http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120229_05

Secretary Defence Visits Crab Fattening Site in Kayts
www.defence.lk">Hon. Secretary to the
Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the
Crab Fattening Farm at Karampan in Kayts island on Friday (24). Mr. Gotabaya
Rajapaksa went to Kayts amidst his busy schedule in Jaffna to meet the
reintegrated Ex-LTTE combatants who are working on the project together with
soldiers serving in Kayts.
The Crab Fattening Project was started by Civil Affairs and
Public Relations Office of Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna (SF-J) with
instructions of Secretary Defence and Commander of the Army four months ago as a
livelihood project for rehabilitated ex-LTTE combatants and their close
relatives living in coastal area of Karampan in the Kayts island.
Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe explained the
progress of the project to the visiting Secretary. Until the process of
fattening water crabs and marketing is properly streamlined, the17th Battalion
Gemunu Watch commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Senaka Premawansa is assisting the
Cooperative Society established for its employees.
The crab fattening project in Kayts was able to achieve desired
results with technical assistance and guidance of Ms. Maheeni Samarakoon
Singappuli, an expert in the field and coordination of Lieutenant Colonel Lal
Nanayakkara, the Civil Affairs Officer of Headquarters SF-J.
Secretary Defence having observed the progress, met the workers
and inquired about their views on the project.
Maiden harvest of the project was reaped and sold the same day.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120229_04

UK rejects US based HRW's
cynical claims over deportation of bogus asylum seekers
* UK has questioned concerns raised
by two charities which say that Sri Lankan Tamils deported from the UK are at
danger of being 'tortured' or 'raped'.
* Refutes
pro-LTTE claims stating, "No substantiated allegations of mistreatment of those
returned from the UK".
Britain facilitated deportation of another group of bogus-asylum
seekers to Sri Lanka yesterday (Feb 28). The latest move came amidst constant
spin doctoring and misinformation campaigns carried-out by pro-terrorist front
groups and sympatatic dollar dwellers of the Human Rights Industry.
Human Rights Watch and a proxy terror front group -Freedom from
Torture, clamored that the flights should be suspended because some 'ethnic'
Tamils were subjected to cruel treatment in the island nation.
BBC quoting the British Foreign Office in a news report stated
that, the government only sends people back to Sri Lanka when it and the courts
are satisfied that an individual has no protection needs.
"It cited a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights that
not all Tamil asylum-seekers require protection. And it said there had been no
substantiated allegations of mistreatment of those returned from the UK" BBC
further reported.
Britain has straight forward condemned and refuted the
strongly-worded statements released by the US-based Human Rights Watch and the
British-based Freedom from Torture.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120227_07

Patriotic Sri Lankans are with the President and the Security Forces:
Condemns the UNHRC resolution
There were series of protests held today (27 Feb) across the
island against the UNHRC resolution to be brought against Sri Lanka. These
protests were held by the patriotic people to pledge their solidarity to His
Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and the valiant Sri
Lankan Security Forces.
The main protest out of the series of protests against the UNHRC
resolution on Sri Lanka was held near the Fort Railway station. A mammoth crowed
was seen marching and protesting on the streets in Colombo Fort.
The people in Chilaw also shouted slogans and held placards
condemning the actions of Western nations condemning the US-backed UNHRC
resolution.
Meanwhile thousands of patriotic people in Jaffna also took to
streets on today (Feb 27) to pledge their solidarity also to His Excellency the
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and the valiant Sri Lankan Security
Forces.
Similar protests were held in all cities of the country and it
was observed that many clergy, community leaders and people from all walks of
life protesting against the resolution to be brought against Sri Lanka at UNHRC
summit today (27).
While attending the 19th session at the UN Human Rights Council
summit a short while ago, the Plantation Minister and President's Special Human
Rights Envoy Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe said "There is no need for a resolution on
Sri Lanka calling for the implementation of the LLRC's recommendations as this
is already being done by the Government ".
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe also reminded the UNHRC council
that the LLRC obtained statements in a transparent manner and hence are
verifiable. This is unlike the UN Expert Panel report which took statements from
individuals behind closed doors ensuring twenty years of anonymity to those
providing claims, he added.
He also said that the government has already begun the
implementation of the LLRC in areas such as rehabilitation of former LTTE
cadres, demining, detention of suspects, land issues, implementation of the
language and a national consensus on the legitimate aspirations of all the
communities in Sri Lanka.
Minister also stated that the recommendations of the LLRC will
be implemented by the Government in a systematic manner.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/29/news33.asp

Killing of 27 civilians, injuring 40:

Indictments served on two suspected LTTE bomb experts

Kapila SOMARATNE, Panadura group corr
The Attorney General indicted two persons considered as bomb experts of the
LTTE, for causing the deaths of 27 passengers and grievous injuries to 40 others
by exploding a claymore bomb in a bus on the Moratuwa - Katubedda road using a
remote control device.
The
accused are Thagervelu Nimalan alias Selvam and Nadesan Kugernadan alias
Nenrill. They were indicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act No 48 of 1979
and the Criminal Procedure Code.
The indictments with 113 charges were served on the accused when they were
produced before the Panadura Provincial High Court judge K Sarojanee
Weerawardana on Monday by a special STF squad as the accused were under
detention.
The 113 charges in the indictments were typed in Sinhala and the accused
appealed to court to read out the charges in the indictment in Tamil. The judge
summoned the Panadura district court interpreter and got him to read out and
explain the 113 charges to the accused.
State Counsel Dishna Warnakula represented the Attorney General when
indicting the accused present in court.
The first accused Thangervelu Nimalan alias Selvam was charged with
committing the deaths of Kamanee Senanayake. S A Madushika Sewwandi Alwis. Sri
Madushika Jayasinghe. Dharmadasa Gamage, Nuwan Manohara. C B Hettiarchchi. K A
Sitha Jayalatha Fernando, D Karunaratna, P S Jayalath, S U Hettiarchchi. S A
Indika, W G Thanuja Priyantha. W M Ghanagith, Prasanna Priyalal Fernando,
Ajantha Damayanthi. H Thilakaratne Fernando, Dilini Maduka Wanniyarchchi, R M G
Ratnayake, P Chaminda Kumara, M A Hemasiri, M D Dayaratne. Sunil Abeysekera. H
Indiwari. D V Bogahawatte. K A Nilanthi. Pradeepa Tharangane Karunatillke and M
Padmasiri Perera and injuring 40 or more passengers.
The second accused Nadesan Kugernadan alias Nenrill was indicted with
conspiracy and aiding and abetting the first accused to commit the murders of
the 27 passengers and injury to 40 or more passengers who travelled in the bus
by exploding a claymore bomb inside it.
The first accused had confessed to an Assistant Superintendent of Police that
the accused had undergone training in an LTTE camp in the Northern province for
a long period, including a special course in exploding bombs and shooting.
They came to Colombo later and got involved in terrorist activities The
confession is also a document in the prosecution case.
The prosecution has cited 74 witnesses including the government analyst,
Colombo South Hospital, JMO, eye witnesses and policemen to give evidence for
the prosecution
A remote control device and other items were marked as productions in the
case.
The Criminal Investigations Department and officials of the Anti Terrorist
(Activities Investigations) Unit investigated into the claymore bomb blast at
Katubedda, Moratuwa and arrested the two suspects while they were living
temporarily in a rented house in Kotahena, Colombo during that time and engaged
in terrorists activities in Colombo.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/29/pol01.asp


Defeating terror without rousing racism helped unite SL -President
Sandasen MARASINGHE
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that the mammoth crowds in
Kilinochchi, Jaffna, the East and the rest of the country could protest unitedly
on highways on Monday, irrespective of all differences, against a resolution
before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against Sri Lanka because ruthless
terrorism was defeated without rousing racist passions, by the state.
He made this observation yesterday addressing the ceremony held at the BMICH
to mark the silver jubilee of the Ravaya newspaper.
He also stated that the same incident is evidence that the people identify
with the country, leaving aside race and party differences. He added that there
is an attitudinal change among the people and everybody has to make maximum use
of this moment to create one nation.
The President also stated that the international community does not have a
genuine desire to build unity among peoples of this country. He added that if
they do so, it is with a hidden agenda. He also stated that only ‘we can be our
source of strength’.
He added that when they raise human rights issues, it affects the harmony,
peace and freedom of this country. “We could preserve them only if we work
together irrespective of differences,” he said.
The President stated that supporting a government in the name of national
unity would not affect a person or a party. The President added that he requests
all to join hands to build one nation, or the future generations will blame us.
He added that the responsibility of building one nation falls not only on the
leader of the country but the other politicians, media personnel, scholars,
religious leaders etc.
The President also stated that people think that nothing was gained from the
‘71 and ‘89 uprisings and 30 year conflict. He added that we have to prevent
more such crises.
He stated the government has rehabilitated thousands of ex LTTE combatants
who handled guns from T-56 to missiles and united them with their families. “We
have set up grievance resolution committees and a Parliamentary Select Committee
to find solutions to the national issue.” He added that persons like Loku
Athula, Mahinda Wijesekara who were involved in the ‘71 uprising and others
involved in the ‘89 uprising also entered politics. “All these developments were
a result of democracy prevailing in the country.”
He said that it was not fair to say that there is no democracy in the country
while using the same democracy. He requested all to join the government’s
projects that attempt to uplift democracy and human rights.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, other ministers and Members of Parliament also
were present on the occasion.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Professor Sarath Wijesuriya, SLMC
Deputy Secretary Nisam Kariyappar, TNA MP R Sampanthan and Editor of the Ravaya
newspaper Victor Ivan also spoke

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/29/pol02.asp


Lankans abroad rally against Geneva resolution
*Demos planned opposite UNHRC office
*Thousands gather in Milan
Chaminda PERERA
Sri Lankans in Italy conducting mass street protests on
Sunday to oppose the US led resolution and supporting the Sri Lankan government
led by the President to overcome the designs of forces against Sri
Lanka.
Thousands of Sri Lankans living in Italy yesterday staged a massive protest
in Milan condemning the proposed UN resolution backed by the United States and
several European countries to be submitted at the 19th United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva. These Sri Lankans, irrespective
of their political affiliations and ethnicity, showed their solidarity
against the proposed UN resolution and condemned the vicious agenda of the US
against Sri Lanka.
They said that the US and several Western countries are attempting to plunder
the country’s resources by meddling with its internal affairs under the cover of
human rights.
Crowds kept streaming into Milano from many cities in Italy and other
European countries . The organizers said that they will continue these protests
in Europe as the UNHRC meetings continue until March 23.
“Lanka is an independent and sovereign country. Sri Lankans living abroad
should come forward at this time to safeguard their motherland,” Sri Lankans in
Europe said.
A massive protest is also scheduled to be held opposite the UN office in
Geneva where the UNHRC sessions are being held.
Meanwhile, massive protests held islandwide on Monday to coincide with the
UNHRC meeting, continued in many towns yesterday too.
A massive protest was held opposite Khan clock tower denouncing the US led
attempts to create disunity and mistrust among the communities by moving a
resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC session in Geneva. The crowd shouted
slogans appealing to the United Nations and the United States not to disrupt the
peace enjoyed by the people in the aftermath of 30 years terrorism.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120228_03FEA_art


TERRORIST FRONTS IN CANADA TRAPS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) contributed C$ 50,000 to
Amnesty International (AI) in Canada in January 2012. The CTC is a Front of the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a ruthless terrorist group defeated in
Sri Lanka. After supporting LTTE's terrorist agenda for a decade, CTC is today
seeking to manipulate the Human Rights agenda.

Fundraising campaign
of pro – LTTE elements in Canada to raise funds for Amnesty
International
Amnesty International Secretary
General addressing the pro – LTTE lobbies

www.defence.lk">
www.defence.lk">
Participation of
Rudrakumaran Faction (TGTE) to raise funds for Amnesty International to promote
LTTE interest
Participation of
Canadian Tamil Alliance with the Eelam logo promoting LTTE
ideology

The President of CTC, Suntharamoorthy Umasuthan, who made the
donation to AI is himself a subject of terrorist investigation. Umasuthan's
associate Thavarajah Pratheepan, Deputy Chief of LTTE procurement, is in US
custody. Umasuthan and a few of his associates in Canada feature in a
multinational investigation into arms, ammunition and explosives purchases from
North Korea, the key supplier of LTTE weaponry.
CTC - WEAPONS LINKS :
As the LTTE is criminalized (designated, proscribed or banned),
it is operating on Western soil through innocuous organizations. The LTTE
advances its interests through community, charity, non-profit, human rights,
media and other fronts. Despite attempts to conceal, the links between CTC and
LTTE propaganda, financing, procurement, etc., their activities are extensive
and have penetrated deep into the system.
The Director of Communications of CTC in 2005, Sahil Sabaratnam
(28), is serving 25 years in a US Prison for procuring weapons for the LTTE.
Sahil was arrested in New York in August 2006 buying 20 SA - 18 heat seeking
missiles, 10 missile launchers, 500 AK 47 weapons and other military equipment.
Sahil operated together with his brother in law Thani Thanigasalam (38), who
headed the cell and Satha Sarachandran (27), President of the Tamil Youth
Organization (TYO) Canada of the LTTE (2003 - 2005). The statement issued by
Satha Sarachandran through his lawyer whilst serving his prison sentence in US
clearly indicates the TYO - LTTE links and its extensions to the CTC. Please see
the link: http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/09/29/drop-tigers-jailed-arms-broker-urges.
Immediately after the arrests, the CTC Board met in Toronto
decided to disassociate themselves with the LTTE procurement conducted in the
US, in order to continue its uninterrupted activities. CTC's Director of Public
Relations David Poopalapillai said that he did not know Sahil Sabaratnam, the
CTC Director of Communications.
CTC - LTTE LEADERSHIP LINKS :
Before David Poopalapillai travelled to Canada, he was one of
the suspects who reported to have close links with LTTE hierarchy in Wanni. As
the current National spokesperson of the CTC, Poopalapillai ensures that LTTE's
interests are met. It is reported that Poopalapillai has visited Malyasia in
August 2009 to meet Selvarasa Pathmanathan (K.P.), the successor to LTTE leader
Prabhakaran. Wanted by Interpol for his role in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination,
K.P. was to meet with Poopalapillai to discuss LTTE - CTC strategy. Today, CTC
is guided by both Vishvanathan Rudrakumaran, LTTE Central Committee member, and
the LTTE ideologist Father S.J. Emmanuel. Rudrakumaran succeeded K.P., the
founder President of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF).
CTC - HUMAN SMUGGLING LINKS :
The ongoing investigations reveal the CTC facilitated the
multi-million dollar LTTE run human smuggling operations by MV Ocean Lady (76
crew and passengers) and MV Sun Sea (492 crew and passengers). Spearheaded by
two former Sea Tigers, Ravishankar Kanagarajah of Canada and Shanmugasundaram
Kanthaskaran of the UK, the LTTE also facilitated the passage of over 200 LTTE
leaders, members and their families to Canada. The LTTE renamed its arms ship MV
Princess Easwary as MV Ocean Lady and purchased MV Harin Panich 19 and renamed
it MV Sun Sea. Captained by Kamalraj Kandasamy, who transported tens of
thousands of tons of arms, ammunition and explosives on board MV Princess
Easwary from North Korea to Sri Lanka from 1997 - 2009, today lives in Canada.
With Vinod, the Deputy of Kamal claiming asylum in Norway, MV Sun Sea was
captained by Sivagnanam Sivaharan alias Kausi and others who had served on the
North Korean voyages smuggling lethal cargo. Further, it is revealed that, not
only did CTC provide legal and financial aid to the LTTE crew and passengers but
also projected that they were bona fide refugees and not terrorists. As the key
LTTE cadres and their families arrived in Vancouver, the very next day
Poopalapillai with his team flew to Vancouver to defend the LTTE infiltrators
and counter Canadian efforts to develop tough legislation. Gary Anandasangaree
of CTC provided legal counsel.
CTC - HUMAN RIGHTS LINKS :
Since its formation, CTC advanced LTTE interests and targeted
the Sri Lankan government. Masquerading as a champion of Human Rights,
Anandasangaree travels to Geneva annually to target Sri Lanka. Although
Anandasangaree portrays himself as a Human Rights champion, it was he who
masterminded the CTC campaign to vilify Jo Becker, the Children's Rights
Advocacy Director for the Human Rights Watch (HRW), who exposed LTTE extortion
of the Diaspora. To counter the damning report, the CTC organized two university
students, a family doctor, a settlement worker, a teacher and a lawyer. At the
press conference on March 15, 2006, Shanthela Easwarakumar said "it has deep
implications for us. It has exposed us to ridicule and hatred". Since then the
Sri Lankan authorities recovered the LTTE application form of Shanthela
Easwarakumar filled with her own handwriting and also admitting to her family
financially supporting the LTTE (please see the LTTE Recruitment Form filled
by Shanthela).




English Translation
Original LTTE Recruitment Form filled by
Shanthela
When questioned that CTC denigrating the HRW report "is a front
for LTTE," Neethan Shan, who had formed the vanguard at LTTE activities in North
America, acknowledged "the Congress is supportive of LTTE."
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HAS BECOME A LIFE LINE OF CTC
It is poor judgment on the part of AI to get involved with a
terrorist front, let alone accept money from it.
Writing from a US prison to the Tamil community in August 2011,
Sahil Sabaratnam, the former CTC Communication Director said "the mandates and
events were well planned by the so-called well-wishers, and persons like me,
served as a Communication Director, would be implementing the actions as a
result of the campaign being carried out by members other than the registered
members of the organization. I am fully aware that the same situation exists in
such organizations today". Confirming LTTE control of CTC, Sahil added "question
such indirect or hidden agendas being carried out by LTTE related organizations
such as WTM and CTC". Referring to CTC agenda of supporting LTTE's terrorist
agenda, Sahil said "I solely believe and know for a fact that the so called
well-wishers who had always stood behind the CTC are believers of a violent
solution". Please see the link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/67936597/SahilLetter.
CTC has spread its tentacles deep into the Canadian and Western
corridors of power, Human Rights organizations, and NGOs. The success of the
Tamil Tiger terrorist movement was to adapt and evolve keeping its sights firmly
set on its terrorist agenda. CTCs links to LTTE are well established. AI would
now have a duty of care to further CTCs agenda. For CTC to function it has to
keep the LTTE cause alive and AI has become a life line. Analysts believe that
AI has been around long enough to know the activities of the Tamil Tiger
terrorists and its Canadian arm, the CTC. The financial monitors of Human Rights
organizations no doubt will investigate into the ethics of accepting funds from
terrorist movements, as it throws AI's interests in Sri Lanka into serious
doubt. LTTE fronts such as the CTC carry on the Tamil Tiger agenda. Few are
spared that do not fall into line with their demands. As the saying goes
"lipstick won't change the pig". 1
www.defence.lk">
President
of CTC, Umasuthan and Mr. Poopalapillai at the Toronto office presenting some of
the funds collected to Amnesty
International

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120227_06


Allow Sri Lanka's efforts at reconciliation to proceed unimpeded - Minister

Samarasinghe at UNHRC
"No justification or urgency
for resolution to implement LLRC recommendations"
"In the light of this commitment by Sri Lanka, there is no
justification or urgency whatsoever in floating a resolution calling for the
implementation of the LLRC's recommendations and engagement with the High
Commissioner, when this has already been effectively undertaken by the
Government. What we now need from the international community is objectivity in
assessing Sri Lanka's efforts," said the Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Leader of
the Sri Lanka delegation and the Special Envoy of the President on Human Rights
addressing the 19th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
High Level Segment, at Geneva today (Feb 27).
"More than anything we need to ensure that the process is
allowed to advance unimpeded. We do not need unwarranted incursions that will
compromise successful implementation. Such interference by way of redundant
resolutions before this Council, would only undermine the sentiments of this
Council as expressed in the decisive adoption of the Special Session resolution
on Sri Lanka in 2009," Minister Samarasinghe added.
According to latest scientific census reports of mortalities and
casualties in the North, "One thing is certain," the Special Envoy said: "the
story of "tens of thousands" of civilian deaths that supposedly occurred during
the final phase of the humanitarian operation, is very clearly proved to be a
gross exaggeration and a deliberate misrepresentation of fact."
"Delivering homilies about human rights in Sri Lanka at fora
such as these would be much more meaningful if they were supported by real and
substantial cooperation and assistance in keeping with this Council's Resolution
on Sri Lanka in 2009. Enabling a member state to overcome the undoubted
challenges it faces in reconciliation and restoration of normality and
productive civilian life - particularly amongst those worst affected by the
scourge of terrorism - would be much more tangible and helpful to all concerned,
rather than the mere repetition of unsubstantiated allegations and
unconscionable finger-pointing directed at Sri Lanka," he said.
"In our view, the [LLRC] Report contains a detailed and
perceptive analysis of past errors, including those that led to the failure of
the peace process, and several recommendations for the future. The Report is
comprehensive and contains detailed annexes, compiled following interviews with
over 1,000 persons who gave evidence before the Commission, and over 5,000
submissions received. The proceedings were largely open and persons testified
freely and openly before the Commission in public hearings unless exceptional
circumstances required in camera proceedings. This was quite different to the
Secretary-General's Advisory Panel which held closed door hearings with unnamed
witnesses who were guaranteed 20 years anonymity to secure their statements.
This meant that the testimony could not be verified or tested for its probative
value.
"The LLRC Report, on the other hand, places before us material
of the basis on which the Commissioners arrived at their conclusions, which are
substantive and verifiable. The Commission has dealt with and made
recommendations on a whole gamut of issues including aspects of accountability -
something which several of our partners and interlocutors have failed to
acknowledge; the resettlement of IDPs; the rehabilitation and re-integration of
ex-combatants, the detention of suspects; bringing an end to the possession of
unauthorized weapons; the deployment of security forces; land issues; issues
with regard to restitution; implementation of the language policy;
socio-economic and livelihood development; administrative issues; and on the
need to arrive at a national consensus with regard to fulfilling the legitimate
aspirations of all communities living in Sri Lanka," Minister Samarasinghe
further said.
He added that: "The peace we have won at such cost to the nation
and its people will not be a genuine peace until and unless the legitimate
aspirations of all communities are met in a substantive and satisfactory manner.
The consensus formula to the national question thus evolved, needs to be
democratic, pragmatic and home grown, in order to be sustainable. "
Here is the text of the statement by the Leader of the Si Lanka
delegation and the President's Special Envoy on Human Rights to the UNHRC.
I am honoured and privileged to be able to once again share with
this august body, Sri Lanka's experience in promoting and protecting the human
rights of its people, in accordance with universally accepted standards.
In the 2 years and 9 months since the end of the armed conflict
against terrorism and the onset of peace, Sri Lanka has made significant
progress towards recovery and achieving reconciliation, by incrementally
overcoming many challenges posed to the nation and its people by almost 30 years
of conflict. The rollback and eventual abolition of emergency regulations in
August 2011, in tandem with the gradual improvement in the country's law and
order situation in the post-conflict phase, has led to further consolidation of
peace. It has also demonstrated to the world Sri Lanka's genuine aspiration in
its approach to achieving a peace that is stable and sustainable.
Terrorism that ravaged our nation for nearly three decades
adversely affected not only our people, their livelihoods, property and
infrastructure; it also damaged the social fabric of our nation. The
reconciliation process set in motion by the Sri Lanka Government has therefore
necessarily taken into account a range of factors including economic
development, rehabilitation and resettlement and livelihood development in
addition to addressing the need to provide a sense of finality among those who
suffered trauma and the loss of loved ones.
In my statement to the Council last September, I urged that the
Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, must be given the time and space
to complete its mandate. We continued to brief the international community in
Geneva of the interim recommendations made by the LLRC and the measures taken by
the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on their implementation. As you know, the
Commission has now delivered on its mandate and submitted its report, including
a series of recommendations, to the President of Sri Lanka. The Report was
submitted to Parliament by my ministerial colleague and Leader of the House Hon.
Nimal Siripala de Silva, who is here with me in Geneva today, on 16 December
2011, together with the Government's position on the recommendations contained
in the Report. Concurrently, the Report was made public.
In our view, the Report contains a detailed and perceptive
analysis of past errors, including those that led to the failure of the peace
process, and several recommendations for the future. The Report is comprehensive
and contains detailed annexes, compiled following interviews with over 1,000
persons who gave evidence before the Commission, and over 5,000 submissions
received. The proceedings were largely open and persons testified freely and
openly before the Commission in public hearings unless exceptional circumstances
required in camera proceedings. This was quite different to the
Secretary-General's Advisory Panel which held closed door hearings with unnamed
witnesses who were guaranteed 20 years anonymity to secure their statements.
This meant that the testimony could not be verified or tested for its probative
value. The LLRC Report, on the other hand, places before us material of the
basis on which the Commissioners arrived at their conclusions, which are
substantive and verifiable. The Commission has dealt with and made
recommendations on a whole gamut of issues including aspects of accountability -
something which several of our partners and interlocutors have failed to
acknowledge; the resettlement of IDPs; the rehabilitation and re-integration of
ex-combatants, the detention of suspects; bringing an end to the possession of
unauthorized weapons; the deployment of security forces; land issues; issues
with regard to restitution; implementation of the language policy;
socio-economic and livelihood development; administrative issues; and on the
need to arrive at a national consensus with regard to fulfilling the legitimate
aspirations of all communities living in Sri Lanka.
I am happy to observe that advances have been made with regard
to many of the recommendations in the Report. The Government will continue to
address these issues in a systematic and thorough manner. Some of the areas in
which gains have been made include the resettlement of IDPs; demining;
rehabilitation of ex-combatants; implementation of the language policy; the
recruitment of Tamil speaking police officers; the removal of the military from
facilitation of civil administration in the north making available land
previously used for security purposes for resettlement/return; and carrying out
a comprehensive census in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces. There are also
other recommendations in the Report which need to be comprehensively addressed.
In particular, the Commission's recommendations about the
formulation of a land use plan for each district in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces and, as a longer term initiative, the establishment of a National Land
Commission for the country as a whole, require further study and careful
planning. A pragmatic initial step towards resolving issues related to state
land ownership has already been adopted by the Government though in a more
modest form. The initiative aimed at the construction of over 78,000 houses in
the North, including those built under the North East Housing Reconstruction
Programme (NEHRP) constructed with donor assistance. A Land Task Force was
established at provincial and district levels to deal with land issues and to
seek expeditious solutions, and is further evidence of our efforts. I may also
add that the Government is firmly resolved to ensure that all those who have
been dispossessed of their lands, are afforded the opportunity to return to the
lands they once owned.
In relation to livelihood support, a self employment loan scheme
has been put in place in the North and East and to date thousands of
beneficiaries have been apportioned USD 318 million. Moreover, beneficiaries
were provided with Enterprise Development Services (EDS) including the
establishment of organizations for the self-employed.
With regard to the lands under the former High Security Zones of
Palaly and Trincomalee-Sampur, the Commission has acknowledged that the area
covered has significantly diminished in terms of both land area and restriction
of movement. With regard to the re-demarcation and reduction of the former High
Security Zones to aid resettlement, the process was initiated prior to the
Commission's Report, which therefore recognized that the area had diminished
significantly. By the end of the conflict in 2009, the High Security Zones (HSZ)
covered 4,098.36 Ha and, at present, has been reduced to 2,582.45. The
Government will closely monitor and expedite making lands, previously used for
security purposes, for resettlement/return.
You may have noted that the Commission offers detailed
observations and recommendations on International Humanitarian Law issues
relating to the final phases of the conflict. The Report endorses the position
that the protection of civilian life was a key factor in the formulation of
policy for carrying out military operations, and that the deliberate targeting
of civilians formed no part of it. This was and remains the position of the
Government. I wish to inform this Council that an enumeration to ascertain the
number of persons in the Northern Province and to scientifically identify the
number of persons who lost their lives in the conflict, is now complete and a
detailed analysis will be made known in the near future. Due to the unlawful
presence of the LTTE, no proper census could be carried out since 1981. Among
the people not accounted for and classified as deceased, we count people killed
as a result of the conflict, including those who carried arms for the LTTE,
civilians killed by the LTTE as they tried to flee from the hostage situation,
persons caught in the crossfire and people who migrated out of the Northern
Province, either to the South and who left by sea to India or other countries
seeking asylum. We need the assistance of receiving countries to ascertain how
many persons they have admitted. As a further step, the Government has decided
to put in place a structure to further analyse and verify the data gathered in
order to arrive at definite conclusions as to civilian mortalities and
casualties. One thing is certain: the story of "tens of thousands" of civilian
deaths that supposedly occurred during the final phase of the humanitarian
operation, is very clearly proved to be a gross exaggeration and a deliberate
misrepresentation of fact.
The material placed before the Commission points to several
specific episodes which, in its view, warrant further investigation. The
Government is committed to a mechanism for gathering and assessing factual
evidence relating to the episodes indicated, buttressed by a strong
investigative arm. The findings thus arrived at will form the basis of a
decision on whether criminal proceedings can be instituted. The material yielded
by this investigation will be placed before the Attorney-General for a decision
in respect of instituting criminal proceedings, where warranted. The Attorney
General is currently seized of and is studying the recommendations in the report
with regard to allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law.
Military Courts of Inquiry in keeping with international practice have commenced
investigations into specific incidents identified by the LLRC.
The mandate of the Court of Inquiry is to investigate, inter
alia, civilian casualties and the Channel 4 video footages; including whether
any deliberate and intentional attacks were made by the Army on civilians, with
a view to causing them harm or damage, or on any hospitals or no-fire zones. If
so, the persons responsible for any such activity and to make recommendations
with regard to the measures that should be taken with regard to such persons.
Madam President, in respect of the controversial Channel 4
footage, the Court of Inquiry has been specifically mandated to ascertain
whether any member of the armed forces was involved in the events depicted,
authentic or otherwise and to recommend the measures to be taken. A similar
Court of Inquiry has been convened by the Sri Lanka Navy to inquire into
relevant allegations.
As you can observe, Madam President, Sri Lanka has taken clear
and definite steps towards implementation of the recommendations of the domestic
process, barely two months after the report was made public. We have evolved a
mechanism to look into accountability issues raised in the LLRC report, both in
the form of civil and military structures. This is coupled with a time bound
plan in the form of the National Human Rights Action Plan catering to a number
of other recommendations to move Sri Lanka towards comprehensive reconciliation.
As we have done in the past, we will keep the Council informed
of progress when we participate in the sessions in June, September and in the
course of the UPR in October. We have already extended an invitation to the High
Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Sri Lanka. I might add that there is
already a senior advisor of the High Commissioner's office working in Sri Lanka
from as far back as 2005.
Madam President, in the light of this commitment by Sri Lanka,
there is no justification or urgency whatsoever in floating a resolution calling
for the implementation of the LLRC's recommendations and engagement with the
High Commissioner, when this has already been effectively undertaken by the
Government. What we now need from the international community is objectivity in
assessing Sri Lanka's efforts. More than anything we need ensure that the
process is allowed to advance unimpeded. We do not need unwarranted incursions
that will compromise successful implementation. Such interference by way of
redundant resolutions before this Council, would only undermine the sentiments
of this Council as expressed in the decisive adoption of the Special Session
resolution on Sri Lanka in 2009.
The number of persons in detention for suspected involvement in
terrorist activity has been reduced to 225 out of a total of over 4,000. As many
detainees as possible have been released or forwarded for rehabilitation and
eventual release. The initiative to draw down the numbers commenced with the
interim recommendations of the LLRC. We are still investigating several cases
and these persons will be tried before ordinary courts of law in the shortest
possible space of time. The Police have adopted stringent guidelines with regard
to the treatment of persons taken into custody. This will have a salutary effect
on the allegations of torture and mistreatment. These are also direct follow up
activities relating to the recommendations of the Commission.
You will be pleased to observe the establishment of normalcy and
the re-democratization of the Northern and the Eastern provinces, including the
holding of Provincial Elections in the East, local government elections, as well
as restoration of civil administration including the network of 33 divisional
secretaries and 912 village level officials in the North. In keeping with the
recommendations of the LLRC, the military has been withdrawn from aspects of
civilian life, and are now confined to security-related matters. As a result,
development-related work which, during the conflict situation and immediately
thereafter, came under the purview of the Presidential Task Force for
Resettlement, Development and Security of the Northern Province, is now carried
out under the supervision of the relevant line Ministries, in coordination and
consultation with the provincial and local government representation.
Development activities in the 05 districts of the North, are channeled through
the relevant line Ministries and institutions at the central government level;
the provincial administration and the District Secretaries at the district level
and Divisional Secretaries at divisional level. The District Secretary or
Government Agent functions as the Coordinating and Executing Officer of the
district. The civil service in the North and the East is largely representative
of the Tamil and Muslim communities. Chief Secretary/Northern Province and 03
out of the 05 District Secretaries/Government Agents in the North, i.e., in
Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochi, are Tamil women civil servants, while the other
two are Tamil males. The Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province is also from
the Tamil community. It may be noted that the present District
Secretary/Government Agent of Jaffna District served in the same capacity in the
Mullaitivu District when it was under the LTTE's control.
Allied with this is the sometimes contentious issue of language.
Sri Lanka has an official languages policy in place which gives equal place to
the Sinhala and Tamil languages, mandated by the Constitution. The right of all
persons to function and communicate in a language of their choice is
constitutionally entrenched. The Trilingual Policy, announced by the Government
in January 2012, will further consolidate the implementation of the Official
Languages policy and make a valuable contribution to building bridges between
the communities and strengthening national unity. This is a key component of the
reconciliation process and language was an important focus of the LLRC's
recommendations. More than 1,600 Tamil speaking police officers have been
recruited already, and the Tamil language capability of public servants and the
police will be further enhanced in the future.
It is a matter of great satisfaction to the Government that our
rapid and orderly process of resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
has been recognized and commended internationally. Out of over 290,000 IDPs
housed in welfare centres at the end of May 2009, only 6,647 IDPs remained to be
resettled by the end of 2011. The Government has spent over USD 360 million on
its resettlement programme. We will continue with our commitment to resettling
all IDPs, including those termed 'old IDPs' who were displaced prior to April
2008. The United Nations OCHA Joint Humanitarian and Early Recovery Update for
November and December 2011, records that by the end of December 2011, 421,056
people (belonging to 126,524 families) had returned to the Northern Province.
This figure includes 223,745 people (70,625 families) displaced after April 2008
and 197,311 persons (55,899 families) displaced before April 2008. Further
efforts to identify and assist IDPs in situations of protracted displacement to
achieve durable solutions are ongoing.
The de-mining of former conflict-affected areas was carried out
at a pace comparable with the best achievements in the world. The Government has
at present demined 1,412 square kilometres out of the 2,046 square kilometres
that were contaminated with landmines. More than 42,000 Antipersonnel Mines and
227 Antitank Mines, and more than 15,000 items of Unexploded Ordnance have been
recovered from these areas. The Sri Lanka Army is responsible for around 80% of
the successful demining operations and is supported by other agencies. It may be
noted that with the establishment of the National Mine Action Centre under the
Ministry of Economic Development in 2010, all coordination related to mine
action and mine risk education come under the purview of civil administration.
With regard to rehabilitation of LTTE ex-combatants, out of
nearly 12,000, less than 900 remain in rehabilitation centres. Psycho-social
care has been provided to all, including counselling and drama, dance and music
therapy. Spiritual and religious programmes have also been conducted. Adult
cadres have been provided with extensive vocational training making them
employable and potentially useful members of their communities. Those
ex-combatants still to complete the process of rehabilitation remain in the
Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Centres (PARC) established by law.
The 595 LTTE child soldiers who were in Government custody have
been rehabilitated under a UNICEF-assisted programme without setting in motion
any criminal procedure, and returned to their families within one year. Several
have successfully passed their Advanced Level examination last year, some having
even gained entry to undergraduate programmes.
In accordance with established practice of post-conflict
decommissioning, the government has institutionalized a process with legislative
oversight, to continuously record specific details on the number of weapons
recovered, in order to bring about an end to the possession of unauthorized
weapons. This will have important implications for human security in general and
positively impact on the law and order situation as well.
Economic Development plays pivotal role
Economic development continues to play a pivotal role in the
reconciliation process and the return to normalcy. Massive infrastructure and
development programmes are underway in the former conflict-affected areas of the
Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Government has embarked upon 27 donor
assisted projects of which 23 are implemented in the North and the East to
develop infrastructure including housing, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals,
and irrigation schemes, valued at approximately USD 201 million for the year
2011 alone. Of the above projects, 7 are categorized as large projects, each
valued at above USD 50 Million per project. The total allocation for
infrastructure development in the Jaffna District in the Northern Province is
USD 300 million, while USD 250 million and USD 150 million have been invested in
development projects in the Killinochchi and Batticaloa Districts, respectively.
Since the end of the conflict, a 22% economic growth has been
recorded in the Northern Province, while Sri Lanka's overall GDP recorded around
8% growth in 2011. In terms of investment promotion, the Atchchuveli Industrial
Zone, which is being developed in a 25 acre land area is expected to attract
approximately 40 local and foreign investors and to generate employment to over
6,000 persons. A further 67 acres is scheduled to be added in the second stage.
The Palaly airport - which is to be upgraded, and the Kankesanthurai (KKS)
harbor - are located less than 10 kilometres from the Industrial Zone, thus
providing additional logistical advantages to investors. The Zone will enable
small and medium enterprises to better tap into the post-conflict opportunities
in the country. The reconstruction of the Northern railway line which was
totally destroyed by the LTTE, is currently under way. Both initiatives are
supported by assistance from the Government of India. The rail link from
Omanthai to Pallai and on to KKS, will provide connectivity and linkage to
markets to the Northern province. A Vocational Training Institute on par with
international standards and certification that is being set up in Kilinochchi
under the purview of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development with
assistance from Germany, will enhance the skill levels and the employment
opportunities of the youth in the Northern province. We acknowledge with
appreciation the assistance that has been received from several other countries.
The peace we have won at such cost to the nation and its people
will not be a genuine peace until and unless the legitimate aspirations of all
communities are met in a substantive and satisfactory manner. The consensus
formula to the national question thus evolved, needs to be democratic, pragmatic
and home grown, in order to be sustainable. As a central feature of the
Government's approach to evolving such a process, a Parliamentary Select
Committee (PSC) is contemplated to achieve multi-party consensus in respect of
constitutional changes, to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Sri Lankan
people enabling them to work in unison and with a sense of national identity for
a better tomorrow. Parallel with this multi-party mechanism, the Government has
commenced bilateral discussions with Tamil political parties as well as Muslim
representation. The Government has already nominated its members to the PSC and
is awaiting the nomination of members representing the opposition, after which
its sittings can commence. We are mindful that all previous attempts at evolving
a constitutional formula have failed due to lack of consensus. We are optimistic
that the Parliamentary Select Committee process would help achieve such a
consensus, given its inclusivity and transparency, and commitment to democratic
ideals.
With regard to Sri Lanka's international commitments to
safeguard and promote human rights, it may be noted that it has voluntarily
engaged with UN mechanisms including special procedures and treaty bodies. In
this regard, Sri Lanka constructively engaged in the consideration of the 3rd
and 4th Combined Periodic Reports on Sri Lanka to the Committee Against Torture
in December 2011. Sri Lanka will also engage with the Working Group on Enforced
and Involuntary Disappearances at its 96th Session in Geneva in March 2012. Sri
Lanka's National Report will be considered in October 2012 during the 2nd cycle
of the Universal Periodic Review, which will provide an opportunity to
comprehensively discuss the progress made over a four-year period, as well as
issues related to reconciliation. Our efforts are directed towards engagement at
this next cycle of the UPR. Any and all questions pertaining to developments
after 2008 may be raised there and will be fully and fairly answered.
We have also continued to engage in Geneva and at other
international fora, and briefed the international community about our progress,
problems and solutions that we have devised. We have hosted several high profile
officials from several countries to visit Sri Lanka to view the reconstruction
work. We continue to engage the international community by inviting them to
witness first-hand the progress being made on the ground.
Domestically, very specific measures have been adopted by the
Government to safeguard human rights. It may be recalled that during Sri Lanka's
last engagement with the UPR process in 2008, it pledged to devise a five-year
National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. We have
worked hard on delivering on that pledge through a participatory process
involving Government and civil society. The result is the National Action Plan
for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights which was approved by the
Cabinet of Ministers in September 2011. We are now at the implementation stage
of the Action Plan, including monitoring and evaluation. The Action Plan
presents a structured framework to monitor the implementation of existing laws,
policies and practices and to enhance a better understanding and respect of
human rights. It addresses 08 areas, viz, civil and political rights, economic,
social, and cultural rights, children's rights, labour rights, migrant worker
rights, prevention of torture, women's rights and the rights of IDPs. We have
completed the very first activity identified in the Plan which is the
appointment of a sub-Committee of the Cabinet that will oversee its
implementation. At the operational level, I will Chair a body of senior
officials of institutions that will be charged with implementation.
Sri Lanka is firmly committed to strengthening the international
human rights system. We are appreciative of the important work being carried out
by the treaty bodies for the promotion and protection of human rights. We
welcome the initiatives undertaken to strengthen the treaty body system, given
the current challenges faced in terms of resources and the increase in their
work load. We are however firmly of the view that such should be achieved
through an intergovernmental process, which is both transparent and inclusive,
and based on a legal mandate. We are also of the view that greater synergy and
harmonisation between, and not just within treaty bodies, but also with other
human rights mechanisms such as the UPR and special procedures, is necessary to
yield optimum results and to minimise duplication.
Similarly, Sri Lanka is deeply concerned to observe the
continuing imbalance between the assessed and voluntary contributions to the
OHCHR budget. We are of the view that voluntary contributions should be subject
to the same level of intergovernmental scrutiny and oversight as the regular
budget. We continue to support initiatives in this regard in the Sixth Committee
as well as through constructive engagement with the OHCHR, with a view to
ensuring that the principles of accountability and transparency are
institutionally entrenched in the work of the Organization.
In light of Sri Lanka's demonstrated commitment to an internal
reconciliation process, including the implementation of the range of
recommendations of the LLRC by the adoption of a road map for implementation as
I outlined earlier, its continued engagement with the Member States of the
Council and its participation in dialogue with treaty bodies and through
modalities such as the UPR, the persistent request for engagement within the
formal processes of the Council by some states can only be viewed with
misgivings. We are of the view that this could be perceived as undue
interference with internal processes of recovery and reconciliation containing
strong elements of prejudgment and the application of double standards. Given
our bona fide actions on the domestic and international plane, this action would
not be in keeping with established international procedure, where domestic
processes must be exhausted before resorting to review before external fora.
We must keep in mind that one of the major external challenges
that Sri Lanka is faced with in the post-conflict context, is that the remainder
of the terrorist organisation identified as the world's most ruthless, is
proscribed by 32 countries including the US, Canada and Member States of the EU,
are still active in some countries and are engaged in clandestine activities,
including fund raising, money laundering, drug trafficking and human smuggling.
They also wield considerable electoral and political influence in their host
countries due to the concentration of large numbers in key population centres.
They continue to advocate mono-ethnic separatism in Sri Lanka, while espousing a
separatist ideology of the terrorist group, using the latter's resources and
being manipulated by its surviving leadership. They also resort to exploiting
the electoral influence of the expatriate Sri Lankan Tamil community living in
these countries. It is unfortunate that this group of the defeated terrorists,
by attempting to pursue punitive action at the Human Rights Council through some
of their host governments, should actually be resorting to undermining the
genuine reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.
We categorically reject such undue pressure from sections of the
international community which have fallen prey to the propaganda, coercive
tactics and electoral pressures of these elements. We are conscious of their
need to portray a negative picture of Sri Lanka and unreasoning pessimism in
order to justify their continued presence in these host countries. Instead of
accepting our President's invitation to become constructive partners in
development and building a renewed Sri Lanka, it is most regrettable that these
elements devote their time, effort and resources in defaming their motherland
and denigrating the genuine efforts of the Government to consolidate peace,
development and prosperity for all Sri Lankans.
We as a Government, therefore, question the value addition of
internationalizing through seeking to deliberate upon an effective ongoing
domestic process in international fora. Such endeavours would only serve to
detract from an expeditious resolution of the issues at hand. We also wish to
emphasise that action initiated in the promotion and protection of human rights
in a member State, must have the consent of that State and be based on the
principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue. We have good examples today of
instances where this cardinal principle has been violated, and where even the
application of a multiplication of special initiatives has nevertheless failed
to establish peace, and has only contributed to exacerbating and at times
externalising conflict situations.
It should be apparent, therefore, that Sri Lanka is best placed
to successfully conclude a home grown process of reconciliation acceptable to,
and benefitting all of its people. It is most pertinent to state that any home
grown process would take into account the culture, the values, traditions,
customs and history of its people. Therefore, it is of critical importance that
Sri Lanka be provided with the time and space required to continue with its
genuine national endeavours towards achieving this objective. We therefore urge
the Council to be guided by the principles in the UNGA Resolution 60/251, and
reiterate the importance of ensuring adherence to cardinal postulates of
universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the consideration of issues in
the promotion and protection of human rights. It is our sincere hope that all
those who wish Sri Lanka well, would view progress made so far as a catalyst,
and continue to engage with us in a constructive spirit. The people of Sri Lanka
expect and deserve no less.
In conclusion, I must point out that Sri Lanka rooted out and
destroyed domestic manifestations of separatist terrorism largely on its own
with the assistance of a notable few international partners. Those who did
assist - materially and otherwise - know that their contribution to eradicating
this 30 year conflict, is acknowledged with deep and abiding gratitude.
Similarly, our Asian regional partners among others are contributing to the
massive recovery process in the aftermath of the conflict. They too are
acknowledged with sincere appreciation. However, it is regrettable that some of
those members of the international community that are among the shrillest and
loudest voices in support of various causes in post-conflict Sri Lanka - who
raise a clamour over civilian welfare, women's rights, displaced persons,
children, minorities and a host of other issues - are among the least
forthcoming in term of real assistance to the recovery effort. The Government of
Sri Lanka, the United Nations and international and national NGOs entered into a
tripartite agreement that represents a coordinated and cooperative initiative
aimed at recovering from the armed conflict and safeguarding the human rights of
those affected. It is named the Joint Assistance Plan for the Northern Province
which, at the end of 2011, had only received approximately a meagre 35% of the
required funding for that year. One hopes that these nations, given their
ostensibly deep and abiding interest evinced in protecting human rights in Sri
Lanka, would find it able to assist the civilian population especially in the
conflict affected areas. Delivering homilies about human rights in Sri Lanka at
fora such as these would be much more meaningful if they were supported by real
and substantial cooperation and assistance in keeping with this Council's
Resolution on Sri Lanka in 2009. Enabling a member state to overcome the
undoubted challenges it faces in reconciliation and restoration of normality and
productive civilian life - particularly amongst those worst affected by the
scourge of terrorism - would be much more tangible and helpful to all concerned,
rather than the mere repetition of unsubstantiated allegations and
unconscionable finger-pointing directed at Sri Lanka.
As ever, my delegation and I, assure you of our fullest
cooperation in conducting the work of these Sessions.
Thank you.
Courtesy : PRIU

http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1560-as-unhrc-summit-begins-islandwide-protests-against-anti-lanka-resolution

As UNHRC Summit begins : Islandwide protests against anti - Lanka resolution
Details Published on Monday, 27 February 2012 11:09 Hits: 2304 The government is to hold massive islandwide protest campaigns today against the resolution which is to be presented against the Sri Lankan government at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva to be held from today to March 24.The protest campaigns will be held at regional level. They will take place in 150 main cities across the country. The main campaign is to be held in Colombo at 3pm. The government urged the public to line up as one nation to defeat local and international challenges directed towards the country, ahead of the UNHRC.Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Allahapperuma said Sri Lanka is enjoying freedom, independence, peace and democracy after three decades of terrorism.“The country’s leadership and Tri - Forces personnel faced a number of barriers and obstacles in the journey towards a peaceful and fruitful country. Thousands of Tri-Forces personnel have sacrificed their lives for making the country a peaceful place to live in,” Allahapperuma told a press briefing yesterday. Certain Western elements tried to impose unnecessary pressure in the conduct of the country’s internal affairs during the last few days of the war, he said.“President Mahinda Rajapaksa faced them in a firm manner and those elements failed to impose their will on Sri Lanka. The President has created a peaceful country as he promised to the public in 2005,” he added. “A number of local and foreign forces have stood against this great effort from time to time. We suspect that the allegation about human rights violations is also one of them. Sri Lanka had not violated human rights. The Sri Lankan government and the military rewrote military theories by performing a humanitarian mission,” Alahapperuma said.“President Rajapaksa had challenged the conflict management theory introduced by some Western countries. As a result, they have named Sri Lanka a country engaged in human rights violations.‘This protest is not against the UNHRC. But we urge them not to use the Human Rights Charter as a weapon, like during colonial rule,” the minister said. “The proposal to be discussed in Geneva is one of the strategies created by the certain Western elements to get involved in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka.‘At a moment when they should support Sri Lanka’s revival, they are trying to impose their will on us,” Alahapperuma said. The government appeals to the international community to support Sri Lanka to establish itself as a free and independent state after defeating terrorism.The public are also requested to unite to safeguard the country putting aside the economic, political and all other social problems, he said.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/02/26/fea02.asp

Ranjan Wijeratne, another LTTE victim

by K.M.H.C.B. Kulatunga
The site of the explosion
The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) is due to begin its latest
sessions in Geneva tomorrow.
At a time certain countries in the West are raring to take Sri Lanka to task,
purely for the ‘sin’ of crushing LTTE terrorism, we wish to highlight one of the
many brutal killings of this one-time world’s most ruthless terrorist outfit.
We urge all who point fingers at Sri Lanka to think twice of the numerous
LTTE atrocities and their total disregard for human rights. The West should
respect the human rights of innocent civilians and the legitimate right of a
democratically elected government to protect them, rather than voicing hard on
the human rights of terrorists.
It is 21 years ago that the Tiger terrorists brutally assassinated Sri
Lanka’s then Deputy Minister of Defence Ranjan Wijeratne, who had been playing a
crucial role in the battle against terrorism. He was also the Minister of
Plantation Industries.
On March 2, 1991, the LTTE carried out a massive car bomb explosion near
Police Park in Colombo 5, killing the 59-year-old Minister and 18 others.
Minister Wijeratne had been travelling to his office when a remote-controlled
bomb in a parked car was detonated during the morning rush hour. Among those
killed were five bodyguards protecting the Minister.
In 1990, Minister Wijeratne had told Parliament: “I am going all out for the
LTTE. I never do anything in half measures.” Ever since, the Tiger terrorists
had been targeting Wijeratne, who had been successful in urging the Indian
authorities to crack down on militants based in the southern state of Tamil
Nadu.
Minister Wijeratne was posthumously promoted from a Colonel of the Sri Lankan
Army to a General.
Ranjan Wijeratne was born on April 4, 1931 to Walpola Mudalige George
Hercules Wijeratne and Rosalind Maria Senanayake. He was educated at S. Thomas’
College, Guruthalawa and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia.
Wijeratne began his career as a planter, holding many high positions in the
tea plantation sector. In 1978 he was made Permanent Secretary to the Ministry
of Agricultural Development and Research and Chairman of the Agricultural
Development Authority.
In 1984 Wijeratne was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in
the Sri Lanka Rifle Corps with its formation, which was established to provide
security to the plantation sector.
He resigned from all government posts and his commission when he went into
active politics in 1988 when he was appointed Chairman of the United National
Party.He went on to become the General Secretary of the Party. Wijeratne was
appointed from the National List to Parliament in 1989 and was appointed Cabinet
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Defence by President
Ranasinghe Premadasa.
Wijeratne was firm in his stance that there should be no ceasefire until the
LTTE stops its terror acts as the Tigers had used all previous ceasefires to
strengthen their military capabilities.
Wijeratne was a brave man who never did anything in half measures. On June
18, 1990, he declared in Parliament, to the cheers of his compatriots: “I am
going all out for the LTTE. I never do anything in half measures. I challenge
Prabhakaran to come out in the open. He wants my head. I want his. I am going
for him and his cohorts”.
He said, albeit, a trifle defensively: “Pirabaharan is not someone who has
fallen from the sky. He is a human being and we will deal with him”
Wijeratne once thought his offensive against the LTTE had come to a near
conclusion. “Now the LTTE are running without their shoes out. Very soon their
pants will go too. There will be no LTTE or watch-posts soon. We will flatten
the LTTE,” he had declared once.
“The IPKF got rid of the hard-core elements. What is left is the baby brigade
of young boys and girls. They will wet their pants when they meet my Armed
Forces.”
“There will no ceasefire. Until the LTTE stops its nonsense, the military
machine will continue to move”, he had said.
Minister Wijeratne was one of the many Sri Lankan and world leaders
assassinated by the LTTE during its three decades of terror until the Security
Forces liberated the country and over half a million civilians under the
political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
If not for that right political leadership which inspired the Security Forces
to put a permanent end to decades of suffering due to LTTE terror, we would have
lost many more leaders such as Wijeratne.
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http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/27/news38.asp

LTTE - Prime Human Rights violator’

Ranasinghe
Human rights have been violated not by the government, but by the LTTE, the
Patriotic Alliance said at a press conference in Colombo yesterday. ‘This
reality has been forgotten by certain countries and illegal organizations.
“This is not a mere political issue, but an occasion to join hands to
safeguard the motherland and defuse international influences, Doctor Gunadasa
Amarasekara said. Some countries have been constantly interfering in the
internal affairs of our motherland, he said. Leaders such as Saddam Hussein and
Gaddafi who were against the West were killed by western countries , said S.L.
Gunasekara.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/02/26/new20.asp

LTTE fundraisers in guise of 'HR' parleys
LTTE front organisations scattered around the world are knitting themselves
together in a 'human rights' shield, a senior Sri Lankan diplomat working in the
West cautioned.
He made these observations following a so called 'human rights' conference
held in Brampton, Ontario on February 18 and 19 by the 'Centre for War Victims
and Human Rights of Canada' in collaboration with several organisations working
together to further the LTTE ideology.
This international conference was attended by Canadian MPs, international
Human Rights speakers and leader of the Global Tamil Forum Fr. S.J. Emmanuel.
Conservative Party Parliamentarians Kitchner Mathi, Stephen Woolworth,
Misusaga Sirwealth and Brad Butt, New Democratic Party parliamentarian Rathika
Sitsabesan and Liberal Party parliamentarians John Maclo and Gim Karigiyanis had
been invited guests at the conference.
Diplomatic sources from Canada said the conference was mainly a fund-raising
exercise for the LTTE.
Following the event, which was also meant to be an exercise to drum up
support for anti-Sri Lanka effort, at the UN Human Rights Council sessions in
Geneva, $25,000 was handed over to Fr. Emmanuel and $ 5,000 was allegedly set
aside to pursue the case against Maj. Gen Shavendra Silva in the US.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/02/26/pol04.asp


Govt will defeat UNHRC resolution against SL - Minister Maithripala

Sirisena
By Uditha KUMARASINGHE
SLFP General Secretary
and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena called upon everybody to rally round
regardless of political affiliations to thwart attempts being made by certain
countries to bring a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions to be
held in Geneva. The Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said the
Government is confident that it would be able to defeat this resolution to be
moved against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions. At present the Government has
confidence and is determined to overcome the challenge.
The Minister said massive public demonstrations will be conducted throughout
the country on February 27 to show the people’s solidarity to thwart the attempt
made by certain countries to move a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC
Sessions. It is very evident that pro-LTTE elements and its friendly
international forces are behind this move. During the past few months, President
Mahinda Rajapaksa has made a series of state visits and held bilateral talks
with World Leaders to educate them about on this attempt. The Government through
the External Affairs Ministry, diplomatic missions, embassies and other special
representatives has already educated our friendly countries and the
international community about the situation.
Referring to the increasing trend of demonstrations and other public
agitation campaigns, the Minister said there is an ulterior motive behind these
demonstrations and they are not motivated to seek economic redress. This is an
attempt made by certain elements in collaboration with international
organisations to topple the Government. Instead of engaging in trade union
activities, some Trade Union Leaders have also resorted to act according to a
political agenda to topple the Government.
Q: The UN Human Rights Session will be held in Geneva next week. A
strong anti Sri Lankan lobby is in the offing. Don’t these human rights
crusaders have a hidden agenda behind any attempts to protect human rights?
A: There is no hidden agenda because it has been exposed to the entire
world that pro-LTTE elements are behind this UNHRC attempt against Sri Lanka.
Though LTTE Leader Prabhakaran and his armed gang was destroyed militarily,
hardcore pro-LTTE elements who still operate in Western countries like the US,
UK, Canada, France, Germany and Norway have rallied round and raised funds
through various rackets conducted.
These pro-LTTE elements are behind some of the world powers. That is why when
the armed forces launched military operations against the LTTE, the US
categorically requested us not to attack the LTTE. But we continued military
operations against the LTTE as that was the biggest problem faced by the
country.
To take revenge from us, the US says they would vote in favour of the
resolution to be moved against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC Sessions as we refused
what they asked us to do.
Amidst pressure exerted by some Western countries, President Mahinda
Rajapaksa took the bold decision to defeat terrorism.
If that decision was
not taken at that time, today the country would have been divided into several
parts. We were able to safeguard the unitary status of the country due to bold
moves taken by the President. However, some Western countries have a hatred due
to the decision taken by the Government to defeat terrorism. Pro-LTTE elements
are behind some of these Western countries.
We have to realise this problem. Everybody should be united to defeat this
conspiracy. We should join hands to safeguard the country first, not the
Government. To safeguard the Government first the country should be safeguarded.
If the only the country is safeguarded, the Opposition can also engage in
politics. Everybody should rally round to defeat these forces in Geneva
regardless of their political affiliations.
There should be genuine unity among the people to defeat these conspiracies.
Massive public demonstrations will be conducted throughout the country on
February 27 to show the people’s solidarity to thwart the attempts by certain
countries to bring a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC Sessions. Instead
of safeguarding the Government, now we have engaged in the task of protecting
the motherland.
Q:The Government has to think of the international dimension as well
with the UNHRC sessions coming up next week. Are you confident that the
Government will be able to thwart attempts by certain countries to bring a
resolution against Sri Lanka?
A: Definitely. At present we are organising ourselves to thwart this
attempt. During the past few months the President made a series of state visits
to foreign countries and held bilateral talks with their Leaders to educate them
on the attempt to be made against Sri Lanka during the forthcoming UNHRC
sessions.
The Government through the External Affairs Ministry, diplomatic missions,
embassies and other special representatives has already educated our friendly
countries and the international community on this situation. We are confident
that we would be able to defeat this resolution to be moved against Sri Lanka at
the UNHRC sessions. We are confident and determined to succeed this challenge.
Q: When invisible hands are at work to discredit Sri Lanka at the
UNHRC sessions, shouldn’t the Opposition extend its fullest support to the
Government rather than create an unpleasant situation in the country?
A: That the approach adopted by the Opposition regarding this issuers
evident. Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe in a special statement in
Parliament on Wednesday requested to table all documents in Parliament which are
to be taken by the Government for the UNHRC sessions to be held in Geneva.
This is like keeping the chicken in the custody of the jackal. The Opposition
Leader wants to table these documents because they contain the answers to be
given to the charges levelled against us at the UNHRC sessions.
If we table these answers in Parliament before the UNHRC sessions, then Ranil
Wickremesinghe will be able to send these answers to the pro-LTTE elements in
Geneva to prepare their counter replies to these answers. To defeat the
Government’s resolution at the UNHRC sessions, the Opposition Leader wants the
Government’s answers to be send it to pro-LTTE elements and some international
forces to create an anti Sri Lankan lobby. We call upon the Opposition Leader
and other reactionary forces not to resort to such a treacherous and
opportunistic approach to gain narrow political objectives.
When Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister signed the Ceasefire Agreement
(CFA) with LTTE Leader Prabhakaran, even his party or the Cabinet were not
aware.
That CFA was not submitted to Parliament. Wickremesinghe who secretly signed
this agreement with Prabhakaran now requests the Government to table documents
to be presented at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva.
This shows how opportunistic and narrow minded, the Opposition Leader is.
That is why the UNP has not been able to come to power, as the majority of the
people are aware of this childish approach adopted by the UNP.
Q: The Oil price hike has hit the masses badly. The Government says it
is beyond its control. The Opposition rebuts that the increases are not
proportionate to actual price hikes in the international market. Would you like
to explain this situation?
A: The Opposition always attempts to take political mileage and attack
the Government. But when attention is focused on oil prices in the international
market, you find war clouds gathering all over the world and there is a virtual
collapse in world economies. The economies in certain Western countries like the
US and the UK have collapsed.
The US should be held responsible for creating this fuel crisis as they have
paved the way for war clouds in the world. Today Iraq or Libya are not producing
the quantity of oil they produced during the regime of Sadam Hussein or Gadaffi.
The oil production in Nigeria has also drastically reduced. Now the US is
targeting Iran. As a result there is a severe crisis between Iran and the
European countries. We are victims of the international fuel market. I reject
the claim made by the Opposition that there is no increase in fuel prices in the
international market. This is a false statement.
The price of a barrel of crude oil had gone up to $ 127 on February 23. This
is the actual situation. Earlier the Government had given a large amount of
subsidies for fuel. Subsidies were also granted for electricity. We have to
realise the Government is not in a position to continue these subsidies any
more.
Three years ago, Sri Lanka was recognised as a poor and third world country
by the UN, IMF, World Bank and the ADB. But all these international monetary
organisations and other international institutions have now accepted Sri Lanka
as a country which has recorded significant economic growth. Sri Lanka has been
able to achieve 8 percent economic growth last year.
In this situation, subsidies given on fuel were removed. Even today an
electricity subsidy has been given to those who use below 150 units.
No subsidy has been granted for those who exceed these limits. We should be
alert about the crisis situation in Iran.
If we took the decision to increase fuel prices six months later, we would
have faced severe economic hardship.
As politicians who have come to this position with the help of the ordinary
people and always live with them, we have understood the economic hardship faced
by them. That is why steps were taken by the Government to grant subsidies to
several sectors.
The Government has already decided to give fuel subsidies to Samurdhi
beneficiaries, fishermen, school vans and three wheelers. We should face the
political reality and the true picture of the economy without considering
opportunistic politics of the Opposition.
If the Opposition was in power, what would have been the decision taken by
them? At present the Opposition and anti-Government elements criticise the fuel
hike. But they do not submit any solution to overcome this situation.
It was the UNP Government which destroyed the assets of the Ceylon Petroleum
Corporation (CPC).
The CPC had engaged in the production of a series of by products and agro
chemicals which are required for farmers.
After 1977, all these CPC-owned business ventures and a large number of its
properties were vested to the private sector by the UNP Government. It is
necessary to understand this situation.
We have realised the difficulties faced by the people and every possible
measure will be taken to grant relief. However, it is essential to maintain an
economic balance. Otherwise the economy will collapse. We cannot be isolated.
We live in a universal society which is connected with international economy,
politics and other social factors.
Therefore we have to face these problems and succeed. We will defeat false
propaganda campaigns carried out by the Opposition. We would not allow the
Opposition to destabilise the country through their various demonstrations.
The Government through subsidies and other welfare measures will minimise the
burden faced by the people.
Q:About the recent killing of a fisherman in Chilaw, you had said that
the Police should have been more circumspect in handling public protests. Can
you elaborate on this?
A: There are two sides to this issue. In a democratic country, there
is a legal right to engage in demonstrations and protest marches. Before we came
to this position, we have also resorted to similar activities. But today the
Opposition and some NGOs specially operate in Sri Lanka as sole representatives
of international forces which act against Sri Lanka and have invested money here
to topple the Government.
Their intention is to form a Western-oriented Government which dances
according to their whims and fancies. It was not the genuine fishermen who were
behind the demonstration held in Chilaw. An NGO was behind this scene and it was
handled by a priest who is also connected to the Katunayaka Free Trade Zone
incident.
The NGO groups controlled by Western forces have resorted to these
demonstrations and other public agitation campaigns.
They want to provoke those who participate in these demonstrations. That is
why they attempt to create unnecessary panic. The Police was unable to control
that demonstration.
Under these circumstances, we have to think of both sides. On the one hand,
the people’s right to protest should be ensured.
But if the demonstrators resort to violence and exceed the limit of an
ordinary demonstration, then the Police or the Security Forces have to be
deployed to control them. This is the situation of any country.
The organisations that act against the Government want to create a serious
incident by even sacrificing the life of a person.
We should not get caught to these traps. It is necessary that Police officers
act intelligently and tactfully to deal with such situations.
Q:Foreign interference in our internal affairs appears to have become
a new development when it was reported that a recent foreign delegation wanted
the Government to remove the military camps in the North and the East. How do
you look at this situation?
A: At present most of the people have forgotten war against the
terrorism which prevailed in the country. LTTE now that has ended, pro-LTTE
elements and the diaspora who live in foreign countries hatch political
conspiracies to topple the Government.
Their intention is to create violence in the country to disrupt peace and
national security.
The Security Forces have to curb these LTTE spy services and other activists.
We could not arrest all the LTTE activists. Some of them were killed at the
battlefront and some have been rehabilitated. But there is another group of LTTE
activists who are outside the country.
The hardcore LTTEers who live in various foreign countries are still
conducting various organizational activities. We cannot give room for these
activities within the country. That is why the Security Forces are still
maintaining military camps in the North and the East.
We have just completed only two years after the terrible war against
terrorism. We have to seriously consider this. Still some LTTE remnants may
remain in the country. It takes certain time frame for complete freedom.
Q: There are allegations that the Government is cracking down on the
people’s right to protest. At the same time some Government Ministers have said
that unseen political hands and NGOs are behind the protests, which they say are
a start of a conspiracy to topple the Government. What are your comments on
this?
A: The UNP or the JVP has no right whatsoever to oppose to the moves
taken by the Government to control demonstrations which go beyond accepted
limits of democratic norms. We know the moves taken by J.R.Jayewardene and
R.Premadasa Governments during their 17 years rule to suppress the Opposition.
How many people were assaulted and killed by former UNP Governments who
participated in Opposition demonstrations? As a political party the JVP has a
notorious political history of unleashing violence, killing thousands of
innocent people and destruction of public property.
Therefore the JVP is the political party which is held responsible to
introduce this cult of violence. During their regime, the UNP introduced stern
rules and regulations and deployed the Armed Forces to suppress the working
class and their political opponents.
Ranil Wickremesinghe was also a Minister and was a Prime Minister. But most
of the new UNP Parliamentarians don’t have any understanding how the country was
ruled by former UNP Governments.
These newly elected UNP MPs have not held any ministerial portfolios or they
don’t have any experience of ruling the country under the UNP. But they pretend
to be clever critics in Parliament, political stage and even before the media.
The people could see the true nature of the UNP when it was in power.
It is ironic that the UNPers posed themselves as mere “upasakas” when they
are in the Opposition. In our history, there is no any other political party
like UNP which has unleashed violence and suppress the democratic rights of the
people.
Q: Are these protests, demonstrations, rallies and other public
agitation campaigns really motivated to seek economic redress or do they have an
ulterior motive injurious to the country?
A: Definitely, there is an ulterior motive behind this. This is an
attempt made by certain elements in collaboration with international
organisations to topple the Government. Instead of doing trade union activities,
some Trade Union Leaders have also resorted to political activities to topple
the Government. It is clear that a large number of NGOs and other international
organisations are behind them.
Q: What is the delay in the parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to
begin its sessions? What is the TNA’s difficulty in participating in the PSC?
A: Actually there is no delay on the part of the Government. So far
the TNA has not made its representation to the PSC. We have appointed the PSC
and proposed the TNA to participate. Instead of participation the TNA and the
UNP have engaged in various treacherous activities against the country with the
intention of weakening the Government.
Q: It is said that the Government has already taken steps to implement
the LLRC recommendations. What is the progress?
A: Some of the recommendations made by the LLRC have already been
implemented. Recommendations and activities of the LLRC will be implement
through the PSC. That is why the Government requests the Opposition to
participate in this PSC.
However, the UNP and the TNA are not prepared to participate in the PSC. This
is the true situation. Therefore the UNP and the TNA should be sincere to sit
together and discuss to find a solution to this problem.
Q:There was media speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle. Is there any
truth in this?
A:I deny those media reports.
Q: Today the health sector is free of strikes, work-to-rule campaigns
and similar protests. What is the secret? Have you waved a magic wand?
A: When we take the health sector trade unions, their situation has
completely changed. They are not in the same position they were two years ago. I
allocate time to hold discussions with trade unions. I am always ready to listen
to the voice of trade unions and consider them as friends.
I am there for genuine grievances and try to give possible relief and
privileges. I have been able to create a close rapport with trade unions. But
there are some trade unions which are directly connected to some political
parties.
For example there are some trade unions which are affiliated to the JVP and
its breakaway group called “Jana Aragala Movement”. Under cover of the trade
union banner, these politically motivated trade unions in association with some
NGOs have engaged to topple the Government. They have misled some trade union
members as well. We are a Government which is committed to safeguard the rights
of trade unions. As the Health Minister and the SLFP General Secretary, I have a
huge responsibility on all these sectors. Therefore we are dealing with trade
unions in a friendly manner.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/02/26/new04.asp


Lanka ready to face UNHRC resolution

by Manjula FERNANDO
As Sri Lanka braces itself to face a possible resolution at
the 19th United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions starting tomorrow
in Geneva, major powers have already assured their support to shoot it down in
view of the country’s domestic reconciliation process.
Minister and President’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe
told the Sunday Observer from Geneva late Friday that the US delegation was
circulating a draft resolution among other delegates but it is yet to be
officially handed over to the Council.
The resolution calls for the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and
Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations and also called upon Sri Lanka
to seek the assistance of the UN Commissioner of Human Rights Navaneetham Pillai
in the implementation process.
“Our position is that this resolution is both uncalled for and unwarranted.
There is no necessity for such a resolution, since we have started implementing
the recommendations.”
The Sri Lankan delegation led by Minister Samarasinghe is in Geneva from
Wednesday, meeting other envoys and briefing them on the measures the Government
has taken towards a ‘comprehensive reconciliation’ in the post-conflict era.
“What we are now demonstrating by talking to various delegations is to show the
concrete steps the country has been taking in implementing LLRC recommendations
and our future efforts towards the goal of reconciliation.”
Asked about the consequences of the resolution being adopted the Minister
said, “We will not allow it to succeed.
We have ample evidence to show our commitment. They (the international
community) will realise then that there is no necessity. We are very confident
that we will be able to defeat it.”
Already a number of countries including Sri Lanka’s biggest allies have
confirmed their support if a resolution is brought against Sri Lanka, he said.
The Russian Ambassador in Colombo told a press conference last week that they
believe Sri Lanka should be given time to sort out its own problems and external
pressures should not block this domestic process.
Similar sentiments have been expressed by other allies too in the HRC.
Minister Samarasinghe in an interview with the Sunday Observer on Tuesday,
prior to leaving for Geneva, outlined some of the measures the Government has
taken in implementing the LLRC recommendations from January this year, soon
after the LLRC’s final report was presented in Parliament.
The Sri Lankan delegation which includes Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, Nimal
Siripala De Silva, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Attorney General Eva
Wanasundera met the HR High Commissioner Navaneetham Pillai on Friday at 12 noon
Geneva time. The Minister said they briefed her on the ‘ground developments’ and
the Government’s efforts since the last HRC meeting in September 2011.
Sri Lanka defeated a resolution brought in by certain Western Bloc countries
in May 2009 at the UNHRC, soon after LTTE terrorism was crushed.