http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110309_04
IAC progress remarkable - Minister Samarasinghe
'Foreign envoys appreciated SL reconciliation efforts'
Plantation Industries Minister and Presidential nominee on Human Rights Affairs Mahinda Samarasinghe said that he met more than 50 envoys representing a number of countries in Geneva and they understood the importance of having an internal mechanism to look into what actually happened during the time of conflict.
"The majority of them appreciated what we are doing to improve infrastructure in the former war zone. They were also pleased about the ongoing LLRC process and rehabilitation of LTTE cadres," he said, adding that a majority of member states of the UN Human Rights Commission appreciated Sri Lanka's reconciliation efforts.
He said so addressing the media yesterday (8) on his return from Geneva, where he briefed the Human Rights Commission of post-conflict reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts.
The Inter Agency Committee (IAC) appointed to facilitate the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations has made remarkable progress, he added.
He criticised ongoing attempts in some quarters to undermine the LLRC and said they have arrived at pre-conceived notions without any rational basis that the LLRC is a non-independent body even before the final report is out.
He added that no person can claim that the LLRC comprised Government's representatives as they are eminent persons who excelled in many fields in the country. He said the Commission has already issued an interim report to the President.
"We will ensure that the LLRC recommendations are implemented in the country," he said.
The Minister also said that the reconciliation commission appointed by the President met people in the North and East as well as ex-LTTE cadres and recorded evidence from them.
He also pointed out that the Government has received information that certain members of the Tamil Diaspora are still involved in extorting money, purchasing arms and drug peddling. The Minister said that a number of LTTE activists who were involved in such activities were arrested by Canada, Switzerland and Norway during the last two weeks.
Pointing out that the Government deals only with the UN Secretary General, Minister Samarasinghe stressed that the Government has no dealing with the members of the UN panel.
He also said the Government is committed to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan to further promote Human Rights in Sri Lanka. This Action Plan would be implemented soon, he said.
He pointed out that a special committee is in the process of formulating this National Human Rights Action Plan. The committee headed by the Attorney General comprises representatives of various ministries and civil society organizations.
Courtesy : President's Media Unit
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110309_05
Canada deports MV Sun Sea migrantFound he was a member of LTTEA Tamil migrant out of the hundreds who came ashore in Canada last summer onboard MV Sun Sea was ordered to deport Tuesday after he was found by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to have been a member of the banned terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The man admitted to being a member of the Sea Tigers. He was injured in a battle in 1994 in a mission to destroy a Sri Lankan naval ship, which failed; the Vancouver Sun reported quoting IRB spokesperson Melissa Anderson, who attended Tuesday's hearing.
He is the first of the 492 migrants who arrived on the MV Sun Sea last year to be deported due to links to the LTTE.
"The Immigration and Refugee Board has determined the subject to be a risk to our national security and is not admissible to Canada under our laws," Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said in a statement. "Today's decision is an unmitigated victory for the rule of law.
"Our government will continue our fight to preserve the integrity of our immigration system for those who come to Canada lawfully — including all legitimate refugees. Canada will continue to opens its doors to those who work hard and play by the rules."
According to Anderson, at Tuesday's hearing, Carla Medley, a Canada Border Services Agency representative, told the board that the migrant had undergone basic training for three or four months and also received combat training where he learned to fire a weapon.
He was then recruited to join the Tigers' naval wing — the Sea Tigers — in 1993 and worked as a motor mechanic.
The role he performed was "not marginal," Medley said, according to Anderson.
Under Canadian immigration law, the immigration board only has to find that there are "reasonable grounds to believe" the migrant was a member of the Tigers. In his ruling, adjudicator Michael McPhalen said the threshold had been met and ordered the migrant deported.
In 2009, another vessel — the Ocean Lady — carrying 76 Tamil migrants arrived on B.C.'s coast.
Canada deports MV Sun Sea migrantFound he was a member of LTTEA Tamil migrant out of the hundreds who came ashore in Canada last summer onboard MV Sun Sea was ordered to deport Tuesday after he was found by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to have been a member of the banned terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The man admitted to being a member of the Sea Tigers. He was injured in a battle in 1994 in a mission to destroy a Sri Lankan naval ship, which failed; the Vancouver Sun reported quoting IRB spokesperson Melissa Anderson, who attended Tuesday's hearing.
He is the first of the 492 migrants who arrived on the MV Sun Sea last year to be deported due to links to the LTTE.
"The Immigration and Refugee Board has determined the subject to be a risk to our national security and is not admissible to Canada under our laws," Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said in a statement. "Today's decision is an unmitigated victory for the rule of law.
"Our government will continue our fight to preserve the integrity of our immigration system for those who come to Canada lawfully — including all legitimate refugees. Canada will continue to opens its doors to those who work hard and play by the rules."
According to Anderson, at Tuesday's hearing, Carla Medley, a Canada Border Services Agency representative, told the board that the migrant had undergone basic training for three or four months and also received combat training where he learned to fire a weapon.
He was then recruited to join the Tigers' naval wing — the Sea Tigers — in 1993 and worked as a motor mechanic.
The role he performed was "not marginal," Medley said, according to Anderson.
Under Canadian immigration law, the immigration board only has to find that there are "reasonable grounds to believe" the migrant was a member of the Tigers. In his ruling, adjudicator Michael McPhalen said the threshold had been met and ordered the migrant deported.
In 2009, another vessel — the Ocean Lady — carrying 76 Tamil migrants arrived on B.C.'s coast.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110308_02
Brazil welcomes SL's post-conflict progress
Brazil’s External Relation Minister Mr.Antonio Patriota highly appreciated the post –conflict progress achieved by Sri Lanka on many sections and admired President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s success in combining economic progress with equity, and human and social development.
Brazilian Minister made this comment when he paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa at President House yesterday (7th March).
There the Sri Lankan President explained the Brazilian Minister about the post conflict reconstruction including the rehabilitation and reconciliation aspects. He further made him convince that Sri Lanka has already recorded eight percent economic growth with the re-establishment of security and political stability,
The visiting Brazilian Minister conveyed the felicitation of the President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff to President Rajapaksa on the restoration of peace and stability in Sri Lanka.
During the discussion President Rajapaksa mentioned that his vision was to transform Sri Lanka into a major regional hub for energy, knowledge, maritime services, aviation and tourism and he further appreciated the Brazlian President’s effort that he made to achieve the economic stability and the social progress in Brazil.
The Brazilian Minister accompanied by a delegation of senior officials arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday for a three-day official visit.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110307_02
Canadian Tamil husband portrays 'White Van' gimmick to elude homicide
www.defence.lk">Swift investigations and timely action initiated by Jaffna security forces Head Quarters have led to an arrest of a homicide suspect and rescue of an abducted 15 year old child in Jaffna. According to Jaffna security forces Head Quarters, the arrest of the killer and aide was made within 24hours of the incident that laid trail to a startling revelation.
As per Chavachcheri Police, sting operations are now under way with the assistance of security forces to arrest remaining suspects/assassins.
The killer indentified as Selvathurai Kuhadhas, Canadian Tamil citizen, arrived in Sri Lanka on the 1st week of March driven with a subtle motive of reprisal- to kidnap his 15 year old son. Kuhadhas had spent a few days in Colombo preparing for the kill, sketching-out his final moves disguising the brutal act under cover of a "white Van facade".
Kuhadhas had acquired a 'White Dolphin van' (253-3852), from Wellawathe in Colombo and hired two contract assassins, from Vavuniya while en route. The armed suspects left from Vavuniya, and arrived at Chavachahceri on Sunday (March 6), where his wife Kuhadhas Shanthini, 37, was residing with her son Kuhadhas Ruban, 15.
According to the information revealed so far, Shanthini (victim) had been residing with her relations at Meesalai East, Meesalai since Selvathurai left for foreign shores. The killers had arrived at the victim's, uncle's house at Chavachcheri- Sunday- forcibly taking away the former and her son in broad-daylight. Following minutes of the abduction, news spread of a certain 'white-van' -giving way for fear-psychosis, popularly orchestrated by LTTE propagandists. On receiving of the perpetrated abduction of two civilians, Jaffna security forces Head Quarters and intelligence sleuths of the 52 Division initiated coordinated efforts to net the suspects immediately.
As revealed by Selvathurai, during initial interrogations by security forces following his arrest, the abductors had made their way to a remote shrub area at Chavachcheri to perpetrate the brutal act. According to Kuruban, 15, two other men who were inside the van had threaten with severe reprisal at gun-point if any resistance.
As pre-planned the killers had dragged Shanthini off the van severely assaulting her and chocking her to death with the use of a cycle chain. Following the brutal killing of Shanthini the assassins had fled along with the boy ( Kuruban), who was later left under the custody of a woman at a lodge in close proximity at the Jaffna Kachcheri.
Security forces were successful in arresting Selvathurai, prime suspect, within hours while attempting to flee despising arrest. Further, investigations led to the rescue of the 15 year old boy and arrest of the aide woman and van driver identified as Raja.
More information will follow....
Canadian Tamil husband portrays 'White Van' gimmick to elude homicide
www.defence.lk">Swift investigations and timely action initiated by Jaffna security forces Head Quarters have led to an arrest of a homicide suspect and rescue of an abducted 15 year old child in Jaffna. According to Jaffna security forces Head Quarters, the arrest of the killer and aide was made within 24hours of the incident that laid trail to a startling revelation.
As per Chavachcheri Police, sting operations are now under way with the assistance of security forces to arrest remaining suspects/assassins.
The killer indentified as Selvathurai Kuhadhas, Canadian Tamil citizen, arrived in Sri Lanka on the 1st week of March driven with a subtle motive of reprisal- to kidnap his 15 year old son. Kuhadhas had spent a few days in Colombo preparing for the kill, sketching-out his final moves disguising the brutal act under cover of a "white Van facade".
Kuhadhas had acquired a 'White Dolphin van' (253-3852), from Wellawathe in Colombo and hired two contract assassins, from Vavuniya while en route. The armed suspects left from Vavuniya, and arrived at Chavachahceri on Sunday (March 6), where his wife Kuhadhas Shanthini, 37, was residing with her son Kuhadhas Ruban, 15.
According to the information revealed so far, Shanthini (victim) had been residing with her relations at Meesalai East, Meesalai since Selvathurai left for foreign shores. The killers had arrived at the victim's, uncle's house at Chavachcheri- Sunday- forcibly taking away the former and her son in broad-daylight. Following minutes of the abduction, news spread of a certain 'white-van' -giving way for fear-psychosis, popularly orchestrated by LTTE propagandists. On receiving of the perpetrated abduction of two civilians, Jaffna security forces Head Quarters and intelligence sleuths of the 52 Division initiated coordinated efforts to net the suspects immediately.
As revealed by Selvathurai, during initial interrogations by security forces following his arrest, the abductors had made their way to a remote shrub area at Chavachcheri to perpetrate the brutal act. According to Kuruban, 15, two other men who were inside the van had threaten with severe reprisal at gun-point if any resistance.
As pre-planned the killers had dragged Shanthini off the van severely assaulting her and chocking her to death with the use of a cycle chain. Following the brutal killing of Shanthini the assassins had fled along with the boy ( Kuruban), who was later left under the custody of a woman at a lodge in close proximity at the Jaffna Kachcheri.
Security forces were successful in arresting Selvathurai, prime suspect, within hours while attempting to flee despising arrest. Further, investigations led to the rescue of the 15 year old boy and arrest of the aide woman and van driver identified as Raja.
More information will follow....
Sunday, March 6, 2011
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110227_01
Sri Lanka, rising star of Asian economy - FOX NEWS
'Success story for others to emulate'
Which country had the best performing market in 2010? FOX NEWS asked in a special report on Sri Lanka. 'Guess what? It was not the United States of America! The best performing stock market was Sri Lanka's CSE which was up 96% for the year', they said.
Calling Sri Lanka 'the rising star of the Asian economy', FOX NEWS said Sri Lanka has demonstrated economic resilience amid a global economic downturn, emerging as a success story for others to emulate.
Sri Lanka has now returned to peace and prosperity, the report said adding that the government has devoted millions of dollars to develop and restore life in the areas affected by the decades-long conflict.
'Most people displaced by the fighting have returned home as the country focuses on healing and reconciliation'.
FOX NEWS also refers to a US Senate report which called the victory against the LTTE one of the few times in history that a terrorist group has ever been defeated.
Stating that Sri Lanka is Asian's oldest democracy, it adds: 'continuing its rich traditions of democracy and political freedom, elections were held in 2010 throughout the entire country for the first time since 1983'.
FOX NEWS also states that Sri Lanka is a 'hub of religious tolerance'.
'The natural beauty of its tropical forests, beaches, mountainous landscapes and cultural heritage make it a place of unrivaled splendor that has long been praised by travel writers', it adds.
Following is the FOX NEWS transcript:
Sri Lanka is an island nation with a rich cultural heritage and a written history of over 2500 years. Nestled below the Southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is home to 21 million ethnically diverse people including Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and Malays.
It is Asia's oldest democracy and a hub of religious tolerance.
Sri Lanka is also the rising star of the Asian economy situated at the centre of the global shipping routes. It plays a vital role in international trade linking East and West.
The country is famous for producing and exporting its world-renowned Ceylon teas, clothing from Asian global manufactures, rubber products, jewellery and gems such as blue sapphires and Ceylon rubies as well as coconut products, spices and a variety of herbs.
Its stock market has in recent years been one of the world's best performing exchanges. Sri Lanka's economy is currently on the rise as it is expected to grow by 7.2% in 2010. Amid a global economic downturn, Sri Lanka has demonstrated economic resilience emerging as a success story for others to emulate.
Tourism plays an increasingly important role in Sri Lanka's booming economy and Sri Lanka has been recognized as a world class tourist destination. The natural beauty of its tropical forests, beaches, mountainous landscapes and cultural heritage make it a place of unrivaled splendor that has long been praised by travel writers.
In January 2010 the New York Times named Sri Lanka its top tourist destination. National Geographic also named Sri Lanka one of its 25 best trips of the year. The magazine found that; "Sri Lanka is finally starting to look like its old self, a peaceful destination where surf lineups are nonexistent despite world class waves and centuries old tea estates are lined with mountain bike -ready trails."
During the first half of 2010, tourist arrivals doubled compared to the same time the previous year. In May 2009 Sri Lanka prevailed in decades-long conflict against the terrorist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A US Senate report called the victory one of the few times in history that a terrorist group has ever been defeated.
Sri Lanka has now returned to peace and prosperity. The government with the assistance of foreign aid has devoted millions of dollars to develop and restore life in the areas affected by the decades-long conflict. Roads and other infrastructure have been rebuilt and social development programs are in place and more are being planned. Most people displaced by the fighting have returned home as the country focuses on healing and reconciliation.
Sri Lanka gained universal suffrage in 1931 and Independence from the British in 1948. Continuing its rich traditions of democracy and political freedom, elections were held in 2010 throughout the entire country for the first time since 1983.
Sri Lankans went to the polls twice in 2010, first to elect a President and then a new Parliament. The people of Sri Lanka re-elected President Rajapaksa with a record mandate. In the April Parliamentary elections, the President's party won 2/3 of the votes, a resounding victory for the President's policies. Since May 2009 Sri Lanka has experienced a tremendous political, social and economic transformation that has benefited and rejuvenated all Sri Lankans. The country is committed to peace, reconciliation and prosperity for all with the hope of making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia.
-End of Narration-
CLIP (Report on National Geographic Channel)
The National Geographic Channel in an exclusive report categorized Sri Lanka as the second best place to visit.
The commentators, the Times Travel Writer Jil Crawshow and Editor of Wandertrust Magazine describe Sri Lanka as 'definitely a best place to visit'.
Referring to the first world traveller Marco Polo's description of his 'favourite island', as the 'Jade Pendant in the Indian Ocean', the commentators state that Sri Lanka is exactly what it is and that it has got 'basically everything for a tourist'.
Observing that in Sri Lanka a tourist may have a 'beach to yourself', they add that the country has hundreds of miles of 'amazingly undiscovered beaches and coral marine life'. 'It is arguably one of the greatest islands for beaches', they add.
They report that Sri Lanka has a wonderful history and culture in a really small space and state that Sigiriya is a place not to be missed because of its scenic beauty.
'You don't get to number two without some must-see sights', they add.
Stating that Sri Lanka's wildlife is a 'major highlight', they refer to the availability of elephants and leopards, making a special reference to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary. Pinnawala is now the largest herd in captivity with 65 elephants. It opened with seven elephants in 1975.
They also comment on the 'lovely food' and point out, 'if anyone wants to taste spicy curry then, definitely, Sri Lanka is the place to go'. 'Sri Lanka has a little bit of everything', they said.
Courtesy: PRIU
Sri Lanka, rising star of Asian economy - FOX NEWS
'Success story for others to emulate'
Which country had the best performing market in 2010? FOX NEWS asked in a special report on Sri Lanka. 'Guess what? It was not the United States of America! The best performing stock market was Sri Lanka's CSE which was up 96% for the year', they said.
Calling Sri Lanka 'the rising star of the Asian economy', FOX NEWS said Sri Lanka has demonstrated economic resilience amid a global economic downturn, emerging as a success story for others to emulate.
Sri Lanka has now returned to peace and prosperity, the report said adding that the government has devoted millions of dollars to develop and restore life in the areas affected by the decades-long conflict.
'Most people displaced by the fighting have returned home as the country focuses on healing and reconciliation'.
FOX NEWS also refers to a US Senate report which called the victory against the LTTE one of the few times in history that a terrorist group has ever been defeated.
Stating that Sri Lanka is Asian's oldest democracy, it adds: 'continuing its rich traditions of democracy and political freedom, elections were held in 2010 throughout the entire country for the first time since 1983'.
FOX NEWS also states that Sri Lanka is a 'hub of religious tolerance'.
'The natural beauty of its tropical forests, beaches, mountainous landscapes and cultural heritage make it a place of unrivaled splendor that has long been praised by travel writers', it adds.
Following is the FOX NEWS transcript:
Sri Lanka is an island nation with a rich cultural heritage and a written history of over 2500 years. Nestled below the Southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is home to 21 million ethnically diverse people including Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and Malays.
It is Asia's oldest democracy and a hub of religious tolerance.
Sri Lanka is also the rising star of the Asian economy situated at the centre of the global shipping routes. It plays a vital role in international trade linking East and West.
The country is famous for producing and exporting its world-renowned Ceylon teas, clothing from Asian global manufactures, rubber products, jewellery and gems such as blue sapphires and Ceylon rubies as well as coconut products, spices and a variety of herbs.
Its stock market has in recent years been one of the world's best performing exchanges. Sri Lanka's economy is currently on the rise as it is expected to grow by 7.2% in 2010. Amid a global economic downturn, Sri Lanka has demonstrated economic resilience emerging as a success story for others to emulate.
Tourism plays an increasingly important role in Sri Lanka's booming economy and Sri Lanka has been recognized as a world class tourist destination. The natural beauty of its tropical forests, beaches, mountainous landscapes and cultural heritage make it a place of unrivaled splendor that has long been praised by travel writers.
In January 2010 the New York Times named Sri Lanka its top tourist destination. National Geographic also named Sri Lanka one of its 25 best trips of the year. The magazine found that; "Sri Lanka is finally starting to look like its old self, a peaceful destination where surf lineups are nonexistent despite world class waves and centuries old tea estates are lined with mountain bike -ready trails."
During the first half of 2010, tourist arrivals doubled compared to the same time the previous year. In May 2009 Sri Lanka prevailed in decades-long conflict against the terrorist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A US Senate report called the victory one of the few times in history that a terrorist group has ever been defeated.
Sri Lanka has now returned to peace and prosperity. The government with the assistance of foreign aid has devoted millions of dollars to develop and restore life in the areas affected by the decades-long conflict. Roads and other infrastructure have been rebuilt and social development programs are in place and more are being planned. Most people displaced by the fighting have returned home as the country focuses on healing and reconciliation.
Sri Lanka gained universal suffrage in 1931 and Independence from the British in 1948. Continuing its rich traditions of democracy and political freedom, elections were held in 2010 throughout the entire country for the first time since 1983.
Sri Lankans went to the polls twice in 2010, first to elect a President and then a new Parliament. The people of Sri Lanka re-elected President Rajapaksa with a record mandate. In the April Parliamentary elections, the President's party won 2/3 of the votes, a resounding victory for the President's policies. Since May 2009 Sri Lanka has experienced a tremendous political, social and economic transformation that has benefited and rejuvenated all Sri Lankans. The country is committed to peace, reconciliation and prosperity for all with the hope of making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia.
-End of Narration-
CLIP (Report on National Geographic Channel)
The National Geographic Channel in an exclusive report categorized Sri Lanka as the second best place to visit.
The commentators, the Times Travel Writer Jil Crawshow and Editor of Wandertrust Magazine describe Sri Lanka as 'definitely a best place to visit'.
Referring to the first world traveller Marco Polo's description of his 'favourite island', as the 'Jade Pendant in the Indian Ocean', the commentators state that Sri Lanka is exactly what it is and that it has got 'basically everything for a tourist'.
Observing that in Sri Lanka a tourist may have a 'beach to yourself', they add that the country has hundreds of miles of 'amazingly undiscovered beaches and coral marine life'. 'It is arguably one of the greatest islands for beaches', they add.
They report that Sri Lanka has a wonderful history and culture in a really small space and state that Sigiriya is a place not to be missed because of its scenic beauty.
'You don't get to number two without some must-see sights', they add.
Stating that Sri Lanka's wildlife is a 'major highlight', they refer to the availability of elephants and leopards, making a special reference to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary. Pinnawala is now the largest herd in captivity with 65 elephants. It opened with seven elephants in 1975.
They also comment on the 'lovely food' and point out, 'if anyone wants to taste spicy curry then, definitely, Sri Lanka is the place to go'. 'Sri Lanka has a little bit of everything', they said.
Courtesy: PRIU
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110306_01
Efforts of groups under rump LTTE bound to fail
The groups working under the aegis of the rump LTTE is plotting again at the UN Human Rights Council sessions to destabilise Sri Lanka but their efforts will not succeed as it had failed during more difficult times earlier, said Plantations Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe who led the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva. Notorious local NGOs pump money Three notorious local NGOs had pumped money to the tune of Rs. 600 million from 2008 - 2010 to work against the country and the Government. Their terms of conditions to become beneficiaries included working towards a regime change, authoritative sources said. The funding had been channelled from overseas sources. Moreover, the same NGOs had received a staggering Rs. 400 million from unaccounted sources during this period. The sources said that their main objective is to discredit the government and paint a distorted picture of the situation in Sri Lanka.
Notorious local NGOs pump money
Three notorious local NGOs had pumped money to the tune of Rs. 600 million from 2008 - 2010 to work against the country and the Government. Their terms of conditions to become beneficiaries included working towards a regime change, authoritative sources said. The funding had been channelled from overseas sources. Moreover, the same NGOs had received a staggering Rs. 400 million from unaccounted sources during this period. The sources said that their main objective is to discredit the government and paint a distorted picture of the situation in Sri Lanka.
Minister Samarasinghe who returned to the country last week after attending the inaugural sessions said, "There are the usual negative constituencies which represent the NGOs.
They continue to harp on war crimes charges and strive to paint a distorted human rights picture of Sri Lanka." There is much progress that could be put on record. No one could, in that kind of background question the commitment of the Government in forging greater unity among the different ethnicities."
He said their efforts are bound to fail as the international community has been made aware of Sri Lanka's progress since the defeat of the LTTE and the end of terrorism in May 2009.
"I cannot see the disinformation campaign against Sri Lanka ever succeeding. If they could not achieve it during the height of the war against terrorism, how could they do it when all these development activities are taking place," the Minister said.
He said that the international movement of the LTTE has not given up their separatist ideology and their vigourous disinformation campaign targets the UNHRC session each year. "Their target is to destabilise the country." "Those things will not disappear any time soon. We have to intervene at the right time and put the record straight," the Minister said.
The UNHRC sessions that hear representations from government members and non state players such as international NGOs will continue till March 25.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
Efforts of groups under rump LTTE bound to fail
The groups working under the aegis of the rump LTTE is plotting again at the UN Human Rights Council sessions to destabilise Sri Lanka but their efforts will not succeed as it had failed during more difficult times earlier, said Plantations Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe who led the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva. Notorious local NGOs pump money Three notorious local NGOs had pumped money to the tune of Rs. 600 million from 2008 - 2010 to work against the country and the Government. Their terms of conditions to become beneficiaries included working towards a regime change, authoritative sources said. The funding had been channelled from overseas sources. Moreover, the same NGOs had received a staggering Rs. 400 million from unaccounted sources during this period. The sources said that their main objective is to discredit the government and paint a distorted picture of the situation in Sri Lanka.
Notorious local NGOs pump money
Three notorious local NGOs had pumped money to the tune of Rs. 600 million from 2008 - 2010 to work against the country and the Government. Their terms of conditions to become beneficiaries included working towards a regime change, authoritative sources said. The funding had been channelled from overseas sources. Moreover, the same NGOs had received a staggering Rs. 400 million from unaccounted sources during this period. The sources said that their main objective is to discredit the government and paint a distorted picture of the situation in Sri Lanka.
Minister Samarasinghe who returned to the country last week after attending the inaugural sessions said, "There are the usual negative constituencies which represent the NGOs.
They continue to harp on war crimes charges and strive to paint a distorted human rights picture of Sri Lanka." There is much progress that could be put on record. No one could, in that kind of background question the commitment of the Government in forging greater unity among the different ethnicities."
He said their efforts are bound to fail as the international community has been made aware of Sri Lanka's progress since the defeat of the LTTE and the end of terrorism in May 2009.
"I cannot see the disinformation campaign against Sri Lanka ever succeeding. If they could not achieve it during the height of the war against terrorism, how could they do it when all these development activities are taking place," the Minister said.
He said that the international movement of the LTTE has not given up their separatist ideology and their vigourous disinformation campaign targets the UNHRC session each year. "Their target is to destabilise the country." "Those things will not disappear any time soon. We have to intervene at the right time and put the record straight," the Minister said.
The UNHRC sessions that hear representations from government members and non state players such as international NGOs will continue till March 25.
Courtesy : Sunday observer
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