http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/06/30/fea06.asp

After terrorism was eradicated:

Lankans given new lease of life

by K.M.H.C.B. Kulatunga

More and more politicians, in the Government and in the Opposition, are talking about the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and devolution of power.

At the same time, certain sections in the international community try to meddle in Sri Lanka's internal matters in a subtle manner ignoring the fact that this is a sovereign state. Those who pontificate to us on extensive devolution of power do not practice it in their countries or have had bitter experiences after extensive devolution of power.

A water tank under construction in the North

During the three decades of LTTE terror and even after vanquishing of Prabhakaran and his goons, common words used by many are national issue or ethnic problem. Even certain politicians in the Government use these words without exploring the reality and the true meaning of them.Time is now opportune to question whether there is a national issue or an ethnic conflict. If there is an ethnic conflict, Colombo could never have been a safe haven to thousands of Tamils or Tamils could never have held high profile positions, including the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

When one makes a careful study, it is crystal clear that there is no national issue or ethnic problem. Those are words that had been injected to us, even without our knowledge, by certain INGOs and hidden forces in the West. However, we cannot deny the fact that there were problems in the North and the East. Then what would they be?

Grievances

Problems faced by the Tamils that led the LTTE to capitalise on it and spread terrorism, had not been unique to a specific ethnic group. Of course, Tamils living in the North and the East have a problems but that is not confined only to them. The Sinhalese and the Muslims living in the North and the East too experience identical problems. That is because of the geographical location and less fund allocation and resources in the two provinces in the past.

Hence, it is not fair by any standard to identify those as problems of Tamils or an ethnic issue. Those are the grievances or the problems faced by the people living in the North and the East. It is for that we should find an answer, and not to an ethnic problem.

Tamils do not have problems that are unique to them because of their ethnicity. Even if they have problems due to language, Muslims face the same problem. However, such lauguage barriers have now been narrowed to the maximum. Recent recruitment of Tamils to the Security Forces and the police would help to meet these language problems in the North and the East. Problems faced by the people in these two provinces are applicable to all communities and not only to Tamils. But with the Government's preferential treatment to the North and the East since the eradication of terrorism has given a new lease of life to Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese living in these areas.

The unprecedented 22 percent growth rate shown by the two provinces is ample testimony of the Government's sincere desire to find soltutions to the grievances of the people living in the North and the East. But the grievances are totally different of the aspirations on the LTTE cohorts and a section of the Tamil diaspora.

People in the North and the East, irrespective of their ethnicity, are worried too much about extensive devolution of power or accruing police or land powers.

Peaceful life

Their main concern is to have a secure future after they had been liberated by the Security Forces during the humanitarian operation. They do not want to go back to those dark days again and are only interested in having a peaceful life with enhanced living conditions.That is precisely what the Government is doing at the moment, enabling them to have a better lifestyle. Hence, the opportunist politicians should refrain from poisoning their minds again to gain petty political mileage.

Though we said that there is no ethnic problem, people in the North and the East have problems and grievances that are unique to them. Answers to those could be found though the Government's sincere efforts to develop those areas and by increasing the purchasing power of the people. Development of infrastructure facilities in these areas is an important achievement that goes a long way to address genuine grievances of the Northerners and Easterners. National reconciliation could only be achieved through such means and not granting extensive powers in a small country such as Sri Lanka. Too much of power would not do any good to people in those areas but would only add problems. That could well threaten the unity and territorial integrity.

Of course, we do not rule out the necessity to revolute power but that has to be made in a manner that suits a small country such as Sri Lanka the most. The territory of an Indian state is bigger than Sri Lanka. Hence, what India practices or that is practiced by the US may not suit us. What we need is an indigenous solution. The West should not force anything on us and let Sri Lanka to find its own home-grown solution to genuine grievances of the people in the North and the East.What matters the most is sustaining the hard-earned peace. The current peaceful environment was achieved through supreme sacrifices of the true sons of our soil. The soldiers gave life and the limb to safeguard the unity and integrity of our country. We must make every effort to give a better meaning to their efforts. Every effort should be made to protect this hard-earned peace.

Devolution

As the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma has stated in a letter to foreign media, it is better for the Commonwealth to make a practical difference to the situation in Sri Lanka instead of criticising the lack of progress from afar.

Like the title of Commonwealth Secretary-General's letter 'Wait before you judge Sri Lanka', the international community should give room for Sri Lanka to implement its own homegrown roadmap for achieving peace.

As the Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga has said, the 13th Amendment has to be viewed from people's standpoint. Devolution must be to the village. The Amendment must be viewed from the angle of the citizen.

It's no secret that administratively it's a white elephant. The experience of 22 years shows that the Provincial Council system that was introduced after the 13th Amendment, is a white elephant. But as President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said at his recent breakfast meeting with Editors and media heads, we cannot kill that white elephant all of a sudden. The best way of coming out of the situation is by finding a solution through the Parliamentary Select Committee headed by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. Political parties now have an opportunity to express their views and discuss it at length at the PSC.

There is no substitute for a PSC to resolve in a systematic and all-inclusive manner the issues relating to constitutional reform which are now the subject of vigorous debate in the country. As Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, told Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Sri Lanka at a briefing last week, several Provincial Councils, political parties, academics and professionals had recently expressed divergent views on these issues and commented that a structured and comprehensive approach is necessary reflecting on these matters before constitutional amendments are presented to Parliament.

Since constitutional reform is necessarily a matter within the purview of Parliament and a special majority is required, involvement of a Parliamentary Select Committee for this purpose is indispensable. The government regards these matters as urgent and this is why the Parliamentary Select Committee, the Chairman and members of which were named by the Speaker last week, will convene on the first day Parliament meets on July 9. The Chairman of the Committee, Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, is eager to arrive at an early agreement about priorities and modalities regarding the work of the Committee and decisions in this regard will be made after broad-based discussion.

While issues relating to the 13th Amendment will naturally be in focus, the discussion at the Select Committee is expected to cover a wider range of matters in respect of the Constitution as a whole. The Government's wish is to ensure the expression of all points of view is amply demonstrated in many ways. This arrangement is entirely acceptable to the Government, although the government is entitled, in terms of the composition of Parliament, to significantly stronger representation. With regard to the terms of reference of the Committee, there had been discussion with the Tamil National Alliance and that their views had been taken into account. The Committee will function in a time-bound manner.

Hence, the political parties must make the best use of this opportunity to take part in the PSC and present their view in a democratic forum rather than shouting at roadside protests. The government's wish is to see all political parties participating in the deliberations of the Committee.

Attempted assassination

Incidentally, it will be 17 years since the Chairman of the PSC, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva survived an LTTE attack in Jaffna on July 4, 1996. Over 21 people were killed and 64 wounded when LTTE terrorists attempted to assassinate Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at Stanley Road, Jaffna using a suicide bomber. However, the Minister was unhurt.

The bold statement made by Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) leader and Chief Government Whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardena last week was food for thought. Minister Gunawardena declared that said his party viewed the Provincial Council system to be an utter failure. He added that the Provincial Council system has proved ineffective and redundant -- and said a new system based on the district should be evolved to ensure that administrative and political power is delegated to the grass-roots level. The MEP, as a key ally of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government is of the view that the Legislature lost its supremacy due to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and all its provisions which undermined the supremacy of the legislature - and should therefore be abolished forthwith. Minister Gunwardena said free health and education services deteriorated due to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The MEP leader has appreciated the attempt to abolish all provisions in the Constitution that are leading to clashes between the Central government and the Provincial Councils. The MEP has tabled a set of proposals for a system based on the district for the administration and development and reorganization of the government structure.

Illegal document

The country's development would never be hampered by the abolition of Provincial Councils in the country. The country has seen massive development due to numerous projects launched by the Central Goverment and the district administrative system also play a vigorous role in development.

As Minister Gunawardena has pointed out, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is an illegal document as five out of nine Supreme Court Judges then upheld that it was inconsistent with the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The merger of North and the East is detrimental to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Provisions enshrined in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has undermined the supremacy of the Legislature. The clauses in the 13th Amendment are contradictory and the supremacy of the Legislature has deteriorated due to the 13th Amendment on which the Provincial Council system was set up. Hence, it is the duty of all political parties to make their presence felt at the PSC and make concrete proposals. They should make a tangible contribution to the PSC to come out with the most suitable for Sri Lanka, protecting the country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Thamalini_released_20130627_04

Thamalini released

Authorities yesterday released the former female political wing leader of LTTE, Subramaniam Sivathtai alias Thamalini after undergoing a one-year rehabilitation program.

The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Dharshana Hettiarachchi said that Thamalini was handed over to her parents at the Poonthottam Rehabilitation Centre in Vavuniya.

Thamalini, a resident of Kilinochchi joined LTTE in 1991 and became the head of LTTE Women's Wing. She was arrested by Sri Lankan army in May 2009 at an Army welfare center for refugees and taken to Colombo for investigations.

She was charged with training LTTE cadres and establishing connections with LTTE members overseas.

After being detained at the Welikada prison for many months she consented to be rehabilitated and was transferred to the Vavuniya Rehabilitation center to undergo the rehabilitation programme in order to re-integrate her into the society.

According to the rehabilitation officials, Thamalini received vocational training at the camp and had followed a training course in bridal dressing.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

Former female LTTE cadre released

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/06/27/sec01.asp

Suraj A Bandara

The Rehabilitation Commissioner General’s office yesterday, announced that ex-LTTE Women’s Wing political head Siva Subramanium Sivahami alias Thamalini, was released to her mother, Subramanium Sinnamma, after rehabilitation.

She underwent rehabilitation at the Puntottam Rehabilitation Camp in Vavuniya at the time of her release.

The security forces confirmed that she underwent one year’s rehabilitation at the Puntottam Rehabilitation camp and

Thamalini, a resident of Paranthan, was arrested on May 20, 2009, at the last phase of the war and she expressed her willingness to be rehabilitated after which she was remanded.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Blood_donation_programme_in_Jaffna_20130624_05

 

Blood donation programme in Jaffna

Security forces personnel in Jaffna took part in a mobile blood donation programme during the Poson Poya Day (23rd June).

Acting in response to an urgent request by Medical Officers of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital more than 200 officers, other ranks and civil staff of the 55 Division HQ in Vattalaikerny, Jaffna donated blood during the programme. The prompt response of the security forces will greatly ease the prevalent shortage of plasma in the hospital. Security forces personnel regularly conduct blood donation and medical programmes in the north and east to assist the resettled community there.

The significance of the event was greatly amplified due to the religious fervor in conducting such a meritorious act especially during this Poson Poya Day. The modernized Jaffa teaching hospital is the main medical facility serving the mostly Tamil populace of the peninsula. The hospital is equipped with state of the art medical facilities and is considered one of the best hospices in the country.

In February HE the President declared open a new five storied building consisting of a new operation theater complex, central supply & sterilizing department, intensive care units, central laboratory complex and central facilities for diagnostic imaging. The project was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A special Children Unit of the Cancer ward was also opened recently.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Tamil_Police_Sub_Inspectors­_complete_training_20130625_03

Tamil Police Sub Inspectors complete training

Fortyfour (44) Tamil Police Sub Inspectors and 110 Woman Sub Inspectors joined active service when they passed out from the Police Training School at a ceremonially Passing Out Parde held on 17th June.

Hon. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the chief guest.

In addition to the officers a batch of 215 Woman Police Constables also passed out at the ceremony after completing training at the PTS in Kalutara. The Woman Sub Inspectors batch also include a number of tamil speaking officers as well.

The 44 Sub Inspectors will be posted to serve in the majority Tamil speaking areas of the country. All officers and constables have been given a comprehensive training that includes language training as well.

The state has implemented a number of far reaching programmes within the national reconciliation process to assist the return of normalcy in the former theatre of conflict. Billions of rupees have been spent on major infrastructure development projects like roads, hospitals, schools, trade complexes, civil administrative facilities, public utilities and transport facilities. Hundreds of northern youth have also received state sector employment including the police and the Civil Defence Department.

The posting of Tamil speaking officers to their native regions will not only augment the present difficulties of communication between the public and police but also boost public confidence on the civil law enforcement authority in the region.

Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon and senior officers of the department were also present at the occasion.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Neighbour_asks_for_a_hand_to_tame_Tiger_20130625_02

Last modified on: 6/25/2013 9:16:07 AM

Neighbour asks for a hand to tame Tiger A group of Sri Lankan asylum-seekers reaches port in East Java. People-smuggling is a revenue raiser for the Tamil Tigers, according to the Sri Lankan government. Source: AFP REMNANTS of the defeated Tamil terrorist organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, are involved in the people-smuggling business bringing Sri Lankan boatpeople to Australia, according to Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister. Gamini Lakshman Peiris wants Australia to proscribe the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, making any support to it from Australia illegal. The LTTE is a proscribed terrorist organisation in Europe and North America but, perversely, not in Australia. Peiris says that although the war between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE is over, Tamil Tiger networks still intimidate Tamil families in the diaspora and extort money from them, as well as engaging, he believes, in a range of other criminal activities. Peiris is a soft-spoken law professor and university vice-chancellor turned chief diplomat for his small country, an island the size of Tasmania with a population just smaller than Australia's. In a long interview in Sydney this week, he tells me that people-smuggling has long been a key revenue raiser for the Tamil Tigers. "People-smuggling should not be seen in isolation," Peiris says. "It is connected with other forms of criminal activity such as money laundering and narcotics. "The LTTE is still in possession of a large quantity of resources that they accumulated from gun-running, people-smuggling, owning ships. They may have less money now than before, but their expenses now are also much less (now that the military conflict is over)." Peiris is absolutely clear that the people leaving Sri Lanka are not genuine refugees but economic migrants. He praises the intense co-operation between Canberra and Colombo in suppressing this illegal immigration. "Only this week, 88 people were apprehended in Sri Lankan waters attempting to come to Australia," he says. "The Sri Lankan navy is playing a substantial role, and this is acknowledged by both sides of Australian politics. "Almost 3000 have been turned back, so that the scale now is smaller than it was." But he emphasises that Sri Lanka's actions would be entirely ineffectual if they were not matched by tough action from Australia. By this he means measures such as offshore processing, with a potential wait of years for asylum-seekers, as well as a willingness to send people back to Sri Lanka. "These people have now been shown that they have nothing to gain by endangering their lives and using up their life savings, since they are not genuine refugees. If they were genuine refugees, why would they not go to India? It's so much closer. "They are now disabused of the idea that they can secure the good life in Australia of welfare and housing and bringing their relatives out to join them. Some who are coming here are not even from the north (the Tamil area). "It's not exclusively Tamils coming here. Some Sinhalese (the majority group) have been duped by people making unconscionable profits into searching for greener pastures." Like many figures involved in the issues of people-smuggling and illegal immigration, Peiris believes the UN Refugee Convention itself is outdated and becoming counter-productive. "The refugee convention does set up bad incentives," he says. "And it contains big loopholes. The convention was not set up to give people a choice of which country to go to. But its loopholes effectively do this and create an intolerable burden on receiving countries." He also believes that groups affiliated with the LTTE blacken Sri Lanka's name as part of a new campaign against the country. "LTTE-friendly groups have not given up their goal of a separate nation. But their methods have changed. Now they try to mount an economic onslaught against the nation. They use their substantial financial resources to ingratiate themselves with politicians and buy influence with the media." This has been especially effective in Canada, Peiris believes. "They want to isolate Sri Lanka economically, to discourage investment and foreign tourists from going into Sri Lanka." Blackening Sri Lanka's name is also helpful to illegal immigrants who wish to claim refugee status, he believes. The end of the long terrorist war the Tamil Tigers waged against the Sri Lankan government, in May 2009, has given his nation a unique moment of opportunity, in Peiris's view. The economy is growing at 7 per cent a year, which makes it one of the faster growing economies in the world. The growth rate is much higher in the north, the old redoubt of the Tigers. "We need to exploit this historic moment," Peiris says. "We are conscious of the magnitude and urgency of the opportunity. For three decades we were prevented from making the fullest use of our resources because of the scale of violence unleashed on us by the Tamil Tigers. The mood now is one of expectation and confidence that we can put the economy back on track." No one should doubt the extreme violence the Tigers cultivated, according to Peiris. "Suicide bombing was their contribution. It originated with the Tamil Tigers. It was copied by others. They were convinced that the more extreme and intransigent they were, the greater would be their strength. Peace talks always failed because the LTTE was convinced of its military invincibility. They felt they could get it all by military means. "Extreme violence was the instrument they used in order to terrorise. The greater their atrocities, the better it served their purpose. Terrorism was their whole raison d'etre. They would attack villages, slaughter women and children, attack places of worship." In accusing the Tamil Tigers of extravagant violence and human rights atrocities, Peiris echoes virtually all credible scholarship and commentary about the Tigers. But the Sri Lankan government itself is accused of needless violence resulting in the deaths of civilians in the last days of the Tigers war. Peiris denies the charges and says most of the evidence has been fabricated by people sympathetic to the Tigers. He further argues: "There is a question of context. It seems very strange to focus on the last 14 or 15 days of a conflict that spanned 30 years. "Some 300,000 people were trapped in a narrow part of land. They were being held by the LTTE as human shields. The government made it clear they were welcome to come to a government-controlled area where they would be safe. There is visual evidence that those who tried to do so were gunned down by the LTTE. "It was the largest hostage situation in history. Our forces were told to keep civilian casualties to a minimum. The war could have been ended earlier, and with less military loss of life, if that had not been a major consideration." Most outside observers believe there were atrocities committed by both sides but that does not make both sides morally equal and there can be little doubt that it is overwhelmingly to the benefit of the Sri Lankan people that the terrorism of the LTTE is at an end. In November, Sri Lanka will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Canada may not send its Prime Minister. But Australia and Britain will send theirs, as will most countries. Peiris is grateful to the support the Gillard government has given to Sri Lanka for its hosting of CHOGM, including sending various Australian officials to advise on the logistics of the operation. He is particularly positive about the role of Foreign Minister Bob Carr, especially in fostering co-operation on maritime security and combating people-smuggling. More prosaically, he believes ties with Australia are strong and getting stronger. He opened a Sri Lankan consulate in Melbourne during his visit. He is encouraged by rising numbers of Australian tourists coming to Sri Lanka. And if Australians have any doubts about conditions now in the north of Sri Lanka, he urges them: "Come and see for yourself." by: Greg Sheridan Courtesy : The Australia

Hard keeping up with Kilinochchi

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/06/26/fea03.asp

Ridma Dissanayake

Sri Lanka is in the fourth year since the defeat of terrorism. Now the whole country is on the fast track to development and the priority in the development drive is centred on the war affected areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Daily News interviewed Security Forces Commander Kilinochchi Major General Udaya Perera to delve into the progress achieved in the development programmes carried out in the Kilinochchi district with the assistance of the Security Forces

Security Forces Commander, Kilinochchi Major General Udaya Perera. Picture by Thushara Fernando

Q: Kilinochchi was the headquarters of the LTTE and the people living here would have been the worst affected by the LTTE atrocities. What steps have you taken to alleviate their condition?

A: An extent of 1,800 square kilometres is covered by the Security Forces headquarters. Kilinochchi is today safe and secure. We have already resettled all displaced persons in Kilinochchi who lost their homes during the war period. I can clearly say that we have resettled all war affected persons in Kilinochchi in their own homes and new homes built in the same areas. We have already cleared all welfare centres established in Kilinochchi to provide shelter for civilians affected by terrorism. Now there are no such centres in Kilinochchi and we have fully completed the resettlement programme there.

Q: Though you said you have completed the resettlement programme in Kilinochchi we meet many persons who are saying “There is no shelter for us”. What are the reasons for that?

A: Yes. It is correct. Around one percent out of all those displaced by terrorism are still living with their relatives because they have not yet solved the disputes related to their lands. Not only in war affected areas, this problem can be seen in normal villages as well. Despite this we have already completed the resettlement programme in Kilinochchi.

Q: How far have the demining activities progressed in Kilinochchi?

A: We have already cleared the land mines in public areas, including paddy fields and cultivable areas in Kilinochchi. We have already released those lands to the civilians to engage in their traditional livelihoods and other day-to-day activities as usual.

Q: Does this mean that the demining activities are still going on? You have not yet finished the demining activities in the area covering the Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi?

A: No. In the demining project we have given priority to the areas which civilians need more for their day-to-day activities. We have already completed 95 per cent out of the whole demining project which was commenced in Kilinochchi in 2009. The remaining areas are forest areas and demining activities in those areas are still going on. We have marked those areas as the areas still with landmines for the security of the civilians.

Q: How far has infrastructure development progressed in Kilinochchi?

A: We have already developed the A9 road similar to the most developed road systems in the world. In addition to that, other roads are also being developed. The reconstruction of the railway lines in those areas is also to be completed by the end of September. The government is spending Rs.1.3 million per family in war affected areas to develop their infrastructure facilities.

Q: How many families live in the area that belong to the Security Forces Headquarters, Kilinochchi?

A: Over 45,000 families are living in this area.

Q: These families are experiencing the development in infrastructure facilities. What are the plans for upgrading their living standards?

A: Their main livelihood is farming and fishing. At present, all cultivable land in Kilinochchi have tilled and all irrigation facilities have also been restored. The fisheries industry here is also developing with the help of the government and the forces, the fisheries industry in this area has taken a huge leap from what it was before terrorism was ended. Fish harvests too are bountiful.

Q:There are a large number of war widows who are left to fend for themselves. It is a huge tragedy. What steps have you taken to uplift their living standards and livelihoods?

A: A large numbers of such women are living in the Kilinochchi district. We have taken several steps to introduce self-employment avenues for them. We hope to deploy them in the ornamental fish industry, beauty culture, horticulture, landscaping etc. We have already sent women soldiers to villages to train the women who have lost their livelihoods. Both parties are working cordially.

Q: Are these women soldiers all Sinhala?

A: Yes. All of them are Sinhala soldiers.

Q: The language of Sinhala soldiers and Tamil women is not same. This can cause miscommunication?

Security Forces personnel engaged in agriculture activities

A: Yes? This was a huge problem we had to face in our attempt to get these Tamil women in Kilinochchi into employment. But we trained them while talking in broken Tamil. Most of them are interested in beauty culture. Their economic standards have improved now. After I informed the Defence Secretary and Army Commander about these projects, they gave their approval and support. After that we decided to recruit Tamils to the Sri Lanka Army and called for applications from Tamil girls. We received around 500 applications.

Q: Did you recruit all of them?

A: No. We have recruited only 109 Tamil girls with the best qualifications. We granted the basic army training and vocational training to all of them. At present, they are deployed in villages belonging to the Kilinochchi Security Forces Headquarters, to train Tamil women who have lost their husbands and livelihoods during terrorism. Now there is no problem in communication.

Q: Several Tamil political leaders have spread various rumours about the Army. They have harmed the good and proud image of the Lankan Security Forces. What is the reason for that?

A: Yes. Several Tamil political leaders have destroyed Tamil civilians’ minds while putting wrong ideas about the Sri Lanka Army and the rest of the forces into them. But the friendly manner in which our women soldiers interact with the Tamils have totally changed their mindset. Now they have a positive attitude about Sri Lankan Security Forces.

Q: What additional steps have you taken to uplift the living standards and rebuilding the economy of families in Kilinochchi?

A: Home gardening is another concept which we hope to launch in Kilinochchi with the aim of uplift the lives and economy of the families in these areas. We have already commenced this programme in some gardens and we hope to commence this programme in each and every home garden in Kilinochchi. We granted ten coconut saplings, an ornamental fish tank, ten chicks with a cage, two heads of cattle and a couple of goats to some homes. In addition to that we have trained them in passion fruit cultivation and bee keeping as well.

Q: How do you select the families for this project?

A: We are giving priority to the families who do not have a regular income and low income families. We hope to gradually develop this programme step by step and absorb all the families in Kilinochchi into this programme while granting all equipment and wherewithal to them.

Q: These persons will need to engage in various projects after they become economically sound. Have you made financial provisions for this?

A: All state banks and private banks have already established their branches in Klinochchi. Because of that, civilians living in this area have enough facilities to engage in commercial projects. Most of these civilians are already engaged in such projects and it is a good evidence to show that their economic levels have improved.

Q: Several pro-LTTE parties are saying that Sinhalese are being settled in the Northern Province by force. Is it correct?

A: The word “settling” is a misnomer. It should be “re-settling”. Around 90 per cent of the land in Kilinochchi are without deeds. They have only licenses. Because of that they are coming to settle in the North with that license. The other thing is that, most of those families’ husbands and wive are not of the same race. Because of that several elements are trying to highlight these families as Sinhala families to mislead the international community. This is not the case.

Q: Are you saying that this allegation is totally baseless?

A: This is the summary of that issue. Sinhalese and Muslims who lived in Kilinochchi was scattered during the war period. Only the Tamils were living in those areas during that period and they used the lands of the Sinhalese and Muslims as well. Sinhalese and Muslims who have temporally settled in the Southern and other provinces are now willing to re-settle in their original lands with the peaceful environment in the country.

Because of that they come to the Northern Province and several elements are trying to portray them as new settlers. But this is further from the truth. It is only a re-settlement.

Q: But, in this matter the international community is pointing the finger at the government?

A: They are talking only about the Tamils who have been displaced by terrorism. They do not know about the Sinhalese and Muslims who were displaced by terrorism. The other thing is Sinhalese and Muslims did not live in welfare camps. Because of that priority was given for the Tamils in the welfare camps and immediate measures taken to resettle them. The international community should understand this situation before criticizing us. The resettlement of persons who have been scattered by terrorism is one of our main responsibilities.

Q: What is the demography in areas covering the Security Forces Headquarters, Kilinochchi?

A: Ninety five per cent out of the whole population is Tamil and others are Sinhalese and Muslim.

Q: At present, reconciliation has become a common topic in Sri Lanka. Is the Sinhala and Muslim percentage in Kilinochchi enough to mediate this reconciliation among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims?

A: No. But we have already launched some programmes at school level to foster reconciliation among people living in the Northern Province. We have arranged a scholarship programme for all school students in the Northern Province with the contribution of the Army soldiers. It grants a monthly allowance for all school students in the province. It is proceeding in a successful manner and any volunteer who is willing to pay their contribution for the education of students in the Northern Province can do it via this scholarship programme. We hope to arrange trips for students in the South to visit their counterparts in the North and South and organize traditional and religious events with the assistance of these students with the aim of making the above effort a success. For example last year we made Asia’s largest Christmas tree in Kilinochchi and we made a huge pandal which depicted the life story of King Dharmashoka, illuminated with 30,000 bulbs, this Vesak

 

 

 

 

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/06/25/sec02.asp

Udayan whitewashing hardcore terrorists

Ridma Dissanayake and Rakshana Sriyantha

The Udayan Newsaper is attempting to whitewash LTTE criminals who are presently being held in detention for henious crimes and atrocities against civilians.

Presently there are 810 hard core LTTE ers rs prison and they are not political prisoners. They are persons who have been involved in several crimes including mass murder, the government said.

However the “Udayan” newspaper has recently reported that these 810 detainees have not engaged in murders or any terrorist activities and that they were political prisoners .

“Udayan” has highlighted this as an unfair act towards Tamils by the government.

Commenting on this aspect Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadheera said the Government had already conducted investigations into the cases of these Tamil persons in the prisons and it is revealed that they had all been arrested for grievous crimes committed during the war period. They are not political prisoners.

“ High Courts have already been established in Mannar and Vavuniya to expedite disposal of these cases. Most of the persons arrested during the war period have already been released after rehabilitation. We have evidence against the persons who are still in the prisons and that is the reason for not releasing them, ” the minister explained.

“The government has launched a number of welfare programmes for these prisoners' families. They are being provided self-employment opportunities, dry rations and various other relief.

“There is no any separation of Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim prisoners. The government treats them equally.

“All measures are taken to hear their cases as soon as possible. Punishing persons who have committed crimes is not a human rights violation,” the minister stated.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/06/24/news01.asp


COME HOME’ HE SAYS

*Sri Lanka today a land at peace

*Transformation of life in north

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris pleaded with ‘Tamil refugees’ in Australia who fled the war, to come home, Australian newspapers reported.

The minister said people going to Australia are not refugees but “economic refugees.”

Prof Peiris told Fairfax Media in an exclusive interview that Sri Lanka is ‘now perfectly stable, with an economic boom in the once devastated northern Tamil regions running at three-times the national average.’

But he warned smugglers sending record numbers of Sri Lankans by boat to Australia were making “unconscionable profits” and cared nothing for the people they put on unseaworthy vessels.

“Sri Lanka is today a land at peace, it is a perfectly stable society. The northern province is developing at about 22 percent, when the average population of the country is between six or seven percent,” Professor Peiris said.

“There has been a total transformation of life in the north. There is absolutely nothing to run away from.”

A campaign is under way in some quarters calling for a boycott the Commonwealth heads of government meeting to be held in November in Colombo – but Australia has said it will attend, Fairfax News reported.

Prof Peiris met with Senator Carr, Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor, Defence Minister Stephen Smith and deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop this week and opened a new Sri Lankan consulate in Melbourne on Friday.

But Prof Peiris said that the people who had come on boats to Australia were not refugees but economic migrants, and claims of abuse had no relationship to the reality on the ground in Sri Lanka.

 

 

‘Everything possible was done to stop violent incidents’ — HC

During cricket encounter in Wales

June 22, 2013, 6:47 pm

By Sujeeva Nivunhella


in London


Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London, Dr. Chris Nonis assured that he had done all he could to stop any violent incidents during or after the cricket match played between Sri Lanka and India last Thursday (20) at Sofia Gardens Grounds in Cardiff, Wales. 


Asked by The Sunday Island what action he had taken, the High commissioner said that before the Championship Trophy Cricket Tournament started in the UK, he had discussed the security arrangements for the Sri Lanka Cricket Team with the Counter Terrorism Unit, Diplomatic Protection Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Metropolitan Police, Protocol Directorate and SO15, the special security group. 


"We informed every single police and security division that we knew. Not only in England, but also Wales", Dr. Nonis said.  


Despite a valiant effort, which saw even the providing of free buses to transport people,  calling, sending messages, using websites and twitter, the organizers managed to muster only about few hundred pro-LTTE Tamils to protest against the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka in front of the cricket ground.


"Pro-LTTE groups are losing ground. They could not muster a large number of people any more to demonstrate like they used to do a few years ago", Dr. Nonis said.


He said that there were only five documented incidents including attacks, throwing chillie powder at a woman’s face and a car being vandalized. 


The Police were of the view that they managed to control the situation with a relatively low number of incidents considering the violent atmosphere which could have escalated to something much bigger, he noted.


"Seven people were arrested and they are expected to be charged and fined £1000/= each", Dr. Nonis said. 


The International Cricket Council was responsible for security at the grounds and it was handled by a private security company. 


The pro-LTTE demonstration during the match between Sri Lanka and Australia in front of the Oval cricket ground in London last Monday led to a scuffle, which prompted them to organize this Cardiff demo.

 

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/06/23/uk-was-warned/

UK Was Warned

By Indika Sri Aravinda
The British government and Scotland Yard had been alerted two days ahead of the Sri Lanka vs. India ICC Champions Trophy match held last Thursday in Cardiff, that there was a threat to the Sri Lankan cricket team from LTTE supporters in England.
External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama said that a report has now been sought to check if there had been a security lapse on the part of Britain to prevent LTTE supporters from getting close to the Sri Lanka cricket team members.
LTTE supporters carrying anti-government placards and LTTE flags stormed the cricket grounds during the Sri Lankan innings and later the Indian innings and had to be restrained after they got close to the players.
After the match the Sri Lankan cricket team bus was blocked by more LTTE supporters before they were cleared by the police.
Media reports said that at least 400 protesters stood barely 500 yards away from the team pavilion which was cordoned off by security men. No protests were shown to the Indian team and their bus left as scheduled Amunugama said that the British police had arrested some of the protestors but the Sri Lankan government wants to see if the team was given adequate security based on the security threat.
NDTV reported that a security guard, who did not want to be quoted, said the protestors had slipped in as Indian supporters, draping themselves in the tri-colour. “It was impossible to recognize them because 90 percent of the fans today were Indians,” he said.
The International Cricket Council was caught off-guard. The matches in the tournament had been peaceful till last Thursday’s incident with each team being provided with at least three body guards as per anti-corruption and security norms. Claire Gatcum of the England and Wales Cricket Board told NDTV the police was investigating the case and there were no comments to be made.The protestors who invaded the pitch were arrested and could face fines up to 1000 GBP each, NDTV added.

http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/on29.htm Sri Lanka says meaningful engagement not possible with pro-LTTE diaspora seeking to sustain hatred and prevent reconciliationBy Sri Lanka Mission, GenevaJune 23, 2013

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has said politically mobilized pro-LTTE diaspora sustain hatred and prevent reconciliation in Sri Lanka and that with groups having such a pre-disposition meaningful engagement was not possible. Noting that the transnational political opportunity structures prevalent in host states help shape and sustain such diaspora activism, he observed that countries which continue to condone with the hostility and disruptive tendencies shown by such pro-LTTE elements are giving a wrong signal. Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed the International Dialogue on Migration 2013 - Diaspora Ministerial Conference, on the theme 'Diasporas and Development: Bridging between Societies and States' organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and held in Geneva, 18 -19 June 2013. The IOM defines diaspora as “Emigrants and their descendants, who live outside the country of their birth or ancestry, either on a temporary or permanent basis, yet still maintain affective (emotional) and material ties to their countries of origin”. The International Ministerial Conference was aimed at considering the various contributions that diaspora communities make both to their countries of origin and the countries where they reside, and to suggest some areas for maximizing the impact of diaspora engagement and to create an enabling environment towards achieving that goal. Ambassador Aryasinha noted that about 3 million Sri Lankans are estimated to be living as diaspora. While a small share of these are traditional migrants living in the West, over 1.8 million represent what is essentially regarded as a migrant work force in many parts of the world, mainly the Middle East, East Asia and South East Asia. The rest of the Sri Lankan Diaspora, belonging to all ethnicities of Sri Lanka - Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and Burghers, mainly reside in the Western hemisphere, Australia, New Zealand, India and the African continent. Of these, estimates suggest that Sri Lankan Tamils number over 1 million, of which a bulk are refugee claimants and constitute sizeable vote banks with considerable leverage within those political systems. Ambassador Aryasinha said Sri Lanka offered an instructive example, of both the scope as well as the complexities encountered in the nexus between diaspora, home state and host states. He cautioned that while in general diaspora can play significant roles in the development of their country of origin, particularly in assessing the role of diaspora from countries that remain conflict affected or have recently emerged from protracted conflict, the academic discourse clearly demonstrates that diaspora are rarely autonomous actors. They are known to be compelled by organized networks to fund, arm, engage in propaganda and be electoral vote blocks in host countries, there-by having the potential to act as 'spoilers' in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconciliation in their home states. He said there are ample instances where even when home states might want to end a conflict or pursue reconciliation, diaspora resist such moves, for it is not their sons and daughters who die, and often keeping the pot boiling in the home states become opportune, so that they might retain greater leverage, particularly in their quest to seek to legally reside or gain citizenship in a chosen host country. He said we should recognize the complexity of this challenge, acknowledge the pre-disposition among some diaspora categories to make meaningful engagement difficult, and try to explore modalities through which both home states and host states could better influence diaspora in processes of conflict resolution, reconciliation and development in their home states. Having acknowledged the significant contribution made to the Sri Lankan economy by the migrant work force which in 2012 was approximately $ 6.0 billion which amounted to 33% of the total foreign exchange earnings, Ambassador Aryasinha detailed the steps taken by Sri Lanka to reach out to the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora particularly since the ending of the terrorist conflict, with a view to harness their talents and resources towards the betterment of Sri Lanka. In addition to facilitating visits to the home towns of Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora members and in resolving some of their long standing citizenship and land issues, GOSL has engaged in a structured dialogue with the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora to enable them not only to see for themselves the significant socio-economic, political and cultural renewal taking place in the former conflict affected areas, but also to discuss with them proposals for further political empowerment of the people and economic development of these areas. On the recommendation of the LLRC, the National Plan of Action towards the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC has also sought the constituting of a " Multi- Disciplinary Task Force" to propose a programme of action to harness the untapped potential of the expatriate community, to respond to the concerns of the so-called ‘hostile diaspora groups’ and to engage them constructively with the Government and other stakeholders involved in the reconciliation process". A programme is being formulated to harness the untapped potential of the expatriate community through Sri Lankan overseas Missions. The Ambassador said in order to increase engagement with the Sri Lankan Diaspora a process has also been initiated to hold 'Diaspora Investor Forums' to guide those working abroad on investment opportunities in securities instruments such as equities and bonds, and also to provide sufficient information about the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and economic growth prospects, so that diaspora can themselves invest and also help in attracting investment into the country. Further, as part of a 'Brain Gain' initiative, 'WorkInSriLanka' has also developed a web portal that provides comprehensive information that links users with key industry bodies in Sri Lanka. Efforts are also being made to avail of the expertise within the Sri Lankan Diaspora by encouraging 'professional mobility' and 'brain circulation' schemes involving Sri Lanka. Additionally, efforts have been made to engage young professionals in the Sri Lankan Diaspora, through initiatives such as the What’s Next!, an independent forum comprising post-graduates and young professionals of Sri Lankan origin residing in France, who seek to promote a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka through intellectual exchange and multicultural dialogue.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=28_Army_Built_New_Houses_Given_Away_in_Sampoor_20130618_02

28 Army Built New Houses Given Away in Sampoor

The second phase of the Sampoor Housing Project for displaced people, actively supported by 22 Division troops of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) was declared open recently after delivering keys symbolically to 28 house recipients.

The project sponsored by International India's Filming Academy and Habitat Humanity was brought to completion by the troops in coordination with the Trincomalee District Secretary's secretariat.

During the recent ceremony at Seedanaweli, Major General (Retd) T.T.R De Silva, District Secretary for Trincomalee, together with Major General Lal Perera, Security Force Commander, East gave away keys to those recipients.

Saturday, June 15, 2013 - 7.45 GMT

Keep a close watch on LTTE front organizations – SL tells Germany

Sri Lanka urged Germany to keep a close watch on the several LTTE front organisations in Germany, breaching the European Union proscription’. External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, during his bilateral discussions in Berlin with Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany also said several LTTE front organisations were operating in Germany under the guise of community organisations. The Minister said according to information available to Sri Lankan authorities, there were a substantial number of schools operating in Germany by these groups for propaganda and fund raising purposes. Minister Peiris expressed appreciation of the action taken by the German Parliament (Bundestag) to defeat a recent Resolution critical of Sri Lanka. Matters pertaining to the performance of German Foundations in Sri Lanka and recent developments in this regard were raised by the German Minister. Prof. Peiris, in response, explained the position of the Government of Sri Lanka regarding these issues. Prof. Peiris briefed his German counterpart in detail about the LLRC implementation process and said the country was entitled to the space and time to move forward with a homegrown programme. In his address at a largely attended meeting of the German Association for Foreign Policy (GDAP) in Berlin, Prof. Peiris raised several issues regarding recent trends in the Human Rights Council in relation to Sri Lanka. He stressed the importance of an objective approach, and questioned whether this basic requirement was fulfilled in recent interventions. He said the Resolution in respect of Sri Lanka received hardly any support when it was brought by one country and, in fact, could not be proceeded with, but that the situation changed dramatically when the Resolution was moved by another country. It was quite evident, he asserted, that voting patterns were determined by political, strategic and economic interests of countries in terms of their relationship with the mover of the Resolution, rather than a dispassionate consideration of issues relating to the country situation in question. This is contrary, he said, to the intention of the General Assembly of the United Nations when it resolved to replace the Human Rights Commission with the Human Rights Council, on the basis that the former was unduly politicised and, therefore, deficient in assessing situations on their merits. Sri Lanka, he said, was happy to work with the international community on the footing of equality and partnership, but opposed judgmental and highly selective postures.

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201306/20130615keep_a_close_watch_on_ltte_front_organizations.htm

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri_Lanka_calls_for_international_action_to_stem_glorification_of_terroris_20130617_01

Sri Lanka calls for international action to stem glorification of terrorism

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has asked that greater attention be paid in the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, to the role of terrorist support networks that take the form of front organizations, the challenge posed by the abuse of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the propriety of the use or display of terrorist group emblems, insignia and symbols. He emphasized that they communicate the message, purpose, history, and goals of terrorist organizations and as such contribute to the creation of an organizational culture of incitement, hatred and radicalization, that is dangerously encouraged to be emulated. Noting that while conscious that there remains a tension between the concepts of 'freedom of expression' and 'counter terrorism' with respect to these issues, it was nevertheless important that these challenges also be addressed squarely in earnest, in order that we arrive at a consensus as to where freedom of expression ends and supporting or glorification of terrorism begins. He added that our failure to do so, will seriously erode the fight against terrorism, and permit the perpetuation of the sense that double standards were being applied with respect to these issues, which turns a blind eye to the actions of some groups, while pursuing others.

Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed the International Counter-Terrorism Focal Points Conference on 'Addressing Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism and Promoting Regional Cooperation', held in Geneva on 13-14 June 2013. The conference organized by the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force was part of the CTITF Global Initiative on implementing the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.

Ambassador Aryasinha said the challenge terrorism poses and the necessity for international cooperation to eradicate it was fully understood by Sri Lanka well before the events of 9/11 and the UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1267, and that notwithstanding the Government of Sri Lanka eradicating terrorism in the country a little over 4 years ago, Sri Lanka had not forgotten the damage terrorism causes.

In his address he drew attention to Sri Lanka's experience in successfully defeating the LTTE which was one of the world's most ruthless terrorist groups, and the manner in which the Government of Sri Lanka had domestically, regionally and internationally contributed to the building of the evolving international legal regime relating to countering terrorism and in meeting its international obligations in this regard.

Ambassador Aryasinha said since the military defeat of the LTTE in Sri Lanka in May 2009, besides the radicalized activism of LTTE front organizations in several European capitals, the arrest of 32 LTTE activists in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland and the conviction of a further 28 in France, the Netherlands and Belgium, known activists continue to advocate mono-ethnic separatism in Sri Lanka while espousing the ideology of the LTTE, using its money and being manipulated by its surviving military leaders, who are primarily domiciled in Europe.

The continuance of the LTTE's activities and its network of front organizations in Europe was also manifest in an appeal filed on behalf of the LTTE to the European Court of Justice on 11 April 2011 for the de-listing of the LTTE from the EU list of terrorist entities. While the TE-SAT 2011 report of Europol noted that "Separatist terrorist groups such as the PKK/KONGRA-GEL and LTTE are involved in the trafficking of drugs and human beings to raise funds for their terrorism activities", the US Global Terrorism Report of 2012 confirms continuing concerns regarding the LTTE, noting that the "the LTTE's financial network of support continued to operate throughout 2011" and that "the group employed charities as fronts to collect and divert funds for their activities". Recent incidents in Tamil Nadu too are indications of the continuing attempts by the LTTE to regroup overseas

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Renovated_A9_road_vested_in_the_public_20130616_01

 

Renovated A9 road vested in the public

The A-9 road that was developed under the Mahinda Chintana programme has been vested in the public.

President Mahinda Rajapksa inaugurated the A-9 road that links Kandy and Jaffna after the development of the stretch between Galkulama to Jaffna. Hundred and fifty three kilo metres were developed at the expenditure of 20 billion rupees. Accordingly the government has been able to complete the development work on the A-9 road from Kandy to Jaffna. The latest technology in the world has been used. The road that consists of 4 lanes is 09 metres in width. There are two lanes which are 2.5 in width for parking vehicles and a separate lane for motor cycles. A notable feature is the light posts that illuminate the road. With the inauguration of the road the link between the north and the south is strengthened.

Meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspected a number of projects in the north and vested a number of development projects in the public. The President inspected housing projects in Mulaitivu, Nandikadal and Keppatilav. Hundred ad sixty five houses are being constructed under this project with the free labour provided by the army. Fifty houses have already been constructed and handed over. A community hall, an office of the Grama Niladari, a stadium, and a bus stop have been planned to be constructed at the village belonging to the Keppatilav housing project. The President also inaugurated an electrification scheme. The President also launched a scholarship scheme for the education of children. The President who walked amidst the people also exchanged pleasantries with them. Minister Douglas Devananda, Governor of the northern province G.A. Chandrasiri and Chief of staff of the Presidential staff Gamini Senarath also participated in the occasion. Meanwhile the President participated in a national programme to distribute fresh milk amongst school children at Wattakachchi Maha Vidyalaya in Kilinochchi. The programme is being launched by the Education Services Ministry. The national programme was launched under the theme of creating a healthy generation of children who receive proper nutrition. The programme will be started in all schools in the island in the future.

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=HE_the_President_declares_open_Iranamadu_Runway_20130615_03

President opens newly constructed runway in Iranamadu

President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremonially opened the newly constructed runway in Iranamadu on Saturday. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama received the President on arrival at the new Air Force facility.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) MA60 aircraft carrying the President landed at the new runway.

He opened the Iranamadu Airport ceremonially unveiling the commemorative plaque. The runway is located inside the perimeter of the Sri Lanka Air Force Station in Iranamadu.

The area was once a terrorist air base and was a no go zone for the people. The LTTE during their reign of terror had strictly enforced their law of terror on anyone who tried to enter this area. With the end of the humanitarian operations, the Air Force took over the facility and the runway was constructed by the Rapid Runway Repair Wing of the SLAF. Work on the project began on August 12,2011.

The Iranamadu runway is the first ever such facility to be built entirely by the SLAF in the country. The construction was carried out in accordance with International Civil Aviation standards.

The runway is 1,500 metres in length and 25 metres in width. It can accommodate the landing of even the largest aircraft of the SLAF, the C 130.

The Airport also has a passenger terminal to ease passenger operations and an Air Traffic Control tower.

The airport can be reached through the Mankulam, Olumadu and Ampakamam route which is around 18 km or by the 16km Killinochchi -Wattakachchi and Ramanathapuram - Kalmadu route.

The new domestic airport will ease the transportation to the North with the rest of the county and it will cater to both domestic and military purposes. Tourists can now save time and travel in comfort to their favourite destinations in the north. With the post war development activities in full swing, the former conflict zone has seen an unprecedented economic and social revival.

The opening up of new tourist destinations has led to a boom in the eastern hospitality industry. Domestic air transportation industry is poised to achieve greater heights in the future.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda, Northern Provincial Governor Maj Gen (Rtd) G.A Chandrasiri, Army Commander General Jagath Jayasuriya, senior officials of the Army and Air Force were also present.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/06/14/main_Editorial.asp

THE REVIVAL
The President is on a tour of the former Tiger heartland, and on the 15th he will ceremonially open the Killinochchi-Mullathivu stretch of road, while he will prior to that participate in a string of events such as the ceremonies for the hand over of new housing units to area residents in Killinochchi. The journey from Killinochchi to Mullathivu used to take a good three hours - but now with the new road, it can be accomplished within the hour.

To all those who are inevitably bound to respond to this news with the stock rejoinder that goes on the lines of 'yes but economic development will not address other issues of reconciliation and good governance', here is a refresher on how Mullathivu and Killinochchi came to be this way.

President Rajapaksa will not neglect to remind people in these two districts about the relatively luxurious underground bunkers that housed Velupillai Prabhakaran, in Mullathivu, while the people of either Killinochchi and Mullathivu got nothing, expect the persistent demands from the LTTE to contribute to the war effort by giving up sons and daughters. It is not as if the parents had any choice.

It is a fact that the citizens in these districts are the poorest of the poor, and that they were mistreated in this way by both Prabhakaran and those who followed him in the Tamil diaspora claiming to be the saviour of the Tamil people. It is true that some of these people in these two districts had been doubly wronged.

Some of them may have fled the racial riots of 1983, and ended up in this arid terrain, only to face the fascism of Prabhakaran. But the fact remains that until now, there was nobody that cared in any way for these poorest of the poor who were treated as social dregs that due to chronic poverty were cannon fodder to the terrorist armies, and then victims to the political manipulations of the diaspora that wanted to keep these people in penury so that their circumstances may be exploited to advance their own political causes.

But for the first time in decades, what used to be considered an outcaste community relative to the rest of the Tamils and the Sinhalese, is now seeing the bounty of development -- the erection of houses, the paving of roads, and the creation of jobs and opportunities.

The bunker mentality fostered by Prabhakaran did not give rise to the kind of hope that would have made these people envisage chances of such a kind, this soon. They were typically the bedraggled type of people that came out of the fighting, scared, huddled, looking deprived and half starved, as depicted in the recent documentary, The Last Phase, for instance.

The President did not see political opportunity in these long suffering people through selling them slogans and via selling them grand political schemes, that could have been touted as 'political solutions.' Instead, he saw that these are human beings that have had a raw deal, who need to be reawakened from a long running nightmare of serial victimization.

As the Buddha preached -- do not lecture to the man that is hungry, fill his belly first! The President gave the long suffering people of Killinochchi and Mullathivu, progress, hope and a vision for the future that they can tangibly feel and relate to.

The naysayers would be claiming that this is patronizing, but then, these people must speak for themselves and should not retain the agency of others-- to be spoken on behalf of. If and when they did speak, they have spoken about opportunity and the release from long years of suppression. It will not take them long to break from the straitjacket of ethnically based politics that still is a hangover from a prolonged period of fright, paranoia and the peer pressure to conform.

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201306/20130606sl_new_zealand_foreign_min_discuss_diary_cooperation.htm

Thursday, June 06, 2013 - 05.08 GMT

Sri Lanka – New Zealand Foreign Ministers discuss diary cooperation

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris had bilateral discussions with Mr. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, at his Ministry yesterday. The Ministers discussed the arrangements being made by Sri Lanka to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November this year, and the preparations for the three accompanying events ̶ the Business Forum, the Youth Forum and the People’s Forum. Dairy development was a subject discussed by the Ministers. New Zealand has provided assistance for dairy development and has worked closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development. Minister Peiris suggested a formal bilateral assistance programme in this field. A New Zealand company, Fonterra, is already active, and has provided employment to many families through dairy production. Kurunegala, Hanwella, Dikoya, Wariyapola and Dambulla have been identified as appropriate areas to expand dairy production. The scope for further co-operation in tertiary education was discussed. Two New Zealand universities, Massey and the University of Canterbury in Christchurch are currently providing courses in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has provided the draft of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to New Zealand. An Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to strengthen opportunities for further investments was discussed. Co-operation in the fields of tourism and control of illegal migration, especially within the framework of the Bali process, formed part of the discussion between the two Ministers.

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201305/20130522the_last_phase.htm

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/06/09/main_Editorial.asp

Pillay’s impending Sri Lanka visit, an eye-opener

Human rights and reconciliation are bandied about by some Western countries to intimidate Sri Lanka after the Security Forces liberated the country from the grip of LTTE terrorism. Rather than hailing Sri Lanka's singular achievement, which set an example to the world in eradicating terrorism, certain international organisations and Western countries pontificated on reconciliation and human rights to appease LTTE cohorts in their countries. These Western politicians, who survive on the vote of adopted Tamils from Sri Lanka, dance the fandango round the LTTE cohorts. On the pretext of advocating reconciliation, they only exerted pressure on the Government to gratify LTTE cohorts and a section of the Tamil diaspora.

Two successive Resolutions against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) had only rekindled fresh hopes in LTTE cohorts.

It is indelibly etched in people’s minds how some world organisations and certain Western countries spared no pains to thwart Sri Lanka's humanitarian operation and pump the last drop of oxygen to moribund Tiger terrorists. They issued a plethora of statements to retard the advancement of the Security Forces.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka's friendly countries proved their mettle and overwhelmingly supported President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his praiseworthy efforts to liberate the people from the clutches of LTTE terror.

Some international organisations and certain Western countries took Sri Lanka to task during her relentless battle against terrorism. The UNHRC was no exception and the statements by its head Navi Pillay renewed fresh hopes in the Tiger terrorists.

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in London, Dr Chris Nonis, in an interview with the BBC World News last week, gave an appropriate reply to those who shout from the rooftops and expect Sri Lanka to perform miracles in national reconciliation.

When BBC's Mishal Husain asked Dr. Nonis as to how many years Sri Lanka would take to complete reconciliation targets, Dr. Nonis cited South Africa and the post-apartheid period, where there are still substantial issues, and Northern Ireland where, despite the “Good Friday” Agreement, issues remain unresolved. “In comparison, I think we have done pretty well,” Dr. Nonis was quoted as saying.

When Sri Lanka was at the receiving end of LTTE terror, the West preached to us on peace while it went all out to crush Al-Qaeda terrorists. When the LTTE was militarily crushed, the West exerted pressure on Sri Lanka over displaced persons and made a big hue and cry. Despite Sri Lanka having resettled over half a million displaced persons in the North and the East in double quick time, thereby setting new world standards, the West is now showing extraordinary concern in Sri Lanka's reconciliation efforts. What is more intriguing is the manner in which certain Western countries expect Sri Lanka to perform miracles and do something that no other country has achieved so far. Sri Lanka’s speedy resettlement of displaced persons, which no other country had done after a conflict situation, sent shockwaves to the world. UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has eventually accepted Sri Lanka's invitation and plans to visit Sri Lanka from August 25 to 31. She would have definitely changed her mind, had she done so earlier. In April 2011, Sri Lanka invited her to tour the country.

Regrettably, rather than coming here to gain first-hand experience and making an assessment of the true ground situation, Pillay seemed to have been misled by the LTTE cohorts. Her sweeping statements on Sri Lanka had clearly shown that her knowledge on Sri Lanka's achievements and development is far from reality.

Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ravinatha P. Aryasinha had told the UNHRC's 23rd Regular Session in Geneva last week that Sri Lanka considers Pillay's visit as part of its continued, transparent and proactive engagement with the High Commissioner and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Pillay's visit would undoubtedly enable her to experience at first-hand the significant strides Sri Lanka had made and the efforts under way in reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The international community should bear in mind that barely four years had elapsed since the end of the ruthless terrorist conflict that had devastated the country for nearly three decades.

It is earnestly hoped that Pillay’s forthcoming visit would not only be an eye-opener to the UN human rights chief, but also to other Western countries which are making ludicrous statements on Sri Lanka due to ignorance. Hence, Pillay's visit would help build a platform for constructive engagement between Sri Lanka and the OHCHR, debunking the fallacies that guided the UN system's actions and engagement with respect to Sri Lanka and its reconciliation. It is deplorable that there is lack of “financial independence” as far as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is concerned. This leads to disproportionate attention being paid to country-specific action in the UNHRC which selectively targets some countries.

Sri Lanka is convinced that there is an urgent need for more sustainable resourcing of the OHCHR to ensure efficient and objective fulfilment of its mandate. This could be checked only if the bulk of the OHCHR funding comes from the UN regular budget.

Though countries such as Sri Lanka are often targeted, human rights violations and restrictive practices in other parts of the world that warrant more urgent and immediate attention and action continue unabated for reasons best known to the West.

On an axiomatic basis, the continuation and proliferation of the selective adoption of country-specific resolutions in the UNHRC is a tool that exploits human rights for political purposes. Hence, Sri Lanka has reiterated time and again that such politicised action runs contrary to the ideals and principles of the Council and must be arrested forthwith.

The call for an international investigation on the situation in Sri Lanka emanated at the UNHRC, barely a week after the Security Forces vanquished the LTTE leadership in the Nandikadal lagoon and that the “ill-conceived resolution” on Sri Lanka resulted from “politicised action, diaspora compulsions and reports not mandated by the inter-governmental process”. Such controversial resolutions lack transparency and credibility. Resolutions against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC are totally unwarranted as they have been brought in at a time Sri Lanka is making a determined effort in national reconciliation while affording a new lease of life for people in the North and the East.

Sri Lanka had quite rightly pointed out that the collusion which is becoming increasingly evident among some countries that support action against Sri Lanka and certain extreme elements of the Tamil diaspora with vested interests must be addressed more comprehensively by the OHCHR. It was amazing that some of these diaspora elements had been accredited as members of a country delegation at the previous UN Human Rights Council sessions. This is indeed, alarming.

This would by no means assist the ongoing reconciliation in Sri Lanka, nor help people in the North and the East, who had been subjected to untold misery when the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit was at its peak. Moreover, it only caused mistrust about the international process among Sri Lankans while negatively impacting on the country's reconciliation efforts. President Rajapaksa had on several occasions invited all those who level allegations against Sri Lanka to visit the country and see for themselves. The aspirations of the Tamils rescued from the jaws of death are poles apart from the Tamil diaspora and LTTE cohorts in the West. In this scenario, Pillay will be afforded a golden opportunity to understand this stark truth. Sri Lanka considers her visit as part of its continued, transparent and proactive engagement with the High Commissioner and the OHCHR. If the international community is sincerely interested in the well-being of the people in the North and the East, they must feel the pulse of those who had been liberated during the world's largest human rescue mission, and not merely go by what the domiciled Tamils in the West project

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/06/09/sec100.pdf

 

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/06/09/new46.asp

Indian delegation pleased with Northern development

The visiting six member Indian delegation led by Deputy Opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad will update 'relevant parties and people' in India of Sri Lanka's progress.

The delegation met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on an unofficial note and expressed satisfaction over the vast infrastructure development taking place in the Northern Province after the end of the war on terrorism. They inquired about the ongoing reconciliation process and future devolution plans.

The Presidential Spokesman said the Indian delegation has promised to update the relevant parties of the progress they witnessed in Sri Lanka.

The team included Suresh Prabhu (Shiv Sena), Ram Madhav (RSS), journalist and political commentator Swapan Dasgupta, former IFS officer Vivek Katju and human rights activist Monika Arora.

Arriving in Colombo on Tuesday on a five day visit, the delegation visited Jaffna on Wednesday, on a fact finding mission and they met Tamil political and civil society leaders. The delegation met the TNA leaders in Colombo.

The President during the meeting with them, explained the efforts the government has taken to devolve powers to the peripheries, stressing that the national solution cannot be an exclusive 'Rajapaksa-Sampanthan agreement'. The visit was arranged by the New Delhi based India Foundation and Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies. The team left for India today.Meanwhile, the External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris left the country on a seven-day official visit covering Austria, Germany and Romania on Friday evening. He is expected to hold bi-lateral discussions with the leaders of the three countries.

 

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Madhu_Talaimannar_railway_line_80_pc_complete_20130606_03

Madhu-Talaimannar railway line 80 pc complete

Eighty percent of the construction work of the railway line from Madhu to Talaimannar has been completed. This is the last segment of the Medawachchiya-Talaimannar railway line and it covers 63 kilometres. The reconstruction work of the Medawachchiya-Talaimannar was carried out in two phases.

In the first phase, the 43 kilometer track from Medawachchiya to Madhu was reconstructed at a cost of US $ 81.3 million and it has already been opened to the public last month. Under the second stage, the Madhu-Thalaimannar railway line is being built at a cost of US $ 149.74 million.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said this segment has been totally destroyed by LTTE terrorists during the war. It has 11 railway stations including Neriyakulam, Chettikula, Madu road, Murunthan, Mathottam, Thirukeshwaram, Mannar, Thondawil, Pesalei, Talaimannar and Talaimannar port are being constructed currently.

The reconstruction work of this second segment started in 2011 and it is expected to be completed in this year.

During the past people were able to travel by train to Thalaimannar and proceed to Danushkodi in India by boat by purchasing a ticket of Rs. 360," he said. With the Completion of the second stage on the Medawachchiya-Talaimannar, the dream of travelling from Colombo to Thalaimannar will become a reality.

The minister said the reconstruction of the Medawachchiya-Talaimannar railway line is a symbol of friendship between India and Sri Lanka.

"The construction work is being carried out by the Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and has been funded as a part of the Line of Credit of US $800 million, which has been extended by the Indian government on concessional terms," he said.

Courtesy : Daily news