It would only be fair to conclude that like thousands of her fellow countrymen, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has probably been genuinely moved by the UN panel report on war crimes and human rights violations during the Eelam War. ..So there is a strong possibility that she might scale down her rhetoric on Sri Lanka Tamil issue to enable New Delhi to take positive steps to meet her demands midway. In real terms India’s Sri Lanka policy in the coming months may turn out to be less tilted in total support of Mahinda Rajapaksa as in the past.
18 May 2011,
By Col R Hariharan
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Calls for war-crimes probe escalate as Tamils commemorate massacre
18 May 2011,
Amid increasing calls by world's premier human rights NGOs, newly elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for independent international investigations into alleged accusations of war-crimes committed by Sri Lanka on Tamils, Tamil expatriates in several countries in the West are preparing to commemorate the massacre of Tamil civilians during the final phase of Sri Lanka war.
Amid increasing calls by world's premier human rights NGOs, newly elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for independent international investigations into alleged accusations of war-crimes committed by Sri Lanka on Tamils, Tamil expatriates in several countries in the West are preparing to commemorate the massacre of Tamil civilians during the final phase of Sri Lanka war.
Sri Lanka congratulates Jaya, wants to ‘work with her’
Within days of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa becoming new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Sri Lanka has reached out to her through a “congratulatory” letter by Foreign Minister Prof G L Peiris.
Interestingly, this comes three weeks after Jayalalithaa had asked the Centre to take immediate steps to make Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his aides stand trial in the International Court of Justice for their “war crimes”. The statement was made during an election speech.
Interestingly, this comes three weeks after Jayalalithaa had asked the Centre to take immediate steps to make Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his aides stand trial in the International Court of Justice for their “war crimes”. The statement was made during an election speech.
Some Quick Reflections on the Legislative Process in Sri Lanka
This made me reflect on the accuracy of the oft made statement that Sri Lanka is such a great democracy because large numbers turn out at the polls and elect, in certain instances, perhaps some of the worst criminals in the country who then become ministers, deputies and monitors.
10 May, 2011. by Harsha de Silva Ph.D
I am on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix, Arizona to St Louis, Missouri having enjoyed the only break in the rigorous seven week Eisenhower Fellowship program at the Grand Canyon, America’s great natural wonder.
Making ‘ kalakanni’s out of ‘creme de la creme’
A response to Minster of Higher Education, S. B. Dissanayake
We need to point out that Mr. Dissanayaka’s kalakannis are not magically produced in four years at university. They are a culmination of years of hard work by many branches of society. Accepting sole credit for this dead weight would be irresponsible on our part. Many, many stakeholders have contributed to making these kalakannis. Stakeholders such as their families, school teachers, tuition masters, the University Grants Commission, self appointed student leaders, and of course let us not forget many Ministers of Higher Education have helped them along as well.
We need to point out that Mr. Dissanayaka’s kalakannis are not magically produced in four years at university. They are a culmination of years of hard work by many branches of society. Accepting sole credit for this dead weight would be irresponsible on our part. Many, many stakeholders have contributed to making these kalakannis. Stakeholders such as their families, school teachers, tuition masters, the University Grants Commission, self appointed student leaders, and of course let us not forget many Ministers of Higher Education have helped them along as well.
Reprocessing discipline the hard way
If they are not mere words of wooing, laptop with internet is clearly something to go for, if only the venue was other than a military establishment.16 May 2011
Military leadership training is such a vague description for the newest addition to the university curricula, which will commence on May 23, in numerous army camps islandwide. The proposed training programme is supposed to discipline the first-year undergraduates while boosting their confidence.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Another man is severely assaulted by the Inginiyagala Police
Mr. P W Cyril Sarath Kumara (26) of No: 6 B/59 A, Ambagahawella, Paragahakelle, Ampara, is a farmer by profession.
On 4 April 2011 he was at Ambagahawela, Paragahakelle in the village along with a few other villagers. As it was the New Year celebration period several villagers were playing cards. At around 11pm several police officers including Police Constable (PC) Roshan, Police Sergeant (PS) Lal, Weerakoon , Chaminda, Karu of the Civil Defense Force all attached to the Inginiyagala Police Station arrived and started to brutally assault the persons in that place with batons.
On 4 April 2011 he was at Ambagahawela, Paragahakelle in the village along with a few other villagers. As it was the New Year celebration period several villagers were playing cards. At around 11pm several police officers including Police Constable (PC) Roshan, Police Sergeant (PS) Lal, Weerakoon , Chaminda, Karu of the Civil Defense Force all attached to the Inginiyagala Police Station arrived and started to brutally assault the persons in that place with batons.
Sri Lanka’s response to UN report has been simply reject it outright, but need for truth has never been stronger
17 May 2011.
By Yolanda Foster, Amnesty International’s Sri Lanka researcher
It’s now 2 years since the end of the war between the Sri Lankan security forces and the Tamil Tigers. To many, the Sri Lankan conflict may seem strangely remote. For survivors and those of us who monitored the abuses during the war, the month of May will never be quite the same.
By Yolanda Foster, Amnesty International’s Sri Lanka researcher
It’s now 2 years since the end of the war between the Sri Lankan security forces and the Tamil Tigers. To many, the Sri Lankan conflict may seem strangely remote. For survivors and those of us who monitored the abuses during the war, the month of May will never be quite the same.
Joint Press Statement issued on the occasion of the visit of Hon′ble Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka to India
The External Affairs Minister of India urged the expeditious implementation of measures by the Government of Sri Lanka, to ensure resettlement and genuine reconciliation, including early return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective homes, early withdrawal of emergency regulations, investigations into allegations of human rights violations, restoration of normalcy in affected areas and redress of humanitarian concerns of affected families.
Pillayan’s house searched
by Easwaran Rutnam /17 May 2011
The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) is to hold an urgent meeting tomorrow after the house of Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan was subjected to a sudden police search this evening.
A TMVP official said that plain clothed officers entered the residence of the Chief Minister and searched his house before leaving. The official did not say if the officers had recovered anything.
The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) is to hold an urgent meeting tomorrow after the house of Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan was subjected to a sudden police search this evening.
A TMVP official said that plain clothed officers entered the residence of the Chief Minister and searched his house before leaving. The official did not say if the officers had recovered anything.
India calls on Sri Lanka to probe rights record
NEW DELHI — India broke with past practice on Tuesday and called on Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of human rights abuses during the island's civil war, upping pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse.
India has not joined recent demands from the United Nations and Western countries for a probe into alleged war crimes committed during the final stages of the conflict which ended in May 2009 with the crushing of Tamil rebels.
India has not joined recent demands from the United Nations and Western countries for a probe into alleged war crimes committed during the final stages of the conflict which ended in May 2009 with the crushing of Tamil rebels.
UNSG panel report - Responses of the international community
Report of the Secretary General's panel of experts on accountability in Sri Lanka -Responses of the international community
by Sunanda Deshapriya
Summary:
The report of the panel of experts appointed by the UNSG on accountability issues in Sri Lanka was officially released on 25th April 2011. Since then growing number of countries have been expressing their stand on the report. China and Russia has supported the GOSL against the panel recommendations.
How will Delhi listen to Jayalalithaa calling Rajapaksa a ‘war criminal’?
The Rajapaksas need to know that DMK and Karunanidhi were at one time the all powerful family dynasty, the kleptomaniacs in Tamil Nadu life. It took only a single slogan to leave them battered and bruised like a limbless Gulliver. Politics and repressive power over a deceived people, have always been temporary and pretty dangerous at the end.
15 May, 2011
by Kusal Perera
“Declare Rajapakse a war criminal: Jayalalithaa tells Centre” was a banner headline on 13 Friday in the “Indian Express”, following AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa’s march to victory, at the Tamil Nadu assembly elections concluded last week
Govt. plunders 130,000 acres of people’s lands
More than 130,000 acres of paddy lands, 47 tanks, 14 islands and several lagoons that had been used for fishing have been taken over by the government for various purposes.
The government has seized more than 25,000 acres from Monaragala District and over 35,000 acres from Trincomalee District.3000 to 5000 acres of lands have been seized by the government from several other districts as well.
The government has seized more than 25,000 acres from Monaragala District and over 35,000 acres from Trincomalee District.3000 to 5000 acres of lands have been seized by the government from several other districts as well.
SB reveals his aim of training for university students in Army camps
15 May 2011
At the intended leadership training in Army camps for new entrees for universities the freshers will be taught how to wake up early morning, brush their teeth, wash their faces and how to take their meals properly says the Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake. He had said there is no other place to give such training to new university entrees than the training in Army camps.
At the intended leadership training in Army camps for new entrees for universities the freshers will be taught how to wake up early morning, brush their teeth, wash their faces and how to take their meals properly says the Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake. He had said there is no other place to give such training to new university entrees than the training in Army camps.
New Zealand UN panel report on Sri Lanka
The report has noted obstacles to accountability in Sri Lanka. Should these persist and the Sri Lankan Government is unable to address the concerns detailed in the Panel’s report, I am certain the international community, including New Zealand, will be open to considering appropriate international investigative mechanisms to bring justice and accountability to the victims of the Sri Lankan war.
SB reveals his aim of training for university students in Army camps
15 May 2011
At the intended leadership training in Army camps for new entrees for universities the freshers will be taught how to wake up early morning, brush their teeth, wash their faces and how to take their meals properly says the Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake. He had said there is no other place to give such training to new university entrees than the training in Army camps.
At the intended leadership training in Army camps for new entrees for universities the freshers will be taught how to wake up early morning, brush their teeth, wash their faces and how to take their meals properly says the Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake. He had said there is no other place to give such training to new university entrees than the training in Army camps.
Govt. plunders 130,000 acres of people’s lands
16 May 2011
More than 130,000 acres of paddy lands, 47 tanks, 14 islands and several lagoons that had been used for fishing have been taken over by the government for various purposes.
The government has seized more than 25,000 acres from Monaragala District and over 35,000 acres from Trincomalee District.3000 to 5000 acres of lands have been seized by the government from several other districts as well.
More than 130,000 acres of paddy lands, 47 tanks, 14 islands and several lagoons that had been used for fishing have been taken over by the government for various purposes.
The government has seized more than 25,000 acres from Monaragala District and over 35,000 acres from Trincomalee District.3000 to 5000 acres of lands have been seized by the government from several other districts as well.
Daily Mirror editorial: “TNA kindles violence”
16 May 2011
“A senile TNA member’s descendants are in the West. With one foot in the West and one in the grave this member thrive on the sufferings of the innocent Tamil civilians. And he likes kindling violence. And obviously TNA welcomed the findings of the Experts’ Panel,” was the editorial opinion of a “noteworthy” newspaper, Daily Mirror, published in Colombo on Monday. The editorial titled “Irresponsible politics,” by the pro-opposition newspaper, projecting itself belonging to a ‘liberal world’, show only the basic feelings of Sinhala polity, whether ruling or opposition, when it comes to delivery of justice to Tamils within Sri Lankan State that is upheld by powers in the island, commented Tamil political circles in the island, adding that the editorial in fact was a response to the stand of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha.
“A senile TNA member’s descendants are in the West. With one foot in the West and one in the grave this member thrive on the sufferings of the innocent Tamil civilians. And he likes kindling violence. And obviously TNA welcomed the findings of the Experts’ Panel,” was the editorial opinion of a “noteworthy” newspaper, Daily Mirror, published in Colombo on Monday. The editorial titled “Irresponsible politics,” by the pro-opposition newspaper, projecting itself belonging to a ‘liberal world’, show only the basic feelings of Sinhala polity, whether ruling or opposition, when it comes to delivery of justice to Tamils within Sri Lankan State that is upheld by powers in the island, commented Tamil political circles in the island, adding that the editorial in fact was a response to the stand of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha.
Go beyond 13th Amendment: EPDP
16 May 2011
The Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), an ally of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has renewed its call for the abolition of the concurrent list in the 13th Amendment and for the establishment of a senate or second chamber as part of a solution to the national question.
The Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), an ally of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has renewed its call for the abolition of the concurrent list in the 13th Amendment and for the establishment of a senate or second chamber as part of a solution to the national question.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Nobody can suppress Tamil psyche: M K Sivajilingam
14 May 2011
Eezham Tamils in NorthEast would mourn thousands of their slain kith and kin on 18 May, said M K Sivajilingam, a former TNA parliamentarian and the general secretary of Tamil National Liberation Front. “No one can suppress the memories of a people remembering the sacrifices of thousands of their loved ones,” the former Tamil parliamentarian said urging the Tamils in North and East to mark the day with courage in silence under the prevailing conditions of subjugation.
Eezham Tamils in NorthEast would mourn thousands of their slain kith and kin on 18 May, said M K Sivajilingam, a former TNA parliamentarian and the general secretary of Tamil National Liberation Front. “No one can suppress the memories of a people remembering the sacrifices of thousands of their loved ones,” the former Tamil parliamentarian said urging the Tamils in North and East to mark the day with courage in silence under the prevailing conditions of subjugation.
Eezham Tamils encouraged by Jayalalitha's stand: TNA
15 May 2011
Suresh K. Premachandran, the official spokesman of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Saturday sent TNA's congratulations to Ms. J. Jayalalitha, the newly elected chief minister of Tamil Nadu state in India, saying that Eezham Tamils have become hopeful and are encouraged by the stand Ms. Jayalalitha has expressed to the media on the plight of Eezham Tamils. “Eezham Tamils seek your immense support to gain their full self-rule with self-dignity to lead a life in their own soil,” Mr. Premachandran said in the message.
Suresh K. Premachandran, the official spokesman of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Saturday sent TNA's congratulations to Ms. J. Jayalalitha, the newly elected chief minister of Tamil Nadu state in India, saying that Eezham Tamils have become hopeful and are encouraged by the stand Ms. Jayalalitha has expressed to the media on the plight of Eezham Tamils. “Eezham Tamils seek your immense support to gain their full self-rule with self-dignity to lead a life in their own soil,” Mr. Premachandran said in the message.
Panel report: Be realistic and have dialogue with UN
|
| By Sunday Times Political Editor |
On Thursday, Sri Lanka completes two years after the military defeat of Tiger guerrillas. In that span, the government has taken several measures to ensure the memories of a victory against the scourge of terrorism remained live in the minds of the public. In this backdrop, the annual Victory Day parade will take place at the Galle Face green on this day. A three-day international seminar on "Sri Lankan experiences in defeating terrorism" expected to be attended by representatives of some 55 countries will begin on May 31. |
The message on internal accountability is clear
As one Commissioner mused several months back in a different context; “we were told by weeping mothers of children being literally grabbed from their arms and dashed on the ground with remnants of their heads being scattered around by enraged soldiers who had come upon a suspected subversive or JVP infiltrated village in the deep South.By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene
Many Sri Lankans may have missed, (or would not simply have bothered to see), the grainy but terribly agonizing photograph of an infant amputee in the second no-fire zone, pictured in the report of the Advisory Panel appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Switzerland, Canada reject protest
Canada and Switzerland have countered complaints by Sri Lanka that their governments summoned meetings in Geneva to discuss matters relating to the UN Advisory Panel’s report on alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.
Among those invited for such meetings, the External Affairs Ministry has learnt, were Sri Lankan human rights activists. Canada’s High Commissioner Bruce Levy and Swiss Ambassador Tomas Litscher were called to the External Affairs Ministry to be told of Sri Lanka’s concerns over the meetings.
Among those invited for such meetings, the External Affairs Ministry has learnt, were Sri Lankan human rights activists. Canada’s High Commissioner Bruce Levy and Swiss Ambassador Tomas Litscher were called to the External Affairs Ministry to be told of Sri Lanka’s concerns over the meetings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)