News, Views & Entertainment
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
General Fonseka Writes from Prison: Now is the time to act!
"I know they will try to take my life to silence me.... I wil face all hardship and trauma for the sake of my country and my people" - General Sarth Fonseka Addresses the Citizens of Sri Lanka
Dear Sri Lankans, the time has now come for us to stop being complacent and start taking an active role in shaping our future and the future of this country. Sri Lanka is still a democracy and the Constitution specifies certain rights - among them the right of the citizens to exercise their franchise without being intimidated or persecuted. Sadly, the reality is quite the opposite. Those with dissenting views and those who oppose the activities of the government are seen as enemies by the Rajapaksa regime and are subjected to horrific persecution. My detention and the spurious allegations filed against me is a good case in point.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Pioneer of Sinhala Cinama: අපේ සිනමාවේ මුල්ම සුපිරි තරුව ප්රේම් ජයන්ත්
සිංහල සිනමාවේ තරු සංකල්පය (STARSYSTEM) බිහි වූ ප්රථම චිත්රපටය ලෙස විචාරකයන් හඳුන්වන්නේ ‘සුජාතා’ය. එහි රඟපෑ ප්රේම් ජයන්ත් ප්රථම සිනමා ‘තරුව’ ලෙස සිනමා ඉතිහාසයට එක් වෙයි.
තරුවක් ලෙසම මොන තරම් ජනකාන්ත වූයේ ද කිවහොත් එකල උපන් පිරිමි දරුවන්ට ප්රේම් ජයන්ත් යන නම පවා තැබිණි.
තරුවක් ලෙසම මොන තරම් ජනකාන්ත වූයේ ද කිවහොත් එකල උපන් පිරිමි දරුවන්ට ප්රේම් ජයන්ත් යන නම පවා තැබිණි.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
"Let General Sarath Fonseka live in Dignity: says Rosy Senanayake
"Even if General Sarath Fonseka had made mistakes we owe to him as a nation so that he could live in dignity and that he could live with his basic rights," said Rosy Senanayake, UNP member of Parliament joining in an exclusive interview with Boston Lanka News.
Ms. Senanayake is in Los Angeles to participate in a series of demonstrations organized by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in California to demand the release of Former army commander General Sarath Fonseka.
In responding to a questions posed by Boston Lanka News about the way the Sri Lankan government is treating a war hero, Ms. Senanayake said, "I do not think the people in Sri Lanka do accept the fact that General Sarath Fonseka is kept as a prisoner and in the way he was treated and the vast majority of people do believe that this is politically motivated and for that reason alone that he is being basically harassed."
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Prosecuting and persecuting the war hero – General Fonseka
By Somar Wijayadasa
I am neither a friend nor foe of President Rajapaksa or General Fonseka, and I have no axe to grind against any of them but what is done to General Fonseka is a travesty of justice.
As I am not privy to Fonseka’s court martial proceedings or judgment, I am unable to comment on its legality. But what hurts me – as an average citizen - is the unjust and odious manner in which the General was arrested, detained, and Court martialed on alleged trumped up charges and now convicted have violated all norms of justice and fair-play.
The first Court Martial was for meddling in politics while in uniform, and the second on charges of corruption in defense deals. The Govt first planned to charge General Fonseka with trying to have a military a coup to take over the government. Then, it was dropped.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
September 2 - 9
Sri Lanka's Parliament voted to eliminate term limits for the president.
The amendment also will tighten President Mahinda Rajapaksa's hold on power by giving him total control over the judiciary, police and the civil service.
The main opposition group, the United National Party, boycotted the vote and burned an effigy of Rajapaksa at a protest in the capital.
But the constitutional amendment passed easily, with 161 votes in the 225-member Parliament. That's 11 votes more than the two-thirds majority required. Seventeen MP's voted against it.
The amendment also will tighten President Mahinda Rajapaksa's hold on power by giving him total control over the judiciary, police and the civil service.
The main opposition group, the United National Party, boycotted the vote and burned an effigy of Rajapaksa at a protest in the capital.
But the constitutional amendment passed easily, with 161 votes in the 225-member Parliament. That's 11 votes more than the two-thirds majority required. Seventeen MP's voted against it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
August 26 - September 1
Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers decided to amend the country's constitution for the 18th time. The Draft Bill of the Constitution will taken up before the five judges bench of Supreme Court in accordance with the law. Registrar of the Supreme Court said that the court would notify its determination as to whether the proposed Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution to the Speaker and the President as required by the Constitution.
The proposed amendments envisaged include, deletion of clause 2 of article 31 which relates to restricting the number of terms of holding the office of the Presidency by an individual, changes to the Constitutional Council, changes to appointment of Commissions, delegation of powers to Secretaries of Ministries to institute public service transfers, and making mandatory for the holder of the office of the President to attend Parliament every three months.
The proposed amendments envisaged include, deletion of clause 2 of article 31 which relates to restricting the number of terms of holding the office of the Presidency by an individual, changes to the Constitutional Council, changes to appointment of Commissions, delegation of powers to Secretaries of Ministries to institute public service transfers, and making mandatory for the holder of the office of the President to attend Parliament every three months.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August 18-25
Sri Lanka government delegations including Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunge left to India on a two-day official tour.
The group is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other high ranking members of the Indian government.
Discussions between India and Sri Lanka are to be focused on the present development trends in the Sri Lanka and the recent developments in the north and east.
The group is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other high ranking members of the Indian government.
Discussions between India and Sri Lanka are to be focused on the present development trends in the Sri Lanka and the recent developments in the north and east.
Friday, August 13, 2010
August 04-11
Sri Lanka government announced that Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva has been removed from his post in the government following a disciplinary inquiry held this evening over his recent conduct.
Government sources further added that Silva has also been removed from the membership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
Silva tied a Samurdhi officer to a mango tree last week over the failure by the officer to attend a dengue prevention programme in Kelaniya.
Government sources further added that Silva has also been removed from the membership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
Silva tied a Samurdhi officer to a mango tree last week over the failure by the officer to attend a dengue prevention programme in Kelaniya.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Glance at Weekly News: August 2-9
Sri Lankan Prime Minister D. M. Jayratne told in Parliament while motion extending emergency regulations that the Government has taken measures to confiscate all assets of the defeated terror outfit the LTTE in the future.
He further said that these assets included houses, plots of land and business establishments that were run by the LTTE in Colombo and the suburbs. Information about the assets of the LTTE in Colombo and the suburbs are being divulged by LTTE cadres who have been arrested.
He further said that these assets included houses, plots of land and business establishments that were run by the LTTE in Colombo and the suburbs. Information about the assets of the LTTE in Colombo and the suburbs are being divulged by LTTE cadres who have been arrested.
Friday, July 30, 2010
POLITICAL BULLETIN: July 29, 2010
Sri Lanka government have settled 267,393 IDPs upto last week. Latest government statistics have revealed that at least 35,333 were still in camps set up in early 2009 for those who crossed over to the government side as the civil war came to an end in May, 2009.
The UNP will hand over a no-confidence motion to against External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris. The UNP had decided to bring this motion against Prof. Peiris soon after the appointment of a panel by UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon to advise him on the accountability issues in Sri Lanka during the last phase of war.
In this case, the UNP said, the government failed in diplomacy.
According to parliamentary traditions, a No Confidence motion is the most potent device for the Opposition to challenge the legitimacy of a government. It is an essential feature of the Parliamentary System that the government should enjoy the confidence of Parliament. The challenge of a no-confidence motion is normally accepted by the government and given precedence over other businesses of the House. Under Article 49 (2) of the Constitution, the Cabinet of Ministers stand dissolved upon defeat at a no-confidence motion.
The history of politics in Sri Lanka rewritten with suicide of UNP supporter this week. Though it is common in India to commit suicide in favor of political ideologies it never happened in Sri Lanka. The 60-year-old full time activist of UNP who set himself ablaze opposite UNP headquarters, Sirikotha died next day at the hospital due to severity of his burn injuries. It is learnt that he is disappointed over the affairs of UNP, mainly about the leadership tussle.
The UNP will hand over a no-confidence motion to against External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris. The UNP had decided to bring this motion against Prof. Peiris soon after the appointment of a panel by UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon to advise him on the accountability issues in Sri Lanka during the last phase of war.
In this case, the UNP said, the government failed in diplomacy.
According to parliamentary traditions, a No Confidence motion is the most potent device for the Opposition to challenge the legitimacy of a government. It is an essential feature of the Parliamentary System that the government should enjoy the confidence of Parliament. The challenge of a no-confidence motion is normally accepted by the government and given precedence over other businesses of the House. Under Article 49 (2) of the Constitution, the Cabinet of Ministers stand dissolved upon defeat at a no-confidence motion.
The history of politics in Sri Lanka rewritten with suicide of UNP supporter this week. Though it is common in India to commit suicide in favor of political ideologies it never happened in Sri Lanka. The 60-year-old full time activist of UNP who set himself ablaze opposite UNP headquarters, Sirikotha died next day at the hospital due to severity of his burn injuries. It is learnt that he is disappointed over the affairs of UNP, mainly about the leadership tussle.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
POLITICAL BULLETIN: June 16th
Sri Lanka armed forces commemorated the first anniversary of the victory over LTTE terrorists with a special parade at Galle Face Green, Colombo and a salutation ceremony opposite the War Heroes Memorial at Parliament Grounds, Sri Jayawardhanapura, Kotte.
A host of international figures, including a US war crimes investigator, landed in Sri Lanka for visits expected to focus on alleged atrocities committed during the country's civil war. As the separate US, Japanese and United Nations officials arrived in Colombo, the government furiously denied that any war crimes were committed during the final months of fighting last year.
The US embassy in Colombo said the two advisors had been sent by President Barack Obama to discuss issues including the military offensive that ended the decades-long war with separatist Tamil rebels in May 2009.
Samantha Power, special assistant to the president on multilateral affairs and human rights, and David Pressman, national security council director for war crimes and atrocities, will hold four days of meetings in Sri Lanka. The embassy said the visit followed last month's meeting in Washington between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris. The US has been pressing for an independent war crimes investigation into the final phase of fighting that ended with the Tamil Tigers' defeat.
Sri Lanka this week is also hosting two other international envoys to discuss peace and reconciliation and alleged human rights abuses during the war.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon's top political adviser, Lynn Pascoe, and Japan's special envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, were also due for talks with Sri Lankan officials.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said those making war crimes allegations had failed to prove their claims. "I challenge them to produce evidence," he told to media. "There is no point in giving photographs and videos to the media. We have an established legal system. Use it."
Both Pascoe and Akashi are expected to push Sri Lanka to improve ethnic reconciliation a year after the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrillas, who were fighting for a Tamil homeland.
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A panel to advise the United Nations on human rights issues arising from the civil war in Sri Lanka could be in place within days. The announcement came from the UN's head of political affairs, Lynn Pascoe, after a two-day visit. The Sri Lankan government is opposed to the panel, which would advise UN chief Ban Ki Moon on moves to address the grievances that fuelled the conflict.
Mr Pascoe praised government efforts to resettle Tamils displaced by war. The UN intends that the human rights panel will advise its chief Ban Ki Moon on issues and standards of accountability arising from the 37-year conflict with the Tamil Tigers, which ended last year.
There was an urgent need to take steps towards political reconciliation, Mr Pascoe said. "Bitterness and divisions that took decades to accumulate will not dissolve overnight in Sri Lanka," Mr Pascoe said. "But now is the time to make major efforts to begin healing these wounds. The end of the conflict must be followed by a political solution that addresses the issues and grievances that fuelled the war."
But Mr Pascoe had praise for the authorities on another difficult theme, the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of Tamils displaced by the war.
Fresh from a visit to northern regions where people are only now returning home, he said children were attending school and people had food and access to basic healthcare.
A host of international figures, including a US war crimes investigator, landed in Sri Lanka for visits expected to focus on alleged atrocities committed during the country's civil war. As the separate US, Japanese and United Nations officials arrived in Colombo, the government furiously denied that any war crimes were committed during the final months of fighting last year.
The US embassy in Colombo said the two advisors had been sent by President Barack Obama to discuss issues including the military offensive that ended the decades-long war with separatist Tamil rebels in May 2009.
Samantha Power, special assistant to the president on multilateral affairs and human rights, and David Pressman, national security council director for war crimes and atrocities, will hold four days of meetings in Sri Lanka. The embassy said the visit followed last month's meeting in Washington between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris. The US has been pressing for an independent war crimes investigation into the final phase of fighting that ended with the Tamil Tigers' defeat.
Sri Lanka this week is also hosting two other international envoys to discuss peace and reconciliation and alleged human rights abuses during the war.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon's top political adviser, Lynn Pascoe, and Japan's special envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, were also due for talks with Sri Lankan officials.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said those making war crimes allegations had failed to prove their claims. "I challenge them to produce evidence," he told to media. "There is no point in giving photographs and videos to the media. We have an established legal system. Use it."
Both Pascoe and Akashi are expected to push Sri Lanka to improve ethnic reconciliation a year after the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrillas, who were fighting for a Tamil homeland.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
A panel to advise the United Nations on human rights issues arising from the civil war in Sri Lanka could be in place within days. The announcement came from the UN's head of political affairs, Lynn Pascoe, after a two-day visit. The Sri Lankan government is opposed to the panel, which would advise UN chief Ban Ki Moon on moves to address the grievances that fuelled the conflict.
Mr Pascoe praised government efforts to resettle Tamils displaced by war. The UN intends that the human rights panel will advise its chief Ban Ki Moon on issues and standards of accountability arising from the 37-year conflict with the Tamil Tigers, which ended last year.
There was an urgent need to take steps towards political reconciliation, Mr Pascoe said. "Bitterness and divisions that took decades to accumulate will not dissolve overnight in Sri Lanka," Mr Pascoe said. "But now is the time to make major efforts to begin healing these wounds. The end of the conflict must be followed by a political solution that addresses the issues and grievances that fuelled the war."
But Mr Pascoe had praise for the authorities on another difficult theme, the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of Tamils displaced by the war.
Fresh from a visit to northern regions where people are only now returning home, he said children were attending school and people had food and access to basic healthcare.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
POLITICAL BULLETIN - June 3 - June 9
The Sri Lankan government has issued a new deadline to resettle tens of thousands of conflict-displaced still living in camps. It plans to resettlement to be completed by August 31st.
More than 60,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) continue to live in three government camps, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says.
“There was a previous deadline of April but that was not feasible,” the new Minister of Resettlement, Milroy Fernando said, describing the process as a “top priority” for the nation.
Among his ministry’s top priorities was to go beyond resettlement and initiate livelihood support mechanisms for the displaced, he said.
“To facilitate resettlement, the de-mining process too is being expedited. People are so keen to return home. But as a responsible government, we simply cannot allow people to return to their original villages before the completion of the de-mining work. People are very eager to go back to their own villages but we prevent those wanting to return to areas that are still uncleared,” he said.
Under the World Food Programme (WFP), IDPs are provided with food relief for six months from the date of return, while UNHCR provides a shelter grant of US$220 paid in two instalments.
More than 236,000 people have returned home or are staying with host families a year after the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
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Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the 9th IISS Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue, which is scheduled to be held in Singapore from 4th to 6th June 2010.
During the meeting, Prof. Peiris is scheduled to make a statement on “Counter-insurgency and strengthening governance – Sri Lankan perspective on the challenges of reasserting control and governance in formerly LTTE held areas.”
The Shangri-La Dialogue was initiated in 2002 in response to the need for a forum where the Asia-Pacific’s Defense Ministers could engage in dialogue aimed at building confidence and fostering practical security cooperation. It is an annual gathering organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London and includes the participation of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, UK, US, Vietnam.
The Sri Lanka delegation led by Prof. Peiris also includes Air Chief Marshall Roshan Gunathilake, the Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya and other senior officials.
In reference to the attack Gaza by Israel forces, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said Sri Lanka deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from this operation noting that indiscriminate use of force to prevent the carriage of supplies for people under occupation is condemned.
“The reports of attacks during the Israeli military operation on boats carrying supplies for Palestinian people in international waters off the coast of Gaza have caused grave distress to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. The Government and the people of Sri Lanka extend their sympathies to the families of the victims and injured. Sri Lanka calls for expeditious action to relieve the sufferings of those who are affected by the attacks,” the External Affairs ministry said.
Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peris, has won America’s support to Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts, which has been commended by no less a person other than Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State.
Hillary Clinton indicated that America whole-heartedly supports the appointment of the Reconciliation Commission by Sri Lanka and is ready to provide further support if necessary.
Secretary Hillary Clinton emphasized that, “It’s a commission on lessons learned and reconciliation. The end of the conflict in Sri Lanka is, as the minister said, a promising opportunity to move forward on ensuring greater respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans.“
She further added, “Experience in other countries has shown that such a commission that has the credibility and legitimacy within the country has a valuable role in advancing accountability. And we are very supportive of the approach taken by the Sri Lankans. We, of course, will continue to work with them and to observe this commission. We expect that it will be given a broad enough mandate with the resources necessary to be able to follow the trail of any evidence that is presented.”
In a statement issued afterwards she further said, The United States has long been a friend of Sri Lanka. Our countries share a history of democratic institutions, and we have an active USAID program that has invested more than $1.9 billion in Sri Lanka since 1956 and is currently helping to create new opportunities for people who were displaced by the conflict. Since the LTTE terrorist group was defeated one year ago, USAID has rebuilt or repaired seven schools and a hospital damaged by the conflict, launched public-private partnerships in northern and eastern Sri Lanka to create the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs in former conflict zones, supported work training for young people to spur economic development, and provided extensive aid and assistance to internally displaced people seeking to return home. The United States will continue to provide Sri Lanka with humanitarian and de-mining assistance to help heal the wounds of war and bring lasting peace and prosperity to the country.
We also discussed the issue of internally displaced persons with the minister. There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home. And we discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes. Sri Lanka has made progress, and we will continue to support efforts to safeguard the rights of IDPs and complete their relocation.
More than 60,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) continue to live in three government camps, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says.
“There was a previous deadline of April but that was not feasible,” the new Minister of Resettlement, Milroy Fernando said, describing the process as a “top priority” for the nation.
Among his ministry’s top priorities was to go beyond resettlement and initiate livelihood support mechanisms for the displaced, he said.
“To facilitate resettlement, the de-mining process too is being expedited. People are so keen to return home. But as a responsible government, we simply cannot allow people to return to their original villages before the completion of the de-mining work. People are very eager to go back to their own villages but we prevent those wanting to return to areas that are still uncleared,” he said.
Under the World Food Programme (WFP), IDPs are provided with food relief for six months from the date of return, while UNHCR provides a shelter grant of US$220 paid in two instalments.
More than 236,000 people have returned home or are staying with host families a year after the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the 9th IISS Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue, which is scheduled to be held in Singapore from 4th to 6th June 2010.
During the meeting, Prof. Peiris is scheduled to make a statement on “Counter-insurgency and strengthening governance – Sri Lankan perspective on the challenges of reasserting control and governance in formerly LTTE held areas.”
The Shangri-La Dialogue was initiated in 2002 in response to the need for a forum where the Asia-Pacific’s Defense Ministers could engage in dialogue aimed at building confidence and fostering practical security cooperation. It is an annual gathering organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London and includes the participation of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, UK, US, Vietnam.
The Sri Lanka delegation led by Prof. Peiris also includes Air Chief Marshall Roshan Gunathilake, the Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya and other senior officials.
In reference to the attack Gaza by Israel forces, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said Sri Lanka deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from this operation noting that indiscriminate use of force to prevent the carriage of supplies for people under occupation is condemned.
“The reports of attacks during the Israeli military operation on boats carrying supplies for Palestinian people in international waters off the coast of Gaza have caused grave distress to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. The Government and the people of Sri Lanka extend their sympathies to the families of the victims and injured. Sri Lanka calls for expeditious action to relieve the sufferings of those who are affected by the attacks,” the External Affairs ministry said.
Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peris, has won America’s support to Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts, which has been commended by no less a person other than Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State.
Hillary Clinton indicated that America whole-heartedly supports the appointment of the Reconciliation Commission by Sri Lanka and is ready to provide further support if necessary.
Secretary Hillary Clinton emphasized that, “It’s a commission on lessons learned and reconciliation. The end of the conflict in Sri Lanka is, as the minister said, a promising opportunity to move forward on ensuring greater respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans.“
She further added, “Experience in other countries has shown that such a commission that has the credibility and legitimacy within the country has a valuable role in advancing accountability. And we are very supportive of the approach taken by the Sri Lankans. We, of course, will continue to work with them and to observe this commission. We expect that it will be given a broad enough mandate with the resources necessary to be able to follow the trail of any evidence that is presented.”
In a statement issued afterwards she further said, The United States has long been a friend of Sri Lanka. Our countries share a history of democratic institutions, and we have an active USAID program that has invested more than $1.9 billion in Sri Lanka since 1956 and is currently helping to create new opportunities for people who were displaced by the conflict. Since the LTTE terrorist group was defeated one year ago, USAID has rebuilt or repaired seven schools and a hospital damaged by the conflict, launched public-private partnerships in northern and eastern Sri Lanka to create the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs in former conflict zones, supported work training for young people to spur economic development, and provided extensive aid and assistance to internally displaced people seeking to return home. The United States will continue to provide Sri Lanka with humanitarian and de-mining assistance to help heal the wounds of war and bring lasting peace and prosperity to the country.
We also discussed the issue of internally displaced persons with the minister. There has been tremendous progress and many thousands and thousands of such internally displaced persons have returned home. And we discussed the need to continue the safe, dignified and voluntary return to homes. Sri Lanka has made progress, and we will continue to support efforts to safeguard the rights of IDPs and complete their relocation.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
POLITICAL BULLETIN - May 26 - June 2
Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, launched a four-day Washington visit starting May 18th with Capitol Hill meetings and a spirited talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and discussed agenda which will benefit both countries.
Delivering a speech at Center for Strategic and International Studies he said that there is unprecedented confidence, which is the result of durable peace combined with a degree of political stability the country has not enjoyed for quarter of a century. Since then, the country has experienced no terrorist incidents, and “a change of mood in the country. A mood of optimism, of expectation.
Prof. Peiris noted that the government has successfully resettled most of the 297,000people who were displaced by the 25-year conflict. At the same time, he said, the government has launched an ambitious reconstruction program to help areas of Sri Lanka, particularly the North, where the fighting was heaviest.
“We have achieved a great deal in an extremely short period,” he said. “I think Sri Lanka has to be given due credit for this achievement.”
Creating jobs, he said, has been a vital component of the resettlement and reconciliation effort.
After a year of peace, “Sri Lanka is back on the world's radar,” Minister Peiris said. He noted that tourism is rapidly increasing, as is foreign investment.
“We have shed the over-powering constraints that have inhibited any kind of development,” he said. “Hotels are a coming back. Companies are putting up factories in Trincomalee and Kilinochchi.”
During the CSIS discussion, the minister was asked about a recent International Crisis Group report alleging that war crimes may have been committed in the final days of the conflict against the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
A crisis group representative stated that the government failed to respond to the ICG prior to publication of the report, although given an opportunity to do so.
Minister Peiris replied that the government was never given a copy of the report in advance. “How can we give any response when we have no indication of the evidence the ICG purports to have?” he asked. He also noted that the report itself does not offer any real evidence crimes, just allegations and accounts from unnamed sources, many of them made previously.
Professor Peiris also criticized the unspecific nature of the report, which noted that tens of thousands of people were wounded or killed in the fighting. “What is tens of thousands?” he asked, “Is that 10,000, 50,000, 90,000?”
In that vein, the minister noted that non-government organizations are not the “International Community,” and that the United Nations Human Rights Council “debated these matters for three days,” and concluded that it would not take action.
During the discussion, Minister Peiris also discussed possible changes to Sri Lanka's constitution, including the establishment of a bicameral legislature and amendments to the electoral system.
Earlier Tuesday, the Minister and Ambassador Wickramasuriya met with Rep. Howard Berman, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations.
The Minister updated the members of Congress on the current situation in Sri Lanka, informing them of the nation's unprecedented economic development and process of reconciliation.
Head of Asian Development Bank Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda visited Sri Lanka to evaluate the postwar reconstruction and development activities, and met President Rajapakse. Also present at the discussion were ministers Dinesh Gunawardena and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and deputy ministers Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Chandrasiri Gajadheera as well as treasury secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Central Bank governor Ajith NIvard Cabraal. Mr. Kuroda is scheduled to make field trips and meet beneficiaries of ADB-supported projects in the northern and eastern provinces. The Manila-based bank has approved 212 million dollars in loans for Sri Lanka in the current year.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the capital Colombo Tuesday demanding Sri Lanka's government abandon a proposed trade pact with neighbouring India.
President Mahinda Rajapakse met the demonstrators at his tightly-guarded Temple Trees residence in Colombo and vowed he would not enter any pact that was harmful to the island's economic interests.
"Professionals, including doctors and engineers, came to Temple Trees and protested against the CEPA with India," the president's office said, referring to the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. It said the president, who is also the finance minister, assured them that he would not go ahead with "any pact or agreement" that was not in the best interest of the island.
"The government will not enter into any pact or agreement that is inimical to its people and economic interests," the statement said. The protests came two weeks ahead of a proposed visit by Rajapakse to India.
The CEPA had been proposed almost two years ago but had been held up due to opposition from Sri Lankan business leaders who fear that the island could be swamped by cheaper Indian services.
The two South Asian neighbours entered a free trade deal in 1998 limiting tariff concessions to goods, but the CEPA covers services such as banking and allows greater cooperation between customs administrations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. LIFTS SRI LANKA TRAVEL WARNING
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it was lifting its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing the peaceful atmosphere that has taken hold a year after Sri Lanka's defeat of terrorism.
“The Travel Warning issued for Sri Lanka on November 19, 2009 has been cancelled, effective May 26, 2010,” the State Department said in an announcement. “Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country.”
Delivering a speech at Center for Strategic and International Studies he said that there is unprecedented confidence, which is the result of durable peace combined with a degree of political stability the country has not enjoyed for quarter of a century. Since then, the country has experienced no terrorist incidents, and “a change of mood in the country. A mood of optimism, of expectation.
Prof. Peiris noted that the government has successfully resettled most of the 297,000people who were displaced by the 25-year conflict. At the same time, he said, the government has launched an ambitious reconstruction program to help areas of Sri Lanka, particularly the North, where the fighting was heaviest.
“We have achieved a great deal in an extremely short period,” he said. “I think Sri Lanka has to be given due credit for this achievement.”
Creating jobs, he said, has been a vital component of the resettlement and reconciliation effort.
After a year of peace, “Sri Lanka is back on the world's radar,” Minister Peiris said. He noted that tourism is rapidly increasing, as is foreign investment.
“We have shed the over-powering constraints that have inhibited any kind of development,” he said. “Hotels are a coming back. Companies are putting up factories in Trincomalee and Kilinochchi.”
During the CSIS discussion, the minister was asked about a recent International Crisis Group report alleging that war crimes may have been committed in the final days of the conflict against the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
A crisis group representative stated that the government failed to respond to the ICG prior to publication of the report, although given an opportunity to do so.
Minister Peiris replied that the government was never given a copy of the report in advance. “How can we give any response when we have no indication of the evidence the ICG purports to have?” he asked. He also noted that the report itself does not offer any real evidence crimes, just allegations and accounts from unnamed sources, many of them made previously.
Professor Peiris also criticized the unspecific nature of the report, which noted that tens of thousands of people were wounded or killed in the fighting. “What is tens of thousands?” he asked, “Is that 10,000, 50,000, 90,000?”
In that vein, the minister noted that non-government organizations are not the “International Community,” and that the United Nations Human Rights Council “debated these matters for three days,” and concluded that it would not take action.
During the discussion, Minister Peiris also discussed possible changes to Sri Lanka's constitution, including the establishment of a bicameral legislature and amendments to the electoral system.
Earlier Tuesday, the Minister and Ambassador Wickramasuriya met with Rep. Howard Berman, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations.
The Minister updated the members of Congress on the current situation in Sri Lanka, informing them of the nation's unprecedented economic development and process of reconciliation.
Head of Asian Development Bank Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda visited Sri Lanka to evaluate the postwar reconstruction and development activities, and met President Rajapakse. Also present at the discussion were ministers Dinesh Gunawardena and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and deputy ministers Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Chandrasiri Gajadheera as well as treasury secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Central Bank governor Ajith NIvard Cabraal. Mr. Kuroda is scheduled to make field trips and meet beneficiaries of ADB-supported projects in the northern and eastern provinces. The Manila-based bank has approved 212 million dollars in loans for Sri Lanka in the current year.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the capital Colombo Tuesday demanding Sri Lanka's government abandon a proposed trade pact with neighbouring India.
President Mahinda Rajapakse met the demonstrators at his tightly-guarded Temple Trees residence in Colombo and vowed he would not enter any pact that was harmful to the island's economic interests.
"Professionals, including doctors and engineers, came to Temple Trees and protested against the CEPA with India," the president's office said, referring to the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. It said the president, who is also the finance minister, assured them that he would not go ahead with "any pact or agreement" that was not in the best interest of the island.
"The government will not enter into any pact or agreement that is inimical to its people and economic interests," the statement said. The protests came two weeks ahead of a proposed visit by Rajapakse to India.
The CEPA had been proposed almost two years ago but had been held up due to opposition from Sri Lankan business leaders who fear that the island could be swamped by cheaper Indian services.
The two South Asian neighbours entered a free trade deal in 1998 limiting tariff concessions to goods, but the CEPA covers services such as banking and allows greater cooperation between customs administrations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. LIFTS SRI LANKA TRAVEL WARNING
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it was lifting its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing the peaceful atmosphere that has taken hold a year after Sri Lanka's defeat of terrorism.
“The Travel Warning issued for Sri Lanka on November 19, 2009 has been cancelled, effective May 26, 2010,” the State Department said in an announcement. “Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
POLITICAL BULLETIN- May 18-25
SRI LANKA experienced worst weather condition in recent history. Several main roads and roads in rural areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces remain impassable. More than 20 schools in western province had to close.Some of the families displaced by flooding are using them as temporary shelter. Disaster Management officials said that in Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Galle, Puttalam and Trincomalee over 2,20,000 people had been affected by the rains and several houses badly damaged.
Operations at the Bandaranaike International Airport were severely affected with several aircraft being diverted to Chennai. Authorities suspended several flights schedled to leave BIA during the day.
The Ratmalana Airport has also suspended domestic flights owing to the bad weather conditions.
Sri Lanka Army also postponed most of the celebrations of the Ranaviru Week due to prevailing weather condition.
The much awaited report on how to restructure the United National Party (UNP) which was to be submitted to the working committee of UNP didn't materialize again and postponed to another five days. Anyway it will constitute only a couple of pages, MP John Amaratunga, member of the special six-person committee appointed to formulate the report said.
When asked as to why the finalisation of the report has been postponed several times Amaratunga said, “We want to make sure that we get all the points of view into consideration. We are holding daily discussions with various people. It’s a process. That is why the report is getting delayed.”
However, another party senior and former Assistant Leader of the UNP Rukman Senanayake had a different view on why the report was getting delayed: “This is a trick by Ranil to save himself. This should be very simple, just hold an election to elect all the party leaders. Why does a report on this have to get postponed this many times? Ranil is trying everything he can to create a report that favours him.
The recently concluded G15 Summit in Tehran praised Sri Lanka for achieving most of goals identified at the Summit and said the country was an example to the rest of the world. "They especially appreciated the power and energy sector in Sri Lanka for looking for alternative energy sources to petroleum such as solar power, coal power and thermal power," Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris said.
Leaders acknowledged that preservation and economic development go hand in hand and Sri Lankan method of generating power posing minimal threat to the invironment is an example for the rest of the member states of the G 15, the Minister further said.
President Rajapakse was elected as the chairman of G15 summit for two years which comprise a8 developing nations.
The United Nations says the forming of a commission by President Mahinda Rajapakse to investigate alleged incidents which took place during the war will not substitute the need for a panel of experts to brief the UN Chief on accountability issues relating to Sri Lanka.
A UN official from the UN Headquarters in New York, Chois Soung told that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was going ahead with the appointment of his expert panel and would send his Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe to the island as soon as the Sri Lankan government issued a green light.
She also said that President Rajapakse’s commission and the UN Chief’s expert panel were two different concepts due to which Ban Ki Moon would not reconsider appointing his panel.
“President Rajapakse can appoint whatever he wants. His commission has nothing to do with Mr. Ban Ki Moon’s panel. It is good that President Rajapakse has appointed a commission as he has to keep his promise which he gave to the international community,” Soung said.
When questioned about the panel, Soung said that the appointment of the panel was ‘underway’ and could not reveal further information as it was not open to the public.
Meanwhile it is learnt that the government has further delayed a trip by UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe to Sri Lanka after the UN sought permission to facilitate a visit by Pascoe in May to discuss the developments in the country.
While the controversial Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) held its inaugural sessions in the US city of Philadelphia over the last three days, the US Embassy in Colombo noted that the U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities that have provided material support to the LTTE.
LTTE activist Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran who acts as its Coordinator said in a press statement that the TGTE meeting is being held in the US where the LTTE is listed as a terrorist outfit and comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government urging foreign government not to give credence to moves by the LTTE to create a government in exile in support of an Ealam state.
"We are very pleased to announce that the historic event of inaugural sessions of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) are to take place at the National Constitution Centre (NCC) at the Independence Mall in the US city of Philadelphia on 17-19 May, 2010. NCC commemorates the 1787 Philadelphia Convention when the first steps were taken to write the constitution of America. The Declaration of Independence was also debated and signed in Philadelphia,” Rudrakumar said in the statement.
Rudrakumar said that May 17-19 was chosen for the inauguration of TGTE in order to demonstrate the will of Eelam Tamil nation for its independence and coincides with the first year remembrance of the military victory against the LTTE.
“By forming the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) through a self organised democratic practice for electing people representatives by direct voting, Eelam Tamil nation declares to the Government of Sri Lanka and the International Community that it will continue its struggle until conditions are created which will enable the Tamils to realize their right to self determination and exercise their sovereignty,” Rudrakumaran added.
When contacted over the TGTE meeting in the US, the US Embassy spokesman in Sri Lanka Jeff Anderson said that there are a number of organizations in the United States that represent various interests of the Sri Lankan Diaspora community with a wide range of views on issues concerning Sri Lanka, and have the right under the U.S. Constitution to express their perspectives and advocate their interests peacefully.
He said that although the U.S. Government fully supports an active civil society in their own country and abroad, they do not always agree with all of the viewpoints of such organizations.
“The United States unequivocally supports a united, peaceful and democratic Sri Lanka. Further, we note that the LTTE has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in the U.S. since 1997. This designation remains in force. The U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities that have provided material support to the LTTE,” Anderson told.
Operations at the Bandaranaike International Airport were severely affected with several aircraft being diverted to Chennai. Authorities suspended several flights schedled to leave BIA during the day.
The Ratmalana Airport has also suspended domestic flights owing to the bad weather conditions.
Sri Lanka Army also postponed most of the celebrations of the Ranaviru Week due to prevailing weather condition.
The much awaited report on how to restructure the United National Party (UNP) which was to be submitted to the working committee of UNP didn't materialize again and postponed to another five days. Anyway it will constitute only a couple of pages, MP John Amaratunga, member of the special six-person committee appointed to formulate the report said.
When asked as to why the finalisation of the report has been postponed several times Amaratunga said, “We want to make sure that we get all the points of view into consideration. We are holding daily discussions with various people. It’s a process. That is why the report is getting delayed.”
However, another party senior and former Assistant Leader of the UNP Rukman Senanayake had a different view on why the report was getting delayed: “This is a trick by Ranil to save himself. This should be very simple, just hold an election to elect all the party leaders. Why does a report on this have to get postponed this many times? Ranil is trying everything he can to create a report that favours him.
The recently concluded G15 Summit in Tehran praised Sri Lanka for achieving most of goals identified at the Summit and said the country was an example to the rest of the world. "They especially appreciated the power and energy sector in Sri Lanka for looking for alternative energy sources to petroleum such as solar power, coal power and thermal power," Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris said.
Leaders acknowledged that preservation and economic development go hand in hand and Sri Lankan method of generating power posing minimal threat to the invironment is an example for the rest of the member states of the G 15, the Minister further said.
President Rajapakse was elected as the chairman of G15 summit for two years which comprise a8 developing nations.
The United Nations says the forming of a commission by President Mahinda Rajapakse to investigate alleged incidents which took place during the war will not substitute the need for a panel of experts to brief the UN Chief on accountability issues relating to Sri Lanka.
A UN official from the UN Headquarters in New York, Chois Soung told that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was going ahead with the appointment of his expert panel and would send his Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe to the island as soon as the Sri Lankan government issued a green light.
She also said that President Rajapakse’s commission and the UN Chief’s expert panel were two different concepts due to which Ban Ki Moon would not reconsider appointing his panel.
“President Rajapakse can appoint whatever he wants. His commission has nothing to do with Mr. Ban Ki Moon’s panel. It is good that President Rajapakse has appointed a commission as he has to keep his promise which he gave to the international community,” Soung said.
When questioned about the panel, Soung said that the appointment of the panel was ‘underway’ and could not reveal further information as it was not open to the public.
Meanwhile it is learnt that the government has further delayed a trip by UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe to Sri Lanka after the UN sought permission to facilitate a visit by Pascoe in May to discuss the developments in the country.
While the controversial Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) held its inaugural sessions in the US city of Philadelphia over the last three days, the US Embassy in Colombo noted that the U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities that have provided material support to the LTTE.
LTTE activist Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran who acts as its Coordinator said in a press statement that the TGTE meeting is being held in the US where the LTTE is listed as a terrorist outfit and comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government urging foreign government not to give credence to moves by the LTTE to create a government in exile in support of an Ealam state.
"We are very pleased to announce that the historic event of inaugural sessions of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) are to take place at the National Constitution Centre (NCC) at the Independence Mall in the US city of Philadelphia on 17-19 May, 2010. NCC commemorates the 1787 Philadelphia Convention when the first steps were taken to write the constitution of America. The Declaration of Independence was also debated and signed in Philadelphia,” Rudrakumar said in the statement.
Rudrakumar said that May 17-19 was chosen for the inauguration of TGTE in order to demonstrate the will of Eelam Tamil nation for its independence and coincides with the first year remembrance of the military victory against the LTTE.
“By forming the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) through a self organised democratic practice for electing people representatives by direct voting, Eelam Tamil nation declares to the Government of Sri Lanka and the International Community that it will continue its struggle until conditions are created which will enable the Tamils to realize their right to self determination and exercise their sovereignty,” Rudrakumaran added.
When contacted over the TGTE meeting in the US, the US Embassy spokesman in Sri Lanka Jeff Anderson said that there are a number of organizations in the United States that represent various interests of the Sri Lankan Diaspora community with a wide range of views on issues concerning Sri Lanka, and have the right under the U.S. Constitution to express their perspectives and advocate their interests peacefully.
He said that although the U.S. Government fully supports an active civil society in their own country and abroad, they do not always agree with all of the viewpoints of such organizations.
“The United States unequivocally supports a united, peaceful and democratic Sri Lanka. Further, we note that the LTTE has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in the U.S. since 1997. This designation remains in force. The U.S. continues to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities that have provided material support to the LTTE,” Anderson told.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
WEEKLY POLITICAL BULLETIN
SRI LANKA's Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order declared a week for commemorating war heroes scheduled from May 12 - 18. It was named as Ranaviru week and scheduled in par with defeating LTTE on May 18th 2009.
Within the week, commemoration ceremonies will be held at provincial level organised by the Governors of the respective Provinces.
Accordingly, the commemoration ceremonies will be held on May 12 in the Central Province, May 13 in the Uva, East and Northern Provinces, May 14 in the North Western, May 15 in Southern province, May 16 in the North Central and on May 17 in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
In addition, all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army will be conducting religious ceremonies, felicitations in commemorating the war heroes week as directed by the Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
The main event of the Sri Lanka Army within the week will be the laying of the foundation stone on May 15 for the wellness resort built for the dependably disabled soldiers - 'Abimansala' at Nuwara Wewa in Anuradhapura.
The Brave Hearts project run by the Sri Lanka Army Seva Vanitha Unit is conducting and coordinating the fund-raising and constructing activities of the wellness resort.
While celebrating the defeat of LTTE, Sri Lankan authorities have commenced a new “operation” to counter international LTTE propaganda and other related activities with Tiger proxies now aiming on forming a transnational government for Tamil Eelam, the military said.
Military Spokesperson Major General Prasad Samarasingha told that while the war in Sri Lanka has been won, Tiger operations still continue internationally and the government is now taking steps to address that issue as well.
“We have won the war in Sri Lanka but internationally the second phase of the war has started. Not only the forces, but the whole nation, including the people living overseas must get together and stop this international LTTE propaganda and activities. We will have to conduct a separate operation on that which the government has already started,” Major General Samarasingha said.
In the mean time Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday urged Tamil people to mourn and hold silent prayers on the morning of May 17 to mark what it called a day of "catastrophe". This "catastrophe is one of the worst in world history," the TNA said in a joint statement signed by its 14 Mps.
Defeated Sri Lankan presidential candidate Gen Sarath Fonseka has for the first time appeared before a civilian court to deny inciting unrest.
He is alleged to have said in a newspaper interview last year that the defence secretary ordered the killing of surrendering Tamil rebels.
The general appeared before Colombo magistrates to protest his innocence.
He said he had been misquoted by the newspaper and that the case was part of an attempt to silence him.
Gen Fonseka is in military custody and faces separate court martial charges of engaging in politics while in uniform and overseeing corrupt arms procurements.
The judge adjourned the hearing until 26 May.
Main opposition party of Sri Lanka parliament United National Party after suffering chain of defeats in elections considering reforms whithin the party at last. Although the release of a report on the proposed reforms of the UNP is scheduled for Friday, a majority of the party Working Committee members including parliamentarians have not made their submissions yet.
There are 77 Working Committee members and 48 parliamentarians but not even one fourth of them had sent in their suggestions, sources said.
They said it looked as if most of them were reluctant to make suggestions. However, a high ranking Working Committee member said that though there were ready with their suggestions, no arrangements had been made to receive them.
The US government has welcomed President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intention to establish a Commission on Lessons Learned and Reconciliation to examine key aspects of the recently ended conflict in Sri Lanka and added that the findings of the commission should be made public.
Susan E. Rice, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in a statement said that experience in other countries has shown that commissions of inquiry can play a valuable role in advancing accountability when they are appropriately constituted and enjoy broad public support.
She added that particularly important in this regard, broad experience has shown that to be effective in advancing accountability and reconciliation, commission members should be and be perceived as independent, impartial and competent; their mandate should enable them fully to investigate serious allegations of violations and to make public recommendations; commission members and potential witnesses must enjoy adequate and effective protection; the commission must receive adequate resources to carry out its mandate; and the Government should undertake to give serious consideration to its recommendations.
“We hope the commission will also reflect the desires and requests of the citizens of Sri Lanka, who were the primary victims of the conflict. Being responsive to their needs will be an important measure of the commission’s success. In light of these general principles, we would welcome the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to give the Commission on Lessons Learned and Reconciliation a mandate to probe violations of international standards during the final stages of the conflict and to identify those responsible and, we would expect, to make appropriate public recommendations based on its findings,” the US envoy to the UN said.
Within the week, commemoration ceremonies will be held at provincial level organised by the Governors of the respective Provinces.
Accordingly, the commemoration ceremonies will be held on May 12 in the Central Province, May 13 in the Uva, East and Northern Provinces, May 14 in the North Western, May 15 in Southern province, May 16 in the North Central and on May 17 in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
In addition, all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army will be conducting religious ceremonies, felicitations in commemorating the war heroes week as directed by the Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
The main event of the Sri Lanka Army within the week will be the laying of the foundation stone on May 15 for the wellness resort built for the dependably disabled soldiers - 'Abimansala' at Nuwara Wewa in Anuradhapura.
The Brave Hearts project run by the Sri Lanka Army Seva Vanitha Unit is conducting and coordinating the fund-raising and constructing activities of the wellness resort.
While celebrating the defeat of LTTE, Sri Lankan authorities have commenced a new “operation” to counter international LTTE propaganda and other related activities with Tiger proxies now aiming on forming a transnational government for Tamil Eelam, the military said.
Military Spokesperson Major General Prasad Samarasingha told that while the war in Sri Lanka has been won, Tiger operations still continue internationally and the government is now taking steps to address that issue as well.
“We have won the war in Sri Lanka but internationally the second phase of the war has started. Not only the forces, but the whole nation, including the people living overseas must get together and stop this international LTTE propaganda and activities. We will have to conduct a separate operation on that which the government has already started,” Major General Samarasingha said.
In the mean time Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday urged Tamil people to mourn and hold silent prayers on the morning of May 17 to mark what it called a day of "catastrophe". This "catastrophe is one of the worst in world history," the TNA said in a joint statement signed by its 14 Mps.
Defeated Sri Lankan presidential candidate Gen Sarath Fonseka has for the first time appeared before a civilian court to deny inciting unrest.
He is alleged to have said in a newspaper interview last year that the defence secretary ordered the killing of surrendering Tamil rebels.
The general appeared before Colombo magistrates to protest his innocence.
He said he had been misquoted by the newspaper and that the case was part of an attempt to silence him.
Gen Fonseka is in military custody and faces separate court martial charges of engaging in politics while in uniform and overseeing corrupt arms procurements.
The judge adjourned the hearing until 26 May.
Main opposition party of Sri Lanka parliament United National Party after suffering chain of defeats in elections considering reforms whithin the party at last. Although the release of a report on the proposed reforms of the UNP is scheduled for Friday, a majority of the party Working Committee members including parliamentarians have not made their submissions yet.
There are 77 Working Committee members and 48 parliamentarians but not even one fourth of them had sent in their suggestions, sources said.
They said it looked as if most of them were reluctant to make suggestions. However, a high ranking Working Committee member said that though there were ready with their suggestions, no arrangements had been made to receive them.
The US government has welcomed President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intention to establish a Commission on Lessons Learned and Reconciliation to examine key aspects of the recently ended conflict in Sri Lanka and added that the findings of the commission should be made public.
Susan E. Rice, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in a statement said that experience in other countries has shown that commissions of inquiry can play a valuable role in advancing accountability when they are appropriately constituted and enjoy broad public support.
She added that particularly important in this regard, broad experience has shown that to be effective in advancing accountability and reconciliation, commission members should be and be perceived as independent, impartial and competent; their mandate should enable them fully to investigate serious allegations of violations and to make public recommendations; commission members and potential witnesses must enjoy adequate and effective protection; the commission must receive adequate resources to carry out its mandate; and the Government should undertake to give serious consideration to its recommendations.
“We hope the commission will also reflect the desires and requests of the citizens of Sri Lanka, who were the primary victims of the conflict. Being responsive to their needs will be an important measure of the commission’s success. In light of these general principles, we would welcome the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to give the Commission on Lessons Learned and Reconciliation a mandate to probe violations of international standards during the final stages of the conflict and to identify those responsible and, we would expect, to make appropriate public recommendations based on its findings,” the US envoy to the UN said.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Weekly Political Update: March 8, 2010
SRI LANKA President Mahinda Rajapakse exercising his powers under the constitution extended emergency regulations otherwise which is to be expired on March 1st mid night. But said extension has to be endorse by the parliament within the period of one month. As such President called the parliament which is dissolved on February 9th for the current term to meet on March 8th. This is not the first time that dissolved parliament is meeting to vote for a specific subject. In 2000 also during the time of President Chandrika Bandaranayake parliament met to consider the extension of emergency regulations. Emergency regulations has to be passed by the parliament and it is valid only for a period of one month. Sri Lanka government believes that emergency regulations should exist as the security forces are still engaged in operational activities. It is necessary to prevent the re-emergence of terrorist and secessionist forces Prime Minister told in the parliament.
UPFA Candidated contesting for the general elections pledge at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to carry out peaceful, disciplined and exemplary election campaign. UPFA will not forward manifesto aimed for general elections. Instead they will forward Mahinda Chinthana "Idiri Deka" which was introduced during the presidential elections.
During the past 30 years people in the North and East could not exercise their franchise independantly. Due to this fact in this general elections total of 1867 candidates are contesting for 31 seats in the North and East which consist 5 districts namely Jaffna, Vanni, Batticoloa, Tricomalee and Digamadulla. Eight recognized political parties and several independent groups are contesting.
UNITED STATES Supreme Court on February 23rd heard the case submitted by the Humanitarian Law Project against US Attorney General in reference to the Freedom of Speech which is connected to the proscription of US designated foreign terrorist organizations. The case nestled within the Patriot Act revolves around Freedom of Speech.
Sri Lanka is directly connected in this case because of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which is one of the US designated foreign terrorist organizations represented in this case. The Humanitarian Law Project, petitioner of said case was represented by Professor David D. Cole of Georgetown University.
US Supreme court will give its judgment in June, 2010.
United Stated Congressman from New Jersey Frank Pallone Jr. addressing at the Sri Lanka National Day celebrations at Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey complimented the Sri Lanka government for its military success against LTTE. He said "I am not a military expert but my view is that we should be thankful as a country that Sri Lanka was successful in rooting out terrorism. We have lots of lessons we can learn from Sri Lanka. We should take advantage of it."
Congressman Pallone is the chairman of Sri Lanka caucus in the US Congress.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) organized and sponsored a study tour of senior government officials to East Timor. Seven day study tour is aimed to learn how land owenership issues are being resolved in Timor-Leste. Rebecca Cogn, USAID Mission Director said, "USAID is sponsoring this study to introduce Sri Lankan officials to some of the issues they will face as they work to address land ownership and tenture in the North and the East. Land ownership issues in areas affected by the conflict will be difficult to resolve, but stability and prosperity will depend on policies and practices that are fair and just. We hope that Sri Lankan officials will come back with some new ideas and best practices that they can use to develop policies that meet the needs of all Sri Lankans.”
UPFA Candidated contesting for the general elections pledge at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to carry out peaceful, disciplined and exemplary election campaign. UPFA will not forward manifesto aimed for general elections. Instead they will forward Mahinda Chinthana "Idiri Deka" which was introduced during the presidential elections.
During the past 30 years people in the North and East could not exercise their franchise independantly. Due to this fact in this general elections total of 1867 candidates are contesting for 31 seats in the North and East which consist 5 districts namely Jaffna, Vanni, Batticoloa, Tricomalee and Digamadulla. Eight recognized political parties and several independent groups are contesting.
UNITED STATES Supreme Court on February 23rd heard the case submitted by the Humanitarian Law Project against US Attorney General in reference to the Freedom of Speech which is connected to the proscription of US designated foreign terrorist organizations. The case nestled within the Patriot Act revolves around Freedom of Speech.
Sri Lanka is directly connected in this case because of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which is one of the US designated foreign terrorist organizations represented in this case. The Humanitarian Law Project, petitioner of said case was represented by Professor David D. Cole of Georgetown University.
US Supreme court will give its judgment in June, 2010.
United Stated Congressman from New Jersey Frank Pallone Jr. addressing at the Sri Lanka National Day celebrations at Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey complimented the Sri Lanka government for its military success against LTTE. He said "I am not a military expert but my view is that we should be thankful as a country that Sri Lanka was successful in rooting out terrorism. We have lots of lessons we can learn from Sri Lanka. We should take advantage of it."
Congressman Pallone is the chairman of Sri Lanka caucus in the US Congress.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) organized and sponsored a study tour of senior government officials to East Timor. Seven day study tour is aimed to learn how land owenership issues are being resolved in Timor-Leste. Rebecca Cogn, USAID Mission Director said, "USAID is sponsoring this study to introduce Sri Lankan officials to some of the issues they will face as they work to address land ownership and tenture in the North and the East. Land ownership issues in areas affected by the conflict will be difficult to resolve, but stability and prosperity will depend on policies and practices that are fair and just. We hope that Sri Lankan officials will come back with some new ideas and best practices that they can use to develop policies that meet the needs of all Sri Lankans.”
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
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Regular Video News clips about the News, Views and Entertainment of the Sri Lankans in Boston and other neighboring states in USA
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