http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=all_I_want_now_is_a_brighter_future_former_LTTE_combatant_20120531_04

All I want now is a brighter future" - former LTTE combatant

I don't regret the loss of the LTTE. All I want now is a brighter future, Raja, a rehabilitated former LTTE combatant from Batticaloa said.

He was in the separatist movement from 2005 to 2008. "I suffered a lot during those three years," he told IRIN.

More than 11,000 former LTTE fighters, many of whom were forcibly conscripted by the LTTE, have been rehabilitated since the conflict ended on 18 May 2009.

Maran*, 36, from Kilinochchi District, a former LTTE cadre who joined the movement when he was 21 years old and is now a musician in Vavuniya, said the rehabilitation programme had "changed" his life. "I learned about the other side of things. The hatred is long gone from my mind. What really helped me were different interactions with people outside my ethnicity during the programme."

Echoing this optimism, Malathi*, 24, also from Kilinochchi, said after completing the rehabilitation programme she now hoped to support national rebuilding. "Of course, I am never going to think of taking up arms again." She joined the LTTE after leaving school when she was 17 years old to avenge the death of her elder brother, also a Tamil Tiger.

"Transforming minds and healing them is an important part of the equation to heal 30-year-old scars," Victor Karunairajan, a Tamil community leader from Jaffna, told IRIN, but "all steps" need to be taken to address the grievances of those affected by the conflict.

"There needs to be more economic opportunities for... [people] returning after rehabilitation," said Sumathi*, 24, who feels that economic hardship is undermining her reintegration. After finishing the programme she returned to Vavuniya, where she is employed as a seasonal farm worker.

Courtesy: IRIN

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=treading_on_safe_land_20120530_05

Treading on safe land

Dealing with a deadly legacy

As dawn breaks spreading light all around, ushering in a new day farmers in their tractors head towards the paddy fields. Children dressed in spotless white uniforms make their way to school laughing all the way while the traders begin to get ready to face the rush. Already traffic starts to form in the roads. This is not a scene from the south of the country but from the north where a war came to an end three years ago.

Initial Contamination Year 2009

For three decades separatist LTTE terrorists waged a bloody war to spread their unholy authority over their own brethren in the name of freedom and liberty. After claiming thousands of innocent lives and ruining the lives of many more the war finally came to an end when Government Forces decisively defeated the LTTE in possibly the biggest Humanitarian Operation in the recent history of the world.

With the end war in May 2009, the GOSL mooted post war development work paying much emphasis on livelihoods and infrastructure development to re-establish normalcy in the north and east, the former theatres of conflict and fulfill its commitment in resettling the IDPs back in their villages in the shortest possible time. The dangerous remnants of war like land mines and unexploded ordinance are the first obstacles that should be removed to facilitate the resettlement process and the return of IDP's. There were over 280,000 IDPs who needed to be resettled.

Large areas of the north and parts of the east were heavily mined and buildings booby trapped by the LTTE in desperation to prevent the advance of the government forces and also to stop innocent civilians from escaping to safe zones established by the government.

Mine clearance is a vital prerequisite for the reconstruction and development operations that need to be undertaken to support the return of IDPs. De-mining and making land safe for people to return to is one of the vital steps in the process of getting people back to their homes. Priority is given to residential areas in the demining programme.

Mine clearance activities require much careful planning, co-ordination, expertise and extensive logistical support. And it is also a very expensive operation. The National Mine Action Center (NMAC) was established in July 2010 and it is the government's lead de-mining agency. The NMAC drafted a National Mine Action Strategy.

Post war surveys had revealed that more than 4000 square kilometers of land had been contained with mines in the former war zone. Human settlements, farmlands, grazing land, roads, railway lines, water bodies and beaches had been mined in addition to jungle areas. Government agencies like the Humanitarian Demining Unit of the Sri Lanka Army and a number of non NGOs were involved in the demining operations. Huge amount of funds which could otherwise be channeled to infrastructure and economic development programs were being spent on demining operations.

So far more than 95percent of the mined areas have been cleared and the remaining areas are expected to be free of mines in the near future. About 30 percent of the cleared areas have been cleared by the Sri Lanka Army. Demining personnel have recovered hundreds and thousands of mines and UXOs during their operations.

Humanitarian Demining in Puthukudiripu	Humanitarian Demining in Ampalavanpokkanai	Humanitarian Demining in Thirumurukandi

Sri Lanka's mine clearance programme has come under much praise by local and international experts for its efficiency. It is due to the commitment, support and the level of priority on the part of the government and the cooperation among all actors involved in the demining process. The international community plays a pivotal role in the demining programme. Nine demining agencies including the Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit are involved in clearing up the contaminated land in the north and east. Both national and international personnel work side by side sharing resources and expertise.

In addition to the actual mine clearance operation it is imperative that the public be educated on this issue. Continuous MRE campaigns conducted in the former conflict zones have helped to raise awareness among the returning people especially among school children. The message is widely disseminated through the national education system and the use of mass media complements these approaches. These programmes have helped to reduce the casualty figures drastically. The public health care system provides care and support to mine victims. A mine recovered is potentially a life saved.

Land mines are one of the deadly legacies left by the LTTE for the future generation. The death, destruction and carnage that they had brought upon the whole nation and at times even beyond the shores are something that every ordinary peace loving person wants to forget. The LTTE rump and groups with vested interests have misled certain sections of the international community which is increasingly getting trapped into this unholy alliance. And the outcome has cast a negative impact on the recovery of life in this resplendent island.

What those children going to school need is not to delve in the past and stagnate but to go forward and catch up with the rest. Sri Lanka is a free country and the GoSL is committed in providing every citizen equal opportunities.

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=53155
Exhibition targeting LTTE well received in Norway – Ambassador

May 29, 2012, 12:00 pm


By Shamindra Ferdinando

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Oslo, Rodney Perera said that an exhibition highlighting LTTE atrocities and military operations to clear the Northern and Eastern Provinces of terrorism had been well received by the expatriate Tamil community.


"We were pleasantly surprised by their reaction. Although some felt uncomfortable with the decision to display photographs of LTTE atrocities, as there hadn’t been any such exhibitions in Oslo previously, we believed the Tamil community would appreciate our efforts," Perera told The Island. Fearing possible protests at the venue of the exhibition, the embassy had asked for the deployment of Norwegian police as well as private security personnel, but there hadn’t been any untoward incidents, the ambassador said.


Responding to a query, Perera said some Tamils went to the extent of supporting the event by volunteering to provide local food varieties like ‘kadala’, ‘vadai’ and manioc and even transport to move display panels. The exhibition wouldn’t have been a success without the support from the Tamil Diaspora, he said. "There were several ladies who cried openly and expressed their utter dismay at the atrocities committed by the LTTE," Ambassador Perera said.


He said that the exhibition was held on Friday (25), at the Embassy premises, for Norwegians and the diplomatic community. Among those present were several parliamentarians, senior officials from foreign and defence ministries, businessmen and NGO representatives. Former Norwegian peace envoy in Sri Lanka, Erik Solheim hadn’t accepted the invitation, as he was on vacation.


The newly established Diaspora group, ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ comprising Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims helped the diplomatic mission hold the exhibition on May 26 for the benefit of ordinary people, the envoy said. Among those who had attended the event were LTTE sympathizers, he said, adding that the new documentary film ‘Officers & Gentlemen-Sri Lanka’s Military heroes’ was also shown. "No one objected to anything we displayed. As a matter of fact, we sold a large number of ‘Gota’s War’ authored by The Island columnist C. A. Chandraprema.

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201205/20120528more_ltte_cadres_reintegrated.htm

Monday, May 28 , 2012 - 05.40 GMT

75 more LTTE cadres to be reintegrated next month

Measures have been taken to release another 75 former LTTE combatants who have successfully completed their rehabilitation programme. The ex-LTTE cadres will be handed over to their relatives at a function on 2nd June in Vavuniya, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Darshana Hettiarachchi said. The rehabilitated cadres have been provided education, as well as spiritual and vocational training to be engaged in a livelihood, the Commissioner General has said. Over 11,600 ex-LTTE cadres surrendered to the Sri Lankan security forces during the final stages of the war. They were being rehabilitated at the rehabilitation centers in Vavuniya. The government had successfully re-integrated 10,490 ex- LTTE combatants, including 2,170 females into civil society following their rehabilitation. The last remaining group of former LTTE cadres will be released by mid-2012 after providing them the mandatory 12 months training. The government has spent Rs. 2.5 billion on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres since the conflict ended in May 2009.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=west_enjoys_confusing_matters_with_terminology_opinion_20120529_01

West enjoys confusing matters with terminology- Opinion

(By: Shenali Waduge)

Delaying actions concerning the welfare of the Sri Lankan people by allowing a handful to create unprecedented strife based on a notion of "ethnic separatism" not shared by the majority has led to decades of terror resulting in unnecessary damage control allowing Sri Lanka to be compromised to opportunist nations pursuing neo-colonial agendas.

Sri Lanka's Government has been warned enough.

In 1949 the ITAK was formed to work towards a Tamil Eelaam. In 1976 the Vaddukoddai Resolution called upon the Tamil people to join to create an Eelaam and called upon the Tamil youth to take up arms. Why did the then Governments not take action?

What needs to be cleared before analyzing anything related to the Sinhala-Tamil issue is the fact that the ITAK was formed in 1949 a year after Sri Lanka's independence aspiring to create an Eelaam when Tamils were enjoying all the privileges of English education, Government employment and social status far more than the Sinhalese?

Why would ITAK create a political party masquerading itself as Federal Party in 1949 but aspire to separate well before any of the so-called Sinhala-Tamil issues surfaced? It does make any wonder whether these "issues" over the years including that of 1983 "riots" was pre-planned and had little to do with anything racial or ethnicity.

What needs to be reiterated is that ITAK is clearly heading towards another attempt to create tension in Sri Lanka. Let us all remind ourselves that members of the TNA were all associated with the LTTE and functioned as LTTE proxy never voicing outrage at any of the LTTE's barbaric assassinations upon political leaders or suicide attempts on ordinary civilians. It goes without saying that their parliamentary status is attributed to the assistance given to them by the LTTE. These members are all a bunch of obsolete Vellala's attempting to lead the Tamil people astray.

It is good for the Tamil people themselves to look back and see what they have gained in aligning with LTTE/TNA/ITAK and India against what they have actually lost over three decades? Look at the colossal loss of Tamil lives, the destruction to their property, children turned into terrorists when they should have studied and improved their lives. Can the Tamils really be happy at the turn of events? Do they really propose to allow the TNA/ITAK and the Tamil Diaspora to ruin the futures of Tamils once again while they make merry profiting from the conflict by kickstarting donation campaigns which is going to begin with a 'satygraha' campaign as was done in the past?

The West enjoys confusing matters with terminology brought in to coerce Governments to do their bidding. Thus these calls for "power sharing", "devolution" without knowing any of the ground realities that prevail interested in only what they are to gain by having a disintegrated Sri Lanka. Our objective then should be to remain united.

Sri Lanka's military defeated a globally banned terrorist organization. Sri Lanka's military did not carry out a military exercise against the Tamils in fact the military carried out a humanitarian rescue that left hundreds of soldiers sacrificing their lives to save the lives of 294,000 Tamil civilians.

Unlike any nation Sri Lanka has given prominence to less than 12% of its population. Tamils enjoy denoting its ethnicity on the national flag, every public document includes Tamil, road names, public event telecasts are in Tamil, Tamil cultural events have all been given due place. Tamils hold key portfolios in both public and private sector.

Where is the discrimination and why can't Sri Lanka's politicians argue these facts when questioned? If the Defense Secretary can confidently say that the North does not belong to ONLY the Tamils and every Sri Lankan citizen has a right to settle down in the North, why can't the politicians voice the same sentiment clearly so that they do not leave room for inconsistencies? If the North is meant for Tamils only why are Tamils purchasing property and taking up residence in the South amongst Sinhalese. There are more Tamils living amongst Sinhalese than in the north and east together.

The Tamil people must not allow their lives to be manipulated once again. The people of the Vanni are now beginning to realize how they had been fooled by Tamil politicians - their heroes today are the military and not the TNA and there is no argument on this fact!

This is no time for niceties - as a nation we have been bitten too many times and our goodwill has been misused, abused and manipulated.

If we can set this right first while properly handling our foreign policy in keeping with the central policy theme that the country remains united, sovereign, without devolution and for all the people who desire to be SRI LANKAN, then we are on the right track.

For all that to happen the Government now needs to take some stern action and it must start with legal actions (6th amendment to the constitution) against anyone attempting to break up Sri Lanka.

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=all_srilankans_haveright_to_settle_anywhere_in_the_country_secretary_defence_20120529_03

All Sri Lankans have right to settle anywhere in the country - Secretary Defence

All Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnicity and other differences, should be able to live in any part of the country, Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

In an interview with the BBC, the Defence Secretary said all Sri Lankans regardless of their race should have the freedom to live in any part of the country and it is not appropriate to view the Northern Province over which a war was fought, as a predominantly Tamil area.

The Defence Secretary further asserted that Sri Lanka is normalising with opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity.

Just as a lot of Tamil officers worked in Southern districts, Sinhalese and Muslims should be able to work in the North.

"It is part of Sri Lanka. So were some correct to view the North as a predominantly Tamil place? "Why should that be? If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go and buy the properties from anywhere. I'm talking about the freedom for a Sri Lankan to live anywhere in this country."

Secretary Defence in reply to a query by the correspondent in which the latter had cited inflated casualty figures, said some 7,400 were killed during the last months as a result of the fighting and only a few of these were civilians and most were Tamil Tiger fighters.

"Do you think it was a battle between the Sri Lankan army and civilians? It's a battle between the army and the terrorist group which were equally armed like the military," he said.

"Within this 7,000-odd number that includes the combatants as well!"

Six thousand army soldiers had been killed in this period, he said.

He said the census-takers had visited family after family and taken the names of all those who died. There might have been "certain" civilian casualties but "not in the numbers you quote".

If there were proven violations of the laws of war "then we can punish, no problem, but you have to prove that".

The army had defeated a terrorist group that killed innocent people, destroyed property, buses, trains, hotels and many other targets, he said.

"All this we have stopped... but you don't talk about that," he said.

In the north, he said, life was getting back to normal - fishing restrictions had been lifted, the army had moved out of contentious areas such as running restaurants, and anti-LTTE Tamil groups had now been disarmed.

"This is a time that... irrespective of whether Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim, you as a Sri Lankan must move forward."

Courtesy: BBC

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/30/news01.asp

Lanka IDP-free by end July - Northern Gov.

Sandasen MARASINGHE

* Demining in North drawing to an end

* Accomplished in record time

G A Chandrasiri

The government will complete the demining process in all land areas required to resettle the remaining IDPs in the North, by the end of July, Northern Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri said yesterday. He also said that the challenge taken up by government officials, Security Forces and the public under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to resettle 295,873 IDPs liberated from the grip of the LTTE, amid doubts raised by the international community, had been met in record time of two and a half years .

He made these observations to the media yesterday in Jaffna at the workshop held for Divisional Secretaries, District Secretaries and top level public servants in the Northern Province organized by the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry under the guidance of Minister Sumeda G Jayasena. Governor Chandrasiri further stated that this high level of professionalism and success could be achieved due to the commitment of all sectors, the public and political leadership to establish permanent peace in the country.

He also added such a mammoth task being accomplished within such a short period of time after a three decade war was unprecedented.

He also said there are only 6,031 IDPs in the only two remaining welfare centres.

There are only 2,562 IDPs in the Kadirgamar Welfare Centre and another 3,469 at Anandakumaraswamy Welfare Centre. The Governor stated their resettlement was delayed due to the delay in the demining process in their villages. The demining process of Shinanagar, Pudukudirippu West, Mullaithivu would be completed by May. 31.

The same process in Pudukudirippu East, Ambalavan Poppanei, Mandavil, Mullivaikal West and Anuradhapura is scheduled to be completed by end of July. Governor Chandrasiri said with the completion of demining Sri Lanka will be an IDP free country. He added that yet the demining process will have to continue for another 3 to 4 years to secure the Mahaveli area which was heavily mined. He added these areas will be released for cultivation.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/29/news02.asp

North open to all Lankans - Defence Secy

Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnicity and other differences, should be able to live in any part of the country. He said all Sri Lankans regardless of their race should have the freedom to live in any part of the country. In an interview with the BBC, Secretary Rajapaksa said it is not appropriate to view the Northern Province over which a war was fought, as a predominantly Tamil area.

The Defence Secretary portrayed a normalising Sri Lanka with opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity.

Just as “a lot of” Tamil officers worked in Southern districts, Sinhalese and Muslims should be able to work in the North.

“It is part of Sri Lanka.” So were some correct to view the North as a predominantly Tamil place? “Why should that be? Why should that be?” he said. “If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go and buy the properties from anywhere. I’m not talking about the forced settlements, I’m talking about the freedom for a Sri Lankan to live anywhere in this country.”

“Do you think it was a battle between the Army and civilians? It’s a battle between the Army and the terrorist group which were equally armed like the military,” he said.

In the North, he said, life was getting back to normal - fishing restrictions had been lifted, the army had moved out of contentious areas such as running restaurants, and anti-LTTE groups had now been disarmed. In the country as a whole, he said, the government had opened a window to progress by ending the war.

“This is a time that... irrespective of whether Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim, you as a Sri Lankan must move forward.”

Courtesy: BBC

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/28/news01.asp

Prof Peiris returns after successful mission:

West impressed with reconciliation efforts

Chamikara Weerasinghe

* Clinton describes programme as 'excellent'

* Nuland says 'comprehensive approach'

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris returned to the island after successful official visits to Washington DC, Russia and Kazakhstan where he gained the confidence of these countries on Sri Lanka's ongoing national reconciliation process and its efforts to find a lasting home-grown solution to the national issue.

External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilleke Amunugama told the Daily News yesterday the Washington think tanks, Senators and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were impressed with the country's post-war reconciliation and development work in the formerly war-torn Northern Province.

After Prof Peiris outlined the mechanism adopted by the Presidential Secretariat to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had called the programme "excellent."

"The sentiment was later repeated in the State Department press briefings with spokeswoman Victoria Nuland announcing that Prof Peiris presented a very serious and comprehensive approach to the LLRC's implementation," Amunugama said. Prof Peiris told the US Senate that lasting peace, stability and growth can be accomplished only through a domestic solution and at the end of the day, everyone has to have a home-grown element to it.

Foreign Ministry sources said during Peiris' tour of Russia, Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sri Lanka has forged its own impartial Commission to look into war crimes allegations and that it was wrong on the part of any country to press Sri Lanka to have an international probe. Asked if there was any pressure on the government by any country to reduce troops in the North since it is a recommendation of the LLRC, Amunugama said the LLRC is an independent body, but this is a decision that a government must take.

"Sri Lanka does not go to other countries and call on those countries to remove their troops from one place to another. It is simply not done because it is an internal matter of that country," he said. "The same goes for other countries. They cannot and are not expected to touch upon such matters of a country that touches upon its national security and the protection of the public," Amunugama said.

Asked about the demands made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) about removing troops from the North, he said: "TNA is a political party just as much as the LLRC is an independent commission. They can make such demands and make recommendations. However, it is the decision of the government how it should place its Security Forces and where. It is matter to be dealt by the state alone," he said.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/05/27/fea02.asp

Choice of military locations is nobody’s business:

Sri Lanka not taking chances again

By K.M.H.C.B. Kulatunga

Certain countries in the West, which turned a blind eye when Sri Lanka was making its own battle against LTTE terrorism which killed thousands of innocent people, are now trying to advise on our military strategies.

They now try to give us ‘expert military advice’ free leaving room for a possible another terrorist campaign that could once again put the lives of all Sri Lankans in danger.

The UK has said that it hopes that the military presence in the North and East of Sri Lanka can move to resemble that in other parts of Sri Lanka.

The British High Commissioner in Colombo John Rankin in a video on the Human Rights and Democracy (HRD) Annual Report released by the Foreign Office this year and the human rights situation in Sri Lanka with reference to LLRC report, has said that the military presence in the North and East of the country can move to resemble that in other parts of Sri Lanka rather than the very large military presence which it continues to have at the moment in the Jaffna and the Wanni.

The US too is apparently shedding crocodile tears on human rights in Sri Lanka. Having turned a Nelsonian eye when the LTTE was brutally killing innocent civilians, forget about their human rights altogether, the US is appearing to be greatly perturbed by the human rights of LTTE terrorists killed during the humanitarian operation.

Releasing the 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights at the State Department last week, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said these human rights reports United States Government makes clear to governments around the world that they are being watched. “We are watching and we are holding you accountable,” she said adding that the U.S. makes clear to citizens and activists everywhere: “You are not alone. We are standing with you.”

But do these countries practise what they preach? Criticising the US government report on human rights, China said that ‘the United States has turned a blind eye to its own woeful human rights situation and remained silent about it, Xinhua news agency reported.

The “Human Rights Record of the United States in 2011” was released by the Information Office of the State Council, or China’s cabinet, in response to the “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011” issued by the US State Department on May 24.

The US report is “full of overly critical remarks on human rights conditions in nearly 200 countries and regions, as well as distortions and accusations concerning human rights cases in China. However, the United States has turned a blind eye to its own woeful human rights situation and remained silent about it,” China’s report said.

The “Human Rights Record of the United States in 2011” is intended to reveal the “true human rights situation” of the US to the world and “urge the US to confront its own actions,” the document said.

The violations of civil and political rights in the US have been “severe” and the country is “lying to itself” when referring to itself as the “land of the free.”

There is a huge difference in human rights what the West preaches and practices. Sri Lanka is a sovereign state and as any other independent nation, Sri Lanka has a right to defend its territory. Protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity is the responsibility of the Government, according to the Constitution.

No country has a right to force us on our military strategies as the Government would take such action purely in the interest of the nation and its citizens. Countries responsible for killing innocent civilians, including women and children through drone attacks, tell us a different story when it comes to Sri Lanka.

They should realise Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and its Security Forces has a legitimate right to protect its territory and citizens, just as the US, UK or any other country.

When LTTE had been killing thousands of innocent civilians and world leaders such as former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, none of those godfathers of human rights were there to support us sincerely.

Thanks to the genuine and honest support of a handful of friendly countries, Sri Lanka was able to vanquish the LTTE and liberate over half a million people who had been subjected to untold misery.

When those hapless civilians were forcibly held as a human shield and were subjected to untold hardships, none of those champions ever uttered a word against the LTTE terrorists.

Some of the Western countries were attempting to give even the last drop of oxygen to the Tigers until they were finally vanquished on May 18, 2009.

It was a truly humanitarian operation and Sri Lanka has every right to do so under a legitimate Governments and its Security Forces.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too has said that attempts to force an international probe on Sri Lanka, into the so-called civilian deaths and rights abuses during the final months of the humanitarian battle are unacceptable.

“We believe, attempts to force international investigation on Sri Lanka without the sovereign state’s permission and bypassing the UN Security Council are absolutely wrong, they also contradict our aspirations in the human rights sphere,” Lavrov was quoted as saying to his Sri Lankan counterpart at a meeting last week.

He emphasised that Sri Lanka has forged an own trustworthy commission to look into the war crimes.

Certain countries in the West too have fallen in line with the campaigns of the LTTE cohorts in demanding shifting of military camps from the North and the East.

Just in case of any other provinces in the country, the Defence authorities would maintain camps at strategic locations for the best interest of the nation.

Outsiders have no right to tell us where Sri Lanka should locate its camps because it will be Sri Lanka, its people and the Government, that would face repercussions if something goes wrong in the security aspect.

We cannot get back to that old era of terrorism and security of people should be maintained at any cost.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in a recent press interview, has made it clear why the liberated land has to be defended.

“If we take the Vanni region in particular, the LTTE was controlling this area and the Armed Forces had to liberate it.

As I emphasised before, the Government wants to bring normalcy to these areas,” he was quoted as saying.

According to the Defence Secretary, that is an area that has been misunderstood with various complaints about military presence.

The Security Forces have gradually reduced their numbers in civilian populated areas.

“We have withdrawn them from their day-to-day involvement and are now in their camps.

The maintenance of law and order has been handed over to the Police. We have opened new police stations in Mankulam, Kilinochchi, Pooneryn and other areas,” he said.

A key feature at these police stations is that the Government recruited Tamil speaking individuals who are from Jaffna and other Northern areas.

They have been trained and are now stationed at their respective police stations.

It ensures that the police can effectively communicate with the Tamil speaking people in these areas. Why can’t the West see these positive developments?

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/05/27/new01.asp

Tamils against military withdrawal’:

Dismantling camps will give rise to terrorism - Expert

by Manjula FERNANDO

If military camps are dismantled in the North and the East, extremism and terrorism will return, international anti-terrorism expert Prof. Rohan Gunaratna warned yesterday.

Responding to comments by Sarath Fonseka on military camps in the North and the East should be reduced, Prof. Gunaratna said the threat of terrorism being revived is very real because supportive political elements and LTTE proxies are still active in Sri Lanka, India and in a few other countries.

“They have not abandoned the Tiger flag, Vellupillai Prabhakaran’s image or the separatist goal,” said Prof. Gunaratna, who heads the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) at Nanyang Technological Institute, Singapore.He said, “Due to the weak law and order situation, enforcement and intelligence, ideological extremism and terrorism grew in Jaffna and spread islandwide starting with Prabhakaran killing the Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah in 1975. Most Sri Lankans including Tamils do not want the military to withdraw for two reasons.

First, security. Ninety percent of the LTTE’s victims were Tamils until 1983. Since then Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese suffered gravely and Sri Lanka went back a quarter century. Although the LTTE has been dismantled in Sri Lanka, the LTTE maintains a significant presence in Tamil Nadu. LTTE ideologues and leaders who support terrorism including S.J. Emmanuel, V. Rudrakumaran and Nediywan are radicalising and militarising a new generation of Tamils. Through front, cover and sympathetic organisations, the LTTE is operating out of New York as TGTE, London as TGTE and In Norway as TCC.Second, the military has provided sustained support to the civilian population: building roads, refurbishing hospitals, renovating schools, improving livelihoods through farming fishery and agriculture assistance and donating blood.”In the next decade, the greatest challenge facing Sri Lanka would be communal extremism propagated by LTTE remnants and their proxies, he said.

“The Government must continue to engage the Tamils and build a strong friendship with all communities especially in the North and the East. Military and intelligence must recruit more Tamils and learning Tamil must be made mandatory. The police have set an example by recruiting and deploying Tamils in the North and the East.”

Earlier, British High Commissioner Rankin in a video posted on the High Commission website said, “We hope the military presence in the North and the East can resemble the level of the military presence in other parts of the country, rather than the very large military presence we continue to have at present.”

A spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry said they were studying his comments.

The former Army Commander Fonseka too had voiced similar sentiments in an interview with a Tamil newspaper after his release. President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the nation on the third anniversary of the defeat of terrorism, that the military camps in the North and the East would not be removed as long as security considerations remain, in the backdrop of LTTE diaspora activity.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=403186477

 

Safe Land

26 May, 201207:07:31

Sri Lanka clears over 90-pct of mined area

May 25, 2012 (LBO) - Sri Lanka has cleared over 90 percent of the area where land mines believed to have been laid during a 30-year civil war which ended in 2009, the island's finance ministry said.

From 2009 to 2011 a total of 1577 square kilometers or 92 percent of the danger area in the north and east of the country has been cleared and only 124 square kilometers remains, the finance ministry said in its annual report. Sri Lanka is a 65,000 square kilometer island.
Local tax payers had spent 3.4 billion rupees and foreign donors spent a further 5.4 billion to clear the land mines, totally 9 billion rupees since the bloody conflict ended in May 2009.
In addition to deliberately laid mines and improvised explosive devices, there are also UXOs (unexploded ordnance) in many areas where deadly battles raged between the military and Tamil Tiger separatists.
The finance ministry estimates over 640 villages had been endangered by buried explosive devices.
De-mining is a high risk, time consuming, costly operation which involves skilled manpower and sophisticated equipment.
Most conventional armies have maps and patterns on record which can fast track de-mining but the process gets tedious when mines are indiscriminately laid with no records.

The finance ministry additional human and financial resources are needed to make Sri Lanka mine free by 2020.Along with Sri Lanka's military eight other local and foreign organizations are removing mines. Foreign partners include Japan, US, Australia, EU, Canada and Switzerland.
Minefields have blocked access to fertile land, restricted freedom of movement, agriculture and commercial activity in the north and east and prolonged the resettlement of displaced people.
Sri Lanka is under pressure to resettle displaced civilians and restore livelihoods in the north and east.
Out of 295,136 refugees displaced by the conflict only 6022 remains to be resettled by end April 2012, the finance ministry said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/25/news01.asp

Int’l community warned against use of double standards on Rights :

Russian support for SL’s reconciliation process

*‘Using HR issues as political instrument unacceptable’

*‘Bilateral trade increased by 35% in first quarter of 2012’

The government of Sri Lanka deeply appreciates the invaluable support extended by the Russian Federation, for taking a principled position on the country’s specific action and voting against the Resolution on Sri Lanka moved at the recently concluded Human Rights (HRC) session in Geneva, said External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris during his hour long meeting in Moscow yesterday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Minister Peiris is on a working visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of Minister Lavrov.

Elaborating on the action through the HRC, Minister Peiris emphasised that while upholding the need to give adequate time for Sri Lanka’s domestic process of post

conflict reconciliation and an atmosphere bereft of external coercion, the position taken was a demonstration of the Russian government’s understanding of the related complexities. Minister Peiris emphasized the importance for local procedures which are based on the culture of the country and aspirations of the people to be implemented in the reconciliation process, thereby ensuring a home grown solution to the concerned issues.

Endorsing this position, Minister Lavrov stated since the promotion and protection of human rights are primarily the responsibility of the state, the international community should only assist if required by the country. He stated in the interest of the world at large the international community should desist from practising double standards, as it results in politicization of the issues. Foreign Minister Lavrov added the use of human rights issues as a political instrument is fundamentally unacceptable.

In this context the Russian Minister observed that there are no tutors and students, but that all countries are equal by virtue of the Charter of the United Nations and the universal values on human rights integrated in the traditions and cultures of countries. While pointing out that the Resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted by the Human Rights Council only by a single vote as majority, he expressed Russia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s domestic process in terms of the LLRC and the recently established Military Courts of Inquiry.

At the outset, Minister Peiris said that his visit was taking place at a momentous juncture of the two countries’ historical ties, as this year marks 55 fruitful years of diplomatic relations. He recalled the visits of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Moscow and St. Petersburg during the last two years, being a demonstration of the importance attached to this bilateral relationship and having given a further impetus to concretize the multifaceted ties between Sri Lanka and Russia. The Minister congratulated Foreign Minister Lavrov on his re-appointment to the Cabinet of President Putin and wished him all success on this assignment.

Minister Peiris pointed out that following the end of the terrorist conflict and with the strengthened relations, a unique opportunity has arisen with abundant prospects for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed the view that further strengthening of the economic relations is a priority in consolidating the traditional relations and therefore to this end business contacts must be pursued. It was noted by Minister Peiris with satisfaction that while bilateral trade has increased by 35% in the first quarter of 2012, the balance of trade in Sri Lanka’s favour had declined and therefore Russian enterprises should take initiatives in furthering business ventures with Sri Lankan counterparts. Areas for economic cooperation outlined included investment, transport projects, tourism infrastructure, irrigation, fisheries, agro based industries and hydro carbon engineering.

The strong interest of Gazprom was also noted for investment in projects relating to liquid gas, oil exploration for which two areas have been demarcated and hotels. Possible Russian initiatives with regard to facilitating tea exports from Sri Lanka were also discussed.

Minister Lavrov declared that, with the return of peace and stability to Sri Lanka, it is now timely to build upon the excellent bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation, in respect of political matters, and to impart to this relationship a stronger economic dimension. The proposal by Sri Lanka relating to the opening of a branch of the Bank of Ceylon in Moscow, he said, is currently receiving the active consideration of the Russian authorities.

Minister Lavrov expressed appreciation of the co-operation which Sri Lanka had consistently extended to the Russian Federation in international fora in respect of a wide range of issues including intellectual property rights, money laundering, combating terrorism and mutual assistance with regard to transnational law enforcement.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Worst_seems_to_be_over_and_life_has_changed_so_much_20120523_02

Worst seems to be over and life has changed so much - Kilinochchi resident

Damage-strewn landscape years after fighting ended in Sri Lanka's north

The worst seems to be over. "It is hard to believe it has been three years, life has changed so much. During the war, our sole focus was how we were going to survive the next day or the next hour," said Nishanthan, an orphan in Kilinochchi.

Nishanthan grew up in a foster-care home and was forced to postpone his university entrance exam in August 2009 by heavy fighting. At the age of 19 he fled to his home village, returning to Kilinochchi in 2010 where he has since resumed his studies, IRIN reported.

Life is slowly returning to normal in North, but jobs and housing are the prevailing concerns of returnees, IRIN said.

Most of the estimated 448,000 people displaced before or during the conflict have returned to the Northern Province, according to the latest figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Read the full IRIN article at: http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95488/SRI-LANKA-Legacy-of-war-unemployment-and-homelessness

Courtesy: IRIN News

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=three_years_of_success_in_post_war_20120523_05

From obscurity to opulence

Three years of success in post war Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka celebrated the third anniversary of the armed forces' triumph over the LTTE with a glamorous military parade on May 19 at Galle Face Green. It seems obvious that all Sri Lankans irrespective of race or religion enjoy the dividends of peace after the eradication of terrorism from the country.

Terrorism had been the major cause that hindered Sri Lanka achieving its development goals. However the government has allocated billions of rupees to develop the once war-torn north and east in par with the development taking place in the rest of the country.

Post war development in Sri Lanka is amazing and there is virtually no trace that Sri Lanka had fought a 30-year-old war. One cannot believe that a country could attain an eight percent economic growth just after three years of an arms struggle and its achievements towards development within this short span of time are remarkably impressive.

Immediate steps

As soon as the war ended, the major concerns were the maintenance and welfare of the thousands of war displaced people, Tamil Tiger surrenders and LTTE terror combatants arrested by the security forces. Statistics show that there were about 280000 IDPs and 11700 LTTE combatants surrendered or arrested by the security forces.

The government with the assistance of some NGOs and UN agencies immediately established welfare centres, equipped with basic sanitary facilities to accommodate the large influx of IDPs. Later schools, medical centres and other required facilities were established within these welfare centres.

Next, steps were taken to rehabilitate the thousands of ex-combatants and to make the area free of land mines and expedite the resettlement of all IDPs. The defeated Tamil Tiger terrorists had covered an area of over 6200 Square Kilometres haphazardly with land mines and booby traps.

As for now, only 6031 IDPs remain in Kadirkamar and Anandakumarasawami welfare centres and the government is planning to resettle them all before the end of this year. The government has reintegrated nearly10, 375 former combatants from the North and East into the society following the successful completion of a rehabilitation programme conducted by the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation. Also the reintegrated cadres were given vocational training as a part of the rehabilitation process to enable them to be self-employed. And 80 percent of the identified minefields have been cleared off of danger paving the way for a speedy resettlement process.

Transition from war to peace

The conflict has seriously affected three generations of this country. Anyone can find ample of examples all over the country and many are still suffering from the loss of lives, limbs and material due to the war, no matter what race or religion they belonged to. But, what has been more realistic is that, the way the government is managing the post war Sri Lanka without leaving any room to the emergence of any anti-peace pro LTTE agendas within the country. Thus, had achieved a strong sense of confidence in the hearts and minds of the people that the war has ended once and for all and there would be no chance for another war within this soil. That guarantee has deeply reached the people living in every nook and corner of this country allowing the facilitation of establishing lasting peace and reconciliation between the communities.

Eradication of terrorism doesn't itself mean that the long awaited peace has dawned in this country, but certainly has paved the way towards it. There is no doubt that after years of war, the people in this country long for lasting peace. That's why the people have given a second chance to this government with an unprecedented two third majority to keep the momentum in the drive towards lasting peace and prosperity.

Amidst many critics the world over, Sri Lanka managed to stand firm and do what is appropriate for the benefit of its countrymen, and the results, so far achieved tell the world that the government didn't just take a leap in the dark but did everything with a purpose. It seems the government has already taken the lead, and is confident enough to continue with its strategies until satisfying the peoples' desires.

Success at a glance

As far as some of the other highlights regarding development in the North and East are concerned, the government has rendered assistance to renovate over 24,500 houses and also to build new ones. Also, the government with the assistance of other organizations plans to build 73,044 houses there.

During the last 'Maha' season, farmers have been able to cultivate over 80 percent of the paddy lands which were abandoned in the north due to the conflict. Accordingly, farmers have cultivated 145,000 acres out of 180,000 acres which remained abandoned when the conflict ended.

Among the most impressive progress made have been witnessed in the health and education sectors. The government has spent over Rs. 2.6 billion to repair hospitals, build new ones and provide equipment and drugs. Almost all the major hospitals and small and medium scale medical centres have been renovated. New ones have been built at identified locations.

In the north, over 900 schools out of 1020 are already functioning. However, arrangements have been made for students in schools that are not functioning to follow classes in alternate locations. The government has invested over Rs. 1.2 billion in the education sector so far.

The government has invested the most on road development in post war Sri Lanka. In the north too, the government has invested nearly US $ 490 million to construct over 500 Km of major roads.

In the rehabilitation of northern railway, the government has invested US $ 652.4 million to construct 252 km of railway tracks to resume the Jaffna-Colombo 'Yaal Devi' train service.

On the rehabilitation of reservoirs and large and medium scale irrigation schemes the government has invested nearly Rs. 01 billion to supplement over 100 schemes.

Impressive growth rates have been recorded in food crop cultivation and livestock development too.

Reconstruction of major bridges such as Sangupiddy, Mannar etc and the construction of Kokavil transmission tower have now been completed. Renovation of the KKS harbour, KKS Cement Factory and the Palali airport runway etc. are nearing completion thus allowing the people to reap the dividends of lasting peace which has dawned in this resplendent island nation.

 

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/24/fea01.asp

Psychosocial problems of Child Soldiers

Professor Daya Somasundaram/Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge

In war and violent conflict, children are traumatized by such common experiences as frequent shelling, bombing, helicopter strafing, round-ups, cordon-off and search operations, deaths, injury, destruction, mass arrests, detention, shootings, grenade explosions and landmines. Studies focusing on children in war situations for example in Mozambique (Richman et al, 1988)and Philippines(CRC, 1986) report considerable psychological sequelae.

In addition to the direct effects on children, war also results in collective trauma at the family and community levels. There is a breakdown of family and community processes, support structures and networks, ethical and moral values, cohesion and purpose. In this uncertain, insecure and hopeless environment, children are more likely to look for alternative opportunities, follow alluring possibilities and be compelled to make unwholesome choices. Brutalization resulting from growing up with violence, impunity and injustice with vulnerability, fear for their safety and real threats would motivate them to protect themselves (and in their imagination, their families and community) with arms and training.

Deprivation

Many families that are displaced, without incomes, jobs and food may encourage one of their children to join, so that at least they have something to eat. There is a higher incidence of malnutrition and ill health in the war torn areas. Allocation and distribution of health care facilities (staff, drugs, equipment) to some areas may be markedly disproportional. Education and schools become disorganized. There are often real or perceived inequalities in opportunities for and access to further education, sports, foreign scholarships or jobs for some groups compared to other more privileged groups. For the more conscious and concerned children, seeing or experiencing these deprivations for their family and community would push them into joining an armed resistance group.

Socio-cultural factors

Former LTTE Child Soldiers. File photo

Another potent push factor is oppressive social practices where the lower classes and castes are suppressed by the higher, who hold power and authority. For many from the lower classes, joining them becomes a way out of this oppressive system. Similarly, for younger females who experience the patriarchal oppression against their sex, it is a means of escape and 'liberation'.

Pull factors

Children because of their age, immaturity, curiosity and love for adventure are susceptible to 'Pied Piper' enticement through a variety of psychological methods. Public displays of war paraphernalia, funerals and posters of fallen cadres, speeches and videos, particularly in schools; heroic, melodious songs and stories, drawing out feelings of patriotism and creating a martyr cult create a compelling milieu. Severe restrictions on leaving areas create a feeling of entrapment as well as ensure that there is a continuing source of recruits. Military type training instill a military thinking.

In war and violent circumstances, socio-cultural and religious leaders and institutions do not protect or protest against child recruitment.

Psychological consequences

Apart from death and injury, the recruitment of children becomes even more abhorrent when one sees the psychological consequences. In those that came for treatment, we found a whole spectrum of conditions from neurotic conditions like somatization, depression, PTSD to more severe reactive psychosis and Malignant PTSD, which leaves them as complete psychological and social wrecks.

Numerous studies have shown that Child Soldiers are at high risk of developing PTSD. Okello, Onen, and Musisiv (2007) found that 27 percent - 34.9 percent of Ugandan Child Soldiers suffered PTSD. Kohrt et el. ( 2011) found that 75 of the Nepali Child Soldiers (52.3 percent) met the symptom cutoff score for depression, 65 (46.1 percent) met the score for anxiety 78 (55.3 percent) met the criteria for PTSD, 55 (39 percent) met the criteria for general psychological difficulties, and 88 (62.4 percent) were functionally impaired.

A study conducted in Sri Lanka found higher rates of PTSD in children than adults who are recruited. The emotional consequences for the majority of the children interviewed included sad moods, preoccupations, suicidal thoughts and fears. Most of them experienced loss in relation to the death of members of their family and social status as a result of their actions. This study also found that while all children in Sri Lanka grew up as a generation knowing nothing but war, and being subjected to indoctrination so they would feel hatred against their enemy, the children who were conscripted were from families living in poverty. Children from privileged families either migrated out of the area or would have been released if they were conscripted (de Silva, Hobbs and Hanks, 2001).

Political violence

Garbarino and Kostelny, (1993) suggest that experiences related to political violence and war might constitute a serious risk for the well-functioning family. Most of the Child Soldiers were separated from their parents for a long period and many have lost the sense of family belongingness.

Their family ties are wrecked. These children are separated from their cultural, social and moral identity, and it makes them vulnerable to psychological and social ill effects. Those with PTSD have intrusive memories of the war, flashbacks, emotional arousal, emotional numbing and various other anxiety related symptoms. Many avoid places and conversations related to their past experiences. Some children are reluctant to go back to their native villages may be due to shame or guilt.

Avoidance, as described by the former Child Soldiers, included actively identifying social situations, physical locations or activities that had triggered an emergence of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the past, and making efforts to avoid them in the future. One of the strongest traumatic re-experience triggers was physical location: some former Child Soldiers are now avoiding places where they witnessed or participated in violent and inhumane atrocities. War affects children in all the ways it affects adults, but also in different ways.

Combat trauma could affect children in all aspects of their lives causing long term effects that are now termed complex PTSD. Common symptoms would include affect dysregulation characterized by persistent dysphoria, chronic suicidal preoccupation, self-injury and explosive anger; dissociative episodes (which in African countries can be in the form of trance or possession states); somatization, memory disturbances, sense of helplessness and hopelessness; isolation and withdrawal, poor relationships, distrust and loss of faith.

Our observation has been that children are particularly vulnerable during their impressionable formative period, causing permanent scarring of their developing personality. Rebels have expressed their preference for younger recruits as “they are less likely to question orders from adults and are more likely to be fearless, as they do not appreciate the dangers they face. Their size and agility makes them ideal for hazardous and clandestine assignments.”

Some of the Child Soldiers have managed to escape from their country but are still living with past memories of war. A study conducted by Kanagaratnam et al (2005) focuses on ideological commitment and post-traumatic stress in a sample of former Child Soldiers from Sri Lanka living in exile in Norway. Using a sample of 20 former Child Soldiers the researchers tried to find a correlation between ideological commitment and developing mental health problems.

Usually female Child Soldiers face hardships in the war front. Female Child Soldiers in Uganda, Sierra Leone and in Congo were frequently used as sex slaves and they were repetitively raped by the adult fighters. The LTTE used female Child Soldiers to commit murders when they attacked endangered villagers. There were groups of female LTTE cadres who mainly consisted of underage girls called 'Clearance Party'. The Clearance Party advances after the assault group; their main task was to kill the wounded civilians or soldiers by using machetes. As the researcher Hamblen (1999) pointed out Gender appears to be a risk factor for PTSD; several studies suggest girls are more likely than boys to develop PTSD.

Attachment problems

When the children were forcibly removed from their parents many children experienced separation anxiety. Some developed into full blown symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder. These children repeatedly cry, attempt to run away from the captors, they have fear of being alone, and sometimes troubled by nightmares. The senior cadres use physical violence and intimidation to train the newly recruited Child Soldiers. The British Psychologist John Bowlby believed that attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seem to threaten the achievement of proximity, such as separation, insecurity and fear.

Many ex-child combatants have apathy and poor attachment with their parents. The parents often feel that their child has changed dramatically and he is unable to express love and warmth in return. Some express that there is an invisible wall between parents and the child. The child seems to have lost the sense of trust in adults and feels that he has lost his identity as a valuable member of the society.

The child becomes oppositional, defiant, and impulsive and parents feel that the child acts as if adults don't exist in their world and does not look to adults for positive interactions. Some children had created bonds with their abductors during their stay with them and feel that they had better time with the militants than with the parents.

Moral development

Children's moral development can be disrupted by their participation in armed conflicts. Normally children learn to conform to a number of social rules and expectations as they become participants in the culture. Children and adolescents who had been displaced by civil war in Colombia reported expecting that they and others would steal and hurt people despite acknowledging that it would be morally wrong to do so, and many of them, especially adolescents, judged that taking revenge against some groups was justifiable.

Social learning theorists like Albert Bandura claim that children initially learn how to behave morally through modeling. Many Child Soldiers had learned their social behaviour through adult militants and for a number of years these senior figures were their role models. They had learned that aggression and violence were acceptable behaviours and killing the enemy was correct. They were constantly taught that kindness, compassion and forgiveness were signs of weakness.

The senior members of the rebel forces did killings and torture in front of the children for them to observe and learn. According to Bandura's postulation, individuals acquire aggressive responses using the same mechanism that they do for other complex forms of social behaviour: direct experience or the observation-modeling of others. For a number of years violence had become a way of life for these children. For years they believed that violence was a legitimate means of achieving one's aims and it was an accepted form of behaviour. They find it difficult to disengage from violent thoughts and have a transition to a non-violent lifestyle.

Participation in war and indoctrination into the ideologies of hatred and violence leaves children's moral sensibilities distorted. Children may hand over their guns, but they cannot so easily abandon the violent ways of thinking in which they have been trained. Part of demobilization is enabling the child to move away from violence and into a more inclusive and constructive way of life. The inclusion of Peace Education in curricula facilitates this process.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/24/news02.asp

More than 91 percent endorse President’s policies - Gallop poll

A Gallop poll revealed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has garnered the support of more than 91 percent of the population due to his farsighted policies in terms of the economy and peace building.

Nine out of 10 Sri Lankans approve President Rajapaksa’s job performance, the Gallop polls website reported yesterday.

It said economic stability and peace dividends have tremendously helped retain people’s confidence in the President.

It was President Rajapaksa who put the country back on the development track after eradicating terrorism which plagued the country for more than 30 years.

Sri Lanka’s economy recorded an unprecedented growth with President Rajapaksa coming to power and it expanded further with the dawn of peace in the country.

The country’s economy grew by 8.3 percent last year.

It could have gone to over 8.5 or 8.9 percent had the weather favoured the agriculture sector.

The country continues to absorb the benefits of peace after years of conflict.

The government’s programme to uplift the people who were displaced by the terrorist war has also helped people to retain their confidence in the President.

Most sections have felt that the country is being developed with the launch of development activities in every village.

A number of programmes including Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma are also expected to increase per capita income from the current US $ 2,400 in 2012 to US $ 4,400 in 2015.

President Rajapaksa is among the few Asian Heads of State who have acquired the highest confidence of the people.

Over 97 percent of people in Laos have hailed the leadership of their Head of State Choummali Saignason while Cambodian Head of State Hun Sen has garnered the support of more than 93 percent of its citizens.

President to Lankan expats:

Time to think of one’s obligations and country

President Mahinda Rajapaksa Monday met Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Qatar. Ministers Prof G. L. Peiris, A. H. M. Fowzie, Rishad Badiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Faizer Mustapha, Parliamentarians A. H. M. Azwer, Sajin Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lankan ambassador in Qatar Jayantha Palipana were present. Picture by Sudath Silva

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his desire is to bequeath to future generations of Sri Lankans a country where they can live in peace, unity and dignity.

‘The time has now come for everyone to think of one’s obligation, duty and service towards the country as regards its development effort’.

The President expressed these sentiments when he met a group of Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Qatar during his state visit to Qatar, on Monday afternoon. President Rajapaksa said the total number of Sri Lankans employed in Qatar is nearly 150,000.

Their capabilities and dedication to work has been highly acclaimed by the government of Qatar.

State authorities of Qatar led by the Emir of Qatar during their discussions with him said that they received a high quality and disciplined service from the Sri Lankans and they highly appreciated it.

The dedicated service rendered by Sri Lankan expatriate workers had helped to forge closer links between the two countries. A communique issued by the President’s Media Division said the President met and personally interacted with all the Sri Lankan workers present and inquired after their well-being.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his delegation later visited ‘Qatar Diar’ company, a major construction company in Qatar on an inspection tour. The company management explained to the President and his delegation the massive development work handled by the company in Qatar in the past and the future projects planned by it. They said Qatar would be hosting the World Cup Football Tournament in 2022 and they had formulated a 10 year plan to make preparations for it.

The President also visited the Pearl Qatar company too on an inspection tour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06tARYBDtT0

3rd Victory Day Parade of Sri Lanka - 2012-05-19 (Live from Galle Face)

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=ranaviru_commemoration_in_new_zealand_20120521_01

Ranaviru Commemoration in New Zealand

(By: Dr. Chula Rajapakse - MNZM)

For the third consecutive year, on the 19th of May at 6pm NZ time, The United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) hosted the Ranaviru Commemoration day at it's official residence at Lak Madura in Tawa Wellington, with USLA President Dr. Ranasinghe Kalupahana presiding and Hon Consul Aruna Abeygoonesekera and wife Hiranthi in attendance, along with about hundred others.

Following the singing of the National Anthem and the observance of a two minute silence to honor the war heroes -The Ranaviru, for their sacrifices of life and limb, President Kalupahana addressing the audience called on them never to forget these sacrifices that has now secured a free Sri Lanka where any could now travel unrestricted and without fear as he did on his recent travels to make a donation of $5000, to the Ranaviru fund.

Aided by slides he described the long term residential facilities now built to cater for the long term needs of the disabled soldiers. In a moving description he explained how the rooms were designed individually to cater to each soldiers respective disabilities, so providing them with maximum independence possible.

Located in five locations to provide best access to the families of the soldiers, he showed pictures of the facility in Attidiya. He also described the rehabilitation center at Ragama that now had an artificial limb making facility, so securing a rapid throughput.

Hon Consul Aruna Abeygoonesekera observed how New Zealand still remembers their fallen war heroes on the 25th of April, 96 years after the World War 1 and in other conflicts there after including World War 2. He then reminded that today marked the third anniversary of our own remembrance day and that we should never forget our own warheroes who gave up their lives to preserve the sovereignty of Sri Lanka and the prosperity that has followed there after.

He then observed that the LTTE terror group did not represent the aspirations of the average peace loving Tamil people of Sri Lanka and reminded the audience of President Mahinda Rajapaksha's declaration that Sri Lanka was for everyone who identified themselves as Sri Lankans , one country one nation irrespective of ethnicity and religious belief and of HE's call for reconciliation and harmony among all.

The Hon Consul concluded by acknowledging and applauding the hard work and dedication of the members of USLA in helping to preserve a good image of Sri Lanka and called on them to now to take proactive steps to achieve the referred to, noble ideals set out by President Mahinda Rajapaksha.

Dr. Chula Rajapakse USLA spokesperson who followed thereafter, having acknowledged the supreme sacrifices made by our Ranaviru, reminded that the memory of these sacrifices and the fruits of these to Sri Lanka, are being threatened by an internationally orchestrated campaign that alleged war crimes and human rights violations by the Ranaviru during the last stages of the war. Referring the audience to the USLA website that contained a presentation detailing this campaign, he called on the audience join him in countering these allegations and the threat to Sri Lanka that followed, by first being well informed of the fallacy of these allegations.

He observed that the best rebuttal of these allegations were contained in the film " Lies Agreed Upon", easily accessed through google search of youtube, and came in the form of testimonies from about 50 ordinary, free, clearly identified Tamil civilians, ever available for verification, representing the three hundred thousand rescued Tamil hostages against whom the human rights violations are alleged to have been carried out and the witnesses to the war through out this period. All of them without exception denied any adversarial action against them by any members of the security forces let alone targeted shooting at them, the war crime alleged, and only had the highest praise for the security forces conduct. The Vanni MP, who follows also corroborated these fully.

The five doctors , who served in the hospitals denied categorically any targeted shelling of hospitals, the other war crime alleged. However they observed that the LTTE routinely sighted their heavy weaponry as close as possible to hospitals to expose them to the danger of collateral damage.

Dr. Rajapakse then informed the audience of the monumental achievement by the government of relocating over 95% of three hundred thousand rescued hostages in their homes having demined these heavily mined areas, barely two and a half years after the end of the rescue operation.

He informed them of the many ethnic reconciliation and rebuilding activities , a 25% annual growth rate in the northern province since the end of the war and the booming tourist trade showing a 30% growth in 2011 recording 850,00 arrivals exceeding target of 750,000, and well on course for two million by 2016.

Once so informed, he called on the audience to disseminate this information especially to their Kiwi friend , which is what mattered most, especially in exposing the fallacy of war crimes allegations.

He also called on them to join him in emailing their members of parliament and the foreign minister to express their concern of and calling for exercising of surveillance over, the fund raising and other activities the Australia & NZ based Trans National Government of Tamil Elam with 2 MP's from NZ, drawn essentially from the former Tiger Diaspora, but now re-named . Their declared aim was securing Tamil Elam & so inimical to Sri Lanka and undermining it's efforts at national reconciliation.

Following these presentations every attendee participated in a ceremony lighting a candle in memory of the war heroes - the Ranaviru.

This was followed by a "mix and mingling" session over a cup of tea prepared by the USLA committee and other well wishers.

Among the ideas generated during this session was making available a symbol like a national flower, that could be worn on this day and week helping to keep the memory alive and give an opening to talk, just like the red poppy worn by the Kiwi's even 96yrs on, on their remembrance day.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/22/fea01.asp

Sri Lanka committed to reconciliation and economic empowerment of people - President at Doha Forum

“We have already embarked on a national endeavour for permanent peace through reconciliation”:

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“Today, the people of Sri Lanka are ready to move forward and sustain peace and achieve economic prosperity, which will be possible, only if we stand together as one country. The government is committed to go that extra mile to achieve permanent peace through reconciliation and economic empowerment of the people, and I am glad to say that we have already embarked on that national endeavour,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his statement at the opening of the 12th Doha Forum at Qatar on Sunday (May 20).

“When many countries are facing an economic slowdown, we have been able to drive our economy through a policy of rural economic and agricultural empowerment. Sri Lanka is poised to fast become self-sufficient in food, and we are determined to move towards becoming an economic hub of export driven trade and commerce in the region,” the President said.

The text of President Rajapaksa's statement:

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 12th Doha Economic Forum and Enriching the Middle East Economic Future Conference as an international Guest of Honour of Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday. Picture by Sudath Silva

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the Emir of Qatar His Excellency, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. I sincerely would like to thank His Highness the Emir of Qatar and the government of the State of Qatar for the invitation extended to me to address the 12th Doha Forum and Enriching the Middle East Economic Future Conference.

I particularly welcome the opportunity to address this august body at a time my country, Sri Lanka, the oldest democracy in Asia, which gained Universal Franchise in 1931, is emerging into a new era of peace and prosperity. After being under the menace of terrorism for 30 years, Sri Lanka is looking once again to re-positioning itself as an important economic and commercial hub in the region.

This forum is of special importance in the context of the current global financial crisis; the emphasis on education, training and development. It also looks at the importance of foreign investment and international aid in achieving national development.

Economic crisis

Sri Lanka is no stranger to the Arab and Muslim world. Well-known among ancient maritime traders from Arabia as Serendib, Sri Lanka's relations with this part of the world date back many millennia. Arab travellers who visited Sri Lanka wrote of it in their works. Al Masudi, the famous Arab geographer, visited Sri Lanka in 970 AD. Ibn-Batuta visited Sri Lanka in 1344 and gave a detailed description of Jabal Adam or Adam's Peak.

All Sri Lankans irrespective of being a Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Malay or Burgher, suffered immensely from terrorism for over 30 years. However, I am proud to say that their resilience has enabled the country to maintain a healthy growth rate of around 5 percent even during the conflict years, while today, it is at an impressive 8 percent. Sri Lanka has managed to survive the economic crisis observed in many parts of the world, and the post-conflict growth rate in the Northern Province, has been a remarkable 22 percent.

Today, the people of Sri Lanka are ready to move forward and sustain peace and achieve economic prosperity, which will be possible, only if we stand together as one country. The government is committed to go that extra mile to achieve permanent peace through reconciliation and economic empowerment of the people, and I am glad to say that we have already embarked on that national endeavour.

When many countries are facing an economic slowdown, we have been able to drive our economy through a policy of rural economic and agricultural empowerment. Sri Lanka is poised to fast becoming self-sufficient in food, and we are determined to move towards becoming an economic hub of export driven trade and commerce in the region. The production centres in the rural and urban areas are being linked through major express ways, good highways and new rail tracks. Some of these links have already been opened while others are under speedy construction.

New aviation hub

The Colombo International Airport will soon be further expanded to meet a bigger demand and a second international airport in the Southern heartland of Sri Lanka which will be commissioned later this year, will also contribute to the building of the new aviation hub in the region.

Similarly, in addition to the Port of Colombo, South Asia's premier trans-shipment port that is already being expanded, a Free Port at Hambantota in the South of Sri Lanka, will provide added facilities to the vastly increased ocean trade demand in the region, establishing a maritime hub as well.

It is also noteworthy that our emphasis on education has brought Sri Lanka to rank among the highest in literacy and the widest spread of education in the South Asian Region. Aware of the needs of new technology we also have moved very fast in the progress of Information Technology, which will soon make us a Knowledge Hub in the Asia Region. Significantly, our infrastructure development projects also extend to the energy sector with new power stations commissioned and being constructed, to meet the new demand for power and energy by industry and commerce and other domestic needs.

World community

In all our economic prospects, the Middle East assumes a particularly prominent place. It is home to over 1.7 million Sri Lankan migrant workers, both skilled and unskilled, whose remittances rank among the highest foreign exchange incomes for the country. A major percentage of our energy requirement is supplied by the Gulf countries.

While we endeavour to achieve economic prosperity, Sri Lanka is keenly conscious of the need for due consideration, to be given to the environment. Twenty years after the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, we are more than ever reminded of the need for joint action in preserving our planet for the future generations. This cannot be done by one section of the world community alone. The developed countries that have contributed most to damage the environment cannot pass the burden of saving the environment, to countries which are seeking sustainable economic development.

In conclusion, I wish to add that while maintaining Sri Lanka's traditional commercial links with this part of the world, we are committed to building upon these ties for further enhancement of our economic cooperation. I wish a successful conclusion of the discussions at this Forum and take this opportunity to express our hope for the consolidation of our historical links with the Arab world.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/05/20/fea04.asp

Rehabilitated LTTE cadres:

Back on their feet...

By Shanika SRIYANANDA

Mathiwadini

It was Mulliyaweli junction. Tamil songs were blaring from the three-wheel park with over 10 ‘tuk tuks’ creating a mini musical show. I wondered if any passersby didn’t have the urge to dance to the music. People were busy doing their last minute shopping before the boutiques closed for the day. It was 8.30 pm and a Honda bike, which came at high speed stopped close to us.

“Mama Gunaratnam Sabesan. Sorry. Parakku vunada Danne nee (I am Gunaratnam Sabesan, Sorry don’t know whether I got late)”, the youth clad in a white shirt and neatly ironed black trousers and wearing polished black shoes said in fluent Sinhala, while removing a matching tie.

His voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I recalled the horrific situation three years ago, where soldiers of the 59 Division attacked this town which was a stronghold of the LTTE close to Mullaitivu.

In a 36-hour deadly gun battle, infantry soldiers, with the help of the close-combat air support provided by the SLAF jets and MI-24 helicopter gunships, captured Mulliyaweli after destroying the LTTE’s strong points on December 26, 2008. The LTTE made this town a ghost town by herding thousands of civilians into Puthumathalan, where they were held as hostages by terrorists.

The A-34, Mankulam-Mullaitivu road, was one route that the soldiers entered to capture the town. It now looks beautiful with heaps of fresh brown layers of soil levelled to expand the road after decades. The power supply has been restored after many years and darkness has been chased away with new street lights dotting the town. After many years, people of Mulliyaweli like many other parts of Mullaitivu are rising again erasing their bitter memories.

Sabesan, before chatting with us gave his visiting card: “Gunaratnam Sabesan, Supervisor Mullaitivu”, it stated. What a change in life; the former LTTE cadre who was left to fight in the Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) is now become a sales representative of a soft drink company in Mullaitivu.

It only took three-years for him to change his destiny. Youth surrendered to the Army after burying his T-56 on the banks of Nandikadal lagoon on May 17 2009. He came to the checkpoint shivering and crying and with no hopes of life thinking the soldiers would torture him and kill him when he revealed that he was an LTTE cadre.

Sabesan	Nawaratnam

“They separated me from the others and put me into the bus full of LTTE cadres who had surrendered that morning. We were taken to Vavuniya”, Sabesan recalled his story as an LTTE fighter.

Sabesan was returning home after a tuition class. He saw LTTE Police cadres dragging his 25-year-old sister into a Van packed with teenagers - some in their school uniforms. He couldn’t bear to see them conscripting his elder sister who was crying and pleading with the terrorists.

“I took the decision to go with the LTTE to free my sister. I gave my books to her and got into the van. Most of the others in the van were crying and pleading with the LTTE to let them go. They took us to a training camp in Suthanthirapuram, Puthukkudiyiruppu and I was enrolled into the artillery regiment. After six months training we were deployed at FDLs to attack soldiers. During the last six months of the final battle, we were ordered by the leader Maniwannam to attack artilleries of advancing soldiers. We had positioned our guns in Puthumathalan under the cover of civilian makeshift huts”, he said showing the scars of a hand injury caused due to a backfire attack.

He said that the LTTE didn’t announce their defeat but ordered them to fight till the last minute to achieve Eelam. “They also instructed us not to surrender to the soldiers as they would torture us to get information and kill us later. After our FDLs were often pushed backward we thought we would die soon, as the soldiers kept on attacking us. But we couldn’t run away as there were LTTE police to kill those who flee”, Sabesan said.

The experienced artillery cadre taking a bold decision fled the FDLs while they were shooting at him. He came to his family at Kurusaadi Puthumathalan, the last patch of land where the LTTE held displaced civilains hostage. He managed to hide in a bunker for over three months while the LTTE police was on the hunt. His family tried to cross the Vattuwal bridge but returned as the LTTE shot at people who tried to cross the lagoon. However, he joined his family to cross the bridge the moment thousands of hostages fled Puthumathalan together while the LTTE was firing from a paddle gun.

“Many LTTE cadres, who were deployed to prevent people crossing the lagoon hid their weapons and joined civilians to surrender to the soldiers. Even the LTTE’s pistol group fled the LTTE. There were six of my friends in the artillery unit who surrendered with me”, Sabesan said.

Sumudini

He obtained two Bs and a credit pass at the Advanced Level examination while undergoing rehabilitation at Muslim Maha Vidyalaya Vavuniya.

The Army helped him to attend extra classes for the A/L examination. After a one-year stay at the Centre, he returned home in September 2010. Sabesan can speak fluent Sinhala thanks to the soldiers who taught him and encouraged him to learn Sinhala by speaking and reading books. Being an ambulance driver at the Mullaitivu hospital, his father received a loan to repair their house which was badly damaged.

“Thanks to Lt. Col. Krishantha Peiris, Commanding Officer of the 23SLI, Sabesan got a new job as a supervisor. He earns a monthly salary of over Rs. 50,000 including commissions for his sales. He helped his family, the education of two younger brothers and also bought a new bike.”I want to build my own house before I get married”, he said brimming with new hope.

The Sunday Observer interviewed some rehabilitated ex-cadres in Mullaithivu to see how peace had changed their lives. “Balathkaramaga kondrusellapattavargal” (The LTTE took us forcibly), they all have a common answer when asked why and how they joined the LTTE. They were conscripted by the LTTE under its rigid policy - ‘one from one family’ to win Eelam’.

Baby Deepika was sucking her tiny fingers indicating that she was hungry. But her mother Mathiwathini (26), a former LTTE cadre of the Sothiya Regiment was revealing her story about motherhood.

“I was forcibly taken by the LTTE in 2006 while I was returning from school after attending the extra class for the Ordinary Level examination. I was trained in Mullivaikkal and I escaped the LTTE from time to time to see my parents. Every time the LTTE police rounded me up and deployed me at the FDLs as punishment”, Mathiwathini, tied the knot with her childhood lover Adakaladas when she reunited with her family after the completion of the rehabilitation process, she said.

Her husband does odd jobs to keep the family going. Mathiwathini said they were not frightened anymore as there was no one to drag them to fight.

“Our movements were restricted as the LTTE police was there to hunt people to fight. My husband hid himself for months to escape the LTTE’s forced conscription. Now we are free of terror. Today, the only thing we have to fight for is to earn”, she said.

At that time Mathiwathini didn’t have hopes for life and never thought she would have a family. Thrown to battle fronts she said many girls cried for their lives.

“Ennai balawandamaga porattaththil edupaduththiyadai pondradoru kalam ini enadu magalukku etpadak kudadu (I don’t want any one to drag my daughter and put her into a deadly battle field), she has plans for her daughter. The couple had a small boutique near Wattappalai junction but due to financial reasons they have closed it.

“If I have money I will start my boutique again”, she said they were struggling to find money to buy a packet of milk powder for their infant.

Twenty six-year-old Sumudini is full of feminine charm.

The ex-LTTE cadre is an expert in handling T-56 weapons and was trying to calm her son - Sajeewan, who was huddled on her lap.

She had given birth out of wedlock, Sumuduni was cheated by a Muslim youth who disappeared when he heard that she was pregnant. Now her son is eight months.

The LTTE ‘snatched’ her while she was returning from the Mullaitivu hospital with her sister. She was given special training on handling modern weapons and deployed to fight in FDLs. She fled LTTE control with the mass exodus of civilians two days before ending the final battle and surrendered to the Army.

With no income or place to stay with her family, which lives solely on her brother’s earnings as a farmer. Having been trained at a garment factory during the rehabilitation program, Sumuduni who has not completed the course aspired to open a small boutique to earn a living while looking after her son.

Nawaratnam Waideshan has opened a garage which repairs diesel vehicles from three-wheelers, cars to vans.

The LTTE rounded up the village and snatched the boys and girls in 2007 as the terrorist outfit needed manpower to fight with the Army which took a different approach and attacked the LTTE from all fronts.

As they have to deploy more cadres on many fronts to prevent soldiers entering their control, the LTTE intensified the recruitment drive without sparing children or even elders.

“The LTTE took my older brother who went missing while he was fighting”, Nawaratnam was given training and deployed to the Kattala padei (home guard unit) of the LTTE.

The 25-year-old surrendered to the Army at Pokkanai and was rehabilitated at the Nelunkulam Centre. He said the LTTE had misled all the Tamils in the North promoting a separate land for Tamils and also by propagating hatred towards other ethnic groups - Sinhalese and Muslims in Sri Lanka.

“We were passing time to flee. We couldn’t do it earlier as LTTE cadres were shooting fleeing cadres. If they caught us we would have had to suffer as they tortured us and sometimes shot at us to show others the punishment they get for fleeing the LTTE”, he said.

Nawaratnam who is waiting fully to receive a loan from the Bank of Ceylon complained about the delay.

All these cadres vehemently opposed violence and dropped the deadly weapons.

They have hopes and plans for a peaceful life in the future.

The Army and the Government are contributing their share to shed light to make their lives a better tomorrow.

Although some of the Tamil diaspora were pumping funds to make Sri Lanka an LTTE’s killing field - is saddled with a huge responsibility - to send a few dollars or pounds to make the lives of these youth who have survived the LTTE better.

If they can help Mathiwathini, Nawaratnam, Sumudini to start a small business or find a means of earning to stand on their own feet......