COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's new coach Trevor Bayliss said that record-chasing spinner Muttiah Muralitharan should not worry about being taunted during the side's upcoming tour of Australia.
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"Murali is one of the world's best bowlers and I am sure the Australians will look forward to see him performing in the two Tests," Bayliss said, Monday responding to possible anti-Murali sentiments among the coach's countrymen. Muralitharan has endured a turbulent relationship with Australian crowds since he was no-balled for throwing by Australian umpire Darrell Hair in the 1995 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Muralitharan needs nine wickets to surpass retired Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne's world record tally of 708.
The off-spinner could achieve the feat in the two Tests in Brisbane and Hobart in November or during the home series against England in December.
Muralitharan skipped the 2004 tour to Australia after being branded a chucker by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, but has said he will tour in November.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Conferences help lift Sri Lanka tourism war gloom
COLOMBO, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Sri Lankan tourist arrivals, hard hit by renewed civil war, have picked up in August thanks to international events and conferences that industry officials hope will help change perceptions about visitor safety.
Tourist arrivals fell 23.7 percent in the first seven months of the year from the same period in 2006 to 268,963 visitors as the state fights a deadly new chapter in a two-decade civil war that has killed nearly 70,000 people since 1983.
However in August, the start of the peak tourist season, many hotels in the south and centre of the country were full, said Hiran Cooray, president of the Tourist Hotels Association.
"We can see an improvement in the occupancy rate during August-September. Rooms are 100 percent occupied at the moment until the end of next month," Cooray said.
Sri Lanka is hoping events like a regional AIDS conference this week, a tea convention later this month and a counter-terrorism conference and an England cricket tour due later this year will help fill the void and change perceptions.
In his welcome speech at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific on Sunday, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva thanked delegates for showing confidence in Sri Lanka as a convention destination.
"I appreciate (your) courage to break past undue fears, created by some elements through a misinformation campaign to impose a travel embargo on Sri Lanka," he said.
Many foreign embassies have advised nationals to avoid north and east Sri Lanka amid an escalating bout of fighting that has killed more than 4,500 people since last year.
The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels launched their first-ever air strike in March, hitting an air force base adjacent to the capital's international airport, which is 20 miles (32 km) north of the capital, Colombo.
Following another air strike the following month, this time on oil facilities north of the capital, night flights were suspended for weeks as a security measure.
The rebels, who are fighting for an independent state in the north and east of the island, have vowed to cripple the island's economy with major attacks on military and economic targets.
According to central bank data, earnings from tourism in January to April fell by 14.8 percent compared with last year to $130.8 million.
Sri Lanka's Convention Bureau, responsible for bidding to host international meetings, conferences and exhibitions, is seeking to build up the island's profile in the event tourism niche.
"We have to convey the correct message to these organisations and delegates, saying that the conflict is there, but they are safe. They are not the target," bureau general manager Vipula Wanigasekera said.
Tourist arrivals fell 23.7 percent in the first seven months of the year from the same period in 2006 to 268,963 visitors as the state fights a deadly new chapter in a two-decade civil war that has killed nearly 70,000 people since 1983.
However in August, the start of the peak tourist season, many hotels in the south and centre of the country were full, said Hiran Cooray, president of the Tourist Hotels Association.
"We can see an improvement in the occupancy rate during August-September. Rooms are 100 percent occupied at the moment until the end of next month," Cooray said.
Sri Lanka is hoping events like a regional AIDS conference this week, a tea convention later this month and a counter-terrorism conference and an England cricket tour due later this year will help fill the void and change perceptions.
In his welcome speech at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific on Sunday, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva thanked delegates for showing confidence in Sri Lanka as a convention destination.
"I appreciate (your) courage to break past undue fears, created by some elements through a misinformation campaign to impose a travel embargo on Sri Lanka," he said.
Many foreign embassies have advised nationals to avoid north and east Sri Lanka amid an escalating bout of fighting that has killed more than 4,500 people since last year.
The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels launched their first-ever air strike in March, hitting an air force base adjacent to the capital's international airport, which is 20 miles (32 km) north of the capital, Colombo.
Following another air strike the following month, this time on oil facilities north of the capital, night flights were suspended for weeks as a security measure.
The rebels, who are fighting for an independent state in the north and east of the island, have vowed to cripple the island's economy with major attacks on military and economic targets.
According to central bank data, earnings from tourism in January to April fell by 14.8 percent compared with last year to $130.8 million.
Sri Lanka's Convention Bureau, responsible for bidding to host international meetings, conferences and exhibitions, is seeking to build up the island's profile in the event tourism niche.
"We have to convey the correct message to these organisations and delegates, saying that the conflict is there, but they are safe. They are not the target," bureau general manager Vipula Wanigasekera said.
Anti-AIDS confab a success despite sabotage bid
COLOMBO: An attempt to sabotage the 08th International Congress on AIDS in the Asia\Pacific region had came a cropper, with as many as 2,500 delegates from more than 70 countries attending the event, Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
The 08th ICAAP got off the ground at the BMICH under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa with a large gathering of local and foreign delegates, and the deliberations to be continued till August 23.
Minister De Silva describing the Congress as the biggest health event in Sri Lanka's recent history thanked all delegates for attending despite some countries issuing travel warnings to Sri Lanka. Describing this as an attempt to tarnish the image of the country by some elements based on mere rumours, the Minister said that all that had come a cropper in the face of the overwhelming response received for the 08th ICAAP.
Welcoming all delegates from Asia\Pacific and beyond Minister De Silva invited them all to enjoy traditional Sri Lankan hospitality during the period of their deliberations while urging them to spread the truth when they go back, in countering the false and malicious propaganda against the country by certain sections.
Attributing Sri Lanka's low prevalence status to correct leadership and decisions the Minister said that this was not a reason to be complacent as the country had all the attributes which could propel the menace to an epidemic status.
Sri Lanka's recent stats show that HIV\AIDS affects less than 0.1% of the population with 872 diagnosed as HIV positive and 270 going on to develop full blown AIDS out of which 162 have died.
Sri Lanka's achievements in the sphere of Health have put the country in par with developed nations, the Minister pointed out while emphasising the need to grow on the achievements.
The Minister also said that the political leadership to this effect was provided with the President himself at the helm of AIDS Council in Sri Lanka.
The Congress is to discuss all relevant issues pertaining to HIV\AIDS during the four-day deliberations with the intention of making it a springboard for achieving the desired goals in Prevention and Treatment of HIV\AIDS.
The 08th ICAAP got off the ground at the BMICH under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa with a large gathering of local and foreign delegates, and the deliberations to be continued till August 23.
Minister De Silva describing the Congress as the biggest health event in Sri Lanka's recent history thanked all delegates for attending despite some countries issuing travel warnings to Sri Lanka. Describing this as an attempt to tarnish the image of the country by some elements based on mere rumours, the Minister said that all that had come a cropper in the face of the overwhelming response received for the 08th ICAAP.
Welcoming all delegates from Asia\Pacific and beyond Minister De Silva invited them all to enjoy traditional Sri Lankan hospitality during the period of their deliberations while urging them to spread the truth when they go back, in countering the false and malicious propaganda against the country by certain sections.
Attributing Sri Lanka's low prevalence status to correct leadership and decisions the Minister said that this was not a reason to be complacent as the country had all the attributes which could propel the menace to an epidemic status.
Sri Lanka's recent stats show that HIV\AIDS affects less than 0.1% of the population with 872 diagnosed as HIV positive and 270 going on to develop full blown AIDS out of which 162 have died.
Sri Lanka's achievements in the sphere of Health have put the country in par with developed nations, the Minister pointed out while emphasising the need to grow on the achievements.
The Minister also said that the political leadership to this effect was provided with the President himself at the helm of AIDS Council in Sri Lanka.
The Congress is to discuss all relevant issues pertaining to HIV\AIDS during the four-day deliberations with the intention of making it a springboard for achieving the desired goals in Prevention and Treatment of HIV\AIDS.
Military Law Program fosters exchange between American and Sri Lankan military justice experts
Press Release: Embassy of the United States of America- Colombo
U.S. Pacific Command Law Exchange Program promotes importance of transparency, accountability and human rights in military justice
Military law professionals from the U.S. Pacific Command, in partnership with the American Embassy in Colombo, hosted a Military Law Exchange Program with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense to exchange ideas on ways to improve transparency, accountability and human rights in military justice. A five-member American team met with thirty five Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force personnel last week at the Galadari Hotel to foster the mutual exchange of ideas and discussion of law affecting military commanders.
The three-day program, led by Colonel Anne E. Ehrsam-Holland, Director of the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, and Captain Pete A. Pedrozo, Staff Advocate Judge with the U.S. Navy, provided an important opportunity for military lawyers and staff from the United States and Sri Lanka to exchange information on improving military justice systems.
"Defense Secretary Rajapaksa and I agreed that it would be very useful to bring together military justice experts from Sri Lanka and the United States to exchange information, perspectives and best practices," Ambassador Blake said at the program opening on August l 5. "It is valuable to discuss the challenges both our countries face in pursuing effective counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism practices, while ensuring respect for human rights and international law in such operations."
The Military Law Exchange Program was established by the U.S. Pacific Command, a department of the U.S. Navy, in 1995 as a means by which to exchange views on legal issues at the military-to-military level. Since then, the Pacific Command's Judge Advocate Staff has conducted legal exchanges with Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, Nepal, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia.
"We are pleased to add Sri Lanka to the distinguished list of partners in the Military Law Exchange Program," Ambassador Blake said in his opening remarks. "In the heat of battle, soldiers will occasionally act outside the law. What is important is that there are laws and institutions set up to investigate and respond appropriately to such transgressions. The successful empowerment of such institutions and the full implementation of such laws are measures of a strong and well-regulated military and a strong and healthy democracy."
U.S. Pacific Command Law Exchange Program promotes importance of transparency, accountability and human rights in military justice
Military law professionals from the U.S. Pacific Command, in partnership with the American Embassy in Colombo, hosted a Military Law Exchange Program with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense to exchange ideas on ways to improve transparency, accountability and human rights in military justice. A five-member American team met with thirty five Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force personnel last week at the Galadari Hotel to foster the mutual exchange of ideas and discussion of law affecting military commanders.
The three-day program, led by Colonel Anne E. Ehrsam-Holland, Director of the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, and Captain Pete A. Pedrozo, Staff Advocate Judge with the U.S. Navy, provided an important opportunity for military lawyers and staff from the United States and Sri Lanka to exchange information on improving military justice systems.
"Defense Secretary Rajapaksa and I agreed that it would be very useful to bring together military justice experts from Sri Lanka and the United States to exchange information, perspectives and best practices," Ambassador Blake said at the program opening on August l 5. "It is valuable to discuss the challenges both our countries face in pursuing effective counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism practices, while ensuring respect for human rights and international law in such operations."
The Military Law Exchange Program was established by the U.S. Pacific Command, a department of the U.S. Navy, in 1995 as a means by which to exchange views on legal issues at the military-to-military level. Since then, the Pacific Command's Judge Advocate Staff has conducted legal exchanges with Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, Nepal, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia.
"We are pleased to add Sri Lanka to the distinguished list of partners in the Military Law Exchange Program," Ambassador Blake said in his opening remarks. "In the heat of battle, soldiers will occasionally act outside the law. What is important is that there are laws and institutions set up to investigate and respond appropriately to such transgressions. The successful empowerment of such institutions and the full implementation of such laws are measures of a strong and well-regulated military and a strong and healthy democracy."
USAID Partners with Red Cross for Water System Project in East
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Societies, broke ground this week on a $4.7 million water system improvement project as part of its $50 million Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program (SLTRP).
This water supply project, which includes building wells, a raw water line and water treatment plant, will be executed in cooperation with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. It complements the $10 million reconstruction of the tsunami-damaged Arugam Bay Bridge linking Pottuvil with the resort area of Ulla, a major element of the USAID Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program (SLTRP).
"Until now, local residents have depended mainly on rain water and shallow wells, many of which may be contaminated," said Dick Edwards, USAID's Economic Growth Office Director at the groundbreaking. "This new treatment facility will help improve the health of as many 30,000 people in the region."
Other dignitaries speaking at the event included Hon. A.L.M. Athaullah, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, K.R. Devasurendra, Deputy General Manager of the Water Supply and Drainage Board, and A.M.A. Rafeeq, Water Board Operations and Maintenance Manager
As partners in the project, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will coordinate construction of a 1,000-cubic meter elevated water storage tower together with the main distribution network, which will pipe water to over 1,000 households in the area.
"This project will bring dramatic improvements to the health and welfare of the residents of Pottuvil," said Al Panico, head of delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Sri Lanka. "For the first time they will have a reliable source of clean drinking water throughout the year."
The American Red Cross is contributing $1.5 million to the project, while the Irish Red Cross is providing an additional $600,000 and a dedicated staff member to supervise work on the ground. Local families will also benefit from a hygiene promotion program organized by the Sri Lanka Red Cross and its partners.
This water supply project, which includes building wells, a raw water line and water treatment plant, will be executed in cooperation with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. It complements the $10 million reconstruction of the tsunami-damaged Arugam Bay Bridge linking Pottuvil with the resort area of Ulla, a major element of the USAID Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program (SLTRP).
"Until now, local residents have depended mainly on rain water and shallow wells, many of which may be contaminated," said Dick Edwards, USAID's Economic Growth Office Director at the groundbreaking. "This new treatment facility will help improve the health of as many 30,000 people in the region."
Other dignitaries speaking at the event included Hon. A.L.M. Athaullah, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, K.R. Devasurendra, Deputy General Manager of the Water Supply and Drainage Board, and A.M.A. Rafeeq, Water Board Operations and Maintenance Manager
As partners in the project, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will coordinate construction of a 1,000-cubic meter elevated water storage tower together with the main distribution network, which will pipe water to over 1,000 households in the area.
"This project will bring dramatic improvements to the health and welfare of the residents of Pottuvil," said Al Panico, head of delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Sri Lanka. "For the first time they will have a reliable source of clean drinking water throughout the year."
The American Red Cross is contributing $1.5 million to the project, while the Irish Red Cross is providing an additional $600,000 and a dedicated staff member to supervise work on the ground. Local families will also benefit from a hygiene promotion program organized by the Sri Lanka Red Cross and its partners.
LTTE terrorists Fire Artillery at - Palaly and KKS
Defence sources from Jaffna say the LTTE terrorists have lunched an artillery attack targeting Palaly and Kankasanthurai areas in the Jaffna peninsula today (August 21) around 09a.m.
The sources further say that few artillery rounds have fallen and the security forces have undertaken retaliatory attacks. Presently the situation has been taken under control by the security forces.
The sources further added that no casualties were caused to troops due to the LTTE attack.
The sources further say that few artillery rounds have fallen and the security forces have undertaken retaliatory attacks. Presently the situation has been taken under control by the security forces.
The sources further added that no casualties were caused to troops due to the LTTE attack.
LTTE operatives gun-down Tamil aid worker and injure another - Jaffna
One volunteer Tamil aid worker of a foreign NGO was killed and another injured when alleged LTTE operatives opened fire at two local volunteers of the "Halo Trust De-Miners", at Thattanveediya in Jaffna Town, yesterday (20) at 06.45a.m.
The "Halo Trust" is a Danish INGO carrying out de-mining work in the Jaffna peninsula, as well as other welfare work among Tamil people.
A group of gunmen on motor bikes attacked the two local volunteer workers of the INGO while they were walking on Kasthriya Road, Jaffna Police sources said.
One of the aid workers identified as Sivasami Sridaran(31) who was admitted to the Jaffna Hospital later succumbed to his injuries, while the other Antonvel Justin(21) is under intensive treatment, said MO of the OPD Dr. Vernukanthan speaking to our Jaffna defence correspondent.
Jaffna Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
Last week, in a major breakthrough in investigations, the Police identified a prime suspect in the murder of two Sri Lankan Tamil Red Cross volunteers whose bullet-ridden bodies were found in Kiriella, in the Ratnapura District, following their abduction in Colombo on June 1.
The "Halo Trust" is a Danish INGO carrying out de-mining work in the Jaffna peninsula, as well as other welfare work among Tamil people.
A group of gunmen on motor bikes attacked the two local volunteer workers of the INGO while they were walking on Kasthriya Road, Jaffna Police sources said.
One of the aid workers identified as Sivasami Sridaran(31) who was admitted to the Jaffna Hospital later succumbed to his injuries, while the other Antonvel Justin(21) is under intensive treatment, said MO of the OPD Dr. Vernukanthan speaking to our Jaffna defence correspondent.
Jaffna Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
Last week, in a major breakthrough in investigations, the Police identified a prime suspect in the murder of two Sri Lankan Tamil Red Cross volunteers whose bullet-ridden bodies were found in Kiriella, in the Ratnapura District, following their abduction in Colombo on June 1.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Government seeks Gnanakone's arrest
The Government is working on the arrest of LTTE-linked Singapore based businessman Charles Gnanakone with the help of the Interpol, Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle told reporters at the weekly situation Briefing yesterday.
The Minister said they cannot seek Interpol assistance without hard evidence and they were now working on collecting these to frame who is allegedly concocting a scheme to oust the President and bring a pro-LTTE ruler into power.
"There is a local arrest warrant on him.
He will be arrested on arrival if he ever steps into the country. But we need hard evidence to get him arrested in Singapore, where he is currently residing."
Minister Fernandopulle alleged the Opposition Leader had close links with the controversial businessman and his brother Jayantha Gnanakone. Ranil is alleged to have admitted in newspaper interviews that he knew the duo and Jayantha Gnanakone's wife Sharmini since the 1970s.
He said Gnanakone had openly admitted he had direct links with the LTTE and the Opposition Leader had openly said he knew Gnanakone.
Quoting a newspaper report he said, once former Minister Mangala Samaraweera alleged that Wickremesinghe sent a secret note to Prabhakaran through Gnanakone.
Gnanakone is in the news again with revelations that he offered millions of dollars to buy over 20 MPs to vote against the present regime in a crucial Parliamentary vote, making the way for crowning a pro-LTTE leader.
The offer has allegedly been first made to two UNP dissident group members and later became public after the two ministers opted to alert their leader Minister Karu Jayasuriya.
The Minister said they cannot seek Interpol assistance without hard evidence and they were now working on collecting these to frame who is allegedly concocting a scheme to oust the President and bring a pro-LTTE ruler into power.
"There is a local arrest warrant on him.
He will be arrested on arrival if he ever steps into the country. But we need hard evidence to get him arrested in Singapore, where he is currently residing."
Minister Fernandopulle alleged the Opposition Leader had close links with the controversial businessman and his brother Jayantha Gnanakone. Ranil is alleged to have admitted in newspaper interviews that he knew the duo and Jayantha Gnanakone's wife Sharmini since the 1970s.
He said Gnanakone had openly admitted he had direct links with the LTTE and the Opposition Leader had openly said he knew Gnanakone.
Quoting a newspaper report he said, once former Minister Mangala Samaraweera alleged that Wickremesinghe sent a secret note to Prabhakaran through Gnanakone.
Gnanakone is in the news again with revelations that he offered millions of dollars to buy over 20 MPs to vote against the present regime in a crucial Parliamentary vote, making the way for crowning a pro-LTTE leader.
The offer has allegedly been first made to two UNP dissident group members and later became public after the two ministers opted to alert their leader Minister Karu Jayasuriya.
Six LTTE terrorists killed in clashes -Vavuniya
In separate clashes with the Army 6 LTTE cadres were killed at Welioya and Vavuniya (Vannimava) yesterday (August 15), military sources said.
Three LTTE terrorists who attempted to enter the Army Forward Defence lines of Vavuniya(Vannimava) were killed by troops and one soldier was killed in the LTTE attack, sources said.
Three other LTTE terrorists were killed in a clash with the troops at Welioya and a large number of arms and ammunition found by the troops in search operations in the two districts, sources said.
Three LTTE terrorists who attempted to enter the Army Forward Defence lines of Vavuniya(Vannimava) were killed by troops and one soldier was killed in the LTTE attack, sources said.
Three other LTTE terrorists were killed in a clash with the troops at Welioya and a large number of arms and ammunition found by the troops in search operations in the two districts, sources said.
Terrorists flee while troops avert LTTE infiltration attempt- Trincomalee
Troops manning defences at Mollipothana in Trincomalee, intercepted an LTTE group killing one, causing the terrorists to flee, yesterday (15) at 05p.m.
LTTE terrorists attempting to breach the defences, drew rapid small arms fire from troops on observation patrol in the area. The Army soldiers later recovered a slain LTTE body along with a hand grenade in subsequent search operations conducted.
LTTE terrorists attempting to breach the defences, drew rapid small arms fire from troops on observation patrol in the area. The Army soldiers later recovered a slain LTTE body along with a hand grenade in subsequent search operations conducted.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Regional development vital to keep up balanced economy
The GDP domination of the Western Province should be dispersed equitably among other provinces as well. This will eliminate the crisis of inequity in poverty level and the development, Governor of Central Bank, Ajith Nivard Cabraal said at a session organised by the Sri Lanka Economic Association at the BMICH, on the theme of inequity, poverty and development.
Over fifty per cent of the National GDP is dominated by the western province economy. Provincial participation on national GDP varies from province to province.
From the on-going development projects and projects planned to implement in the near future a strong economic environment could be anticipated. 189 countries in the world have adopted millennium development goals.
Sri Lanka also had adopted the millennium development goals. The number of people go abroad have increased and the student population going abroad had also increased.
Efficient financial management has paved the way to enhance the banking sector and this can be seen with the opening of more branches. EPF contributions had also increased proving more employment generation said Cabraal.
The country Director, World Bank, Naoko Ishii said that Sri Lanka has enormous potentials. The objectives of Sri Lanka is to reach the development goals.
Western Province, poverty has declined most significantly and inequality has increased much less, while in other provinces, poverty reduction has been much stagnant and inequality has increased.
Amnesty offer for Eastern Tigers
HORANA: The Government has announced an amnesty period starting from September 1 for Tiger cadres trapped in Eastern jungles to lay down their weapons and surrender to the Security Forces.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake urged the Tiger cadres to take up the offer, saying their safety would be guaranteed.
Addressing a public meeting in Horana on Saturday, the Prime Minister said the misguided LTTE cadres were also sons and daughters of Mother Lanka and it was the Government’s intention to channel their talents towards development. They will be rehabilitated and given vocational training.
He said the few Tigers left in various Eastern pockets could not hope to stay forever in hiding and attack the Security Forces, who are consolidating their positions in the province. The Forces will continue to track them down. It would be a far better option for them to surrender to the Forces, than risk their lives by confronting the latter.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the Eastern military operation was a humanitarian mission to liberate the masses oppressed by the LTTE. It can in no way be interpreted as an offensive against the Tamil people.
The Government was only battling a ruthless terror group which has subjected the Tamil people to untold hardships.
In fact, civilian casualties were minimal during all humanitarian missions in the East. He observed that the Government as well as the Forces did not practice ethnic or religious discrimination.
SL Citizens commemorate their Muslim Brethren Massacred at Eravur
Sri Lankan citizens today commemorate their Muslim brethren who were brutally massacred seventeen years ago at the Saddam Hussein Muslim Village at Eravur by the LTTE terrorists.
On the 12th August in 1990, the LTTE terrorists stormed the Saddam Hussein Village in the midnight and killed 121 Muslim civilians including many children. The incident was seen as one of the most horrendous ethnic cleansing raids carried out by the LTTE terrorists against Muslims living in the North and the Eastern provinces. All the victims of the massacre had been chopped and tortured to death by the LTTE terrorists acting on the orders of their psychopathic leader V. Prhakaran.
Citizens in the Eastern province today have staged a peaceful Hartal to show their grief over the relatives they lost in the heinous crime. All the shops are observed to be closed and white flags and banners are seen hoisted in the Kaththankudy , Eravur and Batticaloa areas. Special religious ceremonies have also been arranged to commemorate the victims.
The LTTE is a terror outfit that has been fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils living in the Island since 1983. During its two decades of terror campaign the LTTE has killed thousands of Muslim and Sinhalese civilians in their ethnic cleansing raids at the villages in the North and Eastern provinces. During this period the terrorists have been able drive away thousands of Muslims and Sinhalese from their native places in the North, turning large part of the Northern Province into a mono ethnic hellhole.
In 1990, the 03rd of August the LTTE terrorists ran amok desecrating wholly Meera Jumma and Husseniya mosques at Kaththankudy causing deaths to over 130 devotees including children who had been engaged in the evening prayers.
On 11th August, 1990 massacred 104 Muslims consisting of 45 men, 28 women and 31 children using T-56 assault rifles, knives and razors. By the 20th of August, 1990 over 450 Muslims were killed by the savage LTTE in a continuing ethnic cleansing raid, against the Muslim community in the east.
In the most recent incident LTTE terrorists detained over 100 Muslim refugees who had been fleeing into the government controlled area when the terrorists launched attacks at Muttur town in 2006.
On the 12th August in 1990, the LTTE terrorists stormed the Saddam Hussein Village in the midnight and killed 121 Muslim civilians including many children. The incident was seen as one of the most horrendous ethnic cleansing raids carried out by the LTTE terrorists against Muslims living in the North and the Eastern provinces. All the victims of the massacre had been chopped and tortured to death by the LTTE terrorists acting on the orders of their psychopathic leader V. Prhakaran.
Citizens in the Eastern province today have staged a peaceful Hartal to show their grief over the relatives they lost in the heinous crime. All the shops are observed to be closed and white flags and banners are seen hoisted in the Kaththankudy , Eravur and Batticaloa areas. Special religious ceremonies have also been arranged to commemorate the victims.
The LTTE is a terror outfit that has been fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils living in the Island since 1983. During its two decades of terror campaign the LTTE has killed thousands of Muslim and Sinhalese civilians in their ethnic cleansing raids at the villages in the North and Eastern provinces. During this period the terrorists have been able drive away thousands of Muslims and Sinhalese from their native places in the North, turning large part of the Northern Province into a mono ethnic hellhole.
In 1990, the 03rd of August the LTTE terrorists ran amok desecrating wholly Meera Jumma and Husseniya mosques at Kaththankudy causing deaths to over 130 devotees including children who had been engaged in the evening prayers.
On 11th August, 1990 massacred 104 Muslims consisting of 45 men, 28 women and 31 children using T-56 assault rifles, knives and razors. By the 20th of August, 1990 over 450 Muslims were killed by the savage LTTE in a continuing ethnic cleansing raid, against the Muslim community in the east.
In the most recent incident LTTE terrorists detained over 100 Muslim refugees who had been fleeing into the government controlled area when the terrorists launched attacks at Muttur town in 2006.
Lakshman Kadirgamar 2nd death anniversary commemorated
Today is the second death anniversary of Kadirgamar, a globally-renowned erudite scholar, who headed the LTTE hit-list primarily for his efforts to get the LTTE banned as a terrorist organization in many countries including the United States and United Kingdom.
An Alms giving will be held today (12) to commemorate the second death anniversary of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar at the Lakshman Kadirgamar International Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Sri Lanka 's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, who was assassinated in Colombo on 12th August 2005, was both a Tamil and a vociferous opponent of the LTTE terrorists.
Former Minister Kadirgamar, claimed credit for having the LTTE declared a terrorist group in the United States and elsewhere while serving as President Chandrika Kumaratunga's foreign minister from 1994 to 2001 and again since 2004.
The Oxford-educated lawyer was a native of Sri Lanka 's northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna , but he was strongly opposed to the campaign for separation led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Minister Kadirgamar was a distinguished product of Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka where he was widely acclaimed for his all round excellence as scholar, prize winner. He won Trinity's richest Prize - the coveted Dr. Andreas Nell Memorial Prize for Ceylon History and the Napier Clavering Prize for English.
Mr. Kadirgamar was offered the captaincy of the Sri Lanka contingent to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics but he declined to accept it due to pressure of his law examinations. Mr. Kadirgamar read for his LLB degree at the University of Colombo and later proceeded to Balliol College, University of Oxford where he read for a degree in Letters.
An Alms giving will be held today (12) to commemorate the second death anniversary of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar at the Lakshman Kadirgamar International Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Sri Lanka 's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, who was assassinated in Colombo on 12th August 2005, was both a Tamil and a vociferous opponent of the LTTE terrorists.
Former Minister Kadirgamar, claimed credit for having the LTTE declared a terrorist group in the United States and elsewhere while serving as President Chandrika Kumaratunga's foreign minister from 1994 to 2001 and again since 2004.
The Oxford-educated lawyer was a native of Sri Lanka 's northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna , but he was strongly opposed to the campaign for separation led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Minister Kadirgamar was a distinguished product of Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka where he was widely acclaimed for his all round excellence as scholar, prize winner. He won Trinity's richest Prize - the coveted Dr. Andreas Nell Memorial Prize for Ceylon History and the Napier Clavering Prize for English.
Mr. Kadirgamar was offered the captaincy of the Sri Lanka contingent to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics but he declined to accept it due to pressure of his law examinations. Mr. Kadirgamar read for his LLB degree at the University of Colombo and later proceeded to Balliol College, University of Oxford where he read for a degree in Letters.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
John Holmes visits Jaffna
United Nations Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes, who is currently visiting Sri Lanka, flew to Jaffna yesterday, (August 07). He was received at the Palaly Airport by Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General G.A.Chandrasiri.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Govt. not happy with some INGOs
COLOMBO: The government Monday told John Holmes, the visiting UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs it was not happy with the results of humanitarian work shown by some International and local NGOs especially in the east. The Foreign Ministry said the government views were expressed to Holmes during meetings with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona and top officials at the Foreign Ministry where the UN official raised concerns of the international community regarding issues of humanitarian access.
A Foreign Ministry statement said Dr. Kohona told the UN delegation that while the government had little issues with the UN agencies in the operational areas, there were concerns regarding the activities of some INGOs and NGOs which have not shown results in their previous humanitarian relief work especially in the East prior to liberating the area.
The Secretary said only genuine NGOs with skills and resources would be drawn into work in developing the Eastern province since the government was keen to ensure speedy results and pave the way for the restoration of democracy in the region.
A Foreign Ministry statement said Dr. Kohona told the UN delegation that while the government had little issues with the UN agencies in the operational areas, there were concerns regarding the activities of some INGOs and NGOs which have not shown results in their previous humanitarian relief work especially in the East prior to liberating the area.
The Secretary said only genuine NGOs with skills and resources would be drawn into work in developing the Eastern province since the government was keen to ensure speedy results and pave the way for the restoration of democracy in the region.
The United States sees no need for a peace envoy to Sri Lanka
A top State Department official has said that the United States government continue to see no role for a special US peace envoy to Sri Lanka at this time.
Addressing the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Steven R. Mann, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs said that the United States’ interest is in keeping the political process on devolution moving forward, rather than prescribing particular solutions to the Sri Lankans.
“We therefore continue to see no role for a Special Envoy to Sri Lanka at this time,” he said.
Speaking on the topic ‘Political Crises in South Asia: Recent Developments in Nepal and Sri Lanka’ Mann said the United States is committed to help foster a lasting peace in Sri Lanka and to improve human rights conditions for all Sri Lankans. Ultimately, however, it is the Sri Lankan Government’s responsibility to the Sri Lankan people to provide the conditions of safety and security that will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future, he noted.
On the country’s human rights issues Secretary Mann said “We are deeply concerned by continuing reports of disappearances, abductions, torture, and the rise in extrajudicial killings, with eight extra-judicial killings reported over a three day period in July on the Jaffna peninsula. Human rights conditions are worst in Tiger-controlled areas, where there is no rule of law to protect Sri Lankans’ civil liberties. The Tigers’ recruitment of child soldiers is singularly deplorable.”
Reiterating the United States’ support for Sri Lanka Mann said the United States is engaged fully in humanitarian relief efforts to address the critical needs of Sri Lanka’s more than 500,000 internally displaced persons. To date, in Fiscal Year 2007 alone, the United States has given $10.6 million in humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.
Addressing the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Steven R. Mann, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs said that the United States’ interest is in keeping the political process on devolution moving forward, rather than prescribing particular solutions to the Sri Lankans.
“We therefore continue to see no role for a Special Envoy to Sri Lanka at this time,” he said.
Speaking on the topic ‘Political Crises in South Asia: Recent Developments in Nepal and Sri Lanka’ Mann said the United States is committed to help foster a lasting peace in Sri Lanka and to improve human rights conditions for all Sri Lankans. Ultimately, however, it is the Sri Lankan Government’s responsibility to the Sri Lankan people to provide the conditions of safety and security that will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future, he noted.
On the country’s human rights issues Secretary Mann said “We are deeply concerned by continuing reports of disappearances, abductions, torture, and the rise in extrajudicial killings, with eight extra-judicial killings reported over a three day period in July on the Jaffna peninsula. Human rights conditions are worst in Tiger-controlled areas, where there is no rule of law to protect Sri Lankans’ civil liberties. The Tigers’ recruitment of child soldiers is singularly deplorable.”
Reiterating the United States’ support for Sri Lanka Mann said the United States is engaged fully in humanitarian relief efforts to address the critical needs of Sri Lanka’s more than 500,000 internally displaced persons. To date, in Fiscal Year 2007 alone, the United States has given $10.6 million in humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.
LTTE suicide bomber explodes himself - Vavuniya
A bike riding LTTE cadre explodes himself when approached by the army personnel at Kumankulam in Vavuniya around 1.45 this afternoon (August 6). According to the defence sources, troops have detected two LTTE cadres riding on a motorbike and started tracing them.
In a sudden, the pillion rider has drawn up a weapon and opened fire at the troops. When the troops retaliated to the attack the rider has blew himself up, the sources added.
In a sudden, the pillion rider has drawn up a weapon and opened fire at the troops. When the troops retaliated to the attack the rider has blew himself up, the sources added.
A soldier whose house destroyed in a landslide gets assistance from Seva Vanitha
Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha unit yesterday (August 6) donated rupees 50,000 to Corporal N.K.G. Sirisena of SL army's Gajabha Infantry Regiment to construct a house.
The donation was made by President of the Seva Vanitha unit, Madam Ioma Rajapaksa at the Ministry of Defence, Colombo. The amount donated was the first instalment of the total amount that has been allocated for the soldier's housing construction.
Corporal Sirisena's house which was at Rikillagaskada in Hanguranketha was destroyed due to the landslides caused by torrential rains during the recent past.
The donation was made by President of the Seva Vanitha unit, Madam Ioma Rajapaksa at the Ministry of Defence, Colombo. The amount donated was the first instalment of the total amount that has been allocated for the soldier's housing construction.
Corporal Sirisena's house which was at Rikillagaskada in Hanguranketha was destroyed due to the landslides caused by torrential rains during the recent past.
Army overpowers terror attack, six LTTE cadres killed- Vavuniya
Military sources from Vavuniya said that six LTTE cadres were killed when army soldiers retaliated to a terror attack at Periyathampanai last afternoon (August 6).
According to the sources the terrorists had open fire at the soldiers on a foot patrol around 2.45p.m. Troops had retaliated effectively causing the terrorists to withdraw.
Later, intercepted LTTE radio communications have revealed that six LTTE cadres were killed and few others suffered injuries in the attack.
The sources further said that no casualties were reported to own troops.
According to the sources the terrorists had open fire at the soldiers on a foot patrol around 2.45p.m. Troops had retaliated effectively causing the terrorists to withdraw.
Later, intercepted LTTE radio communications have revealed that six LTTE cadres were killed and few others suffered injuries in the attack.
The sources further said that no casualties were reported to own troops.
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