Chances of the Thirteenth Amendment survival down to slim and none

Vishnuguptha 

“We win justice quickest by rendering justice to the other party.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Champaka Ranawaka

The Thirteenth Amendment which saw passage in Parliament in August 1987 amidst civil chaos and political turmoil, once again has gained unusual attention from political quarters, both international and local. What is even more bewildering is, after accomplishing a military victory of unprecedented scale and crushing all hopes of a Tamil Ealam and after eliminating the last semblance of any militant resistance from the Northern Tamils, the very constitutional modification offered via the Thirteenth Amendment to the people of the North and the East, is now under threat. The victorious Sinhalese politicians led by the fringe elements of the Government Coalition and most unambiguously backed by the military establishment (which is close to the ruling elite) of the country, are now crying out loud to galvanize the hardcore Sinhalese Buddhists of the land towards the abolition of that Constitutional Amendment.

Bodu Bala Sena and associate German NGO in a legal mess, Was there a set up?

Bodu Bala Sena's Associations with Little, Little Smiles by Ajith Parakum Jayasinghe

On March 09, 2013, Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa  inaugurated ‘Meth Sevana,’ the Cultural and Training Centre of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), in Pilana, Wanchawala in Galle.The Head of Meth Sevana, Ven. Embilipitiye Vijitha Thero said that training programmes for bhikkus and laymen will be held at the Center. It was introduced as a leadership training institute as well. BBS announced that this academy would be developed into a full-fledged Buddhist University in the future.

Minister who accompanied President to China launches a petition against 13 A

Minster Weerawansa in the background, circled

A coalition party of the Sri Lankan government, National Freedom Front (NFF), led by Minister Wimal Weerawansa announced that a petition would be signed demanding not to hold the Provincial Council election in the Northern Province with the powers vested in the administration constitutionally.

NFF demands to amend the Constitution to take back the land and police powers from Provincial Councils to the central government.

Mass protest against placing Buddha statue in Batticaloa

A mass protest urging those concerned to desist from using the statue of The Buddha as a symbol of anarchy, was held in Batticaloa on Wednesday (29), with the participation of TNA Parliamentarians from the Batticaloa District, Eastern Provincial Councillors, members of local bodies and civilians.

LLRC Recommendations Not Met by 13A - Offcial website of the GoSL

The recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) have come to be accepted by the International Community judging from the repeated references to it both nationally and internationally, in complete disregard to the Government’s National Plan of Action that was developed by incorporating selected recommendations in the LLRC Report. In the meantime, India while supporting International Resolutions to implement LLRC Recommendations is also insistent that Sri Lanka implement the 13th Amendment evidently unaware of significant incompatibilities between the two.

UNP Needs to be Treated as Part of the Current Rajapaksa Regime and not as an Alternative Force or Govt

Kalana Senaratne
When regimes are dictatorial and dangerous, alternative forces which promise a better society and future do tend to be taken seriously by the people. This, quite simply, is because the future promised by such alternative forces tends to be better than the present. But one thing many people can’t do about the present UNP is to take it seriously. The UNP’s new constitutional principles – which it claims will shape and form the new constitution it hopes to place before the people once elected to power – tell us why this is the case Just a few thoughts on these principles would suffice, since apart from a few grand promises, the UNP’s guiding principles are generally known to the people and can be easily found stated in different words in the 1978 Constitution.

Sri Lanka says LLRC Action Plan seeks to extend the services of legal aid centres - GoSL mission

Sri Lanka has observed that the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka primarily funded by the state, covers most parts of the country with approximately 70 legal aid centres, including in the former conflict-affected areas, and records a high caseload and provision of services.  

Intervening  during an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Lawyersand Judges at the ongoing 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council on 30 May 2013, Deputy Solicitor General Mr. Buwaneka Aluwihare noted that

Les Misérables in Colombo Court

 A Colombo Court yesterday (29) released a suspect from a case that was dragging on for ten years over the theft of Rs. 50.

It transpired in Court that the suspect was reported to have been kept under remand custody for over three months.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage who perused the case proceedings expressed surprise when he found that the case filed against suspect Indika Maduranga of Akuressa had dragged on for ten years.

Sri Lanka missing world’s biggest trade party and it’s in her backyard

Once upon a time, Sri Lanka was at the forefront of South Asian trade liberalisation. Beginning in 1989, Sri Lanka made large reductions in import duties and by 2001, Sri Lanka’s average applied import duty was down to 9.1 percent compared to India’s 32 percent and Pakistan’s 20 percent.

Sri Lanka was also the prime mover in South Asian trade agreements with the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) of 2000. It would have also been the first in South Asia to enter a trade agreement covering services and investment had it stuck with the 2004 deadline set by the Joint Study Group for the Indo-Lanka Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
All along economic analysts smiled upon these developments. Sri Lanka was seen as a beneficiary of its boldness.

Sri Lanka: Rape by UNHCR staff - UN Judge Rules In Long-Running Investigator's Case

Associated Press/John Heilprin - Former U.N. refugee agency investigator Caroline Hunt-Matthes poses Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in front of her former employer’s headquarters in Geneva.

GENEVA (AP) — After nine years of legal wrangling, former U.N. investigator Caroline Hunt-Matthes has won a judgment that she was unfairly punished for documenting a woman's rape case in Sri Lanka a decade ago.
Hunt-Matthes told The Associated Press on Wednesday the long-running case is "a consummate story of abuse of power" by U.N.'s oversight unit.

Militarisation as Panacea: Development and Reconciliation in Post-War Sri Lanka

Mullaithivu area road contraction & development work
-pic courtesy of: Northern Provincial Council.lk

Ambika Satkunanathan

Is it possible to secure the dignity, rights and well-being of a conflict-affected population by incorporating them into a military juggernaut that has quickly grown to dominate all spheres of life?
The creeping militarization of Sri Lanka which followed the end of armed conflict in 2009 has now, four years later, become normalised and entrenched. During the years of the war the impact of militarization was felt mainly in the North and East. However, following the end of the war, systematic militarization has been taking place throughout the country. Its impact on the lives of those in conflict-affected areas is visible and severe. Driving through Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya gives the lie to repeated denials by the government there is a heavy military presence in the North, particularly in comparison to other parts of the country. For instance, the camps of the 22nd Battalion, Gajaba Regiment, 574 Brigade, 682 Brigade, 681 Brigade, 591 Brigade, 59 Division, 14th Battalion, 68 Division, HQ 571 Brigade, 573 Brigade, 561 Brigade and 682 Brigade are just a few that are visible to any visitor to the area.

UNP initial draft for constitutional change: Ex. Presidency to go, Unitary State to remain

This is the full text of draft New Constitution proposed by United National Party. This draft constitution will be submitted for the approval of the people from tomorrow for suitable amendments.

SL governor orders removal of Tamil church in East

The Sinhala colonial governor of the Eastern Province, Rear Admiral (retd.) Mohan Wijewickrema, has instructed officials under him to remove a Catholic church that has been constructed by the uprooted people of Naavaladi village in Moothoor division of Trincomalee district, informed civil sources in Trincomalee said. The people of Naavaladi village, uprooted in 2006, have resettled at a nearby locality to their native village as the occupying Sri Lankan military was refusing entry to their own lands has established the church for their worship at the new location, which has also been named Naavaladi.

Maithripala to write to Swiss Govt. on why he was provided extra security

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, who had attended three conferences in Geneva recently, is to address a letter through the Ministry of External Affairs, to inquire why the Swiss Government had provided him a special bullet-proof vehicle and exclusive security, during his stay in Switzerland.

Fourth TNA MP summoned to TID

The Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) has asked Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian, Appathurai Vinayagamoorthy, to appear for an interrogation on 25 May, sources said. However, the parliamentarian, citing a health condition, had refused to appear before the TID on the said date. He has now been asked to appear on a given date in June, sources added.

Lanka among poor paying countries

Sri Lanka is among the countries with exceptionally poor pay in the world, according to the annual International Geographic Salary Differentials report from Mercer.
Five countries from 75 countries covered in a study have exceptionally poor pay rankings and sit at the bottom of the table.

Sihala Ravaya monks and junks attack Kollupitiya meat shops – police refuse to record complaints

Unruly  gaang led y Monks

The monks of Sihala Ravaya and a gang of goons who behaved violently at Kollupitiya this morning demanding the body of the monk who committed suicide, had entered the Kollupitiya municipal people’s market and attacked the meat stalls there . They have forcibly taken out the meat and goods that were there and thrown them out, according to reports.

Freedom of Assembly in Sri Lanka[1]

Four years since the end of the war, restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms that were in place during the war in the name of ‘national security’ are largely unchanged.[2] The Government has systematically sought to suppress dissent and in particular, peaceful assembly, though this is a fundamental right guaranteed under constitution and an obligation under the international law.[3] Dissidents of the government participating in peaceful assembly have been attacked, arrested, threatened, obstructed and subjected to intimidating surveillance of the Government through the police, military and other supporters.

That problematic 13 A

Dilrukshi Handunnetti When the Sixth Amendment to the 1978 Constitution became law on 8 August 1983, the practical result was not a nation committed to the concept of territorial sovereignty, but the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) members walking out of Parliament in absolute political rage. The Sri Lankan Parliament and polity had been deeply divided ever since, and the country was subsequently consumed by ethnic violence.

In the four years since the defeat of terrorism, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in the reconciliation process - Ravinatha Aryasinha

At the outset, Sri Lanka wishes to associate itself with the statement made on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
My delegation takes note of the High Commissioner’s statement and is firmly committed to supporting the High Commissioner in the discharge of her mandate as contained in GA Resolution 48/141.
Sri Lanka urges the OHCHR to redouble its efforts in mainstreaming economic, social and cultural rights, which remain disproportionately marginalized, by allocating more financial and human resources to the promotion and protection of these rights.

Sri Lanka: Systematic Attacks on Freedom of Expression and the Media Requires Specific Attention of the Human Rights Council

Attacks on freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, particularly against the media, continue to persist as journalists and civil society organizations in the country find themselves operating in an extremely restrictive and dangerous climate. During its 22nd regular session in March 2013, the Human Rights Council expressed concern about violations of the right to freedom of expression and the intimidation of journalists in Sri Lanka. The government’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has also observed that it was “deeply disturbed by persistent reports concerning attacks on journalists and media institutions and killing of journalists”.

The US failure to shut down the Guantanamo camp is an example of the struggle against terrorism failing to uphold human rights

Human Rights Council 23rd Session;  Opening Statement by  High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay

Mr. President,
Distinguished Members of the Human Rights Council,
Excellencies and colleagues,
            It is, as ever, an honour to open this session of the Human Rights Council. I come to this task today in the hope that we will be able to spark tangible action to stop theescalating bloodshed and suffering in Syria, which after 26 months has become an intolerable affront to the human conscience.

Sri Lanka not revealing fiscal data according to law: legislator

 Sri Lanka current administration is breaking the law in withholding information that should be filed in parliament under a fiscal responsibility law, which should be corrected from this year, a legislator has said.
"By 30th June they are bound to present to parliament the estimates and actual income, expenditure cash flows and loans obtained," United National Party legislator Harsha de Silva, an economist told reporters.
"All these years they have not been doing so, in violation of the constitution and the laws of this country."

Customs: What the devil is happening? - Editorial, Daily Mirror

With corruption raging at its worst-ever levels and hundreds of millions of rupees in public money being plundered by state officers and private racketeers the Customs Department--instead of helping to fight corruption inside the department and by import-export racketeers appears to be adding more oil to the palm.
According to media reports the Customs Director General Jagath P. Wijeweera has issued a directive curbing the powers of Customs Officers to conduct surprise raids on alleged financial swindlers. His directive insists that Customs Officers, before making any raids on alleged swindlers must make a submission providing all details to a director and obtain what is strangely called a “Writ of Assistance”.

People oppose erection of Buddha statue at the entry of Batticaloa.

Permission is granted to erect the Buddha statue at the entry of the high way leading to north of Batticaloa town, and most of the city people has expressed their grief.
Information reveals that the Highways Development Department has sanctioned for the erection of a Buddha statue, to the request made by the Batticaloa town Mangalaramaya Chapter.

Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter Declared by Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam

Tamil groups from around the world, coordinated by the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), initiated the process of drafting the Freedom Charter, through extensive consultation from Tamils worldwide.
Aspiring to take the Vaddukoddai Resolution forward as the TGTE moves towards realizing its goal, and taking inspiration from Britain’s Ma’gna Car’ta, the Freedom Charter of the African National Congress (ANC) as well as the Palestinian National Charter, the Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter “will enshrine the ‘Freedom Demands’ of the people.” the Prime Minister Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran said.

Leftist ministers meet TNA to re-assure their support for the 13 A

The three Leftist ministers in the government, Prof. Tissa Vitarana, D.E.W. Gunasekera and Vasudeva Nanayakkara have expressed solidarity with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in fully implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Leader of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and Minister of Technology and Research, Prof. Vitarana, General Secretary of the Communist Party (CP) and Minister of Human Resources, D.E.W. Gunasekera, and Leader of the Democratic Left Front (DLF) and Minister of National Languages and Social Integration, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, had met a group of TNA Parliamentarians at the Parliament Complex on Wednesday (22).

* Sri Lanka Tamil party calls for full power devolution to provinces

Northern Province

May 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka's major Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has insisted on complete power devolution to the provinces through the 13th Amendment to the Constitution since problems over the provincial councils are due to the incomplete devolution of power by successive governments.

TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said yesterday that the respective governments had appointed committees that have made various proposals but the problems over the provincial councils in the country have not been resolved through the years.

13th Amendment could cause another conflict: Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has opposed the holding of Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections, saying empowering a “hostile” provincial administration with land and police powers will have grave repercussions.

In a warning to the government on Thursday, he said: “police powers in the hands of those still pursuing a separatist agenda can pose a severe threat to national security,” according to national daily The Island here.

Mr. Rajapaksa was referring to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which many political commentators here believe is likely to win the election, should it be held in September.

Land Expropriation and Deception in Keppapilavu; the regime’s anti-Tamil agenda can be captured in this single land notice

“Resettlement” in Sooripuram

The Social Architects
Introduction
During the civil war’s final phases, more than 300,000 people were displaced; the majority of those internally displaced persons (IDPs) were eventually relocated to IDP camps – with Menik[1] Farm[2] (Vavuniya) being the largest IDP camp. The conditions in Sri Lanka’s IDP camps were – to say the least – substandard. Attempting to deflect international pressure, the Government of Sri Lanka closed Menik Farm in September 2012.

JHU wants to mobilize masses against 13 A

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) Parliamentarian, Athuraliye Rathana Thera said, yesterday the government must be compelled to change its stand on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution through public mobilization.

Land acquisition by occupying military challenged in Sri Lanka Courts

Following a writ-application filed at the Sri Lankan Court of Appeal by 1,474 Eezham Tamils owning lands in Valikaamam North on 14 May, which was an initiative taken by Colombo-based lawyers, including those belonging to the Tamil National Alliance, a group of lawyers based in Jaffna have filed legal action in Sri Lankan Supreme Court on 22 May, challenging the publication of the Section 2 notice to acquire lands from the owners in Valikaamam North.

MoU signed with Trincomalee UC: US embassy will have to show cause

The Government yesterday stressed that the U.S embassy as any other foreign mission based in Colombo should get prior approval to engage with local government authorities.
According to External Affairs Ministry Secretary Dr. Karunathilake Amunugama, foreign missions should either inform or get prior approval to implement any project in agreement with the local government authorities.

Military organises Buddhist festival in the North

defence.lk

Defense ministry sources say that a Vesak Zone and over 50 Dansals are held today in Jaffna (24) on behalf of the Vesak Poya day.Rice, Manioc, Fruits, Cool drinks, Coffee and many other dansals will be held today. 

TNA activist in Ampaa'rai abducted, tortured after meeting against land grab

An armed squad that came in a white van on Tuesday abducted a 68-year-old activist, Thangathurai Veluppillai, a supporter of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in Ampaa'rai district. The victim was blindfolded while he was at Kalmunai public market and was taken away by the squad that tortured him to obtain the names of the TNA activists in Ampaa'rai district.

Defence secretary Rajapaksha opposes NPC polls; wanrs of grave repercussions

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday warned the government of dire consequences in case the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won the first northern provincial council election.The Defence Secretary was responding to a statement attributed to Petroleum Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, at Wednesday’s post-cabinet media briefing, that the election would be held in accordance with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

I listen to President bec he is the father of the Nation - Douglas Devananda

Douglas with the father of the Nation

‘I am not happy about how the northern land issue is being handled’  .
Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) Leader Douglas Devananda who currently serves as the Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister of the Cabinet speaks to Daily Mirror on a wide range of issues from the planned Northern Provincial Council election to   the alleged land-grabbing in the north. Minister Devananda stood against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) even during the height of terrorism.

Sri Lanka police probe German NGO Friedrich Naumann Foundation

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka police has commenced an investigation on the Friedrich Naumann Foundation to ascertain whether the German NGO has acted within the country beyond its given legal mandate.

State sovereignty Vs External interference in relation to foreign funding for NGOs

Maina Kiai: Where domestic funding is scarce or unduly restricted, it is critical for associations to be free to rely on foreign assistance in order to carry out their activities

Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

27. In recent years, the protection of State sovereignty or of the State’s traditional values against external interference has also been increasingly invoked to restrict foreign funding or to launch slander offensives against those receiving foreign funding.

Occupying STF seizes 600 acres of farmland in Poththuvil

Sinhala Buddhist extremists, with the backing of the occupying Sri Lankan government in Colombo, have planned to appropriate about six hundred acres of paddy fields belonging to Muslims and Tamils in Pasarich-cheanai in Poththuvil electorate in Ampaa'rai district, claiming that the said lands belong to Sinhala Buddhists.

A Religious Police for the Rajapaksas

Tisaranee Gunasekara
“The BBS will take immediate steps to form a ‘Cane Force’ against those who act in a manner insulting to Buddhism during the Wesak season”. - Rev. Galagoda-Atte Gnanasara Thero (Lankadeepa – 17.5.2013)

Occupying STF seizes 600 acres of farmland in Poththuvil

Sinhala Buddhist extremists, with the backing of the occupying Sri Lankan government in Colombo, have planned to appropriate about six hundred acres of paddy fields belonging to Muslims and Tamils in Pasarich-cheanai in Poththuvil electorate in Ampaa'rai district, claiming that the said lands belong to Sinhala Buddhists. The paddy fields are located east of Naavilaa'ru at Poovarasadith-thoaddam in Poththuvil DS division.

It is NGOs that disrupt religious harmony, trying to dislodge Buddhism form its place - President

'Mahasangha should be well-informed of plots to rouse communal tensions'
The Mahasangha should be more concerned and well-informed about a situation being plotted to rouse communal tensions and create a crisis situation among religions and sects of the same religion to breach the religious harmony in the country. It is evident that certain NGOs are drafting agendas to dislodge the place given to Buddhism in the constitution. But the government will never allow these forces to achieve their sinister targets, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Ruling coalition partner, JHU presents motion in Parliament to repeal 13th Amendment

Whereas the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was purportedly enacted, consequent to the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord being entered into between the President of Sri Lanka and the Prime Minister of India in 1987 under duress in defiance of the sovereignty of the people of Sri Lanka and ;

Sri Lanka says no moves to stop power devolution to Tamil minority

The Sri Lankan government denied plans to roll back power sharing mechanisms with the Tamil minority on Wednesday despite ruling coalition parties' attempting to stop long overdue elections in the former war-torn north.
JHU MP and Technology and Research Minister Champika Ranawaka announced on Tuesday plans to present an act in parliament next week to abolish provincial councils and the 13th Amendment.

Lankan army to reduce military presence at former LTTE stronghold in north

Sri Lanka Army has said that it would reduce the number of military camps in former rebel stronghold of northern Jaffna and hand over lands back to their original owners.
"We will reduce the existing 17 military camps in Jaffna to just three," Army chief Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya said.

No money for life-saving drugs; Second-degree murder - Editorial , Daily Mirror

The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), which supplies life- saving or essential drugs to public hospitals and medical clinics, was reported yesterday to have run out of funds to buy drugs because the Treasury had cut the Health Ministry’s budgetary allocation by Rs. five billion.

CJ Mohan Peiris show true colours: "We don't send nursery children to quell a siege. You've got to expect injuries."

Nimalaruban's mother: A mother waiting for justice

The Fundamental Rights case of Ganeshan Nimalaruban was taken before the Supreme Court yesterday.
The Bench consisted of: Mohan Peiris CJ, P. A Ratnayake PC J and S Hettige J.
In the course of submissions by the petitioner's lawyers, Chief Justice Mohan Peiris made the following remarks:
"When the prison is under siege do you want the prisons commissioner have to read to them the Geneva Conventions?"

Assault on dissent thrives in Sri Lanka’s climate of impunity: Amnesty International

Four years have passed since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities continue to deny mounting evidence of crimes under international law committed by its forces during Sri Lanka’s protracted armed conflict. They also attempt to stop their own citizens from communicating with the UN and other international bodies about serious violations they have witnessed.

Failed projects in Hambantota and The Govt's next target?

MR Air Port: Planes only in the drawing

Chrishanthi Christopher
In recent times, National Freedom Front Leader, and Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities, Wimal Weerawansa, has been vociferously attacking Treasury Secretary, P.B. Jayasundera, blaming him for all the economic woes of the government, alleging high levels of corruption in the Finance Ministry. The allegations against Jayasundera have been endless since early February this year.

Sunila has given to the world, now it's time to give to her!

We are writing to ask you to join a solidarity effort for our dear friend Sunila Abeysekera, a leading women’s human rights defender, who is in a life struggle with cancer.

US State Dept Expresses Concerns Over Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka

Anti minority Violence by  Buddhist monks is on the increase

''Buddhist monks were under the protection of the ruling coalition government. Some monks, particularly outside the capital of Colombo, operated with impunity in trying to eliminate Christian and Muslim places of worship. At least 50 incidents of violence against Christians were recorded by Christian groups during the year.. ''

Warranted Sudharman roams freely with Gota .

Sudharman Radaliyagoda in white shirt with police top brass after arrest warrant issued

Deputy General Manager of the state owned ITN station, Sudharman Radaliyagoda who is under a police warrant to be arrested for the past one year and 10 months was yesterday seen walking freely with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

JMO in charge of Matale mass grave also to be transferred

Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Ajith Jayasena of Matale District Hospital who was in charge of the scientific examination of the skeletons found in Matale mass grave has been transferred to Kurunegala General Hospital with immediate effect.

He is to commence his duties at Kurunegala Hospital starting from today (20).

Sri Lanka: No Progress 4 Years On; Since War’s End an Erosion of Rights, Absence of Accountability - HRW

In Colombo Military might was on display (photo: www.defence.lk)

Four years after Sri Lanka’s horrific civil war ended, many Sri Lankans await justice for the victims of abuses, news of the ‘disappeared,’ and respect for their basic rights. Instead, the Rajapaksa government has rejected investigations, clamped down harder on the media, and persisted in wartime abuses such as torture.

--Brad Adams, Asia director

Reconciliation, Rights & Freedom: Four years after the end of war in Sri Lanka

Jaffna: Tamils coming out form a Hindu Kovil ( Photo IB Times)

Ruki Fernando 
It is now 4 years after the end of the war. The way we Sri Lankans will remember the end of the war is likely to demonstrate once again how divided we are, as North and South, as Sinhalese and Tamils.Some Tamil friends in the North told me that they will try to have some events to remember the large numbers who were killed and disappeared, despite the past threats and intimidations.

Govt Minister tell India that ''We will manage our own business. You manage yours''

The differences of opinion over the 13th Amendment to the Constitution among the constituent parties of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have come to the surface with Parliamentary Group Leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) threatening to take to the streets, if the government goes ahead with the Northern Provincial Council elections scheduled for September this year.

Russia to donate eight helicopters to SL .

Russia announced that it has taken steps to provide eight large helicopters to Sri Lanka as a total donation; the Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Office said quoting visiting Head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independence States-Russia Konstantin Kosachev.

Varsity student leaders remain under State threat: IUSF Convener

Threats to university students continue, said the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) Convener, Sanjeewa Bandara. According to the student leader, more students and their parents have been threatened by ‘security personnel’ demanding they stop all union activities within the universities.

CHOGM: the position of UK explained

With the official announcement that Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague will attend the CHOGM in Colombo, the British Government has hurriedly put together its official position. In the absence of Premier Cameron, who was away in the United States, his deputy Nick Clegg fielded questions in the House of Commons.

Sri Lanka retreats into the dark ages

As lights are dimmed over Sri Lanka following prohibitively crushing electricity hikes, the enveloping darkness is menacingly symbolic of the crisis which our society is facing.

This is even as the politically privileged siphon off massive amounts of money for useless extravaganzas, including an airport in the deep South to which overseas airlines are reportedly suspending operations, not long after a grand ceremonial opening. Wastage on luxury cars and other expenses associated with the upcoming Commonwealth summit is all part of the same excruciatingly painful pattern.

SL Police arrests TNPF politicians on Mu'l'livaaykkaal Remembrance Day in Mannaar

Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) politician and former parliamentarian Selvaraja Kajendran and Visvalingam Manivannan of the TNPF and thirteen other TNPF activists were arrested by the Sri Lankan Police at Mannaar Saturday afternoon while they were attending a Mu'l'livaaykkaal Remembrance Day function.

Sri Lanka Tamils defy ban on rebel memorial

AFP/Ishara S.Kodikara - Sri Lankan soldiers hold a Victory Day parade in Colombo, on May 18, 2013.  

Sri Lanka's main opposition Tamil party Saturday defied a military ban and staged a commemoration of their war dead as the government celebrated the fourth anniversary of defeating Tamil Tiger rebels.

India asks Sri Lanka not to take any step regarding provincial powers

PTI
''Salman Khurshid telephoned his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris and also raised the issue of 26 Indian fishermen who are in detention.Salman Khurshid telephoned his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris and also raised the issue of 26 Indian fishermen who are in detention.''

Muslim Organizations in Sri Lanka Join Hands to Form an ICC “Shoora”( Interim Consultative Council )

Latheef Farook
For the first time almost all Muslim religious, social and cultural and other organizations and groups, buried their differences, and met in one platform under one roof at Wellawatta Miami Reception Hall on Thursday 2 May 2013 to announce the formation of an Interim Consultative(Shoora) Council-ICC.

Ethnic triumphalism and instead focused on commemorating all victims marks the 4th anniversary of the end of the war:

Media Release/WAR VICTORY CELEBRATIONS WILL NOT HELP TO WIN OVER ALL WHO ARE THE SRI LANKAN PEOPLE

May 19 will mark the 4th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka’s three decade long civil war, but with absence of a joint commemoration to remember all who lost their lives in it as recommended by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).  

In Sri Lanka, a new divide brings back old fears

AP AGAINST HATE: Disquiet has increased as a Buddhist group fanning anti-Muslim sentiments is allowed to get away lightly.

A series of incidents has created anxiety among the country’s minority Muslims that they are being targeted by a resurgent Buddhist nationalism

More than a month after Fashion Bug, a popular clothes store in the Sri Lankan capital, was vandalised, business is back to normal. Shoppers cram into the Muslim-owned store as the Buddhist holiday season for Vesak (in India, Buddha Purnima) begins this month-end.

Freedom of assembly in post-war Sri Lanka

 Vikalpa photo

Riki Fernando
The war in Sri Lanka ended on 18^th May 2009. During three decades of war, civil liberties were severely curtailed, often in an arbitrary manner, without possibilities of challenging them or seeking remedies through independent bodies. The Ministry of Defense, the military and police reigned supreme. Even judicial discretion was curtailed, with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) compelling Judges to obey wishes of the Ministry of Defense and the police through the Attorney General’s department when it came to remanding people, bail etc.

Disunity – the bane of Tamil politics

Maneckshaw  The Tamil political parties have never demonstrated sufficient unity in the pursuit of a constructive solution to the Tamil question. Alliances were often formed, bringing together Tamil political parties with divergent ideologies under one umbrella. But their political conduct has not resulted in the achievement of their political goals.

Govt. willing to probe Channel 4 allegations

The Ministry of External Affairs said yesterday the Sri Lankan Government is willing to probe war crime allegations made by Channel 4 in the Sri Lanka's Killing Fields video, provided the UK-based television broadcaster hands over the original video documentary to check whether the footage is genuine or ‘doctored.’

FUTA condemns all acts of intimidation and aggression against the academic community including students

The Federation of Peradeniya University Teachers’ Associations (FPUTA), comprising eight sister unions, was profoundly disturbed by the report that the President of the Peradeniya Student Union (PSU), Mr. Janaka Nilanga Madushan, was threatened with his life by a group claiming to be of the CID yesterday, May 14th, 2013, at 6:30pm.

Azath Salley 'affidavit' illegal - Vickramabahu Karunarathne

Azath Salley was arrested under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and he has been now released due to the campaign for his release by national and international democratic forces.
The unlawful arrest and detention of Azath was thus defeated though he has been a vocal critic of the extremist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) and the anti–Muslim activities of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), and had been actively involved in efforts to initiate legal action against both groups.

Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter to be Declared on May 18th - the 4th Anniversary of Mass Killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

• Several renowned international personalities and dignitaries are attending this event to give their support.

• As Tamils envision the future and look forward to the fruition of Tamil Eelam, the Freedom Charter containing the Freedom Demands of Tamils worldwide, would be a cornerstone of Tamil's Freedom.

Sri Lanka hype runs out as economy struggles

 (AFP)
 After crushing Tamil rebels four years ago Sri Lanka expected to become South Asia’s tiger economy, but exuberance has given way to mediocre growth and fears of more trouble ahead.
The country was almost broke when troops defeated separatist Tamil Tigers in May 2009, but Colombo predicted that ending 37 years of bloodshed alone would jump-start the economy and make Sri Lanka the ‘Singapore of South Asia’.

SRI LANKA: A radical abdication of the court's authority – a blow to the separation of powers

Chief Justice Mohan Peiris stopped further inquiries into a Fundamental Rights application yesterday, stating that the courts do not have the technical competence to go into the issues raised in the case. This decision was made in a case filed against the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation. The BBC Sinhala service reported that the Chief Justice further went on to state that the lawyers should not file cases relating to all problems within Sri Lanka.

SRI LANKA: Two testimonies on enforced self paralysis

Lal Wickrematunge, the brother of the assassinated editor of the Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickrematunge, and until very recently the owner of Leader Publications, spoke yesterday to the BBC Sinhala Service. He stated that it is dangerous today to be engaged in publication work in Sri Lanka. Giving views other than the government's version of things is almost impossible. Under the present conditions media personnel are afraid to engage in free reporting.

All Sinhala jury frees solider from death penalty for killing 5 Muslims

An Army soldier who was sentenced to death over charges of gunning down 5 Muslims including a child was found not guilty and acquitted by a jury at Anurdhapura High Court.
A seven member jury before the North Central Provincial High Court judge, Sunanda Kumara Ratnayake made the decision following a hearing of evidence.

Privatization of university education for the benifit of 2% super rich What’s next to sell?

A massive protest was organised by the Medical Faculty Students’ Union of the Colombo Medical College, in front of the Faculty last week, against the intake of unqualified local and foreign students into local universities for the academic year 2011/2012, for LKR 7.5 million per head. The second appeal to the Government was to withdraw the students of the Kothalawala Defence Academy which is run under the Ministry of Defence and in the process of privatisation, from hospitals attached to local universities which are maintained under the Ministry of Higher Education, when receiving clinical training.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner tells BBC that IBAHRI is ‘absolutely welcome to come in’

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom’s recent public statement that IBAHRI representatives will be granted visas to enter Sri Lanka.

It would be disastrous for Tamils if the government grabs the Northern Provincial Council

 Dr Kumar David

I will deal with the long overdue provincial council elections in the Northern Province, a political storm that has broken out as a consequence of an electricity price hike imposed with effect from 20 April, and two minor issues.
There is a vigorous campaign in the media, no doubt the government is pulling the strings from behind, that it is dangerous, undesirable, or whatever excuse one wishes to trot out, to hold provincial council elections in the Northern Province.

Another leading LTTE supporter/arms procurer opt for rehabilitation instead of prison

Former leading Tigers now serving Rajapaksha regime: KP, LTTE leader after  Prabhakaran, Karuna, Eastern leader, No 2 of LTTE, Thamalini, Leader Female section, LTTE

Making an open statement to the courts Gunasundaram Jeyasundaram a onetime LTTE supporter and arms procurer said that he profoundly regretted supporting the LTTE leader and denounced him and his violent behaviour. 

Sri Lanka Navy and Special Task Force Grab 1220 Acres of Forest Land in Panama Chasing Sinhala Villagers Away

Nirmala Kannangara
The Sri Lanka Navy and the Special Task Force (STF) are accused of grabbing 1,220 acres of forestlands in Shasthrawela, Ragamwela, Ulpassawela, Horowkanda and Ella in Panama chasing away the villagers whose forefathers too had been occupying these lands even during the Uva-Wellassa rebellion

That illusive Northern Election

From time to time, politicians from the South, especially during various phases of political negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), have dangled a particular carrot before the Tamil community from the North and East – elections in the provinces to elect their own representatives.

Tamils in SriLanka: A People Without a Story

Kamal Kishore/Reuters — Corbis,Tamil man sweeping at a mass cemetery of Tamil Tigers.

By AATISH TASEER

FOUR years ago this week, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam announced that their struggle for an independent homeland in northern Sri Lanka had “reached its bitter end.” The group had been fighting on behalf of the Tamil people for more than a quarter-century, and its defeat was absolute.

SLMC issues ultimatum to Hakeem

Minister of Justice and Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Rauff Hakeem, has been given an ultimatum of one month by his party hierarchy to deal with the government over the alleged harassment and intimidation of the Muslims in the country and to arrive at a solution to the problem, sources said.

BASL urges stop to harassment of CJ43 Shirani Bandaranayake

The Executive Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) passed a resolution on Friday evening urging the authorities immediately stop harassing and humiliating Chief Justice 43 Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. A BASL spokesperson said the BASL Executive Committee (Ex-co) deplored that Dr. Bandaranayake has been subjected to what it regarded as an “absolute unnecessary harassment and humiliation.”

Make no mistake: this is a collective danger that we are facing

We are perfectly entitled to be antagonistic towards the government

So is humiliating or being antagonistic towards the Government the latest excuse that will be used to invoke the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA, 1979) against critics?

BBS US tour had the blessings of the Ministry of Defence - BBS

Gnanasara Thera on the left having meals during the US tour

General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, confirmed that he and certain other members of the movement had met with some of the members of the Tamil Diaspora in the US and the meeting was initiated by a Norwegian well-wisher.