An International Airport and a Harbour for Jaffna: General at Jaffna -biggest crowd ever to receive him after the Victor’s ‘sa' musical show in 1975

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.03, 2010, 8.35PM) Opposition common Presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka told at Jaffna , that he is fully committed to devise and proffer a political solution acceptable to all sections of communities , and create a harmonious and contented society . During the last three decades, the people of the South and the North faced untold hardships and many thousands lost their lives owing to the war . The political solution will be one that eliminates any possibility of a return to the former position , he added.

The General who toured Jaffna on his election campaign throughout yesterday (02) addressed a number of rallies in Jaffna. He was accompanied by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe , Somawansa Amerasinghe , Mnao Ganeshan, Ravi Karunanayake , Arjuna Ranatunge among others.

The Jaffna people showed a huge response to his visit. A huge crowd attended the rally of Gen. Fonseka at Weerasingham Hall. The crowds spilled over . Such massive crowds for an event was only seen at Victor Ratnayake’s program ‘sa’ held in Jaffna in 1975 , according to a senior journalist.

Gen. Fonseka addressing the large gathering said , this is the first time he is meeting such large crowds in Jaffna as a civilian. He is fully acquainted with the customs and practices of the Jaffna Tamils , he added.

This Govt. which is playing ducks and drakes even with the monies received for the IDPs and their re settlement shall be packed home. Creating a free society where all people can live freely and fairly in a just climate will be his primary task . Now that the war is over, steps will be taken to withdraw the high security zones and some security zones, their extent can be reduced , he pinpointed. He will also disarm all those groups who are carrying arms with them unlawfully, he emphasized.
Already he and his political parties are in discussion and plans are afoot to provide relief to the Jaffna Tamil people. As soon as he is installed in power he will take expeditious action in this direction , and to make the Palaly airport a Interational Airport. He will also develop the ‘Point Pedro’ Port to international standards, Gen. Fonseka promised. He will also create a disciplined society where in every citizen can live freely and breathe freely without becoming victims of lawless groups, he asserted.
more pics below

Signs of sure defeat at Presidential elections prompts Govt. to relax Exchange control to send illegally amassed funds of rulers out of country

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.05, 2010, 7.45PM)

Attorneys at Law Shiral Lakthileke and Ravi Jayawardena, members of the corruption watch, at a Press briefing today (05) said, the Central Bank of Ceylon from midnight yesterday (04) has extensively relaxed the exchange control regulations to enable any amount of money to be remitted out of the country. They alleged that this action of the Govt. is to make room for the rulers, their stooges, cronies and acolytes to take out their funds amassed through frauds and corruption officially unaccounted.
This sudden action of the Govt. is to allow transfer of the colossal wealth accumulated by the corrupt rulers, since there are sure signs of Govt.’s defeat at the upcoming Presidential elections. As the existent strict exchange control regulations are a hindrance for these outward remittances of the illegally collected monies, this relaxation has been introduced in order that these monies are all flushed out of the country before the new President takes office.
The corruption Watch is following these transfers of funds through the Commercial Banks and those who are effecting them following the exchange control rules relaxation. The Watch will give details at a Press conference after the latest report on the situation is received by noon today, it added.

Deciding on whether Mahinda or General splits PLOTE too into two

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.05, 2010, 7.45PM)

The International leader of the PLOTE Organization Rajan Sivaraja and a group of frontline members of the Organization have, at Vavauniya decided to give their wholehearted support to Gen. Fonseka at the upcoming Presidential elections.

Even as this announcement of this decision was made, the PLOTE leader of the Northern Wanni District, Bowji and some prominent members have declared that they would not support the present President at the elections. Consequently, because of this difference of opinions, some members of the PLOTE are expected to leave the party within the next few days.
There had also arisen conflicts within the PLOTE over PLOTE leader T Sidharthan aligning with President Rajapakse because the PLOTE international leadership alleges, since the LTTE members are with the Govt., the PLOTE should not support the President Mahinda. These controversies are becoming increasingly stormy.

JVP procession proceeds without police obstruction

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.04, 2010, 8.45PM) A large crowd including JVP Leaders took part in a JVP procession organized against Govt. corruption, murder attacks, and abuse of power. The Police attempts to disperse the JVP march by Court order was unsuccessful.

The protest march began from the roundabout at Ayurveda Hospital towards Campbell Park. UNF supporters joined the protest march from punchi Borella and walked to Campbell place -the venue of the rally.

This rally was held under the leadership of the common candidate Gen. Fonseka. JVP Leader Somawansa amerasinghe, UNF Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, JVP leaders Tilvin Silva, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Vijitha Herath, and UNF MPs Tissa Attanayake, Karu Jayasooriya, Lkashman Seneviratneand other MPs took part.

IGP is common candidate’s scheming security danger provider

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.04, 2010, 8.05PM) Charges are being leveled against the IGP on the ground that he is scheming to preclude security protection to the common candidate Gen. Fonseka at the main rallies where Gen. Fonseka is participating.

It is learnt that on the days Gen. Fonseka holds meetings, the IGP's scheming tactic is to summon all the police officers from the area where Gen. Fonseka‘s meeting is, and hold conferences.
The UNP had disclosed that Gen. Fonseka is to address a public rally tomorrow. The IGP aware of this rally has summoned all the Police officers of that area for a meeting in Ampara.

Elections campaign turning into a war : Bomb attack on Katana UNP office by 10 armed men

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.04, 2010, 8.05PM) An armed gang who came in a red Cab this early morning (04), had attacked a UNP office at Katana by lobbing a bomb. A section of this Office had been destroyed and extensive damage has been caused to the office.

UNP Katana Organizer Rose Fernando, Attorney at law said, computers, office equipments and the roof ceiling have all been destroyed due to this attack.
This attack which occurred at about 4.10 a.m. was caused by 10 people who came with bombs. There had been 7 persons in the office at that time who had seen this attack. They have identified three of them as residents from Kochchikade. A complaint has been lodged with the Negombo Police in this connection, Rose Fernando stated.

A protest demonstration was staged this noon urging the arrest of the culprits, she added.

Police goes to Court today itself to disperse tomorrow’s JVP procession

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.03, 2010, 7.35PM) The Colombo additional Magistrate Gihan Ranasinghe has issued an order today (03) to the Police to disperse the JVP procession tomorrow (04) if it is not peacefully conducted. This order was given in connection with the JVP public Rally to be held at Campbell Park tomorrow starting with a procession from Rajagiriya.

The Rajagiriya Police obtained this order from the Courts after filing a petition No. D/3043 that there are groups preparing to hold processions violating the election laws. The police requested this order to disperse the procession which is to begin from the vicinity of the Elections Commissioner, if it turns out to be not peaceful under S 65 of the ordinance No. 15 0f 1981 for election of a President S 95 of the Penal code.
Mnajula Pathiraja, Attorney at law raised objection to this order by pointing out that under the constitution, holding peaceful protest rallies is a fundamental right of a citizen. Therefore, how could an order be given that tomorrow’s procession will not be peaceful? he asked.

However, the Magistrate Gihan Ranasinghe after hearing both sides gave permission to the Police to disperse tomorrow’s procession if it is not Peaceful.

The OIC of the Rajagiriya Police appeared for the plaintiff. Lawyers Manjula Pathiraja and Chanaka Hewawitharane appeared for the respondents.

Courts reject Police request to disperse procession

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.04, 2010, 8.20PM) The Colombo Magistrate Court 2, Ms. Praharasha Ranasinghe today (04) refused the application of the Police to obtain a Court order to stop the JVP‘s congregation near the Rajagiriya Elections secretariat to commence their procession for their rally at Campbell place.

The Borella Police asked for a court order to allow them to disperse the JVP procession if it is not conducted peacefully. This application No. 3054 was filed in the Magistrate Court.
The Magistrate said, it is the duty of the Police to maintain law and order. Therefore, the court cannot allow the police request.

Attorneys at law , Gunaratne Wanninayake, Manjula Pathiraja, and Sisira Senanayake spoke against the Police request.

Rajapakse to become President ‘sells’ even State assets :sports personnel – SLCA meets all expenses.

(Lanka-e-News 01.Jan.2010 8.00PM) Even the State’s asset – sportsmen and sportswomen are being 'sold' to achieve the objectives of the President’s election campaign.: a ceremony is organized tomorrow (02) at Torrington place, Colombo to felicitate them, which constitutes a violation of election laws.

This event named 'President – sports men and women meet' is organized under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Cricket Association.

This ceremony has been organized at the request of the Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge made to the SL cricket association . Those to be feted are leading figures in the sporting field. Susanthika Jayasinghe, Santh Jayasuriya, Muthhiah Muralitharan each of whom will be given a gold medal worth Rs. 10 lakhs in cash. Others to be feted are also to receive cash awards from the President.
Meanwhile, all associations of cricket in the Districts across the Island had been informed to send as many sportsmen and sportswomen to attend the event. In this connection the SL Cricket Association has disbursed Rs. 25,000/- as expenses to every District Association to defray the expenses. Transport arrangements have also been made.

President will certainly curb the private media in his second term of office – UPFA Film and Art chief says

(Lanka-e-News 02.Jan.2010 7.45PM) UPFA Film and Arts Chairman Somaratne Dissanayake speaking at a debate over the television channel said, President Mahinda Rajapakse will go all out to curb the private media during his second term in Office.

When the moderator of the interview questioned ‘Your saying that the private media will be controlled and curbed; was it a statement made by you intentionally or is it a mistake?' Mr. Dissanayake said, the President will definitely take steps in his second term to curb media which is untoward, specially the electronic media, he added.

A mini battle at Kiribathgoda: thugs of politicos hit back

(Lanka-e-News, Jan.03, 2010, 7.35PM) A mini battle raged today (03) at Kiribathgoda junction when the JVP supporters who were distributing leaflets in connection with today’s JVP Presidential election campaign were attacked by a group of thugs allegedly of a high ranking Govt. politico .

It is reported, because of the struggle that ensued following the attack, a number of vehicles were damaged and several persons were injured.

The Opposition supporters have retaliated when the Politico’s thugs attacked them. As the situation went out of control, the Police had to use tear gas.
Later, the New democratic Front Gampaha District authorized officer Varuna Rajapkse had written a letter to the IGP in this regard as circumstances do not permit to make a complaint to the Police. He had urged the IGP to take action duly and apprehend the assailants who attacked the JVP supporters.

Malik Silva, Kelaniya UC member, Chandra Dias, Hasitha Madawela, Jayantha Cabraal, Susil Soysa, Peliyagoda UC member Sarath silva, Samurdhi representative Nadeeka Dalugama, CO- Op city Establishment Manager Senaka have come in vehicle Nos. HP 4535, KS 5758, HP 8360, JV 2031, MY 7225 and launched the ruthless attacks, Rajapakse has complained to the IGP.

The letter also states that the group which went to make the complaint to the Peliyagoda DIG’s office met with harassment and obstruction.

HE the President please come for a debate with Fonseka on war corruption during war operations : we hope you will not slink from it Media spokesmen of Fonseka jointly request

(Lanka-e-News 02.Jan.2010 7.45PM) Media joint co ordinators, Mangala Samaraweera and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Opposition common candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka had addressed a letter to the President requesting for a debate between Gen. Fonseka and the President regarding the suspicious arms deals and corrupt transactions during the period of the war. The letter requests the President to select a suitable TV channel and a time for this debate .

While giving due respect for the President’s limited time, both Mangala Samaraweera and Anura Kumara Dissanayake have always given top priority to political debates across the country. This request will give the President the opportunity to clear the air about these suspicious transactions in accordance with Wimala Weerawansa’s efforts to introduce traditions of promoting debates on dubious and suspicious deals.

The letter to the President is as follows:

His Excellency the President,
Wimal Weerawansa MP, who is a frontline ally of your Excellency at a press briefing had made serious false allegations against Common Presidential candidate Gen. Fonseka in connection with an arms deal. He had alleged that a relative of the General was involved in an arms supply fraud. Moreover, he had challenged the General for a debate on this issue.

Certainly there are doubts and suspicion surrounding the arms and weapons transactions. Clear information regarding these deals have not been revealed by the Govt. to the people. We thank Weerawansa for suggesting that debating customs and practices shall be followed so that the people will know the truth. We are confident that your Excellency will agree to such debates on the television channels.
During the period when Gen. Fonseka was the Army Commander, it was you who functioned as the Defense Minister.. Hence, during that period , you were fully responsible for all those transactions and they occurred with your consent. It is our belief therefore that the debate should be between Gen. Fonseka and you who was the Defense Minister at that time. A debate between persons who were not connected with this subject will create more misunderstandings and complications. Holding a debate with an individual who is betraying his ignorance by making bogus allegations and is ignorant of the arms deals, the quantity involved and the payments thereto is meaningless.

While thanking Weerawansa for having made this proposal, it is our conviction that your Excellency will accept this challenge conducive to salutary political traditions . We will appreciate your participation in this debate..We are certain you will also take measures to hold a number of debates for the so many suspicious arms transactions as alleged by your close ally, Weerawansa.

We request your Excellency to give us a time which suits you and the TV channel you propose to hold this debate. We truly value your Excellency’s efforts to give due place to political debates in the country.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Clinton has forgotten the Monica episode- PM Wickramanayaka

Sri-Lanka Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, in a live radio interview this morning, said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton seems to have forgotten the Monica (Lewinsky) episode and should focus on her own backyard instead of making allegations of women being abused in other countries.
The US Secretary of State, who had stirred controversy last week after making a statement saying women had been raped in war countries that were at war including Sri Lanka, is the wife of former President Bill Clinton who was at one time himself in the spotlight after being accused of sexually abusing his staff member Monica Lewinsky.
The Premier noted that while the matter concerning the statement made by the US Secretary of State has now been settled with the US State Department issuing a clarification the allegations made by her was serious in nature and could not be taken lightly.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka also said that former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and current US Under secretary of State Robert Blake was attempting to present a war crimes report on Sri Lanka and bring charges against some Sri Lankan government officials.
He recalled that during his tenure in Sri Lanka, Blake had voiced displeasure over the road closures for VIP movements and had at one time even walked from the Colombo Embassy to another location just to draw attention to his stand.
The Premier noted however that while Blake was taking that stand, in the US at times even a whole town is closed when the US Presidential motorcade was traveling along that route. (ER)

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

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Mercredi 07 Octobre 2009

Clinton a oublié l'épisode Monica-PM Wickramanayaka

le Premier ministre Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka Sri-Lanka

Le Premier ministre Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, dans une interview radio en direct ce matin, dit-secrétaire d'Etat américaine Hillary Clinton semble avoir oublié la Monica (Lewinsky) épisode et se concentrer sur sa propre arrière-cour au lieu de faire des allégations de femmes qui sont agressées dans d'autres pays.
Le secrétaire d'Etat américaine, qui avait provoqué une polémique la semaine dernière après avoir fait une déclaration disant femmes avaient été violées dans les pays en guerre qui étaient en guerre, y compris le Sri Lanka, est l'épouse de l'ancien président Bill Clinton, qui fut pendant un temps lui-même dans le feu des projecteurs après être accusé d'avoir abusé sexuellement de son membre du personnel de Monica Lewinsky.
Le premier ministre a noté que, si la question relative à la déclaration faite par le Secrétaire d'Etat américain a maintenant été réglé avec le Département d'État des États-Unis d'apporter une clarification sur les allégations faites par elle, était de nature sérieuse et ne pouvait être prise à la légère.
Le Premier ministre Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka a également déclaré que l'ancien ambassadeur américain au Sri Lanka et le courant sous-secrétaire d'Etat Robert Blake a tenté de présenter un rapport sur les crimes de guerre au Sri Lanka et de porter des accusations contre certains responsables du gouvernement sri-lankais.
Il a rappelé que pendant son mandat au Sri Lanka, Blake avait fait part de mécontentement devant les fermetures de routes pour les mouvements de VIP et a, à un moment, même pied de l'ambassade de Colombo vers un autre emplacement juste à attirer l'attention sur son stand.
Le premier ministre a toutefois noté que, bien que Blake a été de prendre cette position, aux États-Unis, parfois même toute une ville est fermé lorsque le cortège présidentiel américain se déplaçait le long de cette route. (ER)

Mercredi 07 Octobre 2009

LE FIGARO mardi 8 septembre 2009

Mahinda Rajapaksa : << L'Occident doit aider le Sri Lanka au lieu de le critiquer >>

<< La priorité absolue est de terminer le déminage pour permettre

aux féfugiés de rentrer chez eux >>

petition against "Great-Britain TV Channel 4" pétition contre "Grande-Bretagne TV Canal 4"   ( LankaEnews 07.09.2009 )

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Briefing the issue of Channel 04 to Ambassadors

(Lanka-e-News 08.Sep.2009 11.00PM) Minister Mahinda Samarasingha briefing the issue of channel 4, to Ambassadors and High Commissioners at President's Office today (08)

Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona Attorney General Mohan Peiris, Senior Lecture Dr. Chathura Silva and high rank Of Army Officers were present.

(Pix Udesh Gunarathna)

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Independent Investigations show that U.K.Channel 4 footage is Fake

- Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe

(Lanka-e-News 07.Sep.2009 7.00Pm) "The Government of Sri Lanka dismisses the channel 4 (Great-Britain) footage and calls it a very poor attempt to distort the image of the Humanitarian Mission at the this time" stated the Hon Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe at a special media briefing held at the MCNS premises this morning (07).

Speaking to the media on the issue created by the fake video Minister Samaranayake stated that it is sad that various media organizations such as CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera picked up this footage without verifying its sources. He went on to say that this created unnecessary sentiments on the Government of Sri Lanka and especially the Armed Forces. He clarified that the organization which calls itself the Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka had established them by launching a blog-site in the internet on the 1st of August 2009 merely a few weeks before releasing this footage. It is evident that they have not been active prior to the release of the footage to Channel 4. This is not an organization that can be believed immediately and the Channel 4 also had the audacity to say that they cannot verify the video clip while broadcasting it.

Time and time again the remaining LTTE supporters have made attempts to tarnish the image of the Government and win over the Tamil Diaspora by launching such false propaganda through the media which supports their own cause. What is most interesting in this issue is the fact that this so called assassination footage which was claimed to have been shot in January was only released in August. Why would anyone in possession of such sensitive footage bring it light after a long period of eight months?

Minister Samarasinghe also stated that the issue created by this fake footage arose during a recent discussion with the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon. Minister Samarasinghe had taken the opportunity to enlighten the United Nations Secretary General on the blatant attempts by the LTTE to distort the truth and discredit the Government of Sri Lanka. He stated that this seemed to be a malicious attack on the Government of Sri Lanka by persons who wish to use this for their political agenda. Further clarifying the Governments position on this Minister Samarasinghe stated that the Government had ordered 4 independent investigations to be done on the said footage by a group of professionals.

Accordingly the four independent professionals did a thorough and comprehensive analysis on the validity of the video clip. Among these professionals are Mr. Siri Hewawitharana Who is an Australian Digital Video Developer, The Former head of Cisco's global broadcast and digital video practice and Executive Director at IPTV System, Dr Chathura Ranjan de Silva who is the Senior lecturer of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Director for the Centre of Instructional Technology for the University of Moratuwa, Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe who is the Head of the Sri Lanka Army Signal Corps and Major P.A. Bandara of the MCNS. When looking at these four investigations one can see that they have all come to a common conclusion.
Firstly that this footage was not videoed using a mobile phone camera as was stated in the Broadcast but rather by a device such as a digital camcorder.
Secondly that the audio track was clearly dubbed and
Thirdly the sound of the shooting was coming from a long distance rather than that of a gun from point blank as shown in the video.

Clarifying his findings Major P.A Bandara showed that the so called previously "killed" man has his leg kept parallel to the ground in one frame. As soon as the other man is "shot" the dead mans leg is lifted up. He also observed that one of the so called soldiers was wearing a white T-shirt underneath. It is a uniform regulation for soldiers of the Sri Lankan Army to wear an Olive green T-shirt issued by the Army under their uniform and therefore white T-shirts are not acceptable. He also observed that one of the so called soldiers had overgrown hair which is also unacceptable. Meanwhile he showed that the blood strains of a so called victim were centralized to one area despite the presence of water which usually dilutes and spreads it. When looking closely at the leg of one of the so called "victims" one can clearly see that his leg is held in a stiff position despite him being shot. Another key observation made by Major Bandara in this venture is that the complexions of the so called victims are fairer than those of the average Sri Lankan citizen living in the North. Therefore he concluded that this footage is without a doubt a fraud.

Dr. Chathura de Silva also expressed his observations of this video clip through scientific facts. According to him the Granularity of motion vectors and other inter-frame features indicates that the footage had been originally captured using a high end camera at least a digital camcorder and not through an average mobile phone camera. He also observed that the analysis of the colour levels and saturation shows that the blood stains shown in the image are unusually strong in colour and has texture mismatches - this is usually the result of post recording modifications and digital effects. He also proved that audio dubbing had been done on the footage through the following evidence.
• Lack of audio synchronizations- audio is delayed for more than 1.5s and this is not due to video compression or processing.
• Audio show presence of strong wind noise. However this is not evident in the video footage. This has been captured by a microphone with high frequency range.
He also observed from the echo reverb pattern of the gunshot that it had been fired from a fairly long distance although the video shows it at point blank. He too concluded that it had been heavily tampered and modified.
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe also presented his observations of this footage. He stated that the Army conducted an independent investigation at the Army Signal Corps workshop to look into the validity of the video clip. According to Brigadier Samarasinghe the footage comprised of 584 frames and 30 of them were without sounds. The 41st frame shows the shot about to be fired and there is a 0.296 second delay in the sound in the 42nd frame which shows the shot already fired. The Army had conducted a field test and shot with a similar rifle in an open area using a mobile phone camera 4m away to record it. However the delay of 0.296 seconds was not observed. Calculations show that in order for the delay in sound to occur the mobile phone camera should be at a distance of 102.4m away from the scene of the shot. It is evident that that no such clear footage can be shot by a mobile phone camera placed at such a great distance. Therefore it should be concluded by his analysis that this video was a fake.
Mr. Siri Hewawitharana in his analysis had stated that "Looking at the footage the first thing I found strange is, was the high quality of video lack of cascading effects and motion blur that is associated with the mobile video coding. I got hold of the original video that was in Quick Time formats as well as the other that was in AVI Format and put through various tests to see the origin of the video from the mobile source" Looking at his results it is evident that this video never came from a mobile phone.

Government Defence Spokesman Hon. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella joining the press briefing stated that this footage suggests that there is a malice and manipulation in the whole issue. He stated that the Ministry of Defence conducted a personnel investigation and all the files of the Army personnel were checked thoroughly to see if any of the perpetrators could be identified. However none of the so called "soldiers" were identified as being part of the Sri Lankan Army personnel. He went on say that the Government would take a firm stand in this issue as this was a problem that affected the entire nation as a whole. Answering a query raised by one of the journalists as to whether any action would be taken against the Channel 4, Minister stated that the Attorney General was looking at what could be done. He also stated that this type of slandering which is harmful to a nation should be eradicated.

Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, Navy Spokesman Captain D.K.P Dassanayake, Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara and Police Spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake was also present during the briefing. Courtesy: MCNS

To Visit "Channel 4" Vidieo Images Click here ( http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=8276 )

( Lanka-e-News 07.Sep.2009 7.00Pm )

In the first time, TNA participates Development & Reconciliation Committee

(Lanka-e-News 02.July.2009 4.30PM)The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will today participate at the Development & Reconciliation Committee established and headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

This is the first time that the TNA broke the ice to search for a solution for the Tamil people in a manner in which is most welcome ,by participating in today's vital inaugural session of the D & RC chaired by the Head of State.

Political analysts described the TNA move as a new step towards establishing national unity.

They said it was time to bury the past which had differences of opinion on the TNA, a past that was claimed that the TNA was under tremendous pressure from the LTTE, an armed group that eliminated moderate Tamil politicians who opposed their views.
The eight TNA MPs available in Colombo will today sit at the D & RC on behalf of the voters whom they represent in Parliament. This position was confirmed by TNA parliamentarian S.Kishore who is on record saying he would fully support President Rajapaksa's moves to offer welfare to the internally displaced by the recently concluded war on LTTE terror.

In that direction, President Rajapaksa sought the cooperation of all political parties and set up the Development & Reconciliation Committee a few days ago. The forum will meet once a month to forge towards a home grown resolution acceptable to all people.

(Lanka-e-News 02.July.2009 4.30PM)

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À la première fois, le TNA participe le Comité de développement et de réconciliation

(16h30, Lanka-e-News 02.Juillet.2009) l'alliance nationale Tamoule (TNA) participera aujourd'hui au Comité de développement et de réconciliation établi et dirigé par le Président Mahinda Rajapaksa.

C'est la première fois que le TNA a cassé la glace pour rechercher une solution pour les personnes Tamoules en quelque sorte dans ce qui est la plus bienvenue, en participant à la session inaugurale essentielle d'aujourd'hui du D et du RC présidée par le chef d'Etat.

Les analystes politiques ont décrit le mouvement de TNA comme nouvelle étape vers établir l'unité nationale.

Ils ont dit qu'il était temps d'enterrer le passé qui a eu des divergences de vues sur le TNA, le passé d'a qui a été réclamé qui le TNA était sous la pression énorme du LTTE, un groupe armé qui a éliminé les politiciens Tamoul modérés qui se sont opposés à leurs vues.
Les huit MP de TNA disponibles à Colombo se reposeront aujourd'hui au D et au RC au nom des électeurs qu'ils représentent au Parlement. Cette position a été confirmée par le parlementaire S.Kishore de TNA qui est sur l'énonciation de disque qu'il approuverait pleinement des mouvements du Président Rajapaksa's d'offrir le bien-être au intérieurement déplacé par la guerre récemment conclue sur la terreur de LTTE.

Dans cette direction, le Président Rajapaksa a cherché la coopération de toutes les parties politiques et a installé le Comité de développement et de réconciliation il y a quelques jours. Le forum se réunira une fois par mois pour forger vers une résolution du pays acceptable pour toutes les personnes.

(16h30, Lanka-e-News 02.Juillet.2009)

Joint Forces français demande à l'armée le commandant en chef au Sri-Lank
[Mise à jour:: 2009-06-29 13:54:05 Heures d'ouverture | |

French Joint Forces Commander Calls on Army Chief in Sri-Lanka
[ Updated :: 2009-06-29 13:54:05 Hours ||

Commandant de la Joint Forces françaises de l'océan Indien de vice-amiral Gérard Valin effectué une visite de courtoisie au commandant de l'Armée de terre général Sarath Fonseka lundi (29) matin à son bureau au siège de l'Armée de terre, Colombo.

Le premier commandant de la Marine, accompagné de l'ambassadeur français M. Michel Lummaux lors de sa rencontre avec le général Sarath Fonseka un échange de vues en matière de sécurité et les questions d'intérêt bilatéral.

Commandant de l'armée a donné un compte rendu détaillé sur la conclusion récente de Wanni des opérations humanitaires, qui a défaite totale aux LTTE terrorisme.

Le vice-amiral Gérard visite Valin et le général Sarath Fonseka échangé des souvenirs pour marquer leur réunion.

Attaché à la Défense à l'Ambassade de France au Sri Lanka commandant Pascal Carré était également présent à cette occasion.

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COMMANDER of the French Joint Forces in Indian Ocean Region Vice Admiral Gerard Valin paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka Monday (29) morning at his office in the Army Headquarters, Colombo.

The Senior French Naval Commander, accompanied by French Ambassador Mr. Michel Lummaux during his meeting with General Sarath Fonseka exchanged views with regard to security and matters of bilateral interest.

Army Commander gave a detailed account on the recently concluded Wanni humanitarian operations that brought total defeat to LTTE terrorism.

The visiting Vice Admiral Gerard Valin and General Sarath Fonseka exchanged mementoes to mark their meeting.

Defence Attaché to the French Embassy in Sri Lanka Commander Pascal Carre was also present on the occasion.

Information from http://www.army.lk

Mass Sri Lankan Peace March in London

(Lanka-e-News 28.June.2009 2.30PM) It was another jubilant victory for the Sri Lankans in the UK when they took to the streets of London waving flags of the Lion, yesterday(27). The mass Peace March was organised to commemorate the dawning of peace in Sri Lanka and to show the strength of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in UK who wholeheartedly is grateful of the ending of Terrorism in motherland.

The procession consisted of all races, faiths and walks of life upholding solidarity amidst the threats of LTTE operatives in London. Despite short notice, crowds gathered in Tothill Street since 11.30am and started moving at 1.00pm towards Embankment via Broad Sanctuary, Parliament Square, Whitehall, Downing Street, Back to Victoria, covering 2 miles of a walk

‘Journey towards peace and unity in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans lets march forward as one nation’, a few of the banners read. Furthermore, the march carried a banner of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who launched the victorious humanitarian operations with the greatest opposition of certain western countries including the UK, being under the spell of LTTE lobbyists and propaganda.

Nevertheless it’s common knowledge that UK extended military assistance to the armed forces of Sri Lanka worth millions of pounds

Halfway through the march a petition with hundreds of signatures, addressed to the Prime Minister Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP was handed in at his residence, no.10, Downing Street. The petition recognised the British Government’s support to eliminate terrorism in Sri Lanka by having listed the LTTE as banned organisation in the UK. On the other hand it spoke of shortfalls of the British government to implement the Anti-Terrorism act against LTTE supporters in UK. Further it requested the halting of all Anti-Sri Lankan activities taking place, bringing false allegations based on distorted information. A few requests are as:

* To take action decisively to stop anti-Sri Lankan campaigns organised by the pro-LTTE elements, which leads to polarization of communities destroying the foundations of multi-cultureralism.

* To support initiatives taken by the government of Sri Lanka to restore peace and harmony in Sri Lanka which is a former colony, a friendly and a founder member of the commonwealth.

* To extend UK’s fullest cooperation to Sri Lanka in multi-lateral flora in its endeavors.

LTTE supporters in London have been occupying the Westminster parliament square for months carrying out illegal protest and hunger strikes, misleading the British public with banners, posters and LTTE flags. They have turned out be an eye soar in the heart of London inconveniencing the flow of traffic and pedestrians in the area, not to mention the devastating affects on tourism. It is a well-known fact that a few politicians are encouraging these activities in return for votes and other favors.

Tributes were paid to the gallant forces of Sri Lanka and the police who made huge sacrifices to rescue the innocent Tamil civilians and country from the clutches of separatist Tamil Tiger terrorism.

The march ended at the Embankment with a vote of thanks being delivered by the organisers of the event, Sri Lankans Against Terrorism(SLAT), UK, who has become victims of LTTE assaults recently. They thankfully acknowledge the presence of all despite their personal commitments.
Photos & Report : Krishan D. Bulathsinghala from UK

(14h30 Lanka-e-News, 28.June.2009)

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Messe de paix sri lankais marche à Londres

(14h30 Lanka-e-News, 28.juin.2009) c'était une autre victoire radieuse pour le Sri Lankans au R-U quand ils ont pris aux rues des drapeaux de ondulation de Londres du lion, hier (27). La paix mars de masse a été organisée pour commémorer naître de la paix au Sri Lanka et pour montrer la puissance des Diaspora sri-lankais au R-U qui est de tout coeur reconnaissant de la fin du terrorisme en mère patrie.

Le cortège s'est composé de toutes les courses, fois et conditions sociales confirmant la solidarité parmi les menaces des employés de LTTE à Londres. En dépit des brèves informations, les foules se sont réunies dans la rue de Tothill depuis le 11h30 du matin et ont commencé à se déplacer à 13h00 vers le remblai par l'intermédiaire du large sanctuaire, le Parlement ajustent, Whitehall, Downing Street, de nouveau à Victoria, couvrant 2 milles d'une promenade

Le voyage de `vers la paix et l'unité au Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans laisse la marche en avant en tant qu'une nation', quelques unes des bannières lues. En outre, la marche a porté une bannière du Président Mahinda Rajapaksa, qui a lancé les opérations humanitaires victorieuses avec la plus grande opposition de certains pays occidentaux comprenant le R-U, étant sous le charme des intrigants et de la propagande de LTTE.

Néanmoins c'est notoriété publique cette aide militaire prolongée par R-U aux forces armées du Sri Lanka en valeur des millions de livres

À mi-chemin par la marche une pétition avec des centaines de signatures, adressées au MP du premier ministre droite Hon Gordon Brown a été soumise à sa résidence, no.10, Downing Street. La pétition a identifié le soutien gouvernemental britannique pour éliminer le terrorisme au Sri Lanka en ayant énuméré le LTTE en tant qu'organisation interdite au R-U. D'une part elle a parlé des déficits du gouvernement britannique pour mettre en application l'acte d'Anti-Terrorism contre des défenseurs de LTTE au R-U. En outre elle a demandé l'arrêt de toutes les Anti-Sri activités de Lankan ayant lieu, apportant des allégations fausses basées sur l'information tordue. Quelques demandes sont comme :

* Pour agir décisivement pour arrêter d'anti-Sri campagnes de Lankan organisées par les pro-LTTE éléments, qui mène à la polarisation des communautés détruisant les bases de multi-cultureralism.

* Pour soutenir des initiatives prises par le gouvernement du Sri Lanka à la paix et à l'harmonie de restauration au Sri Lanka qui est une ancienne colonie, un amical et un membre de fondateur du Commonwealth.

* Pour prolonger la plus pleine coopération du R-U au Sri Lanka dans la flore multilatérale dans ses efforts.

Les défenseurs de LTTE à Londres avaient occupé le parlement de Westminster ajustent pendant des mois effectuant des grèves illégales de protestation et de faim, trompant le public britannique avec des bannières, des affiches et des drapeaux de LTTE. Ils se sont avérés soient un oeil montent au coeur de Londres gênant l'écoulement du trafic et des piétons dans le secteur, sans compter les affects de dévaster sur le tourisme. C'est un fait bien connu que quelques politiciens encouragent ces activités en échange pour des voix et d'autres faveurs.

Hommage ont été rendus aux forces vaillantes du Sri Lanka et de la police qui ont fait des sacrifices énormes pour sauver les civils et le pays Tamoul innocents des embrayages du terrorisme Tamoul séparatiste de tigre.

La marche a fini au remblai avec une voix des mercis livré par les organisateurs de l'événement, Sri Lankans contre le terrorisme (LAMELLE), R-U, qui a les victimes devenues des assauts de LTTE récemment. Ils reconnaissent avec reconnaissance la présence de tous en dépit de leurs engagements personnels.
Photos et rapport : Krishan D. Bulathsinghala du R-U

(14h30 Lanka-e-News, 28.juin.2009)

A homeland for Tamils: Why not Tamil Nadu?
Published by editor Features, News Jun 23, 2009
By Raj Gonsalkorale

Sri Lanka nearly added another coveted trophy to their growing collection of trophies. However on the day, Pakistan proved to be the winning side. Captain Kumar Sangakkara and his team have proven once again that Sri Lanka is equal to any other international cricket team. They ended up along with Pakistan, as the two best teams in this form of cricket. Although victory eluded Sri Lanka on this occasion, they and all other Sri Lankans warmly applauded Pakistan for their superb performance and for winning this international championship. Sri Lanka has demonstrated not just their cricketing abilities, but also their strength of character to beat the psychological impact of the drama they endured in Lahore. By a quirk of fate, they faced Pakistan in the final. A fitting tribute to the warmth and friendship Sri Lanka enjoys with Pakistan.
Those who cheered for the Sri Lankan team were not just the Sinhalese. Eelam proponents also cheered the Sri Lankan cricket team. Other Tamils and Muslims also cheered the team. The country was unified when Sri Lanka played, and it is perhaps the only occasion when such a wonderful feeling of oneness pervaded the country, beyond the cricket field, and into many a living room with a TV set, or when everyone rushed to buy newspapers or when listeners glued their ears to radios.
As Sri Lanka Captain Kumar Sangakkara himself pointed out, the Sri Lankan cricket team is the best example of what contemporary Sri Lanka is, and what it could be if the same spirit that pervades the cricket field can do the same everywhere else in the country. Every ethnicity is represented in the team, and players from all walks of life have had the opportunity to make it to the top. Selection has not been based on any kind of quota system related to population statistics. It has been based on merit and the best eleven players have made it to the top.
Gone are the days when one had to be from Royal College or St Thomas College to be in the Sri Lankan cricket team. Today, it would like looking for a hen’s teeth to find a cricketer from Royal College or St Thomas College in the National team. Instead we have cricketers from all parts of the country vying for a place in the team, and cricketers from all ethnic groups and all walks of life playing international cricket.
This is new Sri Lanka where a hunger for unity and inclusiveness is bonding its people to look beyond the machinations of some to break that unity and perpetuate disharmony. What the Sri Lankan cricket team personifies is what the country needs at this crucial juncture when the spectre of terrorism has been defeated and democracy is returning to areas of the country that were held by the tyranny of the LTTE. This is new Sri Lanka and what it can be if only all communities grab the opportunities available to make it so.
Many in the international community do not know what contemporary Sri Lanka is. The Tamil Diaspora that supported the LTTE has made sure the international community never gets to know today’s Sri Lanka by influencing and at times bribing politicians, media personnel, international agencies and international and national NGOs, and constantly selling them disinformation about what contemporary Sri Lanka really is. The Tamil Diaspora has also made sure their own younger generations have been blinded with untruths so that they could perpetuate the catch cry of discrimination and genocide, and continue the agitation for a separate State.
For those who do not know what contemporary Sri Lanka is, it would be useful to look at a few facts. Today, Tamil is an official language of the country along with Sinhala language. Both languages are taught to students in all schools, along with English. The President is set to announce an eighteen month accelerated program to make sure adequate English teachers are available throughout the country to teach English.
For the first time in the history of the UN and the Sri Lankan Parliament, the Tamil language has been heard coming from the Head of State of Sri Lanka who spoke in both official languages of the country. This is symbolism, but it is significant symbolism in the current circumstances where the country is making genuine attempts to repair damages to the fabric of communal harmony caused by years of LTTE tyranny.
In terms of power sharing, another “discriminatory”, canard spread by the Tamil Diaspora, had the Tamil National Alliance, the biggest Tamil political grouping in the current Parliament, opted to work with the current government, they could have shared power nationally with the Sinhalese and Muslims, as some other political parties have done. In the alternative, had they functioned as a responsible Opposition group within the democratic structure of the country without pandering to the wishes of the LTTE, they could have wielded enormous power
Today, a former LTTE terrorist who gave up terrorism and violence, heads the provincial government in the Eastern province, a former theatre of war. This was after the province was liberated from the LTTE, and after a free and fair election was conducted there by the government.
Another former LTTE terrorist, who was at one time the number two in the LTTE next to its now demised leader, and who gave up terrorism and violence, is a cabinet minister in the national government. He is also a Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, a party that once belonged to the Bandaranaike family and which was once known as a citadel of Sinhala chauvinism. It is now led by a simple man from the South who is also the President of the country.
The government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has announced local government elections for the Municipal Councils of Jaffna and Vavunia, as a precursor to a provincial election in the Northern Province. People of the North will soon be able to elect their own representatives, most of whom are going to be Tamils, and who would manage provincial affairs.
The President has also announced that substantial devolution provisions contained in the 13th Amendment will be implemented in all provinces once provincial elections are concluded in the North. The President has also stated on many occasions that a final, more substantive political solution will be found once all provinces have their own elected representatives.
In terms of employment, there are many Tamils working in the private sector, the engine of growth in the country, and they have been selected on merit and capability and no other consideration. The ownership of the commercial sector is primarily in the hands of Tamils and Muslims in several key areas of trade and industry. There are already many Tamils working in the State sector in all fields of employment.
Many may not be aware that the government has launched several infrastructure restoration projects in the Eastern province and are about to do so in the Northern Province as well. Plans being drawn up to fast track economic development in the North and the East will provide employment opportunities to many people of the North and the East, most of whom are Tamils.
The government is also embarking on numerous rehabilitation projects to provide LTTE terrorists who surrendered to government forces training in numerous vocations so that they would be able to enter normal life after having known only war all their life.
The list goes on. These projects will all take time as there is no Aladdin or a lamp to rub and call upon a genie to perform miracles, as some western observers seem to be expecting of the government. Sri Lanka is different to the image that has been created in the minds of many who have never visited the country. It’s not perfect and much more has to be done. But the climate is right to build on this beginning.
In this climate, it is unashamedly opportunistic and morally wrong for some expatriate Tamils to contemplate setting up a government in exile when domiciled Tamils in the Eastern province have already elected their own government in the Eastern province of the country and when Tamils in the Northern Province would be doing so very soon.
If Tamils bent on forming a government in exile are doing so to promote a separate State for Tamils within Sri Lanka, then the question has to be asked how Tamils, as an ethnic grouping could have two homelands. From a historical, cultural, linguistic, literary, religious, point of view, the home of Tamils is Tamil Nadu and not any part of Sri Lanka or any other country.
If a State within the Union of India is not adequate for Tamils, then Tamils all over the world could canvass for an independent country for Tamils in Tamil Nadu. That makes sense as Tamils will be able to have 100% self expression without any interference from any quarter in such a homeland. The 70 million or so Tamils in Tamil Nadu, and all other Tamils spread throughout the world would have a place they could call home, finally.
Tamil Nadu is the most logical choice from a historical point of view to set up an independent country. Tamil civilization resplendent with their culture, language and literature, and the Hindu religion, is there almost undiminished from time immemorial. The seat of the Tamil world is Tamil Nadu.
It would be ludicrous to have more than one Tamil State, as it would be ludicrous to have more than one Jewish State. Imagine Jews clamouring for an independent Jewish State in New York? We all know their power in New York, and therefore in the USA, with some saying that they are as powerful as s State over there and that they decide who becomes the President of the USA.
Whether it’s the Tamils or Jews or any ethnic or ethno religious group, it would become a new challenge to the world order if we are to have several homelands for them. Imagine an Irish homeland in the USA and a Scottish homeland in Australia? One ethnic group trying to have their own homeland is challenging enough for the world order; imagine multiple homelands for the same group in different countries and continents?
The contemplated action by the Sri Lankan Tamils living overseas has to be viewed in this context, irrespective of other considerations. This is however not to say other considerations, if any exist, should not be looked into.
The first consideration is their right to self determination. A lot will depend on the extent of self determination that one is talking about. If it is means self determination leading to the establishment of a separate ethnic State, then it has to be viewed as a challenge before the world order as we know it today, and it is a matter for all countries in the UN forum to address it and define a new world order. No doubt many other ethnic groups will seek multiple homelands under such a world order.
If self determination is to be somewhere in between, one will have to examine the extent of rights denied to Tamils in contemporary Sri Lanka before entertaining claims of injustice arising from that denial, if it is the denial that is given as a reason for seeking self determination.
In arguing their case, proponents of an Eelam government in exile will state some facts as well as fiction about injustices caused to Tamils in Sri Lanka, and it will be very hard to separate one from the other, leaving the opponents of that argument to state that the case rests on arguable, uncorroborated and questionable faction.
The nature and extent of faction will be dependent on how far into history one wishes to trace these alleged injustices, and rights that have been lost. If we take today for example, one could justifiably argue that injustices that may have prevailed in the past have been addressed and opportunities do exist for Tamils to live as equals with all other communities in the country.
No doubt some Tamils living in Sri Lanka today have suffered some type depravation in recent times. The question is whether these happened as a result of deliberate discriminatory policies or due to other factors external to them. The main such external factor that dominated life in Sri Lanka during the last 30 years or has been the virulence of the LTTE, and their deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between the three major communities in the country.
There is no other way to say it than to say it would be stupid to deny that the LTTE has been the cause of suffering that all Sri Lankans have undergone during the last 30 years, especially the Tamils. Although some may argue otherwise, it cannot be denied by the international community or the Tamil Diaspora that in the final analysis, the LTTE has been more of a detriment to Tamils living in Sri Lanka than any benefit, especially when one considers the plight of those in the North and the East who are today worse off than they were before 1983.
Over the last 26 years or so, whatever discomforts and even some injustices caused to some Tamils have been as a consequence of escalation of the conflict into one of an armed insurrection and terrorism by the LTTE with the support of the Tamil Diaspora.
In this context, Tamils themselves must reflect on what they had done by supporting a terrorist group to further their cause, when firstly the tool used was far more contentious than the cause, and secondly, why they continued to support the tool when most of the cause had ceased to exist, and opportunities were there to address whatever was remaining of the original cause they had agitated for.
Tamils are at the crossroads now. They have to decide whether they rejoin the democratic process within Sri Lanka to address any remaining issues relating to their original grievances considering that most, if not all grievances, are in fact non issues now, or whether they continue with a strategy and a process such as forming an Eelam government in exile and undermining the first option mentioned here.
Even if they chose the latter option, the Sri Lankan government will continue with their own strategy and processes to usher in a united, prosperous country where all people will have equal rights and equal opportunities. It would have helped the government and the people living in the country if the Tamil Diaspora diverted their considerable resources and organization and management skills for just causes within Sri Lanka, and worked with the government to achieve common objectives, rather than against them.

- Asian Tribune -

Published by editor Features, News Jun 23, 2009
By Raj Gonsalkorale

Now, Sri Lanka goes after jihadis

P K Balachandran
First Published : 22 Jun 2009 02:42:00 AM IST

		Sri-Lankan muslim JIHADIS group , return some of their weapons to army SL   Les musulmans JIHADIS groupe le SL, renvoient certaines de leurs armes à l'armée SL

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government was moving against armed jihadis, a new menace in the Eastern part of the island country, which just ended a long drawn out war against the LTTE, claimed a front-page report in the weekly Lakbimanews on Sunday.
Official Indian sources told The New Indian Express that presence of jihadis had begun to cause concern to both Sri Lanka and India. India was glad that the Sri Lankan authorities had, at long last, begun a crackdown on the Tablighi Jamaat members, who were getting funds and ideological inputs from abroad especially Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the sources added.
There have been instances of the armed clashes between Jamaatis and Tamils, a community the Eastern Muslims have been at odds with over questions of land for the last two or three decades.
Lakbimanews quoted unnamed intelligence sources to say that there could be about 500 jihadis in the three districts in the Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
Batticaloa alone is believed to have 250 of them.
SPURT IN CRIME USING FIREARMS: In recent months, Eastern parts have witnessed a spurt in crimes such as abductions and extortions. At first it was thought that the perpetrators were members of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal, a breakaway group of the LTTE. Later, the LTTE itself was blamed. But investigations later revealed that jihadis were behind most of these crimes.
Last Friday, Security Forces commander (East) Maj Gen Srinath Rajapakse, the Security Forces and the police held a meeting with moulavis and Muslim politicians and civil society leaders at the Hisbullah Centre, Lakbimanews said.
While Lakbimanews said that the Muslim political leaders had been funding the jihadis for the past 15 years, Indian sources contended that local Muslim political leaders were not involved. They also noted that there has been a significant spurt in the establishment of Madrasas where the radical Wahabi ideology is inculcated. Lakbimanews reported that the police in Kanthankudi, a Muslim town in Batticaloa district, had recently seized seven T-56 rifles, SMGs, communication sets and anti-personnel mines.
The paper said that the Defense Ministry had given the jihadis time until July 2 to surrender their weapons. “Thereafter, we will have no mercy on them,” the paper quoted a Defense Ministry official as saying.
The Muslim dignitaries who had attended Friday’s meeting with the Security Forces had admitted that some Muslim youth were armed and promised to persuade them to give up their weapons.
MIDDLE EASTERN INDOCTRINATION: Meanwhile, employment opportunities in the oil-rich Middle East had facilitated religious indoctrination in Sri Lanka. The new Saudi-returned Wahabists began to take on the Sufiists.
Apparently, Pakistan also stepped in to give money and training to radical Islamists here. According to Indian sources, the South Eastern University at Oluvil in the district of Amparai has become a hotbed of radical Islamists.

From www.expressbuzz.com, 22 juin 2009

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Maintenant, le Sri Lanka va après des jihadis
(traduit par SYSTRANT)

P K BalachandranFirst édité : 2h42 du 22 juin 2009 : 0h du matin ISTLast mis à jour : 8h21 du 22 juin 2009 : IST de 17h du matin

COLOMBO : Le gouvernement sri-lankais se déplaçait contre les jihadis armés, une nouvelle menace aux zones orientales du pays d'île, qui a juste fini longtemps dessiné dehors lutte contre le LTTE, a réclamé un rapport en première page dans le Lakbimanews hebdomadaire dimanche.

Les sources indiennes officielles ont indiqué le nouvel Indien exprès que la présence des jihadis avait commencé à causer le souci au Sri Lanka et en Inde. L'Inde était heureuse que les autorités sri-lankaises aient enfin commencé un resserrement sur les membres de Tablighi Jamaat, qui obtenaient des fonds et des entrées idéologiques de l'étranger particulièrement Arabie Saoudite et Pakistan, les sources s'est ajoutée.

Il y a eu des exemples des désaccords armés entre Jamaatis et les Tamoul, une communauté les musulmans orientaux ont été en désaccord avec des questions finies de terre pour les deux dernières ou trois décennies.

Lakbimanews a cité des sources du renseignement anonymes pour indiquer qu'il pourrait y avoir environ 500 jihadis dans les trois zones aux zones orientales du Sri Lanka.

Seul Batticaloa est censé pour avoir 250 d'entre eux.

JAILLISSEMENT DANS LE CRIME À L'AIDE DES ARMES À FEU : Ces derniers mois, les zones orientales ont été témoin d'un jaillissement dans les crimes tels que des abductions et des extorsions. D'abord lui a été pensé que les malfaiteurs étaient des membres du Makkal Tamoul Viduthalai Puligal, un groupe détaché du LTTE. Plus tard, le LTTE lui-même a été blâmé. Mais les investigations plus tard ont indiqué que les jihadis étaient derrière la plupart de ces crimes.

Vendredi dernier, le commandant de forces de sécurité (est) commandant Gen Srinath Rajapakse, les forces de sécurité et la police ont tenu une réunion avec des moulavis et les chefs musulmans de société de politicien et civile chez le Hisbullah centrent, Lakbimanews a indiqué.

Tandis que Lakbimanews indiquait que les chefs politiques musulmans avaient placé les jihadis pendant les 15 dernières années, les sources indiennes ont affirmé que les chefs politiques musulmans locaux n'étaient pas impliqués. Elles ont également noté qu'il y a eu un jaillissement significatif dans l'établissement de Madrasas où l'idéologie de Wahabi de radical est inculquée. Lakbimanews a signalé que la police dans Kanthankudi, une ville musulmane dans la zone de Batticaloa, avait récemment saisi sept fusils T-56, SMGs, ensembles de communication et mines antipersonnel.

Le de papier a indiqué que le ministère de défense avait donné aux jihadis l'heure de rendre jusqu'au 2 juillet leurs armes. « Ensuite, nous n'aurons aucune pitié sur elles, » le papier avons cité un fonctionnaire de ministère de défense comme disant.

Les honorables musulmans qui avaient assisté à la réunion de vendredi avec les forces de sécurité avaient admis qu'une certaine jeunesse musulmane étaient armée et promise de les persuader d'abandonner leurs armes.

ENDOCTRINEMENT DU MOYEN-ORIENT : En attendant, les offres d'emploi dans le Moyen-Orient riche en pétrole avaient facilité l'endoctrinement religieux au Sri Lanka. Le nouveau Wahabists Saoudien-retourné a commencé à prendre le Sufiists.

Apparemment, le Pakistan a également intervenu pour donner l'argent et la formation aux Islamiste radicaux ici. Selon des sources indiennes, l'université orientale du sud chez Oluvil dans la zone d'Amparai est devenue un germoir des Islamiste radicaux.

Par www.expressbuzz.com, 22 juin 2009

Campagne de protection des journalistes au Sri-Lanka le 10.06.2009 (Colombo)

Protection campaign of the journalists in Sri-Lanka 10.06.2009 (Colombo)

The secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayantha was torture by a gang of thugs on June 01, 2009.

LankaEnews

LankaEnews

Media persons that tried to save my life were produced in court; it is a crime, Poddala writes to the IGP

(Lanka-e-News, June 04, 2009, 4.00 PM) The secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayantha says that manipulating his abduction case to intimidate more journalists instead of bringing the culprits into books is very distressing. He mentions thus in a letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police. The complete letter is as follows:

“I write this letter to bring to your notice a shocking incident that I came to know while being treated in National Hospital for the serious injuries sustained in torture by a gang of thugs on June 01, 2009.

Benet Rupasinghe and Sandaruwan Senadheera of Lanka-e-News website have been arrested and produced in court regarding the crime against me.

These two persons are close professional associates and personal friends of mine. They have taken steps to inform the Inspector General of Police, the President’s office, government ministers and other authorities, media activists and my wife about the incident and I believe that their urgent mediation helped me to save my life at least like this.

I think that misinterpreting their action and producing them in court as accused is a crime that will not be approved by any person with sense.

I cannot describe in words the mental agony I underwent while being in pain and near paralyzed condition in hospital when I heard about this incident.

It is very painful manipulating this incident to hunt more media persons instead of apprehending the culprits.

Therefore, I kindly appeal from you to focus you attention to this matter and to correct it.

Signed by

Poddala Jayantha

Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association

(In the photos, the editor of Lanka-e-News visiting Poddala Jayantha in hospital and Poddala Jayantha in hospital)

(In the photos, the editor of Lanka-e-News visiting Poddala Jayantha in hospital and Poddala Jayantha in hospital)

(Lanka-e-News, June 04, 2009, 4.00 PM)

After 18.05.2009

After 25.01.2009

After 07.01.2009

After 20 december 2008

Before 17 november 2005

Gallant journalist Lasantha Wickramathunga passed away

(Lanka-e-News, January 08, 4.00 PM) Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramathunga who was shot when he was arriving in the office this morning in his vehicle, passed away at Kalubowila Teaching Hospital a short while ago.

Wickramathunga was a fearless journalist who exposed corruption and other malpractices of the politicians. He came under constant threat of the rulers and there were legal measures too against him.

He was shot and injured previously too and there was an attempt to arrest his under the present regime. He was continuously under the threat of a powerful person of the government.

Lasantha Wickramathunga is a past student of St. Benedict College, Kotahena. He commenced his career as a journalist from Sun newspaper. He was one time the Private Secretary of late Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike when she was the Opposition Leader. He was the Sri Lanka Freedom Party organizer of the Colombo North electorate too.

Lasantha is the son of Colombo North former MP and Colombo Municipal Council former Deputy Mayor Harris Wickramathunga.

He was the founder editor of Sunday Leader. Leader Press was once set on fire by the forces who were in fear of his pen.

(Lanka-e-News, January 08, 4.00 PM)

Assassination of Sunday Leader editor: Heinous crime committed to damage social fabric and bring disrepute to the country -President

(Lanka-e-News, January 08, 2009, 8.40 PM) Issuing a statement condemning the killing of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramathunga, President Mahinda Rajapakse says that his government reiterates its commitment to upholding the principles of Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression, even under the most trying circumstances.

Following is the full text of the statement;

‘My government and I most vehemently and unequivocally condemn the murder of Mr. Lasantha Wickramatunga, Editor of The Sunday Leader, which took place today.

‘I am both grieved and shocked by his tragic death as Mr. Wickramatunga was a close friend of mine who I have known for many years as a courageous journalist. ‘This heinous crime points to the grave dangers faced by the democratic social order of our country, and the existence of forces that will go to the furthest extremes in using terror and criminality to damage our social fabric and bring disrepute to the country. It is significant that such an attack was carried out at a time when the country is gaining repeated victories over the forces of terrorism, in our efforts to establish freedom and democracy throughout the country.

EU condemns murder of anti-government journalist in Sri Lanka

The Earth Times (Thu, 08 jan.2009 )

US Condemns Attacks on Media in Sri Lanka

By VOA News
09 January 2009

The U.S. State Department has condemned the murder of a Sri Lankan newspaper editor critical of the Colombo government, as well as a separate attack earlier this week on a private broadcasting network.

Spokesman Robert Wood called the killing of the "Sunday Leader" newspaper editor, Lasantha Wickramatunga, and the attack on a TV station "deplorable acts," aimed at silencing independent voices in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, condemned the murder and ordered a full investigation.

However, Reporters Without Borders said the president and state media are partly to blame for the editor's murder. The Paris-based press rights group said "they had incited hatred against him and allowed an outrageous level of impunity to develop as regards violence against the press."

Lasantha Wickramatunga was fatally shot Thursday morning as he drove to work.

Human rights group Amnesty International says at least 14 media workers have been killed in Sri Lanka since the beginning of 2006, while others have been detained and tortured.

In other news, Sri Lanka's military is projecting that it will take control of the last rebel-held territory within weeks.

After capturing the rebel headquarters, Kilinochchi, last week, the military said Thursday it has overrun another rebel-held town of Pallai. It said the rebels appear to be preparing for a last stand against the government in the northern town of Mullaittivu, one of the Tigers' last remaining strongholds.

The Tamil Tigers have dismissed the army's recent gains as "insignificant" and have vowed to continue to fight back.

Tamil rebels have been fighting since 1983 to establish an independent homeland for Sri Lanka's minority Tamil community. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the violence.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

Sri Lanka Government bans LTTE – the terrorists’ outfit
Wed, 2009-01-07 23:27
By Ruwan Weerakoon in Colombo
Colombo, 07 January, Asiantribune.com): At the Cabinet meeting held today, it has been decided to proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – a terrorist outfit led by Velupillai Prabakaran.
Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that at today’s cabinet meeting, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has submitted a cabinet paper seeking the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Sri Lankan President in his cabinet paper pointed out that LTTE continues to hold thousands of Internally Displaced Civilians by force under their grip, as human shield, without allowing them to move for safe areas.
Cabinet Ministers have agreed with President’s contention and come to the conclusion to proscribe the terror outfit, said Minister Maithripala Sirisena.
Earlier, the LTTE was proscribed on 26 January 1998 after the terrorists bombed the holy Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.
The proscription was again lifted on 04 September 2002, to enable the LTTE delegation to enter into a dialogue with the Sri Lanka Government.
At the press briefing held today at the Government Information Department, Ministers Rohitha Bogallagama, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Kehaliya Rambukwella, Anura Priya Dharshna Yapa, were present when the announcement regarding the proscription of the LTTE was officially anounced.
- Asian Tribune -

Congratulations to Sri Lankan soldiers

Congratulations to Sri Lankan soldiers, you are great, thanks for your humanitarian work carried out so far against terrorists without blunders, you are soldiers copies worldwide. We regret the deaths of 2,000 soldiers and 15,000 terrorists over the past three years (because of the barbaric actions of terrorists for 30 years, Sri Lanka lost over 80,000 people, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims alike).

Bravo aux soldats Sri Lankais, vous êtes formidable, grâce à votre action humanitaire menée jusqu'à aujourd'hui (07.01.09) contre les terroristes et sans bavures, vous êtes des soldats exemplaires pour le monde entier. Nous regrettons les morts de 2000 soldats et 15.000 terroristes durant ces trois dernières années (à cause des actions barbares des terroristes durant 30 ans, le Sri Lanka a perdu plus de 80.000 citoyens, cinghalais, tamouls, musulmans confondus).

UN Says Lasting Peace in Sri Lanka Will Require Political Solution
Wed, 2009-01-07 05:37
United Nations, 07 January, (Asiantribune.com): The United Nations says that despite the recent military developments in Sri Lanka, it is convinced that lasting peace in the country will require a political solution.
Asked for UN reaction to the military advances in Sri Lanka, UN spokesman Farhan Haq told Asian Tribune :
"We are following the military developments in Sri Lanka. We remain very seriously concerned about the impact of the increased fighting on the civilian population.
"We continue to call on all sides to comply with international humanitarian law, to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of civilians, to allow humanitarian organizations to do their work in safety and to reach persons who need assistance.
He reiterated "We remain convinced that lasting peace in Sri Lanka will require a political solution."
- Asian Tribune -

Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gaza Situation
Wed, 2009-01-07 03:29
Ramallah, Palestine, 07 January, (Asiantribune.com): President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa telephoned Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas and expressed his deep concern over the disastrous situation in Gaza, as a result of the invasion by Israeli troops.
He expressed his sympathies to the families of those killed in the attacks during this period. He also wished speedy recovery for those 3,000 odd injured.
President Abbas requested Sri Lankan President to support the Palestinian resolution coming before UN.
President Rajapaksa has assured that Sri Lanka will support any such resolution with regard to Gaza and that the support of Sri Lanka to the Palestinian cause will remain as firm as ever.
Rajapaksa also contacted Dr. T. Jayasinghe, Representative of Sri Lanka in Palestine and inquired about the ground situation and the wellbeing of the five Sri Lankans stranded in Gaza. President was informed that two of them want to get back to Sri Lanka, but there is a delay as Israeli authorities are insisting on visas to Jordan and flight details. One Sri Lankan employee was slightly injured when a window of the house fell on her as a result of an Israeli bomb falling on the compound.
Sri Lanka Embassies in Jordan and Israel are taking action to get the visas and send these Sri Lankan to Sri Lanka after getting them out to Gaza.
- Asian Tribune -

Tamil Nadu based Tamil TV channels spearheads LTTE’s anti-Sri Lankan campaign
Tue, 2009-01-06 07:40
Colombo, 06 January, (Asiantribune.com): Tamil Nadu based Tamil language television channels are continuously involved in a systematic disinformation campaign against Sri Lanka Government, Sri Lanka’s fight against world ruthless terrorist organization - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan armed forces.
It is alleged that the Tamil television channels are spearheading internationally LTTE’s anti – Sri Lanka campaign. LTTE still remains a proscribed organization in India, but India based majority of the Tamil language TV channels are coming up with anti- Sri Lankan campaigns to promote LTTE, which amounts to aiding and abetting terrorist activities against Sri Lanka.
Yesterday, 05 January, Tamil language television channels in their morning news bulletin highlighted that at least 53 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed, more than 80 sustained injuries. Also it was reported that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) recovered 2 dead bodies of the SLA soldiers when the SLA launched an offensive to push through the 2nd Mile Post located in Paranthan to march towards Elephant Pass.
Sri Lankan Army sources dismissed the news report ‘baseless and factually an incorrect.’ They said that this was not the first time such misleading news stories were transmitted, but it has become a mischievous pattern for these Tamil Televisions channels since of late.
Reports reveal that those TV channels use Hotbird satellite as their platform to transmit their programs including anti-Sri Lankan news reports for other countries in Asia as well as in Europe.
Those type of campaigns, it was alleged are mostly led by Sun Television as well as by the Kalaignar Television.
The Sun Television network is owned by Kalanidhi Maran, the grandson of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi.
The Kalaingar TV is owned by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi himself in his capacity as the leader of the ruling DMK political party.
When Asian Tribune contacted Army sources to verify the authenticity of the news item transmitted in those two television channels, they dismissed those news report, ‘incorrect, misleading and mischievous.’
Sources said that Sri Lanka Army’s 58 Brigade Division was involved in a military push from Paranthan Santhi (junction) up to Elephant Pass, located in the north.
Army sources told Asian Tribune that Sri Lanka Army’s 58 Brigade Division was involved in a military campaign against the LTTE from the morning of 04 January until such time they entered Elephant Pass on 05 January - the gateway to the Jaffna Peninsula.
In that military campaign, SLA sources revealed that Sri Lanka Army lost 8 soldiers and 30 soldiers’ sustained injuries. Sri Lankan Army sources further said that out of the 8 soldiers assumed death, six bodies of those soldiers have gone missing and yet to recover.
Sri Lankan Army sources said that 58 Brigade Division which was earlier called ‘Task Force 1’ and was involved in the capture of Pooneryn, also in the capture of the strategically located Paranthan Santhi (Junction) , as well as Kilinochchi. After the capture of Kilinochchi, the Task Force 1 under the command of Brigadier Shavendra Silva was upgraded into 58 Brigade Division of the Sri Lanka Army.
The victorious 58 Brigade Division fought its way to Elephant Pass. Sources said in the campaign to capture Elephant Pass, 43 LTTE cadres were killed and nearly 58 of them injured. Sri Lanka Army sources said that some of those dead LTTE cadres’ bodies were seen lying in the areas captured by the Army and other bodies were seen being carried away by the fleeing LTTE cadres.
Sri Lankan Army sources told Asian Tribune that it seems whenever the LTTE losses more than thirty to forty people they always claims that Sri Lankan soldiers killed. They used to carry the images of their dead cadres as Sri Lankan soldiers killed, for their propaganda campaigns.
The Army sources said that Sri Lanka Army cannot do such mischievous and Goebbels’s propaganda campaign because at the end of the day the dead bodies of the Sri Lankan soldiers have to be sent to the hospital in Anuradhapura to be kept in the mortuary until next move to take their bodies to the respective soldier’s home town. In this process the number of soldiers dead would become a public secret.
Furthermore, every month, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka has to present the detail of Sri Lankan Army soldiers killed and injured in the previous month to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, when he presents the motion to the Parliament for the extension of the Emergency for the current month.
Therefore, death and injuries of Sri Lankan soldiers are public secrets as the Army as well as the government is answerable to the people of Sri Lanka, but as far as LTTE was concerned, Prabhakaran is the law unto himself.
- Asian Tribune -

Killinochchi… and Gaza
Sun, 2009-01-04 15:15
By Tisaranee Gunasekara
"Thousands of the Taliban went back to their homes. They began a normal life. The coalition forces began to employ thugs…..or warlords or whatever. They created militias of those people who had no limits to misbehaviour and who were sent to people's homes to search their homes, to arrest them and to intimidate them…… If they go to the Afghan homes and burst in and arrest or kill, does that leave the Afghan people with the feeling that they have a government? No". President Ahmed Karazi of Afghanistan (Los Angelis Times – 22.12.2008)
Killinochchi is an important milepost in the Fourth Eelam War, an outstanding victory for the Lankan Forces and a significant defeat for the LTTE. The Tigers’ response to the fall of Killinochchi was both characteristic and portentous - a suicide blast near the Air Force Headquarters in Colombo. According to the well informed Tamilweek, the LTTE has begun withdrawing from Elephant Pass and Mullativu and may withdraw from the Jaffna Peninsula altogether. If true, this development, together with the premeditated response to the loss of Killinochchi, would signify a shift from positional warfare to guerrilla attacks and in particular acts of terrorism in the South and in the East, partly as a morale booster and partly to create the ground conditions necessary for the birth of a new generation of Tigers and Black Tigers.
Much thus depends on the manner in which the government handles this historic victory and its aftermath. The initial signs are not encouraging. President Rajapakse, his government and his military officials deserve to be credited for this victory (just as they deserve to be blamed for the defeats and the setbacks; the attribution must work both ways). The Rajapakse administration’s desire to make political capital out of the fall of Killinochchi is comprehensible and indeed normal. However, in its blatant political exploitation of the Killinochchi victory, the regime overstepped the boundary of both good taste and good sense. This was as needless as it was unseemly; after all the Lankan electorate is hardly likely to reward Ranil Wickremesinghe for Killinochchi and therefore less self-aggrandisement would have helped rather than hurt the President’s image and the regime’s electoral prospects.
Reaching out to Tamils
A greater cause for concern is the regime’s inability/unwillingness to reach out to Tamils at a moment of considerable emotional significance. Sri Lanka is still a psychologically divided nation; especially where the war is concerned, Sinhala and Tamil reactions are, in general, diametrically opposed. In opinion polls a majority of Tamil respondents express a clear preference for an immediate ceasefire while most Sinhala respondents want the war to be continued. This is an understandable divergence since it is Tamils who have to bear the brunt of the war and it is Tamils who suffer most at the hands of both the LTTE and the Lankan state. Moreover the dominant section of the regime and the state regard the war as a Sinhala on Tamil conflict (as does the LTTE). Consequently many non/anti-Tiger Tamils would see the defeats and setbacks of the LTTE not as Sri Lankan victories but as Sinhala victories.
Given the non-existence of a Sri Lankan nation, it is unrealistic to expect a Lankan response from the Tamils (particularly since the state and the government habitually react in a majoritarian rather than in a Lankan manner). Therefore most Tamils are unlikely to feel elated about the Killinochchi victory. Given the regime’s Sinhala supremacist mindset and the absence of a political solution to the ethnic problem, most Tamils are likely to feel dismayed and worried rather than hopeful about the future. A majority of Sinhalese may welcome a Sinhala peace; but a majority of Tamils would not. This very real difference must not be glossed over; nor should it be condemned as unpatriotic. After all, the only kind of patriotism that exists in this country is of the ethnic or ethno-religious variety – an inevitable consequence of the non-existence of a Lankan nation. The problem must be acknowledged as a problem and dealt with; indeed, doing so is a necessary precondition for the creation of a Sri Lankan nation. If in moments of victory, the administration in particular and the Sinhalese in general, act with insensitivity and miserliness towards the minorities, it will impede the nation building process without which Sri Lanka will not know a lasting peace.
So long as Vellupillai Pirapaharan is alive the LTTE will neither give up Eelam nor give up arms. The LTTE’s New Year Message made this clear, yet again. A military response to the LTTE is thus unavoidable. But this unavoidable military response must go hand in hand with a political response to the Tamil people. Unfortunately such a dual approach is conspicuous by its absence. Mr. Pirapaharan depends on this critical absence to justify both the Eelam demand and the recourse to arms; to win fighters and sympathisers here and abroad. Given this seminal absence, all the LTTE has to do is to explode a few bombs in the South now and then. The regime will overreact as usual, with mass arrests, abductions, extra-judicial killings and attempted deportations – responses tailor made to suit the Tigers’ politico-propaganda needs.
The battle for Killinochchi was expected to be over in weeks; it took months. The battle for Vanni will be infinitely more difficult than Killinochchi. With its back to the wall the Tiger will fight more ferociously than ever before. The LTTE will also go out of its way to provoke the Lankan side into committing acts of violence and persecution against civilian Tamils, both in the war zone and in the rest of the country. Deaths and injuries from aerial bombing and shelling, mass arrests, attempts at deportation would be the responses the Tigers would try to elicit from the regime.
The duration and the final outcome of the war would depend to a great extent on the way in which the regime treats its Tamil citizens. Will the government come up with a political solution to the ethnic problem even as it pursues the next phase of the war and act with responsibility and consideration towards civilian Tamils in the pursuit of the next phase of war? Or will the government’s actions and reactions become even more majortarian supremacist than they have been so far? These are key questions, particularly because of the economic factors. It is not possible to keep defence expenditure at the current levels, given the worsening of the economic situation. The Golden Key debacle is just the tip of the iceberg. A financial crisis is unavoidable as is a debt crisis. Significant as the Killinochchi victory is, the harder part of the war lies ahead and some of the necessary preconditions to sustain the war are fast disappearing.
Sometimes winning the battle or even the war is the easy part. In Afghanistan the coalition forces were able to defeat Taliban with surprising ease. This victory became a pyrrhic one absence of a concerted programme to win the peace by winning over the populace. Today Taliban has made a comeback and is threatening the very survival of the Karazi government. This is a lesson the government should do well to heed, before it succumbs completely to hubris and makes the kind of avoidable mistake which will only help the Tigers.
The Tragedy of Gaza
The Israeli ground offensive in Gaza has begun. Hamas’ options were limited so long as the invasion was limited to air attacks; it had no capacity to bring down Israeli air crafts and all it could do was to fire some rockets into Israel which did very little real damage. With the commencement of the ground offensive, Hamas can finally fight back. As Israeli ground troops enter Gaza, the battle will become more even, and the casualties will begin to include more and more Israeli soldiers. Many ordinary Palestinians will join in this fight back, not because they are pro-Hamas but because Israel’s extremist policies and practices have left them with no choice other than resistance or capitulation.
With the new Obama administration there was a real possibility of isolating the extremists and strengthening the moderates in the Middle East – a precondition for any lasting peace. Israel has put paid to that very real potential with its brutal offensive. At the end of this criminal misadventure Hamas is likely to emerge politically strengthened rather than weakened, not just in Gaza but also in the West Bank. In fact the main political casualty of this monumental blunder is likely to be the moderate Fatah in general and the Abbas faction within it in particular. Other big losers may include the pro-Western rulers in the Islamic world. All over the Middle East, from Israel to Turkey, from the Palestinian territories to Egypt, political extremists and religious fundamentalists will gain from the tragedy of Gaza.
Israel of all countries should know that a people cannot be destroyed by the force of arms; that violence cannot kill the spirit of a nation. If wars and massacres, persecution and injustice can destroy a people, Jews would have become extinct centuries ago. With such a historic memory, it is ironic that Israel has not been able to comprehend and appreciate the Palestinians’ desire for liberation, their determination to survive and their will to resist. If Israel applied its own experiences to the Palestinian situation, it would not have blockaded, bombed, shelled and invaded Gaza. If Israel remembered how suffering gives rise to resistance and injustice engenders hatred and revenge, it would not have tried to starve and destroy the Gazans into submission.
Israel forgot and will be called to pay for her avoidable errors. She has already paid a heavy price for her refusal to be rational, for her inability to understand that real security is impossible so long as one’s policies give rise to generation after generation of angry Palestinian men and women willing to kill and die battling Israel. Perhaps the most telling indicator of the failure of Israel’s hard-line policy is that young Israeli Jews show an increasing tendency to migrate to the West, including to Germany, because they have lost faith in Israel’s future.
Israel facilitated the rise of Hamas because it wanted to fragment Palestinian resistance on religious lines, because it needed an enemy who could be demonised with ease. Israel and Hamas always had a mutually sustaining relationship and this will become intensified as the Gaza invasion progresses. President Abbas has discredited himself with his servility towards Israel and the West; the only moderately radical leader who could have made a positive difference, Marwan Barghouti, is serving six life sentences in an Israeli jail. The current vicious impasse can still be broken if Israel is willing to halt the offensive, lift the blockade and release Mr. Barghouti in time for the next Palestinian election. With President Obama in the White House, if Ms. Livni is elected the Prime Minister of Israel and Mr. Barghouti becomes the Palestinian authority President, there will be a real possibility of marginalising the Hamas and Israeli right-wingers and working towards a two state solution.
But as the Gaza invasion wends its destructive way, as opinions harden on both sides of the divide, such positive possibilities will rapidly evaporate. Instead Binyamin Netanhayu will win Israeli elections and Hamas the Palestinian Presidency. With extremists dominating both sides, peace will become more impossible than ever, whatever the efforts of Mr. Obama. And all over the world, fundamentalists of all faiths, terrorists of all types will become stronger and more numerous. If George W Bush killed the War against Terrorism with his Iraqi invasion, Israel has buried it with her Gaza offensive. As Eduardo Galeano asked, “And isn’t it clear that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the invasion of Gaza and Lebanon are the incubators of hatred, producing fanatic after fanatic after fanatic?” (How Much Longer?)
- Asian Tribune -

Arson Attack on London Kingsbury Buddhist Temple

Sun, 2009-01-04 03:22
By Janaka Alahapperuma- London

London, 04 January, (Asiantribune.com): A suspected gang of Tamil Tiger supporters has attacked and set fire to the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre (SSIBC) popularly known as "Kingsbury Buddhist Temple", Kingsbury, London in the early hours of Saturday 3rd January 2009. The arson attack caused damages to the main shrine chambers of the temple, which is one of the most respected Sri Lankan Buddhist places of worship in the UK.

London, 04 January, (Asiantribune.com): A suspected gang of Tamil Tiger supporters has attacked and set fire to the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre (SSIBC) popularly known as "Kingsbury Buddhist Temple", Kingsbury, London in the early hours of Saturday 3rd January 2009. The arson attack caused damages to the main shrine chambers of the temple, which is one of the most respected Sri Lankan Buddhist places of worship in the UK.
All the resident monks were inside at the time flames broke out and emergency services including fire fighters and Police were called to the Temple premises around 3.10am, but no one was injured. The suspected attack by unidentified persons caused damage only to the building. Arson in the London Buddhist Temple
The suspicion has fallen on Tamil Tiger terrorist supporters in London. This is the sixth time SSIBC has come under attack, and on numerous occasions, suspects have stolen the Sri Lankan flag which is always proudly displayed on the post in front of the temple, along with the Buddhist and British flags.
A previous attack caused severe damages to the building, glass windows and the vehicles parked outside. That particular assault in September 2008 came as retaliation against a visit to the temple by the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was on transit in London, on his way to address the UN General Assembly and special summit of Commonwealth leaders in New York.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London, Nihal Jayasinghe has rigorously condemned the Saturday morning attack on the SSIBC. At the same time, he praised the Temple for its valuable services provided to various communities in the UK despite their different ethnicities. High Commissioner also called this continuous vandalism, a denial of pluralism. He further expressed his displeasure on previous lacklustre investigations carried out by the authorities and their inability to take any action in bringing the culprits to justice.
There have been many attacks on the temple and London community leaders, local politicians, multi-faith religious leaders, organisations and other related bodies are aware of the situation and are providing their fullest support.
A devotee said that "the community is devastated by this incident on a peaceful religious place and enough is enough, this is the sixth time, at least this time we expect firm action from the authorities". Another member of the Sri Lankan community said that the "liberation campaign victories achieved by brave Sri Lankan soldiers, especially the fall of Killinochchi has made many LTTE sympathisers angry and this is how they retaliate".
Despite the attack on the temple, Chief Incumbent of the Temple, Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero (MBE), Chief Sanga Nayaka of Great Britain said that the previously planned "Ranaviru Commemoration Bodhi Puja" celebrations for liberating the North and East of Sri Lanka and prayers for peace in Sri Lanka in the New Year 2009 will go ahead as planned on the same day (3rd January 2009) at 6.30pm.
Kingsbury temple also had a special religious programme on the New Year’s Day for the same cause. It also had its annual Inter Faith religious programme recently with the participation of representatives of all the major faiths in Brent and Harrow Boroughs in London. Representatives from Baha'i, Brahma Kumari, Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and many other Interfaith organisations participated in that programme.
Scotland Yard Police immediately came to the Temple and took finger prints and available video footage of the incident and however Metropolitan Police investigations are still underway.
- Asian Tribune -

Sri Lanka troops take another rebel stronghold

2009-01-05; 21:13:21

COLOMBO, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's government troops took southern causeway of Elephant Pass, another stronghold of the rebels, Defense officials said here Monday.

    Elephant Pass, which lies between the northern Jaffna peninsula and the former rebel headquarters of Kilinochchi, has been under the control of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels since April 2000.

    The government troops said with the fall of Kilinochchi they are poised to completely crush the rebel outfit ending their over three-decade-long campaign to set up a separate Tamil homeland.    

Lankan troops close to Elephant Pass, take town enroute Mullaittivu

Press Trust of India

Monday, January 05, 2009, (Colombo)

Moving to retake the last remaining LTTE bastions in the north, Sri Lankan troops on Monday reached the southern outskirts of strategically vital Elephant Pass after capturing a key town on the road to the rebels' coastal stronghold Mullaittivu, the military said.

Fresh from their takeover of LTTE administrative headquarters Kilinochchi after 10 years, troops backed by helicopter gunships advanced further towards the LTTE pockets in the once rebel-dominated northern Sri Lanka.

The troops of 58 division captured the area southwards of the causeway along with the bridge in the A-9 road located south of the Elephant Pass after a series of heavy clashes with the rebels, the army said.

If the troops recapture the corridor, which was lost to the Tigers in 2000, a vital land link to Jaffna peninsula will be re-established.

Lankan troops also succeeded in completely capturing the Oddusudan town, located on the crossroads leading to the rebel town of Mullaittivu and were consolidating their positions.

Mullaittivu housed most of the military facilities of the Tigers and most of the rebels and civilians who fled from captured areas are said to be holed up there.

According to the battlefield reports, troops have also gained total control over Kurinchattiv village located on the eastern bank of Jaffna lagoon this afternoon.

"The fall of Kurinchattiv draws tactical advantage to the security forces, who are determined at flushing out the remaining LTTE fortifications in the Elephant Pass, Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil areas," the army said.

Pottu Amman flees to South?

(Lanka-e-News, January 04, 2008, 4.45 PM)

Reliable sources say that a foreign intelligence service has informed Sri Lankan defense authorities that LTTE Deputy Leader as well as intelligence leader Shanmugalingam Shivashankar alias Pottu Amman has fled Vanni following the collapse of the bastions of the Tigers. However, with the lack of information regarding if he had fled to a foreign country, the sleuths believe that he has positioned himself somewhere in South.

Sources say that with the repeated failures of the LTTE, the responsibilities of Pottu Amman has been given to one Rathnam Master. Accordingly, Rathnam Master is responsible for the LTTE intelligence wing, the air wing and the Radha Regiment that provides security to Prabakaran. Pottu Amman has been given activities in South, sources say.
It is said that the LTTE is sending its permanent, trained cadres to foreign countries and southern parts of the country as civilians without sending them to the battlefront to be killed. The fact is proved as Tamil Nadu police arrested around 10 permanent, trained LTTE cadres from refugee camps there during the past couple of weeks.

Intelligence sections have learnt that about 30 suicide LTTE cadres have arrived in South with Pottu Amman. Security forces say that escape paths for Prabakaran who is now hiding in Viswamadu and Mulaithivu jungles have been blocked. Karuna Amman said to a weekend newspaper today (04) that Prabakaran is still in Vanni and there were no reports about his family.

Lankan troops enter Oddusuddan near Mullaitivu

Sunday, 04 January , 2009, 18:23

Colombo: Sri Lankan troops fighting their way towards the last major bastion of the Tamil Tiger rebels in the northeastern Mullaitivu district on Sunday entered a strategic township ahead of Mullaitivu town after fierce clashes, defence authorities here said.

Bolstered with confidence after retaking their main politico-administrative town of Kilinochchi two days ago, the troops backed by armour, artillery and aerial bombardment forced their way into Oddusuddan township.

"Troops of Task Force 4, who have continued their advances further northwards after capturing Nadunkeni have entered Oddusuddan township by this afternoon following the day-long fighting," the defence ministry said.

Sri Lankan troops capture Kilinochchi

It said that the strategically vital Oddusuddan junction located along the Mankulam-Mullaitivu (A-34) main highway had been used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) "for their administrative and logistic purposes as it has direct route access towards Mullaitivu, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mankulam and Nedunkerni".

"Troops are engaged in further consolidating operations in north and west of Oddusuddan areas," the defence ministry said.

It said that air force fighter jets raided LTTE defences to assist ground troops advancing in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi fronts.

Images: The fall of Kilinochchi

On the Kilinochchi front, the troops were now marching further northward to capture their next target on the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 main highway, the open terrain of the Elephant Pass, despite heavy LTTE resistance.

Kilinochchi town is 350 km north of here. The Elephant Pass, 12 km from Kilinochchi on the Jaffna-Kandy main highway, is the isthmus to the northern Jaffna peninsula.

A military source said the troops fighting their way further northwards from Kilinochchi and Paranthan "were just two kilometres away from the Elephant Pass and its fall is imminent".

2 killed in Colombo suicide bomb blast

The fall of the Elephant Pass and Muhamalai, the last LTTE strongholds some 20 km north of the pass on the main highway, would enable the military to reopen fully the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 main supply route for public and troops.

EU MP Nirj Deva congratulates SL government on Kilinochchi victory also urged LTTE to down arms immediately

EU Parliamentarian Nirj Deva says the LTTE must lay down arms and respect democracy. After the capture of Kilinochchi –the heart of the LTTE, Mr. Deva said it's a victory for all the peoples of Sri Lanka including the Tamil people who have for a generation been oppressed in the North by the LTTE. EU Parliamentarian Nirj Deva

The international community must now help to rebuild the whole island and most investors would be happy to be here to assist the Sri Lankan government.

Speaking to the Asian Tribune he said LTTE has no international recognition due to their dangerous activities specially the extreme violation of human rights. Most of countries have banned the LTTE and its a lonely organization.

Mr. Deva said the government of Sri Lanka now has opportunities to obtain international support to develop its northern province which was under the LTTE control. He also congratulated the government of Sri Lanka and said the government has a legitimate right to defeat terrorism and bring peace to the masses and all the peoples of the Island.

He explained that even after a 25 year old long battle the LTTE terrorists they could not win the hearts of the masses and there is no state in the world formed by terrorists. He gave international examples about terrorists groups and said the British government ended the Irish conflict and today the European Union is a good example of how former enemies who killed each other in the millions are now working as friends in one common union with one parliament.

The military action must go towards a permanent peace and this can only be achieved by eliminating terrorism while addressing the political aspirations all the peoples of the island by ensuring equality of opportunity and equity under democracy and the rule of law for everybody.

- Asian Tribune -

Captured Kilinochchi deserted: Says Journalists

(Lanka-e-News,Jan.04,2009,11.00PM)

The main highway running through what was once Sri Lanka's LTTE heartland was nearly deserted Sunday, except for some stray dogs and abandoned cows.

Two days after the military captured the Tamil Tigers' administrative capital of Kilinochchi, the government led a victory tour of the newly seized areas, even as fighting raged on in the north and east as soldiers sought to capture the LTTe's last jungle strongholds.

Journalists were flown to the air force base in Anuradhapura from Colombo and then by an MI 17 helicopter to Mankulam from where they were taken to Kilinochchi and Paranthan along the A 9 road.

The land surrounding Kilinochchi was eerily abandoned. Intermittent gunfire and artillery barrages could be heard in the distance.

The scattered buildings lining the road have been pulverized by shelling. Army demining teams waved mine detectors over the road bed and dug up the middle of the A-9 highway searching for booby traps left behind by the fleeing LTTE.

The government has barred independent journalists from traveling to this area for a year and a half, but it agreed to bring reporters here to show off its success in driving the LTTEs out of their main stronghold.

"Day by day, the Tigers' territory is shrinking and their numbers are dwindling. The objective of finishing this war won't be that long off," said Maj. Gen. Jagath Dias, who commanded the battle for the town of Kilinochchi. "We will continue this operation to capture rest of the LTTE area and Prabhakaran soon," said Major-General Jagath Dias.

One hospital there was being used as a refugee registration centre.

"The LTTE kept us by force but we escaped fortunately," a 50-year-old man, who said he fled the LTTE with 23 other people, told reporters.

During Sunday's tour of Kilinochchi, reporters were shown the 11-mile-long (17-kilometer-long) defensive fortifications the LTTE built to defend their capital. A moat 1 1/2 yards (meters) wide and 2 yards (meters) deep was filled with stagnant water, empty mortar shells and unexploded grenades.

Behind it, stood an earthen wall more than 2 yards (meters) high and 5 yards (meters) deep. Every 10 yards (meters), there was a break in the massive barrier where guard posts and sniper positions made of logs and branches had been built.

Clothes and rubber flip-flops lay scattered about, along with makeshift stretchers made of sacks and two sturdy sticks.

Dias said the LTTE fought fiercely to defend Kilinochchi.

"It was very difficult to walk into Kilinochchi. It took 1 1/2 months to breach the earthen berm and ditches of the Tigers," he said.

The journalists were also escorted along the main A-9 road that once ran through the center of the LTTE's de facto state, until the guerrillas were driven off all the land west of the highway.

The military also planned to bring reporters into the town of Kilinochchi itself later in the day.

Dias said the former LTTE headquarters would be used as the main staging point to launch future offensives against the LTTE. -Pix by: Sudarh Silva-

London Kingsbury Buddhist temple attacked

(Lanka-e-News, January 03, 2008, 7.30PM)

An unidentified group threw petrol and set fire to the London Kingsbury Buddhist temple today (03) around 3.10 AM.

Our London correspondent says that the outer door and windows of the library in the ground floor of the temple has been burnt in fire. Around 10,000 pounds damage has occurred although no book in the library has sustained damage, he says.

It is suspected that a LTTE group caused the damage following the news that Kilinochchi was captured was spread in London. Kingsburg temple was attacked in a previous occasion too and security cameras were fixed in the temple after that. Images of four persons who came to set fire the temple has been recorded in cameras and one person is seen fleeing removing his shirt that was caught in fire.

Our reporter stated that London Metro Police that arrived in the scene of crime this morning had said that arrests could be made soon following information gathered from images.

Our correspondent further said that the Sri Lankans in London had organized a special Bodhi Puja today to invoke blessings to the war heroes that captured Kilinochchi in this temple.

Photos of Kilinochchi captured by security forces

(Lanka-e-News, January 03, 2008, 4.20 PM) Following are several photos released by the Defense Ministry following the troops led by Major General Jagath Dias of 57 Brigade and Brigadier Shavendra Silva of 58 Brigade captured Kilinochchi town.

After 15.02.2009

After25.01.2009

After 07.01.2009

After 01.01.2009

After 20 december 2008

Before 17 november 2005

15 november 2008

07 september 2008

20 july 2008

20 july 2008

24 december 2007

03 september 2007

11 april 2007

06 february 2006

19 january 2007

04 september 2006

08 august 2006

Before 17 november 2005

Twenty years after using ships, the Sri Lankan government has finally managed to reopen a road to provide food to 600 000 Tamil civilians living in the north (Jaffna) have improved their living conditions and their return to the capital Colombo.

(This article is written by AHFESL the 16.11.2008)

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Today, the Sri Lankan army has successfully repulsed a group LTTE northward recovering land to the east and north-west. This has improved the lives of many Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslims who have been out of their refugee camps. The State has set up elections in these areas. Many foreign states participating in the development of these areas.

Of the 1,300,000 Tamil living in Sri Lanka, there are approximately 150,000 in the area currently controlled by the LTTE in the north. In this area, these Tamil serve as a human shield the LTTE, where many escapes reported to the regions controlled by the Sri Lankan army. The Gouvernement research recover the last area of the North, in order to liberate the people, and hoping to finally live in a country at peace after twenty-five years of war. This attempt to free these innocent Tamil, costs the daily lives of many soldiers of the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE from forcibly recruited into this terrorist group.

(This article is written by AHFESL the 27.04.2008)