30 April 2010

Constitutional reforms: TNA ready to support govt.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government is likely to receive the support of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to introduce constitutional amendments aimed at devolving powers to the regions.A consensus between the government and the TNA, which campaigned, at the April 8 general election, for protecting rights of the Tamil speaking people, is expected in the near future.Well-informed sources told The Island that India would pressure the TNA to align with the Rajapaksa administration to pave the way for required constitutional changes. Although a re-merger of the Eastern Province with the North or police powers to regions would not be negotiable, the government was expected to go for maximum possible devolution.Sources said that now that President Rajapaksa had received an overwhelming mandate at the January 26 and April 8 presidential and general elections, he could go ahead with the much-delayed devolution process.Responding to a query by The Island, sources said a delay on the part of the Sri Lankan government would only upset India and strengthen the Tamil Diaspora bent on reviving separatist sentiments, though the LTTE no longer posed a conventional military threat. They said the Tamil Diaspora was seeking international support to justify its cause on the basis of "Sri Lanka’s failure to resolve the issue".Sources expressed confidence that the 14-member TNA parliamentary group led by veteran MP R. Sampanthan would throw its weight behind the government to introduce far-reaching constitutional amendments.Sampanthan said that they could certainly work with the government to make progress in areas which would benefit the Tamil speaking people and the country as a whole. "We are quite willing to work with the government," he told The Island yesterday.The Trincomalee District MP emphasised that they would adopt what he called a very positive and constructive attitude towards this.Asked whether the TNA had been in touch with India regarding the latest initiative, MP Sampanthan said that he was in contact with many countries and many people. He said that India was keen to resolve the long-standing problem. The international community expected Sri Lanka to tackle the issue. Responding to another query, he said he would certainly impress on the UNP the need for a consensus regarding the devolution proposals. Sri Lanka should not miss this opportunity to resolve the issue, now that government had the wherewithal to finalise a political deal acceptable to all. Everything would depend on the government’s readiness to set up proposals acceptable to the Tamil speaking people, the TNA leader said.Government sources said President Rajapaksa was confident that none of the UPFA’s constituent partners, particularly the JHU and the National Freedom Front (NFF), would cause trouble, though they had resented moves aimed at striking a deal with the TNA sometime back. Two parties with just six seats among them were no longer in a position to dictate terms to the dominant partner (SLFP). The sources revealed that even the JVP-led Democratic National Alliance (DNA) was likely to take a positive approach given its links with a section of the international community supportive of devolution of powers to the regions.MP Sampanthan said that their support to Opposition candidate, General Sarath Fonseka, at the presidential election should not be an impediment to an alliance between the government and the TNA.

Indian High Commissioner calls on Sri Lankan Premier

India's High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ashok K. Kantha, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne, Thuresday (29), the Indian High Commission in Colombo announced.During the meeting, the High Commissioner noted the close and friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka and discussed with the Prime Minister ways and means of further strengthening these relations, a press release issued by the High Commission said. A number of other matters of bilateral interest were also discussed, it added.

India to help develop Palali airport, KKS Port

The Indian Government has agreed to assist Sri Lanka in the development of the Palali airport in Jaffna and the Kankesanthurai Port. Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha conveyed this decision to Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne when he called on the Prime Minister to congratulate him on his assumption of office and have discussions yesterday. A press release by the Prime Minister's office said the Indian Government always desired to widen economic, social and cultural ties with Sri Lanka at all times. India was also willing to assist Sri Lanka in its resettlement program in the North. Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne recalled with gratitude. The timely assistance given to Sri Lanka by India in times of difficulties. Indian assistance was much needed at this juncture when Sri Lanka was striving to achieve economic development after eradicating terrorism. He said the government had taken all measures to bring community life in the North back to normal. Under President Rajapaksa's leadership people in all parts of the country have gained the opportunity to lead a peaceful life without fear or suspicion. The Indian High Commission also proposed the conducting of a Buddhist Congress to mark the 2,600 Buddha Jayanthi.

Gota on inspection tour in Jaffna

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday toured the Jaffna peninsula, where he met senior officers in charge of security and discussed ways and means of improving the situation in the peninsula. He was accompanied by the Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army and Navy Chiefs. Thursday’s visit was the first to Jaffna by the Defence Secretary this year. Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander, Security Forces, Jaffna briefed the visiting delegation on the security network. Discussions centered on post-war concerns, resettlement, de-mining work, civil administration, rehabilitation of former LTTE combatants, promotion of civil-military relations.The Defence Secretary opened the rehabilitated dockyard at Kankesanthurai harbour, which had for over twenty-five years remained abandoned due to LTTE terrorism. Opening of this dockyard would enable the port hereafter to carry out all repairs to the vessels directly without towing them to Trincomalee, military sources said.

Jaffna MP accuses EPDP of illegal sand excavation in Vadamaraadchi

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Jaffna parliamentarian, E. Saravanbhavan publicly raised accusation against Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP), a constituent party of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), for having appropriated exclusive rights to excavate sand for building construction in Ma’nattkaadu in Vadamaraadchi East using illegal means making millions of rupees, in a press report, sources in Jaffna said. Meanwhile, EPDP Minister Dougals Devananda, in response to Saravanabhavan’s accusation, said that the EPDP firm engaged in sand excavation is registered in Sri Lanka parliament and the increase in the demand for sand is due to Sri Lanka Army (SLA) permitting only a limited number of lorries to transport sand from Ma’nattkaadu SLA High Security Zone (HSZ), in a media report, the sources added. Saravnabhavan said that ordinary people who need sand being unable to get permits legally are forced to buy sand from the private dealers. The EPDP firm called ‘Maheswary Funds’, named after assassinated EPDP organizer Maheswaray Vealautham, has procured exclusive rights to excavate sand in Ma’nattkaadu sidestepping Jaffna Secretariat and Point Pedro Divisional Secretariat authorities which issue permit to excavate sand in the said area.Saravanabhavan had accused that ‘Maheswary Funds’ was an unregistered firm and its excavation of sand illegal.Sand for building construction purposes is in high demand in Jaffna peninsula as the other places for sand excavation in Kachchaay in Thenmaraadchi, Ariyaalai in Jaffna and Man’kumpaan in the islets of Jaffna where sand excavation is banned by occupying SLA forces.This leaves only Ma’natkaadu where sand could be excavated and the SLA restriction on the number of lorries allowed to transport has created an artificial shortage of sand for construction in the peninsula.The EPDP firm is accused of selling sand to private construction firms making millions of rupees, according to Saravanabhavan.

SLBC to open Yarl FM

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation plans to open a fully fledged radio station in Jaffna with islandwide coverage in about two weeks. This station is named Yarl FM, symbolizing the cultural identity of the people of the Northern Province, states a SLBC press release. The new radio service will open up new vistas of cultural re-awakening, harmonizing with the "Vision for the Future" - the second stage of Mahinda Chintana which pledges for the protection and sustainability of our art and culture. Artistes intellectuals and other resource persons in the North will be able to participate in programs which are specifically designed to cater to the communities, thus criminating the hassle of travelling all the way to Colombo. In 1982 it was planned to commence construction work for a regional broadcasting station in Pannai but had to be abandoned due to the war situation.

Mangala wing to join UNP?

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party break away group (the Mangala Wing) has decided to take a final decision on whether to join the United National Party or not next week.Sources said that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had invited the SLFP (Mangala Wing) to join his party but the group’s leader had said his group’s Central Committee meet next week and take a decision on whether to accept the invitation or not.Sources said that if the SLFP (Mangala wing) joins the UNP, its leader Mangala Samaraweera would be offered a top post in the party.Earlier, although a seat was offered through the national list to the Mangala group by the UNP that pledge was differed after the general elections till a vacancy occurred in the future.

New building for Nedunkerny hospital

The new hospital building of Nedunkerny was opened last week as new hope is rising in the Northern Province under the Uthuru Vasanthaya (Northern Spring) project. Northern Provincial Council Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said the Nedunkerny base hospital was damaged due to LTTE attack. The Government has rebuilt the hospital building under the Uthuru Vasanthaya program. "The hospital was provided with basic facilities. "Three doctors taking in charge will be in duty round the clock. Around 100 beds were furnished for the patients," he told the Daily News. The Northern Provincial Council also planned to upgrade and renovate the hospital buildings damaged during the war in the Northern Province while providing basic facilities.

Tamil politician says LTTE Chief's house demolished by security forces

A Tamil politician has claimed that the Sri Lankan security forces have demolished the house of late LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran's parents situated at Valvettithurai in the Jaffna peninsula. Secretary of the Tamil National Liberation Alliance M.K. Sivajilingam, told the AFP news agency Thursday that the Sri Lankan security forces destroyed the house as it has become a tourist attraction."They (the government) are destroying pieces of history. They want to remove any traces of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)," Sivajilingam has told AFP by telephone from the northern town of Jaffna.Military spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe and police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody had denied any knowledge of the demolition, AFP reported.The terrorist leader was killed along with his family and senior most leaders of the LTTE in the final gun battle of the war with the security forces on May 18, 2009. The government declared victory over the war following his death.

Don’t make 'selections', hold 'elections' –Sajith says to Ranil  
 
UNP Deputy Secretary and UNP Hambantota M P Sajith Premadasa suggested to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that appointments to all official posts in the party shall be by votes democratically. He made this proposal when he had discussions with Mr. Wickremesinghe today (29), in regard to the future changes in the party . Sajith Premadasa met Mr. Wickremesinghe on an invitation extended by the latter to him. Premadasa made it abundantly clear to UNP leader that appointment of individuals for official posts in the party shall be by election and not by selection. All political affairs of the party should be carried out with transparency , and appointments must be made on the basis of ability and competence . Party’s policies and projection must be built by sniffing the fragrance of the sweat of the poor man and identifying them , Sajith has suggested to the UNP leader. 

SRI LANKA: Muslims and Tamils deal with the past

Sri Lankan Muslims displaced during the country’s decades-long civil war are slowly returning home, but the challenge of reconciling with their Tamil neighbours, and their past, remains. About 75,000 Muslims were evicted in October 1990 from the northern districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and some parts of Vavuniya by the now-defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who were fighting for an independent Tamil homeland. Since the end of the war in May last year, the question of their return or resettlement has gathered momentum. “Issues that need to be addressed include the kinds of infrastructure and services, such as schools and health services, that need to be in place,” said Farzana Haniffa, a University of Colombo anthropologist and member of the Citizen’s Commission, which includes civil society and Muslim organizations, and is leading efforts to help the displaced Muslims. The Muslims had fled to government-controlled areas in the country’s north and centre, with the majority ending up in Puttalam district. “The fact that Muslims have built up communities in Puttalam and elsewhere needs to be taken into account. Certain pockets of the displaced population might not want to return,” Haniffa told IRIN.

Families trickling back

The pace of returns varies according to conditions in the northern, war-torn areas. Jaffna District, which is the Tamil heartland, was once home to some 5,500 Muslim families before the expulsion, according to the commission. According to its data, more than 100 families, most of whom fled to Puttalam, have returned to Jaffna since the mid-1990s. In Mannar District, where the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says the largest numbers of displaced originated, returns started in August 2009. Since then, about 1,500 families or 6,000 people have returned, although the number is likely higher, since most people return spontaneously without being registered by the government, says UNHCR.

Traumatic departure

Other challenges to reconciliation include more competition for resources and livelihoods as those returning look for jobs, and property ownership disputes, because the Muslims were forced to abandon their homes. And since the expulsion took place nearly 20 years ago, a generation of Muslims and Tamils has grown up without experiencing the event, potentially testing communal relations. “Given the passage of time, the local Tamil population in these areas don't know the Muslims that are returning, they don't have the memory of interaction that an earlier generation had. So any potential for fresh conflict needs to be mitigated,” Haniffa warned. The LTTE’s expulsion operation was quick and efficient, with the local Tiger leadership giving Muslims only hours to leave. "At five o'clock the LTTE announced for us to come immediately to the Jinnah grounds. The LTTE leader told us that within two hours, all the Muslims must leave the [Jaffna] peninsula,” said Mohammed Yassin, a 55-year-old father of three, who returned to Jaffna in 1996 from Puttalam. Stunned, Mohammed returned home to break the news to his wife. "She didn't believe me at first. She thought I was joking, so I told her to check with the neighbours. She came back crying." Her disbelief was understandable: Muslims had lived peacefully with their Tamil neighbours. Reflecting on the tragedy, Mohammed does not blame the Tamils of Jaffna. "They couldn't help us. If they tried, they would also have been punished by the LTTE."

Will to reconcile

So far, there appears to be harmony among returning Muslims and Tamils in Jaffna, according to the Citizen’s Commission. Pathmarajah, a retired Tamil teacher who witnessed the expulsion, welcomes the return of Muslims to Jaffna. "The people never wanted the Muslims to go. They may be different religions, but we speak the same language. There is no barrier between us,” he said. Pathmarajah believes there is a collective guilt about what happened. "There is a feeling of guilt that we have been silent witnesses to the very unjust eviction of the Muslims. I certainly have it. How do I face my Muslim friends?"

Chinese national arrested in SL on charges of rape

A Chinese national has been arrested by the Sri Lankan police for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.The 36-year-old suspect had been working in the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant project in the country's north western region as an electrician, police said on Thuresday."The Chinese national had invited the victim into a lorry and raped her," the 'Daily Mirror Online' reported quoting police officials.The suspect was arrested by a special team after the victim's parents lodged a complaint with the local police.The first phase of the Chinese aided Norochcholai thermal power project is expected to add 300 MW to the national grid by November this year. The second phase of the project is expected to add 600MW by 2012.

Toronto Tamils vote on transnational government to gain voice

For the local Tamil community, last May’s protests on the Gardiner Expressway did more harm than good in getting its message out. So did blocking downtown traffic with a human chain.Tamils now hope the formation of a transnational government will give their international community a peaceful forum to be heard. Tamils across the GTA will go to the polls this Sunday to elect members for the first transnational government, which will represent the million-strong Tamils living outside Sri Lanka. Similar votes will be held in the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Germany to elect an assembly of 135 members. “After the war last year, the Tamils are now trying to use the democratic space to bring about consensus among Tamils,” said Chandra Kanthan, a human rights advocate. “The purpose of the government is to instill hope in a people that has become disenfranchised.” After a brutal 30-year military campaign, the Sri Lankan government defeated the Tamil Tigers last year. Canada is expected to have the greatest presence in the government with 25 elected members, 15 from the Greater Toronto Area. The elections will be overseen by an independent committee made up of non-Tamil school board trustees from around the city. Kanthan said the assembly is not seeking legitimacy or acceptance from world governments. Its initial goal is “to have a common consensus on where the Tamil community should move from here at a time when there is no political space for them to express their opinion in their homeland.” “Eventually, we will work toward recognition, but not initially.” The ultimate goal is the establishment of an independent Tamil state. But not everyone likes the idea. Chris Sandrasagra, secretary of the Toronto-based Canadian Relief Organization for Peace in Sri Lanka, said the transnational government is focused on the formation of a separate country, when many Tamils want a united Sri Lanka. He also believes that without international recognition, such a government will be futile. “The Canadian government is not going to accept an exile government,” said Sandrasagra, adding many Tamils in the city plan to boycott the election.

Concerns Naturally Exist In India About Growing Chinese Involvement in Sri Lanka by G.Parthasarathy

May 2009 saw the end of the three-decade long and bloody ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, in which an estimated 80,000 people perished. The conflict ended when a relentless offensive by Sri Lankan armed forces led to the killing of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the decimation of his cadres.While questions remain about the alleged violations of human rights of the Tamil civilian population caught in the crossfire, President Mahinda Rajapakse has emerged as the most popular leader of his country, defeating his rival, former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, in Presidential elections on January 26. This has been followed by a decisive victory of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance, which secured just over 60 per cent of the votes cast in the Parliamentary elections this month.President Rajapakse combined a determined war strategy with astute diplomacy, after he concluded that dialogue with the LTTE had failed and that he had to eliminate the Tigers. Faced with pressure brought about by erstwhile mediator Norway, together with the US and the European Union, Rajapakse secured support from India, while simultaneously obtaining arms and economic assistance from China and Pakistan, and economic assistance from Japan.With the Bush administration deciding to work together with India on regional issues, things turned around for the embattled President after the US started to adopt a more understanding approach. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Government effectively resisted European pressures to halt military operations.The successful conclusion of the ethnic conflict laid to rest all doubts in Sri Lanka about India's commitment to its unity and territorial integrity. The once-powerful Sinhala chauvinist, pseudo-Marxist and anti-Indian Janatha Vimuktha Perumana (JVP) was mauled in this month's Parliamentary elections.

REHABILITATION OF TAMILS

The end of the ethnic conflict was accompanied by the displacement of 300,000 Tamil civilians. New Delhi's primary concern in recent months has naturally been on rehabilitation of internally displaced Tamils. With an investment of $110 million, India has provided emergency supplies of medicines, temporary housing and cement for constructing houses.It has undertaken de-mining of Tamil habitats located in the battle zone. But, this is necessarily only a beginning, in a larger package of assistance that New Delhi has to provide to the Tamil population in the war-affected parts of the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.With plans under way to have an Indian cultural centre and renovate the famous Duraiappan Stadium in Jaffna, India would have to invest substantially in building higher educational and technical training institutions in Tamil areas to enable the Tamil population to integrate into an emerging pluralistic and economically dynamic Sri Lanka. Politically, President Rajapakse should be persuaded to implement the provisions of the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lanka Constitution enacted in 1988, pursuant to the Rajiv Gandhi-Jayawardene Agreement of 1987.Moreover, if a return to a situation of Tamil discontent fuelling insurgency is to be avoided, it would only be wise for Sri Lanka to also enact legislation to implement the provisions of the “Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka Amendment Bill” of August 3, 2000, and effectively end the human rights violations of innocent Tamils.This Bill was presented after extensive consultations by President Kumaratunga's advisers, G.L. Peiris and Neelan Tiruchelvan, and was withdrawn because of domestic opposition. The implementation of this Bill, together with the 1988 Constitutional Amendment, will largely address Tamil concerns and aspirations.But, at the same time, the Tamils of Sri Lanka would have to recognise that with the East becoming different from the North in terms of its ethnic composition, demands for a united north-eastern province may not longer be tenable.

CONCERNS OVER CHINA

Concerns naturally exist in India about growing Chinese involvement in Sri Lanka and especially its partnership in the development of the Hambantota Port. This port, being built with a concessionary Chinese loan of $300 million, will eventually have a LNG facility, fuel storage facilities, three separate docks, together with facilities for ship repair and construction. It can serve as a base for bunkering and refuelling.Moreover, China has been the largest supplier of military equipment to Sri Lanka in recent years and is involved in projects for the construction of highways, railways and a coal-based power plant. China's trade with Sri Lanka has doubled in the last five years to $1.13 billion in 2009.Given the Chinese desire to increase its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, including in South Asia, while working through Pakistan, New Delhi will have to make it clear to Sri Lanka that any facilities provided to China, in the context of its overall policies of encircling and containing India, would not be welcome.

COMMERCIAL TIES

However, it does appear that Sri Lanka has no intention of causing undue concern to India. In fact, before approaching China for the development of the Hambantota Port, Sri Lanka had asked India to undertake the project and approached China only after it did not receive a positive response from India. When blocks for oil exploration were parcelled out in the Gulf of Mannar, the Sri Lankan Government gave equal opportunities and benefits to both India and China, allocating one block each, to both countries.Moreover, with bilateral trade reaching $2.02 billion in 2009, Sri Lanka is today India's largest trading partner in SAARC. India, in turn, should be more forthcoming in opening its markets to exports of tea, spices, rubber and textiles by Sri Lanka.India has extended Lines of Credit amounting to $592 million to Sri Lanka for upgrading the Colombo-Matara rail link, the supply of railway equipment and construction of rail lines in northern Sri Lanka. Proposals are under consideration for interconnection of the grids in Sri Lanka and India. But New Delhi would do well to ensure that negotiations are finalised for constructing a 500 MW power plant in Trincomalee. With an over 90 per cent rate of literacy and life expectancy of females reaching 76 years, Sri Lanka has a far better record in human development than India. Moreover, despite a raging civil war, the island has shown a remarkable growth rate, averaging 6.3 per cent since 2003. Unlike some of India's other neighbours, the Sri Lankans have shown a readiness to integrate their economy with the economies of neighbouring southern Indian States.Major Indian companies such as IOC, Tatas, Bharti Airtel, Ashok Leyland, Larsen and Toubro and Taj Hotels already have a presence in the island. Projects involving Indian private investment of around $500 million have been approved for implementation in Sri Lanka. Cricketing ties and religious and cultural affinities have promoted what is a natural and mutually beneficial partnership.With the ethnic conflict over, there should now be fewer inhibitions on expanding bilateral military ties. In this otherwise optimistic scenario, one hopes that with a massive mandate, President Rajapakse will show statesmanship and magnanimity in addressing the legitimate aspirations of the island's alienated Tamil population.

29 April 2010

New Sri Lankan cabinet likely to continue frosty relations with West

Sri Lanka’s frosty relations with the West over human rights abuses will continue under a new cabinet appointed last week and perhaps jeopardise long-term trade and investment interests, analysts say.Wijedasa Rajapakse from the opposition United National Front said:“If at all, our relations with the European Union and the United States will get worse."The bulk of Sri Lanka’s main exports – garments and tea – go to Europe and the United States, who were also key funding partners of Sri Lanka’s development until the government shifted reliance in recent years to countries in the East.As the West criticised Sri Lanka’s human rights record towards the end of the 20-year civil war last year, the government started making new friends. Colombo developed stronger relations with India, China, Pakistan, Iran and Libya – countries which helped supply weapons during the war against the separatist Tamils in the north – and funding for development projects.The Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s strong bond of friendship with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which included exchange visits by both leaders in the past two years, has resulted in Iran inviting the Sri Lankan president to be the chairman of the G-15 group of developing nations at its summit in Tehran on May 17.The local Island newspaper on Monday reported that Mr Rajapaksa will lead a high-level delegation to the summit and will also have separate talks with Mr Ahmadinejad on furthering trade and economic ties. But Mr Rajapakse, a member of parliament, questioned Sri Lanka’s ties with these countries. “Although the government is bending towards Myanmar [also close to the government], Iran, Libya and China, what have we got from them? We don’t export much to these countries,” he said.“The foreign policy of the government will jeopardise our relations with the West and Europe, where most of our exports go,”President Rajapaksa’s ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance swept the parliamentary poll on April 8 and last week’s appointment of a new cabinet of ministers showed no sign the government intends to soften its stance in two key areas: foreign affairs and the media. Jehan Perera, a political analyst who writes a column in the Island newspaper, said: “It is more about continuity than change."The new foreign minister, Gamini Lakshman Peiris, is known to articulate strongly a tough government stand against the West. When he was international trade minister he once threatened to sue the EU over its suspension of tax-free concessions for Sri Lankan goods.The government also named Mervyn Silva as deputy minister of media, an appointment that shocked many journalists. The boisterous politician often clashed with the media. On one occasion he came close to physically hitting a reporter at a television station.Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists, with several killed, disappeared or brutally assaulted by unknown persons during the tenure of the ruling UPFA, since 2004.Mr Rajapakse, the opposition MP, said that some anti-West nationalists in the coalition government were also given powerful cabinet portfolios such as power and energy, housing and construction, and justice.SI Keethaponcalan, the head of the political science department at Colombo University, said: “I don’t see Sri Lanka getting nervous [with the West]. If at all, it’s the West that would have to make the first move” towards reconciliation due to the economic opportunities in post-war Sri Lanka.Soon after the ruling party’s election victory, Robert Blake, an US assistant secretary of state who has been a critic of the government’s human rights record, congratulated the president.Geethanjana Gunawardene, the new deputy foreign minister, declined to comment on the country’s foreign policy, saying Mr Peiris, away attending a South Asian summit in Bhutan, would brief the media on the subject later.Mr Rajapaksa, the president, who was also attending the Bhutan summit, met Mr Blake at the meeting. The government issued a photograph yesterday showing Mr Blake smiling while shaking hands with the president, but did not say what the two discussed.Ever since the government stepped up fighting with Tamil rebels in 2007, reports of civilian casualties have drawn concern, particularly from human rights groups, the US and Europe. The government has strongly denied accusations that civilians were deliberately killed in the fighting, which ended in May 2009 when the rebels were defeated.

An indicator of what comes next for Sri Lanka's media By Bob Dietz

 In Sri Lanka, there is a lull of sorts in outright attacks on the media as the Rajapaksa government takes stock of where it stands, which is in a very strong position: Last May the government declared a final victory in the brutal 30-year conflict with Tamil secessionists. In January, President Mahinda Rajapksa won a convincing victory in the presidential elections, and in April, his United Peoples Freedom Alliance took 144 seats of the 225 member seats in parliamentary elections, with a chance to build a political coalition that will give him the two-thirds majority he needs to begin rewriting the constitution.The country’s media remain as partisan as ever, though some outlets have accepted that the Rajapaksa family has won, and have started to trim their anti-government stance. Others remain adamant in their opposition.There was recently an indicator of what might come next for the media. The president appointed former Labor Minister Mervyn Silva to be his deputy minister of media and information. Silva’s appointment was confirmed by parliament on April 23.We’ve before about Silva, and it wasn’t very encouraging. In March 2008, we complained in a letter to the president about an incident in which state television employees reported a spate of attacks that began after many were involved in a much-publicized on-air dispute in December 2007 with then-Labor Minister Silva. He had shown up at the station with a group of men to complain that the station hadn't covered one of his speeches. Five staff members reported being stabbed, beaten, or slashed with razor blades by unidentified men, according to The Associated Press.And an update on another case: The wife of a missing journalist took matters into her own hands on April 22, and hand-delivered letters to all the new members arriving in parliament. Sandhya Eknaligoda wanted them to take action on her husband Prageeth’s disappearance. Police tried to stop her, but she managed to get her letters into the MPs’ hands. There is still no explanation for what has happened to her husband, a columnist and cartoonist for Lanka e News. Eknaligoda has been missing since January 24.

It is time for a dialogue with the Tamil National Alliance By Kath Noble

There are, I suspect, a lot of people in Sri Lanka who would rather cut out their own tongue than talk to the TNA.It boils down to quite rudimentary logic. The TNA supported terrorists. And they want Eelam, even if they claim to be ready to settle for less. We simply can't trust them.The party hasn't done a great deal to assuage these fears, it must be said. There has been no stocktaking of their role during the war in Parliament and with the international community. They said nothing when the LTTE killed their fellow politicians and started conscripting the youth of the North and East. They did nothing to persuade its leaders to turn away from violence.Worst of all, when Prabhakaran got trapped in Mullaitivu and it became clear that there would be no escape, they failed to call on him to release the hundreds of thousands of civilians being kept as a human shield. The TNA did a good job of exposing the suffering the Tamil people endured at the hands of the Government over the years, but it wasn't enough. They let their own side get away with too much.But, these are issues for Tamils to take up. The rest of the country, I propose, had better just get over it.Members of the TNA would have been under serious threat, if they had adopted a different position, we know very well. How many of us could say with anything like equal certainty that we would not have behaved in the same way? The LTTE is gone, and that provides an opportunity for a fresh start in the relationship.The party's success in the election demands a change in attitude, anyway. They retained two thirds of the seats they won under the LTTE and confirmed their status as the third largest group in Parliament. The TNA took three districts, which is rather more than the Opposition managed to achieve.They represent more people in the North and East than any other party does. Given the obstacles the Government placed in their way during the campaign, it was a major victory. They are a force to be reckoned with, now they have established their democratic credentials.This means putting a stop to the use of the TNA as a bogeyman.The Government and its hangers-on are experts at frightening the Sinhalese community into ever greater subservience by claiming that its opponents are in league with the TNA, amongst other demons. It was done with gusto during the tussle between Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sarath Fonseka, and the practice continued up to April 8th.Having anything to do with the TNA is now a kind of taboo in the minds of a most unfortunate number of Sri Lankans.And that is unhealthy.Perhaps the TNA really is secretly hoping for Eelam, as the propagandists claim. I just don't think it matters.Separatism is no more than an idea. We shouldn't start a 'war' on it, as some people have been arguing of late, to replace the 'war' on terrorism. Nor should it be criminalised.It is bad enough that there is a clause outlawing its advocacy in the Constitution. That was inserted in the immediate aftermath of the Black July massacres in a vain effort to save the Government from having to face the inevitable consequences of its own actions.I would like to see a rather more thoughtful approach to the subject.Readers should know from what I have written in these pages over the years that I wouldn't like to see Sri Lanka divided. I don't consider it to be a good solution to the problems - real or perceived - of the Tamil people. Not even close. However, I don't think it is morally wrong for other people to want Eelam, so long as they don't use guns to make it happen. This doesn't mean that I accept the claims they make in support of their position, only that I believe in their right to try to persuade the State and its constituent parts to grant their wish.

Where is the harm in letting people debate?

I haven’t a clue. Suppressing opinions doesn't usually result in them going away, we should have learnt by now. I would have thought that open discussion, without the use of insults and slurs, would be far more productive for all concerned.But, this will undoubtedly be dismissed as a Western idea, as has become fashionable.It is true that most Asian countries adopt a very different position on separatism. India and China are only too clear about their opposition to any mention of it. But this isn't necessarily about what is good for their people. Their size is what gives their leaders the power they are in the process of acquiring on the world stage, and they wouldn't risk anything getting in the way of their rise to the top. It might not be just Tibet and Kashmir that tried to get away if they were given a little more encouragement.This should give Sri Lankans even more confidence that the TNA's views on Eelam - now or later - are not a threat, if they hadn't concluded that already with the death of Prabhakaran in the muddy waters of Nanthi Kadal.There is simply no need to worry about it.What disturbs me even more than this persistent desire to crack down on an idea is the habit the Government and its fellow travellers have got into of claiming that two very different positions are in fact the same. We are told that people who support an improved Thirteenth Amendment really want federalism, and that federalists are determined to have Eelam, amongst other nonsense.The country has got into a pretty mess when to say a good word about devolution of any sort is to risk being called a backer of terrorists.It is, I suggest, just a means of dismissing people without having to deal with their arguments.

So let's cut the rhetoric.

The TNA's manifesto called for a federal state with powers over land, the police, socioeconomic development including health and education, natural resources and tax, and that is what about one third of the voters in the North and East supported on April 8th, despite the many incentives for them to do otherwise. It is significant. If the Government is genuinely interested in reconciliation, it has to engage with this platform.

And that means negotiating.

In doing so, it would be prudent for the Government to look afresh at the issues under consideration. Opinions arrived at during the war may not be valid any longer. There is no Prabhakaran trying to hoodwink them into a deal that he will not honour and instead use to his advantage. The fascist dictator is no more. It is no longer a matter of holding out against the LTTE and its terrorism.We can't trust politicians, I know, but we should remember that they will be thrown out by the people if they don't follow the mood of their constituency. That is democracy, and that is what is going to make all the difference for Sri Lanka going forward.It is time for a dialogue with the TNA.

Resettlement in six months

The government hopes to resettle all the remaining Internally Displaced People (IDP) who are in IDP camps at Vavuniya within a period of six months, Newly appointed Minister of Resettlement Milroy Fernando said.The Minister made these comments to the media after visiting IDP camps in Vavuniya and meeting the displaced people.Nearly 70,000 IDPs from the North still remain in welfare camps in Vavuniya while over 200,000 others have already been resettled.India had this week called for the resettlement of the remaining IDPs while the UN had praised the government for its efforts to resettle over 200,000 displaced people affected by the war in the North.

Jaffna library to be inter-linked with local universities

Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said the Jaffna Public Library will be computerized and inter-linked with all other local universities in the country to exchange information. He said the Government has proposed to computerize the entire system of the Jaffna Public Library under the Uthuru Vasanthaya (Northern Spring) project. The Jaffna Public Library is one of the main libraries in the country. The Jaffna Public Library was burnt down by a mob in June 1981. The library at the time of destruction was one of the biggest libraries in South Asia containing over 97,000 unique books and manuscripts. It has a very old history and was supported and nurtured by intellectuals. It was re-opened on February 14, 2003. The local area network system of the library will be computerized and inter-linked with local universities beginning from the Colombo University,” Chandrasiri told the Daily News. He reiterated that a computerized environment will provide more opportunities to the students in Jaffna. Therefore, they will have the opportunity to expose themselves by obtaining information throughout the network system. Meanwhile, the Northern Provincial Council has distributed 1,000 pairs of shoes to IDPs’ children at Gamini Maha Vidayalaya in Vavuniya on Monday. He said another 100 cycles were distributed among the schoolchildren in the Jaffna Peninsula. “We are ready to face and provide more facilities to schoolchildren in the Northern Province,” he added.

Sri Lanka's main opposition coalition in last ditch attempt to retain DPF in the alliance

The main opposition coalition UNF led by the United National Party (UNP) is to hold a final discussion today (29) with one of its constituent parties, the Democratic People's Front (DPF) to resolve the crisis that has arisen over the UNP's National List appointments.UNF Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe, SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, and SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera are to attend the meeting with the DPF.Discussions between the UNF leaders and DPF Colombo District parliamentarian Prabha Ganeshan held yesterday (28) in order to try to secure a National List slot for DPF Leader Mano Ganeshan had failed.Former parliamentarian Mano Ganeshan, who contested the general election under the UNF ticket from the Kandy District, failed to secure a seat in parliament. The DPF secured only one seat through the UNF from the Colombo District.However, the DPF is currently considering the option of acting independently in parliament after quitting the UNF following the issues over the UNP's failure to allocate a National List slot to the party. The DPF has reportedly prepared a letter to be sent to the Acting Secretary General of Parliament of the party's decision to sit independently, in the event the final discussions with the UNF ends in failure.

Military delegation from Pak meets Army Chief

A visiting delegation from Pakistan National Defence University on Tuesday met with Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagah Jayasuriya at Army Headquarters, where the visitors sought information on Sri Lanka’s successful war against the LTTE. Their visit to Colombo is part of their study cum familiarization tour of SAARC countries.The delegation led by Air Commodore Nadeem Anjum of Pakistan Air Force was accompanied by Colonel Syed Khurram Alam, Pakistani Defence Attache in Colombo.

A bigger leader than KP among the 7 LTTE rounded up in Netherlands  
 
According to news reaching Lanka e news , among the 7 LTTE members who were arrested in Netherlands , there is an LTTE leader by the name of 'Madiyasan' who is more powerful than Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP who was arrested in Malaysia.Based on the information provided by the International intelligence service, Madyasan is known by the name of ‘Grandhe’ (boss) . At the time of his arrest he was in possession of a French passport .Switzerland and German passports too were found in the possession of Madhyasan when he was searched.. Within the LTTE , if KP is a Manager , Madhiyasan is accepted as an operations commander, the Int. intelligence service added.The Nertherlands officials who made the arrest have elicited information from Madhiyasan , that he visits his offices in Netherlands and Switzerland every week. When Prabhakaran was living , KP was kept away from the international relations of the LTTE . In his place , an individual called Castro under Nediyawan was appointed as another LTTE leader , and the international affairs operations were conducted by him.  The Int. intelligence service is investigating the links between Nediyawan who was in charge of collecting funds from the Tamil Diaspora ,and Madhiyasan. They are also inquiring into whether Nediyawan and Madhiyasan refer to the same person , according to reports reaching Lanka e news.SL officials announced that Kumaran Pathmanathan was arrested in Malaysia on 05th August . The Tamil media reported that KP was arrested on the information gathered from Perimpanaygam Sivaparan. After the death of Prabhakaran , KP proclaimed that he was the new leader . But , the Nediyawan’s group rejected KP as the leader.

28 April 2010

Mahinda – Manmohan Secret Talks Regarding Devolution

Special bilateral talks will be held between President Mahinda Rajapakse and Indian Premier Manmohan Singh who are participating at the 16th SAARC summit being held in Bhutan states Reuters. It is revealed that both parties would concentrate on the new constitution to be introduced in Sri Lanka Parliament soon.It is said that amendments to the new constitution that is based on devolution of power are being compiled by Indian experts on constitutional affairs and one of the aims of the bilateral discussions between Rajapakse and Manmohan Singh is to discuss the progress the Indian experts have made. The new federal constitution would be a based on the Indian model and it would mainly contain a devolution package and introduction of an executive prime minister.New Foreign Minister G.L. Peirs too has actively mediated in compiling the new constitution and he too is expected to participate at the discussions between the Indian and Sri Lanka leaders.

Sri Lanka President meets U.S. Assistant Secretary Blake in Thimpu

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is in Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital met the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. in Thimpu yesterday ahead of the SAARC summit. President Rajapaksa discussed the recent developements in the country following the elections with the Assistant Secretary. The meeting took place at the Sri Lanka house in SAARC village in Thimpu.Assistant Secretary Blake is leading the U.S. observer delegation to the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Thimphu, from April 28-29. He will hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders on the margins of the Summit.President Rajapaksa, accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, his son newly-elected parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan delegation arrived in Thimpu on Monday.

UN calls for war crimes tribunal into Sri Lanka

More than a year after Sri Lanka launched its final offensive against the Tamil Tiger rebels, pressure continues to mount for an international tribunal into alleged war crimes. U-N Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon plans to appoint a panel of experts to look into a tribunal something the Sri Lankan government says is unwarranted and uncalled for. Now Australian lawyers are joining forces with the International Commission of Jurists to take witness statements and prepare evidence for any war crimes tribunal. They say they hope it will help demonstrate the need for a full investigation and help protect those who might be subject to further human rights abuses.

Presenter: Joanna McCarthy
Speaker: John Dowd, President of the International Commission of Jurists Australia; Anne Marie Doueihy, co-chair of the Sri Lanka project on behalf of the NSW Young Lawyers Committee

Listen: Windows Media
MCCARTHY: The final weeks of Sri Lanka's civil war saw up to 40-thousand civilians killed, according to the United Nations spokesman in Colombo. Sri Lanka's government has long rejected calls for a war crimes tribunal. It says no civilians were harmed by government forces. That hasn't stopped the United Nations from setting up an advisory panel, and now young Australian lawyers are also getting involved.

John Dowd is the President of the International Commission of Jurists Australia:

DOWD: After discussions with the young lawyers we found that they wanted to help with the terrible consequences of the problems in Sri Lanka from the collapse of the LTTE, and since, and also the problems beforehand. And we devised this scheme to take evidence to make sure that it's recorded and is available for war crimes tribunals when they're setup.

MCCARTHY: Lawyers will conduct interviews in Australia and around the region with witnesses to the conflict, including refugees.

DOWD: Since the Sri Lankan government won't do it for crimes which obviously the government may be partly responsible, then we want to persuade the international community that there is a necessity to do this, and once it's established, whenever it's established, this evidence will be taken, recorded and available for that. The secondary purpose is of course to deter people who are now in Sri Lanka who are looking after people or not looking after them in concentration camps and prison camps to make sure that they understand that if anything goes wrong that nemesis is there.

MCCARTHY: Anne Marie Doueihy is the co-chair of the project on behalf of the NSW Young Lawyers Committee:

DOUEIHY: The interest has been great because of the need to prevent these types of crimes from occurring in the future, and I suppose the human side of lawyers and the need to fight for I suppose peace, and the need to prevent and prevent these things from occurring in the future and to save lives.

MCCARTHY: Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa says a war crimes tribunal is unwarranted and uncalled for. He's told Ban Ki Moon that appointing a panel is an interference in Sri Lanka's internal affairs, and will force Sri Lanka to take necessary and appropriate action. It's not clear what that will be, but his comments reflect the common criticism in Sri Lanka that any tribunal would be an imposition from the west. John Dowd?

DOWD: It's not a western imposition for a country that is supposed to have rule of law. They've got a legal system they inherited from the British, they've got a constitution that provides for the rule of law, this is not a western concept as such, tribunals are tribunals, and war crimes are war crimes. And that's an international matter involving everyone of the 208 members of the United Nations.

Krishna discusses settlement issue with Colombo

THIMPHU: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna met his Sri Lankan counterpart G.L. Peiris here on Tuesday and discussed issues relating to a political settlement which ensures a “sense of participation and equality” among the ethnic groups, said senior Indian officials.This is Peiris' first foreign assignment after becoming the Foreign Affairs Minister in the second Mahinda Rajapaksa government.

Rehabilitation

Both Ministers discussed the well-being and settlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and noted that they should be expeditiously rehabilitated with dignity and some source of livelihood. India and Sri Lanka will discuss the issue in depth during the scheduled talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mr. Rajapaksa on the sidelines of the SAARC summit beginning on Wednesday.The discussion on IDPs comes against the backdrop of a recent U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report that said Sri Lanka government-led movements of people had started following a three-week pause due to Parliamentary elections and the Tamil New Year. In the first batch, 7,000 returned to Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu districts after the battle with the Tamil rebels ended. Many of the people had returned to areas where there was great destruction.Sources maintained that there was “no proposal on the table” to add new members. The SAARC had recently added Afghanistan, which belonged to the South Asian region, and any move to include China would “stretch the imagination” as the country is not part of the region.Besides, all members have to unanimously approve the inclusion of a new member.

Three terms for the President

The government may bring amendments to the Constitution within the next month to allow three terms for an executive President, a senior government source claimed today.The Constitutional reforms the UPFA government expects to introduce on priority basis in the next few weeks will include the change of term of office a President is permitted to hold under the present Constitution, the senior Minister said. “The change of the term of office of the President paving the way to hold more than two terms is not intended to give an opportunity to President Mahinda Rajapaksa but to strengthen democracy and stabilize the government,” the Minister said on condition of anonymity.He said the government wants to introduce these electoral and constitutional reforms sooner rather than later and complete the process before November when President Rajapaksa takes oaths for his second term. The need of the hour is a stable and strong administration to take the country forward and achieve a speedy development and the amendments are aimed at achieving those goals, he added.The new UPFA government is also planning to change the Preferential Representative System. Accordingly, the ward system will be introduced to the local government elections and a combination of the PR system and the First Past the Post system for the Provincial Council and Parliamentary elections.The consent of the Eastern Province is necessary to introduce certain electoral reforms such as the ward system. The UPFA is in discussions with the Eastern Province Chief Minister Vinyagamurthi Muralidharan to get his cooperation for the amendments.Some amendments need Two-Thirds majority and others a simple majority to get into the Statute book. More influential and critical amendments need the Supreme Court clearance and the approval by the people through a referendum.With assistance of all constituent parties of the UPFA and the cooperation of the opposition members the government is determined to pass those urgent constitutional amendments before November.The electoral reforms must go through and approve in Parliament before next year’s local government polls. The first election held in the country under the new electoral system will be the 2011 local government polls, he said.The Minister ruled out the possibility to introduce a brand new Constitution in the near future and added that legislative and constitutional reforms would be brought through amendments to the existing law.They include the reforms to the 17th Amendment to strengthen independent commissions with new Constitutional provisions as the present amendments have created more controversies than solutions for good governance, the Minister noted.On the question of attracting 7 members from the opposition to fill the absolute Two Thirds majority in Parliament to pass the Constitutional amendments, he said several members of the UNP, SLMC and the TNA had already pledged their support to President Rajapaksa.“We do not intend to disclose the names of these MPs. But they will vote with the government when the necessity arrives,” he claimed.

Thonda’s portfolio after MR returns

Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) leader Arumugan Thondaman is to be sworn in as a Cabinet Minister after President Mahinda Rajapaksa returns from Bhutan, CWC sources claimed yesterday.They said Mr. Thondman was likely to get the portfolio of Livestock Development as well as some additional subjects relevant to estate workers. At last Friday’s swearing‐in H.R. Mithrapala was appointed Deputy Minister of Livestock Development though no Minister was appointed for that subject.Meanwhile, the CWC is to hold a general council meeting to discuss various political issues facing the country today and to plan the party’s May Day rally which is held in Talawakale where more than 50,000 estate workers are expected to participate.

7000 IDPs return to Vanni
 
Nearly 7000 internally displaced people (IDPs) return to Kilinoichchi and Mullaitivu districts after the last week's resumption of resettlement, the UNHCR said.The resetlement was temporarily halted for three weeks for parliamentary elections as well as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. UNHCR spokesperson Helene Caux told BBC sandeshaya that some 207,000 IDPs have left camps in the north and east of the country since the organized return process began in August last year. There are still nearly 82000 left in camps including Manik Farm says the UNHCR. Another 11000 are staying with friends and relatives in Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and other districts. To assist the returning IDPs to rebuild their lives, the UNHCR is providing each returning family with a shelter cash grant of 25,000 rupees ($US 220 ) through the state Bank of Ceylon, Ms. Caux said. More than 40,000 families had already received the cash grant by March.The UNHCR was forced to temporarily suspend the assistance last month due to a funding shortfall, but the spokesperson said will be restarting the shelter cash grants by the end of the week.

Karuna undertakes to step up resettlement, restore religious places

Deputy Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Vinayagamurthi Muralidharan (Karuna) said that his primary task would be to resettle speedily the 60,000 or more IDPs in the Relief camps and enable them to resume their livelihood. "Not only resettlement, I would also ensure that every single Buddhist Vihare, Mosque, Church or Kovil that was destroyed or damaged in the North and the East is restored, he said.Speaking to the media, he said his primary mission would be to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his endeavour to make Sri Lanka the most successful country in the Asian Region and ensure that Sri Lanka would carry out resettlement programme free from criticism from any quarter to the satisfaction of the IDPs. "I hope to give my fullest cooperation to my one time Parliamentary colleague Minister Milroy Fernando so that we may accomplish the task before both of us in resettling all the IDPs including those who were displaced as a result of the Tsunami and make the lives of all resettled prosperous," he said.

Pillaiyan supposed to leave for India next month

A TMVP delegation headed by Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan is expected to leave for India next month to hold discussions with the Indian government over the TMVP’s policies, a party official told. “We are currently in discussions with the Indian government. We will finalize our dates to leave for India soon,” TMVP Spokesperson Azath Maulana said. The decision to travel to India came after an invitation was extended to the TMVP by Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao when she visited the island in early March. Rao met Chandrakanthan in Colombo where the TMVP presented its election manifesto for the General Elections and explained the party’s policies. 

Basil ducks chimp’s hook

The Rajapaksa brothers may have hunted down the ferocious Tigers on the war front and beaten the mighty Elephants in politics, but yesterday, one of them was almost floored by an ordinary chimp. The newly appointed Minister Basis Rajapaksa had a close shave when a chimpanzee he was shaking hands with at the Dehiwala Zoo all of a sudden aimed a blow at him. Basil demonstrated that besides political acumen he had reflexes in spite of his graying hair. He ducked and then laughed aloud. The animal wearing a puzzled look was rushed back into its cage.An unafazed Basil resumed his tour of the zoo exchanging pleasantries with the Zoo officials.

Three persons arrested for killing a girl in Vavuniya

Three persons were arrested on last 20th in the Thiruvavukulam area of Vavuniya in regard to a murder incident. The three persons were yesterday produced at the Vavuniya magistrate courts. Danuja the murdered girl died of stab injuries last 20th during an attempt of theft was stated. The deceased mother a Teacher, is too got injured due to stab injuries is receiving treatment in a hospital. Three persons arrested in connection with this incident is suspected of having connection with the important murder incidents in Vavuniya.   

'Lenient asylum' pulls Sri Lankans

AUSTRALIA'S "lenient" asylum policy, easy access to citizenship and generous welfare benefits are the main pull factors attracting Sri Lankan asylum-seekers, says the head of Colombo's anti-human-trafficking operation. Prabath Aluthge, chief of Sri Lanka's National Counter Human Trafficking Resource Centre, told The Australian the recent wave of boat arrivals was driven by success stories spread by Sri Lankans who had travelled to Australia.But as authorities intercepted another boat carrying 41 asylum-seekers near Ashmore Reef on Monday, Mr Aluthge said a crackdown by the Sri Lankan authorities and the toughening of Australia's asylum regime had led to a decline in the number of boats leaving Sri Lanka.And Malaysian authorities announced they had stopped an Australia-bound boat carrying 75 Sri Lankans from leaving Malaysia on Friday.In an exclusive interview, Mr Aluthge said he expected the changes in procedure, which include the suspension of processing of all new Sri Lankan asylum claims for three months, would have a deterrent effect, as would the deportation of people whose claims had been unsuccessful, a move foreshadowed by the Rudd government.Australia was considered to be a soft option by prospective Sri Lankan boatpeople, Mr Aluthge said. "I think you have a very lenient asylum policy," he said. "These people, they want to go to a country where asylum policy is very lenient, where it is easy (to obtain) citizenship, easy to get welfare benefits from the host government," the Sri Lankan official said.Mr Aluthge said neither Tamil nor Sinhalese Sri Lankans had any grounds for claiming asylum in Australia now the country's bloody civil war had ended.Since 2009, almost 1000 Sri Lankans, mostly minority Tamils, have arrived in Australia by boat.All told, they comprised about 20 per cent of the total number of boatpeople to arrive as part of the present surge."The successful people informed their friends about Australia - to come there and you can earn something and you can get political asylum very easily," Mr Aluthge said. "They motivate with this information."However, Mr Aluthge said there had been a decline in boats leaving Sri Lanka for Australia."We have an awareness campaign. There are police very alert. We have established a coast guard department," he said."And . . . now the war is over, the entire navy can work with the coast guard."Most smuggling rings in Sri Lanka were organised out of Colombo or the Negombo region north of the capital, he said.But the market is mostly Tamils in the northern part of the country. Mr Aluthge said the organisers paid agents across the country to recruit passengers, sometimes even guaranteeing their debt for the journey, which could run from $5000 to $10,000."They sometimes mortgage their properties, sometimes they get bank guarantees," he said.

All in the game in the name of archaeology

The Sinhala academics cannot compare their plight of opposing totalitarian social fascist system of governance with that of the Tamils who bear the entire brunt of fascism amounting to genocide set against them by an ethnic-powered state mechanism, says a Tamil academic in Jaffna responding to professor Sudharshan Seneviratne defending the archaeology agenda of Colombo. Genuine dialogue on culture, co-existence etc and partnership in opposing fascism come only when sovereignty snatched away from Tamils is restored as a priority and when there is parity. However patronising in overtures, individuals and organisations serving Colombo cannot escape from being ultimately colonial. Academics who are always on the side of enjoying the comforts of state power in the island are yet to explore ways of contributing to their ideals better by coming out of the system they identify as oppressive. In response to a feature on archaeology in Sri Lanka by Jeremy Page in The Times and to a feature on the same subject appeared in TamilNet, Sudharshan Seneviratne, Professor of Archaeology of the University of Peradeniya and Director-General of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) of Sri Lanka, came out with a response ‘Educating Jeremy Page’ in The Island last week.Sudharshan Senevitratne, responding to comments appeared in TamilNet that he is now put to implement Colombo’s agenda in subtle ways through archaeology, wrote: “A section of the diaspora and its media, who enjoy the comforts of the First World must come to terms with the fact that there are individuals and organizations in the North and South of Sri Lanka who oppose a totalitarian social fascist system of governance and genuinely believe in inclusiveness, shared culture and co existence.” Diaspora and its media are the only outlets for the Eezham Tamils to freely come out with their perceptions. Hence diaspora-bashing has become the fashion for those who don’t find the free Tamil voice fitting into their agenda, commented diaspora circles.One has to be a member of this diaspora to understand what ‘comforts’ it could have with continued trauma and sleepless nights it experiences over the genocide and rape of its land, languish over its helplessness and simmering anger over the international deceit, diaspora circles further said. In his response Prof. Seneviratne had nothing to say on the core issue raised by Page and TamilNet, i.e., Colombo building Buddhist complexes in the North and East to effect Sinhala colonisation and to deny Tamils their homeland.Instead, he came out with a long list of what the CCF did for ‘multiculturalism’ in the island into past two years “with the knowledge and directives of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.”Commenting, diaspora circles observed: “It may be true that there are innovations by Sudharshan in the CCF, but in the argument behind citing them he sounds very much like the same British colonialism he criticizes. The ‘compassionate’ British were boasting of their achievements such as roads, railways, telegraph lines etc in a similar way to detract the independence of Indian people.” “While ‘homeland’ is a ‘colonial historiographic baggage’ to Sudharshan, he conveniently forgets that his country Sri Lanka itself is a colonial baggage.”“Even after six decades of the so-called independence if the social engineering envisaged by Sudharshan is going to be a ‘slow process,’ only for the posterity to appreciate the “wonderful diversity and plurality,” then what is wrong in Tamils thinking of undoing this wonder that is Sri Lanka before they become museum fossils for the posterity of archaeologists.” “Why not the academics boldly come out with the alternative – separation for better and quicker reconciliation.”When there is no preparedness to share land, sovereignty and political power that are the pressing current needs for real reconciliation of nations in the island, talk of multiculturalism and inclusion devoid of power has the potential of being misused to serve the smokescreen for demographic cum cultural genocide, especially when there is inequality in the nations, diaspora circles pointed out. “Equating parochialism of ‘both sides’ may sound being above parochialism. But isn’t it a subtle parochial way of favouring the dominant by detracting the mobilisation of the oppressed. To what extent subconsciously upholding one-state formula that failed since its inception in the island is non-parochial?”As cultural advisor to two consecutive regimes and as the chief of CCF, to what extent Sudharshan can disown responsibility for the genocidal culture of the state, especially in the last two years, is a question asked in the diaspora circles.If Sudharshan enjoyed the emotional experience of warm reception accorded to him by the teaching staff and students of the University of Jaffna recently, that was because of the hard-earned credibility of him in the last more than quarter a century by his objective writing of history, said a member of the university community in Jaffna.“In fact it is this credibility Mahinda Rajapaksa wants to exploit. Sudharshan admired Mahinda Rajapaksa a smart politician.” “The credibility will be at stake if the warm reception accorded to the academic stand of Sudharshan is misinterpreted as acceptance of him as cultural official of the Rajapaksa regime or of the Sri Lankan state,” the university academic further said.Dushy Ranetunge in London finds a problem of perception in Sudharshan’s responses: “The Sinhalese team of Sudharshan Seneviratne would have perceived the meeting as described by him. But, I would suggest that the Tamils would have perceived it as a ‘power’ relationship, and the emotions and views expressed by the Tamils to the Sinhalese would be in line with that perception,” he wrote in Sunday Island.Dushy Ranetunge cites his own earlier experience at the Jaffna University during the height of the war: After the Sinhalese officials left the conference hall he heard the academic community saying that they were happier in the LTTE administered Jaffna.Because the victory is unfair, and because of the incapacity in conceiving satisfactory solutions, instead of relief there is only paranoia in several circles of ‘Sri Lankan’ nationalists, commented a social psychologist in Colombo.“In their paranoia they are frantic in exploring all possible ways, crude as well as sophisticated, to see that the Eezham Tamil national question is stamped out. But the obvious solution of recognizing the Tamil nation for peaceful reconciliation is not in their dictionary.”“Just like twisting the paradigm of ‘war on terror’ to their favour, there is a potential danger of twisting the corporate-favoured paradigm ‘multiculturalism’ to the sophisticated denial of the national cause of Eezham Tamils,” the social psychologist said.“Multiculturalism as practiced traditionally in South Asia is of a different genre. It is different in the liberal democracies of the West- differing in needs and shades even between the New World in North America and the Old World in Europe. Exported multiculturalism finds another meaning in the dictionary of corporate colonialism. It will mean yet another to Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sinhala nationalists if at all they accept it.”“One need not doubt the genuineness of Sudharshan in speaking multiculturalism. But from which camp he says it matters a lot.”“Attack on classical colonialism for its manifestations in the island is fine. But the platform cannot be contemporary colonialism that denies nation to a people when they need it the most, but bents on creating a corporate class, ruling class / family and a ‘multicultural’ working class.”“Development de-linking political power from people is the unsaid paradigm of corporate colonialism today. A dangerous precedent will be set if intellectuals in the island are carried away by concepts of culture and development as alternatives to conceding long overdue demands of a people for political power. Whoever refuses nation and political power to Tamils refuses them to the Sinhalese as well,” were the observations of the social psychologist.In fact Sudharshan is a wrong target for any attack. No one can belittle his personal and institutional efforts to bring in objective historical understanding between the nations in the island. Weakening him will only benefit the hawks among the chauvinists. But it is not Jeremy Page who actually put him into trouble. It was Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the diaspora circles.Meanwhile the ‘Big Brother’ in the neighbourhood is not lagging behind in the race for archaeology in the island. Organized by Professor Vasant Shinde of Deccan College, Poona, and Professor Anura Manatunga of Kelaniya University, the Society of South Asian Archaeology is convening an International Conference of South Asian Archaeology in Colombo in August. The theme is ‘The Island and the Mainland.’Eezham Tamil academics can neither voice freely in the island nor travel freely to India for their voice to be heard on South Asian matters. In recent times, on a number of instances, the Eezham Tamil academics were either denied of visa or refused landing in India.

Why is India scared of Prabhakaran’s mother ?
 
Although the biggest threat to India’s national security had been posed by the LTTE via the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, and Tamil Tiger leader Prabhakaran was held responsible for it, the Indian Government  permitted the parents of Prabhakaran to stay in Tamil Nadu. Even when Prabhakaran was engaged in a fierce war in the North and East of Sri Lanka and was winning , India took no measures to deport them from India on the grounds that they were a threat to its national security.After the ceasefire agreement was signed in 2002, the parents of Prabhakaran left for Sri Lanka  on   their own accord. Today, Prabhakaran is no more; the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is also decapitated. In these circumstances, India trying to convey the view that Prabhakaran’s mother is a threat to its National security is a matter of great shock and surprise. Prabhakaran’s mother who left for Malaysia from Sri Lanka went to India from there for medical treatment. But, at the Tamil Nadu airport she was sent back for the reason that  she was a threat to India’s national security .After the war was over, when the parents of Prabhakaran surrendered to the Army, the Tamil Nadu politicians and the Tamil Nadu media began criticizing against them being kept in the Army camps. It is also reported that the Tamil Nadu politicians who came to Sri Lanka  to inspect the refugee camps had even questioned as to why the custody of Prabhakaran’s parents were not handed over to India. Initially , the Sri Lanka Government  stated that the  parents of Prabhakaran  were  held in the Army camp because they were believed to be a threat to the Sri Lankan  National security . But, after the death of Prabhakaran’s father, the Sri Lankan  Govt. agreed to entrust the custody of Prabhakaran’s mother to the former Tamil National Alliance (TNA)  MP Sivajilingam. Perhaps, the Sri Lankan  Government took this decision after it nursed the belief that she was  no longer a threat to Sri Lanka’s national security. The Sri Lanka  Government  truly understood that Prabhakaran’s parents were not a threat to national security and  they were neither LTTE members nor sympathizers when they were in the Army camps. The Government realized this  after it received the report on them from the counter terrorism unit, that they were opposed to terrorism, and the link, if any they had with them was because they were the  parents of Prabhakaran . After Prabhakaran’s parents surrendered to the Army, only two or three officers of the counter terrorism unit of Sri Lanka  had access to them in order to get a clear picture of the final days of Prabhakaran. During the final  days of the war when Prabhakaran told his parents to move to refugee camps along with the other civilians, Prabhakaran’s father, it is reported has viewed Prabhakaran with bitter disappointment and dismay. Earlier, when Prabhakaran fled leaving his parents, there had existed no cordial relationship between him and his father. After the ceasefire agreement in 2002, even though he got down the parents so as to be close to him, there had hardly been any exchange of words between him and his father. This is attributed to the fact that, while his father desired and dreamed that his son should become a top rung  officer in the civil service, Prabhakaran  on the contrary, chose to become the deadliest terrorist leader in the world. After  he  fled from his home , there had been no communication whatsoever between him and his father, not even  regarding Prabhakaran’s  armed or political campaign . Prabhakaran and his father were both aware that if they discussed and subject  a stormy dispute would erupt. Yet, when Prabhakaran told his parents to leave during the last days of the war, his father understood, that his son was  confronted with imminent defeat, and he would be  in a state of uncertainty during  the next few days . He perceived that as his son could not  face his aged parents in  that situation,  he is   giving these instructions. It was at this juncture, Prabhakaran’s father had occasion for the first time to question Prabhakaran on his politics and terrorism. It is stated that he had questioned, “What went wrong ? Didn’t you realize earlier that this will be the inevitable final result ?” It is reported that, Prabahakaran has given evasive answers, because he had not expected  such questions from his father “this is not the time to discuss these issues of the past. Now, it is time to think of what is to be done  ahead,” he had replied.  Prabhakaran answered this way as he  had no time to spend on arguing and answering questions. What Prabhakaran’s father truly  implied in his questioning was that  he had foreseen this result from the very beginning. Prabhakaran too was aware that his father  was going to tell him this.Not only in the final phase of the war, but even from the very outset, Prabhakaran’s parents had been opposed  to Prabhakaran’s terrorism and armed campaign.

India is fully aware of this.

This was precisely why India allowed them to stay t even when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. Now, India being seized by a monumental fear for Prabhakaran’s mother who is an invalid in a wheel chair, stating that she is a threat to India’s national security is only an indication that India is frightened of a dead Prabhakaran more than of a living Prabhakaran.It is worthy of note that in my earlier articles , I had pointed this out. In the event of Prabhakaran dying suddenly in  the final days of the war,  a dead Prabhakaran will be a greater threat to Tamil Nadu than a living Prabhakaran, I emphasized. I further foretold, after the war , the political ghost of dead Prabhakaran will be haunting India, and the next threat will be via a political force originating in Tamil Nadu. Given the extreme fears and jitters manifested by India on account of Prabhakaran’s mother who is in a wheel chair , it is evident that India is in mortal fear and possibly facing grave threats posed by the LTTE to Tamil Nadu.These threats are being viewed by the Indian Congress Central  Government and Karunanidhi’s State Government  as  more against the political security of the Indian Congress Government rather than against the National security of India. It was on account of this that  Prabhakaran’s mother was sent back,  citing National security threats . The Congress Party as well as Karunanidhi are frightened that the Opposition may have Prabhakaran’s mother on  their stage at the forthcoming Tamil Nadu elections.It is becoming increasingly clear, as the Tamil Nadu elections are closing in, that  the Congress party and Karunanidhi are being increasingly haunted   by Prabhakaran’s ghost.

27 April 2010

Rajapaksa to hold talks with Manmohan in Bhutan

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the SAARC summit scheduled in Bhutan on April 28 and 29. This would be the first meeting between Mr. Rajapaksa and Dr. Singh after the re-election of the former in the January 26 Presidential polls. The Sri Lankan President is also scheduled to make an official visit to India sometime in May. In his first interaction with the media, G.L. Pieris, the newly-appointed External Affairs Minister, said the meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views on a whole range of issues of mutual interest to India and Sri Lanka. Professor Pieris said the President would outline to the Prime Minister various steps taken by his government recently and measures contemplated in the future. Though the Minister did not mention any specific topic, the reference was to matters pertaining to re-settlement of the nearly three lakh war displaced Tamil civilians. Professor Pieris noted that India was Sri Lanka's ‘closest neighbour and ally' and the President would give a close ear to any concerns that Dr. Singh might have on Colombo. Responding to the concerns of the human rights issues of the international community, the Minister said that in the coming months Sri Lanka would reach out to them and clarify its position. The government would come out with a ‘series of initiatives' which would be of interest to the world at large. Mr. Rajapaksa was expected to hold discussions with heads of other countries as well. Mr. Pieris said the effort of the SAARC leaders would be to make it truly people-centric and there would be an effort by member-states to pool their resources for the benefit of the people of the region. The Minister said Sri Lanka's successful defeat of terrorism and the resounding mandate the people had given to President Rajapaksa, both at the presidential and the general elections, must be seen as a way forward, and a unique opportunity for economic development. Responding to a question on counter-terrorism, the Minister said Sri Lanka would share its experience for the benefit of member-countries.

Sri Lanka’s Jaffna Lures Investments After Defeat of Rebels

Sri Lanka’s Jaffna peninsula, a former stronghold of the Tamil Tiger rebels in the country’s north, is attracting investments by Indian companies in construction and agriculture after the defeat of the separatists, an industry official said. As many as 10 Indian companies have this month expressed interest to set up factories for food processing, plastics and glass recycling, garments and ready-mix concrete, Kanagasabai Poornachandran, president of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a telephone interview today from his office in Jaffna city. The end of the 26-year civil war in Sri Lanka has encouraged Indian Oil Corp. and Bharti Airtel Ltd., India’s biggest state-run refiner and largest mobile-phone operator respectively, to expand in the island nation. Sri Lanka could benefit from its proximity to India just as Hong Kong profits from being a trade hub to China, HSBC Private Bank said after the war ended in May last year. “We have great expectations for investments now that we are a peaceful land,” Poornachandran said. He did not reveal the names of Indian companies investing in Jaffna or the size of their investments.

Indian Investments

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who ended the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s struggle for a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils in May last year, is counting on Indian companies to take the lead in investing in Sri Lanka as he tries to improve people’s livelihood. Sri Lanka lies 31 kilometers (19 miles) south east of India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy after China. The LTTE held the Elephant Pass, a causeway connecting Jaffna peninsula to the Sri Lankan mainland, since 2000. The group also controlled the A-9 highway, linking Jaffna to the south, forcing the government to supply weapons and food to soldiers and civilians in the Jaffna city by air and sea. The army captured the pass and road in early 2009 as it pushed the Tamil Tigers toward the northeastern coast before finally eliminating them. Sri Lanka’s $41 billion economy may grow 6.5 percent in 2010, the fastest pace in three years, led by construction, higher farm output and tourism, the central bank estimates. Poornachandran said government programs to rebuild transport networks and provide concessionary loans to promote exports has spurred cultivation and fishing around Jaffna and encouraged investments.

British candidate calls Tamils victims of genocide

Dr Rachel Joyce, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Harrow West, UK, in a statement circulated to her constituents, said she believes that since Sri Lanka's independence "the acts perpetrated the Government of Sri Lanka on Tamils including the burning down of Jaffna library...disappearance of Tamil individuals...and the use of concentration-style camps for internally displaced Tamils should be classed as Genocide." Dr Joyce further made a campaign promise to "work with the Tamils to get the acts perpetrated on the Tamils classed legally as a genocide so that the UN Convention can be used to address the problems."

The text of Dr Joyce's full statement follows:

Dr. Rachel JoyceGenocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group.A legal definition is found in the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG). Article 2 of this convention defines genocide as "any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and] forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."I believe that since independence the acts perpetrated by the Government of Sri Lanka on the Tamils including the burning down of the Jaffna Library, the refusal to act on the Vattakottai resolution, disappearances of Tamil individuals, refusal to allow Tamil to be an official language of Sri Lanka, firing on the so-called "safe zone", the relocation of Tamils and moving in of Sinhalese into traditional Tamil areas, and the use of concentration-style camps for internally displaced Tamils should be classed as Genocide.I will work with the Tamils to get the acts perpetrated on the Tamils classed legally as a genocide so that the UN Convention can be used to address the problems.

Gota wants police reformed

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa demands urgent remedial action to restore public confidence in the police. "Now that the war against the LTTE is over, their priorities should change without further delay to meet people’s aspirations," he said.Addressing a gathering at the Katana Police Academy yesterday, the war veteran emphasised that it was the duty of the IGP and the police top brass to revitalise the department.In his first public criticism of the police department, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said that the police had been accused of failing to investigate complaints or delaying inquiries. He referred to weakness on the part of the police in prosecuting cases, while calling for corrective measures.IGP Mahinda Balasuriya, too, acknowledged severe shortcomings in prosecution process and the need to strengthen the department’s capacity to investigate.Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said that over the past 30 years the police had been primarily engaged in battling terrorism in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and areas outside the war zone as well. At that time the national requirement had been to meet the terrorist challenge, but the police could now open a new chapter. At the end of the war, the police should be responsible for maintaining law and order.The Defence Secretary said that the Police Academy would help produce efficient officers to meet new challenges in the post-war period. The IGP recently ordered the relocation of the Police Academy from Attidiya to Katana pending major repairs to the facility. The Defence Secretary said that there was a suitable environment at Katana. Defence Secretary Rajapaksa underscored the pivotal importance of sustaining the Police Academy. He said that there was no purpose in launching projects, which they could not sustain. He expected the police to maintain high standards.The war had caused an expansion of criminal networks, he said. Referring to the illicit transfer of arms, the underworld and the lucrative heroin trade, he urged the police to eradicate them.Rajapaksa said that junior officers and men could not meet given tasks unless they had the required training, expertise and confidence. He said that it would not be right to expect them to impress without providing them training. "High level discussions and directives are useless unless they receive training required to meet challenges," he said.A smiling Defence Secretary urged the police to win the hearts and minds of the people. Referring to the media, he said that the press was full of stories critical of the police. He called upon the police to do their utmost to transform themselves into an efficient outfit.

Netherlands arrest 'LTTE suspects'  
 
Seven Tamil Tiger suspects were arrested by the authorities in the Netherlands, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Netherlands, Grace Asirvathan, confirmed to BBC Sandeshaya.The arrest was made after an intensive study of the LTTE banned activities in the Netherlands, the National Criminal office said. It said sixteen residences and businesses searched in the operation.Computers, paperwork, phones, documents, photos, DVDs and a sum totaling more than 40,000 euros were seized. "Among the suspects are the leaders of various organizations of Tamils in the Netherlands, which probably play a role in the international network of the LTTE," the justice ministry said in a statement. Leaders of the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC), the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO), the Tamil Women Organisation (TVO) and the Tamil Arts and Cultural Organization Netherlands (TKCO), are believed to be among the suspects.

Concerns on Mervyn’s post

The international media rights group Reporters Without Borders has expressed concerns over the appointment of Mervyn Silva as a Deputy Media Minister and called on Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne to relieve Mervyn Silva of his ministerial post.“In what country do you appoint an arsonist to put out fires?” Reporters Without Borders asked today after learning that Mervyn Silva, a politician notorious for insulting and physically attacking journalists, has been appointed deputy minister of media and information. “The Sri Lankan government has again distinguished itself by assigning key posts to very controversial figures implicated in attacks on press freedom,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The ruling party’s victory in the parliamentary elections is being marred by this kind of appointment, which is casting serious doubt on its ability to carry out reconciliation and reconstruction.”The press freedom organisation added: “We call on Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne to relieve Mervyn Silva of his ministerial post.”Threats forced several Sri Lankan journalists to flee the country during the campaign for the 8 April parliamentary elections, RSF added. Later, a team working for the Colombo-based Daily Mirror newspaper was followed and threatened on 21 April in the central city of Kandy by a local journalist apparently acting on the orders of the police. Journalists had gone there to cover a re-poll.A ruling party candidate threatened Wasantha Chadrapala, a correspondent for various media in the eastern district of Ampara, on 4 April because of his coverage of the election campaign. His house was attacked by unidentified assailants that evening, RSF said.

Thanthai Chelva remembered on his 33rd anniversary

The 33rd death anniversary of the late Tamil leader and the founder of Federal Party (Ilangkai Thamil Arasu Kadchi - ITAK), Samuel James Velupillai Chelvanayagam (SJV) was observed in the North and East with hundreds of ITAK supporters along with ITAK parliamentarians attending the memorial events in Jaffna, Vavuniyaa and Trincomalee. ITAK parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah in Jaffna and ITAK leader and parliamentarian R. Sampanthan in Trincomalee took part in the events. Monday morning, in Jaffna, Mavai Senathirajah garlanded the statue of Thanthai Chelva and offered flowers at his tomb along with hundreds of ITAK supporters. Many prominent persons from Colombo too had come to Jaffna to take part in the events including the memorial meeting which followed. In Trincomalee hundreds of ITAK supporters led by ITAK leader and parliamentarian R. Sampanthan garlanded the memorial monument of Thanthai Chelva at Sivan Koayiladi along with ITAK parliamentarian Selvarajah. Around 8:00 a.m Monday morning ITAK supporters garlanded the statue of Thanthai Chelva at the Clock Tower junction in Vavuniyaa after which a memorial meeting was held in Vavuniyaa town. Religious worships were held in memory of Thanthai Chelva in Irambaikkulam, Kurumankaadu Saiva temples and Veapangkulam church, in Vavuniyaa.

TMVP run councils under scrutiny  

Local Councils headed by eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan’s Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) are being probed for alleged financial irregularities, misuse of state vehicles and illegal appointments following a fallout with the government.Eastern province Governor Mohan Wijewickrema said yesterday an ‘audit probe’ on various irregularities was being carried out. The probe came after Chief Minister Chandrakanthan’s party refused to contest the April 8 parliamentary elections on the UPFA ticket and contested on its own. This caused a split in the vote and the UPFA reportedly lost a seat each in the Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts, a UPFA official said.The Sunday Times learns that other complaints against the Eastern Provincial Council itself are also being probed. Among the allegations is that Local Government Commissioner M. Thayabaran had bought solar power units worth about Rs. 10 million without the Governor’s approval.It is also alleged that more than 1,000 persons were trained to be sent for employment in South Korea after obtaining Rs. 200,000 each from them, but none of them got the jobs. Another deal under probe is the purchase of computers for the council.Most of the local councils in the Eastern Province are controlled by TMVP members though they contested the local polls on the UPFA ticket.The UPFA leadership had repeatedly requested Mr. Chandrakanthan to scrap his party and join the SLFP, but he refused and continued with his party. At the parliamentary elections the TMVP was offered nominations to contest in Jaffna, Wanni, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts, but the party opted to contest the east on its own and obtained some 16,000 votes.

US agency helping to create 5,000 jobs in Sri Lanka

An American developmental agency has joined hands with Sri Lanka's private sector for creating 5,000 jobs in the war ravaged North and Eastern regions of the country.The US Agency for International Development has announced the new business alliance programme in association with Sri Lanka's private sector for the initiative."Partnering with five local businesses, the USAID Public-Private Partnerships for Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka (PPP) Programme is expected to create the equivalent of about 5,000 full-time jobs in the former conflict zones," a US Embassy release said.While USAID's investment is estimated at about USD 5.3 million, the private sector in Sri Lanka is expected to generate an additional Rs.1,400 million investment.The sectors include Aquaculture, Apparel Manufacturing, Logistics, and Horticulture, the Embassy release said.

Bachchan placates Tamils before Lanka trip

With Tamils in India and Canada saying they are "profoundly saddened" by Amitabh Bachchan's proposed visit to Sri Lanka to host the India International Film Awards (IIFA) function, the megastar on Monday responded saying he would respect everyone's sentiments."The sentiments of all must be respected and I hope that we can plan and execute that with understanding, peace and grace," Amitabh, the IIFA brand ambassador, posted on his blog referring to the protests by Tamil groups. A group of Tamils had marched from the superstar's Pratiksha bungalow to his Jalsa residence on Sunday here urging him to boycott the Colombo awards ceremony and the protest was joined by Canadian Tamils too. "A Tamil group picketed my houses, asking me to not conduct IIFA in Sri Lanka. I beckoned personnel from Wiz (Wizcraft) who own and conduct IIFA, to come and meet me to discuss this matter and give it due importance," Bachchan wrote in his response to the protests. "I believe Wizcraft personnel met representatives of this protest presentation along with the police personnel that came over from the Juhu Police station, heard what they had to say, accepted a petition given by them, explained to them their side of the story and told them that the governing body of the event would meet immediately to conference on this matter and reach some kind of final path and solution." The Canadian Tamil Congress Sunday said, "Amitabh is a great hero for us in the Tamil diaspora, but we are very disturbed and profoundly saddened by our hero's proposed visit to a regime which has perpetrated crimes against Tamils. By visiting Sri Lanka, Amitabh will be lending credibility to a regime which has destroyed Tamils ruthlessly and committed horrendous human rights violations." "When Tamils continue to suffer in Sri Lanka and numerous human rights bodies have implicated the regime in crimes against humanity, we plead with a person of Bachchan's stature not to go there to help a government that is desperately seeking recognition from the world community in spite of its crimes." Canada is home to 300,000 Tamils from Sri Lanka, making them the largest group outside the island nation. The Tamil protesters in Mumbai said they expected Amitabh to display solidarity. "We urge him not to attend the function in Colombo as a symbol of solidarity for the Tamilian cause in Sri Lanka. Tamils have been subjected to atrocities and war crimes perpetrated by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in that country," C Rajendran, spokesperson for the protesters in Mumbai.

24 April 2010

Sri Lanka leader keeps key posts himself

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday appointed his brother to oversee the island nation's post-war economic development in a slightly smaller cabinet but kept other key ministries himself.Rajapaksa retained the defence, finance, ports, aviation and highways portfolios in a cabinet cut to 37 from 51. The total number of ministers in Rajapaksa's new government fell to 76 from 109 in his previous administration.He won an April 8 legislative poll with a 144-seat majority -- Sri Lanka's strongest government in more than a decade. He rode victory in a three-decade war with Tamil Tiger separatists last May to a landslide re-election in January. Officials at the president's office said Rajapaksa's government could grow even bigger after an investigation into poll violence in the district of Kandy. A re-vote was held there on Tuesday before the final result of the election was released.Economists and analysts have criticised running such a large government amid high state spending and increasing budget deficit pressure.Government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Rajapaksa will direct state spending until a proper budget is brought down in either June or July."There is a provision in the constitution which allows the president to give a direction in money matters before a proper budget," one official said.The government has presented an interim budget for the first four months of 2010Economists said further delay in the budget could postpone the third tranche of a $2.6 billion loan International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. The IMF has said the loan will be delayed until it sees concrete plans for fiscal consolidation. Rajapaksa's younger brother Basil was appointed economic development minister a day after his elder brother, former ports minister Chamal Rajapaksa, was named speaker.Basil Rajapaksa's portfolio will be one of the most powerful, overseeing post-war investments and development for Sri Lanka's $42 billion economy.The president's eldest son, Namal, also took his parliamentary oath on Thursday, confirming the Rajapaksa family as the latest of Sri Lanka's political dynasties.Diplomats expect Rajapaksa to improve relationships with the West by appointing former export development and international trade minister, G.L. Peiris, as foreign minister.Considered among Sri Lanka's top intellectuals, Peiris was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University at the same time as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the husband of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Indian Prime Minister congratulates his new Sri Lankan counterpart

India's Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has conveyed his greetings and good wishes to his newly appointed counterpart, D.M. Jayaratne on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.The text of the message dated 22 April 2010 from the Prime Minister of India to Honorable Mr. D.M. Jayaratne released by the Indian High Commission in Colombo is as follows:

Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to convey to you, on behalf of the people and the Government of India, our greetings and good wishes on your appointment as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka enjoy a close, friendly, and multifaceted relationship. Our two countries are now poised for grater engagement in a number of areas. We greatly value your personal contribution to the strengthening of our relations and I look forward to working with you to further develop these relations for the benefit of the people of both our countries. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

New Cabinet sworn in: 37 Cabinet Ministers and 39 Deputies

The new Cabinet of Ministers of the UPFA government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday afternoon (23). 37 Ministers and 39 Deputy Ministers were sworn in. The previous Cabinet comprised 51 Ministers, 39 non- Cabinet Ministers and 19 Deputy Ministers. Thus, the new Cabinet is significantly smaller with the number of Cabinet Ministers reduced to 37.

Following are the Ministers and their portfolios: 
 
1. President Mahinda Rajapaksa – Defence, Finance & Planning, Ports & Aviation
Highways
2. D. M. Jayaratne - Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs
3. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake - Public Management & Reforms
4. Nimal Siripala de Silva - Irrigation & Water Resource Development
5. A. H. M. Fowzie - Disaster Management
6. Maithripala Sirisena - Health
7. Susil Premajayantha - Petroleum Industries
8. Dinesh Gunawardena - Water Supply & Drainage
9. Douglas Devananda - Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development
10. A. L. M. Athaullah Local Government & Provincial Councils
11. D. E. W. Gunasekera Rehabilitation & Prison Reforms
12. Rishad Bathiyutheen Industry & Commerce
13. Wimal Weerawansa Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities
14. Champika Ranawaka Power & Energy
15. Basil Rajapaksa Economic Development
16. P. Dayaratne State Resources & Enterprise Development
17. (Prof) G. L. Peiris External Affairs
18. John Seneviratne Public Administration & Home Affairs
19. (Mrs.) Sumedha Jayasena Parliamentary Affairs
20. Milroy Fernando Resettlement
21. Jeewan Kumaratunga Post & Telecommunication
22. Pavithra Wanniarachchi National Heritage & Cultural Affairs
23. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa Environment
24. Tissa Karaliyadde Child Development & Women's Affairs
25. Athauda Seneviratne Justice
26. Gamini Lokuge Labour Relations & Productivity Improvement
27. Bandula Gunawardena Education
28. Mahinda Samarasinghe Plantation
29. Rajitha Senaratne Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
30. Piyasena Gamage Indigenous Medicine
31. S. B. Navinne National Languages & Social Integration
32. Janaka Bandara Tennekoon Lands & Land Development
33. Felix Perera Social Services
34. C. B. Rathnayake Sports
35. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena Agriculture
36. Kumara Welgama Transport
37. Dullas Alahaperuma Youth Affairs
38. Johnston Fernando Co-operatives & Internal Trade   
 
Following are the Deputy Ministers and their portfolios:

1. Salinda Dissanayake - Plantation and Industries
2. Dilan Perera - Public Administration and Home Affairs
3. Susantha Punchinilame - Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development
4. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena - Economic Development
5. Chandrasiri Gajadeera - Finance and Planning
6. Jagath Pushpakumara - Agriculture
7. T. B. Ekanayake - Education
8. Mahinda Amaraweera - Health
9. Rohitha Abeygunawardena - Ports and Aviation
10. S. N. Chandrasena - Irrigation and Water Resources Management
11. Gunaratne Weerakoon - National Heritage and Cultural Affairs
12. Mervyn Silva - Mass Media and Information
13. Pandu Bandaranayake - Indigenous Medicine
14. Jayaratna Herath - Industry and Commerce
15. Dayashritha Tissera - Ports and Aviation
16. Duminda Dissanayaka - Posts and Telecommunication
17. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya - Economic Development
18. Lasantha Alagiyawanne - Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities
19. Rohana Dissanayake - Transport
20. H. R. Mithrapala - Livestock Development
21. Nirmala Kothalawala - Highways
22. Premalal Jayasekera - Power and Energy
23. Geethanjana Gunawardena - External Affairs
24. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan - Resettlement
25. Indika Bandaranayake - Local Government and Provincial Councils
26. Muthu Sivalingam - Economic Development
27. Siripala Gamlath - Lands and Land Development
28. W. B. Ekanayake - Disaster Management
29. Chandrasiri Suriyarachchi - Social Services
30. Neomal Perera - Co-operatives and Internal Trade
31. Sarath Gunaratne - State Resources and Enterprise Development
32. Nandimithra Ekanayake - Higher Education
33. Nirupama Rajapaksa - Water Supply and Drainage
34. Lalith Dissanayake - Technology and Research
35. Sarana Gunawardena - Petroleum Industries
36. Reginold Cooray - Justice
37. Vijithmuni Zoysa - Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms
38. N. L. A. M. Hisbullah - Child Development and Women’s Affairs
39. Weerakumara Dissanayake - Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development 

GSP plus in Lanka’s hands

The European Union (EU) is of the opinion that the GSP plus issue is now in the hands of the Sri Lankan government and that Sri Lanka should implement all the conventions it is signatory to in order to regain the trade benefits.The EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Bernard Savage made these observations while speaking to a group of provincial journalists in Kandy this afternoon. The EU envoy also promised to increase aid to the war affected families in the North.EU Member States had decided this year to temporarily withdraw with effect from August the preferential tariff benefits known as GSP+ granted to Sri Lanka under a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance on the ground that there were `significant shortcomings’ in implementation of three UN human rights conventions by the island nation. Responding to the development the Sri Lanka had expressed the hope that the EU and its Member States would, during the process of engagement, pay due attention to the manifold challenges yet faced by Sri Lanka, as a democracy that fought a decisive battle against terrorism and continue the concessions

Sri Lanka president cements family’s power

Sri Lanka’s new parliament sat for the first time on Thursday with the family of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president, cementing its grip on power amid words of defiance from the dissident former armed forces chief.The parliament unanimously voted to appoint Chamal Rajapaksa, the president’s brother as speaker, a key post that commands the power to decide the legislative agenda and direct impeachment motions against the president.Another brother, Basil, was elected to the 225-seat parliament, along with the president’s son, Namal. A third brother, Gotabaya, is defence secretary.The move follows the victory of the president’s United People’s Freedom Alliance in parliamentary elections this month, with the ruling coalition picking up 144 seats, just short of the two-thirds majority that it would need to be able to change the Sri Lankan constitution.The election, which followed a landslide victory by Mr Rajapaksa in a presidential election earlier this year, has delivered the president and his ruling coalition one of the strongest mandates of any Sri Lankan government in years.Mr Rajapaksa’s popularity stems from his government’s defeat last year of the ethnic Tamil rebel group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which was fighting for a separate homeland in the island’s north and east.Mr Rajapaksa could still secure a two-thirds majority by encouraging defections among the opposition.This is led by the United National party, which won 60 seats in the parliamentary election and is headed by veteran politician, Ranil Wickremesinghe.But all has not gone the president’s way. His main foe in the presidential election, former armed forces leader General Sarath Fonseka, on Thursday called for greater freedoms in parliament.He has been in detention since the presidential election pending two courts martial relating to politicking while in military uniform and irregularities with procurement, charges that he denies.But he was still legally able to stand in the parliamentary election and won a seat in Colombo, entitling him to appear when the house is sitting in spite of his detention.“What the country needs is democracy, rule of law, personal freedoms and media freedom,” Gen Fonseka told the parliament on Thursday.Mr Rajapaksa is expected to name his cabinet on Friday. It is expected to be smaller than its predecessor, when members of parliament with ministerial rank made up nearly half of the house. Reuters reported that Mr Rajapaksa would replace former foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who lost his parliamentary seat in the election, with G.L. Peiris, former export development and international trade minister.Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.

Pandara Vanniyan memorial place destroyed in Katchilaimadu

Tamil culture & heritage are being systematically destroyed in Sri lanka. The Sinhala Democracy used to suppress the Democratic will of the Tamils. Memorial evidence of the King Pandara Vanniyan has been destroyed. The Village name Katchilaimadu came as Memorial evidence of the King Pandara Vanniyan. Sinhala Armed forces, personally directed by Government cabinet ministers – A wanton act of genocidal intent to destroy the history of an ancient people. Mahaveeran Pandara Vanniyan was a rebel Tamil chief from the Vanni region who was known as one of last native cheif to challenge the british rule in the Island nation of Sri Lanka. August 25th, is the memorial day of Tamil Chieftain Pandara Vanniyan who ruled the Vanni kingdom of Adankapatru. British defeat him during the historic battle of Katchilaimadu by Col. Drieberg. The Portuguese who landed at Galle in 1505 and went to Kotte, to befriend the King there, got control of the Kotte Kingdom through political manipulations. They captured the Jaffna Kingdom by defeating Sangili in battle in 1619. The Portuguese failed to capture two areas: the Kandyan Kingdom and Wanni which comprised most of the present Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. The Dutch, too, failed in their attempts to subjugate Kandy and Wanni. The British, who wanted to bring the entire country under their control, started with Wanni. They captured it by defeating Pandara Vanniyan in 1803. Before the final battle, Pandara Vanniyan destroyed the British Fort on August 25, 1803.

Mervyn gets media

Controversial Member of Parliament Mervyn Silva who was well know for his anti media stunts including the forceful entry into the state owned Rupavahini was sworn in today as the Deputy Media Minister before President Mahinda Rajapakse.While taking oaths, the Deputy Minister was seen showing his arm to the President and explaining something which had happened to him and when he was about to sign his official document, the pen on the table failed to write and he had to use his own pen. Mervyn Silva has been well known for his many attacks against organizations such as Sirasa and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation where he was taken hostage by the employees when he tried to assault senior staff members. Some of those who had condemned Mervyn Silva for this attack were then Minister of Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena.

Abducted persons in Jaffna rescued.

The two persons abducted yesterday from the Jaffna Nawaly area for the demand of ransom was today rescued by the Manipay police from a house. Police media spokesperson Prasantha Jayakody stated the three persons connected with the abduction were arrested by the police. Reports said two colleagues while travelling from Nawaly area to Jaffna two days back, was abducted by some who were travelling in a vehicle. The kidnapped youths were identified as Varatharajasingham Maheswaran and Sivarasa Mahendran. The ransom demand by the kidnappers was 5 million rupees cash. Later the ransom increased to 2.5 million rupees and 2.5 million rupees worth of jewels. Police media spokesperson informed, the kidnapped persons were rescued, by pretending of settling the demanded ransom. The kidnappers were too arrested is according to Police media spokesperson. He said the kidnappers are from the area of Aanaikottai, Jaffna.

Nalini made calls to England, Sri Lanka

CHENNAI: Sriharan Nalini, serving life sentence over former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, made several telephone calls within and outside India from a mobile seized from her, the Tamil Nadu government said Friday. Law Minister Durai Murugan told the state assembly: "On examining the seized phone it was found it had recorded 10 missed, eight received and 18 outgoing calls and several SMSes." He said eight calls were made to England and one to Sri Lanka. In addition, many calls were made to various places in Tamil Nadu using the phone whose connection was issued in the name of Ravi of Kadpadi. Durai Murugan said the phone was activated March 13 last year. The Tamil Nadu Police Q branch, which looks after anti-insurgency activities, is probing the discovery. The minister said that when officials at the Vellore women's prison conducted a routine check April 20, Nalini hurriedly threw away a bag that was found to have the mobile phone. When an officer started to examine the instrument, Nalini snatched it from him and flung it into a bucket of water and quickly emptied it into a toilet. But the officials retrieved the phone from the toilet. Nalini is expected to face disciplinary action following the seizure because the possession of a mobile phone by a convict is a criminal offence. She could be shifted from the Vellore prison to another jail and her prisoner status could be downgraded from 'A' class to 'B' class. "We haven't got any report on the issue. Only after the receipt of the report we can take appropriate action," K.R. Shyamsundar, the assistant director general of police and inspector general of prisons, told. But the prison authorities could not seize the battery charger. The latest development is a setback to Nalini, who has approached the Madras High Court against the Tamil Nadu government's decision to reject her appeal for release before her life term ends. The government based its decision to reject Nalini's appeal on the findings of the Prison Advisory Board headed by the Vellore district collector. The board had listed eight counts not to free Nalini, including her reported refusal to apologise for Gandhi's murder in May 1991. A woman suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) detonated explosives strapped to herself while pretending to touch Gandhi's feet at an election rally near here May 21, 1991. Nalini was part of the team of conspirators that witnessed Gandhi getting blown up. The LTTE apparently wanted to avenge Gandhi's decision to deploy the Indian Army in Sri Lanka's northeast in 1987. Originally, Nalini was convicted on 16 counts of murder and given death penalty. On the intervention of Rajiv Gandhi's widow and now Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. In September last year, Nalini filed a petition that she was entitled for release in 2005 itself as she had completed 14 years in jail.

NZ and Sri Lanka take Twenty20 to Florida

New Zealand and Sri Lanka will play a Twenty20 series in Florida next month in the first international matches played between two top cricketing nations in the U.S., the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Friday. The three-match series will take place from May 20-23 near Miami in Lauderhill, Florida, NZC said on its website (www.blackcaps.co.nz).The move was welcomed as 'historic' by USA Cricket president Gladstone Dainty, while NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said he envisaged the Black Caps would play every year in the U.S. from now on."We have the experience and capacity to help develop the game of cricket in the U.S.," he said. "We are looking at ways of helping USA Cricket grow the game both professionally and at the grassroots. This series is the first of many initiatives between our two cricket boards."

23 April 2010

Sri Lanka should use the mandate to continue the healing process, U.S. official says

A high ranking U.S. official says the Sri Lankan government should use the election victory to continue the healing process within the society.At the daily briefing on Wednesday Assistant Secretary of U.S. State Department, Philip Crowley, made these remarks responding to a media question on the message U.S. would give to the new Sri Lankan Government and Prime Minister."I think our primary message to Sri Lanka is that there is – there appears to be a significant mandate coming out of this recent election and the government should use that mandate to help continue to – the healing process within Sri Lankan society to bring all elements of – to help Sri Lanka get past the recent conflict and move forward together," he said.When asked whether Sri Lanka is moving in that direction Crowley said U.S. will continue to encourage Sri Lanka to use the power of this election and the momentum coming out of this election, to use it to best advantage.Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government secured the strongest victory in decades obtaining 144 seats in the 225-member parliament, just falling six seats short of the required 150 for a two-third majority. The mandate enables the President to bring the constitutional reforms he pledged during the election campaign to bring.

Chamal Rajapaksa elected as Speaker of Sri Lanka's seventh parliament

Former Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa was unanimously elected as the Speaker of Sri Lanka's seventh parliament when it convened on Thursday(22) morning for the inaugural session. The veteran politician is Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa's older brother. Following the election of the Speaker, the 225 elected and appointed members of the parliament were sworn-in before the Speaker. Yesterday's session was limited to the swearing in by the new MPs, election of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Chairman of Committees. Earlier plan for President to address the parliament as per tradition had been changed and the President would not address the parliament this time. President Rajapaksa will name his new cabinet today, April 23. Secretary General of the Parliament Mr. Dhammika Kithulegoda and former Secretary General of the Parliament Mr.Sam Wijesinghe, are also in the picture.

S.Lanka ex-army chief launches attack on president

Sri Lanka's detained former army chief briefly emerged from custody on Thursday to attend the opening of parliament and used the opportunity to launch an attack on President Mahinda Rajapakse.Sarath Fonseka last year led troops to victory over Tamil Tiger rebels after decades of ethnic conflict on the island, but he later fell out with Rajapakse and unsuccessfully tried to unseat him in presidential elections in January. "What the country needs is democracy, rule of law, personal freedoms and media freedom," Fonseka said when briefly allowed out of detention to attend the opening of parliament, in which he won a seat at polls two weeks ago."I am glad I was able to come here and raise these issues as I am being unjustly held," he added. Fonseka's comments were his first since he was taken into custody on February 8 for an on-going court martial over allegedly engaging in politics while in uniform and involvement in corrupt arms procurement.The former general -- who will return to the naval facility where he is being detained -- has dismissed all the charges as a politically motivated attempt to silence him.Rajapakse has been accused by political opponents and international human rights groups of suppressing dissent and critical media coverage.His ruling coalition is just short of the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for the government to rewrite the constitution, which at present prevents him from standing again when his second term ends in 2016.Both the presidential and parliamentary elections tightened Rajapakse's grip on power, but analysts say he faces serious challenges in uniting the Indian Ocean island, especially when it comes to its large Tamil minority.When campaigning for the parliamentary election, Rajapakse asked the electorate to grant him an unequivocal mandate that would put aside political divisions in the pursuit of economic growth after decades of bloodshed.Fonseka had accused his former commander-in-chief of sleeping at national security council meetings, failing to grasp military strategy and profiting from arms purchases -- allegations rejected by Rajapakse.The president and his family, whose members occupy key government positions, were particularly angered by Fonseka's announcement that he would testify before any international probe into war crimes allegations linked to last year's victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels.The United Nations says 7,000 civilians died during the final stages of the fighting with the Tigers and has also called on Colombo to account for alleged extra-judicial killings of Tamil prisoners.The government has denied that any abuses took place.The United States on Wednesday called on the new government to use its mandate to pursue a "healing process" as the island recovers from the conflict.Fighting ended in May with the wiping out of the Tiger leadership after fighting in which the UN estimated 100,000 people died.Fonseka's leftist Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party has a total of seven seats in the 225-member assembly, with the main opposition United National Party winning 60 seats and the biggest Tamil party 14.Chamal Rajapakse, the elder brother of the president, was on Thursday elected uncontested as parliamentary speaker.

Irate Mano calls UNP leader ‘treacherous opportunist’

Defeated UNFcandidate Mano Ganeshan yesterday accused UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of having deprived him of a National List seat in violation of a pre-poll understanding between them. In a brief interview with The Island, an irate Ganeshan called Wickremesinghe a treacherous opportunist, who had turned his back on the Democratic People’s Front, which was at the forefront of an anti-government campaign. The former Colombo District MP said that the UNP had wanted him to contest from the Kandy District to boost the morale of Tamil voters there. The UNP secured nine National List seats. Party sources told The Island that none of the losers had been accommodated through the National List, though many felt that Vajira Abeywardena and Sagala Ratnayake should be considered for National List slots because they had failed at the April 8 election. Defeated candidate, A.J. M. Muzammil, too, made a desperate attempt to secure a National List slot."Although I knew it was a futile exercise, I joined the fray," Ganeshan said. Responding to a query, he said that he believed it would be possible for him to enter parliament through the National List. He said as a constituent partner of the UNP-led United National Front, his party should have received one National List seat. But, unfortunately Wickremesinghe had reneged on his pledge and accommodated R. Yogarajan, formerly of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC).Ganeshan said Yogarajan had joined Opposition presidential candidate Gen. (retd) Sarath Fonseka’s election campaign at the last moment.The DPF fielded two candidates in Colombo and one each in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya at the April 8 general election. Mano Ganeshan’s brother, Prabha, was elected to the seventh parliament on the UNP ticket. Ganeshan said his party would hit back at Wickremesinghe. Asked whether his brother would function as an independent candidate, Ganeshan said that they were in the process of discussing their response to what he called Wickremesinghe’s treachery. The DPF has two members in the Western Provincial Council, one in the Central Provincial Council and four in the Colombo Municipal Council.Yogarajan said he had quit the CWC in November last year and thrown his weight behind Fonseka’s campaign. He contradicted Ganeshan’s claim that Wickremesinghe had accommodated him on the National List slot at the expense of the DPF. He had received the National List appointment as a member of the UNP, he said.

Trouble brews as it begins: No wishes or greetings from Weerawansa to Speaker  
 
After Chamal Rajapakse was appointed as the Speaker of Parliament, all leaders of the political parties spoke well of the Speaker and wished him well. But, Wimal Weerawansa , the NFF leader and who parades as a prominent partner of the UPFA did not express such eulogies .Among those who used the tongue most to bring the Rajapkses to power, Weerawansa was leading.It is reported that Weerawansa is in deep despair and disappointment over the allocation of slots to his party members in the National list, and non appointment of MPs as promised. During the election campaign, he identified himself as the 'Mawbime panchayudha' ( weapon of the motherland).Whether Weerawansa who is now in total despair will use the weapon to battle out his political disappointment or lay down his weapon ? political analysts ask. 

LTTE leaders among several foreigners arrested in Malaysia

A number of key leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were among several foreigners arrested by the police between August 2009 and March this year.Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the arrest of the LTTE leaders was made known to Sri Lanka’s Defence, Public Security and Law and Order Secretary Dr Gotabaya Rajapaksa when they met at the recent Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.“Rajapaksa appreciates the efficiency of our security forces, resulting in the arrest of the LTTE leaders,” he said in a statement issued today following Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement yesterday that foreign criminals were making Malaysia their hiding place.Hishammuddin said the police had arrested 599 foreign nationals between 2008 and March this year for smuggling and trafficking in drugs.He said the police also busted several human smuggling and trafficking syndicates involving 1,567 victims during the same period.Hishammuddin said the people needed not be worried following Ahmad Zahid’s statement as the ministry was always monitoring the situation, while the police and other agencies of the ministry were also always on the alert and taking the necessary measures in addressing the problems.“The ministry is working with all the security agencies and the Defence Ministry in safeguarding the nation’s security from outside threats, including from foreign criminals trying to make Malaysia their hiding place or using it as a transit point for human and drug trafficking,” he added. — Bernama

Rukman vows to oust Ranil

A dejected former Kegalle district MP Rukman Senanayake says he first got to know about his omission from the NL through an SMS. He says he was flabbergasted.UNP Assistant Leader Rukman Senanayake yesterday vowed to push for an immediate change in the party leadership in an effort to revive the demoralised party machinery in the wake of its latest electoral debacle.Senanayake was reacting to his omission from the UNP National List, though being third-in-command of the party hierarchy. An angry Senanayake told The Island that as the Assistant Leader his appointment as a UNFNational List MP should have gone by default but a section of the party had conspired against him.Responding to a query by The Island, he said he had successfully contested four general elections, two each from the Polonnaruwa and Kegalle Districts before giving up Kegalle district to engage in national politics. "When I was made the UNP chairman some time back, Wickremesinghe suggested that I hand over my Kegalle base to another organiser and come through the National List," he said.According to him, the party had accommodated him on its National List and there was never a question of his being denied a National List appointment. The UNP secured nine National List seats at the April 8 general election, whereas the UPFA obtained 17. The TNA (1) and the JVP-led Democratic National Alliance (DNA) shared the remaining three seats. Senanayake said he had never been consulted by those who decided on the National List appointments.He said Wickremesinghe was not well disposed towards him as he was supportive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s war effort. He emphasised that he had backed the war against the LTTE in the national interest.Referring to the UNP extending its support in facilitating the election of the Speaker in Parliament without a contest, Senanayake alleged that the party leader was trying to save his skin. He said that he was only an individual, what was important was revival of the party following a spate of electoral defeats. For that, the UNP should get rid of Wickremesinghe, said the grandson of party founder and Sri Lanka’s first Premier D. S. Senanayake.The UPFA yesterday accepted Wickremesinghe as the Opposition Leader vis-a-vis an attempt by the JVP/DNA to promote defeated presidential candidate, Gen. (retd) Sarath Fonseka, MP for the post.

Govt asked to tackle unemployment in Jaffna

Around 200,000 young persons in Jaffna are unemployed and the government needs to take urgent remedial action to resolve the problem, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Yarlpanam K. Poornachandran said.He told The Island on the sidelines of the inaugural Jaffna International Trade Fair, which concluded on Tuesday at the Jaffna Central College, that unemployment and issues such as the high cost of living, have to be speedily addressed, if the end of the war was to be meaningful.Poornachandran said that they have sought Indian assistance to establish an Industrial Estate in Achuveli. "Sri Lanka has enough resources stretching from Point Pedro to Dondra.Our aim is to bring in as many foreign and local investors into Jaffna. They will be encouraged to establish Joint Ventures that can spur economic development."Asked about his impressions of the inaugural JITF, Poornachandran said that the response of the business community and the Jaffna public was tremendous and exceeded all expectations."Over 50,000 people visited the fair over three days. It is undoubtedly the biggest trade exhibition to be held in Jaffna. With over 200 foreign and local industrialists, entrepreneurs and manufacturers participating in JITF, it has given us hope and encouragement for the future," he said. "A wide range of items including construction material, food processing equipment, industrial plant and machinery, agricultural and consumer goods and apparel and accessories were snapped up in no time."Infrastructure was very poor in Jaffna, but despite all the constraints Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka helped us to host JITF, he said. Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganesh said that the peninsula had moved to a post conflict situation and it was the duty of all concerned to work hard, so that the people can regain their normal lives after decades of misery."Industrial production has to reach levels that were witnessed in the pre war days, if Jaffna is to develop rapidly. The organizers of JITF ,have to be congratulated for making it possible to host the event, after about six months of preparation."President of the FCCISL, Kosala Wijetillaka said that JITF had opened up avenues for the development of Jaffna."FCCISL, as the apex organization of the private sector gave all assistance and encouragement possible for JITF," he said. "The message is now very clear. Jaffna is open for business and it is for investors to make the best of the opportunities available."The three day event was jointly organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services, the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Yarlpanam and Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services.

Oddusudan tile factory to recommence
 
Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said Oddusudan tile factory in Mullaitivu will re-commence production after two decades. The factory was abounded due to LTTE terrorism. Reopening the factory will provide jobs to youths in the area. The Oddusudan tile factory functioned as a major tile manufacturer in the Northern Province. It was owned by the Government. However, the LTTE forced it to shut down. The factory ceased to function for over two decades. "This will provide jobs to the people affected by the post conflict, particularly the youth. It will also help develop their livelihood," Chandrasiri told the Daily News. Meanwhile, the Northern Provincial Council has collected around 6,000 bicycles 3,000 motorcycles and 600 water pumps from the Puthumathalan area and kept them at storehouse Kilinochchi. The Governor noted that the NPC in association with an NGO commenced repair work gradually. "Around 300 cycles repaired in the storage were distributed to the people of Thunukkai. All recovered bicycles, motorcycles, water pumps and all other machinery equipment will be repaired and handed over to the Northern Province G.A. and A.G.A to be distributed among the people," he added.

Tiger foreign network intact

Sri Lanka has warned that although the top LTTE leadership had been eliminated during the military campaign last year, the international network of the Tigers is very much intact and active.The Foreign Ministry quoted the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, A.M.J. Sadiq as saying that a number of vessels belonging to the LTTE’s shipping fleet, which had been hitherto involved in drug trafficking and gun running, are engaged in the lucrative business of human trafficking. Ambassador Sadiq estimated that the overseas LTTE network has amassed assets worth anything between US$ 3 billion and US$ 5 billion through its vast range of illicit and nefarious activities over the last three decades.  He called upon Member States of the UN, especially countries in which  the LTTE  and its various front organizations continue to operate  with impunity  to  pro-actively  go after the ill-gotten assets of the LTTE and  seize such assets and repatriate  the proceeds to Sri Lanka.  He said that these funds could then be applied in an equitable manner by the Government to compensate the thousands of families who have been victimized by the LTTE in its three decade long terror spree as well as to rebuild the war ravaged infrastructure of the North and East of Sri Lanka.

Senior LTTE cadres held to be produced in High Court for trial

Around 2,000 senior cadres and combatants of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eezham (LTTE) held in custody are to be soon produced in High Court for trial with the sole aim to find them guilty of war crimes and subject them to long-term imprisonment, according to legal circles in Colombo.  Meanwhile, persons of an organization called Home for Human Rights (HHR) are already at work to exploit the above situation and fleece money from Tamil Diaspora in foreign countries and International Humanitarian Organizations on the pretext of arranging lawyers to appear on behalf of the Tigers during the said trial, human rights activist lawyers in Colombo said. The human rights activists who had exposed the ulterior motive of HHR appealed to the relatives of the persons to be produced in High Court for trial and the Tamil Diaspora organizations not to be swindled by HHR. They further advise the Tamil Diaspora and the relatives of the LTTE cadres and their organizations that they should jointly appoint the right type of lawyers to appear on behalf of the persons produced for trial. Meanwhile, HHR persons openly claim that their organization is recognized by many including Tamil National Alliance (TNA). The above organization which does not have anyone proficient in legal affairs holds no record of having engaged in human rights activities during the war.

French national arrested for illegal entry in Sri Lanka

A French national has been arrested for allegedly trying to enter areas formerly held by Tamil rebels in northern Sri Lanka with a forged document, police said Thursday. The person identified by police as Henry Pollard was arrested at a checkpoint with a forged document from the Ministry of Defence giving him permission to enter the Jaffna peninsula. The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday in Omanthai, 240 kilometres north of Colombo, and is to be handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department. The rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were defeated last May, but all foreign passport holders still require Defence Ministry permission to travel to the north.

Elderly man abducted, killed in Jaffna, 9-year-old girl killed in Vavuniyaa

Jaffna police recovered Wednesday the body of an elderly man who had gone missing 15 April from his house at Kachcheariyadi in Jaffna. Police suspect that he had been abducted and later killed to rob the gold jewelry he wore and the cash he had in his possession. Meanwhile, robbers who entered a house in Thirunaavatkulam Sivan Koayiladi in Vavuniyaa Tuesday night stabbed a nine-year-old girl to death and seriously injured her mother before robbing the cash and jewelry, sources in Vavuniyaa said. Law and order have deteriorated in the North where incidents of old people and women staying alone being killed for the purpose of robbery have increased at an alarming rate, sources in Jaffna said. The elderly man killed was identified as Chinnaiah Chelathurai, 73. His body was recovered from an abandoned house 300 m from his house in Kachcheariyadi, Nalloor.The girl stabbed to death in Vavuniyaa was identified as Ketheeswaran Janani, 08, and her mother seriously injured by the robbers is Ms. Gowriyambikai Ketheeswaran, 32.The girl’s father had gone out Tuesday night when the robbers forcibly entered the house.Janani’s mother is admitted to Vavuniyaa government hospital and her body is kept in hospital.

Two persons were abducted in Jaffna for demand of ransom

Two persons had been abducted today at Nawaly, Jaffna for demand of ransom. Unidentified persons had abducted these two persons by vehicles yesterday was the complaint made to the Vattukottai police.Reports states, the abductors are on demand of five million rupees for the release of these two persons, and many mobile phone numbers are utilized for this purpose. One of the abducted person is a motor mechanic, resident of Nawaly is identified as Varatharajasingham Maheswaran and the other an Electrical Engineer named Sivarasa Mahendran. The two persons are colleges, and while they were travelling from Nawaly to Jaffna were abducted is according to reports. Information is not still published regarding another person who had been recently abducted for ransom.

22 April 2010

Di Mu is new Prime Minister  
 
General Secretary of the People’s Alliance (PA), Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Jayaratne was sworn in as the Prime Minster before President Mahinda Rajapaksa a short while ago. Mr. Jayaratne entered parliament from Gampola electorate following the General Election in 1970 from the United Front led by Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike.Born in June 7, 1931 he is one of the earliest members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party when it was founded in Kandy in 1951. He was educated at Doluwa Maha Vidyalaya where he was later a teacher. He was later postmaster at Doluwa, Gampola from 1960-62. He was defeated in the General Election of 1977 and later re-elected from the Kandy District. In the 1989 General Election, he obtained 54,290 votes; the highest polled by a candidate of the district from the SLFP and was a member of the opposition in the parliament. He was a key member in organizing the People's Alliance and in the General Election of 1994, he was elected again with the highest number of votes from the Gampola electorate and appointed Minister of Land, Agriculture and Forestry in the cabinet of Prime Minister Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.Following the election in 2000 he was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Corporative. With the General Election victory of the PA in 2004, he was appointed Minister of Post and Telecommunication and Upcountry Development and later in 2005 he was appointed Minister of Post and Telecommunication and Rural Economic Development under President Mahinda Rajapaksa. From 2007 to date he has been the Minister of Plantation Industries.   In 2001 he was elected Chairman of the Asia Pacific Region of Food and Agriculture Organization.Mr. Jayaratne is the 20th Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Goa police on lookout for LTTE cadres

Panaji – Indian police are keeping an eye on Sri Lankan Tamils possibly working on fishing trawlers and in the mushrooming hotel industry in coastal Goa after the union home ministry warned of infiltration by surviving cadres of the decimated Tamil Tigers.‘The home ministry circular was forwarded to us by the state home department Monday. The instructions are to keep a vigil on ghettos where Tamil-speaking persons tend to stay,’ a police official told IANS.‘We have also been asked to keep an eye on fishing trawler hubs and source information on any possible LTTE sympathisers working in the hotel line (industry),’ he said.The official added that immigration records were also being scanned to see if any Sri Lankan nationals had landed in Goa in recent times.Superintendent of Police Omprakash Kurtadkar, who is in charge of Goa Police’s foreigner’s branch, has issued a circular to all police stations and immigration points to look out and maintain surveillance for suspicious Tamil Tiger sympathisers.‘A lot of Sri Lankan Tamils are found indulging in illegal activities. Efforts should be made to locate them,’ the circular reads.Some years ago, the state police and Indian customs officials had seized a global positioning system (GPS) equipped fishing trawler registered in Sri Lanka which had strayed into India’s territorial waters.Fearing infiltration by surviving cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) – after the rebels were decimated last year – the Indian home ministry has ordered all states to look out for them.IANS

UPFA gets 144 seats; less by six for two third majority: UNP 60: TNA 14: Trophy 7  
 
According to the announcement made by the Elections Commissioner yesterday morning (21), the ruling UPFA will have 144 MPs. The UPFA is therefore short by six seats to achieve a 2 /3 majority. The UPFA has secured 127 seats on the polling, and another 17 seats via the National list.The UNP had secured 51 MP slots on the polling and nine on the National list, making up a total of 60 seats. The Tamil National alliance has secured 13 on the polling plus one from the National list totaling to 14.The DNA had won 5 on polling plus two from the National list making up a total of seven.The independent parties and other registered parties had not secured any seats at the General elections.

FACTBOX-What to watch for from Sri Lanka's next government

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa swore in one of his party's longest-serving members as prime minister on Wednesday, but delayed naming a new cabinet after securing a commanding parliamentary majority overnight. Since he won a three-decade war last May, Rajapaksa has told everyone to wait for the end of the political season before he made big changes. Now he has Sri Lanka's strongest government in decades and a peace that's his to win or lose.

Here are major areas to watch:

* MARKETS: Sri Lanka's stock market <.CSE> has returned over 172 percent since it hit a trough at the end of 2008, spurred by the end of the war and a $2.6 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan that brought up Sri Lanka's sovereign ratings. The government securities market has seen strong demand since the war's end and the IMF loan, and bond dealers expect that to rise now that the political wrangling is finished and with upward pressure on the rupee currency <LKR=>.Watch for greater investment overall, some changes to the stock market to make it more attractive to offshore investors including potential demutualisation, and further discussion on a proposed commodity market.

* FISCAL REFORM

Of more concern to investors has been Sri Lanka's persistently high debt and big spending, a relic of its socialist roots that routinely hampers growth.The central bank on April 5 said 2009 growth was 3.5 percent but forecast 6.5 percent this year, and 7.5 percent or higher in 2011-13.Under the IMF loan, Sri Lanka has pledged to trim its budget deficit, but missed its 2009 target of 7 percent after recording a 9.8 percent deficit, and says it wants to renegotiate.The 2010 budget will show if Rajapaksa intends to deliver on pledges to make fiscal reforms, improve revenue collection and cut bureaucracy that businesses say hampers investment. That should come in either May or June.

* PARLIAMENTARY MAJORITY

Rajapaksa has 144 seats in parliament, six shy of the 150 he needs to push through constitutional changes.Rajapaksa has a gift for bringing people to his side through charm, patronage and coercion, so all eyes will be on the political crossovers or compromises he's expected to engineer.He has been vague about what changes he will make, but investors expect they will be political -- and of less impact on the markets.

* A BUDDING DYNASTY

Like other Sri Lankan leaders before him, Rajapaksa has made governance a family affair. His eldest son, Namal, is the third generations of Rajapaksas to go to parliament. Two of the president's brothers won seats, and one has been been tipped as a candidate for parliament speaker.A third brother remains the nation's top security official.While to some this may appear like outright nepotism, Sri Lankans are used to dynastic political families and South Asia has a long history of them. Rajapaksa does not apologise and points out that his family business is politics.This should bode well for stability, but will produce sporadic complaints that power is too closely held.

* FOREIGN POLICY

Rajapaksa has carried the torch for Sri Lanka's longstanding non-aligned position and that's unlikely to change, no matter whom he names as foreign minister after the previous one was not re-elected to parliament.At the end of the war, Rajapaksa skillfully caromed the West off of Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar and China, and in turn played India off of China, giving troops room to fight to the finish.He also wants to crush plans pushed by the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora and supported by some Western governments to bring accountability for alleged war crimes at the war's end.The government does plan to work to get back a European Union trade concession it is slated to lose in July, after failing to meet certain human rights standards.Watch for moves Rajapaksa takes to rebuild Sri Lanka's geopolitical status and strategic position astride the Indian Ocean and one of the world's biggest shipping lanes, which has always made it attractive to the world's big powers.

21 April 2010

Sri Lanka ruling party wins 10 more seats from re-poll

Sri Lanka's ruling United People's Freedom Alliance won a majority in both Kandy and Trincomalee districts at the re-poll held yesterday (20).In Kandy district the UPFA won 8 seats receiving 339,819 votes (60.77%) while the main opposition United National Front obtained 192,798 votes (34.48%) with 4 seats. The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) received 23,728 votes (4.24%) failing to secure any seats.In Trincomalee district the UPFA received 59,784 votes (42.78%) securing 2 seats. The UNF came in second with 39,691 vote (28.40%) claiming one seat while the Tamil party Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi received 33,268 votes (23.81%) securing one seat. In total the UPFA has won 127 seats in the 225-member parliament while the main opposition secured 52 seats at the general election. The Tamil National Alliance has won 13 seats. The official results of the 2010 parliamentary elections are expected to be released this morning after the preferential votes are counted.

Amitabh Bachchan in Colombo

Sri Lanka may be dubbed as a small country but it is a country with a big heart, said Icon of Bollywood cinema Amitabh Bachchan when he visited Sri Lanka yesterday as the Brand Ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to endorse Sri Lanka as the host for IFFA Awards which will be held in Colombo from June 3 to 5. The IIFA weekend which will comprise events such as the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza, the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket match, world premieres of Indian films and IIFA Film Workshop will also take place along side the 11th IIFA Awards. The main attraction of the lineup, the awards ceremony, will be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on June 5. The IIFA Awards is the biggest South Asian media event and is broadcast to 600 million across 110 countries. Speaking at the event Bachchan stated that the event not only takes Indian cinema to the world but also opens doors to exchange of technology and interaction with some of the publics’ favourite stars. “I admire the manner in which Sri Lanka is trying to integrate harmony and peace among its ethnic and cultural groups in the country. It sets a wonderful example to the world and I would certainly encourage many others to visit the country and explore what it has to offer to them,” he said. Former Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda, Tourism Ministry Secretary K.A.D. George Michael, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, IIFA Director Sabbas Joseph, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya, artistes Ravindra Randeniya, Jackson Anthony and Sri lankan born Indian actress Jacqueline Fernandez also spoke.

President will share information with India in regard to resolutions to the northern people. – “Lakbima”

The “Lakbima” newspaper has published a news item that President Mahinda Rajapakse will share information with India, of what sort of resolutions can be submitted to the people from the northern sector of Sri Lanka in regard to their national racial crisis. On the forthcoming May, President Mahinda Rajapakse has proposed to go on a official visit to India. The political constitution amendments and national crisis would be discussed during this visit was stated. President will explain to the Indian leaders in regard to the new political constitution amendments. The “Lakbima” further quoted in view of the continuous pressure from India such decision had been taken. The proposed structure consist with new political constitution amendments will be submitted at the parliament on the forthcoming months of September or October .

Sri Lankan President informs UNP leader that General Fonseka could take oaths as a MP

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (19) had informed main opposition United National Party leader Ranil Wickremasinghe that there was no obstacle for Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader and former Army Commander Retired General Sarath Fonseka, who is currently under military custody, to take oaths in the Parliament as a member of parliament.The President had made this statement during a meeting between him and Wickremasinghe yesterday when the latter had said that General Fonseka although in military custody should be given the opportunity to take oaths.The President had said though General Fonseka would be allowed to enter the parliament, he would have to remain in military custody until the ongoing courts-martial against him were concluded.However, there are still doubts as to whether General Fonseka will be allowed in to the parliament on Thursday to attend the inaugural session and to take oaths with the Defence Ministry's decision to refer the matter to the Attorney General's Department.The DNA has already sent a formal request to the Secretary General of Parliament to make the necessary arrangements for General Fonseka to take his oaths on Thursday.The request however, has been forwarded to the Defence Ministry for clarification as General Fonseka is currently detained by the military and facing trial at two general courts-martial.The parliament officials as of yesterday had not received a response either from the Defence Ministry or the Attorney General's Department.

Sri Lanka’s New Parliament Must Drop Emergency Laws, Says Amnesty International

(Washington) -- Sri Lanka's first post-war parliament must get rid of draconian emergency laws that have allowed for decades of widespread human rights abuses, Amnesty International said today. Ahead of the first sitting of Sri Lanka’s first post-war parliament on April 22, Amnesty International is calling on Sri Lanka to lift the State of Emergency that has been in force almost continuously since 1971, and to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act and other associated emergency security laws and regulations, replacing them with human rights-friendly laws. The emergency laws grant state authorities sweeping powers of detention and permit the use of secret prisons, a practice that encourages human rights abuses like enforced disappearances, torture and death in custody, which could constitute crimes under international law. In the last thirty years, thousands of Sri Lankans have spent years in detention without trial. Over the past year, the government has increasingly used these laws to crack down on journalists, political opponents, and trade unionists. "Sri Lanka must repeal these laws and end impunity for human rights violations if it wants to move forward," said Madhu Malhotra, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific deputy director. "The Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Public Security Ordinance and other emergency provisions in Sri Lanka enable security forces to systematically violate human rights." Since the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended almost a year ago, Sri Lankan legislators have continued to extend the State of Emergency on a monthly basis. Successive governments have ignored calls for repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. "The war is over. Perpetuation of the emergency is now just being used as a weapon against political opposition, and as a quick fix for poor law enforcement practices and a dysfunctional justice system," said Malhotra. Amnesty International is calling on the new parliament to press for the release of people detained under Sri Lanka’s emergency laws unless they are charged with an internationally recognized criminal offence, and are tried in regular civilian courts to international standards for fair trial.

Background

The emergency laws reverse the burden of proof when it is alleged that police obtained confessions under torture. The Public Security Ordinance, Prevention of Terrorism Act and emergency regulations also shield officials from prosecution for actions taken under these laws, provided they acted "in good faith." In July 2006 President Rajapaksa issued directives to the security forces aimed at protecting the human rights of persons who had been arrested or detained. Although the emergency regulations do not require the government to publish places of detention, the president ordered that a person under arrest be "afforded reasonable means of communicating with a relative or friend to enable his whereabouts being known to his family"; for the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission to be informed of the arrest and the place of detention in each case within 48 hours, and for Commission members to visit those arrested. These safeguards were never effectively implemented. Beyond concerns about the nature of legislation and the government's failure to rectify shortcomings, Amnesty International is concerned that the security forces have used the general threat of their wide ranging powers under the emergency laws to intimidate people. Because they provide for vaguely and broadly defined offenses such as "terrorism," the emergency laws have also been used to restrict freedom of expression and association, increase pressure on human rights activists, journalists, trade unionists and others holding dissenting views.Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

Sri Lanka: Netherlands help to boost agri economy

The Netherlands PUM local representative S.P.C. Kumarasinghe said during the first three months in 2010 Netherlands senior experts have assisted several industries manufacturing exports items in Sri Lanka.These include -Anthurium and Asparagus cultivation, dairy industry milk processing and manufacture of cheese, plastic decorative ornaments, knitted garments, tuna fish processing, rubber products, growing of Button Mushrooms, Paints and pastel industry.There will be more experts arriving in Sri Lanka this year to assist the fisheries harbour management, plastic product manufacturing, bakery products, coconut milk products, dairy industry, installation of new milk and yoghurt processing line, energy management and environmental friendly production systems in desiccated coconut manufacture, animal feed productions, furniture making, hotel management and vocational training, Kumarasinghe said.Kumarasinghe said every year the Netherland Government sends volunteer experts through the “PUM Netherlands Senior Experts” program on request from local industries needing technical assistance. Any industry which is two years old, employs more than 10 employees and who cannot afford to hire a foreign experts is eligible to apply for this service.The requesting company will have to make arrangements to pay the cost of food and lodging of the foreign expert during his stay in Sri Lanka. The international travelling costs of the Netherlands experts visiting Sri Lanka will be paid by the PUM.Kumarasinghe said PUM will provide training in the Netherlands to local applicants. The PUM have offered training in Netherlands to over 100 local technical staff, he added. For the past 15 years PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have assisted over 400 industries in Sri Lanka. To cover the entire Sri Lanka PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have appointed an additional representative S. G. Punchihewa.

Cellphone seized from Nalini's cell

A mobile phone was seized on Tuesday from the cell in which Rajiv Gandhi's assassin Nalini Sriharan is lodged in Vellore prison here, jail officials said.The search and seizure operation was conducted in the morning in the Vellore women's prison."During a routine check by Vellore Prison Superintendent Rajalakshmi and her team a cell phone was found and seized. Further investigation is on," K.R. Shyamsundar, assistant director general of police and inspector general of prisons, told IANS.Vellore women's prison authorities are tight-lipped on the issue.The latest development could be a setback for Nalini, who has approached the Madras High Court against the Tamil Nadu government's decision to reject her appeal for release before her life term ends.The state government based its decision to reject Nalini's appeal on the findings of the Prison Advisory Board headed by the Vellore district collector.The board had listed eight counts not to free Nalini, including her reported refusal to apologise for Gandhi's murder in 1991.A woman suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) detonated explosives strapped to herself while pretending to touch Gandhi's feet at a rally in Sriperambudoor on May 21, 1991. Nalini was part of the team of conspirators that killed Gandhi for sending the Indian Army to Sri Lanka in 1987.Originally, Nalini was convicted on 16 counts of murder and given death penalty.On the intervention of Sonia Gandhi, the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.In September last year, Nalini filed a petition that she was entitled for release in 2005 itself as she had completed 14 years in jail.After her arrest, Nalini had married LTTE activist known by his nom de guerre Murugan. He is also in prison for Gandhi's murder. Their daughter, who was born when Nalini was in prison, is grown up.In March last year, Priyanka Vadra, daughter of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, visited Nalini in the prison. Nalini also cited that meeting while asking for her release.

USAID Launches New Business Alliance Program in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka

The U.S. Agency for International Development has announced a new business alliance program with Sri Lanka's private sector. Partnering with five local businesses, the USAID Public-Private Partnerships for Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka (PPP) Program is expected to create the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs in the former conflict zones. These five alliances are all with indigenous Sri Lankan private companies. USAID's investment of about Rs.600 million will generate an additional Rs.1,400 million investment from the private sector for a total of about Rs.2 billion. The sectors include Aquaculture, Apparel Manufacturing, Logistics, and Horticulture.  

Apparel Alliance 

By establishing a ready-made garment plant in Omanthai, near Vavuniya in the Northern Province, an alliance between USAID and a leading garment manufacturing and export company will create 1,000 jobs for the internally displaced people, including young widows, in and around the conflict-affected areas of the Northern Province. 

Aquaculture Alliance 

An alliance between USAID and a Sri Lankan aquaculture company will bring about expanded production in the Eastern and Northern provinces with the dual goal of increasing fish-based income and enhancing the aquaculture supply chain of high value seafood products. By the end of the three-year project, 1,300 smallholder farmers will increase their net income by 300%.

Connecting Producers to Buyers 

A leading logistics company will invest in logistics activities to help farming communities in the conflict-affected areas. Through this alliance, farmers in Northern and Eastern provinces will have an opportunity to increase both their production and income. At least 1,500 farmers and fishermen will benefit from this alliance. Cold storage units will be built in Jaffna, Ampara, and Batticaloa. 

Northern Horticulture Alliance  

An alliance between USAID and a Sri Lankan horticulture company will improve the productivity and profitability of fruit and vegetable farming in Jaffna, Vavuniya, and Mannar by minimizing post harvest losses and by enhancing farmers' skills in modern farming. Approximately 1,100 farmers will participate in the program.  

Eastern Garment Alliance

In order to rebuild economic security in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, this alliance with a local garment company will invest in a ready-made garment factory in Samanthurai in the Ampara District.  The ready-made apparel manufacturing plant will consist of 15-20 machine lines and more than 1,000 employees. Mission Director Rebecca Cohn said, "The U.S. Agency for International Development/Sri Lanka is proud to announce these new public private alliances. We are committed to helping conflict-affected communities return to normalcy through the creation of sustainable jobs and increased business opportunities. USAID strongly believes that the private sector is the most important engine for economic growth in Sri Lanka."The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries worldwide for nearly 50 years. Since 1956, USAID/Sri Lanka has invested nearly Rs.230 billion to benefit all the people of Sri Lanka.

JVP s move to have Fonseka as Opposition Leader a joke UNP of Sri Lanka

The UNP says the JVP cannot justify its call for appointing Gen (retd) Sarath Fonseka as the Opposition Leader. The main Opposition party alleges that the JVP is trying to flex its muscles, though being reduced to just five members in parliament. UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunatilake said yesterday that the JVP was no longer in a position to dictate terms to anyone. Karunatilake said former Kurunegala District MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake s demand that Fonseka should succeed UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was nothing but a joke. He said the UNP leader would remain the Opposition Leader. Responding to a query by The Island, the Galle District MP said the JVP could appoint Fonseka as the leader of Democratic National alliance (DNA) parliamentary group or even accommodate him on its politburo. He said that if the JVP believed Fonseka was good enough to lead the Opposition, there could not be any reason to deny him the leadership of its five-man parliamentary group. He emphasised that a newcomer could not be expected to function as the Opposition Leader. Karunatilake said the move to take over the Office of the Opposition was not realistic. He said the UNF s final tally would be about 60 seats, including those appointed through the National List whereas the JVP could not expect more than six seats. Their six seats would include one National List seat, he said. The TNA would increase its final tally to about 15 or 16, including National List slots, he said. A JVP spokesman said yesterday that they had not decided on the parliamentary group leader s post. He said an announcement would be made shortly. Former JVP parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is widely expected to enter parliament through the National List. Karunatilake said that the JVP had conveniently forgotten that Fonseka was not even a member of the JVP. He urged the JVP to be sensible in its approach in post-LTTE period and work together with other parties in the Opposition. 

Devananda willing to resign to contest PC polls

EPDP Leader and ex-Minister Douglas Devananda says he will resign from Parliament when elections are held to the Northern Provincial Council.In an interview with The Island in Jaffna on Friday, Devananda said he had always wanted to take to regional politics and render some service to the people of the North. "I won’t hesitate to give up a Cabinet post and return to regional politics, when the occasion arises," Devananda said. He said his priority would be to develop the infrastructural facilities in the North and improve the living conditions of the people who had suffered for decades because of terrorism.Devananda, who contested from the Jaffna electoral district, polled 28,855 preferential votes at the recently concluded general election. He was among three EPDP members elected from Jaffna. The number of preferential votes obtained by him was the highest secured by any Tamil candidate in the northern or the eastern electoral districts.

20 April 2010

TNA to co-operate with govt. on conditions

The Tamil National Alliance yesterday said it was ready to co-operate with the government if the government was ready to provide an acceptable political solution within an undivided Sri Lanka and Tamil civilians resettled and their problems were solved. TNA leader R. Sampathan made these comments at a press conference at his house in Trincomalee last night. Thirteen elected members of the TNA to the new parliament and its national list nominee also participated in the press briefing. Mr. Sampanthan further said that that Tamil people in the North and the East had accepted their policy statement at this election by electing its members to parliament. “This election was held at a time an election should not be conducted. We have secured even this amount of seats amidst threats and other pressures. At a time when the voting rights of our people have been taken away from them. Most of these civilians are still in IDP camps without any facilities. Most others have fled the country. A large number of youths are held in illegal detention centres. At a time like this not even 50 percent of the voters in the North had cast their votes,” he said. “The Tamil people showed that an election was not necessary at this moment. Even so we have to thank our voters who underwent much hardship to elect us,” he noted. 

WJM’s replacement figures in Mahinda, Ranil powvow

The appointment of a Speaker for the seventh Parliament figured at a meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at President’s House yesterday. The Office of the Opposition Leader confirmed the meeting.A spokesman for the President’s Office said that they would not issue a statement regarding yesterday’s discussion.A former minister told The Island that the government and the main Opposition were most likely to agree on the appointment of a senior SLFPer as Speaker. Responding to a query by The Island, he dismissed the possibility of former Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara receiving a second term. Among the party seniors mentioned as Lokubandara’s successor is President Rajapaksa’s eldest brother, Chamal, who contested from the Hambantota District at the April 8 general election.Lokubandara, who switched his allegiance to President Rajapaksa along with over 40 Opposition MPs elected, is on the UPFA National List.Sources said that the UNP would never accept Lokubandara as the Speaker given its hostility towards the veteran UNPer, whose son, Uditha, successfully contested the recently concluded general election on the UPFA ticket from the Badulla District .In 2004, Lokubandara beat Communist Party veteran Dew Gunasekera to become Speaker in a vote marred by ‘clashes’ with a section of the UPFA targeting JHU monks. Sources said that Gunasekera had joined the fray on a request by the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who got the then Prime Minister and JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa to propose and endorse Gunasekera, respectively.Government sources dismissed media reports that Basil Rajapaksa would be the Prime Minister of the new government. Sources said that the government was likely to explore the possibility of bringing in amendments to pave the way for the setting up of the Constitutional Council and Independent Commissions.

Ready to consider request from Prabakaran's mother: Karunanidhi

The Tamil Nadu government is ready to write to the Centre to provide treatment to Ms. Parvathi, the ailing mother of LTTE leader V. Prabakaran, in Tamil Nadu, if she expresses her willingness to return, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi told the State Assembly on Monday. “We are ready to consider the request and write to the Centre. I will inform the House what the Centre says,” he said while replying to a special calling attention motion moved by the Opposition, barring the AIADMK members, who were absent when the issue was discussed. Mr. Karunanidhi said he was not aware of Ms. Parvathi’s arrival to Chennai for treatment. The State government had not received any letter about her visit to Chennai, though there was a letter correspondence between her and the Centre. The Chief Minister said he came to know about it only after reading The Hindu in the next day. The Hindu had reported that she landed at the Chennai airport by a Malaysian Airlines flight around 10.30 pm on Friday. However, immigration officials, following instructions from the Centre, deported her to Malaysia by the same flight, immigration sources said. According to the Chief Minister, Ms. Parvathi was denied permission, because the erstwhile AIADMK government, in May, 5, 2003, had written to the Centre saying that the “re-entry of the family members of Prabakaran may not be desirable” because of their association with the LTTE. Prabakaran’s parents came to India in 1983 and left the country in 2003 after a ceasefire was announced in Sri Lanka. Recalling the efforts taken by the Tamil Eelam Solidarity Organisation (TESO) to prevent the deportation of Chandrahasan, the son of Selvanayagam and LTTE’s ideologue Anton Balasingam and others in 1985, Mr. Karunanidhi said the Centre gave up its plans to deport them after TESO embarked on a series of protests including a rail roko at a later stage. In 1985, he along with MDMK general secretary Vaiko, Tamil Nationalist Movement leader P. Nedumaran and Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan went to the airport, but now they (Mr. Vaiko and Mr. Nedumaran) went to the airport secretly to gain political advantage. Earlier speaking on the motion, Congress leader D. Sudarsanam argued there was nothing wrong in the deportation since Ms. Parvathi was brought to Chennai with ulterior political motives. “Mr. Vaiko and Mr. Nedumaran had known about her arrival while the Chief Minister of the State had no idea about. It was part of a cheap political campaign,” he said alleging that Mr. Vaiko and Mr. Nedumaran had conspired to organise Tamils Awakening Conference to coincide with the World Classical Tamil Conference. “They want to create a law and order problem in the State,” he said. The Congress has no difference of opinion on providing treatment to her on humanitarian grounds. PMK leader G.K. Mani described the deportation as an inhuman act, saying that when Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa himself had no objection to Ms. Parvathi visiting Chennai, why should the Indian officials prevent her. CPI leader V. Sivapunniyam said when the Indian officials in Malaysia had granted permission, how could the officials in Chennai deny her treatment. Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi member Ravikumar urged the Chief Minister to make arrangements for her return to Tamil Nadu, pointing out that during their stay in India, Prabakaran’s parents never created any trouble. MDMK leader Southern Thirumalaikumar said when so many patients from foreign countries were visiting India for medical treatment, what was the problem in extending the facility to Ms. Parvathi. CPI(M) leader K. Balabharathi said the government’s stand was unacceptable.

End of the road for Sri Lanka's left?

President Mahinda Rajapakse's successes in the past year were capped with his parliamentary victory. It might also herald the end of the Marxist JVP, which had twice tried to overthrow the government by force The Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (People's Liberation Front, or JVP), which led two unsuccessful attempts at violently overthrowing the elected governments of the day, has been swept out of its southern strongholds and is now reduced to a few pockets outside the traditional areas.This despite the JVP having positioned itself since the 1980s as an ultra-nationalist party, vehemently opposed to the Tamil minority's attempts to carve out a separate state, as well as to foreign intervention in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.In less than a year, Rajapakse scored three convincing victories: one on the war front and two on the political front. Last May, his resolute leadership led to the defeat of the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), considered by some Western pundits as militarily undefeatable.In January, he decisively won the presidential election, held well before schedule. He has now topped that with the parliamentary victory.The stunning but not unexpected victory of Rajapakse's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has belied the rationale of the architect of the 1978 constitution, which introduced proportional representation in parliamentary elections and abandoned the previous first-past-the-post election system practised since before independence in 1948.That architect, the late Junius Richard Jayewardene, argued that proportional representation would prevent a single party dominating parliament by allowing smaller parties to enter the legislature. It would thus create a strong opposition.Having won an unprecedented five-sixths majority at the 1977 election, Jayewardene sought to deny to others the same dominance he enjoyed for over a decade.Whatever his reasoning, the recent election has not only proved Jayawardene to have been a false prophet, but has reduced the once-powerful JVP to cinders.When the JVP won 39 seats at the 2004 election, it touted itself as the third force and soon-to-be alternative government. It has slumped now to half-a-dozen seats. The final number (which at most will be one extra seat) will be determined after a recount in two districts tomorrow. The actual figure for the JVP is even lower, as two of the new seats were won by former army commander General Sarath Fonseka and former cricket World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunge, who are not of the JVP but contested along with the JVP under the banner of the Democratic National Alliance.The Marxist JVP's place in the history of Sri Lankan politics is undeniable. Well over a decade before the Tamil Tigers launched its armed campaign for a separate Tamil state, the JVP had tried to topple the government.In April 1971, it began an armed insurrection against a government less than a year in office and brought in two of the oldest Marxist parties in the country -- the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (Equal Society Party-LSSP) and the pro-Moscow Communist Party.Though the two traditional Left parties -- the LSSP dating back to1935 and the Communist Party (CP) to the 1940s -- originally had revolutionary agendas, they came to realise they could never achieve power on their own.So they coalesced with centrist parties such as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which Rajapakse belongs to, in order to achieve power and influence policy. The LSSP in the early 1960s and again from 1970 with the pro-Moscow Communists held key ministerial positions in SLFP governments until they were edged out six years later.Though espousing socialist causes and policies, the LSSP and CP were largely urban working class movements led by English-speaking, often foreign educated middle-class politicians whose early revolutionary ideas had been abandoned on the road to power-sharing.When Sri Lanka was invited to join Asean as founding member in 1967, Singapore reportedly objected vigorously, saying there were "communists" in the Sri Lanka government, though there were none in sight at the time. Such was the fear Sri Lanka's Left generated among neighbours.The rise of the JVP and its insurrection of 1971 was a revolt against the centrist, Colombo-centric politics of the day. It was also an indictment of the traditional Left, which had aligned itself with Colombo's middle-class political leadership.Whereas the traditional Left had organised urban workers, the JVP's base was rural youth, some of them university graduates, denied access to employment by lacking proficiency in the English language.The revolt was crushed, but the JVP rose from the ashes in the latter part of the 1980s in new Sinhala garb, unleashing violence against the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord that had brought Indian troops to the country's north to end the Tamil separatist struggle.Anarchy reigned as the JVP went on a killing spree, almost paralysing state activity. Once again the JVP was crushed with huge loss of life, some estimates going as high as 60,000 deaths.Thereafter, the JVP re-entered mainstream politics and in 2004 won the highest number of seats ever, having built strong bases in the deep south. But that was in cahoots with the SLFP.Now Rajapakse, also from the rural south, has wiped the area clean of the JVP. In his four years Rajapakse, earlier dependent on the JVP for parliamentary support, deftly engineered a split in the JVP and has now delivered what appears to be the coup de grace to JVP political ambitions.

Sri Lanka's jailed general likely to attend parliament

The jailed general who helped win Sri Lanka's quarter-century war appears likely to attend parliament's opening this week, officials said, after he won a seat while in military custody facing court-martial.Retired General Sarath Fonseka this month won a seat in the capital Colombo under the opposition Democratic National Alliance (DNA), less than three months after he lost the presidential race to incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa by a landslide.Fonseka ran as an opposition figurehead and his appearance at Thursday's parliament opening would provide a rare bright spot for opposition parties reeling from Rajapaksa's dominating victory at the April 8 legislative poll.Rajapaksa's UPFA has 117 seats out of the 225-member parliament so far and is gunning for a two-thirds majority that would give the president the power to change the constitutionSri Lanka's stock market <.CSE> crossed the 4,000 mark for the first time in history on Monday, reacting to what brokers said was local confidence the new government would bring political and economic stability. Political analysts expect the UPFA to get at least 140 seats once results are in from two re-polls due on Tuesday in electorates where ballots were annulled because of violence.The president is expected to name a slimmed-down cabinet on Wednesday. Rajapaksa last week told the Divaina newspaper the new cabinet would have no more than 38 ministers, down from the current 109 including deputies.

SMALLER VICTORY

Fonseka's parliamentary attendance would be a small victory for him, coming 11 months after he declared the army had destroyed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) separatists and seized control of the entire island."He should be allowed to attend the parliamentary session. We have sent a letter to the army commander and the secretary-general of parliament, asking them to facilitate," DNA spokesman Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.Military spokesman Major-General Prasad Samarasinghe confirmed the request had been made."The army commander will take action according the law of the country," Samarasinghe said, declining to say whether that means Fonseka can go to parliament.Two other senior military sources speaking on condition of anonymity said Fonseka would be allowed to attend.Two weeks after the presidential vote, the government arrested Fonseka and charged him in two courts-martial, one for politicking while he was still in uniform and the other for illegal procurement while he was army commander.He had been under suspicion of plotting a coup, which the military said had led it to surround him in a Colombo hotel as counting was going after the Jan. 26 election. Fonseka had fallen out with Rajapaksa, saying the president sidelined him.The general denies all wrongdoing and says he was imprisoned because he posed a political risk to Rajapaksa. The government has laughed that off, pointing out the president beat the general by 18 percentage points.

Hospitals first, hotels can wait, say Jaffna residents

A mega cash injection is needed to upgrade the quality of services at the overcrowded Jaffna Teaching Hospital and other state medical institutions in the northern peninsula, say residents and parliamentarians.The residents are urging Colombo-based policy-makers to focus on developing hospitals in Jaffna to support post-war reconstruction efforts and tourism promotion."It is good that new hotels are being planned in Jaffna, but where will visitors and tourists go, if there is no satisfactory hospital system here?" asked 70-year-old pensioner Thanikasalam Ramachandran.Citing an example, he said the children’s wards No 11 and 12 at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital needed a major improvement similar to that of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Borella, Colombo.The 1,300-bed Teaching Hospital, battered by 30 years of conflict, is the main state health institution in the peninsula. It caters to more than 650,000 people.Hospital director Dr. S Bavananthan told The Island that the Health Ministry in Colombo had taken several steps in recent months to develop the district’s main hospital.He said the ministry was sending at least 50 nurses from the south to improve the services . A neurology unit would also open soon.He said 32 consultants were now serving at the hospital and there was no shortage of human resources. Around 28 interns from the Jaffna Medical Faculty were also part of the health care team, he said.The director pointed out that work would begin soon on a Japanese-funded project to build a new hospital building with more than Rs. 3 billion rupees of investment. It would include a new laboratory complex, a radiological diagnosis department, a new operating theatre including ICUs and a Central Supply and Sterilising Department, he said.But re-elected Jaffna MP Suresh Premachandran said the government had failed to take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of Jaffna-based patients.The Jaffna health sector remained neglected even after the end of the war though the government propaganda machinery kept on projecting the so-called ‘Uthure Vasanthaya’ programme, he alleged.Hospital development was more urgent in Jaffna than hotel projects, Premachandran pointed out.He urged the government to boost the quality of services at state health institutions in the peninsula as soon as possible.The standards at Jaffna Teaching Hospital should at least be similar to that of Colombo National Hospital, he said.The hospitals in Kopay, Moolai and Manthikai also need immediate attention, Premachandra said.

Plans to develop Sri Lanka's North and East as tourist destinations

With the successful conclusion of the decades-long war last May and the opening of the main north-south A9 highway local and foreign tourists have flocked to Sri Lanka's North and East to visit places of worship and natural attractions.With the tourism to the region on the rise the need to develop infrastructure for tourists such as hotels and restaurants has also risen, the government says.Accordingly, the government is planning to construct a number of hotels and restaurants and other facilities in both Northern Jaffna peninsula and in the East.Government statistics say nearly 4 million tourists have arrived in Jaffna after the end of the war. A large number of tourists also arrive in the east to visit the beaches in the area.The government plans to establish a tourist corridor along the coastal line connecting Arugum Bay, PasikKudah Beach in Batticaloa and Nilaweli Beach in Trincomalee.

Muslim family man killed in Vavuniyaa

Unknown persons had stabbed to death a Muslim family man Sunday night in Aa’ndiyaa Pu’liyangku’lam in Cheddiku’lam area in Vauniyaa, sources in Vavuniyaa said. The man is suspected to have been abducted before being killed. The killing of a Muslim person has created tension among the residents of Vavuniyaa. The victim was identified as Mohamed Musthapa Tharuf, 48.Tharuf’s body was handed over to Vavuniyaa government hospital mortuary.The motive of the killing is not known.

Heads roll at CID

Police headquarters said that 64 senior police officers including four DIGs, four SSPs and 40 ASPs had been transferred with effect from tomorrow. Among them are 16 police Inspectors as well. According to the transfers the DIG in charge of the CID Nandana Munasinghe has been appointed in charge of the Colombo Division crime investigations and operations while DIG Western area of the North-Western province Daya Samaraweera has been appointed DIG CID. DIG Organised Crimes and Crime Investigations Anura Senanayake has been appointed DIG Colombo and Additional DIG police welfare Sisil Perera has been appointed to the police range force headquarters. Among the others transferred are several high ranking officers at the CID. Deputy Director CID SSP D. Ranasinghe had been transferred to the police community division while SSP Wimal Samarasekera who was in charge of investigations on illegal immigrants at the CID had been transferred to the combined operations headquarters. ASPs of the CID P. Ampawila had been transferred to Killinochchi, Shani Abeysekera to Homagama, Sisira Nanayakkara to Panadura, P.R. Katrunaratne to Galle and renuka Jayasundera to police women’s and children’s bureau.IGP Mahinda Balasuriya had issued a special communication regarding these transfers on April 17.

Advice to Britons stranded here

British nationals stranded in either Sri Lanka or Maldives should contact their tour operator or if in need of Consular Assistance, the British High Commission in Colombo, the High Commission said in a release. The British High Commission is providing advice and information to hundreds of British nationals who have been unable to return from their holidays in Sri Lanka due to the closure of UK airspace. Acting High Commissioner Mark Gooding said: “We are working hard to assist British nationals unable to return home from Sri Lanka. We have been liaising with tour operators and airlines to find out the latest information and to identify the best ways to assist stranded tourists and we are providing additional consular assistance to those who need it. I encourage British nationals unable to return home to read the latest information on www.fco.gov.uk”

More ex-LTTErs join with families

The Government's rehabilitation project for ex-LTTE combatants successfully continues with thirty one who had been temporarily sheltered at the Kaithady Welfare Centre joined with their families when they were released on April 14, in Jaffna. Those beneficiaries, after proper legal proceedings, had earlier been sent to Kaithady welfare centre where majority of them got opportunity to follow training courses on various trades. Handing over the released personnel to their next of kin took place during the "Soorya Mangalya or Puthuwaruda Kaliyadam" (Festival of the Sun) 2010 organized to coincide with the Sinhala and Hindu New Year at the historic Jaffna Fort. Nine boys and three girls hoping to recommence their school education and two more girls qualified for university education were among the latest released batch. The ceremony graced by the Commander Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQ-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe as Chief Guest was attended by religious and community leaders including Government Agent, Jaffna K Ganesh. Brigadier General Staff SF-J Brigadier B.C.J.A.F. Rodrigo and senior Army officers were also present.

19 April 2010

Blue chips eye Jaffna business

Major blue chip companies were exploring business opportunities in the former war-torn areas in the country through the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2010 which began yesterday at Jaffna Central College. The opening ceremony held at the Jaffna Central College yesterday. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe The organizers of the event, Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Director Imran Hassan told Daily News Business large scale companies like John Keells, Aitken Spence, Mackwoods, Jinasena, CIC and Cargills participating in the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2010 will be an ideal platform for them to explore business opportunities in the Jaffna peninsula. “Even though yesterday was the first day of the trade fair there was a good response from participants and the Jaffna people,” Hassan said. Over 200 foreign and local companies are participating at this three day trade fair. Organizers expect over 20,000 visitors per day. Over 20 Indian companies are participating at this event. These companies are focusing on agriculture, food processing, construction and packaging industries in Jaffna peninsula. These companies are seeking joint ventures with local partners to set up their operations in Jaffna. Organizers also expect Indian visitors at the trade fair. There will be a Business Forum to facilitate one-on-one business meetings with potential partners. “We have invited government officials representing Export Development Board, Board of Investment and the Environmental Ministry to educate potential investors on facilities and regulations to commence businesses,” he said. The main objective of organizing this event is to link Jaffna community with the business community in Colombo and fast track the industrialization of Jaffna peninsula, Hassan said.

FIRST FLIGHT FROM COLOMBO TO ROME TAKES OFF AFTER THREE DAYS

The first flight from Colombo to Rome since volcanic ash disrupted air traffic in northern Europe and the United Kingdom, took off today from Katunayake airport. For the last three days, passengers in Sri Lanka awaiting flights to the UK and Europe have been stranded in Colombo as most airports in that region had had imposed a total ban on flights due to safety concerns.The passengers that took the SriLankan Airlines flight today to Rome were those who had been stranded for the last three days and there are over a thousand passengers compelled to stay in Negombo hotels awaiting flights.“A large number of tourists have converged on Negombo hotels hoping to catch the first available flight to their destinations,” said Deva De Peter, President of the Negombo Hoteliers’ AssociationHe also said that certain tourists were facing financial problems too due to the unexpected calamity. Sri Lanka's national carrier SriLankan Airlines requested travelers to call 019-733-5500 to obtain details on the flight schedules and other details. All major airports in Europe remained closed stranding thousands of travels as the volcanic ash drifted as far as Russia.British aviation officials have extended the ban on the flights till Sunday evening while several European countries carried out test flights to explore the possibility of flying at certain altitudes.Test flights by Dutch airline KLM at an altitude of 10 kms and the German airline Lufthansa an altitude of 8km showed no signs of damage to the planes, aviation officials said.

Security strengthened for Sri Lanka re-polls

All necessary preparations are underway to hold the re-polls in Kandy and Trincomalee districts on Tuesday, April 20, Sri Lanka election officials said.Re-polls will be held in 37 polling centers of the Nawalapitiya polling division in Kandy district and one poling centre in the Trincomalee district. All political campaigns for the re-poll ended midnight Saturday.Election Secretariat said 900 public officials will be leaving Monday for poll duty at their relevant polling centers.Post Master General M.K.P. Dissanayake said the postal service will continue delivering poll cards tomorrow as well.Election Secretariat said any voter who did not receive a poll card still can vote if their name appears in the voter register and if they can prove their identity. There are 50,948 eligible voters in Nawalapitiya Polling division and 977 to vote at the Kumburuppidi polling booth in Trincomalee.Meanwhile, security has been strengthened in the polling areas. Senior DIG in charge of elections Gamini Navaratne said nearly 1,200 policemen have been deployed for election duty in the Nawalapitiya Polling Division. An additional 700 policemen will be deployed on the day of the election.The elite Special Task Force police and the army are working jointly to provide security and prevent election violence. Nawalapitiya polling division has become a hot bed as two former ministers are engaged in an intense battle for preferential votes.The election monitoring group People's Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has deployed 60 members to monitor the re-polls.The Elections Commissioner called for a re-poll in several polling divisions in Nawalapitiya and Trincomalee due to alleged election malpractices that had taken place during the April 8 general election.

KKS cement factory likely to begin operations

The KKS cement factory which was closed for the last 30 years is likely to begin operations within the next few months, Jaffna Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said. He said preliminary steps have been completed under the directive of the pioneer of the Uthuru Vasanthaya program on the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to recommence the factory and that renovation work has commenced. “Production will start within the next few months providing jobs to around 3,000 persons,” he added.

Defense Ministry has still not instructed the Army regarding the General attending Parliament  
 
Army spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe told Lanka e news that, so far he had not received any instructions from the Defense Ministry with regard to General Sarath Fonseka who is now in the custody of the Navy, attending Parliament on the 22nd.Samarasinghe said, the Secretary to the Parliament ought to make a request to the Defense Ministry to provide facilities to Fonseka to attend Parliament, and the Defense Ministry should then give instructions in that connection to the Army. But until 16th Friday, no instructions have been issued to the Army from the Defense Ministry, he added. On the 16 th when the DNA had a media briefing, Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated, letters have been sent to the Parliamentary Secretary and the Army Commander to provide the necessary facilities to the General who has been elected as a member of Parliament from the Colombo District, to attend Parliament.Our attempts to reach the Parliamentary Secretary for further information on this proved futile .

Tamil Nadu police arrest protestors against Namal Rajapkase’s arrival in Chennai

Tamil Nadu police arrested ten persons Sunday among hundreds of people who had gathered at Chennai airport to protest against the arrival of Namal Rajapakse, the son of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, passing via Chennai International Airport to watch the cricket match between the Chennai and Punjab teams, sources in Chennai said. Meanwhile, a group of fifty Sri Lankan police officers led by Superintendent of Police, L. R. Wijeyasinghe, who are to follow a three month course in security services for Very Important Persons (VIPs) in a training centre in Haryana state, arrived in Delhi Sunday, sources in Delhi said. Members of various organizations including Periyaar Thiraavida Kazhakam in their hundreds had gathered at the airport to demonstrate their protest in the context of Liberation Tiger leader Mr. V. Pirapaharan’s mother being refused entry into Tamil Nadu for medical treatment and sent back to Malaysia, the sources added. Meanwhile, Namal Rajapakse is reported to have reached Delhi from where he will proceed to watch the cricket match between Chennai and Punjab.Sri Lankan cricket players are playing for the Punjab team, sources in Tamil Nadu said.

Ranil Must Go

The UNP’s Ranil Wickremesinghe is coming under renewed pressure to quit after the party’s devastating defeat at the April 8 General Election.  The party is expected to win only nine (9) national list seats plus 46 seats in the new parliament, the lowest since the proportional representation system was introduced in 1978.Ranil Wickremesinghe became Leader of the party in 1994 and twice survived attempts to force his removal.  The party has seen its vote base shrink in a series of provincial and national election defeats over  the past two years.UNP rebels disgusted with the party’s worst performance ever, told The Sunday Leader that a change in leadership was needed in order for the party to move forward.Badulla District MP Lakshman Seneviratne, when asked for his opinion on the issue had only this to say – “I am having the last laugh – what I have been predicting where the UNP is concerned came to pass at this last election.”A change in strategy is the need of the hour according to UNP Chief Organiser of Colombo West, Rosy Senanayake. “When it comes to leadership, whether a change is needed at the highest level or at middle level, is an issue we need to address ourselves,” Senanayake said. She said the UNP needed to do a thorough assessment before coming to any conclusions in this regard. “The UNP has failed in every possible aspect in this election. But as to a change in leadership, I don’t want to be the one to pinpoint one person. However most of the public seem to be saying ‘enough is enough’,” she added.In the same vein, UNP Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara agreed that decisions on a change or otherwise in leadership were best left to the party Working Committee. “We need to look at where exactly we went wrong, and then decide if Ranil Wickremesinghe as Leader of the party is the reason why the UNP suffered its worst electoral defeat ever,” he said.  But SLMC Chief Rauf Hakeem said Wickremesinghe should continue at the UNP helm, adding however, “he needs to play his role,  – more effectively – when it comes to leading the team from within the chamber.”The UNP constitution contains a clause giving Ranil Wickremesinghe the reins of power for an indefinite amount of time, according to UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake. “If the Working Committee thinks that the current Leader is capable, he can stay. The Leader’s tenure is open ended,” Karunanayake said. As such, Wickremesinghe has the mandate at least by the constitution by which the party is governed to remain Leader of the UNP until death or he chooses to step down.But UNP rebels are insistent that “Ranil must go.” Former UNP member S. B. Dissanayake said that UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe must be replaced. He accused Wickremesinghe of wanting to maintain his position as Leader for a further six years, “at the crippling expense of the party and its future…,” he said.UPFA Kalutara District MP Rajitha Senaratne charged that Wickremesinghe did not bother to campaign amongst the rural populace, and so was not accepted at the grassroots level. “A change of leadership and outlook is a must if the UNP is to compete with President Rajapaksa and the UPFA,” he said.Co-convenor of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Executive Director for the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, said he didn’t think a change in leadership alone was a panacea to the problems faced by the UNP.“That is just one element that is being discussed. They need to do more in terms of reorganization and introducing fresh faces. More importantly, they themselves need to decide on what they want to do,” Saravanamuttu said.

18 April 2010

New TNA MPs meet in Trinco today

Fourteen new Parliamentarians of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will hold a meeting today in Trincomalee, according to TNA leader R. Sampanthan.Thirteen MPs are from the five districts in the North and East and one is from the TNA national list. Five MPs from the Jaffna district, three from the Vanni district, three from the Batticaloa district, and one each from Trincomalee and Amparai have been elected on the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi ticket as the TNA was not a registered party. The Trincomalee district election results will be officially announced after a re-poll on April 20 in Kumburupiddy, a village north of the east port town.

Sri Lanka President to brief newly-elected ruling party legislators today

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to address the newly-elected parliamentarians of the ruling party United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) today at the Presidential Secretariat.According to Sri Lanka Freedom Party general Secretary and former minister Maithripala Sirisena the workshop is held to orient the MPs on parliamentary traditions, standing orders as well as on the records of former parliamentarians.The ruling coalition has so far received 117 slots in the 225-member parliament and another 26 seats are expected after the re-poll on April 20 in certain polling divisions in Kandy and Trincomalee districts. The results form 37 divisions in Nawalapitiya electorate in Kandy District and Kumburupitiya polling division in Trincomalee District were annulled by the Election Commissioner due to the election malpractices occured at those polling centers at the April 8 general election.Meanwhile, all the elected parliamentarians have been informed of the proceedings on the opening session of the seventh parliament on Thursday, April 22. The MPs are required to be present in the parliament at 8.30 in the morning on the opening day as the parliament session convenes at 8.45 a.m. Religious rituals are to be observed prior to the inauguration of the new parliament. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will attend an all night Pirith chanting ceremony at the parliamentary complex tonight. An alms giving to Maha Sangha will be held tomorrow.

Hakeem refutes crossover reports

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem yesterday denied reports that several newly-elected MPs of the party were planning to join the government. Mr. Hakeem said these reports were part of an attempt to mislead voters before Tuesday's re-poll in Nawalapitiya where he is a candidate. Mr. Hakeem said the newly elected MPs had assured him there was no truth in such reports.The SLMC extended its support to retd. Gen. Sarath Fonseka at the January Presidential Election and contested on the United National Party ticket at the April 8 general elections.

New Constitution before year’s end

The Government will introduce a new Constitution before the end of this year as it is fully confident of securing a two-third majority in Parliament. The proposed Constitution would be more favourable to the country while it would further ensure good governance by removing the obstacles faced by the country’s development process, informed Government sources told the Sunday Observer. According to the overall result of the 2010 general election, the Government would obtain nearly 145 seats in Parliament. Therefore, the Government needs another five seats to obtain a two-third majority. The Government is fully confident that it would obtain these five seats easily under the program formulated by it, the sources said. The UPFA created history at the April 8 general election winning a huge majority close to two-third in the seventh Parliament. The UPFA Government would go into history as the only political party which secured the highest number of seats under the Proportional Representation System. Of the 180 seats decided on district-wise voting, the UPFA secured 117 seats. The UNP backed alliance won only 46 seats. The re-poll in the Nawalapitiya and Trincomalee electorates will be held on April 20 and the results will be released on April 21. The Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake annulled the results of 37 polling centres at Nawalapitiya in the Kandy district and one in the Trincomalee district citing election malpractices. The composition of the new Parliament would be known when the results of the 37 polling centres in Nawalapitiya and one in Trincomalee are released on April 21. According to Government sources, the inaugural session of the seventh Parliament is scheduled for April 22. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will address the inaugural session of the new Parliament on April 22 at 11.00 a.m. Informed Government sources said that the President has already finalised the new Cabinet and is now making the final touches. The next Cabinet will comprise 35 Ministers. Several new faces are tipped to be given key portfolios. Before the President announces the new Cabinet, he will meet all the elected UPFA MPs at Temple Trees today. Steps will be taken to appoint a new Speaker at the inaugural session of Parliament. Thereafter, all the elected MPs will take their oaths before the Speaker. Steps will also be taken to appoint a Deputy Speaker and a Deputy Chairman of Committees to Parliament. Sixty-four new MPs have been elected to the new Parliament. Several new MPs are also expected to be elected from the Kandy and Trincomalee districts when the re-poll for 37 polling centres in Nawalapitiya and one in Trincomalee is held.

Indian visa in Jaffna from May

The Indian government will open a visa application collection center in Jaffna on 5th May, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha said a short while ago while delivering the address as the chief guest of the Jaffna trade fair.With the opening of the new office Jaffna residents will be able to collect and handover their visa applications in Jaffna instead of traveling to Colombo.They will only be required to visit Colombo to collect the visa from the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

Prabakaran mother's name was on ‘Warning Circular' list

The immigration authorities at the Chennai airport were surprised to see Parvathi, mother of slain LTTE leader Prabakaran, when she landed from Malaysia with a valid medical visa at the airport here on Friday night.The reason: her name was on the ‘Warning Circular' list of the Union government. Whenever a person's name finds a place in the list, the visa issuing authorities must obtain the approval of, or consult, officials of the Home Ministry before issuing him or her a visa.Though Ms. Parvathi's name was on the list, she got a medical visa.Sources in the Immigration said both Velupillai and his wife Parvathi were living in Tiruchi till 2003.Soon after they migrated to Colombo, the Tamil Nadu government requested the Centre, in the same year, to ban their return.Accordingly, the Union government banned their entry into the State and put their names on the list.Ms. Parvathi was sent back to Malaysia by the same flight.

Deportation raises a storm in TN

CHENNAI: Political parties in Tamil Nadu have strongly condemned the deportation of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran’s mother Parvathy Ammal from the Chennai airport to Kuala Lumpur on the night of April 16. MDMK general secretary Vaiko said he would lead a fast on April 22 protesting the inhuman act of the UPA government at the Centre.In a statement issued here, Vaiko said despite the fact that Parvathy had a valid visa to stay in India, she was deported back to Kuala Lumpur. Vaiko said a large posse of police personnel had prevented him and other leaders from going to the passengers’ lounge. Stating that Chief Minister M Karunanidhi could not escape responsibility for this inhuman action as he was informed about the arrival of Parvathy Ammal, Vaiko said Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was received with poornakumbam at Tirupati recently. But an 80-year-old Tamil woman was not allowed to visit Tamil Nadu for treatment.P Nedumaran, organiser of Makkal Urimai Kootamaippu, said if India did not want Parvathy Ammal to visit India, the Centre should not have issued visa to her. “Without the knowledge of Karunanidhi, Parvathy Ammal would not have been deported to Kuala Lumpur. As such, he is fully responsible for the inhuman action, he added.PMK founder S Ramadoss said the Tamil Nadu police would not have deported Parvathy Ammal as the powers to do so was with the Centre. Recalling that Karunanidhi had opposed the Centre’s move to send LTTE leaders like Anton Balasingam and Chandrakasan many years ago, Ramadoss said that the DMK government would not have done this.Puthiya Thamizhagam president K Krishnasamy said Prabhakaran’s mother did not take part in any of the war activities in Lanka and as such her deportation was against the UN declaration.DK president K Veeramani said even patients from Pakistan had been allowed to get treatment in Chennai hospitals. “The only crime committed by Parvathy Ammal was that she is the mother of Prabhakaran,” he said.VCK leader Thol Thirumavalan said Parvathy Ammal’s stay in Chennai would not cause any law and order problem. As such, the State government should bring her back to Tamil Nadu and provide treatment here.However, Janata party leader Subramanian Swamy said that the denial of entry for Parvathy Ammal was the right thing to do and India was not a dharamsala for anyone to come and stay.

22 Armories of Sinha regiment Headquarters sealed   
 
According to reports reaching lanka e news , 22 Armories of the Sinha regiment Headquarters at Gampaha have been sealed. This sealing had been done at the time when Gen. Sarath Fonseka became a candidate at the Presidential elections. Gen. Fonseka was the Head of the Sinha regiment before he became the Army Commander. It is reported that during the Presidential elections , instructions had been given to the Head Commander of the Sinha regiment that no vehicle shall be taken out from the Regiment camps without the orders of the Defense Ministry. During the Presidential elections , the Sinha regiment Headquarters administration was transferred to the Military Police by the Defense Ministry . After the elections , a large number of officers suspected of being close to Gen. Fonseka were transferred to Kilinochchi, reports say.  Where owing to special reasons, the Sinha regiment armories had not been sealed , every armory of the Army had been ordered to be sealed every day from 5.00 p.m . to 6.00 a.m. the following day . These seals cannot be opened by anyone except by the Army spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe , the duty officers and others on special occasions, according to Prasad Samarasinghe.When Lanka e news inquired from the Army spokesman about this sealing , he answered in the affirmative. 

Situation similar to Pirabakaran’s terrorism prevailing in Nawalapitiya – SB

Ruling Party Candidate S.B.Dissanayake said, a similar situation is prevailing in the Nawalapitiya now, to the confrontation which was advanced by Pirabakaran in Kilinochchi some time back. The Nawalapitiya people are living with much fear and tension was mentioned by him. He said a situation is prevailing that people are unable to vote to their favorite candidate. He stated this, while he attended a media briefing at a hotel in Polhengo. He said the made up stories related to the people by Ranil, Mangala, Hakeem and Mano Ganeshan are rejected by the masses. S.B.Dissanayake said the people of this country had voted closer to the two third majority to the government. He said the Tamil people have already voted for them, and this should be utilized against racism. He pointed out due to some uncivilized unscrupulous minds activities; the whole party had lost its reputation. Some ruling party members in the aim of obtaining preferential votes, are involved in worst acts. Such activities are much embarrassing and saddening was mentioned by S.B.Dissanayake. He appealed the people to vote for good persons other than voting for murderers, thugs and deceivers.

‘Mahi bribed one and all, but everything failed’

The re-polling in Nawalapitiya, Kandy and Kumburupiddi, Trincomalee will take place on April 20 with heavy police and STF presence. A team of police personnel led by two DIGs, three SPs and three ASPs has been deployed to provide security on Election Day. A team of 400 STF personnel will also be deployed and six army divisions have been kept on alert for any emergency. But despite the presence of the Police, United National front (UNF) candidate Mano Ganesan’s convoy of vehicles were attacked at Kadiellena in Nawalapitiya this week.

History of violence

The state of lawlessness in Nawalapitiya is nothing new and it’s not the first time that massive scale violence has occurred on election days in Nawalapitiya claim election monitors.“Incidents of this nature are nothing new to Nawalapitiya; during each election in the last few years, there have been massive election law violations in the area. And what happened on April 08 occurred in Nawalapitiya many a time before although results were not annulled in previous occasions. This violence and intimidation is not only limited to election time, for the residents in the area it’s a fact of life. The people of the area live in a state of fear and almost all the government employees are afraid of Aluthgamage,” Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFERAL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told Lakbimanews Although on previous occasions the brunt of Aluthgamage’s anger was aimed at the opposition parties, during the general elections it was aimed at the government candidates set to get high preferential votes. From the beginning of the election he tried to prevent S. B Dissanayake, Keheliya Rambukwella and Sarath Amunugama from campaigning in Nawalapitiya said Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) spokesman Keerthi Tennakoon.“There was also an attempt to defeat Sarath Amunugama from the start of the campaign; Aluthgamage’s men even went as far as to heckle the president at Getambe when he tried to put in a good word for Amunugama. But the party leadership did not try to put him on a leash even after that, and that made him more brazen. Hopefully this re-polling will teach the politicians a lesson. This kind of massive election law violations are nothing new to areas in Nawalapitiya and it is getting worse steadily because no action was taken to punish rogue politicians of the area. They get more and more emboldened and this brazenness was shown in the manner in which his supporters behaved in the April 08”. Although not reported in mainstream media, estate sector employees in Nawalapitiya have been continuously told not to vote on April 08. Aluthgamage took this step fearing that they will vote for a candidate from a minority community, Tennakoon said.“There are a large number of estate sector employees in the area and Aluthgamage’s goons have been carrying out a systematic campaign of intimidation against them. Since these individuals are uneducated and have been used to servility they can be easily intimidated.”

Election monitors bribed?

Election monitors and election officials who were present at certain polling centres have been offered money to ignore various malpractices allege Election Department sources. Several election monitors who refused to accept bribes were assaulted on election day. Some monitors and officials were either bribed or intimidated and he assaulted several monitors from CaFFE, PAFFERAL and CMEV who refused to accept his bribes. So in the end the government employees, the police and the Election Department officials in the area collaborated to cover up the incidents on election day but thanks to some brave men and women, this attempt failed.”

Low voter turnout expected

The average voter turnout at the April 08 general election was one of the lowest in the election history of the country. The disillusionment with the system, intra party violence and the lack of a proper alternative kept many voters away from the polling centres. Election monitors fear that the voter turnout can be much lower at Tuesday’s re poll. “I fear that the voter turnout on Tuesday will be a lot lower than at the April 8 general election. The overall voter turnout in Kandy was 57% and since people are disillusioned the number for the re poll might be a lot lower,” PAFFERAL executive director said.

17 April 2010

Jaffna International Trade Fair to attract investors

Preparations are underway to hold the first-ever Jaffna International Trade Fair 2010 (JITF) titled 'Your Gateway to Yarlpanam' on Sunday (18) at the Jaffna Central College. The three-day event organized by the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services in collaboration with the with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka aims to attract the business community from all over the country.JTIF organizers expect the event to provide and ideal opportunity for the business community from all over the country to meet with the local entrepreneurs and to forge new business links with the local community. Indian exhibitors are also expected to participate in the trade fair. The fair will display a range of products and services across a wide section of industries.With the conclusion of decades-long war and the opening of the A-9 mail highway, Jaffna has become a golden opportunity for businesses to invest, and establish new trade links. The Trade Fair 2010 will run until Tuesday, April 20.

New parliament warned of moves to revive separatist sentiments

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says the new SLFP-led UPFA government should be prepared to thwart a fresh attempt by separatists operating abroad to throw a lifeline to the LTTE. A section of the international community, he says, is bent on reviving the LTTE and giving it recognition.In an exclusive interview with The Island, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa discussed a range of issues, including the need to maintain political stability, strengthening the economy and the responsibility of the new government, which would be installed next week, to sustain a cohesive security policy. He also emphasised the pivotal importance of the judiciary, particularly the Attorney General’s Department, in supporting the government’s efforts to suppress terrorism.Suppressing the separatist movement and tackling its propaganda apparatus should be a major part of Sri Lanka’s strategy against the LTTE, he said. The new government should go all out against any local element promoting separatist sentiments regardless of political consequences, he said, emphasising that the country could not afford to make way for terrorists.The Defence Secretary said that the next parliament should introduce new laws to meet security requirements. Responding to a query by The Island, the former Gajaba veteran said that Opposition political parties or constituent partners of the ruling coalition should not be allowed to engage in divisive politics. In his first public comments after the April 8 general election, the Defence Secretary said that the LTTE would not have lasted 30 years, had previous governments acted wisely. The destruction of the LTTE’s conventional military capability about a year ago might give a false sense of complacency to the political establishment, he said. Pro LTTE sections of the Tamil Diaspora, he said, were carrying out a high profile campaign against Sri Lanka. The Global Tamil Forum was lobbying overseas to win over foreign politicians. He said that the presence of high profile British politicians and officials at a recent gathering of GTF in the UK had revealed the gravity of the situation. The Defence and Foreign Ministries should work together to meet new threats posed by a determined enemy, which had financial resources at a global level even to subvert a sovereign country, the Defence Secretary said.Referring to recent British press reports that Islamic radicals had infiltrated the British Labour Party, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said that the Tamil Diaspora could adopt a similar strategy, if it had not already done that. The Telegraph recently quoted Environment Minister Jim Fitzpatrick as having said that the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) had infiltrated the Labour Party. Minister Fitzpatrick alleged that the IFE was trying to create an Islamic social and political order in Europe. The Telegraph quoted him as having said, "IFE had become, in effect, a secret party within Labour and other political parties. They are placing people within political parties, recruiting members to those political parties, trying to get individuals selected and elected so they can exercise political influence and power…" Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said that the next six years would be of crucial importance to the country as the first government elected in a post-LTTE era had to tackle a separatist threat in a different manner. ‘They may not have artillery pieces in their arsenal and their strategy will be different, but let me tell you their goal will be the same," he warned. He expressed concern that a section of officialdom could help the separatist cause by trying to appease foreign governments and some funding agencies. He said that those who pontificated to Sri Lanka about the virtues of human rights, media freedom and democracy were the worst culprits responsible for crimes against civilians. He said that international press coverage of the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq would help people understand to what extent foreign powers would go to protect their security and economic interests, though Sri Lanka was being asked to give in to a bunch of killers.Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said that they could not turn a blind eye to about 12,000 LTTE cadres taken into custody at the end of the war. Although a sizeable section of them had been released, the government could not totally dismiss the possibility of their being recruited again by what was left of the LTTE, he said. He urged political parties to be aware of the danger of promoting separatist opinion at a time the new government would have to rehabilitate and gradually release over 9,000 detainees.Gotabhaya said that the recent move to release some LTTE operatives held in connection with the assassination of Gen. (retd) Janaka Perera revealed the danger in taking the situation lightly. Timely intervention by the Defence Ministry had prevented their release. He said that the political establishment would have to take into consideration the security aspects of even on-going judicial proceedings as part of their overall measures to sustain maximum possible pressure on the separatist movement. He said that many hasten to criticise the armed forces, particularly the intelligence services for lapses, though those critics never lifted a finger to help the armed forces in war against the LTTE.

Tamil vote on pressing case for homeland

AUSTRALIAN Tamils are to vote in a referendum this weekend on the creation of an independent Tamil homeland.The Tamil Congress of Australia said more than 10,000 Tamils had registered to vote in the referendum, which follows similar votes in Canada, England and Europe that backed the establishment of a Tamil homeland in Sri Lanka.A spokesman for the Tamil Referendum Council of Australia, Bobby Sundaralingam, said polling booths had been set up in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT and there was provision for postal votes.Organisers hoped the results of the referendums would pressure the Sri Lankan government to allow a Tamil state.But not all Tamil organisations in Australia support the move. The Melbourne-based Justice and Freedom for Ceylon Tamils refuge and humanitarian action group has instead sent a petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Immigration Minister Chris Evans and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith calling for the 215 special humanitarian visa for Sri Lankans to be restored.Its chairman, Ramalingam Wickramasingham, said this would stop the boatloads of Tamil refugees coming to Australia. He said Tamil refugees ''never came by boat'' until 2000, when the the Coalition government suspended the visa.''There is no other official legal avenue in Sri Lanka for asylum seekers to apply to come to Australia, such as other countries have,'' he said.Dr Sundaralingham said that since the end of the war, about 100,000 Tamils were held in internment camps and some had been tortured and abducted.''Tamils in Sri Lanka are voiceless and in a state of despair,'' he said. ''It is the duty of the diaspora to be their voice and express what the Tamil people want.''

Belling the cat

The UPFA is all out to muster a two-thirds majority in Parliament. We reported yesterday that it was wooing the SLMC for that purpose, though the latter had let it down at a crucial budget vote a few years back. However, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told a group of his senior party men that anyone could join his government on his terms without demanding Cabinet posts unlike in the past. The UPFA boasts of already having two or three Opposition MPs in its pocket it is very likely to succeed in raising enough numbers to introduce a new Constitution. The country needs a strong government capable of withstanding various pressures in the post-war period vis- -vis a different strategy the separatists have adopted to achieve their goal by non violent means. It is far more sophisticated than naked terrorism, which proved to be counterproductive. They who tried to destroy economic nerve centres in Colombo with plastic explosives are now trying to destroy Sri Lanka`s economy through boycotts. They haven`t even spared the quality lingerie produced here. Earlier, Prabhakaran sent suicide bombers to coerce governments into submission but today the LTTE rump and its sympathisers are sending foreign diplomats to Colombo to achieve that end! Having failed on the military front, they are waging a war on the economic, human rights and diplomatic fronts. At home, the Opposition, especially the UNP and the JVP, are unable to challenge the government electorally and it is also likely to change its tactics to realise its political objectives by other means. Remember how it backed a campaign to strip Sri Lanka of GSP Plus in the hope that a collapse of export industries like apparels as a result would cause a loss of thousands of jobs thus creating a situation where it could gain political mileage. The JVP used wildcat strikes as a weapon to achieve its political objectives but in vain. (The people punished the JVP trade union boss Lal Kantha for abusing workers` rights they defeated him at the recent parliamentary polls.) Under the next political dispensation, the JVP is likely to use its university student wing as a cat`s paw to pull political chestnuts out of the fire. If the Opposition, by way of opposing the government, continues to do what it has been doing, for which it got routed at successive elections, it will be doing the government a big favour in that the latter will be in a position to use its patriotism card and remain popular even while resorting to repressive measures to deal with its opponents. The country has not yet overcome the so-called siege mentality because of hostile campaigns by some foreign governments and Tiger backers, and the government will be able to tilt at windmills or even carry out witch hunts in the name of patriotism. While the UPFA is engaged in wheeler-dealing to bolster its majority, fear is being expressed in some quarters that it is striving for absolutism. This fear, to our mind, is not totally unfounded. That brings us to the question: Who will play the role of a responsible and effective Opposition? S. L. Gunasekera in his article on this page today argues that, for want of a better alternative, those who helped President Rajapaksa and his party win will now have to act as a countervailing force to restrain the government. One cannot but agree with him because the Opposition has lost its vitality and credibility. Similarly, it needs to be added that the onus is on the government to act with self-restraint without succumbing to arrogance of power which precedes the downfall of powerful regimes. It may be recalled that the UNP has not yet recovered from the Humpty-Dumpty type fall it had many years ago. `Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man`s character, give him power`, said Abraham Lincoln. It is during his second term that President Rajapaksa will face the real test of his character. 

Slain LTTE leader Prabhakaran's mother deported to Malaysia

Parvathi with her Late husban Velupillai and slain son Prabhakaran, daughter-in-law Mathivathani and and son Charles AnthonyMs Parvathi, (79), wife of Thiruvenkadam Velupillai and mother of the slain LTTE leader Prabhakaran, who landed at the Chennai airport by a Malaysian Airlines flight around 10.30 p.m. on Friday was deported back to Malaysia.Prabhakaran’s mother Parvathi was travelling from Malaysia, seeking medical treatment in India.It was revealed that Parvathi is considered by India as a threat to law and order situation in the country. Immigration officials, following instructions from the Union Government, deported her to Malaysia by the same flight. This was disclosed by immigration authorities.Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General, B.S. Yadav, Commander, Coast Guard, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said that the strength of the Coast Guard will not be downsized along the coast off Rameswaram.The coast (Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) continued to be sensitive as far as coastal security was concerned owing to proximity to Sri Lanka and the fishermen issue. Though there was no conflict in the island nation, the security forces could not be complacent. Hence, there was no chance of reduction in patrolling, he said.He was in Rameswaram on Friday to receive the newly commissioned C-146, an advanced interceptor vessel of Coast Guard built by ABG Shipyard in Surat, to be berthed at Coast Guard Station, Mandapam.Asked whether there were any intrusions from the Sri Lankan side, Mr. Yadav said there were reports that a few Sri Lankans continued to cross over through International Maritime Boundary Line(IMBL) claiming to be refugees. The Coast Guard would apprehend the Sri Lankans if they crossed the IMBL without valid documents. They would be handed over to the State police, he added.

Indo - Sri Lanka joint naval exercise in Trinco
  
The Indian Naval Ship Magar, which is part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, arrived in Trincomalee harbour on 10th April 2010 for a visit aimed at further enhancing the training ties between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. The Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Simon Mathai, called on Rear Admiral Jayanth Colombage, Commander Eastern Naval Area. The same evening, the ship hosted a reception on board which was attended by members of the Eastern Provincial Council, Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force and Army personnel, as well as members of civil society. The High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, warmly welcomed the guests, including the Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province. The INS Magar belongs to a class of landing ships that are used in the role of amphibious warfare by the Indian Navy. The ship, which is based at Vishakapatnam on India's East Coast, is the first foreign naval ship to call on Trincomalee port in nearly five years. After interaction with their counterparts in Trincomalee during which the Indian Naval personnel witnessed a Special Boat Squadron demonstration, INS Magar sailed with Sri Lankan Naval Ship Samudura for a joint training exercise held at sea on 12 – 13 April 2010. About 115 Sri Lankan naval officer under trainees and a number of sailors were embarked on board INS Magar. During the joint exercise, trainees were imparted practical training in navigation, communication, seamanship, damage control and fire-fighting exercises. A number of cultural and social interactions also took place during the exercise. The visit of INS Magar to Trincomalee reflects the long-standing and close ties between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies and contributes to bilateral relations by strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two countries. 

Volcanic ash fears cancell Sri Lanka flights 
 
Volcanic ash crisis in Europe has forces several cancellations of national carrier Srilankan Airlines flights.Prashani Masakorala, a spokesperson for the airline, said that at least two flights to London leaving here Saturday have been cancelled.The Frankfurt flight is to be terminated at Rome instead due to volcanic ash crisis, the spokesperson said.Similarly, at least two flights due to leave for London were cancelled on Friday.

T.N.A. Performs creditably in parliamentary elections By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) contesting under the House symbol of Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK)has performed creditably in the recently concluded Parliamentary elections. By the dint of this performance the TNA has strengthened its claim to don the political leadership mantle of Sri Lankan Tamils.Though results of Trincomalee district are yet to be officially released due to the re-poll scheduled for Kumburupitty polling station according to unofficial estimates the TNA leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan has won his seat there.Of the Thirty-one Parliamentary seats allocated to the Northern and Eastern Provinces the TNA has obtained thirteen. The ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) comes a close second with twelve. The chief opposition United National Front(UNF) is third with six seats.In the Tamil dominated Northern Province that elects fifteen MP’s the TNA got eight,the UPFA five and UNF two. Out of the sixteen Eastern Province seats the UPFA has seven,the TNA five and UNF four.Unofficially Trincomalee district MP breakdown is UPFA – 2;UNF – 1 and TNA 1.Among thirty –one MP’s elected from the North and east, seventeen are Sri Lankan Tamils.Of these thirteen are from the TNA. Three are from the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) contesting under the betel symbol of the UPFA. The other MP is from the UNP.The 2010 poll was the third election faced by the TNA since it was formed in 2001. Apart from the thirteen elected seats the TNA will get a national list seat too. Thus it would have fourteen seats in the new Parliament.The first election contested by the TNA on December 5th 2001 saw the TNA getting fifteen seats with 14 elected and one appointed on the national list. The second poll faced on April 2nd 2004 saw the TNA getting twenty-two seats with 20 elected and two on the national list.

Remarkable

Compared to the previous results particularly the last one, the current TNA tally of seats may not be impressive quantitatively. However the qualitative merits of 2010 are indeed remarkable.In 2001 the newly-formed TNA had indirect backing from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who ruled the north – east roost then. In 2004 the LTTE directly manipulated the TNA polls campaign.Though the magic number of 22 was an all – time zenith in Tamil political representation the result was also a shameful nadir in Tamil democratic politics due to the colossal vote rigging done.This time the TNA did not have the LTTE behind them. Actually the TNA was trying to come out of the tiger shadow and distance itself from its unsavoury pro-LTTE past In that sense the results of 2010 though comparatively lower than 2004 is something to be proud of because the votes were garnered honestly against tremendous odds.Most TNA candidates lacked money power and man power and had to fight hard against their adversaries from the government who seemed to have unlimited funds at their disposal.If the poster and cut-out war was any indication the TNA was hopelessly overwhelmed in those spheres.Besides the TNA was also the favourite whipping boy of rival political parties.From the pro-govt EPDP led by Douglas Devananda to the newly formed Tamil extremist Tamil Nationalist Peoples Front the TNA received much flak.In fact Tamil hardliners devoted most of their energy into attacking the TNA rather than taking on the Govt. Irrational elements of the Tamil Diaspora also criticised the TNA vehemently.

Commendable

It was against this adverse backdrop that the TNA conducted its electoral campaign. The TNA triumph therefore is commendable because of the fact that unlike 2004 where it had LTTE support the 2010 campaign was one where it had to combat the overt and covert pro-tiger elements directly and indirectly.Two factors helped the TNA greatly in the campaign. One was the personal popularity of some TNA stalwarts who had been MP’s for several years.The other was the support extended by significant sections of the Tamil community who realised the imperative need to evince, evolve and empower a strong moderate voice for the Tamil people.The significance of the TNA success lies in the fact that it was able to mobilise substantial sections of the Tamil people into supporting the party despite the prevailing political situation. The TNA is perceived as a safe middle between two opposing courses of action.Apart from the the LTTE dimension the election results also indicate a decrease in overall Tamil representation from the North and East. Three reasons can be attributed for this decline Firstly the general apathy and lethargy displayed by Tamil voters. They did not turn out in large numbers. This was acutely visible in the urban areas.As a result Tamil votes declined leading to declining representation.Secondly there was a plethora of Tamil political parties, independent groups and candidates striving to divide the shrinking voter base. Although the number of votes taken away by these sections amounted to a small number individually the cumulative effect was large Thirdly there were several Tamil candidates on the Sinhala dominated national parties like the UPFA and UNF. While the votes polled by the Tamil candidates helped swell the party votes the preferences obtained by the Tamil candidates were not enough to earn them seats. Thus these Tamil votes also helped increase representation from other ethnicities at the expense of Tamils.The 2010 hustings has seen some old and new faces being returned. A brief examination of the elections and TNA member elects from the five North – Eastern electoral districts of Amparai (Digamadulla(Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Wanni and Jaffna would be of some use in comprehending the current political climate.

Amparai

Amparai (Digamadulla) was a new district carved out from the former Batticaloa South areas. It is the district with the least number of Tamils (19%).Though one of the seven seats from the district was expected to go to a Tamil such a possibility could be possible only through a trong show of ethnic unity.In the outgoing Parliament Kanagasabai Pathmanathan had been elected on the TNA ticket from Amparai district.After his demise due to natural causes Dr.Thomas Thangathurai had become MP In addition there was another Tamil MP from the district too.After Joseph Prarajasingham the TNA national list MP from the east was assassinated Chandra Nehru Chandrakanthan had been appointed.Chandrakanthan’s father Chandra Nehru Ariyaratnam hailing from Thirukkovil in the district had been MP from 2001 to 2004. Chandranehru who lost elections in 2004 was subsequently killed by the LTTE breakaway Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) along with former LTTE eastern political commissar Kausalyan. With Chandrakanthan and Dr.Thomas Thangathurai being MP”s from the district both were re-nominated on the TNA list though there were chances of only one Tamil MP getting elected. The sitting MP Thangathurai headed the list There was another candidate “Henry” Mahendran the TNA opposition leader in the Kalmunai municipal council and strongly tipped to be the winner from the TNA.There was also the question of whether any Tamil candidate let alone one from the TNA winning from Amparai district.One reason for this was that the ruling UPFA had a controversial yet strong Tamil candidate in their ranks. This was none other than Kumarasamy Pushpakumar alias “Iniyabharathi.”Iniyabharathi was a key deputy of Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias “Col” Karuna,former TMVP leader and present vice – president of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)Iniyabharathy was also a special coordinator for Amparai district appointed by President Mahinda Rajapakse Iniyabharathi with his strong – arm tactics and access to the throne of power was seen as a force to be reckoned with in Amparai district. During the polls campaign his goondas had restricted canvassing by the TNA candidates to some extent in certain Tamil inhabited areas of the district.The popular belief was that Iniyabharathi the sole Tamil candidate in the UPFA list would get elected. Some felt that the Tamil votes would get sharply divided between Iniyabharathi and the TNA resulting in no Tamil getting elected. A third opinon was that Mahendran or Chandrakanthan of TNA would squeak through.

Piyasena

When the results were announced a political “upset” had taken place. The TNA won the Tamil seat but the winner was a Tamil – speaking Sinhala person. The TNA Parliamentarian elect from Amparai district was Podiappuhamy.H.B. Piyasena with 11,139 preference votes.The unassuming Piyasena’s Sinhala father hailing from Devinuwara had settled down in Akkaraipattru in Amparai district with a Tamil wife. Piyasena’s siblings were all educated in the Sinhala medium with a brother being principal of a Sinhala school Piyasena too had his early education in Sinhala but reverted to Tamil medium in deference to his mother’s wishes. Though he wanted to join the Police force in his younger age Piyasena had changed his mind after witnessing and experiencing police brutality Piyasena is for practical purposes a “Tamil with a Sinhala name” and owns two businesses in Akkaraipattru and Thirukkovil. He speaks Tamil fluently with a distinctive eastern Tamil accent.Born in 1961 Piyasena was involved with Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front(EPRLF) politics during his youth. At one point he was under death threat from the LTTE and was forced into hiding.The new MP remains an ardent, devout Buddhist. His children have been given Tamil names and study in the Tamil medium. They are fluent in Sinhala and Tamil like their father.Piyasena was elected to the Aalaiaddyvemby Pradeshiya Sabha on the TNA and has functioned as deputy –chairman of the council. He had agreed to contest Parliamentary polls without any expectation of victory. Piyasena’s only condition had been that he should be made the Aalaiyaddyvembu Pradeshiya Sabha chairperson in due course.Piyasena had campaigned alone during the pre-elections period. He had bought a three-wheeler and modified it by mounting a mini –platform behind. After painting the vehicle “blue” in SLFP colours as a safety measure he had driven throughout the length and breadth of his constituenct appealing to voters on a personal basis via megaphone and distributing handbills.Only a driver accompanied him.Piyasena’s unorthodox campaigning seems to have been a success and when results were announced the “dark” horse had won.Success however was not so sweet as enraged Tamil goonda supporters of Iniyabharathy allegedly attacked his house and forced him into de-facto “house arrest”. TNA leader R.Sampanthan had lodged strong protests with the Police hierarchy and around 15 goons have reportedly been arrested.

Batticaloa

The adjacent Tamil –majority Batticaloa district has five seats including the bonus seat. In 2004 four Tamils (TNA) and one Muslim from the UPFA were elected. In 2010 many eastern province Tamil journalists were worried that Tamil representation could go down to two. TNA prospects seemed bleak This was because of three reasons. Firstly there were strong Muslim candidates in the fray. The UPFA had Hizbullah from Kattakkudi, Ameer Ali from Oddamavaddy and Ali Zaheer Moulana from Eravur. In addition Muslim Congress chairman Basheer Segu Dawood of Eravur was contesting on the UNF ticket.The second reason was that the TMVP led by Eastern province chief minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan was contesting separately. The B’caloa TMVP campaign was spearheaded by Pillaiyan himself.There was also the Tamil United Liberation Front(TULF) one of the TULF Candidates was a former MP Krishnapillai alias Vellimalai.While these parties could fragment Tamil votes there were also some influential Tamil candidates on the UPFA list.One was the former TNA woman Parliamentarian Thangeswari Kadirgamar. She had been denied nomination by TNA this time.There was also a former deputy-minister S. Ganeshamoorthy on the UPFA list. The UNF had Provincial council member Shashidaran.It was felt that these candidates would siphon off Tamil votes to their parties and enable non-Tamil candidates to get elected on the strength of more preferences.The TNA list was headed by Pon. Selvarajah a former school principal. Selvarajah master as he is known had been the TULF Batticaloa district MP from 1994 to 2001. He had not been given nomination in 2004 due to LTTE pressure.The tigers were displeased with him for not giving employment opportunities to those recommended by the LTTE There had been four elected TNA Parliamentarians from Batticaloa in 2004. In addition Joseph Pararajasingham from B’caloa had been appointed national list MP. Of these Joseph had been killed by the TMVP. Kingsley Rajanayagam had been forced to resign his seat and was later killed by the LTTE.Rajanayagam was replaced by P. Ariyanendran. He was given nomination. Ariyanedran was the only ex-MP given nomination in 2010 from the “non-party” persons nominated by the LTTE in 2004. A former editor of the Tamil journal “Thamil Alai” (Tamil wave) Ariyanedran is from the “Vannakkar” (hereditary trustee) family of the famous Thaanthondeeswarar Sivan temple in Kokkaticholai.Another MP was Jeyanandamoorthy. He had fled abroad due to threats from the TMVP and had opted not to return. Ms. Thangeswari Kadirgamar being refused nomination had joined the UPFA and was contesting.Tammanpillai Kanakasabhai had declined re-nomination but was actively campaigning on behalf of Pillaiyan and the TMVP.

Yogeswaran

Under these circumstances the TNA was at best expected to win two seats with Selvarajah Master and Ariyanendran getting elected. When results were announded the TNA had won three. While Selvarajah and Ariyanedran had won as expected the “upset” was the third man who topped the TNA preferences. Seenithamby Yogeswaran had got 20,569 preferences and come first while Ponnambalam Selvarajah (18,485) and Pakkiyanathan Ariyanedran (16,504)were second and third respectively. They are the three Tamil MP’s from the district.The Batticaloa district has four major caste groups namely Mukkuwar, Vellalar, Karaiyar and Seerbaatha. The political representation has been from the three Mukkuwa,Vellala and Karaiyar groups.Interestingly enough Ariyanendran from Kokkaticholai, Selvarajah from Kallaru and Yogeswaran from Sithaandi being elected the Mukkuwa, Karaiyar and Vellala groups are now represented.The success of Yogeswaran was unexpected in the sense that he is not a politician. Yogeswaran called “Aiyah” by his followers is a Social worker and devout Hindu He has been president of several Hindu organizations including the Young Mens Hindu Association and Inthu Maamandram (Hindu Society). He is well-versed in Hindu scriptures and wears pure white or saffron with the sacred beads known as “Ruthraksha maalai”. Yogeswaran manages some social institutions including orphanages and homes for the aged.It is said that Yogeswaran did not engage in active politicking for the elections. He was well-known and respected in the community because of his social service and perceived piety. He would attend every funeral in the neighbourhood and rush to help families in need.Clearly the personality factor has been instrumental in his election.A surprising matter was the failure of the TMVP to get even one seat despite controlling the Eastern Provincial council.Thanks to Yogeswaran the TNA had got more votes than the TMVP even in Kalkudah electoral division where the native places of Pillaiyan (Pethalai)and Karuna (Kiran) are.

Trincomalee

The results for Trincomalee are yet to be announced officially but it is known unofficially that the UPFA has won two of the four seats. The UNF has got one and TNA the other. The TNA list was headed by Sampanthan.As of now the TNA leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan stands elected with the highest number of preference votes. Since the pre-dominantly Kumburuppiddy polling station for which a re-poll would be held has 9777 polling cards Sampanthan’s tally is likely to increase further. The unfortunate series of events leading to a re-poll has been a blot on this election. As in the case in Nawalapitiya thugs allegedly supporting Government ex-ministerial candidates have reportedly intimaded and chased away Tamil and Muslim voters.If charges are proven true the finger of guilt points to Mahindananda Aluthgamage in Nawalapitiya and Susantha Punchinilame in Trincomalee. According to TNA circles goondas had struck terror into seven Tamil and Muslim villages north of Trincomalee town including Kumburuppiddy, Kuchaveli and Salappai Aaru. Polling cards had been seized and voters threatened to keep away Upon hearing of this Sampanthan had gone to Kuchchaveli and got the authorities and Police to ensure secure voting in at least five of the villages by the after noon. However Kumburupiddy and another village were severely affected and as a result a re-poll has been arranged for the 20th

Sampanthan

Notwithstanding the re-poll ,Sampanthan’s success in Trincomalee is guaranteed. This anticipated victory comes as a slap in the face for former TNA Parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam.He along with former MPs Selva.Gajendran and Padmini Sithamparanathan have formed the Thamil Thesiya Makkal Munnani or Tamil National Peoples Front.The new party contesting under the All – Ceylon Tamil Congress symbol of cycle fielded candidates only in Jaffna and Trincomalee.When interviewed by a Canadian pro-tiger Tamil radio Gajendrakumar explained that their intention was to defeat Sampanthan in Trincomalee and “Mavai” Senathirajah and Suresh Premachandran in Jaffna. Sampanthan, Senathirajah and Suresh are described as the “Triple “S” controlling the TNA A venomous campaign was launched against the TNA in general and Sampanthan in particular. This was duplicated in the media organs of the pro-tiger Tamil Diaspora.But Sampanthan too had his supporters abroad and a right-royal battle began.In Trincomalee the newly formed Front fielded an “unusual” list of candidates. Both the chairpersons of the TNA controlled Trincomalee urban council and Trincomalee town and gravets Pradeshiya Sabha were contesting against Sampanthan.Interestingly all the candidates on the Trincomalee Tamil National Peoples Front belonged to a particular caste.Usually when lists are compiled great care is taken to balance it with representatives of different social groups but in this case there seems to have been a brzen attempt to appeal to a single segment on caste lines thereby heralding another irresponsible attempt to fragment the Tamil polity further.Given the delicate ethnic balance in Trincomalee district there was apprehension among Tamil political observers about a Tamil candidate winning.With the Tamil Nationalist Peoples Front and Pillaiyan’s TMVP fragmenting Tamil votes it was feared that no Tamil would get elected as what happened in the October 10th 2000 election.This however has not happened and the Septugenarian Sampanthan has won. While Tamils from Trincomalee town have not voted in large number Tamils in outlying areas and the Muthur and Seruwila electoral divisions have voted extensively.Former TNA trincomalee district MP Thurairatnasingham played a big role in canvassing for Sampanthan.Thurairatnasingham voluntarily opted out from contesting this time.

Wanni

The sprawling Northern electoral district Wanni is sparsely populated. It comprises the administrative districts of Mannar,Mullaitheevu and Vavuniya. The Wanni return six MP’s to Parliament.In 2004 the TNA won five with one going to Rishard Bathiutheen of the Muslim Congress who subsequently broke away and formed the All- Ceylon Muslim Congress.Of the five TNA Wanni MP’s Sivanathan Kishore and Sathasivam Kanagaratnam had quit the party and joined the Government. Both contested under the betel symbol of the UPFA.The other sitting MP’s Selvam Adaikkalanathan, V. Vinotharahalingam and Sivasakthy Anandan contested again on the TNA ticket under the House symbol. While Anandan is from the EPRLF the other two are from TELO. Adaikkalanathan headed the TNA list for Wanni Apart from the “old” trio some new faces were also included. One was the medical doctor TW Jeyakularajah. Another was the University lecturer Sithamparapillai Selvarajah. There was also the return of a “vintage” face. Former TULF Mannar MP Philip Soosaithasan was contesting.He had been MP from 1977 to 1983. Dr.Jeyakularajah is a native of Thaniootru in Mullaitheevu district. He was arrested in 1982 for allegedly providing medical treatment to LTTE cadres injured in the attack on Chavakachcheri Police station. At Welikade he had a miraculous escape from the Sinhala prisoner mob.Jeyakularajah was one of the detenues who escaped from Batticaloa in the 1983 break-out. He went to Chennai and rendered medical care to Tamil refugees. He obtained a pardon under the Indo –Lanka agreement of 1987 and returned to Lanka. Jeyakularajah later served in Govt hospitals in Jaffna and Mullaitheevu districts until his retirement Sithamparapillai Selvarajah was a political science lecturer in Peradeniya and Jaffna universities. He had later gone to Australia and lectured in Universities there. Selvarajah a native of Thavasiyakulam in Vavuniya district returned home from Australia to serve his people. Several of his siblings were earlier members of organizations like the PLOTE,TELO and LTTE. Soosaithasan a chartered accountant by profession is from Vangalai in Mannar district.When serving as MP from 1977 to 1983 Soosaithasan was chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and highly respected. He relocated to Canada in 1990 and worked in the Canada Revenue Agency. After retiring Soosaithasan returned to Colombo a few years ago. He then moved back to Mannar. A devout Roman Catholic Soosaithasan has a good relationship with the Catholic Church hierarchy including Tamil and Sinhala bishops When the elections campaign got underway a “divide” was visible between the old trio of Adaikalanathan, Vinotharahalingam and Anandan and the newcomers. The trio worked together . While Adaikalanathan and Vino focused on Mannar district Sivasakthi Anandan concentrated on Vavuniya.When results were announced the old trio got the first three places while Dr.Jeyakularajah came fourth. It appeared that the Wanni voters preferred known devils to unknown angels. The inability and/or unwillingness of displaced Tamils to vote in large numbers also helped the established MP’s to get re-elected.

Jaffna

Jaffna electoral district comprising the administrative districts of Kilinochchi and Jaffna return nine seats. This would not be the case after 2011 when a national population census is to be conducted. The last official All-Island census was in 1981.Of the current Jaffna voter lists it i estimated that 40 – 50 % percent are not resident in Jaffna anymore. Relocation to other places in Sri Lanka and migration abroad has taken its toll. It is said that the number of seats from Jaffna would drop to five after 2011.In the 2004 elections the TNA had got eight of the nine seats with Douglas Devananda of the EPDP getting the ninth.The 2004 TNA victory was a blemish as massive rigging had been done with the backing of the LTTE. LTTE stooges like Selva.Gajendran and Padmini Sithamparanathan were elected with unprecedented preferences.Two of the eight elected are no more. Nadarajah Raviraj was allegedly killed by EPDP gunmen in Colombo while Sinnaiah Sivanesan fell victim to a landmine planted by an Army deep penetration squad. Their vacancies were filled by Nallathamby Sreekantha and Solomon Cyril respectively.Only two of the eight TNA Jaffna district MP’s contested again on the TNA ticket in 2010. They were Somasundaram Senathirajah (Mavai) and Kandiah Premachandran (Suresh).There was high political drama and controversy preceding this state of affairs.

Controversy

MK Sivajilingam and N. Sreekantha were from the TELO. Sivajilingam had spent many months in India hobnobbing with the Hindu nationalist BJP and Tamil Nadu pro – tiger elements.When Presidential elections were announced Sivajilingam returned to Sri Lanka and together with Sreekantha demanded that the TNA field a Tamil candidate. When this was refused Sivajilingam supported by Sreekantha came forward as a Presidential candidate.In what was perhaps an immense political blunder Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne misjudged Sivajilingam to be a progressive and teamed up with him. How a leftist leader like Bahu could join forces with someone close to Hindu fundamental BJP was a puzzle.But then politics does make strange bedfellows. But associating with Sivajilingam affected Bahu badly as many Tamils refrained from voting for him due to this.After the Presidential elction split the Sivaji-Sreekantha duo kept on criticising Sampanthan and the TNA. It was therefore a foregone conclusion that the duo would not be with the TNA at general elections.As expected the duo formed a separate party the Tamil National Liberation Alliance. They contested under the umbrella symbol of Vickramabahu’s Left Front.In the words of Marx, history repeats itself first as a tragedy and then as a farce. If Bahu teaming up with Sivaji for presidential elections was a tragedy then aligning with him for Parliamentary polls was a farce.The Sivajilingam factor put off both progressive Tamil and Sinhala voters. One cannot understand how revolutionary Bahu sahodaraya could join forces with the reactionary Sivajilingam. In any case the Sivaji-Sree duo fared miserably at the 2010 hustings

Miscalculation

Apart from the Sivaji – Sreekantha duo the Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam – Padmini Sithamparanathan – Selva Gajendran trio also struck out separately.In what as perhaps a fatal miscalculation Gajendrakumar hitched his wagon to the Padmini-Gajendran star and seriously damaged his political future.Gajendran and Padmini had been close to the LTTE hierarchy earlier. They used this “clout” to undermine and defy the TNA leadership. Like the cobra around Lord Shiva’s neck inquiring the well-being of the Karudan or Kite bird this duo had disregarded the TNA leaders due to their tiger influence. They had disrespected several other academics and professionals in Jaffna too.Both were also involved with Jaffna university politics. They were instrumental in politicising undergrads to unacceptable pro – tiger levels and were instrumental in organizing a series of “Pongu Thamil” (Tamil Upsurge) demonstrations. They were also involved in inciting students into violent demonstrations on the lines of the Palestinian “Intifada.”But after Mahinda Rajapakse became President and his brother Gotabhaya the defence secretary the State began striking back. Fire was met with fire. A massive crackdown through routine channels and unorthodox methods was launched against tiger and pro-tiger elements in Jaffna. Naturally sections of the student population had to bear the brunt of this “anti- tiger offensive”But Gajendran and Padmini who had played a major role in instigating these students were not there to stand by the victims to whose misery they had contributed.Instead they took refuge first in the Wanni and later in foreign countries. After exposing the student community to danger and hardship this couple was nowhere to be seen during troubled times However when elections were scheduled both Gajendran and Padmini returned home and prepared to contest again. But the long-suffering TNA leadership was not prepared to oblige.Furthermore substantial sections of the Jaffna student population as well as Jaffna academics and professionals indicated quietly to the TNA leaders that nominating the couple would not be welcomed

Nomination

Thus the TNA leadership took the bold decision of denying nomination to both. But Gajendran and Padmini Sithamparanathan latched on to Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. Earlier Gajendrakumar had some disputes with the TNA leadership about the Presidential election. Egged on by some Tamil extremists in the Diaspora, Gajendrakumar had wanted a boycott.Now the same Diaspora elements played a huge role in cementing an alliance between the discarded duo and young Ponnambalam.In Quixotic fashion Gajendrakumar began tilting at windmills to rescue imaginary maidens from imaginary dragons. He canvassed intensely for nominations to be given to both.When places on the nomination list were offered to Gajendrakumar and Tamil Congress president Appaputhurai Vinayagamoorthy , Gajendrakumar spurned it and instead requested that those places be given to Gajendran and Padmini Sithamparanathan.This led to the parting of ways between Vinayagamoorthy and Ponnambalam. Vinayagamoorthy who had been a Jaffna district MP from 2000 to 2004 threw in his lot with the TNA leadership and accepted nomination.Gajendrakumar along with Gajendran and Sithamparanathan broke ranks and formed the Tamil National Peoples Front. They filed nomination under the ACTC symbol of cycle in Jaffna and Trincomalee districts.Then began an election campaign that viciously attacked the TNA leadership consisting of Sambanthan, Senathirajah and Suresh.Thus five of the earlier TNA Jaffna Parliamentarians split and contested under different political formations. The other ex-MP Solomon Cyril was also denied nomination.He had earlier been involved in the co-operative sector on behalf of the LTTE. Cyril however did not make a fuss on being refused nomination.

Parliamentarians

So Senathirajah and Premachandran were the only two ex-parliamentarians elected in 2004 to get nominated in 2010 for Jaffna. Vinayagamoorthy who had contested Wanni unsuccessfully in 2004 was also nominated. Former Jaffna municipal Commissioner CVK Sivagnanam who contested unsuccessfully in 2004 was also nominated.Several new faces like the Human Rights lawyer Remedius, School principals Arunthavapalan and Sritharan, University professor Sivachandran and media proprietor Saravanabhavan were also nominated.The TNA found it being assailed on one side for its pro-tiger past and on the other for moving away from its radical political stance. The Sivajilingam and Gajendrakumar political formations focused almost entirely on the TNA and virtually ignored the Government.The EPDP contesting under UPFA auspices also lashed out at the TNA as it was identified as a potential winner.The TNA in its new avatar had very correctly attempted to distance itself from its pro – tiger past. It tried to eschew radical rhetoric at the beginning. But the elections campaign had its own compulsions. In a bid perhaps to counter ultra- national criticism several TNA candidates resorted to inflammatory and unrealistic rhetoric.Even though the pro-tiger Diaspora media provided massive publicity to the anti-TNA dissident outfits it soon became clear that the real fight for top position was between the TNA and EPDP contesting as UPFA. It was also anticipated that Vijayakala Maheswaran the UNF candidate would secure one seat.

Results

When the results were announced the TNA had won five of the nine seats including the bonus seat. Three EPDP candidates had won under the UPFA betel symbol. Douglad Devananda got the highest number of preference votes (28,585). Vijayakala Maheswaran with 7,160 preferences was elected as the only woman MP from Jaffna. Gajendran, Sithamparanathan and Ponnambalam who were the first three in terms of preferences in 2004 were demolished . So to was the Sivaji-Sree duo Three “old” faces were elected. They were Senathirajah, Premachandran and Vinayagamoorthy. They got 20,501, 16,251 and 15,311 preference votes respectively.The two new TNA faces were Easwaran Saravanabavan and Sivagnanam Sritharan. They got 14,965 and 10,057 preferences respectively.The lawyer Remedius who is currently the TNA opposition leader in the Jaffna municipal council had come sixth. Kanthaia Arunthavapalan the popular principal of Driebergs College, Chavakachcheri who was strongly tipped to win was unsuccessful. One reason for this was the “mysterious” poster campaign where it was announced that Arunthavapalan was bowing out of the contest and requested people not to vote for him. The posters were visible in lsarge numbers in the Chavakchcheri electoral division where Arunthavapalan was expected to get most of his votes. Though Arunthavapalan placed newspaper advertisements the damage done by the “posters” seems to have caused his downfall.

Saravanabavan

A leaflet campaign was launched against the TNA’s Saravanabavan also. The present proprietor of the “Uthayan” and “Sudar Oli” newspapers had at one time been associated with a finance company named “Shabra”.The “engineered” collapse of this institution in the eighties of the last century had resulted thousands of Jaffna residents losing their cash deposited in this company. The Shabra scandal occurred long before the recent “Sakvithi” and “Goldkey” affairs.Just a day before Elections day, a torrent of leaflets were widely distributed in Jaffna against Saravanabavan. The anti_ Saravanabavan leaflets accused him of absconding with depositors money resulting in the collapse of Shabra finance company.The scope and scale of the anti – Saravanabavan operation as well as the deceptive poster campaign against runthavapalan fuelled suspicion that the EPDP was responsible.This was because no political entity in Jaffna has the resources or power to conduct “operations” like these at present.Utilising the media power at his disposal Saravanabavan issued effective responses to the charges in the leaflets. Saravanabavan explained that he was only the General manager at Shabra and that two others had been GM after him. While admitting that a few of the company directors were his relatives Saravanabavan denied that he was ever a director or stockholder.The newspaper proprietor flatly denied that he had swindled any of the funds as alleged in the leaflet and queried as to why these charges were being levelled at him after so many years. He challenged his detractors to reveal themselves without being anonymous cowards. Saravanabavan also referred to the yeoman service done by the newspapers “Uthayan” and “Sudar Oli” in spotlighting the problems and grievances of the Tamil people. He charged that he was being attacked because the service done by his newspapers was unpalatable to some.It is noteworthy that the newspapers owned by Saravanan were not squeamish about projecting the image of their proprietor. In fact one newspaper is edited by his brother-in-law Vithyatharan.After an initial period of silence the newspapers began providing massive coverage to the speeches and statements of the TNA in General and Saravanabavan in particular. Saravanabavan himself projected him as a media person though he was only the proprietor. Though journalists and other staffers had undergone hardship, detention and danger the proprietor was spared such problems in the past.But Saravanabavan put up posters in Jaffna describing himself as “Oor Piracinaiyai Ulagariyach Cheidha OOdagap Poraali” (the media militant who drew global attention to local problems).However controversial the newspaper proprietor may be he did manage to harvest success. In fact the most number of votes were polled in Vaddukkoddai for which Saravanabavan was in charge

Pragmatism

The fifth TNA parliamentarian is Sivagnanam Sritharan the principal of Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam. Sritharan incidently is the brother in law of former tiger military commander Velayuthapillai Bhaheerathakumar alias “Brigadier” Theeban having married his sister. He and his wife surrendered to the Army shortly after the demise of Theeban in the Aanandapuram battle of April 2008.These then are the thirteen MP’s elected from the TNA in five electoral districts. The TNA is entitled to a national list seat too. Well-known human rights lawyer M. A. Sumanthiran is expected to be nominated as national list MP. If the TNA is entitled to a second slot that would go to Jaffna university History professor Sittambalam. In terms of seats obtained the TNA is the third largest party in Parliament. Despite its faulty history and past flaws the Tamil people have elected them because the TNA seems the best bet out of what is available.The TNA may have engaged in rhetoric during the elections campaign.It is now time to set it aside and act with responsibility ,sagacity and pragmatism.Great and irredeemable harm has been done to the Tamil people by the LTTE. The TNA during its earlier phases has contributed to this by shamelessly supporting the tigers. The TNA has to share the blame for the precarious position of Tamils today. The TNA must utilise the opportunity given during its third phase to do penance and rectify the damage done.The era of confrontational politics is over. The TNA would do well to take cognizance of this salient fact and act accordingly.

Sri Lanka armed forces and dynamics of change By Col R Hariharan

INTRODUCTION

Sri Lanka has undergone irreversible changes after President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s successive victories in the Eelam War IV followed by the presidential poll and parliamentary elections.After the three interconnected events, President Rajapaksa has emerged as THE most powerful head of state in the nation’s history. His vast powers as executive president are further augmented by his ten-party United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition’s majority in the newly elected parliament.In addition to this he is commander in chief of oversized armed forces which has become a power centre after the Eelam War IV. Thus after the final victory over the LTTE, the President emerged a modern day Dutagemmunu, the legendary Sinhala king who defeated the Tamil ruler Elara of Anuradhapura.

ARMED FORCES AFTER THE WAR

Rajapaksa’s contribution to the military victory

A symbiotic relationship between the armed forces and the President began with President Rajapaksa and the newly appointed army commander Lt General Sarath Fonseka started their terms of office with the same goal - to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). For Rajapaksa defeat of LTTE was fulfilment of an electoral promise while for the army commander it was a vow to liquidate the LTTE that had heaped ignominy on the army in three earlier episode of Eelam War. In the process of successfully achieving their goals, both the President and General Fonseka became national heroes. But after the downsizing of Fonseka, after his unsuccessful attempt to challenge the President’s bid for re-election, President Rajapaksa has emerged the cock of the walk elected to rule the country for nearly seven more years. Armed forces, particularly the army, before their transformation into a strong and powerful force, were considered a rather weak and professionally not so competent. This is not wholly correct; in the earlier Eelam War the army drove out the LTTE from Jaffna peninsula in Operation Riviresa in October 1995, and never allowed the insurgents to stage a comeback there. However, unfortunately public remembered it only for failures: large scale desertions, corruption, and some notorious debacles at the hands of the LTTE due to its stodgy leadership that failed to enlarge its victories. But the May 2009 victory has changed this; armed forces have at last gained recognition as the vanguards of Sri Lanka security.President Rajapaksa’s contribution in transforming the armed forces into fighting machines should not be ignored. To achieve his goal he created a politico-administrative structure to help armed forces successfully reach their military objectives, unmindful of its enormous cost in terms of finance, manpower, governance and international relations. He also provided the much needed political support for the armed forces. When he took over as President, things on the political front were abysmal. Schism between the outgoing President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the erstwhile Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had stalled the government from taking any strategic initiative to revive the negotiation at the peace process. And the LTTE which had the military initiative at the time of ceasefire now held the political initiative also. To change this, Rajapaksa strengthened his coalition in parliament by attracting defectors from the opposition benches. Once he was politically strong he had no hesitation in discarding the Peace Process 2002 which got bogged down after 2003. While doing so, he successfully weathered adverse international reaction, particularly from the Four Co-Chairs of the Peace Process – the European Union, Japan, Norway and the U.S. At the same time, he took care to allow face saving leeway for international efforts to bring about resumption of the peace process. However, when the LTTE failed to respond to international efforts there was no stopping the President from seizing the military option. The President’s approach to fighting the LTTE was also different from that of the earlier presidents. Unlike his predecessors, he went to war with his eyes wide open and listened to the armed forces commanders to choose a place and time to start the war. Once it started he provided all the help required to make the armed forces quantitatively and qualitatively strong. To keep a close interface between the government and armed forces he called in his two brothers – Basil and Gotabaya - from overseas and appointed them as presidential advisor and defence secretary respectively. Though his detractors accuse him of running the government as a ‘family affair’, it helped formation of close knit executive troika co of his two brothers and Lt General Fonseka, the Army Commander to plan and conduct the war. While Basil Rajapakse provided the political interface for the war, Gotabaya Rajapakse provided the government interface for military operations. Thus the military operations had seamless political and government support. As the defence ministry also controls law and order and public security, actions of paramilitary forces, civil defence forces and the police were coordinated with army’s operational requirements. This arrangement continued even after Basil Rajapakse became a parliament member later on. Initially, Sri Lanka’s a broad plan was probably to take on the LTTE in its own turf and seize military initiative back from the insurgents and regain control of territory under insurgent control. But the victory in Mavil Aru came in rather easily than expected in July 2006. Then onwards any pause in operation came only when the army commander wanted, mostly to induct more troops in the offensive.Sri Lanka always felt that India had played spoil sport in its conflict with Tamil insurgents. So throughout the conflict President Rajapaksa handled India with kid gloves. He made a conscious effort to prevent any Tamil Nadu swing in favour of Tamil insurgents from interfering with his military operations. This is a significant aspect because in earlier wars. Fortunately for the President, this job was a little easy thanks to Prabhakaran’s mindlessly assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1992 made it politically impossible for India to directly intervene in Sri Lanka’s conflict. To add to President’s comfort, the LTTE made no conscious effort to mend its relations with India, and strengthen its weakened political constituency in Tamil Nadu. The President in a strategic ploy identified his campaign against the LTTE as part of the global war against terrorism. India and the U.S. started providing regular intelligence inputs and technical support on the movement of LTTE’s shipping logistics. The LTTE was banned in 32 countries particularly after the assassination of Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. With that foreign assistance to Sri Lanka in its war against the LTTE gained legitimacy. Thus President made a substantive contribution to directly and indirectly help the armed forces not only to become powerful but achieve total victory against the LTTE after 26 years of war. Probably the armed forces feel beholden to the President for restoring its pride. And President Rajapaksa is likely to continue to command personal loyalty of commanders, who have been carefully chosen by him presumably after assessing them on this count. On the other hand the negative aspects of Rajapaksa’s style of achieving his goals discussed in the paper titled ‘Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa’s victory and the "power problem" – have tarnished the image of the armed forces also. This has given rise to allegations of lack of accountability, corruption, human rights violations and war crimes against the armed forces, particularly the army, during the war. Administrative actions taken so far have neither been adequate nor convincing.

General Fonseka and expansion of army

When Fonseka took over as army commander, army was in bad shape. Between 2003 and 2005 repeated LTTE bomb strikes and pistol group attacks had taken their toll of military intelligence operatives. The navy fared no better. Repeated LTTE Sea Tiger suicide boat attacks confined the navy to its own shores. As the armed forces of a legitimate government, they could not carry out retaliatory strikes without government approval as it would violate the ceasefire agreement. (And till President Rajapaksa came to power such an approval was not given.) This sapped the morale of armed forces. This made the ambitious General angry at the way army had been made to pay the price for ineptness of politicians and the government, under the peace process 2002. General Fonseka’s leadership significantly contributed to the following aspects in turning around the around the army to become a sizeable force with proven battlefield record. Specifically he paid attention to improve the following aspects, despite certain abrasive aspects of his leadership style.

* Force level: He expanded and refurbished the army from an under-equipped and weak force into a 190,000-strong force by 2009. In order to provide adequate force levels the army went into a recruiting spree. When the war started in 2006 he had deployed 12 divisions and by the time the war ended in 2009, he had raised and inducted four more divisions. (Out of this about 150,000 troops were deployed against the LTTE which had a combatant strength of around 20,000 apart from other auxiliary forces.)
* Exploiting the potential: The army had added 40,000 troops in 2008 to raise 47 infantry battalions, 13 brigades, 4 task force contingents, and two divisions. By any yardstick this was a colossal task and the army managed to carry it out successfully. This showed the potential strategic strength and capability of Sri Lanka to raise large sized forces in times of war.
* Training: He improved their training to address weaknesses in command and control. Understanding the need for numbers, he reduced the training duration of soldiers and put them on frontline as a military expediency. As the LTTE lacked rifle strength, overwhelming numbers proved a crucial factor. Similarly Special Forces units were well trained for optimising their use in operations.
* Conduct war: The army’s biggest weaknesses in the past were in higher direction of war, maintenance of momentum, coordination of operations on multiple axes, and use of air force and navy to support land operations. Operational planning was pedestrian and lacked innovation in execution. The LTTE exploited these weaknesses to capture Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi towns after driving out the army from vast areas in Vanni. However, when they went into Eelam War IV the armed forces, particularly the army, appear to have learnt from past mistakes and their performance was better in all these aspects.
* Higher direction of war: During the war, General Fonseka dusted up his operational planning and used multiple offensive axes to split and weaken the LTTE force levels, already depleted due to the defection of its Batticaloa commander Karuna along with his followers. Fonseka captured the Mannar coastline early in the operation to cut off the supply chain of basic essentials from Tamil Nadu coast. With advances along converging axes, the army offensive gathered more strength and fire power as the LTTE ranks were weakened with the progress of operations. Special Forces were used innovatively and deep penetration squads of commandos successfully eliminated some the key LTTE leaders.
* Holding the nerve: General Fonseka had initial failure in carrying out attacks on the Elephant Pass salient from the Jaffna peninsula side. However, he converted that an opportunity to soften up LTTE bunkers well before the final offensive to subdue the LTTE positions in the narrow strip between Muhamalai and Elephant Pass. In early stages the army was caught unaware by ‘bombing’ sorties by of the fledgling Air Tiger force. However, Fonseka refused to be overawed by it. The air defence system was tightened and the “air threat” of the LTTE could cause no worthwhile damage.
* Morale: The General’s biggest contribution was in rebuilding the morale of army. When he retired as army chief he left a force with high morale. This was mainly achieved through deliberate planning of operations with adequate force levels and fire power which resulted in successful conclusion of operations.

On the negative side, his abrasive style of leadership particularly in handling officers has created bitterness in section of army just as it also created a group of personal loyalists. This had its fall out when the General had a face off with the President and probably divided the army.

Air force in war

The Eelam War IV saw the extensive use of air support for land and sea operations. The Air Force strengthened with acquisition of new MIG-29 fighters, supported ground operations effectively. Its bombing missions allowed no respite for the LTTE leadership. Relentless air strikes demoralised the Tamil Tigers and prevented their free movement. At sea, the air force helped the navy in operations against Sea Tiger boats. Thus air support was one of the key elements of Sri Lankan success. This is evident from the huge number of sorties the air force flew in the Eelam War IV. In the period from June 2006 onwards till January 2009, the air force carried out a total of 1345 missions flying 2582 sorties of jets and helicopters. Three jet squadrons namely Kfirs (No 10), MIGs (No 12) and F7s (No 5) undertook 1,116 missions while helicopter gun ships took part in 229 operations. However, ground defence of air bases continued to be its weakness.

Navy in war

The navy which was hemmed in the early stages along bases in Jaffna peninsula, Trincomalee Bay and Southern Sri Lanka coasts, managed to improve its performance as the operations progressed. It adopted an offensive posture; up-gunned its patrol boats, coordinated its patrolling and surveillance with Indian navy and coast guard, and improved its electronic and other surveillance with inputs from the Indian and US intelligence agencies. It managed to suppress the Sea Tiger movements. The navy’s biggest success came when it destroyed most of the LTTE’s captive logistic shipping network sinking eight to ten ships in well planned and executed operations in international waters in 2006-08. The destruction of ships were loaded with millions of rupees worth of military supplies including light aircraft parts, artillery weapons, rockets, small arms and ammunition destined for the LTTE, reduced its sustaining power in war.

Defence coordination

The defence ministry was also responsible for internal security. This enabled the armed forces to achieve a great deal of coordination in employing police and paramilitary forces to prevent the LTTE’s notorious sabotage and suicide strikes from causing significant damage in the rear areas and cities. On the negative side, the concentration of forces law enforcement and national security under a single ministry can give rise to the emergence of yet another power centre in times of political uncertainty.

STRATEGIC STATUS OF ARMED FORCES

Sri Lanka armed forces appear to have graduated from a land bound army-dominated force to a strong multifaceted force capable of planning and executing complex operations utilising large sized forces on multiple axes. If the armed forces continue to hone their military skills in the coming years they are likely to become a first rate force supported by competent air and naval forces. Army’s higher command and leadership at various levels have shown they are capable of bouncing back with right leadership. Army has also shown its ability to integrate the air force, navy and paramilitary forces to further overall objectives of operations. The present strength of the armed forces is about 230,000; individual strength of the three services as gleaned from open sources is as follows:

Army

The army has 12 divisions and four newly raised divisions that are probably under trained and also under strength. Bulk of these forces is deployed in north and east after carrying out the Eelam War IV. Approximately 1000 troops (a battalion+) are with the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti. The army has seven regiments of armour (including one volunteer regiment), nine regiments of artillery (including two volunteer regiments), seven engineer regiments (including one volunteer regiment), ten regiments of signals (including one volunteer regiment), 97 infantry battalions, one mechanized infantry battalion, four commando regiments and three special forces regiments. The divisions are slightly smaller than Indian infantry divisions. Both support arm strength and logistics would indicate the Sri Lanka army at present probably can put into operation a force of 10 to 11 fairly self contained divisions, with the rest of the troops being reserves and those under training.

Army as a potential power centre

Armed forces are conscious that their success in the war would not have been possible without Rajapaksa’s leadership and the unprecedented support extended by the government machinery. Thus at the end of the war, a symbiotic relationship between the President and armed forces that came about during the war has now been strengthened. The significance of this relationship is evident when the President’s handpicked officer Lt General Jagat Jayasuriya took over as army commander over looking the recommendation of the out going army chief General Fonseka.Subsequently officers considered close to Fonseka were retired. The indebtedness of army to President Rajapaksa came to play in the run up to the presidential poll when the army commander and senior officers came out in his support both directly on TV and indirectly through seemingly routine actions.Sri Lanka armed forces are a sizeable force with considerable military muscle. With subtle politicisation it is emerging as an extra political power centre in the country. Under ambitious commanders such a power centre outside the democratic sphere has the potential to dabble in politics and meddle with government actions, particularly in times of political instability. And the army could become the deciding factor in such uncertain times. President Rajapaksa and the main political parties are probably conscious of such a possibility. The arrest and prosecution of a man of General Fonseka’s popularity and national stature is probably a testimony to President Rajapaksa’s determination to discourage such possibilities. The General’s well orchestrated campaign brought major opposition parties under a single umbrella, opening up a number of options for anti-Rajapaksa forces. Fonseka had established a network of trusted retired army officers in every district. Evidently this had triggered the President’s suspicion of Fonseka cooking up a military coup about which investigations are underway. On the other hand, the General and many other officers considered close to him have been slandered and treated in an undignified and shabby way regardless of their loyal service and contribution to win the war. Serious allegations have been made against the retired General and he is being court-martialled. The Sinha Regiment, the parent regiment of the General had been singled out for loyalty checks. And soldiers on security duty were disarmed by police when Fonseka’s office was raided. Such acts hurting professional pride of soldiers usually have far reaching consequences, though the situation appears normal at present. Probably the army is divided in the cavalier way General Fonseka and his colleagues were handled even though they might not consider the ambitious General free of guilt. A sizeable section of the population sees the government action against Fonseka as vindictive one. The Fonseka affair frittered away the strategic gains made by the President and distracts the nation from the task of rebuilding. So the impact of dynamics of changes in armed forces would very much depend upon how the President handles and employs them in his second term. The more they are involved to buttress his regime the greater would be the politicisation of the army. But Rajapaksa is an experienced politician with an uncanny ability to time his actions; so one can expect him to act with a lot of deliberation when it comes to the army.

Air Force

The air force has limited capability to keep Sri Lanka air space sanitized. It is probably capable of providing close air support both with fighters and gun ships to a divisional front. Its air lift capability is probably an infantry battalion minus. However, maintenance of the air force fleet is likely to pose a problem as it is an expensive proposition.

Navy

The navy is capable of detecting and engaging intruders along the coast line of Sri Lanka. A coast guard force is being raised. This would further enhance costal security of the country. In tandem with friendly forces its limited off shore capability can be enhanced.

STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS

Three issues are of immediate interest in an overall study of dynamics of change in the Sri Lanka armed forces. These are national leadership, strategic role for armed forces and India related issues.

National leadership

President Rajapaksa has demonstrated the importance of dynamic national leadership to prosecute successful war more importantly in achieving military victory against insurgents. He provided national leadership to fine tune government policies including external relations to ensure success of military operations. The President has shown his ability to leverage international environment to further his military objectives. Rajapaksa has shown clarity in preventing political interference in the conduct of military operations, allowing sufficient flexibility to the army commander in his execution. With a massive popular mandate in parliament and second presidential term he has emerged as an unchallenged leader. His strength is augmented by a powerful army now. Such powerful leadership can enable smooth passage of the country through a difficult journey to normalcy in the post-war period. On the other hand his flaws in leadership style and governance can create divisions within the country and lead to political unrest. He has failed to take strategic political action towards achieving ethnic amity. Despite repeated public affirmation, President Rajapaksa has not put a political package to resolve the question of devolution of powers to Tamils. Without a parallel political dispensation, military success against the Tamil Tigers in could be frittered away without consolidating the gains of war. Thus the President has left the country vulnerable to revival of such efforts in the future.Rajapaksa government’s conduct and accountability on issues like fundamental freedom of people, media freedom, human rights, transparency governance, and war crimes has failed to satisfy civil society both at home and abroad. The abrasive style of his ministers and officials particularly in handling international opinion has eroded the nation’s image. Already this is having its effect in actions like the European Union’s withdrawal of the GSP+ duty concessions extended after 2005 tsunami strike. International support is likely to dwindle further, unless he takes concrete measures to satisfy basic norms of international conduct. Absence of international support could also affect taking timely actions to discourage revival of Tamil insurgency with the support of Sri Lankan expatriates once again. Historically in many countries, the making of national leaders of immense popularity goes through some of the negative aspects Sri Lanka has been facing. Usually in such set ups personalised politics becomes the leader’s operational tool and they tend to use the armed forces at their command to enforce their will. In Sri Lanka there is potential for such a deadly combination. Political power combined with military power can erase the thin line bet between democrats and demagogues both of who may enjoy popularity. Normally, they end up creating life time presidents. But Rajapaksa may prove to be the exception as he has exhibited an uncanny sense of timing his moves to arrive at success during his first term. So his second term in office is going to be crucial for him as much as for the country. We can hope the country under his leadership will spend less time on rhetoric and paranoia and spend more on positive action to achieve political and economic stability sorely needed by the country.

Strategic role for armed forces:

The armed forces have the strength and potential to take a share of responsibility in regional security arrangements to prevent Sri Lanka from becoming the hunting ground for external powers. The introduction of Sri Lanka as a new military factor in the regional security spectrum has to be reckoned in future operational planning of all powers including India. It will be in the interest of both India and Sri Lanka to evolve greater strategic convergence between both countries to ensure better coordination of their security strategies to their mutual advantage. This would enable both nations to keep the Indian Ocean region sanitized from external forces. The army has expanded too fast and the new recruits’ training had been short. As the new army commander Lt General Jagath Jayasuriya has emphasised the army needs to be trained with greater discipline and professionalism to make it fit a first rate fighting force for conventional operations. This is usually an ongoing process in the army and that should take priority. The President and the armed forces have developed a symbiotic relationship. And this has introduced a subtle element of politicisation within the armed forces. And the Fonseka affair has introduced seeds of division within the army. This coupled with politicisation of armed forces could be used by unscrupulous commanders to act as a pressure group on the functioning of democratic governments. It would also affect the growth of the army as a disciplined conventional force to effectively take part in a regional security set up.

India

Although India had adopted a cautious policy of support to the President, he has not fulfilled his promises to India on taking action to devolve powers by implementing the 13th amendment. This has downgraded his credibility among the ruling coalition in India. Apparently for reasons of political expediency he has overlooked India’s support as an essential element in Sri Lanka’s strategic capabilities. From Indian point of view, there are a few disturbing trends in Rajapaksa’s foreign policy dispensations. One is the slow drift towards China and possibly Iran for reasons of economic support and assistance. While a slow increase in Chinese influence in Sri Lanka is inevitable, its potential to destabilise the power equation in Indian Ocean region and India’s immediate neighbourhood (area of strategic influence in military parlance) cannot be denied. This is likely to come under close scrutiny of both India and the U.S.A second aspect is Rajapaksa’s continued casual attitude to public sentiments in India, particularly Tamil Nadu, on devolution of powers to Tamils. Though this is no more a major political issue in India, it could be leveraged by extreme Tamil elements to keep the flame of Tamil insurgency flickering in the minds of Sri Lanka Tamils. It can also be taken advantage of by pro-LTTE politicians of Tamil Nadu when the local political climate suits such a development. With coalition politics ruling the roost in New Delhi, India-Sri Lanka relations have the potential to sour.In view of this New Delhi will have to take a re-look at its Sri Lanka policy and approach it afresh to achieve a win-win situation for both countries. The threat to internal stability in Sri Lanka is mainly from unresolved ethnic confrontation. For historical and geographic reasons it is closely related to the strategic relationship between India and Sri Lanka. This will involve helping Sri Lanka maintain its unity while resolving the ethnic issue to the satisfaction of all communities. As Sri Lanka now has a strong armed force, it is essential that India and Sri Lanka closely coordinate the long term strategies for security of the two countries and Indian Ocean Region. Thus it is essential India builds a meaningful relationship with President Rajapaksa’s government which is likely to rule for another seven years. This cannot come about unless the ethnic issue is resolved to create a win-win situation within a reasonable time frame.The time for implementation of 13th amendment even with additional palliatives is well past and it is unlikely to satisfy all parties. It is essential for India to take two initiatives to bring ethnic amity and normalcy. It can use its good offices with Sri Lanka Tamil Diaspora to open a positive dialogue with Sri Lanka government while prevailing upon President Rajapaksa to come up with a political agenda for implementation without any more delay. Secondly, extend large scale aid and credit for the reconstruction and development of war ravaged north and east to enable speedy return to normal life in these provinces. This would create a positive stake for Tamils in political participation to ease ethnic tensions to carry out development of northern and eastern provinces.Although this analysis has not considered the trade and economic aspects, these are key issues that could affect future strategic relations of the country. The Sri Lankan proposal for a road bridge between Sri Lanka and India made by the late Lakshman Kadirgamar is worthy of consideration. This could help the development of backward areas of Tamil Nadu as well as Sri Lanka north.

16 April 2010

TNA, SLMC agree for talks

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has invited the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) for talks on working together in parliament in order to ensure the rights of the minorities are secured, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem told Daily Mirror online. The invitation for talks was extended by TNA Leader R. Sampanthan to the SLMC Leader last night.SLMC Leader Hakeem had accepted the invitation and assured the TNA Leader that he would meet his party for discussions soon after his return to Colombo after the re-poll in Nawalapitiya on April 20. Hakeem is currently in Kandy campaigning for the re-poll next week. “Mr. Sampanthan called me last night and asked if we could meet. I assured him I would meet him after I return back to Colombo. The main basis of our meeting would be to strengthen the voice of the minority parties in parliament as there are some chauvinistic opponents in the government who are trying to make some opportunistic amendments,” Hakeem told Daily Mirror online.He added that the main concerns of the minority parties would be to ensure justice for the minority communities, a climate of equity, fair play and good governance.Meanwhile when questioned if he was in talks with the government, Hakeem denied stating that he had formed an alliance with the UNP. “I have not been in any talks with the President or anyone else from the government. Neither have I been approached by them. There is going to be no pole vaulting as we have formed an alliance with the UNP,” Hakeem said.When questioned if he would reconsider joining the government if an invitation was extended by President Mahinda Rajapakse, Hakeem denied maintaining that he would work with the opposition in building the country. “These talks about me joining the government are just a way to tarnish my image before the elections next week. As I have a lot of votes from the UNP voters. I have no such plans. However as an opposition, we would work with the government in rebuilding the nation,” Hakeem said.

Mano Ganesan attacked

UNF parliamentary candidate and leader of the Democratic People’s Front Mano Ganesan’s vehicle convoy came under attack this evening in Kadilhena, Nawalapitiya. “We were traveling with police protection and that didn’t stop these attackers, we have identified them to be thugs of a former minister. I ask the President to intervene and discipline his politicians,” Ganesan said. His convoy of five vehicles was traveling with a police vehicle when it came under attack and thereafter his supporters were forced to fend for themselves and drive out the attackers, he said.This comes a day after his supporters were attacked in Nawalapitiya. He said most of the plantation communities were fearful of casting their vote in this escalating climate of violence even during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

U.S. and Sri Lankan militaries participate in joint humanitarian exercise

Members of the Sri Lankan military recently conducted a joint humanitarian exercise in Trincomalee with the colleagues from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.The event also included civilians from the Disaster Management Centre and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, who conducted a seminar in disaster preparedness and medical response with US military officials from Special Operations Command Pacific. "The focus of the exercise was humanitarian assistance. The training included advanced trauma medical care and the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance, coping with post-traumatic stress, and preventive health care," the statement said.According to the U.S. Embassy the joint teams of US and Sri Lankan military personnel and civilian health workers worked with people from 27 rural communities and visited over 700 families in Sri Lanka.U.S. Defense Attache, Lieutenant Colonel Larry Smith said the joint exercise helped members from the two militaries to exchange best practices on how to address complex humanitarian challenges."U.S. and Sri Lanka have a long tradition of cooperation. We hope this partnership can be expanded," he added.

Sajith urges reform in UNP
 
A leading parliamentarian in Sri Lanka’s main opposition has urged a re-organisation of the party after it was once again defeated by the ruling coalition at the general elelctions.Sajith Premadasa, the Hambantota district parliamentarian of United National Party (UNP) says the party needs to be reformed to represent the grassroots, including labourers, farmers and fishermen. “The reform should begin with where the power is centred,” he told BBC’s Elmo Fernando.The UNP only secured 46 seats, out of 180 declared so far, while the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won 117 seats.

'Creating crisis'

The UNP that won two seats at the 2004 general election in Hambantota district, the stronghold of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has secured the two seats in 08 April polls under Mr. Premadasa's leadership.  “The main reason for the failure to implement reform was that the power is pretty much centralised in the party so the responsibility lies with the party leader,” said Mr. Premadasa, the son of former President R Premadasa. Some UNP parliamentarians however argue that it is important to maintain the unity in the party by working together.“This is not the time to create another crisis by pulling the rug under its feet” Gampaha district MP, Jayalath Jayawardene told BBC Sandeshaya. However, Mr. Premadasa says that the leadership should recognise the importance of the reform for the progress of the party in future elections. But Mr. Jayawardene is of the opinion that it is unfair to blame only the party leadership for all the failures.“I think we should honestly look back whether we all did fulfil our responsibilities,” he said.

15 April 2010

US urges respect for human rights in Sri Lanka

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged Sri Lanka to respect human rights and heal its communal divisions as the island emerges from decades of ethnic bloodshed. In a message marking Sri Lanka's New Year and released by the US embassy in Colombo on Thursday, Clinton said the government defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels nearly a year ago had paved the way for a new era."This is an opportunity for Sri Lankans of all backgrounds, living inside and outside the country, to renew their bonds and work together to build a prosperous, democratic nation defined by tolerance and respect for human rights," Clinton said."The United States is eager to support you in this journey and to build even stronger ties of friendship," she added. Sri Lanka had accused the United States of supporting the opposition in January's presidential ballot which saw Mahinda Rajapakse elected for a second term.Washington denied the charge but relations have remained strained.The United States has withheld military training for Sri Lankan security personnel since accusing Colombo of rights abuses in the final stages of the offensive against the Tamil Tigers. The US government has also pushed for an independent probe into alleged war crimes committed by both sides in the conflict.The United Nations estimates that up to 7,000 civilians were killed in the last four months of fighting with the rebels.

Sri Lanka political parties gearing up for April 20 re-poll

The main political parties in Sri Lanka have recommenced their election campaigns in Nawalapitiya in the Kandy District where a re-poll is due to be held on April 20. The Elections Commissioner called for a re-poll in 34 polling divisions in Nawalapitiya on April 20 following the cancellation of the results from the April 8 poll due to election related malpractices.The governing party campaign is reportedly being carried out mainly by former ministers Keheliya Rambukwella and Mahindananda Aluthgamage who are vying for the top slot in the preferential votes list in the Kandy District.The leader of Democratic People's Front (DPF) Mano Ganeshan and the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Rauf Hakeem are contesting for the Kandy District under the main opposition United National Party. Meanwhile, the security has been strengthened in the polling divisions to prevent any election violence. The police said 400 Special Task Force (STF) police have been deployed to the Nawalapitiya electorate.The re-poll on April 20 is expected to see over 55,000 voters re-exercising their franchise.An Election Department official said the poll cards for the re-poll to be held in the Kandy and Trincomalee districts will be handed over to the Postal Department today for delivery.

Army Commander leaves for America next week: to be interrogated by officials there  
 
According to information reaching Lanka e news, SL Army Commander Jagath Jayasooriya is to make a private visit to America next week.Diplomatic sources say, that the State Dept. of the US and the Dept. of internal Security are in readiness to question him regarding the human rights violations in Sri Lanka.Earlier when the Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse went to America to extend his citizenship there, he was questioned for over an hour by the US internal security Dept. of State. This information was however not revealed. But, later when former Army Commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka visited the States, he stated on his return that he was not questioned by the US officials raising a storm of controversy. The next to visit America is Jagath Jayasooriya. His three brothers are residents in America., One brother is in Houston city, another brother is in the state of Philadelphia. He is visiting Chicago city on the 20th to attend the wedding of the daughter of his other brother. Our efforts to communicate with the Army spokesman for further details in this connection proved futile. 

Tamil goons of UPFA conduct terror campaign against TNA MP Piyasena By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Tamil goons of ruling UPFA conduct terror campaign against newly elected Tamil National Alliance MP from Amparai (Digamadulla.)Podiappuhamy Piyasena the Tamil speaking Sinhala MP from TNA is confined to "house arrest" due to threats and unable to move about freely.In a pathetic interview to BBC Tamil service a terrified Piyasena said gangs had chopped at the doors of his house with axes to instill fear.The two police constables assigned to protect the MP had not stopped it & had advised Piyasena not to venture out due to safety reasons.Piyasena said his supporters had been attacked in the presence of Police who had done nothing. He himself was unable to go out and help them.Piyasena whose father was Sinhala & mother Tamil said that despite becoming an MP for the first time in his life he was under "house arrest".Goonda supporters of Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar alias "Iniyabharathy" who contested & lost on the UPFA ticket are responsible for the intimidation.Iniabharathi is President Rajapakses co-ordinator for Amparai district& a senior deputy of Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias "Col" Karuna.TNA leader R. Sambandan has contacted top Police officials&urged immediate action to protect the MP & prevent further intimidatory violence.Unconfirmed reports say 15 goondas allegedly involved in the terror campaign including the "right-hand" of Iniyabharathi have been arrested.

Lanka wants Israel to withdraw

Sri Lanka has called on Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territory saying sustainable peace could only be obtained if Israel were to withdraw from the territories back to the 1967 borders and end the blockade, illegal expansion of settlements and the construction of the separation wall. Sri Lanka's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Bandula Jayasekara, speaking at the UN Security Council said his country believed that a resolution of the Palestinian conflict was crucial in restoring peace in the Middle East, and had therefore called on all sides to fully implement resolutions regarding both the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the two-State solution. While the relaxation of restrictions regarding the economic blockade in the Occupied Palestinian Territory were noted, there were still deep concerns about the daily suffering and hardships the Palestinian people continued to endure while living under occupation, he said.The Palestinian Authority, in honouring its obligations, needed to implement its security plan to ensure its territory was not used for illegal attacks on Israeli civilians. Allegations of illegal arms flows must be investigated. Both sides must do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of civilians, Jayasekara further added.He noted that Sri Lanka supported the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as international efforts for early resumption of negotiations, and cited the unity of the Palestinian people as essential to the process for lasting peace. He hoped both sides would ensure a climate conducive for the resumption of negotiations and regretted that the announcement of new settlement construction had resulted in a setback to the progress made.

China congratulates Sri Lanka on parliamentary election

China on Thursday congratulated Sri Lanka on the smooth running of last week's parliamentary elections, the first since the defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels last May.The Chinese government will continue to develop friendly cooperation with the South Asian country on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news briefing.Sri Lanka's ruling party, the United Peoples' Freedom Alliance, recorded a convincing election win after the 26-year civil war, bagging 117 seats, four more than the 113 required for a majority in the 225-member parliament with two more district results yet to be announced.Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said last week that the ruling coalition's victory showed that people had endorsed his program to turn Sri Lanka into a developed nation."The Chinese side also supports the efforts of Sri Lanka government and people to safeguard national stability and development," Jiang said.

Sri Lanka surprised at Pakistan

Sri Lanka has expressed surprise at comments made by a Pakistan Minister who had claimed that the Sri Lankan authorities were not co-operating in the investigations on the Lahore attack last year.Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Air Chief Marshall Jayalath Weerakkody told Daily Mirror online that he was surprised as to what prompted the Pakistani Minister to make such a statement especially when Sri Lanka had clearly stated that they would not get involved in the investigations. He added that although he had not yet received any complaint from the Pakistani government, there was nothing much the Sri Lankan government would do as the attack had taken place on Pakistani soil. “I do not know what more Pakistan expects us to do? We had clearly stated from the beginning that Sri Lanka will not get involved in the investigations. However we had asked for a speedy investigation by the Pakistani authorities,” Air Chief Marshall Weerakkody said.He also maintained that the Sri Lankan government had requested for a report on the outcome of the investigations which they had not yet received from the Pakistani authorities to date. “We are yet to receive the report. We need some answers from Pakistan on who is responsible for the attack as it is the Pakistani authorities who will know best as it took place in their country. What more can we do to help them solve an attack which happened in their country?” the Air Chief Marshall queried. Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said yesterday the Sri Lanka government is not cooperating on the investigations in the attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket team in Lahore last year, The News in Pakistan reported.According to The News the Pakistan Interior Minister told reporters that he would protest to the Sri Lankan ambassador in Pakistan that Sri Lanka denied cooperation with Pakistan’s investigation team during its tour to the country.

Tamil Tiger pensioner gets election go-ahead

A pensioner has been given the go-ahead to run candidates in the upcoming elections despite his links to a banned terrorist organisation. Nadarajah Balasubramaniam, 69, hopes to persuade people the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are freedom fighters, despite years of suicide bombing and reports they used child soldiers to fight the Sri Lankan army. The Electoral Commission has reinstated his People’s Front of Liberation Tigers party to its register, having removing it pending investigation on March 19. Mr Subramaniam, who lives in Thornton Heath, said he set up the party’s head office in Lomard Business Park, Purley Way to make use of its 24-hour security. The former post office worker received dozens of calls from friends and family to check he had not been arrested following the Croydon Guardian’s exclusive interview earlier this month. He said : “During the last few days I had to do lot of talking in order to pacify my friends and relations that I am well, ‘alive and kicking’. “Some Tamil radio has given news to say that I was already in the prison. It was April Fool’s day too.” A spokeswoman for the Electoral Commission and another for the Home Office both said enforcement of terror laws was the job of the police. Croydon police would not say whether any action would be taken against Mr Balasubramaniam.

SRI LANKA: Uthayakumari, "There'll be no New Year until I find my daughter"

Uthayakumari, 39, lost her husband and a son in fighting between Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and government forces in 2009, and is still searching for her daughter who went missing earlier the same year. The girl was aged 16 when she was forcibly recruited by the Tigers in 2007. Uthayakumari and her family made an ill-fated decision to stay in LTTE-controlled areas to remain in contact with her. "People in the country are celebrating the New Year this week. For me, every hour that goes by is an hour of suffering and weeping for the death of my loved ones, and trying to locate my lost daughter. "They [Tamil Tigers] were on a child-abducting spree - they wanted to expand their ranks. My daughter never wanted to join the LTTE. They abducted her in December 2007 from Kilinochchi town and kept her in their camps on the war front. She was a beautiful child who never liked violence, but the LTTE took her away. "We were helpless. In those days, the LTTE controlled all these areas [in Kilinochchi], so we couldn't do anything about the abductions. "We didn't want to leave the war zone because our daughter was held by the LTTE. I didn't feel it was right for our family to run away, leaving her. As the war and LTTE moved from Kilinochchi to Mullaitivu areas, we also moved with the LTTE. "Later on, in April 2009, we decided we had to leave as the war became unbearable. A lot of shelling was going on. "While we were fleeing Mullaitivu to government-controlled areas, a shell fell between my husband and my son. They both died on the spot; I saw my husband's body being torn into pieces. I was very near to them. My spirit died that day, and I'm now living like a dead person. "Soon after the last New Year, I lost the people I loved the most. How can I celebrate another New Year? Nothing feels new or fresh to me. "I have contacted the authorities to find my daughter. I cannot locate her at all. Please help me to find my daughter. Many LTTE-abducted children were rehabilitated and released by the government, but my child was not on any of those lists . "For me, there will no New Year until I find my daughter. But I just don't know where to look for her."

Geetha now in denial

Defeated UPFA candidate from the Galle District Geetha Kumarasingha has denied media reports which claimed that she will file legal action against her own party over her loss at the recent General Elections. “It is a diabolical lie. I never decided to take anyone to court,” a furious Kumarasingha told Daily Mirror online.Kumarasingha's comments came as a surprise as there were international media reports earlier in the week claiming that she will file legal action against her own party leaders as she was initially among the winning candidates but by the end of counting, she had lost the election. Geetha Kumarasinghe was qouted as telling BBC Sandeshaya that she was initially among the winning candidates but by the end of counting, she has lost the election. But she refused to reveal the names of the culprits."It was all done by my own party people. But unfortunately it is difficult for me to reveal the names," BBC Sandeshaya qouted her as saying.She was forced to send independent monitors to counting centres as she was not allowed to appoint her own polling agents, Ms. Kumarasinghe said.

Sri Lanka main opposition initiates disciplinary action against MP-elect's alleged attacker

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party has initiated a disciplinary inquiry on the party's provincial councilor for the NorthWestern Province, Shantha Abeysekara for his alleged involvement in the attack on UNP Puttalam District member Palitha Range Bandara who was re-elected at the recent general election.The UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya has said the disciplinary inquiry is to commence shortly.Range Bandara is expected to undergo two more surgeries for the injuries sustained by him during the attack last Saturday night.Five people including Abeysekara were arrested by the police for allegedly attacking Range Bandara.The Chilaw Magistrate Court on Sunday remanded the suspects till April 23 pending further investigations.

Sivaji to protest with HC

The former Presidential candidate and Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament, M.K.Sivajilingham is to lodge a protest with the Indian High Commission (HC) in Colombo over being deported back to Sri Lanka from Chennai According to the Asian Tribune website Sivajilingham, who was deported on Tuesday he will be lodging a protest note to the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Sivajilingham pointed out that he still has a diplomatic passport issued for MPs which is valid till the newly elected MPs are officially gazette by the Election Commission.He said he has obtained SAARC Travel endorsement in his passport from the Sri Lanka Immigration which is valid till 10 November 2010.Immigration authorities in Chennai told Sivajilingham that there is a Home Ministry notification that he is persona non grata and accordingly he will be deported back to Colombo.

BBC to reinstate FM broadcasts via Sri Lankan national broadcaster SLBC

BBC World Service is to reinstate its FM programming on the Sri Lankan national broadcaster SLBC from Thursday, April 15. This will be the first BBC programming on the SLBC FM network for 14 months.The BBC suspended its programmes in the English, Sinhala and Tamil languages on 10th February 2009 following deliberate interference in its broadcasts. During the suspension, the BBC’s services in all three languages remained available in Sri Lanka via short wave; on bbc.com/news, bbcsinhala.com and bbctamil.com via the Internet; and news bulletins in English via the Sri Lankan commercial broadcaster MBC.   Director of BBC Global News Peter Horrocks said: “The BBC wishes to rebuild its partnership with SLBC – part of a strong relationship with listeners in Sri Lanka that goes back to the 1940s. We have been reassured by SLBC that our contractual agreement will be respected, which guarantees that our programmes in English, Sinhala, and Tamil are broadcast uninterrupted.“We are pleased that we can now offer listeners to the SLBC FM network the BBC programmes they used to enjoy. Our audiences understand that in order to cover news events in the most comprehensive and balanced way, the BBC adheres to specific editorial values that include impartiality, editorial independence and seeking a relevant range of views on any topic. It is something audiences value. It is the only way we can meet our audiences’ high expectations and maintain our reputation as the world’s most trusted international broadcaster.”

Refining India’s Policy in Post-War Sri Lanka By R.Swaminathan

There was some thought about titling this presentation as “Fashioning a New Policy Towards Sri Lanka”, till I remembered that there are too many constants levied by geography, history, demography and strategic considerations that one can only think of refining and fine-tuning India’s policy in post-war (and post-election) Sri Lanka and not of really fashioning a new policy.India and Sri Lanka are so close that there is not enough sea between them for both to have the full limits of their territorial waters in accordance with international law. The International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Palk Strait curtails the extent of the territorial waters to much less than the normally permissible limit. So, the Palk Strait is in reality a shared legacy and waterway and should not be treated as a contested territory. Historically, particularly during the period when both countries were governed by colonial Britain, the movement of people and goods between the two countries was practically unregulated. Demographically, there is a sizeable minority (3.5 million out of 21.3 million) of Tamil-speaking people (of Indian origin) in Sri Lanka. A look at the map of the area will show the strategic importance of Sri Lanka to India’s security and economic well-being and that an orderly neighborhood is an Indian strategic imperative.

Constants in India’s Policy

1. India has to maintain cordial relations with the elected government in Sri Lanka and with all the major political parties in the island.
2. India has to ensure the stability and territorial integrity of the Sri Lankan state.
3. India has to strive for the persons of Indian origin to be treated as equal citizens, without any adverse discrimination because of their language or their origin.
4. India has to develop very close and productive relations with Sri Lanka in the fields of security & national defence, economic development & cooperation, bilateral trade, infrastructure development, education and public health.
5. Overall, India has to make herself so much a part of Sri Lanka’s well-being, security and development that the dependence on (and influence of) China, Pakistan, Iran and other non-regional actors does not grow any further.

Post-War and Post-Election Refinements

The civil war situation is over and President Rajapakse has got the double mandate that he wanted. One cannot disagree with Barbara Crosette, UN correspondent for The Nation and a former New York Times correspondent and bureau chief, when she wrote on 18 February 2010 that “Sri Lanka has never had a better chance than it has now to stamp out the last fires of ethnic hatred, violence and mindless chauvinisms that have left more than 80,000 people dead in civil wars”. The President’s election victories, following the military defeat of the LTTE, have placed him in a unique position to resolve the ethnic problem. He had also kindled general expectation that he would take this up after the elections. He has however neither offered a creative solution nor a time-bound path for reconciliation. As Col. Hariharan has written, Rajapakse thrives on divisive politics and hence there is a feeling of uncertainty about how he will function in his second term, particularly when he has no military agenda to pursue. After winning the presidential election in January 2010 and his ten-party-alliance’s victory in the parliamentary election on 8 April, the apprehension is that President Rajapakse may become increasingly autocratic, thus harming the possibility of a lasting peace between the Tamils and Sinhalese and also threatening the multiparty democracy that has been in vogue in Sri Lanka. India faces the major task of making special efforts to persuade the President to improve the lot of the Tamils and to persuade the Tamils to talk to and cooperate with the President towards that end. India will not be alone in this effort. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake, told the BBC in an interview on 9 April 2010 that the USA feels that Mahinda Rajapakse should reach out to the Tamils in the new political environment following the defeat of LTTE. "It is important that they (Tamils) feel that they are going to be able to live a future of hope and of opportunity that the internally displaced people that are now in camps - there are still approximately 100,000 of them - be allowed to go back to their homes."The Indian government has to maintain its firm stand that the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has to be resolved through a negotiated, permanent political settlement based on credible devolution of powers within the framework of a united Sri Lanka; and acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka, including the Tamils and the Sinhalese. This would require the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and the early announcement of a credible devolution package. The package would have to include devolution of powers to a Tamil-majority province in relation to sensitive subjects such as land and the police, even though the centre may retain some over-riding powers (to protect national security and territorial integrity) on both these issues. Suitable models are available in India and in Northern Ireland.The Government of India should take steps to work with the Government of Sri Lanka in order to encourage large scale and effective people-to-people relations, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their populations. The nearly half a million strong Sri Lankan Tamil diasporas has so far been more or less ignored by India. Active dialogue with the groups and efforts to convince them that cooperative (even if demanding) approach to the Sri Lankan Government would be more helpful to the Tamil cause than continued support of the idea of an independent Eelam, may be worthwhile and productive.India’s policy in Sri Lanka has in the past ranged from intervention and mediation to facilitation, but never isolation or neglect. The twin track of diplomacy and coercion has to be changed to diplomacy and incentives.

Economic

Nature abhors a vacuum and India should try to fill the space as much as possible. India should seriously consider a very pro-active role in the restoration of the war-ravaged economy of Sri Lanka, without being coy about her preference for the rapid return to normalcy in the Tamil areas in the north and the east and for helping those areas to reach at least the same levels as the rest if Sri Lanka. There should no hesitation to adopt a policy of providing funds (as grants or loans) for infrastructural, educational, public health and job creating projects in these areas, in the same manner as the Government of India would assist a State in India that had suffered comparable distress. Massive support for building approach roads, schools, hospitals etc. would pay rich dividends by way of goodwill and stability.In the areas of trade and commerce, India could be much more generous in offering concessions based on “asymmetric reciprocity”. The Government of India may also usefully consider giving tax concessions and other incentives to Indian industrial houses and entrepreneurs to invest in infrastructural and job-creating enterprises throughout the island, with special emphasis on the north and the east. India could be more open in stating her preference for helping the Tamil majority areas in the fields of education, public health, job opportunities, trade/commerce, investments etc. This approach might also produce a positive side effect of making the political parties of Tamil Nadu happier.India had sanctioned the equivalent of USD 1.75 million in May 2009 for reconstruction activities. A part of this amount is being spent on the supply of 530,000 Metal Roofing Sheets and 400,000 cement bags (the first lot handed over on 1 April 2010) for distribution among the resettled population in the Northern Province, through the Sri Lankan Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services. Such directly felt and traceable help deserves to be increased manifold.India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, after her three-day visit to Sri Lanka (early in March 2010) spoke of India's intention to continue supporting the task of development and reconstruction in the northern and eastern regions. She announced India's support for housing projects to be taken up in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts for the benefit of the IDPs. This will include setting up temporary shelters, repairing and rehabilitating damaged houses and building new houses. The Foreign Secretary also indicated that additional Lines of Credit are being considered for railway projects in northern Sri Lanka. There is an urgent need to follow up on these assurances, without the normal procedural delays.On 6 January 2010, India and Sri Lanka signed a Line of Credit agreement for $67.4 million to fund the second phase of upgrading the Southern Railway Line from Colombo to Matara. The Export-Import Bank of India had earlier provided $100 million Line of Credit for the first phase, under an agreement signed in July 2008. The project will double the average operating speed to 80 kmph, allowing an express train to cover the Colombo-Galle distance within two hours.

Fishing in Palk Bay

The ticklish issue of fishing in Palk Bay may seem to be (at the same time) political and economic, but is basically a human issue. Prof. Suryanarayan and I have written often suggesting the creation of a joint Palk Bay Authority to ensure the equitable sharing of the marine resources for sustainable fishing. Sustenance and development of fishing resources, environmental protection of bio-diversity, cooperative utilization of the marine resources etc. could come within the ambit of this authority. Primarily, the governments should mostly facilitate people-to-people agreements between the fishing communities. This would require significant changes in the thought-processes of the bureaucracies of both countries. Such changes can come if the political leadership shows the way.

Defence Cooperation

In the post-war scenario, without any fear of being accused by Tamil Nadu political parties of helping in the war against LTTE, India should take the initiative of placing on the fast track the proposal for a Defence Cooperation Agreement. There is already a history of military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, since independence. It could be argued that if Sri Lanka has sought defence supplies from Pakistan or China in recent times, it was mainly due to exasperation with India’s policy approaches and reluctance or hesitation to supply the military equipment needed by Sri Lanka.

Conclusions

Sri Lanka has emerged stronger and more stable after the military success in the Eelam war and the two elections at the national level. It has to build on this position through sagacious and appropriate political dispensation to prevent the resurgence of Tamil militancy. The President should not hesitate to seek from India such political/economic/military help that Sri Lanka may need. India, on her part, should not hesitate to provide all the needed help, subject only to any limitations imposed by her supreme national interests. India will therefore have to refine her political, economic and military policies towards Sri Lanka, to make itself more relevant to Sri Lanka than other nations.In the process of refining and fine-tuning her policy towards Sri Lanka in the current situation, India needs to be particularly careful to avoid giving any impression of condescending and/or patronizing attitudes, as that would only serve to antagonize the proud President and people of Sri Lanka.

14 April 2010

Process of polling cards delivery for the re-poll to begin tomorrow

The Election Department has made arrangements to hand over the poll cards for the re-poll to be held in the Kandy and Trincomalee districts to the Postal Department tomorrow for delivery, Additional Commissioner of Elections W. P. Sumanasiri said. Post Master General, M. K. B. Dissanayake said the Postal Department will deliver the polling cards as soon as possible for the April 20th re-poll.A re-poll was called by the Election Commissioner for 34 polling divisions in Nawalapitiya of Kandy District and KumburuPitiya in Trincomalee District. The Election Commissioner annulled the results of the 2010 general election from these electorates due to elections law violations occurred at the polling centers.The complete election results are being held up until the re-poll is held.

New Year unites communities - President
 
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities should seek to unite the different communities in Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said.In his New Year message, President Rajapaksa said it is the most appropriate time in recognising the “kinship among us”.“I trust that this Sinhala and Tamil New Year which reflects the unity and pride of our nation will be celebrated by all in the spirit of joy, peace, sharing and contentment which will lead us to a future of prosperity,” he said. The president has noted that it is the first time the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated “in harmony and contentment since the motherland was unified”. Sri Lanka military forces defeated the Tamil Tigers, who have been fighting for a separate state for Tamils, in May last year.The president has also pledged measures to develop the agricultural sector “to bring prosperity” to Sri Lanka.

Once Under Attack, Jaffna Media Get Reprieve

About eight months back, delivery boys for this northern city’s main newspaper were accompanied on their rounds by government soldiers – the first time a Sri Lankan broadsheet was being delivered under armed guard.Today, almost a year since the war against the Tamil secessionists ended in May 2009, life for Jaffna journalists is slowly changing for the better. "We were facing threats from some armed groups and we had to seek protection," recalled M V Kanamylenathan, chief editor of the Tamil-language ‘Uthayan’ newspaper. Ironically, its protector – the army – was also accused – alongside other sectors – of intimidating this newspaper group in the once war-battered northern capital. "We have gone through hell," said the newspaper’s deputy editor, G Kuganathan. "Things are slightly improving now," he confirmed. These days the military is polite and even apologetic when seeking to publish a press release, he added. In the past, "they would demand publication [of a press statement] and issue veiled threats if it didn’t appear in the newspapers the next day," Kuganathan told IPS. The military still controls Jaffna, though. Described as having the most vibrant newspaper industry outside the island capital of Colombo, Jaffna also faced the most serious threat to journalists in this South Asian country, particularly at the height of the 25-year battle against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The ‘Uthayan’ and two other newspapers in the northern city that has an estimated population of 750,000 had faced the worst forms of intimidation and threats to the media. Journalists and media workers were killed and newspaper offices bombed. During the bloody conflict with the LTTE, journalists across Sri Lanka were under pressure from all sides, including the government and the rebels. At least 15 journalists and media industry workers across the island state were killed beginning in 2006, when one journalist working for an online newspaper disappeared. Another 15 were either abducted or arrested by police based on trumped-up charges. Yet no one was arrested despite so-called ‘extensive investigations’ by state agencies. According to Lakshman Gunesekera, a former newspaper editor, Jaffna’s press suffered tremendous pressure from various forces. "They withstood unbelievable pressure," he said in a phone interview from Colombo. Pressure on Jaffna’s newspapers, all published in Tamil – the language of the Tamil minority, which is mainly found in northern Sri Lanka – came from government agencies, LTTE militants that controlled the city at different times and Indian peace-keeping forces. Indian troops came to Sri Lanka in 1987 to help enforce a peace pact between the Sri Lankan government and the rebels. When the pact failed, the foreign force turned their guns on the rebels. Even members of the press were not spared. "Once a senior Indian officer threatened us with death if we didn’t toe the line," said Kanamylenathan in his modest newspaper office in Jaffna. The pressure on all fronts was such that at one point, according to N Parameswaram, a Jaffna freelance journalist who works for the Reuters news agency and some Colombo-based newspapers, four militant groups wanted their stories published as lead articles at the same time. "The editor had to tell them that that would be the first time in the world that a newspaper had four lead stories," he said. Two other Jaffna newspapers, though less popular than the ‘Uthayan’, are ‘Valampuri’ and ‘Thinakural’. ‘Valampuri’ is the mouthpiece of the pro- government Eelam People’s Democratic Front. ‘Thinakkural’ is a Colombo-based newspaper with a Jaffna edition. It toes the line of whoever is in charge in Jaffna unlike the ‘Uthayan’, which voices dissent, albeit with some restraint. Both newspapers suffered threats and intimidation, though to a lesser extent compared to the ‘Uthayan’. Gunasekera said newspapers have thrived in Jaffna because, next to Colombo, it is a strong socio-cultural centre. "This northern town has the most educated elite (after Colombo) and high literacy, and many want to write or express their views," he said. Many of the ‘Uthayan’ journalists left the newspaper following death threats while at least six workers, including two reporters, have been killed since 1985 when the paper started publication. Until tensions eased, the newspaper’s office was bombed at least twice by government jets and Indian peacekeeping forces. Just before the August 2009 municipal council poll in Jaffna, an unknown group threatened to kill the ‘Uthayan’ workers, including freelance correspondents, if they did not cease publication. The newspaper appealed to the President, who immediately ordered the army to protect the daily. This led to the unusual situation of armed soldiers on motorbikes accompanying newspaper distributors on their early morning rounds in the city. "I don’t think anyone has faced the kind of intimidation and threats Jaffna’s journalists have suffered," noted Chulawansa SriLal, convenor of Sri Lanka’s Free Media Movement, the country’s most powerful media watchdog. On at least two occasions, the ‘Uthayan’ has won bravery awards from a group of local media organisations. These are no doubt well deserved.

LTTE underground fuel storage found in Northern Sri Lanka

A special joint operation conducted by the police and Army has discovered a buried fuel storage tank used by the LTTE Tiger rebels in northern Sri Lanka, the military said today.On information received by the police, a special team of police and army troops Tuesday discovered the underground tank in the Tigers' former stronghold of Puthukkudyiruppu.Police Spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said the tank which is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide was estimated to contain about 20,000 to 25,000 liters of diesel.Troops conducting search and clear operations in former rebel-controlled Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts continue to recover hidden stocks of arms, explosives, and other military hardware.On Monday troops conducting search operations in the areas of Mirusuvil, Iranamadu, Alankulam and Visuamadu in Kilinochchi district found one kilogram of TNT, 150 g of C-4 explosives, two 81 mm mortar bombs and seventeen 60 mm mortar bombs among a haul of military items.

Government’s first duty is to originate political constitution council. – Vasudeva Nanayakara

The newly elected parliament member on behalf of Ruling party Vasudeva Nanayakara informed, according to the present election system, the government which achieved the extreme victory, should originate the political constitution council immediately. He stated this while he attended a media briefing at the head office of Democratic Leftist front. Vasudeva Nanayakara said people had granted this mandate to the government to amend the political laws which is presently adverse. He said at least one year period is necessary to debate about the political constitution amendment. He said in the basis of economy, health and educational sectors in the welfare of people, amendments should be done in the policies. In regard to foreign policies too changes have to be made was mentioned by him.

13 April 2010

Tamil National Alliance has become third force in the country: Selvam Adaikalanathan

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has become the third political force in the 7th parliament. In this respect people have transformed us into a force which is authorised to negotiate Tamil people’s basic problems and political solution, said TELO leader and Vanni district MP Mr Selvam Adaikalanathan. While emphasising the importance of International Community’s involvement in finding a permanent and acceptable political solution to Tamil People, he also stressed the need for the Sri Lankan government to act in a responsible manner. He expressed these views when he was speaking about TNA’s future objective. Further he said “As far as Tamil National Alliance is concerned, there would not be any change in its stand for the Tamil people and it will continue to champion their cause. The Tamils in the North East have voted in a manner which express’s their confidence in us”.“Successive Governments have failed to satisfy Tamil people’s aspirations. If this trend continues, this will hinder the country to achieve normalcy” he added.  “As at now the basic requirement in the North is the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. TNA demands for genuine resettlement and development of these people, in addition it expects the speedy rehabilitation of war affected people, disabled, war widows and orphans which should address their needs.  We have decided to initiate actions towards securing the release of innocent youths who are being held in detention camps and the political prisoners. We continue to press the government towards these objectives. The next stage in our process is our right for a political solution. Tamil people have continued to express their demands and their respective position in elections. The TNA continues to insist on restoring Tamil people’s rights through finding a permanent political solution.  Towards achieving this end TNA has campaigned within and outside the parliament. The International community has been informed about the Tamils demand and they too have understood our plight. Therefore, the International Community’s role in achieving a political solution is very important.  After people’s verdict in the elections TNA has become a force which has the authority of the North East people to negotiate for and on behalf of the people. Not only we represent Tamil people but we have also become the 3rd political force in the country. Therefore the Government cannot shy away from its responsibilities”.

Disunity is the reason

Meanwhile, TNA is expected to win fewer parliamentary seats than last year.  The number of seats held by TNA in the last parliament was 22. Due to threat of violence he said people did not venture out to vote. The percentage of those who voted in the election has dropped. Disunity among Tamils was cited as the main reason for TNA’s reduced showing in the elections. However, those who left TNA were blamed for causing reduced Tamil representation in the North East.   He ended his speech by saying “In the future, people must unite under one leadership after realising their mistakes and voice for the Tamil people”

Probe poll incidents says EU
 
The European Union (EU), while welcoming the fact that the General Elections in Sri Lanka took place in a largely calm atmosphere, noted that there were reports of incidents on election day and trusts that the authorities will take appropriate action to ensure that these are properly investigated and resolved.Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, in a statement congratulated President Rajapaksa and the UPFA on their success and added that the EU looks forward to working with the newly elected Sri Lankan government in the implementation of its ambitious political agenda including national reconciliation.“I also welcome the fact that these elections took place in a largely calm atmosphere. The EU has noted reports of incidents on election day and trusts that the authorities will take appropriate action to ensure that these are properly investigated and resolved,” She said

US notes loss by hardliners
 
Sri Lanka's first peacetime parliamentary polls won in a landslide by the country's ruling party can pave the way for President Mahinda Rajapakse to unify the nation, a US official said Monday."I think one of the noteworthy things about the recent elections was that hardline Sinhalese nationalist parties took a severe beating in these elections," said US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake.Rajapakse said he saw the overwhelming majority won by his United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) on Saturday as a vote for his economic policies and the crushing of the Tamil Tiger rebels in a military offensive last year.Blake said he saw the outcome as a "telling and important result, because these particular parties had opposed any kind of power-sharing with the Tamils and with the Muslims."The results of these elections really open the way for President Rajapaksa to take important action to unify the country and get it back on a path of growth."The UPFA secured 117 seats in the 225-member assembly with another 45 seats still to be declared. It is projected to win another 24 to 28 seats when the final tally is announced.Blake predicted that the ruling party "probably will be able to get a two-thirds majority when all the dust has settled."Sri Lankan officials said Sunday the polls will be rerun at 18 polling booths where the elections were marred by violence.

India deports former TNA MP
 
Former TNA Member of Parliament (MP) M.K Sivajilingam was denied entry into India today at the Chennai airport and is due to return to Sri Lanka later tonight, former MP N. Sri Kanta told Daily Mirror.M.K Sivajilingam, who had defected from the TNA together with N. Sri Kanta and formed their own party during the January Presidential elections was denied entry into India even last December.During the recent General Elections the party was highly critical of India and even its election manifesto did not favour the Indian administration.

Jaffna library trying to put the past behind

Compared to many bombed out homes and churches in town, the Jaffna Library is housed in a starkly and stately, milk-white building. A statute of goddess Saraswati in the courtyard and armed Sri Lankan army patrols outside the walls keep watch as students, retired government servants and academics step inside the library’s noiseless reading rooms with high ceilings to pour over books and journals."You need to take your shoes off (before entering) as this is a temple of knowledge", former head librarian S Thanabaalasinham said.The library building was inaugurated in 1959 by mayor, Alfred Durayappah, assassinated in 1975 by slain Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, his first high-profile murder.But for all the coats of white paint on the façade, the scars of a violent night in 1981 remain like a torn book in the dusty, dark corner of a shelf."We can’t replace them," Thanabaalasinham said about the thousands of rare books and Palmyrah leaf manuscripts destroyed when the library was burnt down by a drunk, rampaging mob of policemen on the night of May 31, 1981. Around 97000 books and manuscripts were turned to ashes.The library building was re-built; then, after a second attack, abandoned. It moved to neighbouring Nallur.For years, the scorched building remained empty with bullet-marked walls wrapped in the lingering smell of burnt pages.Rebuilding began in 1998 and the new library building was reopened in 2003. It now has more than 100000 books and 200 regular users. "We are getting books from all over the world. Last month we received 1000," Thanbaalasinham said, adding that library’s website was ready to be inaugurated. He expects that more students and researchers from across Sri Lanka would gradually start using the library.He spoke about the library’s India connection. The High Commission of India’s first secretary Siddharth Chari laid the foundation stone of the building, targeted in ’81, in 1954."After it was burnt down, the Tamil Nadu government with MGR as chief minister sent books worth Rs 5 million to the library," Thanbaalasinham said.

More Indian gifts for IDPs arrive in Sri Lanka Thursday

The second consignment of 200,000 bags of cement donated by the Indian Government for resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons of the North will arrive Thursday. This is in addition to the 2,600 metric tons of corrugated roofing sheets provided by India for the IDPs, Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Ministry Secretary R.H.W.A. Kumarasiri told the Daily News yesterday. India also provided assistance to Northern IDPs following the exodus of civilians from the Vanni to Vavuniya after the defeat of terrorism last year. Among the assistance were food packages, kitchen kits, first aid kits and other essential materials valued at over 610 million rupees. Kumarasiri accepting the first consignment of cement on behalf of Senior Presidential Advisor and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Presidential Task Force Head Basil Rajapaksa thanked Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kantha and the Government for the continued support given for IDPs welfare. IDPs numbering about 285,000 were accommodated in Welfare Villages in Vavuniya in a short time after their exodus from Vanni. As at today, about 60,000 IDPs remain to be resettled. “With over 200,000 of them resettled in their former villages and hometowns the Government has succeeded in minimizing the difficulties faced by these people. They had to be resettled only after the land-mines indiscriminately scattered in the North by the fleeing LTTE terrorists were removed under the Task Force’s de-mining operations so that it would be safe for them to go back to their former homes,” Kumarasiri said.

30 Tamils flee Merak camp after Australian policy change

INDONESIA is ''very worried'' the Rudd government's freeze on processing refugee claims will scuttle a tentative agreement to end the six-month stand-off with Sri Lankan asylum seekers at Merak, a senior official said.About 30 of the Sri Lankans escaped from the secured port area in recent days and are believed to have engaged the services of a people smuggler to aid their departure.About 200 ethnic Tamils who fled the conflict in their homeland remain on the boat after they conditionally agreed to get off the vessel and into accommodation last Wednesday.The five-day timeframe given for the end of the impasse has since passed and the Indonesian foreign affairs official in charge of negotiations, Dr Sujatmiko, said he is growing more pessimistic about a resolution.''I'm really very worried that they will change their minds or more will escape,'' Dr Sujatmiko said. ''We believe that there has been an impact from the Australian government's policy of suspending processing.''Australia announced on Friday that it would freeze the processing of refugee applications for Sri Lankans and Afghans for three and six months respectively in an attempt to stem the flood of unauthorised boats coming to Australia.The freeze was revealed two days after Dr Sujatmiko announced the Sri Lankans had agreed to leave the boat.Nimal, a spokesman for the asylum seekers at Merak, said people on the vessel were ''disappointed and scared'' by the Australian decision.''No one knows where they [the escapees] have gone,'' said Nimal. ''They don't know other people in Indonesia so I think they would have had contact with an agent [people smuggler].''But the Sri Lankans were also concerned that the Indonesian government will not tell them where they will be accommodated or guarantee they would not be deported, he said.That may have been a more important factor behind the breakout from Merak. ''The people who have stayed on the boat hope the Indonesian government can give a good solution,'' Nimal said.The Sri Lankans were intercepted by the Indonesian navy in October following a personal request from the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.When another boat was intercepted by the Australian vessel Oceanic Viking days later and the 78 Sri Lankans rescued were quickly resettled after refusing to disembark in Indonesian waters, it raised the hopes of those in Merak that they would be given a similar, special deal.

'Action' against religious attackers
 
The Attorney General (AG) in Sri Lanka has informed the Supreme Court that disciplinary action has been launched against a group of police officers for failing to investigate an attack on a Christian devotee.The AG was responding to a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition field by Pradeep Sanajana Kumara, a resident of Kirindiwela, Gampaha district. The petitioner has accused the police of failing to take action against a group that attacked his house accusing him of maintaining a prayer centre for Christian devotees. In his petition Pradeep Sanajana Kumara says that he bought to house in Kirindiwela and being a Christian devotee, regularly prayed at his home. But a group of villagers have attacked his house accusing him of maintaining a prayer centre.Although he provided the details of the attackers, the petitioner says, the police failed to take any action against them.He seeks a ruling by the court that his right to religion is violated by the police inaction.The AG has also informed the Supreme Court that steps are underway to file charges against the attackers.

Film actress accuses UPFA for defeat
 
A veteran film actress defeated in the recent parliamentary polls says she is considering legal action against her own party leaders.Geetha Kumarasinghe, a ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidate for the Galle district, told BBC Sandeshaya that she was initially among the winning candidates but by the end of counting, she has lost the election. But she refused to reveal the names of the culprits. "It was all done by my own party people. But unfortunately it is difficult for me to reveal the names," she said. She was forced to send independent monitors to counting centres as she was not allowed to appoint her own polling agents, Ms. Kumarasinghe said. There was nobody to monitor the counting process at the time her preferential votes were counted, according to the popular film star. Ms. Kumarasinghe said she was threatened and harassed by the regional leaders of President Rajapaksa's UPFA since she launched the election campaign. "They only harassed their own party supporters. My cut outs were burnt, I was not allowed to paste posters, I was threatened with death, they instigated people to throw stones at me, they did everything possible against me." Controversial former provincial councillor, Nishantha Mutuhettigama received most preferential votes in Galle district while the district leader, former minister Piyasena Gamage, was the fifth among seven elected candidates.

12 April 2010

Clinton greets Tamils and Sinhalese on New Year Day

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today greeted Tamils and Sinhalese in Sri Lanka prepare on the occasion of New Year and said this is an opportunity for them to "renew their bonds" and work together to build a prosperous and democratic nation. "This is an opportunity for Sri Lankans of all backgrounds, living inside and outside the country, to renew their bonds and work together to build a prosperous, democratic nation defined by tolerance and respect for human rights," Clinton said in a statement ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year day on Wednesday.She said this is the first time in decades that Sri Lankans from all parts of the island can celebrate together in a peaceful and united country."The United States is eager to support you in this journey and to build even stronger ties of friendship between our people," she said.

Gen. Fonseka as Opposition leader : proposal from newly elected MPs  
 
There are reports that discussions are afoot among some elected candidates of the UNF for the appointment of Gen. Sarath Fonseka as the leader of the Opposition .Fonseka who contested under the DNA as its leader polled 98,258 votes and has been elected as an MP at the General elections.These new UNF MPs claim that there must be an Opposition leader who could give a tough challenge to the Govt. at this juncture. This is primary and paramount they state.These UNF MPs also declare that ,as Gen. Fonseka was supported to be the candidate at the Presidential elections with a view to making him the President , and secure the most important position, there should be no hindrance to making him the Opposition leader.The release of Gen. Fonseka can only be secured if the UNF emerges victorious . On the basis of the announcements made by the Party leaders at the General elections , appointing Gen. Fonseka will be giving life to those announcements . Moreover, this will be a solution to the security reinforcement of Gen. Fonseka , the MPS , have added.

Who will be the next Prime Minister?

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is yet to announce the nominee for the Prime ministerial post with several party seniors including former Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena and senior Minister D.M. Jayaratne eying it.Meanwhile, political analysts say some SLFPers are promoting Mr. Basil Rajapaksa to the position. The name of former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake is also not ruled out Mr.  Sirisena, however, told a news conference yesterday that there were many qualified persons for the post, and among them, the most qualified will be picked by the President as the next prime minister.Mr. Sirisena polled the highest number of preferences in the Polonnaruwa district, Nimal Siripala de Silva in the Badulla district and Basil Rajapaksa in Gampaha. Among them, Basil Rajapaksa has obtained the highest number of preferential votes among all the candidates. A smiling Mr.Sirisena said that it would be left for the party to decide. “There are many qualified persons for it. Among them, the most suitable one will be selected for the post by the party,” he said. Earlier, Mr. Sirisena went on record saying that he would accept the post if it was offered to him by the President. Mr. D.M. Jayaratne also told the media at that time that he was the most eligible person for the position. He also said that he was among the three persons nominated by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga for the prime ministerial post in 2004. "I am the most senior   person in the SLFP. Therefore, I should be given it," he said adding that he had even made his suit to be worn as the Prime Minister. The other two members were the present President Mahinda Rajapakse and the late Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. After the 2005 Presidential Election, Mr. Jayaratne even pasted posters saying that he would be the next Prime Minister. However, both Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and Mr. D.M. Jayaratne did not contest the election this time. Their names are on the UPFA  National List, which is yet to be announced. The appointment of the Cabinet will also be delayed because of re-polling for certain polling stations in Nawalapitiya and Trincomalee.  The UPFA parliamentary group is also expected to decide who should be nominated for the speaker post.

Sri Lanka governing party will not appoint defeated candidates to parliament through National List

Sri Lanka's ruling United People's Freedom Alliance yesterday (11) said that party candidates who were defeated at the general election would not be accommodated on the National List to enter the parliament.Governing party spokesperson and former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told the media in response to a question that the party had taken a firm decision not to appoint any defeated candidate to parliament through the National List.A questioned was posed by the media following speculation in political circles that former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama was trying to secure a slot in the UPFA National List.Four cabinet ministers including Bogollagama and former Justice Minister Milinda Moragoda lost their seats at the election. The number of national list MPs allocated to a party depends on the number of votes the party received at the election. The UPFA is likely to get 17 National List slots as the party has secured about 62 percent of the votes.A total of 29 National List MPs will be appointed to the 225-member parliament alongside with the 196 elected members. The UPFA's National List comprises Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka, D.M. Jayaratna, Dullas Alahapperuma, G.L. Peiris M.H. Mohammad, Vishwa Warnapala, Dew Gunasekara, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Geethanjana Gunawardena, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda thera, the Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha thera, Muttu Sivalingam, Achala Jagoda, Mohammad Musammil, W.J.M. Loku Bandara, Vinayagamurthi Muralidharan, Anuruddha Ratwatte, J.R.P. Sooriyapperuma, Janaka Priyantha Bandara, Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe, Leslie Devendra, A.H.M. Azwer, Malini Fonseka, Harischandra Wijetunga, Sarath Kongahage, Kamala Ranatunga, Chandrasekeran Shanmuganathan, U.L. Shahula Hameed and Shanmugam Jegadeeswaran.

Tamil parliamentarian from Sri Lanka's governing party assures the removal of HSZs in the North

 A Tamil parliamentarian elected from Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has assured to gradually remove the high security zones (HSZs) in the northern peninsula.Former Minister and EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda, has reportedly said that the HSZs in the peninsula will be removed as there is no security threat any more.Devananda has recalled that President Mahinda Rajapaksa also has a vision for the people in the Northern Province to experience the same freedom as experienced by the people in the South."The high security zones were created because of the threat posed by the LTTE. But now there is no LTTE threat so these high security zones will be removed completely step by step," Devananda has told the Daily Mirror online.

UK offers new telephone information service for visa seekers in Sri Lanka

A new telephone information service has been offered for the Sri Lankan visa seekers to the UK, the British High Commission in Colombo has informed.A press statement from the High Commission said Visa Services have announced the introduction of a centralised telephone information service, on a trial basis, for UK visa customers in Sri Lanka. The visa applicants are required to call +94 11 539 0698 for information about the status of their visa applications. For general visa enquiries and information they are required to contact VFS, the agency that process visas for the UK.This service is available between 1:30 pm and 4pm Monday to Thursday. On Fridays the service will be available between 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.The High Commission said that trained staff will provide all the information the applicant needs to track the status of their UK visa application at no charge. All the information provided about the status of the application is supplied and approved by Visa Section staff and is available in English and Tamil. Written enquiries about the status of the visa application should be sent to Chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk, the statement said.

Rajiv’s assassin Nalini moves court for early release

Nalini Sriharan, serving life sentence for assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Monday moved the Madras High Court against a Tamil Nadu government decision to reject her appeal for early release.The Madras High Court April 6 dismissed her appeal for premature release, basing the ruling on the state government’s decision to accept the report of prison advisory board to turn down her request.The board, headed by the Vellore district collector, listed eight counts not to free Nalini, including her reported refusal to apologise for Gandhi’s murder in 1991.A woman suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealem detonated explosives strapped to her body while pretending to touch Gandhi’s feet at a rally in Sriperambudoor.According to investigators, Nalini was part of the team of conspirators that killed Gandhi for sending the Indian Army to Sri Lanka in 1987. Originally, Nalini was convicted on 16 counts of murder and given death penalty. Later, at the intervention of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the slain former prime minister’s widow, the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. In September last year, Nalini filed a petition saying she was entitled for release in 2005 itself as she had completed 14 years in jail. After her arrest, Nalini had married LTTE activist known by his nom de guerre Murugan. He is also in prison for Gandhi’s murder. They have a grown up daughter now. In March last year, Priyanka Vadra, daughter of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, visited Nalini in the prison. Nalini also cited the meeting while asking for her release.

Lanka permit sought in Rajiv probe

The Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA), which is investigating the conspiracy angle in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has once again sought permission from the Sri Lankan authorities to question the financier of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Selvarasa Pathmanathan. The MDMA, which comprises experts from CBI and other agencies, wrote a letter to Sri Lankan authorities in March. Sources in the CBI said the MDMA is keen to know about the bank details of Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias “KP” and some of his associates. “Questioning of Pathmanathan is necessary as far as investigation of former PM’s assassination is concerned. The agency had written to the Sri Lankan authorities in this regard earlier also but no positive response came from the authority concerned,” sources said. They added that CBI is also waiting for the death certificate of LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran. The matter is being pursued constantly through the diplomatic channel. “There are certain aspects of the case, which requires questioning of KP as well as his bank details. The agency has already prepared its questions which would be asked from KP, a key accused in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. He was arrested in a Southeast Asian country and was brought to Sri Lanka,” sources said. Pathmanathan was declared as one of the most wanted terrorist by the Interpol and he was heading LTTE’s global network for procuring weapons and other sophisticated equipment. There are also reports that he was head of the KP department of LTTE and was also engaged in global terror activities, sources said. “A team of CBI officials had also travelled in 2002 to New Zealand for KP. The agency officials also questioned some Tamil nationals in New Zealand after getting permission from the authority concerned in that country. Even India took up the matter with Germany to get certain bank details of KP. There are reports that KP had some bank accounts in Germany too,” sources added. The agency had approached nearly 23 countries with letters rogatory for Pathmanathan along with its findings against him. The Former Prime Minister was assassinated on May 21, 1991, when a LTTE suicide bomber blew herself up at an election rally in Tamil Nadu.

Prabha’s documents unearthed

Troops have unearthed documents as well as a photo album of LTTE leader Vellupiilai Prabhakran who was killed last year. The military says the album, recovered during search operations in the North over the weekend, contained 30 photographs.According to the military troops had also recovered four video cassettes as well as three unexploded ordnances and one Arul bomb during the search operations conducted in the general areas of Messalai north, Nanthavil, Karunkandal, Visuamadukulam and Ampalawanpokkanai.

New party to be launched in Tamil Nadu with Leaping Tiger as its flag

Popular Film Director and Tamil activist S. Seeman has introduced Tiger flag for a new political party "Naam Tamilar" (We are Tamils) Saturday, claiming that the establishment of Tamil Eelam should be the moral goal of Tamils in Tamil Nadu as the leaders of the Indian Union and Tamil Nadu State had betrayed Eezham Tamils. Mr. Seeman has called for a major rally towards Mathurai on 18 May 2010, one year after the military subjugation of Eezham Tamils, marking the day as Black Day of Tamils and has announced that the new party would be inaugurated on that day. The event of introducing the flag took place at Thilagar Thidal of Thanjavur, the historic capital of the Cholas, whose emblem was Tiger. Mr. Seeman claimed that Naam Tamilar would be an alternative political party. He repeatedly proclaimed that Naam Tamilar would be different and not be sectarian like many other parties with labels of caste and religion. Tamil nationalism is beyond the divides of countries, castes and religions, he said. Stating that the leaders in his party would not receive Ponnaadai or Thu'ndu (the Tamil Nadu habit of honouring people by presenting a shawl), as those being greeted with such honours have brought disgrace to Tamil politics. "Instead, we will receive books," he said. "Tamil Eelam is not homeland to only the Tamils of Eezham. It is the homeland of every Tamil human being in this world," he proclaimed. When a Peoples Tribunal in Ireland has passed a verdict that Sri Lanka was guilty of War Crimes and that it should be investigated for genocide, why is the state assembly of Tamil Nadu, a state within the Indian Union, is unable to pass a resolution stating that Sri Lanka is guilty of genocide, he questioned. "18 million Sinhalese may think they have conquered Tamils. We should remember 75 millions are here," he said. "15 million Sikhs in India have won their rights, but not Tamils in India. Why? Sikhs remain as Sikhs and we are not remaining as Tamils."In his emotional speech, Seeman said Tamil Nadu has undergone subjugation like no other ethno national state in India. "Tamils" should rule the state of Tamil Nadu, he proclaimed, adding that the state was not being ruled by "Tamil" leaders, but by "Dravidian" and "Indian" leaders for the past 42-years. [The DMK came to power in 1967]Stating that the Tiger was the emblem of the Tamil Chola dynasty, Mr. Seeman claimed that he evolved the idea adopting the Tiger flag inheriting it from the Chola dynasty and from his leader "A'n'nan" (elder brother) Pirapaharan.

11 April 2010

Deal between TNA and MR not ruled out

A deal between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the government was not ruled out yesterday but Tamil politicians said they have not received any invitation from the president for talks although they were open to a dialogue.``We have not received any invitation so far. Should any proposal be made with a sense of responsibility to try and bring an end to the problems the people are facing, we will not be found wanting on our side,’’ Mr. R. Sampanthan, the leder of the TNA said from Trincomalee last night. He said there was a delay in the release of the Trincomalee result as a result of the actions of the supporters of a government minister in one booth, but the number of votes involved, about 1,000, would not materially alter the result.The Elections Commissioner will have to decide in this context whether he would order a re-poll in the concerned area.Asked whether the low poll in the north and east would suggest that the TNA did not have any proper mandate to deal with the government on behalf of the Tamils, Sampanthan admitted that they had hoped there would have been a higher poll and should that have been the case, they may have won 17 or 18 seats.He attributed the low poll to the sense of frustration of the people and a feeling that their electoral mandate will not be properly honoured. There were also issues of non-registration of voters, ID cards etc. and the distance that had to be covered to reach a polling booth that depressed the number of votes cast.Jaffna District MP Suresh Premachandran said that they were very willing to talk to the president about the long standing problems of the Tamil people. With their 14 MPs, the third largest group in the House, they will be willing to support the UPFA to give it a two-third majority if the problems of the Tamil people are addressed."I don’t think it would be necessary for the UPFA government to have us as a constituent but we are definitely not against holding discussions with the president if invited to do so," Premachandran said.Pressed on the possibilities, he said: "Let’s we wait and see."Tamil politicians said that they were very keen on discussing a proper political resolution of long standing problems of the Tamils and the re-settlement of the displaced in their home areas after re-building their houses and assisting them to begin their livelihoods in agriculture, fishing and dairy farming.They called for the re-settlement of over a 100,000 displaced for over many years as a result of high security zones (HSZs) set up particularly around Palaly Base."How can the government continue to justify continuing these HSZs even a year after the conflict and when people live around airports like Katunayake and Ratmalana as well as other military bases elsewhere and continue their normal lives?", they asked.

Swamy hails Rajapaksa's victory

The victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's party in the Sri Lankan parliamentary elections is a good development for Indian national interest, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy said on Saturday.In a press statement, Dr. Swamy said it was a mandate necessary to enable the President to take “bold steps” to amend the Constitution and provide devolution of powers to Tamil areas of the north and the east.He called on the President not to “dissipate the national and international goodwill earned by defeating terrorism because of any undue delay in providing constitutional justice and equality to the Tamils of Sri Lanka.” In another statement, Dr. Swamy called for a public enquiry under a Supreme Court judge to probe sources of funding for naxalites. It should also investigate the funding of candidates from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh during the parliamentary polls last year.

UNP rebels regroup, threaten to decamp

UNP rebels are regrouping again once more after facing the worst defeat in UNP history and were planning on how to reorganize the UNP in a way that they would be able to win the hearts and minds of the people.They are planning to meet after the April new year celebrations and take concrete measures on how to carry out radical reform.Meanwhile, UNP MPs it is said were hanging onto telephones discussing the biggest defeat the UNP has ever suffered, a UNP MP said.However, rumour is rife that some UNP MPs are waiting for an invitation to join the government, sources said. But controversial UNP MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara thanked Monaragala District UNP voters for reposing confidence in him and vowed that he would not desert the UNP.“If I join the government it is an insult to my voters but whatever differences I have with party leaders I will not leave the party. We will ask for reforms in the party to bring it back to power”, he said.When asked what kind of reforms he would insist on and whether he would ask for a change in leadership, MP Maddumabandara said that it was obvious that the election results indicate a need for radical change in the party. Meanwhile, UNP leader Ranil Wickramesinghe said at a press conference yesterday that he will continue to be the leader of the party and will resign only at the appropriate time.Meanwhile, Puttalam district UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara was assaulted by a gang led by fellow United National Party (UNP) member Shantha Abeysekara, a.k.a Bus Shantha, Saturday afternoon in Chilaw. Police Spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody said that five individuals including Abeysekara were arrested by the police.“Bandara had visited one of his supporters to thank him for his support during the elections and Abeysekara had accosted him and assaulted him using clubs and iron rods,” the Police spokesman said. “Shantha Abeysekara also contested the general elections but he didn’t get enough votes to enter parliament.”Range Bandara who was seriously injured during the attack was admitted to Colombo National hospital and is undergoing treatment.

Political party conforming to LTTE to be launched in Tamil Nadu

An Indian media report says that a political party which is to be launched in Tamil Nadu next month is expected to toe the line of the LTTE.The Indian Express has reported that the Tamil party is to be launched on May 18, the first anniversary of the death of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and his senior cadres, by film director Sebastian Seeman, a fervent Tiger supporter.Sebastian Seeman had unveiled the Naam Tamilar (We the Tamils) party's flag, yesterday. The party's flag closely resembles the rebels' Tiger insignia sans the twin rifles in the background, says the report.Naam Tamilar, now functioning as a social outfit is said to be aimed to toe the hardline abandoned by other Dravidian parties over the years on issues ranging from the situation in Sri Lanka to Mullaiperiyar and seek a better deal for Tamils and Tamil Nadu.The organisation was formed during the last days of the Lankan conflict when Tamil Nadu witnessed a string of protests.Seeman has himself faced charges, including those under the National Security Act, and was even deported from Canada for speeches that propagated extreme views."The proposed date of the political party's launch, May 18 is a black day; a day Tamils can't forget that easily," Seeman's online announcement reportedly states."The DMK and AIADMK do not have the welfare of the Dravidians on their agenda. We will take it up. This is a long-term plan," he has said on Saturday.According to the Indian Express, Naam Tamilar is a fringe outfit that has so far attracted a section of the youth dissatisfied with the response of the mainstream parties to the Lankan war."We are not a secessionist or chauvinistic organisation. On the other hand, we are supporters of the integrity of the nation. We only demand fairness when it comes to issues concerning Tamils," said Seeman.

Sinhalese pavement shop burnt down in Jaffna

Unidentified persons Saturday night set fire to an illegal pavement shop set up buy Sinhalese traders from South in Naachchimaar Koayiladi in Jaffna, sources in Jaffna said. Friday night a local shop in this area had been burnt down. Conflicts and disputes between local traders and the Southern Sinhalese and Muslim traders who continue to pour into Jaffna after the opening of A9 road are on the increase with each day and Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) is reluctant to evict these traders who encroach the streets of Jaffna, the sources added. Some Sinhalese traders had set up the pavement shop in Naachchimaar Koayiladi some days ago.

Minister Devananda thanks Jaffna voters for his highest mandate

The Social Services and Social Welfare Minister and leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), Douglas Devananda contesting under the ruling party in Jaffna District has received 28,585 preferential votes, the highest in the list.Mavai Senathirajah of Tamil national Alliance has received 20,501 while Vijayakala Maheshwaran, the widow of Late UNP MP T. Maheshwaran received 7,160 to enter the parliament. Two other EPDP members and four other TNA members also have been elected to represent the masses of Jaffna.Minister Devananda thanking the voters for his victory said the mandate shows how the people have endorsed his reconciliation and feasible politics.He said his party will move ahead with a new resolve striving for the people's political and livelihood rights in the feasible way.Minister Devananda noted that in the past the party had only one seat in the parliament and now it has three seats to represent the people."This is a great victory for our people. Our political power will be increased further in future to easily achieve our political goal, the Minister said further.

Teaching Tamil Language to the Buddhist Bhikkus commence.

Reports states, a special working plan is introduced to teach Tamil Language to the Buddhist Bhikkus. Introducing this Project, will gain befit to learn the Tamil Language by the Buddhist Bhikkus throughout the island. This language training project has commenced in the aim of developing synchronization among the races. It is believed that through this Tamil Language training it would grant opportunity to deliver Buddhist Dharma sermons. According to the special guidance obtained from the Government Linguistics Department, the proposed project is processed. Buddhist Bhikkus who had completed their degrees in Languages will be assigned for lectures.

SRI LANKA: President Rajapaksa’s victory and the "power problem" –By Col. R. Hariharan

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has scored a double whammy with his thumping success in the parliamentary elections April 2010 after his triumph in the presidential poll in January 2010. With this Rajapaksa has emerged as the most powerful man in Sri Lanka. Already he enjoys wide powers of executive presidency. This is further boosted now by the majority his ten-party United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) enjoys in the new parliament. Nine months after the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, President Rajapaksa has emerged as unchallenged national leader with the massive public support demonstrated in the two elections. The opposition is now more muted than ever before although United National Party (UNP) despite its internal wrangling has not performed as badly as the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in the parliamentary poll. The JVP rout has shown the limited political appeal of General Sarath Fonseka, projected by the JVP alliance’s Prime Ministerial candidate. His strength is further increased as he has at his disposal an oversized armed force that could help his power projection in the region. Considering this, the successive electoral victories have also created a first rate ‘power problem’ for the President – how to wield the enormous power? President Rajapaksa’s journey to the top had been mired in controversies on many counts. Although this is not uncommon in politics, a few ‘unhealthy’ trends have been seen in his style of wielding power. These could set a dangerous precedence.

Systematic image building

There had been a systematic effort to build Rajapaksa as the SOLE national leader responsible for the victorious war against the Tami Tiger insurgents. Well planned national campaign to build up his image as a modern day Dutugemunu came to fruition with the deaths of Prabhakaran and the LTTE leadership. There is nothing wrong in projecting a national leader in the image of such historical heroes. But such projection, in an ethnically split and sensitive society, can provoke divisive tendencies. The nearest modern day contender for this haloed status was General Sarath Fonseka, who led the army to victory. As army commander he successfully overcame the problems that had been dogging the army all these years and systematically planned and executed the military operations. His public image as a national hero had been growing ever since the war. However, his military success would not have been possible without President Rajapaksa’s total support of the government to the military effort. After the war, President Rajapaksa saw the enormous popularity of Fonseka as an inconvenient obstacle to his own elevation as the sole national leader. So the process of dethroning of the General from the pedestal of a national hero started taking a firm shape with the non extension of his term as the Chief of Defence Staff .The President’s fear was strengthened when Fonseka rallied the support of the UNP and the JVP to emerge as the common opposition candidate against Rajapaksa in the January 2010 presidential poll. After winning the election, Rajapaksa continued with the process of cutting Fonseka to size with arrest and prosecution. As many as 37 associates of Fonseka including retired army officers have been rounded up. Serving officers considered close to the retired General have come under scrutiny. In the bargain, Rajapaksa has courted a lot of criticism from not only civil society organisations, but also from international community for practising vindictive politics. And these accusations have been piled up on the President’s long list of aberrations of governance that include human rights violations, lack of humanitarian policies, war crimes etc. It has also led to avoidable embarrassment for the country in some of the UN forums. And these are likely to increase.

Flawed policy prescriptions

The President has fulfilled his electoral promises, made in 2005, as far as ending the peace process and the ceasefire, and elimination of the LTTE are concerned. However, he has chosen to ignore his own promises in acting upon some others like enforcing some of the amendments to the Constitution. For instance, he has not fulfilled his repeated promises to implement the13th Amendment (devolving powers to provincial councils) and the 17th Amendment (for providing the Constitutional Council and Independent Commissions). Similarly he had put into cold storage the recommendations of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) he had formed with a lot of fanfare to work out a frame work for devolution of powers to minorities. As a result of such acts of political expediency, the President’s credibility has suffered. His policy prescriptions on a number of contentious issues including rule of law, freedom of the press, violation of human rights and acts of political violence have become skewed suspect. Without bothering about the niceties of credibility, the President appears to have adopted political opportunism as the only criterion to achieve his ends.

Downsizing international opinion

President Rajapaksa had been consistently ignoring international opinion on many key issues of governance and public conduct of his government discussed earlier. This started with the dismantling of the peace process which was enjoyed the support of 48 nations and international bodies. Such issues of international sensitivity include alleged war crimes, human rights violations, threat and intimidation of free media, short circuiting rule of law, and lack of transparency in commissions of inquiry. As a result, Sri Lanka which had once enjoyed a fairly high international reputation has repeatedly come under criticism in international bodies like the UN High Commission for Human Rights and even the UN Security Council. In spite of this, Sri Lanka’s attitude had been aggressive rather than conciliatory towards international community. On more than one occasion diplomats, foreign dignitaries and have been brusquely handled by bureaucrats without even conventional diplomatic norms. The developments leading to the European Union’s non renewal of the GSP+ tariff conditions extended to Sri Lanka in the wake of the 2005 tsunami strike is a case in point. The European Union did not take kindly to Sri Lanka continuously ignoring its pleas for greater sensitivity and accountability in handling human rights issues. Although the withdrawal of the GSP+ concessions had struck at Sri Lanka’s exports to the European Union, the President had been defiant on this issue. He had said the Government would never bow down to conditions detrimental to the wishes of people in order to get financial or other support from outside. Even after the turbulence of war, Sri Lanka has continued to orchestrate a strong propaganda campaign seeing an international conspiracy to downgrade its achievement in the ‘war against terror.’ Evidently these are targeted against some of the Western nations which demanded greater Sri Lankan accountability to international concerns on war crimes and human rights issues. Repeatedly Sri Lanka ministers have spoken on this. In particular the U.S. and Norway have been singled out for such criticism.There had been other irritants as well. During the course of war, President Rajapaksa took initiative in meeting countries known for their strong anti -American stance like Iran, Myanmar and Venezuela. This was probably his way of sending a "hands off Sri Lanka" message to the U.S. which he perceived as meddling in the war to bale out the LTTE leaders. While this might have helped projecting the President as a leader of international status at home, the move was ill timed. The only fall out was negative: it probably soured the first contacts with the President Barak Obama and his U.S. administration that had just taken over. Even after the war, Sri Lanka has continued to be vocally belligerent towards the U.S. The latest in the series is the comment of the Sri Lanka Defence Spokesman made on Aril 6, 2010 following a U.S. air force video splashed in international media showing the U.S. planes strafing a group of persons alleged to be innocent civilians, including Reuter’s photo journalists. While diplomacy had never been Sri Lanka’s strong suite, such a provocative comment from a government official to an embarrassing news story about another nation was neither warranted nor helps international relations. President Rajapaksa, riding the crest of popularity with success after success, does not appear to be fully conscious of the importance in maintaining a cordial, rather than confrontational, relationship with the U.S. In the emerging strategic setting in this region, U.S. and India are the two important players, with China breathing down their necks to get into this league. Big power play is likely to increase in the Indian Ocean region after the U.S. lessens its commitments in Afghanistan. Once the U.S. sheds the shackles of its skewed Af-Pak policy as unworkable, there could be increased strategic security convergence between the U.S. and India increasing further. If Rajapaksa does not give a course correction to his foreign policy prejudices, it could affect Sri Lanka’s strategic security.

Uncertain future

President wields enormous powers under Sri Lanka’s executive presidency system. With his re-election for a second term (to commence in November 2010), Rajapaksa will rule the country for a total duration of 11 years. Added to this the UPFA coalition led by the President has a majority in parliament now. On the positive side this provides him an unprecedented opportunity to take positive action including constitutional amendments, if necessary, to resolve the vexing issue of devolution of powers to Tamils. Thus he is at the helm at an important stage in Sri Lanka’s political with the muscle to extinguish the simmering ethnic confrontation and unite the nation as a whole. The future of Sri Lanka now depends upon how President Rajapaksa exercises power authority during these years. The armed forces give him added muscle. The problem in wielding this kind of enormous power is the tendency to ride rough shod over contrarian opinions from the conscience keepers of nation. As a result the temptation to misuse armed forces to further political power increases. However, the President has become so powerful that he has no need to do so. But as the cliché says ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’Rajapaksa thrives on divisive politics that has created a lot of distrust both at home and abroad about his intentions. So there is a feeling of uncertainty about how he is going to perform in his second term particularly when he has no military agenda to pursue. The leadership style and highly personalised politics he had been practising does not encourage positive expectations for the future. His first tenure as president has been marked by gross violations of norms of governance and human rights and lack of accountability. As U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and former Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake puts it, "it is important for the administration of President Rajapaksa to reach out to the Tamils… It is important that they feel that they are going to be able to live a future of hope and of opportunity." But will he do it, amidst other pressing political priorities? Unless he builds bridges with all sections of people and take deliberate action improve his governance, economic recovery is going to be difficult as assistance from the West could dry up. If that happens Sri Lanka is likely to face a difficult passage. This could make him move closer to the Chinese. Though India is an equally important and economically powerful entity for Sri Lanka and has excellent relations with the country increased Chinese role in Sri Lanka could change all that. And such a development coupled with the unfulfilled promises in resolving the ethnic issue has the potential of affecting India-Sri Lanka relations during 2011, when Tamil Nadu goes to polls. So we come back to the question how will the President handle his "power problem"? Only the President can answer this; but will he?

10 April 2010

Will Tamil concerns be addressed following Rajapakse win in Sri Lankan elections?

With voters in Thursday's Sri Lanka elections heavily favouring Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse and the ruling coalition, observers here feel that little headway was expected in the period ahead over addressing the desire of the Tamil community to get back in the mainstream after decades of civil war. According to Executive Director of the National Peace Council, Jehan Perera, in the first parliamentary vote since the defeat of the rebel Tamil Tigers, the Tamil community did not cast their lot with "hard-line nationalist candidates.""Rather, Tamils voters backed a party that once was seen as the proxy for the Tigers, but has since adopted a plank of autonomy within the Sri Lankan state. Voters did not follow a splinter group that has kept alive the demand for independence," The Christian Science Monitor quoted Perera, as saying."The Tamils have voted in a way very pragmatically for those who are for accommodation with the government," he added.Meanwhile, Robert Blake, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, believes that it is important for the administration of President Rajapakse to reach out to the Tamils.According to reports, the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is expected to capture around 140 seats in the 225-seat legislature.The figure falls short of a two-thirds supermajority, but the total could grow through coalition and party crossovers. A victory will further strengthen Rajapakse's grip on power three months after he won a second term in January, beating former Army chief Sarath Fonseka.

Manmohan Singh congratulates Rajapaksa on party's win in polls

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa for his party's convincing win in the Parliamentary elections. Singh spoke to Rajapaksa on phone and congratulated him for his party's convincing win in the elections, a PMO official said.Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) returned to power bagging 117 of 225 seats in the first post-LTTE era parliamentary polls in Sri Lanka against a fractured opposition.UFPA's closest rival United National Front secured just 46 seats while ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka's Democratic National Alliance failed to touch even a double digit mark.

Rajapaksa should reach out to Tamils after election: Blake

Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State and former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, on Thursday said, “I think it is important for the administration of President Rajapaksa to reach out to the Tamils… It is important that they feel that they are going to be able to live a future of hope and of opportunity, that the internally displaced people that are now in camps… be allowed to go back to their homes.” Mr. Blake added that there were approximately 100,000 IDPs.In an interview that touched upon the context of post-war reconciliation Mr. Blake said that what was needed besides the resettlement of IDPs was a “greater respect for human rights and… some accountability for some of the past violations.”On the election outcome per se Mr. Blake noted that “the President has always said that he would like to get a two-thirds majority in the parliament that would then allow him to amend the Sri Lankan constitution.” In this context Mr. Blake noted President Rajapaksa’s commitment to implementing the thirteenth amendment, which would provide for devolution of power to the provinces, including to the Northern Province.Regarding election results Mr. Blake said, “It appears that he will indeed… enjoy a majority. I think it is too early to say whether he is going to get that two-thirds majority. But it is likely that he is going to benefit from some crossovers as well. So it is possible that he could get to the two-thirds level.”Responding to a question on nepotism, particularly on President Rajapaksa’s family members considering seats in Parliament, Mr. Blake said, “I think there is a long tradition of that kind of ‘family business’… The Bandaranaikes, before the Rajapaksas, and several other families, have had that kind of thing. So I don’t think that’s unusual in the Sri Lankan context.” He added that what was important was that there were free and fair elections and that the Sri Lankan people perceive that there was a fair process.In relation to the imprisonment of General Sarath Fonseka, who had mounted an earlier bid for the Presidency, Mr. Blake commented that the United States had made its views known and “we hope that General Fonseka will be tried in accordance with Sri Lankan law.”

Majority in Jaffna endorsed TNA manifesto – P’chandran

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) spokesman, the newly elected Jaffna District MP Suresh Premachendran yesterday said that the majority of the Tamil people in the North and the East had endorsed the TNA manifesto for resolution of the Tamil problem and speedy re-settlement of the IDPs.The EPRLF (Suresh Wing) Leader and MP yesterday blamed the very low voter turnout in the North and the East to the Tamil voters losing faith in the political system and deciding it would be meaningless voting either for the TNA or the UPFA Government."The reason may be they had lost faith in everybody because they believed nobody would do anything for them," he said.The TNA, by winning five seats in Jaffna, three each in the Vanni and Batticaloa and one seat each in Digamadulla and Trincomalee for a total of 13 elected MPs, was entitled to one National List MP in the 7th Parliament."If not for the total mess ups by the Elections Department in Mullaitivu and Killinochchi the TNA would have gained more seats," he said. The Elections authorities in Vavuniya had transported nearly 4,000 IDPs from Vavuniya to Killinochchi to cast their votes and when they reached Killinochchi they were told that arrangements had not been made for them to vote. When they returned to Vavuniya, voting was over, Premachandran charged.

Jaffna poll verdict ‘highlights need for political solution’ – Sri Kantha

Former Jaffna district TNA MPs N Sri Kantha and M K Sivajilingam yesterday pledged to continue to espouse the Tamil nationalist cause despite their loss in Thursday’s Parliamentary elections.The two former MPs were among a group of politicians who quit the TNA to form the Tamil National Liberation Alliance (TNLA) ahead of the elections. "A vast majority of voters in the Jaffna district have, by their non-participation in the election, sent out a loud and clear message to all political messiahs who came forward to redeem their honour and dignity," said Sri Kantha."I think there is more meaning to it than what is there in the official result," he added."While I concede the defeat of our newly formed party (TNLA), the fact that the TNA was able to get only five seats compared with the eight won by the undivided TNA at the 2004 elections clearly demonstrates the impact of the split of the TNA into three parties," Sri Kantha said.He claimed that the split was the primary reason for the non-participation of thousands of people not voting at the election in Jaffna. "Otherwise, more than 40 percent would have voted, given the fact an equal number of voters have left Jaffna many years ago," the former political advisor for Telo said."On an overall analysis, adding the votes of the TNA, TNLA and the Tamil Congress-led People’s Front for Tamil Nationalism, the verdict emphasizes the need and necessity for a just political solution to address Tamil national grievances," Sri Kantha added.He alleged that the polls remained "controlled in the Jaffna electoral district, more particularly in the Kayts constituency by the EPDP".

New Jaffna UNP MP urges removal of HSZs

Newly-elected Jaffna district UNP MP Wijayakala Maheswaran yesterday called for the removal of High Security Zones in Valikamam North and other residential areas in her constituency to enable the speedy resettlement of displaced people.The widow of former Colombo district UNP MP T. Maheswaran also said the people in Jaffna faced various difficulties despite the end of the war and she would focus on resolving there urgent problems.She also pledged to address the issues such as IDPs and the people who disappeared during the conflict.Mrs. Maheswaran said she was aware of the problems faced by Jaffna-based farmers and traders and would work towards providing relief to them.The newly-elected MP said that finding jobs for unemployed graduates in Jaffna would also be a priority. Her husband was assassinated in Colombo on January 1, 2008.

Alleged LTTE suspects in custody

Seven suspects, alleged to be former active members of the LTTE intelligence wing were arrested by the Mundalama police on Wednesday evening. They were taken into custody when they were   planning to flee to Australia, police said.  The raid was carried out in a hotel in the area where they were residing.  During investigations it had been revealed that the suspects had paid Rs.4.6 million for a trawler  to  a businessman in the Kalpitiya area. The suspects who are residents of Trincomalee were  arrested  following vital information received from the area and based on their suspicious behaviour. Police are further questioning the suspects about their activities in the area. The suspects were to be produced before the Puttalam Magistrate.

Empty polling booths in Mullathivu   
 
CaFFE observes that a conducive environment to have a standard election in the newly resettled Killinochchi and Mullaththivvu areas. The people new resettled in these areas lacked even basic infrastructural services such as transportation and identification documents. Furthermore, while IDP’s residing inside the Menik Farm IDP camp were allowed to vote with their Camp ID during the previous 2010 Presidential election, people in the newly resettled areas were not allowed to vote with their Camp ID in the 2010 General election because they had been newly resettled. Due to ineffective and nonexistent voter education in these areas voters were unclear about what identification papers they could vote with. These issues combined to lead to almost empty polling centers in Mullaththivvu.

INSTANT VIEW-Sri Lanka ruling alliance wins parliamentary polls

Lanka's ruling alliance won a majority in parliament on Friday as votes were still being counted, in an election expected to entrench President Mahinda Rajapaksa's political dominance.

The following are some analysts' comments and interpretations of the results:

ANUSHKA SHAH, ECONOMIST, CITIGROUP

"We view election results as positive from a policy continuity perspective. Given that the election manifesto focuses largely on infrastructure development, results bode well for infrastructure development ... which would help spur investment growth, which is required to come in at a 30 percent level versus 25 percent currently in order to achieve the central bank's medium term growth estimate of 7-8 percent."While the victory was largely on the cards, it's likely to be perceived positively for the market. However, we look for further clarity on the fiscal front, particularly on the budget, and IMF funding as a key in the coming months."

AMAL SANDARATNE, ECONOMIST AT FRONTIER RESEARCH

"A strong government, if it chooses, can take tough steps on the fiscal side, which is probably the biggest immediate constraint foreign investors have concerns about. When they are strong it is easy for them to go easy on salary hikes, cut subsidies, raise revenues. They can take unpopular measures in the short term which will reap long term benefits."If you have a strong government if there is anything unpopular the IMF wants you to do, the government has choice of taking steps and it has flexibility. Otherwise it always has to rely on its coalition partners. Overall, economically, a strong government is good."

SAMANTHA AMERASINGHE, ECONOMIST AT STANDARD CHARTERED BANK IN COLOMBO

"We view the incumbent government's return to power with a clear majority as favourable for investors and the markets. The end of electoral uncertainty which was holding back investors since the presidential elections in January is now over. The potential stability of another six-year term for the ruling party augurs well for policy continuity in terms of development plans for the country and will boost investor and consumer confidence in the near-term."The clear mandate handed to the ruling UPFA party, together with the anticipated economic rebound and improving external environment, would provide a unique opportunity for the administration to carry out the necessary fiscal reforms and rationalise the public sector."A key issue confronting the new government will be how to reconcile the minority groups with a power-sharing deal in the offing. The high fiscal deficit also remains a concern but we expect the upcoming budget in June to address this issue with the main focus being on the rationalisation of public spending and on the much-needed structural reforms to the tax system."

Government Ministers losing seats in Sri Lanka election

While preferential votes in Sri Lanka parliamentary elections are still being released and two more districts are to have re-polls due to election violations some upsets are beginning to appear in the political landscape.According to the preferential votes results the leader of the National Democratic Front Wimal Weerawansa has topped the list securing over 200,000 votes. The Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka of the Buddhist nationalist party Jathika Hela Urumaya has come in second place with Minister Dinesh Gunawardena following him at the third position.Reportedly the Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Justice Minister Milinda Moragoda, both crossovers from the United National Party, have failed to secure a place in the preferential votes list.The Cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya was the highest preferential vote taker in Matara District and enters the parliament as a newcomer while his former captain of the World Cup winning cricket team Arjuna Ranatunga who was a minister in the Alliance government has won his seat in Kalutara District contesting under Democratic National Alliance led by General Sarath Fonseka.Main opposition United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremasinghe contesting from Colombo District received the most preferential votes from the opposition. Former Mrs. Sri Lanka and Ambassador to Malaysia Rosie Senanayake too has received the most preferential votes from Colombo.In Gampaha district Senior Adviser to the President and his brother Basil Rajapaksa has secured the most preferential votes while the Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, widow of Late Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle has come in second. The controversial Labor Minister Dr. Mervyn de Silva is reportedly the third in the list.Both senior ministers Maithripala Sirisena from Polonnaruwa District and Nimal Siripala de Siva fro Badulla District have topped their lists. Minister Nandana Gunathilaka, meanwhile, has lost his seat in Kalutara.In Ratnapura District Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has secured his place in the parliament but Minister Mahinda Rathnatileka has reportedly lost his seat.In Batticaloa, the Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan's Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal received only 9.35% of the votes and failed to secure a single seat. Tamil National Alliance party Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) dominated both Eastern and Northern Provinces securing a total of 12 seats in the new parliament.Complete results of the 2010 parliamentary election will not be released until the re-polls are held in Kandy and Trincomalee districts.

09 April 2010

Trinco results suspended

The results from the Trincomalee electorate in the Trincomalee district have been temporarily suspended as a result of ballot papers from a poling booth in Kumburupitiya in the Trincomalee electorate being stolen by a gang last night.Polling in one of the polling booths in Kumburupitiya in the Trincomalee electorate in Trincomalee had been annulled as a group had forced their way into the center and stolen most of the ballot papers. Elections Department officials said that as a result of this incident only the results from the Seruwila and Muttur electorates in the in the Trincomalee district will be released.

Sri Lanka ruling party says may miss two-thirds majority 

Sri Lanka's ruling alliance said on Friday it was confident of winning parliamentary elections but may miss a target of a two-thirds majority in the legislature. "We may be short of 12 or 13 seats to get two-thirds but that will not be a challenge for us," said Dullas Alahaperuma, transport minister and the spokesman of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance, adding the party was confident of wining the elections.

Nawalapitiya electorate voting annulled: Fresh elections on 16th  
 
The Elections Commissione Dayananda Dissanayake has taken measures to annul the voting at the Nawalapitiya electorate.Fresh elections are to be held on the 16th of April.All the Opposition party polling agents at 46 centers have been attacked and chased away from the centers. Besides, violence and election law violations had raged generally in the whole of Nawalapitiya. The Elections monitoring organizations, in these circumstances have written inviting the attention of the Elections Commissioner to declare the elections at that electorate null and void. 

Namal wins in Hambantota

Son of President Mahinda Rajapakse, Namal Rajapakse has secured the most number of preferential votes for the UPFA from the Hambantota District by obtaining 147,566 votes while Sajith Premadasa has topped the UNP list by obtaining 74,467 votes.Mahinda Amaraweera of the UPFA secured the second highest preferential votes by obtaining 105,414 while Chamal Rajapakse came in third by obtaining 79648 votes.Nirupama Rajapkase came in fourth with 39025 votes and V.K. Indika secured the fifth place with 37626 votes.From the UNP list, Sajith Premadasa secured the highest preferential votes with 74467 votes followed by Dilip Wedaarachchi who obtained 47,160.

Sri Lanka ruling party leading in parliament vote
           
Sri Lanka's ruling party is running well ahead of the fractured opposition, early results showed Friday, in a vote marked by record low turnout and reports of violence and voter intimidation.President Mahinda Rajapakse's United People's Freedom Alliance was leading in 21 out of 28 polling divisions declared so far following Thursday's parliamentary poll, according to the elections department.Counting in another 170-plus divisions was continuing Friday and election officials said the ruling party was ahead in most areas, indicating that it could form a government with a comfortable majority.It was the first parliamentary election since the government defeated Tamil Tiger rebels in May last year, ending a bloody three-decade conflict, and just three months after Rajapakse scored a resounding presidential election victory.Rajapakse is widely expected to consolidate his power through Thursday's vote for the 225-member parliament, with expectations he is seeking changes to the constitution that could allow him to serve a third term."I want a very strong parliament to develop the country," he told reporters as he cast his ballot in a southern constituency where his son Namal was the ruling party candidate.For many Sri Lankans, it was the first legislative election in which they could vote without fear of Tamil Tiger violence and suicide attacks following the defeat of the rebels, which has boosted Rajapakse's standing.However, the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) reported 286 incidents of violence on polling day, including a shoot out between a group of opposition and government supporters in the south, but nobody was hurt.There were also numerous reports of pro-government supporters intimidating voters, said the centre's spokesman D.M. Dissanayake.A private election monitoring group said the authorities had cancelled the results at two booths because of intimidation and violence, and had scheduled a fresh vote for next week.Overall turnout was expected to be between 50 and 55 percent of the country's 14 million voters, the lowest ever in a parliamentary poll, after a lacklustre election campaign.The previous low was 63 percent when Sinhalese militants and Tamil rebels attempted to sabotage the 1989 election by killing dozens of candidates, their supporters and election officials.While Rajapakse's party should have no trouble securing more than half the 225 seats, Sri Lanka's system of proportional representation makes it unlikely it will secure the two-thirds majority needed to push through constitutional change.Sethmini Chathurika, 28, said she had voted for Rajapakse's party because it had succeeded in ending the conflict with the Tamil Tigers."The president has plans to build the country. I think he deserves a parliament to implement those plans," Chathurika said.Rajapakse's nationalistic rhetoric appeals to his majority Sinhalese community, but has been criticised by rights groups who accuse him of cronyism and suppressing dissent.His main election rival, former army chief Sarath Fonseka who led the military campaign that defeated the Tigers, is now in custody and facing court martial.Opposition parties were largely united behind Fonseka in his campaign for the presidency in January, but they lost cohesion after his arrest and went into the parliamentary election with little hope of victory. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) had accused the government of using state-owned vehicles and buildings for campaigning and turning the government-run media into a party mouthpiece.

Election wipe out of Sri Lanka's Marxists begins from southern stronghold

Sri Lanka Marxist People's Liberation Front (JVP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) failed to win a single seat in Matara district.From the results released so far the NDA led by defeated presidential candidate retired General Sarath Fonseka received only 20,465 votes from the district amounting to a percentage of mere 6.25. Mathura district in the Southern Province is one of JVP's major strongholds of the island. It is the home district founding leader of JVP, late Rohana Wijeweera. Two JVP MPs, Premasiri Manage and Jinadasa Kithulegoda represented Matara district in the last parliament. Ruling United People's Freedom Alliance won six seats out of the eight seats of the district while the major opposition United National Front (UNF) secured the other two seats.Former Foreign Minister and the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party - People's Wing Mangala Samaraweera also contested under the UNF ticket from this district. Preferential votes are still being counted.

Master Blaster in parliament

Sri Lanka’s master batsman Sanath Jayasuriya (UPFA) has secured the most number of preferential votes from the Matara District by obtaining more than 71,000 votes while Buddhika Pathirana has topped the preferential list from the UNP with just over 50,000 votes.

Sri Lanka Elections Commissioner stops counting of votes from several polling booths in Nawalapitiya

Sri Lanka Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dishanayake has called on the Kandy District Secretary to stop counting of votes cast in 12 polling centers in the Nawalapitiya area of the Kandy District.The Election Commissioner had made the announcement last night after considering the many complaints of election malpractices received from the area.It was alleged that a group of UPFA supporters urged by a governing party minister had broken into a polling centre, chased away polling agents of opposition parties, and stuffed ballot boxes. According to election observers, officials at the counting center have said that there were a large number of ballot papers without an official seal.Several opposition political parties and election monitors had lodged several complaints to the Elections Commissioner regarding the alleged irregularities that had taken place in the Nawalapitiya polling booths.Sri Lanka police acting on the complaints arrested 15 persons in connection with election related incidents in the area.However, the Commissioner is yet to announce if the votes in the respective booths would be annulled and if there would be a re-poll in those booths.

08 April 2010

Low voter turn out so far

A low voter turn out has been recorded islandwide from the General Elections as of one this afternoon, election monitors told Daily Mirror online.A 40% turn out was recorded islandwide, Executive Director of PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi said.
He added that 60 incidents of election related violence have also been recorded so far. “It has been quite violent with incidents continuing to pour in from all parts of the island,” Hettiarachchi said.Meanwhile PAFFREL will also discuss with Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayaka the purpose of noting the number on the polling cards after such incidents of polling numbers being recorded on the counter foil of the ballot paper were recorded thus leaving room for the voter to be identified. “We received such complaints from some voters but we need to know the purpose of this. We do not know whether this will have any impact,” Hettiarachchi said.Such incidents have been reported from Mount Lavinia and Nugegdoa. 

Several incidents of election violence recorded in Sri Lanka's general election

Sri Lanka's election observers have recorded several incidents of election violence today, including a shooting incident in the Galle District.People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has said that the shooting incident was a result of intra-party violence.A complaint has also been lodged against a ruling party UPFA candidate for holding an illegal rally opposite a polling booth in Badulla on the day of the election.According to PAFFREL, several incidents where polling agents from the UNP had been chased away from the booths were reported from the Anamaduwa Walapanawa Vidyalaya and Madawakkulama in Galle.A polling agent of the Democratic National Allaince (DNA) was also chased away by a UPFA supporter on his way to take over duties at a polling booth in Dompe.Meanwhile, Advisor to the Elections Commissioner Bandula Kulathunga has said that illegal propaganda text messages have been circulated via mobile phones from candidates today in violation of election laws.The accredited poll monitoring group, Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has recorded 413 incidents so far for the day. Among them 231 incidents were major of nature and 55 incidents involved a fire arm. There were 78 intra-party incidents within the ruling party.

Voting begins in Sri Lanka parliamentary poll

Polling has begun in Sri Lanka to elect a new parliament for the country in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is expected to get a comfortable majority. President Rajapaksa voted at a polling station in Hambantota in western Sri Lanka. Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm. Counting will begin on Thursday evening and first results are expected by Friday morning. The elections, which come on the heels of Mr. Rajapaksa’s win in the January 26 presidential polls, will see as many as 7,620 candidates from 36 political parties and 306 independent groups. Mr. Rajapaksa’s party is locked in a three-cornered contest with the main opposition UNP alliance and the JVP. Thursday’s elections are also seen as a litmus test for the detained former Army chief General Sarath Fonseka. It would be interesting to see that whether Gen. (retired) Fonseka could attract voters as during the polls when he was the common opposition candidate. Gen. (retired) Fonseka’s wife Anoma appealed to the voters to cast their ballot in favour of her husband-led DNA to secure the release of the detained former Army chief.

Buses for IDPs being blocked

Alleged supporters of former Minister of Resettlement and UPFA candidate Rishard Badiudeen are harassing private bus owners transporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to the polling stations in the Vanni District, Advisor to the Elections Commissioner Bandula Kulathunga said.“These Rishard Badiudeen supporters have even taken over some of these private buses we had provided for the IDP’s,” Kulathunga said. According to him this service was provided during the Presidential elections in January by the Elections Department and then too it was sabotaged.

Sri Lanka sees moderate polling in early hours 

Sri Lankans began casting their votes on Thursday to elect the country's new parliament in the first post-LTTE election, with President Mahinda Rajapaksa looking to consolidate his position against a tattered opposition. Polling got off to a moderate start this morning with 20 per cent of the electorate turning out to vote in the first four hours of polling, which commenced at 7:00 a m. While Rajapaksa cast his vote from the Southern Hambantota district, the former Prime Minister and opposition United National Front chief Ranil Wickremasinghe voted from Colombo in the 14th Parliamentary elections. Detained former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, heading the JVP-dominated Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will, however, not be able to cast his vote as his name does not figure in the voters list. "Gen Sarath Fonseka will not come to vote", a DNA leader said. Despite his detention, Fonseka is running for a parliamentary seat in the capital Colombo.

First result of Sri Lanka parliamentary elections to be released before midnight today

The Election Secretariat is to commence releasing the results of Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections before midnight Thursday, state run radio reported.According to the election officials, the results will be released in three stages. The postal voting results and the district level results would be issued first before 10:00 p.m. tonight followed by the polling division level results. The final result representing the composition of the new parliament will be released by about 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.The number of counting centers has been increased to 1,387 to ensure the speedy release of results, the election officials said.

Family man feared abducted in Vavuniyaa

A family man of Soosaipi’l’laiyaar Koayiladi in Vavuniyaa, gone missing since Tuesday evening after going to the mechanic repair garage near Kanthasuvaami Koyiladi in Vavuniyaa town to have his three-wheeler repaired, is feared abducted, according to a complaint lodged by his wife with Vavuniyaa police. The family man reported missing is Nadarasa Pirapakaran, 37, father of two children and a native of Vavuniyaa.Pirapakaran who had left his house around 5:30 p.m to the garage had not returned home even after 9:00 p.m.The garage mechanics brought Pirapakaran’s three-wheeler to his home as he had failed to collect it.Pirapakaran’s wife said in her complaint that her husband is not involved in any criminal activities and that she does not know why he had been abducted.

U.S. Donates Demining Equipment to Sri Lankan Army

The United States Government recently donated demining equipment to the Sri Lanka Army's School of Military Engineering, a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said. At a ceremony in Embilipitiya, on April 2, the U.S. Embassy's Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Edward Heartney presented Brigadier General Udaya Nanayakkara and Lieutenant Colonel Rajindra Dias with helmets, vests and visors for students of the School of Military Engineering to use during demining training. The donation marks the latest contribution by the U.S. to assist the Sri Lankan Government and Military with demining operations in the North. During the past year, the U.S. has donated over 770 million rupees ($6.7 million) for demining activities. The donation marked the culmination of a joint project between specialists from the U.S. and Sri Lankan militaries. For 10 days, the U.S. team worked alongside Sri Lankan Army Engineering instructors to develop training exercises to improve the safety and effectiveness of mine clearing activities. "It is a pleasure to be here today to meet some of the people who are currently or will soon be working practically nonstop to clear Northern Sri Lanka of mines so that people can return to their homes safely and as soon as possible," Mr. Heartney said at the ceremony. During his remarks, Mr. Heartney also highlighted the strong partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. Citing commercial, military, and educational cooperation, Mr. Heartney said, "We are confident that our broad relationship can continue to remain strong just as it has for decades."

O/L results on web today

The results of the G.C.E. O/L examination will be available on the internet from today (8th). The results sheets of schools in Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura educational divisions would be available at the Department of Examination from tomorrow (9th) morning. The Department has already taken measures to post results of all schools in the island says Commissioner of Examinations Anura Edirisinghe. Nearly 550000 candidates sat the GCE O/L examination held in December 2009. The results could be viewed at www.doenets.lk

Jaffna clock tower road opened after 15 years

The Jaffna clock tower road was opened for peoples use today. Minister Douglas Devananda launched the road today afternoon. It was closed for security reasons from the year 1996. Information states, due to the closure of this road, people faced massive hardships. Jaffna information stated many merchants from the reopened road, visited their business outlets. Approximately 100 business centers including Ganam Photo centre was closed down for the past 15 years was according to sources. Meanwhile 106 persons who were cared at Tellipalai rehabilitation centre was handed over to their relations by Jaffna District Commanding Chief. In the meantime the surrendered 157 child rebels to the military were handed over to their parents. The former child rebels were brought to the Vavuniya District Courts and on conclusion of investigations they were handed over to their parents. Reports states, for the past 10 ten months they were kept at Poonthottam, Rehabilitation centre.

Sarath Fonseka’s daughter’s Sri Lankan visit cancelled

Reports states, former Military General and presently on military detention, Sarath Fonseka’s youngest daughter’s Sri Lankan visit has been cancelled. Presently she is in America and she intended to visit Sri lanka to see her father. But according to the advice of Sarath Fonseka, her Sri Lankan trip had been cancelled. Speculations are that if Sarath Fonseka’s daughter visit Sri Lanka, there is a threat of she being getting arrested hence her visit has been cancelled.

07 April 2010

Sri Lanka Tamil party to support government if genuinely interested in solving national issue

Sri Lanka's Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has said that it was ready to support the government in implementing a solution to the national issue if it is genuinely interested in resolving it.TNA legislator R. M. Imam in his speech during the debate to extend Emergency Regulations in parliament yesterday (6) charged that the government was continuously putting off resolving the issues faced by the Tamil people."The latest excuse of the government is that they were waiting till new members of the TNA are elected on April 8 to discuss the issue with them and thereby adopt delaying tactics," he said.He said the people in the North and the East were moving towards obliteration daily as their problems were not addressed by the government."The TNA is ready to support the government if it comes out with a genuine effort to resolve the national issue," Imam noted.

Q+A - Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections

Sri Lanka will elect a new parliament on Thursday, with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's ruling alliance expected to win a poll that will determine whether his vast powers stay as they are or grow. The man who lays claim to Sri Lanka's victory over the Tamil Tiger separatists in a three-decade separatist war in May wants to win a two-thirds majority to give him the votes to change the constitution. The opposition has vowed to thwart him.

Here are some questions and answers about the election:

WHO IS TAKING PART?

A total of 7,620 candidates are vying for 225 seats. Of that group, 196 will be elected directly to parliament, with the remaining seats filled by parties based on their total vote percentages. Parliament can be an effective check on the presidency, but Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is expected to retain its majority. Election monitors from the Commonwealth and some Asian countries are expected.

WHAT ARE THE PARTIES OFFERING VOTERS?

As at every election, all parties are offering jobs, increases in government handouts and rural and agricultural development plans. They differ little in substance.

WHY IS RAJAPAKSA CAMPAIGNING FOR A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY?

His ruling alliance has its eyes on winning a two-thirds majority in the 225-seat legislature to give him the votes to amend the constitution to his liking.

WILL HE GET IT?

It's hard to say since there is no reliable polling data.

But history is against him: only once has any political party got more than 50 percent of the parliamentary vote since Sri Lanka adopted a proportional system of representation in 1978.Rajapaksa got 57.8 percent of the votes against challenger General Sarath Fonseka's 40.2 percent at the Jan. 26 presidential election. Taking those figures as a guide theoretically would give Rajapaksa's alliance roughly 120-125 seats and the combined opposition about 100-105. But turnout will play a role, and analysts say lower turnout favours the president's candidates.

HOW STRONG IS THE OPPOSITION?

A diverse group of parties had backed Fonseka to try to capture the anti-Rajapaksa vote, and their cohesion has evaporated since the general was arrested Feb. 8. He now faces two courts-martial charging him with politicking while in uniform and improper procurement. He denies the charges.Fonseka is nonetheless running for a parliamentary seat in the capital Colombo and most likely has the votes to win. The Supreme Court most likely would have to decide if he could retain his seat while in jail.The two big parties behind him, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) and the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), share only one thing now: a pledge to free Fonseka if they win a parliamentary majority.

WHAT, IF ANY, IS THE TAMIL INFLUENCE?

The main Tamil coalition, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), also backed Fonseka but struggled to get its voters out.The Tamil Tigers used to dictate who was elected in areas they controlled, so the TNA this time around is going to face competition from other Tamil parties and will likely lose some of its 22 seats.Overall, analysts expect Tamil parties to get about 20 seats, roughly in proportion to the size of their minority population.

HOW ARE INVESTORS LOOKING AT THE VOTE?

Unlike previous elections, the Colombo Stock Exchange has generally shrugged off political noise given that even at its loudest, it is a huge improvement on the uncertainty and volatility nearly three decades of war brought.The market is up 7.7 percent since the Jan. 26 polls -- part of a surge that has seen it gain 157 percent since the end of 2008, when it turned from a multi-year low on optimism the government would defeat the Tamil Tigers.After the victory in May, foreign investors began selling shares to book long-awaited profits and were net sellers last year for the first time since 2001. This year, they have sold a net of 13.2 billion rupees ($115.7 million) worth of shares.Market players say Sri Lankan treasury securities, particularly those of 18 months' maturity or shorter, remain in demand from foreign investors. The rupee currency's relative strengthening and the end of the elections should boost foreign demand, traders say.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE FOR VIOLENCE?

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence has said there had been over 340 violent campaign incidents including one fatality. Most violence has been intra-party. Taking no chances, the government is deploying nearly 80,000 police and soldiers to ensure orderly and safe voting.

Sri Lanka emergency laws extended

The dissolved Sri Lankan Parliament on Tuesday extended the emergency laws by another month. The extension came two days before the parliamentary election.Parliament alone has authority to extend the life of emergency regulations and that too for one month. The extension is the second since Parliament was dissolved in February. Emergency has been in vogue since the assassination of the then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in August 2005.Since the military defeat of the LTTE in May last year, some opposition parties have been questioning the need to keep alive the emergency laws. The government's case is that the security forces are engaged in unearthing the sleeping cadres of the Tigers. The State of Emergency was passed with 58 voting for it and 5 against. Members of Tamil National Alliance and the ultra left JVP voted against the motion.The resumed proceedings of the two court martials against the former Sri Lankan Army Commander, General Sarath Fonseka, were adjourned again for a later date. The courts martial were held in Colombo.The first court martial, hearing the charges of participation of General Fonseka in political work while in active service, was adjourned to meet on May 5. According to his lawyer, the proceedings have been postponed following a Court of Appeal order.

Sri Lanka war-zone doctor stands for parliament

A doctor who drew world attention to civilian deaths during the Sri Lankan army's defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels last year is to contest polls this week for a party that backs the man behind the offensive.Veerakathipillai Shanmugarajah, 40, was detained following the army's final victory over the Tigers and accused, with four other medics, of falsely spreading rebel propaganda to international aid agencies and journalists.Now he's running for parliament in Thursday's election for a Tamil party that has thrown its support behind President Mahinda Rajapakse, who ordered the military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)."I believe President Rajapakse is ideally suited to lead and rebuild our country after the war. I will work to support him," Shanmugarajah said ahead of the vote, which is expected to consolidate the president's hold on power.The United Nations says that at least 7,000 civilians perished in the final four months of the army's assault on the northern jungle area holding the remnants of the LTTE's fighting force.That assessment was partly based on the information provided by the handful of doctors who remained inside the war zone right up until the military secured victory over the Tigers on May 18, after more than three decades of conflict.The doctors said between 350 and 400 civilians were killed in fighting in the final month of battle, while a similar number perished between January and April last year.During their subsequent detention in military custody, Shanmugarajah and the other doctors retracted their claims, saying they had only spoken under rebel pressure.They were then released and given their jobs back."I don't want to talk about the casualty figures. That's over," Shanmugarajah told AFP by telephone from his home in the northern town of Mullaittivu."We worked under very difficult conditions, with no electricity, proper medicines or equipment during the final days," he said."We had to keep moving the hospital to avoid the bombs and shells. Our people suffered a lot. But now things are much better with the war over."Shanmugarajah, who performed hundreds of field surgeries during the fighting, gave up his state sector job and is a candidate from the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students -- a former militant group that was linked to the LTTE but now backs Rajapakse.According to the elections department, some 267,000 people are registered to vote in the Wanni area, which covers six constituencies including Mullaittivu, which Shanmugarajah is contesting.But the actual number of voters is believed to be less than half that, as many remain in makeshift state-run relief camps further north, nearly a year after the bitter conflict ended."I am confident my people, the patients I looked after, will vote for me and get me to parliament," Shanmugarajah said.

Lanka slams US war crimes

Sri Lanka has slammed the US saying it has blood on its hands after a shocking video showed a US aircraft firing indiscriminately towards civilians in Iraq killing atleast 25 of them including two journalists. Government Defence Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told that while the US has been accusing Sri Lanka of human rights allegations and have repeatedly called for a war crime probe, they seem to have ‘conveniently forgotten’ its own issues in Iraq. Minister Rambukwella also called on the US to conduct an investigation on it’s own troops before pointing fingers at developing countries. “These are the world’s so called super powers. They have always tried to bully developing countries but have ignored the blood on their own hands. This is nothing new, it has been happening for years. They say we are guilty but we all know what happened in Iraq,” Minister Rambukwella said. Further reacting strongly to the video Minister Rambukwella also questioned the UN on its silence and queried why the UN Secretary General was failing to appoint an expert panel to advise him on the US involvement in Iraq. He also said that it was due to this reason, that the Sri Lankan government had always questioned the credibility of the ‘strong statements’ which were released by the west and the UN against Sri Lanka. The investigative organization WikiLeaks, this week released military video of what it describes as three incidents of an “indiscriminate slaying” by U.S. forces near Baghdad on July 12, 2007. WikiLeaks said the encounters killed as many as 25 civilians, including two Reuters journalists. The U.S. military said in a statement at the time that a total of 11 people died in the strikes conducted by U.S. and Iraqi forces. The video is shot from two Apache helicopters on patrol in Iraq. The choppers were responding to reports of AK-47 gunfire in the suburb of New Baghdad when military personnel on board spotted a group of nine to 12 people walking through a courtyard. The video shows military personnel aboard the Apaches indicating they spot the suspects toting several AK-47s and several RPG's. But WikiLeaks contends that the Reuters photographers were only carrying cameras, which the military mistook for weapons. The helicopters circle multiple times before opening fire. In the second incident captured by the video, U.S. forces open fire again after a van arrives to pick up casualties from the first attack. Later, American ground troops pull into the courtyard in an armored Humvee and appear to drive over one of the casualties.

EPDP continues to intimidate other contestants in the islets of Jaffna

Eezham People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), an ally of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the islets of Jaffna which is under the absolute control of Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), has spread a false news in its website and media that 3 local youths had been attacked with swords in Naaranthanai in Oorkaavatu’rai in the islands of Jaffna with the aim of scaring the polling agents of other contestants from appearing for duty in the islets of Jaffna on the election day, sources in Jaffna said. Sinhalese thugs from South brought to Jaffna by United National Party (UNP) had slashed the youths, according to news spread by EPDP, the sources added. However, residents of Naaranthanai denied any attack on youths in their village while Jaffna dailies did not carry any such news. Though EPDP claimed that the 3 injured youths are admitted to Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the administration of the hospital said there were no such patients admitted.This rumour is being spread intentionally to intimidate the polling agents and supporters of the other contesting parties that they too will be attacked and killed if they dare to go to the islets of Jaffna, the sources said.EPDP intends to engage in election frauds in the islets of Jaffna in a large scale, local residents of the islets said.

Sri Lanka general trial adjourned 
 
The first of two courts martial set up to try Sri Lanka's ex-army chief, Sarath Fonseka, has been adjourned .The trial, which charges Gen Fonseka of participating in politics while in uniform, was due to resume on Tuesday. But it was adjourned because of an outstanding case lodged with Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal challenging the legality of the courts martial. Another court martial charging the general of breaking army procurement rules is also set to resume on Tuesday. But correspondents say that this may also be adjourned on the same grounds. Gen Fonseka says all the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to bar him from forthcoming elections. He was arrested by the army last month, after losing presidential elections to incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa in January. Gen Fonseka led Sri Lanka's army when it defeated Tamil Tiger rebels last year but he and President Rajapaksa later fell out over who should take credit for winning the war. Sri Lanka's parliamentary are set to take place on Thursday 8 April.

Indian Bank may reopen Jaffna branch

The Sri Lankan government has urged Chennai-based Indian Bank to reopen its branches in the island nation. The bank had shut its branch at Jaffna due to ethnic clashes between Tamil minorities and Sri Lankan authorities. With peace slowly returning, the bank is looking at reopening the branch at Jaffna, while further expanding its presence in the island nation to tap the local Tamil speaking population. “We have been approached by the Sri Lankan government to reopen the Jaffna branch and we would soon send a team of officials to assess the situation  there and take a call,” said T.M. Bhasin, chairman and managing director, Indian Bank. The bank already has a branch in Colombo. The chairman also said that the bank may also open more branches in Sri Lanka. Apart from Colombo, Indian Bank has a branch in Singapore. The bank plans to open 190 branches in this fiscal and another 220 in 2011-12. Bhasin said that 80 per cent of the branches would be outside the southern part of India, which has hitherto been the stronghold of the bank. At present, the bank has 1,756 branches. “Our aim is to have 2,000 branches in the next couple of years,” Bhasin said.

Body of woman recovered in Araali sea in Jaffna

Vaddukkoaddai police recovered the body of a woman estimated to be in late sixties caught in the net of a fisherman fishing in Araali seas Tuesday. Araali Village Officer said that none had been reported missing from his area. Meanwhile, police suspect that the woman was killed and dumped into the sea. Police handed over the body to Jaffna Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Archaeology sparks new conflict between Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese

Recent visitors to Kilinochchi, the former capital of the Tamil Tigers, had noticed something unusual — there was a single, new building standing among the bombed-out ruins of the abandoned city in northern Sri Lanka. It was a whitewashed Buddhist shrine, strewn with flowers. “We thought it strange because there was no one there except soldiers — the civilians had all fled,” one of the visitors said. Officers told them that the shrine had been damaged by the Tigers and renovated by the army — recruited largely from the Sinhalese Buddhist majority — after the rebels’ defeat a year ago next month. “It’s an ancient site,” Major-General Prasad Samarasinghe, the chief military spokesman, told The Times. Many Tamil archaeologists, historians and politicians disagree. They say that the area had been populated for centuries by the ethnic Tamil minority, which is mostly Hindu. “There was nothing there at all,” Karthigesu Sivathamby, a retired professor of Tamil history and literature at the University of Jaffna, said. The true origins of the site may never be known without independent analysis — which is impossible while the army restricts access to the area. Many Tamil community leaders fear that the shrine is part of a plan to “rediscover” Buddhist sites and settle thousands of Sinhalese across the north to undermine the Tamils’ claim to an ethnic homeland. They also worry that such efforts will accelerate if the ruling coalition, led by President Rajapaksa, the country’s ethnic Sinhalese leader, wins a two-thirds majority in parliamentary elections due on Thursday. “The Government is putting up new Buddhist shrines and building permanent housing for soldiers,” Suresh Premachandran, an MP from the Tamil National Alliance, said. “They are trying to colonise the area, to show it belongs to the Sinhalese.” He said that the army was building housing for 40,000 soldiers and their families in the north, even before it has finished resettling 300,000 Tamils who were held in internment camps after the war. The army says that it does have that many troops there but denies settling their families and says it is simply renovating old military camps — and occasionally renovating Buddhist and Hindu shrines. “We’re just trying to protect the people and make sure the [Tigers] don’t come back,” General Samarasinghe said. So begins a new chapter in a dispute that began with the birth of archaeology in Sri Lanka, under the British in the 19th century, and that grew into a civil war that lasted 26 years and killed 100,000 people. When the British took control of the country in 1815, they were unsure of its ancient history but soon embraced the legend of the Mahavamsa — a text written by Buddhist monks in about AD500. It suggests that the Sinhalese are descended from Prince Vijaya, an Aryan prince exiled from northern India in about 500BC, and that Tamils did not migrate from southern India until 200 years later. That theory — still taught in schools — underpins the Sinhalese chauvinism that ultimately drove the Tigers to launch their armed struggle for an independent homeland in 1983. In fact, archaeologists had discredited that after independence by excavating settlements in the north that dated from long before 500BC and showed similarities to sites in southern India — suggesting a much earlier migration. When the conflict began, they were forced to suspend excavations and many Tamil archaeologists fled into exile overseas. Since the end of the war, archaeology in the north has resumed — and with it the debate over the country’s ancient history. “For three decades we haven’t been able to do anything in the north,” Senarath Dissanayake, the head of the Government’s Archaeology Department, said. “Now we can find out about how ancient people lived here — their culture, economy, social background, living conditions and religion.” He said that his department had identified 60 old sites in the north in the last year — and six completely new ones, dated between 300BC and AD1000. Some Tamil academics question why the new sites are all from a period when Sinhalese Buddhist culture is thought to have flourished. Others want more Tamil archaeologists involved, as well as foreign experts or the UN, to ensure that the work is objective. “The archaeological department is the handmaiden of the Government,” said one prominent Tamil scholar, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisals. “The concern is that they’re going to identify these sites as Sinhalese, build lots of Buddhist shrines and tell Sinhalese people this is their lost land.” The Government announced last month that 300,000 local and foreign tourists had visited the northern province since the war ended – and officials say that the vast majority were Sinhalese from the south. Government archaeologists deny identifying sites on ethnic or religious grounds. “The emphasis from the President is that there should be a balancing of Buddhist and non-Buddhist sites,” said Sudarshan Seneviratne, the head of the Central Cultural Fund, which finances archaeology. “He’s a smart politician. He knows how to cater to all communities.” Mr Seneviratne accepted, nonetheless, that there were “parochial” forces who wanted to use archaeology for political purposes. Principal among them on the Sinhalese side is the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a Buddhist monks’ party that is part of the ruling coalition, and has a powerful influence on Mr Rajapaksa. Its clout was illustrated last month when the Government refused a visa to Akon, a Senegalese-American R&B singer who had been due to perform in Colombo this month. Activists had protested over the video for Sexy Bitch, a song that showed bikini-clad women dancing around a pool, with a Buddha statue in the background. The protesters said that the Sri Lankan Constitution obliges the state to “give Buddhism the foremost place” and “protect and foster” the religion. The JHU invoked the same argument in December when it presented 29 demands to Mr Rajapaksa, including one for him to rebuild dozens of Buddhist sites in the north. His response has never been made public but the JHU — which is led by a passionate amateur archaeologist — claims that the President concurred. “He agreed to take immediate steps to restore Buddhist sites in the north,” Udaya Gammanpila, a senior JHU member, said. “He said the army and the archaeological department were already working on it.” Even if that is untrue, the JHU can directly influence archaeology because Champika Ranawaka, its chief ideologue, is Environment Minister and his approval is required to excavate and protect sites. Foreign archaeologists familiar with Sri Lanka say that the country — which is approximately 70 per cent Sinhalese and 20 per cent Tamil — needs to move past the ethnic issue. “That debate will never be answered by archaeology,” Robin Coningham, a professor of archaeology at Durham University, said. Tamil scholars say that that may not be possible with the JHU in government and the army empowered to rebuild Buddhist shrines on contentious sites. “Archaeology has always been political in Sri Lanka,” said one Tamil historian overseas, who also did not want to be identified for fear of endangering relatives in Sri Lanka. “It’s no different today.”

Major monuments

Sigiriya Remains of the 5th-century palace of Sinhalese King Kasyapa, built on a 370m (1,200ft) high outcrop

Polonnaruwa Ruined city, famed for its Buddhist frescoes, it was the country’s capital in the 12th century

Anuradhapura Ancient city with monasteries, man-made lakes and the Jetavana Dagoba — said to be the world’s largest brick stupa. It was the capital from 4th century BC to the 11th century

Kandy The last seat of the Sinhalese kings, defeated by the British in 1815. Also site of temple said to have a tooth of the Buddha

Galle Home to a fort, built by the Portuguese after their invasion in 1505 and developed by Dutch invaders after 1656. They added ramparts and built churches

Dambulla A complex of cave temples with ancient wall paintings

Sinharaja National park and ancient forest reserve, said to be the last primary rainforest .

05 April 2010

TNA should be banned which demand federalism - Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

Tamil National Alliance’s demands as separatist and as a bid to revive the LTTE’s agenda .The next Parliament must enact legislation to ban political parties promoting separatism and terrorism, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said at a meeting of the Sangha convened by the Kandy District UPFA candidate and Tourism Promotion Minister Faizer Mustapha at the  Queen’s Hotel, Kandy. There were still certain elements talking of homeland, federalism and separatism. There were even three or four LTTErs contesting the General Election, the Defence Secretary said on Saturday.He called on the Maha Sangha to advise the people to elect knowledgeable and dedicated representatives.Ven. Prof. Hanguranketha Dheerananda Thero and Minister Faizer Mustapha addressed the meeting.

Main political parties in Sri Lanka to hold final election rallies today

Campaigning for Sri Lanka's general election on April 8 will come to end at midnight today (5) and all the major parties have already made arrangements to hold their final rallies today. Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) will hold its final election meetings in Trinco,Amparai,Battei,Vavuniya and Jaffna.The governing United People's Freedom Alliance will wind up its election campaign with a public rally at Middeniya in the Hambantota District with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa this afternoon.The main opposition United National Party will conclude its election campaign by holding a meeting presided by opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe at Kosgas Handiya in Colombo 14.The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will hold its final election rally at Hulftsdorp in Colombo 12 with the party leaders in attendance. The DNA leader, retired General Sarath Fonseka is detained by the military at the Navy headquarters. All election campaign activities must be concluded by midnight Monday, Election Department says.

UPFA supporter shot dead

A UPFA supporter was shot dead in Kurunegala late last night while he was traveling in his vehicle. The gunmen had been in another vehicle and fired using a T-56 weapon killing the 26 year old UPFA supporter on the spot.Following the shooting the driver of the vehicle had driven the victim directly to the police station where he was found dead. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

Abductors demand ransom from family in the islets of Jaffna

The young family man from Veala’nai in the islets of Jaffna gone missing since 30 March has been abducted for a ransom of 300,000 rupees, according to a complaint lodged with Human Rights Commission (HRC) Jaffna office by his family members Sunday. Unknown persons had phoned the neighbours of the family and demanded the money. Attempts to contact the callers on the number of the cell phone used had failed, according to the complaint. The family man gone missing is Suntharalingam Selvan, 24, a resident of Thaalikku’lam in Veala’nai East.Selvan has been missing after going to a shop near his house on 30th March in the evening.Selvan’s family members complained to Oorkaavattu’rai police on the next day.The demand for ransom comes five days after Selvan had gone missing.Recently a teen-age student in Chaavakachcheari had been abducted and killed for not being paid the ransom demanded.Meanwhile, the fate of another resident from Oorkaavattu’rai who had gone missing recently in Jaffna town where he had gone to purchase things for his shop still remains unknown.

'LTTE, Sri Lankan govt keen on eliminating Fonseka'

The coalition led by Gen Sarath Fonseka, currently under Army custody, on Monday alleged that the Sri Lankan Government as well as the LTTE remnants were keen on eliminating the former Army chief. "The LTTE remnants want to get rid of Fonseka. It looks like that the Government's desire is also the same," Democratic National Alliance Vijitha Herath told reporters here. "The LTTE tried to assassinate Fonseka as he had moved towards finishing the outfit. They sent suicide bombers and tried other ways to kill him. Since Fonseka finished the LTTE its remnants are trying to get rid of the general," Herath said. He also charged the government with "catering" to the demands of the arrested LTTE leader K Pathmanathan. Herath claimed KP has information on the jewellery and other assets of the vanquished outfit. Herath also charged the government with trying to keep Fonseka under detention for a long time. "Fonseka will win the April 8 Parliamentary Elections from Colombo district and will get preferential votes," Herath said, adding that the retired army chief will also make his maiden speech soon after the new Parliament is convened.  Meanwhile, a senior cabinet minister has said the LTTE even tried to "use foreign sex workers to bring down the Rajapaksa government a few years ago”. "The LTTE not only used explosive devices in a desperate bid to bring down President Rajapaksa's government but also used foreign sex workers as part of a campaign to win over UPFA MPs to defeat budgets in 2007 and 2008," the Island Newspaper today quoted Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma to say.

Polling cards of 4,000 IDPs still at the Vavuniya Post Office
 
Over 4,000 polling cards of IDPs in Vavuniya who have received permission to live in premises outside the IDP camps are reportedly lying at the Vavuniya Post Office.An official from the post office said they were unable to distribute the polling cards as there were no addresses or contact details of IDPs who have received permission to find temporary residence in areas outside Vavuniya and with their relatives.About 22,000 persons live outside the IDP camps after receiving the necessary permission.  According to the official about 4,000 of the IDPs living outside camps have been given their polling cards.

Ban Ki Moon cannot interfere in Sri Lankan issues – Karuna

Parliament Member Vinagamoorthy Muralitharan namely Karuna Amman had informed that Ban Ki Moon cannot interfere in the Sri Lankan issues. While he gave a special interview to the “Diwayina” newspaper he mentioned this. He pointed out that more than the Sri Lankan issues, massive problems are prevailing in the world countries, and countries like Pakistan are facing severe problems. He said some migrant elements supportive of Tamil Eelam Liberation tigers are functioning against Sri Lanka. Karuna pointed out that the British External Affairs Minister David Milband is maintaining close links with migrant Tamils in the motive of winning the election. Due to personal power thirst, the Tamil political parties have got split now. He questioned what did the 22 Tamil National Alliance members who represented the last parliament, did anything to the people? But during the past one and half years, in many ways, he had served the Tamil people which he pointed out. During the past Presidential election the Tamil people and Tamil speaking Muslim people, did not support sufficiently President Mahinda Rajapakse but he said, the situation would change in the forthcoming parliament election. This government had granted massive service, and in future it would process massive development projects to the north and eastern people which was mentioned by Karuna Amman namely Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan.

All Party Representative Group will resume its functions, after the election

Decision had been taken to resume the All Party Representatives Group after the general election concludes on the forthcoming 8th. Tissa Vitharana Chairman of the All Party Group gave this statement. He said after the general election, there are possibilities of changes to occur in the political parties’ representatives; hence it is advisable to conduct the All Party Representatives meetings. Through this, the All Party group will be made more strong, hence new proposals could be submitted was mentioned by him. Information states, expectations are that if new members are elected for the political parties, changes would occur in the membership from the group hence the conference would resume its function is according to sources.

Police Inspector arrested for robbing phone

A Police Inspector who is alleged to have stolen a cellular phone and later presented it to a woman has been arrested by the Dankotuwa police. The Sub Inspector who lost his cellular phone during the recent Presidential Election was deployed with the suspect Police Inspector on special election duty at Chilaw. The SI found his phone missing during the special duty days. Dankotuwa police recently found a woman using the lost phone and arrested her. She had told the police that the particular Police Inspector had given it to her. Investigations by the Dankotuwa police under the direction of Chilaw SSP C.E. Edirisinghe are continuing.

Coast Guard nabs Sri Lankan Tamil refugees

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Coast Guard on Sunday apprehended six Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Fourth Islet near the International Maritime Boundary Line when they were waiting for a Sri Lankan boat to return to their home country illegally.They were identified as P. Dharmar, S. Ilanchezhian, N. Veera Vijayan, Shanta Kumar and C. Anjenya. While four of them were from the Bhavani Sagar refugee camp in Erode district, the other two were from the Tiruchi and Karur refugee camps.On information that a group of youngsters was spotted in an unmanned islet, a hovercraft of Coast Guard rushed there and surrounded them.They reportedly told the Coast Guard personnel onboard that an Indian boat dropped them at the islet after transporting them from Rameswaram. They also claimed that the crew members told them that a boat from Sri Lanka would take them.After a preliminary enquiry, they were brought to the Coast Guard station at Mandapam. Commandant D.S. Saini, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station, Mandapam told The Hindu that interrogation had revealed that a boat operator based at Rameswaram had received a hefty sum from the refugees for ferrying them to Sri Lanka. Since the vigil along IMBL was intensified, the boat crew members could not complete the mission and dropped them at an islet by making a false promise that a Sri Lankan boat would transport them further.Veera Vijayan told The Hindu that he had paid around Rs.15,000 to four agents, who were operating from Madurai, Mandapam and others as transportation fee. They had snatched all valuables, including mobile phones, before boarding onto the boat. The agents and boatmen had not only cheated them but also made them to battle for life at the islet without water and food for two days. Mr. Saini added that the Coast Guard would take tough action against those trying to cross the IMBL from both sides illegally.

Patrolling

Patrolling would be intensified further to prevent infiltration.

04 April 2010

Jaffna Students’ Union withhold support for TNA

The powerful Jaffna University Students’ Union (JUSU), which has in the recent past elections had been vehemently backing the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Monday officially decided to remain neutral at the general election.Secretary of the JUSU Sri Rangan told The Nation that they took the final decision after they met candidates of the TNA and All Ceylon Tamil Congress at two separate meetings on Monday at the University. He said they have called upon the Tamil people not only select the correct party to vote, but also to be mindful of the individuals they were voting for. “The Tamil community needs different types of ideology and people to come forward, so now we have left it to the people t