UK allocates £3 Mn for demining

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110223_01

UK allocates £3 Mn for demining
Visiting British Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Alistair Burt said that the British government would allocate £3 million for the demining work in Sri Lanka. Mr. Burt announced this when he met the Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa at the Presidential secretariat on 21st February.
He further emphasized the British Government's commitment toward Sri Lanka, stating that the key part of his visit would be promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. During the discussion two Ministers exchanged the ideas about trade and investment ties between two countries and the progress of development in Sri Lanka.
Visiting British Minister said that the British High Commission in Sri Lanka would launch websites in Sinhala and Tamil language along with the existing English language website and it would contain the information and key aspects of the British High Commission's work in Sri Lanka, including visa information and update news releases.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110221_02

Thamilselvan's statue re-erected in France
A statue of former LTTE Political Wing leader Selvakumar Paramamoorthi Thamilchelvan, removed from La Courneuve, France, late last year following protests by Sri Lanka has been re-erected. An official investigating LTTE activity both here and abroad told The Sunday Island that the statue had placed at the exact location, where Tamil Diaspora activists put it up on Nov. 1, 2010 to coincide with the third year death anniversary of the LTTE's one-time overall commander in Jaffna. The SLAF successfully targeted Thamilchelvan's hideout at Kilinochchi on Nov. 1, 2007 about a week after a devastating LTTE commando raid on Anuradhapura SLAF base. He was 40-years at the time of his death which had a devastating impact on the LTTE.
The official said Diaspora activists had quietly persuaded French authorities to move back the statue amidst a stepped-up campaign in several parts of the world to 'sanitize' the LTTE.
External Affairs Ministry sources said that a decision by the LTTE rump to challenge the EU ban on the group in the Court of Justice of the European Communities in Luxembourg was part an overall strategy.
The action is backed by what Diaspora activists called democratically elected body of Eelam Tamils in Switzerland, the Swiss Council of Eelam Tamils (SCET)
Sources said that the Diaspora was now making an attempt to take advantage of the loss of LTTE's conventional military capability to strengthen its case for recognition as a political force. The bottom line was that the Diaspora would push for de-proscription of the LTTE on the basis that it no longer retained a military capability.
The LTTE fighting cadre collapsed on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19, 2009.
Sources said that with re-erection of Thamilchelvam's statue in France, the Diaspora could adopt similar tactics in other countries, home to large Sri Lankan Tamil communities.
Thamilchelvan had been among those trained in India in 1984 and is widely believed to one of the senior commanders responsible for child recruitment and forcing every family to contribute at least one person to the LTTE fighting cadre.
Sources said that an organization called Franco-Tamil association of La Courneuve had been responsible for placing the bust of S.P.Tamilselvan, sculpted by a local artist, opposite the Art gallery 'Le Sens de l'Art' in La Courneuve, within the district of Seine-Saint Denis.
Some elected members of the Municipal Council of La Courneuve had participated at the event in last November when the statue was first unveiled.
Responding to criticism over the Diaspora move, the French embassy in Colombo last year said: The Constitution of France establishes a decentralized state, in which the Government does not have the authority to intervene in the domains devolved to the local institutions and cannot oppose the activities of elected local representatives, as long as these are in accordance with the law. Moreover, the Constitution of France protects the freedom of expression and the Rights of Association.
France is a key member state of the EU. Sources pointed out that both France and Italy had strongly opposed the EU ban on the LTTE as they felt the US was behind the move.
The rift among EU nations was revealed by a US diplomatic cable originating from Colombo released by Wikileaks. Sources said that the Diaspora had stepped up their efforts to bring together those who had been supportive of the Eelam cause to recognize their struggle.
They said that the campaign seeking international recognition spearheaded by Tamil Eelam Transnational Government (TETG) led by one-time LTTE legal advisor, V. Rudrakumaran, was taking place amidst to their efforts to force an international 'war crimes' probe targeting Sri Lankan political and military leaders.
Courtesy : The Island

Sri Lanka travel 'Hot Spot'

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110218_01

Sri Lanka travel 'Hot Spot'


London's The Independent newspaper names Sri Lanka a travel "Hot Spot" for 2011, offering suggestions for what tourists may do while visiting - from watching world-class cricket to tasting world-famous Ceylon tea - and notes that the island nation is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of visitors.
The February 15, 2011 article, titled: "2011's tourism hot spots: What to do in Sri Lanka," reports that the travel guide website Lonely Planet has ranked Sri Lanka as one of its top-10 places to visit in 2011, calling it the "Jewel of the Indian Ocean."
The article adds, "this year, Sri Lankan tourism authorities are aiming for 700,000 and by 2016 the country hopes to pull in 2.5 million overseas visitors annually, although analysts have warned that the tourism infrastructure will need improving to cope with the expected demand - there were only an estimated 15,000 rooms in the country as of March 2010. Nevertheless, 2011 looks as if it will be a bright year for Sri Lankan tourism, with officials laying on different events every month to drum up interest as part of the "Visit Sri Lanka Year".
Tourism is a major industry in Sri Lanka and is set to grow even more in the coming years, The Independent states.
Last month, tourist arrivals to the country were up by 46 percent on the same period last year, and - fuelled by the recent end of the island's civil war - a total of 650,000 people visited in 2010.
Courtesy: PRIU

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110217_03

LTTE a threat to several States - India

The Indian Central Government has stressed that there is an LTTE threat not only to Tamil Nadu but also to several other States.
The Government expressed this view yesterday, despite a claim by Tamil Nadu Deputy Police General, Letika Saran that there is no presence of operatives of the banned LTTE in the State. Reports emanating from India said that New Delhi will leave no room for the LTTE to regroup on Indian soil and has upheld that there was certainly a LTTE threat posed on the security of the country. Letika Saran had told reporters in Tiruchi yesterday though there was no LTTE elements in Tamil Nadu the Police will give adequate protection to leaders in the State at the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Chennai has upheld that the controversial politician Vaiko who had challenged the ban imposed on LTTE for 2 years by a special tribunal headed by Justice Vikramjit Sen of the New Delhi High Court is not an aggrieved party to challenge the Tribunal order of the New Delhi High Court to ban the LTTE for 2 years.
Tamil Nadu Chief Justice M.Y Eqbal and Justice T.S Sivagnanam who heard the case of Vaiko has stressed that Vaiko has no right to stand or seek an intervention on behalf of the LTTE.
Courtesy: ITN

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110215_03


Smugglers switched to human cargo losing arms business with LTTE - Canadian Minister
32 had ties to LTTE, organized crime and war crimes

The smuggling syndicates lost the lucrative business of arms when the war ended in Sri Lanka so they switched to human cargo, using the expertise and government contacts they had developed, stated Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
"We know that there are three or four syndicates, each of which had developed an area of expertise in smuggling contraband in Southeast Asia in general, but more particularly contraband armaments to the LTTE in northern Sri Lanka," he told The National Post.
Canadian officials believe the MV Sun Sea operation was facilitated by long-established Southeast Asian smuggling syndicates.
Investigation carried out by Canadian authorities has identified 32 so far with suspected ties to the Tamil Tigers rebels, organized crime and war crimes. Also on the ship were "prominent figures" who played "primary roles in the smuggling venture," the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) report says.
"We've committed to the Canadian people to use all of the legal means at our disposal to stop and disincentivize the smugglers from targeting Canada." said Mr. Kenney.
The Canadian government is also taking a "vigorous approach" in such countries as Thailand, where last fall the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency helped disrupt another vessel before it left for Canada, the Minister said.
But he said the smuggling syndicates are still active and have taken deposits from passengers who are now being moved around transit countries awaiting the "green light" to board a ship to Canada. "The syndicates appear to be, in some cases, well-advanced in planning future voyages," he said
As many as 45 smuggling agents were involved, The National Post said, posted at key locations along the smuggling route. They were the recruiters who circulated in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan civil war, offering passage to the West - for a price.
The fee varied but most paid $20,000 to $30,000. The agents collected a deposit of as little as 10%. The rest was to be paid in Canada, where the migrants were assured they would be wealthy.
The migrants were not even sure what they were getting for their money. "Many claim to have not known what the destination would be," reads the "Protected" CBSA report obtained by The National Post. "Some were told it would be Australia, New Zealand or Canada."
A man, who can only be identified as B005, told Canadian officials he was not an official crew member but that when he arrived at the ship he was asked whether he had any naval skills, and he did.
VOYAGE OF THE MV SUN SEA
492 - On board.
380 - Men.
63 - Women.
49 - Children.
5 - Unaccompanied minors.
32 - Allegedly inadmissible for terrorism, organized crime and war crimes.
6 - Years one of the crew had worked on a Tamil Tigers smuggling ship.
1 - Died at sea.
107 - Remain in detention (as of Feb. 10).
45 - Smuggling agents involved.
$20,000-30,000 - Smuggling fee.
Less than $30 - Cash most were carrying when they arrived.
15 - Sun Sea engine room crew.
Courtesy : The National Post
The report said, between 1990 and 1996, he had worked on a Tamil Tigers smuggling ship called the MV Sun Bird. He was well-travelled. He had already made a refugee claim in Germany, and when turned down he went to the U.K. After a failed attempt to move to New Zealand, he decided to join his brother in Canada.
The smuggling agents helped their clients get passports and visas so they could travel to Thailand, the transit country. Once there, the agents took them to "holding venues" where they waited until they were taken offshore to the ship. Before boarding, the agents took their passports and other identity documents.
The RCMP and Royal Thai Police are still investigating the suspected smuggling kingpins behind the Sun Sea. A man known as German Babu, who has dual German and Sri Lankan citizenship, was arrested in Bangkok last month. The Minister said the syndicate likely has a presence in Canada as well.
The Conservatives' long-term solution is Bill C-49, a proposed law that would allow officials to detain smuggled migrants for one year and bar them from applying for permanent residence or sponsoring family members for five years.

Read More (External Link) >>
Courtesy : President Media Unit

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=18420

AG recommends release or rehab of over 600 LTTE suspects
Post-war reconciliation:February 14, 2011, 9:35 pm
LLRC pushes for swift action amidst attempts by some INGOs to undermine its work
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Attorney General’s Department has recommended the immediate release or transfer of 676 LTTE suspects held under Prevention of Terrorist Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations, to the ongoing rehabilitation programme.
The suggestion follows inquiries by a special team headed by Deputy Solicitor General Shavendra Fernando, which interviewed those detained at Boossa and Omanthai in the recent past. Attorney General Mohan Peiris has included Senior State Counsel, Chetiya Gunasekera, Kumara Ratnam, and Dilan Ratnayaka, in Shavendra Fernando’s team. The AG’s team has recommended that those transferred from detention facilities to undergo rehabilitation under Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe, too, be released subsequently.
Of some 11,900 detainees, over 6,000 have been released so far after rehabilitation.
The detention facility at Omanthai accommodates terrorist suspects arrested at the conclusion of the war, whereas Boossa holds suspects taken in over a period of time.
Authoritative sources told The Island that the AG’s team had so far perused the cases of more than half the detainees held at Boossa and Omanthai detention centres.
The AG ordered an inquiry consequent to interim recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) headed by former AG C. R de Silva to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The AG heads an Inter Agency Action Group (IAAG) tasked with implementing the LLRC’s interim recommendations.
The LLRC commenced its sittings last August at the Kadirgamar Centre for International Relations, Colombo 07.
Sources said that the whole purpose was geared to accelerate legal and investigation process to promote reconciliation.
The majority of the detainees had been forcibly conscripted by LTTE.
Of the 676 LTTE detainees recommended for rehabilitation and subsequent release after completion of the rehabilitation programme, 251 are held at Boossa detention centre and 425 at Omanthai. The review of the cases of the balance LTTE detainees will be continued under the direction of the Attorney General.
Sources said that the LLRC had recommended several interim measures for the benefit of the Tamil speaking people in the aftermath of the war. The LLRC recommended urgent steps to tackle the language and land issues, stripping all armed groups of their weapons, a special mechanism to handle cases of LTTE detainees and ways and means of giving their families access to them.
The Interim recommendations of the LLRC specifically suggested that a review be made of laws delays with regard to LTTE detainees to expedite prosecution or discharge detainees

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/02/15/sec00.asp

LTTE arms dealers turn to human trafficking
The smuggling syndicates lost the lucrative business of arms when the war ended in Sri Lanka so they switched to human cargo, using the expertise and government contacts they had developed, said Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.
“We know that there are three or four syndicates, each of which had developed an area of expertise in smuggling contraband in Southeast Asia in general, but more particularly contraband armaments to the LTTE in Northern Sri Lanka,” he told The National Post.
Canadian officials believe the MV Sun Sea operation was facilitated by long-established Southeast Asian smuggling syndicates.
Investigation carried out by Canadian authorities has identified 32 so far with suspected ties to the LTTE organized crime and war crimes.
Also on the ship were “prominent figures” who played “primary roles in the smuggling venture,” the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) report says.
“We’ve committed to the Canadian people to use all of the legal means at our disposal to stop and disincentives the smugglers from targeting Canada,” said Kenney.
The Canadian government is also taking a “vigorous approach” in such countries as Thailand, where last fall the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency helped disrupt another vessel before it left for Canada, the Minister said.
But he said the smuggling syndicates are still active and have taken deposits from passengers who are now being moved around transit countries awaiting the “green light” to board a ship to Canada. “The syndicates appear to be, in some cases, well-advanced in planning future voyages,” he said.
As many as 45 smuggling agents were involved, The National Post said, posted at key locations along the smuggling route.
They were the recruiters who circulated in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan civil war, offering passage to the West - for a price.
The fee varied but most paid $ 20,000 to $ 30,000. The agents collected a deposit of as little as 10 percent. The rest was to be paid in Canada, where the migrants were assured they would be wealthy. The migrants were not even sure what they were getting for their money.
“Many claim to have not known what the destination would be,” reads the “Protected” CBSA report obtained by The National Post. “Some were told it would be Australia, New Zealand or Canada.”
A man, who can only be identified as B005, told Canadian officials he was not an official crew member but that when he arrived at the ship he was asked whether he had any naval skills, and he did.
The report said, between 1990 and 1996, he had worked on a Tigers smuggling ship called the MV Sun Bird. He was well-travelled. He had already made a refugee claim in Germany, and when turned down he went to the UK. After a failed attempt to move to New Zealand, he decided to join his brother in Canada.
The smuggling agents helped their clients get passports and visas so they could travel to Thailand, the transit country.
Once there, the agents took them to “holding venues” where they waited until they were taken offshore to the ship. Before boarding, the agents took their passports and other identity documents.
The RCMP and Royal Thai Police are still investigating the suspected smuggling kingpins behind the Sun Sea.
A man known as German Babu, who has dual German and Sri Lankan citizenship, was arrested in Bangkok last month. The Minister said the syndicate likely has a presence in Canada as well.
The Conservatives’ long-term solution is Bill C-49, a proposed law that would allow officials to detain smuggled migrants for one year and bar them from applying for permanent residence or sponsoring family members for five years.
Courtesy: The National Post

LTTE threat for Indian VVIPs

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110214_02

LTTE threat for Indian VVIPs

* Ministry sends alert messages
* Training at 'unknown location'
Indian Central intelligence agencies have communicated specific inputs to the Tamil Nadu police that suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres had conspired to carry out attacks on VVIPs during forthcoming Assembly elections.
Highly placed intelligence sources confirmed to The Hindu Saturday that the Home Affairs Ministry had sent alert messages that some LTTE cadres had arrived in Tamil Nadu and were engaged in a training program at an "unknown location." They were in the process of procuring weapons and explosive substances to execute their plan. While claiming that LTTE men in the custody of the Sri Lankan Army had revealed "significant" presence of their cadre at Valasaravakkam in Chennai, the sources said some prominent members of the LTTE's finance and air wings had sneaked into the State.
Members of the outfit's suicide squad had reached Nagercoil in the guise of refugees accompanying aged or injured Sri Lankan Tamils. Clandestine sailings of the LTTE and frequent arrival of refugees with the help of illegal boat operators had exposed the vulnerability of the Tamil Nadu coast, the sources said.
"We received a few alert messages from Central intelligence agencies during the World Classical Tamil Conference held at Coimbatore and the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Chennai recently.
"Elaborate security arrangements were made and both events went incident-free. We intercepted a couple of clandestine boat operators who organized transport of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to Australia," a senior police officer said.
Ruling out the possibility of LTTE cadre regrouping in Tamil Nadu, he said there was information about some "ex-Tigers organizing human smuggling (of Sri Lankan Tamils staying in Tamil Nadu as refugees) to Christmas Islands (Australia) or Canada."
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police Letika Saran said there was no presence of LTTE cadre in the State. "We take every alert message seriously...police investigate and go into the finer details of every input. The Coastal Security Group police are in constant touch with 'village vigilance committees' and will know of any suspicious activity along the coast."
Some probable targets of the LTTE, as perceived by the Central intelligence agencies, are the Prime Minister, National Security Advisor and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, among others, the sources said. "As of now there is no specific input indicating any design of VIP security or
internal security implications...there are general inputs which are being followed up," Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) M S Jaffar Sait said.
Courtesy: The Hindu

big harvest is expected for the Maha Season in Jaffna
www.defence.lk">As the Maha Season is the most favorable season for paddy Nthern Provincial Council has taken steps to develop the agriculture sector in the North.
For the Maha Season 29320 acres of paddy land was targeted to cultivate and 26000 acres of them have been cultivated so far. Expected harvest is 32611 MT of paddy. Target for onion cultivation is 4060 acres and so far 3047.5 acres have been cultivated. Expected onion harvest for the Maha Season is 24192 MT. Apart from this 1525 MT of chilies and 1195 MT of sesame are expected for the Maha Season and Plantain and grapes have also been cultivated in Jaffna District.
Under the guidance of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, with the support of Hon. Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Mr.Douglas Devananda various kinds of assistance such as seed paddy, fertilizer, tractors and financial support have been given to the farmers in order to increase production in the Maha Season.
It was revealed that arrangements have been made in Jaffna to store 32000 MT paddy harvested in the Kilinochchi District. Arrangements are also being made to provide storage and marketing facilities for the entire paddy crop and other crops of the Northern Province.
A meeting was held under the patronage of Hon. Governor, Northern Province, GA Chandrasiri to discuss the progress made in the agriculture activities in Jaffna District. The meeting was held at the Agriculture Training Center in Jaffna recently.
During this meeting it was discussed to upgrade the Agriculture Training Center. It was decided to recruit more employees if there is a shortage. The relevant Officials were requested to submit an action plan with cost estimate to upgrade the Center. Hon. Governor mentioned that Rs 20 Million could be allocated from the Provincial fund for this purpose.
It was also discussed to hold an Agriculture Exhibition in the Northern Province and the Hon. Governor requested the Officials to make necessary preparations for this.

Rudrakumaran emerges as Diaspora leader

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110213_02

Rudrakumaran emerges as Diaspora leader

The US-based Rudrakumaran Viswanathan aka 'Rudra' has now emerged as the leader of the Tamil diaspora with a section of the NGOs backing his call for a referendum in Sri Lanka on the lines of the recent UN led referendum in Sudan. Following the arrest in Malaysia and deportation to Colombo of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran's successor, S. Pathmanathan aka 'KP' in early August 2009, various diaspora operatives had been trying to take over the leadership of the Tigers. 'Rudra' succeeded in overcoming all opposition.
Authoritative sources told The Sunday Island that 'Rudra' had bolstered his position primarily through the setting up of Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), which won the recognition by South Sudan, the newest country in the UN system.
They said that some of the NGOs, which had been supportive of the LTTE's war, had raised the possibility of the UN stepping in to force Sri Lanka to agree for a Sudan type referendum to divide the country on ethnic lines.
Ambassador John Gooneratne, formerly of the Sri Lanka Government Peace Secretariat, said that 'Rudra' had referred to Sudan even during negotiations the LTTE had with the then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe's government in 2003.
Responding to several questions by The Sunday Island, the retired career diplomat, who had been involved in Wickremesinghe's peace process said that superficially one could see similarities with Sudan in the pre-May 2009 Sri Lanka situation where the LTTE had control over some parts of the North and Eastern provinces.
"Then a minority national group in conflict with the majority group, waging a war to gain separate statehood. But, beyond that the comparison does not stand because the histories of the two conflicts are so different. But the LTTE always had their eyes fixed on what they wanted in the GOSL-LTTE negotiations that took place in 2002-2003," he said.
"At the Hakone, Japan, meeting (2003) one of the points discussed was a federal constitutional structure for Sri Lanka. In fact, the GOSL side gave a very "learned" paper titled "Exploring a federal solution based on internal self determination within a united Sri Lanka," which outlined the basic elements of a federal structure as well as 16 principles which provided an overarching framework for discussion.
Gooneratne also said: "Anton Balasingham's (read LTTE) response was that he was not in a position to endorse an outline of a federal structure at that juncture. He stated that such an issue had to be discussed with the Political Affairs Committee (which, incidentally, had not met even once since it was formed) that had been appointed to study and research matters relating to political issues.
``In the away-from-the- main- table, and informal discussions that ensued on the subject, among the advisers of both sides, I recall that Rudrakumaran made a reference to the case of Sudan. And the reaction was - Jeez, what kind of an idea is this?"
"In hindsight, my thought is - Man! This Rudrakumaran guy was no fool. He is, as the Americans will say, one smart cookie. And he is now Prime Minister of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE)!!"
Intelligence sources said that 'Rudra' could be planning long term strategy to exploit the division of Sudan to force UN intervention in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government is banking on 'KP' to woo the Tamil Diaspora as part of an overall strategy to undermine 'Rudra' , while seeking an understanding with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which could help President Mahinda Rajapaksa to consolidate peace won through military means.
They said that the government had assured KP's North-East Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NERDO) its fullest support to implement welfare programmes in war devastated areas.
Those living abroad could now throw their weight behind post-war recovery in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka by getting in touch with the NERDO without being deceived by three or four diaspora groups still promoted Prabhakaran's macabre Eelam project in spite of having lost their military muscle, they said.
It is no secret that 'KP' had been deeply involved in a desperate attempt with 'Rudra' to force Sri Lanka to halt the offensive on the Vanni east front. While 'KP' had cooperated with the government following his extradition to Colombo from Malaysia in Aug. 2009, "Rudra' had taken the upper hand in the battle for control of the diaspora, it was pointed out.
The self-appointed Prime Minister of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), 'Rudra' had assured the diaspora that his project would pave the way for Eelam in spite of the LTTE losing its conventional military power in May 2009. 'Rudra' had asserted that the TGTE could create conditions necessary for foreign intervention similar to that of UN managed referendum in Sudan to pave the way for a new country in Southern Sudan, the sources said.
Intelligence sources said that Rudrakumaran had earned the wrath of some of his former colleagues for seeking to exploit his links with those in control of Southern Sudan (Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement) for his advantage. They acknowledged that 'Rudra's'contribution to the LTTE could be second only to 'KP', though various others were now trying to re-assert themselves.
'Rudra' had represented the LTTE at Thimpu way back in 1985. The LTTE high flyer stood in place for Chief LTTE negotiator Anton Balasingham at Geneva (second round) talks in the early part of 2006, though the meeting hadn't materialized. Sources said that 'Rudra' credentials seemed impressive with leading role in formulating the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) in 2003. His father had been a one-time Mayor of Jaffna representing the TULF.
'KP' and 'Rudra' were fighting for supremacy with Norway-based Nediyavan's Tamil Eelam Peoples' Assembly making a strong bid to enhance its position. A recent statement attributed to Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim that Oslo could be Sri Lanka's dialogue partner with the diaspora should be viewed in the backdrop of ongoing battle among various LTTE factions, the sources explained.
Other contenders for LTTE leadership include the Global Tamil Front based in UK under Father S.J.Emmunuel living in Rosendhal, Germany. Emmanuel, 77, had been a former Vicar General of the Jaffna Catholic Diocese.
Rudra's technique, at the time he was the International Legal Advisor and in charge of International & Diplomatic affairs of the LTTE prior to the TGTE, was to equate Kosovo and East Timor situations to Sri Lanka. This was a healthy tonic to a depressed diaspora waiting long and impatiently to reach Eelam.
He made a valuable contribution to the LTTE, that endeared him to Prabhakaran, by coordinating lawyers in the defense of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, assisting in Suresh Manikkavasagam trial in Canada and challenging US decision to name LTTE as a foreign terrorist organization under Federal law.
Rudra's main asset is the continuing relationships he maintains with UN and US officials. He never forgets to drop names to show his intimacy at encounters with Tamil intellectuals.
Courtesy : The Island

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110212_01

Sri Lanka Navy denies alleged assistance to Somalian pirates
It was reported on 10th February 2011 in a website that Sri Lanka Navy provides tactical support to Somalian pirates operating out of Indian waters. When analyzing the reason incidents of piracy that has occurred off Somalia, it is observed that all piracy attacks has taken place West of the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian sea approximately 700NM away from Sri Lanka where the Sri Lanka Navy ships and craft do not operate.
Sri Lanka Navy is engaged only in patrolling in the sea area closer to Sri Lanka for coastal protection and also to protect the important Sea Lanes of Communications South and West of Sri Lanka. Hence, Sri Lanka Navy totally denies such baseless allegations which are aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Courtesy : Sri Lanka Navy

Flood ravaged areas will be rebuilt says President

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110211_02

Flood ravaged areas will be rebuilt says President
"The Government is fully committed to rebuild the lives and infrastructure devastated by the floods. Officials have been instructed to commence reconstruction works and provide relief to the people in affected districts", said President Rajapaksa yesterday( Feb 10).
Speaking at the inauguration of the Diri Uda program to provide free school bags and stationery to Grade One schoolchildren in the Kalutara district, President Rajapaksa said asserted that, more than 19,500 new school entrants in the district will benefited by this program which is entirely funded by Transport Minister Kumara Welgama.
President Rajapaksa presented school bags and stationery to students representing several schools in the Matugama Educational Zone to mark the inauguration of the program. The President admitted that more than one million people in the North Central, Eastern, Central and Uva provinces were affected by the floods and landslides and stressed an effective plan is in place to assist them.
"The estimated cost for the restoration of infrastructure facilities ravaged by the floods has been estimated at Rs 33,000 million and the Government has already instructed the officials to commence reconstruction projects," he added.
He said the people whose livelihood was affected due to the floods can participate in the reconstruction activities as they do not have a proper income.

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=18022

Aryasinha warns of attempts to distort Lanka’s imageFebruary 9, 2011, 10:50 pm
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha, addressing the celebrations to mark Sri Lanka’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence in Brussels on February 6, 2011, called on Sri Lankans abroad to rise against continued attempts by vested interests to distort the country’s image.
He said "as we celebrate our freedom, let us not forget that these continue to be challenging times for Sri Lanka. Even as Sri Lanka takes tangible measures to bring about reconciliation and has embarked on a process of development and sustainable peace for all communities in Sri Lanka, there are some with vested interests, who continue to seek to distort the image of Sri Lanka, particularly in the West. As a result, the Sri Lanka, which is projected out here, is very different from the Sri Lanka that is over there. This is not a moment for any Sri Lankan or lover of Sri Lanka to be mere spectators. It is a time for all those who are genuinely interested in Sri Lanka’s future, to join in shaping Sri Lanka’s destiny. Sri Lanka has a better story to tell, and I urge that each and every one of you, in your own way, rise to meet this challenge".
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels together with Sri Lankans living in Belgium and Luxembourg celebrated Sri Lanka’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence at the ‘La Fannel’ auditorium in Brussels. The event attended by over 200 persons, showcased Sri Lanka at its best – its religious practices, cultural diversity and aspirations for the future.
The proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem. Two minutes silence was observed honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and remembering those who had lost their lives in natural disasters, including in the recent floods in Sri Lanka.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, Ven. Kimbulawala Rewatha thero, Chief Monk of the United Kingdom, conducted the Buddhist religious observances, Rev. Harinath Sahrma performed the Hindu rites, Maulavi Kamal performed the Islamic prayers and Rev. Sister Marie Josephine conducted the Christian prayers.
The Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out in all three languages by Embassy officials.
A special feature of the event was the signing by the Board of Directors of the Constitution of the Belgolux-Sri Lanka Business Council (BLSLBC), which is being incorporated as a non-profit organization in Belgium

President appreciates Buhne's service

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110210_01

President appreciates Buhne's service
United Nations Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne Tuesday during his farewell meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, discussed the current situation in Sri Lanka especially floods and recalled the challenging times that were faced during his period.
The President appreciated the cooperation extended by Buhne during his tenure in Sri Lanka, especially in the challenging times towards the end of the humanitarian operation in 2009. Buhne expressed his sincere appreciation for the many personalities that helped the UN during that period and said he looked forward to the success of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which would help the UN in its considerations of the present situation in Sri Lanka and program on reconciliation.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa mentioned that Sri Lanka through the UN office in Colombo and directly, will continue to have good and closest relations with the UN and wished Buhne all success in his future undertakings.
Buhne will leave the country tonight ending his tenure. His replacement is yet to be made.
Neil Buhne is the 17th Representative of the United Nations since the UN first opened an office in 1952. In July 2007, he took up his responsibilities as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Courtesy : Daily News

Germany indicts top LTTE leader

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110208_03

Germany indicts top LTTE leader
A spokesman for the LTTE in Germany has been indicted on terrorism charges, Germany’s federal justice authorities said yesterday (7) in Karlsruhe.
Agilan W., who now holds German citizenship, was arrested in November and indicted Jan 24. Prosecutors said he was spokesman in Germany for the Tamil Coordination Committee, a front for the LTTE, from 2004 to the end of 2009 and oversaw its public relations. Three other leaders of an alleged LTTE front were earlier arrested and indicted.
No date was given for the 35-year-old's trial on a charge of membership in a foreign terrorist organisation and breaching German export laws. That charge relates to his allegedly purchasing equipment worth 370,000 euros ($500,000) from group funds to LTTE and sent this gear to Sri Lanka, German media reported.
The European Union declared the LTTE a terrorist group in June 2007. Germany indicted three other activists in the TCC, Vijikanendra V.S., Sasitharan sM. and Koneswaran T. in August.
Courtesy : Government Official Website

Sri Lanka, a most welcoming place – US Rep

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110208_04

Sri Lanka, a most welcoming place – US Rep
I have never been to a place that made me feel more welcome, U.S. Representative for Alabama, Robert Aderholt said recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in 2004.
During a ceremony organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Independence, the US Representative said ties between Sri Lanka and the United States government are strong, and they will get stronger in the days to come.
The celebration held at the University of the District of Columbia on February 5 was attended by the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O Blake, Mayor of Washington, D.C, Vincent Gray and U.S. Rep of Alabama Robert Aderholt.
Asst. Secretary of State Blake stated that he was appearing on behalf of President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He spoke of Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts, and his own time spent as U.S. ambassador in Sri Lanka, “where my family and I developed many friendships.”
During his speech, Mayor Gray recognized Sri Lanka’s work to gain independence 63 years earlier and Washington D.C.’s continuing effort to gain statehood in the U.S.In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Wickramasuriya recognized the strong relations between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, as well as the positive results of the re-development policies of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“Sri Lanka is a nation moving forward,” Ambassador Wickramasuriya said. “We are redeveloping areas affected by the conflict with the support of the international community, including the United States.People who were held hostage by the terrorists were rescued and then resettled by the Government of Sri Lanka — at a record pace.
The Ambassador also warned against the influence of extremists.
“I am sure that by working together, we can assist our motherland in fulfilling its true potential,” Ambassador Wickramasuriya said. “We are well on our way to truly becoming the Wonder of Asia.”Special guests also included Minister of Petroleum Industries, Susil Premjayanth, and Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Duminda Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington said.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Embassy in India celebrated the Independence Day at the Embassy premises with the participation of leading Indian representatives of all important spheres, foreign diplomats and the Sri Lankan community.
Addressing the gathering, quoting from President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s message High Commissioner Kariyawasam said that the anniversary of Independence is a day the whole nation could rejoice and rededicate to safeguard independence. He added that it is of paramount importance to accelerate the work on nation-building to fulfill the aspirations of the people. “The aspiration of the nation is to make more meaningful the freedom won with much sacrifice,” he said.
The chief guest at the reception in the evening was Ms Kumari Selja, Minister of Culture and Urban Housing Development. She released a ‘Sri Lanka Special Report’ published by the premier Hindi newspaper Jagran which has a circulation of over 2 million copies.The wide coverage given by the Indian media included a live telecast of an interview with High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam by the pioneer television channel of India, the Doordarshan in its nation-wide channel. The High Commissioner’s message was broadcast by the Rajdhani (Capital) service of All India Radio.
Courtesy : Government Official Website

Shavendra Silva in Boston: A Different Kind of 'Confrontation'

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110207_01

Shavendra Silva in Boston: A Different Kind of 'Confrontation'
(By: Kalana Senaratne)
Does the shaking of hands, a hand-shake, this decent act of touching human flesh, mean anything, anything significant and meaningful? In the realm of politics and public engagement of politicians, this act has come to mean very little; in fact, it almost amounts to nothing. After all, a president and a former army commander shook hands too, smiling. After all, politicians across the divide shake hands too. Shaking hands for the camera, they go on to say and do things that cause disharmony and disunity.
But a recent confrontation in Boston, a different kind of confrontation, ended in a way that would have pleased many, a hand-shake which looked genuine, at least for a fleeting moment. This ‘confrontation’ took place, as the video clips online suggest, at a presentation delivered by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ma. Gen. Shavendra Silva, in Boston-USA, on 29 January, 2011.
What seemed to be significant about this presentation was not what MG Silva had to say, but what happened during and after it. We are shown a few people gathered in front of the place where Maj. Gen. Silva was delivering his address, a few men carrying small placards. One read: "Please don’t allow war criminals in US: War criminal is here, find him and arrest him". Another placard read: "Genocide cannot be buried!!! Don’t look away". Some of these protesters were wearing T-shirts which had the words: "Stop Sri Lanka’s Genocide of Tamils". During a short altercation that ensued, one person stated that they "don’t like to talk to criminals". Another said that Maj. Gen. Silva was a coward, and not war hero, as he was (according to this protestor)responsible for the shooting of those who surrendered with white-flags.
But then came the invitation, perhaps from those who had organized the event: an invitation for the protesters to go in and listen to Maj. Gen. Silva speaking. While one seemed to hesitate, another expressed willingness. Thereafter we see them come in, sit down and listen to what MG Silva, whom they had called a ‘war criminal’ a few minutes before!
An interesting interaction, a lively debate, seemed to have followed Shavendra’s presentation. Among the protesters was Ms. Suba Sunderalingam of what is known as the ‘Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam’ (TGTE), who, inter alia, asked for MG Silva’s views concerning the ‘war-crimes’ accusations levelled against him and the Sri Lankan armed forces by numerous human rights organizations. Others, too, raised questions about old incidents said to have taken place in Navali etc.
While the responses could have been guessed by anyone there was what seemed to be an interesting observation by him, which in essence went as follows: that violations of humanitarian law or the commission of alleged crimes, if true, cannot be hidden forever. Evidence of such crimes, if committed, would surface one day. Having stated so, he went on to state that the allegations levelled so far were bogus, and that if anyone was responsible, the government and the military would take action.
While this is certainly a standard response, what is perhaps worthy of appreciation is the stark truth that Maj. Gen. Silva stated: that if crimes have indeed been committed, they cannot be hidden; they will surface. How could that happen, one may think, if journalists were barred from reporting? But then, how could reports be written and produced by various organizations alleging the armed forces in particular since journalists did not have access to those areas? What of the credibility of such reports? How, and in what way, would this ‘evidence’ surface, or would such evidence surface, if any crimes have indeed been committed as some allege through disgruntled elements within the armed forces? These are some questions that seem to arise.
What is also to be appreciated is what Shavendra stated in his interview with ‘Boston-Lanka’; that, the troops were well informed of international humanitarian laws, through training conducted by the ICRC in particular. The intention had been to win the war while respecting rules and norms of IHLs, and as claimed by him the troops did respect IHLs. This assertion then means something important, even though some might wish to disagree with what was stated above: that the Armed Forces were mindful of the IHLs. This runs counter to the claim made by some about the non-applicability of IHLs during internal conflict situations.
To return to that confrontation in Boston: we see, finally, the person who had earlier accused Shavendra and called him a coward, and not a war-hero, extending his hand; a gesture which was welcomed by the latter, leading of course to that shaking of hands, between the accuser and the accused. A ‘confrontation’ which ended on a peaceful note, a confrontation which showed much tolerance being practised by all participants (Does this come close to what the ancient religious teachers meant by ‘tolerance’? Would the great teachers have been pleased to witness such a confrontation? Would they have blessed those participants: Sri Lankans in Boston, the blessed people?).
But then, with the passage of time, one begins to wonder: Were those protesters truly convinced? Or, were they left with no alternative, given that they were outnumbered within the hall? Were they, like politicians doing so for the camera? One hopes not, but one never knows for sure. Where was TGTE’s Suba? Did she not stay to shake the hand of Maj. Gen. Silva? Had she left, convinced and happy, or lunconvinced and disgusted?Whatever the answers to those questions may be, the kind of interaction one witnessed in Boston is to be encouraged. It is time for those who were truly there, the armed forces-personnel themselves, to tell their story, which is more convincing than those told by politicians. This however, in turn, makes the stories of the civilians who were trapped in the battle-field, vitally important, too.
But, in the diplomatic arena, the audience would need to be of a different blend. ‘Preaching to the converted’ is of little use. Those who should be addressed are not only those who would hold posters that say: ‘You are our war-hero’. It should be those who say precisely the opposite: ‘You are a war-criminal’. A small start has been made, and Maj. Gen. Silva seems to be encouraging such interaction and engagement, as he noted during his presentation. For now, all those who participated ought to be thanked, even congratulated.
Courtesy : The Island

The day that changed the destiny of a nation
By Dhaneshi YATAWARA
The ceremonial opening of Sri Lanka's first Parliament at Independence Square on February 10, 1948
The first Independence Day
With renewed hope, Sri Lanka would be celebrating its glorious 63rd Independence Day in another five days. It is the second Independence Day in a terrorism-free country. The event marks not only the defeat of the nearly 133 years of British rule, but also the remarkable sense of living in a truly peaceful country. There is a new awakening and stirring among Sri Lankans; the pride of silencing one of the most ruthless terrorist groups in the world while some powerful nations with all resources at their command are still grappling with terrorism.
Commenting on the independence we gained in 1948, certain scholars have written that freedom was achieved without shedding a drop of blood.
When taking the freedom struggle into consideration, this however, is doubtful. It seems to be a little far from the truth. If not for the independence we gained in 1948, we would never have developed to the level that we are today.
Just two years after the last Sinhala Kingdom came to an end, people of the Kandyan region started rebelling against the British rulers. Several other regions such as Dumbara, Matale, Hewaheta and Sabaragamuwa joined in the uprising which reached a peak in Uva-Wellassa. Since 1818, the freedom-loving sons of Sri Lanka, both clergy and laity, had been spearheading the freedom struggle at great risk to their lives.
Moneravila Keppetipola Dissawa, who served the British as one of the high local officials, also joined the rebellion. The then Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg called in reinforcements as the rebellion became more intense. The British, to control the uprising, destroyed hundreds of acres of paddy cultivation, burned villages and killed many Sinhalese, especially in Uva-Wellassa. Keppetipola Dissawa was caught and beheaded.
According to the Crown Lands Ordinance and Waste Lands Ordinance, Sri Lankans lost their inherited land. According to records, nearly 1.3 million acres of land were confiscated by the British. Such lands gained forcibly were sold to British planters to start coffee cultivation. When coffee was destroyed by the blight, the British started growing tea and by the mid-19th century, Ceylon Tea had become popular in the British market, bringing great wealth to a small class of white tea planters. The British realised that the highlands of Sri Lanka were suited for coffee, tea and rubber cultivations and got the farmer community out of them, also bringing a death trap to Sri Lanka's valuable fauna and flora.
Rebel leaders
Led by Kadahapola Unnanse, a Bhikkhu, the second rebellion started in the Matale region and was joined by two young men, namely Francis Fernando from Moratuwa and Don David from Peliyagoda. They became famous as Weera Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda. Facing British reinforcements and firepower, their struggle with guerilla tactics failed and eventually the leaders were executed. They are still living heroes for patriotic Sri Lankans.
D.S. Senanayake at the planting of a mango sapling to mark the historic occasion
Though the Portuguese first invaded our country, followed by the Dutch, it was the British who heavily changed Sri Lanka's economic, legal, political and social background. Two segments could be seen in the latter part of Sri Lankan's freedom struggle - the Constitutionalists and the rebellious groups.
The Constitutionalists group comprised stalwarts of Sri Lanka's political history such as D.S. Senanayake, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, N.M. Perera, Philip Gunawardena, Robert Gunawardena, Dr. S.A. Wickramasinghe, Ponnambalam brothers and T.B. Jayah along with other less radical members such as Natesa Iyer and D.A. Rajapaksa.
Patriotic citizens from all ethnicities joined hands to regain Sri Lanka's lost independence. Educationists, politicians and citizens of different ethnic groups were heavily involved in the freedom struggle. Hundreds of Ceylonese were arrested by the British colonial government during the riots of 1915.
Those who faced imprisonment without charges included prominent figures of the independence movement such as F.R. Senanayake, D.S. Senanayake, Anagarika Dharmapala, Dr. C.A. Hewavitarne, Captain Henry Pedris, D.C. Senanayake, Baron Jayatilaka, Edwin Wijeyeratne, W.A. de Silva, Arthur V. Dias, John Silva, Piyadasa Sirisena and A.E. Goonesinghe.
Political independence
Sri Lankans' struggle to gain political independence from the British paved the way for the Donoughmore Commission reforms to take place in 1931 followed by the Soulbury Commission recommendations. The Soulbury Commission was the most important result of the agitation for constitutional reforms in the 1930s.
British rule in Sri Lanka started under King George III (1815-1820) and continued under eight monarchs. Sri Lanka was ruled by George IV (1820-1830), William IV (1830-1837), Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Edward VII (1901-1910), George V (1910-1936), Edward VIII in 1936 and George VI from 1936.
Edward VIII abdicated the British Throne in favour of his love for Mrs. Wallis Simpson. On February 4, 1948 Sri Lanka regained political freedom from British Imperialism when King George VI sent his brother, the Duke of Gloucester as his representative to transfer power to locals.
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the British Throne.
Sri Lanka was not the only Asian country that regained freedom from the British during the period 1947 and 1948. India and Myanmar (then Burma) started progressing rapidly following their newly won freedom. Myanmar, in particular, had sent out all non-nationals living there as illegal immigrants.
A few remains of the colonial era still linger around us. We still retain many beneficial characteristics of that era. For instance, English has been retained as a medium of instruction in schools as it was in the immediate post-independent era. Cricket has been the most popular sport of the country irrespective of ethnicity or religion. As Brigham Young once said, true independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right.
Republic status
Sri Lanka shed its Dominion coat in 1972 and became a Republic. The Senate was abolished and Sinhala was established as the official language with Tamil as a second language. Appeals to the British Privy Council were abolished. Colonial plantations were nationalised.
Pioneers of Sri Lanka's freedom movement
Gloomy days followed under the JVP insurrection in 1971 and later with the emergence of LTTE terrorism in the North. A new constitution was introduced in 1978 which drastically altered the nature of governance in Sri Lanka. It replaced the previous Westminster style parliamentary government with a new presidential system modelled after that of France, with a powerful chief executive.
The President was to be elected by direct suffrage for a six-year term and was empowered to appoint, with Parliamentary approval, the Prime Minister and to preside over Cabinet meetings. J.R. Jayewardene became the first Executive President under the new Constitution.
It would be worth recalling that at the time of Independence in 1948, we were economically well ahead in the Asian region which prompted even a prime minister in the region to recommend that his country follow our model. The present Government, committed as it is to development, has taken vast strides in this regard.
Spiritual advancement must go hand in hand with such material development to create a virtue-loving society. The Government has spearheaded a campaign to materialise this objective, converting them to a civilised society. The President's Mathata Thitha concept is one such step.
Today, this new-found unity, a result of eradicating terrorism from our motherland, has opened the doors to the true potential of the country. Every Sri Lankan must do his/her part to lift the country out of its gloomy past. It is hoped that the fresh beginning would galvanise each citizen to do more during this second and most decisive phase of our Independence.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/02/05/news02.asp

Kataragama comes alive with pomp and pageantry

Dharma Sri Abeyratne
Sri Lanka’s 63rd Independence Day was celebrated yesterday with pomp and pageantry under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the historic city of Kataragama highlighting great qualities such as bravery, confidence, dedication, national unity, patriotism, nationalism, peace, national responsibility and awareness of national history in the minds of people.
The Independence Day ceremony commenced with the arrival of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at 8.45am. They were then received by Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Senaviratne and Deputy Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Wijaya Dahanayake. This was followed by the blowing of trumpets heralding the arrival of the President by Sri Lanka Army.
The President was later accompanied to the main flag post by the Chief of Defence Staff Service Commanders and Inspector General of Police. The President hoisted the National Flag amidst the beating of Magul Bera and blowing of Conch Shells. The National Anthem was sung by 100 schoolchildren from 12 schools in Badulla and Bandarawela. All the invitees and thousands of people participated in singing the National Anthem together with the schoolchildren.
The President was then conducted to the special dais by the Chief of Defence Staff Service Commanders and the Inspector General of Police. After that President Rajapaksa was blessed with Jaya Mangala Gatha and Devo Vassathu Kalena which was sung by 25 schoolgirls representing 10 schools in the Uva Province.
Then, there was a two minute silence in honour of all patriots who have laid down their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland. The President also paid tribute to the patriots and national heroes of Sri Lanka, observed two minutes of silence in their memory.
After that the Three Forces personnel accorded a guard of honour to the President and it was followed by 21 ceremonial Gun Salute.
A great military parade by 1,400 Army, 300 Air Force, 300 Navy, 300 Police and 250 Civil Security Force personnel was another big draw. Besides, 250 School Cadets representing the Three Forces and the Police took part in the parade. The march past showcased the power of the Army, Navy, Air force, Police and the Civil Security Force. The gallant march of Army Commandos and Special Forces Personnel, STF and the Navy SBS was eye-catching.
In addition the commitment, bravery, national unity and determination to achieve peace were recollected in the minds of people who viewed the march past.
There were also dances, singing and performances that showcased national unity and culture. Around 1,400 dancers representing many cultural centres participated in various dancing items including 18 Wannama

Outlining the dividends of peace in Sri Lanka

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110131_05

Outlining the dividends of peace in Sri Lanka

(By: Random Jottings)
Exclusive Interview with Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Manila Times
HE is credited as having played a decisive role in giving Sri Lankans (Sinhalese,Tamils and Muslims alike)-who during the dark and dismal days of the three-decade old separatist conflict were reduced to leaving their homes each day unsure if they would ever return home from work, school or even routine journeys without encountering bloodshed-their lives back.
But by cruel irony it's not a luxury Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa can claim to enjoy. Two years after the end of the war-that brought into play in the Tamil Tigers one of the world's deadliest terrorist outfits-he still has to live in an intrusive security cocoon.
Sitting in his well-appointed (and well-defended) office at the Ministry of Defence complex that is an oasis of calm and green he accepts this twist of fate with a weary shrug of his shoulders. "Of course, I wish it was different. But that is something I have to accept since being complacent can be a dangerous thing.
In fact, that's the message I am trying to spread nationwide because now that every part of the county is accessible to all Sri Lankans we should all be on our guard to ensure internal security will never again be compromised or undermined".
He goes on, the pride and awe in his tone palpable: "You know, at the beginning of this war in the early 1980s I was a junior army officer in Jaffna leading a small platoon of soldiers, all of whom had never, or for that matter even wanted to, fire a gun in anger. And there I was almost 30 years later having the honor and privilege to play a leading hand in putting in place not only a well-equipped 200,000 strong military force, but also instilling in them the mind-set to be a mean but disciplined fighting force primed to bring the hostilities to an end".
There were, of course, other factors that also came neatly into play. Not least of these being that the Defence Secretary's boss, Commander-in-Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was his older brother, thus giving him unprecedented and unfettered access to the supreme seat of political and military power.
And as Defence Secretary Rajapaksa is quck to note, four Presidents of eight previous governments failed to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) because of domestic political posturing (which too often left successive defence secretaries operating with hands tied behind their back) and international pressure brought about at the cynical behest of Tamil Tiger surrogates abroad. This caused the military operations to be stopped half way through, resulting in the LTTE believing that they were invincible.
The Defence Secretary points out that President Rajapaksa tried hard to bring the LTTE to a democratic path several times but finally gave up when the Tamil Tigers' only response was to target him for assassination. "That's when the President decided that the LTTE should be defeated militarily and gave me my mission orders", he says.
But that was then and this is now. These days with peace firmly in place and development the mounting creed, he believes that "the commitment and discipline of each individual is crucial in achieving success in the development process". He adds: "Having a clear vision about the task and the ability to remain firm without any ambiguity will make the path for development smooth. By the same token we can create a better country if we work according to a strategic plan as we did during the war."
On the question of discipline, Defense Secretary Rajapaksa-acting on his wide brief which also includes peace and order-has spearheaded a move to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras all over the capital Colombo in order to curb crime, and over a hundred have been installed in strategic locations already.
This early he has done his bit on the development front too. Five months ago when a top management team from the international luxury hotel chain Shangi-La came to Sri Lanka to check out the possibilities of investing there, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa, in a matter of just a day, made a favorable decision on the prime ocean-view location that the Shangri-La coveted for a hotel and residential complex that would infuse dollars worth hundreds of millions to the country's economy.
It did help that the 12-acre site which sold for $125 million came directly under the purview of the Defence Ministry. But nonetheless, Chairman/CEO Shangri-La Asia Ean Kuok (son of Malaysian sugar baron Robert Kuok who founded the hotel group) was quoted as saying that it was "the fastest deal the company had sealed anywhere in the world".
In a parting shot at its detractors on the global stage Rajapaksa remarks: "In recent weeks some people have tried to make a big deal about the diplomatic cables leaked on WikiLeaks. But if you study the postings on WikiLeaks you can see that much of it pertaining to Sri-Lanka before and after the war is based on diplomatic cocktail circuit chatter. And it amazes me that mature countries like the United States and the United Kingdom would make policy decisions relating to Sri Lanka based on nothing more than gossip."
"Today we have a situation where the former top three leaders of the Tamil Tigers after its slain leader Velupillai Prabhakaran are working with the government. Two are actually in government positions while the other is working with us in a non-governmental capacity. Unfortunately, there is still a dwindling-but vociferous-band of Tamils living overseas with erstwhile Tamil Tiger affiliations who consider that good news from our side is bad news for them. But the truth will always prevail.
"We have created an environment for everybody to live in peace as Sri Lankans, as one nation. The ground reality is we must give people the opportunity to live peacefully, with jobs and education. That is what they want, and that is what the government will ensure they get in Sri Lanka".
Courtesy : The Manila Times

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110204_02

Change attitudes for true freedom & progress - President at Independence celebrations
'Inconvenient and difficult decisions also necessary for nation's progress'
www.defence.lk">The people of our country must change their attitudes about future progress of the country, similar to the manner in which they began to think afresh about achieving victory over the forces of terror. There is the need for an enormous attitudinal change from children to adults to achieve national development, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the nation at the 63rd celebration of Independence in Kataragama today (4 Feb).
This is the true freedom that we believe in, he stressed.
Similar to the success of our conviction that terrorism could be defeated, we have also shown our ability to build large power stations at Norochcholai, Upper Kothmale and Kerawalapitiya, build massive ports in Hambantota and Colombo, develop major irrigation schemes as in Moragahakanda and Uma Oya, and make our cities clean, he said.
He pointed out that all of this will not make our freedom meaningful in the absence of a law-abiding society. 'Therefore, we are committed to building a law-abiding society. The respect for discipline in a society is essential for development.'
President Rajapaksa added that the country cannot be developed solely on popular decisions. 'Inconvenient and difficult decisions are also necessary for the nation's progress. It is the nation's responsibility to take hard and difficult decisions to bring light to the future of our children, rather than take popular decisions that will lead them to darkness ahead', he said.
Following is the Speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the celebrations of the 63rd Anniversary
of Independence in Kataragama.
(04 Feb 2011)
Friends,
I am extremely proud to address you as a nation that has shown immense commitment to the freedom of the motherland.
On this occasion, I remember all heroes who fought for freedom against the world's dangerous invaders and bestowed upon us with a heritage that is precious and invaluable. I also remember with great honour all the war heroes who sacrificed their lives to defeat terrorism.
Friends,
Winning freedom is a challenge faced by every nation. Safeguarding that freedom is an even greater challenge.
The freedom struggle of a country may end in a particular time span. Yet, protecting that freedom is a task that remains forever. We must realize that it is a great struggle continuously carried out with patience, vigilance and love for the country. Therefore, unlike in the past, we have taken many giant strides towards upholding and strengthening that freedom as never taken before.
www.defence.lk">We now face the immense challenge of restoring all that was lost to the nation, except the lives of those lost, in the thirty years of terrorism. The history of the world has shown that it needs a great deal of time to rebuild a nation that has faced such devastation.
Even at this moment, many countries in the world undergo much hardship due to effects of adverse weather and climate change. Our own citizens living in some parts of our country also face these conditions. Although we are unable to control the effects of extreme weather, we are committed to uplift all those who have fallen victim to it. We have already allocated a large amount of funds for this work and sent it to the authorities concerns.
Friends,
Whatever the obstacles, we shall not delay to regain the lost opportunities for economic development. The best example is that before two years have passed, areas that were littered with deadly landmines are now prosperous and beautiful with a bountiful harvest.
The per capita income in our country had been increased only to USD 1030 through sixty years since attaining Independence. Yet, in the past five years the GDP was increased to USD 2400. Similarly, electricity, supply of water, irrigation and the road network has been expanded throughout the country.
Education and healthcare services have been improved. The public service has been strengthened. The economic environment necessary to expand private sector activity has been established. The rate of unemployment has been brought to a record low.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons have been resettled, and necessary steps were taken to uplift the lives of people in all areas. Similarly, we have built enormous bridges such as those at Sangupitti, Kinniya, Manampitiya, Mannar and Katugastota, and flyovers around Colombo. The massive development of roads has been carried out throughout the country. Electricity facilities have been expanded in all areas. Steps were taken to develop dry zone areas through irrigation projects such as Moragahakanda, Uma Oya, Deduru Oya, Weheragala and Rambukan Oya, and the restoration of a large number of ancient irrigation tanks and systems.
Similar to hospitals and schools, the university facilities too have been expanded. The first Nena Sala was established at Kiri Vehera with the blessings of the Kataragama deity. Today, Nena Salas are spread throughout the country. Computer literacy was brought to a high level within five years. Steps were taken to build sports stadiums of international standard at Diyagama, Suriyawewa and Pallekale, especially for our children. We were able to protect our national assets as well as restore and rebuild them as needed. Accordingly, a new airline - Mihin Lanka - was established, the national airline that had been sold out was given to the ownership of the people, and the ownership of the Gas Company was also bestowed to the people. Our nation can therefore, be proud of the past five years as being the most meaningful period since Independence in moving forward with peace and development.
However, much remains to be won in the cause of freedom. There should be opportunity for our people to enjoy the victories and successes obtained by those in the countries of the developed world. Our aim should be the eradication of poverty. For that we need to expand employment opportunities. We must become a high income country by expanding the avenues for income generation. Our freedom will be sustainable only when the gap between the rural and urban sectors is removed, by further expanding services such as electricity, roads, telecommunication, education and healthcare.
Our march forward is most decisive.
The Independence Day celebrations formerly held in Colombo, is now brought to the village. Mahinda Chintana shows the way to a strong, self-sufficient economy. What we expect from such an economy is not only to produce a successful business community but also paddy farmers with a good earning capacity. We also look towards agriculturists who will get the best prices in the world market by supplying vegetables and fruits, as well as tea, rubber and coconut, and also to industrialists who supply goods that are suited to international standards. We look forward to a productive economy that will add value to the produce of our own soil. The goal of the Mahinda Chintana is to bestow on our people their rightful inheritance from our land and the sea around us.
This is the true freedom that we believe in. The people of our country must change their attitudes about future progress of the country, similar to the manner in which they began to think afresh about achieving victory over the forces of terror. There is the need for an enormous attitudinal change from children to adults to achieve national development.
Similar to the success of our conviction that terrorism could be defeated, we have also shown our ability to build large power stations at Norochcholai, Upper Kothmale and Kerawalapitiya, build massive ports in Hambantota and Colombo, develop major irrigation schemes as in Moragahakanda and Uma Oya, and make Colombo and our other cities clean.
Yet, all of this will not make our freedom meaningful in the absence of a law-abiding society. Therefore, we are committed to building a law-abiding society. The respect for discipline in a society is essential for development.
The country cannot be developed solely on popular decisions. Inconvenient and difficult decisions are also necessary for the nation's progress. It is the nation's responsibility to take hard and difficult decisions to bring light to the future of our children, rather than take popular decisions that will lead them to darkness ahead.
Friends,
We are a country that respects the policy of non-alignment. We have close relationships with all countries. We appreciate the support extended to us in recovering from natural and man-made disasters as well as to take our development forward.
We are one of Asia's oldest democracies. Similar to this democracy, the unity and unitary nature of our motherland should be protected. We have traversed a mature democratic path where we are able to solve our own problems. We have shown the world the humanitarian and democratic values of our society in rebuilding after the destruction of the tsunami and resettling the internally displaced.
As a nation that inherits a proud history of 2500 years, we have a tradition of caring for and giving shelter to all species amongst us and protecting the greenery and environment around us. Our commitment towards human rights is the heritage handed down to us from this historic cultural tradition. Similar to the right of all citizens to the freedom of expression, it is also their duty and responsibility to respect the dignity of the motherland in enjoying that freedom. I wish to emphasize this is also the responsibility of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and all communities among us, as well as of all political parties.
Friends,
King Dutugemunu commenced his journey to unite this motherland with blessings from this sacred land of the deity of Kataragama. Many of the successful freedom struggles in our history commenced with blessings from this sacred land of Kataragama. It is with similar blessings that I, as the leader of a mature democratic nation, take on with responsibility and confidence, the task of this era -- to align you in the forefront of a rising nation of Asia.
At this decisive time in our country, I trust that you will be with me in carrying out this task, sharing with me the love for our motherland.
May the Noble Triple Gem Bless you!
May the blessings of the Deity of Kataragama be with you!

Rehabilitated 'Beneficiaries' Need Further Support, says BCGR

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Rehabilitated 'Beneficiaries' Need Further Support, says BCGR
The Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation and Reintegration (BCGR), responsible for rehabilitation of former LTTE combatants at Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Centres (PARCs) in the North and East, during an awareness-raising conference on Wednesday (2), spelt out roles the BCGR has so far executed and achieved through its diverse rehabilitation and reintegration programmes targeting initially an estimated total of 11,696 ex-LTTE combatants.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe, during the principal presentation to the gathering on 'Rehabilitation Process' outlined how the meticulous task with the support of volunteers and experts in the field, was effectively conducted to disengage, de-radicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate former combatants to be productive citizens of the country after exposing them to diverse transformation programmes.
"Sri Lanka after stunning the world by defeating terrorism had to develop its own mechanism to face the challenge of rehabilitating those who were forced to surrender and those who voluntarily surrendered. The task of rehabilitation was another way to end the war since a number of components had to be taken into consideration in terms of the protracted nature of the armed conflict. Factors such as distorted history, social grievances, brainwashed psyche, violent behavioural patterns, etc had to be assessed and addressed. We had to profile them at different levels as early as possible considering cases individually since so many escapees moved into cleared areas en masse as the final stage of the humanitarian operation was on".
"Those in our care were not any longer called 'former combatants' but 'beneficiaries'. To begin with, there had to be a shift of the entire terminology among us. They were not 'child soldiers' but 'our children'. This compassionate approach resonated across all nine PARCs and has finally resulted in the reintegration of 5764 former combatants, comprised of 3649 males and 2115 females to the society. As for 594 children of 12-18 years of age, different strategies had to be adopted since they are our future. Of them, 273 opted to continue their formal education while the remaining 321 selected vocational training education as the choice for their career. Two separate schools are providing those opportunities under 'Catch-up Education Programme' and they have been very effective and successful," the commissioner added.
Maintenance of the remaining 4716 'beneficiaries' in those PARCs costs the government Rs. 73 million per month, excluding the salaries being paid to the employees. Provision of food, electricity and water to those beneficiaries consumes a fair chunk of this cost, the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe said. "We still need a lot of support from various sectors."
One of the most challenging aspects of the process is the difficulty in finding a permanent 'living' for those rehabilitated and released rehabilitees as ordinary citizens in society. Those beneficiaries after their transformation from violence to peace-living need public support and understanding since their reintegration and interaction with society and the family depend now purely on economic factors for them to lead a contended life, he said.
Paying a complimentary tribute to the volunteering experts to the BCGR and the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) for their support, Brigadier Ranasinghe pointed out that a total of 157 rehabilitees were qualified to be admitted to universities after sitting the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination as a result of well-coordinated training programmes implemented by the BCGR. Within a matter of 3-4 months of learning, several hundreds passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination, to be on par with any other school in the island. In addition, 53 beneficiaries who were in love with an inmate either at PARCs or a partner outside, were given in marriage at a mass marriage ceremony on 13th June 2010. They were also provided 53 houses at the initial stage but due to various reasons the couples have moved out into their original areas of living on grounds of economic or other family ties, he added.
Resource personnel from the IOM and the BCGR and a few others contributed to the sessions at Galle Face Hotel.

Diaspora should help rebuild says Minister Basil Rajapaksa

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Diaspora should help rebuild says Minister Basil Rajapaksa

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday( Jan 24), said that the Diaspora’s behaviour should help to recover the people who had faced untold hardships and obstacles under the clutches of LTTE terrorists.
The Minister was speaking at a meeting with members of British Commonwealth Diaspora and second generation youths of Sri Lankans domiciled in the UK. Conservative Party member Andrew Mitchell and British Labour Party member John Mann were present. The meeting was held at Presidential Secretariat yesterday. The Minister explained the resettlement of people who were displaced by the terrorist atrocities in the North and the challenges faced by the Government in the resettlement process.
Minister Rajapaksa added that the resettlement drive is nearing completion and the Government has started the recovery phase of the development. The Minister added that there is conducive environment in the country for investment. He asked them to visit any part of the country stressing that their reporting over the country’s present situation should be actual

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U.S.A expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka
In a communique`‚ released Wednesday (Feb 02), Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton expressed solidarity with the government and people of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Congratulating the island nation in the eve of the 63rd anniversary of independence on 4th February, Secretary of State further stated that, "our two countries have had a strong relationship based on mutual interests and a shared commitment to the ideals of democratic governance. Sri Lankans have made numerous positive contributions to American culture and America has been a partner for economic growth and development in Sri Lanka".
Full text of the communique`‚ released on 2nd January, 2011
Sri Lanka's Independence Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 2, 2011
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as you celebrate the 63rd anniversary of independence this February 4.
Since Sri Lanka's independence, our two countries have had a strong relationship based on mutual interests and a shared commitment to the ideals of democratic governance. Sri Lankans have made numerous positive contributions to American culture and America has been a partner for economic growth and development in Sri Lanka.
We hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens. ??
I wish all Sri Lankans around the world a happy celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year.

National flags fly in Jaffna on 63rd Independence day

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National flags fly in Jaffna on 63rd Independence day
People in Jaffna celebrated the 63rd Independence Day of Sri Lanka by hoisting National Flags at their houses, business places, government buildings and on their vehicles yesterday(4th Feb).
The Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar, along with her staff hoisted the National Flag at the office and sang the National Anthem to mark the Independence Day. General Officer Commanding 51 Division Major General Janaka Walgama attended the function as a special guest. All government offices in Jaffna held special functions yesterday with participation of Heads of the institutes and their staff members to mark the 63rd Independence Day
Meanwhile, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) with his Staff Officers, Other Ranks and members of the civilian staff attended Independence celebrations held at the Headquarters SF-J in Friday morning. A mango sapling was planted by the SF-J Commander in the Headquarters premises to mark the 63rd Independence Day.

Lanka progressing well - International Monetary Fund

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Lanka progressing well - International Monetary Fund
There is always risk in an economy and IMF is happy the way that Sri Lanka is progressing.
The external performance is positive. The reserves position and exchange rate is stable. Overall the external sector is strong, International Monetary Fund Resident Representative Dr. Koshy Mathai said.
"The country is on the right track. The necessary clauses are included in the Technical Memorandum of Understanding (TMU) where adjustments could be carried out," he said announcing the completion of the fifth review of the Stand-by Loan Agreement.
There should be two way flexibility in the exchange rate and the introduction of flexibility in both directions is necessary. However, inflation is picking up. International food prices are on the rise and the flood situation has also contributed in the inflation to move upward.
"Inflation and monetary conditions are at satisfactory levels. However, the Central Bank must keep a vigilant eye. There is no bubble in the property market. The external shocks are managed well.
There could be real growth in the economy that is rebounding. The growth expected for 2011 is seven percent," he said.
Historically the fiscal situation in Sri Lanka is a weak point. However, remarkable improvement could be seen recently. The budget deficit is contracting. The debt ratio will come down to 60 percent from its current 80 percent in four to five years.
The budgetary policies should be focused and implemented to achieve desired results.
Sri Lanka collects very low revenue compared to other countries. The tax reforms and BOI reforms are good moves.
The country is focusing on improving the business environment and also climbing up the ranking. State enterprise balances can be improved which is good for the overall balance.
"The fiscal picture is encouraging. The financial sector is now looking at developing with growth enhancement. Promoting IPOs will augur well for the financial sector. The corporate bond market will also be developed with relevant policies introduced. They are good moves in macro environment", Dr. Mathai said.
There is new economic scenario for Sri Lanka as well as for the world. The most important thing is for the macro economic fundamentals to be strengthened. Sri Lanka needs to focus on its natural strengths," he said.
Asia will take up the economic centre stage. China and India are growing strongly. Sri Lanka needs to re-orient towards more regional integration. The country's economy is bound to grow fast and we are optimistic, he said. "The monetary policy is in the right place. There are no cuts and hikes.
The main focus should be to implement the policy decisions regarding macro targets, tax reforms and state enterprises that had been laid down. The key focus should be to increase revenue," Dr. Mathai said.
Courtesy :Daily News

Each step taken for development a step towards freedom - President

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Each step taken for development a step towards freedom - President
President's Independence Day Message
All Sri Lankans now have the opportunity to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of Independence with much glory. The unlimited sacrifices for the freedom and independence of Sri Lanka make today's Independence Day celebrations one of great honour.
The aspiration of the nation is to make more meaningful the freedom won with much sacrifice. The first Prime Minister of Independent Sri Lanka, Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake taking over the nation said that freedom has been obtained to relieve the pain and increase contentment of the people regardless of ethnic, party or religious differences. This is the worthy aim of any nation that seeks freedom. It is of paramount importance to accelerate the work on nation building to fulfill this aim. The march towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia should speed up as each step taken for development is a step towards freedom.
We must set right the errors of both past and present in this march towards greater freedom. There is no victory we have won through divisions, which leads to the loss of freedom for us all. Therefore, building a united Sri Lanka is the best means by which freedom can be secured and given more meaning. We must. have the same commitment to building a united nation as we had in defending our country.
We are a nation with a heritage of glory. lt is filled with heroes who made great sacrifices for freedom. I take this opportunity to honor all those patriots

Rehabilitated ex-combatants completes vocational training – Vavuniya

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Rehabilitated ex-combatants completes vocational training – Vavuniya
Over 500 ex-combatants who were forcibly recruited by LTTE terrorists and surrendered with Sri Lankan military were given a new life under the Government initiated programme for vocational training.
The ex-combatants who had completed the mason training programme sponsored by ‘Holcim’ were awarded certificates of successful completion by Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Dallas Alahapperuma on 31st January.
Minister Rishard Badurdeen, Vavuniya GA Mrs. P S M Charles and Director General for Rehabilitation Brig. S Ranasinghe were also present at the occasion.

We will not be intimidated by LTTE front organizations - SL envoy in US

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We will not be intimidated by LTTE front organizations - SL envoy in US
The President and people of Sri Lanka are not intimidated by the threats and distortions of fact of pro-LTTE front organizations that continue to support an international terrorist organization. We have endured one of the worst terrorist groups in the world and have emerged a united and victorious nation, said Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States.
Referring to a lawsuit filed against President Rajapaksa in Texas by an LTTE front organization, Mr. Wickramasuriya said, "What we are seeing now is that the same individuals or relatives of these individuals that were part of these proscribed LTTE front organizations have started new groups. These so-called advocacy organizations have the same membership and directors as the proscribed organizations. They continue to spread propaganda against the Government and carry out publicity stunts like this baseless law suit."
The decision marks the official end of the WTM, which was formed in 1986 and became closely aligned with the LTTE. It also marks the conclusion of a nine-year RCMP investigation

LLRC visits Welioya

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LLRC visits Welioya
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), the eight member commission which was appointed by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to report on lessons to be learnt from the events in the period, February 2002 to May 2009 visited Weli-Oya yesterday, 29th January, to study the real situation that prevailed when terrorism was active.
Maha Sanga and civilians of Weli-Oya villages giving evidence before the commission have revealed the enormous hardships they encountered due to LTTE terrorists activities during the period.
The Commission expects to conclude seeking evidence from the public on Monday. It is planned to seek the views within the next few days, from the people who are living in Welikanda and Palliyagodella villages in the Polonnaruwa district which were threatened by terrorism.
The final report of the Commission is due to be presented to the President in May.

Interpol assistance to nab six top LTTE suspects

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Interpol assistance to nab six top LTTE suspects
An open warrant has been issued to apprehension six top LTTE suspects who had gone abroad.
The Terrorists Control Bureau intimated to the Colombo Magistrate's Courts that they had received information that these six LTTE suspects who had been engaged in several terrorist activities had fled the country. The bureau further informed the Court that the necessary arrangements were being finalized via Interpol to arrest them.
Accordingly, the Magistrate's Court while issuing an open warrant for their arrest, gave an order to report to the Court on the 22nd of April, the progress of the inquiries

Attack leaves Lankan monks in city shaken

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Attack leaves Lankan monks in city shaken
( By: R Vasundara)
www.defence.lk">CHENNAI: The Sri Lankan Maha Bodhi Society on Kennett Lane, Egmore, is barely distinguishable, crammed in between hotels and lodges that crowd the street. Hordes of policemen and a couple of patrol jeeps stand outside the society premises. Security has been provided after an attack on the building by a group on Monday night in which four monks were injured.Yet Kennett Lane derives its name from the society itself, whose premises was once called Kennett House. The society was established in 1891 and Kennett house is over 80 years old. But the old building is being torn down and re-constructed even as a newer building was established in front of it, forty years ago. It is estimated that about 500 Sinhala families have made Chennai their home. Many of them are employees at the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission or work for IT companies. Inside, it is business as usual. Unmindful of the cops lounging about the place, the monk in-charge, Kalawane Mahanama Thero, clad in saffron robes and looking flustered, rushed about the place coordinating the administration of the monastery and the visits of the daily batch of pilgrims from Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. "Things have been crazy today," he said. "I am arranging the immigration papers of Kamburugamuwe Vajira, a very senior monk and the chancellor of the University of Sabaragamua in Sri Lanka. He is an elderly man who was very seriously injured in the attack yesterday and wants to return home today. Never before has an incident like this happened to us. This is a public place, open to all," he said. Vajira was spotted later hobbling into the building after he was discharged from the nearby private hospital. He sported a swollen right eye, a thick bandage under the same eye and several bruises on his hand, shoulder and back where his red monk robes could not entirely conceal.His assistant, Bhikku Sumita, a 25-year-old monk, who had never set foot outside the monastery during his three-year tenure in Chennai, bore the marks of his first encounter with the outside world a bruised and bandaged wrist. "I got this bruise when I put up my hand to protect my head," he said in Sinhala. "They were trying to hit me on the head with some instrument." Sumita, Vajira and two other monks were sitting in the outer lobby on Monday night when the attack happened. "We were watching TV, when suddenly these men entered and started hitting us," said Sumita. "They chased me into the prayer hall and I escaped through a back door into the building behind. It was over as quickly as it began." Shattered glass panes and a few broken figurines of Lord Buddha bear silent testimony to the attack. "Most of the monks are in shock," said Mahanama Thero. "I was in Sri Lanka last night. After spending the entire night trying to calm them down over phone, I rushed here on Tuesday morning to sort things out." Nilanthi, a 36-year old Sinhalese woman who was on her first visit to the city looked tensed as she conversed in whispers with her two male companions. "I am worried about my safety. I am not sure why they attacked this place. But I can't speak Tamil and I have to go around the city. That worries me," she said.