http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=16696
LTTE massacre of 600 policemen
Not even inter-departmental inquiryJanuary 24, 2011, 12:00 pm
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Fearing the wrath of then President Ranasinghe Premadasa, the police never initiated at least an inter-departmental inquiry into the circumstances under which the LTTE had executed over 600 police officers and men at the onset of the Eelam War II in June 1990, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission was told on Monday (24).
The police top brass had been too scared to probe the massacre of those who had surrendered at the behest of President Premadasa, retired SSP Tassy Seneviratne said. The veteran cop was responding to a query by LLRC member former Foreign Secretary H. M. G. S. Palihakkara during Monday’s sessions.
Seneviratne retired in 1995, the year the Eelam War III erupted with the sinking of two Fast Gunboats anchored at Trincomalee.
Identifying the then Foreign Minister A. C. S. Hameed as a key player in President Premadasa’s negotiating team, Seneviratne asserted that IGP Ernest Perera had had no alternative but to comply with the presidential directive issued to police deployed in some parts of the Eastern Province.
Seneviratne said that the LTTE’s success had been built on shortcomings and strategic miscalculations on the part of successive governments. Had there been adequate support, the police could have thwarted the LTTE attempt to overrun police stations in the East in 1990, he said.
The LTTE assassinated Premadasa on May Day in 1993. Even after Premadasa’s assassination, successive governments did not initiate an inquiry.
Commenting on the then LTTE leader in the Batticaloa area Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan, now a Deputy Minister in the ruling UPFA coalition, Seneviratne emphasised the government, particularly President Mahinda Rajapaksa, should be wary of having an opportunist like Muralitharan aka Karuna. Recalling the circumstances which led Karuna to switch allegiance after being summoned to Kilinochchi in March 2004 by LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, Seneviratne urged President Rajapaksa to be cautious. The likes of Karuna could be dangerous, he stressed.
Seneviratne submitted a confidential letter to former Attorney General C. R. de Silva, Chairman, LLRC, claiming that the writer of that letter could shed light on ‘LTTE operations.’
The veteran cop urged the LLRC to recommend to the government to initiate an inquiry into war crimes committed by the LTTE. The massacre of policemen could be categorised as a grave war crime, he said.
Responding to LLRC Commissioner Dr. Rohan Perera, Seneviratne acknowledged that the families of those 600 policemen hadn’t been looked after by the department. The then IGP had been in a dilemma for want provision to do so, he said.
Pressed by Palihakkara, Seneviratne recalled how the police top brass had refused to carry one of his articles, which dealt with the massacre of policemen, in an annual publication of the police for fear of President Premadasa.
LLRC Chairman urged Seneviratne to provide whatever information he had with regard to the families of those policemen killed in the single largest massacre in this country.
The Commissioners indicated their keenness to ascertain whether the families of massacre victims had been given step-motherly treatment, compared to officers and men killed in other confrontations with terrorists.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Mahabodhi temple attacked: LTTE move to provoke backlash suspected
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=16735
Mahabodhi temple attacked: LTTE move to provoke backlash suspectedJanuary 25, 2011, 7:09 am
An unidentified group last night stormed the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai and assaulted those present there including five Buddhist monks. Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera had been hospitalized, sources told The Island.
The Chennai police had initiated an investigation into the attack by the time this edition went to press. According to government intelligence
sources, the LTTE activists were involved in the attack aimed at provoking a backlash in Sri Lanka.
The police have been placed on alert here to prevent trouble makers from cashing in on the situation. A highly placed government source told The Island that everything was under control in India and the Defence Ministry had contacted the Mahabodhi Temple immediately after the attack.
Colombo was in touch with New Delhi over the assault of monks and steps had been taken to provide the temple with security, sources said.
Mahabodhi temple attacked: LTTE move to provoke backlash suspectedJanuary 25, 2011, 7:09 am
An unidentified group last night stormed the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai and assaulted those present there including five Buddhist monks. Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera had been hospitalized, sources told The Island.
The Chennai police had initiated an investigation into the attack by the time this edition went to press. According to government intelligence
sources, the LTTE activists were involved in the attack aimed at provoking a backlash in Sri Lanka.
The police have been placed on alert here to prevent trouble makers from cashing in on the situation. A highly placed government source told The Island that everything was under control in India and the Defence Ministry had contacted the Mahabodhi Temple immediately after the attack.
Colombo was in touch with New Delhi over the assault of monks and steps had been taken to provide the temple with security, sources said.
‘Tigers using ‘Sudan’ link to legitimise Eelam’
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=16454
‘Tigers using ‘Sudan’ link to legitimise Eelam’January 21, 2011, 9:04 pm by Shamindra Ferdinando
A section of the LTTE rump, headed by the US-based V. Rudrakumaran, is exploiting the inaugural sessions of the so-called Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), held in Philadelphia in May 2009, to promote its separatist cause, a highly placed official says.
In an interview with The Island, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that in spite of the diminishing support among the Tamil Diaspora for its macabre ‘Eelam’ project, Rudrakumaran’s faction now had the advantage of the Philadelphia meet to pursue its strategy.
Rudrakumaran, who functions as the Prime Minister of the TGTE, in a statement issued on Jan. 17, 2011, after receiving an invitation from the Southern Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), to attend Independence Day celebrations, revealed that the TGTE’s (Read Tigers) relationship with SPLM was nothing new. According to the US-based lawyer, SPLM had sent its Secretary General Domach Wal Ruach, to address the Philadelphia sessions. This was followed by another session in New York. Referring to President Obama’s op-ed article in New York Times, on the day of the Referendum in South Sudan(Jan. 10), "Millions of Sudanese are making their way to the polls to determine their destiny," Rudrakumaran said: "TGTE is applauding President Obama’s statement and calls upon the international community to give an opportunity for Eelam Tamils to determine their destiny the same way."
The official who was instrumental in destroying the LTTE leadership is of the view that the Rudrakumaran group poses a far more serious threat to post-war Sri Lanka than two or three other factions trying to undermine the country through military means. He says Rudrakumaran is seeking to strengthen his position among the Tamil Diaspora.
Referring to Rudrakumaran’s press statement, the official said that the LTTEer had offered to the new South Sudanese government what he called Tamil Diaspora expertise in selected fields. As the guests of the new government, the TGTE delegates would also meet leaders of other foreign governments, the official said.
The official pointed out that on the basis of the US sessions, Rudrakumaran had held elections in 12 Western Countries last June to show that he had received a mandate from the Tamil Diaspora to continue with the Eelam cause. In spite of his much publicised effort to secure political legitimacy, less than 10 per cent of those who voted were in support of his project.
‘Tigers using ‘Sudan’ link to legitimise Eelam’January 21, 2011, 9:04 pm by Shamindra Ferdinando
A section of the LTTE rump, headed by the US-based V. Rudrakumaran, is exploiting the inaugural sessions of the so-called Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), held in Philadelphia in May 2009, to promote its separatist cause, a highly placed official says.
In an interview with The Island, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that in spite of the diminishing support among the Tamil Diaspora for its macabre ‘Eelam’ project, Rudrakumaran’s faction now had the advantage of the Philadelphia meet to pursue its strategy.
Rudrakumaran, who functions as the Prime Minister of the TGTE, in a statement issued on Jan. 17, 2011, after receiving an invitation from the Southern Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), to attend Independence Day celebrations, revealed that the TGTE’s (Read Tigers) relationship with SPLM was nothing new. According to the US-based lawyer, SPLM had sent its Secretary General Domach Wal Ruach, to address the Philadelphia sessions. This was followed by another session in New York. Referring to President Obama’s op-ed article in New York Times, on the day of the Referendum in South Sudan(Jan. 10), "Millions of Sudanese are making their way to the polls to determine their destiny," Rudrakumaran said: "TGTE is applauding President Obama’s statement and calls upon the international community to give an opportunity for Eelam Tamils to determine their destiny the same way."
The official who was instrumental in destroying the LTTE leadership is of the view that the Rudrakumaran group poses a far more serious threat to post-war Sri Lanka than two or three other factions trying to undermine the country through military means. He says Rudrakumaran is seeking to strengthen his position among the Tamil Diaspora.
Referring to Rudrakumaran’s press statement, the official said that the LTTEer had offered to the new South Sudanese government what he called Tamil Diaspora expertise in selected fields. As the guests of the new government, the TGTE delegates would also meet leaders of other foreign governments, the official said.
The official pointed out that on the basis of the US sessions, Rudrakumaran had held elections in 12 Western Countries last June to show that he had received a mandate from the Tamil Diaspora to continue with the Eelam cause. In spite of his much publicised effort to secure political legitimacy, less than 10 per cent of those who voted were in support of his project.
http://print.dailymirror.lk/editorial/106-editorial/33396.html
The threat of the LTTE raising its ugly head once more
Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:00
The Ottawa Citizen yesterday reported information from Canadian security intelligence authorities that exiled Tamil rebel leaders are in the process of re-establishing the LTTE. They claimed it was still unclear how far advanced it is, but suspect intentions of setting up a base-in-exile there for the leadership.
According to the news, this follows a report which reveals information of two Southeast Asian smuggling syndicates reportedly in the process of launching two more shiploads of Tamil migrants to British Columbia in the coming weeks. According to this information at least 50 former LTTE leaders and senior cadres are expected to board the ship.
It is still unclear what action our representatives in Canada have initiated to thwart this illegal exercise. If we are to go by its actions with the previous entrance of LTTE cadres to Canada, then a lot would remain desired of both our Foreign Office and our representatives there. Approximately 500, a majority of which were LTTE senior leaders and cadres, entered Canada as refugees last August. By the time our Foreign Office moved in with protest the damage was done and the rebels are today safely on Canadian soil.
While the very act by the Canadian government to continue to provide refuge to members of a banned terror organization on its soil itself demands our condemnation, the total apathy by our Foreign Service in its failure to initiate a process whereby such infiltrations are stopped cannot be emphasized more. Time and again this sub servile attitude of our representatives in the West to address issues related to the activities of the LTTE has given cause for serious concern.
It is both shameless and shocking to note the continuation of this scenario even at a stage when the LTTE remain vanquished here and banned as a terror outfit in many parts of the world. The inability of these officials then to push for the easier part of the process, begun and successfully completed by our security forces, demands our unequivocal condemnation.
The longer the Service continues to pander to the West, enjoy its comforts and neglect its duties paid for by the tax payers here, the greater the threat of the LTTE raising its ugly head once more.
Last modified on: 1/25/2011 3:46:10 PM President condoles on Moscow attack
.http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110125_06
President condoles on Moscow attack
President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent his condolences to the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev on the attack on Moscow’s Domedodovo International Airport yesterday (24) which killed 35 people and injured over 130 others.‘I am well aware of the cost of terrorism on humanity as a whole’, President Rajapaksa said.
Following is the full message :
Your Excellency,I wish to extend to Your Excellency my profound condolences on the outrage perpetrated by terrorist forces at the Domedodovo International Airport in Moscow today. I am well aware of the cost of terrorism on humanity as a whole.I would like to convey my condolences to the victims’ families and my good wishes for the speedy recovery of all who have suffered in consequence of this tragedy.My support is always available to Your Excellency.Sincerely,Mahinda RajapaksaPresident of Sri Lanka
Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit
SL High Commissioner requests security for all Lankans
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110125_04
SL High Commissioner requests security for all Lankans
Deplores Chennai Mahabodhi attack
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi, Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam left for Chennai this morning to seek the welfare of Buddhist monks who were injured in the attack on the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai last night (24 Jan).
According to The Hindu Ambassador Kariyawasam is to meet with the Chief Secretary and other key officials of Tamil Nadu to express concern of the Government of Sri Lanka over the incident and request security for all Sri Lankans on pilgrimage, visiting and transiting Chennai.
High Commissioner Kariyawasam stated that in the long years of its existence, the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai has stood without any harm.
Four Buddhist monks were injured when a gang ransacked the Mahabodhi Society Temple office, The Hindu reported citing police sources.
About 10 persons, armed with clubs, barged into the Society office and damaged a showcase and furniture. The monks, all Sri Lankan nationals who tried to intervene, were attacked.
Courtesy: The Hindu
SL High Commissioner requests security for all Lankans
Deplores Chennai Mahabodhi attack
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi, Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam left for Chennai this morning to seek the welfare of Buddhist monks who were injured in the attack on the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai last night (24 Jan).
According to The Hindu Ambassador Kariyawasam is to meet with the Chief Secretary and other key officials of Tamil Nadu to express concern of the Government of Sri Lanka over the incident and request security for all Sri Lankans on pilgrimage, visiting and transiting Chennai.
High Commissioner Kariyawasam stated that in the long years of its existence, the Mahabodhi Temple in Chennai has stood without any harm.
Four Buddhist monks were injured when a gang ransacked the Mahabodhi Society Temple office, The Hindu reported citing police sources.
About 10 persons, armed with clubs, barged into the Society office and damaged a showcase and furniture. The monks, all Sri Lankan nationals who tried to intervene, were attacked.
Courtesy: The Hindu
Some groups are trying to distort the prevailing situation in Jaffna - Jaffna Commander
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110123_01
Some groups are trying to distort the prevailing situation in Jaffna - Jaffna Commander
www.defence.lk">During this local government election season, though some unscrupulous group are trying to distort the prevailing situation in Jaffna giving a wrong impression to the world no underworld gang is operating in Jaffna and the President and the Defence Secretary has given instructions to control the reported violence in the area' said the Commander Security Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe yesterday at a meeting led by Jaffna GA to discuss the security situation in Jaffna.
Further he added that some incidents of looting and burglaries are not specific only to Jaffna and those incidents normally take place anywhere in the island. However, some interested parties are trying to highlight a few of such incidents occurring in Jaffna to show the world that Jaffna is still not safe. The main duty of the Security Forces is to ensure peace and harmony in the peninsula while assisting the Police to maintain law and order.
"Army will intensify present security measures by increasing random checks, snap roadblocks and night patrols in different areas including the city from today onwards. These measures are taken not to harass anybody but to prevent unlawful happenings in Jaffna for the safety of peace-loving people. During his recent visit to Jaffna, His Excellency the President instructed to take all possible actions to stop the rising wave of petty crimes within the peninsula and make a peaceful environment for the people to live in", Commander added.
Further Major General Hathurusinghe ensured that no Security personnel involved in such anti-social activities though some organized groups were trying to tarnish the image of the Security Forces and the Police. If someone was caught being engaged in those activities he said that he would not hesitate to give the maximum punishment to them.
Twenty four hour motor bike petroals are also being conducted to maintain an environment without violence and if the situation escalates, body searches in the Jaffna check points will also be conducted, Major General Hathurusinghe said.
Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar who organized the briefing thanked Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe and other officials for positive actions taken by the Army to ensure peace and tranquility in the area and thanked for enlighting the media and administrative officials about the present security measures in place in Jaffna.
Some groups are trying to distort the prevailing situation in Jaffna - Jaffna Commander
www.defence.lk">During this local government election season, though some unscrupulous group are trying to distort the prevailing situation in Jaffna giving a wrong impression to the world no underworld gang is operating in Jaffna and the President and the Defence Secretary has given instructions to control the reported violence in the area' said the Commander Security Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe yesterday at a meeting led by Jaffna GA to discuss the security situation in Jaffna.
Further he added that some incidents of looting and burglaries are not specific only to Jaffna and those incidents normally take place anywhere in the island. However, some interested parties are trying to highlight a few of such incidents occurring in Jaffna to show the world that Jaffna is still not safe. The main duty of the Security Forces is to ensure peace and harmony in the peninsula while assisting the Police to maintain law and order.
"Army will intensify present security measures by increasing random checks, snap roadblocks and night patrols in different areas including the city from today onwards. These measures are taken not to harass anybody but to prevent unlawful happenings in Jaffna for the safety of peace-loving people. During his recent visit to Jaffna, His Excellency the President instructed to take all possible actions to stop the rising wave of petty crimes within the peninsula and make a peaceful environment for the people to live in", Commander added.
Further Major General Hathurusinghe ensured that no Security personnel involved in such anti-social activities though some organized groups were trying to tarnish the image of the Security Forces and the Police. If someone was caught being engaged in those activities he said that he would not hesitate to give the maximum punishment to them.
Twenty four hour motor bike petroals are also being conducted to maintain an environment without violence and if the situation escalates, body searches in the Jaffna check points will also be conducted, Major General Hathurusinghe said.
Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar who organized the briefing thanked Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe and other officials for positive actions taken by the Army to ensure peace and tranquility in the area and thanked for enlighting the media and administrative officials about the present security measures in place in Jaffna.
Thirty ex-combatants receive jobs in North
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110121_04
Thirty ex-combatants receive jobs in North
Thirty ex-combatants have received appointments in the Sri Lanka Transport Board depots in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Killinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts, following successful completion of their rehabilitation and vocational training.
Letters of appointment were handed over during a ceremony held under the patronage of Parliamentarian and the Tharunyata Hetak Organization Chairman Namal Rajapaksa at the Kilinochchi District Secretariat recently.
Several other ex- combatants have also been recruited as drivers to the SLTB's Kondavil bus Depot in Jaffna. "We are helping ex-combatants return to society and re-integrate with their families," Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has said with press.
"We try to transform the lives of these combatants through rehabilitation. There are major investments in the North. Those investors might employ them," said Parliamentarian Dilum Amunugama who is in-charge of the development of the transport sector in the North.
On the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa newly elected young Parliamentarians have been assigned with specific duties in many areas like health, transport, highways, environment, agriculture, infrastructure, education, fishing and many other areas to be developed and using human and psychical resources in an effective way in the region towards development. Therefore, it is our responsibility to identify the problems prevailing in the region and solve them by assuming the safety and well-being of the people," he further said.
Thirty ex-combatants receive jobs in North
Thirty ex-combatants have received appointments in the Sri Lanka Transport Board depots in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Killinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts, following successful completion of their rehabilitation and vocational training.
Letters of appointment were handed over during a ceremony held under the patronage of Parliamentarian and the Tharunyata Hetak Organization Chairman Namal Rajapaksa at the Kilinochchi District Secretariat recently.
Several other ex- combatants have also been recruited as drivers to the SLTB's Kondavil bus Depot in Jaffna. "We are helping ex-combatants return to society and re-integrate with their families," Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has said with press.
"We try to transform the lives of these combatants through rehabilitation. There are major investments in the North. Those investors might employ them," said Parliamentarian Dilum Amunugama who is in-charge of the development of the transport sector in the North.
On the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa newly elected young Parliamentarians have been assigned with specific duties in many areas like health, transport, highways, environment, agriculture, infrastructure, education, fishing and many other areas to be developed and using human and psychical resources in an effective way in the region towards development. Therefore, it is our responsibility to identify the problems prevailing in the region and solve them by assuming the safety and well-being of the people," he further said.
Speeding up action on LTTE detainees begins
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110121_01
Speeding up action on LTTE detainees begins
The special committee appointed to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and expedite legal actions where necessary, began its work by visiting the Boossa detention camp and interviewed 182 detainees on Wednesday(Jan 19).
President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed the four-member committee to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and recommend suitable action to expedite the cases against them.
The committee is headed by Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando and includes Senior State Counsel P. Kumararatnam, Chethiya Goonesekera and Dinal Ratnayake.
Its appointment follows a recommendation by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to expedite the processing of detained LTTE suspects.
Following rehabilitation, 5,586 LTTE cadres out of the 11,696 detained after the war have been integrated into the normal civilian life after giving them various types of vocational training, and in some cases school education, during their detention in rehabilitation centers.
The private sector firms have shown interest to recruit them, mostly in the apparel export sector. In June last year 400 rehabilitated female LTTE cadres received employment at a garment factory.
Another 84 rehabilitated ex- LTTE cadres were released on Jan. 15 to coincide with Thai Pongal festival.
According to the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe there were only nine rehabilitation centres for ex-LTTE combatants at present, though there had been 24 at the inception. The Rehabilitation Chief said that of some 361 child soldiers, who had sat the GCE (O/L) examination last year, 211 qualified to do GCE (A/L
Speeding up action on LTTE detainees begins
The special committee appointed to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and expedite legal actions where necessary, began its work by visiting the Boossa detention camp and interviewed 182 detainees on Wednesday(Jan 19).
President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed the four-member committee to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and recommend suitable action to expedite the cases against them.
The committee is headed by Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando and includes Senior State Counsel P. Kumararatnam, Chethiya Goonesekera and Dinal Ratnayake.
Its appointment follows a recommendation by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to expedite the processing of detained LTTE suspects.
Following rehabilitation, 5,586 LTTE cadres out of the 11,696 detained after the war have been integrated into the normal civilian life after giving them various types of vocational training, and in some cases school education, during their detention in rehabilitation centers.
The private sector firms have shown interest to recruit them, mostly in the apparel export sector. In June last year 400 rehabilitated female LTTE cadres received employment at a garment factory.
Another 84 rehabilitated ex- LTTE cadres were released on Jan. 15 to coincide with Thai Pongal festival.
According to the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe there were only nine rehabilitation centres for ex-LTTE combatants at present, though there had been 24 at the inception. The Rehabilitation Chief said that of some 361 child soldiers, who had sat the GCE (O/L) examination last year, 211 qualified to do GCE (A/L
Targeting World Cup to drop bomb Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:00
http://print.dailymirror.lk/opinion1/33400.html
Targeting World Cup to drop bomb
Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:00
Four years ago euphoria gripped Sri Lanka on reaching the finals of the World Cup for the second time. The night of nights (28 April 2007) at Sri Lanka time (GMT -4 in Barbados) came when we played Australia in Bridgetown in the finals.
People anesthetized on the aroma of cricket were glued to their television screens while LTTE planes flew low over tree tops to mark the arrival of Tiger Air. LTTE calculated correctly the moment Sri Lankans were intoxicated on cricket amongst other toxics, on a night the entire country was least prepared to give a hearing to a warning siren. The bomb did not drop and the cup was not won; but the morning after it dawned that no longer did we monopolize the air space above us.
Four years later the Cup that counts has come home to be clutched and cricket mania will take over Sri Lanka in the months of February and March 2011.Tiger Air Force is now a museum piece and our World Cup venues safe and secure. Sri Lanka will possibly be happily progressing cheering our way to the Quarter Finals with the international media in full attendance when the UN will fly over us monitored rapaciously on the radar by the white international community to make a strategic strafing by dropping a bombshell- the Report of the three member UN committee inquiring into war crimes damning Sri Lanka.
The game is on. The embassies in Colombo which lobbied to stop the war are ‘on their marks’. The international media is placed in a “get set’ position to enter the country on the pretext of covering a sporting event including a team from Channel Four that are awaiting the starter’s orders from Ban ki Moon.
The report is being fine tuned with narrations from soldiers who have been purchased by the NGOs and given asylum and accommodation in the nations targeting us for bombardment. “Victims” had their dress rehearsals before the presentation. Video clips will be on display and exhibits with extracts of evidence in the body of the report to catch headlines. White flags will fly with sculptured photos. They are presenting a report having heard one side of a story in violation of natural justice.
Ban ki Moon gave an extension to his committee until February to submit the report not necessarily to coincide with the World Cup but at a time Sri Lanka will be focused on the world stage. To them the moment of glory is the time to be shamed like boycotting the Olympic Games in Moscow.
In the Caribbean during the World Cup 2007, Amnesty International on Sri Lanka reaching the Super Eight began distributing cricket balls with the legend “Sri Lanka- Play to Rules” at venues we played to undermine the morale of the players and to make the locals in St Lucia, Jamaica and Barbados to turn hostile and barrack. Notwithstanding AI’s campaign the West Indian fans rallied around our team overwhelmingly in the finals at Barbados, as in Lahore, in solidarity to chant “Anybody but Australia”. Most of the world still loves Sri Lanka; it is we that fail to capitalize. Did those girls that distributed the vicious cricket balls do their go-go jig/jig at the Yankee stadium during the Super Bowl though Guantanamo Bay is nearby to Barbados in the Gulf of Mexico.
Human Rights organizations have lined friendly jurists to publicly call for the head of the head of state and the defense secretary on war crimes citing foot notes from the events in Sudan; to hang necks of officers from the military establishment with source material on extradition from Serbia. To learn lessons from the streets of Belgrade, the goose step of the imperial international community of white nations and their lackeys is to enforce economic strangulation in the midst of a society turning hostile to a government on a failing economy and to offer a life jacket calling for a change of government with alleged war criminals being booked. In the streets of Colombo there is a willing Opposition to street walk with them.
Irrespective of whether it is timed with the cricket carnival, the months ahead are critical. This is a wake up call to the Government of possible repercussions on an indictment by the Moon tribunal. Will the Ministry of External Affairs rise from slumber like Rip Van Winkle, issue its standard form text on legitimacy and stagger back to siesta? Are they orchestrating the members of the non aligned nations to stand by for an emergency operation? Are we in search of Russia and China that came to our rescue in the Security Council? Is India and Japan being lobbied as the friendly upper guardian in the hemisphere? Are our embassies in Asian, Middle Eastern, African and South American countries that voted with us on human rights placed on a red alert?
Beyond and above that, is public opinion being modulated as during the war for therein lie the secret of success since the external forces can make an impact only outside rim if the people overwhelmingly devoid of politics stand firm to save the country again.
A public that loves its forces will rally around the Government if the diaspora nations want to punish for winning a war against terrorism. The media should be alerted of the impending danger to condition the patriotic forces to rise again to defend its Security Forces. Paradoxically the government is blind to a possible blessing in disguise during a local government election: when the external enemy is at the gate, people unite to protect and seek protection with an opposition likely to commit suicide with statements to invite the invading forces.
Will Sri Lanka remain anesthetized again seeking blessings threading white strings on white cricket balls and be traumatized the morning after the release of the report? We never follow the motto of the Boys Scouts or attend to the grievances of the Tamils.
Targeting World Cup to drop bomb
Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:00
Four years ago euphoria gripped Sri Lanka on reaching the finals of the World Cup for the second time. The night of nights (28 April 2007) at Sri Lanka time (GMT -4 in Barbados) came when we played Australia in Bridgetown in the finals.
People anesthetized on the aroma of cricket were glued to their television screens while LTTE planes flew low over tree tops to mark the arrival of Tiger Air. LTTE calculated correctly the moment Sri Lankans were intoxicated on cricket amongst other toxics, on a night the entire country was least prepared to give a hearing to a warning siren. The bomb did not drop and the cup was not won; but the morning after it dawned that no longer did we monopolize the air space above us.
Four years later the Cup that counts has come home to be clutched and cricket mania will take over Sri Lanka in the months of February and March 2011.Tiger Air Force is now a museum piece and our World Cup venues safe and secure. Sri Lanka will possibly be happily progressing cheering our way to the Quarter Finals with the international media in full attendance when the UN will fly over us monitored rapaciously on the radar by the white international community to make a strategic strafing by dropping a bombshell- the Report of the three member UN committee inquiring into war crimes damning Sri Lanka.
The game is on. The embassies in Colombo which lobbied to stop the war are ‘on their marks’. The international media is placed in a “get set’ position to enter the country on the pretext of covering a sporting event including a team from Channel Four that are awaiting the starter’s orders from Ban ki Moon.
The report is being fine tuned with narrations from soldiers who have been purchased by the NGOs and given asylum and accommodation in the nations targeting us for bombardment. “Victims” had their dress rehearsals before the presentation. Video clips will be on display and exhibits with extracts of evidence in the body of the report to catch headlines. White flags will fly with sculptured photos. They are presenting a report having heard one side of a story in violation of natural justice.
Ban ki Moon gave an extension to his committee until February to submit the report not necessarily to coincide with the World Cup but at a time Sri Lanka will be focused on the world stage. To them the moment of glory is the time to be shamed like boycotting the Olympic Games in Moscow.
In the Caribbean during the World Cup 2007, Amnesty International on Sri Lanka reaching the Super Eight began distributing cricket balls with the legend “Sri Lanka- Play to Rules” at venues we played to undermine the morale of the players and to make the locals in St Lucia, Jamaica and Barbados to turn hostile and barrack. Notwithstanding AI’s campaign the West Indian fans rallied around our team overwhelmingly in the finals at Barbados, as in Lahore, in solidarity to chant “Anybody but Australia”. Most of the world still loves Sri Lanka; it is we that fail to capitalize. Did those girls that distributed the vicious cricket balls do their go-go jig/jig at the Yankee stadium during the Super Bowl though Guantanamo Bay is nearby to Barbados in the Gulf of Mexico.
Human Rights organizations have lined friendly jurists to publicly call for the head of the head of state and the defense secretary on war crimes citing foot notes from the events in Sudan; to hang necks of officers from the military establishment with source material on extradition from Serbia. To learn lessons from the streets of Belgrade, the goose step of the imperial international community of white nations and their lackeys is to enforce economic strangulation in the midst of a society turning hostile to a government on a failing economy and to offer a life jacket calling for a change of government with alleged war criminals being booked. In the streets of Colombo there is a willing Opposition to street walk with them.
Irrespective of whether it is timed with the cricket carnival, the months ahead are critical. This is a wake up call to the Government of possible repercussions on an indictment by the Moon tribunal. Will the Ministry of External Affairs rise from slumber like Rip Van Winkle, issue its standard form text on legitimacy and stagger back to siesta? Are they orchestrating the members of the non aligned nations to stand by for an emergency operation? Are we in search of Russia and China that came to our rescue in the Security Council? Is India and Japan being lobbied as the friendly upper guardian in the hemisphere? Are our embassies in Asian, Middle Eastern, African and South American countries that voted with us on human rights placed on a red alert?
Beyond and above that, is public opinion being modulated as during the war for therein lie the secret of success since the external forces can make an impact only outside rim if the people overwhelmingly devoid of politics stand firm to save the country again.
A public that loves its forces will rally around the Government if the diaspora nations want to punish for winning a war against terrorism. The media should be alerted of the impending danger to condition the patriotic forces to rise again to defend its Security Forces. Paradoxically the government is blind to a possible blessing in disguise during a local government election: when the external enemy is at the gate, people unite to protect and seek protection with an opposition likely to commit suicide with statements to invite the invading forces.
Will Sri Lanka remain anesthetized again seeking blessings threading white strings on white cricket balls and be traumatized the morning after the release of the report? We never follow the motto of the Boys Scouts or attend to the grievances of the Tamils.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
‘Cracks in the wall of the silence’- Racket on LTTE front groups in Switzerland
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110115_03
‘Cracks in the wall of the silence’- Racket on LTTE front groups in Switzerland
The federal plainclothes police arrested leaders of the LTTE terrorist in Switzerland in a raid on Tuesday (Jan 11). They are supposed to have extorted money from compatriots and thereby co-financed the war in Sri Lanka. The accusations come from Tamils themselves. - By Dario Venutti and Markus Brotschi
Nearly every one of approximately 40,000 Tamils in Switzerland donated money for the armed struggle of the Tigers in Sri Lanka: by conviction, as an obligation or because one was pressurized and extorted. According to the British ethnologist Christopher MacDowell, who knows theTamil Diaspora well, seven million franc flowed this way annually from Switzerland into the war chests of the Tigers.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office now wants to find out which portion of this money came through criminal means. In the actions on Tuesday coordinated by federal plainclothes police in ten cantons, the top leadership of the Tamil Tigers of Switzerland was arrested: the local boss of the rebels, the predecessor, the finance boss and further cadres. They are being accused of extortion, money laundering, forging of documents and of being members of a criminal organization. According to Federal Prosecutor’s Office, eight of the ten arrested are to be put custody. According to the Lawyer Marcel Bosonnet from Zürich who represents the Tiger boss, they reject the accusations. Even some time earlier accusations had been made against the boss, but these could not be proved.
“Many lost the fear”
Already in the middle of the 90’s the Swiss authorities actually arrested 15 Tiger cadres. But after four years, the prosecution of the prominent head of the rebels in Switzerland at that time came to nothing - among other things, because witnesses of the prosecution withdrew their statements due to fear of repression.
Rajan Rajakumar, a cultural mediator and family therapist from Zurich, is convinced that this will not happen in the current criminal investigation. “Many Tamils have lost the fear of the Tigers” he says. The war defeat in the spring 2009 after nearly a 30-year struggle in Sri Lanka, the death of the terror lord Prabhakaran who was admired as ‘God’, and the presumed war crimes of the Tigers on their own population - all these have demystified the ‘liberation fighters’. According to Rajakumar Tamils today are ready to denounce the Tigers and make statements before court, because with the defeat also the social pressure has diminished. Last year in Germany and Holland several Tigers were taken before court because of the same crimes, in Canada one was even convicted.
The “Tages Anzeiger” is in the possession of information according to which several Tamils have made incriminating statements at the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Berne. In two cases it concerns men, who are highly in debt: The two have taken credits under pressure to a value of 100,000 and 50,000 Swiss Francs respectively and given the money to the Tigers. The rebels issued the men falsified wage documents, on which the banks granted them credits. In truth the two men has a gross income of approximately 4200 Swiss Francs each.
Hundreds of Tamils in debt
According to TA-sources from the Tamil community, which takes a critical stand in relation to the Tigers, several dozen of their compatriots are indebted with ten-thousands of Francs. And hundreds of Tamils have taken up small loans. Possibly, these were arranged for them by two finance companies, of which the police likewise accomplished a raid on Tuesday and arrested the Tamil managing director: One has its office in Berne with branches in Zurich and Basel, the other one in canton Luzern. According to the Registry of Companies both are specialized in credit financing.
If one believes Tiger-critical Tamils, the structures of the rebel army are still intact in Switzerland. Thus, the admission fee for a celebration on 2nd January in Albisgüetli in Zürich is supposed to have gone in to their war chest. Despite the war defeat the goals of Prabhakaran are pursued further in Switzerland mainly by the generation of the 17- to 25-year olds.
However, the Tamil parliamentarian of canton Luzern Lathan Suntharalingam contradicts that. He is not aware of any pressure put on his compatriots by the Tigers or their front organizations any more. From the rebels and their representatives in Switzerland there is no more danger, which is why he is “surprised” at the raid of the federal plain clothes police of Tuesday. “One is stepping on a dead snake”, he says. Several Tamils belonging to the Tiger would have co-operated with the police on their own to weaken the accusations. The procedure of the authorities wakes painful fear among the Tamils.
‘Cracks in the wall of the silence’- Racket on LTTE front groups in Switzerland
The federal plainclothes police arrested leaders of the LTTE terrorist in Switzerland in a raid on Tuesday (Jan 11). They are supposed to have extorted money from compatriots and thereby co-financed the war in Sri Lanka. The accusations come from Tamils themselves. - By Dario Venutti and Markus Brotschi
Nearly every one of approximately 40,000 Tamils in Switzerland donated money for the armed struggle of the Tigers in Sri Lanka: by conviction, as an obligation or because one was pressurized and extorted. According to the British ethnologist Christopher MacDowell, who knows theTamil Diaspora well, seven million franc flowed this way annually from Switzerland into the war chests of the Tigers.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office now wants to find out which portion of this money came through criminal means. In the actions on Tuesday coordinated by federal plainclothes police in ten cantons, the top leadership of the Tamil Tigers of Switzerland was arrested: the local boss of the rebels, the predecessor, the finance boss and further cadres. They are being accused of extortion, money laundering, forging of documents and of being members of a criminal organization. According to Federal Prosecutor’s Office, eight of the ten arrested are to be put custody. According to the Lawyer Marcel Bosonnet from Zürich who represents the Tiger boss, they reject the accusations. Even some time earlier accusations had been made against the boss, but these could not be proved.
“Many lost the fear”
Already in the middle of the 90’s the Swiss authorities actually arrested 15 Tiger cadres. But after four years, the prosecution of the prominent head of the rebels in Switzerland at that time came to nothing - among other things, because witnesses of the prosecution withdrew their statements due to fear of repression.
Rajan Rajakumar, a cultural mediator and family therapist from Zurich, is convinced that this will not happen in the current criminal investigation. “Many Tamils have lost the fear of the Tigers” he says. The war defeat in the spring 2009 after nearly a 30-year struggle in Sri Lanka, the death of the terror lord Prabhakaran who was admired as ‘God’, and the presumed war crimes of the Tigers on their own population - all these have demystified the ‘liberation fighters’. According to Rajakumar Tamils today are ready to denounce the Tigers and make statements before court, because with the defeat also the social pressure has diminished. Last year in Germany and Holland several Tigers were taken before court because of the same crimes, in Canada one was even convicted.
The “Tages Anzeiger” is in the possession of information according to which several Tamils have made incriminating statements at the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Berne. In two cases it concerns men, who are highly in debt: The two have taken credits under pressure to a value of 100,000 and 50,000 Swiss Francs respectively and given the money to the Tigers. The rebels issued the men falsified wage documents, on which the banks granted them credits. In truth the two men has a gross income of approximately 4200 Swiss Francs each.
Hundreds of Tamils in debt
According to TA-sources from the Tamil community, which takes a critical stand in relation to the Tigers, several dozen of their compatriots are indebted with ten-thousands of Francs. And hundreds of Tamils have taken up small loans. Possibly, these were arranged for them by two finance companies, of which the police likewise accomplished a raid on Tuesday and arrested the Tamil managing director: One has its office in Berne with branches in Zurich and Basel, the other one in canton Luzern. According to the Registry of Companies both are specialized in credit financing.
If one believes Tiger-critical Tamils, the structures of the rebel army are still intact in Switzerland. Thus, the admission fee for a celebration on 2nd January in Albisgüetli in Zürich is supposed to have gone in to their war chest. Despite the war defeat the goals of Prabhakaran are pursued further in Switzerland mainly by the generation of the 17- to 25-year olds.
However, the Tamil parliamentarian of canton Luzern Lathan Suntharalingam contradicts that. He is not aware of any pressure put on his compatriots by the Tigers or their front organizations any more. From the rebels and their representatives in Switzerland there is no more danger, which is why he is “surprised” at the raid of the federal plain clothes police of Tuesday. “One is stepping on a dead snake”, he says. Several Tamils belonging to the Tiger would have co-operated with the police on their own to weaken the accusations. The procedure of the authorities wakes painful fear among the Tamils.
Northern Province 100 schools to be refurbished
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110114_05
Northern Province 100 schools to be refurbished
The Government has taken steps to refurbish 100 schools damaged by the LTTE terrorists during the recent war period. A sum of Rs 141 Million is being funded by the Nippon Foundation in Japan and Seva Lanka foundation, for the project.
Shuichi Ono of the Nippon Foundation and S.Illangakoon, Secretary of the Ministry of Education in the Northern Province, signed the agreement for the project at the Presidential Secretariat.
The Government has already planned to bring the education level of the Northern Province to a higher position by developing the standards of students and improving infrastructure facilities of the schools. Most of the schools which were damaged or destroyed during the recent war period have now been renovated or re-established.
Swiss police arrest 10 LTTE activists
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110112_04
Swiss police arrest 10 LTTE activists
The Swiss Federal Criminal Police in a nationally coordinated operation directed at Tamil individuals and members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), raided several properties and arrested ten LTTE cadres yesterday (11 Jan).
The Police have accused them of involvement in a criminal group as well as money laundering, the Swiss Attorney-General's office said.
"During the course of the investigation, the suspicion that, for many years, the accused persons had forced their fellow countrymen of the Tamil Diaspora to financially support the LTTE, was substantiated," said the office.
"The victims in Switzerland were put under severe pressure, threatened, or subjected to extortion," it further added.
Authorities found that the accused had forced their fellow countrymen to take out large loans, and to hand over the funds. Those who refused were threatened with reprisals, international media reported.
"Several million Swiss francs were raised and transferred to Sri Lanka where they were used to finance Tamil Tiger activities, in particular, in the purchase of 'war materials," said the AG office.
"To disguise the true origin of the funds, they were invested in companies with connections to the LTTE conducting legal business," noted the attorney-general's office.
Some 23 premises were raided in ten cantons, leading to the arrests in the operation that came after a criminal probe into the Tamil Tigers' activities in Switzerland.
Swiss prosecutors have established a toll free line 0800 10 20 60, calling on witnesses or victims to come forward if they had information on how the LTTE operate.
Swiss police arrest 10 LTTE activists
The Swiss Federal Criminal Police in a nationally coordinated operation directed at Tamil individuals and members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), raided several properties and arrested ten LTTE cadres yesterday (11 Jan).
The Police have accused them of involvement in a criminal group as well as money laundering, the Swiss Attorney-General's office said.
"During the course of the investigation, the suspicion that, for many years, the accused persons had forced their fellow countrymen of the Tamil Diaspora to financially support the LTTE, was substantiated," said the office.
"The victims in Switzerland were put under severe pressure, threatened, or subjected to extortion," it further added.
Authorities found that the accused had forced their fellow countrymen to take out large loans, and to hand over the funds. Those who refused were threatened with reprisals, international media reported.
"Several million Swiss francs were raised and transferred to Sri Lanka where they were used to finance Tamil Tiger activities, in particular, in the purchase of 'war materials," said the AG office.
"To disguise the true origin of the funds, they were invested in companies with connections to the LTTE conducting legal business," noted the attorney-general's office.
Some 23 premises were raided in ten cantons, leading to the arrests in the operation that came after a criminal probe into the Tamil Tigers' activities in Switzerland.
Swiss prosecutors have established a toll free line 0800 10 20 60, calling on witnesses or victims to come forward if they had information on how the LTTE operate.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
“We conducted a Humanitarian Operation, with zero civilian casualties” – President
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110111_01
“We conducted a Humanitarian Operation, with zero civilian casualties” – President
Opens ‘Lakviru Sevana’ for disabled war heroes…
Image Courtesy : SL Army">President and C-in-C Mahinda Rajapaksa Monday (Jan 10) unveiled, a sales complex to market products made by disabled war heroes at 272, Denzil Kobbekaduwa road- Battaramulla.The sales complex was built under the patronage of Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero with cooperation of the Dharnayathana Trust.
Addressing the gathered at the inauguration speech President Rajapaksa asserted that, Sri Lanka as a whole had to suffer due to a protracted conflict because of betrayals, subjugations and blunders made in the past. He was of the opinion that the conflict could have ended much earlier and the devastation caused by it to both man and property could have been avoided to a great extent, if certain administrators in the past had engaged in prudent and selfless decision making on behalf of the country.
He also said that the military defeat of the LTTE would have being successful earlier, if not for the petty-politics played with ulterior motives at the cost of many innocent lives and property.
“Some also gave the LTTE weapons and the terrorists used those same weapons to attack our Security Forces. The strategies to divide the Motherland were not limited to the battlefield but had spread its tentacles to all spheres of society” President Rajapaksa said.
“For 30 years people had faced this threat in the midst of many obstacles. Certain elements who earned dividends from terrorists too were behind moves to destabilize the country. Remnants of these elements still continue to engage in slander to tarnish the country’s image and that of Security Forces” he further asserted. “It is only those who have hatred towards the country and nation that can betray such heroes, he added. He noted that Sri Lanka with a collective effort had risen to the challenge with bravery, national pride and patriotism to defeat the forces of terror. We conducted a humanitarian mission. The Eastern Province liberation with zero civilian casualties is an example to others,” he said.
Further speaking President Rajapaksa said that in the aftermath of the conflict the Security Forces today were productively contributing to the development initiatives and public assistance programs in the country. Meanwhile, President praised the efforts made by Ven Elle Gunawansa Thera to initiate the ‘Lakviru Sevana’ complex and described it as one which would reinforce and encourage war heroes.
Ministers, Parliamentarians, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilake, Army Commander Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe were also present at the occasion.
“We conducted a Humanitarian Operation, with zero civilian casualties” – President
Opens ‘Lakviru Sevana’ for disabled war heroes…
Image Courtesy : SL Army">President and C-in-C Mahinda Rajapaksa Monday (Jan 10) unveiled, a sales complex to market products made by disabled war heroes at 272, Denzil Kobbekaduwa road- Battaramulla.The sales complex was built under the patronage of Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero with cooperation of the Dharnayathana Trust.
Addressing the gathered at the inauguration speech President Rajapaksa asserted that, Sri Lanka as a whole had to suffer due to a protracted conflict because of betrayals, subjugations and blunders made in the past. He was of the opinion that the conflict could have ended much earlier and the devastation caused by it to both man and property could have been avoided to a great extent, if certain administrators in the past had engaged in prudent and selfless decision making on behalf of the country.
He also said that the military defeat of the LTTE would have being successful earlier, if not for the petty-politics played with ulterior motives at the cost of many innocent lives and property.
“Some also gave the LTTE weapons and the terrorists used those same weapons to attack our Security Forces. The strategies to divide the Motherland were not limited to the battlefield but had spread its tentacles to all spheres of society” President Rajapaksa said.
“For 30 years people had faced this threat in the midst of many obstacles. Certain elements who earned dividends from terrorists too were behind moves to destabilize the country. Remnants of these elements still continue to engage in slander to tarnish the country’s image and that of Security Forces” he further asserted. “It is only those who have hatred towards the country and nation that can betray such heroes, he added. He noted that Sri Lanka with a collective effort had risen to the challenge with bravery, national pride and patriotism to defeat the forces of terror. We conducted a humanitarian mission. The Eastern Province liberation with zero civilian casualties is an example to others,” he said.
Further speaking President Rajapaksa said that in the aftermath of the conflict the Security Forces today were productively contributing to the development initiatives and public assistance programs in the country. Meanwhile, President praised the efforts made by Ven Elle Gunawansa Thera to initiate the ‘Lakviru Sevana’ complex and described it as one which would reinforce and encourage war heroes.
Ministers, Parliamentarians, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilake, Army Commander Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe were also present at the occasion.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110111_03
Returning Tamils are safe in Sri Lanka says Canadian authorities
Sri Lanka is peaceful – Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board
“Your life is not in danger just because you’re a Tamil who has been sent back to Sri Lanka”, says a new policy introduced by Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board.The “persuasive decision,” a note aimed at maintaining consistency in IRB rulings, said meaningful changes in Sri Lanka suggest Tamils – particularly young males – won’t be persecuted because of their social group or political opinions. Although refugee board adjudicators aren’t forced to follow the new guideline, the IRB said such notes “are offered to members as models of sound reasoning that may be adopted in appropriate circumstances.”The policy, which could affect refugee claimants who arrived in Canada aboard the Ocean Lady and MV Sun Sea, is being challenged in court by a lawyer who says it is not legally sound. The IRB’s decision was released last month, just before the holidays. Persuasive decisions derive from individual cases that are identified as being of persuasive value in developing guidelines. The IRB also pointed to improvements in the country’s human-rights situation, among other factors.The persuasive decision said protection is limited to those who face a specific risk that is not faced generally by others in or from the country.Source: The Globe and Mailc
Returning Tamils are safe in Sri Lanka says Canadian authorities
Sri Lanka is peaceful – Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board
“Your life is not in danger just because you’re a Tamil who has been sent back to Sri Lanka”, says a new policy introduced by Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board.The “persuasive decision,” a note aimed at maintaining consistency in IRB rulings, said meaningful changes in Sri Lanka suggest Tamils – particularly young males – won’t be persecuted because of their social group or political opinions. Although refugee board adjudicators aren’t forced to follow the new guideline, the IRB said such notes “are offered to members as models of sound reasoning that may be adopted in appropriate circumstances.”The policy, which could affect refugee claimants who arrived in Canada aboard the Ocean Lady and MV Sun Sea, is being challenged in court by a lawyer who says it is not legally sound. The IRB’s decision was released last month, just before the holidays. Persuasive decisions derive from individual cases that are identified as being of persuasive value in developing guidelines. The IRB also pointed to improvements in the country’s human-rights situation, among other factors.The persuasive decision said protection is limited to those who face a specific risk that is not faced generally by others in or from the country.Source: The Globe and Mailc
Elements trying to discredit govt. before int'nal community: President
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110109_02
Elements trying to discredit govt. before int'nal community: President
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa charged that certain elements are trying to portray a picture that country was going towards a totalitarian rule and said that these reactionary elements wanted to take him to the electric chair on war crimes allegations.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at an opening ceremony of Public Library in Colombo district said that those with vested interest carry out this malicious propaganda in English web sites to convince the international community that Sri Lanka is a failed state and the rulers are uncivilized and violate international conventions.
Citing an example the President said that certain English web site publish news to the effect the President has scolded the Chief Justice of the superior court. This was an attempt by certain elements to create a rift between the President and the Chief Justice he said
"I did not meet the Chief Justice since my inauguration ceremony for the second term in office on November 19th, so how could I have possibly scolded him? President Rajapaksa asked.
"All these are a calculated move to discredit the rulers of the country before the international community to portray a bad picture of Sri Lanka" President declared
He appealed not to engage in this miserable mud slinging campaign as it would do much harm to the country and its people.
Meanwhile government spokesman Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that it had become a trend of certain anti government elements and pro-LTTE lobbyists to spread false propaganda when important international conferences are around.
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the weekly cabinet news briefing at the Government Information Dept. that the claim by some opposition parties and other disgruntled groups that the government was responsible for the recent abductions and killings in the North was part of such a sinister campaign.
Whenever an important international event is taking place these elements act. The UN Human Rights Commission is to have its annual convention in Geneva in a month or so. That is why these anti government elements are hard at work to put the blame for violence taking place in Jaffna on the government's doorstep. Minister Rambukwella said.
The minister also said that on the days the UN Human Rights Commission's annual convention and the World Press day killing were carried out. Even on the day of Christmas some time back a political killing was carried.
"What does it mean? The perpetrators want to send a message to the Catholic world that the government of Sri Lanka is against the Catholic" Minister said
He said the government however would not dodge the issue but conduct a thorough investigation on the violence taking place in Jaffna and elsewhere in the north and expose those responsible.
Courtesy: Government Information Department
Elements trying to discredit govt. before int'nal community: President
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa charged that certain elements are trying to portray a picture that country was going towards a totalitarian rule and said that these reactionary elements wanted to take him to the electric chair on war crimes allegations.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at an opening ceremony of Public Library in Colombo district said that those with vested interest carry out this malicious propaganda in English web sites to convince the international community that Sri Lanka is a failed state and the rulers are uncivilized and violate international conventions.
Citing an example the President said that certain English web site publish news to the effect the President has scolded the Chief Justice of the superior court. This was an attempt by certain elements to create a rift between the President and the Chief Justice he said
"I did not meet the Chief Justice since my inauguration ceremony for the second term in office on November 19th, so how could I have possibly scolded him? President Rajapaksa asked.
"All these are a calculated move to discredit the rulers of the country before the international community to portray a bad picture of Sri Lanka" President declared
He appealed not to engage in this miserable mud slinging campaign as it would do much harm to the country and its people.
Meanwhile government spokesman Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that it had become a trend of certain anti government elements and pro-LTTE lobbyists to spread false propaganda when important international conferences are around.
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the weekly cabinet news briefing at the Government Information Dept. that the claim by some opposition parties and other disgruntled groups that the government was responsible for the recent abductions and killings in the North was part of such a sinister campaign.
Whenever an important international event is taking place these elements act. The UN Human Rights Commission is to have its annual convention in Geneva in a month or so. That is why these anti government elements are hard at work to put the blame for violence taking place in Jaffna on the government's doorstep. Minister Rambukwella said.
The minister also said that on the days the UN Human Rights Commission's annual convention and the World Press day killing were carried out. Even on the day of Christmas some time back a political killing was carried.
"What does it mean? The perpetrators want to send a message to the Catholic world that the government of Sri Lanka is against the Catholic" Minister said
He said the government however would not dodge the issue but conduct a thorough investigation on the violence taking place in Jaffna and elsewhere in the north and expose those responsible.
Courtesy: Government Information Department
Friday, January 7, 2011
http://www.newsnow.lk/latest-news/ltte-in-malaysian-unis
Amidst reports that some groups are attempting to promote radical ideologies at Malaysian universities including the agenda’s of the LTTE, the Sri Lankan envoy in Malaysia said that such a possibility does exist with so many private universities operating in Malaysia.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Malaysia Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe, speaking to News Now.lk, said that the Malaysian Home Ministry is carefully monitoring any attempt by terrorist groups including the LTTE to carry out terrorist related activities in Malaysia.
Asked if it is possible that the militarily defeated LTTE could promote its agenda at Malaysian universities, Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe said that such a possibility does exist but noted that LTTE activities in Malaysia are far less than what it was earlier.
The Malaysian media reported that university students are being exposed to radical ideology — including Islamist extremism and Tamil separatism — although there is no immediate threat of it turning into terrorism.
The country’s Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had said on Wednesday that the authorities, with help from foreign and local intelligence reports, were monitoring those who sought to spread militant ideas on campuses and elsewhere.
(Report by Jamila Najmuddin for News Now.lk)
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Malaysia Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe, speaking to News Now.lk, said that the Malaysian Home Ministry is carefully monitoring any attempt by terrorist groups including the LTTE to carry out terrorist related activities in Malaysia.
Asked if it is possible that the militarily defeated LTTE could promote its agenda at Malaysian universities, Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe said that such a possibility does exist but noted that LTTE activities in Malaysia are far less than what it was earlier.
The Malaysian media reported that university students are being exposed to radical ideology — including Islamist extremism and Tamil separatism — although there is no immediate threat of it turning into terrorism.
The country’s Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had said on Wednesday that the authorities, with help from foreign and local intelligence reports, were monitoring those who sought to spread militant ideas on campuses and elsewhere.
(Report by Jamila Najmuddin for News Now.lk)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Colombo - Defeated Tamil separatist rebels of northern Sri Lanka were running illegal operations overseas, using ships that escaped the conflict, a se
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1609757.php/Tamil-rebels-operating-ships-abroad-Sri-Lankan-minister-says
Tamil rebels operating ships abroad, Sri Lankan minister says
Colombo - Defeated Tamil separatist rebels of northern Sri Lanka were running illegal operations overseas, using ships that escaped the conflict, a senior cabinet minister said Thursday.
Rebels associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) still had at least eight vessels and were using them for illegal activities, including human trafficking, charged Dinesh Gunawardena, the chief government whip and water supply and drainage minister.
The Tamil rebels were defeated by the government in 2009, ending a 26-year civil war, during which government forces destroyed 11 of the rebels' 20 ships.
But 'their international network is still active,' said Gunawardena, leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (People's United Front), a member of the ruling coalition.
The opposition has asked the government what it is doing to recover the rebels' overseas assets.
Gunawardena told Parliament that the intelligence authorities were taking appropriate action against the remaining ships but declined to give details for security reasons.
LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan, who was captured in August 2009 in an unspecified Asian country, was reported to have provided the government information on the rebels' operations.
Tamil rebels operating ships abroad, Sri Lankan minister says
Colombo - Defeated Tamil separatist rebels of northern Sri Lanka were running illegal operations overseas, using ships that escaped the conflict, a senior cabinet minister said Thursday.
Rebels associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) still had at least eight vessels and were using them for illegal activities, including human trafficking, charged Dinesh Gunawardena, the chief government whip and water supply and drainage minister.
The Tamil rebels were defeated by the government in 2009, ending a 26-year civil war, during which government forces destroyed 11 of the rebels' 20 ships.
But 'their international network is still active,' said Gunawardena, leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (People's United Front), a member of the ruling coalition.
The opposition has asked the government what it is doing to recover the rebels' overseas assets.
Gunawardena told Parliament that the intelligence authorities were taking appropriate action against the remaining ships but declined to give details for security reasons.
LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan, who was captured in August 2009 in an unspecified Asian country, was reported to have provided the government information on the rebels' operations.
Refugees wanting to return home, increasing - UNHCR
Refugees wanting to return home, increasing - UNHCR
6 Jan 2011 - 08:42
The number of Sri Lankan refugees wanting to return home since the end of the conflict in 2009 is clearly on the increase, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said."In response, we have streamlined our procedures and introduced some new measures to make the return process quicker and easier,” said Michael Zwack, UNHCR’s representative in Sri Lanka said.
According to UNHCR data, in 2010, the number of refugees UNHCR assisted to return home to Sri Lanka jumped to 2,054 compared to 843 in 2009. Most of the returnees came from refugee camps in Tamil Nadu in India, with several from other countries such as Malaysia. In addition to these assisted returns, another 2,742 Sri Lankan refugees, who returned to the country on their own accord, approached UNHCR’s offices in the North for assistance, UNHCR said in a release.
UNHCR expects more refugees to voluntarily return in 2011. Many of them will come home with the agency’s help.
Under UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation assistance, refugees are provided an air ticket home to Sri Lanka from India or other country of asylum and they are assisted with documentation issues. Starting from January 01, 2011, refugees returning under UNHCR’s programme will also receive a standard reintegration grant to help them restart their lives.
UNHCR meets returning refugees at the airport in Colombo and provides them with a modest transport grant to help them get back to their homes. Once home, they can approach UNHCR offices in the north to get a kit of basic household supplies. This assistance is only for refugees returning through UNHCR’s facilitated programme.
According to the latest Indian government figures, as of November 1, 2010, there are 70,354 Sri Lankan refugees living in some 112 camps in Tamil Nadu and 32,467 living outside the camps. In total there are 146,098 Sri Lankan registered refugees in 64 countries including India, France, Canada, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia, the United States and Italy.
In July last year, the UNHCR said, given the cessation of hostilities, Sri Lankans originating from the north of the country are no longer in need of international protection under broader refugee criteria or complementary forms of protection solely on the basis of risk of indiscriminate harm.
The UN Refugee Agency releasing its report on July 5, 2010, titled 'Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Asylum-Seekers from Sri Lanka', further said that human rights and security situation in Sri Lanka has improved.
'In light of the improved human rights and security situation in Sri Lanka, there is no longer a need for group-based protection mechanisms or for a presumption of eligibility for Sri Lankans of Tamil ethnicity originating from the north of the country', UNHCR report stated.Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
6 Jan 2011 - 08:42
The number of Sri Lankan refugees wanting to return home since the end of the conflict in 2009 is clearly on the increase, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said."In response, we have streamlined our procedures and introduced some new measures to make the return process quicker and easier,” said Michael Zwack, UNHCR’s representative in Sri Lanka said.
According to UNHCR data, in 2010, the number of refugees UNHCR assisted to return home to Sri Lanka jumped to 2,054 compared to 843 in 2009. Most of the returnees came from refugee camps in Tamil Nadu in India, with several from other countries such as Malaysia. In addition to these assisted returns, another 2,742 Sri Lankan refugees, who returned to the country on their own accord, approached UNHCR’s offices in the North for assistance, UNHCR said in a release.
UNHCR expects more refugees to voluntarily return in 2011. Many of them will come home with the agency’s help.
Under UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation assistance, refugees are provided an air ticket home to Sri Lanka from India or other country of asylum and they are assisted with documentation issues. Starting from January 01, 2011, refugees returning under UNHCR’s programme will also receive a standard reintegration grant to help them restart their lives.
UNHCR meets returning refugees at the airport in Colombo and provides them with a modest transport grant to help them get back to their homes. Once home, they can approach UNHCR offices in the north to get a kit of basic household supplies. This assistance is only for refugees returning through UNHCR’s facilitated programme.
According to the latest Indian government figures, as of November 1, 2010, there are 70,354 Sri Lankan refugees living in some 112 camps in Tamil Nadu and 32,467 living outside the camps. In total there are 146,098 Sri Lankan registered refugees in 64 countries including India, France, Canada, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia, the United States and Italy.
In July last year, the UNHCR said, given the cessation of hostilities, Sri Lankans originating from the north of the country are no longer in need of international protection under broader refugee criteria or complementary forms of protection solely on the basis of risk of indiscriminate harm.
The UN Refugee Agency releasing its report on July 5, 2010, titled 'Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Asylum-Seekers from Sri Lanka', further said that human rights and security situation in Sri Lanka has improved.
'In light of the improved human rights and security situation in Sri Lanka, there is no longer a need for group-based protection mechanisms or for a presumption of eligibility for Sri Lankans of Tamil ethnicity originating from the north of the country', UNHCR report stated.Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
HR allegations against SL forces baseless:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/06/news30.asp
HR allegations against SL forces baseless:
LTTE atrocities taboo for some
Suraj A Bandara
The allegation that Sri Lankan security forces perpetrated mass killings during the final phase of the war is baseless since over 9,000 LTTE cadres who were actively engaged in the war surrendered to the Army. All these LTTE cadres would have been killed if the security forces were fighting without considering rules of combat, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) yesterday.
He further said all these allegations are fabricated by certain local and foreign organizations and politicians to put the blame on the Sri Lankan Government. The embryo of Tamil terrorism was not laid in recent history. Red Bana, Sarvodaya and TRRO organizations were systematically establishing the notion of a separate Tamil homeland and the culmination of their demand was the LTTE terrorism, he said.
After the war, a group of Sinhalese who migrated to Jaffna to settle down were rousingly welcomed by the Tamil community as brothers. But certain racist Tamil political parties are still protesting against the Sinhala migration, he said.
'All the blunders are being done by the Tamil politicians and not by the Tamil people. Tamil politicians should be responsible for the bloodshed among all communities in the history," he said.
He said Sri Lanka was the only country that treated all the ethnic communities equally.
Only one section of the crisis has been identified by the people. Sinhalese were the grieved party due to this war. In the 1983 riot, all Tamils who were discriminated by politically backed groups were returned within six months but Sinhalese who were chased from the Jaffna Peninsula and North and East regions are still deprived of their basic human rights even to return to their residences where they were staying for a long period, he said.
The Sinhalese who were chased from Jaffna under the LTTE's ethnic cleansing project are still living in Mihinthale and Kurunegala areas.
Only Tamil displacement was highly emphasized and extensive media attention was focused on them.
Sri Lanka, world’s fastest rising market - Guardian
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/06/news02.asp
Sri Lanka, world’s fastest rising market - Guardian
Sri Lanka had the world’s fastest rising market as its post-war economy boomed, UK’s Guardian said in a recent report titled ‘The best and worst investments of 2010’.
“In 2009, the little-known Colombo Stock Exchange rose a remarkable 128 percent after the Sri Lankan Government formally declared an end to the 25-year civil war.” This year, the market has soared again, rising by 101 percent (in sterling terms) in the year to December 20, according to figures compiled for Guardian Money by Vanguard, which operates a wide range of index funds. The Sri Lanka stock market is reported to be one of the most modern exchanges in South Asia, with a fully automated trading platform.
The value of the companies traded on the market is now more than $ 20 billion and 2011 will see companies such as SriLankan Airlines listing its shares.
The island’s economy is expected to grow eight percent in 2010 and nine percent in 2011 - rates usually seen in China. Tourism is booming, with 750,000 visitors anticipated in 2011, while tea exporters are also enjoying strong gains. Argentina, once a by-word for economic default, is also back in fashion among investors.
“The Buenos Aires Bourse advanced 82 percent, closely followed by the Thai exchange (up 70 percent) and the Ukraine (up 68 percent and no, we didn’t know there was a stock market there, either),” the report said. priu.gov.lk
Maximum security for Cricket World Cup participants
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110106_01
Maximum security for Cricket World Cup participants
Senior Deputy Inspector General N K Illangakoon said that the police, Army, STF and Air Force would provide the maximum security during the ICC Cricket World Cup due to be held from 20th February to 29th March in Sri Lanka and further he added that it was a great responsibility vested on all security personnel in the Island.
This year, ICC Cricket World Cup is held in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh and many players, ICC match officials, volunteer helpers, foreign visitors, media personnel and cricket fans will be in Sri Lanka during this tournament.
Sri Lanka , West Indies, Netherland, Zimbabwe , Australia, Kenya, Canada, New Zealand and Pakistan teams will play in Colombo, Kandy and Hambantota during this tournament and on the directions of Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa a 24 hour maximum security arrangement is enforce.
Regarding the security of all players, officials and the supporters the Police will play a major role while the Army and STF will give their support. The Air Force will provide air support if an emergency arises said the Senior Deputy Inspector General.
He further added that several meetings had been held in that regard and the final meeting would be held on January 11.
Maximum security for Cricket World Cup participants
Senior Deputy Inspector General N K Illangakoon said that the police, Army, STF and Air Force would provide the maximum security during the ICC Cricket World Cup due to be held from 20th February to 29th March in Sri Lanka and further he added that it was a great responsibility vested on all security personnel in the Island.
This year, ICC Cricket World Cup is held in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh and many players, ICC match officials, volunteer helpers, foreign visitors, media personnel and cricket fans will be in Sri Lanka during this tournament.
Sri Lanka , West Indies, Netherland, Zimbabwe , Australia, Kenya, Canada, New Zealand and Pakistan teams will play in Colombo, Kandy and Hambantota during this tournament and on the directions of Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa a 24 hour maximum security arrangement is enforce.
Regarding the security of all players, officials and the supporters the Police will play a major role while the Army and STF will give their support. The Air Force will provide air support if an emergency arises said the Senior Deputy Inspector General.
He further added that several meetings had been held in that regard and the final meeting would be held on January 11.
1/4/2011 7:37:02 PM Half of ex LTTE cadres left custody – Rehabilitation Chief
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110104_07
Half of ex LTTE cadres left custody – Rehabilitation Chief
Out of 11,696 former LTTE combatants in custody, 5,586 have left rehabilitation centres after successfully completing comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Following rehabilitation 5,586 LTTE cadres have left rehabilitation centres since the end of the war. At the beginning rehabilitation centres held 11,696 LTTE combatants and directed them for various vocation trainings during their rehabilitation progrsm, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brigadier Susantha Ranasinghe said.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation said that only 4,761 remained in his care in centres in the Northern Province. The majority of them could be freed this year, he said, adding that those scheduled to be handed over to their families on Jan. 15 would be the first batch to be freed in 2011.
The Commissioner said that Sri Lanka had received the support of the international community and business leaders to accelerate the rehabilitation process. Foreign diplomats who observed the rehabilitation programs also commended the initiatives taken by the Sri Lanka government to grab ex-LTTE combatants for country’s productivity.
Brigadier Ranasinghe said that there were only nine rehabilitation centres for ex-LTTE combatants at present, though there had been 24 at the inception. The Rehabilitation Chief said that out of some 361 child soldiers, who had sat the GCE (O/L) examination last year, 211 qualified to do GCE (A/L).
Challenge of development bigger than defeating terrorism – President
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110104_01
Challenge of development bigger than defeating terrorism – President
The challenge of development is much bigger than the challenges faced when defeating terrorism, and the staff of the Presidential Secretariat is well prepared to overcome these challenges, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He said so addressing the staff of the Presidential Secretariat marking the first working day of the public sector today (3 Jan).
The President further stated that this staff is fortunate to be working at the Secretariat and hoped that they will set an example for the rest of the public sector.
He advised the staff and the entire public sector to complete the day’s work without delay and to be committed to serve the people, adding that they need to ask themselves whether they carried out a service worthy of their salary.
Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga speaking on the occasion said that the Presidential Secretariat should live up to its position in the public sector and be efficient. He pointed out that out of the 365 days, 122 are holidays with an additional 45 days.Thus, he advised his staff to make the best of the remaining working days to provide an excellent service to the public.
On the occasion, Mr. Weeratunge led his staff in taking the pledge of the public service for 2011 themed, ‘Commit towards servicing the public with ‘Metta’. War heroes who lost their lives were also remembered.
Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit
Challenge of development bigger than defeating terrorism – President
The challenge of development is much bigger than the challenges faced when defeating terrorism, and the staff of the Presidential Secretariat is well prepared to overcome these challenges, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He said so addressing the staff of the Presidential Secretariat marking the first working day of the public sector today (3 Jan).
The President further stated that this staff is fortunate to be working at the Secretariat and hoped that they will set an example for the rest of the public sector.
He advised the staff and the entire public sector to complete the day’s work without delay and to be committed to serve the people, adding that they need to ask themselves whether they carried out a service worthy of their salary.
Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga speaking on the occasion said that the Presidential Secretariat should live up to its position in the public sector and be efficient. He pointed out that out of the 365 days, 122 are holidays with an additional 45 days.Thus, he advised his staff to make the best of the remaining working days to provide an excellent service to the public.
On the occasion, Mr. Weeratunge led his staff in taking the pledge of the public service for 2011 themed, ‘Commit towards servicing the public with ‘Metta’. War heroes who lost their lives were also remembered.
Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit
Monday, January 3, 2011
Threat to national security’ – Canadian officials
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/MCNS/defence-security/index.php
Threat to national security’ – Canadian officials Four crew members of the MV Sun Sea that arrived off the coast of B.C. last summer are alleged to be Tamil Tigers operatives who helped organize the high-seas smuggling trip, Canadian federal officials say.Hearings to determine if the four can stay in Canada have been requested by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), which alleges the men pose a threat to national security, Toronto Sun reported.
The Canadian public uproar over the Tamils, who were accused of queue-jumping, forced the Conservative government to table legislation that would see anyone deemed to have arrived as part of a smuggling operation detained for a longer period of time than other refugee claimants.
The four men are being held in segregation at Fraser Regional Correctional Centre in B.Ç., where they have been questioned by the RCMP and border agents.
Melissa Anderson, of the Immigration and Refugee Board, said the hearings will take place this month or in February.
“We are alleging they are inadmissible to Canada on security grounds for being members of the Tamil Tigers,” Anderson said.
At least 49 women and 157 men out of the 492 carried by the Sun Sea have been ordered released by the IRB, with many choosing to remain in the Vancouver area.
Members of the Tamil community in Toronto have been lining up places for the migrants to stay but only several dozen have moved here.
Those who have been released are not allowed to work because permits have not yet been issued to them.Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
Threat to national security’ – Canadian officials Four crew members of the MV Sun Sea that arrived off the coast of B.C. last summer are alleged to be Tamil Tigers operatives who helped organize the high-seas smuggling trip, Canadian federal officials say.Hearings to determine if the four can stay in Canada have been requested by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), which alleges the men pose a threat to national security, Toronto Sun reported.
The Canadian public uproar over the Tamils, who were accused of queue-jumping, forced the Conservative government to table legislation that would see anyone deemed to have arrived as part of a smuggling operation detained for a longer period of time than other refugee claimants.
The four men are being held in segregation at Fraser Regional Correctional Centre in B.Ç., where they have been questioned by the RCMP and border agents.
Melissa Anderson, of the Immigration and Refugee Board, said the hearings will take place this month or in February.
“We are alleging they are inadmissible to Canada on security grounds for being members of the Tamil Tigers,” Anderson said.
At least 49 women and 157 men out of the 492 carried by the Sun Sea have been ordered released by the IRB, with many choosing to remain in the Vancouver area.
Members of the Tamil community in Toronto have been lining up places for the migrants to stay but only several dozen have moved here.
Those who have been released are not allowed to work because permits have not yet been issued to them.Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
"Let's continue the good work with renewed vigor" says Secretary Defence
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110103_01
"Let's continue the good work with renewed vigor" says Secretary Defence
"We were able to be a major drive in the great triumph: ending a three decade prolonged conflict. Now it is time to step-into the development drive of the nation", said Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Addressing staff members of the Ministry of Defence this morning (03rd Jan), Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasized, new responsibilities lies with the Ministry-referring to the added institutions: Emigration and Immigration, Urban Development Authority, Registration of Personal, Land Reclamation etc.
The event was organized coinciding with the traditional taking of oath by government servants at the beginning of the New Year.
He requested all staff members to continue the good work with renewed vigor to be an exemplary institute. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also stressed the welfare of war heroes and their families as a prime responsibility.
Secretary Defence finally said that, all should get together and work hard to achieve the new goals and objectives of the institution as proven before. "I wish you all a prosperous new year" he concluded.
MOD Seva Vanitha Unit Chairperson Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Additional Secretary Defence Mr. R.M.S Rathnayake, Military Liaison Officer General (Retired) Palitha Fernando , Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lauxman Hulugalle and Senior Officials of the Ministry of Defence were also present at the occasion.
SL Government has every right to be proud of its progress in resettlement
The handing over of emergency food aid by U.S. Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa">
The handing over of emergency food aid by U.S. Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa
“None of us can forget the enormous challenges that Sri Lanka faced at the end of the war”, said U.S Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis.
“It can’t be forgotten as to how far the country has come since then in meeting overwhelming physical needs”, she further said.
Ambassador Butenis made these comments attending a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat for symbolic handing over of emergency food aid to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. She also asserted that the government of Sri Lankan has every right to be proud of its progress in resettlement.
“We are also proud to have contributed to this massive effort” the Ambassador continued.
“USAID remains the largest and most consistent food aid donor to Sri Lanka and we are happy to support the food needs of 300,000 returnees” she expressed.
During the ceremony today (December 31) Patricia A. Butenis announced a new donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of $5.5 million (Rs. 610.5 million) of food aid to support the return of people displaced by the conflict in the North.
The handing over of emergency food aid by U.S. Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa">
The handing over of emergency food aid by U.S. Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa
“None of us can forget the enormous challenges that Sri Lanka faced at the end of the war”, said U.S Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis.
“It can’t be forgotten as to how far the country has come since then in meeting overwhelming physical needs”, she further said.
Ambassador Butenis made these comments attending a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat for symbolic handing over of emergency food aid to the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. She also asserted that the government of Sri Lankan has every right to be proud of its progress in resettlement.
“We are also proud to have contributed to this massive effort” the Ambassador continued.
“USAID remains the largest and most consistent food aid donor to Sri Lanka and we are happy to support the food needs of 300,000 returnees” she expressed.
During the ceremony today (December 31) Patricia A. Butenis announced a new donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of $5.5 million (Rs. 610.5 million) of food aid to support the return of people displaced by the conflict in the North.
International Tamil Community pledges support to the president's future vision
International Tamil community is ready to fully contribute to the massive development drive in Sri Lanka, said Advisor to the International Humanitarian Tamil Alliance Dr.K.K.Navarathnam.
"No community that respects democratic rights approves LTTE terrorism. The Tamil Diaspora has realized the genuine situation of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. They cannot be fooled by the LTTE false propaganda" he further emphasized.
In a media briefing held in Colombo on 26 Dec, Dr. Navarathnam said international Tamil community has expressed its fullest support to the future vision implemented by President Mahinda Rajapakse.
International Tamil community is ready to fully contribute to the massive development drive in Sri Lanka, said Advisor to the International Humanitarian Tamil Alliance Dr.K.K.Navarathnam.
"No community that respects democratic rights approves LTTE terrorism. The Tamil Diaspora has realized the genuine situation of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. They cannot be fooled by the LTTE false propaganda" he further emphasized.
In a media briefing held in Colombo on 26 Dec, Dr. Navarathnam said international Tamil community has expressed its fullest support to the future vision implemented by President Mahinda Rajapakse.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110101_01
Our aim is to recover, with renewed determination' says President (PRESIDENT'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE )
WE LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH POSITIVE ASPIRATIONS
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations, he said adding, 'Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades', stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message
With great determination and patience, we have built mutual understanding and trust among the people about the nation's development. Strengthening this should be among our wishes for the New Year,
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations, he said adding, 'Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades', stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message.
Full text of the message follow:
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations. It is a great achievement that freedom and peace is now established in our motherland to enable such aspirations.
The major challenge before us is to raise the position of our country in the world. We recognize this year as one where many giant steps towards development will be taken based on the five-fold sectors of progress. There will no doubt be a considerable increase in the sacrifices needed to achieve this, similar to those made to gain victory in the last five years.
Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades. Our wish is to make use of every opportunity to ensure prosperity to Sri Lankan society by providing the equitable sharing of economic benefits.
National unity is key to both uniting and developing the motherland. Thus, the time has come to rise above all differences. Only then could all conspiracies to deny coexistence, and those against the people and the nation, be defeated.
With great determination and patience, we have built mutual understanding and trust among the people about the nation's development. Strengthening this should be among our wishes for the New Year. In doing so, I trust you will gain further strength to make this New Year bring further victory to the nation.
I wish you a Happy New Year !
Our aim is to recover, with renewed determination' says President (PRESIDENT'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE )
WE LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH POSITIVE ASPIRATIONS
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations, he said adding, 'Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades', stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message
With great determination and patience, we have built mutual understanding and trust among the people about the nation's development. Strengthening this should be among our wishes for the New Year,
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations, he said adding, 'Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades', stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message.
Full text of the message follow:
We look towards the future at the dawn of this New Year with renewed determination, firm commitment and many positive expectations. It is a great achievement that freedom and peace is now established in our motherland to enable such aspirations.
The major challenge before us is to raise the position of our country in the world. We recognize this year as one where many giant steps towards development will be taken based on the five-fold sectors of progress. There will no doubt be a considerable increase in the sacrifices needed to achieve this, similar to those made to gain victory in the last five years.
Our aim is to recover with speed all that was lost to Sri Lankan society in more than three decades. Our wish is to make use of every opportunity to ensure prosperity to Sri Lankan society by providing the equitable sharing of economic benefits.
National unity is key to both uniting and developing the motherland. Thus, the time has come to rise above all differences. Only then could all conspiracies to deny coexistence, and those against the people and the nation, be defeated.
With great determination and patience, we have built mutual understanding and trust among the people about the nation's development. Strengthening this should be among our wishes for the New Year. In doing so, I trust you will gain further strength to make this New Year bring further victory to the nation.
I wish you a Happy New Year !
Colombo's new security eyes catch many offenders on New Year 's Eve
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110102_01
Colombo's new security eyes catch many offenders on New Year 's Eve
Newly installed Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras helped detect many number of traffic offences and wanted persons in the Colombo city on New Year's eve, said Senior Deputy Inspector General Gamini Nawaratna.
The relevant records of offences captured by the CCTV cameras have been sent to the City Traffic Police to initiate legal actions against those offenders in courts, he said. According to the Senior DIG, the minimum fine usually imposed would be Rs.1000 and Magistrate is permitted to enhance the fine.
The DIG further said that the majority had violated the traffic light regulations while there were others who had crossed the traffic lines and parked in no parking zones.
He further emphasized that the wanted persons had also been identified via the images of CCTV cameras installed in vantage points in the city.
Therefore, public is warned to be extra cautious about traffic regulations since they are being monitored around the clock by those invisible spy eyes in the city.
Colombo's new security eyes catch many offenders on New Year 's Eve
Newly installed Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras helped detect many number of traffic offences and wanted persons in the Colombo city on New Year's eve, said Senior Deputy Inspector General Gamini Nawaratna.
The relevant records of offences captured by the CCTV cameras have been sent to the City Traffic Police to initiate legal actions against those offenders in courts, he said. According to the Senior DIG, the minimum fine usually imposed would be Rs.1000 and Magistrate is permitted to enhance the fine.
The DIG further said that the majority had violated the traffic light regulations while there were others who had crossed the traffic lines and parked in no parking zones.
He further emphasized that the wanted persons had also been identified via the images of CCTV cameras installed in vantage points in the city.
Therefore, public is warned to be extra cautious about traffic regulations since they are being monitored around the clock by those invisible spy eyes in the city.
Remarkable growth in Northern agriculture sector
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110102_02
Remarkable growth in Northern agriculture sector
The Northern Province has recorded nearly 60 percent increase in cultivated lands in last year 2010, sources of the Secretariat of the Northern Province Governor revealed.
Accordingly, the amount of lands came under the plough increased by 130,422 acres last year, statistics revealed. The total cultivated land in year 2010 was 221,818 acres while in 2009 it was only 91,396 acres.
In the Yala season farmers of the Province cultivated 8,893 acres and during the present Maha season they cultivated 212,925 acres, the statistics further revealed.
"Two new paddy storage facilities would be opened in the province as we expect a huge increase in the Maha season harvest," Northern Province Governor Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri said.
Meanwhile, many projects are under way throughout the province to repair and reconstruct irrigation network, the Governor said. With this the Government plans to assist farmers to cultivate nearly 35,000 acres of abandoned arable land in the province. Black gram is cultivated across 19,786 acres in all five districts of the province and ground nuts are cultivated in 7,231 acres. Red onion is grown in 4,709 acres and chillies are grown in 4,329 acres. Cowpea is cultivated across 4,729 acres.
Remarkable growth in Northern agriculture sector
The Northern Province has recorded nearly 60 percent increase in cultivated lands in last year 2010, sources of the Secretariat of the Northern Province Governor revealed.
Accordingly, the amount of lands came under the plough increased by 130,422 acres last year, statistics revealed. The total cultivated land in year 2010 was 221,818 acres while in 2009 it was only 91,396 acres.
In the Yala season farmers of the Province cultivated 8,893 acres and during the present Maha season they cultivated 212,925 acres, the statistics further revealed.
"Two new paddy storage facilities would be opened in the province as we expect a huge increase in the Maha season harvest," Northern Province Governor Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri said.
Meanwhile, many projects are under way throughout the province to repair and reconstruct irrigation network, the Governor said. With this the Government plans to assist farmers to cultivate nearly 35,000 acres of abandoned arable land in the province. Black gram is cultivated across 19,786 acres in all five districts of the province and ground nuts are cultivated in 7,231 acres. Red onion is grown in 4,709 acres and chillies are grown in 4,329 acres. Cowpea is cultivated across 4,729 acres.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Colombo under CCTV surveillance
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101229_03
Colombo under CCTV surveillance
www.defence.lk">The CCTV cameras that have been installed in the city of Colombo to combat crimes and ease traffic congestions commenced operations on Wednesday (29 Dec).
Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared open the CCTV surveillance system on the 6th floor of Police Welfare Society Building where the control room is located.
The 105 close circuit cameras installed at vantage points in Colombo continuously transmit images and can be viewed at the control room on 28 LCD screens. Moreover, the unit is capable of storing images for several days.
This project is the brainchild of the Defense Secretary and he had proposed the installation of security surveillance cameras in capital cities.
Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne spearheaded the project completed at a cost of 227 million rupees.
Speaking at the inaugural function the Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasooriya has said that the system fulfils a contemporary need and will assist to curb any illegal or criminal acts in the city of Colombo .
Sri Lanka Telecom, The Ceylon Electricity Board, University of Moratuva, Metropolitan Company LTD and the Colombo Municipal Council have assisted the police department to complete the project.
Record rise in tourists
Record rise in tourists
Most hotels occupied:
Suraj A Bandara
Sri Lanka recorded a record increase in the number of tourist arrivals by yesterday. Over 80 percent tourist hotels in the Colombo District and over 63 percent hotels out of Colombo have been occupied by foreigners, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority figures revealed that this is the highest number of tourist arrivals recorded in Sri Lanka's history.
Figures showed an increase in arrivals from Western Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Middle-East and North America.
Tourists from Western Europe, the traditional tourist generating market rose significantly. The increase of tourist arrivals from the European countries is a plus point to the Sri Lankan economy, the Deputy Minister said.
He said this increase is due to removing the ban imposed on Sri Lanka by certain countries.
Tourist arrivals in the country increased sharply from May 2009 after the restoration of peace
Most hotels occupied:
Suraj A Bandara
Sri Lanka recorded a record increase in the number of tourist arrivals by yesterday. Over 80 percent tourist hotels in the Colombo District and over 63 percent hotels out of Colombo have been occupied by foreigners, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority figures revealed that this is the highest number of tourist arrivals recorded in Sri Lanka's history.
Figures showed an increase in arrivals from Western Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Middle-East and North America.
Tourists from Western Europe, the traditional tourist generating market rose significantly. The increase of tourist arrivals from the European countries is a plus point to the Sri Lankan economy, the Deputy Minister said.
He said this increase is due to removing the ban imposed on Sri Lanka by certain countries.
Tourist arrivals in the country increased sharply from May 2009 after the restoration of peace
Join hands as one - PM
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/01/news04.asp
Join hands as one - PM
All Sri Lankans should join hands to achieve goals, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said in a New Year message.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne
The message: “Dawning of a fresh year provides a valuable opportunity of nature to the people to rekindle their thoughts on life and to project their inspirations in new directions.
“In that context, I believe there would be a great deal of goals for the entire Sri Lankan nation to achieve both collectively and individually, within this newly dawned year 2011. We, at this very instant, should firmly resolve to entrench the strength, the unity and the dignity of the Motherland that are required to reach the expected future goals as a united country and a single nation, while establishing the foundation to accomplish personal advancement.
“I wish to call 2011 as the year of yielding profits down the path of prosperity. I am quite confident that this year would feature, on the one hand, starting of major projects in the country and on the other hand, dispensing of benefits of such projects among the people.
“If we are to achieve all those socio-economic goals, we, inevitably should join hands as proud and noble Sri Lankans of an undivided country and an undivided nation.
“The year 2011 which marks the 2600th Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi would be very special both to Sri Lankans as well as to the entire Buddhist community of the world and thus it is important for us to keep in mind to fine-tune ourselves to a sensible lifestyle as true Buddhists, in herald to Sri Sambuddathwa Jayanthi.
“We should act as a one Sri Lankan nation that practise the spirit of equality, shedding differences of race, caste, creed and social strata, in the backdrop of a religious reconciliation and I wish to reiterate that the obligation of promoting spiritual advancement of devotees in achieving that target, lies in the hands of the Revered clergy of all religions.
“I wish you all a Happy New Year!”
‘NfR attempts to discredit Govt with false allegations’ -
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/01/news03.asp
‘NfR attempts to discredit Govt with false allegations’ -Govt Info Dept
The allegations in the statement issued by Networking for Rights (NfR) on 28 Dec, with regard to the killing by unknown persons of the Deputy Director of Education, Valikamam zone of the Jaffna district, are wholly false, said the Government Information Department issuing a press release.
The NfR’s statement alleges that the killing of Mr. Markandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education referred to, was because he openly criticized a circular directing that the National Anthem of Sri Lanka be sung in Sinhala only at the National, Safety Day ceremony held in the Jaffna district on December 26th 2010.
‘We wish to state that no circular to this effect has been issued by any government authority, and as such the alleged criticism of such a circular by the diseased could not have taken place’, the statement said.
“The statement by the NfR appears to be an attempt to interfere with the police investigations in to these two killings by seeking to give these tragic incidents an unwarranted political colourlng, and also to discredit the government by this means” the statement further said.
Following is the full text:
Sri Lanka denies NfR allegation on the killing of Jaffna
Education Director
Thursday, 30 December 2010 Our attention is drawn to a statement by Networking for Rights (NfR - Sri Lanka) on 28.12.2010 titled "Sri Lanka: Director Education in Jaffna shot dead for speaking out".The allegations in this statement which refers to the killing by unknown persons of the Deputy Director of Education, Valikamam zone of the Jaffna district, are wholly false.The statement alleges that the killing of Mr. Markandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education referred to, was because he openly criticized a circular directing that the National Anthem of Sri Lanka be sung in Sinhala only at the National, Safety Day ceremony held in the Jaffna district on December 26th 2010, the anniversary of the tragic Tsunami of 2004.We wish to state that no circular to this effect has been issued by any government authority, and as such the alleged criticism of such a circular by the diseased could not have taken place.The NfR states that their information regarding in this killing has been confirmed by a news item in the website of the Global Tamil News of 28th December 2010. However, the item referred to on this website, only records the killing and makes no reference to the alleged circular referred by the NfR.The NfR statement also says that the killing on 15.12.2010 of Nithiyananda Sharma, the chief 'Priest of Chankaanai Murukamoorthy Temple in the Jaffna district, also had a political motive. This position is also rejected as baseless.Police investigations are in progress into the killing of Mr. Marakandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education on 26.12.2010. The police have already apprehended suspect with regard to the killing of the Chief Priest of Chankaanal Murukamoorthy Temple.The statement by the NfR appears to be an attempt to interfere with the police investigations in to these two killings by seeking to give these tragic incidents an unwarranted political colourlng, and also to discredit the government by this means. It is noted that the steering committee of the NfR comprises several Sri Lankans including journalists who are now living in self-proclaimed "self exile" in western countries and they describe themselves as an "exile network for media and human rights in Sri Lanka". The cause of media and human rights in Sri Lanka cannot be supported by the dissemination of such false information as the NfR has done.
‘NfR attempts to discredit Govt with false allegations’ -Govt Info Dept
The allegations in the statement issued by Networking for Rights (NfR) on 28 Dec, with regard to the killing by unknown persons of the Deputy Director of Education, Valikamam zone of the Jaffna district, are wholly false, said the Government Information Department issuing a press release.
The NfR’s statement alleges that the killing of Mr. Markandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education referred to, was because he openly criticized a circular directing that the National Anthem of Sri Lanka be sung in Sinhala only at the National, Safety Day ceremony held in the Jaffna district on December 26th 2010.
‘We wish to state that no circular to this effect has been issued by any government authority, and as such the alleged criticism of such a circular by the diseased could not have taken place’, the statement said.
“The statement by the NfR appears to be an attempt to interfere with the police investigations in to these two killings by seeking to give these tragic incidents an unwarranted political colourlng, and also to discredit the government by this means” the statement further said.
Following is the full text:
Sri Lanka denies NfR allegation on the killing of Jaffna
Education Director
Thursday, 30 December 2010 Our attention is drawn to a statement by Networking for Rights (NfR - Sri Lanka) on 28.12.2010 titled "Sri Lanka: Director Education in Jaffna shot dead for speaking out".The allegations in this statement which refers to the killing by unknown persons of the Deputy Director of Education, Valikamam zone of the Jaffna district, are wholly false.The statement alleges that the killing of Mr. Markandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education referred to, was because he openly criticized a circular directing that the National Anthem of Sri Lanka be sung in Sinhala only at the National, Safety Day ceremony held in the Jaffna district on December 26th 2010, the anniversary of the tragic Tsunami of 2004.We wish to state that no circular to this effect has been issued by any government authority, and as such the alleged criticism of such a circular by the diseased could not have taken place.The NfR states that their information regarding in this killing has been confirmed by a news item in the website of the Global Tamil News of 28th December 2010. However, the item referred to on this website, only records the killing and makes no reference to the alleged circular referred by the NfR.The NfR statement also says that the killing on 15.12.2010 of Nithiyananda Sharma, the chief 'Priest of Chankaanai Murukamoorthy Temple in the Jaffna district, also had a political motive. This position is also rejected as baseless.Police investigations are in progress into the killing of Mr. Marakandu Sivalingam, the Deputy Director of Education on 26.12.2010. The police have already apprehended suspect with regard to the killing of the Chief Priest of Chankaanal Murukamoorthy Temple.The statement by the NfR appears to be an attempt to interfere with the police investigations in to these two killings by seeking to give these tragic incidents an unwarranted political colourlng, and also to discredit the government by this means. It is noted that the steering committee of the NfR comprises several Sri Lankans including journalists who are now living in self-proclaimed "self exile" in western countries and they describe themselves as an "exile network for media and human rights in Sri Lanka". The cause of media and human rights in Sri Lanka cannot be supported by the dissemination of such false information as the NfR has done.
Remarkable increase of visitors to Jaffna in 2010
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101230_02
Remarkable increase of visitors to Jaffna in 2010
www.defence.lk">According to the statistics being maintained on the entry to the Jaffna peninsula across the Elephant Pass (EPS) gateway a recorded number of visitors from the south have arrived in Jaffna during 2010. By 28 December 2010 approximately 3 million of visitors entered via EPS gateway and pilgrims, Ministers and Parliamentarians, investors, vendors, diplomatic missions and government and private sector officials included into this number. With the commencement of December school vacation the number has remarkably increased. Normally the highest number of visitors go to Jaffna in school vacations and in this year it is nearly 200,000.
Daily income of Jaffna based business community, fishermen and farmers has increased with the arrival of travelers and a big demand could be seen especially for Palmyra products such as Palmyra- related handicraft, jaggery and traditional food. Apart from this Jaffna dwellers earn handsome income by renting out houses to outsiders for accommodation.
Government with coordination of Security Forces - Jaffna and Civil administrative authorities has launched many projects to develop the places of tourist interest. Commencement of reconstruction of the historical Jaffna Fort, completion of 21/2 km long Mullai-Karainagar causeway, improving of the Karainagar-Kayts ferry service and development of the road to picturesque beach of Casurina in Karainagar are among such development activities undertaken by the government.
The present peaceful environment prevailing in Jaffna invites investors, businessmen and pilgrims to the peninsula which directly has positive impact on trade, economy and education in Jaffna and also on the North-South harmony.
Remarkable increase of visitors to Jaffna in 2010
www.defence.lk">According to the statistics being maintained on the entry to the Jaffna peninsula across the Elephant Pass (EPS) gateway a recorded number of visitors from the south have arrived in Jaffna during 2010. By 28 December 2010 approximately 3 million of visitors entered via EPS gateway and pilgrims, Ministers and Parliamentarians, investors, vendors, diplomatic missions and government and private sector officials included into this number. With the commencement of December school vacation the number has remarkably increased. Normally the highest number of visitors go to Jaffna in school vacations and in this year it is nearly 200,000.
Daily income of Jaffna based business community, fishermen and farmers has increased with the arrival of travelers and a big demand could be seen especially for Palmyra products such as Palmyra- related handicraft, jaggery and traditional food. Apart from this Jaffna dwellers earn handsome income by renting out houses to outsiders for accommodation.
Government with coordination of Security Forces - Jaffna and Civil administrative authorities has launched many projects to develop the places of tourist interest. Commencement of reconstruction of the historical Jaffna Fort, completion of 21/2 km long Mullai-Karainagar causeway, improving of the Karainagar-Kayts ferry service and development of the road to picturesque beach of Casurina in Karainagar are among such development activities undertaken by the government.
The present peaceful environment prevailing in Jaffna invites investors, businessmen and pilgrims to the peninsula which directly has positive impact on trade, economy and education in Jaffna and also on the North-South harmony.
Emerging offshore destinations:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/01/news02.asp
Emerging offshore destinations:
Sri Lanka among top 30
Sri Lanka ranked among top 30 emerging countries for globally sourced activities in 2010-2011 by Gartner, Inc of USA.
Gartner’s Top 30 locations for offshore services in 2010 in Asia are Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“This year the Top 30 countries are exclusively emerging nations,” Research Vice President at Gartner Ian Marriott said.” As the pace of change is slower in developed countries we have chosen to focus on those locations that are still maturing and developing, domestically and internationally.”
Nine countries from Asia/Pacific were represented in the 30 leading countries, compared with 10 in previous years.
“Gartner’s inclusion of Sri Lanka on the Top 30 clearly outlined the potential of Sri Lankan IT/BPO industry. We are pleased to note Sri Lanka is ranked among the top emerging countries for outsourcing by Gartner,” said SLASSCOM Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu.
“Our focus is to build the industry to become US $1 billion export industry by 2015 from our current position of $ 390 million. We need to continue to focus on building market awareness, driving capacity expansions and making our incentives and national policy framework globally competitive. We have built a strong foundation and a productive partnership with the government to drive the growth of the industry,” Saparamadu added.
In the past 12 months, Gartner has seen considerable efforts from many countries to consolidate or grow their positions as leading locations for offshore services.
Emerging nations have placed significant emphasis on IT and business process services providing a vehicle for their economic growth, as many potential trading partners are moving from recession to tentative growth.
The result of this is that eight new countries have moved into the Top 30 - five for the first time - Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Colombia, Mauritius and Peru - along with three re-entrants - Panama, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 4,400 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries. priu.gov.lk
Emerging offshore destinations:
Sri Lanka among top 30
Sri Lanka ranked among top 30 emerging countries for globally sourced activities in 2010-2011 by Gartner, Inc of USA.
Gartner’s Top 30 locations for offshore services in 2010 in Asia are Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“This year the Top 30 countries are exclusively emerging nations,” Research Vice President at Gartner Ian Marriott said.” As the pace of change is slower in developed countries we have chosen to focus on those locations that are still maturing and developing, domestically and internationally.”
Nine countries from Asia/Pacific were represented in the 30 leading countries, compared with 10 in previous years.
“Gartner’s inclusion of Sri Lanka on the Top 30 clearly outlined the potential of Sri Lankan IT/BPO industry. We are pleased to note Sri Lanka is ranked among the top emerging countries for outsourcing by Gartner,” said SLASSCOM Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu.
“Our focus is to build the industry to become US $1 billion export industry by 2015 from our current position of $ 390 million. We need to continue to focus on building market awareness, driving capacity expansions and making our incentives and national policy framework globally competitive. We have built a strong foundation and a productive partnership with the government to drive the growth of the industry,” Saparamadu added.
In the past 12 months, Gartner has seen considerable efforts from many countries to consolidate or grow their positions as leading locations for offshore services.
Emerging nations have placed significant emphasis on IT and business process services providing a vehicle for their economic growth, as many potential trading partners are moving from recession to tentative growth.
The result of this is that eight new countries have moved into the Top 30 - five for the first time - Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Colombia, Mauritius and Peru - along with three re-entrants - Panama, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 4,400 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries. priu.gov.lk
Emerging offshore destinations:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/01/news02.asp
Emerging offshore destinations:
Sri Lanka among top 30
Sri Lanka ranked among top 30 emerging countries for globally sourced activities in 2010-2011 by Gartner, Inc of USA.
Gartner’s Top 30 locations for offshore services in 2010 in Asia are Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“This year the Top 30 countries are exclusively emerging nations,” Research Vice President at Gartner Ian Marriott said.” As the pace of change is slower in developed countries we have chosen to focus on those locations that are still maturing and developing, domestically and internationally.”
Nine countries from Asia/Pacific were represented in the 30 leading countries, compared with 10 in previous years.
“Gartner’s inclusion of Sri Lanka on the Top 30 clearly outlined the potential of Sri Lankan IT/BPO industry. We are pleased to note Sri Lanka is ranked among the top emerging countries for outsourcing by Gartner,” said SLASSCOM Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu.
“Our focus is to build the industry to become US $1 billion export industry by 2015 from our current position of $ 390 million. We need to continue to focus on building market awareness, driving capacity expansions and making our incentives and national policy framework globally competitive. We have built a strong foundation and a productive partnership with the government to drive the growth of the industry,” Saparamadu added.
In the past 12 months, Gartner has seen considerable efforts from many countries to consolidate or grow their positions as leading locations for offshore services.
Emerging nations have placed significant emphasis on IT and business process services providing a vehicle for their economic growth, as many potential trading partners are moving from recession to tentative growth.
The result of this is that eight new countries have moved into the Top 30 - five for the first time - Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Colombia, Mauritius and Peru - along with three re-entrants - Panama, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 4,400 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries. priu.gov.lk
Emerging offshore destinations:
Sri Lanka among top 30
Sri Lanka ranked among top 30 emerging countries for globally sourced activities in 2010-2011 by Gartner, Inc of USA.
Gartner’s Top 30 locations for offshore services in 2010 in Asia are Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“This year the Top 30 countries are exclusively emerging nations,” Research Vice President at Gartner Ian Marriott said.” As the pace of change is slower in developed countries we have chosen to focus on those locations that are still maturing and developing, domestically and internationally.”
Nine countries from Asia/Pacific were represented in the 30 leading countries, compared with 10 in previous years.
“Gartner’s inclusion of Sri Lanka on the Top 30 clearly outlined the potential of Sri Lankan IT/BPO industry. We are pleased to note Sri Lanka is ranked among the top emerging countries for outsourcing by Gartner,” said SLASSCOM Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu.
“Our focus is to build the industry to become US $1 billion export industry by 2015 from our current position of $ 390 million. We need to continue to focus on building market awareness, driving capacity expansions and making our incentives and national policy framework globally competitive. We have built a strong foundation and a productive partnership with the government to drive the growth of the industry,” Saparamadu added.
In the past 12 months, Gartner has seen considerable efforts from many countries to consolidate or grow their positions as leading locations for offshore services.
Emerging nations have placed significant emphasis on IT and business process services providing a vehicle for their economic growth, as many potential trading partners are moving from recession to tentative growth.
The result of this is that eight new countries have moved into the Top 30 - five for the first time - Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Colombia, Mauritius and Peru - along with three re-entrants - Panama, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 4,400 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries. priu.gov.lk
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