http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/07/28/fea03.asp

Opinion:

Indo - Lanka Accord, a nullity

By Dimuth Gunawardena

The Vadamaarachchi operation launched by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces was to protect Sri Lanka’s territorial and political independence from Indian-armed and Indian-trained terrorist groups. India unlawfully interfered in that operation with the use of force by violating Sri Lanka’s air space with a so called Parripu drop, forcing Sri Lanka to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord under the threat of force and duress.

The Indo-Lanka Accord being signed in 1987

According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) [Article 52], “A Treaty is void if its conclusion has been procured by the or use of force, in violation of the principle of international law embodied in Art. 2 (4) of the UN Charter.”
The said Article reads, “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
This does not include economic or political pressure, and does not include the lawful use of force; for example, the 1938 Munich Agreement between Germany and Czechoslovakia was void because of the pressure on the Czech Government.
The Indo-Lanka Accord was not signed in circumstances where the use of force in relation to Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and political independence was lawful. This violation of Sri Lanka’s air space was preceded by India’s training and arming terrorist groups such as the LTTE and TNA which targeted civilian and military targets within Sri Lanka, what India did to Sri Lanka was similar to what Hitler did to Czechoslovakia.

Air space

On June 3, 1987, “This is the Eagle Formation. Do you read me?”, Narula, the pilot leading the intrusion into Sri Lankan air space radioed to Sri Lanka’s airport authorities during the infamous Parripu airdrop, an operation meant to threaten and intimidate Sri Lanka into submission, so that India could force the Indo-Lanka Accord down Sri Lanka’s throat. The message was repeated four times by the Indian pilots, to no avail, with no reply from Sri Lanka.
Supplies were dropped by the five Soviet-built Antonov-32 aircraft at 5 p.m. near a railway station four miles north of the Jaffna city. The whole world condemned the Indian action.
The operation, which met no resistance, began from the southern Indian city of Bangalore and took two hours and 10 minutes. Sri Lanka was given only 30 minutes’ notice and warned not to shoot down any Indian plane that was to violate Sri Lankan air space or face grave consequences, by the then High Commissioner for India J.N. Dixit.
Air Vice Marshal D. Keelor, who was in charge of the operation, later said: “I am not involved in this. This was decided by the government.” Perhaps to clear his sense of guilt at this unprecedented immoral act comparable only to the action of Hitler’s Nazis on a hapless Czech Government.
Thirty-five Indian and foreign journalists who were aboard the five Antonov-32s wrote the script that the Indian government wanted them to write; about how they violated a tiny and helpless country's sovereignty and independence which was trying to free itself from a terrorist menace that was created and nurtured by India itself was never mentioned.

International crime

Barbara Crossette, writing to the New York Times, about this international crime on Sri Lanka on June 7,1987 said,
“India, under international criticism for violating Sri Lankan airspace last week, offered today to discuss with Colombo any future aid to ethnic Tamils in this country; the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said tonight”.
“Foreign Minister A.C.S. Hameed said Colombo welcomed the step.
“The offer came two days after Indian transport planes with fighter escorts, on only 35 minutes’ notice to Colombo, dropped food parcels over the Jaffna peninsula, the stronghold of armed Tamil rebels who have been under Sri Lankan military attack. India, which has a Tamil population of over 50 million, said the supplies were intended for besieged civilians.
“Fighting was still going on in the peninsula today. And in southern Sri Lanka, seven Tamil prisoners were killed trying to escape from a centre housing nearly 4,000 political detainees, the Government said.
“Mr. Hameed said in an interview in his office that China and Pakistan had been among the nations offering support to Colombo after the Indian airdrop on Thursday. He called India's actions a “naked violation of Sri Lanka’s independence and an unwarranted assault on Sri Lanka’s territory and sovereignty.”
This Parripu drop was the forerunner to the Indo-Lanka Accord which was forced on Sri Lanka under intimidation and duress.
What is undeniable is that India demanded the Vadamaarachchi operation to cease, to confine the troops to barracks and used the terrorists armed and trained by themselves as an excuse to force Sri Lanka to sign the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord with India so that it could invade Sri Lanka using the Indian army.The use of this force on Sri Lanka was to ultimately hand over Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and all rights Sri Lanka had on the Trincomalee port to India and to enact the 13th Amendment on the pretext that it was for the welfare of the Tamils and to solve an “ethnic problem”.
It is thus clear that the Indo-Lanka Accord was procured by the threat of the use of force and/or the use of force in violation of the principles of International Law in Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter.Evidence of Lack of Democratic Consent for the Indo-Lanka Accord
(1)Most of the senior minsters in the Cabinet boycotted the ‘signing’. Only a handful such as Gamini Dissanayake and Shahul Hameed attended the signing ceremony
(2)Wide-spread rioting, death and destruction in opposition to the Indo-Lanka Accord
(3)Assault on the Indian Prime Minster by a Naval rating in the Guard of Honour to widespread acclaim within Sri Lanka
(4)Islandwide curfew had to be imposed when the Indian PM came to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord with the media banned from being present.
Therefore, it is abundantly clear that the Sri Lankans despised the Indian interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. India has gone against the Bandung Principles, and other Multilateral International Conventions to which India is a signatory. Thus, the time has come for the citizens of Sri Lanka to “go to the Supreme Court against the Government, demanding that the Government publicly renounces the Indo-Lanka Accord on the basis of the above.
Subsequent events to the Indo-Lanka Accord, where India has also not being able to fulfil any of its obligations under this agreement and hence has no moral obligation to demand from Sri Lanka to fulfil any condition is entirely another matter.
India miserably failed to satisfy her obligations in the Accord wherein she undertook to satisfy and was bound to perform and fulfil certain commitments on her part. One good example would be the commitment on India’s part to disarm the LTTE terrorists within 72 hours.
Whereas the Indian army in its long drawn-out failed military action against the LTTE, went on to create a new terrorist group called the Tamil National Army (TNA) in the North and the East of Sri Lanka to fight alongside the Indian Forces.
Yet the Indian army suffered the ignominy of one of her worst military debacles in Sri Lanka after the 1962 war with China wherein over 2,500 Indian Army officers and men perished on Sri Lankan soil, and that too battling a small terrorist group much like the Indian Maoists.The significant changes envisaged in the Indo-Lanka Accord from the Sri Lankan side to the structure and system of governance incorporated in the 13th Amendment, restricting of troops to barracks etc which were adopted by Sri Lanka due to the coercion exerted by the supposedly militarily powerful Government of India, without the same being referred to the people of Sri Lanka in whom the sovereignty rests, is a serious anomaly which the people of Sri Lanka have every right to revise to suit the country's needs and current strategic interests.

Internal affairs

Indian interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka is a serious threat to the modern Sri Lankan state and it needs to rectify this situation as it moves rapidly towards economic development and prosperity.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the Indo-Lanka Accord were the products of a military conflict and not a consensus amongst the citizens of Sri Lanka, arrived at through a democratic process during times of peace and reconciliation.
The military conflict is now over. The citizens should now be free to arrive at a consensus on reconciliation through home-grown democratic means such as the PSC. The 13th Amendment stems from an illegal bilateral agreement and should be abolished without any further delay.
Former Acting Chief Justice Raja Wanasundara in his National Revival Report says, “Under Article 80 (3) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, if the Parliament wishes to review this matter, it can pass a declaratory law invalidating the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. If the Speaker were to give his required certificate, this would foreclose the issue and constitute a final disposal to prevent any future agitation of the matter.”
The Indian establishment brands all these processes as signs of “Triumphalism” by a so called “Sinhala Chauvinistic Regime”. Terminology concocted with one eye on the Trincomalee port with the other on the Hambantota port with no love lost for either the Tamils of Tamil Nadu or Sri Lanka.
On July 29, 2013 we commemorate the 26th anniversary of an agreement that was forced down Sri Lanka. It started one of the darkest chapters of Sri Lankan history with the death of 65,000 Sri Lankan youth who opposed another periodic Indian invasion of this country. This dreadful accord should be nullified and discarded forthwith at all costs.

Courtesy: Asian Tribune

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/07/28/fea04.asp

HSZ has shrunk to unprecedented levels:

Number of Army personnel reduced:

Jaffna rises from the ashes

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

In November 2009, around 26,400 army personnel manned the entire Jaffna peninsula. Today the strength is reduced to 13,200 personnel. They are largely confane (HSZ) and even the HSZ has shrunk in size,. It was earlier around13,680 acres in extent and by end November 2009 it reduced to around 6183 acres – almost to half.

Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe Pic:Susantha Wijegunasekara

“In the past three and a half years, the number of army personnel deployed in the Jaffna peninsula have visibly reduced. Similarly the Navy and Air Force have also reduced numbers ,” said Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Security Forces Commander (Jaffna) in an interview with the ‘Sunday Observer'. “The loud cry to reduce the number of personnel further by a faction of politicians, is only another political ploy. The ground reality is different,” said Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe. The Army plans to squeeze in three brigades and eight battalions into this reduced area. Another six battalions were shifted to other areas.

Priority

The present situation in Jaffna can not be explained without the history of Jaffna trying to liberate Jaffna from the iron clutches of the LTTE. As Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe commented on the history of riots in Sri Lanka and that after the 1956 - 1958 riots, the Jaffna people are offended with those in the South.
“With Independence they wanted a 50:50 representation. Then the 1956 Sinhala Only Act sent a negative message about the Government and the people in the south.
Later on, it was the LTTE and the acts of terrorisms which is history. Since 1956, the negative emotions has been on the rise. This was the mentality that had to be changed after the victory in 2009,” Maj.Gen. Hathurusinghe said.
Following Operation Riviresa in 1995, the Army gained control over the Jaffna peninsula and occupied Palali. The strenuous efforts to safeguard Jaffna throughout history, is immeasurable, he said.
“The Army was able to take control of Jaffna. Then the Army started building a network with the civilians. Then we had about 40,000 army personnel,” he said.
With the humanitarian operation then Jaffna also had a front and we started leading with the 55 Division from Chalai. Then major operations got underway.
The unwavering support of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was vital in the entire humanitarian operation, he said.

Challenge

Only then a new dimension to our efforts had to come in, said Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe. “The people of these areas thoughthat we were just fighters. They felt like we were forcibly occupying their territory. We had a major shift in our thinking and focus to change their perception. We had to convince the people that though we fought with the LTTE, we are not fighters with the people. Now we are protectors of the people,” talking about the post Ealam war IV era.
“That being our focus we geared with the people at grass root level. We started the ‘civil military coordination’ concept or in short CIMIC. The first office was opened in 2010 March 09, in Jaffna city, to reach the grass root level. It helped to bring fast forward reconciliation.
With that as a confidence-building measure, we started building houses for the displaced who were resettled by the Government.
Many people did not have houses until the government machinery got started and also until the Indian housing scheme started.
“We started building houses, So far we have built 1,787 houses. These are built from our personal contacts and around 15 are under construction . The houses we built were not with the government funds, from NGOs or the Indian housing scheme taking into consideration the accommodation of the people,” he said.
There are two mains livelihood aspects in Jaffna– fisheries and agriculture. Agriculture was given priority, because many areas needed to be de-mined and those had to be cleared fast. The Army took the leadership in demining.
Then the focus was on increasing the potential of the earning capacity of people, we helped them with their backyard poultry, assisting to put up home gardens, providing them with seed and sometimes our soldiers helped them to cultivate and prepare the land. To promote home gardening, we held a competition for home gardens.
We gave serious thought to the education of the children and gave many scholarships. We made every effort to bring well wishers from Colombo and abroad to help the children through personal contacts, he said. People from Jaffna , expatriates and foreigners also helped to get scholarships.

Education

We have given more than 5000 – 6000 scholarships so far for children. We organise education seminars for children – for GCE O/L and A/L. We are involved in developing school infrastructure – we built a three storied new building for the Thelippalai Mahajana College.
It cost around Rs 25 million. The money came from Ken Balendran through the Defence Secretary. Then in Kopai, the Nawala School got a building and the money came from Uva Provincial Council. Other than that in Wadamarachchi East area we built so many temporary building to commence schools Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe said.
In the Health sector the Army could reach people with doctors and detachments in different areas in the peninsula. We were able to reach people and help them. We conducted medical camps and that was one major CIMIC activity that we carried out, he said.
The Army were the major blood donors in Jaffna. There was a monthly requirement of around 300 pints of blood. About 80% of the requirement is met by the Army soldiers, he added.
“We organise medical camps with well-known specialists from Colombo. Last year our officers coordinated with a leading private hospital in Colombo and held a heart camp here with more than 40 doctors including several Indian doctors and supporting staff came,” he said.
About 480 people were screened for different ailments and found three patients in severe sicknesses and out of which one girl named Kajendrani (21) was had a critical heart condition and doctors feared she would not live for another two weeks. The Indian consultants they said treatment would cost around Rs 900,000 for the operation. Later they reduced hospital and professional fees.

Reduced cost

“We reduced the cost to about Rs. 200,000 then we found a donor and immediately made arrangements to airlift the girl and the family to Colombo for treatment. The family lived in one of our officer’s houses. That is the level we go to,” he said. She underwent the heart operation and now is happily married.
Then there were two children – Apisha and Abhishek, They were from LTTE families. The fathers served the LTTE. But we not concerned. These children also were airlifted to Colombo for treatment and looked after by our officers. They are fine now.
We continue to engage in community activities. That is the only way to reach out to the people. Now we have to work hard to narrow the gap between the North and the South. As for the Sinhalese there are only about 30 to 40 people as a result they only come across the army personnel who meet are the Army personnel.
“Today we understand that the Jaffna people see us as a positive force. Even during a case of domestic violence, the wife runs to the nearby camp not to the police station. Our officers coordinate with the police to sort out the matter legally. That’s the level of understanding we have with them” he said.
“Even when foreign envoys come they question about the number of Army personnel around Jaffna. If there are any problems with the Army personnel then come to us – do not worry about numbers. The North Central Province has more soldiers than Jaffna” he said.
The Army was sent to fight the war against terrorism, and after victory the Army can't be called back. That’s not the way the President Rajapaksa thinks,” he said. “Of course the Army has a gradual reduction as we don’t enlist large numbers now”,he said.
We are bringing the Army into the reduced HHZ and now it is a military cantonment. Because of the Palali airstrip the Sri Lanka Air Force is present and the Navy is also in the HHZ.
“More than 50% of HHZ lands are government lands that belonged to former camps, schools, hospitals , teacher training colleges and the CGR. It's really about 4100 people who will be affected due to land aquisition.

Compensation

We have already made the announcements and pasted the notices. A handful people are available in these areas as many have gone abroad and settled in foreign countries.
The Government will not take the lands free. The Government will give compensation at present rates. This is being worked out by the District Secreatary and Divisional Secretaries along with the Land ministry.
“They had a site visit and discussions. There is a special representative appointed to look in to these matters. It is in progress, he said.
“But the land which we are now holding is required for the airport expansion project and to bring military units deployed outside. The Naval camp will also be located because of the commercial harbour. When the Government built the Mattala airport, lands were acquired similarly in this instance too ” Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe said.
“These are national development activities. This development is giving the impetus to development of the North.
These facilities will then attract more business investments and bring in more multi- national companies. It is for the benefit of the Jaffna people.
Our concern is for the betterment of the people, knowing their true problems by getting close to them. It is futile to convince political parties. Because they know as long as separatist ideas are kindled among the public, they can survive. “But the people have a problem with politics.
We have to capitalize on that. We have to improve on the efforts taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Now with the elections round the corner I think we will do better and it will be more fruitful as there is more interest among the people to contest as well,” he said.

Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 04.43 GMT

Army to reduce troop presence in North

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201307/20130725army_reduce_troop_presence_north.htm

Sri Lanka Army plans to further reduce the number of troops it has stationed in the northern Jaffna peninsula, the Army Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya told the media Wednesday.The Army spokesman has announced that the Army has taken a decision to move troops from 13 small military camps located in the Walikamam sector of Jaffna District to the Palaly Cantonment. "The move will further reduce the presence of troops in that area," Brigadier Wanigasooriya has said adding that those areas for which Army has paid rent will be handed over to the original owners. "This is yet another step in the ongoing process of relocating the military in the Jaffna peninsula and reducing the presence of troops," he said. The Army has said earlier that the lands taken by the military for camps would be handed back to their original owners and the for the lands that cannot be returned due to national security considerations, the government will pay compensation to the owners.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Yal_Devi_to_Knochchi_soon_20130727_04

Yal Devi to K'nochchi soon

All arrangements have been made to extend the operations of the Yal Devi train up to the Kilinochchi within the next two months.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said that nearly 80 percent of the construction work of the Omanthai to Pallai section on the Northern railway line has already been completed as of now with the focus on completing the first phase of the project upto Kilinochchi by September this year.

The Yaldevi which travelled only up to Madawachchiya after 1990, was restricted to Vavuniya, during the final stages of the war.

It was on June 7, 2009 that the Yaldevi recommenced operations to Thandikulam. The Yal Devi then extended its run to Omanthai on May 29 of 2011.

The Minister further added that by the end of 2014, the rail track up to KKS would be completed.

"We are focusing attention on completing the track upto Kilinochchi as the first phase and to complete the second phase from Kilinochchi to Pallai later", he said.

"The project to construct the rail track from Omanthai to Pallai commenced on March 24, 2011 and is now in its final stage.

"The construction of the rail track and fixing of bridges and culverts will also be included under this project at a cost of US$ 185 million", he said.

The Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) has undertaken the construction work as the key contractor of the project.

"This section of the track will have sub-stations at Puliyankulam, Mankulam, Murikkandi, Kilinochchi, Paranthan, Elephant Pass (Halt) and Pallai.

The existing railway stations will

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri_Lanka_ready_to_share_its_experience_as_best_practices_on_humanitarian_effectiveness_with_other_countries_20130722_01

Sri Lanka ready to share its experience as best practices on humanitarian effectiveness with other countries

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has said the approaches used in post-tsunami and post-conflict Sri Lanka, with suitable adaptation, could be deployed in managing humanitarian situations in other countries as well, and that the Government of Sri Lanka continues to stand ready to share its experience as best practices on humanitarian effectiveness, with other countries that are similarly placed, in an effort to relieve those who undergo suffering due to humanitarian emergencies.

Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he delivered the Sri Lanka statement at the humanitarian affairs segment of the Substantive Session of ECOSOC, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 17th July 2013.

Ambassador Aryasinha recalled that as a country Sri Lanka had not only grappled with a separatist terrorist conflict for almost 30 long years, but also dealt with an unprecedented natural disaster in the form of the Asian tsunami in 2004. Detailing the systems deployed by the government's Centre of National Operations (CNO) to manage natural disasters, he said the 24/7 operational capacity now allows Sri Lanka to evacuate coastal areas within an hour of a tsunami alert. He also enumerated the significant strides made by the Government of Sri Lanka over the 4 years since the ending of the terrorist conflict, in re-settling IDPs, de-mining, restoring livelihoods and property of those affected and initiating a program to pay compensation to the conflict-affected residents of Northern Province, who lost loved ones and property and sustained injuries, as part of a process of restitution.

Ambassador Aryasinha said, the recent phasing down of the operational role of the UNHCR and ECHO and the re-orientation of the ICRC's activities in Sri Lanka reflect an acknowledgement by the international community of Sri Lanka's success story in responding to humanitarian situations, both manmade and natural.

Emphasizing that the discourse to establish an international system to address the dire situations and the needs of countries in the aftermath of humanitarian catastrophes is important, he said Sri Lanka takes cognizance of the need to not only address the immediate humanitarian needs in the aftermath of a disaster, but also as to how countries could rebuild the lives of affected people by promoting a recovery that is sustainable and development oriented.

Ambassador Aryasinha said Sri Lanka reiterates its support to the humanitarian assistance guiding principles articulated in GA Resolution 46/182, especially on the full adherence to the humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality and independence, while engaging in negotiations for and during humanitarian operations. In coordination and implementation of humanitarian assistance, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of concerned states need to be fully respected. Sri Lanka also wished to reiterate the need for de-politicization of humanitarian aid and that non-governmental organizations involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected countries should also be accountable, both financially and in the work that is carried out by them.

He noted that there are many UN agencies that deliberate on the negative consequences of man-made disasters such as extreme weather patterns, occurring in many corners of the world due to climate change. Primarily at the UNFCCC, extensive discussions for many years are on adaptation for climate change. This requires policies in terms of funding and adapting to face the dire consequences of rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns. Unfortunately, the many years of negotiations are at a standstill as funds for adaptation, especially for developing countries are not forthcoming. The establishment of the Green Climate Fund has given hope to the developing countries as they grapple with development challenges in addition to the humanitarian challenges.

Ambassador Aryasinha said, in this light, Sri Lanka looks forward to greater engagement in this dialogue, especially at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2015, where the knowledge and best practices on strengthening humanitarian assistance and promoting humanitarian aid transparency and effectiveness could be shared among all stakeholders. Sri Lanka hoped that this Summit would assist in creating a synergy between the development partners and those who work on disaster preparedness.

http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/wanted-documentaries-depicting-british-colonial-crimes-ltte-terrorism

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 (All day)

Features

WANTED: Documentaries depicting British Colonial Crimes, LTTE terrorism

Shenali D Waduge

Now that the latest tactic to embarrass Sri Lanka and belittle its war victory has been outsourced to filmmakers it is time that Sri Lanka does not just sit and take the flak without adequately responding on the offensive itself. In not responding we are not giving due respect to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
We must also have some sort of kakkuma to avenge the deaths of those who died in vain. Throughout over 500 years of occupation thousands of our people sacrificed their lives or were eliminated as it served the colonials to reduce populations for their benefit.
This is the colonial crimes for which Sri Lanka was just one victim among many other countries. Then hardly three decades after independence Sri Lanka again became victim to a terrorist movement created by its neighbour. This terrorism that lasted 30 years saw over 27,000 war heroes sacrifice their lives and thousands more are without limbs who face various other physical and psychological complications. We cannot let the truth behind the history simply be forgotten, to land in the good books of either UK or India. Besides, exactly what type of friendship have they delivered even after their guilt is so obvious?
It is suggested therefore instead of waiting to respond to negative documentaries that we need to set the story of our country straight.
The government needs to as a priority fund some of Sri Lanka’s talented documentary/film makers to produce films that historically take events and showcase Sri Lanka as the victim and not the abuser as it has become convenient for all to project.

Political agendas

The British cannot escape its gross human rights violations committed during colonial rule. Some of these documents have even been destroyed by the UK government while the remainder is classified and not disclosed to public. Therefore there is only a handful of historical accounts available in the public domain but often too academic for the public to gauge the true picture. Therefore, we owe it to all those who have died throughout colonial rule as well as throughout the three decades of terror to place the true picture into the public domain minus political agendas. All those guilty must be revealed whatever colour they are.

Central Bank bombing on January 31, 1996

British crimes must include the 1817 Uva Rebellion, the British policies of shoot-to-kill which left not a woman or child spared, the Matale 1848 Rebellion where the massacre of Sinhalese Buddhists took place simply because they were protecting their lands; the documentary must cover how the British plundered land, destroyed temples and built Churches on them, demarcated Sri Lanka’s territory and created ethnic divides through its divide and rule policy, it must also cover the manner the British dished out various titles upon natives who turned into subservient servants who ended up going against their own people which served the British better than doing the dirty work themselves.
How many were aware that it was a sport to hunt down elephants and kill them even mother elephants feeding their babies or that there were some British officials who enjoyed taking breakfast watching Sinhalese Buddhists being hung one after the other! Gory as these incidents are these are just a handful of the sordid crimes that the colonials were upto in nations that they conquered.
Today they preach to us as the First World on human rights little acknowledging that they gave birth to the crimes that are now part of contemporary human rights violations rubric while they continue the same crimes in a different format.
As for LTTE terrorism, until and unless Sri Lanka officially has the pluck to declare the Indian role in creating Tamil militant movements who were trained, financed and armed by the Government of India as a policy we are not going to get anywhere in a bogus reconciliation process. If we leave this important fact out of the equation we are simply fooling ourselves and for what – to be again stabbed in the back as India repeatedly continues to do?

Historical facts

It is time we did the honourable thing by showing that we may be a small nation but we have our pride and unless we have our pride we will always end up like doormats. Some officials like to be doormats because there are merits in acting so but that is not going to lead the country or its people anywhere.
If a country has done damage to us we need to make that publicly known and these two countries owe Sri Lanka an apology especially those they killed or those who came to be killed.
In the case of Britain not only an apology but along with the Portuguese and Dutch they need to compensate for these crimes. The connectivity to British crimes and LTTE cannot be missed either.
When the woman who trained Tamil children some as young as seven years old to shoot and kill and trained them to bite into a cyanide capsule which she gifted for them on orders to commit suicide, now lives happily in the UK where other LTTE fronts smoothly carry on their terrorist funding brushing shoulders with British MPs what are we to think?
All these historical facts need to be consolidated with the able assistance of historians who for the love of their country have all the records of these past misdeeds and they must be put together and shown in the form of a documentary or a series of such so that the Sri Lankan populace as well as the world public know the truth. These documentaries need not aim for any international prestigious awards or accolades but simply try to ensure that Sri Lanka finally places before the world the truth about its past.
The Government of Sri Lanka must therefore put together a team to have these colonial crimes relayed in a documentary which will effectively address the negative propaganda that is now being subtly outlined to embarrass Sri Lanka at the forthcoming CHOGM. Being the good guy and simply taking the flak does not make us worthy of being a sovereign nation. 

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/wanted-documentaries-depicting-british-colonial-crimes-ltte-terrorism#sthash.VBkfNUq4.dpuf

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Security_heightened_at_Chennai_airport_20130723_01

 

Security heightened at Chennai airport

With memories still vivid of the July 24, 2001, Bandaranaike airport blast in Sri Lanka where 26 aircraft were either damaged or destroyed in an LTTE attack, the month of July has always been hectic for security agencies in India.

This year, July 21 and July 25 have been identified as days of potential threat. In Chennai, too, security has been beefed up.

"There is no specific threat to Chennai airport. It is only a generic alert. Airports are always vulnerable places and since sensitive airstrips could be targeted, we increase vigil whenever the intelligence bureau alerts us," said an airport official, who added that security at Chennai airport has been beefed up.

"Following the Mahabodhi temple blasts on July 7 this year, we were asked to step up vigil at all key installations. So, we have increased scrutiny and put more men on duty. Further, the airlines are also doing their security checks now. Though we are not doing anything specific, we have tried to increase the layers of observation," the official added.

In general, airport authorities curb visitors' movement and also increase more layers of security checks, a week before Independence Day, Republic Day and during December on account of Babri masjid demolition day.

But now, with the new terminals out of bounds for visitors, security agencies can heave a sigh of relief.

Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle

 

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Significant_increase_in_tourist_arrivals_in_first_half_20130719_02

Significant increase in tourist arrivals in first half

Tourist arrivals in the month of June have increased by 12.8 percent compared to the same period last year. 73,628 tourists have arrived in the country in the moth of June, compared to the 65,245 arrived in May 2012.

Accordingly, tourist arrivals have increased by 13.1 percent in the first half of this year with 512,281 tourists arriving in the island.

Overall arrivals from North America have increased by 11.7 percent to 30,563, from the United States by 26.0 percent, Western Europe by 13.8 percent, Eastern Europe by 21.0 percent and Middle East by 1.6 percent.

Arrivals from East Asian nations have increased by 22.7% in the first six months, while arrivals from China have made a big leap with an increase by 72.3%.

Arrivals from South Asia increased by 7.6 percent with 125,614 tourists visiting the island while, arrivals from India has declined 1.7 percent in the first six months of this year and this decline is attributed to the anti Sri Lankan campaign in the Tamil Nadu state of India.

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

Australia now closed to boatpeople: PM

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Australia_now_closed_to_boatpeople_PM_20130720_01

Australia announced yesterday that boatpeople will no longer be resettled in the country, unveiling a hardline policy to curb people-smuggling that will see all unauthorised arrivals sent to poverty-stricken Papua New Guinea.

"From now on, any asylum-seeker who arrives in Australia by boat will have no chance of being settled in Australia as a refugee," said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, announcing his harsh new border protection policy in an election year, flanked by PNG counterpart Peter O'Neill. Asylum-seekers arriving at Christmas Island will be sent to the Manus Island processing centre on Papua New Guinea and elsewhere in the Pacific nation for assessment, with no cap on the number that can be transferred.

Even if found to be "genuine refugees" Rudd said asylum-seekers would have "no chance" of settlement in Australia under the new policy and will have to remain in PNG. Those whose applications are not successful would be sent back home or to third countries. The Regional Settlement Arrangement, which was signed by the two leaders yesterday, will initially be in effect for 12 months and will be reviewed annually. It comes into effect immediately.

The aim is to pose a strong disincentive for people considering the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia, particularly so-called "economic migrants" who make the trip not to flee persecution but for a better life in Australia.

Courtesy : Daily News

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Continuing_Vigilance_Essential_with_LTTE_Front_Organizations_GLTellsEU_20130720_03

7/20/2013 11:21:02 AM

Continuing Vigilance Essential with LTTE Front Organizations - G.L.Tells EU The Delegation for Relations with Countries of South Asia in the European Parliament held bilateral discussions with Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, on Thursday (18). The two sides agreed to schedule dates for the 18th European Union - Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Brussels within the next few months. Prof. Peiris acknowledged the ongoing co-operation on counter-terrorism, and judicial action taken by several member countries of the European Union against terrorist elements inimical to Sri Lanka. He said that there are continuing fund raising activities carried out by LTTE front organizations and reiterated the importance of sustained vigilance in this regard. The Minister referred to Europol's Terrorist Situation and Trend Report (TESAT) this year which states that these organizations are still considered active and benefitting from some support, especially in countries with a significant diaspora. Members of the European Parliament delegation shared with the Minister their impressions gathered during their visit to the North. Minister Peiris briefed them comprehensively on implementation of the LLRC Report, the preparations under way for the Business Forum on the sidelines of CHOGM - in which business leaders from several European countries outside the Commonwealth will participate - and other current issues in Sri Lanka. The discussions included the Erasmus Mundus Programme for postgraduate study in European Universities and co-operation in the field of fisheries. Minister Peiris stressed that the delegation had the opportunity of making their own independent assessment because they had visited the country as recently as last year, and they could now observe for themselves the progress since then. The government, he said, welcomes this, because what is important is that foreign delegations should be able to rely on their own judgment rather than be influenced by propaganda. The delegation from the European Parliament was led by Ms. Jean LAMBERT, and the other members of the delegation were Thomas MANN, Salvador SEDO ALABART, Horst SCHNELLHARDT, Niccolo RINALDI, Nirj DEVA,Ms. Signe OHAKAS, Francois MASSOULIE, Ms. Ainhoa MARKULETA, Ms. Sabine MEYER, Ms. Francisca NEHER, Ms. Andrea SEIDENSTUECKER and Ms. Bettina EXNER-MARA. Courtesy : Department of Government information

http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=6480

The annual War Hero commemorative ceremony at D.S Senanayaka college, Borella Thursday (11) morning paid tribute to 34 of their fallen old boys who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting for defence of the country during 30-year long war for peace.  The glittering and dignified ceremony saw bouquets of flowers were laid at the foot of the D.S Senanayaka College war memorial which itself was one of the firsts to have been erected inside a national school premises. General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army graced the event as the Chief Guest while Mr Sumathi Dharmawardena, Deputy Solicitor General took part as the Guest of Honour. Sponsored by Old Boys Association (OBA) of the college, the event after tributes to the fallen, offered special appreciative tokens of memory to spouses, family members, sons and daughters, present at the ceremony soon after floral wreath-laying at the college memorial. D.S Senanayaka College with its motto, ‘Country before Self’ during the ceremony conducted multi-religious rites and observances with the participation of Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Islamic priests, in which merits were transferred to their memory. Brief orations recalled their heroic contribution and sacrifices, highlighting the importance of remembering them as a grateful nation. Mr D.M.D Dissanayaka, Principal, Executive members of the OBA, next of kin of fallen War Heroes, teachers, students and a large gathering attended the memorial ceremony.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Serving_the_people_20130710_02

Serving the people

More assistance for education sector in Tricomalee

Extending its community welfare initiatives, Security Forces Headquarters - East in association with the Rotary Club, Wattala gifted 45 paddle bicycles and 150 pairs of shoes for school children in Muttur Division recently.

The programme was initiated with a view of uplifting the educational background of the students in Trincomalee District. Philanthropic gesture of societies coming forward to help the children based in developing former war affected regions, spending their own capital is praiseworthy and exemplary.

Meanwhile, Troops attach to 2nd Sri Lanka National Guard in Ichalanpathu of 22 Division (East), also conducted a "Shramadhana Campaign" to clean the vicinity of Udappukeni School recently. Convert the school ground into a healthy and lovable place for both teachers and children was the main intention of the exercise.

In order to assist the east community to rebuild their lives within the national reconciliation programme, security forces personnel are extensively involved in providing livelihood assistances. In this process a special attention also paid to the educational background development.

CHOGM a great opportunity for Sri Lanka

Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris mentioned that "CHOGM conference to be held in November will be a great opportunity for Sri Lanka which gives an opportunity for the heads of 54 states to witness the development taking place in the country following the elimination of terrorism at a time when there is a move against Sri Lanka at the international sphere" addressing a Parliamentary session yesterday (10th July).

Responding to the adjournment motion moved by UPFA MP A. H. M. Azwer, Prof. G. L. Peiris also made following observation in the Parliament.

CHOGM that is to be held in Sri Lanka this November will bring fame to our country. This is the first time that a CHOGM is held in an Asian country after 24 years. This is also the biggest international conference to be held in Sri Lanka after the Non-Aligned Conference held in 1976. This is a great opportunity to showcase the post war developments in Sri Lanka and we invite the heads of 54 states to witness on their own the development activities without being influenced by the rumours of those with vested interests.

The participants of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Conference in March last year said after visiting the North, the situation and development were totally different to the rumours they heard. Even the Canadian Parliamentarian said he was surprised to see the developments taken place in the North within a short span after the elimination of terrorism.

There is a great operation in the international sphere against Sri Lanka today. So this visit of the heads of state will be a great opportunity to change these attempts. In parallel to this, there will be a Business Forum. In addition to the participants of the CHOGM business community, the business communities from countries like China, Japan, Russia, Korea and Thailand will participate in the Business Forum.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Stride_2_of_War_Hero_Children_Draws_Huge_Public_Support_20130714_03

Stride-2" of War Hero Children Draws Huge Public Support

The second fund-raising 'Viru Daru' Stride -2 (Public Walk) from the Galle Face green commenced with a record 3000 walkers of all ages, the majority being sons and daughters of Army families, attached to the 'Viru Daru' Society, stunning Colombo and its suburbs covering a distance of about 8 km on Saturday (13).

The start of the second marathon walk at about 8.00 a.m. received a heartening fillip, following the arrival of Mr Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament, General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), Senior Army officers and other invitees to join the walk.

Ms Deshanee Jayasuriya, Chairperson, Viru Daru Society, together with senior office-bearers received the distinguished guests warmly and invited them to join the walk, meant to raise funds for various Viru Daru welfare projects and create awareness among the general public on the well-being of children of War Hero families.

The second public walk, open to everyone also expects to provide psychological counseling to war affected children of both civilians and War Heroes with different programmes, expected to be launched by the Viru Daru Society (VDS) in the future.

Replicas of strolling elephants, horses, vintage cars, double deckers and sniffer dogs, different fancy dresses and models, etc giving a hilarious dimension to the walking parade, added fun and amusement to the event as onlookers along Kompannaveediya road, Gangarama road, Pittala junction, Liberty roundabout, Duplication road, Bambalapitiya, Galle road, Kollupitiya and return to Galle Face, cheered the participating walkers, including the Commander of the Army and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, the heavyweight behind the success of Viru Daru Society projects.

At the end of the walk, school accessories and 250 scholarships worth of Rs 10,000/= each for (grade 1-5) students, Rs 15,000/= each for (grade 6-11) students and Rs 20,000/= each for (grade 12-13) students were offered to children of disabled and fallen War Heroes by 'Viru Daru Society', with the sponsorship of the People's Bank.

Meanwhile, a special scholarship to a Tamil student from Shivanagar, Puthukudiruppu was granted on the same occasion. The student, who has three sisters in his family and had lost his wrist area of the left hand while his mother had also lost one of her legs during wartime. On the same occasion Vijayabahu Viru Daru Society chaired by Mr Deshitha Samarathunga donated Rs 250,000/= towards the coffers of the Viru Daru Society.

All participants received certificates from the organizers for participation in the event. A brief musical session afterwards culminated the day's programme.

Courtesy : Army Media

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Public_spaces_for_the_common_good_20130712_03

 

Public spaces for the common good

Architecture defines to a great extent 'who' a country's people are in the eyes of an outsider. Although a

Walk Way

country which is not even half a millennia old yet, as a nation the founders of the USA had given much through to what their nation will speak to the world through the architecture that stands impressively in their capital -Washington D.C.

Memorialisation is also a very central element in Sate planned topography that will demarcate 'spaces' for commemoration of what is valued in a country's narrative of its civilisation. What I wish to discuss in this article is to do with what I learnt from a conversation one evening with two persons who are conscious of the need for 'public spaces' that contribute to a community's communal bonding and help improve an individual's mental health. Udan Fernando and Debra Efroymson are regular visitors to the Mount Lavinia beach and they have seen what great value it has as a 'public space' which functions smoothly with hardly any institutional supervision involved.

After hearing engineer Rohan Seneviratne, Additional Secretary (Technical), Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Project Director, Metro Colombo Urban Development Project at a forum on how the government is now placing emphasis on creating public spaces as part of the post-conflict development plan, Debra had been inspired to make an initiative to do a study on the functional aspect of what would be an ideal public space.

Social stratification

Together with Udan, the two of them had identified the merits of the Mount Lavinia beach that reveals its idealness as a public space that has come into function without any barriers of class or other forms of social stratification involved. A research study had been embarked upon with the help of Dr. Jagath Munasinghe, Head, Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa and has now culminated in an upcoming publication titled Public Space and Quality of Life: A Case Study of Mount Lavinia Beach. The report is to be launched on July 30 and what is hoped thereafter is for active dialogue between the authorities to consider various aspects that contribute towards developing successful public spaces.

Can a public space be created through policy decisions or does it get created gradually through nondescript citizens finding a particular geographic location conducive to spend some time away from the tedium of their routine which could be either severely housebound or tied to office work? A public space of course would mean a place that is accessible to all with no entry fee involved or stipulations of

Spending for purchases, be it food and beverages or items for kids amusement. Looking at the locations in and around the greater Colombo area one could say that both policy decisions and gradual common communal usage can create public spaces.

Urban landscape

Arguably Colombo's best known public space today is the Galle Face green. The dedication of that stretch of land overlooking the sea to the 'Ladies and Children of Colombo' by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward can be seen as possibly the first ever public space being created by a policy decision. Declaring a patch of land as a public space is one thing, but then how does it gain its 'character' in terms of being topographically moulded to suit the urban landscape? This is where active human intervention comes in, which can be either institutional or through gradual public participation that would result in structures coming on the scene.

Tourist attractions

Thanks to the present Urban Development Authority, the capital city of Kotte, of which I am a constituent, has today two remarkably spectacular public spaces, located in Kotte near the Diyawannawa and in Nugegoda. These are not only used and appreciated by the joggers and walkers but also families and youth who find great respite being in the salubrious settings. I was made ware by Debra that spaces such as these in the jargon related to town and city planning are called 'scripted public spaces' whereas a place like the Mount Lavinia beach would qualify to the definition of 'unscripted public spaces'.

Diyatha Uyana	Dutch Hospital

With our growing schemes of urbanisation the need for public spaces to ensure citizens have spaces that have good accessibility and with the right 'ingredients' that facilitate a calm and safe environment to relax their minds is a need that cannot be negated.

From my point of view with the bolstered policy decisions to promote tourism round the country that now includes the greater Colombo area shaping most potential spaces in a touristy glow to serve as tourist attractions may not necessarily serve the needs of the citizens of that locale.

leisure area in Colombo	Racecourse Mini Stand

Gaggles of camera clad tourists clicking their cameras at the landscape where citizens are enjoying some quality leisure time can be irritating to those who value their privacy and appreciate the harmonious ambience that helps find peace of mind.

Weli Park Nawala

The government of the day is achieving remarkable strides in terms of urban planning and city beautification. These are the fruits of defeating a three decade long separatist war that crippled our chances to enhance public life. But the pursuit of economic goals bust be realised through polices that are integrated with the needs for 'citizens' wellness' that is outside the scope of economic well being.

Through hearing the pulse of the citizenry and dialoguing to realise their aspirations in terms of workable, salutary urban topography beneficial to all, the administrators and constituents will surely further the goals of 'people's government'.

Courtesy : Daily News

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/07/14/fea03.asp

 

Islamist Jihadists suspected of crime:

Bodh Gaya now safe for pilgrims

By Manjula Fernando

Damage caused to a building in Bodh Gaya

An undetenoted bomb was found close to the Buddha statue

Although investigators are yet to establish the mastermind behind the series of blasts in Bodh Gaya and the Mahabodhi complex. It is now clear that they were terror attacks.
The possibility of any LTTE involvement has also been ruled out by officials although investigators have said the bombs (IEDs) do not resemble any of the bombs used in previous terror attacks carried out in India. A national security analyst, Pravin Swami who is also a writer on security issues said that there is no evidence to conclude as to who the perpetrators of the Bodh Gaya attack were since the investigations were still at a preliminary stage.
In an email to the Sunday Observer he said that ‘it’s possible that the LTTE, or any other group, may have carried out the attack’, but going by recent developments in India, he said that the ‘only suspects who have the capacity and the intention of carrying out this attack are the Islamists’.
The Sunday Observer sought his comments about the blast as an Indian expert analyst on Security Issues, in the aftermath of the attack which perturbed Buddhist devotees in Sri Lanka. There was a public outcry against the attack.

Disturbing revelation

“The bombs which were basically ammonium-nitrate based IEDs, using a simple clock timer, packed into small gas cylinders, could have been used by any group that has the ‘know-how to make such devices,” Swami said. According to him such bomb-making information is accessible to anyone on the internet.
He has made a disturbing revelation that the Indian Mujahideen, the group that has already tweeted claiming responsibility to the blasts is a jihadist group linked to Lashkar e Taiba (LeT). International Terrorism Expert Prof. Rohan Gunaratana last week in an interview with the Sunday Observer said that the LTTE had trained the marine wing of the LeT.
However, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris told Parliament last Wednesday that the Indian Government has informed Sri lanka, the investigations so far rule out the attacks had a Sri Lankan connection.
A total of ten blasts rocked the peaceful Mahabodhi temple and Sri Maha Bodhi, a place revered by Buddhists all over the world. Three more live bombs, two near the temple and one near a hotel four kilometres away, were defused later.

Explosions

The explosions had occurred within a span of 30 minutes between 5.30am to 6.00am and a meditating Burmese monk under the Bo tree was among those injured. The Sri Lankan High Commission confirmed that no Sri Lankan or Sri Lankan monk was injured in the blasts.
Many hundred thousands visit India every year, including nearly 150,000 pilgrims from Sri Lanka to pay homage to the sacred temple and the bo-tree.
This is reportedly the first terror attack in Bihar and targetting of Buddhist shrines by terror groups. The Media reported that following the arrest of Mujahideen suspects in October 2012, an intelligence advisory has been issued to Bihar Police Chief by a special Cell in Delhi that Bodh Gaya was on the terrorist hit list. Reports issued from time to time had warned of heightened risks to Buddhist religious places and their possible targeting by Jihadist groups as a consequence of the riots in Myanmar.
While there are accusations that the state government did not provide proper protection, officials were quoted in the media as saying it was not possible to protect all religious places perceived as targets.

Side view of building damaged in the attack

IED's found in the Bodh Gaya premises

Indian Congress Party Leader, Sonia Gandhi was among the many dignitaries who visited the scene. Union Home minister Shushikumar Shinde who accompanied her on Wednesday speaking to media said, ”We condemn the bomb blasts in Lord Buddha’s holy land. Such blasts in the peaceful land of Bodh Gaya is a matter of serious concern,” the Economic Times reported.
He said there were two big teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the case and they suspect that three to four people and a car may be involved in the attack. Four people who were arrested soon after the incident have been released now for not having enough evidence to connect them with the attack.The Secretary of the Mahabodhi Trust N.Dorjee speaking to Sunday Observer on Thursday said a Burmese monk and a man were still receiving treatment in hospital but their condition was stable.

Pilgrimage

He said the Sri Lankans could begin their pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya and security has now been improved in the temple complex. However, with the investigations continuing and no suspects arrested a ban on cameras and mobile phones has been imposed for the time being.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi, Prasad Kariyawasam also confirmed that pilgrim travel was now permitted to Bodh Gaya from Sri Lanka since a security system has been set up with the intervention of the Central Government.
He said, soon after the incident, President Mahinda Rajapaksa phoned Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar and expressed Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the peace loving people of Bihar and India, and offered any assistance that may be required. On his instructions officials at the High Commission and the Deputy High Commissioner’s Office in Chennai were sent to Bodh Gaya on the same day the explosions took place. They were to coordinate with authorities in India to ensure the safety and security of the sacred site as well as pilgrims, particularly from Sri Lanka.
According to the HC it has been established that there has been no damage to the sacred Bodhi, the structure of the shrine and premises or to sacred objects as a result of the blasts.
**************

Bodh Gaya was not the target - SL High Commissioner in India

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India, Pradeep Kariyawasam

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India, Prasad Kariyawasam said going by the locations where the time bombs (explosive filled mini gas cylinders) were placed, it was apparent the attackers did not particularly target the Bodh Gaya centre of the Mahabodhi Society managed by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks.
In a lengthy explanatory letter in reply to a query the Sunday Observer made he said.
“Investigations continue to be conducted by central and state authorities in India to uncover the sources and intentions behind the abominable attack on the sacred Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex comprises several sacred sites associated with the first seven weeks of the Buddha’s life following his enlightenment including the Vajrasana (the exact spot where the Buddha sat in meditation and attained enlightenment) and the sacred Bodhi Tree under whose shelter the Buddha attained enlightenment.
In a wider area outside this Mahabodhi Temple Complex, there are several temples, monasteries and pilgrim centres constructed mainly by Buddhist communities in Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Tibet, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sikkim etc., and these centres are maintained by monks and members of the respective communities.
The Bodh Gaya centre of the Mahabodhi Society of India is situated outside but in close proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
This centre is managed by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks since the Mahabodhi Society of India was established by the late Anagarika Dharmapala long years ago.
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is managed by a Management Committee comprising Indian nationals as per the gazetted provisions of the Indian Government and representatives of several Buddhist countries including Sri Lanka serve on an Advisory Board which provides advice to the Management Committee on request. However, the Advisory Board has no direct role in the management of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
In the attack in Bodh Gaya on Sunday 7 July, low intensity bombs were planted within the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and in several sites outside the Mahabodhi Temple Complex including at the Tibetan temple as well as on a bus timed to go off before dawn.
There were no explosives found any where inside or near the Bodh Gaya centre of the Mahabodhi Society of India which is managed by the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks that is visited by Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya.
In this context, it is apparent that whoever conducted this attack did not target Sri Lankan pilgrims or Sri Lankan monks.
Moreover, the explosive devices placed within the Mahabodhi Temple Complex as well as outside were timed to explode before dawn during the lean season when there are less pilgrims inhabiting these locations.
Considering these facts, there is no reason to believe that any group connected with Sri Lanka is involved in this attack. Some people in India speculate that this attack may be connected with Mujahedeen groups operating in India.
However, investigating authorities in India have not yet stated anything conclusively as investigations are still continuing. Some believe that this attack could even be the result of a local dispute.”

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/07/14/fea02.asp

National Security Concerns - 3:

Economic development, national reconciliation - key areas of focus

By Gotabaya Rajapaksa

The maintenance of maritime security is another serious National Security Concern that the Government needs to be vigilant about. As an island, Sri Lanka does not have land borders to worry about, but maintaining maritime security is a serious challenge. In the past, the only maritime security issues that had to be dealt with was the illegal movement of Indians in to Sri Lanka and the smuggling that took place between Sri Lanka and South India. Preventing these threats was one of the foremost duties of the military in the 1950s and 1960s. However, with the development of the LTTE and other terrorist groups in the 1970s and beyond, maritime security became a major concern to Sri Lanka.

The Military is now involved in a great deal of non-military work

For example, it is a well-known fact that the LTTE acquired a vast arsenal of weapons and equipment including artillery, missiles, mortars, armoured vehicles and even light aircraft. None of these items were produced in Sri Lanka, but were brought in to Sri Lanka through the sea. In addition to military supplies, the LTTE's cadre were initially trained at bases in Tamil Nadu. Given the recent activities of LTTE-linked organisations outside Sri Lanka and particularly in Tamil Nadu, this is very much a threat even today.
The organised trafficking of persons or human smuggling is another significant maritime security issue. Organised groups, some of which are connected to LTTE-linked organisations, have lured many people seeking better economic prospects in to this lucrative illegal operation. During this year alone, more than 440 such people have attempted to leave Sri Lanka illegally. Having sold their properties and handed over all their wealth to the operators of these schemes, the victims of human trafficking find themselves trapped on board unsafe vessels along with hundreds of others, travelling to countries that will most often refuse them entry. To make a compelling case for their acceptance by border control authorities abroad, such economic refugees often concoct stories about being persecuted in Sri Lanka, thereby damaging the country's reputation.

Human trafficking

Furthermore, the mechanisms of human trafficking have enabled trained terrorists to escape justice in Sri Lanka and flee abroad to safe havens, from which they may once again attempt to cause problems to the country through other means.
A further consideration with regard to maritime security is the protection of our maritime assets. One of the problems Sri Lanka has faced in the maritime domain after the defeat of the LTTE has been the increasing incidence of pirate fishing in Sri Lankan waters by South Indian fishermen. Some of these fishermen use illegal practices such as bottom trawling to maximise their catch. This causes serious damage to the healthy fish stocks in Sri Lankan waters, and also adversely affects the livelihoods of our own fishermen. These fishing boats that enter Sri Lankan waters illegally have also been known to engage in other criminal activities including drug smuggling. Protecting our waters from these fishermen, as well as from others who might seek to exploit our other oceanic resources including oil and gas, will be one of the key maritime security challenges for Sri Lanka in the future.
Somewhat farther afield, the threat of international piracy is also a concern for Sri Lanka's maritime security. Many of the world's most important Sea Lanes of Communications are located in close proximity to Sri Lanka, and both the newly built Hambantota Port as well as the Colombo Port are ideally situated to service the hundreds of vessels that cross these lanes on a daily basis. The reach and sophistication of the pirates originating mostly from East Africa has been increasing in recent years.

The Military is now involved in a great deal of non-military work

This factor undermines the security of these sea lanes and could pose a serious problem to shipping in the region in the future. This will have an impact on the country's economic security as well, and is therefore another challenge that needs to be monitored.

Border security

With regard to border security, one of the concerns Sri Lanka has is the possibility of the country being used as a transit point for transnational crime. The arrest of certain elements connected with extremist regional terrorist groups in India and Pakistan have shown that they have used Sri Lanka as a transit point from which to coordinate their activities. Some who are known to have been temporarily sheltered in Sri Lanka by an international organisation after claiming refugee status in the west, are known criminals who engaged in illegal activities such as credit card fraud, drug smuggling and counterfeit currency printing abroad.
Organised crime in Sri Lanka is another issue that needs to be addressed. As a result of the rise of terrorism and the insurrections Sri Lanka experienced over the last 40 years, and the response required from the State, a considerable amount of arms and ammunition inadvertently fell into the hands of criminals. This led to the rise of the underworld, which is now engaged in a number of organised criminal activities including drugs, armed robberies, kidnappings for ransom and financial fraud. There are also groups that engage in seizing land illegally. Tackling the challenges posed by organised criminal groups is another priority for the State.
In today's environment, the possibility of foreign interference in our internal affairs remains a significant National Security Concern. With the involvement of countries like India, Norway, and the United States of America in Sri Lanka as a result of the terrorist conflict, matters relating to this country's internal affairs have gained increased visibility within the international community. India in particular is very sensitive to what is going on in Sri Lanka because of the large Tamil population in its influential southern state of Tamil Nadu. Especially during the elections cycle, Sri Lanka figures large in its power politics.
In the recent past, we have seen even the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu attempting to pressurise the Central Government in to opposing Sri Lanka internationally. This is a serious threat to Sri Lanka's security, and perhaps even its sovereignty.

Rapid development

Furthermore, as a result of the rapid economic and military development of countries like India and China in recent decades, the entire Asian region has become increasingly important in global affairs. Because of Sri Lanka's important geo-strategic position within the Indian Ocean region, a great deal of attention is therefore placed upon it in the present era. There is a possibility that some western powers wish to have a Sri Lankan Government that is closely aligned with their interests, and will seek to influence Sri Lanka's destiny so that it cannot pursue the independent course it is following at present.

International pirates, a serious problem

A third factor that has led to Sri Lanka's increasing importance in the international arena involves regional power politics. The issues between India and Pakistan, and the issues between India and China are particularly sensitive in this regard. With the rise of China as a world economic leader, there is a widespread belief that India feels insecure and is seeking to align itself with the other powers that seem similarly threatened by China's ascendancy. The likelihood of the United States showing more interest in the region and aligning more with India is a factor that may affect Sri Lanka. Further, its establishment of a base in the Maldives is also changing the complexion of the region. These are developments that need to be monitored from the point of view of Sri Lanka's National Security.
The final threat to Sri Lanka's National Security that I will highlight during this lecture is the emergence of technology-driven new media including social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and other websites on the Internet. We have seen the potential of this new media to destabilise nations and affect serious change in the case of countries like Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.
Although the likelihood of events such as the Arab spring transpiring in Sri Lanka is minimal as a result of it being a democratic nation with an extremely popular political leadership that enjoys a very large electoral majority, this is yet another threat that needs to be monitored. Particularly due to increasing Internet penetration and computer literacy in Sri Lanka, many of our youth are familiar with social media and use it as a tool to gather information as well as propagate ideas. Those with vested interests can exploit social media to cause problems in Sri Lanka by propagating certain ideologies online and mobilising and organising people. This can be done with a minimal physical presence, and therefore forms a threat that is difficult to contain through the traditional tools of national defence.

National Security response

Considering the foregoing threat assessment, it is clear that despite Sri Lanka being in a situation in which most people are only concerned about economic development, National Security remains very much a core concern for the Government. In addressing the challenges discussed above and developing a comprehensive National Security Strategy, it is important for the Government to take a holistic view and incorporate many of its elements into a single policy framework.
In terms of internal security, the best response to most of the threats that we face is the development of the intelligence services. Sri Lanka has two primary intelligence arms: the State Intelligence Service and the Defence Intelligence, which comprise the Directorate of Military Intelligence, Directorate of Naval Intelligence, and Air Intelligence. In addition, the Police maintains the Special Branch, while the Special Task Force also has its own Intelligence Division. Furthermore, the Terrorist Investigation Department and Criminal Investigation Department of the Police also work closely with the other intelligence agencies on matters relating to National Security.
In the past, the lack of strength and coordination amongst these various intelligence services used to be a serious issue. It is essential that they work together under a unified command structure to improve coordination and enhance capabilities. Towards this effect, one of the efforts undertaken by the present Government has been to bring these intelligence services under the Chief of National Intelligence, who reports directly to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. This has streamlined coordination and improved cooperation amongst the intelligence agencies.
Another important development in this regard has been the augmenting of resources allocated for the intelligence function. After the war against terrorism, the number of military intelligence units has been increased and each Security Force Headquarters now has its own Intelligence Unit. The intelligence personnel are being afforded more training to enhance their capabilities and capacities, and as Sri Lanka moves forward, it is hoped that the intelligence agencies will be able to keep track of and contain domestic National Security Concerns.
Furthermore, although the requirement for offensive military operations no longer exists in Sri Lanka, it is of the utmost importance that our security measures are not relaxed. Although the Military is not engaged in law enforcement activities, and although their visible presence has been greatly reduced, it is essential for the Military to be placed in strategic locations throughout Sri Lanka. Particularly in the North and the East, where we know that there are still potential threats to National Security, it is essential to have a significant though unobtrusive military presence.
Some recent efforts of international elements to reorganise pro-LTTE elements in the North underscores the need for this. For example, the recent arrest of some youth in Jaffna and Chennai who had been recruited by a Chennai-based LTTE-linked group funded by the LTTE's Europe-based network, shows the utmost need to remain vigilant in this regard.

Sovereign nation

It must also be underscored that as a sovereign nation, Sri Lanka has every right to place its security elements in any part of the country it so chooses. While some in the international community talk about the so-called militarisation of the North and the East, and some political parties in Sri Lanka decry the presence of the Military in these areas, it must also be understood that the people of the North and the East mostly have a very cordial relationship with the Military. Since the end of terrorism, the Military has been involved in a great deal of reconstruction work, and they have also supported the people of the area to resume their livelihoods. They have provided equipment and material for agriculture, fishing and various types of assistance for small business development. The increased attention given to Civic-Military affairs also helps National Security because it helps the Armed Forces to win the hearts and minds of the people in the former conflict areas.
With regard to the work of the defence services in this environment, it is also essential to expand the responsibilities of the Navy and the Coast Guard. The protection of Sri Lanka's maritime borders is of the utmost importance, and there is a great deal of responsibility on these two institutions to safeguard our seas. The Exclusive Economic Zone Sri Lanka enjoys needs to be protected, as it is a vital economic asset.
The Navy needs to get more naval assets so that it has the ability to patrol or dominate the blue seas. It is also important to improve the Navy's surveillance capabilities through augmenting its radars and adding a new air surveillance capability. The Air Force, too, needs to improve it capabilities with regard to surveillance operations.
Another aspect of internal security that needs to be mentioned is the rectification of weaknesses that we used to have with regard to the national identity system. Because it was a manual, paper-based system, criminal and terrorist elements could very easily obtain forged identity cards. This enabled the terrorists to operate throughout Sri Lanka under various names and aliases; this is why the threat of suicide bombings and other attacks in the rest of Sri Lanka was such a pressing problem during the terrorism.
To address this critical weakness, the Registrar of Persons Department was brought under the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, and a new identity card system that uses biometric information will be introduced shortly. Similarly, the problem of people coming into Sri Lanka and staying here illegally under false pretences will be addressed through the introduction of a proper border control system in which biometric information will be incorporated in to the passport and international standards used for identity verification.

National reconciliation

From the point of view of domestic security, perhaps the most critical aspect will be the achievement of national reconciliation and the forging of a common Sri Lankan identity. Economic development is an absolute necessity in this regard. The fact remains that unless people enjoy a reasonable standard of living, peace and reconciliation are very difficult to achieve. This is why the Government has spared no expense or effort to develop infrastructure and build up the North and the East to a high standard.
This will enable the benefits of peace to flow down to the people of those areas. When people know that they have the opportunity to achieve a better future for themselves, it is highly unlikely that they will waste their time on violent ideologies. The achievement of economic development and national reconciliation are therefore two of the key areas of focus of the Government in the present national context.
Finally, with regard to external threats, it is of the utmost importance that Sri Lanka maintains cordial relationships with its allies. Despite the present pressure from Tamil Nadu, it is essential to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with India. Relations with the many countries that helped us in the past, both in economic terms and through political support, should be strengthened further through skilful diplomacy and further development of mutual ties.
It is essential to further strengthen the existing cordial relationships with powerful nations such as China and Russia, which have permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council and can influence any international action on Sri Lanka more significantly than other nations. In this overall context, it is very important that the foreign policy of Sri Lanka needs to be realistic. It is essential for Sri Lanka to have close ties with certain powerful nations in the international community to safeguard its National Security interests.
During the course of this lecture, I have outlined the overall context of Sri Lanka's National Security Concerns, identified our most pressing threats and discussed the broad outlines of the Government's strategy to deal with all these issues. Ultimately, the best way to ensure that Sri Lanka remains safe and strong in the future is for all of us to put aside the differences of the past; unite as Sri Lankans, and work towards a better future for ourselves and for each other.
The lecture on the National Interest Module of the inaugural Mphil/PhD Programme of the Kotelawala Defence University delivered by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently.

Concluded