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A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
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Monday, January 31, 2011
Sri Lanka website's office torched after government criticism
January 31, 2011 6:49 a.m. EST
A Sri Lankan police officer examines the torched office of Lanka-e-News, a website critical of the government.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Computers and the library of Lanka-e-News are "completely destroyed," the website says
- Its news editor accuses the government of corruption
- Journalists have suffered unprecedented intimidation and violence lately, he says
- The president orders police to investigate the attack
"The main office of the website comprising the computer hall and the most precious and valuable library have been completely destroyed," Lanka-e-News said in its own report on the attack.
"For many days now, we learnt from neighbors, unknown men have been carrying out surveillance outside and making inquiries about staff. Last night a caller threatened me that I would be killed," said Bennet Rupasinghe, news editor of the widely read website.
"All this is because we have been posting stories critical of the government," he said.Full Story>>>
United Nations must intervene to protect Sri Lanka's media
The offices of Sri Lankan website Lanka eNews were completely destroyed in an arson attack today. (Lanka eNews)
New York, January 31, 2011--Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon must press the United Nations to address the string of uninvestigated and unprosecuted attacks on journalists and media houses under the government of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. CPJ responded after an early Monday morning arson attack on the offices of the independent Sri Lankan website Lanka eNews in the Malabe suburb of the capital, Colombo. Staff members told CPJ that everything in the offices had been destroyed, although no one was injured in the 2 a.m. raid. The outspoken website posted pictures of the destruction.
"The litany of arson attacks, assaults, disappearances, and outright killing of journalists that have gone unaddressed under President Mahinda Rajapaksa make it necessary for the international community to act," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. "The responsibility falls to the United Nations to lead an effective international response to a government that has failed to protect journalists, and is itself a viable suspect in many of these acts."Continue reading »
Sunday, January 30, 2011
US legal effort to seek justice for son's killing - Dr Manoharan
[
TamilNet, Sunday, 30 January 2011, 00:17 GMT]In an interview with the BBC Tamil service, Dr Kasippillai Manoharan, father of Ragihar, one of the five students extra-judicially executed by Sri Lanka's military at the Trincomalee beach on January 2nd, 2006, said that Sri Lanka's judicial system is not capable and unwilling to provide justice and bring closure to his son's death, hence his initiating a civil suit in the U.S. He further told the BBC, five years have passed since his son's brutal killing, and he will use all judicial instruments now available to him outside Sri Lanka to bring his son's killers to justice. Dr Manoharan said he is convinced that Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has information on the killers but the President is unwilling to allow prosecution of military officers. Both Mr and Mrs Manoharan are prominent physicians who earlier practiced in Trincomalee.
A translation of the interview given in Tamil to the BBC Tamil Service Saturday (1/29/2011) follows:
BBC: What is the objective of the case filed in US?
Dr. Manoharan: Sri Lanka Government has not investigated my son's killing; it has failed to serve justice to us. While I don't have any personal animosity against Sri Lanka's President, he was the head of the State when my son was killed. He was the Commander-in-Chief for the armed forces who we believe killed our son.
BBC: What is your main complaint in the pleading?
Dr. Manoharan: We filed the civil case to seek a judgment on the murder of our son. We have been cheated repeatedly by the Sri Lankan authorities responsible for investigating the killing. First Commission of Inquiries (CoI) was formed by Colombo to investigate 15 different cases of human rights violations, including the Trincomalee killing of 5 students. The International Group that was monitoring the Commission quit in mid-stream accusing the CoI of conflict of interest and failing in its mandate. Now Sri Lanka has appointed the LLRC (Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission). I have no faith in this new commission and have not given evidence before it. The case in US was triggered by these setbacks.
BBC: What is status of the criminal proceedings in Sri Lanka?
Dr. Manoharan: Every month during the last five years, the Court calls for hearings on my son's case, and postpones it for the following month citing that investigations have not been completed by the Sri Lanka police. In several cases Sri Lanka's President has taken initiative to move the case forward. In my son's case, I am absolutely certain Mr Rajapakse knows who the killers are. But he is hesitant to publicly admit his knowlege as he is reluctant to incriminate Sri Lanka security forces in the extra-judicial killings.
BBC: What redress are you seeking in the US case?
Dr. Manoharan: Since this is a civil case, we are seeking damages. But the case will also determine who the guilty parties are.
BBC: How much are you asking?
Dr. Manoharan: All three plaintiffs together are asking the court for US$30m award.
BBC: Why did you have to file the case in the US?
Dr. Manoharan: Since Mr Rajapakse was visiting, it was considered prudent to file the case while Rajapakse was in the US soil. I kept quiet while Rajapakse was visiting earlier to Britain. One reason was a mark of respect for the title of the President. But I have taken this action now since I feel that Mr Rajapakse has the power to bring justice to my son.
BBC: You are domiciled in Britain. When Rajapakse was visiting Britain you didn't take any action, but why you have moved now to take action in the US?
Dr. Manoharan: Only on 2nd of January, we had the fifth anniversary of my son's brutal killing. I was prepared to wait for 5 years to see if Sri lanka can deliver justice to me. Only having firmly established that Sri Lanka is neither capable nor willing to deliver justice, I was forced to take this action in the US.
BBC: In Colombo the Presidential spokesperson has said that the case is a propaganda effort by the LTTE fronts; Can you comment?
Dr. Manoharan: Comments from Colombo has no constraints. They can say anything they want. Let's go back five years. When my son was murdered, the Sri Lanka Government insisted that the youths killed were members of the LTTE. We had to struggle to establish that they were unarmed students. Only after there was public outcry, the Government admitted there was violation of human rights and included the Trinco massacre as one of the cases for the Commission of Inquiries. Even when International experts [International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP)] were assigned to monitor the CoI, we did not get justice. Five years have passed. I am now prepared and ready to bring legal action anywhere outside Sri Lanka.
TamilNet, Sunday, 30 January 2011, 00:17 GMT]In an interview with the BBC Tamil service, Dr Kasippillai Manoharan, father of Ragihar, one of the five students extra-judicially executed by Sri Lanka's military at the Trincomalee beach on January 2nd, 2006, said that Sri Lanka's judicial system is not capable and unwilling to provide justice and bring closure to his son's death, hence his initiating a civil suit in the U.S. He further told the BBC, five years have passed since his son's brutal killing, and he will use all judicial instruments now available to him outside Sri Lanka to bring his son's killers to justice. Dr Manoharan said he is convinced that Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has information on the killers but the President is unwilling to allow prosecution of military officers. Both Mr and Mrs Manoharan are prominent physicians who earlier practiced in Trincomalee.A translation of the interview given in Tamil to the BBC Tamil Service Saturday (1/29/2011) follows:
BBC: What is the objective of the case filed in US?
Dr Kasippillai Manoharan
BBC: What is your main complaint in the pleading?
Dr. Manoharan: We filed the civil case to seek a judgment on the murder of our son. We have been cheated repeatedly by the Sri Lankan authorities responsible for investigating the killing. First Commission of Inquiries (CoI) was formed by Colombo to investigate 15 different cases of human rights violations, including the Trincomalee killing of 5 students. The International Group that was monitoring the Commission quit in mid-stream accusing the CoI of conflict of interest and failing in its mandate. Now Sri Lanka has appointed the LLRC (Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission). I have no faith in this new commission and have not given evidence before it. The case in US was triggered by these setbacks.
BBC: What is status of the criminal proceedings in Sri Lanka?
Dr. Manoharan: Every month during the last five years, the Court calls for hearings on my son's case, and postpones it for the following month citing that investigations have not been completed by the Sri Lanka police. In several cases Sri Lanka's President has taken initiative to move the case forward. In my son's case, I am absolutely certain Mr Rajapakse knows who the killers are. But he is hesitant to publicly admit his knowlege as he is reluctant to incriminate Sri Lanka security forces in the extra-judicial killings.
 Post-Trinco-massacre photo album |
Dr. Manoharan: Since this is a civil case, we are seeking damages. But the case will also determine who the guilty parties are.
BBC: How much are you asking?
Dr. Manoharan: All three plaintiffs together are asking the court for US$30m award.
BBC: Why did you have to file the case in the US?
Dr. Manoharan: Since Mr Rajapakse was visiting, it was considered prudent to file the case while Rajapakse was in the US soil. I kept quiet while Rajapakse was visiting earlier to Britain. One reason was a mark of respect for the title of the President. But I have taken this action now since I feel that Mr Rajapakse has the power to bring justice to my son.
BBC: You are domiciled in Britain. When Rajapakse was visiting Britain you didn't take any action, but why you have moved now to take action in the US?
Direct Link (mp3)Dr. Manoharan: Only on 2nd of January, we had the fifth anniversary of my son's brutal killing. I was prepared to wait for 5 years to see if Sri lanka can deliver justice to me. Only having firmly established that Sri Lanka is neither capable nor willing to deliver justice, I was forced to take this action in the US.
Funeral home of slain student Manoharan Rajeehar
Dr. Manoharan: Comments from Colombo has no constraints. They can say anything they want. Let's go back five years. When my son was murdered, the Sri Lanka Government insisted that the youths killed were members of the LTTE. We had to struggle to establish that they were unarmed students. Only after there was public outcry, the Government admitted there was violation of human rights and included the Trinco massacre as one of the cases for the Commission of Inquiries. Even when International experts [International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP)] were assigned to monitor the CoI, we did not get justice. Five years have passed. I am now prepared and ready to bring legal action anywhere outside Sri Lanka.
13.09.08 A family's search for justice
.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
International Authors Boycott Galle Literary Festival
- Among many other attacks on the freedom of expression
- Festival participants take a stand on the disappearance of cartoonist Prageeth
Ekneligoda and the unsolved murder of The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge
Shyam Selvadurai
Galgut followed Nobel prizewinning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, and Man Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai when they too cancelled their appearances amidst rumours of external pressure. Curator of the Galle Literary Festival, Shyam Selvadurai himself an author whose first novel, Funny Boy, established him as a new talent capable of earning a place next to some of his more well-known expatriates spoke to The Sunday Leader about the issue.
Excerpts:
Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Ekneligoda
A: Yes, Damon Galgut pulled out because of the RSF release. I respect his right to have an opinion. I’m not saying that I disagree with what RSF says, but I disagree with the method of using the festival as a platform to voice disapproval. Galgut writes beautifully on Apartheid South Africa. So it is a loss and I am sad about it. There will be a void left by what he could have contributed.Full Story>>>
S Lankans search for missing kin
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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US lawsuit filed against S.Lanka leader
US lawsuit filed against S.Lanka leader
AFP/File – Members of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority on Friday filed a lawsuit in the United States against the … – Fri Jan 28, 5:38 pm ET WASHINGTON (AFP) – Members of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority on Friday filed a lawsuit in the United States against the island's president, seeking $30 million in damages over alleged extrajudicial killings.
Activists from the Tamil diaspora spearheaded legal action after President Mahinda Rajapakse quietly traveled to the United States, in a test of how much deference US authorities show to visiting heads of state.
Bruce Fein, a prominent Washington lawyer, said he filed the suit on behalf of three plaintiffs under a 1991 act that allows for action in the United States against foreign officials over torture and extrajudicial killings.
"President Rajapakse will not escape the long arm of justice secured by the Torture Victims Protection Act by hiding in Sri Lanka," Fein said after the filing in the US District Court in Washington.
Fein said he wanted a reply from Rajapakse and otherwise would seek a ruling without himUS lawsuit filed against S.Lanka leaade_-Full Story.
Activists from the Tamil diaspora spearheaded legal action after President Mahinda Rajapakse quietly traveled to the United States, in a test of how much deference US authorities show to visiting heads of state.
Bruce Fein, a prominent Washington lawyer, said he filed the suit on behalf of three plaintiffs under a 1991 act that allows for action in the United States against foreign officials over torture and extrajudicial killings.
"President Rajapakse will not escape the long arm of justice secured by the Torture Victims Protection Act by hiding in Sri Lanka," Fein said after the filing in the US District Court in Washington.
Fein said he wanted a reply from Rajapakse and otherwise would seek a ruling without himUS lawsuit filed against S.Lanka leaade_-Full Story.
Friday, January 28, 2011
At UN, Ban Ki-moon in Turbulence Blames Roth for Human Rights Critique, Puts Orr on DC Despite History
At UN, Ban Ki-moon in Turbulence Blames Roth for Human Rights Critique, Puts Orr on DC Despite History
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, January 27 -- Some troubles have hit Ban Ki-moon after four years and a month as UN Secretary General.
As he seeks a second term he has been accused of being weak on human rights, while the UN and its Human Rights Council have been pilloried in the US House of Representatives.
Ban has been portrayed as a bad manager and even corrupt by former UN investigator Inga Britt Ahlenius, in response to which Ban claimed that 99% of his officials publicly disclose their finances.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Author Damon Galgut boycotts Sri Lanka book fair
Organisers say that Mr Galgut's withdrawal has left a void 
The festival attracts attention from writers around the world
A book festival in Sri Lanka has been marred by a South African writer's withdrawal because of concerns over the country's human rights record.
Damon Galgut heeded a boycott call against the Galle Literary Festival that was issued last week by a Paris-based campaign group.Reporters without Borders - a group campaigning for journalists' rights - made the call.
It has been supported by lobby groups and well-known international writers.Author boycotts S Lanka book fairFull Story>>>
Pamuk, other writers 'legitimising S. Lanka suppression'
AFP/Getty Images/File – Leading media freedom group Reporters Without Borders on Thursday accused Nobel-winning author Orhan …Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it was "disturbing" that Sri Lanka should celebrate literature while suppressing freedom of expression and attacking independent journalists and writers.
Dozens of foreign writers, including Turkey's Pamuk -- a free speech campaigner once charged with "insulting Turkishness" -- are due in Sri Lanka for the festival in the southern town of Galle from January 26.
- Pamuk, other writers 'legitimising S. Lanka suppression' AFP Full Story>>>
Monday, January 24, 2011
Parliamentary debate on deterioration of human security in the North
by Centre for Policy Alternatives plus
3 days ago 3 days ago: Fri, Jan 21, 2011 3:23am EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Parliamentary debate on deterioration of human security in the North from Centre for Policy Alternatives on Vimeo.
Happy New Year in SriLanka
Killed Tamil youth of postal department was an
environmentalist
2-Youth abducted in Jaffna Thursday is a teacher[Fri, 31 Dec 2010, 16:30 GMT]
3-Jaffna marred with killings, abductions on New Year eve
4-Terror campaign in Jaffna: abducted youth tortured and beheaded[Wed, 29 Dec 2010, 21:27 GMT]
5-‘Sri Lankan forces planned education officer’s assassination in Jaffna’[Tue, 28 Dec 2010, 21:56 GMT]
Sunday, January 23, 2011
WikiLeaks To Reveal Swiss Bank A/Cs Of SL Politicians
In a startling revelation Reuters and the BBC have announced that they will reveal information unearthed by WikiLeaks of secret bank accounts held in Swiss banks operated by prominent politicians and business magnates from across the world. Though unconfirmed by the Swiss banks, it is reported through findings of WikiLeaks that amongst those who have such accounts, names of some prominent Sri Lankan politicians too appear.
So far it is not known whether these politicians from Sri Lanka are from the governing party or otherwise. However the concerned politicians have panicked having got wind that this WikiLeaks report would be released shortly.
It is reported that a high ranking employee from the Swiss bank named Radolf Elmer has released two compact discs with the names of all such politicians and businessmen from across the globe to Julian Assange, the head of WikiLeaks on January 17 in London. These compact discs reveal the names of over 40 politicians and businessmen numbering over 200 spread across the globe. Julian Assange is to publish this information on his web site shortly. The Swiss bank in question has already dismissed Radolf Elmer for releasing this information to Julian Assange.
TAG to file civil case against Rajapakse in Texas Federal Court
[Sun, 23 Jan 2011, 02:37 GMT]
Tamils Against Genocide (TAG), a US-based activist group advocating criminal legal action worldwide against Sri Lanka's alleged war-criminals, said in a press release issued today, that TAG's attorney is filing civil action against visiting Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse for damages under the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA/TVPA) on behalf of three plaintiffs for the killings of 40,000 civilians in Mullaiththeevu in 2009, killing of 5 Trincomalee students in January 2006, and for the killing of 17 Action contre la faim (ACF) workers in August 2006. As calls to apprehend, investigate and prosecute Mahinda Rajapakse by rights organizations, US Congresspersons and diaspora Tamils have escalated, European Tamil diaspora youth are mobilizing protests in front of US embassies against Rajapakse's visit to the U.S.A civil complaint is to be filed in the 5th Circuit Southern District Court in Texas, latest Tuesday, according to TAG's attorney, Bruce Fein. TAG's media release issued today also called upon the diaspora Tamils to pressure the US Justice Department to initiate investigations and prosecute the visiting Rajapakse for war-crimes.Full story >>
against Rajapakse US visit
Full story >>
Friday, January 21, 2011
Rajapakse, a war-criminal in hiding
[Fri, 21 Jan 2011, 00:47 GMT]
Sri Lanka's President, Mahinda Rajapakse, purportedly on a private visit to the U.S. is likely to remain in hiding with his physical whereabouts kept secret from the public to avoid another embarrassing battle with diaspora Tamils. While, as a matter of jurisprudential fairness, US Ambassador Butenis's acknowledgment that Rajapaksas have committed possible war-crimes in Sri Lanka should trigger a Justice Department investigation, Rajapakse would not have attempted to enter U.S. absent assurance from the State Department that he will not be subjected to any legal procedures. Rajapakse will also be aware that, unlike in the UK, in the US private citizens cannot apply for an arrest warrant.Professor Boyle of University of Illinois has called "liberal" Obama administration's conduct in allowing Rajapakase into the US as"Machiavellian Realpolitik at its worst."
In Britain any private individual to bring what is called a ‘private prosecution’ by applying to a magistrate. Normally the application would be for a summons to the defendant to attend court, but there is the alternative of issuing an arrest warrant if the offence is serious, or if the suspect might not answer to a summons.
Full story >>
======================================================
Admitting Rajapakse into US criminally similar to allowing-in genocidaire Karadzic, says Boyle
[Thu, 20 Jan 2011, 02:30 GMT]
Comparing alleged war-criminal and Sri Lanka's current President Rajapakse's reported admission into the United States to the Clinton administration's providing entry visa to genocidaire Radovan Karadzic to enter the U.S in order to attend the Vance-Owen Peace Negotiations in New York City, Professor Francis Boyle, expert in international law at the College of Law, University of Illinois, told TamilNet that Obama administration is obligated to apprehend, investigate and prosecute alleged genocidares for violating Geneva Convention and Genocide convention. Obama administration giving Rajapakse visa to enter US and allowing him free movement is "Machiavellian Realpolitik at its worst," said Boyle. Full story >>
Thursday, January 20, 2011
On Sri Lanka White Flag Murders, Nambiar Raised by Magazine, Dodged by UN
By Matthew Russell LeeUNITED NATIONS, January 19 -- The role of the “UN's special envoy to Sri Lanka” Vijay Nambiar was described in a detailed article in The New Yorker magazine published nine days ago.
On January 19, Inner City Press asked UN spokesman Martin Nesirky to respond to the article, in particular the description of Mr. Nambiar as one of only two negotiators who urged surrendering fighters to come out with white flags -- after which they were shot to death.
The other of the two negotiators, Marie Colvin, is quoted as saying that these murders were “not the chaos of battle. It was a negotiated surrender. Promises were made and they were broken.”
Inner City Press asked Nesirky for the UN's, and Mr. Nambiar's, position on the murders. Video here, from Minute 12:40. 
UN's Ban and Nambiar, answers from Nesirky not shown
On Sri Lanka White Flag Murders, Nambiar Raised by Magazine, Dodged by UN
UFull Story>>>
Sri Lankan president under scrutiny for war crimes
-
The Washington Times
7:02 p.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2011Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is reportedly on a personal visit to the U.S., prompting calls from an international human rights group that he be investigated for his alleged role in torture and war crimes.
Mr. Rajapaksa is commander in chief of Sri Lanka's armed forces, which along with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), face allegations of war crimes during the decades-long conflict on the South Asian island.
Under international law, military commanders may face criminal charges if they knew, or should have known, of such crimes being committed by their subordinates, according to Amnesty International.
"The United States has an obligation under international law to investigate and prosecute people who perpetrated war crimes and grave human rights violations such as extrajudicial executions, torture and enforced disappearances," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director.
A spokesman for the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington was unable to confirm reports that Mr. Rajapaksa is in the U.S.A
A Sri Lankan boy supporting President Mahinda Rajapaksha holds his poster as they rally around the parliament complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. Sri Lanka's Parliament on Wednesday began debating a controversial amendment to the country's constitution that would allow Rajapaksa to hold unlimited number of terms, a move critics say could lead to a dictatorship. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Full Story
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Amnesty International Calls on the United States to Investigate Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksa During his Surprise Visit to the United States
Amnesty International Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Amnesty International Calls on the United States to
Investigate Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksa
During his Surprise Visit to the United States
Contact: AIUSA media relations office, 202-509-8194Investigate Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksa
During his Surprise Visit to the United States
(Washington, D.C.) The United States should investigate Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksa, who arrives on a surprise visit to the United States today, for his alleged role in perpetrating torture and war crimes, Amnesty International said today.
Rajapaksa reportedly left Sri Lanka early Wednesday morning with a delegation of 20 bound for the United States.
"The United States has an obligation under international law to investigate and prosecute people who perpetrated war crimes and grave human rights violations such as extrajudicial executions, torture and enforced disappearances," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director. Full Story>>>
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sri Lanka media, opposition march to protest attacks
Sri Lanka media, opposition march to protest attacks - AlertNet
18 Jan 2011
By Ranga Sirilal
COLOMBO, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Several hundred Sri Lankan journalists, opposition politicians and supporters marched peacefully in the capital on Tuesday to demand justice for attacks, killings, and disappearances of media workers, and criticised the government for failing to find the perpetrators.
Since the start of the final phase of a 25-year civil war in 2006, at least 14 journalists have been killed and many more attacked or threatened in the Indian Ocean island nation.
Those include the murder of pro-opposition editor Lasantha Wickramatunge in a high-security zone in January 2009, an arson attack at the private Maharaja Broadcasting Corporation in the same month, and the disappearance of journalist and cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda in January 2010.
Full Story >>>
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Flood victims face mine threat
People warned to be vigilant; damage estimated at Rs. 40 billion
The Sri Lanka Army and United Nations agencies in Colombo have warned more than one million people affected by the floods to be wary of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) when the waters recede.Army Headquarters sent out instructions yesterday to Brigade Commanders in the flood-affected areas to issue warnings to both government officials and flood victims. “There is every possibility of mines surfacing as a result of flood waters,” military spokesperson Udaya Madawala told the Sunday Times.
Flood victims face mine threay Full Story>>>
Ban Says Panel “Finalizing” Sri Lanka Dates, “Will Be Able” to Talk B/y LLRC
[Sat, 15 Jan 2011, 14:16 GMT]
United Nation's Secretary General (UNSG), Ban Ki Moon, told the Inner City Press that the members of the Advisory Panel on Sri Lanka "are now working very seriously on finalizing the dates of visiting Sri Lanka," and responding to a question that the panel cannot investigate anything [on Sri Lanka's war crimes], Ban replied, "[t]hey will be able to...They are now discussing that." ICP's Matthew Lee notes that "[t]his again in contradictory to what the Sri Lankan government has said, and even to what Ban's spokespeople have said. Ban's acting Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, bypassing Inner City Press' outstanding questions, told BBC's Sinhala service that the Panel might only meet the LLRC outside Sri Lanka." Full story >>UN ambivalent on Advisory Panel's agenda
[Sat, 15 Jan 2011, 14:16 GMT]
United Nation's Secretary General (UNSG), Ban Ki Moon, told the Inner City Press that the members of the Advisory Panel on Sri Lanka "are now working very seriously on finalizing the dates of visiting Sri Lanka," and responding to a question that the panel cannot investigate anything [on Sri Lanka's war crimes], Ban replied, "[t]hey will be able to...They are now discussing that." ICP's Matthew Lee notes that "[t]his again in contradictory to what the Sri Lankan government has said, and even to what Ban's spokespeople have said. Ban's acting Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, bypassing Inner City Press' outstanding questions, told BBC's Sinhala service that the Panel might only meet the LLRC outside Sri Lanka." Full story >>
Post War Normalcy Diminishing In The North
By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema
Civilians in Jaffna and many areas in the North are living in fear once again following the increase in the crime rate in the area. The crimes that have so far been reported from the North include abductions, murders and robberies.
Civilians in Jaffna and many areas in the North are living in fear once again following an increase in the crime rate in the area. The crimes that have so far been reported from the North include abductions, murders and robberies.
The post war normalcy that prevailed in the North has now diminished with civilians returning to the state they were in during the period of the war. The robberies, abductions and murders that have taken place since last November has created a new fear psychosis among the Northerners.
Several Jaffna residents, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said the people in Jaffna have once again restricted their movements during evening hours and are now compelled to shut their doors and switch off the lights in their houses by 6 p.m. jan 16 2011 / Read More »
Crime is on the rise in the Jaffna peninsula
Civilians in Jaffna and many areas in the North are living in fear once again following an increase in the crime rate in the area. The crimes that have so far been reported from the North include abductions, murders and robberies.
The post war normalcy that prevailed in the North has now diminished with civilians returning to the state they were in during the period of the war. The robberies, abductions and murders that have taken place since last November has created a new fear psychosis among the Northerners.
Several Jaffna residents, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said the people in Jaffna have once again restricted their movements during evening hours and are now compelled to shut their doors and switch off the lights in their houses by 6 p.m. jan 16 2011 / Read More »
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Lives in turmoil after Sri Lankan floods
15 January 2011 Last updated at 02:22 ET
Over a million Sri Lankans have been affected by days of flooding Driving into Kalmunai we saw choppy waters on both sides of the road, something like an inland sea.
The water gave way to flooded coconut plantations. Continue reading the main story.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S., India send help to flood-battered Sri Lanka-CNN News
U.S., India send help to flood-battered Sri Lanka
January 15, 2011 8:25 a.m. EST
Sri Lankan people walk on a flooded road of the eastern Sri Lankan town of Batticaloa on January 14, 2011.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Colombo, Sri Lanka (CNN) -- United States became the second country to offer emergency assistance to more than a million affected by flooding in Sri Lanka.Full Story
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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