Libérer immédiatement sri-lankaise Héro national

Liberate immediately Sri-Lankan National Hero

He added that this Committee will commence proceedings without delay, and he had appointed this Committee after a careful evaluation having regard to his limits and rights.

Ban Ki Moon who explained as above -mentioned at a Press briefing, said the letter signed and sent to the Secretary General by the non aligned countries on behalf of Sri Lanka is based on lack of knowledge and understanding of the subject. He is therefore rejecting it , he noted.

In the letter sent by the non aligned countries it was stated that the appointment of panel of advisors by the Secretary General was exceeding his powers.

Meanwhile, the announcement made by Minister Wimal Weerawansa that until the three member Committee appointed to give advice regarding SL is withdrawn, the Sri Lankans must hold the UN office here under siege has been rejected by the SL Govt. as not representing its official stand, and it is the Minister's personal sentiment. The SL Govt. has intimated this to the UN, the spokesman for the UN, Farhan Haq , stated.

At a media briefing in Colombo, Minister Weerawansa had said the UN Office in Colombo shall be held under siege and its staff kept captive until the advisory Committee is withdrawn.
The UN following this announcement has instructed all its security positions to investigate whether this is the official view of the SL Govt.

The UN Geneva Headquarters, after inquiring from the SL office had learnt that the Minister’s statement is not posing an instant threat. At all events, if any threats are held out against its offices anywhere in the World by any Govt. or individual , such intimidations and threats would be considered as most grave and perilous, and will not be condoned under any circumstance, the UN spokesman has emphasized .

No GSP+ to Sri Lanka from 15th August – EU decides
(Lanka Truth) Sunday, 27 June 2010 08:42

The European Commission has decided to halt GSP+ facility given to Sri Lanka’s exports from the 15th August. The chief delegate of EU in Sri Lanka said, “There will be no further extensions. Sri Lanka must meet its international obligations,” adding that the EU expected the government of Sri Lanka to heed the 15 conditions placed before it.
The cabinet chaired by President Mahinda Rajapakse that met on the 24th decided to reject outright the EU’s conditions. External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris too had stated that Sri Lanka would not accept EU conditions.
However, EU delegation chief Bernard Savage had said they would consider extending the GSP+ facility only when they receive a formal response from the Government of Sri Lanka regarding the conditions they had laid down to grant the facility.
GSP provides preferences to 176 Developing Countries and Territories on over 6200 tariff lines. The GSP programme provides duty-free treatment for about 3400 types of exports from Sri Lanka and about 130 other countries.

Surrender would have saved thousands of lives -Solheim

(Lanka-e-News 27.June.2010 5.20PM) Mr. Solheim said thereafter he was in constant touch with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to "find a way to stop the fighting" by getting a UN representative to talk to LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

“All these were rejected for different reasons by the Government and the LTTE," Mr. Solheim said.

Mr. Solheim said that on May 17 last year, he received a telephone call from LTTE leaders B. Nadesan and S. Pulithevan. They had appealed to him to arrange for a surrender. They had also made similar appeals to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN. "We passed the information to the Government. We told the two LTTE leaders that their offer came too late.

I told them if they wished to surrender, they would have to raise white flags and give themselves up, he said. "A few hours later, we heard they were dead," he added. Asked whether he communicated the appeal of the two LTTE leaders to the Government, Mr. Solheim said, "this information was clearly given to the Government."
He said he would not go into the matter of whom the information was provided. He also said there were "others" involved in the surrender dialogue but declined to name them.

resumption of war. That is the position of Norway and that is the position of most governments in the world."

Courtesy by : Sunday times

These were the ‘honorable’ enunciations contained in the announcement made by Weerawansa, the Honorable Minister of housing and engineering services under the most Honorable , His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse. Weerawansa is the leader of the NFF which is a party with the Govt.

These outrageous statements were made by Weerawansa when he addressed those who were staging a fast and the protestors who demonstrated in front of the UN office in Colombo today .

The Rajapakse Cabinet Minister Weerawansa with about 2000 members of his NFF party staged a massive protest demonstration today (6) blocking the entrance to the UN office at Thummulla junction .

Until the special advisory Committee appointed by UN Sec. General Ban Ki Moon to investigate the SL war crimes is withdrawn , the protestors who held the staff of the UN office captive by obstructing the main entrance erected platforms to stage a fast .

Housing Minister Weerawansa, Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, Achala Jagoda M P, NFF media spokesman and former MP Mohomed Muzammil , former MP Piyasiri Wijenayake, Bhikkhus who are frontline supporters of the NFF first assembled at the Colombo Henry Pedris stadium and began a march from there to the UN office . Minister Weerawansa pushed aside all the barriers placed by the Police and made entry to stage the massive demonstration.

An effigy of Ban Ki Moon was burnt in front of the UN office. The protestors then began a fast from the platform . Former MPs Piyasiri Wijenayake , Mohomed Muzzammil and Wayambe PC member Senaratne Silva joined in the fast.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa addressing the protestors stated thus…..

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon by using powers not vested in him has started an International campaign against the Head of State and the Forces who defeated the terrorists.

Ban Ki Moon has no authority whatsoever to appoint a Committee to investigate the affairs of a member country or any of its issues. Ban Ki Moon is an individual who had been appointed as a Secretary General by the member countries. SL is a country which is a member of the United Nations. This office is situated in a land owned by SL Govt. Their water Bills are also paid by the Govt. The Secretary by taking the side of the terrorists who are separatists has poked his fingers into matters which are not within his purview.

If Moon has a problem regarding SL , he can make his proposals to the Security Council or to the Human rights Council. Apart from this Moon has no right to act in the way he is acting now. The member countries have not empowered Ban Ki Moon to appoint Committees to decide on what action should be taken against SL war crimes . We therefore clearly warn Ban Ki Moon not to trespass on his limits and provoke the motherland loving Sri Lankans which can lead to catastrophic reprisals.

We came today with the object of resolving this problem with the UN Colombo Office. We will not budge form here today. We will stage a fast in front of the entrance until the bogus Committee is withdrawn.

The Forces who fought the war conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. They were a model to the world. Moon first investigate the killings in Iraq by the Americans. Cowardly Moon is coming to investigate SL . He is tarnishing the name of the UN. We tell these white men here to immediately intimate to Ban Ki Moon to withdraw the Committee as we are not allowing them to go until the withdrawal is effected. We came today not with the idea of going back. If those inside this office wish to come out , this bogus Committee must be withdrawn . Until this Committee is withdrawn , we will not call off our fast.

People united to support to win the war .Similarly , we ask the people who are loving their motherland to come forward and extend support on this issue too. Making Fonseka as a witness , and hauling up our Forces personnel before the International Courts cannot be allowed. You will learn a bitter lesson in SL .

When the protest was beginning , there were about 15 police officers including high ranking officers. But , as the protests got heated , it was noticeable that the Police officers slowly slipped away from the scene. One of the protestors climbed the wall of the UN office and painted the security camera that was there with black paint .

While these demonstrations were being staged outside , the staff off the UN office were seen watching the drama from within .

It is significant to note that Weerawansa addressing a media briefing recently said , the UN office should be held siege and the staff must be taken hostage , for which the people should extend their support . When the UN inquired about this statement of Minister Weerawansa from the Govt. , a spokesman for the Govt. replied that those were the personal views of Weerawansa , and the Govt. dissociates itself from those statements.

This incident occurred while Minister and leader of NFF Weerawansa was speaking over the phone to the Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse, and after a senior Police officer nearby overheard the conversation.

Following the telephone conversation of Weerawansa and the overhearing by the Police officer, a tense situation erupted with heated exchange of words between the Police and the crowd with the police personnel who were detailed for security at the UN office during the protests being immediately ordered off the area by the protestors.

In this scuffle, the NFF former Minister of cultural affairs ,Piyasiri Wijenayake has been assaulted and is now admitted to the emergency ward of the Colombo National Hospital.

Minister Weerawansa addressing the protestors said, no matter what obstacles are placed, and even if he is sacked from his Ministerial post he would not abandon his campaign of fasting.

The officers and staff of the UN office were sent out with police protection amidst obstructions, hooting and jeering by the Weerawansa cronies.

The protests were begun on the condition that the staff of the UN office will be held hostage.

The foreign staff of the highest rungs working in the UN office had informed their main office that they are being held hostage. The UN Headquarters had then intimated to the Foreign affairs Ministry of the harassment faced by their staff. Following this complaint, the Secretary of the Foreign affairs Ministry Romesh Jayasinghe had visited the UN office in Colombo and had discussions. Two representatives of the NFF have also participated at this discussion.

At the discussions, agreement was reached that the UN representatives shall be allowed to leave the office. Accordingly, they were seen being sent out with police protection.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa announced that until the advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary General of the UN is called off, the fast will be strictly observed; and if anything is done to impede their action, a fast unto death will be staged.

“The Secretary-General finds it unacceptable that the Sri Lankan authorities have failed to prevent the disruption of the normal functioning of the United Nations offices in Colombo as a result of unruly protests organized and led by a cabinet minister of the Government,” a statement issued by his spokesperson said.

The protests in the capital, in which hundreds of people took part, were led by Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who reportedly said today he will not eat until the UN disbands the advisory panel it set up last month.
Mr. Ban set up the three-member panel to advise him on accountability issues relating to alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the final stages of the conflict that ended last year between the Government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

“The Secretary-General calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to live up to its responsibilities towards the United Nations as host country, so as to ensure continuation of the vital work of the Organization to assist the people of Sri Lanka without any further hindrance,” said the statement.
It added that in light of the evolving situation, Mr. Ban is recalling the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne, to New York for consultations.

He has also decided to close the Regional Centre in Colombo of the UN Development Programme (UNDP). (UN News Centre)

Gen. fonseka gave the above answer in reply to the question posed by the media as to how he would respond to Weerawansa’s claim that if Fonseka leads false evidence before the three member Committee, the Army officers will be in trouble.

If anyone leads evidence regarding the war crimes, these stupid clowns and brags are not going to fall into trouble. If truly there have been war crimes committed in this country, the first person to be in trouble will be myself. I have always talked about how the war was fought and won. I have not shouted hoarse like these nitwits and nincompoops who know nothing about the war coming to the scene and blurting out some nonsense compromising the country’s image only to gain some cheap publicity and parade as a ‘cardboard patriot’. They are not patriots, they are ‘fat rots’ who have fattened themselves on people’s starvation. These ‘fat rots’ are shouting as though they fought the war. If I betray the Army, it is I who will be in deep trouble first, Fonseka asseted.
These clowns are concocting these issues and creating a story that Fonseka will disclose it, and thereby the prestige of this country will be at stake. What these clowns are trying to tell impliedly is that there was such a situation, and they are striving to hide it. But, as far as I am concerned, there hadn’t been such a situation, and I had all along insisted that the Army committed no wrongs; I am prepared to accept full responsibility in that regard.

Therefore, if I lead evidence against the forces to whom I gave orders, they will put me into the nearest jail available, Fonseka noted.
If the Govt. truly fears that I would not come back if I go for the Commonwealth conference of MPs in Kenya, they would not stop me from attending the conference. If I am going to stay without coming, the Govt. would be glad to ask me where I wish to go, and if necessary arrange a special flight for me and my family to leave. It will also give any amount of money and even buy the tickets for my family. This is the factual position.

On the 6th, Opposition MPs met the Foreign Diplomats in Parliament. It was not a special occasion. Yet, an MP who is noted for his profusion of lies in Parliament had told that we are conspiring with the Norway Ambassador, Fonseka bemoaned.

There are diverse views expressed by various sections within the Govt. itself on this incident. Though they are not openly stated, some of them are in agreement with the Opposition in their opinions, he added.

Karu Jayasooriya gave the above answer in reply to a question raised by the media, whether don’t the actions of these protestors confirm that the Govt. is linked to these protest demonstrations because, following the telephone conversation of Weerawansa with the Defense Secretary, and the high ranking police officer close by overhearing, the police officers who were there were asked to quit the area immediately.?

Some media had disclosed the details of the discussion between the Defense Secretary and the Minister, Jayasooriya noted.
The conflict between the UN and the Govt. is reaching alarming proportions. This must be resolved through diplomatic exchanges, and not by rowdy conduct and tough talks, that is foolishness he pointed out.

The UNP is not a UN stooge. It must be remembered that we are a member country of the UN. We cannot allow any Minister or anybody to disgrace the country or degrade its dignity. The UNP is against the War crime Court. That is why our leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at that time did not sign that agreement. Like the capitalist countries, there are also communist countries in this Organization. The UN is running its offices in those countries too,. If we know how to resolve issues at diplomatic levels, we need not obstruct entrances or hold anybody hostage. By these actions what is the message we are conveying to the world? he asked.

The Minister has demanded that the UN withdraws this Committee that was appointed. A non stop fast was commenced by protestors in front of the UN office on the 6th against the Committee appointed by the UN Secretary while demanding its withdrawal. Today, Weerawansa began a non stop fast ceremoniously by sitting on the platform with the blessings of the Sangha members.

Indeed, the Minister had on an earlier occasion in his characteristic violence prone gangster style warned publicly that he would resort to this barbaric action–besiege the UN office in Colombo and hold its staff hostage. Of course, the Govt. then dissociated itself from his views when the UN office inquired about it, and stated that those were Weerawansa’s personal outbursts, and had nothing to do with the Govt.’s official stand.

However, later, the Minister did lead a huge crowd and truly made good his ominous threat, which finally in keeping with his gangster style ended up in a most violent note, with a senior DIG and a former Minister getting severely mauled, among many others injured.

The Govt. in an effort to explain why the protest demonstrations were held outside the UN office in Colombo has issued a communiqué released by its Dept. of Govt. information which is appended herein :
PROTEST DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE THE UN OFFICE IN COLOMBO

The Government of Sri Lanka dealt with the protest outside the UN complex in Colombo today, in compliance with both domestic as well as international obligations. At the domestic level, Sri Lanka being a democratic society, the Government had to respect the entitlement to voice opinion, including through peaceful demonstrations. Accordingly, the Police permitted a peaceful gathering in front of the complex.
The Government was also absolutely mindful of its international obligations and so the Police authorities deployed adequate strength and remained vigilant, to ensure the safety of the UN complex and of the personnel within it. At the end of the working day, the Police authorities provided reassurance to those within, that they could freely leave their work place.

Once the bulk of the staff had left, a few senior personnel remained within the complex. Those demonstrating had expressed the wish that they should be able to speak to a person in authority in the UN office, in order to convey their deeply felt reservations against the appointment of a Panel on Sri Lanka. The Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs was accordingly instructed to proceed to the UN complex, so that a very limited number of demonstrators could meet the senior staff and express their sentiments. Once this was accomplished, the remaining UN staff too left the complex.

The Government of Sri Lanka expects that the UN complex in Colombo would continue to function as normal in the days ahead. The Government understands that those who are demonstrating intend to continue with their protest, until the UN system revisits the matter of the Panel on Sri Lanka. At the same time, the freedom of entry and exit to and from the complex for authorized personnel will remain constant.

Though the rights of the Sri Lankan citizens to conduct peaceful demonstrations is respected , the obstructions caused to the carrying out of the duties and functions at the UN office is deplorable and objectionable. As promised by the SL Govt., it is expected that adequate protection will be guaranteed and provided to the UN and its staff, the media spokesman for the UN organization, Haq, asserted.
Meanwhile, the SL representative for the UN population census Fund, Ms. Malini Weerasuriya did not attend the news briefing held at the Health education Dept. on the 7th, yesterday, which was designed to educate the media in connection with the world population census day to be held on the 11th July 2010.

She was to make the opening address at this meeting. But her non attendance without any reason or intimation being conveyed stood out most conspicuous.

When Chulananda Perera, the Immigration and emigration Director General was asked about this visa cancellation, he stated that he had acted on the report furnished by the Govt. intelligence unit.
The decision to expel two chief Peace Force officers from SL amidst protests staged against the appointment of a Committee by Ban Ki Moon to advise him on the human rights violations in SL during the war has invited the focus and attention of all Organizations acting on behalf of human rights protection.

The non violent peace Force had been running offices in Colombo, Batticaloa and the North, and have been in SL for a long time. This is an International Organization which is world recognized and ha s been appearing on behalf of those whose human rights have been violated.

Singapore House of an Expensive Minister

(Lanka-e-News 30.March.2010 12.10PM) This is a building in a very expensive area of Singapore. One of the most expensive Sri Lankan minister in the cabinet has bought a house in this building. This particular is famous for spending public money for himself and his family members when they are abroad. We also know another Minister from a town close to Sigiriya has also bought a palace in Malaysia."

Legacy greater than currency

The state media headlines scream - Rs. 1 million for the whereabouts of Danuna Tillakaratne.
For comparison, the reward for Prabhakaran was Rs. 5 million and that was for 30 years of violent conflict, not for helping his father-in-law's election campaign for two months.
Danuna Tillakaratne did NOT involve in any arms deals as falsely publicized by the government. The government's actual charge is that he forged a signature - a charge they are not able to prove.
These allegations are simply lies to force Danuna to give a verdict against the General.
It is time Sri Lankans heard the truth from their officials. It is also time that government officials stopped spending our tax money on false allegations. All weapons transactions in Sri Lanka are governed by Lanka Logistics and Technologies. Established by the government, and run by the Defense Secretary, this is the sole procurement agency for all military equipment.
Millions for posters, millions for TV ads, and millions spent on getting the police and CID to cater to every whim of a government blinded by revenge.
The economy, resettlement of population, an alarmingly widening budget crisis, a pitiful human rights record, government corruption.
With a million burning issues - we are still trying to spend millions on harassing the innocent.
Also, is anyone that foolish to think the government will allow them to live freely, if they do collect this reward?
Think about it.
Sarath Fonseka Media Unit
3/1 Rajakeeya Mawatha, Colombo 7
sarathfonsekamedia@gmail.com

It is none other than Minister Champika Ranawake who made these denunciations.

The Minister added that individuals who are practicing hooliganism, involved in frauds and corruption should be prevented from entering Parliament. In the future, he urged, Sri Lankans should think and act carefully to elect Parliamentarians who are educated, well character-ed, well bred and from respectable professions .

Mr. Ban told journalists that the establishment of the panel is in line with a joint statement he issued with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to the country last May after Government forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

“This joint statement contained a commitment related to ensuring an accountability process for addressing violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws,” he said in response to questions from reporters at his monthly press conference at UN Headquarters in New York.
“The panel I am establishing will advise me on the standards, benchmarks and parameters, based on international experience, that must guide any accountability process such as the one mentioned in the joint statement. Now this panel will report to me directly and not to another body.”

Mr. Ban said a recent letter on the subject he received from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) indicated “there is a misunderstanding on the nature and purpose” of the experts’ panel.
“I am convinced that it is well within my power as Secretary-General of the United Nations to ask such a body to furnish me with their advice of this nature. This does not in any way infringe on the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.”

Last week the UN chief voiced concern about the lack of progress on political reconciliation, the treatment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the setting up of an accountability process since he reached the joint statement with Mr. Rajapaksa.

Earlier this month Mr. Ban had what he described as “a frank and honest exchange of views” by telephone with Mr. Rajapaksa, who was re-elected President in an election in late January. Since the ballot was held the runner-up candidate, General Sarath Fonseka, has been arrested and faces trial.

B. Lynn Pascoe, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, is slated to soon head to Sri Lanka for talks with senior officials in the Government. (UN News Centre)

British Foreign Secretary addresses Global Tamil Forum against Lanka’s displeasure

Thu, 2010-02-25 04:24 — editor
United Kingdom
London, 25 February (Asiantribune.com):

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has participated today and addressed the Global Tamil Forum meet, even as the Sri Lanka government protested his participation in the meet and wanted to keep him away, creating further sour in the relations between both the countries.

Not only that, he was appreciative of the foundation of the Global Tamil Forum, the inauguration of its international work, and he called it an important moment for politics and above all politics in Sri Lanka. He also said there is no substitute for political voice in asserting political rights. Tamils know to their cost the price of violence against them and in their name. “We know that the civil war is over, but the civil peace has yet to be built and it is the dedication of this organisation to build a lasting equitable and endurable political civil peace that I think is the test of all of our effort.”

Here is the full text of his speech made to members of the Global Tamil Forum at the House of Commons on 24 February 2010:
“I want to very warmly welcome all of you to the House of Commons if you’ve come from around Britain, and welcome you to Britain, those of you who’ve come from around the world. I think that it is very significant indeed that the Global Tamil Forum should have brought people together from fourteen countries. That in itself is a huge achievement. It is a reflection of the breadth of the Tamil diaspora around the world and I hope it speaks to a unity that will serve the rights and hopes of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.

“It’s also important to recognise the history that’s associated with Britain’s relationship with Sri Lanka. Father Emmanuel spoke about this. And I hope that not just historians, but Tamils will come to look back on this meeting in this building as being a time and a moment of significance for the future of Sri Lanka.
“I also want to recognize on the platform with me here are three Members of Parliament who have played an outstanding role in the British debate about the future of Sri Lanka. Virendra Sharma on my right, Keith Vaz, Siobhain McDonagh have all been stout defenders of the rights of all Sri Lankans and I think it is right not just to recognise the role of Governments, but to recognise the work of parliamentarians and also to recognise the work of community groups. Some of them made by Tamils, but others made by churches, made by other groups of British people who’ve seen the plight in Sri Lanka and wanted to respond to it and I think it’s important to recognise that this is a grass roots movement in Britain, not just a Government led movement.

“I also want to say that the foundation of the Global Tamil Forum, the inauguration of its international work, is an important moment for politics and above all politics in Sri Lanka, because there is no substitute for political voice in asserting political rights. Tamils know to their cost the price of violence against them and in their name. We know that the civil war is over, but the civil peace has yet to be built and it is the dedication of this organisation to build a lasting equitable and endurable political civil peace that I think is the test of all of our effort.

“I want to commend very, very strongly your decision to, not just to support non violence, but to advocate non violence. I think that history has shown time and again that lasting peace is not found through weapons and through warfare but through politics, however hard it is to persevere with it. We’ve seen this in our own United Kingdom, notably in the state of Northern Ireland, but also in other parts of the world and the road ahead no doubt will be long and hard in some ways that I will describe in a moment. But I think the founding commitment not just to a fully inclusive political process, but to support non violence as the means to achieve it, is something that speaks to the deepest values of the Tamil people and actually, as I will say later, to the deepest values of people everywhere.
“Perhaps I should say why I’m here. It’s not just that London is the venue for this important meeting. It’s that the importance of establishing a lasting peace in Sri Lanka matters. It matters because of the deep links that exist between Britain and Sri Lanka, the deep links that exist between British people and Sri Lankans of all kinds, and it’s also that the future of Sri Lanka is important for the future of South Asia more generally. And I think that any Foreign Secretary would want to be here to listen, but also to support about the way ahead.

“For twenty six years all the peoples of Sri Lanka suffered from the effects of civil war, but we know that while all communities were hit, the Tamil communities were the worst hit. We know that during the conflict Tamils were in every day fear for their lives, trapped between Government forces and the LTTE, many thousands killed we know, seventy thousand in total from all communities. Thousands more injured or maimed which often is not mentioned in a grim recitation of statistics.

“We know that civilians were displaced, individuals, children separated from their families, homes and livelihoods destroyed and we know also that the Tamil diaspora around the world reflects conflict and it reflects fear around the world. We are proud in this country, very proud, of the contribution that British Tamils are making to our country. You are our neighbours, our friends, our relatives. We’re proud of your role in business, in commerce, in politics. But you know very deeply that you would like to be making a contribution above all in Sri Lanka and it is that tension, that dual focus first of all on Britain and first of all, and secondly on Sri Lanka, that brings us together.

“It’s also important to say as Tamils lived in fear, some expelled from their country, that they, you also lived in the shadow of the LTTE, a terrorist organisation which committed countless atrocities itself, which refused to tolerate dissent, which forcibly recruited children as soldiers and which again refused to allow Tamil civilians to escape from the fighting. I think it’s important to say those things as well.

“And we know that today land mines are still scattered across the former conflict zone, the lack of infrastructure and the lack of electricity, the lack of irrigation, poverty rates in Tamil areas are at least double those in the other provinces. And after the spike in violence that preceded the end of the civil war, nearly a hundred thousand Tamils still remain in the IDP camps, unable to return to their homes. And I will never forget the faces that I saw in the IDP camps in Sri Lanka ten months ago. I will never forget the stories that I was told of innocent people separated from their families, of brutalisation and of profound fear about the future. And whenever I think of that statistic of a hundred thousand people still in IDP camps I think of individual men, women and in some cases young teenagers talking to me about all they wanted was to be treated as a decent human being, able to go about their lives in a decent way. And that’s what motivates me and it’s wha t motivates the Prime Minister and it’s what motivates the Government to believe that the aspirations of the Tamil people expressed as the hope of a decent life alongside others in Sri Lanka is something that should motivate us in the future.

“We try in the short term to alleviate the suffering. We try to send money and we do send money, tens of millions of pounds are sent from Britain by the Government. But I know many millions of pounds are sent by the Tamil communities too to try to make a difference through the humanitarian agencies who should be given far greater access and freedom of movement. We also continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to return the remaining IDPs to their home areas, to grant full access to NGOs and we do not forget either the eleven thousand five hundred or so ex combatants also still in camps.
“Now despite the scale of this humanitarian crisis and the need for us to focus on it as a matter of urgency, we do not forget the longer term, because anyone who cares about the future of Sri Lanka knows that it will not be built by aid alone. It must be built through a new political settlement. Since the end of the civil war, since the re-election of President Rajapaksa, as we look forward and await the parliamentary elections, we continue to make the case that the President should use his mandate for a real drive for national reconciliation, a real drive to respect the rights of every single Sri Lankan, a real drive to fulfil the commitments, constitutional and other reforms, that would make a difference.

“Now to do this there needs to be greater effort to respect the rights of all Sri Lankans. It is because of our concern about the implementation of core commitments in respect of human rights conventions that we along with twenty six other members of the European Union supported the European Commission’s recommendation to suspend Sri Lanka from the benefits of the GSP+ trade programme. We did, we did so because trade and values need to be linked. We did so because the rules of the GSP programme put values at their heart. Those values are values of civil and political rights, because we are concerned about violence and allegations of malpractice in the election campaign and of course there are also important commitments made by the Government in respect of media freedom. There is also the issue of the arrest of the presidential candidate who like anyone else arrested should be treated in accordance with Sri Lankan law.

“We also believe that as well as the GSP issue there is an issue of history because history is there to be learned from. We can not live in our history, but we have to learn from it and I think that my reading of reconciliation around the world is that if history is buried then reconciliation never happens. We have recently celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela and the commitment to expose history to the full glare of publicity, the commitment to reconcile history as well as reconcile people has been an important part of the South African experience and I think is an important lesson from the South African experience. That is why we continue to call as a Government for a process to investigate serious allegations of violation of international humanitarian law by both sides in the conflict. If credible and independent, such efforts could make an important contribution to reconciliation between Sri Lanka’s communities.

“I’ve also said repeatedly that the concern with civil and political rights today, concern with the history, concern with the IDPs, feeds in to a constitutional point that there needs to be a genuinely inclusive political process in Sri Lanka which involves all communities of Sri Lanka. It’s important to say that whenever a British Minister says this, there are accusations that we are trying to tell Sri Lanka how to govern or run its own affairs. I want to refute that very, very clearly, because the shape of any future political settlement is for the Sri Lankan people, all the Sri Lankan people recognising all their rights, including minority rights, it’s for them to determine. But we will continue to be an advocate for the universal human rights that we believe underpin the basis not just of democracy, but of decent societies everywhere.

“I just want to conclude on the following point. Politics is about Governments, it’s also about people, it’s about people in countries that are trying to chart a peaceful future, but it’s also about those with links around the world and that relates to the significance of today’s event. This democratic group, this heartily engaged forum is well placed to influence debate, well placed because of its commitments and well placed because of its contacts.
“And it is my view that political reconciliation will require the active engagement of Tamil communities around the world. It will require you to speak up for your values of non violence. It will require you to speak up for a vision of a decent Sri Lanka that respects all its people and it will require you to speak up for a spirit that recognises that if people can not find a way to live together they will drift apart.

“These commitments are easy to say, especially easy to say from the relative comfort of a democratic country like the United Kingdom. But it’s important that we say that we are in solidarity with all those Sri Lankans, whatever their background, who want to live up to the commitments in the Sri Lankan constitution and who want to live up to the founding ideals of a country that respects every single one of its citizens without fear or favour. The struggle for equality and democracy is one that should unite all Sri Lankans and all Governments around the world. On behalf of the UK Government I can assure you it does. Thank you very much indeed.”
-Asian Tribune-

Sri Lanka strongly protests British Foreign Secretary’s participation at Global Tamil Forum

Thu, 2010-02-25 02:41 — editor
Sri Lanka
Colombo, 25 February (Asianrtribune.com):

Minister Rohitha Bogallagama
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama summoned the British Acting High Commissioner in Colombo Mark Gooding to the Foreign Ministry yesterday to express Sri Lanka’s strong protest with regard to the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband’s intent to address the London Conference of the pro-LTTE ‘Global Tamil Forum’ (GTF) yesterday (24/2).
The Foreign Minister informed the Acting High Commissioner that the GTF brings together under one umbrella, several LTTE front organizations based mostly in the western countries, and that its objective is to create a separate state of Tamil Eelam.
Mr. Bogollagama in this context emphasized that Foreign Secretary Miliband, by participating at yesterday’s GTF Meeting in London, would unfortunately lend credibility to an organization which is propagating the separatist agenda of the LTTE, and would be acting in a manner inimical to the national interest of Sri Lanka and its legitimate government.
He further noted that the GTF was formed in order to launch the so called “Provisional Trans-National Government of Tamil Eelam”, and hence poses a ‘direct threat’ to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Taking into consideration the LTTE agenda of the GTF, the Foreign Minister asked the Acting High Commissioner to convey that he urged Foreign Secretary Miliband to change his decision to address the GTF Meeting today in London, if the Foreign Secretary is genuinely interested in supporting the legitimate government elected by the people of Sri Lanka to achieve peace and reconciliation among all communities.
The Foreign Minister also indicated that Sri Lanka encouraged the British Government to directly engage with the Sri Lankan Government in achieving this shared objective of peace and reconciliation.
He observed that Sri Lanka expects the British Government and its representatives who are interested in achieving a durable peace in Sri Lanka to encourage the Sri Lankan diaspora to give up the LTTE’s monolithic separatist agenda and to work constructively towards an inclusive peace. The non-participation of Foreign Secretary Miliband in today’s GTF meeting in London would be the best way to convey this message, he noted.
The British Foreign Secretary has made his intention of addressing the GTF known in a statement delivered on Tuesday, at the British House of Commons.
- Asian Tribune -

If the war victory is to be consolidated , these international threats must be defeated and for this the Govt. should be made to secure a 2/3 majority. The decision to appoint such a Committee in regard to SL is an infringement of the UN Organization laws and traditions, Dr. Peiris added.

The reasons cited for the charges against SL are human rights violations. The UN is following a special policy in regard to a small country like SL whereas powerful countries where there are such violations a different policy is being pursued, he noted.
An independent Organization affiliated to the International crisis group has issued an important report last week. It points out that the path followed by pro LTTE Tamil Diaspora are diametrically opposed to that pursued by the Tamil political parties in SL.. The Tamil Diaspora has still not abandoned its Eelam goal, and are pursuing that with determination. They are not only employing political parties, but even voluntary Organizations towards this end, Dr. Peiris noted.
Hopes can be entertained in regard to the GSP+ concessions following the discussions held in Brussels from 15th to the 18th. The SL delegation has told the European Union (EU) that the emergency and other laws which were operative during the war period will be withdrawn step by step, while the issues of child soldiers and the IDPs too are engaging the Govt.’s attention as priorities. At these discussions, the Govt. has after considering the EU‘s proposals and what they expect of us is taking remedial measures, Dr. Peiris explained.

The Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that under his Govt., the Bank loans taken by the Rajapakse Govt. will not be paid back. These are meant to criticize the Govt., but actually they undermine and affect the country’s economy adversely. It is a matter for regret that the Opposition leader is making statements which run counter to the prevailing Democratic traditions, Dr. Peiris lamented.

Sri Lankans in Australia urge UN to intervene in protecting Human & Civil rights of Sri Lankans citizens

(Lanka-e-News, March 17, 2010, 7.55PM) We publish hereunder a letter addressed to the United Nations quoting Article 25 and Article 9 of the covenant urging its intervention as the guardian of civil and human rights in connection with the arrest and detention of General Sarath Fonseka allegedly violating the laws of the country and in breach of the covenant.

The Honourable Ban Ki Moon,
Secretary-General
United Nations
March 14 2010

Dear Sir,

Although a signatory to the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the government of Sri Lanka is in breach of Article 25 and Article 9. Therefore we respectfully ask that you remind the President of the said government of its civil rights obligations under international law.

Article 25 of the ICCPR gives every citizen the right to vote in "genuine periodic elections" which shall guarantee "the free expression of the will of the electors." Sri Lanka has recently been subjected to a series of elections which were neither "genuine" nor "free".

The ruling party and the incumbent president used full power of the state to guarantee electoral success. Armed gangs were used to intimidate supporters of the opposition candidate who challenged the incumbent president, General (Rtd.) Sarath Fonseka. The resources of state authorities were widely employed to help the sitting President's campaign; the state media which is run by the tax payers' money of Sri Lanka carried constant advertisements which were like programmes for him. Live coverage was given to meetings at which the President participated while the General's meetings were not given any publicity at all or virtually none. Likewise the state media was used to make false statements defaming Fonseka's personal character. It was repeatedly alleged that he was not eligible to be elected president and that therefore a vote cast for him would be wasted. Such statements were broadcast without a break until the close of polling at 4 pm. The counting agents of candidates other than the President were threatened and chased away from many counting centres. Transport facilities were not provided to residents of IDP camps in the North with the result that only 5,000 out of 100,000 eligible and registered voters cast their votes. Planned bomb explosions in the war a_ected the northern peninsula on the day before the presidential election, preventing people casting their votes (the number who turned up was as low as below 15%}. The Elections' Commissioner admitted that he could not ensure the safety of even one ballot box and that "the situation has reached a dangerous level that is beyond me."
This manner in which the election was held denied the human rights of the Sri Lankan people. Soon afterwards, the main opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka was arrested under the Army Act even though he had already ceased to be a serving o_cer, Military law has denied him the normal rights of an accused citizen; he has not yet been charged although one month of detention has passed.

Article 9 of the ICCPR states:

1. Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.

2. Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him.

By its illegal detention of Sarath Fonseka without charge, the government of Sri Lanka has breached this article of the Covenant in every respect. That is the considered opinion of Retired Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, who said, after thoroughly examining the evidence, " In conclusion I wish to state that from whatever perspective one may look at the matter – the Constitution; the Universal Declaration; the ICCPR; the Code of Criminal Procedure Act; the Army Act or the CDS Act; the purported arrest and continued detention of General Sarath Fonseka who is now a candidate nominated for the Parliamentary Elections is entirely contrary to law and justice. "

The people of Sri Lanka hope that the UN is the guardian of Article 25 and Article 9 of the Covenant. They are precious civil rights which we are unwilling to lose.

Yours sincerely
Jagath Bandara
National Convener,
Campaign for Democracy in Sri Lanka - Australia

This conference will be held at the Kandy Headquarters on the 18th Feb. at 3.00 p.m.

Arrangements are being made to dispatch invitation letters to all Temples in the Island today.

The text of the invitation letter is as follows …..

Historical Maha Sangha conference at Kandy Headquarters 0n 2010-02- 18 at 3.00 p.m.
Most Ven. the Maha Sangha,

We believe that you, the venerable selves would by now be aware that a dire situation has arisen in the country owing to the perils posed to Democracy and good governance in the country. It is our conviction that this is a dangerous trend afflicting the country’s future.

Keeping silent in the light of these trends and dangers is not a duty of ours. All of you venerable selves will accept that the Buddhist clergy from historical times through peaceful struggle has spearheaded the campaigns for the benefit of the country. But now, all what we stood for are in great peril and are being viciously challenged in the recent past.
Taking into account the present unstable situation in the country and all these deadly trends and dangers faced by the people as a whole, it has been decided that with a view to restoring Democracy and good governance in a peaceful and harmonious climate, all Buddhist Prelates, the Maha Sangha and the entire clergy across the whole Island meet on the 18th of February at 3.00 p.m. at the Kandy Headquarters accepting this invitation. We request you to please keep this date free and attend this conference which is of immense importance in the best interests of all.

Yours sincerely,

Ven. Malwatte chapter Maha Nayake Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero
Ven. Asgiriya chapter Maha Nayke Labugama Sri Buddharikitha Thero
Ven. Amarapura Nikaye Maha Nayake Davuldene Medalankara Thero
Ven. Ramanya Nikaye Maha Nayake Weveldeniye Medalankara Thero

(A photo of this invitation letter is depicted hereunder)

Ven Malwatte Mahanayake Thero commenting on this letter said, we have now given notice and we are also prepared to take action.

This conference will be held at the Kandy Headquarters on the 18th Feb. at 3.00 p.m.

Arrangements are being made to dispatch invitation letters to all Temples in the Island today.

The text of the invitation letter is as follows …..

Historical Maha Sangha conference at Kandy Headquarters 0n 2010-02- 18 at 3.00 p.m.
Most Ven. the Maha Sangha,

We believe that you, the venerable selves would by now be aware that a dire situation has arisen in the country owing to the perils posed to Democracy and good governance in the country. It is our conviction that this is a dangerous trend afflicting the country’s future.

Keeping silent in the light of these trends and dangers is not a duty of ours. All of you venerable selves will accept that the Buddhist clergy from historical times through peaceful struggle has spearheaded the campaigns for the benefit of the country. But now, all what we stood for are in great peril and are being viciously challenged in the recent past.
Taking into account the present unstable situation in the country and all these deadly trends and dangers faced by the people as a whole, it has been decided that with a view to restoring Democracy and good governance in a peaceful and harmonious climate, all Buddhist Prelates, the Maha Sangha and the entire clergy across the whole Island meet on the 18th of February at 3.00 p.m. at the Kandy Headquarters accepting this invitation. We request you to please keep this date free and attend this conference which is of immense importance in the best interests of all.

Yours sincerely,

Ven. Malwatte chapter Maha Nayake Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero
Ven. Asgiriya chapter Maha Nayke Labugama Sri Buddharikitha Thero
Ven. Amarapura Nikaye Maha Nayake Davuldene Medalankara Thero
Ven. Ramanya Nikaye Maha Nayake Weveldeniye Medalankara Thero

(A photo of this invitation letter is depicted hereunder)

Ven Malwatte Mahanayake Thero commenting on this letter said, we have now given notice and we are also prepared to take action.

Of what purpose are rulers who persecute the innocents?- I feel like telling politicos not to visit my Temple – Malwatte Thero exclaims in disgust

Ven. Thibbatuwave Sri Siddhatha Sumangala Thero , the chief incumbent of the Malwatte Chapter expressed his frank views in a sermon when missing Journalist Prageeth Ekneliyagoda‘s wife and two children met the Prelate at the Temple to pour out their desperation and woes over the disappearance of Ekneliyagoda since two weeks ago .

Speaking further on the occasion, he said ,

Cant someone write ? Everyone should have a right to write so that the people will know the actual situation in the country. It is the duty of a journalist to express the factual situation. We all too have a right to know the facts. Those should not be concealed. If such writers are being liquidated , it is not a Democratic climate. Everyone must have the right to express their views . If such people are being abducted , such acts cannot be condoned or permitted , no matter from what highest echelons these orders come from, the Ven.Nayake Thero emphasized.
What has happened today , the greatest war Hero has been arrested ; the Army Commander who saved the country , its future and ushered in peace by destroying the most atrocious terrorist in the World . This is a big curse. The true situation is not being made known. In any event , a pardon is deserving for him under any circumstance .

The country’ political leaders are cheating on all of us. They never heed us though they come and listen to sermons and advice , while also promising to follow them, he regretted.
There are our poor people. I have with me a full file. Just because they voted fro the Opposition they are unable to sleep because they are threatened with abduction and intimidation. They are hence going into the jungles and sleeping. Now it is like the period of the insurrection. They are from Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Matara and other areas. We as Prelates can only advise and announce the true situation to the country. There is nothing more we can do with such a despotic environment.

The voters should also realize that such people are not elected . In the present context I see no future for this country.

Indeed I am deeply moved by your sorry plight . You are relating your woes to me because there is no alternative . Telling or depending on the administration is useless , that is why you are here with me, I understand. The rulers do not heed us though they show to the public they are following our sermons and advice. Now I have thought to tell these despotic politicians not to come to this Temple for advice .

Besides , of what purpose are rulers whose favorite occupation is harassing and inflicting suffering on their innocent subjects ? he asked.

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda shortly after he wrote articles supporting the presidential opposition candidate. His office was ransacked shortly after, the website he writes for was blocked during the election, and there have been delays and flaws in the police investigation. The journalist was also a victim of an unresolved organised abduction last year. It should be noted that his disappearance fits the strong pattern of harassment of journalists in the country by government agencies.

According to the information received, Mr. Prageeth Ranjan Bandara Eknaligoda (also printed as Ekanaligoda), disappeared shortly after he left his office at the LankaeNews Website headquarters on 24 January 2010 – two days before the presidential election. His last contact was in a call to a Mr Gamini Perera, who usually drives him home, during which the journalist told Mr Perera that he had arranged alternative transport. He mentioned being 'at Koswatte' (and though there are two potential Koswatte’s in Colombo, the victim’s wife believes he was referring to a place near Talangama).

There has been no communication from the victim since and there are no known facts about the perpetrators at this time. However due to the nature of his work, the day of his disappearance, the frequency of state sanctioned acts of repression against journalists under the current administration, and his own past experience of abduction, detailed below, Eknaligoda's family suspect the involvement of state authorities, rather than – as suggested by police – individuals with a grudge.

Shortly after the victim’s disappearance the website LankaeNews was blocked by the government authorities. The block was lifted after the election. The AHRC is also informed that the LankaeNews premises were searched for two hours on the night of 28 January 2010 by a large number of unidentified persons (vehicle registration number: 32-8432), after which the website was again blocked for a short time.

When Mrs. Kamalgoda Mudalige Sandya Priyangani Eknaligoda, attempted to register the incident at Homagama police station, accompanied by Mr Perera, she was told by the OIC (Officer-in-Charge) that the station was unable to record the incident without prior instruction from higher officers, and he advised her to register the complaint with the Koswatte police; this is despite his legal obligation to register the case without delay. After persistence from Mrs. Eknaligoda the officer allegedly agreed to accept the complaint, and statements were recorded from her and Mr. Perera between 10:30 and 11:00am on 25 January 2010.

On 28 January 2010 an officer from Homagama police station and two officers purporting to be from the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) visited Mrs Eknaligoda and her neighbours to record further statements regarding the possibility of private dispute related to the victim. No further action has been seen to be taken.

Ekanaligoda's family do not believe that his disappearance is the result of a private grudge. On 27 August 2009 he was victim of an organised abduction - he was blindfolded, transported a considerable distance and chained in a kind of cell overnight – by men who responded to organised instruction from someone referred to as a higher officer. He was released after the officer told them that he was not the correct intended target.

The case has been well publicised in the media however Mrs. Ekanaligoda also registered complaints at the office of the opposition leader, to Mr Gamini Jayawickrama Perera who is chairman of the United National Party, to the office of the National Board of Intellectuals (Jathika Vidwath Mandalaya), to Mr Wasudewa Nanayakkara who is an adviser to the president, and to several civil society organisations. A government spokesman has since publicly denied government involvement.

Sri Lanka remains one of the most dangerous environments in the region for journalists, and other public opinion makers, largely due to the lack of accountablilty faced by those who harass or attack them. Please refer to last years' urgent appeals and statement archive for other recent and unresolved cases, including the protection and investigation that was denied journalist and police torture victim Senake Ekanayake (UAU-029-2009) and abudction and torture victim, Poddala Jayantha, who is currently president of the Working Journalists Association (in STM-125-2009:SRI LANKA: Journalist attacked - a civil society organisation threatened and a provocative campaign against freedom of expression continues).

SUGGESTED ACTION:
---------------------
Please write letters to the relevant authorities to urge for stronger and clearer efforts to thoroughly investigate this disappearance, ensure his safe return, and provide security for the victim’s family.

Please be informed that the AHRC has written a separate letter to the UN Working Group for Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, calling for intervention in this case.

CASE DETAILS: (Based on information received from the victim's wife)

LeN Journalist Prageeth’s disappearance: Human rights Comm. refuses to accept complaint

(Lanka-e-news 03.Feb.2010 9.00PM) The Human rights Commission (HRC) has refused to accept a complaint or record it or to investigate in regard to the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneliyagoda who went missing on the 25th night , the day previous to the Presidential elections on the 26th of Jan.

When Ekneliyagoda’s wife , Sandya Ekneligoda has gone to the HRC along with her Lawyer yesterday (02) to complain about her husband’s disappearance , the Officer there , Samagi Perera has refused on the ground that ‘disappearances’ don’t come within the purview of the HRC.

When the Lawyer who accompanied Sandya questioned as to why the complaint cannot be accepted , the HRC Lawyer had replied , if the place where he is kept in custody is known , they could inquire, but they cannot conduct an investigation .
However this officer had taken down the complaint later. The complaint No. is 369/ 2010.

When inquiries were made from the HRC Secretary C. Ellawala , she said , because such a complaint could not be rejected , it was accepted for investigation.

The institute said it is naming Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was editor of Sri Lankan newspaper The Sunday Leader, as an IPI World Press Freedom Hero.

Wickrematunge, a fierce critic of the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tiger militants, was shot dead near Colombo on January 8, 2009. More than a year later, the killing has not been solved, IPI said.

"The murder of Wickrematunge was a shocking reminder of the dangers facing Sri Lanka's courageous journalists, for whom death is all too often the ultimate form of censorship," IPI Director David Dadge said in a written statement.

"By naming him an IPI World Press Freedom Hero, IPI honors his memory and his sacrifice, and sends the strongest message possible to the Sri Lankan government that the international community will not forget his murder and that the perpetrators must be found and punished."
Three days after his death, The Sunday Leader published a column in which Wickrematunge had predicted his own death.

The column anticipated his killing by government forces and defended the craft of journalism in his country, which is enduring a bitter civil war.

Wickrematunge wrote that he was twice assaulted and his house was fired upon.

"Despite the government's sanctimonious assurances, there was never a serious police inquiry into the perpetrators of these attacks, and the attackers were never apprehended," he wrote in the column.
"In all of these cases, I have reason to believe the attacks were inspired by the government. When finally I am killed, it will be the government that kills me."

Asked last year about threats to journalists, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa voiced assurance that no journalist or media institution had cause to fear any threats or attacks by the government, according to a statement on the government's official Web site.

"The government had no interest whatever in seeking disgrace through any attacks on the media," he said, and he assured media leaders that the culprits would be captured and brought to justice, the statement said.

Wickrematunge's brother, Lal Wickrematunge -- chairman of Leader Publications Ltd., which includes The Sunday Leader -- told IPI that the slain editor had known he was in danger.

"But he continued in his journey unbowed and unafraid. He felt total commitment to his work," Lal Wickrematunge said.

Lasantha Wickrematunge's killing spurred a demonstration in Colombo by 4,000 people, which Reporters Without Borders said was the largest since Rajapaksa took power in 2005.

He was re-elected to a second term last month.

Sinhalese-dominated government forces have been working to eradicate the last vestiges of Tamil Tiger separatists in Jaffna peninsula, a rebel-held northern region. The 25-year-old civil war has left more than 65,000 people dead.

According to IPI figures, 17 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka over the past decade. Two of them were killed in 2009.

Wickrematunge will be among 60 World Press Freedom Heroes honored in a ceremony in September, IPI said.

(CNN)

1.The whereabouts of well-known political commentator Prageeth Eknaligoda remain unknown since his disappearance at midnight on 24th January 2010. A regular contributor to the Lankaenews website and father of two children, Eknaligoda suffers from a diabetic condition and has undergone open heart, bypass surgery for which he requires daily medication. His wife has lodged a complaint with the Police and has been informed that investigations are on -going. At a media conference on 25th January 2010 The Minister of Information Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene stated that the Government has information regarding his disappearance. Media organizations have called for any information relating to his disappearance and for his early release but have not received a favourable response so far.

2. The Lankaenews website was blocked on the eve of the Presidential Elections. After complaining to the Elections Commissioner about it, and following his order to Sri Lanka Telecom not to prevent access to the website, the editor and staff of Lankaenews received threatening phone calls. The continued presence of unknown persons in the vicinity of the Lankaenews office has also been noted and the Welikade Police have been duly informed.

3. On the 28th of January, Programme Producer Ravi Abeywickreme of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation was assaulted by the Transport Co-ordinator, in the presence of the Chairman and the Director General. Other programme producers Kanchana Marasinghe, Herbert Kumara Alagiyawanna, Gamini Pushpakumara and Daya Mahinda Gunatilake were verbally abused. Subsequently, Herbert Kumara Alaguyawanna has been dismissed and the others have been interdicted. They have been informed of this decision by their SLRC Employees Union. They are officers and member of the SLRC Producers’ Association and Free Media Movement.

4. On the 30th of January Chandana Sirimalwatte the chief editor of Lanka, a weekly newspaper was asked to call over at the CID to make a statement. Following questioning he was detained by the CID. The office of the Lanka newspaper the CID was sealed thereafter, but subsequently removed following a court order.

5. Among the reports of post elections violence in various parts of the country is the attack on the residence of provincial reporter from Kurunegala, Gunaratne Liyanarchchi, by an unidentified group on the night of January 28th.

6. On the 1st of February 2010 an unruly crowd attacked a group of media workers from Lake House. Reports indicate that two people have been hospitalized.

7. We would like to remind Your Excellency of the behaviour of the state media during the lead up to the Presidential Election. The Election Commissioner has also expressed his displeasure on the manner in which the state media behaved. Even after the election concluded the state media continues to harass certain media institutions and organizations by publicizing false statements and the use of revengeful language. The state media has also broadcast reports saying that in the event of the Opposition candidate winning the election, he would assassinate Your Excellency and others, and that he would use journalists and resources of the state media to create a state of confusion in the country.
Your Excellency, all these incidents taken as a whole are creating a sense of terror within the media industry in the country due to the intimidation and suppression taking place in different parts of the country by unruly groups targeting members of the Opposition. We believe that if this escalating situation is not brought under control immediately there will be unforeseen repercussions.

If your election victory is to be celebrated in a democratic manner it should not be only limited to your voters, and should not include the suppression of selected media institutions and journalists. We believe that if this situation continues it would not bring you repute but disrepute instead.
We therefore expect Your Excellency to intervene in this matter and ensure that public confidence in democracy is restored and that this unhealthy trend is curbed. We strongly believe that the intervention of Your Excellency is imperative to locating the whereabouts of missing journalist Pradeep Ekneliyagoda and to bring justice to other journalists who are being treated unfairly, as well as to create a free media environment

Thanking You

Free Media Movement
Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association
Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum
Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance
Editors Guild of Sri Lanka
South Asian Free Media Association
Federation of Media Trade Unions

The Secretary of the Conference , has addressed a letter on the 10th March to Ban Ki Moon based on the request of SL , that directing the focus against one country unilaterally is in contravention of the UN s Charter , and they are opposed to these attempts.

The UN Secretary General , had sent a letter on the 02nd of March to the President Rajapakse stating that he is proposing to appoint a special Committee to inquire and advice him in respect of the allegations leveled during the last phase of the SL war .
Subsequently , at a Press conference held at the UN headquarters on the 08th , he had reiterated that he is sending a representative without delay to investigate the situation in SL while he will also be implementing his decision to appoint the special Advisory Committee.

Meanwhile ,the Presidential Secretariat which issued a communiqué on the 7th March following the telephone conversation with Ban KI Moon , stated , with regard to the letter dated 25th February addressed to the President by Ban Ki Moon , that appointing a special advisory Committee is unnecessary and unwarranted, and he would take measures to counter that if such steps are taken.

This leaflet distribution was organized by the Media Organization campaign against media suppression . Several representatives of media organizations participated in this leaflet distribution. The media personnel agreed to distribute at least a ten thousand leaflets against media persecution in SL.

Independent media campaign Secretary Sunil Jayasekera said.

Our security divisions succeeded in defeating the world’s most dangerous terrorist Organization. Therefore the authorities saying it is unable to trace Ekneliyagoda or garner information about his whereabouts is a stupid joke. Ekneliyagoda consistently criticized the Govt. Hence, the failure to make a breakthrough in the investigations clearly compels anyone to direct an accusing finger at the Govt. It is therefore a duty incumbent on the Govt. to conduct a serious and honest investigation with a view to making a breakthrough.

In connection with the violence that erupted on the 26th of January 2010, the day of the Presidential elections and the day following, the Defense Secretary has ordered the immediate interdiction of the following Police Inspectors for allegedly failing to maintain law, peace and order to safeguard the security of the state and the people.

Former Welikade Police station OIC H A N W T De Silva, Western province operations unit O.M.De Gemunu ( Maradana former OIC), Kurunegala Headquarters OIC, M S K Wickremenayake, Chunnakam former OIC T Ludowyke, Jaffna former OIC H A M Lewangama, Nelliady OIC D R N S Dharmadasa, Matara OIC H D N S Jayasekera, and Jaffna Police RP, K A D K Ranasinghe have been interdicted.
At the meeting of the top Police brass at the Police headquarters on the 5th, the IGP who announced the interdiction orders has also frightened the police officers by stating that the police stations OICs at areas where the Govt. loses at elections shall be liable to transfers, and they must take responsibility for Govt.’s defeat, according to reports.

A majority of the OICs who had been issued with interdiction orders are those who performed their duties duly during the Presidential elections and took action against election violence and malpractices.
Sources say, some OICs are preparing to take legal action against the interdiction orders.

This application was filed in the court by Prageeth’s wife Sandya Ekneliyagoda .

The Judges Upali Abeyratne and Ranjith Silva who examined the petition postponed the case to the 27th April to allow the lawyers for the petitioners to adduce reasons .
Lawyers Krishmal Jayasooriya and Sunil Watagala appeared for the petitioner.

The IGP ,The DIG of the CID and the OIC of the Homagama Police station have been cited as respondents in this case.

Do you know the Journalists Wickremetunga and Tennekoon ? Where were you when Wickremetunge was killed and Tennekoon was attacked ? The CID had thus questioned him and inquired about the connection he has with General Sarath Fonseka , and about the instructions he latter had issued to him on the phone.

The CID had also questioned him as to the bitterness that existed between Fonseka and Wickremetunge , and what he knows about the killing of Wickremetunge . The CID had asked him whether Fonseka had given instructions to the media to tarnish the image of the Govt. , and who are those media personnel who received such instructions ?

Lal Priyantha told Lanka e news that under Ref. Nos. 2010 /31 and 4855/08/2010 of the CID folios his statements were recorded.

ASP Roshan Hewavitharane , SI Ratnayake were among the officers who questioned Lal Priyantha and recorded the statements .

Meanwhile the TID had interrogated Lakbima Journalist Mihiri Fonseka who covered Gen. Fonseka’s war news, and Tissa Ravindra Perera of the Rivira who covered Defense news when the General was the Army Commander. Both had been questioned pertaining to their connections with the General.

8 camps ready to imprison 12000 on conspiracy charges –JVP leader these are not arrests ;they are abductions

(Lanka-e-News, Feb.10, 2010, 10. 10AM) JVP leader Somwansa Amerasinghe addressing a news conference yesterday (09) at the General's office at Rajakeeya mawatha said, 8 Detention centers are in the ready so far to accommodate 12000 persons in connection with alleged conspiracy against the Govt., adding that in the struggle of the people for their Democratic rights , the Govt. is making preparations to imprison patriots.

When he was having a discussion with Mano Ganeshan , Sunil Hnadunnetti and Rauff Hakeem in the presence of the General on the 8th night at this same office , suddenly Major General Sumith Manawadu and about 15 Army officers broke into the office and carried the General and his Secretary forcibly holding their arms and legs, Somawansa stated.

Is this the way a Govt. treats a locally and internationally acclaimed war Hero who nearly lost his life at the hands of a LTTE terrorist in his battle to successfully crush them finally? Has the Govt. forgotten that he defeated the worst terrorist outfit in the world which devastated the country for the last 30 years? He asked.

Speaking at the same briefing , Rauff Hakeem said, the Govt. conducting itself this way even before two weeks are gone following the President's so called election victory is a clear manifestation that he knows in his own conscience that this is not a true victory but a fake one. It is to conceal this the Govt. is on a campaign of witch hunt against prominent and popular opposition leaders . This abduction is part of that campaign, he added.

Mano Ganeshan stated thus ….

This was not an arrest, but an abduction. I know about abductions more than anybody else. In Colombo so many Tamils were abducted. Our Presidential candidate who polled 42 lakhs votes at the Presidential elections,and whose victory was plundered by rigging was now abducted before our own eyes.

I am an eye witness to this abduction. I even saw one officer assaulting the General; he hit him on the neck. He was dragged and taken like an animal . This is how the war hero whom the South population extolled was treated. The South population ate kiri bath with him a few months ago and celebrated his victory. But now, we can see how he is being degraded and insulted. This is the innate trait of these men.

The Tamil people totally condemn these actions. As a leader of the Tamil people I can tell with confidence that the President in his own conscience knows he is not the victor at the last elections. Theses are the evil fallouts of that guilty conscience, he noted.

Mangala Samaraweera

This is an absolute abduction in the true sense of the word , he said. Until this point of time nobody including his wife has been informed where he is or of his condition. General Fonseka has to be given his medicines daily for his lung ailment following the LTTE suicide attack on him. He sustained these almost fatal injuries not in a personal conflict , but in the national patriotic struggle as an Army Commander to save the country from the LTTE terrorists over whom he finally won and relieved the country of a 30year old scourge .

To such a war Hero , the Govt. has not even allowed the medicines to be given by his wife. Now, she is seeking international assistance to send the medicines to him, he observed.

Karu Jaysooriya ….
General Fonseka was acclaimed and applauded as the greatest war Hero locally by the President , his Govt. and even internationally . The Govt. called him the greatest patriot . But, now, how did he become a traitor? All because he chose to contest against the President against his wish at the last Presidential election. It is the consensus of all going by the atrocious actions of this Govt. that any person who opposes the Govt.'s despotism and misdeeds is a traitor . Hence, this great patriot and true National Hero has been reduced to the level of a traitor by Govt. machinations, he pinpointed.

This country is heading for an Authoritarian rule. The people have to rise against this .

The picture herein shows the plastic name badge of one of the officers who abducted him found in the room where the General was having a discussion.

Why is President Mahinda so frightened of the media exposures ? –media campaigners ask

(Lanka-e-News, Feb.09, 2010, 2.25PM) If Mahinda is President and if he has won truly, why is the President so frightened of the media?

The professional Organizations which staged a mammoth protest in front of the Fort Railway station yesterday (8) asked this question from the President while shouting slogans.

The main objective of the Demonstrations was to protest against the govt.’s inability to take action or arrest the culprits responsible for the abduction of Lanka e news free lance journalist Prageeth Ekneliyagoda . They also protested against the detention of the ‘Lanka’ newspaper editor Chandana Sirimalwatte by the Police .

The massive Demonstration lasted more than one hour. After making clear the purpose of the Demonstration and most successfully, the crowd dispersed peacefully.

Sunil Jayasekera, the Secretary of the media campaign addressed the crowd thus …

It is 15 days since Ekneliyagoda was abducted. Chandana Sirimalwatte is being detained by the Police without any charges against him for the last 10 days. We do not condone such actions. The state of affairs in the state media is also very dangerous. They are being victimized without any valid reason. This is the first time in SL’s history the media is facing such dangers and challenges from the Govt. we must unite to secure your rights and ours, he emphasized.

Chief Editor of Lanka e news Sandaruwan Senadheera spoke thus …
Our comrade Ekneliyagoda was a journalist who published news independently and without prejudice. Those who abducted him are those who could not bear the true facts he published. Truth always stings the wrongdoers. I plaed with these abductors to please release him. Everyone has a right to express opposition views. The aurhorities must learn to understand that.

Srimalwatte, the Editor of ‘Lanka’ news is also a journalist who expressed unbiased news. Holding him in detention without charges is an unlawful act. He should be released.

Sirimalwatte’s wife, his small daughter, and Ekneliyagoda’s wife too along with the large crowds participated at these demonstrations.

Lumumba University honors President Rajapaksa with a Doctorate in Moscow, Russia

(Lanka-e-News 07.Feb.2010 10.00AM) Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa was awarded a Honoris Causa Doctorate by the Peoples’ Friendship University (PFU), formally known as Patricia Lumumba University of Moscow in Russia on Saturday 6th February 2010 at 6.00pm.

The PFU is celebrating its Golden Jubilee and to mark the anniversary it has been decided to award the Honorary Doctorate to President Rajapaksa for his contribution for world peace and outstanding success against defeating terrorism. The award ceremony was held at the conference hall of the Great Kremlin Concert Hotel in Moscow.

Head of the University Rector Professor Vladimir M. Filippov presented the President with a diploma at the ceremony. President Rajapaksa addressed the audience following the conferment. The conference hall was fully packed with more than 6000 invitees from over 100 countries. Several world leaders, including Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo also attended the ceremony.

The People’s Friendship University (PFU) was established by the former USSR government on 5th February 1960. On 22nd February 1961 it was named after Patricia Lumumba, a political and public figure, a poet and also the head of the first Peoples’ Democratic Government of Congo. The university was re-named as “Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia on 5th February 1992. Since 1995 PFU has awarded ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’ to distinguished persons for outstanding academic achievements in the fields of science and education and to world leaders in recognition of their contribution towards fostering world peace. The awardees include five (5) Presidents and two (2) Prime Ministers from around the globe.

The official letter informing of the awarding of this degree was handed over to President Rajapaksa by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, during their meeting when he visited Sri Lanka recently. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will meet the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday. Also on the same day at the Russian Ministry of Finance, there will be a US$ 300 million credit line signing ceremony. President Rajapaksa is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with former President and the present Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin, other government officials and the business community.

The President’s entourage includes Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama,Minster of Export Development & International Trade Prof.G.L Peiris, Minister of Mass Media & Information, Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Power Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Leader of the National Freedom Front MP Wimal Weerawansa and the Secretary to the President Mr.Lalith Weeratunga.

Russian language speaking Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Moscow Udayanga Weeratunga will host a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and the 62nd Independence Day celebrations during the President’s visit to Russia.
By Janaka Alahapperuma(London) - Pix by: Sudath Silva