Itemid=44
Defence Secretary says LTTE remnants still haunting from foreign soil
Monday, 28 June 2010
Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that though defeated tiger terrorists do not have the capability to wage a war once again,the now defunct LTTE outfit’s organisation abroad are giving indications that they have not abandoned their terror network internationally despite their defeat in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a ceremony to open the Security Forces Headquarters inMullaitivu Mr Gotabaya rajapaksa said that although the LTTE has beeneliminated in Sri Lanka, its international network is still active.It is the responsibility of Sri Lankan Government and the SecurityForces to be on vigil without allowing the LTTE to span its wings toSri Lanka. The intelligence units of the Security Services have to bekept on alert. Sunday Observer quoted defence secretary as saying thatthe Navy has a special role to play in protecting the country fromrebels returning after receiving military training from othercountries.The statement made by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa came justfew days after the media highlighted the arrest of three LTTEintelligence wing cadres by the ‘Q’ Branch of India’s Tamil Nadupolice, when they attempted to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka.It was a clear indication that their terror network is still operatingin neighbouring India. According to media reports from India thecadres had reportedly procured the explosive materials and stockedthem illegally to transport to Sri Lanka. A cache of arms including4,900 ordinary detonators and 430 electric detonators was seized fromthem.MEANWHILE a senior minister said that it was one of the reasons forGovernment to reject the EU call to abide by its conditions. Becausethey insists us to remove Prevention of terrorism Act and host ofother laws and regulations inclusive of Emergency Regulation that dealwith suspected terrorist activities. . The Sri Lankan government is ofthe view that the EU request, if acceded, would make it difficult tomaintain the law and order and contain present wave of organizedcrimes and unlawful activities perpetrated by some undesirableelementsThe EU in its demand, has gone one step further by requiring SriLankato give validity to the First optional Protocol to the ICCPR. Itappears that the EU has forgotten the very meaning of the phrasecalled Optional Protocol. Because UN is not a law making body butadopts Covenant, Charters and Protocols to which the member countriescan become signatories accordingly. There are several other countriesyet to become signatories to some of the optional Protocols.
Defence Secretary says LTTE remnants still haunting from foreign soil
Monday, 28 June 2010
Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that though defeated tiger terrorists do not have the capability to wage a war once again,the now defunct LTTE outfit’s organisation abroad are giving indications that they have not abandoned their terror network internationally despite their defeat in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a ceremony to open the Security Forces Headquarters inMullaitivu Mr Gotabaya rajapaksa said that although the LTTE has beeneliminated in Sri Lanka, its international network is still active.It is the responsibility of Sri Lankan Government and the SecurityForces to be on vigil without allowing the LTTE to span its wings toSri Lanka. The intelligence units of the Security Services have to bekept on alert. Sunday Observer quoted defence secretary as saying thatthe Navy has a special role to play in protecting the country fromrebels returning after receiving military training from othercountries.The statement made by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa came justfew days after the media highlighted the arrest of three LTTEintelligence wing cadres by the ‘Q’ Branch of India’s Tamil Nadupolice, when they attempted to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka.It was a clear indication that their terror network is still operatingin neighbouring India. According to media reports from India thecadres had reportedly procured the explosive materials and stockedthem illegally to transport to Sri Lanka. A cache of arms including4,900 ordinary detonators and 430 electric detonators was seized fromthem.MEANWHILE a senior minister said that it was one of the reasons forGovernment to reject the EU call to abide by its conditions. Becausethey insists us to remove Prevention of terrorism Act and host ofother laws and regulations inclusive of Emergency Regulation that dealwith suspected terrorist activities. . The Sri Lankan government is ofthe view that the EU request, if acceded, would make it difficult tomaintain the law and order and contain present wave of organizedcrimes and unlawful activities perpetrated by some undesirableelementsThe EU in its demand, has gone one step further by requiring SriLankato give validity to the First optional Protocol to the ICCPR. Itappears that the EU has forgotten the very meaning of the phrasecalled Optional Protocol. Because UN is not a law making body butadopts Covenant, Charters and Protocols to which the member countriescan become signatories accordingly. There are several other countriesyet to become signatories to some of the optional Protocols.
Sri Lanka Commends friendly nations for their supports on SL's stance on UN Panel of Experts
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100628_04
Sri Lanka Commends friendly nations for their supports on SL's stance on UN Panel of Experts
Sri Lanka has commended Russia, China, Iran and the 118 Non-Aligned countries for defending its decision not to allow the UNSG's expert panel to probe alleged human rights violations in the final phase of the battle that crushed LTTE terrorism in May last year.
Especially Russia has criticized the appointment of a UN Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka questioning why the opinion of the Security Council or the General Assembly was not sought in the matter. Investigating the events that occurred in the past in Sri Lanka lies with its Government, Russia said in a statement.
Here is the Full Release;
Moscow has taken note of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's decision to appoint a UN panel of experts to investigate war crimes during the period of the campaign against the Tamil Tigers. As follows from UN sources, this panel is not a fact finding or investigation mechanism, but is designed solely to advise him on accountability issues relating to alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
In doing so, the UN Secretary-General as chief administrative officer of the United Nations should apparently have asked the opinion of the Security Council or the General Assembly on this matter. But this has not happened. What also makes us cautious is the fact that this decision was taken without regard to the position of a sovereign state and a member of the UN - Sri Lanka. As is known, they in Sri Lanka have already begun their own investigation process at national level (the Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation with a mandate to review all aspects of the conflict). As follows from the statement made on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka by the External Affairs Ministry of that country, and the statement of its Minister of Information, Sri Lanka "regards the appointment of the Sri Lanka Panel of Experts as unwarranted and unnecessary and contrary to the position of a UN member state." Lynn Pascoe, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, who visited Sri Lanka a few days ago, as we understand, was aware of this position of Colombo.
We believe that the primary responsibility for investigating the events that occurred in the past in Sri Lanka lies with its Government and that the newly appointed UN panel of experts, which, as follows from UN Secretariat statements, does not intend to visit Sri Lanka, will not take any steps that would complicate the investigation being conducted by the authorities of Colombo.
Courtesy: Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Commends friendly nations for their supports on SL's stance on UN Panel of Experts
Sri Lanka has commended Russia, China, Iran and the 118 Non-Aligned countries for defending its decision not to allow the UNSG's expert panel to probe alleged human rights violations in the final phase of the battle that crushed LTTE terrorism in May last year.
Especially Russia has criticized the appointment of a UN Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka questioning why the opinion of the Security Council or the General Assembly was not sought in the matter. Investigating the events that occurred in the past in Sri Lanka lies with its Government, Russia said in a statement.
Here is the Full Release;
Moscow has taken note of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's decision to appoint a UN panel of experts to investigate war crimes during the period of the campaign against the Tamil Tigers. As follows from UN sources, this panel is not a fact finding or investigation mechanism, but is designed solely to advise him on accountability issues relating to alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
In doing so, the UN Secretary-General as chief administrative officer of the United Nations should apparently have asked the opinion of the Security Council or the General Assembly on this matter. But this has not happened. What also makes us cautious is the fact that this decision was taken without regard to the position of a sovereign state and a member of the UN - Sri Lanka. As is known, they in Sri Lanka have already begun their own investigation process at national level (the Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation with a mandate to review all aspects of the conflict). As follows from the statement made on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka by the External Affairs Ministry of that country, and the statement of its Minister of Information, Sri Lanka "regards the appointment of the Sri Lanka Panel of Experts as unwarranted and unnecessary and contrary to the position of a UN member state." Lynn Pascoe, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, who visited Sri Lanka a few days ago, as we understand, was aware of this position of Colombo.
We believe that the primary responsibility for investigating the events that occurred in the past in Sri Lanka lies with its Government and that the newly appointed UN panel of experts, which, as follows from UN Secretariat statements, does not intend to visit Sri Lanka, will not take any steps that would complicate the investigation being conducted by the authorities of Colombo.
Courtesy: Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka
Now Tamil Diaspora raises funds for development in Lanka
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=25495
Now Tamil Diaspora raises funds for development in Lanka
28 Jun 2010 - 08:55
Members of Tamil Diaspora for Dialogue (TDD ) yesterday, made a fervent appeal to members of the Tamil community especially those members of the Tamil Diaspora to contribute whatever they could towards rehabilitating the remaining 8083 ex-combatants in government custody so that they could enter civil society without delay .
Coordinator of the Tamil Diaspora for Dialogue Dr. Noel Nadesan said That many affluent persons who claim to be Tamils should be ashamed for being silent onlookers whilst philanthropist a good Sinhalese Buddhist the CEO of Tri-Star Apparels Kumar Devapura came forward voluntarily to train ex-combatants and provide 550 with employment our Tamil teachers from Jaffna demand Rs 320 per hour to give tuition to 300 ex- combatants who are sitting for their O levels.
Dr Noel Nadesan said yesterday that he had the opportunity of meeting with the Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Dew Gunasekera and the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe and having a lengthy discussion on the Rehabilitation process of ex-combatants by the government .
The Minister told me that from among the 11,698 ex- combatants who had surrendered to the members of the Security Forces, 3000 or more had been rehabilitated and released, the majority of them being females .
The minister in briefing me said that action was being taken to file legal action against 1300 hard core Ex- combatants ,the balance 8083 were being counseled ,educated and rehabilitated so that they could enter the mainstream of society but this was some thing that could be shouldered by the government alone .
"We members of the Tamil Diaspora for dialogue are of the strong opinion ,That the noble task of assisting the government in educating and rehabilitating these somewhat misguided Tamil youth who claimed to fight for the rights and well being of the community lay with the Tamil community which has the obligation and responsibility of caring for them " ,said Dr Noel Nadesan.
"I was able to pay a visit to the centers where the ex-combatants were being rehabilitated and see for myself at first hand how they were being cared for and rehabilitated ".
The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation said that there was to be a graduation ceremony where 400 youth rehabilitees were passing out after following a course in vocational skills at Dambadeniya on June 25th Poson Poya day. .
I was told for whatever reasons unknown to me 30 ex- combatants were refusing to meet any friends ,relatives or any members from the community .
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe told me during the briefing that all names of all the 8083 who were being rehabilitated were available with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and that parent or relative could visit these ex- combatants and speak to them during the day .
Anyone wishing to be of any assistance to these ex- combatants could make arrangements by contacting Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe brig.sudantha.r.at Yahoo .com .
Courtesy : The Island
Now Tamil Diaspora raises funds for development in Lanka
28 Jun 2010 - 08:55
Members of Tamil Diaspora for Dialogue (TDD ) yesterday, made a fervent appeal to members of the Tamil community especially those members of the Tamil Diaspora to contribute whatever they could towards rehabilitating the remaining 8083 ex-combatants in government custody so that they could enter civil society without delay .
Coordinator of the Tamil Diaspora for Dialogue Dr. Noel Nadesan said That many affluent persons who claim to be Tamils should be ashamed for being silent onlookers whilst philanthropist a good Sinhalese Buddhist the CEO of Tri-Star Apparels Kumar Devapura came forward voluntarily to train ex-combatants and provide 550 with employment our Tamil teachers from Jaffna demand Rs 320 per hour to give tuition to 300 ex- combatants who are sitting for their O levels.
Dr Noel Nadesan said yesterday that he had the opportunity of meeting with the Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Dew Gunasekera and the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe and having a lengthy discussion on the Rehabilitation process of ex-combatants by the government .
The Minister told me that from among the 11,698 ex- combatants who had surrendered to the members of the Security Forces, 3000 or more had been rehabilitated and released, the majority of them being females .
The minister in briefing me said that action was being taken to file legal action against 1300 hard core Ex- combatants ,the balance 8083 were being counseled ,educated and rehabilitated so that they could enter the mainstream of society but this was some thing that could be shouldered by the government alone .
"We members of the Tamil Diaspora for dialogue are of the strong opinion ,That the noble task of assisting the government in educating and rehabilitating these somewhat misguided Tamil youth who claimed to fight for the rights and well being of the community lay with the Tamil community which has the obligation and responsibility of caring for them " ,said Dr Noel Nadesan.
"I was able to pay a visit to the centers where the ex-combatants were being rehabilitated and see for myself at first hand how they were being cared for and rehabilitated ".
The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation said that there was to be a graduation ceremony where 400 youth rehabilitees were passing out after following a course in vocational skills at Dambadeniya on June 25th Poson Poya day. .
I was told for whatever reasons unknown to me 30 ex- combatants were refusing to meet any friends ,relatives or any members from the community .
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe told me during the briefing that all names of all the 8083 who were being rehabilitated were available with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and that parent or relative could visit these ex- combatants and speak to them during the day .
Anyone wishing to be of any assistance to these ex- combatants could make arrangements by contacting Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig Sudantha Ranasinghe brig.sudantha.r.at Yahoo .com .
Courtesy : The Island
Sunday, June 27, 2010
World Bank to inject US$ 86 million for north - east local services improvement project
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100627_03
World Bank to inject US$ 86 million for north - east local services improvement project
Sri Lanka will receive US$ 86 million from the World Bank to launch the North East Local Services Improvement Project (NELSIP) to develop the 74 local body areas in the region, Presidential Secretariat sources said.
Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Viyani Gunathileka said with the commencement of NELSIP, the government is scheduled to reintroduce the Jana Sabhas - the concept of implementing local services with the participation of the community at grassroot level with project management handled at the provincial level.
The Country Director of the World Bank and the government of Sri Lanka are expected to sign the agreement for the funding shortly. The 74 Local bodies would implement projects over a period of five years between 2010 to 2015, the sources said.
The Provincial Coordinator for the project in the North are the Governor of the Northern Province Maj. Gen. (Retd) G. A. Chandrasiri and Local Government Commissioner for the North, Francis Johnson.
There are three pre-requisites that all the Local bodies have to prove to be eligible - they have to submit financial accounts up to 2009 promptly, they must have a community participatory development plan and they must have the minimum human resources to implement the project, the sources noted.
"It is up to the Provincial council to provide the necessary human resources".
The Provincial Coordinators for the East are the Governor of the Eastern Province Vice Admiral (Retd ) Vajira Wijegoonewardena and Local Government Commissioner for the East M. Uthayakumar .
There are 34 Local bodies in the North and 43 Local bodies in the East .
The project would have five components with Rs 76 million for infrastructure services delivery, Rs 2 million for Institutionalizing accountability, Rs 4 million for capacity building, Rs 4 million for assessment and evaluation of projects and Rs 5 million for project management
All projects would come under the respective Governor's directive, guidance and monitoring with Sanasa and other rural banks providing the money for the projects following clearance from the Central Bank, said the National Coordinator of NELSIP and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development, Viyani Gunathilaka.
World Bank to inject US$ 86 million for north - east local services improvement project
Sri Lanka will receive US$ 86 million from the World Bank to launch the North East Local Services Improvement Project (NELSIP) to develop the 74 local body areas in the region, Presidential Secretariat sources said.
Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Viyani Gunathileka said with the commencement of NELSIP, the government is scheduled to reintroduce the Jana Sabhas - the concept of implementing local services with the participation of the community at grassroot level with project management handled at the provincial level.
The Country Director of the World Bank and the government of Sri Lanka are expected to sign the agreement for the funding shortly. The 74 Local bodies would implement projects over a period of five years between 2010 to 2015, the sources said.
The Provincial Coordinator for the project in the North are the Governor of the Northern Province Maj. Gen. (Retd) G. A. Chandrasiri and Local Government Commissioner for the North, Francis Johnson.
There are three pre-requisites that all the Local bodies have to prove to be eligible - they have to submit financial accounts up to 2009 promptly, they must have a community participatory development plan and they must have the minimum human resources to implement the project, the sources noted.
"It is up to the Provincial council to provide the necessary human resources".
The Provincial Coordinators for the East are the Governor of the Eastern Province Vice Admiral (Retd ) Vajira Wijegoonewardena and Local Government Commissioner for the East M. Uthayakumar .
There are 34 Local bodies in the North and 43 Local bodies in the East .
The project would have five components with Rs 76 million for infrastructure services delivery, Rs 2 million for Institutionalizing accountability, Rs 4 million for capacity building, Rs 4 million for assessment and evaluation of projects and Rs 5 million for project management
All projects would come under the respective Governor's directive, guidance and monitoring with Sanasa and other rural banks providing the money for the projects following clearance from the Central Bank, said the National Coordinator of NELSIP and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development, Viyani Gunathilaka.
Boost in the Tourism sector will help offset other revenue losses
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15785&Itemid=44
Boost in the Tourism sector will help offset other revenue losses
Saturday, 26 June 2010
An outstanding increase in the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has been recorded. The Tourism Promotion Bureau said that the number of tourist arrivals increased by 50. 3 % during the first five months of the year.
Since the completion of the war the government has revised itseconomic targets in various sectors. The Central Bank Governor isalready on record saying that the GDP growth rate will reach 7 percentfrom its earlier calculation of 6.5 percent.Tourist arrivals in firstfive months of this year reached 233,922. It is an increase of 176,427when compared with the corresponding period last year.The tourist arrival has been targeted to reach little over six hundredthousand in 2010. But an economic boost now visible in multiplesectors after the conquering of terrorism under the leadership of thePresident Mahinda Rajapaksa. Government has identified special vastresort areas for tourism development in the southern and easterncoastal areas. Already the approval has been granted to develop beachareas to increase the room facilities. With this new trend the touristarrival to Sri Lanka during the year will reach one million.Ths will bring in large amount of foreign exchange to the country byway of revenue and pave the way for employment general. The economicand financial experts perceive the boost in the tourism sector as asalvation sometimes even to forego certain other revenues due toreasons beyond country' control.New project covering large extent of lands in Pasikuda and Kuchchveliin the east and Bentota in the south are to be initiated with privatesector participation under the guidance of the Economic DevelopmentMinister Basil Rajapaksa.A majority of the tourists have arrived from India, Maldives,Australia, New Zealand and Canada. More than one million tourists areexpected in the island before the end of this year
Boost in the Tourism sector will help offset other revenue losses
Saturday, 26 June 2010
An outstanding increase in the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has been recorded. The Tourism Promotion Bureau said that the number of tourist arrivals increased by 50. 3 % during the first five months of the year.
Since the completion of the war the government has revised itseconomic targets in various sectors. The Central Bank Governor isalready on record saying that the GDP growth rate will reach 7 percentfrom its earlier calculation of 6.5 percent.Tourist arrivals in firstfive months of this year reached 233,922. It is an increase of 176,427when compared with the corresponding period last year.The tourist arrival has been targeted to reach little over six hundredthousand in 2010. But an economic boost now visible in multiplesectors after the conquering of terrorism under the leadership of thePresident Mahinda Rajapaksa. Government has identified special vastresort areas for tourism development in the southern and easterncoastal areas. Already the approval has been granted to develop beachareas to increase the room facilities. With this new trend the touristarrival to Sri Lanka during the year will reach one million.Ths will bring in large amount of foreign exchange to the country byway of revenue and pave the way for employment general. The economicand financial experts perceive the boost in the tourism sector as asalvation sometimes even to forego certain other revenues due toreasons beyond country' control.New project covering large extent of lands in Pasikuda and Kuchchveliin the east and Bentota in the south are to be initiated with privatesector participation under the guidance of the Economic DevelopmentMinister Basil Rajapaksa.A majority of the tourists have arrived from India, Maldives,Australia, New Zealand and Canada. More than one million tourists areexpected in the island before the end of this year
Tamil Tiger intelligence cadre arrested in Southern town of Sri Lanka
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/Jun25_1277445800KA.php
Tamil Tiger intelligence cadre arrested in Southern town of Sri LankaFri, Jun 25, 2010, 11:33 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 25, Colombo: A Tamil Tiger intelligence cadre posing as a beggar has been arrested by police in the Southern Province town of Matara, Sri Lanka media reported.
Matara police conducted a raid in cooperation with the state intelligence service and arrested the ethnic Tamil, Eswaran Chandrakumaran, 35, a former fighter who had an amputated leg. The suspect, a resident of Vavuniya in Northern Province, has been a fighter of the Charles Anthony Brigade of the LTTE.
Police suspects the LTTE cadre was on a mission of gathering information regarding movements of the VIPs including the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and others. Further interrogations are carried out by the officials of the state intelligence unit.
Police arrested another LTTE cadre from Matara several days ago, media reported.
Tamil Tiger intelligence cadre arrested in Southern town of Sri LankaFri, Jun 25, 2010, 11:33 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 25, Colombo: A Tamil Tiger intelligence cadre posing as a beggar has been arrested by police in the Southern Province town of Matara, Sri Lanka media reported.
Matara police conducted a raid in cooperation with the state intelligence service and arrested the ethnic Tamil, Eswaran Chandrakumaran, 35, a former fighter who had an amputated leg. The suspect, a resident of Vavuniya in Northern Province, has been a fighter of the Charles Anthony Brigade of the LTTE.
Police suspects the LTTE cadre was on a mission of gathering information regarding movements of the VIPs including the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and others. Further interrogations are carried out by the officials of the state intelligence unit.
Police arrested another LTTE cadre from Matara several days ago, media reported.
Soldier's Shocking Allegation: Troops Ordered to Engage in "360 Rotational Fire" Against Civilians
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=25492
Soldier's Shocking Allegation: Troops Ordered to Engage in "360 Rotational Fire" Against Civilians
27 Jun 2010 - 17:04
By Ralph Lopez Former US Army Specialist Ethan McCord has revealed that orders for "360 rotational fire" against civilians were issued in Iraq at battalion level as a new standard operating procedure in response to improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. If true, the claim amounts to evidence for mass execution of civilians: an egregious war crime. Such mass execution of civilians has been prosecuted in the past under international law in the cases of Germany 1944, Nanking 1937, Hankow 1938 and the German invasion of Poland 1939. McCord is one of the soldiers visible in the Wikileaks video helping wounded children after the attack. He, along with a former colleague, has also written an Open Letter of Reconciliation and Responsibility to the Iraqi People and joined the growing ranks of US soldiers who oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If even a small fraction of what former Bravo Company 2-16 soldier Ethan McCord is saying is true, that orders were given at a battalion level in Iraq for "360 rotational fire" against civilians in order to "kill every motherfucker in the street," upon being hit by an IED, then Congress must investigate. This claim suggests a war crime which far surpasses errant bombs or overzealous individual soldiers in the heat of battle. This is the mass execution of civilians.
Further funding for the Iraqi and Afghan wars, presently being stalled in the House Appropriations Committee by Chairman David Obey for other reasons, could be contingent on a full investigation, including subpoenaed witnesses, and a report to Congress.
McCord told the World Socialist News Web site the implementation of an order for "360 rotational fire" in 2007 by a battalion commander was a new "SOP" (standard operating procedure). McCord said in an April 2010 interview: "We had a pretty gung-ho commander, who decided that because we were getting hit by IEDs a lot, there would be a new battalion SOP. He goes, 'If someone in your line gets hit with an IED, 360 rotational fire. You kill every motherfucker on the street.'
"Myself and Josh and a lot of other soldiers were just sitting there looking at each other like, 'Are you kidding me? You want us to kill women and children on the street?' And you couldn't just disobey orders to shoot, because they could just make your life hell in Iraq. "So like with myself, I would shoot up into the roof of a building instead of down on the ground toward civilians. But I've seen it many times, where people are just walking down the street and an IED goes off and the troops open fire and kill them."
Mass execution of civilians in retaliation for an attack on forces has been already prosecuted in the context of international law. In 1944 German SS Obersturmbannfhrer Herbert Kappler ordered the mass execution of civilians, prisoners of war, civilian prisoners, and a number of Jews, in the ratio of 10 to 1, ten executions for every German soldier killed in a March 1944 attack by Italian partisans.
After the war Kappler stood trial for war crimes and was sentenced to life in prison. High level orders for the killing of civilians has also been found to be a war crime in the cases of Nanking 1937, Hankow 1938, and German Invasion of Poland 1939.
McCord is one of the soldiers seen in the now-famous Wikileaks video in which two American Apache helicopters fire upon a group of men standing on a street corner in Baghdad. He is seen in the video helping two wounded children after the attack, and has subsequently stepped forward with open opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and Josh Stieber, both now former Army specialists, have written in their OPEN LETTER OF RECONCILIATION & RESPONSIBILITY TO THE IRAQI PEOPLE:
"We acknowledge our part in the deaths and injuries of your loved ones as we tell Americans what we were trained to do and what we carried out in the name of 'god and country'. The soldier in the [Wikileaks] video said that your husband shouldn't have brought your children to battle, but we are acknowledging our responsibility for bringing the battle to your neighborhood, and to your family.
"We did unto you what we would not want done to us. More and more Americans are taking responsibility for what was done in our name. Though we have acted with cold hearts far too many times, we have not forgotten our actions towards you. Our heavy hearts still hold hope that we can restore inside our country the acknowledgment of your humanity, that we were taught to deny....
"With such pain, friendship might be too much to ask. Please accept our apology, our sorrow, our care, and our dedication to change from the inside out. We are doing what we can to speak out against the wars and military policies responsible for what happened to you and your loved ones."
Since publication of the letter McCord and Stieber have learned that the widow of a man killed in the attack, who is mother of the wounded children, has forgiven them. The husband was found with his body attempting to shield that of one of his children. McCord is one of a growing number of soldiers and support groups who oppose the wars and who have renounced their actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said:
"I was the gung-ho soldier. I thought I was going over there to do the greater good. I thought my job over there was to protect the Iraqi people and that this was a job with honor and courage and duty. I was hit by an IED within two weeks of my being in Iraq.
"And I didn't understand why people were throwing rocks at us, why I was being shot at and why we're being blown up, when I have it in my head that I was here to help these people."
McCord said the scenes captured in the Wikileaks video are "an every-day occurrence in Iraq." McCord said that when he found the two children wounded in the van, another soldier began to vomit and ran off. Then he recounts:
"That's when I saw the boy move with what appeared to be a labored breath. So I stated screaming, 'The boy's alive.' I grabbed him and cradled him in my arms and kept telling him, 'Don't die, don't die.'
He opened his eyes, looked up at me. I told him, 'It's OK, I have you.'
"His eyes rolled back into his head, and I kept telling him, 'It's OK, I've got you.' I ran up to the Bradley and placed him inside. My platoon leader was standing there at the time, and he yelled at me for doing what I did. He told me to 'stop worrying about these motherfucking kids and start worrying about pulling security.' So after that I went up and pulled security on a rooftop."
McCord said about his mental state afterwards:
"I went to see a staff sergeant who was in my chain of command and told him I needed to see mental health about what was going on in my head. He told me to 'quit being a pussy' and to 'suck it up and be a soldier.' He told me that if I wanted to go to mental health, there would be repercussions, one of them being labeled a 'malingerer,' which is actually a crime in the US Army."
If McCord's allegations of an order for a standard operating procedure of "360 rotational fire" against civilians are true, this far surpasses battlefield negligence, accident, or even over-zealousness in the heat of battle. As a battalion consists of anywhere from four to six companies, that order would have been handed down to dozens of platoons and up to 1,000 men.
The killings which McCord said he witnessed would have been egregious, systematic, and calculated. The order also would undo all that many well-meaning American soldiers have been trying to accomplish in Iraq.
Courtesy : http://www.globalpolicy.org/
Related Articles>>>
U.S. Soldier on 2007 Apache Attack: What I Saw
An Open Letter of Reconciliation and Responsibility to the Iraqi People
Related videos >>>
Press TV-Face to Face-Ethan McCord-05-02-2010(Part1)
Press TV-Face to Face-Ethan McCord-05-02-2010(Part2)
Former US soldier speaks (Part 1 of 2) Re: Wikileaks' Collateral Murder
Former US soldier speaks (Part 2 of 2) Re: Wikileaks' Collateral Murder
Soldier's Shocking Allegation: Troops Ordered to Engage in "360 Rotational Fire" Against Civilians
27 Jun 2010 - 17:04
By Ralph Lopez Former US Army Specialist Ethan McCord has revealed that orders for "360 rotational fire" against civilians were issued in Iraq at battalion level as a new standard operating procedure in response to improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. If true, the claim amounts to evidence for mass execution of civilians: an egregious war crime. Such mass execution of civilians has been prosecuted in the past under international law in the cases of Germany 1944, Nanking 1937, Hankow 1938 and the German invasion of Poland 1939. McCord is one of the soldiers visible in the Wikileaks video helping wounded children after the attack. He, along with a former colleague, has also written an Open Letter of Reconciliation and Responsibility to the Iraqi People and joined the growing ranks of US soldiers who oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If even a small fraction of what former Bravo Company 2-16 soldier Ethan McCord is saying is true, that orders were given at a battalion level in Iraq for "360 rotational fire" against civilians in order to "kill every motherfucker in the street," upon being hit by an IED, then Congress must investigate. This claim suggests a war crime which far surpasses errant bombs or overzealous individual soldiers in the heat of battle. This is the mass execution of civilians.
Further funding for the Iraqi and Afghan wars, presently being stalled in the House Appropriations Committee by Chairman David Obey for other reasons, could be contingent on a full investigation, including subpoenaed witnesses, and a report to Congress.
McCord told the World Socialist News Web site the implementation of an order for "360 rotational fire" in 2007 by a battalion commander was a new "SOP" (standard operating procedure). McCord said in an April 2010 interview: "We had a pretty gung-ho commander, who decided that because we were getting hit by IEDs a lot, there would be a new battalion SOP. He goes, 'If someone in your line gets hit with an IED, 360 rotational fire. You kill every motherfucker on the street.'
"Myself and Josh and a lot of other soldiers were just sitting there looking at each other like, 'Are you kidding me? You want us to kill women and children on the street?' And you couldn't just disobey orders to shoot, because they could just make your life hell in Iraq. "So like with myself, I would shoot up into the roof of a building instead of down on the ground toward civilians. But I've seen it many times, where people are just walking down the street and an IED goes off and the troops open fire and kill them."
Mass execution of civilians in retaliation for an attack on forces has been already prosecuted in the context of international law. In 1944 German SS Obersturmbannfhrer Herbert Kappler ordered the mass execution of civilians, prisoners of war, civilian prisoners, and a number of Jews, in the ratio of 10 to 1, ten executions for every German soldier killed in a March 1944 attack by Italian partisans.
After the war Kappler stood trial for war crimes and was sentenced to life in prison. High level orders for the killing of civilians has also been found to be a war crime in the cases of Nanking 1937, Hankow 1938, and German Invasion of Poland 1939.
McCord is one of the soldiers seen in the now-famous Wikileaks video in which two American Apache helicopters fire upon a group of men standing on a street corner in Baghdad. He is seen in the video helping two wounded children after the attack, and has subsequently stepped forward with open opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and Josh Stieber, both now former Army specialists, have written in their OPEN LETTER OF RECONCILIATION & RESPONSIBILITY TO THE IRAQI PEOPLE:
"We acknowledge our part in the deaths and injuries of your loved ones as we tell Americans what we were trained to do and what we carried out in the name of 'god and country'. The soldier in the [Wikileaks] video said that your husband shouldn't have brought your children to battle, but we are acknowledging our responsibility for bringing the battle to your neighborhood, and to your family.
"We did unto you what we would not want done to us. More and more Americans are taking responsibility for what was done in our name. Though we have acted with cold hearts far too many times, we have not forgotten our actions towards you. Our heavy hearts still hold hope that we can restore inside our country the acknowledgment of your humanity, that we were taught to deny....
"With such pain, friendship might be too much to ask. Please accept our apology, our sorrow, our care, and our dedication to change from the inside out. We are doing what we can to speak out against the wars and military policies responsible for what happened to you and your loved ones."
Since publication of the letter McCord and Stieber have learned that the widow of a man killed in the attack, who is mother of the wounded children, has forgiven them. The husband was found with his body attempting to shield that of one of his children. McCord is one of a growing number of soldiers and support groups who oppose the wars and who have renounced their actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said:
"I was the gung-ho soldier. I thought I was going over there to do the greater good. I thought my job over there was to protect the Iraqi people and that this was a job with honor and courage and duty. I was hit by an IED within two weeks of my being in Iraq.
"And I didn't understand why people were throwing rocks at us, why I was being shot at and why we're being blown up, when I have it in my head that I was here to help these people."
McCord said the scenes captured in the Wikileaks video are "an every-day occurrence in Iraq." McCord said that when he found the two children wounded in the van, another soldier began to vomit and ran off. Then he recounts:
"That's when I saw the boy move with what appeared to be a labored breath. So I stated screaming, 'The boy's alive.' I grabbed him and cradled him in my arms and kept telling him, 'Don't die, don't die.'
He opened his eyes, looked up at me. I told him, 'It's OK, I have you.'
"His eyes rolled back into his head, and I kept telling him, 'It's OK, I've got you.' I ran up to the Bradley and placed him inside. My platoon leader was standing there at the time, and he yelled at me for doing what I did. He told me to 'stop worrying about these motherfucking kids and start worrying about pulling security.' So after that I went up and pulled security on a rooftop."
McCord said about his mental state afterwards:
"I went to see a staff sergeant who was in my chain of command and told him I needed to see mental health about what was going on in my head. He told me to 'quit being a pussy' and to 'suck it up and be a soldier.' He told me that if I wanted to go to mental health, there would be repercussions, one of them being labeled a 'malingerer,' which is actually a crime in the US Army."
If McCord's allegations of an order for a standard operating procedure of "360 rotational fire" against civilians are true, this far surpasses battlefield negligence, accident, or even over-zealousness in the heat of battle. As a battalion consists of anywhere from four to six companies, that order would have been handed down to dozens of platoons and up to 1,000 men.
The killings which McCord said he witnessed would have been egregious, systematic, and calculated. The order also would undo all that many well-meaning American soldiers have been trying to accomplish in Iraq.
Courtesy : http://www.globalpolicy.org/
Related Articles>>>
U.S. Soldier on 2007 Apache Attack: What I Saw
An Open Letter of Reconciliation and Responsibility to the Iraqi People
Related videos >>>
Press TV-Face to Face-Ethan McCord-05-02-2010(Part1)
Press TV-Face to Face-Ethan McCord-05-02-2010(Part2)
Former US soldier speaks (Part 1 of 2) Re: Wikileaks' Collateral Murder
Former US soldier speaks (Part 2 of 2) Re: Wikileaks' Collateral Murder
Rahabilitated tiger cadres begin a new life
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=25485
Rahabilitated tiger cadres begin a new life
27 Jun 2010 - 11:22
Rehabilitated female LTTE cadres have begun vocational training in the Garment sector. An apparel company has come forward to grant training to young women who had entered society after being rehabilitated in the past at several centres countrywide.
Soon after the war with terrorists ended the government started a rehabilitation program for young tiger cadres who left the force in the last days of the war. They were trained and rehabilitated at 15 such training camps. As they now mingle with the society the authorities have already closed down eight of the fifteen rehabilitation camps.550 young women commenced vocational training at garment factory in Alawwa. A special ceremony in this connection was held under the patronage of Minister Dew Gunasekera and Deputy Minsiters Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa and Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan.They will be directed to various sectors after training. The Government’s intention is to provide them all required facilities for a better future and to forget their dark era. Courtesy: News.lk
Rahabilitated tiger cadres begin a new life
27 Jun 2010 - 11:22
Rehabilitated female LTTE cadres have begun vocational training in the Garment sector. An apparel company has come forward to grant training to young women who had entered society after being rehabilitated in the past at several centres countrywide.
Soon after the war with terrorists ended the government started a rehabilitation program for young tiger cadres who left the force in the last days of the war. They were trained and rehabilitated at 15 such training camps. As they now mingle with the society the authorities have already closed down eight of the fifteen rehabilitation camps.550 young women commenced vocational training at garment factory in Alawwa. A special ceremony in this connection was held under the patronage of Minister Dew Gunasekera and Deputy Minsiters Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa and Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan.They will be directed to various sectors after training. The Government’s intention is to provide them all required facilities for a better future and to forget their dark era. Courtesy: News.lk
Mullaitivu ready for resettlement after Demining
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100627_02
Mullaitivu ready for resettlement after Demining
Programmes mooted to create the background for civilian life de-mining Mullaitivu and its environs are successful.
The surroundings of the Mullaitivu Hospital has already been de-mined.
It spans 34,229 square metres. The media was recently appraised in Mullaitivu about the programmes that are being launched by the Security Forces in this respect.
Members of the Sri Lanka Army are engaged in this uphill task with the use of de-mining machines provided by the Australian Government.
It is their belief that all explosives can soon be removed for the preparation of the background for the displaced civilians to be resettled.
Courtesy : Department of Government Information
Mullaitivu ready for resettlement after Demining
Programmes mooted to create the background for civilian life de-mining Mullaitivu and its environs are successful.
The surroundings of the Mullaitivu Hospital has already been de-mined.
It spans 34,229 square metres. The media was recently appraised in Mullaitivu about the programmes that are being launched by the Security Forces in this respect.
Members of the Sri Lanka Army are engaged in this uphill task with the use of de-mining machines provided by the Australian Government.
It is their belief that all explosives can soon be removed for the preparation of the background for the displaced civilians to be resettled.
Courtesy : Department of Government Information
UN snoopers will not be given visa to enter SL - Govt
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100625_01
UN snoopers will not be given visa to enter SL - Govt
The three-member Panel of Experts, appointed to advice UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon, on accountability issues relating to Sri Lanka's war on terrorism, will not be issued visas to visit Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Professor G. L. Peiris said yesterday (June 24).
Briefing the media at his Ministry, Prof. Peiris said that the three-members (Marzuki Darushan, Steven R. Ratner and Ms Yasmin Sooka) will not be welcome in this country as there is no need for such an Advisory Panel since the Sri Lanka government has already appointed a Reconciliation Commission.
Minister Peiris said that Sri Lanka has not requested for any resources from the UN. He said that a solution lies locally and the panel should not have been appointed in the first instance.
He said that he had informed UN Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe, who was in Sri Lanka recently that the appointment of a panel will only complicate matters and repercussions will be unfortunate.
Professor Peiris said that he himself held discussions on this matter with the UN Secretary-General, and also Attorney-General Mohan Pieris in New York. The UN Secretary-General was informed that the Sri Lanka government will not accept the Advisory Panel and gave reasons for the decision. Pascoe too was told that the Sri Lanka government rejected the Advisory Panel completely.
On the problems regarding the GSP Plus issue, raised by the European Commission (EC), in a letter dated June 17, by Foreign Minister Catherine Asheton, laying down 15 conditions for the Sri Lanka government to fulfill to have the GSP Plus facility extended by six months, Professor Peiris said that the Cabinet decided on Wednesday (June 23) that the conditions were clearly inconsistent with Sri Lanka's sovereignty and that the government has no intention of replying to the EC letter as requested.
"The government's view is that the conditions imposed by the EC under the guise of what is essentially a trade agreement, amounts to an intervention, the range and depth of which inevitably erodes in every significant respect, the authority of the government to decide upon and to deal with a series of domestic issues," he said.
Prof. Peiris said that Sri Lanka appreciates the benefits received when the GSP Plus concession was in operation, but is not prepared to accept aid under conditions that will betray the freedom of Sri Lanka and its people. "The government is confident that the people will face and overcome equally successfully the challenges of ensuring economic progress and development," he said.
The 15 conditions laid down by the EC are:-
(1) 17th Amendment to be implemented immediately.
(2) The 2005 Emergency Regulations to be repealed.
(3) Prevention of Terrorism Act to be abolished.
(4) Repeal section 8 and 9 of Public Security Act
(5) Amend the Code of Criminal Procedure for a suspect to see a lawyer immediately following his arrest.
(6) Permit individuals to submit complaints to the UN Human Rights Committee and to the UN Committee against Torture.
(7) Steps to implement outstanding opinions of the UN Human Rights Committee in individual cases.
(8) Reduction of the number of derogations to the ICCPR.
(9) Extension of invitations for UN special procedures officials to visit Sri Lanka.
(10) Responses pending before the UN working group on enforced disappearances.
(11) Publication of the final report of the 2008 Commission of Inquiry.
(12) Making available the names of former LTTE combatants currently held in detention as well as all others held under the emergency regulations and to release them or bring them to trial.
(13) Granting access to all places of detention to independent humanitarian organisations, such as the ICRC.
(14) Adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan by Parliament and immediate implementation.
(15) Ensure Journalists exercise professional duties without harassment.
Courtesy : The Island
modified on: 6/25/2010 10:07:10 AM 'Sri Lanka is not defeated, it defeated a ruthless enemy'- Newstraight Times
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100625_02
'Sri Lanka is not defeated, it defeated a ruthless enemy'- Newstraight Times
Sri Lanka has entered the world record books in spheres that range from politics to sport. It produced the world's first woman prime minister and the highest wicket-taker in international cricket. Now a small section of the international community wants to impose an unusual record on the island nation. For the first time since World War 2, the victor in war is to be chastised for alleged war crimes and other offences.
A year ago, Sri Lanka militarily defeated the Tamil separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, arguably the world's most ruthless and sophisticated terrorist organisation, which these same countries had banned as a foreign terrorist group.
Sri Lanka brought to an end a 30-year war in which thousands of civilians, including women and children, were mercilessly and indiscriminately killed by LTTE bombers and with explosives planted in trains, buses, buildings and on themselves.
Instead of being lauded for striking a decisive blow in the "war on terror", this minority in the international community want an international tribunal to try Sri Lanka for war crimes and offending international law.
Why is it that these few, in an international community of more than 200 states, are pursuing this idea with such dogged determination? Is it that these countries and the international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are part of this chorus are so imbued with the lofty ideals of humanitarianism that they recoil at the slightest hint of a violation of international humanitarian law?
If this were true, we should find some of these nations and their leaders prostrating themselves before the United Nations pleading that special international tribunals try them for many offences under international conventions and treaties to which they are signatories.
Have we heard any of them plead mea culpa for any such violations committed since the last World War? From the torture of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere to the air attacks on civilian populations in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the incarceration of terrorist suspects in Guantanamo Bay, actions that prima facie violate international law, goes on.
Yet, none of the offenders has ever been brought to justice before an international court, not even for the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in which tens of the thousands of civilians died.
Where photographic evidence, recorded by soldiers themselves, has emerged as proof of torture, the offenders have been tried by the respective military establishments and not by international panels, thus keeping the legal process internal.
But when it comes to Sri Lanka, the accusers insist on an international tribunal, casting doubts on the impartiality of any inquiry that the Colombo government might initiate.
Already some have been throwing doubt on the "Lessons to be Learnt" commission appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, although recently US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US "was very supportive of the approach taken by Sri Lanka".
Having dismissed national inquiries as unlikely to name and shame, NGOs such as the International Crisis Group and sections of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in the West are pressing for an international investigation into events in the concluding months of the war against LTTE.
This undying faith in international tribunals to act impartially, trying both vanquished and victor alike, has hardly been borne out by history.
The Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals, the precursors to the ones on the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, could hardly be considered fair and unbiased by the very standards of justice the West wishes others to emulate.
Two accused in the war crime trials, Germany's Hermann Goering and Japan's Hideki Tojo, labeled them "victor's justice", where the defeated were always the accused.
Even the chief US prosecutor at Nuremberg, Robert Jackson, in a letter to president Harry S. Truman, accused the allies themselves of having "done or doing some of the very things we are prosecuting the Germans for".
One of the flaws of Nuremberg was in blatantly violating the dictum nullum crimen sine lege ("no crime without law") for three of the charges against the German accused were not crimes at the time.
Some will argue that though they were not crimes in 1945, Nuremberg and Tokyo inspired their entry into the international criminal justice system.
Yet, more recent tribunals, such as the one on former Yugoslavia, have been found wanting.
Former US attorney-general Ramsay Clark described it as a political tool initiated by the US via the UN Security Council to justify Western influence in the Balkans.
The tribunal made no effort to charge Nato with war crimes in connection with its bombing campaign against the Serbs.
Danil Zolo, a leading Italian political and legal philosopher, in his book Victors' Justice: From Nuremberg to Baghdad exposes the manipulation of international penal laws as an instrument of Western power.
Zolo argues that a "dual-standards system of international criminal justice has come about in which a justice 'made to measure' for the major world powers and their victorious leaders operates alongside a separate justice for the defeated and the downtrodden". The West now wants to stand history on its head.
Sri Lanka is not defeated. It defeated a ruthless enemy. Apparently, the West and NGOs do not wish to see other countries faced with similar situations adopt the Sri Lanka option.
Courtesy: New Straight Times
'Sri Lanka is not defeated, it defeated a ruthless enemy'- Newstraight Times
Sri Lanka has entered the world record books in spheres that range from politics to sport. It produced the world's first woman prime minister and the highest wicket-taker in international cricket. Now a small section of the international community wants to impose an unusual record on the island nation. For the first time since World War 2, the victor in war is to be chastised for alleged war crimes and other offences.
A year ago, Sri Lanka militarily defeated the Tamil separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, arguably the world's most ruthless and sophisticated terrorist organisation, which these same countries had banned as a foreign terrorist group.
Sri Lanka brought to an end a 30-year war in which thousands of civilians, including women and children, were mercilessly and indiscriminately killed by LTTE bombers and with explosives planted in trains, buses, buildings and on themselves.
Instead of being lauded for striking a decisive blow in the "war on terror", this minority in the international community want an international tribunal to try Sri Lanka for war crimes and offending international law.
Why is it that these few, in an international community of more than 200 states, are pursuing this idea with such dogged determination? Is it that these countries and the international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are part of this chorus are so imbued with the lofty ideals of humanitarianism that they recoil at the slightest hint of a violation of international humanitarian law?
If this were true, we should find some of these nations and their leaders prostrating themselves before the United Nations pleading that special international tribunals try them for many offences under international conventions and treaties to which they are signatories.
Have we heard any of them plead mea culpa for any such violations committed since the last World War? From the torture of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere to the air attacks on civilian populations in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the incarceration of terrorist suspects in Guantanamo Bay, actions that prima facie violate international law, goes on.
Yet, none of the offenders has ever been brought to justice before an international court, not even for the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in which tens of the thousands of civilians died.
Where photographic evidence, recorded by soldiers themselves, has emerged as proof of torture, the offenders have been tried by the respective military establishments and not by international panels, thus keeping the legal process internal.
But when it comes to Sri Lanka, the accusers insist on an international tribunal, casting doubts on the impartiality of any inquiry that the Colombo government might initiate.
Already some have been throwing doubt on the "Lessons to be Learnt" commission appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, although recently US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US "was very supportive of the approach taken by Sri Lanka".
Having dismissed national inquiries as unlikely to name and shame, NGOs such as the International Crisis Group and sections of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in the West are pressing for an international investigation into events in the concluding months of the war against LTTE.
This undying faith in international tribunals to act impartially, trying both vanquished and victor alike, has hardly been borne out by history.
The Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals, the precursors to the ones on the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, could hardly be considered fair and unbiased by the very standards of justice the West wishes others to emulate.
Two accused in the war crime trials, Germany's Hermann Goering and Japan's Hideki Tojo, labeled them "victor's justice", where the defeated were always the accused.
Even the chief US prosecutor at Nuremberg, Robert Jackson, in a letter to president Harry S. Truman, accused the allies themselves of having "done or doing some of the very things we are prosecuting the Germans for".
One of the flaws of Nuremberg was in blatantly violating the dictum nullum crimen sine lege ("no crime without law") for three of the charges against the German accused were not crimes at the time.
Some will argue that though they were not crimes in 1945, Nuremberg and Tokyo inspired their entry into the international criminal justice system.
Yet, more recent tribunals, such as the one on former Yugoslavia, have been found wanting.
Former US attorney-general Ramsay Clark described it as a political tool initiated by the US via the UN Security Council to justify Western influence in the Balkans.
The tribunal made no effort to charge Nato with war crimes in connection with its bombing campaign against the Serbs.
Danil Zolo, a leading Italian political and legal philosopher, in his book Victors' Justice: From Nuremberg to Baghdad exposes the manipulation of international penal laws as an instrument of Western power.
Zolo argues that a "dual-standards system of international criminal justice has come about in which a justice 'made to measure' for the major world powers and their victorious leaders operates alongside a separate justice for the defeated and the downtrodden". The West now wants to stand history on its head.
Sri Lanka is not defeated. It defeated a ruthless enemy. Apparently, the West and NGOs do not wish to see other countries faced with similar situations adopt the Sri Lanka option.
Courtesy: New Straight Times
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Lake House Mihintale Aloka Pooja :
Lake House Mihintale Aloka Pooja :
People free after 30 years - Minister
Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr.
People can travel from South to the North without fear as the country is free from terrorism, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.
Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka inaugurates the Lake House Mihintale Aloka Pooja yesterday. ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratne Senerath and Director Rasanga Harischandra were present.Picture by Kithsiri Wanasinghe
“Sri Lanka was invaded by enemy forces from time to time and everytime it emerged as an independent sovereignty resulting from the great endeavours of our war-hero-forefathers, guided by gallant kings. Today the country is peaceful, independent and enthusiastic due to efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who eradicated LTTE terrorism,” the Minister said after inaugurating the first day Mihintale Aloka Pooja (Mihintale Illuminating Program) organized by Lake House for the 48th year in association with Ceylon Electricity Board and Abans. He said the Buddha had preached that providing light or illuminating was similar to offering eyes and a highly meritorious act.
In this context Lake House with CEB joining hands have been performing a unique, incomparable and yeomen service by illuminating the historic Mihintale Sacred City for 30 years, he said.
Before switching on the Aloka Pooja, the Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya performed the religious observances including Pansil.
ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratne Senarath also addressed the gathering.
People free after 30 years - Minister
Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr.
People can travel from South to the North without fear as the country is free from terrorism, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.
Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka inaugurates the Lake House Mihintale Aloka Pooja yesterday. ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratne Senerath and Director Rasanga Harischandra were present.Picture by Kithsiri Wanasinghe
“Sri Lanka was invaded by enemy forces from time to time and everytime it emerged as an independent sovereignty resulting from the great endeavours of our war-hero-forefathers, guided by gallant kings. Today the country is peaceful, independent and enthusiastic due to efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who eradicated LTTE terrorism,” the Minister said after inaugurating the first day Mihintale Aloka Pooja (Mihintale Illuminating Program) organized by Lake House for the 48th year in association with Ceylon Electricity Board and Abans. He said the Buddha had preached that providing light or illuminating was similar to offering eyes and a highly meritorious act.
In this context Lake House with CEB joining hands have been performing a unique, incomparable and yeomen service by illuminating the historic Mihintale Sacred City for 30 years, he said.
Before switching on the Aloka Pooja, the Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya performed the religious observances including Pansil.
ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratne Senarath also addressed the gathering.
Sri Lankan Premier says the country managed to defeat terrorism while most others are still fighting wars
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/Jun24_1277390501JR.php
Sri Lankan Premier says the country managed to defeat terrorism while most others are still fighting warsThu, Jun 24, 2010, 08:11 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 24, Colombo: Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne today (24) said that Sri Lanka has managed to defeat the LTTE and win the war against terrorism, while other countries are still struggling with the problem.
Addressing the gathering at a passing out parade of 100 Officer Cadets at Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyathalawa, Jayaratne said the Sri Lankan government would not submit to international pressure.
He said that pressure in some instances has been exerted by countries "disappointed" over the end of the war in Sri Lanka.
"Sixty Six countries around the world are still fighting against terrorism, but the sole country which could achieve a military victory was Sri Lanka. This victory has mortified other big countries and they are making falls allegations against us," the Prime Minister said.
According to the Premier, it is the countries that are still struggling with war and are ashamed at what Sri Lanka achieved who are now attempting to find fault with the government.
The PM laid a floral wreath at the SLMA war memorial and paid respects to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. He later planted a tree sapling in the compound in memory of his visit to the SLMA Diyathalawa.
Sri Lankan Premier says the country managed to defeat terrorism while most others are still fighting warsThu, Jun 24, 2010, 08:11 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 24, Colombo: Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne today (24) said that Sri Lanka has managed to defeat the LTTE and win the war against terrorism, while other countries are still struggling with the problem.
Addressing the gathering at a passing out parade of 100 Officer Cadets at Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyathalawa, Jayaratne said the Sri Lankan government would not submit to international pressure.
He said that pressure in some instances has been exerted by countries "disappointed" over the end of the war in Sri Lanka.
"Sixty Six countries around the world are still fighting against terrorism, but the sole country which could achieve a military victory was Sri Lanka. This victory has mortified other big countries and they are making falls allegations against us," the Prime Minister said.
According to the Premier, it is the countries that are still struggling with war and are ashamed at what Sri Lanka achieved who are now attempting to find fault with the government.
The PM laid a floral wreath at the SLMA war memorial and paid respects to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. He later planted a tree sapling in the compound in memory of his visit to the SLMA Diyathalawa.
Mine Clearance at Wadamarachchi East Accelerated
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100624_04
Mine Clearance at Wadamarachchi East Accelerated
www.defence.lk">Heavily-mined LTTE Forward Defence Line (FDL) at Wadamarachchi east are being fenced by the troops of the Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) Regiment deployed under 55 Division denying access for civilians re-settled in adjacent villages to ensure the safety of those civilians.
Engineer troops laid barbed wire along the FDLs for the safety of wanderers and would soon commence removing land mines and Unexploded Ordnance heavily buried by the LTTE terrorists during their presence in these areas.
Army Engineers and some foreign de-mining groups are involved in the de-mining project and re-settlement will take place as soon as the land is declared mine free by de-mining agencies.
Mine Clearance at Wadamarachchi East Accelerated
www.defence.lk">Heavily-mined LTTE Forward Defence Line (FDL) at Wadamarachchi east are being fenced by the troops of the Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) Regiment deployed under 55 Division denying access for civilians re-settled in adjacent villages to ensure the safety of those civilians.
Engineer troops laid barbed wire along the FDLs for the safety of wanderers and would soon commence removing land mines and Unexploded Ordnance heavily buried by the LTTE terrorists during their presence in these areas.
Army Engineers and some foreign de-mining groups are involved in the de-mining project and re-settlement will take place as soon as the land is declared mine free by de-mining agencies.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Arrested LTTE leader to help Sri Lankan government
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/Jun20_1277048184CH.php
Arrested LTTE leader to help Sri Lankan governmentSun, Jun 20, 2010, 09:06 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 20, Colombo: A senior Tamil Tiger leader who is currently being detained by Sri Lanka is to support the government in its post-war development drive, a state-run Sunday weekly reported.
The Sunday Observer said the chief arms procurer for the vanquished terrorist group LTTE Selvarasa Pathmanathan (KP) has mediated a meeting between a group of nine Tamil expatriates, who had been ardent LTTE supporters, and the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris.
The former Tiger sympathizers had said that they would assist in the post conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the country, the paper reported.
According to the Sunday Observer report KP who has played an instrumental role to bring the Tamil group to Colombo was present during the discussions with the Defence Secretary and the Minister.
The newspaper quoted KP as saying that several Tiger activists living abroad had now begun to understand the ground realities and during the past one year there was a vast change in the minds of the Tamil diaspora, particularly those who remained supporters of the LTTE.
Reportedly the Tamil delegation met the security forces commanders in Vavuniya and Jaffna and pointed out certain shortcomings in the resettlement process and the government has agreed to look into their suggestions.
An Indian media report last month said that the detained former chief arms procurer and smuggler for the LTTE, is currently making an immense contribution to peace in Sri Lanka by working for ethnic harmony.
"He is building bridges between the Tamils and other communities, both at home and overseas, and is striving for ethnic unity. He is contributing to peace immensely," India's Express News Service quoted Singapore-based Sri Lankan terrorism expert Dr. Rohan Gunaratna.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested KP in August 2009 from his hideout in a South Asian country and brought to Colombo. Since then he has been detained in an undisclosed location. Reportedly KP has given some valuable information on the structure and assets of the LTTE overseas establishments and has helped identifying escaped Tiger leaders.
Arrested LTTE leader to help Sri Lankan governmentSun, Jun 20, 2010, 09:06 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 20, Colombo: A senior Tamil Tiger leader who is currently being detained by Sri Lanka is to support the government in its post-war development drive, a state-run Sunday weekly reported.
The Sunday Observer said the chief arms procurer for the vanquished terrorist group LTTE Selvarasa Pathmanathan (KP) has mediated a meeting between a group of nine Tamil expatriates, who had been ardent LTTE supporters, and the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris.
The former Tiger sympathizers had said that they would assist in the post conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the country, the paper reported.
According to the Sunday Observer report KP who has played an instrumental role to bring the Tamil group to Colombo was present during the discussions with the Defence Secretary and the Minister.
The newspaper quoted KP as saying that several Tiger activists living abroad had now begun to understand the ground realities and during the past one year there was a vast change in the minds of the Tamil diaspora, particularly those who remained supporters of the LTTE.
Reportedly the Tamil delegation met the security forces commanders in Vavuniya and Jaffna and pointed out certain shortcomings in the resettlement process and the government has agreed to look into their suggestions.
An Indian media report last month said that the detained former chief arms procurer and smuggler for the LTTE, is currently making an immense contribution to peace in Sri Lanka by working for ethnic harmony.
"He is building bridges between the Tamils and other communities, both at home and overseas, and is striving for ethnic unity. He is contributing to peace immensely," India's Express News Service quoted Singapore-based Sri Lankan terrorism expert Dr. Rohan Gunaratna.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested KP in August 2009 from his hideout in a South Asian country and brought to Colombo. Since then he has been detained in an undisclosed location. Reportedly KP has given some valuable information on the structure and assets of the LTTE overseas establishments and has helped identifying escaped Tiger leaders.
Lanka says Tamil rebel international network still active
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1564982.php/Sri-Lanka-says-Tamil-rebel-international-network-still-active
Lanka says Tamil rebel international network still active
Jun 21, 2010, 12:05 GMT
Colombo – Sri Lanka\'s defence secretary warned Monday that the minority Tamil rebel international network was still active, after the separatists were defeated militarily last year. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is also President Mahinda Rajapaksa\'s brother, said Tamil groups in Europe and the US still carry the ideology of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). \'The intelligence units of the army and other security services have to be vigilant,\' he said, while inaugurating a military base in the former rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, 350 kilometres north of the capital. \'Security forces should now concentrate on maintaining peace that was achieved amidst difficulties. They have an important role to play to prevent the country sliding back to that dark era,\' he said. The LTTE was defeated in May 2009, ending the 26-year war. Also on Monday, a court remanded a man for carrying a photograph of the ex-Tamil rebel chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was killed in the final stages of the conflict. A Chandana, a civilian of the majority Sinhala community, said he had kept the photograph to show to his children. Police arrested him on charges of promoting the banned LTTE. A court in Puttalam, 90 kilometres north of the capital, remanded him until June 30 to allow police to investigate. ';
PrintArticle();//-->
Colombo – Sri Lanka's defence secretary warned Monday that the minority Tamil rebel international network was still active, after the separatists were defeated militarily last year.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is also President Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, said Tamil groups in Europe and the US still carry the ideology of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
'The intelligence units of the army and other security services have to be vigilant,' he said, while inaugurating a military base in the former rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, 350 kilometres north of the capital.
'Security forces should now concentrate on maintaining peace that was achieved amidst difficulties. They have an important role to play to prevent the country sliding back to that dark era,' he said.
The LTTE was defeated in May 2009, ending the 26-year war.
Also on Monday, a court remanded a man for carrying a photograph of the ex-Tamil rebel chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was killed in the final stages of the conflict.
A Chandana, a civilian of the majority Sinhala community, said he had kept the photograph to show to his children.
Police arrested him on charges of promoting the banned LTTE.
A court in Puttalam, 90 kilometres north of the capital, remanded him until June 30 to allow police to investigate.
Lanka says Tamil rebel international network still active
Jun 21, 2010, 12:05 GMT
Colombo – Sri Lanka\'s defence secretary warned Monday that the minority Tamil rebel international network was still active, after the separatists were defeated militarily last year. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is also President Mahinda Rajapaksa\'s brother, said Tamil groups in Europe and the US still carry the ideology of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). \'The intelligence units of the army and other security services have to be vigilant,\' he said, while inaugurating a military base in the former rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, 350 kilometres north of the capital. \'Security forces should now concentrate on maintaining peace that was achieved amidst difficulties. They have an important role to play to prevent the country sliding back to that dark era,\' he said. The LTTE was defeated in May 2009, ending the 26-year war. Also on Monday, a court remanded a man for carrying a photograph of the ex-Tamil rebel chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was killed in the final stages of the conflict. A Chandana, a civilian of the majority Sinhala community, said he had kept the photograph to show to his children. Police arrested him on charges of promoting the banned LTTE. A court in Puttalam, 90 kilometres north of the capital, remanded him until June 30 to allow police to investigate. ';
PrintArticle();//-->
Colombo – Sri Lanka's defence secretary warned Monday that the minority Tamil rebel international network was still active, after the separatists were defeated militarily last year.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is also President Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, said Tamil groups in Europe and the US still carry the ideology of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
'The intelligence units of the army and other security services have to be vigilant,' he said, while inaugurating a military base in the former rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, 350 kilometres north of the capital.
'Security forces should now concentrate on maintaining peace that was achieved amidst difficulties. They have an important role to play to prevent the country sliding back to that dark era,' he said.
The LTTE was defeated in May 2009, ending the 26-year war.
Also on Monday, a court remanded a man for carrying a photograph of the ex-Tamil rebel chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was killed in the final stages of the conflict.
A Chandana, a civilian of the majority Sinhala community, said he had kept the photograph to show to his children.
Police arrested him on charges of promoting the banned LTTE.
A court in Puttalam, 90 kilometres north of the capital, remanded him until June 30 to allow police to investigate.
* Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary calls on local intelligence units to be vigilant of LTTE activities overseas
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/Jun21_1277102304JR.php
* Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary calls on local intelligence units to be vigilant of LTTE activities overseasMon, Jun 21, 2010, 12:08 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has warned today (21) that the LTTE's international wing is active although the terrorist organization has been eliminated from Sri Lanka.
Speaking during the opening of the first security forces headquarters in Mullaitivu today, Rajapaksa has said that the Tigers however do not have the capabilities to wage a war.
He has called on the intelligence units of the army and other security forces to be vigilant as organizations such as the Global Tamil Forum in the UK, the transnational government in the US and groups in Norway still carry the LTTE's ideology.
Rajapaksa has said that the soldiers should know the intelligence capabilities of the LTTE and should therefore concentrate on sustaining the peace they achieved after hardships and many sacrifices.
Security forces and the police have an important role to play to prevent Sri Lanka from going back to the Dark Age, he has said.
* Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary calls on local intelligence units to be vigilant of LTTE activities overseasMon, Jun 21, 2010, 12:08 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has warned today (21) that the LTTE's international wing is active although the terrorist organization has been eliminated from Sri Lanka.
Speaking during the opening of the first security forces headquarters in Mullaitivu today, Rajapaksa has said that the Tigers however do not have the capabilities to wage a war.
He has called on the intelligence units of the army and other security forces to be vigilant as organizations such as the Global Tamil Forum in the UK, the transnational government in the US and groups in Norway still carry the LTTE's ideology.
Rajapaksa has said that the soldiers should know the intelligence capabilities of the LTTE and should therefore concentrate on sustaining the peace they achieved after hardships and many sacrifices.
Security forces and the police have an important role to play to prevent Sri Lanka from going back to the Dark Age, he has said.
Journey from Victory Day to future
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100622_02
Journey from Victory Day to future
All Sri Lankans who took part in the long walk to free the nation from the blight of terrorist violence stood in attention to pay a glowing tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, heroic Armed Forces and the Police last Friday as the Nation marked the first anniversary of the Victory over Terrorism
The President's words - "We consider this day as one which unites all our people" and the clarion call - "Line up under the slogan - We for the country"- made the patriotic citizens feel that they owe themselves to the beautiful land, valleys, mountains, wildlife, rivers, trees, flowers, surrounding seas and the seasons that define the face of our beloved country.
Through great sacrifice
Spectacular and victorious: President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the victory parade. Picture by Sudath Malaweera">
Spectacular and victorious: President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the victory parade. Picture by Sudath Malaweera
Victory over terrorism has brought these fragrances of nature back to its pristine glory to this land known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. As the President quite correctly recalled, Sri Lanka stands back in its frame through the great sacrifice of life by those who valiantly fought to liberate it from the clutches of deadly terrorism that took many lives over three decades. Today, the deadly language of terrorist mortar shells, the fearsome rhythm of the beat of machine gunfire and the explosion of mines is history.
Let us not forget that the deadly language of cruel terrorism that lasted 30 years was uprooted in less than three years under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's dedicated leadership. Therefore, it is appropriate to recall a few statements made by President Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella during the initial stages of the war to end terrorism. LTTE's attempts to annihilate them were successfully thwarted by the alert Armed Forces.
When the LTTE closed the sluice gates at Mavil-Aru forcing the Armed Forces to take counter steps, President Rajapaksa pledged to the Nation that he would soon end the blight of criminal terrorist violence that held human life to hostage. Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing a passing out parade at Galkiriyagama in August 2007 assured the Nation that the war will not be passed onto the future generation. Defence Spokesman, incumbent Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella pledged in November 2007 that Velupillai Prabakaran would be eliminated to bring peace to all people including the Tamils in this country as Prabakaran was the main obstacle to peace. These were brave and sincere sentiments made for the future of this country with courage and determination.
Stands in unitary character
Today, the Nation stands in unitary character under one flag. The Government has already embarked on a mission to develop the country from a torn past. Political parties which represent the people are cast with a great responsibility by the Nation. Today, in this undivided nation, political parties in the Opposition continue to play short sighted 'games' to grab power pushing politics before the nation.
This display of political ignorance must end giving precedence to national needs. Political parties in the past played enough and more games in the face of LTTE's butchery and barbarity that destroyed life and property. This nation has bled. It's now healing time.
Opposition political parties must stop dredging up the past. Instead they must unite to focus on the urgent need to develop this country which was torn by violence for three long decades. Irresponsible politics cannot be allowed to decide the destiny of the people and the Nation. Nor such political ideologies enjoy the right and privilege to decide who should govern and who should quit. Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant democracy free from fear and terror. The ascending and descending patterns of political parties are decided by the people at elections.
The challenge to develop this country has to be met together by all political parties for all people to rally round towards such task. Whatever political cause that may divide political parties should not be treated as a priority in their agendas as all democratic parties are bound to honour national obligations. They must also uphold their oath of allegiance to the Constitution that governs this Nation. These must become priorities on their political agendas.
Surfacing 'good politics'
The common vision should be to build a stable society and a nation of one people with peace. That is the only base to further strengthen democracy. It is only then the brightness of 'good politics' could be visible. Opposition political parties must learn that only a protracted process would lead to the creation of such a society and a nation. Those who stand in the way of such democratic ideals only help those who believe in division and separatism as stressed by President Rajapaksa during his address on Victory Day.
It is time that we as a nation extricate ourselves from racial and other differences to take this Nation forward to attain early prosperity. That is a paramount responsibility of all those who represent the people in Parliament. Parliamentarians must also realize that they will be judged by the people not by their verbal skills to outsmart opponents in that House, but by the sincere dedication and commitment to promote and battle the needs of the people and the Nation.
Defence SecretaryGotabaya Rajapaksa
MinisterKeheliya Rambukwella
All elected Members must bear in mind that there's still a disadvantaged section in our society who fell victim to a protracted 30 year terrorist violence. Also in a third world country like ours, the population of the disadvantaged segment is much higher than any other class in this country. Hence the legitimacy of these segments of our society and their demand for justice cannot be ignored or deprived. Finally, they become the deciding factor when it comes to elect representatives from local bodies to Parliament.
A balance of sacrifices
The time has come for all; politicians and the people to decide between self and the Nation. The Nation calls for a balance of sacrifices to survive. Those who are political party leaders and those who sit in the hallowed Chamber at the Kotte Parliamentary Complex should now concentrate to move towards the creation of a sustainable process for a change for the better.
For that, all opposition political party leaders must depart from selfish attitudes and petty beliefs. Whatever the difficulties, we must develop this Nation. Whatever the setbacks may be, we must move forward. The need is an open, practical and meaningful participation by all political parties towards achieving such a noble task.
President Rajapaksa on Victory Day correctly pointed out to all politicians in this country when he said - "People of our country have the strength and courage to build this country. What is only needed is the will". If all political party leaders lead their band of men in the path to development, there's no doubt that Sri Lanka will soon prosper as a nation. And, - "Something new will always emerge from Sri Lanka" -Semper Aliquid Novi Sri Lanka.
Courtesy : Daily News
Journey from Victory Day to future
All Sri Lankans who took part in the long walk to free the nation from the blight of terrorist violence stood in attention to pay a glowing tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, heroic Armed Forces and the Police last Friday as the Nation marked the first anniversary of the Victory over Terrorism
The President's words - "We consider this day as one which unites all our people" and the clarion call - "Line up under the slogan - We for the country"- made the patriotic citizens feel that they owe themselves to the beautiful land, valleys, mountains, wildlife, rivers, trees, flowers, surrounding seas and the seasons that define the face of our beloved country.
Through great sacrifice
Spectacular and victorious: President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the victory parade. Picture by Sudath Malaweera">
Spectacular and victorious: President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the victory parade. Picture by Sudath Malaweera
Victory over terrorism has brought these fragrances of nature back to its pristine glory to this land known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. As the President quite correctly recalled, Sri Lanka stands back in its frame through the great sacrifice of life by those who valiantly fought to liberate it from the clutches of deadly terrorism that took many lives over three decades. Today, the deadly language of terrorist mortar shells, the fearsome rhythm of the beat of machine gunfire and the explosion of mines is history.
Let us not forget that the deadly language of cruel terrorism that lasted 30 years was uprooted in less than three years under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's dedicated leadership. Therefore, it is appropriate to recall a few statements made by President Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella during the initial stages of the war to end terrorism. LTTE's attempts to annihilate them were successfully thwarted by the alert Armed Forces.
When the LTTE closed the sluice gates at Mavil-Aru forcing the Armed Forces to take counter steps, President Rajapaksa pledged to the Nation that he would soon end the blight of criminal terrorist violence that held human life to hostage. Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing a passing out parade at Galkiriyagama in August 2007 assured the Nation that the war will not be passed onto the future generation. Defence Spokesman, incumbent Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella pledged in November 2007 that Velupillai Prabakaran would be eliminated to bring peace to all people including the Tamils in this country as Prabakaran was the main obstacle to peace. These were brave and sincere sentiments made for the future of this country with courage and determination.
Stands in unitary character
Today, the Nation stands in unitary character under one flag. The Government has already embarked on a mission to develop the country from a torn past. Political parties which represent the people are cast with a great responsibility by the Nation. Today, in this undivided nation, political parties in the Opposition continue to play short sighted 'games' to grab power pushing politics before the nation.
This display of political ignorance must end giving precedence to national needs. Political parties in the past played enough and more games in the face of LTTE's butchery and barbarity that destroyed life and property. This nation has bled. It's now healing time.
Opposition political parties must stop dredging up the past. Instead they must unite to focus on the urgent need to develop this country which was torn by violence for three long decades. Irresponsible politics cannot be allowed to decide the destiny of the people and the Nation. Nor such political ideologies enjoy the right and privilege to decide who should govern and who should quit. Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant democracy free from fear and terror. The ascending and descending patterns of political parties are decided by the people at elections.
The challenge to develop this country has to be met together by all political parties for all people to rally round towards such task. Whatever political cause that may divide political parties should not be treated as a priority in their agendas as all democratic parties are bound to honour national obligations. They must also uphold their oath of allegiance to the Constitution that governs this Nation. These must become priorities on their political agendas.
Surfacing 'good politics'
The common vision should be to build a stable society and a nation of one people with peace. That is the only base to further strengthen democracy. It is only then the brightness of 'good politics' could be visible. Opposition political parties must learn that only a protracted process would lead to the creation of such a society and a nation. Those who stand in the way of such democratic ideals only help those who believe in division and separatism as stressed by President Rajapaksa during his address on Victory Day.
It is time that we as a nation extricate ourselves from racial and other differences to take this Nation forward to attain early prosperity. That is a paramount responsibility of all those who represent the people in Parliament. Parliamentarians must also realize that they will be judged by the people not by their verbal skills to outsmart opponents in that House, but by the sincere dedication and commitment to promote and battle the needs of the people and the Nation.
Defence SecretaryGotabaya Rajapaksa
MinisterKeheliya Rambukwella
All elected Members must bear in mind that there's still a disadvantaged section in our society who fell victim to a protracted 30 year terrorist violence. Also in a third world country like ours, the population of the disadvantaged segment is much higher than any other class in this country. Hence the legitimacy of these segments of our society and their demand for justice cannot be ignored or deprived. Finally, they become the deciding factor when it comes to elect representatives from local bodies to Parliament.
A balance of sacrifices
The time has come for all; politicians and the people to decide between self and the Nation. The Nation calls for a balance of sacrifices to survive. Those who are political party leaders and those who sit in the hallowed Chamber at the Kotte Parliamentary Complex should now concentrate to move towards the creation of a sustainable process for a change for the better.
For that, all opposition political party leaders must depart from selfish attitudes and petty beliefs. Whatever the difficulties, we must develop this Nation. Whatever the setbacks may be, we must move forward. The need is an open, practical and meaningful participation by all political parties towards achieving such a noble task.
President Rajapaksa on Victory Day correctly pointed out to all politicians in this country when he said - "People of our country have the strength and courage to build this country. What is only needed is the will". If all political party leaders lead their band of men in the path to development, there's no doubt that Sri Lanka will soon prosper as a nation. And, - "Something new will always emerge from Sri Lanka" -Semper Aliquid Novi Sri Lanka.
Courtesy : Daily News
Indian police arrest LTTE cadres trying to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/Jun21_1277093668JR.php
Indian police arrest LTTE cadres trying to smuggle explosives to Sri LankaMon, Jun 21, 2010, 09:44 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 21, Colombo: The 'Q' Branch of India's Tamil Nadu police during a raid at Tiruchirapalli Sunday have arrested three LTTE intelligence wing members who had attempted to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka, Indian media has reported today (21).
According to the today's edition of The Hindu, the cadres had reportedly procured the explosive materials over a period and stocked them illegally for transport to Sri Lanka.
A cache of detonators including 4,900 ordinary detonators and 430 electric detonators were seized from them, an Indian official release has said.
According to The Hindu report, Siva alias Mahindan alias Ilaiya Mahindan (33) and Tamil alias Tamilselvan alias Sathish (38), both said to be members of the intelligence wing of the LTTE, and Selvam alias Painter Selvam (40), a LTTE cadre, were arrested when they assembled for a meeting.
They had reportedly planned to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka in association with Suri alias Kannan, a Sri Lankan Tamil in Chennai, and a few others.
Siva had been staying at Chennai for more than a year while Selvam had been residing at Erode, both without registering themselves with the police. Tamilselvan had been staying in Tiruchi city.
They had reportedly procured the explosive materials over a period and stocked them illegally for transport to Sri Lanka. The sources have said the materials were in Tiruchi as the trio could not smuggle them to Sri Lanka due to strict vigil in the coastal areas. A case has been registered in this regard and further investigations were on, the sources said.
The Indian media states that the trio had allegedly smuggled explosive substances to the LTTE at the height of the war in Sri Lanka earlier.
Highly placed sources said the trio had no plans to indulge in any subversive act in India. The arrest of the trio comes in the wake of the capture of Chiranjeevi Master, an intelligence wing cadre of the LTTE by the 'Q' Branch a few days ago in Chennai.
Indian police arrest LTTE cadres trying to smuggle explosives to Sri LankaMon, Jun 21, 2010, 09:44 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jun 21, Colombo: The 'Q' Branch of India's Tamil Nadu police during a raid at Tiruchirapalli Sunday have arrested three LTTE intelligence wing members who had attempted to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka, Indian media has reported today (21).
According to the today's edition of The Hindu, the cadres had reportedly procured the explosive materials over a period and stocked them illegally for transport to Sri Lanka.
A cache of detonators including 4,900 ordinary detonators and 430 electric detonators were seized from them, an Indian official release has said.
According to The Hindu report, Siva alias Mahindan alias Ilaiya Mahindan (33) and Tamil alias Tamilselvan alias Sathish (38), both said to be members of the intelligence wing of the LTTE, and Selvam alias Painter Selvam (40), a LTTE cadre, were arrested when they assembled for a meeting.
They had reportedly planned to smuggle explosives to Sri Lanka in association with Suri alias Kannan, a Sri Lankan Tamil in Chennai, and a few others.
Siva had been staying at Chennai for more than a year while Selvam had been residing at Erode, both without registering themselves with the police. Tamilselvan had been staying in Tiruchi city.
They had reportedly procured the explosive materials over a period and stocked them illegally for transport to Sri Lanka. The sources have said the materials were in Tiruchi as the trio could not smuggle them to Sri Lanka due to strict vigil in the coastal areas. A case has been registered in this regard and further investigations were on, the sources said.
The Indian media states that the trio had allegedly smuggled explosive substances to the LTTE at the height of the war in Sri Lanka earlier.
Highly placed sources said the trio had no plans to indulge in any subversive act in India. The arrest of the trio comes in the wake of the capture of Chiranjeevi Master, an intelligence wing cadre of the LTTE by the 'Q' Branch a few days ago in Chennai.
Lessons from Sri Lanka
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100623_01
Lessons from Sri Lanka
The Washington Times elaborates nine significant lessons which could be learned from Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism. The most important one, it says "is the debunking of the widely held belief that terrorism cannot be quelled militarily." Following is the full text of the article.
Defeating the enemy on the battlefield Sri Lanka recently emerged victorious from one of the world's longest-running conflicts, once termed an "unwinnable" war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers.
The LTTE is considered one of the deadliest terrorist groups, having invented the concept of the modern-day suicide bomber and carried out the murder of two sitting heads of states. In addition, the Tamil Tigers pioneered use of female suicide bombers, homemade minisubmarines, ultralight aircraft and "warehouse ships" pre-positioned on the high seas to resupply terrorist operations on shore.
These homegrown terrorists held Sri Lanka hostage through brutal acts of terror for almost three decades, demanding a separate state for ethnic Tamils in the north and east of Sri Lanka while building a vast global terror network.
Many more than 70,000 people were killed and at least 300,000 wounded. In U.S. terms, that would be the equivalent of 1.25 million dead Americans with 4.3 million wounded. The human suffering and economic dislocation is staggering yet is somehow ignored consistently by those abroad who profess to cherish democracy and the dignity of man.
www.defence.lk">As the self-appointed global leader in the war on terrorism, the United States could learn some significant lessons from Sri Lanka's victory. Here are our top nine:
* Perhaps the most important lesson is the debunking of the widely held belief that terrorism cannot be quelled militarily. The Sri Lankan military demonstrated that professionalism, strategy, discipline and unswerving commitment can beat terrorism.
All too often, the greatest obstacle to military success is the starry-eyed interference by third parties insisting that only diplomacy and negotiation can bring a true end to terror-based conflicts. History has demonstrated repeatedly, and Sri Lanka has just underscored, that negotiation is doomed in the face of an implacable enemy with an absolutist agenda seeking to create change by ruthless use of force.
* Terrorist outfits are highly opportunistic. They excel in politically manipulating third countries as they engage in hollow cease-fire arrangements to buy time, regroup, rearm and initiate surprise offensives. Even in defeat, terrorist operations may continue by initiating violence inside nations that house their exiles and their remaining power base.
www.defence.lk">* The terrorist support structure dies hard. Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger terrorists were, and still are, backed by an extraordinarily sophisticated, wealthy and highly educated business and professional class. Actively preventing ex-patriot supporters of defeated terrorist organizations from funding, supplying or otherwise supporting the creation of follow-on entities that will resume the violence - albeit under different names, with different faces - must cap victory on the battlefield.
This means, in the Sri Lankan case, that the United States, Canada, Australia, Great Britain and the rest of the Commonwealth are the front-line states in ensuring that their territories will not be used to reignite LTTE's failed but extraordinarily bloody terrorism.
* Terrorist movements rely upon the apathy of third countries toward the suffering that groups operating on their soil cause in distant nations. The hypocritical and self-serving attitude apparent in the commonly expressed "they are engaged only in fundraising here, not violence" not only rationalizes inaction, but also cripples international support for counterterrorism moves deemed vital to host nation interests.
* Even the most sophisticated and creative terror organizations make bad decisions and demonstrate self-defeating behavior. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by LTTE operatives in India brought a profound backlash that saw India effectively bar its soil from being used as a staging area for operations inside Sri Lanka. Once denied physical sanctuary in neighboring countries for combatants, logistics and training activities, terror/insurgent movements are severely crippled.
www.defence.lk">* Historical animosities do not yield to the wide-eyed "split the difference" mentality that is the hallmark of Western diplomatic and political naivete. Such an approach alienates all parties to a conflict and results in self-deception while exposing the incompetent middleman's own population to attack. Conflicts rooted in history are complex and should not be reduced to simplistic equations.
* If elected Western leaders actually believe their own rhetoric that all civilized nations must cooperate in this global war on terror, they must actively support the anti-terrorist initiatives of fellow democracies around the world. Ideological movements, religious cults, political insurgencies and cults of personality that employ terror to push their agenda should be eradicated as quickly, as universally and as completely as possible.
Even leaders who hold fast to "pragmatism" as a political creed need to be reminded that the incubation and development of terrorist activity in far-off lands will come back to haunt their own citizens sooner rather than later. The Tamil Tigers' terrorist activities went largely ignored by the West for decades. But the techniques they developed have killed thousands in unrelated terror attacks around the world.
www.defence.lk">For instance, use of "boat bombs" was copied by terrorists in the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Aden Harbor. Western ambivalence toward this long-running tragedy has been costly.
* Sri Lanka's war was complex and challenging, spawning several dimensions of terrorist activity. The war was fought on the ground in Sri Lanka, while propaganda and funds for weapons were handled by LTTE supporters living in the West, and weapons were acquired from Southeast Asia and Central Europe. Although the United States designated the LTTE as a foreign terrorist organization in October 1997, it was not until November 2007 that it banned the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization as an LTTE front organization. Until then, in the guise of charity, LTTE activists were collecting funds and transferring them to the Tiger war chest. Canada proscribed the LTTE in April 2006 and banned the World Tamil Movement (WTM) in June 2008. The banning of these front organizations was a major blow to LTTE terrorist operations.
www.defence.lk">* Even after the unequivocal military defeat of the LTTE, its overseas supporters defiantly keep the separatist dream alive despite annihilation of most of LTTE's leadership and the death of founder Velupillai Prabhakaran. If unchecked, they may well transform that dream once again into virulent terrorism, and this time, the Eelam War may well be fought locally - by the diaspora in the West.
Peter Leitner is president of the Higgins Counterterrorism Research Center and previously served for 31 years in various national security positions. Rajika Jayatilake is a communications specialist with expertise in international media and public relations.
Courtesy: The Washington Times
Lessons from Sri Lanka
The Washington Times elaborates nine significant lessons which could be learned from Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism. The most important one, it says "is the debunking of the widely held belief that terrorism cannot be quelled militarily." Following is the full text of the article.
Defeating the enemy on the battlefield Sri Lanka recently emerged victorious from one of the world's longest-running conflicts, once termed an "unwinnable" war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers.
The LTTE is considered one of the deadliest terrorist groups, having invented the concept of the modern-day suicide bomber and carried out the murder of two sitting heads of states. In addition, the Tamil Tigers pioneered use of female suicide bombers, homemade minisubmarines, ultralight aircraft and "warehouse ships" pre-positioned on the high seas to resupply terrorist operations on shore.
These homegrown terrorists held Sri Lanka hostage through brutal acts of terror for almost three decades, demanding a separate state for ethnic Tamils in the north and east of Sri Lanka while building a vast global terror network.
Many more than 70,000 people were killed and at least 300,000 wounded. In U.S. terms, that would be the equivalent of 1.25 million dead Americans with 4.3 million wounded. The human suffering and economic dislocation is staggering yet is somehow ignored consistently by those abroad who profess to cherish democracy and the dignity of man.
www.defence.lk">As the self-appointed global leader in the war on terrorism, the United States could learn some significant lessons from Sri Lanka's victory. Here are our top nine:
* Perhaps the most important lesson is the debunking of the widely held belief that terrorism cannot be quelled militarily. The Sri Lankan military demonstrated that professionalism, strategy, discipline and unswerving commitment can beat terrorism.
All too often, the greatest obstacle to military success is the starry-eyed interference by third parties insisting that only diplomacy and negotiation can bring a true end to terror-based conflicts. History has demonstrated repeatedly, and Sri Lanka has just underscored, that negotiation is doomed in the face of an implacable enemy with an absolutist agenda seeking to create change by ruthless use of force.
* Terrorist outfits are highly opportunistic. They excel in politically manipulating third countries as they engage in hollow cease-fire arrangements to buy time, regroup, rearm and initiate surprise offensives. Even in defeat, terrorist operations may continue by initiating violence inside nations that house their exiles and their remaining power base.
www.defence.lk">* The terrorist support structure dies hard. Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger terrorists were, and still are, backed by an extraordinarily sophisticated, wealthy and highly educated business and professional class. Actively preventing ex-patriot supporters of defeated terrorist organizations from funding, supplying or otherwise supporting the creation of follow-on entities that will resume the violence - albeit under different names, with different faces - must cap victory on the battlefield.
This means, in the Sri Lankan case, that the United States, Canada, Australia, Great Britain and the rest of the Commonwealth are the front-line states in ensuring that their territories will not be used to reignite LTTE's failed but extraordinarily bloody terrorism.
* Terrorist movements rely upon the apathy of third countries toward the suffering that groups operating on their soil cause in distant nations. The hypocritical and self-serving attitude apparent in the commonly expressed "they are engaged only in fundraising here, not violence" not only rationalizes inaction, but also cripples international support for counterterrorism moves deemed vital to host nation interests.
* Even the most sophisticated and creative terror organizations make bad decisions and demonstrate self-defeating behavior. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by LTTE operatives in India brought a profound backlash that saw India effectively bar its soil from being used as a staging area for operations inside Sri Lanka. Once denied physical sanctuary in neighboring countries for combatants, logistics and training activities, terror/insurgent movements are severely crippled.
www.defence.lk">* Historical animosities do not yield to the wide-eyed "split the difference" mentality that is the hallmark of Western diplomatic and political naivete. Such an approach alienates all parties to a conflict and results in self-deception while exposing the incompetent middleman's own population to attack. Conflicts rooted in history are complex and should not be reduced to simplistic equations.
* If elected Western leaders actually believe their own rhetoric that all civilized nations must cooperate in this global war on terror, they must actively support the anti-terrorist initiatives of fellow democracies around the world. Ideological movements, religious cults, political insurgencies and cults of personality that employ terror to push their agenda should be eradicated as quickly, as universally and as completely as possible.
Even leaders who hold fast to "pragmatism" as a political creed need to be reminded that the incubation and development of terrorist activity in far-off lands will come back to haunt their own citizens sooner rather than later. The Tamil Tigers' terrorist activities went largely ignored by the West for decades. But the techniques they developed have killed thousands in unrelated terror attacks around the world.
www.defence.lk">For instance, use of "boat bombs" was copied by terrorists in the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Aden Harbor. Western ambivalence toward this long-running tragedy has been costly.
* Sri Lanka's war was complex and challenging, spawning several dimensions of terrorist activity. The war was fought on the ground in Sri Lanka, while propaganda and funds for weapons were handled by LTTE supporters living in the West, and weapons were acquired from Southeast Asia and Central Europe. Although the United States designated the LTTE as a foreign terrorist organization in October 1997, it was not until November 2007 that it banned the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization as an LTTE front organization. Until then, in the guise of charity, LTTE activists were collecting funds and transferring them to the Tiger war chest. Canada proscribed the LTTE in April 2006 and banned the World Tamil Movement (WTM) in June 2008. The banning of these front organizations was a major blow to LTTE terrorist operations.
www.defence.lk">* Even after the unequivocal military defeat of the LTTE, its overseas supporters defiantly keep the separatist dream alive despite annihilation of most of LTTE's leadership and the death of founder Velupillai Prabhakaran. If unchecked, they may well transform that dream once again into virulent terrorism, and this time, the Eelam War may well be fought locally - by the diaspora in the West.
Peter Leitner is president of the Higgins Counterterrorism Research Center and previously served for 31 years in various national security positions. Rajika Jayatilake is a communications specialist with expertise in international media and public relations.
Courtesy: The Washington Times
Tri-Star Apparel provides jobs for 400 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100622_03
Tri-Star Apparel provides jobs for 400 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres
400 ex-LTTE female cadres who received vocational training in rehabilitation centres have received jobs at the Tri-Star Apparel Factory in Alawwa.
Accordingly, these ex-LTTE female cadres who were rehabilitated at the Weppamkulam and Punthottam centres embarked on a new journey in their lives yesterday, 21 June. 300 female cadres were rehabilitated at Weppamkulam canter while 100 were rehabilitated at Punthottam.
Fifteen rehabilitation centres were established on behalf of 12 thousand LTTE combatants surrendered during the final stage of the humanitarian operation.
Earlier, 500 ex-LTTE combatants received jobs in Jaffna Deport and various other government and private institutes after successfully competing vocational training program in rehabilitation centres.
According to the Ministry of Rehabilitation, 530 child soldiers were rehabilitated and entrusted to their parents while some of them were admitted to the Hindu College, Rathmalana for continuing their studies. Ministry sources further said that 2500 ex-LTTE combatants who were disabled in the conflict were also handed over to their parents after completion of successful rehabilitation program.
400 former LTTE female cadres left to take up jobs at the Tri-Star Apparel Factory in Alawwa yesterday amidst the blessings of relatives and well-wishers.
Tri-Star Apparel provides jobs for 400 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres
400 ex-LTTE female cadres who received vocational training in rehabilitation centres have received jobs at the Tri-Star Apparel Factory in Alawwa.
Accordingly, these ex-LTTE female cadres who were rehabilitated at the Weppamkulam and Punthottam centres embarked on a new journey in their lives yesterday, 21 June. 300 female cadres were rehabilitated at Weppamkulam canter while 100 were rehabilitated at Punthottam.
Fifteen rehabilitation centres were established on behalf of 12 thousand LTTE combatants surrendered during the final stage of the humanitarian operation.
Earlier, 500 ex-LTTE combatants received jobs in Jaffna Deport and various other government and private institutes after successfully competing vocational training program in rehabilitation centres.
According to the Ministry of Rehabilitation, 530 child soldiers were rehabilitated and entrusted to their parents while some of them were admitted to the Hindu College, Rathmalana for continuing their studies. Ministry sources further said that 2500 ex-LTTE combatants who were disabled in the conflict were also handed over to their parents after completion of successful rehabilitation program.
400 former LTTE female cadres left to take up jobs at the Tri-Star Apparel Factory in Alawwa yesterday amidst the blessings of relatives and well-wishers.
Government strongly opposes the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of experts by the UNSG
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100623_08
Government strongly opposes the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of experts by the UNSG
The appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts by the Secretary General of the United Nations is unwarranted and unnecessary interference with a sovereign nation, says the Ministry of External Affairs issuing a special statement today (23rd June).
Following is the full text of the statement,
FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SRI LANKA - PANEL OF EXPERTS BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
The Government of Sri Lanka strongly opposes the appointment, by the Secretary General of the United Nations, of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts announced by his Spokesperson in New York on Tuesday, 22nd June 2010.
Sri Lanka was ravaged by the scourge of terrorism for over 30 years. The people of Sri Lanka have, during this period, suffered violence and terror of unimaginable proportions, unleashed on them by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world. After a long and difficult struggle the Government of Sri Lanka has successfully rid the country of terror, and is in the process of rebuilding the lives of her people. As an important part of this process His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka has appointed a Commission on "Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation" under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, a statutory regime available under Sri Lankan law. The Government is confident that the Commission would make a most significant contribution to the further strengthening of national amity, through a process of restorative justice.
Sri Lanka is a sovereign state with a robustly independent judiciary and a tried and tested system for the administration of justice. The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently promoted and protected human rights. Indeed, this has been explicitly acknowledged by legitimate organs of the United Nations system. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations has formally adopted, after the cessation of the conflict situation, a resolution commending, inter alia, the commitment of Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Sri Lanka regards the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts as an unwarranted and unnecessary interference with a sovereign nation. This interference, moreover, has potential for exploitation by vested interests hostile to the process of reconciliation taking place in Sri Lanka.
The Government of Sri Lanka notes that the joint statement of the President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary - General issued at the conclusion of the Secretary - General's visit to the country on 23rd May 2009 makes no reference to "allegations of violations of international humanitarian law committed during military operations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)".
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo
23rd June 2010
Government strongly opposes the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of experts by the UNSG
The appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts by the Secretary General of the United Nations is unwarranted and unnecessary interference with a sovereign nation, says the Ministry of External Affairs issuing a special statement today (23rd June).
Following is the full text of the statement,
FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SRI LANKA - PANEL OF EXPERTS BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
The Government of Sri Lanka strongly opposes the appointment, by the Secretary General of the United Nations, of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts announced by his Spokesperson in New York on Tuesday, 22nd June 2010.
Sri Lanka was ravaged by the scourge of terrorism for over 30 years. The people of Sri Lanka have, during this period, suffered violence and terror of unimaginable proportions, unleashed on them by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world. After a long and difficult struggle the Government of Sri Lanka has successfully rid the country of terror, and is in the process of rebuilding the lives of her people. As an important part of this process His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka has appointed a Commission on "Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation" under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, a statutory regime available under Sri Lankan law. The Government is confident that the Commission would make a most significant contribution to the further strengthening of national amity, through a process of restorative justice.
Sri Lanka is a sovereign state with a robustly independent judiciary and a tried and tested system for the administration of justice. The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently promoted and protected human rights. Indeed, this has been explicitly acknowledged by legitimate organs of the United Nations system. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations has formally adopted, after the cessation of the conflict situation, a resolution commending, inter alia, the commitment of Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Sri Lanka regards the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts as an unwarranted and unnecessary interference with a sovereign nation. This interference, moreover, has potential for exploitation by vested interests hostile to the process of reconciliation taking place in Sri Lanka.
The Government of Sri Lanka notes that the joint statement of the President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary - General issued at the conclusion of the Secretary - General's visit to the country on 23rd May 2009 makes no reference to "allegations of violations of international humanitarian law committed during military operations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)".
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo
23rd June 2010
LTTE threatens bomb attacks on TN's rail tracks and bridges
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100623_05
LTTE threatens bomb attacks on TN's rail tracks and bridges
Railway Protection Force, Salem Division in Tamil Nadu has received messages from the LTTE threatening 'bomb attacks' on tracks and bridges. The messages were issued in the name of 'Prabhakaran Brothers, LTTE.'
Highly placed police sources told The Hindu that Inspector Ramasamy had received SMS twice in his mobile phone - one on Sunday and another the day before. The official immediately informed his higher-ups and registered a case in this connection.
Following the threats, security has been beefed up in all railway stations and track patrolling intensified in areas falling under the Salem Railway Division, including Coimbatore where the World Classical Tamil Conference is scheduled to begin today (June 23).
The police in the districts of Salem, Vellore, Erode, Namakkal, Villupuram, Tirupur and Coimbatore in close coordination with Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police had undertaken extensive track patrolling round the clock between Coimbatore and Jolarpet stations since Saturday night, the Hindu reported.
A special team was formed and the originating place of SMS was traced to Tirupur. The team had already left for Tirupur to nab the sender, said a senior official in Q Branch police.
Gang men and railway employees had been asked to be alert and residents residing near tracks also had been told to watch out for any suspicious movements.
Armed sentries had been posted at bridges and at vantage points.
Courtesy : President Media Unit
LTTE threatens bomb attacks on TN's rail tracks and bridges
Railway Protection Force, Salem Division in Tamil Nadu has received messages from the LTTE threatening 'bomb attacks' on tracks and bridges. The messages were issued in the name of 'Prabhakaran Brothers, LTTE.'
Highly placed police sources told The Hindu that Inspector Ramasamy had received SMS twice in his mobile phone - one on Sunday and another the day before. The official immediately informed his higher-ups and registered a case in this connection.
Following the threats, security has been beefed up in all railway stations and track patrolling intensified in areas falling under the Salem Railway Division, including Coimbatore where the World Classical Tamil Conference is scheduled to begin today (June 23).
The police in the districts of Salem, Vellore, Erode, Namakkal, Villupuram, Tirupur and Coimbatore in close coordination with Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police had undertaken extensive track patrolling round the clock between Coimbatore and Jolarpet stations since Saturday night, the Hindu reported.
A special team was formed and the originating place of SMS was traced to Tirupur. The team had already left for Tirupur to nab the sender, said a senior official in Q Branch police.
Gang men and railway employees had been asked to be alert and residents residing near tracks also had been told to watch out for any suspicious movements.
Armed sentries had been posted at bridges and at vantage points.
Courtesy : President Media Unit
Growth in Lankan economy
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100623_02
Growth in Lankan economy
Sri Lanka has shown a steep growth related to its economic development with the accelerated development launched in multiple sectors.
This development process is expected to widen in the forthcoming years, ensuring the objective of making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia. Unemployment registered a steep decline in the last quarter of 2009. In October 2009, Sri Lanka's unemployment was 5.8 percent and in November it was 5.9 percent and came down to 5.4 percent in December 2009.
It is estimated that the unemployment rate will come to 4.5 percent by the end of this year.
The GDP which was 3.5 percent in 2009 registered a remarkable increase. It is expected to increase further to seven percent in the forthcoming months with more industries coming into operation, more lands coming under the plough and wide developments in the fisheries and tourist sectors.
The increase in the GDP has also contributed to the decline in the rate of inflation to single digit in Sri Lanka while many countries the inflation stands as double digit figures. Inflation in January was 6.5 percent, February 6.9 percent, March 6.3 percent, April 5.8 percent and further reduced to 5.3 percent in May.
The development activities and the steady economic growth has also contributed to reduce the national poverty line. Surveys by economists indicate that expenditure required per person for a month amounts to Rs 3,072.
On a district wise basis, the expenditure per person in the Colombo District amounts to Rs 3,423, while it is below Rs 3,000 in Anuradhapura, Hambantota and Moneragala Districts. In Hambantota the expenditure amounts to Rs 2,961, while in Anuradhapura and Moneragala it is Rs 2,913 and Rs 2,909.
The per capita income in Sri Lanka has registered a steady increase from 2005.
The per capita income in 2005 was U.S. Dollars 1,241 and this has shown a sturdy increase throughout the subsequent years and exceeded the US$ 2000 mark in 2008.
It was US$ 2014 in 2008 and at the end of 2009 reached U.S.$ 2,053 courtesy National Development Media.
Courtesy : Daily News
Growth in Lankan economy
Sri Lanka has shown a steep growth related to its economic development with the accelerated development launched in multiple sectors.
This development process is expected to widen in the forthcoming years, ensuring the objective of making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia. Unemployment registered a steep decline in the last quarter of 2009. In October 2009, Sri Lanka's unemployment was 5.8 percent and in November it was 5.9 percent and came down to 5.4 percent in December 2009.
It is estimated that the unemployment rate will come to 4.5 percent by the end of this year.
The GDP which was 3.5 percent in 2009 registered a remarkable increase. It is expected to increase further to seven percent in the forthcoming months with more industries coming into operation, more lands coming under the plough and wide developments in the fisheries and tourist sectors.
The increase in the GDP has also contributed to the decline in the rate of inflation to single digit in Sri Lanka while many countries the inflation stands as double digit figures. Inflation in January was 6.5 percent, February 6.9 percent, March 6.3 percent, April 5.8 percent and further reduced to 5.3 percent in May.
The development activities and the steady economic growth has also contributed to reduce the national poverty line. Surveys by economists indicate that expenditure required per person for a month amounts to Rs 3,072.
On a district wise basis, the expenditure per person in the Colombo District amounts to Rs 3,423, while it is below Rs 3,000 in Anuradhapura, Hambantota and Moneragala Districts. In Hambantota the expenditure amounts to Rs 2,961, while in Anuradhapura and Moneragala it is Rs 2,913 and Rs 2,909.
The per capita income in Sri Lanka has registered a steady increase from 2005.
The per capita income in 2005 was U.S. Dollars 1,241 and this has shown a sturdy increase throughout the subsequent years and exceeded the US$ 2000 mark in 2008.
It was US$ 2014 in 2008 and at the end of 2009 reached U.S.$ 2,053 courtesy National Development Media.
Courtesy : Daily News
President brought peace to Lanka - Korean Buddhist delegation
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100623_07
President brought peace to Lanka - Korean Buddhist delegation
President Mahinda Rajapaksa should receive the due praise for creating a peaceful environment in Sri Lanka, stated Head of the Korean Buddhist delegation, Chief Incumbent of the Korean Jinguk Chapter, Venerable Joy Jongue Vung during a meeting with the President at Temple trees, yesterday (June 22).
The delegation arrived in Sri Lanka with the aim of strengthening friendship and Buddhist ties between Korea and Sri Lanka.
They noted the need to spread the word of Buddha throughout the world in various languages.
In response, President Rajapaksa stated that the Buddhist clergy have a major responsibility in this regard and that he would create opportunities for them to learn other languages. "There is a huge demand for Buddhist universities. The Government will take necessary action to fulfil this need", he added.
Courtesy : President Media Unit
President brought peace to Lanka - Korean Buddhist delegation
President Mahinda Rajapaksa should receive the due praise for creating a peaceful environment in Sri Lanka, stated Head of the Korean Buddhist delegation, Chief Incumbent of the Korean Jinguk Chapter, Venerable Joy Jongue Vung during a meeting with the President at Temple trees, yesterday (June 22).
The delegation arrived in Sri Lanka with the aim of strengthening friendship and Buddhist ties between Korea and Sri Lanka.
They noted the need to spread the word of Buddha throughout the world in various languages.
In response, President Rajapaksa stated that the Buddhist clergy have a major responsibility in this regard and that he would create opportunities for them to learn other languages. "There is a huge demand for Buddhist universities. The Government will take necessary action to fulfil this need", he added.
Courtesy : President Media Unit
US Supreme Court bans support to designated terrorist outfits
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100622_05
US Supreme Court bans support to designated terrorist outfits
'PKK and LTTE are deadly groups' - Chief Justice
U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal criminal law that bans support to designated terrorist organizations, including the LTTE, rejecting a free-speech challenge by groups that say they have peaceful aims.
The court ruled 6-3 that the law can be applied to organizations and U.S. citizens looking to teach nonviolent methods of conflict resolution to LTTE and Turkey's Kurdistan Workers' Party [PKK]. The U.S. has designated both these groups as terrorist organizations.
"The PKK and LTTE are deadly groups," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority. "It is not difficult to conclude as Congress did that the taint of such violent activities is so great that working in coordination with or at the command of the PKK and LTTE serves to legitimize and further their terrorist means," quoting the Chief Justice, Bloomberg reported.
A federal appeals court had said that some parts of the law, which bars "material support" to terrorist groups, couldn't constitutionally be applied to six groups and two U.S. citizens. The government says it has successfully used the law, enacted in 1996 and modified by the 2001 Patriot Act, to obtain criminal convictions, the report further said.
The ruling is a victory for President Barack Obama's administration and U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan, who argued the case for the government, Bloomberg further said.
Some provisions makes it a crime to provide "training," "expert advice or assistance" or "service" to a terrorist organization while other provisions bar providing "expert" scientific or technical advice and "personnel" to terrorist groups.
The dissenting groups said in court papers that they want to teach ways of using "international law and other nonviolent means to advance human rights."
Roberts said even that kind of assistance could legitimately be seen as supporting terrorism. He voiced concern that the groups might teach terrorists how to petition the United Nations and other international bodies for financial assistance.
"Money is fungible," Roberts wrote. "Congress logically concluded that money a terrorist group such as the PKK obtains using the techniques plaintiffs propose to teach could be redirected to funding the group's violent activities."
Courtesy : www.info.gov.lk
US Supreme Court bans support to designated terrorist outfits
'PKK and LTTE are deadly groups' - Chief Justice
U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal criminal law that bans support to designated terrorist organizations, including the LTTE, rejecting a free-speech challenge by groups that say they have peaceful aims.
The court ruled 6-3 that the law can be applied to organizations and U.S. citizens looking to teach nonviolent methods of conflict resolution to LTTE and Turkey's Kurdistan Workers' Party [PKK]. The U.S. has designated both these groups as terrorist organizations.
"The PKK and LTTE are deadly groups," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority. "It is not difficult to conclude as Congress did that the taint of such violent activities is so great that working in coordination with or at the command of the PKK and LTTE serves to legitimize and further their terrorist means," quoting the Chief Justice, Bloomberg reported.
A federal appeals court had said that some parts of the law, which bars "material support" to terrorist groups, couldn't constitutionally be applied to six groups and two U.S. citizens. The government says it has successfully used the law, enacted in 1996 and modified by the 2001 Patriot Act, to obtain criminal convictions, the report further said.
The ruling is a victory for President Barack Obama's administration and U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan, who argued the case for the government, Bloomberg further said.
Some provisions makes it a crime to provide "training," "expert advice or assistance" or "service" to a terrorist organization while other provisions bar providing "expert" scientific or technical advice and "personnel" to terrorist groups.
The dissenting groups said in court papers that they want to teach ways of using "international law and other nonviolent means to advance human rights."
Roberts said even that kind of assistance could legitimately be seen as supporting terrorism. He voiced concern that the groups might teach terrorists how to petition the United Nations and other international bodies for financial assistance.
"Money is fungible," Roberts wrote. "Congress logically concluded that money a terrorist group such as the PKK obtains using the techniques plaintiffs propose to teach could be redirected to funding the group's violent activities."
Courtesy : www.info.gov.lk
Violent Tamil gang leader deported to Sri Lanka
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100622_06
Violent Tamil gang leader deported to Sri Lanka
The leader of a violent Toronto street gang has been deported to Sri Lanka, six years after he was first ordered out of Canada for his crimes.
Canada Border Services Agency officers escorted Jothiravi Sittampalam back to his homeland on June 10 but federal officials only confirmed the removal today.
The convicted drug dealer was the boss of AK Kannan, an ethnic Tamil gang whose estimated 300 members waged a wild turf war against the rival VVT gang.
At least three bystanders were killed in drive-by shootings and other violent acts by the gangs, which carried Uzis, M-16s, handguns and saw-off shotguns.
"The removal of inadmissible individuals, particularly violent foreign criminals such as Mr. Sittampalam, is key to maintaining the integrity of Canada's immigration system and to protecting those who live in this country lawfully," Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said in a statement.
But it took Ottawa almost a decade to get rid of Mr. Sittampalam, who began trafficking heroin shortly after arriving in Canada in 1990 as a refugee from the Sri Lankan conflict.
He was arrested in 2001 as part of an anti-gang sweep called Project 1050 and was ordered deported in 2004. Although considered a danger to the public, he was released from custody with electronic monitoring in 2007 and allowed to remain in Canada while he fought no less than a dozen court cases appealing his removal.
The most recent court case was heard June 9. He asked the Federal Court of Canada to prevent the CBSA from deporting him the following day. His appeal was rejected.
Courtesy : Stewart Bell, National Post
Violent Tamil gang leader deported to Sri Lanka
The leader of a violent Toronto street gang has been deported to Sri Lanka, six years after he was first ordered out of Canada for his crimes.
Canada Border Services Agency officers escorted Jothiravi Sittampalam back to his homeland on June 10 but federal officials only confirmed the removal today.
The convicted drug dealer was the boss of AK Kannan, an ethnic Tamil gang whose estimated 300 members waged a wild turf war against the rival VVT gang.
At least three bystanders were killed in drive-by shootings and other violent acts by the gangs, which carried Uzis, M-16s, handguns and saw-off shotguns.
"The removal of inadmissible individuals, particularly violent foreign criminals such as Mr. Sittampalam, is key to maintaining the integrity of Canada's immigration system and to protecting those who live in this country lawfully," Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said in a statement.
But it took Ottawa almost a decade to get rid of Mr. Sittampalam, who began trafficking heroin shortly after arriving in Canada in 1990 as a refugee from the Sri Lankan conflict.
He was arrested in 2001 as part of an anti-gang sweep called Project 1050 and was ordered deported in 2004. Although considered a danger to the public, he was released from custody with electronic monitoring in 2007 and allowed to remain in Canada while he fought no less than a dozen court cases appealing his removal.
The most recent court case was heard June 9. He asked the Federal Court of Canada to prevent the CBSA from deporting him the following day. His appeal was rejected.
Courtesy : Stewart Bell, National Post
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sri Lanka-Malaysia Co-operation: Co-ordinated Intelligence to Curb Terrorism
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=2285
Sri Lanka-Malaysia Co-operation: Co-ordinated Intelligence to Curb Terrorism
[Updated :: 2010-06-17 10:34:08 Hours Home]
DEFENCE Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday (16) said Sri Lankan Intelligence Units are maintaining a close relationship with Malaysian Intelligence Units and Police to curb LTTE activities there.
Commenting on a report in the foreign media that Malaysian Police detected the presence of several senior Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders in Malaysia, Minister Rambukwella told the Daily News that the LTTE was functioning in several other countries and the Government was dealing with foreign Governments to end LTTE terrorist activities.
The Minister said the Government’s stance was that although the LTTE was defeated militarily in Sri Lanka, pro-LTTE groups were attempting to reinvigorate the LTTE overseas.
“The Government is taking all the measures to counter all these attempts with the support of foreign Governments,” he said.
Rambukwella said the LTTE used Malaysia as a hub for their activities and KP was arrested in Malaysia.
Malaysian Police Inspector General of Police Musa Hasan was quoted as saying Police had detected the presence of several senior LTTE leaders who were reportedly using Malaysia for shelter and logistic base.
Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein in connection with the IGP statement said foreign militants, including remnants of the Tigers, are using Malaysia as their operational base and for recruiting new activists.
The Malaysian Home Minister said foreign militant groups, were using Malaysia as their operational base to step up their violent struggle. He said these groups were also using the Southeast Asian country for their financial transactions and exchange of information, besides recruiting people. Among those targeted for recruitment are students of local higher learning institutions.
Hishammuddin said the Home Ministry was working closely with law enforcement and international intelligence agencies to share data on foreign nationals entering Malaysia and their movements, to curb activities that could threaten national and regional security of Malaysia. (Courtesy: Daily News)
Sri Lanka-Malaysia Co-operation: Co-ordinated Intelligence to Curb Terrorism
[Updated :: 2010-06-17 10:34:08 Hours Home]
DEFENCE Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday (16) said Sri Lankan Intelligence Units are maintaining a close relationship with Malaysian Intelligence Units and Police to curb LTTE activities there.
Commenting on a report in the foreign media that Malaysian Police detected the presence of several senior Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders in Malaysia, Minister Rambukwella told the Daily News that the LTTE was functioning in several other countries and the Government was dealing with foreign Governments to end LTTE terrorist activities.
The Minister said the Government’s stance was that although the LTTE was defeated militarily in Sri Lanka, pro-LTTE groups were attempting to reinvigorate the LTTE overseas.
“The Government is taking all the measures to counter all these attempts with the support of foreign Governments,” he said.
Rambukwella said the LTTE used Malaysia as a hub for their activities and KP was arrested in Malaysia.
Malaysian Police Inspector General of Police Musa Hasan was quoted as saying Police had detected the presence of several senior LTTE leaders who were reportedly using Malaysia for shelter and logistic base.
Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein in connection with the IGP statement said foreign militants, including remnants of the Tigers, are using Malaysia as their operational base and for recruiting new activists.
The Malaysian Home Minister said foreign militant groups, were using Malaysia as their operational base to step up their violent struggle. He said these groups were also using the Southeast Asian country for their financial transactions and exchange of information, besides recruiting people. Among those targeted for recruitment are students of local higher learning institutions.
Hishammuddin said the Home Ministry was working closely with law enforcement and international intelligence agencies to share data on foreign nationals entering Malaysia and their movements, to curb activities that could threaten national and regional security of Malaysia. (Courtesy: Daily News)
Pertinent observation
Pertinent observation
President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a very pertinent observation during his address to the Nation on Friday when Sri Lanka marked the first anniversary of Victory Day.
He said “It is time for the countries facing terrorist attacks to look back and see where they have gone wrong. It is a grave error of judgement to think that while opposing terrorism targeting you, to believe that terrorism that is no threat to you is good”.
Since the beginning of the Eelam war, many a road block was placed in our efforts to vanquish terrorism mainly by the West. India too on many occasions stymied our military efforts while not hesitating to use the iron fist against secessionist groups on its own soil.
Had it not blocked the Army’s victorious march to Vadamarachchi through its infamous parippu drop, Prabhakaran would have been captured. As it was he lived to order the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi who made that costly blunder.
As the President said, countries that show sympathy towards terrorism or separatism will be victims of terrorism. This is a lesson of history.
Today, this mistake is being made by others in the West who are attempting to help in the rebirth of the LTTE in different forms and guises. Cries of war crimes are being made in an attempt to punish a Government which was only acting within its legitimate right to protect the sovereignty of the country. Would any of the leaders of these countries dug in their toes look on idly had their territorial integrity and sovereignty been threatened? It is time that the international community stop wearing blinkers and view the threat that confronted Sri Lanka in its true perspective.No leader of a country can look by when the very survival of his country as a nation is threatened. He is obliged to defend its territorial integrity with might and main. This is exactly what President Rajapaksa did.
It is an open secret that those countries which lectured and hectored us on the futility of a military solution were the very ones who were using all the modern weaponry at their disposal to fight terrorism in their own backyard or to tackle terrorism in countries they had invaded.Indiscriminate aerial attacks were carried out in densely populated areas causing mass civilian deaths, in the name of ferreting out terrorists.
These States were not threatened by dismemberment as Sri Lanka did ,that warranted such surgical strikes. They were battling terrorism to protect their vested interests in alien territory. For this, they deployed their full might not giving a tuppence for collateral damage or accusations of genocide.
But when Sri Lanka was fighting a back to the wall battle to liquidate a terrorist outfit which was threatening her territorial sovereignty there were howls of protests from these same quarters.It appeared the sauce for the goose was not sauce for the gander.
It is such duplicity and double standards that the President was alluding to.The war waged in Sri Lanka was not with designs of expansionism. It was to deliver a community from the clutches of a ruthless band of terrorists and to protect the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
It is to the eternal credit of President Rajapaksa that he did not pay heed to these sermons by leaders who had blood on their own hands, and dealt with terrorism the only way it should be dealt with.
Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism is still the talking point in many countries. Although they hate to admit it there is grudging admiration for this achievement by some while others are yet astounded by the feat.Time was when chances of victory against the most ruthless band of terrorists in the world was viewed with pessimism.
Leave aside the foreign countries, even the five star generals in our midst deemed the war as unwinnable. But our Armed Forces defied all odds and achieved what was deemed impossible.
In his speech to mark the first anniversary of the Victory Day President Rajapaksa said some countries who are battered by terrorism have taken strength and courage from Sri Lanka’s victory. True, today even those countries who looked with pessimism on Sri Lanka’s chances of victory are seeking our expertise to tackle terrorism on their own soil.
Isn’t this an admission that Sri Lanka took the correct course
President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a very pertinent observation during his address to the Nation on Friday when Sri Lanka marked the first anniversary of Victory Day.
He said “It is time for the countries facing terrorist attacks to look back and see where they have gone wrong. It is a grave error of judgement to think that while opposing terrorism targeting you, to believe that terrorism that is no threat to you is good”.
Since the beginning of the Eelam war, many a road block was placed in our efforts to vanquish terrorism mainly by the West. India too on many occasions stymied our military efforts while not hesitating to use the iron fist against secessionist groups on its own soil.
Had it not blocked the Army’s victorious march to Vadamarachchi through its infamous parippu drop, Prabhakaran would have been captured. As it was he lived to order the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi who made that costly blunder.
As the President said, countries that show sympathy towards terrorism or separatism will be victims of terrorism. This is a lesson of history.
Today, this mistake is being made by others in the West who are attempting to help in the rebirth of the LTTE in different forms and guises. Cries of war crimes are being made in an attempt to punish a Government which was only acting within its legitimate right to protect the sovereignty of the country. Would any of the leaders of these countries dug in their toes look on idly had their territorial integrity and sovereignty been threatened? It is time that the international community stop wearing blinkers and view the threat that confronted Sri Lanka in its true perspective.No leader of a country can look by when the very survival of his country as a nation is threatened. He is obliged to defend its territorial integrity with might and main. This is exactly what President Rajapaksa did.
It is an open secret that those countries which lectured and hectored us on the futility of a military solution were the very ones who were using all the modern weaponry at their disposal to fight terrorism in their own backyard or to tackle terrorism in countries they had invaded.Indiscriminate aerial attacks were carried out in densely populated areas causing mass civilian deaths, in the name of ferreting out terrorists.
These States were not threatened by dismemberment as Sri Lanka did ,that warranted such surgical strikes. They were battling terrorism to protect their vested interests in alien territory. For this, they deployed their full might not giving a tuppence for collateral damage or accusations of genocide.
But when Sri Lanka was fighting a back to the wall battle to liquidate a terrorist outfit which was threatening her territorial sovereignty there were howls of protests from these same quarters.It appeared the sauce for the goose was not sauce for the gander.
It is such duplicity and double standards that the President was alluding to.The war waged in Sri Lanka was not with designs of expansionism. It was to deliver a community from the clutches of a ruthless band of terrorists and to protect the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
It is to the eternal credit of President Rajapaksa that he did not pay heed to these sermons by leaders who had blood on their own hands, and dealt with terrorism the only way it should be dealt with.
Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism is still the talking point in many countries. Although they hate to admit it there is grudging admiration for this achievement by some while others are yet astounded by the feat.Time was when chances of victory against the most ruthless band of terrorists in the world was viewed with pessimism.
Leave aside the foreign countries, even the five star generals in our midst deemed the war as unwinnable. But our Armed Forces defied all odds and achieved what was deemed impossible.
In his speech to mark the first anniversary of the Victory Day President Rajapaksa said some countries who are battered by terrorism have taken strength and courage from Sri Lanka’s victory. True, today even those countries who looked with pessimism on Sri Lanka’s chances of victory are seeking our expertise to tackle terrorism on their own soil.
Isn’t this an admission that Sri Lanka took the correct course
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