http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=15214
Billionairea investor Raj Rajaratnam, founder of Galleon Group who was arrested over an alleged 20 million dollars insider trading scheme, openly gave chunks of money to the Tamil Tigers terror group in his native Sri Lanka, it has emerged. According to Vanity Fair magazine, in 2002, the hedge fund manager urged a crowd gathered to raise money for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to support the terror group’s struggle. “They’re terrorists. We’re terrorists. We are all freedom fighters,” Rajaratnam said that time. “They’re our terrorists, and you all must support this struggle,” he added. Sri Lanka-born Rajaratnam gave one million dollars to the group in the year 2000 and was suspected of giving millions more to another front group that then gave money to the Tamil Tigers, the report said. According to New York Daily News, Rajaratnam’s lawyer has called the story “utterly false” and noted that it comes shortly before the hedge-funder is sentenced on conspiracy and securities’ fraud charges. “Raj never made the speech attributed to him. He was never at an LTTE fund raiser,” his lawyer, John Dowd, said. “Raj completely cooperated with FBI agents from the Terrorism Task Force about Tamil Tigers. No allegation has ever been made by the FBI regarding his conduct,” Dowd added. (ANI)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111001_01
Our children are born in an historic era - President
Dear sons and daughters....
Please remember that this era in which you have been born is a historic era, when you read history you will have entertained a cherished dream to have been born during the era of Kings Dutugemunu, Vijayabahu, Kashyapa Rajasinghe or Wimaladharmasooriya.
We will also think that if we were born then we could have served in King Dutugemunu's army or the construction sites of Maha Seya, Kala Wewa, Sigiriya or Jaya-ela and dedicated
ourselves for such mobile service as proud citizens, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark International Children's Day.
The message adds:
Dear sons and daughters, 'What has dawned today is such an era. You have witnessed the manner in which our motherland was united. Although you could not sacrifice your lives towards it you would have contributed towards that historic deed by at least donating a bottle of water'
'Similarly a majority of our country's children have been fortunate enough to trample the bed of a sea port after several thousand years. You have seen now a large number of mega construction activities which will stand as monuments for thousands of years hence are coming up in the country. It is a good future to see the manner in which this is steering the country to an important position in the world map.
You are living in a period which will be commemorated with great desire by the world in future. You too should also strive to achieve excellence which will help record you and your name in history. I sincerely hope that you will use your childhood meaningfully towards achieving that end'.
Courtesy : Daily news
Our children are born in an historic era - President
Dear sons and daughters....
Please remember that this era in which you have been born is a historic era, when you read history you will have entertained a cherished dream to have been born during the era of Kings Dutugemunu, Vijayabahu, Kashyapa Rajasinghe or Wimaladharmasooriya.
We will also think that if we were born then we could have served in King Dutugemunu's army or the construction sites of Maha Seya, Kala Wewa, Sigiriya or Jaya-ela and dedicated
ourselves for such mobile service as proud citizens, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark International Children's Day.
The message adds:
Dear sons and daughters, 'What has dawned today is such an era. You have witnessed the manner in which our motherland was united. Although you could not sacrifice your lives towards it you would have contributed towards that historic deed by at least donating a bottle of water'
'Similarly a majority of our country's children have been fortunate enough to trample the bed of a sea port after several thousand years. You have seen now a large number of mega construction activities which will stand as monuments for thousands of years hence are coming up in the country. It is a good future to see the manner in which this is steering the country to an important position in the world map.
You are living in a period which will be commemorated with great desire by the world in future. You too should also strive to achieve excellence which will help record you and your name in history. I sincerely hope that you will use your childhood meaningfully towards achieving that end'.
Courtesy : Daily news
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111001_02
Over1800 former Tamil Tiger combatants reintegrated into the society
www.defence.lk/sinhala">President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ( sep 30 ) vowed that former LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the government would be integrated into the development process of the country.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the rehabilitated former members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to their families yesterday at a ceremony held at the Temple Trees with the participation of ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and the family members.
The Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry has made the arrangements to bring the former rebels to the Temple Trees and it was the first time such a large group of rehabilitated cadres were reintegrated into the society.
These ex-LTTE cadres underwent a two year rehabilitation programme at 24 rehabilitation centers in the North and the East. The reintegration event was held under the theme "Ekvenu Sema Nagamu Rata" (Lets get together and uplift the country).
The rehabilitated cadres received certificates for their skills training from the U.S. Ambassador Patricia Butenis, Australian High Commissioner Kathy Klugman and the Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha. The former rebels staged a cultural show for the audience.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the rehabilitation programme, President Rajapaksa said that these youths are an asset which has to be made best use of, for the development of the country. The government has succeeded in rehabilitating the majority of former LTTE cadres and they have already been reintegrated into society. A few more former LTTE cadres are yet to be integrated into society, President Rajapaksa said.
He said that the government never considered these youths as enemies of the country and this policy paved the way for the rehabilitation of thousands of former LTTE combatants.
"We are ready to extend the hands of friendship and brotherhood to these rehabilitated youth," he said. He said that the rehabilitated youths are entitled to have all rights and privileges enjoyed by the ordinary masses of the country. "You are a member of this society and you are able to travel anywhere in the country with peace of mind, he added.
He said that these rehabilitated youth will witness massive development taking place in their respective areas when they return to their houses. Schools and other public buildings damaged by the terrorist atrocities are being replaced with fully equipped schools and office complexes in your area, he said.
He also said that all households would be provided with electricity while ensuring a better living environment. Development will never be polarised. President Rajapaksa also added that certain elements with vested interests will try to take these youths for a ride and he advised them not to fall prey to such schemes.
He reiterated that, he is not ready to betray thousands of people and drag the country into another conflict to fulfill the aspirations of a few. The President assured that the government will leave no room for the re- emergence of another conflict in the country. He also said that nobody is allowed to mislead the youths again. President Rajapaksa requested the rehabilitated beneficiaries to join hands with government and develop the country which belongs to the people of all communities.
"Lets develop the country not only for you but also for your brothers, sisters and for the future generation, he said.
Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the rehabilitation programme was implemented according to the needs of the present day society.
Over1800 former Tamil Tiger combatants reintegrated into the society
www.defence.lk/sinhala">President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ( sep 30 ) vowed that former LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the government would be integrated into the development process of the country.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the rehabilitated former members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to their families yesterday at a ceremony held at the Temple Trees with the participation of ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and the family members.
The Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry has made the arrangements to bring the former rebels to the Temple Trees and it was the first time such a large group of rehabilitated cadres were reintegrated into the society.
These ex-LTTE cadres underwent a two year rehabilitation programme at 24 rehabilitation centers in the North and the East. The reintegration event was held under the theme "Ekvenu Sema Nagamu Rata" (Lets get together and uplift the country).
The rehabilitated cadres received certificates for their skills training from the U.S. Ambassador Patricia Butenis, Australian High Commissioner Kathy Klugman and the Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha. The former rebels staged a cultural show for the audience.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the rehabilitation programme, President Rajapaksa said that these youths are an asset which has to be made best use of, for the development of the country. The government has succeeded in rehabilitating the majority of former LTTE cadres and they have already been reintegrated into society. A few more former LTTE cadres are yet to be integrated into society, President Rajapaksa said.
He said that the government never considered these youths as enemies of the country and this policy paved the way for the rehabilitation of thousands of former LTTE combatants.
"We are ready to extend the hands of friendship and brotherhood to these rehabilitated youth," he said. He said that the rehabilitated youths are entitled to have all rights and privileges enjoyed by the ordinary masses of the country. "You are a member of this society and you are able to travel anywhere in the country with peace of mind, he added.
He said that these rehabilitated youth will witness massive development taking place in their respective areas when they return to their houses. Schools and other public buildings damaged by the terrorist atrocities are being replaced with fully equipped schools and office complexes in your area, he said.
He also said that all households would be provided with electricity while ensuring a better living environment. Development will never be polarised. President Rajapaksa also added that certain elements with vested interests will try to take these youths for a ride and he advised them not to fall prey to such schemes.
He reiterated that, he is not ready to betray thousands of people and drag the country into another conflict to fulfill the aspirations of a few. The President assured that the government will leave no room for the re- emergence of another conflict in the country. He also said that nobody is allowed to mislead the youths again. President Rajapaksa requested the rehabilitated beneficiaries to join hands with government and develop the country which belongs to the people of all communities.
"Lets develop the country not only for you but also for your brothers, sisters and for the future generation, he said.
Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the rehabilitation programme was implemented according to the needs of the present day society.
http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/351-japan-extended-us-780000-grant-for-demining-in-the-north
The Government of Japan has extended US$ 780,000 (approximately Rs. 85 million) grant aid for humanitarian demining in the North of Sri Lanka through Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) to expedite the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve a mine-free Sri Lanka.
Japan has been a major donor supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka to accelerate the return and resettlement of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to facilitate recommencement of agriculture and other livelihood activities of returnees. Since 2003, the Government of Japan has provided a sum of US$ 21.5 million (approximately Rs. 2,300 million) for demining activities in the North and the East under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
Through this demining project, it is envisaged that more than 5,000 people in Vavuniya and Mannar Districts would gain access to safe lands and resume their livelihood activities. The project will also simultaneously contribute to providing employment opportunities to more than 100 residents in the area.
The Grant Contract between Kunio Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan and Nigel Robinson, Country Programme Manager, FSD, was signed on September 30 at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo.
In addition to demining assistances, the Government of Japan has extended assistance for development in the North for projects, such as improvement of central facilities of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, construction of Vavuniya-Killinochchi Transmission Line, and urgent rehabilitation of resettled communities in Jaffna and Mannar districts. Japan hopes that these assistances would holistically contribute to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka and promote the livelihood of the people.
At the signing ceremony, Kunio said, “looking back over my service in Sri Lanka in the last two and half years, I could say there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security and development of Sri Lanka. However, I believe that the efforts of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka toward reconciliation and reconstruction should be continued. The Government of Japan will maintain a mutual supportive relationship with Sri Lanka.”
The Government of Japan has extended US$ 780,000 (approximately Rs. 85 million) grant aid for humanitarian demining in the North of Sri Lanka through Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) to expedite the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve a mine-free Sri Lanka.
Japan has been a major donor supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka to accelerate the return and resettlement of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to facilitate recommencement of agriculture and other livelihood activities of returnees. Since 2003, the Government of Japan has provided a sum of US$ 21.5 million (approximately Rs. 2,300 million) for demining activities in the North and the East under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
Through this demining project, it is envisaged that more than 5,000 people in Vavuniya and Mannar Districts would gain access to safe lands and resume their livelihood activities. The project will also simultaneously contribute to providing employment opportunities to more than 100 residents in the area.
The Grant Contract between Kunio Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan and Nigel Robinson, Country Programme Manager, FSD, was signed on September 30 at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo.
In addition to demining assistances, the Government of Japan has extended assistance for development in the North for projects, such as improvement of central facilities of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, construction of Vavuniya-Killinochchi Transmission Line, and urgent rehabilitation of resettled communities in Jaffna and Mannar districts. Japan hopes that these assistances would holistically contribute to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka and promote the livelihood of the people.
At the signing ceremony, Kunio said, “looking back over my service in Sri Lanka in the last two and half years, I could say there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security and development of Sri Lanka. However, I believe that the efforts of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka toward reconciliation and reconstruction should be continued. The Government of Japan will maintain a mutual supportive relationship with Sri Lanka.”
http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/353-sri-lanka-releases-hundreds-of-rehabilitated-tiger-fighters
Sri Lanka released another batch of 1,800 rehabilitated LTTE fighters on Friday after having rehabilitated them with skills development.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa presided over the ceremony to release former LTTE ers, who have gone through job and language training before being released from government custody. During the last moment of the fight with LTTE, the Sri Lankan government troops captured over 11,000 combatants inclusive of child soldiers. So far over 8000 ex-combatants have been reintegrated into the society by the government.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking on the occasion said that former LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the government would be integrated into the development process of the country.
The ceremony was organized by the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry. He added that the government is responsible to ensure a better future for rehabilitated ex-LTTEers while obtaining their talents and skills for the development of the country.
These ex-LTTEers underwent a two year rehabilitation programme at 24 rehabilitation centres in the North and the East. The reintegration event was held under the theme “Ekvenu Sema Nagamu Rata” (Lets get together and uplift the country) with the participation of President Rajapaksa, ministers, foreign dignitaries including ambassadors and High Commissioners.
During the rehabilitation programme, rehabilitated beneficiaries had undergone various life skill development courses which will be a livelihood for them once they enter society. At the end of the event, these 1,800 rehabilitated beneficiaries were handed over to their parents.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the rehabilitation programme, President Rajapaksa said that these youths are an asset which has to be made best use of, for the development of the country. The government has succeeded in rehabilitating the majority of former LTTE cadres and they have already been reintegrated into society. A few more former LTTE cadres are yet to be integrated into society, President Rajapaksa said.-sdv
Sri Lanka released another batch of 1,800 rehabilitated LTTE fighters on Friday after having rehabilitated them with skills development.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa presided over the ceremony to release former LTTE ers, who have gone through job and language training before being released from government custody. During the last moment of the fight with LTTE, the Sri Lankan government troops captured over 11,000 combatants inclusive of child soldiers. So far over 8000 ex-combatants have been reintegrated into the society by the government.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking on the occasion said that former LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the government would be integrated into the development process of the country.
The ceremony was organized by the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry. He added that the government is responsible to ensure a better future for rehabilitated ex-LTTEers while obtaining their talents and skills for the development of the country.
These ex-LTTEers underwent a two year rehabilitation programme at 24 rehabilitation centres in the North and the East. The reintegration event was held under the theme “Ekvenu Sema Nagamu Rata” (Lets get together and uplift the country) with the participation of President Rajapaksa, ministers, foreign dignitaries including ambassadors and High Commissioners.
During the rehabilitation programme, rehabilitated beneficiaries had undergone various life skill development courses which will be a livelihood for them once they enter society. At the end of the event, these 1,800 rehabilitated beneficiaries were handed over to their parents.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the rehabilitation programme, President Rajapaksa said that these youths are an asset which has to be made best use of, for the development of the country. The government has succeeded in rehabilitating the majority of former LTTE cadres and they have already been reintegrated into society. A few more former LTTE cadres are yet to be integrated into society, President Rajapaksa said.-sdv
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110930_02
"Do not repeat my mistakes" - jailed LTTE cadre writes Tamil youth
A former Canadian Tamil activist who was sentenced after being caught of brokering a $1-million arms deal for LTTE five years ago has written an open letter urging youths not to repeat his mistakes.
Writing from prison in New York, Sathajhan Sarachandran acknowledged for the first time the Tamil youth organization he once ran in Toronto was "part of the LTTE," National Post reported.
But the 31-year-old software engineer blamed "so-called" leaders of the Tamil community whom he said misled him, fuelled his anger and hatred, promoted violence and silenced advocates of non-violence.
"I only ask that you be vigilant of these people. I ask that none of you choose a path where violence is encouraged. Please don't be a catalyst for promoting any form of violence or hate," he wrote in the two-page letter.
The letter encourages the Canadian Tamils to abandon the terrorist LTTE.
"LTTE is no more. We must accept the fact and move on with the reality. I ask that all you brothers and sister to refrain from LTTE ideology," Sarachandran wrote.
"As Tamils we must reject violence and embrace peace. ... I beg you not to get trapped in the extremist ideologies.
"It's a general letter addressed to the Tamil people of Toronto and he is pleading with Tamil youths not to follow paths that suggest violence and to help the people whom are affected by this war", said Sarachandran Shunmugan, the letter writer's father.
Sarachandran was Toronto chapter president of the Tamil Youth Organization from 2003 to 2005. He visited Sri Lanka twice and was photographed at an LTTE camp wielding a machine gun.
In 2006, he was arrested in Long Island, N.Y., while he and two other Canadians were trying to buy shoulder-launched missiles and AK-47 assault rifles for the Tigers. All pleaded guilty to terrorism and conspiracy. Sarachandran was sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Two more Canadians were arrested in Toronto in a related investigation and are awaiting extradition. A sixth goes on trial in November.
"For the past five years, I along with other fellow youths am serving sentences in New York. To add to the suffering, my family has been banned from visiting us under certain sections of the law," Sarachandran wrote.
"I have not seen my parents for the past three years or any members of my family. I have had no visitor at all for the past three years. I write to you to explain my suffering for the path I had chosen. I regret many of my past activities. Meetings after meetings, campaign after campaign, all injecting hate into me and other fellow students."
He said the era of violence was over and he hoped the letter would send the right message to youths.
"It's an undeniable fact: Some of the elements in Canada and outside Canada pushed these people into this present life. I think he is targeting that element," he said.
.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110930_01
Ex-LTTEers praise President's exemplary leadership
Two Tamil youths, Kumaravel Sasikumar and Gunasingham Visaban who underwent immense suffering due to LTTE atrocities, in an exclusive interview, praised President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his exemplary leadership in completely eradicating LTTE terrorism from our motherland.
They also said that if the President had not given directions to the Armed Forces to end this 30-year-old terrorist war despite mounting foreign pressure, Sri Lanka would have continued to be in turmoil even today.
Ex-LTTE cadres, 21-year-old Kumaravel Sasikumar was born in Homagama. Thereafter his parents who are from Vavuniya settled in the Vanni area.
Sasikumar said that in 2006 when the A9 road was completely closed down due to mounting LTTE violence, he was trapped in Visvamadu. During this period, the LTTE started to replenish its depleting cardres by forcefully dragging innocent boys and girls, ignoring their unwillingness to join the LTTE cadres.
He said that due to the protest made by young person's like him, they were mercilessly assaulted and thereafter given military training.
Once the training was over they were forcibly sent to the frontline to fight the Sri Lankan army.
'Senior LTTE cadres sent us to the frontline while they were safe in their respective camps. Due to this selfishness of the senior cadres many young fighters sacrificed their lives," he said.
At the Mannar Mulankavil front he and several young fighters were seriously injured. Thereafter he was hospitalized in Kilinochchi.
Sasikumar said that due to his inability to fight, the senior LTTE cadres kept him under detention.
Thereafter during the last stages of the war, he ran away from the LTTE captivity, joined the civilians and went to the government controlled area and surrendered to the army. Since he was under 18 years he was treated kindly and was rehabilitated by the army.
Sasikumar further said that today due to the compassion shown by our President Mahinda Rajapaksa he and several other rehabilitated LTTE cardres are enjoying the freedom to live in Sri Lanka. 'I also wish to thank the Defence Secretary and Armed Forces for making our future life happy.' Another ex-LTTEer Gunasingham Visaban was also interviewed.
Courtesy: Daily News
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110930_01
Ex-LTTEers praise President's exemplary leadership
Two Tamil youths, Kumaravel Sasikumar and Gunasingham Visaban who underwent immense suffering due to LTTE atrocities, in an exclusive interview, praised President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his exemplary leadership in completely eradicating LTTE terrorism from our motherland.
They also said that if the President had not given directions to the Armed Forces to end this 30-year-old terrorist war despite mounting foreign pressure, Sri Lanka would have continued to be in turmoil even today.
Ex-LTTE cadres, 21-year-old Kumaravel Sasikumar was born in Homagama. Thereafter his parents who are from Vavuniya settled in the Vanni area.
Sasikumar said that in 2006 when the A9 road was completely closed down due to mounting LTTE violence, he was trapped in Visvamadu. During this period, the LTTE started to replenish its depleting cardres by forcefully dragging innocent boys and girls, ignoring their unwillingness to join the LTTE cadres.
He said that due to the protest made by young person's like him, they were mercilessly assaulted and thereafter given military training.
Once the training was over they were forcibly sent to the frontline to fight the Sri Lankan army.
'Senior LTTE cadres sent us to the frontline while they were safe in their respective camps. Due to this selfishness of the senior cadres many young fighters sacrificed their lives," he said.
At the Mannar Mulankavil front he and several young fighters were seriously injured. Thereafter he was hospitalized in Kilinochchi.
Sasikumar said that due to his inability to fight, the senior LTTE cadres kept him under detention.
Thereafter during the last stages of the war, he ran away from the LTTE captivity, joined the civilians and went to the government controlled area and surrendered to the army. Since he was under 18 years he was treated kindly and was rehabilitated by the army.
Sasikumar further said that today due to the compassion shown by our President Mahinda Rajapaksa he and several other rehabilitated LTTE cardres are enjoying the freedom to live in Sri Lanka. 'I also wish to thank the Defence Secretary and Armed Forces for making our future life happy.' Another ex-LTTEer Gunasingham Visaban was also interviewed.
Courtesy: Daily News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)