Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Sugeeswara Senadhira, Minister Counselor for Sri Lankan Ambassador in France has by his e-mail sent to popular France 24 TV channel’s Director (Directeur de la Redaction) Gregoire Deniau has said that Sri Lankan government has provided eighteen (18) security personnel to Western Peoples Front leader and Civil Monitoring Commission convener Mano Ganesan MP. But actually the police had provided only eight (08) security personnel to him. This too had come after the Lankan Court of Appeal’s intervention in this legal battle between Mano Ganesan and Sri Lankan government said the office of Mano Ganesan .

Popular ‘France 24’ channel’s Capcine Henry had filmed her documentary ‘Special Report: Sri Lanka:Tamil Mothers Waiting for Their Sons’ on Sri Lankan crisis, which has now hit international television channels. French journalist Ms. Capcine was arrested and remanded in Sri Lanka on December 25th Christmas day when she accompanied a Tamil family visiting Boosa detention camp. She spent the Christmas night in a police station cell with a Tamil mother and brother of a Tamil person who was arrested during the mass arrests of Tamils and detained at the Boosa detention camp. Mano Ganesan is one who features in the documentary and the Sri Lankan embassy has subsequently tried to counter the news reported by the documentary. Speaking on the security issue of Ganesan, Sugeeswara Senadhira Minister Counselor for Sri Lankan Ambassador in France has told popular France 24 channel Director Gregoire Deniau by email among other that GoSL had provided eighteen security personnel to Ganesan which is not true but false information.

Codegen International Private Limited, one of the leading enterprises in Sri Lanka's software industry yesterday (February 28) donated sum of 800,000 rupees to Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit for a house construction project. Honorary Chairman MOD Seva Vanitha, Mrs. Ioma Rajapksa received the cheque from the Director legal of Codegen International Pvt Ltd, Mr Kusal Subasinghe, at the Ministry premises last evening. Several staff members of the Codegen International Pvt Ltd were also present at the occasion.
The house construction project has been undertaken by the MOD Seva Vanitha to build a house for the family of private G.R. Wijesooriya, who died in an accident while serving under the bomb disposal unit in the Ministry of Defence. Sri Lanka Army is to provide the design and the labour for the project.
The house is to be built at Navalamulla, in Meegoda. The wife of Private Wijessoriya and his son were also invited to the discussion held on the project at the Ministry.

On information received from a civilian, a special Police team recovered suicide kits ,claymore bombs and hand grenades in a search operation conducted in the MODARA area.

Six LTTE terrorists were reported killed in confrontations with the Army on Thursday (28) in the VAVUNIYA area. Four of them were killed around 11.20 in the morning at SINNAPANDIVIRICHCHAN area, one at NAVATHKULAM around 11.20 a.m. and the other at PERIYAPANDIVIRICHCHAN in the afternoon around 12.30. In Mannar two terrorists were also killed in a confrontation in the PARAPPAKANDAL area.
A soldier was also reported injured in the ANDANKULAM area, WELIOYA on Thursday (28) in the morning around 8.30.
Meanwhile, a large stock consisting of a total of 861 of anti- personnel mines were recovered on Thursday (28) during search operations conducted by Troops from the WELIOYA and MANNAR areas .
166 anti- personnel mines and 07 booby traps were recovered by Troops from the THIRUKETHEESWARAM area in MANNAR while 695 anti- personnel mines and six "booby traps" were recovered from the KOKKUTHUDUWAI and ANDANKULAM area in WELIOYA.

Extensive investigations are being conducted into the bomb blast at Ibbagewatte in Modera this morning.
Police media spokesman and senior DIG N.K. Illangakoon says the explosion took place when the police was conducting a special search operation on a house in the area around 6’0 clock.
He added an LTTE suicide bomber, who was hiding in the house, has exploded himself when the police was about to search him.
Seven persons who were injured in the incident have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. Three policemen and four civilians were wounded.

Army spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara said a 9mm pistol, a magazine and five bullets were found inside the house.

The government has called the services of the government analyst for further investigations. It has also been reported that the police has arrested a suspect this morning in connection with the blasting of transformers in Kalpitiya, Puttalam. The army spokesman said 8 kilogrammes of c-4 type explosives, a roll of wire and batteries were found buried in his garden.

Sri Lankan government sources say the Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has brought a favourable trade balance for Sri Lanka.


Quoting Ijaz Abbasi, the President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka’s Government Information Department says the balance had previously been in favour of Pakistan.


The FTA signed on August 1st, 2002, came into force on June 12th, 2005. The trade between the two countries has almost doubled since then. It was worth 170 million US Dollars at the time the FTA came into force.

The army media spokesman further says the security forces have launched an attack on a group of LTTE carders traveling at Madhu road junction around 12.20 last night. In a subsequent search operation two T 56 weapons, a gun with a silencer and 8 claymore bombs.


He added that 8 LTTE bunkers were completely destroyed in an attack carried out by the troops in Muhamalai in Jaffna around 4’0 clock this morning. Five LTTE members were killed in the incident.

 

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says an explosion has occurred at Vorse Lane in Modara. The Modara police said the blast occurred when a suspicious house was about to be checked at around 6.00 am this morning. The police said one person has been injured in the incident. Modera Police are conducting further investigations.

Meanwhile OIC of Modara Police Prasad Siriwardena says the blast in Modara this morning occurred when the suicide bomber at the house being checked under suspicion in Ibbagewatta Modara exploded the bomb. Seven persons were injured in the blast. The house was checked on information gained from two LTTE suspects arrested yesterday. The bomber exploded the bomb when he was being arrested by the police. Director of the Colombo National Hospital
Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said that three policemen are among those injured.

 

Sri Lanka Army soldiers running at terror defences in Mannar today (February 28) achieved a tremendous success against LTTE terrorists by establishing the domination over the area of Sinnaodaippu in the North of Giant Tank today (February 28). According to the latest military reports received from Mannar battlefront troops have been able to capture an important sluice gate in the area along with a fortified bunker and a trench defence of the terrorists.

According to the defence sources in the area, Sri Lanka army infantrymen backed by artillery, launched the first assault at the terrorists' defence line around 10.a.m. and were able to beat off the terrorists by 11.45.a.m. The ground troops have reported that 20 terrorists were killed during the confrontation. However, the overheard radio transmissions of LTTE have revealed that only 14 cadres were killed during the first assault. During the subsequent search in the area , troops have found six T-56 riffles.

The sources further said that the terrorists made a counter attack around 12 noon with terror leaders Bhanu and Lakshman leading from the back. About 70-80 terrorists reported to have come to the attack but were crushed in the army retaliatory fire, said the sources. The terrorists have quickly turned tail with heavy casualties despite the wailing of Bhanu and Lakshman on radio for the frontlines to hold out, the sources added.

Ground troops have reported 20-30 LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded. Also, the LTTE radios have transmitted an inevitable retreat with heavy damages after the abortive counter attack.

Further , the Army snipers who were deployed along with advancing troops have reported shooting down of 10 more LTTE cadres.

Four soldiers suffered injuries , including 2 in serious conditions. The injured were rushed to Anuradhapura hospital.

Troops are consolidating their defence in the newly liberated terroritoy.

In yet another serious blow to media freedom, a four-member gang allegedly attempted to harm a journalist attached to the SLRC who was involved in videotaping the ‘infamous December 27 incident where Labour Minister Mervin Silva wreaked havoc along with a gang of thugs.

The journalist, Assistant Director News Camera Priyal Ranjith Perera, was threatened by an unidentified gang last evening while he was in his residence at Pitakotte. According to Perera four persons clad in black arrived at his home and asked for a deal to film a wedding ceremony.

“They came and rang the bell of my home. While I was opening the door I got suspicious by the look of them. I am used to taking precautions after the December 27 incident. So, I told them that those doing such video work are not here right now. At that point, he said, one of the gang had pulled out something that looked like a knife from his trouser pocket and tried to harm him. “I shut the door with a bang and shouted saying thieves had broken into my home. My neighbours having heard me screaming and rushed to see what was wrong. According to eye witnesses the attackers fled in a three-wheeler. I suspect a link between the December 27 melee and this incident. My staff filmed the mayhem that day. Since then I have been under threat,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Sanath Balasuriya also said they suspected this incident was linked to the December 27 fracas and a fair and impartial investigation into the incident should be conducted to bring the culprits to book. Mr. Balasuriya said they were aware of such kind of threats to any journalist seen to be involved in the Rupavahini case. “We strongly believe there is a connection between the two cases.

The authorities concerned can dispel our suspicions only through a proper investigation to identify the perpetrators. At this point those who witnessed the December 27 incident should be united to overcome the present challenges without being divided,” he said.

The Peoples Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) filed a Fundamental Rights petition naming the Elections Commissioner, Defence Secretary and IGP as respondents and calling for the disarming of armed group.

KALPITIYA Police on information provided by a civilian recovered three Claymore mines weighting 30 kg, seven hand grenades and a remote control device concealed in a plastic barrel and hidden in a lagoon in NATCHCHIKALLIYA area, KALPITIYA in the morning today (28) around 9.00.

 

The final rights for late Minister and Governor Tyrone Fernando were conducted at the Borella cemetery this evening. Issuing a message of condolence President Mahinda Rajapakse identifies the late Minister as a distinguished son of Sri Lanka who was both a friend and a parliamentary colleague.

The Air Force has successfully attacked an LTTE Artillery Commanding Centre.
The media centre for national security said at around 11.10 this morning Air Force jets bombed the centre and an underground bunker located at Kulampaikulama in Palai Jaffna.
The media centre said fighter pilots have confirmed that commanding centre in this facility was completely destroyed and that this facility was heavily fortified and protected.

The head of PML (N), and former PM, Mian Nawaz Sharif has expressed the strong resolve of his party’s struggle for free fair and transparent elections in the country.

While briefing the visiting ambassadors of EU countries, Srilanka and USA on Thursday at his Islamabad residence, he expressed his deep reservations at various hurdles and problems being created by government, which could have unavoidable dire consequences.

The meeting held amid a glowing global gathering of 18 major ambassadors has been reported to be held in quite a congenial mood, in which Nawaz Sharif expressed his keen desire to maintain good relations with EU at all levels, due to exemplary involvement and assistance of EU in all socio-economic fields with Pakistan in all difficult and needy times.

He expressed his deep respect and admiration of the strong democratic traditions upheld by EU community through ages, which has augured quite well for global human rights, and was a source of inspiration for his party.

After his meeting with the EU diplomatic community, Mian Nawaz Sharif headed towards the Frontier house, where he also held a meeting with the American ambassador, Anne Patterson, whence both discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and America in quite a friendly and congenial atmosphere.

The diplomatic schedule of Mian Nawaz Sharif concluded with the final call made by the Sri-Lankan foreign minister, in which both reminisced over the past glory of great collaboration and friendship between two countries during Mian Sahib’s tenure.

Mian Nawaz Sharif paid glowing tributes to Sri-Lankan example of holding their elections right amid a raging threat of civil war and terrorism, which holds place in golden annals of history of global democracy.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara has urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister in charge of the finance, not to restrict the use of official phones of members of Parliament.
The Parliament Secretariat has informed the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry that it would continue to settle telephone bills as the Finance Ministry hadn’t responded to the Speaker’s appeal.
Earlier, the Cabinet had endorsed a proposal to impose a ceiling on telephone bills in a bid to cut down on State expenditure, sources said.
All 225 members are entitled to two official telephones.
Sources said the Cabinet had decided to cut down on telephone bills way back on December 20, 2006.
Although this decision had been conveyed to the Presidential Secretariat, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Treasury Secretary and the Auditor General in the first week of January 2007 and several letters exchanged between Parliamentary Affairs Ministry and Parliamentary Secretariat subsequently, no action had been taken to implement it, sources said.
The government, struggling on the economic front is under heavy pressure to cut down on waste, corruption and irregularities.

motorbike-riding gunmen Tuesday evening shot dead a former Pradeshiya Sabha member at Uppuveli in Trincomalee.
Police identified the victim as Gopal Koneswararaja (32) of Farm Road, Selvanayagampura.

The Supreme Court directed that status quo of former Commander of the Security Forces (East ) Maj. Gen. Parakrama Pannipitiya regarding his present residence at Summit Flat will remain. Maj. Gen. Pannipitiya filed a fundamental rights petition challenging his transfer from the post of Commander of Security Forces (East) and order asking him to vacate his present staff quarters at Summit Flats and seeking permission to allow him to retain the vehicles and escorts and other entitlements.

Nine terrorists including an area LTTE leader were reported killed said MCNS, during clashes erupted between LTTE and troops at Wanni defences on Wednesday (27).
According to reports, 3 terrorists were killed in confrontation with troops in general area Kovilmoddai, Vavuniya yesterday at around 2.15 p.m. A body of a female terrorist and T- 56 assault rifle was recovered by troops in subsequent search operations, MCNS reported.
Six other terrorists were also reported killed in clashes at Thiruketheeswaran area in Mannar, yesterday at 4 p.m. According to MCNS reports, it was believed that an area LTTE leader named 'Victor' was among the dead or had sustained injuries in confrontations.
Meanwhile, troops conducting search operations in general area Ponarasankulama, Vavuniya recovered a T-56 assault rifle, magazines and 60 ammunition rounds at 6 p.m.
The search operation was conducted on civilian information, where the items were found hidden in an abandoned house.

Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara on Wednesday (27) addressing a media briefing held at MCNS said, the frustration of the LTTE terror outfit was now very much evident following heavy defeats in the Wanni and Northern fronts. In the wake of its imminent, defeat the Tiger media stooges are carrying out false propaganda to hoodwink the international community, he remarked.
Brigadier Nanayakkara was referring to a revelation made by defence.lk exposing LTTE cheap propaganda on a photograph displayed by a pro-LTTE website on 30 January. The web site has posted a photograph of a youth claiming that it was a mutilated body of a SLA soldier named N. Kumara, 25, on the outskirts of Mannar.
But, the identical photograph was portrayed on a website, http://www.world.mht/, two years ago claiming that the youth in the photograph was killed in Iraq and belonged to the Haditha tribe, the spokesperson added.
These lame propaganda efforts were nothing new as these are the only reservations left for the outfit to save its face while satisfying its' terror sympathizers and diaspora community.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Nanayakkara also pointed, that the civilians living in the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts are forced out of base hospitals as the LTTE leadership has ordered hospital authorities in the non-liberated areas to give preferences to wounded LTTE cadres. There is a looming humanitarian catastrophe in these non-liberated areas, and security forces are determined to end the human suffering at the hands of LTTE, he said.
He further said that the LTTE leadership has avoided attending the funerals of senior Tiger terrorists, fearing air strikes.
During offensives launched ahead of LTTE defences by SLA in Welioya last week, LTTE suffered major setbacks. SLA made preparations to handover 26 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed during confrontations in the Wanni front over to ICRC, he further stated. The bodies were later handed over to LTTE on Tuesday(26), the spokesperson said.
The positive expectations of the innocent Tamils of an LTTE defeat have triggered a civilian exodus from non-liberated territory. Many families have sought protection with security forces at the joint Navy and Police marshalling point in Pallaimunai, Mannar, Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella addressing media yesterday (27) during a press briefing held at MCNS stated that all preparations were made for the local government elections in the Eastern province on March 10, contrary to the picture of violence and distorted cheap propaganda by certain groups and parties.
"Only 26 election related incidents had been reported so far in Batticaloa and they too are minor incidents. Police are fully investigating those incidents," the Minister said.
"There had been elections which had become a 'black mark' in this country. "So compared to other elections the local polls campaign in Batticaloa is one of the best elections so far," the Minister added.
Minister Rambukwella also drew attention to the incident concerning the former Executive Director of ICES (International Centre for Ethnic Studies), Dr Rama Mani, explaining that the UNDP Chief of Policies and Programs, Omar Norman, had signed a petition requesting that her visa be extended and had later complained that he was tricked into signing it.
The Eastern province is now going through a massive development process under the "Nagenahira Udanaya" he further stated. The GoSL has embarked on ensuring economic freedom to the Eastern population by implementing development projects costing Rs. 6.1 billion, the Minister remarked.
It is a great achievement to be able to hold local elections in the east, which also underlines the government's urgency to refurbish democracy in east while implementing its road map for the mega development projects, the Spokesperson said.
However, Minister Rambukwella also pointed out that even in superior democracies it is not always possible to prevent incidents of this nature adding that such incidents can be expected in an area liberated from the clutches of terrorism in the recent past.

The Udawalawa Sanctuary Park will be reopen for public from the first of next month. Caretaker of the park Prasanna Wimaladasa says the decision was taken after a special discussion between department of wildlife and security officials recently. The security forces have ensured the safety of the area. The sanctuary was temporary closed due to a terrorist attack occurred in the borders of the park on the 19th of last month.

Failure to rebuild a tsunami hit school resulted in chaos in Galle yesterday as over 2,000 student and parents of Gintotta Maha Vidyalaya picketed in protest on the Gintotta Bridge.
The protesters burnt tyres on the Galle Road disrupting the movement of traffic and shouted slogans demanding their school be rebuilt soon. Police arrived on the scene and cleared the road for vehicular traffic, but that too for only a short time.
Students and parents said that it was three years since the tsunami destroyed the school but so far no action had been taken to rebuild the school.
Southern Provincial Council Minister of Cooperatives U. G. D. Aryatillake arrived on the scene and held talks with the students and parents. But they were not satisfied with the assurances given by him and returned to continue with their protest.
Unable to persuade the crowd to disperse, Police were forced to divert vehicular traffic along alternate routes. Traffic was held up for nearly two hours.
Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijelal de Silva arrived at the scene and assured the children and their parents that work on rebuilding the school would commence this week. Only after his assurance did the crowd disperse.

At least 44 youths who sought protection with the Human Rights Commission surrendered to the Security Forces yesterday (February 26), defence sources said.

Those surrendees after formal registration at the Police are to be absorbed into a rehabilitation programme commencing today (February 27). They have sought the rehabilitation in writing, according to the military sources.

During January 2007- February 2008, a total of three hundred and seventeen men and women, some of who claimed themselves to be LTTE cadres have turned up at the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in Jaffna and wanted to seek protection saying that they were very much harassed, disgusted with the LTTE or exposed to LTTE conscription attempts.

The Commission on a court directive ordered the Police to detain them in a special wing inside the Jaffna prison for protection until their inquiries and Police investigations were over. During this period 291 males and 26 females surrendered and were detained by the Commission. Some of those detainees on their own accord later left the prison protection and went away.

Authorities from the Ministry of Rehabilitation after receiving those 44 LTTE men/supporters are expected to send them for rehabilitation in Jaffna, providing all necessary provisions to them.

 


The air raid by Sri Lanka Air Force on Friday (February 22) at a terrorist camp in Kiranchi, West of Kilinochchi, has drawn considerable controversy. The knee-jerk reaction of the LTTE to this air raid was the release,through its propaganda mechanism, of some pictures showing the bodies of a few children and women, with the claim that nine civilians were killed and 14 others injured as the Sri Lanka Air Force had bombed a civilian settlement.

With ample evidence that the LTTE is an exponent of false propaganda aimed at gaining sympathy of those who are not privy to the terrorists' cruel mindset and also at contriving carnage against civilians, defence.lk sought to refute these charges through defence intelligence services. Despite the fact that intelligence related to air raids are often classified as top secret, the intelligence sources divulged the following facts considering the exigency of the situation.

According to the defence intelligence sources, Kiranchi has been a pivotal area for the sea borne operations of LTTE terrorists for many years. They have been using the area as a launching pad for its boat movements and also for unloading its supplies smuggled via sea. Having lost its floating armouries to the SLNavy recently, LTTE has been depending heavily on the North Western coast of the island for its supplies. This is mainly due to the fact that the narrow sea stretch between India and Sri Lanka and the presence of a large number of Indian fishing vessels in the Gulf of Mannar have made it extremely difficult to have a firm hold over clandestine sea movements in those areas. Against this backdrop, the "Kiranchi Sea Tiger Base " as the terrorists termed it, became one of the most important strategic locations for the terror outfit.

Thus, it should be emphasized that defence intelligence has not identified the target haphazardly or without substantial grounds. According to Air Force sources, the Kiranchi base had been bombed 3 times in November 2006 and once again in April 2007. The air attacks caused the terrorists to shift its assets within a 1-2 km radius in the same area, from time to time, despite the heavy damages they suffered. Nevertheless, the outfit could not afford to leave Kiranchi for good, whatever the cost. Therefore, it can be reasonably assumed that the terrorists would go to any extent to keep the Air Force fighter planes away from the Kiranchi skies.

Meanwhile, navy intelligence sources received credible information on the correct location to where the LTTE has shifted its camp facility following the successive air raids. The intelligence obtained through human intelligence sources were then verified through extensive analysis of satellite imagery by navy intelligence experts.

According to the navy intelligence officials, the target was positively identified as a hiding place for LTTE logistics and attack craft, a training facility for female LTTE cadres and an area declared a no entry zone for civilians by the terrorists. Navy underscored that it was only after confirming these facts through multiple sources that the target was given to the Air Force.

The Air Force, on the other hand, claimed that it could verify the same facts given by the Navy intelligence through extensive air surveillance. According to Air Force sources there was no possibility for civilians homes to be inside 2-3 Km radius from the targeted location. Moreover, Air Force confirmed that the target was hit with the maximum accuracy and as such the bombs could not have been dropped off the target.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy yesterday (February 25) decided to release the latest intelligence reports that it received on the incident.

According to the intelligence gathered from ground sources, Navy claimed that 10 LTTE cadres were killed and 9 others suffered injuries in the air raid. It has been further reported that the bombing had taken place to coincide with a training session for female LTTE cadres at the targeted location. Among the dead were self styled Lieutenant Colonel, Kalai Arasi, "Major" Thuwarika and "Lieutenant" Senthamarai, these sources said.

"Lieutenant Colonel" Kalai Arasi, according to the Navy, was a senior instructor for female LTTE cadres and also the in-charge of an LTTE attack boat named "Surali". Also, there were 6 large LTTE craft and 3 small craft at the location at the time of the attack.

Navy has received further information from an informant, who was engaged in fishing in the Walaikadu area at the time of the air raid, that he observed a huge explosion followed by large fire with black smoke that lasted for about 30 minutes. The informant has also said that the some of the fishermen who had been engaged in fishing in the area were summoned by the terrorists to assist them. According to the informant, those fishermen who had gone to the location have stated that the Air Force had bombed an LTTE camp in an area where no civilians were allowed to enter.

Further, electronic warfare personnel of Navy on Saturday (February 23) recorded a radio conversation between two LTTE stations called KR and RM that station MR had been destroyed due to the air raid and the Mannar LTTE leader was planning to visit the area on Sunday. It was during the same radio conversation that one LTTE station issued instructions to the other that not even Red Cross personnel should be allowed to enter the targeted area until completion of the said leader's visit.

 

The Northeastern coastline is of huge strategic value to the LTTE as it allows maritime access and the use of the Sea Tigers in operations in Jaffna or elsewhere. This is not to say that the Sea Tigers pose a significant threat to the Sri Lankan Navy.

Few effective maritime attacks have taken place in the north. The 21 January assault on the MV City of Liverpool, a cargo ship carrying foodstuffs to the Jaffna peninsula, involving five Sea Tiger attack vessels inflicted only minor damage on the ship. In fact, few major contacts have occurred in 2007. Other major engagements occurred when the Sea Tigers were in relatively robust health: the l October 2006 attack on the Dakshina naval base in Galle involving live Sea Tiger vessels disguised as fishing boats occurred while the LTTE still had a network of eastern bases and the coastal town of Vakarai under its control.

The Sea Tigers are now without not only Sampur and Vakarai, but also Silavathurai and a considerable percentage of their fleet of attack craft and cargo ships. The SLA even claimed that the last of the Sea Tiger cargo vessels had been destroyed on 8 October, the 3 cargo ship Matsusmina, sunk 700 nautical miles off the Sri Lanka's coast, only a week and a half after the death of Nishanthan, the Sea Tiger commander in a sea battle on 27 September. Significantly, until September, LTTE vessels had always been sunk by the navy within 200 nautical miles of the coast, with the greater distance of the Matsusmina sinking suggesting they are in possession of reliable international intelligence regarding ship movements. The signing of a memorandum of understanding on intelligence co-operation between Sri Lanka and Maldives on 2 November reflects this reliance on overseas intelligence. Nonetheless, despite the evident denigration in the Sea Tigers` capabilities, retention of access to the northwestern coastline is important for the LTTE, and hence its land campaign will likely reflect this.
LTTE air campaign

In addition to its land and sea strategy, the LTTE is likely to augment any ground operations with aerial attacks. The most recent example of this was the 22 October attack on the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) base in Anuradhapura. Although ostensibly a ground attack by a Black Tiger unit, an aerial element was included, acting largely, but not exclusively as a psycho factor. The October operation was the first co-ordination of ground and air attacks. Hitherto, Tamil Eelam Air Force air raids had no ground component.

The operation began at 0320 local time and involved at least 21 male and female Black Tigers. Up to 27 males have been involved, based upon eyewitness accounts of the villagers living in the vicinity of the base and from pictures on the LTTE releases. The LTTE waited in a nearby empty house, cut through the perimeter chain link fence, cut a concertina wire fence and walked unchallenged for 300 metres to a hangar. They then proceeded to fire on aircraft using RPGs and light anti-tank weapons. LTTE were also able to maintain contact during the attack with Vanni commanders via satellite mobile telephones and walkie-talkies.

At least 21 LTTE members were killed in the Anuradhapura attack and the SLA acknowledged a death toll of 13 airmen, including four killed in an apparent `friendly fire` incident. The attack may cost the government at least USD30 million approximately SLR 3 billion).
LTTE decline

As a result, the recent ground and air attack in Anuradhapura, despite its psychological impact, is unlikely to reverse the perilous position of the LTTE now at its lowest ebb since the Indian intervention of late 1980s.

The aircraft losses will not impede SLA sorties over the Wanni. Indeed, the death of Thamilselvan and live senior officers in an air strike came a day after the LTTE leadership conferred honours on the Air Tiger pilots involved in the attack. Air superiority was an integral part of the government`s eastern victories earlier in the year and will likely play a vital role in the government`s campaign of attrition along the northwestern coast. It is therefore likely the LTTE will attempt further attacks on SLAF facilities, while committing forces to slow the SLA`s advance in the southwestern Vanni.

In addition, the 16 October attack in the south eastern Yala National Park indicates the LTTE`s reversion to traditional guerrilla tactics in the east. However, these are currently neither numerous nor audacious enough to tie down sufficient numbers of eastern security forces to the extent that troops and artillery cannot be diverted to the northern campaign.

This means the government`s northern campaign will slowly advance, seeking to bleed the LTTE by retaining artillery pressure on the FDLs and capturing portions of uncleared territory where it can, the SLA may look to advance north along the A32 in early to mid 2008. Any push south from the Muhamalai and Nagarkovil FDLs in Jaffna would be dependent on the campaign in the southwestern Vanni, but this is an unlikely option within the next year given the SLAs experiences at Muhamalai in October 2006, and may not occur at all in the northern campaign. Under General Fonseka, a veteran of the failed Jaya Sikuru offensive, it is unlikely that a similar high profile land offensive to that of 1997 - 1999 will take place in 2008, despite the short-term political benefits that would accrue to the Rajapaksa administration.

At the same time, the denigration of the Sea Tiger fleet precludes all significant ability to dominate the coast or easily transport troops for strategic mobility. The limited aerial capabilities of the Tigers are high profile and may boost morale, but are of little tactical utility.

In addition, the LTTE is currently suffering from recruitment difficulties and international pressure over its diaspora fundraising and overseas weapons procurement networks. With its maritime supply routes likely to become limited by its loss of land in the northwest, unless a new political or military variable enters the equation, the decline of the LTTE is inevitable.

This does not yet suggest an end to the conflict or a military defeat of the LTTE. While it may lose territory, a reversion to guerrilla warfare in the east will likely be matched by a similar tactic in the jungles of the Vanni. High-value political and military targets will be attacked with suicide squads and bombers, and intermittent light infantry raids will be carried out on military stations. Weaponry will be supplied by theft from security forces, with the LTTE`s estimated 7,000 fighters offering substantial resistance for years ahead.

The movement`s demise has been predicted several times since its inception in the 1970s, and the group has proven adept at jungle fighting in previous years. The current crisis could yet prove to be the catalyst for lethal new innovations on the Sri Lankan battlefield.

 

Forty-four detainees, having confessed that they were either connected to LTTE or have directly or indirectly aided and abetted the terrorist cause in the Jaffna peninsula consented to receive rehabilitation after they reached Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna prisons on Tuesday (26).

Those surrendees after formal registration at the Police are to be absorbed into a rehabilitation programme in the peninsula beginning tomorrow (27). They have sought the rehabilitation in writing, according to the military sources.

During January 2007- February 2008, a total of three hundred and seventeen men and women, some of who claimed themselves to be LTTE cadres have turned up at the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in Jaffna and wanted to seek protection saying that they were very much harassed, disgusted with the LTTE or exposed to LTTE conscription attempts.

The Commission on a court directive ordered the Police to detain them in a special wing inside the Jaffna prison for protection until their inquiries and Police investigations were over. During this period 291 males and 26 females surrendered and were detained by the Commission. Some of those detainees on their own accord later left the prison protection and went away.

Authorities from the Ministry of Rehabilitation after receiving those 44 LTTE men/supporters are expected to send them for rehabilitation in Jaffna, providing all necessary provisions to them, Ministry of Rehabilitation has told the Police.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka (CCI) last week in a bid to energise private sector innovation in the construction sector.

The MOU aims to strengthen the cooperation between the Ceylon Chamber and CCI in promoting National Economic Development with special reference to Infrastructure Development and Construction related projects in Sri Lanka.

Both the Ceylon Chamber and the CCI strongly feels that the private sector can play an active role in Infrastructure Development by working closely with the Government through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). The private sector can facilitate speedier implementation of infrastructure projects using their expertise and resources. Both organizations plan to use the synergy of their partnership to improve infrastructure facilities which is crucial for attracting new investments and to have a wider spread of economic activity with increased efficiency in the Corporate Sector.

Farmers supplying the Dambulla Vegetable Wholesale Market (DVWM) will soon have short message service (SMS) alerts on their mobile phones that will regularly update them of price movements at the DVWM.

LIRNEasia’s Executive Director Dr. Rohan Samarajiva said that This will assist them in obtaining a better price for their produce. LIRNEasia is a think tank with a focus on using technology to better the lives of people living in "emerging" Asia-Pacific.

Dr. Harsha de Silva, LIRNEasia’s lead economist speaking at a seminar on farmer empowerment on Thursday, said that information is critical for effective functioning of markets and that ICT could improve efficiencies in agriculture markets.

He said that 72% of the farmer population will use telephones by the middle of the year.

"Our farmers are poor, but food is expensive," he said.

LIRNEasia’s Ms. Helani Galpaya said that even though 92% of Sri Lanka’s population have access to phones, only 8% of the calls made were for business purposes.

Samarajiva said that this project is being worked out with a mobile phone company whose name he didn’t want to divulge.

He said that it will encompass farmers living in the North Central Province, Central Province and North Western Province who generally supply to the DVWM, popularly known as the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Zone (DDEZ).

De Silva said that the DDEZ is the biggest vegetable wholesale market in Sri Lanka.

He said that DDEZ which occupies 12 acres of land has 144 trade stalls (Samarajiva said that the President recently gifted the 145th stall to a trader).

De Silva said that nearly 1,000 trades take place at DDEZ daily. It makes a daily turnover of between Rs. 30-40 million.

"But Dambulla has no bidding mechanism like the Colombo Tea Auctions, or the Amsterdam Flower market or the mandis in Andhra Pradesh.

However, recently, five large electronic boards were installed at the DDEZ which provides information of the last traded prices of vegetables in order to strengthen farmers’ bargaining power, said de Silva.

By Nirmala Kannangara

The UNP yesterday charged that it would bring an impeachment motion against President Mahinda Rajapakse in the event he fails to appoint the Constitutional Council (CC).

UNP MP Gayantha Karunathilake told The Morning Leader yesterday that the UNP has already taken steps to institute legal action against President’s failure, and plans were afoot to bring an impeachment motion against the President, for the intentional violation of the constitution by not appointing members to the Constitutional Council.

"Even the President, referring to constitutional provisions, once said that it is beyond doubt that the implementation of constitutional provisions is the basic duty of the government. In such a scenario the UNP would wish to know as to why the same President is now delaying the appointment of the CC as he is bound to uphold the constitution," claimed Karunathilake.

Karunathilake further stated that Sri Lanka has now become a failed state before the international community as the Rajapakse administration has miserably failed to uphold the constitution, the highest law in the country.

"Blatant appointments of political favourites to independent commissions have increased alarmingly. Since all the relevant political parties have now forwarded their nominations to the President, it is the bounden duty of President Rajapakse to appoint the CC at the earliest or face serious consequences," added Karunathilake.

The UNP yesterday informed President Mahinda Rajapakse that the 13th Amendment to the constitution was part of the law of the country and that there was no bar to its implementation.

This UNP position was brought to the President’s notice when the party met with the government delegation yesterday at Temple Trees.

The government delegation comprised President Rajapakse, Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Tissa Vitharana and Prof. Wishva Warnapala.

The UNP delegation comprised, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and MPs Rukman Senanayake and K.N. Choksy.

The Morning Leader learns that President Rajapakse had at the outset asked what the UNP’s position was with regard to the APRC proposals.

The UNP had said that the interim report states a final report would be issued shortly and that the party was awaiting that report.

Informed sources said the President had inquired whether the UNP supported the interim report. The UNP it is learnt had told the President that if he was inquiring after the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the constitution, it is already part of the law and that no one would question its implementation.

The UNP had further said that the party had submitted its proposals to Minister Vitharana months earlier and that if the final report is based on those proposals the party would support it.

The President had also told the UNP delegation that the government intends holding provincial council elections in the east and asked what the party’s position would be.

It is learnt the UNP informed the President that the climate was not conducive for holding elections in the east and that if the government insists on holding the elections, it will be difficult for the party to participate in it.

The UNP had further called up on the President to implement the 17th Amendment to the constitution, which provided for the Constitutional Council.

It is learnt the President had told the UNP that there was a parliamentary select committee studying the 17th Amendment and that once the process is completed, he would implement the amendment.

The UNP however had pointed out that the 17th amendment was already part of the law of the country and he had a duty to implement it.

"When the select committee completes its sittings and submits the report, then at that stage any amendments can be considered. Until such time the 17th Amendment, which provides for the appointment of the Constitutional Council should be implemented," the UNP had said.

 

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday extended the UNP's fullest cooperation to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which has been proposed by the APRC proposals. The Opposition Leader gave this assurance following an extensive discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa held at Temple Trees yesterday.

During the discussion, President Rajapaksa briefed the Opposition Leader on the implementation of the 13th Amendment proposed by the APRC proposals.

In addition, the discussions also centred on the 17th Amendment, a media release issued by the President's Media Unit said yesterday. The UNP's representation for the next rounds of the APRC discussions was also discussed.

The discussions were conducted in a very cordial manner. SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Prof. Vishwa Warnapala represented the SLFP while the UNP Chairman MP Rukman Senanayake and MP K.N. Choksy represented the UNP, the release added.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Angela Kane had a telephone discussion with Civil Monitoring Commission Convener and Western People Front leader Mano Ganesan MP immediately before she left the island.
During the discussion Ms. Kane had expressed her regrets for not being able to meet Mano Ganesan for discussions and requested Ganesan send her a situation report says the media communiqué issued by the WPF office of Mano Ganesan MP. The release further states,

“Whilst welcoming the visit of the United Nations ASG for political affaires Ms. Kane, CMC Convener Mano Ganesan MP made his strong feeling of disappointment and disapproval known to her.
Ms. Kane had met the President, Leader of Opposition and Human Rights minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. We appreciate these meetings. We are also glad that ASG visited the East and held discussions with officials. Ganesan pointed out to the ASG, that in addition to these meetings she had also visited the office of JVP and held discussions with JVP leadership.
We consider JVP an extremist party which is pushing the government towards war which is the direct cause for the issues of human rights violations and IDPs. Ganesan told Angela that JVP is a minor party and not a minority political party. We fail to understand why the Colombo office of UN was not able to arrange meetings with the political leaderships of the Tamil speaking people.
The leaders of TNA and SLMC have not met Angela Kane. The United Nations has overlooked the Tamil and Muslim political leaderships in the core issues of political solution, human rights violations and war and hence completed this visit as an one sided affair.
This is unbelievable. Colombo UN officials initially made contacts with my office for meetings through e-mails and later withdrew for reasons better to them. Therefore we consider the visit of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affaires Angela Kane is too political”

 

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Ex-foreign minister and senior Presidential Advisor Tyronne Fernando[67] passed away at a private hospital in Colombo.
Earlier he was appointed as the Governor of the North and East Province in 2004 by former President Chandricka Kumaratunga. Fernando who was the Foreign Minister in the Ranil Wickremasinghe government under president Kumaratunga left the United National Party (UNP) and joined the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). He had also announced his candidature for the post of UN Secretary-General, a few years ago.

Tyronne was elected as a Member of Parliament from his Moratuwa electorate continuously for twenty-seven years from 1977.

He was a leading lawyer turned politician Tyronne Fernando, counts well over a 25 year continuous service in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. The Oxford educated Barrister-at-Law is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. He has held a range of key ministries during his long political journey, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for over eight years. He was the first Asian to become the President of the Ofxord Union Labour Club at the age of 20.
As President of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board in the early nineties, he built up a team, which won the World Cup in 1996.
A President Counsel, author of eight books, journalist, cricketer, film producer and an expert on international relations (who has attended numerous international conferences and meetings). Minister Fernando is currently a consultant to a drama on Nelson Mandela. In August 2002 he released his latest book ‘Alien Winds Across Paradise’ which discusses Sri Lanka’s foreign relations through the ages. A publication of Vikash of India the book takes a look at the past with a vision for a new future for Asia.

Former foreign minister and President Advisor Tyrone Fernando passed away a short while ago.wait for details.

Commencing April this year the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will move into the domestic gas market retailing a cylinder at a much lesser price than the two private sector gas suppliers, Shell and Laugfs, which hold a monopoly now, Petroleum Resources Minister A. H. M. Fowzie said yesterday.

The two private sector monopolies keep increasing domestic LPG according to their whims and fancies inconveniencing the middle class and poorer sector of the population, he said.

The new venture will not import gas but use the by product at the Sapugaskanda Petroleum Refinery to manufacture LPG. Laufgs, too, buys the Sapugaskanda by-product to manufacture LPG.

"We initially hope to capture 10 per cent of the domestic market with the intention of monopolizing it later and with the consumers in mind to sell it at purse easy prices," Fowzie said.

He said an order has already been placed to purchase 50,000 gas cylinders.

Fowzie said the CPC has the necessary resources to be the sole venture, without borrowing from the Treasury or international sources. The feasibility study had already been carried out and the work on the project would commence soon. Consumers could get their cylinder of gas at a lesser price before the forthcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year, he said.

Police Headquarters has ordered an immediate investigation into a complaint made by The Island Anuradhapura correspondent Cyril Basnayake that he and his family had received death threats, DIG N. K. Illangakone said.

Basnayake had complained that the death threats followed a complaint he had made to the Anuradhapura police against a gang of criminal elements who had encroached an eight-acre plot of land owned by him and their preventing him from entering his land. A junior police officer at the Anuradhapura police station was trying to suppress investigations into the complaint made by him, he has said.

A senior police officer yesterday had met Basnayake and inquired into the whole incident. He told The Island that the law of the jungle cannot be allowed to rule in this case or in any other similar case.

 



The Supreme Court yesterday allowed Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera to substitute for the late Parliamentarian Sripathi Sooriarachchi, who had petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the proposed sale of Sri Lanka Telecom shares, owned by the NTT Communication of Japan, to Global Telecommunication Holdings of Netherlands.

P. A. Ratnayake, PC, and Additional Solicitor General, told Court that if the shares held by NTT communications of Japan fell below ten percent of the entirety of Sri Lanka Telecom Limited, the present agreement between the government of Sri Lanka and the Japanese entrepreneur, would terminate. The government may or may not enter into a new agreement. However, the government will make the public aware of any fresh agreement procedure. At present, the Japanese partner holds 35.2 percent of the SLT. The case will be mentioned next week, regarding the issue.


The Bench comprised the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Justice Shirani Tilekewardene and Justice Andrew Somawansa.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has filed action in the District Court of Mount Lavinia against The Sunday Leader chief editor Lasantha Wickramatunga and Leader Publications Pvt Limited claiming a sum of Rs 1,000 million as damages in respect of an article published in the Sunday Leader of July 15, 2007 under the headline 'MiG deal crash lands on Government.'

The Defence Secretary filing action through his Attorney at Law, Sanath Wijewardane, had stated that the article published in the newspaper was animus injuriandi and prayed court to grant him necessary relief and the cost, including interest until the final determination of the case.

He informed Court that the articles clearly identified him with photographs and other details and they have been published with malicious intent to damage his reputation. He said several articles published in the newspaper on the MiG aircraft purchases made further allegations against him which were false and defamatory.

The Petitioner stated that his reputation suffered both on a personal level and as the Defence Secretary through the publication of the said articles. The Court was told that the petitioner had earlier demanded Rs.250 million as damages for publishing the said material but Leader Publications had not paid the said amount.

The petitioner said he hails from a distinguished political family that has served the country with distinction for generations. He joined the Army in 1971 and played an active role in operations against the terrorists.

He was awarded the Rana Sura and Rana Wickrama medal by the State in recognition of his bravery. He retired from the Army after a distinguished service of 20 years. He then followed a post graduate computer course at the Colombo University and left for the United States where he worked as a computer systems specialist at the prestigious Loyola Law School.

Then he was appointed as the Defence Secretary in 2005 and since then, he has been working with dedication and commitment to lead the decisive battle against terrorism carried out by the Security Forces.

He told Court that in order to minimise any irregularities and corruption in the purchases made by the Security Forces he established a completely Government owned company top act as local agent for such purchases, thus saving a large sum that would otherwise have been lost to the country in the form of agents fees and commissions.

All these steps have led to unprecedented victories against terrorism.

The petitioner said that in this background, the publication of the said articles was designed to tarnish his reputation and credibility.

 

Army troops attacked and completely destroyed a LTTE strong point in North of Janakapura Army troops .

In search operations that followed troops recovered seven LTTE terrorist bodies & seven T-56 assault riffles.

A large number of LTTE terrorists were also injured while one soldier made the ultimate sacrifice while 3 soldiers sustained injuries.

The Ministry of Health says steps have been taken to address the shortage of several drugs reported at government hospitals.
Reports last week stated of a shortage of aspirin and salbatarmal. Accordingly Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva directed the State Pharmaceutical Corporation to immediately manufacture the two drugs. Consequently measures have been taken to distribute four million salbatarmal tablets and two million of its four milligram variety.
One million aspirin tablets have been released while another one million will be released this week. The Ministry points out that the main reason for shortages of drugs at hospitals is that hospital authorities have not informed the medicine supply unit on time of their requirements.
The Ministry pointed out that certain drugs such as arterial lines used for bypass surgeries need to be ordered one year before.

 

Sri Lanka Security forces continuing on search operations in the Eastern Province yesterday (February 24) uncovered a large stock of weapons that had been brought to the area by LTTE terrorists.

At Serunuwara in Trincomalee, Police acting on information provided by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), unearthed 3 explosive jackets worn by suicide bombers, 2500 ammunition used for Multi Purpose Machine Guns, 260 ammunition used for 9mm pistols, 250 ammunition used for T-56 riffles , 2 rocket propeller grenades (RPG) and 4 kg of C-4 high explosives last evening.

Separately, Sri Lanka army soldiers acting on civilian information uncovered one T-56 riffle along with a magazine and 6 rounds from Mavadivembu area in Batticaloa last morning. In addition, troops conducting search operations in the Aliyaodai in Batticaloa found one claymore mine along with some weapon accessories last evening.

 

Irish Sun

Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel, which had announced its entry into the Sri Lankan mobile phone sector with much fanfare last year, is experiencing delays and may well be re-drawing its investment plans for the island country, says a Sri Lankan telecommunication expert.

Rohan Samarajeewa, former head of Sri Lanka's Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC), told IANS that while there was no doubt that Bharti Airtel was committed to operating in Sri Lanka, it had altered its timetable and could well be scaling down its original investment plans.

The reasons for the delay in starting the operations were in the realm of speculation, Samarajeewa said. But he did point to a possibility of difficulties in getting frequencies from the TRC, as it is generally recognized that the allotment of frequencies tends to be 'highly politicised' in Sri Lanka.

The parent company in India could also be changing its priorities as regards capital allocations, in the context of the growing challenges in the more lucrative Indian domestic market, Samarajeewa said.

'Even assuming that the mobile phone market in Sri Lanka is 10 million, it is still only the size of a metropolis in India. It is therefore possible that Bharti Airtel is looking at some of the Indian states with greater interest,' he said.

In 2007, Bharti Airtel had set up a Sri Lankan subsidiary, Bharti Airtel Lanka Pvt Ltd., got a license to provide 2G and 3G services in collaboration with China's Huawei Technologies, announced an investment of $200 million and began to recruit a large staff. The services were to begin by 2007 end. This subsequently got postponed to early 2008. But, as yet, there are no signs of an early start.

'When it announced its entry, I expected Bharti Airtel to literally slaughter the existing players. But given the recent changes in the price structure here, and the intense competition in the field, the Indian company will have to be quite creative if it is to be more than just a minor player,' Samarajeewa said.

The market is small and crowded. The fixed line and mobile phone penetration in Sri Lanka is very high. Forty to 50 percent of the households in the island (excluding the war-affected north and east) have access to a phone. Out of a total population of 20 million, six million have mobile phones. With the recently announced price reductions, the user-base is expected to rise to 10 million, or half the total population of the country.

There are already four players in the field. Among them, Dialog Telekom, a unit of Telecom Malaysia, has been the leader, controlling 60 percent of the market. Dialog has enjoyed brand loyalty for a considerable length of time throughout Sri Lanka, and is, therefore, no pushover.

Bharti Airtel would have to come up with innovative packages to attract the bottom rungs of the socio-economic ladder, an area of rapid growth in the foreseeable future, Samarajeewa pointed out. While price will be of the highest importance for those in the bottom-end of the social scale, technical qualities will be a clincher among the upper strata of society.

Asked for the reasons for the delay in starting operations, Bharti Airtel Lanka's CEO, Amali Nanayakkara, said her company had very stringent requirements in regard to the infrastructure and that it would not start operations until all the requirements were met.

But she denied that there were any difficulties in getting official clearances. The setting up of the network was also proceeding satisfactorily. The company was 'very happy' with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan authorities, and the pace of the work was also 'very good', Nanayakkara told IANS.

As for the price factor, she said that it was nothing new. 'It was there right from the time we came here,' she said.

A senior police officer is alleged to have verbally abused and shoved some local journalists and attempted to prevent them from covering Saturday’s blast at Mt. Lavinia, resulting in a heated argument between the police and the journalists. The incident was recorded on camera.

Video footage shows the officer being very aggressive towards at least one journalist, grabbing him by the neck and pushing him beyond the cordoned-off area several feet away from the actual blast site.

The journalist attached to Derana TV has filed a police complaint over the incident.

The senior officer had allegedly refused to allow the journalists from carrying out their duties by getting close to the site of the bus bombing to take photographs or video the aftermath of the incident which resulted in several civilians being injured and property damaged.

“We are only trying to do our job. We will not obstruct you from doing your duty but let us do ours’ as well,” some of the journalists were seen and heard shouting out to the police officer.

With the heated exchange threatening to get out of hand some junior police officers were later seen attempting to calm everybody concerned after the journalists were agitated by the attitude of the senior officer who subsequently withdrew from the area.

“This accreditation card has been issued by the government information department. It is kindly requested to afford this journalist all facilities to carry out his/her duties without let or hindrance,” is what the media accreditation card issued to journalists by the government information department and signed by its Director Aanusha Palpita says

Media rights groups have frequently raised concerns over authorities obstructing journalists from carrying out their professional duties despite what is termed as their “right” as part of media freedom.

 

One LTTE carder was killed in a confrontation with Army troops yesterday (24) around 8.00am in NAGAKOVIL area JAFFNA.

Troops were reported unharmed.

by Jehan Perera
Sri Lanka was back in the international headlines throughout the world. This was mainly on account of the Sri Lankan government's eloquent denunciation of the unilateral declaration of independence by the breakaway state of Kosovo.
The government said it could set an unmanageable precedent in the conduct of international relations and the established global order of sovereign states and could thus pose a grave threat to international peace and security.
The factor that has caused anxiety in many countries affected by separatist conflicts is that UN assurances of state sovereignty notwithstanding, the precedent has been set in which a unilateral declaration of independence can attract support from powerful countries that make it a fait accompli. In the case of Kosovo, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 placed Kosovo under the authority of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, with security provided by the NATO-led Kosovo Force, and legally reaffirmed Serbia's sovereignty over the region.
Sri Lanka's objections to Kosovo's decision to claim independence from Serbia have been echoed by several other countries, including global giants Russia and China. One reason why Sri Lanka's opinion was put on terms of equality with those of the global giants was the sense of reality on which the Sri Lankan statement was grounded. The Sri Lankan statement came from a bitter experience of prolonged warfare and international intervention, and not from mere theoretical possibilities.
Sri Lanka has already experienced a unilateral declaration of independence. In 1992, the North East Provincial Council headed by Varatharaja Perumal declared independence. But no country took notice of this declaration as the Sri Lankan government dissolved the rebellious administration. On the other hand, about a month ago, the LTTE called on the UN and the international community to recognize the sovereignty of the Tamil nation. Although no such recognition was forthcoming, with a part of Sri Lankan territory still under rebel LTTE control, Sri Lanka is more vulnerable to a unilateral declaration of independence than most other countries.
Countries such as Russia and China, and also Spain and Indonesia, which joined the minority of countries that have objected to Kosovo's declaration of independence also face separatist problems. Spain is acutely sensitive to the demands of Basque and Catalan nationalists for a separate state. Cyprus is alarmed at any move that could imply that the breakaway Turkish Cypriot part of the island, which is not internationally recognized, could win diplomatic legitimacy.
Chechan rebels in Russia, on the other hand, welcomed the declaration of independence by Kosovo and held out the hope of the same for themselves.
OPPRESSIVE SOLUTIONS
The violence inflicted on the rebel populations within some of those countries has been worse than in Sri Lanka. The Russian campaign against separatism by Chechnya led to the literal flattening of its capital, Grozny. In China, the Tibetan problem continues to fester, with Lhasa being settled by ethnic Chinese, and the Dalai Lama remaining a symbol of resistance to the world. In both these countries, the central government has imposed its will without any compromise with the aspirations for autonomy of its separatist minorities.
Despite its relatively better track record of observing human rights and respecting minorities in general, Sri Lanka remains more vulnerable to a possible break up of the country than either Russia or China. Apart from the fact that the LTTE continues to be in control over a part of the country, another reason is that Sri Lanka is a relatively small and poor country with much less resources to fend off a separatist challenge to its sovereignty.
By way of contrast, both Russia and China have huge militaries and economies that no country would wish to confront.
The lesson from Serbia is that a country that lacks both military and economic clout to put fear into the rest of the world, needs at least to retain international goodwill to escape being divided. Initially, Serbia had the advantage, as the Western countries led by the United States were not in favour of Kosovo becoming a separate state.
In fact the United States was particularly opposed to the Kosovo Liberation Army which it had even banned as a terrorist organisation. But there were two important considerations the Serbian government failed to bear in mind.
Serbia failed to demonstrate progress with regard to the restoration of autonomy to Kosovo that the far sighted Yugoslav leader President Tito had formulated, but which was taken away following his death. Constitutional reforms in 1974 that gave education, health and housing to the autonomous regions and provinces had also given Kosovo self-government in many areas of social life including police and the judiciary. The Serbian government under President Milosevic tried to keep Kosovo by centralising political power in the aftermath of the break up of Yugoslavia, withdrawing the autonomy it had, and by stationing its military in Kosovo.
Second, during its struggle to keep Kosovo within its sovereign power, Serbia failed to convince the international community that the government was serious about protecting human rights in all circumstances, even in the midst of civil war. Instead there were repeated demonstrations of civilian massacres and ethnic cleansing. The war that the Serbian government declared against the rebel Kosovo Liberation Army turned into a nationalist campaign to chase off entire village communities and change the ethnic balance in parts of Kosovo.
RETAINING SUPPORT
At the present time the Sri Lankan government is giving its primary emphasis on using its military power to defeat the LTTE and to re-taking the territory under rebel control. The advance has been slower than anticipated and at heavy human and economic cost. Abductions and killings have terrorised the Tamil community.
There has also been large scale displacement of people in the course of military operations. The premature departure of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons who came to Sri Lanka to ensure that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Serious Human Rights Violations would conduct their inquiry in accordance with international standards is a further blow to the government's human rights record.
The lesson from Serbia however is that gaining control over the ground is no guarantee of sovereignty. The more powerful Serbian army was able to go into Kosovo and retake territory, but when the cry of human rights abuses grew too much, the Western powers intervened to halt the progress of the Serb forces and eventually expelled them from Kosovo.
The recognition of Kosovo’s independence by many countries stems from the existence of other important principles of international law besides sovereignty; including those of self-determination, humanitarian intervention and the pragmatic one of ensuring stability in the region.
This is the reason why the protection of human rights and the proposal of a just political solution need to be the two key elements in the government's strategy to protect the sovereignty of Sri Lanka, rather than a one dimensional assertion of sovereignty and reliance on military victory over the LTTE.
As stated by constitutional scholar Rohan Edrisinha in a recent interview with the Daily Mirror, "when a constitutional democracy has to combat terrorism or internal rebellion it has to do so subjected to certain civilized norms and restraints that have been placed on themselves by the virtue that they are an accountable, responsible state. It is not in line to say that we can resort to any mechanism to protect our territorial integrity. You have to even prosecute a war in accordance with certain basic humanitarian norms."
If the government gets involved in a military option which results in ethnic cleansing or changing of the demographic balance, and if this is coupled with an absence of any serious attempt at a political solution then there is a danger that Sri Lanka could lose the moral goodwill that is needed to retain the support of the international community.
In this context it is worth noting that the Sri Lankan government statement on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of Independence also included the observation that it was "particularly regrettable, since all efforts at reaching a negotiated political settlement on the future status of Kosovo, as envisaged by the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, have not been exhausted."
In making this statement the government showed the path that needs to be followed if the international community's support for Sri Lanka's unity is to be assured. The theory must now be practiced.

Air Force pounded on the Sea Tiger base located in Kilinochchi West in Kiranchi using fighter jet aircraft. consequently naval intelligence sources revealed that it was a women’s Sea Tiger training camp and that ten terrorists including two top level female cadres.
Air Force has also pounded camp of the Mannar area LTTE leader yesterday. The Media Centre for National Security says the pilots have confirmed that the target was successfully engaged. The Camp was located five kilometres North of Yoda Weva in Parappukkadantan in Mannar.
Meanwhile, police in Seru Nuwara has recovered a haul of weapons and equipments buried in Kalladi area in Trincomalee. Five and half kilogramme high explosives, three suicide jackets and 500 rounds of T-56 ammunitions were among them.

The opening session of the international conference of shanty dwellers will begin BMICH this evening under the title of “cities without shanties”. Representative from 47 countries will participate in the conference with the aim of providing a substantial housing unit for each family living in slums. Issuing a communiqué on this event Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake says that Sri Lanka has implemented a number of projects to replace shanties with modern houses. He also points out that shanties are a major obstacle for the urban development in many countries including Sri Lanka.

Acting on a tip-off SERUNUWARA Police conducted a search operation and were able to recover war material buried in a jungle area in KALLADI in SERUNUWARA .It includes Suicide Jackets ,RPG Bombs ,Claymore Mine ,T – 56 rounds ,MPMG ammunition ,9 mm rounds ,Det Cord Wire ,C- 4 Explosives .

Police spokesman Senior DIG N.K. Ilangakone said yesterday that Police are inquiring as to who had first tipped off about the bomb that exploded in a bus on Saturday injuring 18 people.
The Police Spokesman said that the Police had taken a statement from Ms. Indrani Fernando who claims that she first alerted the commuters about the suspicious parcel and also informed the conductor and the driver.
The conductor of the bus claims it was another person called Mervyn Fernando who tipped them off.
The person who had tipped off about the bomb will definitely be rewarded for their timely action?, DIG Ilangakone added.
However, Colonel Darshana Ratnayake, Security Advisor to the Ministry of Transport told the Daily News that due to the action taken by the conductor and the driver, many lives were saved. ?If not for their timely action around 30 to 40 people would have been killed in the bomb explosion, Colonel Ratnayake added.
Whatever the claims made by anybody, if the driver had not taken the bus to a safer place and evacuated passengers, the incident would have created much more destruction and loss of lives, Colonel Ratnayake added.
Therefore, we should appreciate and admire the action taken by the bus driver and the conductor who had set an example for other bus crew members also,? he added.
He said the incident, however, gives the impression that the efforts taken by the Security Forces, Police and the Transport Ministry have borne fruit and these systems should be further improved as opportunities are very high for the LTTE to explode bombs of this nature.
The Transport Ministry will definitely reward the bus driver and the conductor for their action, he added.

 

By Aisha Edris
The Trade Union Confederation comprising of 40 trade unions in the country has warned President Mahinda Rajapaksa that they would be compelled to take vigorous action against the government and the Treasury if it fails to increase their New Year allowance to Rs. 10,000.

The confederation’s General Secretary Saman Rathnapriya said the trade unions had sent a letter requesting the President to increase their New Year allowance from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000.

“We cannot celebrate our New Year due to the skyrocketing cost of living; this is why we requested the President to increase our allowance to Rs.10,000. If the government does not increase our allowance, indicates that the government does not want its employees to have a joyful New Year,” Rathnapriya stated.

He noted that the government had stopped giving disaster loans and house loans to government employees since last August.
“The government stopped giving us loans saying that they need the monies to spend on the war and it could not afford to give us loans. They do not increase our salaries but the prices of goods keep on increasing daily. How can we afford to live on such small salaries?” he queried.

Rathnapriya also stated that in the event the government increases electricity tariffs, government servants would be in “total darkness” as they would not be able afford such a hike.

He further warned that if the government did not increase the salaries and New Year allowance of its employees, the union would resort to strict trade union action against the government.

The battle between the government and the JVP intensified last week with ministers and senior JVP members trading corruption charges and threatening to continue the fight to a finish.

The battle began when JVP Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian S.K. Subasinghe accused Agriculture Minister Maithripala Sirisena and his brother of manipulating the price of rice in the market. He accused the Sirisena family of monopolising the rice market.

Minister Sirisena responded last week by accusing Subasinghe of collecting money from his businessmen brothers and accused the latter of also accepting bribes.

Sirisena made these accusations at a public meeting in Polonnaruwa.

Sirisena said that Subasinghe was in the habit of collecting money from his brothers and that the mud slinging campaign against him started when one of his brothers had refused to pay a sum of money requested by the JVP member.

He also said the JVPer had requested for a donation of dhal from Deputy Minister Siripala Gamlath, who is also being accused by the Marxists of manipulating the rice market.

According to Sirisena, Gamlath had asked Subasinghe to collect the dhal from a trader in Polonnaruwa and the JVP member had then taken five gunny bags (miti pahak).

He challenged the JVP to file a case against him if the charges were false.

"If anyone decides to attack us politically they would do well to remember that we too would retaliate," Sirisena said in Polonnaruwa.

Meanwhile JVP Politburo Member and Parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha addressing a party rally in Anuradhapura last Monday hit back stating the JVP was ready for a face-to-face confrontation with the Minister who had accused Subasinghe of collecting money from businessmen.

"They have asked us to come for a face to face confrontation. We are ready. Who is saying this? It is that fellow, Bambuwa, who has said this," Lalkantha said.

The JVPer further said that they did not take notice of what some scum (haalparuwa) had to say.

Lalkantha said that when corruption within the government was being highlighted, their response has been to attack the messenger.

With the battle intensifying, JVP politburo member and Parliamentarian, Anura Kumara Dissanayake last Tuesday addressing a media briefing in Colombo accused the Agriculture Minister of trying to cover up losses incurred by the Fertiliser Corporation by sacking the chairman.

Dissanayake said that apart from sacking the chairman, there were irregularities that have cost the institute millions of rupees.

He said that the JVP had accepted the challenge to come for a confrontation and this was the first salvo.

Meanwhile, JVP Parliamentarian, Premasiri Manage opened another flank Friday, accusing Special Projects Minister, Mahinda Wijesekera and his wife of cheating the government by not making the stipulated payments when engaging in a business endeavour.

Manage said that Wijesekera's wife holds 50% of Bron Bridge Fisheries Private Limited and so far the company had not paid the stipulated 25% of each harvest to the Fisheries Corporation.

Hitting back, Minister Wijesekera accused Manage of earning his living by breaking into banks, giving contracts to kill people and lying to the people.

Manage observed that although the fish caught by Bron Bridge Fisheries Private Limited have to be off loaded in Modera, they are currently being off loaded in Galle, which was against the law.

The JVP member also said that since Bron Bridge Fisheries Private Limited was off loading their harvest in Galle, the local fishermen have been adversely affected since their fish was not being purchased by vendors.

Manage charged that the only intention of Wijesekara and his wife was to get the local fishermen out of the market and create a monopoly.

Responding to the allegation, Wijesekera said that the company had BoI approval and that his wife indeed held 50% of the shares of Bron Bridge Fisheries Private Limited.

However, he said that he was not cheating the government.

Wijesekera explained that the fish caught by Bron Bridge Fisheries Private Limited were not local fish as they are caught from international waters and was mainly for the export market.

According to Wijesekera, the BoI agreement has permitted the company to off load its harvest in Galle. He also said that the company paid Rs.10 lakhs as VAT charges and the profit from exporting the fish is also paid back to the government.

 

Western People’s Front Leader, Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan yesterday lashed out at the government and law enforcement authorities, charging that they were putting his life in further turmoil in an obvious act of vengeance owing to his campaign against the government over its human right violations.

Ganesan, who is also the convener of the Civil Monitoring Commission, also complained about the alleged injustice meted out to him when he met with the visiting Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) delegation last morning.

“The IPU delegation led by Chief Senator Sharon Carstairs, PC, was informed of the government’s half-hearted attitude towards providing security to Ganesan,” the WPF office said in a statement.

The IPU was appraised that Ganesan was provided with eight security personnel and a back-up vehicle following the interim order of the Court of Appeal.

“However the back-up security vehicle is defective and not roadworthy. The Police driver of this vehicle cannot drive the vehicle beyond the speed limits of 40 kmph as it becomes uncontrollable. This has put Ganesan’s security into further turmoil instead of being an improvement, as directed by court. It illustrates the government’s ill response to this issue. The government’s vengeance is due to Ganesan’s human rights campaign,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the CMC Convener in a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Victor Perera requested a vehicle that is roadworthy. Ganesan is presently given a ‘Trooper’ vehicle, which he states cannot be driven at speeds over 40 kmph.

“The rear door locks are defective and cannot be opened easily, let alone in an emergency. The side windows through which the security personnel may use their weapons during an emergency cannot be opened. The brakes and horn are defective.

“The speed limit stipulated by law within the city is 56 kmph and other is 72 kmph. This vehicle is well under the normal speed limits. Due to this reason I had to totally stop or bring down the speed of my vehicle so that the back-up vehicle could follow mine. Today, while travelling from Parliament, we experienced a traffic jam due to this ‘slow procession’ of two vehicles, one after the other.

“I trust that you as the Chief of Police and first respondent will agree with me that this slow motion is not security friendly but very dangerous. Therefore this state of affairs has put me into a more vulnerable situation instead of providing more protection with added, enhanced security,” his letter to the IGP stated.

The government of Sri Lanka says the Air Force bombed a LTTE camp in Mannar . Air Force Jet Aircraft pounded the MANNAR area leader's camp located five km north of GIANT'S TANK, in the PARAPPUKKADANTAN area, MANNAR .

The fever spreading in the Erathna area in Kuruvita has been identified as Chikun Gunya. Deputy Director of Health of the Sabaragamuwa Province Dr. Athula Dangalla said this was confirmed in blood tests conducted at the Medical Faculty at Ragama.
One person has died from Chikun Gunya in Erathna and many others have been hospitalised. Dr. Dangalla said several measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Media Centre for National Security says two persons have been killed in a suicide attack near a Kovil in Kondachchimadam in Batticaloa. The two killed are members of the TMVP party. The Media Centre said a female nearby was injured in today’s incident.

Tamil political parties contesting the forthcoming Local Government polls in the Batticaloa district request voters to reject the LTTE and the 'gun culture'. Our correspondents say that the polls campaign in the district was gathering momentum with posters and cut-outs of the parties in the fray coming up in a big way.
The candidates have engaged in a door-to-door campaign along with the distribution of leaflets in public places. Assistant Commissioner of Elections T. Krishnanathalingam said postal voting for the local polls in the Batticaloa district was held in 72 centres without any hindrance . He said the response was satisfactory and the turnout was around 95 per cent.
He added that the Elections Commission was actively engaged in making the local polls for nine local bodies including the Batticaloa Municipal Council on March 10 a success. Our correspondent said all Tamil political parties have emphasised the need to build peace in the North and East by getting rid of terrorism and say the local polls in the Batticaloa district be a starter to annihilate violence in the North and East.

The Potuvil-Panama road which was damaged in the 2004 tsunami will be renovated. The Asian Development Bank provides financial assistance for this renovation. The cabinet approval in this connection was received recently. The government says an extent of 18 kilometres of the road will be renovated.
The cabinet granted its approval to produce and use alternative fuel in Sri Lanka. A committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Petroleum and Petroleum Recourses, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Public Utilisation Commission, Central Environmental Authority and the Sri Lanka Motor Vehicles Association have already been set up to prepare guidelines to this effect.
The act to control the fragmentation of coconut, rubber and tea cultivated land will be amended.

The police informed the court that they have started investigations to arrest several suspects involved in the assassination of former intelligence chief Colonel Thuwan Nizam Muthalif. Four persons have been arrested and are in remand custody.The police also informed the court that they are to obtain assistance of the Attorney General for investigations that are being conducted into the incident.

CHENNAI: A Sri Lankan national was held at the city airport while trying to fly to Dublin via Dubai using a fake passport on Friday.
The Central Crime Branch police have seized the passport, which Rathnagiri Ilavendhan (38) of Sri Lanka had arranged with the help of Raja, an agent, who also hails from the island nation.
This is the third such case in recent weeks in which a Sri Lankan national was arrested. Most of the fake passport cases reported in the city recently were about Sri Lankan Tamils trying to fly to countries like Canada, London, Ireland and France to seek asylum, said police sources.
Meanwhile, reports stated that two Afghan nationals were held at the city airport the same day.
As Daulat Samiullah (26) and Kasib Mohammad (19), residents of Kabul, were trying to fly to Paris via Colombo, using the fake passports on Thursday night, the immigration officials nabbed them.

Mohammed Rasooldeen RIYADH —
A top Saudi official has asked the Sri Lankan government to appeal directly for a pardon to the family of the baby allegedly killed by a Sri Lankan maid.
Prince Khaled ibn Sultan, assistant minister of defense and aviation for military affairs, made the comments during a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2008, which concluded last week.
Prince Khaled was speaking about Rizana Nafeek, who was convicted of killing a Saudi baby under her care and sentenced to death by a court in Dawadmi on June 16, 2007. Nafeek — who denies killing the baby saying that the baby choked while she was feeding it — is currently appealing the verdict.
Nafeek, who was below the eligible working age when she arrived in the Kingdom to work as a maid, had her birth date on her passport falsified by a recruiter.
Prince Khaled assured Bogollagama of the Saudi government’s support and indicated that it was the practice of the Saudi authorities to persuade the victim’s family to offer clemency. He added that the matter of granting clemency ultimately lies with the victim’s family.
The prince also said that the law applies to everyone in Saudi Arabia, including the royal family, and highlighted an incident last year when one of his relatives was saved minutes before execution when the victim’s family granted clemency.
Bogollagama also mentioned that Sri Lanka was seeking observer status at the Organization of the Islamic Conference. He said President Mahinda Rajapakse had always been an advocate of strong ties with the Middle East and had been the president of the Palestine Friendship Association for three decades.
Bogollagama said there were 550,000 Sri Lankan workers in the Kingdom, which is the largest concentration of the island nation’s overseas work force.
The Lankan minister also extended an invitation to the Saudi foreign minister to visit Sri Lanka, which Prince Khaled agreed to convey. Dr. Muhammad Amin Kurdi, Saudi ambassador to Singapore, accompanied Prince Khaled. Shehan Ratnavale, high commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, and Savitri Panabokke were also present during the discussions.

Twenty six (26) LTTE terrorists were killed during confrontations with the Army in the JAFFNA and VAVUNIYA areas on Saturday (23). Three (03) of the terrorists were killed in the MUHAMALAI area, JAFFNA.
Twenty three (23) terrorists were killed during sharp but fierce confrontations with the Army in the VAVUNIYA area. Seven of the terrorists were killed in daytime confrontations in the MULLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA. Five soldiers were also reported injured in the incident.
Around 10.15 in the morning on Saturday (23) sixteen terrorists were killed, two (02) in SULANMARATHUMADU, three (03) at PERIYAPANDIVIRCHCHAN, and eleven (11) in the KOILMADU areas of VAVUNIYA. When the Army destroyed three (03) bunkers. Five soldiers were also reported injured in the incident.
Meanwhile yesterday (23) the Army conducting a search operation in the KARAMPAIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA recovered twenty nine (29) anti - personnel mines.

Seventeen LTTE terrorists were killed and three (03) were injured in further confrontations in the VAVUNIYA and MANNAR areas on Saturday (23).
Two of the terrorists were killed in the MULLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA when the army attacked a terrorist bunker around 3.25 in the afternoon. A soldier was also killed in the attack. Seven (07) terrorists were reported killed and three(03) were injured when the army attacked a terrorist bunker line around 10.10 in the morning in the PALAMODAI area, MANNAR.
A soldier was injured during the attack. Meanwhile, four terrorists were killed when the Army launched an attack and destroyed completely two terrorist bunkers in the evening around 5.30 yesterday (23) in PERAKAMAM area, MANNAR. A soldier was also injured. Four terrorists were also killed when the Army confronted the terrorists in a fierce encounter in the morning yesterday (23) in ADAMPAN area, MANNAR.
Four Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) were recovered around 9.30 in the morning by Troops conducting a search operation in the PARAPPAKANDAL area, MANNAR yesterday (23).

Mannar According to the military sources three LTTE terrorists were killed and two army soldiers received injuries in clashes erupted in Mannar defences .
Security forces have launched an attack targeting LTTE tractor in general area Parappakandal this morning, February 23. The incident took place at 9.05 a.m. and ground troops confirmed at least two LTTE terrorists were killed due to the attack.
Meanwhile, army snipers deployed at Adampan area gunned down an LTTE terrorist around 2.30 p.m. today, military sources in Mannar said.
Two army soldiers received injuries in a confrontation took place in general area Adampan sources further added.

LTTE terrorists have exploded a bomb inside a public transport bus in Mount Lavinia, in the South of Colombo city targeting innocent civilians. According to the available information, the bomb has been exploded in a privately owned bus that was plying from Moratuwa to Colombo. Due to the explosion 18 people including 10 males, 7 females and one baby have suffered minor injures. The bus and a motorbike parked nearby have been destroyed.
However, the terrorists' beastly intention to commit carnage against civilians has foiled due to the vigilance of the civilians themselves. According to the defence.lk reporter at the scene, one of the passengers having noticed a suspicious parcel has informed the driver and the conductor of the bus.
The conductor has alarmed the passengers and asked them to vacate the bus as soon as possible. At the same time, the driver of the bus has taken the bus to a safe distance from the civilians and informed the police, he said. Few minutes after driver got down from the bus, the bomb has gone off, he added.
According to our sources, unless for the responsible behaviour shown by the bus conductor, the driver and the passenger who alarmed them; a large number of civilians would have been killed.
Earlier this month, a navy petty officer saved large number of civilian lives by promptly defusing a similar parcel bomb placed by LTTE terrorists at the Anuradhapura weekly fair.

The air force has launched a massive attack on a large sea tiger base located on the coastal belt west of Kilinochchi.
The SLAF media spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesuriya said aerial attack on the base, nine kilometers south of Yakthuduwa, around 8.15 this morning has been extremely successful. The surface and air information has confirmed that there were large number of Tiger suicide boats and supply vessels berthed at the base.
Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says 14 LTTE carders were killed in clashes in Mannar and Vavuniya yesterday.
The navy has been successful in detecting 20 kilogrammes C-4 type explosives in Kerawalapitiya Wattala. He further says 23 detonators and two rounds of ammunitions were also found buried.

Naval personnel on patrol at Kerawalapitiya, Mahabage recovered a consignment of explosives weighing 20 kg on Thursday (21), at around 10.15 p.m.
According to Naval sources, the explosives were found hidden under sand, piled at a construction site along the Colombo-Katunayake new highway running across Kerawalapitiya.
There were 20 packets each containing 1 kg of C-4 high explosives, the sources said. The troops also found 23 detonators and 2 belt orders, according to sources.

Mr. Mahinda Wijesekera was sworn in as the Minister of posts and telecommunications before President Mahinda Rajapakse this afternoon. Mr. Dilan Perera also took oaths as the non-cabinet minister of Port Development.
Mr. V. Puthra Sigamani is the new deputy minister of Justice and Legal Reforms.
Mr. Dixon Sarathchandra Dela was also sworn in as the governor of the sabaragamuwa province. A media communiqué issued by the presidential secretariat says the swearing in ceremony has taken place at the Temple Trees.

The world famous cultural troupe of the Sri Lanka defence forces will perform in New York on February 24th.
They have already performed in UK, France, Australia and California to full houses and rave reviews, and the New York "Ranaviru Sandyawa" promises to be an evening of vibrant music and dance as well. The entire proceeds will go towards the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled Sri Lankan war veterans and their families.
The brave act and vigilance of Petty Officer NWSI Bandara of the Sri Lanka Navy, had averted a large-scale carnage and mayhem at the Sunday fair in Anuradhapura on 10th February 2008. PO Bandara who was commended by the Commander of the Navy for his brave act, will be attending this event as a special guest.
The suggestion to bring him down to New York came from two patriotic Sri Lankans living in New York, Mr. Senaka Senaviratne and Mr. Wasala Bandara, and it became a reality when the SriLankan Airlines US Office sponsored his entire trip to New York because of Mr. Bandara's great act.
The US tour of the Cultural Troupe of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force is sponsored by the Ranaviru Foundation USA, a non-profit organization based in California dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled Sri Lankan war veterans and their families.
Spokesperson for the New York organizing committee, Mr. Dillan Ariyawansa, said there is tremendous interest and enthusiasm among the tri-state Sri Lankan community and that this is a chance for all of us to see a few of our brave warriors right here in New York.
"These are some of the little things that we can do for our brave forces to make them feel that we do really care for them. The entire community should be proud that we are all part of it", said Mr. Ariyawansa. He also pointed out the deeply rooted US tradition of honouring veterans that goes back to President Lincoln's admonition: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan".
The venue for the "Ranaviru Sandyawa" is the South Beach Psychiatric Center Auditorium at 777 Sea View Avenue, Staten Island. The performance will begin at 6.00 pm. For more information please visit www.ranavirufoundation.com or e-mail: info@ranaviru.com

Air Force fighter jets bombed two artillery positions of LTTE terrorists located in the North of Mannar and Mulllaittivu areas this afternoon.
According to the Air Force sources, the first air sortie was conducted around 12noon in the Mannar area while the second was conducted at 1.p.m in the Mulllaittivu area. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the targets were accurately hit.
Defence sources said that the terrorists have been firing heavy artillery towards Mannar and Welioya Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) using guns located at the targeted locations. Recently, LTTE terrorists engaged artillery fire at St. Anthony's church, Thalladi, destroying the church building and killing six soldiers engaged in cleaning and maintenance work at the church.

Sri Lanka born Nirj Deva, Member of the European Parliament for South East England has today (Thursday) voted against the adoption of the European Constitution (Lisbon Treaty) at a heated meeting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg .
Deva, one of only 115 of the 735 Members of the European Parliament to vote against the Constitution said:“I have received hundreds of letters from people in South East England urging me to oppose the Constitution. Not one person has urged me to support this wrong-headed document.
“If adopted into British law, the Constitution will result in the surrender of sixty-one policy vetoes currently possessed by the British Government in the Council of Ministers and the creation of a permanent European Union President and Foreign Minister.
“The British people are clearly against this Treaty. Gordon Brown must keep the manifesto pledge his party was elected on in 2005 and give us the referendum we deserve and demand”.

The JVP yesterday warned that there would be a ‘massive explosion’ unless the Rajapaksa administration stopped all of its corruption, waste and irregularities that had directly contributed the rising cost of living over the past two years.
Addressing a press conference at the National Library Services Board, JVP heavyweight Lal Kantha asserted that such an eventuality would be inevitable and would lead to the downfall of the government which the JVP helped to form. "President Rajapaksa will not survive," he said.
The Anuradhapura district MP said that the ongoing combined security forces campaign against the LTTE had forced them not to go all out against the government. He said that they were in a tight spot as the ground situation wasn’t conducive for a cohesive political campaign to force the government to its knees primarily due to the successful military campaign.
Responding to a query raised by The Island, Lal Kantha, the MP in charge of the JVP trade union sector, said that they could have easily undermined the administration. Acknowledging that they wouldn’t have hesitated to call a general strike to pressure the government, the MP said that the only reason which prevented that was the military campaign against the LTTE.
"We wouldn’t do anything to derail that," he said. He underscored their commitment to the ongoing efforts to militarily destroy the LTTE while guaranteeing that they wouldn’t engage in any political or a civil disobedience campaign that would help the LTTE or its ally the UNP. The people wouldn’t approve of an anti-government campaign at this stage. In fact, the people wouldn’t tolerate any action, they perceived as advantageous to the LTTE, now struggling on all fronts.
In reply to a second query by The Island, he emphasised the pivotal importance in defeating both LTTE terrorism and what he loosely called economic/financial terrorism. A case in point was the blatant manipulation of the local rice market, he said, asserting that the government was directly responsible for this situation. He said that financial terrorism was equally detrimental to the well being of the people, now struggling to survive the fallout of waste, corruption and irregularities.
He acknowledged that the JVP didn’t help the UNP to defeat the Budget last December as it would have automatically benefited the LTTE. Claiming that there was absolutely no purpose in helping the UNP to grab power, the outspoken MP claimed that an administration led by the JVP would be the answer but he admitted that the country wasn’t ready yet for that.

The High Court Judges Association yesterday filed a fundamental rights violation application, before the Supreme Court, against the National Salaries and Cadres Commission and its members.
The Judges said that the Commission failed to grant increased salaries/and an appropriate salary structure for judges. It had failed to treat the judiciary separate from the public service in the matter of salaries, and has been continuously treating the High Court Judges arbitrarily. The petition requested the Supreme Court to declare the violation of their fundamental rights enshrined in Article 12(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The petitioner Association requested the Supreme Court to direct the respondent, the salaries and Cadres Commission, to recommend to the Cabinet of Ministers, an increased salary and an appropriate salary structure effective from January 1, 2007, taking into account the special circumstances, and to treat the judiciary, separate from the public service in salaries and other pre-requisites.
The petitioners requested the Supreme Court to order the respondent Commission to recommend a monthly pensionable allowance to High Court Judges, until the petition is determined.
The petitioner Association said that the respondent, the National Salaries and Cadres Commission, had failed to consider the distinctive character of the judiciary, the unique powers vested in it and the functions expected to be performed by the judiciary.
The petition said the present salary structure did not give adequate compensation for the special nature of the work, and the sacrifice made in choosing a judicial career. A revision of the salary structure was necessary to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and to promote public confidence in the administration of justice.
It said High Court Judges are vested with additional powers and duties, since the recent commencement of civil appellate High Courts.
Among the petitioners are the High Court Judges Association, its President, D. S. C. Lecamwasam [High Court Judge, Kandy], Thilak Tharbrew, the Secretary of the Association [High Court Judge, Colombo]} , S. M. S. Samarakoon Civil Appellate, High Court Judge, Gampaha, The Judicial Service Association, its President, Sisira Ratnayake, and its Secretary Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne.
Among the respondents are the National Salaries and Cadre Commission, Co-Chairmen Lionel Fernando and Palitha Mathew and the members of the Commission. Mrs. Dhammika Dharmadasa is instructing attorney in this application.

Air Force fighter jets bombed two artillery positions of LTTE terrorists located in the North of Mannar and Mulllaittivu areas .
According to the Air Force sources, the first air sortie was conducted around 12noon in the Mannar area while the second was conducted at 1.p.m in the Mulllaittivu area. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the targets were accurately hit.
Defence sources said that the terrorists have been firing heavy artillery towards Mannar and Welioya Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) using guns located at the targeted locations. Recently, LTTE terrorists engaged artillery fire at St. Anthony's church, Thalladi, destroying the church building and killing six soldiers engaged in cleaning and maintenance work at the church.

eCollege, a leading provider of comprehensive eLearning technology and services to education in the United States, last weekend (16 February 2008) commenced operations in Colombo with the launch of “eCollege Lanka”, thus formalising the company’s current presence in Sri Lanka. eCollege Lanka, an extension of eCollege, begins operations with a team of 40+ software professionals and follows a recent investment agreement of $540,000 with the Board of Investment to generate a range of new employment opportunities for software development engineers in Sri Lanka..

The new agreement upgrades an existing Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement initiated in April 2004 between eCollege and a global IT outsourcing company in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With its Software Development Centre and Quality Assurance Office on Level 13 of the World Trade Center’s West Tower, eCollege Lanka will become more involved in the product development initiatives of eCollege’s Product Engineering and Technology team in Denver, Colorado.

“At eCollege, we have always been pleased with the efforts of the Sri Lanka team. We look forward to this new stage which allows us to continue to increase our software development activity in Sri Lanka,” said Vance Allen, eCollege’s Chief Technology Officer. “The Sri Lanka team played a critical role in the development of our next generation eLearning platform. Their ongoing dedication will help eCollege maintain its position as a market leader in innovative education technology.”

“In 2008, eCollege Lanka will recruit a number of software professionals to add to our highly skilled development team and plans are in place to double the team strength within the next six months.” said Nalina Wijesundara, Director and General Manager of eCollege Lanka. “Our aim is to become the employer of choice in Sri Lanka, for software development, by offering skilled engineers technical challenges, career development opportunities and a unique work environment”, he added.

 

Naval troops conducting a mid-night foot patrol, apprehended a large consignment of cement in the Katupalliya Beach area in Pallimunai, Mannar today (21st February 2008).

The troops recovered 80 bags of cement hidden in the beach area. The bags, each bag containing 50 kilograms of cement, had been wrapped in polythene to make them waterproof. They had been set to be smuggled in to the un-liberated areas to be handed over to the LTTE.

LTTE is known to pay large sums of money to the smugglers for much needed cement. These unscrupulous smugglers pay scant regard to the consequences of their acts in a bid to accrue money by hook or crook. LTTE, at present, is in desperate need of cement and building materials to put up fortifications and bunkers.

The vigilance of the naval troops has been able to thwart many smuggling attempts by the terrorists and their cohorts.

 

Sri Lanka Army launched military offensive to liberate Wanni region from LTTE terrorist yesterday (February 20) reached a decisive phase as troops could obtain the domination over the outskirts of Adampan, in Mannar, a strategically important location in the present order of battle. Meanwhile, LTTE terrorists made a desperate attempt to regain control over the Parappakandal area, on the same Mannar battlefront but failed miserably in the face of army retaliation.

As per the military reports received from the Northern battlefronts, at least 92 terrorists were killed and over 15 suffered injuries during yesterday's confrontations. Also, 3 soldiers were killed in action while another 20 sustained injuries, said the reports.

In the Wanni theatre of battle, heavy confrontations continued right throughout the day on Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya battlefronts.

On the Mannar front, two major confrontations were reported in the general areas North of Uilankulama and Parppakandal during the day.

Troops successfully crushed the LTTE attempt regain control in the Parappakandal during the morning hours and claimed at least 30 terrorists were killed. Five soldiers sustained injuries in this incident and were evacuated to the hospitals.

In the area North of Uilankulama, troop marching towards Adampan, dislodged five LTTE bunkers around 1.30 p.m. in the afternoon. Radio transmissions of LTTE have revealed that 13 cadres were killed and many others received injuries. Army lost two soldiers in the fighting.

At the same time, army snipers deployed in the outskirts of Adampan gunned down three terrorists within the course of the day. Also, one soldier suffered injuries due to an anti personnel mine explosion at Manthota last afternoon.

On the Welioya front, troops had two confrontations with the LTTE terrorists in the Janakapura area during the daytime yesterday. According to the military reports, troops attacked two LTTE bunkers and a strong point killing 15 terrorists from 9.a.m to 3.30.p.m. Also, one soldier was killed and 8 others suffered injuries in this incident. In a similar strike launched around 10.30.a.m troops claimed one LTTE bunker was destroyed and two terrorists were killed.

Meanwhile, 4 soldiers sustained injuries due to terrorists' indirect fire targeted at Kiribbanwewa and Janakapura areas on the same day.

On the Vavuniya front, troops engaged terror positions in the Iranai Illuppaikulama and Kallikkulama areas in three occasions yesterday and claimed 14 terrorists were killed and at least 5 others were injured. Also, one soldier suffered injuries in one of the incidents.

Meanwhile, army snipers deployed in the North Of Periyapantrichurichchan area claimed that two terrorists were gunned down during the day.

In the same area troops engaged in clearing operations uncovered 05 hand grenades , 600 ammunition used for T-56 riffles, and 319 anti personnel mines .

At Vilathikulama, one soldier suffered injuries due to an anti personnel mine explosion.

On the Jaffna theatre of battle troops deployed in the Kilaly and Muhamalai battlefronts claimed 3 terrorists killed during the day.

The Judges of the Court of Appeal are up in arms against what a senior spokesman called a move to recommend an additional Solicitor General from the Attorney General’s Department for the post of President of the Court of Appeal.
Twelve judges, namely K. Sripavan, Chandra Ekanayake, S.I. Imam, L.K. Wimalachandra, S. Sriskandarajah, W.L.R. Silva, Sisira De Abrew, Eric Basnayake, Rohini Perera, Sarath De Abrew, Anil Gooneratne and A.W.A. Salam have, in a joint appeal to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, urged him to desist from bringing an outsider.
The appeal has been made through Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. The following is the full text of the letter:
We, the Judges of the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka wish to place the following matters pertaining to appointments for Your Excellency's kind consideration.
(1) It has been the inveterate practice for the President, Court of Appeal, to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court and the most senior Judge of the Court of Appeal to be appointed as President, Court of Appeal, as otherwise a great prejudice will be caused to the Judges of this Court.
(2) The Judges of this Court who have joined the judiciary at the bottom rung of the judicial ladder, have undergone severe hardship whilst serving in remote and demanding stations.
(3) A career Judge will have to serve in the Courts of first instance for a minimum period of 20 to 25 years, to be considered for appointment to the Court of Appeal.
(4) No appointee from outside the Judiciary will have the experience or competence that a Judge of this Court has in the complicated process of adjudication as well as in Court Administration. The position of the President Court of Appeal entails that the President should be acquainted with the field of expertise and abilities of the other Judges of the Court, for efficient and smooth functioning of the Institution.
(5) We verily believe that an Additional Solicitor General from the Attorney General's Department is to be recommended for the post of President, Court of Appeal. In the year 2004, Justice S. Marsoof who was then an Additional Solicitor General was appointed as the President Court of Appeal. When making appointments to the Supreme Court on representations made by the Judges of the Court of Appeal, the seniority was adjusted by placing Justice Nimal Amaratunga who ought to have been appointed President Court of Appeal over and above Justice Marsoof. This was the only instance where an officer other than the next most senior Judge of this Court had been appointed President Court of Appeal.
(6) If a person other than the next most senior Judge of this Court is appointed as President Court of Appeal, it will seriously undermine, prejudice and discourage the Judges of this Court since it will be a severe impediment to the promotional prospects of each and every judge currently serving in the Court of Appeal.
(7) It has been the practice in the past that the Additional Solicitors General from the AG's Department have been appointed as the most junior Judge of the Court of Appeal when occasion demanded, to wit - former Chief Justice His Lordship G. P. S. De Silva, when he was Additional Solicitor General and was appointed the most junior Judge of the Court of Appeal and Justice Anil Gooneratne who too was an ASG was recently appointed to the Court of Appeal as its most junior Judge by your Excellency.
While readily acknowledging Your Excellency's prerogative under Act 107(1) of the Constitution in making such appointments, we would respectfully request Your Excellency to give due consideration to the aforementioned matters in making the next appointment to the post of President Court of Appeal and appointments to the Superior Courts.

By Shabnam Farook
Inadequate supply of cement by local suppliers has set the government in motion to call for tenders for importation of cement that will be finalised tomorrow.
The government will finalize a tender to import cement to the country by Friday Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary Dr.R.M.S Ratnayake said.
Dr.Ratnayake says that they have decided to call for tenders from 9 International companies from countries like China, Pakistan, Indonesia and India as local companies are facing difficulties to match the demand for cement in the country.
Earlier, Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) Ltd was reported as saying that due to the high demand for supplies of cement manufacturing materials from India, Sri Lanka was facing a shortage that had heavily burdened the industry.
The company said that the high demand from countries like China and India had inevitably led to some of their key suppliers of cement to Sri Lanka from India opting to sell to other countries with a high demand and a higher price rather than Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the Kankasanthurai cement manufacturing plant will be subjected to a site assessment by the Construction and Engineering Services Ministry in preparation of the hand over to “Aditya Birla Group” one of India’s leading cement manufacturers.
According sources the groundwork has already been carried out while a proposed join venture is in the cards between the Sri Lankan government and the Birla Group.
At the moment there is a worldwide shortage of cement owing to a construction boom, especially in emerging economies like China and India, and cement prices have subsequently gone up.
Sri Lanka too has been experiencing a construction boom for the past five years.
Sri Lanka's cement production and bagging plants can only meet 40 percent of the island's annual requirements with the rest being imported, mainly from Indonesia.
The cement shortage that is affecting the local construction industry has resulted in problems of cement shortages and high prices.

COLOMBO (AFP) - At least 46 Tamil Tiger rebels and two government soldiers have died in intense battles for a bunker line in northern Sri Lanka, the defence ministry said Thursday.Government forces destroyed five bunkers held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during fighting on Wednesday afternoon, a ministry statement said.
Thirteen guerrillas fell in one battle and 30 in a second confrontation in the Mannar region. Three more rebels were killed by army snipers in the same area, the ministry said.
The clashes came hours after suspected rebels hit in the deep south, away from the usual conflict zone, killing three soldiers guarding a highway in Buttala, 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of the Tiger's de facto state.
Meanwhile, the rebels issued a statement accusing government forces of using artillery in civilian areas inside rebel-held territory, injuring children and farmers.
"Tamil civilians ... are paying dearly for the constant shelling by the Sri Lanka military. Thousands of families have (been) displaced from their homes," the LTTE said.
According to the defence ministry, 1,404 rebels have been killed so far this year. The military estimates the rebel strength at 5,000 combatants.
The military said 82 soldiers and police have been killed since the beginning of the year.
Casualty figures provided by both sides differ wildly and cannot be independently verified since the government bars journalists and human rights workers from frontline and rebel-held areas.
The Sri Lankan government last month officially pulled out of a truce with the rebels, who have fought for more than three decades for an independent ethnic homeland in the Sinhalese-majority island.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has named Dixon Sarathchandra Dela the father of Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara as the new Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province ending weeks of debates over the appointment.
The post of the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province fell vacant following the nomination of Governor Reggie Ranatunga to fill the position left behind by the accidental death of MP Sripathi Sooriaratchchi.
Mr. Dixon Dela is a well known businessman and a social worker from Ratnapura.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo 

Local Industrial Minister Kumar Welgama said one of the leading minister in the present government interferes and intimidates Industrial Development Ministry matters and shows a heaven for the masses.
Addressing a news conference today at his ministry premises Minister Welgama said that the Engineering Services Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne tried to forward a cabinet memorandum on local cement sector without his consent as the Industrial Development Minister.
“He cannot interfere in matters of the Ministry of Industrial Development , said the angry minister who hopes to make aware the masses on current cement prices of the country.
He said that the government tries to maintain low price on cement, but multinational companies add their transport charges on cement prices .At present most of local cement companies sell their Bag of cement over seven hundred rupees .
“We cannot reduce this price , because the companies add their transport expenditure on cement , he said.
Replying questions raised by media he said Minister Rajitha Senaratne made a number of speeches against the ministry of industrial development and made discussions with the Chairmen of government owned cement companies without informing the Ministry of Industrial Development.
“ It is not a fair matter , the minister said.
Explaining current cement prices the minister said a number of Worldwide companies made their tenders to supply cement in bulk form .Some of companies deposited the cash bonds , but they are still not in a position to supply cement to Sri Lanka.
“If we start Kankasanaturai cement plant we can sell cement under low price, he said.
Plans are underway to setup a Cement Packing Plant in Trincomalee .
End

Reggie Ranatunga sworn in as Parliamentarian before the Speaker in parliament a shortwhile ago.He fills Sripathy Sooriyarachchi's vacant seat.

 

Sri Lankan Army thrashed a pre-dawn LTTE offensive attempt in general area North of Parappakandal, Mannar killing at least 30 LTTE terrorists in early hours this morning, February 20.

According to Wanni military sources, heavy fighting lasted till 5 a.m. when SLA troops successfully counter attacked an LTTE offensive movement towards the newly consolidated defences at Parappakandal.

Four soldiers were also received injuries in this confrontation, military sources said.

 

Army snipers deployed in Mannar front gunned down three LTTE terrorists in general area Adampan right throughout the day, February 20, Mannar military sources said.

According to the sources three shooting incidents took place at 12.40 p.m, 2.25 p.m and 8.15 p.m and snipers confirmed that they have achieved the targets accurately.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
The Acting Australian High Commissioner, Dr Matthew Hyndes presented funds worth Rs 5 million to six local organisations under the Australian Government’s Direct Aid program (DAP) in a ceremony on 19 February.

Speaking at the occasion Dr Hyndes emphasised that “The High Commission takes great pride in the Direct Aid Program which allows us the opportunity to work with organisations such as the six organisations gathered today, each of which is working in their communities, in different parts of the country to assist disadvantaged people”

DAP projects have benefited female headed households, children, the disabled, the elderly and the rural poor, among others.
In this funding round, Dr Hyndes presented funds to Child Vision in Puttalam for the purchase and installation of physiotherapy equipment for a disabled children’s clinic, The Voluntary Organisation for Vulnerable Community Development to support livelihood projects for 50 tsunami and conflict families in Trincomalee, Women’s Development Centre for a cattle management project for women headed households in Lahugala, Sith Sevana Mentally Handicapped Children’s Development Society for three classrooms for mentally handicapped children in Thanamalwila, Women’s Development Foundation for a cattle management project in a poor farming community in Anuradhapura and Samata Sarana for a livelihood project for 100 families in Mutwal.

 

General Secretary of the United National Party Tissa Attanayake recently completed Twenty years in the political field .
According to the sources Party supporters opf the UNP organised series of religious activites in Ududumbara electorate.
They also donated English sinhala dictionaries to 43 school childrens who were successful at grade 5 scholarship exam in Hasalaka.

 

LTTE terrorists attacked at an army picket point at Dambekote in the Buttala area this morning, February 20.

The picket point was along the Kataragama - Butthala main road and the incident occurred at 11.00 a.m, defence sources said.

Three army soldiers who were on duty at the picket point were killed due to the attack and it is believed that the terrorists also sustained damages in security forces' retaliation.

Additional troops have already been sent to tight the security in the area and a search operation now underway, defence sources further added.

 
Army troops were able to recover a total of 220 anti personnel mines in Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya yesterday .

Three soliders were shot and killed by the LTTE in Bambakote area on the Buttala-Kataragama road.Wait for details.

 


A top UN official has arrived in Sri Lanka for a week-long fact finding mission to the island, foreign ministry officials said.

Angela Kane, UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, arrived in Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.

She is to hold talks with the Sri Lankan foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama, foreign secretary Palitha Kohona and diplomats from the European Union, Norway, India and the U.S. in addition to a meeting with the leader of the main opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Officials said that Kane's visit was the result of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon's concerns on the situation in Sri Lanka in the wake of the escalating armed conflict in the island's north and east provinces.

Kane will also meet with the all political party forum, the All Party Representative's Committee (APRC) on the Sri Lanka government's devolution plan to be put forward as a solution to end violence that has claimed over 5,000 lives in the escalation of the conflict since the end of 2005.

The government last month announced its unilateral pull-out from the six-year-old Norwegian-backed ceasefire. The decision has sparked off more violence with over 50 civilians getting killed in the month of January.

COLOMBO (AFP) - Heavy fighting erupted in northern Sri Lanka on Wednesday as government troops tried to take Tamil rebel-held territory, the defence ministry said, reporting scores of guerrillas killed or wounded.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) launched a major attack against military positions in Mannar district and troops retaliated with their own fresh offensive, the ministry said in a statement.

"The LTTE has suffered heavy casualties, with scores believed killed," the ministry said, adding that only four government soldiers were wounded.

It was not clear how the military estimated rebel casualties. Dead bodies of enemy combatants are rarely recovered by either side.

There was no immediate word from the rebels about the latest battles.

The defence ministry said troops had launched an offensive early Wednesday to capture Adampan village from the Tigers.

"Troops continued to surge into LTTE territory towards Adampan junction in a fresh offensive launched at 6:00 am," the ministry said.

Rebel artillery fire was neutralised by security forces, the statement added.

It said 23 Tiger rebels were killed Tuesday while another 28 Tiger rebels and three government soldiers had been killed in intense fighting on Monday.

According to latest ministry figures, at least 1,358 rebels have been killed so far this year -- equivalent to more than a third of rebel strength as estimated by the military at the start of the year.

The military counts 77 soldiers and police killed over the same period.

Casualty figures provided by both sides differ wildly and cannot be independently verified. Journalists and human rights workers are barred from frontline and rebel-held areas.

The Sri Lankan government last month officially pulled out of a truce with the rebels, who have fought for more than three decades for an independent ethnic homeland in the Sinhalese-majority island.

The Government yesterday denied reports that Labour Minister Mervin Silva was to be appointed to the Constitutional Council.
The Government said that no member of a political party could be appointed to the CC under the provisions of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution that stipulated that only persons of eminence who are not members of political parties could be appointed, said Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle to a question by JVP group leader Wimal Weerawansa.
He said though Minister Mervin Silva could be described as ‘an eminent person’ he was a member of a political party.

by Zacki Jabbar
Labour Minister Mervyn Silva’s claim of "taking up a position" in the Constitutional Council, after he resigns his National List seat and ministerial portfolio this week, is nothing but a "big joke", the UNP’s Vice Chairman John Ameratunga said yesterday.
"The CC, should comprise persons who have earned the public’s respect and it is common knowledge that Mervyn does not fall into that category, even though he has the prefix ‘Doctor’," he told The Island.Ameratunga said that on inquiring from President Mahinda Rajapaksa as to why he was delaying the already recommended appointments to the Constitutional Council, he had referred to "some objections" against the minority parties’ nominee - former Auditor General S. C. Mayadunne."But on making inquiries among the relevant parties, I found that there was no objection, as referred to by the President." "I have already written to the President requesting him to establish the new CC without any further delay, since there is no opposition whatsoever to Mr. Mayadunne’s appointment.
He is a distinguished former Auditor General who has exposed corruption in the public service, including the billion rupee VAT scam." Meanwhile, political sources speculated that Mervyn’s claim of taking up a position in the CC was a master plan by Rajapaksa to further delay appointments to the new CC."The very mention of Mervyn’s name would result in all persons recommended for appointment to the CC, with the exception of government repre sentatives, howling in protest. Such a scenario would be ideal for President Rajapaksa who is obviously not keen on establishing a widely represented CC, which would be an impediment to his one man rule", the sources added.
Ameratunga, commenting on the SLFP Central Committee probe report, into the December 27,2007 assault of Rupavahini Corporation News Director T.M.G. Chandrashekara by Mervyn and his thugs, due to be released this week, said that one need not be a soothsayer to predict the outcome."The President is openly backing Mervyn and will ensure that he is exonerated. In addition Mervyn will be elevated further in the party hierarchy, as a reward for his conduct," he said.

The JVP yesterday said that it was ready to take up the challenge, thrown by Agricultural Development Minister and SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena, on issues relating to large scale fraud in the import of fertilizer.
JVP Kurunegala District Parliamentarian and former Agricultural Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing a press conference, charged that the Government was trying to hide large scale frauds pertaining to the import of fertilizer by highlighting minor issues"By doing so the Government was safeguarding the real culprits.
There is no point in removing a chairman, as the Minister said, but to investigate large scale fraud and shabby deals", Dissanayake said. He said they would engage in a debate in Parliament on Friday over the fertiliser issue.Pressure will be brought upon any state institution that looks suspicious in its dealings, the MP said.
The price of paddy would increase in June, July and August due to the shabby dealings of the Government. Steps must be taken to have control over paddy prices. He said a certain dealer in paddy was making a profit of Rs 30 million per deal.He charged that the General Manager of the Ceylon Fertiliser Company cancelled a Cabinet decision to purchase fertliser at US dollars 424 per metric ton and purchased it at USD 906 per ton.

Sri Lankan Army comprehensively thrashed a pre-dawn LTTE offensive attempt on Wednesday, in general area North of Parappakandal, Mannar.
According to Wanni military sources, heavy fighting lasted till 5 a.m. when SLA troops successfully counter attacked an LTTE offensive movement towards the newly consolidated defences at Parappakandal.
The LTTE has suffered heavy casualties, with scores believed killed, security sources said.
Meanwhile, military sources said that 4 soldiers have sustained injuries during confrontation ahead of LTTE defences, this morning.
The LTTE terrorists have also engaged 122mm gun attacks, which were effectively neutralized by the Army artillery batteries, sources further said.
Meanwhile, 'Intel' reports from Mannar front said that, Swarnam and Laxman have led the LTTE offensive in two fronts, later forced to withdraw with heavy damages. Terrorist bodies were observed scattered ahead of the battle lines, the sources said. According to reports received, Swarnam and Laxman were blaming each other after withdrawing, leaving numbers dead or seriously injured in the battle front, according to 'Intel' sources.
Exact LTTE casualty figures were not available as troops are now clearing the area, security sources said.
Meanwhile, troops continued to surge into LTTE territory towards Adampan junction in a fresh offensive launched at 6 a.m., security sources said.
According to military reports received, at least 23 terrorists were reported killed and 10 wounded in clashes between troops and LTTE at the Wanni and Northern fronts yesterday(19).

(By Walter Jayawardhana)
In an appeal which he named an eleventh hour one Tamil United Liberation Front President V. Ananda Sangaree appealed to V. Prabhakaran to surrender arms, give up the concept of separation and sit down for talks on the resolution of the Sri Lankan conflict.
In a cordial letter addressed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) supremo by his pet name and addressing him as "My Dear Thamby" the elder Tamil leader Sangaree told Prabhakaran, "I have written a number of letters to you with good intentions but there had been no response for anyone of them either from you or from anybody else on your behalf.
It is very unfortunate that without taking any of my advice or warnings seriously you and your cadre continue with your atrocious activities without realizing the immense harm and the damage you cause to the Tamil People whom you claim to be solely represented by you and to the poor innocent Sinhala village folks who mind their own business without coming into any confrontation with you and your cadre."
Observers said the eleventh hour appeal by Sangaree is very appropriate as the two districts in which the Tiger Supremo wields, power Kilinochchi and Mulaithivu, are surrounded by the Sri Lankan armed forces from five sides and his military installations are heavily bombed by the fighter jets of the Sri Lankan Air force. Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Roshan Goonatillake said recently that according to his intelligence reports Prabhakaran is seriously injured and indisposed hiding in a bunker.
"Your last Heroes' Day speech do not give the Tamil People any hope for a bright future but only forecasts a bleak future. At the rate the people are leaving the country Tamils in Sri Lanka will get reduced to an insignificant minority with hardly anyone to speak on their behalf. As a responsible citizen and an elderly Tamil of Sri Lanka I have a moral duty, however unpalatable it may appear to you, to point out the various flaws I observed in your speech which reflects your present day thinking as well. Most matters referred by you are false distorted and exaggerated. I assure you that this letter too is written with the hope of bringing you back to the correct track.
"Even at this eleventh hour I once again appeal to you to give-up your un-achievable demand for separation. Stop forth-with your un-civilized way of chopping people to death with their hands tied behind and targeting the Forces with clay more mines in which more victims happen to be civilians and the worst is some are children," Sangaree further said.
He said there was a time the International Community took Prabhakaran seriously and made available many facilities for him and his cadre. "Now you are so fully exposed that they don't believe your canards. You talk of Human Rights violations and abductions, in cleared areas. But the whole world knows that such things take place more in your areas. I hope you will not deny this? No one has any right to kill or torture another. I strongly condemn every killing whether it is by the Forces, Paramilitary as you say or even you," he added.
Commenting about Prabhakaran's mention of Budddhism, Ananda Sangaree further said, "You are the last person who can talk about Buddhism. The Buddhist philosophy emphasizes a life without desire, a life of love, compassion and justice. I too endorse the claim of the Sinhalese that with a few exceptions they had followed this path for well over two thousand years. There are people like you in the Sinhalese Community, as you find in various other groups also. These black sheep bring utter discredit to their own race and religion.
We need not take note of them. We Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other groups have enjoyed each other's hospitality for generations. It is only in your imaginations that the Sinhalese remained immersed in the poison of racism. There are a few who spit communal venom like you for personal gains. But they don't claim that they are the sole representatives of the Sinhalese as you claim that you are the sole representative of the Tamil people. It is in doubt whether your own cadre accept you as the sole representative of the Tamils.
Please keep your guns aside and open your Iron Curtain to allow free movement of the people. You will hardly find anyone left behind. Then you will realize how correct I am. It will take very many years to neutralize the poison of racism you have injected into the minds of our younger generation. Fortunately the younger generation of the Sinhalese is now free from the communal stigma. They live like children of the same parentage."
"Your accusation that the Sinhalese are unleashing, unthinkable violence against the Tamils is ridiculous, unbelievable and unacceptable. You are trying to clean your hands soaked in blood, by such silly charges, when the whole world knows that more than half the Tamil population is living in the midst of the Sinhalese and Muslims in the South far away from their traditional homes, that too out of fear for you and to save their children from your conscription.
Please be assured that contrary to what you say, during the long history of the Tamil struggle first through non-violence and later even through armed struggle, the right thinking Sinhalese who form the majority stood firmly committed to the high principles of justice fair play and equality. Please learn from the elders as to how the Tamils lived in peace with all the other communities for generation in the past, spread all over Sri Lanka.
"The Tamils of Sri Lanka were always proud of their culture and civilization. Brutal murders and tortures are some thing very foreign to them. You are the one who have introduced this new culture of brutality, shooting and hacking people to death. The Tamil people were not accustomed to brutality and terrorism. Some cruel murders had taken place during the few communal riots that had taken place in the past. Those killings were by some hoodlums.
The Sinhala civilians had always been sympathetic and also saved the Tamils from their hoodlums. There are several instances in which your brutality exceeded all limits, to the extent of mercilessly killing many women and children. You did not spare even pregnant women and babies. Can you mention one such incident that had taken place in which the Sinhalese civilians had participated. If so I like to know when and where? But disgracefully there are several brutal incidents in which you and your cadre had been fully involved and put the blame on some unidentified persons. But the people know very well in which of the incidents your cadre were involved and in which incident some others are involved. I am not holding a brief to anybody.
What I maintain is that Sinhala civilians did not have any hand in any brutal killings of Tamils as claimed by you. If there are any exceptions they were during the communal riots that took place a few times between 1958 and 1983. The riots of 1983 and the mini riots confined to Trincomalee alone, were also due to the deliberate provocations you gave. The Tamil public servants, teachers, doctors, and such others had been killed by you in large numbers and not by the Sinhalese as claimed by you. Can you say that your hands are clean in this respect? You are the one who should take full responsibility for all such killings among the Tamils."
"As accused by you, the Sinhalese never changed in spite of so much of destruction you caused to their property and the innumerable innocent lives of men, women and children they lost in bomb blasts, claymore mine attacks, suicide bomb attacks etc. They were deliberately planted by your cadre on your instructions to provoke a backlash in predominantly Sinhala populated areas. Every one knows that you are trying hard to provoke a backlash to have a repeated performance of July, 1983 in which every Tamil in the South got badly affected. You did it to cause discredit to the country and its people.
The credit goes to the ordinary Sinhalese for saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of Tamil lives spread all over the South of the country. The hoodlums responsible for the backlash too have now become wiser and not falling into your trap, in spite of your repeated brutal killings of the Sinhalese almost every day.
"Please take it from me that the People and the International Community are not at all satisfied with your conduct. You are losing your creditability day by day. They do not approve your causing the death of several thousands of our people Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and people of other ethnic groups and the destruction of billions and billions worth of property.
Over thirty thousand widows and thousands of orphans had been created. Thousands had lost their eye sights and limbs. Over twenty thousand Tamil youths of both sexes and double that number of youths from the Sinhale and Muslim Communities had been sacrificed in the battle field, all of whom came from very poor Sinhalese Tamil and Muslim families. If only every one in this country has an atom of sympathy for these unfortunate youths and their parents, there won't be any problem in this country to be solved by fighting a war. People say that you have taken them for a ride.
The Sinhalese people also feel the same about some of their leaders. The average people want peace with equal treatment for all. They do not want preferential treatment for anybody. The Tamil People want you either to give up your demand for separation and negotiate with the Government or to leave them alone to manage their affairs.
"In your heroes' day speech, which every one was anxiously waiting for, you have ungratefully condemned everyone who helped you to a very great extent. By doing so you had earned their wrath and displeasure. You are going to be isolated by everybody, resulting in your facing a very bitter future, with no salvation. No one is going to believe your boastings any more. I am aware that you, being in the bunkers all the time, are not in a position to know what is happening outside. Please come back to your senses and face realities before it is too late. The People had tolerated you for exactly twenty five years.
Is there no end to their agony? Please don't be guided by your supporters living abroad and some Tamil media that glorify you even for your actions that deserve condemnation. They are well settled with their wives and children abroad. Some of them have thoroughly exploited your name and made a lot of money. Many of them had deserted you with the wealth they have acquired in your name. Hence please don't trust them any more. Most of their children do not know even one word of Tamil. It is the same with some who run the media in your name in foreign counties.
"Let me deal with your claim that you have withdrawn from the East as a part of your strategy. It is foolish on your part to say so and to expect that the others will believe it. The whole world knows that your back bone was broken with the defection of your Eastern Commander Karuna and also that it had a big impact on the North, which you are now holding with an uncertain future. It is foolish not to expect the Government forces to take the best advantage of the prevailing situation. Please take it for granted that the East is lost for ever and re-capturing same is only a day-dream. The local people in the East will not extend their support to you any more.
"They are happy that they had been liberated from your subjugation, in spite of the fact that they had virtually lost almost everything that belonged to them and that they have to start from the scrap. They are happy that they have now been freed and can move about freely to re-establish themselves. Most of the houses there are either destroyed fully or partly and whether it is due to your shelling or due to the shelling and bombing by the forces, it is you who should take the full blame for it. Because it were you who invited the army into the villages by attacking them from among the civilians, virtually using the civilians as human shields. You have irresponsibly sown land-mines all over, causing immense hardships for the civilians some of whom had lost their lives and limbs due to the land mines.
The People have tasted the bitterness of your so called freedom struggle, going on for quarter of a century. Before you meet with the same fate in the North also, please change your aggressive mood, tame your cadre and go to the people as a non-violent force, throwing away all your arms. The moment you stop fighting and give up your arms the Government will have no alternative but to stop fighting. If you have any sympathy for the young men in your cadre who are getting killed in large numbers every day, please call for a cease-fire unilaterally and save the lives of the children of the poor parents, most of whom had been recruited by you compulsorily.
Speaking about the Muslims Sangaree said, "I need not remind you what you did to the Muslims of the North. At short notice they were driven out of the North. They had to leave behind all their movable and immovable (propery) and were permitted to take only Rs. 500/=. They are still, after 17 years, languishing in over 150 refugee camps in the South. You have neither tendered any apology to them nor invited them to return to their respective homes. Having created a situation like this, how do you expect to convince the International Community of your innocence?" .
"I am surprised at the baseless charges you have leveled against the International Community accusing them of involving in our ethnic issue, with selfish motives. You have also said that you understand their concerns to take forward their interests. This is one of your most ungrateful accusations against the International Community from whom you derived innumerable help. You have got from some of them financial assistance and many others in kind. The whole world knows how much assistance you got from them and to what extent you humiliated and embarrassed some of them. Can you spell out which country is interested in getting what from you and from this country? This clearly shows the world as to what extent you are frustrated.
"As far as I see every country is very seriously concerned about the sufferings of the people, inflicted on them by you and your cadre. The Tamils, Sinhalese, Muslims, Malays, Burghers and people from other small ethnic groups without an exception are undergoing hardships. Every one is interested in bringing back peace and normalcy to our country. The Japanese special envoy was here the 15th time. They all know that yours is a ruthless organization that should be eradicated completely. Yet they keep on asking the Government of Sri Lanka to commence talks with you. You are not unaware how some local leaders embarrass them by accusing them of supporting you.
Even the Government had made such accusations against certain countries and NGOs. I too had found fault with some for favouring you. Don't forget that you are just an individual and not the Head of a State for them to salute you. The International Community has a moral duty to liberate the people living under your subjugation. My charge against the International Community and the United Nations is that, in spite of my repeated requests for the liberation of the people in areas under your control, they have not taken any action. The International Community is not expecting compensation for the insults and humiliations they have suffered in your hands and in the hands of some local leaders. All what they want is peace and normalcy back in Sri Lanka. That is all.
"India is the country from where we all came and therefore it has some interest in us and hence has a major role to play. India is a large country with the second largest in population. Being separated by a strait of only 22 miles, it has a moral duty to rush to the aid of Sri Lanka in times of distress. It had proved it on a number of occasions such as floods cyclone, Tsunami and even insurrection. Rightly or wrongly the Indian Government intervened and negotiated a settlement to the ethnic problem. India's intervention was at the request of the Tamil leadership and the accord was singed by India on behalf of the Tamils to facilitate easy implementation.
India was asked to do so by the TULF which won all Tamil majority seats in the North and the East, except one seat which the TULF lost by only about 500 votes. This election was not like the one conducted by you in 2004. If you had not shown your ruthlessness, the people would have been living peacefully in this country, with the implementation of the accord in 1989. Today the country would have progressed, over taking all the other Asian countries and would have been a leading nation. You should be held responsible for the present state of affairs. It is you who acted as Para-military force of the Government at that time for a consideration of lorry loads of money, arms and ammunitions and disrupted the implementation of the Indo-Sri Lanka accord.
Now after eradicating a large number of ex-members of various Tamil groups who had returned to the democratic stream, you now ridiculously accuse them as Para-military force of the Government, completely forgetting what you did in 1989. You are the one who first garlanded and received the IPKF and later fought it as Para-military of the Sri Lankan Government at that time and killed over 1200 IPKF soldiers and also created about 1000 widows of Indian Jawans. There were some unpleasant incidents in which you compelled the IPKF to get involved in. They came to keep peace in Sri Lanka and not to fight. Please don't forget that the IPKF was not comprised of Gandhians. They were also human beings and their tolerance too had its limitations. You must take full responsibility for any atrocities you deliberately got them involved in.
"Your cadre cut the heads of Sikh soldiers and hung them in public places by their hair. Your cadre attacked the soldiers and cowardly ran into the hospital resulting in the soldiers firing at the doctors indiscriminately without knowing their identity. Your women cadre fired at the soldiers when they were descending by parachute. This is the type of provocation your cadre deliberately gave the IPKF to discredit them. The leaders of Tamil Nadu, who are engaged in false propaganda, should be told that it is true that a few hundred people were killed in Jaffna but certainly not seven thousand as claimed by them.
"Why don't you tell the world that it was the IPKF that rounded you up at least thrice and allowed you to escape only to help to find a solution with your participation. You showed your gratitude to India by reducing the ex Prime Minister of India Hon. Rajiv Gandhi to pulp. How long do you think it will take for India to get at you, if it determines to catch you? How long will it take for Sri Lanka to catch you if India wants your extradition? Both the Governments had taken a lenient view of this matter, for the only reason that both Governments do not want to disrupt the Peace Process by arresting you. Are you not aware that the Tamil Nadu assembly has requested the Central Government for your extradition from Sri Lanka?
"You are not the Prabhakaran of the nineteen eighties. You are now a matured person who should be in a position to understand and assess the situation. Please take my advice and give up your demand for separation. Agree for a reasonable solution based on the Indian Model for which the International Community will give you full backing. Surprisingly you will find a large section of the people of Sri Lanka also supporting you.
"A ray of hope now appears on the horizon to pull this country out of this muddle. The Government is seriously considering to find a solution to the country's problem but due to the difficulties in finding a 2/3rd majority and going for a referendum to amend the constitution, is proposing to implement the 13th Amendment to the constitution while the deliberations of the APRC will continue till a final solution is arrived at.
"I do not suggest that this will meet the aspirations and the grievances of the Tamil speaking minorities. Your giving up the demand for separation will certainly bring a lot of changes in the thinking of every one and will also create a favourable atmosphere to find a reasonable and acceptable solution. I want you to stop fighting and save the lives of several innocent people on both sides. Please agree to accept the Interim Administration and bring peace to our country and our people. If you decide to accept the Interim Administration or even opt for an election, I will go all out to put you and your cadre in responsible position.
"Every one including your cadre are all yearning for peace. Please understand that I am agreeable to meet you and discus matters. Kindly do not treat me as an enemy. If you give up arms and also your demand for separation I assure you that the country will be prepared to pardon you. Then all can sit down and workout a reasonable solution.

LTTE terrorists hiding on the VAVUNIYA-MANNAR Rd, in the Nelukulam Sambalthotam area tried to ambush a group of police personnel on duty at 10.15a.m.
Police officers fired back killing one LTTE terrorist, while the other accompanying LTTE terrorist fled and hid himself in a near by house, when police officers assisted by STF Personnel approached the hide out to arrest the terrorist he hurled around fifteen hand grenades at security personnel.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls on Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police, Victor Perera, to investigate cases of harassment of journalists by members of the police and the Civil Defence Committees (CDC) and to prohibit authorities’ interference in the professional duties of journalists.
In a letter to Mr Perera today, the IFJ expressed grave concern about reports from its affiliate, the Free Media Movement (FMM), that several incidents involving attacks on journalists or abuse of the rights of journalists have been instigated by police and CDC members.
The FMM has received reports of four serious incidents involving arrest, abuse or attacks on journalists in the past month. Three occurred on the same day.
On January 23, Aravinda Sri Nissanka, a freelance television journalist, was reportedly arrested by CDC members in Ratmalana, south of Colombo, as he filmed pedestrians crossing the road without using traffic lights. The CDC group reportedly threatened to assault him before taking him to Mount Lavinia police station, where he was verbally abused.
On February 12, Gemnu Amarasinghe, a photojournalist working for Associated Press (AP), was arrested by CDC members while he was covering the re-opening of Isipathana College in Colombo. He was held at Narahenpita police station for several hours and was released only after intervention by media institutions and organisations.
On the same day, eight journalists were held in custody in Galle for two hours for covering an unruly incident in a Southern Provincial Council meeting. Meanwhile, police posted at the entrance of the Government Secretariat in Batticaloa prevented Muslim journalists M.S.M. Noordeen and S.M.M. Mustafa from entering the premises. The police also verbally abused the journalists.
The IFJ recognises the seriousness of the security situation in Sri Lanka and the need for police to protect all civilians from violence and harm. However, these incidents are cause for alarm.
“Security measures of any kind must not impinge on and severely undermine fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement and any rights that have a bearing on media freedom,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.
“The failure of local authorities to provide adequate protection and to investigate crimes against journalists in Sri Lanka, as well as the disturbing news that they are actively involved in the abuse journalists’ rights, shows that a culture of impunity against journalists is being fostered within and by government institutions.”
The IFJ joins the FMM in firmly requesting the Inspector General of Police to:
1) Advise all police personnel on the rights and duties of media workers and journalists.
2) Alert them to the fact that media accreditation cards exist and are valid identification for all media workers and journalists.
3) Be sensitive to threats made against media workers and journalists at a time of unprecedented censorship and violence directed against them.
4) Advise members of all Civil Defence Committees that they must not impede lawful activities of media workers and journalists.

The Tamil Police constable, Kandaiya Dharmalingam, who was attached to the Batticaloa S.S.P office was gunned down by the LTTE terrorists .The victim was a resident of Akkareipattu area and the terrorists targeted him while he was stepping towards the Akkareipaththu bus stand.Kandaiya Dharmalingam (38) was a father of four children, sources further added.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has cut its ratings outlook on Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) to negative from stable, reflecting a similar rating action on Sri Lanka.

The negative outlook on SLT reflects country risk factors and the business environment in which the company operates, S&P said.

The outlook revision reflects concerns about Sri Lanka's weakening fiscal consolidation effort and the unfavourable trends evident in the country's debt profile, the ratings agency said.

Although there is no immediate impact on SLT's credit profile and its short-term liquidity is adequate, operating and funding risks could increase in the near to medium-term given the country's weakening economic and political conditions, S&P said.

S&P has also affirmed the company's 'BB-' corporate credit rating and long-term debt rating, after affirming the sovereign ratings on Sri Lanka.

SLT's ratings reflect intensifying competition, weak regulatory environment and high capital expenditure requirements, S&P said.

COLOMBO (Thomson Financial) - Sri Lanka has further raised taxes on cars to discourage imports and save foreign exchange, officials said Monday.

The new tax, which adds 10-percent import duty on cars and vans, is to be rubber-stamped by parliament this month although customs authorities have been collecting it since January.

Sri Lanka has no car manufacturing industry and imports mainly from Asia and Europe with duties ranging from 250 to 350 percent before the new tax.

The finance ministry said the hike is also to discourage imports and save foreign exchange.

The island's overall imports jumped 10.2 percent in 2007 to 11.30 billion dollars, the central bank said last week. Petroleum products accounted for nearly 60 percent of import costs.

Total vehicle registrations in 2007 was flat at 278,000, according to customs figures.

"We have seen a 25 to 30 percent drop in overall vehicle sales in the past year alone. The taxes makes it impossible for first time buyers to own a vehicle," said Ranjan de Silva of the Motor Traders Association.

The price of a second hand, four-year-old Toyota Corolla will reach 40,000 dollars, car dealers said.

"Right now, we can't dispose the stocks we have in hand, let alone import new ones," said Berty Widanagamage, spokesman for the Used Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka.

"Interest rates are over 20 percent, inflation is over 21 percent and even leasing companies are feeling the pinch. We are finding it very difficult to survive," he said.

Prices of essentials have soared as the government pours 1.5 billion dollars to fight Tamil Tiger rebels this year, up 20 percent from last year.

Electricity charges are set to go up by 135 percent from March, under a hike proposed by the state-run Ceylon Electricity Board monopoly.

Sri Lanka-based company Dipped Products Plc, which manufacture hand gloves, today announced its plans to enter country's market in partnership with Indian firm Optimum Marketing Metrics (OMM).

The company, which has joined hands with Delhi-based importing firm OMM to sell its hand protection wears in the country, said that it has planned to achieve a turnover of Rs 1.80 crore from the country in one year.

"Although the awareness about hand gloves in India is quite low but still we hope that we will be able to sell one lakh pairs per month comprising 60,000 for industrial use and remaining for households through launching several awareness programmes," Dipped Products Plc Marketing Manager Indika Kulathunga told reporters here.

He said that the market for these products is yet to evolve in India as compared to markets in European countries.

"In India, we have found a lot of potential in household and industrial sectors such as chemical, automobile and heavy engineering. But it is yet to pick up because of lack of awareness. On the other hand, there is a huge demand for these gloves in European countries," he said.

OMM said that it was in talks with several big retail chains including Fortis Health World, Vishal Mart, Big Bazaar and Spencer in a bid to make this product available to target customers.

"We have already tied up with couple of stores in country and we are also in dialogue with several big retail chains for marketing these products. Our main priority will be to cover metro cities," OMM Director Rajesh Malhotra said.

A priest was killed by an unknown gunmen around 9.15 pm yesterday at Ampara.The gunmen used a T 56 weapon .
The police say the late priest was Rev Samson Neel Edirisinghe . Due to the incident the wife of the priest Shiromi Edirisinghe and their infant were injured . The suspects are not been arrested yet.

 

Security forces stepped-up multi-pronged attacks at LTTE positions in Wanni and North inflicting heavy damages yesterday, February 16, military report said. 49 LTTE terrorists were killed while 20 others inured during the clashes erupted right throughout the day, report further said. Two army soldiers made their supreme sacrifice while 16 others received injuries during yesterday's clashes.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, army snipers deployed at Muhamalai confirmed that a terrorist was gunned down last evening.

Three LTTE terrorists were killed when the troops ambushed an LTTE movement in Muhamalai at 2.05 p.m yesterday.

Meanwhile, troops advanced into LTTE defences at Vempotukerni and destroyed three LTTE bunkers at 12.35 a.m yesterday. One terrorist was killed while another two wounded due to the incident. One GPS, one compass, one binocular, one hand grenade, one pouch, three magazines and 90 ammunition uncovered in a subsequent search operation, report further said.

Troops advanced into LTTE defences destroyed LTTE bunker lines at Muhamalai, Averikadu and Nagarkovil fronts yesterday. 12 LTTE terrorists were killed while 5 others were injured due to these incidents. One army soldier made his supreme sacrifice while three others received injuries, report further said.

In the Wanni theatre of battle, in Vavuniya front, an LTTE terrorist was killed when the troops launched an attack targeting a group of LTTE terrorists at 11.45 a.m in general area Vedamakilam.

Army snipers deployed at Periyapantrichurichchan and Kallikulam confirmed that 4 LTTE terrorists were killed in two separate incidents took place at 8.45 a.m and 11.00 a.m.

In Periyapantrichurichchan, troops ambushed an LTTE movement at 4.50 p.m and security forces believed that 11 LTTE terrorists may either killed or critically wounded in this incident. One soldier was also received injuries due to this attack.

In two separate confrontations took place at Kallikilam and Koilmoddai, ground troops confirmed that 8 terrorists were killed and 2 others received injuries. One soldier was also received injuries in this incident.

Troops ambushed an LTTE movement in general area Koilmoddai, killing 8 terrorists. Four army soldiers also sustained injuries due to the incident. Meanwhile, in another ambush 8 LTTE terrorists were killed in general area Andankulam, report further said.

Meanwhile, one soldier was killed in a confrontation took place in the Andankulam area around 4.30 p.m. Four other soldiers deployed at Villattikulam and Periyapantrichurichchan received injuries due to LTTE mortar fire last evening.

In the Mannar front, army snipers deployed in general area Narikkulam confirmed that 3 terrorists were gunned down at 5.35 p.m yesterday.

Meanwhile, two soldiers received injuries in a confrontation took place at Periyanavettikulam at 10.30 a.m yesterday. The damages to the LTTE are not yet known.

Meanwhile, troops ambushed an LTTE movement at Wilgamwehera in the Trincomalee area at 8.20 p.m yesterday. In a subsequent search operation conducted in the area troops uncovered a claymore mine, 1kg TNT, one pouch, one hand grenade and 50 ammunition along with a body of the slain LTTE cadre, report further said.

by Jehan Perera
Two years and three months into the six year term of the Rajapaksa government the denunciation of those who continue to urge a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict is at a peak. The belief that a military solution alone might suffice to end the three decades long Tamil rebellion has regained the centre stage as it has at various times in the past. The views propagated by the Sinhalese nationalist JVP and JHU that a military solution is the desirable one appears to have been taken on by the government.
So long as the LTTE remains committed to achieving a separate state by military means, there is a logical basis to the government’s determination to retake territory under LTTE control. A unilateral declaration of independence, such as made by Kosovo over the weekend, only makes sense if the rebel organization controls substantial territory on the ground. By retaking the east, and keeping Jaffna, by dint of the military power of the Sri Lankan state, the government has effectively forestalled this option by the LTTE. On the other hand, the better option would be a negotiated political settlement in which both separation and resort to arms are given up.
The Rajapaksa government has also adopted another position upheld by the JVP and JHU, which is the commitment to the unitary state. Over the past six decades of Sri Lankan independence, the issue of the unitary state has dogged ethnic relations in the country. The Tamil perception of the unitary state is that it permits centralized rule which is also Sinhalese majoritarian rule. On the other hand the Sinhalese perception of the unitary state is that it guarantees the legal unity of the country, whatever may be the ground reality. However, from 1995 onwards, the Sinhalese willingness to contemplate a solution beyond the unitary state had been growing.
In the period 1995-2005 under former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, opinion polls showed that upwards of 70 percent of the population surveyed were in favour of the devolution of powers as a solution to the ethnic conflict. Although most of this period saw a high level of conflict between the government and LTTE, President Kumaratunga was successful in keeping the forces of Sinhalese nationalism at bay. But now these forces have taken the political centre stage and the pernicious consequences are felt everywhere, not least on the human rights record that ruin the country’s international image.
FEARFUL ENVIRONMENT
Both in his 2005 election manifesto and in his latest statements to the public, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has repeated his determination to find a political solution within the framework of the unitary state alone. He has also linked his commitment to the unitary state to the JVP and JHU’s commitment to a military solution that would eliminate the LTTE threat to the unity of the country. The LTTE’s response has been to use violence, both in the form of conventional warfare and terror strikes which have led to a polarized situation in the country. Hatred and suspicion have taken centre stage in an environment of violence and fear.
On the weekend as I enjoyed the early morning hours in the park near where I live, I heard a raucous noise. Not thinking it was for me, I continued with my jog. But on the next round it was unmistakable. The sound coming from across the distance was “traitor, traitor.” I could not see who it was because the sound came from between parked cars. But whoever it was wanted to make it known that I was the target. “Jehan Perera, traitor, traitor”, he shouted. This was a person giving vent to a primeval passion.
The present period can be considered the worst ever in the post-independence history of Sri Lanka where it concerns a mutually acceptable solution to the ethnic conflict. The forces of extreme Sinhalese nationalism have taken the centre stage. It seems that hardly a day passes without sections of the media, including the state-controlled media, assailing those who continue to advocate a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict to both the government and LTTE. Former President Kumaratunga has been quoted in the Sunday Leader newspaper as saying, “The JVP and JHU are marginal forces with less than 5 percent of the total vote. It is this 5 percent that is making decisions today on behalf of about 90 percent. This is not even democratic.”
In this context, the recent disclosure of a possible JVP-LTTE link would come as a considerable surprise. The Daily Mirror recently reported a court case in which a former army general has alleged JVP-LTTE collaboration during the period of the bloody JVP insurrection against the government in 1988-89 that led to tens of thousands of deaths. The newspaper reported that “Major General (Wasantha) Perera had compiled a report outlining the close terrorist connection between the JVP and LTTE during the 1988-89 period.” The general had also given evidence before the court that the JVP had obtained arms from the LTTE and because of his efforts he was able to cut off the procurement of arms by the JVP.
SELF INTEREST
However, it is not only the JVP that stands accused of such collaboration. Shortly after the Presidential election of 2005 allegations began to surface that the LTTE had been provided with some inducement to block Tamil voters in the north and east from casting their votes, which would almost certainly have gone to the opposition candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe. Former government minister Sripathy Sooriyarachchi who crossed over to the opposition and recently died in a motor accident publicly accused top government members of having bribed the LTTE to intimidate the Tamil voters away from the polls.
Another President who fought the LTTE with determination was President Ranasinghe Premadasa. But he too was accused of having collaborated with the LTTE in the period 1989-90 to ensure the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Forces. President Premadasa was accused of having supplied t6he LTTE with weapons to fight against the IPKF and hasten their departure. This alleged government collaboration took place during a period when there was much suspicion that the Indian army would never leave Sri Lanka.
It might seem contradictory that those who advocate war against the LTTE and been publicly opposed them should also secretly collaborate with them. In all such instances of alleged collaboration there has been a common self-interest. Each party who collaborated with the LTTE did so temporarily, to either strengthen themselves or to weaken their opponents. While each of the collaborating parties may have achieved their short term goals, the end result was the strengthening of the LTTE’s capacity to wage war against them, and the growth of its mistrust in such partners in crime. The problem with the secret collaboration based on self interest alone was that it was not tied to a greater common purpose that could keep the parties together in the longer term.
This greater common purpose would be for the parties to work together to achieve a peaceful solution that could meet their own interests and the best interests of the people. Violence on both sides of the conflict has decreased the chances of reaching a peaceful, stable and lasting solution. Individuals and organizations who promote a negotiated political solution that includes the LTTE, do so for the purpose of a mutually acceptable political solution in which human rights are respected and the use of weapons will be ended. They work on the basis that even the most complicated and intense conflicts can be solved through negotiations.

Amnesty International today called on the Sri Lanka government to make human rights the priority by allowing the organisation into the country to make an impartial assessment of its and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) human rights record, following accusations from Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella that the organisation was biased against the government.

'Amnesty International's role is to monitor and report on human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict. The organisation has repeatedly requested that the government should facilitate this role by allowing us access to the country,' said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Amnesty International also rejected claims by the Defence spokesman that it had failed 'to utter a single word' against recent bomb attacks. In the last month alone the organisation made several statements condemning the targeting of civilians including one on 4th February 2008 entitled: Sri Lanka: Right to life of civilians disregarded as conflict intensifies.

'The situation in Sri Lanka has deteriorated and both the government and the LTTE stand accused of serious human rights abuses. All parties should immediately stop targeting civilians and uphold their commitments to international human rights law,' she said.

The rule of law continues to be undermined and the culture of impunity persists. The government must make protection of human rights the top priority. Instead, human rights defenders have also been increasingly attacked or threatened. At such a time attacking the messenger distracts from the overriding responsibility for serious action to address the problem.

 

The Army conducted a search operation in the VAVUNIYA and MANNAR area recovered a haul of LTTE terrorist anti personnel mines, Claymore mines and booby traps in the CHETTUKKULAMA area, VAVUNIYA and PERIYAPANDIVIRCHCHAN area in MANNAR.

Troops in the CHETTUKKULAMA area, VAVUNIYA recovered 123 Anti- personnel mines and 5 Claymore mines .
Meanwhile Army Engineers in a search operation conducted in the PERIYAPANCDIVIRICHCHAN, MANNAR area, also recovered eight Anti- personnel Mines and two Booby traps .

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon is to send a special envoy to Sri Lanka this week to report on the ground situation in the country in the wake of the escalating conflict which has taken a heavy civilian toll.

The decision to send a special envoy follows a telephone discussion the Secretary General had with President Mahinda Rajapakse a few days back where the humanitarian crisis and the rising civilian casualties were discussed.

The Sunday Leader learns the UN Secretary General (UNSG) had inquired from President Rajapakse whether he had any objection to a special envoy being sent to report on the country situation and was told by the President he had no objection.

It is learned, the UNSG had informed the President he would be sending UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Angela Kane as his representative.

Kane who is expected in Sri Lanka on February 24 is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse from the government side.

The UN Assistant Secretary General is expected to submit a report on her findings to Ban Ki-Moon on her report for follow up action.

Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul last week in an interview to the respected Tages Speigel newspaper said while it would be encouraging for the UN Security Council to take up the Sri Lankan issue, what the Secretary General Ban Ki Moon can do without a formal decision of the Security Council is send a special envoy to Sri Lanka.

She said after the departure of the Norwegian monitors who were in place since the ceasefire agreement of 2002 there is nobody to document human rights violations. "The war is now again in full swing," she charged.

Members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference have vehemently condemned the attack on St. Anthony's Church at Thalladi in Mannar.
The attack by the LTTE on the 12th of this month resulted in the death of several soldiers and injured many others.
The condemnation was expressed in a communiqué issued by President Bishop Vianney Fernando and Secretary General Bishop Norbert Andradi of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka.
The communiqué states that the attack is deplorable as all places of worship are sacred and should be kept free of violence and bloodshed even in combat. The Catholic Bishops' Conference urges very strongly that the trend of using the sacred places to indulge in wanton attacks of destruction of life and property in callous disregard of the sacredness of all places of worship should never be repeated.
They also offer their deepest condolences to all the bereaved families of the deceased soldiers.

President Mahinda Rajapakse says proposed revisions to the prevailing electricity rates should not be an extra burden to the public. He instructed relevant officials to make theses revisions without inconveniencing the public. The president made this statement addressing the 17 session of the National Economic Council held at Temple Trees yesterday. Progress of the practical implementation of decisions taken during earlier sessions on Power and Energy and oil resources was examined at this meeting. The president pointed out the immediate need to complete construction of the Norochchole Coal Power Plant by 2010. He advised the officials to resort to alternative power generation sources .

The stock containing school textbooks, food, dry rations, asbestos sheets and cement was loaded on MV MERCS YALA VOY on Friday at Colombo harbour. The goods were loaded under the inspection of the Deputy Commissioner and head of Tamil section, Educational Publication Department- Lenin Madivanam and the Deputy Commissioner of Essential Services, Rear Admiral H.S. Ratnakeerthi.
The first stock of Tamil medium textbooks was sent to Jaffna in December and the second stock was sent for the new term.
Along with the 575 mt of textbooks, 400 mt of food items, 600 mt of asbestos sheets and cement and other essential items, a total of 1500 mt will be taken over by the Government Agent of Jaffna. School textbooks will be handed over to the Department of Education office in Jaffna.
It was organised by the Commissioner General of Essential Services, S. D. Divaratne and it was coordinated by Deputy Commissioner of Essential Services.
After the A-9 road was closed in August 2006, entrance to Jaffna was hindered and the sea route was used to transport goods to Jaffna.
At the beginning there were only two ships and now it has expanded to ten.
Ships carrying essential goods are sent to Jaffna twice a month, as it takes 25 days to reach Jaffna.

By Dilshani Samaraweera
The European Commission (EC) says it is up to the government of Sri Lanka to make sure the country continues to benefit from the European Union’s (EU) GSP+ trade scheme.
“The power to keep the GSP+ going is entirely in the hands of the Sri Lankan government,” said Julian Wilson, head of the EC delegation to Sri Lanka, speaking at a luncheon meeting organised by the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council this week.The GSP+ scheme allows duty free exports of almost all major Sri Lankan products, into the EU. This has helped increase Sri Lanka’s export earnings.
But this year the EU will review the GSP+ scheme. The review would decide whether Sri Lanka gets to enjoy GSP+ benefits of exporting duty free into the EU, for another three years, or not.
The EC says keeping the GSP+ depends on how well the Sri Lankan government is seen to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights and environmental standards.
“It is totally based on fulfilling these conventions. This (review) is a technical exercise on compliance with these conventions. This means not just having the laws, but also implementing them,” said Wilson
Wilson said the ongoing internal conflict will not affect the review.
“This is simply a matter of 27 conventions. It is not related to the issue of the conflict. It depends on the ratification and effective implementation of the conventions. The war and other internal matters are not an issue here,” said Wilson.
Wilson also said the EU is not using the GSP+ as a political tool. “We have a commercial relationship with Sri Lanka that spans 300 years. This is not to be thrown out on a whim. So the entire exercise will be undertaken with absolute professionalism. There will be no political games,” said Wilson.
Wilson said the GSP+, through its duty free export facility, is aimed at increasing Sri Lankan exports and developing local industries.
“The whole intention is to bring production into your country. For your country to see real, concrete development and backward integration of your industries,” said Wilson.

By Jayashika Padmasiri
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday denied the allegations levelled against the party, accusing it of having had an arms deal with the LTTE during the 1988-’89 period, across the Hambantota coastal area.
JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa told The Nation that the accusation was cooked up by retired Major General Wasantha Perera in favour of the court case filed against Weerawansa.
“He is trying to influence the procedure of the court with such stories, which are in favour of him. Anyway, we do not believe that anyone will believe those tales as the JVP has contributed immensely to bring the LTTE down to the position in which it is today. He is a retired Army officer and we have to mind that whatever he may say is unofficial,” he added.
Perera filed a case earlier against Weerawansa seeking Rs. 5 million for a statement the MP had made on the Rupavahini’s Visanvada programme.
Weerawansa alleged that the media had twisted the story and reported the incident in the press. “I was there at the Colombo District Court when Perera made the statement. What he said was that he had investigated in to the matter to check whether the JVP had transactions with the LTTE. He only said that he investigated the issue; he didn’t specifically say that the JVP had an arms deal with the LTTE. It was misinterpreted by the media.”

Controversial politician Mervin Silva has resigned from his post as non-cabinet Labour Minister and his seat in Parliament – amidst conflicting reports on whether he quit or was asked to quit.
His letter of resignation was handed over to the President amidst reports that he was asked by the President to step down in the aftermath of his recent fiasco at the Rupavahini Corporation and the embarrassment caused to the Government by allegations of involvement with underworld elements and drug dealers.
The Sunday Times learns the President has also ordered Police Chief Victor Perera to arrest Mr. Silva’s personal bodyguards who were involved in the Rupavahini incident on December 27.
However, Mr. Silva when contacted by The Sunday Times said he had decided to resign and the decision was his and his alone. He was not told by the President to quit. Asked of reports that he was to be appointed to the Constitutional Council, Mr. Silva said he would like to be a member of the CC. On Friday, Mr. Silva returned his official vehicles to the ministry and told his personal staff not to report to work tomorrow.
Meanwhile Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga denied that Silva was being given a CC slot. Asked whether the controversial Minister was being appointed to the Council, he replied by SMS: “No. I saw the news item and I thought it was Mervyn’s wish.”Speaking to media, Silva confirmed that he will quit Parliament. Asked why he was resigning, he said: “Because I’m going to join the Constitutional Council.” Asked, then, whether he was joining as the Presidential nominee, he replied: “Of course.

There is no other big post for me in the Constitutional Council”. He refused to say when he was resigning. The Organisation of Professional Associations recently broke a deadlock among minor parties by negotiating the appointment of former Auditor General, C. S. Mayadunne to a contentious CC slot. However, the President had yet to appoint his nominee.

“Technically, the President can nominate anybody he wants and it’s not subject to anybody’s approval,” commented Elmore Perera, OPA president, yesterday.

The Cabinet is expected to discuss the setting up of interim political councils in the North at the next Cabinet meeting to be held on Wednesday, informed sources close to the Government said. Five members are likely to be appointed to the council during the course of next week, according to well placed sources.
It is learnt that President Rajapaksa is in favour of appointing TULF leader, V. Anandasangaree as the Governor of the Northern Province.However, Anandasangaree had already dismissed media speculation with regard to being appointed as Governor, saying he doesn’t want to be anyone’s “rubber stamp”.The other likely option is EPDP leader, and a Cabinet Minister in the present administration, Douglas Devananda. Devananda has reportedly expressed willingness to sacrifice his Ministerial portfolio in order to accept the post of Governor.
The proposed interim Council would mainly be entrusted with the task of advising the Governor of the Northern Province.It is learnt that the President will invite political parties representing the Northern region that are aligned with his Government to recommend their preferred nominees to be appointed as the members of the Council.
However, when contacted, the All Ceylon Muslim Congress leader, Minister Rishad Bathiyudeen who is also a parliamentarian representing the northern region said he had not yet been asked by the President to recommend his nominee.
“If at the next Cabinet meeting I am asked to make the recommendations, I’ll do so” said the Minister.

The News Director of Sirasa Media Network Susil Kindelpitiya complained to the Police Headquarters that two unidentified persons followed him with an intention of causing harm.
He says in his complaint lodged in Police that he has fears about his life since the spate of intimidations on the media workers during the past period and due to reporting of such incidents and other news through Sirasa Media Network.
Mr. Kindelpitiya says that two unidentified persons staying near the main road were noted by his driver when he was travelling to office. One of the two persons was giving a phone call to someone from his mobile phone. The vehicle was diverted to an alternative road to office.
Later in the evening Mr. Kindelpitiya came in his vehicle to Kolonnawa via Gothatuwa New Town and after exercising he went to Salamulla junction in the vehicle. Then he got down near the bund and said to his driver to wait at the other end of the bund to take him. While he was jogging along the bund, the driver came and said in exited tone that someone opened the door of the vehicle, said, "No one is there," and shut the door.
Then he saw two persons clad in similar clothe of the officials of Ministerial Security Division were looking at him. Later he went to that place with a friend but no one was there.
Afterthat, when he was travelling in the vehicle to a friend?s house in Kotte, he saw a double cab was following him between Gothatuwa and Rajagiriya. He drew the vehicle fast not allowing overtaking him and went to his destination.
Mr. Kindelpitiya previously lodged a complaint in Maharagama Police following threats over the phone following telecasting Minister Mervin Silva's drama in Rupavahini Corporation and a documentary on it named 'Missed Target'.
Meanwhile, a politician in Kolonnawa is also excited following Sirasa Media Network broadcast news on a certain gang unearthing an expired stock of sugar buried in a cemetery in Kolonawa and supplying them to shops. The entire stock of sugar was not destroyed as ordered by the courts, sources say. The value of the stock of sugar is around Rs. Eight million.

Aid workers and reliable sources reveal a worsening crisis in districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, with LTTE terrorists forcing men, women and children in these non-liberated areas to provide blood to the outfit, defence sources said.
With few volunteers responding to its calls for blood, the LTTE is now targeting school children and even adults past their prime to obtain supplies of blood for its fighting cadres. The LTTE's "Thileepan" unit is reportedly involved in this heinous activity. It is even threatening those who do not volunteer for blood donations with severe reprisals.
According to available reports, 40 students in Kilinochchi were dragged to the Anandapuram Technical College on 22nd January, where the LTTE has stationed its blood banks, to draw blood from them.
On 28th January, school children and civilians were dragged away and forced to give blood to the mobile units of LTTE in general area Vaddakachchi, Kilinochchi. People were taken to these LTTE blood banks in tractors of LTTE. Not even elders or children were spared, eye witnesses who were able to flee the areas revealed.
On 5th February, the outfit conducted a similar blood collection campaign in Vishwamadu area where school children were among the majority. Some children were forced to provide half a pint of blood, sources reveal. The LTTE is reportedly ignoring the standard medical practice of not obtaining blood from children below 18 and adults over 60 years.
According to informed sources, the LTTE are using Rural Development Committees in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts to intimidate people for such blood collecting sessions. On 8th February, posters and leaflets were distributed in the non-liberated areas threatening people to participate in the LTTE's blood collection camps.

Troops advanced into LTTE territory ahead of Mannar defences today (16), attacked 3 LTTE bunkers killing 5 terrorists, in general area Karampaikkulama, security sources said.
According to sources, no damages were caused to own troops during the confrontation at around 10.30a.m.
In general area Pallaikkuli, troops recovered 10 anti-personnel mines and a hand grenade this morning at 10.30, during a search operation.
Meanwhile, military reported that 2 soldiers were injured in a confrontation with LTTE terrorists at South of Admapan,

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says that an air raid has been carried out targeting a terror base located at Nayaru in the Mulaithiuvu district around 8.30 this morning (February 15).
According to the sources, the fighter jests have taken the target that has been identified through the air surveillance carried out during last two days.
The target has been identified as a forward operational base (FOB) and a training facility for sea tigers. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the raid was successful.

"BPC won the tender on the supply of potash fertilizers to Sri-Lanka at the price of USD550 per ton, USD50 higher than the current prices.
After the victory in the tender the company succeeded in concluding several new contract at the price of USD550 with importers from Indonesia and Malaysia. Supply volumes under the new contracts will total about 100 thousand tons.

Micro Technologies India has entered into a strategic agreement with I-Systems to market micro products and its licenses to Sri Lanka.
The concentration would be for the micro security products and Sri Lanka is one of the upcoming markets of security products. Micro Technologies India is a leading provider of the security devices, life support systems and web-based software solutions to the global audience.
I-Systems is a Colombo based company into construction and real estate business.
“Sri Lanka has a very lucrative and rapidly expanding market, which offers excellent opportunities for Micro Technologies security products and their licenses.
Increase of mobile usage amongst the youth has also given rise to an excellent market opportunity for the mobile security product of Micro LMTS,” said Kavinda Jayasooriya, MD, I-Systems.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly supports the thousand strong protest march for press freedom in Colombo on February 14 and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to hear their demands.
Organised by the Movement Against Media Suppression, hundreds of journalists were joined on the march by a broad cross section of Sri Lankan society including many from the trade union movement, human rights activists, civil society and the women’s movement.
The Movement against Media Suppression is convened by IFJ affiliates the Free Media Movement, the Working Journalists Association and the Media Employees Trade Union together with other media rights groups.
In the strongest show of solidarity for media freedom in recent times, media groups and civil society pledged to work together to defend and promote freedom of expression;
Protesters demanded a quick and transparent investigation into killings and attacks against journalists, an end to intimidation and harassment of media, a termination of unofficial censorship, and the right for the media to report the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from all sides.
This protest comes after an escalation of violence and threats towards journalists and continued restrictions on reporting the war. On January 25, the producer in the news division of the state-controlled Sri Lanka, Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Lal Hemantha Mawalage, was the victim of a knife attack, while on his way home in Athurigirua. In a similar incident, the Free Media Movement (FMM) reported that five intruders forced entry into the home of another journalist working for state-controlled Thinakaran, Suhaib M. Kasim, on January 28 and stabbed him.
So far in 2008, there have been eight reported cases of violence and threats towards journalists in Sri Lanka. In 2007, seven journalists and media workers were killed, making Sri Lanka one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in the world.
“These protests show a deep desire among Sri Lankans to safeguard their rights to access reliable and timely information both on the conflict and matters generally. We hope the Government of Sri Lanka will hear these demands and understand that freedom of expression is the key to democracy,” said IFJ Asia Pacific Director, Jacqueline Park.
The IFJ strongly urges Sri Lanka’s Government to enforce the United Nations Security Council Resolution to Protect Journalists Reporting in War Zones and Crisis Areas, adopted by the UN Security Council in 2006.
The Resolution stipulates “that all parties to an armed conflict comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international law related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including journalists, media professionals and associated personnel”.



Innocent civilians throughout the island, including infants, women and school children have yet again been made the victims of armed attacks by the protagonists in the ethnic conlict.
Attacks on helpless civilians have increased following the intensiication of hostilities in the new year and after the abrogation of the Cease ire Agreement (CFA) and the removal of the presence on the ground of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), in particular. The most recent, egregious examples of this terrible violence are the explosions in the Perriyamadu area of Mannnar and the Fort Railway Station respectively, in which the lives of school children were brutally sacriiced.
CPA unequivocally condemns this horrendous violence and condones with the families of the victims on their tragic and irreplaceable loss. CPA calls for the recognition by both sides of the overarching importance of minimizing civilian tragedy and suffering in the context of this conlict and in its conduct.
CPA wishes to stress that it is incumbent on all combatants to respect the principles and standards of international humanitarian and human rights laws and norms pertaining to the situation of civilians caught up in armed conlict and calls upon them to publicly pledge that they will not target civilians as well as agree to the designation and protection of peace zones as places of civilian refuge.
Targeting of civilians and the senseless sacriice of civilian lives belies the claims and commitment to liberation by the Government of Sri Lanka, the LTTE and other armed groups and compounds the challenge of reconciliation which will have to be surmounted if we are to live in peace and unity with justice and dignity for all.

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka flew to Jaffna this morning (14), accompanied by several Senior Officers of the Army Headquarters.The purpose of his visit was to review continuing security developments in the peninsula and see for him self how matters related to welfare, leave and ration stocks of the soldiers are addressed and resolved, if any. His focus also centered largely on regular outbreaks of violent clashes in and around Muhamale, Nagarkovil, Kilaly and suburbs.
Commanders of all Divisions, Brigades and Units, directly involved in anti-terrorist work and related other affairs listened to the Commander and received further instructions from their chief during the short meeting that followed later on at the Headquarters premises.
Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Commander Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna received the visiting Commander at the Pallali airport on arrival from Colombo.

Eight (08) Tamil civilians who were residents the LTTE terrorists controlled area in ILLUPAKADAVALI area MANNAR had escaped from the terrorists and reported to the Police and the Sri Lanka Navy in the PALLIMUNAI area, MANNAR around 8.00 in the morning yesterday (14). They consisted of six males (aged 63, 46, 27, 21, 19 and 16 years) and two females aged 19 and 40 years.
According to them they had been forced to leave their homes where they had lived for many years and had escaped to the Security Forces seeking protection as they were undergoing severe hardship and harassment as a result of terrorist activities.

Two LTTE terrorists were killed in a confrontation with SLA this evening (February 14) at general area North East of Janakapura, MCNS reported.
The terrorists were killed when troops surged and destroyed an LTTE bunker ahead of Welioya defences at around 5.25p.m.
There were no casualties to own troops, MCNS further said.

Three families consisting of fourteen (14) Tamil Civilians which included ten(10 males and four (04) females from the VELLANKULAM area, MANNAR who were forced to escape from the LTTE terrorists areas reported to the Sri Lanka Navy at VANKALAIPADU on Tuesday (12) morning. They complained that they had left their homes as they lived in fear of the terrorists who made life miserable for them.

In Thursday, air force jets pounded a Tamil Tiger base in the rebel-held Mullaitivu district, the military said, without giving details of damage or casualties.
Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan did not answer calls seeking comment. Both sides in the conflict exaggerate enemy casualties while underreporting their own. It was not possible to independently verify the reports because the fighting took place deep in the northern jungles, where access is restricted.

Bottom Line reported that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran lives in a sprawling air-conditioned bunker complex located 30 feet below the ground, and comes up to the surface only at night to avoid detection, according to Rediff. The report has a sketch of the alleged bunker.
Prabhakaran’s extravagant underground bunker constructed as per his instructions and equipped with power generators is divided into two sectors. It has a tunnel which connects to a similar bunker complex, and his room is tucked away in the lowermost floor with two exits, the sketch shows. "From a powerful radio set, Prabhakaran gives instruction to his field commanders though he himself would not talk directly, and asks his confidante to do the talking. If he thinks that communications are not secure, he would insist on communicating through satellite phones at night," it said. "Three doctors attend to Prabhakaran and they continuously monitor his health conditions as he suffers from hypertension. His blood pressure is checked twice during the day," it said.

Postal Ballets and official poll cards relating to the Batticaloa District local government election will be released tomorrow. Postal Voting in the local government election for the Batticaloa District are to be taken place on the 21st and 22nd of this month. Assistant Election Commissioner S. Sudakaran says 934 out of 1114 persons applied for postal voting are eligible to vote. Local Government elections for nine Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Batticaloa District and for the Batticaloa Municipal Council will be held on the 10th of next month. The Assistant Election Commissioner also says voters who do not have any acceptable form of identity could obtain a special Identification card from the respective Grama Niladharies.

Local media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says propaganda carried out by certain parties regarding foreign aid received by Sri Lanka could not be accepted. The Minister added at a meeting to covey cabinet decisions today said certain groups are attempting to fulfill their personal political ambitions by focusing on a statement alleged to have been made by the Japanese special peace envoy Yashushi Akashi.
Minister Abeywardena also said Sri Lanka’s foreign relations have been strengthened. Palestine for the first time has joined Sri Lanka’s tourism activities. Aid from the European Union remained unchanged.
He further said the government is determined to implement law and order to the letter. He recalled how the government had appeared on behalf of mediamen Gemunu Amarasinghe of the Associated Press during the incident faced by him.
He further said the statement made by UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella regarding the death of former parliamentarian Sripathi Sooriyarachchi is without a base.
The government headed by the President had expressed deep condolences on the death of Mr. Sooriyarachchi who was an able politician.
The minister also pointed out even the election commissioner has established the fact that free election violence in the eastern province is at a minimum level. There is a possibility to hold the local government elections in the eastern province in a peaceful manner.
He added a special committee headed by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva is investigating into the Minister Mervyn de Silva incident. The CID is conducting a separate investigation on the security programme in the national television.
The Minister has reiterated that the government has taken no decision regarding admission of Tamil students to National schools in Colombo.

COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lankan government forces have killed at least 50 Tamil Tiger rebels in fresh fighting along frontlines in the north of the island, the defence ministry said Thursday.Security forces killed the 50 members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in separate clashes in the Mannar, Vavuniya and Weli Oya areas along the southern edge of the guerrillas' mini-state.

The deaths brings to 1,248 the number of rebels the government says it has killed since the beginning of the year. In the same period, the government says it has lost 70 soldiers and police.

There was no immediate word from the Tigers. Casualty figures given by the government or the Tigers cannot be independently verified as journalists and human rights workers are barred from frontline and rebel-held areas.

The Sri Lankan government last month officially pulled out of an already moribund truce with the rebels, who have fought for more than three decades for an independent ethnic homeland in the Sinhalese-majority island.

 

Eight Tamil civilians of three families from non-liberated Illuppukaddaweli area, North of Veddithalathivu sought protection with security forces this morning (February 14) at the Navy-Police joint fishery marshalling point in Pallamunai, Mannar.

According to Naval Spokesperson Commander D.K.P Dassanayake, the civilians belonged to three families who have fled the LTTE dominated territory in fear of forced conscription of their children.

There were three children in the ages of 16, 13 and 10 including a girl, the source said. "We have no food, sanitation or any facility to meet our basic needs. We have been denied of access to what ever available medical services in the area. This is how they take revenge from us for not giving away our children to the outfit (LTTE)" a father said, whipping as he stared at his 10 year old daughter.

"There are many like us who area awaiting the military to liberate them from the LTTE clutches," he further added.

The civilians were given food and refreshments and later handed over the Mannar Police, sources said.

The UN Security Council on Tuesday (12) alleged the LTTE and five other terrorist organisations for the continuing recruitment and use of child soldiers and use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against them.

Leader of the Jathika Sabha and the UNP, Ranil Wickremesinghe, vowed to take forward to victory, the struggle pioneered by the late Sripathi Sooriarachchi to uphold social justice, people’s supremacy and to eliminate corruption, terror and repression from the country.
Wickremesinghe was delivering an oration at the Borella Cemetery at the funeral of the Gampaha District MP, who was killed in a road accident on February 09th in Thambuttegama.
Addressing the admirers of Sooriarachchi for his political vision and personality, the UNP leader said that the late parliamentarian had used to spend his entire day to attend to the needs of his electorate.
He had sacrificed his position, power and privileges for the sake of his principles, but became a political celebrity despite all the problems he had encountered, Wickremesinghe noted.
Sooriarachchi had also stood firm for the values he had advocated, the UNP leader added.
Leader of the SLFP Mahajana Wing and Deputy Leader of the Jathika Sabha, Mangala Samaraweera delivered a speech at the funeral.
He said that Sooriarachchi had been a very prominent figure in local politics like ‘an oasis in a desert’ due to his honesty and forthrightness, at a time when opportunistic politics was the order of the day.
Politicians who could not tolerate criticism saw Sooriarachchi’s frankness as a challenge to them, Samaraweera observed.
Although he is no more, hundreds of thousands of people of this country are united today to realize his dream, the SLFP (M) leader said.
Delivering an oration, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Chief Incumbent of Naga Vihara in Kotte, said that Sripathi Sooriarachchi had made himself a name in local politics in a very short period.
On the other hand, J.R. Jayewardene, Colvin R. de Silva and N.M. Perera took some time to win public acceptance, the Thera said.
“He came only a very short distance. The path was very long, and distant,” according to him.
President’s Counsel Wijayadasa Rajapaksha too, made a speech about his political and professional colleague.
Funeral orations were also delivered by SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena, JVP Politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem and TNA’s Suresh Premachandran.
Messages from President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake and Western People’s Front Leader Mano Ganeshan were also read out on the occasion.
After religious observances at his Kandana residence, the remains of the late parliamentarian were brought in a motorcade to the Borella Cemetery, where the funeral took place.

LTTE terrorists had on Tuesday(12) night robbed and taken away the food and other essential items from the occupants of the Tsunami housing project and from the shops in the WEDDALADI area, in the TRINCOMALEE neighborhood.

Seven (07) terrorists were killed during operations conducted in the MANNAR area on Wednesday (13). Of them , three (03) were killed in a confrontation in KATTANKULAM area at 5.50 p.m., one in the NEDUNKANDAL area at 11.25 in the morning and three (03) were killed when Troops attack and completely destroyed two LTTE terrorist bunkers at SIRIKULAM around 5.00 p.m.
Two soldiers were also reported injured in the operations conducted on Wednesday (13) in the KALLIKULAM AREA, MANNAR. A soldier was injured around 9.00 in the morning while the other was injured in the same area in the night at 8.45.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic clergy in MANNAR had requested the Army base in THALLADI MANNAR to help in the clearing of the heavy undergrowth around St. Sebastians' Church in view of the annual festival in the near future .The Army had readily obliged and undertaken the task to help the Church authorities in the clearing work However the terrorists took the opportunity to target the soldiers in the work party involved in clearing the Church premises with artillery fire. Six soldiers were killed by the terrorist fire and while ten were injured.
Intercepted LTTE communications reveal that 13 terrorists were killed Tuesday (12) when the Army fired Artillery in retaliation to LTTE artillery fire targeting soldiers who were clearing the premises of St. Sebastian Church, near THALLADI CAMP , MANNAR at the request of the Catholic Clergy.

Thalaimannar Sri Lanka Navy rescued three Tamil Nadu fishermen, whose fishing trawler had washed ashore south of Thalaimannar, today (13th February 2008) around 6 a.m. They had left for fishing from Mandapam, which is located 15 nautical miles from Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu, India.
The naval personnel of the Thalaimannar Naval Base, upon observing the ill-fated Indian trawler running aground, had rushed assistance to the Indian fishermen who had suffered multiple fractures and injuries due to the ordeal at sea. They were immediately taken to the sickbay of the naval base and were attended to by a naval doctor on duty. Having given them medical treatment, food and refreshment, the measures were taken with the assistance of the Thalaimannar Police to transfer the injured to the Mannar government hospital for further medical treatment. According to the injured Indian fishermen, five of them had left for fishing from Mandapam, which is located 15 nautical miles from Dhanushkodi, on board the fishing trawler, "Jehovah Jireh" bearing the number TN 10 MFB. Their engine had stalled in mid sea and their trawler had begun to drift. Attempts had been made by another Indian fishing trawler to rescue the ill-fated trawler. Having failed its rescue attempt, the Indian trawler, which had come to their assistance, had left them taking two of their fellow fishermen on board. The trawler's starboard side and its superstructure are badly damaged.
The rescued Indian fishermen are Leon Martin (25) of Thangachchimadan, Rajnagar, Sunil Selvam (19) of Mandapam, Ramnadampuram and Udavar Nagaraja of No. 39, Mandapam, Ramnadanpuram.

Air Maldives would shortly commence flights to Sri Lanka and the Maldives signed bilateral agreements on transfer of prisoners and visa facilitation, states a joint communique issued on the conclusion of Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s visit to Sri Lanka.
The joint communique further states as follows:
"President of the Republic of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom accompanied by First Lady Madam Nasreena Gayoom, and a high level delegation paid a State visit to Sri Lanka from the 12th to the 13th February, 2008, at the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
"The President and Madam Gayoom were received by President Rajapaksa and First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
During the State visit, the two leaders held a one-to--one meeting and discussed a wide range of issues of both bilateral and regional interest, which were detailed and substantive in consonance with the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries.
The two Presidents jointly chaired a session of the highest-level Bilateral Consultations at the Presidential Secretariat. They reiterated their commitment to the promotion of economic development and social progress. They also agreed to expand and diversify the bilateral cooperation and maintain regular high level exchanges.
"The two leaders recognized the need to expedite the implementation of the agreements signed on education and culture in order to promote people-to-people contact. Both sides also agreed to co-operate with each other in the fight against terrorism and on global environmental matters, through bilateral and regional mechanisms.
Further, it was agreed to intensify the bilateral cooperation in the fields of tourism and fisheries.
In the context of the upcoming SAARC Summit in Sri Lanka, the Maldivian President assured Sri Lanka of his Government’s fullest cooperation to Sri Lanka and conveyed his country’s acceptance of dates that Sri Lanka had proposed for the Summit.
With the objective of further expanding bilateral cooperation, two bilateral agreements on Transfer of Prisoners and on Visa Facilitation were signed by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, in the presence of the two Presidents.
The Maldives delegation informed that the country’s national carrier "Air Maldives" would commence flights to Colombo shortly. The Sri Lankan delegation informed that the aeronautical authorities of the two countries should meet early with a view to revise the existing Air Services agreement.
Sri Lanka’s highest national honour namely "Lanka Mithra Vibushana," was conferred on President Gayoom by President Rajapaksa at a special ceremony in recognition of his statesmanship and leadership in the development of the Maldives, the strengthening of Sri Lanka-- Maldives relations, the enhancement of regional cooperation in the SAARC as well as his contribution to the global campaign on climate change. President Gayoom in his acceptance speech thanked the President of Sri Lanka and said that he was greatly honoured to have been conferred the prestigious honour from Sri Lanka. He expressed his confidence that it would bring the two countries closer.
A State Banquet was hosted by President Rajapaksa and Madam Rajapaksa in honor of the visiting President and First Lady of the Maldives. Courtesy calls were also made on the Maldivian President by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.
The two sides reiterated the importance of enhancing the existing close relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives and expressed their confidence that President Gayoom’s successful State visit to Sri Lanka would further strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation which are at an all time high.

A coconut plucker had stolen ten trophies kept in the verandah of the internationally renowned Sri Lankan film director Lester James Peiris. The Bambalapitiya police had apprehended the man when he was fleeing with trophies in a gunny bag, yesterday.

 

Associated Press,

``Progress on action plans to end the recruitment of children by armed forces and groups has also been made in the Central African Republic, Myanmar, Sudan, Sri Lanka - , Uganda and Chad'' and Colombia has said it will produce an action plan, said Coomaraswamy, the top U.N. envoy on children and armed conflict.

``In spite of the impressive progress, I regret to report that the overall situation of children affected by conflict remains grave and entirely unacceptable,'' she said

She cited Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recent report to the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict which names 58 groups in 13 countries ``responsible for the recruitment and use of child soldiers.''

The 13 countries are Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Myanmar, Nepal, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Colombia, Philippines, Sri Lanka - and Uganda, according to the report.

In many of these countries, there have also been incidents of killing or maiming children, attacking schools or hospitals, raping girls, abducting children and denying humanitarian groups access to youngsters, Coomaraswamy said.

She urged the Security Council to expand its focus and reporting to these issues, starting with systematic sexual violence. She noted that 16 ``persistent violators'' have been on the list for five years and urged the council to ``make good on its promise'' to take concrete and targeted measures against these offenders.

France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, whose country heads the monitoring group, backed both proposals, saying Security Council members ``must not shrink from the adoption of strong, targeted measures against parties that fail to comply with its recommendations.''

``Its credibility is at stake,'' he said. ``There is no credible deterrence without real sanctions.''

A council statement read at the end of a day-long meeting on children and armed conflict expressed readiness to review the provisions of its resolutions on the issue but it made no mention of adopting targeted measures against violators, or expanding the monitoring group's activities to compiling data on rape and sexual violence.

The council expressed concern at ``the widespread and systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children, in particular girls, in situations of armed conflict'' and called on all parties to take special measures to protect girls and boys from sexual and gender-based violence.

While acknowleding progress resulting in the release and reintegration into society of former child soldiers, the statement said the Security Council ``strongly condemns the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict'' as well as the killing, maiming, rape and abduction of children and attacks against schools and hospitals by parties to armed conflict.

Ann Veneman, executive director of the U.N. Children's Fund, told the council ``the misuse, occupation or attacks against schools are some of the worst violations against children in armed conflict'' because schools can provide ``a safe haven and a sense of normalcy'' at a time of upheaval.

She also warned the council that reintegrating child soldiers into society ``is a difficult and long-term process requiring patience and long-term commitments.''

 

Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says President Mahinda Rajapakse has rendered a commendable service for the development of the country while boosting cooperation among different communities.
The visiting Maldivian President made this statement when he met the Sri Lankan President yesterday. He extended the support of his country to Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism. Speaking on the occasion, President Rajapakse pointed out the importance of having a cooperative mechanism to resolve problems common to the region.

Meanwhile, President Gayoom met Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake in Colombo this morning. He said his visit further boosted diplomatic and friendship relations between the two countries.
He recalled with gratitude the honorary award presented to him by President Mahinda Rajapakse. The Maldivian President and his delegation left the country this evening concluding the two-day official visit.

Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel engaged in a search operation in the Kanchikadaichchiaru area this morning have uncovered a huge weapon dump , says the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS).
A large stock ammunition, Rocket Propeller Grenades, anti personnel mines, and claymore mines have been found. Apart from the weapons three motorbikes have also been found, the MCNS added.

 

The Tamil Nadu Police on Monday arrested an alleged supplier of explosives to the LTTE and seized from him 100 detonators, 83 gelatin sticks and 10 metres of fuse wire.

The man had been shuttling between Tiruchirapalli and Pudukottai to procure the explosive substances, including gelatin sticks, Tamil Nadu Police's 'Q' Branch Inspector Thiagarajan, who arrested him, told reporters.

Police had kept a close watch on his movements and arrested him, he said, adding the explosives were seized after he was questioned.

Innocent civilians throughout the island, including infants, women and school children have yet again been made the victims of armed attacks by the protagonists in the ethnic conflict. Attacks on helpless civilians have increased following the intensication of hostilities in the new year and after the abrogation of the Cease fire Agreement (CFA) and the removal of the presence on the ground of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), in particular. The most recent, egregious examples of this terrible violence are the explosions in the Perriyamadu area of Mannnar and the Fort Railway Station respectively, in which the lives of school children were brutally sacrificed.

CPA unequivocally condemns this horrendous violence and condones with the families of the victims on their tragic and irreplaceable loss. CPA calls for the recognition by both sides of the overarching importance of minimizing civilian tragedy and suffering in the context of this conflict and in its conduct. CPA wishes to stress that it is incumbent on all combatants to respect the principles and standards of international humanitarian and human rights laws and norms pertaining to the situation of civilians caught up in armed conflict and calls upon them to publicly pledge that they will not target civilians as well as agree to the designation and protection of peace zones as places of civilian refuge.

Targeting of civilians and the senseless sacrifice of civilian lives belies the claims and commitment to liberation by the Government of Sri Lanka, the LTTE and other armed groups and compounds the challenge of reconciliation which will have to be surmounted if we are to live in peace and unity with justice and dignity for all.

 


Twenty four terrorists were killed in sporadic incidents in JAFFNA, VAVUNIYA and WELIOYA yesterday (12).

One terrorist was killed in confrontations with Army troops at NAGARKOVIL, yesterday (12) around 11.00 a.m.

Meanwhile, 07 AP mines were recovered in a search operation at MUHAMALAI yesterday (12) around 3.00 p.m.

Acting on information received from a civilian source following items were unearthed 04 maps, 01 pack and 01 pouch by army troops.

Two terrorists were killed in confrontations with Army troops at KOILMODE in VAVUNIYA yesterday 13 around 10.25 a.m.

Subsequently, 119 AP mines were recovered in a search operation.

Five terrorists were killed in confrontations at UMAYARATTUWARANKULAM, VAVUNIYA yesterday (12) around 9.35 a.m. at MULLIKULAM, VAVUNIYA three terrorists were killed in a confrontation with Army troops yesterday (12) around 11.45 a.m. while at VILATTKULAM, 07 terrorists were killed around 2.05 p.m. Meanwhile two soldiers were injured at MULLIKULAM around 12.20 p.m. Around 9.35 a.m. the same day at NAVATHKULAM two terrorists were killed in an encounter with Army troops.

A terrorist was killed in confrontations with Army troops at KOKKUTHUDUWAI, WELIOYA yesterday (12). While two were killed by troops in the same area around 12.15 p.m. four terrorists were killed in confrontations with Army troops at ANDANKULAM, WELIOYA yesterday (12) around 1.00 p.m. while an LTTE bunker was captured at PODDUKATTAMALAI where 300 AP mines were recovered by troops.

 

The LTTE terrorists triggered off a claymore mine targeting security forces personnel at Thaddankulam in the Vavuniya area this morning, February 13.

Two soldiers on route clearing patrol along the Puvarasankulam - Cheddikulam road were killed due to the explosion which took place at 7.00 a.m, defence sources said.

Says terrorist elements more likely to use women for attacks in the future Report cites recent Fort suicide bomb attack as a classic example Women attackers at anadvantage in accessing targets.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has mentioned the tactics of the LTTE as an example and is reminding law-enforcement officials of the increased use of female suicide bombers worldwide, and warning that women terrorists might hide explosives in devices “that mimic the look of a pregnant woman”

The unclassified DHS threat assessment, released on Monday and obtained by NBC News, shows photographs of “pregnancy prosthetics,” hollowed-out devices that could hold explosive devices. The report says “female suicide bombers have used devices that make them appear pregnant to hide explosive devices.”

The DHS report states that terrorists are using female bombers more frequently, in part because these attacks generate “more widespread media exposure.” It adds: “Continued use of female suicide bombers-the most recent example being a 3 February 2008 attack at the main railway station in Colombo -indicates that terrorists judge this tactic as effective in thwarting security measures.”

The report, marked “For Official Use Only,” is one of dozens of threat assessments issued jointly throughout the year by DHS and the FBI. The authors are quick to mention that there’s no immediate threat to the U.S.

“DHS and the FBI have no specific, credible intelligence indicating that terrorist organizations intend to utilize female suicide bombers against targets in the Homeland,” they write.

The report ticks off several recent attacks by women bombers in Iraq and Sri Lanka, and the recruitment of female suicide bombers in Chechnya, India, Pakistan, the Palestinian territories and Turkey.

Why the increase in women bombers? “DHS and the FBI assess that female suicide bombers may have an advantage over their male counterparts in accessing targets. The means to conduct a suicide attack vary widely, but a key element in maximizing the lethality of a suicide bombing is the bomber’s ability to get close to the target,” the report states. “Female suicide bombers may carry explosives devices in a backpack, briefcase, or purse, or hidden in an article of clothing worn close to the body, such as a vest, belt, long socks, or jacket.

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The UN Security Council on Tuesday slammed the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and deplored the systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against them.

It did so in a non-binding statement adopted at the end of a day-long debate attended by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, United Nations' Children's Fund (UNICEF) executive director Ann Veneman and Radhika Coomaraswamy, the UN special representative for children and armed conflict.

The text, adopted by all 15 members, stressed the need to end impunity for such violations and abuses and for "a broad strategy of conflict prevention, which addresses the root causes of armed conflict in a comprehensive manner."

It said the council "strongly condemns the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict" and "is concerned with the widespread use and systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children particularly girls in situations of armed conflict."

"Sexual violence is often used as a weapon of war and there must be greater focus and attention on this issue," Veneman said. "We need to put an end to the abuse, the rapes and the sexual violence."

The council called for the full implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict called for in a 2005 council resolution.

The mechanism aims to track six grave violations against children around the world: killing or maiming, recruiting or using child soldiers, rape or sexual violence, abducting children or denying them humanitarian access and attacking schools or hospitals.

In a related development, New York-based Human Rights Watch urged the Security Council to slap sanctions against government and rebel forces that persist in using child soldiers.

It noted that UN chief Ban Ki-moon had identified 58 governments and armed groups that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law.

"Of these, 14 parties to armed conflict are repeat violators that have been named in five consecutive reports from the secretary-general between 2002 and 2008," it added in a statement.

Human Rights Watch singled out Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers guerrillas, Colombia's leftist FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and ELN (leftist National Liberation Army) insurgents, Uganda's rebel Lord?s Resistance Army and the government forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar.

"Both government and rebel forces have recruited and used child soldiers year after year in defiance of both international law and repeated appeals from the Security Council," said Jo Becker, children?s rights advocate for Human Rights Watch.

"The Security Council must show that it is serious about holding these forces accountable for their exploitation of children," Becker added.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has warmly welcome the Maldivian delegation led by President Abdul Gayoom. The delegation arrived at the Katunayake Airport at 1.20 this afternoon. The Presidential media unit says the Maldivian president was received to the island with full state honours at a ceremony attended by several dignitaries including government ministers, ministry secretaries and foreign diplomats.
The Maldivian president held a discussion with president Rajapakse at the president’s office this evening. The two leaders are due to enter several bilateral agreements. The Sri Lankan president will present an honorary award to his Maldivian counterpart in appreciation of diplomatic and other mutual ties relations between the two nations for three decades. The visiting Maldivian president is scheduled to meet the prime minister, foreign minister and minister A.H.M. Fowzie.

The LTTE has launched artillery fire at the Talladi area in Mannar. The ministry of defence says the St. Sebastian catholic church was heavily damaged when terrorists launched artillery fire this morning. 6 Army troops were killed and 10 others were injured in the incident. The troops were engaging in a Shramadana campaign on the request of the head priest of the church.

14 year old Siththarasa Seetharan was killed when a group of LTTE cadres opened fire at a Special Task Force rider team at Nithyadi, Kolavil in Akkaraipattu around 11.50 a.m. today.

Siththarasa Seetharan was year 10 student of the Vipulananda School at AKKARAIPATTU. The attack had also injured a constable of the STF rider team, the Special Task Force said. According to available information 3 out of an 8 man LTTE team had infiltrated the populated Nithyadi Kolavil area to carryout a small arms attack.
The STF refrained from retaliating due to the presence of civilians in the area. The attackers had fled leaving behind two bicycles and a gunny bag used to conceal a weapon.

Referring to the forthcoming election in the Eastern Province the Chairman of the Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Kingsley Rodrigo said that Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) pledged to give their fullest support to the conduct of free and fair elections.
According to him the TMVP is of the view that the election was important to them as they hoped to gain democratic legitimacy through them.
But they expressed apprehension that other parties might seek to disrupt the elections. The PAFFREL Chief said that he has been officially informed by the TMVP that the party has decided to lay down arms in view of the forthcoming local polls scheduled for March 10.
According to political analysts this step taken by the TMVP would contribute to the strengthening of the democratic process in the East. Following his recent fact finding visit to Batticaloa the Chairman said that he had lengthy discussion with the TMVP regarding good governance and added it is during the discussion that the TMVP chief mayoral candidates pledged him that the party would not carry arms again.
The government officials reported that they were making preparations for the elections in which the registered number of voters is 270,471 and that these preparations were preceding smoothly. About 4000 government officials will be involved in election duties and will be overlooking 285 polling stations. The police reported that the police presence in the district had been strengthened and this was visible in the extra checkpoints visible in the area. In addition contesting candidate had been assured of two police guards each. So far about 200 out of the 813 candidates who are vying fro 101 positions in local authorities had requested police protection." Mr. Rodrigo said in a statement.
"The government's decision to conduct local government elections in nine out of twelve divisions in the Batticaloa district has been contested by key opposition parties which resorted to legal action, and by civil society group," the statement said.

Head of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Sri Lanka, Zola Dowell, speaking to BBC Sandeshaya on 6th February, claimed that no damage was reported to the UN compound and all UN staff are accounted for.
She was referring to a LTTE propaganda claim on 05th February, following an aerial strike by SLAF jets at an identified LTTE position at Karadipokku in Kilinochchi. According to pro-LTTE media stooges, a hostel of UNDP and UNHCR staff workers was damaged in the aerial raid, which Zola Dowell had denied in an interview with the BBC's Sinhala edition "Sandeshaya".
Viewing contradictions between the LTTE claim and OCHA's denial, defence analysts say the LTTE despite losing ground in the battle front is also running short of propaganda stunts. Making further comments on the lame LTTE strategies, a senior defence observer said that these are usual cries of the wounded tigers to gain propaganda mileage. "Air burst bombs" falling in close proximity of schools, densely populated villages, UN and NGO offices are repeatedly clamored by the outfit, to distract the surging military thrust at the last LTTE footholds in Kilinochci and Mullaittivu districts.
Accordingly LTTE is also denying flow of battle information to its' grass root cadres. Losses of senior LTTE terrorists in aerial raids are kept tight lips from reaching the front lines, reliable 'Intel' sources said.

Troops advanced into LTTE territory killing at least 42 terrorists and injuring over two dozens in yesterday's (February 11) clashes between SLA and LTTE at the tensed Wanni battle lines.
According to reports received, 4 terrorists were killed and 3 wounded in skirmishes at Siripurama and Nedunkandal in Mannar. No damages were caused to own forces during the clashes, security sources said.
Meanwhile, 7 terrorists were killed when SLA troops advanced into LTTE defence lines at Kokkuthuduvai, security sources said. In Welioya, troops made further advances into LTTE defences destroying 12 bunkers, killing 13 terrorists and wounding 21 others, Wanni sources reported.
Ten soldiers also laid their lives while 25 others were reported wounded during the confrontations in Welioya (11).
Separately, at the Vavuniya front in general areas Udayanakulama, Periyapantrivirichchan and Kallikulama 13 terrorists were killed in skirmishes with troops, security sources said. Five more LTTE terrorists were killed and 4 reported wounded during fighting at Mullikulama, Vavuniya, yesterday (11) according to reports received.

Two LTTE terrorists were reported killed during a confrontation with troops in general area Alakallakottakulama, Vavuniya this morning (February 12) Wanni sources said.
According to military sources, the clashes erupted ahead of LTTE defences lines east of A-9 main road at around 9.45.a.m.
No damages were caused to own troops , security source said.

Panel of justices headed by the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva allowed the mosques to use loudspeakers for prayers for three minutes.
The Supreme Court made this order when it looked into a case related to the restriction of loudspeakers from 10.p.m to 6.a.am. The Supreme Court banned using loudspeakers in November 2007.
Having considered a request made by an Islamic organization, the Court allowed the mosques to use loudspeakers for 5 sessions of 3 minutes duration per day.

Yesterday (10) around 9.10am in JANAKAPURA area one LTTE terrorist was killed in confrontation with troops.
In the same area at 9.35am one LTTE terrorist was killed in confrontation.
Meanwhile in the same area around 12.15 to 2.00 pm four LTTE terrorists were killed due to Army troop's attacks.
One soldier was reported missing due to confrontations in JANAKAPURA and the missing soldier's body was recovered in JANAKAPUARA area 11.30 a.m. yesterday (10).

Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom will arrive in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit tomorrow[12].
The Maldivian President makes this visit following an invitation by President Mahinda Rajapakse. The government has made arrangements to accept MR.Gayoom and his delegation with state honours.
He will meet president Mahinda Rajapakse at the president’s office at 4.00 p.m. tomorrow. The two countries will also enter several agreements during this meeting. Sri Lankan president will present an honorary award to his Maldivian counterpart in appreciation of higher diplomatic and friendship relations between the two nations for three decades.
The visiting Maldivian president is scheduled to meet the prime minister, foreign minister and minister A.H.M. Fowzie.

India is to extend its investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Minister Sarath Amunugama held talks in this connection with the visiting Indian trade and industry minister Jeyaram Ramesh.
The Indian Minister has accompanied a high-level business delegation. During the meeting minister Amunugama pointed out that the trade deficit between the two countries has reduced to 5 to 1. Earlier its stood at ten to one.
The minister also commended India’s support to boost technical education in Sri Lanka. Indian minister Jeyaram said an economic cooperation agreement will be signed between the two countries before the SAARC summit to be held in Sri Lanka in July this year.

Today (11) around 8.45 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. troops attacked LTTE terrorists in Muhamalai. Due to the attack six LTTE cadres were reported killed. Troops were reported unharmed.

The brave act and vigilance of Petty Officer NWSI Bandara of the Sri Lanka Navy, had averted a large-scale carnage and mayhem at the Sunday fair in Anuradhapura yesterday (10th February 2008). PO Bandara was commended by the Commander of the Navy for his brave act.
Petty Officer Bandara had made use of the expertise knowledge imparted to him by the Sri Lanka Navy during his qualifying courses leading to his present rank to perform his brave act. Armed with the expertise knowledge and the discipline and self-confidence instilled in him by the Navy instructors, he had carried out the delicate operation of defusing the deadly time bomb with meticulous attention to detail and patient adherence to procedure.
Spotting a time bomb planted by the terrorists at the Sunday fair, Petty Officer Bandara had swiftly cut off the two detonator cords fitted to the bomb seizing a pair of scissors lying near by. The improvised bomb, made with 1.5 kilograms of lethal C 4 explosives and 350 steel balls, was packed in to a plastic can and was wrapped in a shopping bag. It had been placed in between a fruit stall and a bags stall located inside the fair. The bomb was to explode within 05 minutes before its deactivation by the sailor.
The incident happened around 11.30 a.m. yesterday and approximately 4000 people had gathered at the fair to do their Sunday shopping. Petty Officer Bandra, who is attached to the Kondachchikudah Naval Sub Unit in Silawathura, had been at the fair with his wife shopping while on leave.
After locating the bomb, Petty Officer Bandara had alerted the fellow shoppers immediately and had taken precautionary measures to evacuate the people from the scene to ensure their safety. He had assisted the Police to carry out a search and clear operation to detect other possible explosive devices in the vicinity.
Amidst all this commotion, PO Bandara had not forgotten his domestic commitments. Immediately after defusing the bomb and informing the relevant authorities of the incident, he had rushed home to his 9-year-old son who was eagerly awaiting to be taken to the village temple. His son was to receive a special award at the Dhamma Schooll Awards ceremony held that day. PO Bandara had been on the Organizing Committee and had to be there to attend to the activities connected with the ceremony.
The sacred capital, Anuradhapura, must be feeling proud to have a true son of her own soil coming to the rescue of her from witnessing a large-scale human tragedy.
Petty Officer Bandara is a resident of Maha Nelubewa, Hindogama, Anuradhapura and is a father of two sons, aged 9 and 1 and 1/2 months respectively.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says 27 terrorists have been killed in confrontations with the Security Forces in Vavuniya, Muhamalai, Mannar and Weli Oya during the past 24 hours. Many dead bodies of terrorists and their arms and ammunition have been found in subsequent search operations.

The Troops have recovered one hundred anti-personal mines and three thousand bullets hidden on Batticaloa-Wakerai road.

It has also been reported that a Sub Inspector and another policeman have succumbed to their injuries in a terrorist clay-more mine bomb explosion in Vavuniya around 7.50 this morning.

Another Policeman injured in a claymore explosion , targeting police personnel on road patrol north of Madu Junction in Mannar, is receiving treatment at the Anuradhapura hospital.

Postal Voting in the local government election for the Batticaloa District will take place on the 21st and 22nd of this month.

Assistant Election Commissioner S.Sudakaran says 934 out of 1114 persons applied for postal voting are eligible to vote. Postal Ballets and official poll cards relating to the Batticaloa District local government election will be released on next Friday.

Local Government elections for nine Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Batticaloa District and for the Batticaloa Municipal Council will be held on the 10th of next month.
The Assistant Election Commissioner also says voters who do not have any acceptable form of identity could obtain a special Identification card from the respective Grama Niladharies.

The funeral of parliamentarian Sripathi Suriyaaratchchi will take place at the General Cemetery, Borella on next Wednesday.
General Secretary of the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance and Minister Susil Premajayantha issuing a message of condolences on the late Parliamentarian says his death is an immense loss to national politics.

(Lanka-e-News, )
Late MP Sripathi Suriyaarachchi's wife Dilrukshi Suriyaarachchi says that she has suspicion over the sudden death of her husband and an orderly investigation will be requested in writing by this evening.
MP Suriyaarachchi's remains were brought to Jayarathna Florists last night and it was taken to his house in Kandana in a motorcade around 12 noon today.
Everybody present at the Jayarathna Florists were shocked to see the pathetic scene of the wife of late MP Suriyaarachchi weeping struggling to take his hand and embrace him.
Many Sri Lanka Freedom Party, United National Party, People's Wing politicians as well as the colleagues of bar and media were present in Jayarathna Florists.
Mervin Silva, the successor to SLFP Kelaniya electoral organizer post after Suriyaarachchi was removed was seen trying to be a major organizer of the funeral despite the threats, he was leveling at the supporters of MP Suriyaarachchi. Some associates of late MP Suriyaarachchi expressed contempt and raised serious doubts over the rowdy Minister?s presence.
Minister Mervin Silva tried to meet Ms. Dilrukshi, the wife of the late MP, to give a message of his leader, but the wife had rejected to receive him.

Jehan Perera
In a recent media interview President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended the August deadline for eliminating the LTTE given earlier by the government to over a year and a half.
While the government forces have been making progress on the ground, the progress has been relatively slow.
The issue of protecting human rights and ensuring practices of good governance takes on heightened importance in the context of the likely prolongation of the war. The events of the past weeks have given a foretaste of what the country can expect in the months that stretch ahead.
There was a spate of brutal attacks against civilians, most of them traveling in buses. An attack that took centre stage in the emotions of the people was the suicide bombing that killed the coach and baseball stars of one of Colombo’s most prestigious schools, D S Senanayake College, named after the country’s first prime minister. The media images of the funerals of the victims of these terror attacks and the emotional speeches have served to harden sentiment against the LTTE. One of the by-products has been the anger and irritation against those who continue to advocate a negotiated political settlement between the protagonists to the conflict and who lobby and act on behalf of human rights.
In the recent past, particularly in the last year, the main thrust of human rights campaigners has been the impunity with which agents of the government violate human rights. There have been mass arrests, kidnappings for ransoms, abductions and disappearances, and extra judicial executions in which government culpability has been alleged. However, the killings of innocents by the LTTE have exposed these campaigns as being limited.
The problem for human rights campaigners is that little they say or can do has an impact on the LTTE which is an organization that has been banned in many countries. In addition the government’s military campaign have left the LTTE-controlled areas cut off from the rest of the country, providing the outside community no access to what goes on within. It is evident that the LTTE has made its decision to supplement its conventional and guerilla military capacities with terror strikes. In a situation of violence, where there is fear, such as presently prevails in the country, the growth of mistrust and suspicion is to be expected.
There were parents in Colombo, for instance, who decided not to send their children to school on Monday even after the government re-opened the schools it had suddenly ordered closed for the whole of last week on account of the escalated LTTE violence. Those parents preferred to see what happened on Monday before sending their children to school again.
This unhealthy environment has played into the hands of the nationalist section of the government and its allies. They have utilized this opportunity to make villains out of those who continue to stand for the possibility of a negotiated political settlement of the present conflict rather than its military resolution.
A common term being used on the political platform today is that of traitor. The utilization of the state machinery, including its media, to hound human rights, humanitarian and peace organizations, particularly those with an international affiliation, is a manifestation of the dominance of these nationalist forces at the present time.
ICES CRISIS
The government’s deportation of the executive director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Dr Rama Mani, is the most recent action taken against an international organization. Founded two decades ago by one of the country’s most outstanding intellectuals, Dr Neelan Tiruchelvam, ICES influenced an entire generation of human rights and minority rights activists.
Despite the assassination of Dr Tiruchelvam by the LTTE a decade ago, the Colombo branch of the organization remained a bastion of liberalism. In the aftermath of the crisis over Dr Mani, who was sacked and reinstated by the ICES board of management in an internal power struggle, much information has surfaced about mismanagement within the organization.
But none of this should have led to heavy handed government intervention in the form of police raids, police questioning and the rapid expulsion of the organisation’s executive director as a security threat, after a one-sided debate in Parliament and the utilization of the state machinery to rescind her visa. ICES is only one of several organizations that have been targeted for punitive government action in recent months.
Another organization has been the Berghof Foundation for Conflict Studies, which was established about five years ago with a mandate to support the peace process. Its director, Dr Norbert Norbert Ropers had experience and theoretical knowledge that was a valuable asset to his Sri Lankan counterparts, who included both government and opposition politicians and civil society members. Recently he too had his visa rescinded.
Apart from ICES and the Berghof Foundation, which have been the two most seriously affected, even UN agencies such as UNICEF have not been spared distorted criticisms and threats from the same nationalist sources.
There are now indications that the targets of nationalist attack will soon be widened. There have been media reports that a list of 25 organisations have been identified to be placed on a government blacklist. The current climate of violence, fear and mistrust lend themselves to witch hunts. There is a need for more responsible and moderate sections within the government to oppose these dangerous trends.
INTERNATIONAL ROLE
Organisations that seek to foster ideals of human rights, minority rights, humanitarian law and reconciliation are a necessary part of any democratic society in which there is war, displacement, ethnic conflict, human rights violations and intolerance. At the present time the government is devoting itself single-mindedly to the defeat of the LTTE.
But in seeking to defeat the LTTE, which is an undemocratic, violent and intolerant organization, the government appears to be losing sight of its own commitment to democratic values and to good governance.
The government’s determination to control all the levers of power in society and to achieve its objectives has other manifestations that are detrimental to good governance. The President has show himself reluctant to constitute the Constitutional Council that was established under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution to de-politicise the process of appointments to key public offices.
This is yet another manifestation of the desire to concentrate power even at the cost of disregarding a constitutional provision that was approved unanimously by Parliament in 2001. In the absence of the Constitutional Council, the President has exercised his powers to make appointments to key national institutions, such as the Police, Human Rights Commission and Public Service, at his discretion which has impaired the credibility and legitimacy of those appointments.
In the prevailing situation, internal processes within the country appear unable to restore the balance and wisdom required for good governance. Even the opposition parties appear to be silenced by the juggernaut of war and ethnic nationalism. Therefore it is necessary that the international community, of which Sri Lanka is a longstanding and active member stemming from the days of the San Francisco Conference and the Non Aligned Movement, should apply pressure on the government to observe the basic principles of good governance.
A particularly important role falls upon those countries that are greatly assisting Sri Lanka at the present time. Chief amongst them would be the United States and India, which are contributing to the government’s success in the war against the LTTE, and Japan, which has for long years been Sri Lanka’s most generous donor of development assistance. These key countries, together with the rest of the international community, have an obligation to the people of Sri Lanka.
They need to use their good offices to ensure that there is, at least, incremental progress, in protecting and restoring the institutions of good governance in the country.

Two Police officers killed due to a claymore mine explosion held in close proximity of Vauniya this morning.

The US Treasury Department's recent clampdown on the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) accusing it of raising funds on behalf of the designated terrorist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), has once again thrown the spotlight on the shadowy 'LTTE lobby' whose access to powerful US lawmakers helped to legitimise this and other Tiger fronts allowing them to operate without let or hindrance for almost a decade, according to the US based Sri Lankan Express.
Investigations show that TRO operatives and individuals whose addresses or phone numbers are linked to the TRO, regularly made contributions to the campaign funds of the very legislators who have actively promoted the separatist cause and been harshly critical of Sri Lanka's war on the Tigers.
"TRO passed off its operations as charitable, when in fact it was raising money for a designated terrorist group responsible for heinous acts of terrorism," said Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), explaining the action taken November 15 to freeze the US held assets of the TRO.
The Treasury said the TRO has raised funds on behalf of the LTTE through a network of "individual representatives" and that it was the preferred conduit of funds from the US to the LTTE.
Since the TRO 'hung its shingles' in the US, almost 10 years ago, these individual representatives, many of them successful Tamil professionals, have been the LTTE's foot soldiers, active in several states, raising funds while establishing and developing political contacts.
As reported by the Associated Press some time ago, the Chicago Tribune had faxed three pages from a federal indictment involving money laundering to a US Congressman's office which indicated that the trips of two unidentified individuals to Sri Lanka in 2005 were paid with $13,150 laundered through a US bank.
The source of those funds - whether they were raised for 'charity' or extorted from the Tamil diaspora - is not known.
But the Congressman revealed to the media that over the years, campaign donations totalling around $5000 had trickled into his campaign fund from Sri Lankan Tamils in the US, some of it may well have been from the TRO's individual representatives. While the US Treasury has not named them, a clue to the identity of some of these 'individual representatives' has been provided by the TRO itself.
Within hours of the tsunami hitting the shores of Sri Lanka on December 26, 2004, a list of phone numbers was provided by the TRO and published on TamilNet, the pro-LTTE website, as its contacts for collecting donations.
With a few exceptions, where unlisted, the numbers were traced to Tamils, one a prominent attorney practising in California who was also a mover in the establishment of the TRO office in Reseda. A campaign contribution of $250 went to another Congressman from one of the individuals traced and a contribution of $500 went from another to yet another Congressman.
The depth and extent of the nexus between US politicians and the LTTE lobby have yet to be unravelled but the evidence points to culpability way beyond the nod US legislators are reputed for giving the Tigers.
A proper investigation into LTTE fund raising will have to factor in the complicity of US lawmakers, especially those who themselves have been recipients of funds made via individual TRO/LTTE operatives.

A Sri Lanka Navy Petty Officer while on leave has averted a bloodbath attempted by LTTE terrorists in the Anuradhapura town by defusing a bomb weighing 1.5kg this forenoon (February 10). The bomb has been located in the weekend fair in the Anuradhapura town around 11.15 a.m.
According to the defence sources in the area, civilians shopping at the fair have detected a suspicious plastic can that is used to store engine oil placed near a fruit stall. The Petty Officer who has been alerted by the disturbance has volunteered to check the suspicious can, after make arrangements to inform the relevant authorities.
Having identified that the can was a time bomb, the Petty Officer has informed the public to vacate the place immediately and engaged himself in diffusing the bomb, the sources added.
The bomb has been made out of C-4 high explosives and large number of iron balls. Using his training, the Petty Officer has disconnected the timer from the detonator before the bomb disposal teams arrive, sources said.
It has been also reported that the Petty Officer was also engaged in shopping along with his wife at the time of the detection.
Defence observers call the incident an exemplary event that shows the highest standards of professionalism and the degree of commitment maintained by the Sri Lanka Security Forces' members. It also gives a straightforward answer to those who attempt look down upon the soldiers' sacrifices.
The Petty Officer without having any obligation to defuse the bomb has voluntarily risked his life to save the lives of hundreds of others. The weekend fair in the Anuradhapura town is an event that draws several thousand people on Sundays.

Yesterday (10) around 4.05am in MUHAMALAI area JAFFNA troops attacked and destroyed a line of LTTE bunkers. Due to the attack one LTTE carder was killed and two soldiers were injured.

The United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party grieve the untimely demise of MP Sripathi Suriyarachchi.
Issuing a message of condolences, general secretary of the party Tissa Attanayake says the late MP was a leading character in active politics in the country. He committed his service to the public enthusiastically as a deputy minister and a minister when he was elected to parliament in 2004 having contested in the Kelaniya electorate under the United People’s Freedom Alliance ticket.
The SLFP Secretary General Maithreepala Sirisena said even though MP Suriyarachchi represented a different political stream, his sudden death was a great shock to him. Meanwhile, final rights of the late MP Sripathy Suriyarachchi will be conducted on Wednesday.
End

Veteran SLFP politician Reggie Ranatunga will succeed the late MP Sripathi Sooriyarachchi as the next elected MP from the Gampaha District.
Mr. Ranatunga came 11th on the preference list in the district polling 54,414 votes. He is presently the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province and is the father of MP Arjuna Ranatunga.Meanwhile family sources of the late Sripathy Sooriyarachchi said the funeral of the late parliamentarian will be held on Wednesday at Kadana .

An attack launched by the troops on a group of LTTE terrorists constructing a bunker line in the general area of MUHAMALE killed five Tiger terrorists Saturday (9) at about 11.35 a.m.
Three separate attacks directed by the Army troops at LTTE terrorists operating in the general areas of MUHAMALE and NAGARKOVIL caused death to three terrorists the same day (9) afternoon.

One powerful claymore mine of 10 kg and another claymore of 5 kg, hidden in the general area of KUMANKULAM, south of MANNAR – VAVUNIYA (A-30) road, were recovered by the troops Saturday (09).
During the search conducted on information received from a civilian, troops found those two claymore mines hidden in a sack by the terrorists in that area where constant terrorist movements are reported.

Troops, during continuing confrontations in the general areas of CHETTIKULAM, ITTIKANDAL and NAEDUNKANDAL, killed four terrorists operating in those areas Saturday (9).
At the same time, three soldiers were injured due to LTTE mortar fire directed on KATTANKULAM area Saturday (9) at about 8.00 a.m..
Meanwhile, during Saturday’s confrontation in ADAMPAN area, one soldier was killed and five others were injured.

The national park in Wasgamuwa reopens tomorrow as the security situation in the area has improved. Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says the park will be opened for the public daily from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

The media centre for national security says Tiger terrorists have suffered heavy damage in gun battle that ensued with the advancing troops in the general area of Periyapatrichurichchan. Tigers were compelled to withdraw from the area with heavy casualties.
The media centre said fifteen terrorists were killed in the incident. Three soldiers were also killed. The media centre said three Tiger terrorists fell dead when troops confronted terrorist groups at Kovilmode and Navatkulam in Wanni.
Three similar incidents occurred at Mullikulam yesterday killing six more terrorists. An attack was launched by the troops on a group of LTTE terrorists constructing a bunker line in the general area of Muhamale. Five Tiger terrorists were killed in the attack.

De-mining activities in the north and east will be further expedited. A separate center to coordinate these activities will be set up in Colombo.
Chairman of the Operational Committee for De-mining M.S. Jayasinghe said these decisions were taken during a meeting held in Colombo yesterday with the participation of representatives of donor countries to the de-mining process.
The Ministry of Nation Building and United Nations Development Programme jointly organized this meeting. Representatives of donor countries such as Japan, Sweden, Britain, US, Norway and India attended the meeting.
These countries have already provided 3.2 billion rupees for the de-mining programme. Mr. Jayasinghe said during the meeting it was decided to end the de-mining activities in the eastern province within the next two months. It is hoped to conclude de-mining in the northern province by next year. He added that resettlement programmes in these areas will be implemented soon after the de-mining activities are over.

The Leader of Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), V. Anandasangaree stressed the necessity of international pressure to prevent LTTE targeting innocent civilians in pursuit of their unrealistic dream. He said that India should play a major role in this regard.
In a Press Statement to the Press Trust of India the TULF chief said, "the time has now come for India to step in and tell the LTTE to keephands off civilians".
"The LTTE's only hope now is to unleash fresh violence for which the Sinhalese are not prepared," he said in the statement form London.
"I condemn every killing; I believe that no one has any right to take the life of another," he said.
"It (the killing) will not take them (LTTE) anywhere. Instead they lose their credibility day by day. It is high time that the international community warns the LTTE to refrain from causing the deaths of innocent civilians," he said.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the role played by the Tamil media particularly, the TULF leader said that Tamil media in Sri Lanka is not categorically blaming the LTTE for the killings of civilians in the country.
"I reiterate that the Tamil media, both print and electronic, should bear part of the blame. Their failure to condemn these killings in one voice, gives some encouragement to the LTTE terrorists."
Given that they have a good network of reporters, they can easily assist the authorities to detect the real culprits.
Without doing their duty they find fault with others," he observed.

Mannar Defence sources said two LTTE terrorists were killed by the Army snipers deployed at Mannar defences today, February 09.
Army snipers deployed at Vannakkulam gunned down an LTTE terrorist around 7.55 a.m. Meanwhile another terrorist was gunned down by the snipers around 10.45 a.m. in the same area, sources added.
Separately, troops launched a per-down attack targeting LTTE bunker line at Vannakkulam around 9.45 a.m. and the damages to the LTTE are yet to be known.
Meanwhile, three army soldiers received minor injuries due to LTTE mortar attack at Parappakandal around 8.00 a.m. sources further said.

A terrorist killed in an ambush attack by the STF near the Kodamadu bund at KALAWANCHIKUDI, BATTICALOA today (09) around 5.10 a.m. Subsequently T-56 weapon, 04 magazines, 01 hand grenade along with the terrorist's dead body was found.

Sunil C.Perera in Colombo
Former minister , a reputed lawyer and a retired Navy officer Sripathy Sooriyarachchi and two of his body guards died due to a road accident, around 1.15.pm. . According to an eye witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, the jeep they were traveling was driven at a high speed and collided with a tree at the Medagama,Galgamuwa. The witness attributed the accident due to rain and slippery condition of the road they were traveling. The vehicle was travelling from Anuradhapura to Colombo on the route via Thambuththegama, said the sources.
Earlier he was a government minister and close associate of Chandrika Bandaranayake who played a wital role against the UNP .Later he was saked from his minister portfolio by the President Mahinda Rajapaksha .Mr .Sooriyarachchi and Mr.Mangala Samaraweera later joined with the opposition and also formed SLFP - M wing.
Two of the MPs bodyguards have also been killed and another three who were in the vehicle have suffered serious injuries. The injured have been admitted to Thambuththegama hospital, the sources added. Meanwhile the hospital sources say the post mortem examinations will be held today at the Tabuttegama hospital.A number of government and opposition parliamentarians are now in Thabuttegama .

Sunil C.Perera in Colombo
Parliamentarian Sripathy Sooriyarachchi and two body guards were died due to a road accident a short while ago.According to the sources his high speed jeep was collided at the Medagama , Galgamuwa due to the rainy condition.The injured were admitted to the Kurunegala and Anuradhapura hospitals.Earlier he was government minister and later joined with the opposition.The jeep was driven by high speed and collied with a tree , said an eye witness.

 

LTTE terrorists have fired mortars targeting the Sampathnuwara hospital this afternoon (February 8), defence sources said.

Two civilians and a female Homeguard have suffered injuries when few mortar rounds fell close to the hospital and the "Mahaweli office" around 12.45.p.m, the sources said.

The injured have been transferred to Padaviya hospital.

 

The Army targeted four LTTE terrorist boats which were preparing to attack Troops in the THANNIKILAPPU area, JAFFNA with Artillery fire during last light around 6.45 p.m. on Thursday (07).

Intercepted LTTE communications intercepts confirm that the four terrorists in the boat were also killed when the boat was destroyed by artillery fire.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will soon enter the domestic Gas market. Director of the Corporation M.D. Wijegunawardena says manufacturing capacity at the Corporation’s crude oil refinery will be expanded.
The L.P. Gas production will be enhanced as a by-product of petroleum oils. The CPC currently sells its LP Gas production to the Laughs Company. Director Wijegunawardena says the Corporation will be able to sell a gas cylinder to the consumer at 150 Rupees below the current market price.

Financial Director of the Shell Gas Company Reemu Salldin says a slight reduction in world market LP Gas prices has been witnessed in the first few days of this month. He further says the benefit of price reduction will be passed on to the customer, if this favorable situation continues.

 

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says the government has commenced a programme to send more Sri Lankans workers to developed countries.
Accordingly, more Sri Lankan migrants will be sent to Japan within the next six months. The government will also enter into agreements with Israel and Poland shortly to dispatch more Sri Lankan workers.
The minister in response to a query made by a member in parliament this morning further said Sri Lanka has earned a revenue of 2.8 billion rupees from migrant workers this year. Minister Rambukwella further said the government has taken a policy decision regarding reducing the number of housemaids sent to foreign countries. Accordingly, the number of housemaids to be sent within the next three years will be reduced to 30 percent.

Minister D.M. Jayaratne answering a query of another member said plans are underway to distribute 100 million coconut plants throughout the island.

Member Ravi Karunanayake has requested to suspend the sending of Sri Lankans to foreign employments. He argued that release of workers for foreign employment is an obstruction to local economic development. Member Joseph Michael Perera has intervened to say that the stance of the UNP is that there is no harm in sending excess labour to foreign countries.

Security forces have launched an attack targeting an LTTE bunker close to the Forward Defence Line in Killali.
The media centre for national security said the attack took place last afternoon and the LTTE bunker was completely destroyed.
Two LTTE terrorists inside the bunker were killed in the incident. The media centre said no injuries to troops were reported.

Police has informed the courts that there is insufficient evidence to file murder charges against Johnston Collin Valentino who was arrested as the chief suspect in the murder of parliamentarian T. Maheshwaran. SSP Colombo Crimes Division Anura Senanayake stated this when the case was heard today.

 

The investigations commission amendment bill has been passed in parliament.
Taking part in the parliamentary debate held in this connection Minister Dilan Perera said the bill enhances the power invested in investigations commissions. He said the government has taken many measures such as increased allocations to make these commissions more effective. At the debate parliamentarian Rauf Hakeem said the new amendments would contribute towards a more just investigation with more transparency. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe taking part in the debate said no proposal against the government has been presented to any international council.

The Government of Japan has provided Rs. 343 million for the reconstruction of five Tsunami affected schools in Batticaloa and Ampara districts. The construction work has completed last year and the schools were officially opened for educational activities today.

A large number of schools along the coastal belt in Sri Lanka were damaged by the tsunami and the school activities of the children were disrupted. The reconstruction of these school buildings was an essential factor to enable these schools to function as before. In this regard the Government of Japan in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka had allocated grant funds amounting to approximately Rs. 1.5 billion for the reconstruction of thirteen tsunami affected schools in Hambantota, Galle, Kalutara, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

The five reconstructed schools are Olikulam Al-Hambra Vidyalaya, Kathankudy, Anver Primary School, Kathankudy, Puthukudyiruppu Kannaki Vidyalaya and St. Theresa Girl's School in Batticaloa District and Km/Abzan Vidyalaya, Pottuvil in Ampara District. The total number of Muslim, Tamil and Christian students that will benefit from the reconstruction of these five schools is approximately 1,500.

These all schools were reconstructed by local constructors, and the labor force power was drawn from the local people.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted in carrying out the feasibility studies and designing of the buildings, while Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) coordinated the implementation of project.

The grant funds for the construction of the schools is a part of the US$ 80 million Non-Project Grant Aid made available by the Government of Japan towards tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Sri Lanka. A major part of this grant funds was utilized for a wide range of rehabilitation and reconstruction work including fisheries, electricity, health, water & sanitation, construction of schools, bridges and police stations as identified by Government of Sri Lanka.

The Government of Japan has been supporting various projects from grassroots level to large infrastructure level through its Official Development Assistance over 50 years considering regional, religious and ethnic balance with a view to benefit all communities throughout the country. The final goal of all these support is to 'alleviate poverty' and to facilitate self help initiatives among the people of Sri Lanka to achieve a sustainable development.

M.S. Ameer Ali, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services and Mr. Noriaki Sadamoto, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan were present to mark the opening of the schools.

The People and the Government of Japan sincerely hope that the reconstructed schools will enable the children to continue their education and will assist in the development of Sri Lanka in the future.

 


The Navy attacked a group of LTTE terrorists in the PERARU area, TRINCOMALEE around 8.00 in the night on Thursday (07).
Two bodies of terrorists and the military hardware were recovered by the Navy in the search operations conducted in the area after the attack.

 
Eight terrorists were killed and 16 were injured in confrontations with the Army on Thursday (07) in MANNAR, VAVUNIYA & WELIOYA .

Two terrorists were killed between 8.00 and 9.00 in the morning in the SRIKULAM area while another was killed in the NADUNKANDAL area, MANNAR at 3.15 in the afternoon.

Three terrorists were killed in the VAVUNIYA area. One was killed in a confrontation at KALLIKULAM while two terrorists were killed at 5.00 in the evening during a confrontation in the ANDANKULAM area, one of whom has been identified as ILLIYAVAN.

Two terrorists were also reported killed and ten (10) were injured in a confrontation in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA at 11.00 am . One soldier was killed and another was injured in the incident.

 
A total of twenty two (22) LTTE terrorists were killed and three bunkers were completely destroyed during confrontations with the Army in the VAVUNIYA area on Thursday(07).
Ten (10) of the 22 terrorists were killed in a confrontation around UMAYARATUVARANKULAM area around 8.15 in the morning and a T56 assault rifle was recovered thereafter in a search operation conducted by troops.

Two (02) terrorists were reported killed when troops attacked and destroyed completely a terrorist bunker in NARIKKULAM area, VAVUNYA at 12.15 in the afternoon.
Six terrorists were killed and eight were reported injured when Troops attacked and destroyed two terrorist bunkers in the PERIYAPANDIVIRICHCHAN area in a fierce attack which lasted 10 minutes between 3.10 an 3.20 in the afternoon . Six soldiers were also reported injured in the attack while TWO terrorists were killed in a confrontation in the VILAYATHIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA around 4.40 in the evening. In this incident, a soldier was reported injured.
40 Anti - personnel mines were recovered in the ongoing search operations conducted by Troops in the MULLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA on Thursday (07).

 

A planeload of Sri Lankan asylum-seekers arriving in Brisbane from Australia's offshore immigration detention centre on the Pacific Island of Nauru signalled the end of the controversial Pacific Solution to unwanted arrivals by sea. The 21 Sri Lankans, who will be settled in Australia, are the last occupants of the Nauru centre, which will now be closed permanently. Australia's other offshore centre, on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea, has already closed.

The touchdown in Brisbane signals Prime Minister Kevin Rudd making good on his promise to dismantle predecessor John Howard's Pacific Solution, which saw foreigners without visas arriving by sea whisked off to either Nauru or Manus Island.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans has emphasized that those arriving by sea without a visa - or, indeed, by air - would still get locked up until their applications were processed.

"There's no suggestion of us weakening the policy in terms of border security and intercepting boats headed towards Australia," Evans said after Labor won office in November's general election.

The immigration centre on Christmas Island, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, will remain open.

Since 1999 around 10,000 people have arrived by boat in Australia and claimed asylum about 90 per cent of them have been successful in their claims and have been given 3-year temporary protection visas after a stay at an on-shore immigration detention centre or on Manus Island or in Nauru.

Howard unveiled the Pacific Solution in September 2001 when mostly Middle Easterners were getting off ramshackle Indonesian fishing boats on northern beaches and claiming asylum at the rate of 1,000 a month.

The Pacific Solution involved preventing immigrants from engaging Australia's legal system by excising outlying territories, setting up the offshore immigration detention centres in Nauru and Manus, and making life more difficult for those who got over these hurdles and were allowed in as genuine refugees.

The Pacific Solution is credited with drying up asylum-seeker arrivals.

MADURAI: The Government should form a committee of experts to find a solution to the prevailing ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka, said Sarath Kumar, the founder of Akila Indhiya Samthuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK).

Sarath Kumar, who was here on Thursday to examine the preparatory work for the party's first state level conference, told reporters that Sinhala-Tamil conflict in Sri Lanka had caused several problems in Tamil Nadu, so it is imperative for the Government to play a pivotal role in finding peace in the island nation.

"In this regard, I have already written a letter to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi", the AISMK leader added.

 
COLOMBO: A high level Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) delegation will visit Sri Lanka this month to give final shape to its $170 dollar project to upgrade Sri Lanka's Southern Railway. "We have got the government approval for the proj ect and the Attorney General is looking at the proposals before giving clearance", said the Sri Lankan Transport Secretary Mr Nihal Somaweera.

RITES would be providing the loan for the project, according to the Memorandum of Understanding for the project. The RITES and Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON) would undertake upgradation of the Island country's Southern Railway Line up to Ma tara, about 160 kms from Colombo. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Transport has already finalised negotiations for entering into an agreement with RITES to secure the credit. The project would be taken in two stages, one involving $100 million and the secon d $70 million, Mr Somaweera said adding he expected the agreement to be signed by March.

The project is to be completed by the end of next year. Besides 16 power sets for long distance travel and three engines to maintain tracks, RITES has also proposed to provide material to upgrade the railway track from Colombo to Aluthgama (Road distanc e about 57 kms) under the first stage of the project.

RITES Ltd, a subsidiary of the Railways, is a multi-disciplinary consultancy organisation in the field of transport, infrastructure and related technologies. IRCON would be involved in construction and upgradation work besides providing three engines fo r track maintenance and power equipments.

Twelve LTTE terrorists were killed and 14 others were injured during Army operations conducted the VAVUNIYA area while three terrorists were killed in operations against the terrorists in the MANNAR sector on Wednesday (06). Five soldiers were injured during operations in VAVUNIYA and another as injured in MANNAR.
Seven of the 15 terrorists were killed in confrontation with troops in the area of PERIYAPANDIVIRICHCAN area, VAVUNIYA. One terrorist was killed around 12.10 in the afternoon while five of the 14 terrorists were also reported injured. Later around 1.40 in the afternoon, three terrorists were killed and four were injured during a confrontation and around 11.15 a.m. on the same day (06) three terrorists were killed and 05 injured while four terrorist were killed in a confrontation at 2.40 in the afternoon . Two soldiers were also injured in this incident.
A terrorist was reported killed in the VILAYATHIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA around 9.50 in the morning on Wednesday (06) while a soldier was reported injured in the incident.
A soldier was also injured due to the explosion of an Anti - Personnel Mine explosion in the MULLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA around 8.50 a.m.
A soldier was reported injured in SIRIKKULAM area during operations conducted by the Army in the MANNER area on Wednesday (06).
A terrorist was killed in the PARAPPAKANDAL area at 6.05 in the evening while two terrorists were killed by Troops in a confrontation in the morning at 8.50 in SIRIPURAM on Wednesday (06).

British Foreign Secretary condemns attacks upon civilians and those responsible. He called for the immediate end to practices which target civilians or put them in peril. He has further urged all in Sri Lanka to take steps to safeguard the civilian population and find ways to reduce the violence.
British Foreign Secretary (Foreign Minister), David Miliband, commented yesterday on the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence.
In comments David Miliband said “Violence can never provide an answer to Sri Lanka's problems. People in Sri Lanka need to find space to realise their many similarities, rather than becoming further polarised by their differences. A sustainable solution to Sri Lanka's conflict can only emerge through a just political process involving all communities”
Given below the full text of British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband’s comments on the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence. This is press release by the British High Commission in Colombo:
'The 60th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence is a time to reflect on the health and welfare of the nation and its people as it moves forward in the 21st century. The cycle of violence in Sri Lanka has worsened in recent weeks. Civilian lives have been lost from all communities and regions of Sri Lanka. The end of the formal 2002 cease-fire agreement does not remove the obligation of all parties to the conflict to protect civilian life.
'I wholeheartedly condemn these attacks upon civilians and those responsible. My thoughts and condolences are with the victims of the attacks, and their families. I call for an immediate end to practices which target civilians or put them in peril. I urge all in Sri Lanka to take steps to safeguard the civilian population and find ways to reduce the violence.
'Violence can never provide an answer to Sri Lanka's problems. People in Sri Lanka need to find space to realise their many similarities, rather than becoming further polarised by their differences. A sustainable solution to Sri Lanka's conflict can only emerge through a just political process involving all communities.'

President Mahinda Rajapakse says anybody who respect former President Ranasinghe Premadasa should extend support to eliminate tiger terrorism, as his life was lost due to tiger terrorism. The President made these remarks at the opening of a drawing of former President Premadasa in parliament today. President Rajapakse has identified former President Premadasa as an efficient leader who had identified the interests of the common man. The president has reminded the immense services rendered by the former president through such projects as Gam Udawa and Sucharhtia .Leader of the opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe said the President Premadasa had gone forward with his own self energy.Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said the late President was a leader who was dedicated to eradicate poverty. Member Sajith Premadasa said the philosophy of Ranasinghe Premadasa is suited for the present time as well. Relatives of the family of the late President including Mrs. Hema Premadasa and ambassadors and a large number of dignitaries attended the occasion.

LTTE communication intercepts confirm that Five terrorists were killed and ten were injured when the Army launched a 30 minutes, well coordinated "lightning" attack on the NAGARKOVIL and MUHAMALAI FDL's this morning( 07) around 5.00 am destroying two LTTE terrorist bunkers in MUHAMALAI and four bunkers while attacking a Terrorist "strong point" in NAGARKOVIL.

A LTTE terrorist was killed and three others were injured in a confrontation in KOKKUTHUDUWAI area, WELIOYA around 9.45 a.m. in the yesterday (06) morning. Three soldiers were also reported injured. Later in the same area another terrorist was killed and three other terrorists were injured in a confrontation with Troops around 11.15 a.m. Four terrorists were also injured around 7.55 a.m. in the morning in the same area.
In a confrontation in WELIOYA at .5.05p.m. in the evening a terrorist was killed while another was reported injured.
In the ADANKULAM area, WELIOYA, a terrorist was killed and two others were injured in a confrontation around 12.45p.m. in the afternoon.
Around 5.10 p.m. in the evening a soldier was injured in a confrontation at KOKKUTHUDUWAI while two terrorists were injured in the same area at 5.20 p.m.

by Wijitha Nakkawita and Lakshmi de Silva
JVP group leader Wimal Weerawansa, making a special statement in Parliament yesterday, said a plot was being hatched by Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, who currently holds a UN post and Director of the International Centre of Ethnic Studies Dr. Rama Mani to get international intervention in Sri Lanka when the LTTE terrorists were being defeated by the armed forces.
Coomaraswamy, in contravention of UN regulations, continued to hold office in the ICES, an NGO that was in the forefront of the conspiracy to make a case for the so-called R2P (Right to Protect). The government should seek a clarification from the UN as to how Coomaraswamy flouted UN regulations with impunity and no visa should be issued to Dr. Mani, he said.
In reply to member Weerawansa, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake said the visa of Dr. Mani had been withdrawn and she would not be issued a visa again to en enter or remain in the country.

The multiple bombings in different parts of the country have brought anguish and uncertainty to the lives of people, be they in Weli Oya, Mannar, Colombo, Dambulla, Buttala or the Wanni. All these attacks have targeted civilians in which dozens have died and hundreds have been injured. It appears that some of the attacks were timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary celebrations of the country’s independence. But there is fear that the attacks will continue unabated in the future as well. The closure of all schools in Colombo for a week has been on account of this fear.
The National Peace Council condemns the latest series of bomb attacks against innocent civilians, most of which have the clear signs of being perpetrated by the LTTE, such as the suicide bombing in the Colombo Railway Station which killed 7 schoolchildren. The spate of LTTE attacks against civilians have occurred in a context in which government forces are moving in on the LTTE leadership by land and also by air bombardment in which civilian casualties are being reported.
The photographs of the victims killed in the recent bomb blasts, some of them women pilgrims on their way to a religious function, others of schoolchildren being carried by their weeping friends, and still others of grief-stricken children and parents brought home the tragedies and criminal actions that are being enacted in the name of a war for justice and peace. The type of military operations being conducted in the battle for the Wanni and the absence of independent monitors or media in those areas would ensure that there are other such events that are not being carried in the media images that so move us.
Bus bombings and other forms in which civilians are killed serve to harden sentiment against any form of compromise in the interests of a negotiated political settlement. At the same time, it is incumbent on the government and other political parties, in particular the UNP, to redouble their efforts to recompose the All Party Conference aimed at developing a mutually acceptable political solution to the ethnic conflict. The National Peace Council stands by its position that only a peace process in which political reform takes centre stage can halt the killings. We fear that a continuation of the sort of war we are witnessing at present will only generate a genealogy of hate

Malteser International starts its Lent Campaign 2008: „40 Euros for Sri Lanka'. Until Easter, the water and sanitation engineer Suzanna Lipscombe will report on a weekly basis from Sri Lanka on her projects, the people she is working with and the situation in the South-Asian country.
Since 2005, Malteser International has been supporting the reconstruction and rehabilitation after the tsunami in Sri Lanka. Next to the reconstruction of villages, the work of the organisation mainly focuses on water supply, wastewater treatment and hygiene education.
Most people here don't have access to clean drinking water and know little about hygiene. Therefore we are not only providing water but we are also training the people on how to make best use of it by showing them how they can prevent diseases,' Suzanna Lipscombe reports. 'For example, we build rain water harvesting tanks together with the families.
These tanks can catch between 5,000 and 8,000 litres of drinking water,' the British expert for water resource engineering explains. 'Until now, we were able to supply such tanks for almost 2,000 families – about 10,000 people. And our goal is to reach 3,500 families.'
Therefore, Malteser International calls for putting aside one Euro a day during Lent season. This way, 40 Euros can be saved up until Easter. With these 40 Euros, the organisation can procure cement or sand for a 5,000 litres' water tank made of concrete or pay the wage for a mason to build two 5,000 litres' water tanks.

Government troops destroyed 30 rebel Tamil Tiger bunkers in the northern Jaffna peninsula, killing 12 rebels, while air force jets bombed a gathering of rebel leaders, the military said.
The military has captured large swaths of territory from the Tigers in the east of the country, vastly outnumbers the rebels, and is now seeking to overrun their northern stronghold.

Acting on information received on 119 MUNDALAMA Police found a bomb weighing 02 kg near the KATARAGAMA Kovil at MADURANKULIYA, MUHAMALE in PUTTALAM yesterday (05) around 10.00 p.m.
Meanwhile, a transformer near the Church at RAJAGADALUWA, ARACHCHIKATTUWA, CHILAW was exploded today (06) at 00.10 hours.
CHILAW Police are making investigations to determine whether it was an act of sabotage or due to a technical fault.

Thirty LTTE bunkers were completely destroyed this morning (06). When Army troops launched an attack between 5.50 a.m. and 6.30 a.m.
Four LTTE bunkers in NAGARKOVIL ten in the North of A - 9 route, and 16 in KILALI were destroyed.
Troops used T 55 tanks in the NAGARKOVIL attack. Twelve terrorists were killed and a large number were injured in the encounter. Five soldiers were injured.
During Search operations, troops recovered a MPMG weapon, T 56 Weapon, 5 Magazines and some military equipments.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has issued a series of advice to principals regarding the participation of school children in sports tournaments.
The principals are advised to organize sports events avoiding large gatherings of school children. Events should be held to select children who are talented in sports without displaying drills, marching parades and school bands.
Assistance of the police station in the area should be obtained to provide security for sports tournaments. This set of advices should be applicable for house-meets, inter-school and zonal sport meets. The education secretary also advised principals not to hold all types of sports tournaments organized by school sport’s associations until further notice.