by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

State Terror in the form of the dreaded “white van goon squad” struck again in Colombo on Saturday February 11th 2012 when a Tamil businessman of Indian origin was abducted near his residence on Canal Bank Row, Wellawatte in the presence of his Sinhala wife and daughter. [DBSJ]

Will Basil and Gotabaya Rajapaksa hang themselves for the treacherous crime of criticizing war heroes to US envoys?

BBC Pictorial & Audio: The life of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community

Outlook, BBC World Service

Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, known as Veddas are direct descendents of the country’s Neolithic community. Which they’ve been around since 18,000 BC. [TC]

"Operation Holdfast": Contours of a Coup Conspiracy 

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

50th Anniversary of Attempted 1962 Coup D’etat – 2

“Operation Holdfast” was the codename given by a group of conspirators to a plot devised to overthrow the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Government headed by the world’s first woman Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike through a bloodless coup d’etat in January 1962. [DBSJ]

Gotabaya Rajapaksa: Widely Feared Vegetarian Strongman

International community gearing up for action to hold Sri Lanka accountable for alleged war crimes

Radhika Coomaraswamy Asks Syria to immediately halt all violations against children

New York, 9 February 2012 – Following another violent day in Syria, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy reiterated her call to the Syria authorities to stop the killing and maiming of children. [TC]

Fifth Tamil-Brahmi Inscription Discovered in Edakal Caves of Wayanad District in Kerala

Constitution stipulates devolution of police powers to provincial councils

Hello Friends

The devolving of some Police Powers to the Provincial Councils is a Constitutional requirement that is yet to be implemented in practice. In recent times this important issue has been muddied further by President Rajapaksa’s pronouncements that Police powers will not be given to the Provincial councils. [DBSJ]

NY District Court Dismisses Law Suit Against Maj-Gen Shavendra Silva citing “Diplomatic Immunity”

Yesterday, the District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a lawsuit filed by Tamil victims of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka against Shavendra Silva, a former Sri Lanka Army general, who is now Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. [TC]

Indo-Chinese tensions and the ‘mutiny’ causing regime change in Maldives 

National Anthem not sung in Tamil on Independence Day celebrations despite LLRC recommendation

President Rajapaksa failed to utilise opportunity presented at Independence Day celebrations

by Jehan Perera

Addressing the nation and the international community on Independence Day President Mahinda Rajapaksa made many inspirational statements.

These could be regarded as statements of government policy that will charter the future course of the country. The President’s speech was also finely tuned to appeal to the nationalism of the masses of people and their sense of patriotism. [TC]

Arab Spring Drastically Affects Mango Cultivators of Tamil Nadu

Madonna, M.I.A and the middle finger malfunction!

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Superbowl XLVI is over and the National Football League champions for 2011 are the New York Giants who beat New England Patriots 21 -17. The game played on Sunday February 5th 2012 at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis,Indiana was televised live by NBC.I was one of the estimated 110 million who watched it on TV. [DBSJ]

Bird Food, Nandikadal

'Tamils are a distinct people entitled to certain rights like Self-Determination in International law' 

M.A. Sumanthiran MP Interviewed by Namini Wijedasa

Hello Friends,

Talks between the Sri Lankan Government’s main constituent the Sri Lanka Freedom Party(SLFP) and the Tamil National Alliance(TNA)has currently reached an impasse.

The Govt which engaged in bi-lateral talks with the TNA has now suspended it unilaterally and instead convened a Parliamentary Select Committee.It now wants the TNA to participate in the PSC and forge a multi-lateral solution.

The TNA states that a bi-lateral understanding with the Govt has to be reached as a pre-requisite to the party deciding to participate in the PSC. [DBSJ]

The abnormal as normal is normalcy in not so normal Sri Lanka 

by Namini Wijedasa

This is not normal

In coffee lounges and around dinner tables in contemporary Sri Lanka, it is not uncommon for people to talk flippantly about who abducted whom or who killed whom in police custody. And despite everything that many Sri Lankans might think or say to the contrary…that isn’t normal, you know. [TC]

The vast gulf between Rajapaksa rhetoric and existential reality of Rajapaksa rule 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara 

The Rajapaksas have quite a few attributes in common with Vellupillai Pirapaharan. A pronounced tendency towards deceitfulness is one such characteristic. Lying is a habit, but the Ruling Family is more likely to lie to fellow Sri Lankans than to foreigners. [TC]

Prison riots a conspiracy to move Magazine and Welikade prisons out and grab valuable lands adjacent to Baseline Road?

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

We were told that four prison officers and ten men on remand over drug related offences have so far been identified by the intelligence units, as having been behind the recent riot in the Borella Magazine prison.

Police officials say that three prison officers had been seen encouraging the rioters. It is claimed that alleged drug traffickers, identified among those who led this revolt inside the prison, are Anthony Raj, Mohamed Shiran, Malik alias Kondaya, Army Thushara, Dematagoda Raja, Cake Saman, Kaduwela Sudda and Kamal Nishantha. [TC]

Moving Courts out of Colombo will become an enormous problem for litigating public and the legal profession

Today the national flag flutters pointing to a new country in the making. The way is open for an independent economy. It daily reinforces the nation’s aspiration for a prosperous future, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

It has given us freedom to decide upon issues concerning the country and the nation without bowing down before external powers. [TC]

UK and Australian MPs propose Channel 4 ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ documentary team for Nobel Peace Prize nomination

(Press Statement)

Return and re-settlement of displaced persons in the North: A TNA overview 

 

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has begun the commendable task of comiling and releasing informative reports on crucial issues affecting the people of the North and East. The latest in this series is one pertaining to the return and resettlement of displaced persons in the North. [DBSJ]

M.I.A. to sing with Madonna at Super Bowl half-time show

M.I.A., whose real name is Mathangi Arulpragasam, worked on Madonna’s new single Give Me All Your Luvin with rapper Nicki Minaj. [TC]

Will French President Sarkozy survive politically with his Robin Hood tax? 

by M. S. Shah Jahan

“What we want to do is provoke a shock, to set an example. There’s no reason why deregulated finance, which brought us to the current situation, can’t participate in the restoration of our accounts,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said during a live prime-time television [TC]

Sri Lanka Reader plans to do much and therefore achieves too little

by Gananath Obeyesekere 

This massive, ambitious project by a distinguished historian of religion contains a series of essays that span a long time period from Sri Lanka’s mythic origins to the terrifying 25-year insurrection of the Tamil Tigers – the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) – and its ­final eradication by the Sri Lankan army. It is difficult to review a comprehensive collection of this magnitude without bringing to bear the reviewer’s own prejudices. [TC]

Northern Muslim Expulsion: The Quest for Redemption

By Santasilan Kadirgamar

Before Sri Lanka’s war, there was a noteworthy Muslim presence in Chavakachcheri, a well-known town in the Jaffna peninsula that was completely destroyed in a major battle in 2000.

The town’s name comes from the expression chaavaka cheari, meaning the camp of the Javanese, the people known today as Malay Muslims. [TC]

IMF tranches for Sri Lanka: Costly money or costly political choices?

By Dr. Arujuna Sivananthan

On the 30th of January, Sri Lanka’s Central Bank announced that it would not draw down the withheld 800 million US dollars (USD) of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) standby facility citing its high interest rate.

In a world starved of capital, disbursing the withheld tranches would have posed a simple conundrum to the IMFs board and shareholders. [[TC]

Sri Lankan Accountability: Australia must add its Voice to Canada and UK

by Elaine Pearson

As nations such as Canada and Britain weigh in on accountability for war crimes in Sri Lanka, it’s time for Australia to add its voice.

After all, promoting human rights is a crucial part of foreign policy, as Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is keen to say. [TC]

The Sri Lankan connection of Swami Vivekananda

By Priyadarshi Dutta

Hello Friends

Narendranath Dutta known as Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsar and founded the Ramakrishna mission that performs commendable service in many parts of the world including Sri Lanka. [DBSJ]

Rajapaksa does a U-turn on 13th Amendment

By R.K.Radhakrishnan

After promising to go beyond the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution to find a solution to the Tamil ethnic problem, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has done a U-turn and said the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) would now have to suggest a solution [TC]

The Fog of an Uncivil War in Sri Lanka

By MARK MCDONALD

But the fog of war still has not lifted in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka said Tuesday that it would not be sending a review of alleged war crimes to the United Nations for discussion. There’s no need, a senior government official said, because its international critics in New York won’t be persuaded anyway. [NYTimes]

South Asian Think Tank IPCS researcher critiques LLRC Report

Hello Friends,

The Report released by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)has been receiving mixed responses.

The latest critique that I read was from the South Asian Think tank – Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) in New Delhi ,India.It is written by an ICPS staff researcher J.Jeganaathan based in Delhi who is their Sri Lanka specialist. [DBSJ]

TNA and PSC:”Intelligent realism” Must prevail in Tamil politics

by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

Even if everything the TNA says is true, it is still making a mistake, or perhaps two or three, and is on the verge of yet another wrong turning in the history of error that marks over half a century of Tamil politics.

If the TNA’s fears of prevarication on the part of the government are well-founded, it is only furnishing greater opportunities for it by failing to participate in the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee. [TC]

Onus is on govt to solve problems without denying their existence or postponing their resolution

By Jehan Perera

The government’s approach to problem solving after the end of the war has been two fold.

One is to set up mechanisms that would give a different perspective on the problem. With the overall improvement in the country’s post-war situation evident to both citizens and foreign visitors alike, the government has its own story to tell. [TC]

Break in and search by ‘unknown’ persons of ‘Viluthu’ Office in Colombo condemned

We, the following undersigned citizens, strongly condemn the attack on the Viluthu office in Colombo between the night of the 23rd of January and early hours of Tuesday morning, the 24th January. The office was broken into and searched by unknown persons. [TC]

Formal dialogue needed at UN Human Rights Council to discuss both the LLRC and UN reports on Sri Lanka

By Louise Arbour

Hello Friends

Louise Arbour is a distinguished Canadian whose name is not unknown to many in Sri Lanka. She served as a Judge on the Canadian Supreme Court and also the Ontario court of Appeal.

Louise Arbour was the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in Hague.It was she as chief prosecutor who indicted Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic for war crimes. It was the first time a serving head of state was called to account before an international court. [DBSJ]

England cricket team’s forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka should be called off

by Robert. J. Evans

(Sri Lanka’s killing fields have put it beyond the boundary
There are compelling reasons why the England cricket team’s forthcoming tour should be called off argues South Asian affairs expert and former MEP Robert Evans.)

For years one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game, Muttiah Muralitharan, represented his country as the only Tamil in a team of otherwise Sinhalese players. Sri Lanka is an island of some 20 million people of whom three quarters are Sinhalese Buddhists with just 15% being Tamil or Hindus. [TC]

The Dilemma of Tourism in Sri Lanka: Increasing numbers in tourists risk projecting an unsustainable fantasy over reality

by Keshia Jacotine

Sri Lanka now finds itself between two empires; Britain and China.

For nearly 150 years, Sri Lanka (then known as “Ceylon”) was part of the British Empire. Before that, both Dutch and Portuguese settlers exerted control over parts of the country for years.

Sri Lanka is now considered to be one of China’s “String of Pearls”; each pearl refers to a point of strategic interest for China along its sea-lanes from the Middle East to the South China Sea. [TC]

Complacency in defence of human rights rarely comforts anyone but the oppressor

by John Baird

Good evening, I am pleased to be with you tonight and it’s a real pleasure to be back in London – one of the world’s truly great cities and one of my personal favourites. [TC]

Sea Tiger commander Soosai’s wife Satyadevi speaks out 

Hello Friends, 

Thillaiambalam Sivanesan alias Soosai was the former commander and special commander of the naval division of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) known as “Kadal Puligal” or Sea Tigers. This native of Polygandy in Vadamaratchy fought to the very end and died in Mulllivaaikkaal in Mullaitheevu district on May 17/18th 2009. [DBSJ]

US may be having evidence laying command responsibility on civilian leadership for alleged Sri Lankan war crimes

by Emanuel Stoakes

The extrajudicial killing of civilians, surrendering soldiers and dissident journalists under the direction of the Sri Lankan government has been alleged by a former general in the Army who was extremely well-placed to comment on military activity during the island nation’s bloody civil war. [TC]

Prevarication in Implementating LLRC Recommendations by Govt Reflects its Belief that These “Games” can Continue Without Inevitable Repercussions

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

It is quite amusing to see the government and all its men using the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC) as a barely inadequate fig leaf to cover its total lack of adherence to the substance of the Commission’s recommendations.

Unacceptable excuses for delay in implementation

Here and overseas, we are being told that the LLRC report was not quite the ‘whitewash’ that it was expected to be. [TC]

Armed pro-govt mobs protected by police hijack Black January media protest outside Fort Railway station

Pro-government protesters, some armed with clubs, seized the promenade outside Fort Railway Station on Wednesday, to prevent media activists from observing “Black January,” a month when many of Sri Lanka’s journalists were attacked over the years.

This was despite the Colombo Fort Magistrate Kanishka Wijeyratna making an order that media activists be allowed to stage their protest at the venue, without disturbing road traffic. [TC]

Sinhala weekly Ravaya edited by Victor Ivan celebrates silver jubilee

By C.A. Chadraprema

The Sinhala weekly Ravaya celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The present writer spoke to its editor Victor Ivan who was exulting over two things in particular – having been able to publish the newspaper for 25 years without folding up the way so many other publications did and secondly, that nobody in the newspaper had been harmed in any way during that tempestuous two and a half decades. [TC]

One blunder govt has made is treating the Jaffna peninsula and Vanni as though they were similar – Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

By Namini Wijedasa

Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, advisor to the president on Reconciliation, has spoken openly and more emphatically on the need for the government to do more for people in areas affected by the war. Excerpts from the interview:

QUESTION: You are one of the few members of the government still talking actively about reconciliation. How would you define the term? [TC]

‘We should not consider demands of the TNA as those of the Tamil people’ – Karuna Amman 

by Arthur Wamanan

Deputy Minister of Resettlement and Vice President of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan says that priority should be given to address the immediate needs of the Tamil people. In an interview with The Nation, Muralitharan blamed the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for making impracticable demands while ignoring the basic needs of the affected people

QUESTION: What is the latest situation of the resettlement process? [TC]

Military involvement in infrastructure projects negates economic benefits like employment and income generation

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

Some walls should never be built; some should never be breached.

Many of Sri Lanka’s most devastating ills emanated from our habit of building unnecessary walls, and demolishing necessary ones. [TC]

50th Anniversary of abortive coup d’etat conspiracy in January 1962

LLRC Report will not satisfy some whose minds are fixed on vilifying Sri Lanka

By Ravinatha Aryasinha

At the outset, I wish to thank Geoffrey and the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ for this timely initiative of convening this ‘Sri Lanka Briefing’, and for all those who have taken time out on a busy afternoon to be present here today. [TC]

‘Sri Lanka needs our constructive support rather than constant harassment’ – Geoffrey Van Orden

GCE (AL) Exam Z score issue: Expert Advice not Fact-Finding Commission Required

Sri Lanka Heading Towards Inevitable 20 Percent Depreciation of the Rupee

Irresponsible diaspora sections cause many problems in Jaffna

Refugee Hearings Begin in Toronto for Tamil Asylum Seekers who Arrived in Vancouver on “Ocean Lady” Ship

by Stewart Bell

Toronto • More than two years after the smuggling ship MV Ocean Lady arrived off the West Coast carrying 76 Sri Lankan asylum seekers, the first public hearing to determine whether to accept them as refugees took place on Monday. [TC]

GCE A/L-2011 results Fiasco: Govt Must Urgently Undertake Complete, Comprehensive review

by Prof.R.P.Gunawardane

I have watched with great pain of mind the events and developments that took place after the release of the results of GCE A/L Examination held in 2011. [TC] 

Why SM Krishna’s visit to Sri Lanka cannot be called ‘successful’

by Satish Chandra

As is customary, official circles in India have hailed External Affairs S M Krishna’s four-day visit to Sri Lanka [ Images ] from January 16th to 19th 2012 as ‘successful.’

Rowdyism at Rameswaram by Tamil Nadu ‘activist’ mob

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Rameswaram (Rameshwar)in the South of Tamil Nadu state in India is revered by Hindus all over the world as a place of tremendous religious significance.The Island town was the scene of an ugly rumpus on the tenth of this month when a well-known Sri Lankan Tamil businessman visiting for a religious purpose was victimized in a deplorable act of rowdyism. He was apparently targeted because of his relationship to President Mahinda Rajapaksa through marriage. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Rowdyism at Rameswaram by Tamil Nadu 'activist' mob]

Sharing land powers is part of the devolution process enshrined in the constitution

By Austin Fernando

Hello Friends

The sharing of powers over land between the Provincial and Central Governments is currently a raging controversy. The “lands” issue has become one of the primary issues on which the Government and Tamil National Alliance (TNA)are finding it difficult to reach agreement upon.

President Rajapaksa’s pronouncements on the subject tend to convey an impression that the TNA representing the Tamil people is making a fresh,unreasonable demand which will not conceded. The reality however is that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the Provincial Councils act have already defined the sharing of land administration powers although it may be ambiguous and may not be satisfactory. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Sharing land powers is part of the devolution process enshrined in the constitution]

Political leaders to attend Human Rights conference 

The Canadian Human Rights Voice (CHRV) is organizing a non-partisan event on February 1st, 2012 ( 10 am till 6 pm ) in Parliament Hill, Ottawa, to discuss Canada’s responsibilities to respond to the violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Sri Lankan Navy accused of pelting stones on Tamil Nadu boats fishing in the sea and damaging 200 boats

Senate cannot be a solution to the demand for autonomy in managing local and provincial affairs

Island Mystique: Three startling differences Between India and Sri Lanka

Hello Friends

A friend sent me an interesting article that appeared in “The Telegraph”published in Kolkota (Calcutta). It is written by Alaka M.Basu who is a professor in the Department of Development Sociology at Cornell University,USA.

Ms.Basu was in Sri Lanka on a holiday recently and is captivated by its charm like most travellers to our lovely Island “where every prospect pleases”. [Click here to read in full ~ dbsjeyaraj.com: Island Mystique: Three startling differences Between India and Sri Lanka]

Destructive Rajapaksa governance will cause the debilitation of every major Lankan institution

Will bankrupt Greece set fire to world economy?

Thai Pongal ~ The festival to celebrate prosperity

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Thai Pongal is celebrated on 15th of January 2012 by the Tamils all over the world. It’s a festival of thanks giving. It is also known as harvest festival.  [HA]

Bhi Bhiman: A Folk Soul Singer with Sri Lankan Heritage

by The World.org

Singer-songwriter Bhi Bhiman has been dubbed as Sri Lanka’s Woody Guthrie. [TC]

President Rajapaksa must Address Specifics of a Political Settlement

Hello Friends

India’s respected newspaper “The Hindu”has experienced a change at the Editorial helm with the Editor in Chief Narasimhan Ram stepping down with effect from January 19th 2012.

The Hindu’s national bureau chief Siddharth Varadarajan has succeeded him as Editor. [DBSJ]

Sinhalese, the majority, will see the light if only they had enlightened leadership

Govt to withdraw controversial land circular and present new circular

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna reaches out to people of Northern Sri Lanka 

Hello Friends

As most of you are aware India’s minister of External Affairs SM Krishna is currently in Sri Lanka. Krishna is a Kannadiga and a former chief minister of the South Indian state of Karnataka.

All Sri Lankans need to learn English for national integration, development and prosperity

Thaippongal celebrations at Temple Trees

‘I have been damned by the establishment in Sri Lanka and its proxies in Australia’ – Gordon Weiss

Hello Friends,

The book written by former UN official in Sri Lanka Gordon Weiss titled “The Cage:The fight for Sri Lanka and the last days of the Tamil Tigers”has made huge waves. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'I have been damned by the establishment in Sri Lanka and its proxies in Australia' – Gordon Weiss]

Sri Lanka subscribes to universality of values but there is a problem

‘President Rajapaksa assured commitment to pursuing the 13th Amendment plus approach’ – Indian External Affairs Minister

Remarks by Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs of India Mr. S.M. Krishna at a Media Interaction

I am pleased to be in Sri Lanka again. At the outset, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Prof. Peiris and the Sri Lankan Government for the warm hospitality extended to me and to my delegation. [TC]

Devastating critique of LLRC Report by the TNA

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Hello Friends

The controversial report presented by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has evoked much interest in many different circles. It is being projected by some as Sri Lanka’s effective response to the demand for an International accountability mechanism on the one hand while others criticize it as falling far short of International standards [DBSJeyaraj.com]

City of Toronto proclamation: January 2012 Tamil Heritage Month

TNA rejects LLRC report as failing to meet international standards of accountability and right of victims to truth, justice and reparations

The Government of Sri Lanka suffered a big blow today when the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which is the premier political party of the Sri Lankan Tamils rejected the report presented by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation(LLRC) that was appointed by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a domestic mechanism to probe past events related to the ethnic conflict and recommend proposals aimed at ensuring accountability and effecting ethnic reconcilation. [TC]

Tamil Americans wary of Sinhalese Sri Lankan embassy staff in Washington

By Emily Wax

Despite differences that spurred civil war and cost tens of thousands of lives, the Tamils and the Sinhalese from Sri Lanka have at least one thing in common: a love of tea. [TC]

In Pictures: Bountiful Pongal Greetings from Nedimala-Dehiwala

Bountiful Pongal Day tweets & tweetPics via twitter.com/DushiYanthini [TC]

US Justice Dept suggests immunity for President Rajapaksa in Torture Victim Protection legal action

Over 60 percent of households in the Northern Province are food insecure

Cricket team crisis due to dressing room divisions?

Hello Friends

The drastic decline in the Sri Lankan cricket teams performance in recent times is a cause for concern and worry among all lovers of the game who root for our Lankan lads. [DBSJeyaraj.com]

Name of Sarath Fonseka is part of history that cannot be obliterated 

by Gamini Weerakoon

A politician’s desire to be remembered is only natural. To be remembered forever would be the acme of political desires. What better way would a Sri Lankan desire be remembered than for his name be inscribed in the Mahavamsa.

(The Mahavamsa we have to explain to those uninitiated in our history is the record of kings and their reign said to have commenced around 2500 years ago and continues to date.) [TC]

Are our diplomats and hired PR firms doing enough in the international arena?

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

The continuing failure of Sri Lanka’s institutions of justice is well demonstrated in the most recent Views of the Geneva based United Nations Human Rights Committee (UN Committee) calling upon the Sri Lankan State to effectively investigate and prosecute the murderers of a small time businessman in Negombo after he, his wife and their two children had been repeatedly intimidated and threatened by police officers whom they had angered. [TC]

The 670 km Walk from Dondra to Jaffna in aid of a Childrens ward (cancer)for Jaffna Hospital

In Pictures: Pre-Pongal stroll through Bambalapitty

Bountiful tweets & TweetPics via twitter.com/DushiYanthini

Garland maker is seen busy in Bambalapitty. [TC]

Thai Pongal ~ the charming festival of Thanksgiving

by K. Thirukumaran

The farmers’ markets around towns and villages bustle with activity during days preceding Thai Pongal. The bountiful harvests parade the markets, and the final day the market convenes prior to Pongal known as Pongal Santhai (Pongal market) especially lavishes with prosperous sentiments. [TW]

Thai Pongal-Thanks Giving Festival auguring bountiful harvests and good fortune

by Gamini Jayasinghe

Thai Pongal is a “Thanks giving ceremony” celebrated by farmers in particular to thank the nature spirit- the sun- and farm animals for bringing prosperity to agriculture with plentiful harvests. [TC]

Official says a video which depicts four US service members urinating on corpses in Afghanistan is authentic

Two of the four US Marines seen in a videoappearing to urinate on dead Afghan bodies have been identified, a Marine Corps official told the Reuters news agency.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the Marines believed the video was authentic. [TC]

Is enough being done to address the security concerns of women in the North and East?

By Ayesha Zuhair

The report of the International Crisis Group (ICG) on ‘Sri Lanka: Women’s Insecurity in the North and East’ alleges that that violence against women in Sri Lanka’s mainly Tamil-speaking North and East is on the rise and that women in the region face “a desperate lack of security” in the aftermath of the armed conflict.

The Crisis Group report, released on 20 December 2011, asserts that women continue to live in fear of violence from various quarters and victims have little means of redress. [TC]

‘LLRC recommendations can contribute to the process of political reconciliation’-Canadian Foreign Minsiter 

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird on Jan 11, 2012 issued the following statement on the final report of Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission: [TC]

Canada to spend $11 million updating diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka

via [Canada.com]

LTTE linked overseas groups want armed struggle to resume in Sri Lanka

7 persons remanded for 15 days in Rameswaram for ‘attack’ on Sri Lankan businessman Thirukumaran Nadesan 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

President Rajapaksas’s relative Nadesan attacked in Rameshwaram by Tamil Nadu political activist mob 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s extended family member Thirukumaran Nadesan has been”attacked” by agitators in Rameshwaram, TamilNadu [TC]

"Rethink policy to empower Sri Lankan Tamils economically"

Set up industrial training and engineering institutions: G. Parthasarathy

In the present-day world where politics is invariably trumped by economics, India has to have a drastic rethinking of its policy in favour of economically empowering the Tamils in Sri Lanka as a sustainable solution for their rehabilitation, former diplomat G. Parthasarathy said on Sunday. [TC]

By ignoring Tamil and Muslim issues the national opposition is conducting a one-eyed democracy campaign 

by Mano Ganesan

Speech made by Mano Ganesan leader of the Democratic People Front, at the NSSP annual convention

“It is Answering Time for the southern Sinhala establishment. Tamils in particular and the Sri Lanka onlooker world community in large are the petitioners. [TC] 

We need to ensure a sane language policy that Provides maximum opportunities to all our citizens 

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha

It was an honour to be present at the launch of the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, and I must congratulate Dr Ganesh Devy, your founder, on so successfully pushing through this initiative, a landmark venture after the pioneering work of Grierson nearly a century ago. [TC]

Remembering Lasantha, with love

Current crime wave generated by ruling family acolytes is unprecedented in annals of modern Lanka

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Look over the edge of the abyss, and consider how close we are to losing what we have created here. Ask yourselves if the time has not arrived for us to come to our senses, to break out of our paralysis, to demand for ourselves, finally, the lives that we deserve to live”. David Grossman (2006 Rabin Memorial Lecture – New York Review of Books -11.1.2007)

The unprecedented victory over the LTTE is being followed by equally unprecedented, albeit less felicitous, events. [TC]

Any Solution Addressing the Concerns of Tamils and Muslims must not be at the expense of the Sinhalese

Stamp and First Day Cover for Chunnakam Skandavarodaya College 117th year Anniversary 

by Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

Video: Anjali Appadurai ~ Student from B.C. in climate change spotlight after passionate speech 

by Evan Duggan, Vancouver Sun

A young scholar from B.C. has found herself in the centre of the international climate change spotlight after a video of her rousing speech at the Durban climate talks in South Africa last recently went viral. [TC]

Guerilla poet stands guard as sentinel at Jaffna Fort 

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

True tale of a Tamil Tigress-4

After joining the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formally the two friends Shenuka and Nirmala were lodged at the house of a widowed mother of three daughters by senior tiger leader Murali. This lady was an aunt of Bharathan Rajanayagam who was then in charge of the LTTE ‘s TV and photographic unit. [DBSJ]

In Jaffna, Vendors have their own ring tones

by Lynda Gill

In a world of internet shopping, shopping in Jaffna comes as a pleasant surprise; they do things a little differently here. The first tinkle of a bicycle bell can be heard at about 5.30am – the milkman on his bike, dispensing milk from an old metal churn into housewives' recycled bottles and jars. [DT]

An appeal to the Tamil Community and its civil and political representatives

Since the end of the war in May 2009, it has become important for all ethnic communities of Sri Lanka to re-examine and re-evaluate their past. It is through this process of self-reflection that some of the major issues that confront state and civil society today can be meaningfully reconceived and reconfigured for the future. [TC]

Two Tamil achievements that have not got the plaudits they deserve 

By S. Ratnjeevan H. Hoole

These are the days of talk – and I do mean talk – of national integration. As I write a paper to be read at the annual meeting of the American Society of Engineering Education on the siting of the new engineering faculty in Jaffna and do the requisite reading for it, my attention is increasingly forced on two Tamil achievements that do not get the plaudits they deserve from our nation. [TC]

Indian misery is Sri Lanka: Tamils no longer India loyalists while Sinhala govt cosies up to China

By R. Bhagwan Singh

Driving on the potholed A9 highway to Jaffna that could break the strongest of spines, it was great relief spotting a volleyball match in progress at a wayside playground.

It was in Kilinochchi, which used to be the LTTE capital until President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced its capture by his troops on January 2, 2009. Less than five months later, the forces ended the Eelam war killing the Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. [TC]

‘Rajapaksa Wamsa’: The New Mahawamsa will be a twisted historical narrative

By Tisaranee Gunasekara 

If the law was allowed to take its normal course after the Kolonnawa mini-war, the Christmas Eve murder of a British tourist in Tangalle may not have happened. If the regime did not protect parliamentarian Duminda Silva so blatantly, Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chandrapushpa may not have thought that he too could get away with murder. [TC]

Solving Sri Lanka’s 'Tamil problem' in 2012 

by Terence Fernando

About 200,000 displaced people are still living in refugee camps in northern Sri Lanka, even though southerners believe everything is back to normal. [TC]

Nishan Duraiappah says he will lead by example

Nishan Duraiappah was recently promoted to inspector for One District (Milton and Halton Hills) of the Halton Regional Police Service. Metroland West Media Group File Photo

by Kathy Yanchus

The first time Nishan Duraiappah laid eyes on Milton, Ontario, it was as a six-year-old Sri Lankan immigrant. An only child, Duraiappah arrived in this country when just a year old and after a brief time in Toronto, moved to one of Milton’s first new subdivisions. [TC]

If Sri Lanka wants true reconciliation, simply blaming the Tigers is not enough

by Namini Wijedasa

THE Sri Lankan government’s defeat of the separatist Tamil Tigers in 2009 ended a three-decade war that took tens of thousands of lives. But only now is the government beginning to acknowledge its huge human cost. [TC]

Avatar of ‘Guerillee’ Shenuka: From SOLT activist to LTTE trainee

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

True tale of a ‘Tamil Tigress’ – 3

1987 was an eventful year in the modern history of Sri Lanka.It was the year of the Indo-Lanka accord signed by Indian Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Junius Richard Jayewardena on July 29th. It was in the aftermath of the accord that war erupted on October 10th between the Indian Peace keeping force(IPKF) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The year began with a significant development occurring within LTTE ranks. It was on January 5th 1987 that LTTE supremo Veluppillai Prabhakaran gave the slip to his Indian monitors in Thiruvaanmiyoor, reached the Tamil Nadu Kodiakkarai coast and crossed over by sea to Maathagal in the Jaffna peninsula. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Avatar of 'Guerillee' Shenuka: From SOLT activist to LTTE trainee]

LLRC Report gives badly needed breathing space for Rajapaksa govt

By Col R Hariharan

The Rajapaksa government should be happy with the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC) presented to the Sri Lankan parliament on December 16, 2011 as it has not pinpointed responsibility on anyone (other than political and systemic weaknesses and the LTTE) for the mess Sri Lanka finds itself after the Eelam War. [TC]

The United National Party has the strength of a massive tusker

by Karu Jayasuriya MP

Election of the Office Bearers of the United National Party is over. There is criticism about the manner it was conducted. Let that be as it is, as a political party especially being the largest individual political party and the largest party in the opposition, we are obliged to rally the masses against the anti democratic acts of the present regime and to play the role of an alternate government. [TC]

Sri Lanka, Future Hub of the Indian Ocean Rim?: Full interview of Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka

In La Lettre Diplomatique (The Diplomatic Letter) 2011

Two years after the end of a three decades conflict, the lifting of the emergency rule in late August 2011 confirmed the beginning of a new era for Sri Lanka . With the recent discovery of gas fields off its coast, its future looks bright. H.E. Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France , tells us about the opportunities of this renewal for the country’s development and the assets of its strategic positioning at the heart of the Indian Ocean rim. [TC]

If GCE (AL) results fiasco occurred in another democratic country the responsible ministers and officials would have resigned voluntarily

by Sumanasiri Liyanage

Is the GCE Advanced Level results fiasco the latest of the government’s spiraling mismanagement of education?

I received an official text message on Sunday afternoon informing that the GCE A/L results were available on the web. Although I do not have anyone known to me who sat for the GCE A/L examination this year and is awaiting results, I for an unknown reason checked the website and found no results were on display. [TC]

TNA ‘rejection’ of LLRC report may lead to ‘rejection’ of party as peace partner

by Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka

Whatever one may think of the LLRC and NORAD reports, it is incontrovertible that two of the three major players in the last stage of the Sri Lankan conflict have undertaken and undergone a preliminary audit of sorts—the Sri Lankan state and the Norwegians– while the third (and the second in importance) has not, and not even thought to. [TC]

India Welcomes Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of Sri Lanka and Urges Implementation of Recommendations

This is the text of an official communique released by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA), India on December 25 th2011- In response to a question the Official Spokesperson (MEA) said:

LLRC was born to deflect international criticism and forestall a UN inquiry

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

A perceptive analysis of past errors and some judicious recommendations for the future constitute the strongest aspects of the LLRC’s much-awaited report. [TC]

The impact of caste, creed, language and religion on the politics of Sri Lanka

By Victor Ivan

This article is meant to analyse the inadequacy of traditional interpretations of the ethnic crisis and point out limitations inherent in them. [TC]

LLRC has failed totally on the most crucial issue of accountability – Sumanthiran

by Jatila Karawita

TNA National List MP M.A. Sumanthiran says that the LLRC Report has ‘dramatically failed to address the accountability issues pertaining to the final phase of the North-East ethnic conflict between the government security forces and the LTTE.’ [TC]

‘I am innocent, I am an ahinsaka kola. I don’t do these kind of things’ – Douglas Devananda

by Ranga Jayasuriya

The EPDP Leader and the government strongman in Jaffna, Minister Douglas Devananda says that he would go to courts against the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission over allegations raised against the EPDP in the LLRC Report that it was responsible for operating illegal armed groups and abducting people. [TC]

Watered down version of National Action Plan for Human Rights to be presented in Geneva UN

By Namini Wijedasa

The government will study the Prevention of Terrorism Act to identify “possible inconsistencies” with internationally recognized human rights norms and amend the law accordingly within two years, says a document to be launched in January. [TC]

Ranil is not racist but gangs running behind him are openly chauvinist

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

The conflict within the UNP is not a clash of personalities. I am convinced of it more than ever today. The radical young leaders insist that the problem is in Ranil’s nature. [TC]

Was Rev Sr. Mary Eliza of “Prem Niwasa”‘s arrest and detention legal?

By A concerned lawyer

The National Child Protection Authority purporting to act under the provisions of Section 34 of the NCPA Act No. 50 of 1998 arrested and detained Rev. Sister. Eliza in remand custody for an alleged offence under Section 34 of the said Act [TC]

‘Vast majority of diaspora in agreement with our position’ – Sampanthan

by Arthur Wamanan

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has said it was still committed to proceed with the talks with the government. TNA Parliamentary Group Leader, R. Sampanthan says there was no truth in allegations that it was acting on instructions of the Diaspora, adding that the party had clearly stated their position on the solution to the ethnic crisis. [TC]

Christmas and New Year Greetings and Wishes Everybody

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Hello Friends, I give you the words and a link to a marvelous rendition of the song by a Toronto based singer  Roveena who is the daughter in law of a friend and old student of Jaffna College. [DBSJ]

TNA leader Sampanthan writes to Mannar Catholic Bishop about Tamil Civil Society appeal

I am in receipt of the letter sent by you and some others to the notice of the members of Parliament of the Tamil National Alliance, certain issues pertaining to the Tamil people. [TC]

The “Flying Pigeon” Rider who sang “Una Paloma Blanca”

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

Gaining acceptance for military training by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) organization and being inducted into the movement after a one to one meeting with tiger leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran was a great achievement for the author of “Tamil Tigress” at that juncture in her life. [DBSJ]

Govt must make start by acting on LLRC’s recommendations – The Hindu

The much-awaited report of Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, tabled in Parliament recently, has established a key fact — that there were “considerable” civilian casualties in the final stages of the military operation that ended in the total defeat of the LTTE.

This is a step forward from the Sri Lankan government’s earlier insistence that there were “zero civilian casualties.” [TC]

Truth and reconciliation commission needed to go deeply into entire tragedy of war

Heavy rains severely affect North & North Central provinces

Government of Sri Lanka via reliefweb.int

The Disaster Management Centre informs that 10,225 families have been displaced due to the inclement weather situation and majority of them are from the Kilinochchi District. The situation has also affected holding of the GCE ordinary level examination in some areas. [TC]

Gold dosa: India discovers gold-plated food 

Sri Lankan Police Force takes bribery issues seriously and perpetrators face severe consequences

‘Bribe me or I will send you to court’

by Dushy Ranetunge

“Help (bribe) me or go to court” was the persistent demand of a Police sergeant 26926 at Colpity checkpoint last Sunday.

An 18 year old with a full British driving licence was driving a vehicle with her mother sitting next to her. The Mother had a full Sri Lankan driving licence and was helping her daughter get familiar with the Colombo roads. [TC]

Why has the British ‘Left’ ignored Sri Lankan Tamil issue?

Most serious problem faced by people in the North-East on a day to day basis is that of militarisation 

by M.A. Sumanthiran

Hello Friends

The recent speech in Parliament during the Defence ministry vote by Tamil National Alliance National list Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran provides a different perspective on the growing militarisation of Sri Lanka with particular focus on the Northern [DBSJ]

US Tamil Political Action Council calls for internationally established investigation to ascertain facts and propose remedies

Jayalalitha Cracks down on ‘Lifefriend’ Sasikala and family members 

By D.B.S Jeyaraj

Hello Friends

In a sudden move Tamil Nadu Chief minister Ms.Jayalaitha Jayaram has cracked down on her close confidante and “Uyirthozhi”(Lifefriend) Sasikala Natarajan and several members of her family.

Sasikala has been thrown out of both Jayalalitha’s residence “Vedha Nilayam” on Poes Garden in Chennai and also from the party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (AIADMK). [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Jayalalitha Cracks down on 'Lifefriend' Sasikala and family members]

LLRC report reflects a shift of thinking which calls for a break with the past of post war nationalism

Fulfill LLRC recommendations and address issues the report did not cover-US State Dept.

The Prophet Is Dead: Juche and the Future of North Korea 

by Amarnath Amarasingam

As the North Korean government announces the death of Kim Jong-il, the future of the “hermit kingdom,” along with its 25 million people, remains largely uncertain. It is no secret that life under the Dear Leader was no picnic. Just this month, over 40 human rights organizations, marking the 63rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, called for “international action to stop crimes against humanity perpetrated by North Korea’s dictatorship.” [TC]

Remembering the APRC expert panel ‘majority’ report

Extremes in both ethnic communities are an important factor of obstruction says Dayan Jayatilleka in interview to Radio France International

In Your Face 

by Indran Amirthanayagam

I wonder about peacemakers,
the ones who take the host’s word,
observe appearances, offering
of coconuts at temple, Xmas [TC]

Ananda College: Liberal Arts tradition of knowledge and humanism

Plastic crates protests in Pettah and night motor races in Fort

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“an amoral clique of corrupt lawbreakers who are deaf both to their citizens and to their enemies”. – Avraham Burg (International Herald Tribune – 6.9.2003)

The ‘plastic crates saga’ is a quintessentially Rajapaksa tale.

Arbitrariness is a hallmark of the ‘Johnston Law’, decreeing plastic crates mandatory in transporting vegetables and fruits. [TC]

Karu Jayasuriya writes letter to UNP members seeking support

As you are already aware, I have through a news release issued on 28th November, announced my decision to contest the post of leader of the United National Party. In that I have set out the reasons for doing so. I take pleasure in enclosing herewith a copy for your kind information. [TC]

Unity Mission Team takes message of integration to Mannar 

By Shalomi Daniel

As carols and bright lights usher in the Christmas festivities, one group of people- the Ekamuthu Oray Makkal Unity Mission Team is working hard to make this season of peace and sharing all the more special.

Plans are being finalized, transport arranged and food, clothing and a lot of love is being stored up in preparation for the Ekamuthu Oray Makkal Unity Camp Three, to be held in Mannar from December 27 to 30 [TC]

We must match our words by deeds and reach out to the ordinary Tamil people

by Sinhala Citizen G

As DEW Gunasekera once stated “They are also our people” we need to reach out to them. The ordinary Tamil citizen has gone through real hell since the LTTE and other militant groups started their campaign in the 70s.

The Tamil people were not an aggressive people they were a God fearing passive people but Tamil youth who were deprived of opportunity by the Sinhala Only Act and later by Standardization which limited their opportunity to enter University which was a dream of every Tamil youth. [TC]

Sri Lankan youths adopt servile sycophancy as comfort route to advancement 

By Gomin Dayasri

By Namini Wijedasa

The government on Friday made public the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, ending weeks of speculation on its contents-speculation that, for the most part, has turned out to be imprecise.

Many observers commended the government’s move in releasing the full document. Not only was it presented in parliament and distributed among MPs and journalists there, it was simultaneously uploaded on the web. [TC]

Ban voices hope Sri Lanka Govt will take steps on accountability 

UN News Centre

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced hope that the Sri Lankan Government will move forward on its commitments to deal with [TC]

News release by Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka

The final report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was tabled today, December 16th in Parliament by Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva. [TC]

An In-depth Interview with former Supreme Court Judge CV Wigneswaran 

By Ayesha Zuhair

Hello Friends

Retired Supreme court Judge CV Wigneswaran is a person for whom I have a lot of respect. Justice Wigneswaran who made a distinctive mark while on the bench now engages himself in various aspects of public life. He has not hesitated to fearlessly speak out on many issues.

He was interviewed in depth recently for “Daily Mirror” the Colombo English daily by Ayesha Zuhair. Wigneswaran expressed his views frankly and forthrightly on a number of crucial issues. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: An In-depth Interview with former Supreme Court Judge CV Wigneswaran]

Wife of murdered ‘White Van abduction’ victim makes worldwide appeal seeking justice

Public Memo to Members of Parliament representing the Tamil National Alliance from members of Tamil Civil Society

As members of the Tamil civil society interested in the existence and future well being of the Tamil Nation we wish to bring the following to your attention:

1. Regarding talks with the Government of Sri Lanka; arriving at a political solution:

a) Despite several rounds of talks, while acknowledging that there appears to be some progress in the talks, the TNA released a public communiqué on the 4th of August 2011 stating that you will not fix the date for the next round of talks until such time there is a written response from the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) on three important issues. [TC]

‘Nothing illegal has happened at Prem Nivasa’-Magistrate court

5th Death Anniversary of LTTE ‘Mathiyuraingar’ Balasingham

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Hello Friends

December 14th is the fifth death anniversary of Anton Stanislaus Balasingham who served for many years as the “Arasiyal Mathiyuraingar” or political adviser to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)movement and its leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran.

While the media described Balasingham by various designations such as political adviser, political strategist,ideologue,theoretician etc he was “Bala annai” (elder brother Bala) to Prabhakaran, LTTE cadres and many Tamil journalists and friends. I too called him that. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 5th Death Anniversary of LTTE 'Mathiyuraingar' Balasingham]

Amnesty International: Fears for missing Sri Lankan activists

by M.S.M. Ayub

If the Government thinks that all political parties in the Parliament must be consulted in finding a solution to the ethnic problem why did it initiate talks only with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the main Tamil politi cal party alliance on the same issue?

On the other hand, why should the government appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) if it was correct to hold talks with the TNA in order to find a political solution? [TC]

Comprehensive project plan needed for implementation of Tamil as an official language

Lalith Ambanwela: A man of exemplary courage and integrity 

by Marianne David

Hello Friends

Many of you may have forgotten the name Lalith Ambanwela. It was on May 20th 2002 that this conscientious and gutty auditor attached to the Auditor – Generals dept had acid flung at him for having exposed the high level corruption by certain Central Provincial Council officials in Kandy

Despite this vicious acid attack that scarred him for life, Auditor Lalith Ambanwela is back at work, as determined as ever to serve the nation and uncover corruption. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Lalith Ambanwela: A man of exemplary courage and integrity]

National Languages and Social Integration Ministry must think ‘outside the box’

December 10th: 63rd Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

From Shenuka to Niromi: True tale of a ‘Tamil Tigress’

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

“Tamil Tigress” is a 320 page book released this year by the Australia –based publishing house, Allen& Unwin. The book has a picture of an armed female guerilla fighter on the cover along with the strap line “My story as a child soldier in Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war”. It is written by a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)under the pseudonym Niromi de Soyza. [DBSJ]

Video ~ Asia Society discussion: Sri Lanka's Civil War

Documentary filmmaker Callum Macrae, Malinda Seneviratne, Editor-in-Chief of Sri Lanka's The Nation, and Bob Templer of the International Crisis Group present and assess both the Sri Lankan government and international community's perspectives on that country's decades-long sectarian conflict. Tunku Varadarajan, editor of Newsweek International, moderates the discussion [Asia Society]

Over enthusiastic NCPA and police charge nun sheltering orphans and the destitute 

By Kshama Ranawana 

Hello Frinds, The recent incident where the “Prem Nivasa” at Rawathawatta,Moratuwa was raided by the National Child Protection Authority(NCPA) and Police has shocked many. [DBSJ]

Namal Perera, Sarath Fonseka and the plight of Sri Lankan media 

by Lucinda Fleeson

Hello Friends, The state of Journalism and plight of Journalists in Sri Lanka is far from satisfactory. Various media and human rights organizations have frequently described the situation in Sri Lanka as not being safe for Journalists. [DBSJ]

I have decided to support and work with the govt to do what is necessary for education in the country

By Mohanlal Grero MP

The Chinese Philosopher, Confucius, once said, “If your strategy for the future is for one year then cultivate paddy. If your strategy is for ten years then grow trees. If your future strategy is for 100 years then what you must invest in is education”.

Therefore, in a budget for a country’s future economic improvement and development, the most important and long term investment is the expenditure on education. [TC]

We have marched towards a new Sri Lanka during 2005-2010 via Mahinda Chintana

'Farewell my dear Father': A tribute by a daughter to a fine human being

by Ruwandi Silva

Hello Friends ~ Death,deprivation,loss and suffering is not necessarily the monopoly of Tamils in Sri Lanka alone. Other ethnicities have also suffered , many at the hands of those belonging to the Tamil ethnicity

As for the majority community there was a particular brand of violence which victimized them greatly.I am talking of the two insurrections in 1971 and 1988-89 by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP). [DBSJ]

We wrote Sri Lankan President’s UN speech, says Bell Pottinger

by Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright

Karu Jayasuriya to challenge Ranil Wickremasinghe for UNP leadership 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj Gampaha district MP and senior co-deputy leader of the United National Party Karunaratna (Karu) Jayasuriya has decided to throw his hat in the ring for leadership of the party. [DBSJ]

TNA urges government to honour mutual agreement reached and not to place new impediments

Rajapaksa refusal to distinguish between Tiger Terrorism and Tamil Nationalism is obstacle to peace 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

The Rajapaksa administration’s priorities are curious, to say the least. The Met Department’s inexplicable failure to forecast last month’s deadly gale placed tens of thousands of citizens in danger.

But even after the gale became an undeniable fait accompli, authorities failed to act expeditiously to save endangered lives, especially of the fishermen who went out to sea, trusting in the Met Department’s ‘all clear’. [TC]

My first reaction is to sincerely apologize to the foreign nun Rev Sister Mary Eliza who was taken into custody

Keep them quiet by keeping them down seems to be the Rajapaksa path to peace

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

Only those who support terrorism can request to reduce
allocations for defence”. – Basil Rajapaksa (SLBC – 30.11.2011)

As President Mahinda Rajapaksa was declaring open the Southern highway amidst fanfare, the people of Galle and Matara were struggling with the aftermath of a deadly gale. [TC]

Sajith wants Karu to contest for UNP leader post and unify party

In a remarkable turn of events within the United National Party(UNP) Hambantota district MP and co-deputy leader Sajith Premadasa has called upon Gampaha district MP and senior UNP deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya to contest for the post of party leadership.

Mr.Premadasa has in a letter written to Mr.Jayasuriya said” I request you to stand for election for the post of Leader of our Party. It is my firm belief that you are the only person who can take up the challenge of unifying our fractured Party ” [TC]

‘Mother Teresa’s Sisters absolutely not involved in child – trafficking’ Attorney Neville Abeyratne informs the Court

Divine songster K.J. Yesudas: Singing in films for fifty years

Thereafter in fifty –years of singing for films Yesudas has sung over 50,000 songs in 17 Languages.He has won numerous awards and is regarded as a unifying voice of India. He turned seventy last year [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com]

Canadian Foreign Minister Baird praises UN for publishing report on Sri Lanka 

New evidence unearthed regarding alleged Sri Lankan war crimes? 

Hello Freinds, The controversy over the issue of War crimes allegedly committed by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces with the sanction of high officials does not seem to receding into the background with the passage of time. [DBSJEYARAJ.COM]

President Rajapaksa Invites Diaspora to Return and Help Develop North 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the Diaspora could contribute in a significant manner towards the development in the North. [TC]

The Lionel Bopage Story: A journey through Serendipity’s not so serendipitous times 

By Professor N. Shanmugaratnam

‘A biography by its very nature’, writes Michael Colin Cooke, in setting the scene for the Bopage Story, ‘reveals a life not only of an individual but of the society and times of that individual.’ A person’s life story, however, can be told in different ways. A biography may be rich in minutiae and fail to go sufficiently beyond the more immediate social context of the subject. [TC]

Tamil Buddhism in Ancient South India and Sri Lanka 

by J.L. Devananda

The Tamil film “7aum Arivu” (the seventh sense)directed by AR Murugadoss is now running in cinemas and is a box office success.

The film is based on the story of Bodhidharmar who was supposedly a Tamil Buddhist born In Kanchipuram and a scion of the Pallava dynasty. While relating the tale of Bodhivarmar at the start the film goes on to portray the modern saga of a character purported to be a descendant of Bodhidharmar [TC]

The military is taking over large chunks of land in North-Chandrika Kumaratunga

Is US threatening action against Lanka at UN in Geneva if presidential pardon is not given to Sarath Fonseka? 

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The UPFA alleges the US embassy is increasingly interfering in domestic political issues, thereby undermine the government.

The SLFP-led coalition believes that the US is trying to cause a rift in the government over the imprisonment of defeated presidential candidate, former Army Chief, Gen. Sarath Fonseka [TC]

President stands by chuckling as his MPs assault the opposition in parliament 

pic by: RIA Novosti

Statement by Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed state officials to assess the situation in the areas hit by heavy rains and winds yesterday November 25 and provide urgent relief to the people affected by the disaster immediately.

The President has met with relevant authorities this morning at the Temple Trees to discuss the immediate measures need to be taken to provide relief to the people affected by the heavy rains and winds in southern coastal areas. [TC]

Prabhakaran: Powerful symbol of Tamil armed struggle

Hello Friends

Today November 26th is the birthday of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)Leader Thiruvengadam Veluppillai Prabhakaran. Had he been living Prabhakaran would have celebrated his 57th birthday today. [DBSJ]

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The count down has begun for “ Great Heroes Day” (GHD) on November 27th. Rival factions of the overseas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)competing with each other to commemorate the event in Western countries where substantial concentrations of Sri Lankan Tamils are prevalent.

Mass struggle must be launched to defeat this dictatorial terror regime

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

Text of a speech made at the inauguration of the multi-party,multi-ethnic, multi-religious “Movement for Justice” in Colombo on November 23rd 2011

Today there is a serious challenge to democracy in this country. On the surface, one sees only democratic tendencies. We can have press conferences and protest meetings. [TC]

Daughter Apsara wants signatures for ‘White House’ petition seeking justice for Sarath Fonseka

Dear friends,

As you all very well know my father was given another 3 years of imprisonment simply because the court felt he assisted in spreading a rumor that brought tension among ethnicities.

Although it is my dearest wish to comment on this “verdict” and the so called “justice system” in Sri Lanka, I will keep them to myself for the sake of my family, who has felt the wrath of the the Sri Lankan “law” more than any regular family that lives in the country. [TC]

Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe must weed out their party MPs who misbehaved in parliament

by S.L.Gunasekara

Unruly scenes and episodes of thuggery in what is, for some quaint ‘reason’, termed the “August Assembly”, namely Parliament, are regrettably, nothing new.

Perhaps a new “low” was established by the scenes of rampant thuggery in the presence of the President of the Republic and the leader of the UPFA/SLFP while the President was reading the budget speech. [TC]

Is Ranil Wickremesinghes concern over judicial independence genuinely ‘bona fide’ or a ‘mala fide’ device?

by S.L. Gunasekara

Quick to seek some political advantage from the conviction of General Sarath Fonseka by the Trial at Bar on Friday the 18th, Ranil Wickremesinghe (the leader under siege) of the UNP has made a pronouncement condemning the treatment meted out to Mr. Warawewa who was the dissentient member of that Trial at Bar who held that General Fonseka was not guilty of any of the charges against him. [TC]

Rival LTTE factions in Canada clashing over ‘Great Heroes Day’ event unite due to soccer club efforts

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Both Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) factions in Canada have agreed NOT to have different”Great Heroes Day”functions on Nov 27th 2011

Clashing LTTE factions in Canada have decided to conduct one “Great Heroes day” function in Ontario Province & another in Quebec Province only [DBSJ]

“Real number of dead and missing far too small to provide any substance to the absurd allegations of genocide and war crimes”

by Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Full Text of address by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation: “The Way Forward for Post Conflict Sri Lanka”, on Nov 24, 2011 held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, in Colombo [TC]

US Senators urge Secretary of State to take lead in establishing independent international commission if LLRC fails to meet standards

Letter from US Senators dated Nov 4th, 2011 to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, urging The United States to “take the lead in pressing for the establishment of an independent international commission, either by the UN Human Rights Council or under the Secretary-General’s own authority”, was released to the media today. [TC]

LLRC report states no need of international probe if govt implements its recommendations 

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has, in its final report, said that no state should be asked to suspend military operations aimed at rescuing civilians forcibly held by a heavily armed terrorist group.

The failure on the part of a state to proceed with such operations will only allow terrorists to go on the rampage, the presidential commission has said. [TC]

The Tamil death toll in early 2009: a misleading count by Rohan Gunaratna

by Prof.Michael Roberts

Rohan Gunaratna presented a wide-ranging talk entitled “The Future of Sri Lanka’s Security: Countering the LTTE on the Western Soil” under the auspices of the British Scholars Association at the British Council in Colombo on the 16th November 2011.

In measured tone, he pinpointed several shortcomings in the government policies in meeting world-wide attention directed at the situation in Sri Lanka, such as the failure to present a White Paper on the last stage of the war and the failure to invite Ban Ki-moon’s Darusman Panel to visit the island as part of their investigation. [TC]

“We Should be Committed to Build a Nation that all of us can be Proud of”

by Mahinda Rajapaksa

Text of 2012 budget speech in Parliament by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 21st 2011

Hon. Speaker, I am indeed happy to deliver the 7th consecutive Budget Speech of our Government. I am also inspired to see you in the chair on this occasion. [TC] 

UNP members were assaulted by govt members in the presence of the President 

by Karu Jayasuriya

Press Release by Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Leader, United National Party, on the assault of the main opposition, United National Party, by the Members of Parliament of the Government 22nd November 2011

We have to reiterate the fact that there is a severe eroding of democracy in this country. [TC]

Pandemonium in parliament as UPFA-UNP MPs clash during budget speech

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Pandemonium erupted in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Monday November 21st 2011 as MP’s belonging to the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) and opposition United National Party(UNP)clashed openly in the presence of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the presentation of the budget for the forthcoming year. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka to devalue rupee by 3 pct

By C. Bryson Hull

Nov 21 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s president on Monday devalued the rupee currency by 3 percent in a shock monetary policy change that should boost export competitiveness and temper International Monetary Fund (IMF) pressure for exchange rate flexibility. [TC]

Tamil Resurgence Week in Tamil Nadu organized by Seeman will focus on LTTE armed struggle 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

A 9-day”Thamizhar Ezhuchi Vaaram”(Tamil resurgence week)organized by”Naam Thamizhar Iyakkam” (We Tamil movement) is currently on in Tamil Nadu [DBSJ]

Twenty charges compiled against Ranil Wickremesinghe by UNP ‘dissidents’

By Maithri Guneratna

The paragraph pertaining to the party’s Constitution: 1.1: The party that is dedicated to democracy devoid of nationalism and clansman ship.

The action taken against members of the UNP to oust them from the Working Committee after they had spoken openly agitating for a leadership change and scuppering attempts of such members to air their views publicly. [TC]

Are The Rajapaksas planning to get Gen. Fonseka sentenced sequentially for this crime or that so he does not get to leave the prison?

by Tissaranee Gunasekara

“Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is not known as a moderate voice, and his remarks were emblematic of his downplaying government actions while exaggerating the opposition threat. It is interesting that he did not mention the allegation of coup plans by Fonseka, but his promise of more military purges to come was ominous”. -US Ambassador Patricia Butenis (Wikileaks)

For all their patriotic rhetoric, the two omnipotent presidential-siblings, Basil and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, tend to be more open and truthful with major and minor US officials than with Lankan people. [TC]

Hirunika Premachandra addresses crucial issues affecting Sri Lanka in ‘Sirasa’ TV interview 

by Sumanasiri Liayanage

While young people all over the world are experimenting with new forms of social resistance, the young, energetic and brave 24 year-old daughter of the slain politician, Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra (BLP), Hirunika Premachandra in her interview with Sirasa, Kingsly Ratnayaka, proposed that in order to understand the incident that occurred at the local government election day, it has to be located in a broader political landscape of the island. [TC]

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India being issued Lankan birth certificates 

Nov 20, 2011, RAMANATHAPURAM:

In a confidence gaining initiative, Sri Lankan authorities on Saturday began issuing birth certificates to children of Tamil refugees who have been living in camps here.

Around 13 officials of the Sri Lankan Embassy led by the country’s Deputy High Commissioner in South India Vadivel Krishnamoorthy undertook the exercise of recording the birth of children at a special camp conducted at the district Collectorate. [TC]

‘Sthree Mela’: Grand Celebration Highlighting Great Accomplishments of Sri Lankan Women

The Voices of Sri Lankan Women Presents An Exhibition & Conference at the BMICH Colombo 8th 9th and 10th December 2011 Film Screening at Gall face Jubilee hall 7th December 2011

Over the centuries, women have played a significant role by contributing to our socioeconomic, cultural, political and human development processes in the country. [TC]

Sri Lanka’s first Braille newspaper ‘Wijeya Braille’ launched

By Cassandra Mascarenhas

Sri Lanka has come a long way since children who were either hearing or sight impaired were neglected and marginalised in society and did not have opportunities in gaining any education or fitting into society.

With the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind preparing to celebrate its centenary next year, it was timely that the first ever Braille newspaper in Sri Lanka was launched yesterday at the School for the Blind in Ratmalana. [TC]

The Sri Lanka reader edited by John Clifford Holt is a superb Anthology

by Tissa Jayatilaka

The Sri Lanka Reader ~ History, Culture and Politics
Edited by John Clifford Holt [TC]

Looking for the boy with the violin

Priyath Liyanage goes to Sri Lanka in search of the boy with the violin that abandoned his home in the final days of a civil war. [TC]

Nedumaran writes new 1000 page biography of LTTE leader Prabhakaran

 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

A 1000 page book on the life of Veluppillai Prabhakaran,leader of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is to be released in January 2012

The book “Prabhakaran: Thamizhar Ezhuchiyin Vadivam” (Prabhakaran; Personification of Tamil resurgence) is written by Pazhaniyappan Nedumaran. [DBSJ]

No satisfactory permanent solution can ever be found under a unitary system of govt

by Veerasingham Anandasangaree

This is the full text of a letter sent to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa by former MP and Secretary-General of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Veerasingam Aanandasangaree:

I am compelled to write this letter to you being very much worried and upset over the happenings in this Country, since the end of the war. [TC]

The Tamil people have not been treated as equal citizens for a very long time-Sampanthan

By Maryam Azwer

Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, says the Tamils in the country are still not treated as equal citizens and have lost their dignity and self respect.

In an interview with The Sunday Leader, R. Sampanthan also spoke on Sinhalese settlement in the North and East, as well as local and international efforts towards assuring accountability for alleged war crimes. [TC]

‘I bow my head in respect to the judge who acquitted me of the charges’–Gen. Sarath Fonseka

by Namini Wijedasa

As journalists, politicians and public waited for Sarath Fonseka to exit the Colombo High Court after his sentencing Friday, authorities smuggled him out the back, forced him down the steps and roughly bundled him into the van taking him back to jail.

But if they were hoping for a quick getaway, it was not to be. [TC]

Why Gen. Sarath Fonseka was found not guilty on all three charges 

By Manopriya Gunasekara

Excerpts of dissenting judgment by Judge W.T.M.P.B.Warawewa

This case is based on an interview the former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka gave The Sunday Leader Editor Frederica Jansz in December 2010.

Frederica Jansz is a journalist by profession who had begun her journalism career in 1990 with Viz News and then worked at The Sunday Times before moving to The Sunday Leader. [TC]

Why Gen Sarath Fonseka was found guilty on the first charge

By Manopriya Gunasekara

Excerpts of judgment by Deepali Wijesundara, President of the High Court Trial-at-Bar, and Judge Zulfikar Razeen

Prison guards dragging Fonseka to the prison vehicle-pic: sundayTimes.lk

It should be considered whether the accused had an intention of disrupting the Government and creating unrest among the public. In the statement made in courts it was evident that he had a grudge against the President and the Defence Secretary. [TC]

Sri Lanka spent 880 Million Rupees for bid to host 2018 Commonwealth games in Hambantota

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Sri Lanka spent around US$ 8 million (approximately SLR880 million) for the recent Hambantota 2018 bid to host the Commonwealth Games.

This included hundreds of millions spent on PR firms, to woo representatives from Commonwealth nations, and on the 120 strong delegation to St. Kitts and Nevis, while Australia sent only 20 representatives. [TC]

Arrest order for Duminda Silva: Will there be an oasis of justice in a desert of iniquity 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

“This is what happens when men decide to stand the world on its head”. Hannah Arendt (Responsibility and Judgement)

Justice is an oddity, in unjust times.

In a lawful land, the arrest-order for parliamentarian Duminda Silva would have been issued just days after the Kolonnawa quadruple-murder. In a lawful land, the police would have unhesitatingly named Mr. Silva a suspect, given the abundance of prima facie evidence. [TC]

It is Sri Lanaka’s good fortune that Norway became a failed facilitator

by Gomin Dayasri

The official Norwegian assessment of its 12-year peace effort (1997-2009) in Sri Lanka titled “Pawns of Peace” is a mere surface scratch.

The judge and the jury in the report being Norway, the fault lines are spread in other directions omitting to mention the more sensitive mistakes Norway made. [TC]

NORAD funded evaluation of peace efforts in Sri Lanka is useful and good but analytically flawed

by Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka

The Norwegian (NORAD) commissioned study, Pawns of Peace: Evaluation of Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka, 1997-2009, is useful and good, but analytically flawed at its very core.

It is useful because it shows us how the ‘liberal peace’ discourse goes and how that constituency views the conflict in retrospect. [TC]

Need of the Hour is an enlightened Central Govt and an efficient elected municipal administration

by Eran Wickramaratne M.P

In March 2011 there was a government announcement that another layer of government was to be created, namely, the Colombo Metropolitan City Corporation by bringing together the Colombo Municipal Council, Dehiwela-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council, Sri Jaywardenepura-Kotte Municipal Council, Kolonnawa Urban Council, and Kotikawatte-Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha. [TC]

“New Law is an act to Ruin Economic Freedom” charges UNP

UNP Chief Economist and MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday charged that the Government was now covered in mud from head to toe with what the party described as the ‘Act to Ruin Economic Freedom’. [TC]

Human Rights Watch Testimony to Canadian Parliamentarians on Sri Lankan Human Rights Situation 

Canadian House of Commons Sub-committee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development had hearings on Sri Lankan Human Rights Situation in November 2011. [TC]

“Lebara”: London based European Success Story of Sri Lankan Tamils

Two venues booked for 'Great Heroes Day' event in London cancelled at short notice 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)faction led by Segarampillai Vinayagamoorthy alias Vinayagam has suffered a major setback in Britain [TC]

Tiger factions gear up for Nov27th “Maveerar Naal”

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The French crackdown on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) in Paris was launched on April Fools day . In what may have appeared to be a cruel April fools joke to the tigers in France, French law enforcement authorities engaged in concrete action against the LTTE on April 1st 2007. [TC]

“Unless we live together in goodwill and with understanding tensions can develop and be exploited”

An Interview with Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha by Ishara Jayawardane

They say that every journey starts with a step. In truth Sri Lanka’s journey towards peace and reconciliation started when the man Sri Lanka had been waiting for – Mahinda Rajapaksa – finally arrived.

After taking the reins of the presidency in 2005, the bold leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa brought an end to the war against the LTTE which cost a staggering amount of lives. [TC]

Peace process facilitated power shift, where ultra nationalism has moved from the margins to the centre of Sri Lankan politics

Leadership will have to come from fresh, new people says Chandrika Kumaratunga 

by Ishani D. Premaratne

Chandrika Kumaratunga, the former president of Sri Lanka, painted a sobering picture of an island nation recovering from civil war during a talk at CGIS yesterday.

Kumaratunga, who led Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2005, described her administration’s unsuccessful attempts to resolve through peaceful negotiations the long-standing conflict between Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil populations. [TC]

Cold war in the tropics: China, India vie for Maldives

Norway was not a conscious proponent of Liberal peace building in Sri Lanka

 

Tamils living in Australia have been the subject of abusive Sinhalese E-Mails and so have I 

By Ravi Ladduwahetty

Hello Friends

Senior deputy leader of the United National Party and Gampaha district Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya is a widely respected popular politician. Before he entered active politics this old Anandian had a distinguished record in the private sector.

In a recent article in “The Island” journalist Ravi Ladduwahetty has written a multi-faceted article about Karu Jayasuriya’s private sector past based on a conversation with him. It is an interesting article providing an insight into Karu’s previous “avatar”. [click here to read in full ~ on DBSJeyaraj.com]

Sri Lanka enjoys a strategically significant geographical position in the Indian Ocean

Mahinda Rajapaksa govt will safeguard honest businessmen, their investments and their future progress 

by Basil Rajapaksa

Following are excerpts of the speech made by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in Parliament during the debate on the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Underutilized Assets Bill

“We have not said anything abroad that we haven’t already stated here in the country”

 

How and why the Oslo sponsored Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission failed in Sri Lanka

 

‘Ensure accountability for serious violations of human rights to truly solidify peace’ – US Deputy Asst Sec of Defense 

“I will make it clear that the United States needs to see continued progress in promoting the rights of all Sri Lankans and in taking concrete steps to bring about reconciliation with the Tamil population.”

Remarks as Prepared to the Galle Dialogue, Sri Lanka By Robert M. Scher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asian Affairs:

Good morning. I’m delighted to be here today, along with so many distinguished leaders and practitioners of maritime security. [TC]

Hirunika Premachandra, the daughter of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, said yesterday that her family would be compelled to seek redress internationally with regard to her father’s killing if the authorities failed to bring the killers to book.

Speaking to a private TV channel yesterday, Ms. Premachandra said UPFA MP Duminda Silva’s departure abroad to seek treatment was questionable, as he had not sought permission from the police. [TC]

‘Expropriation’ bill violates basic notion of separation of powers

Mahinda is making such comical political steps

TNA objective is to find political solution within an undivided united country-M.A. Sumanthiran

By Arthur Wamanan

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) recently went to the United States and met with several US State Department officials and the UN Under Secretary General, Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe.

M.A. Sumanthiran MP

TNA Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran, a member of the delegation, speaks to The Nation on their visit and the displeasure expressed by the members of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) over their exclusion from the US visit and the talks with the government [TC]

Three inter-connected pre-occupations of the Rajapaksas: Extravagance, land grabbing and media-muzzling

cartoon by Hasantha Wijenayake-courtesy: lakbimaNews

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

Kleptocrat: A ruler who uses power to steal the country’s resources. – Oxford Dictionary

Mindless-extravagance; land-grabbing; media-muzzling: the three Rajapaksa preoccupations are intimately interconnected.

The Ruling Siblings need money to strengthen their power and to sustain their voracious appetite for exhibitionism, and the fastest way to make a fast-buck in a cash-strapped economy is grabbing other people’s properties and selling/leasing them. [TC]

Architect Chelvadurai Anjalendran wins Golden Award for Global Contribution to Architecture

by NAN

I quote from Architect Anjalendran’s acceptance speech in New Delhi on 17 October 2011 when he received the Golden Award for Global Contribution to Architecture by Architecture + Design & Spectrum Foundation.

Anjalendran’s most significant work to date has been the series of projects undertaken for SOS Children’s Villages International over a period of fifteen years, which have included orphanages in Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Anuradhapura, schools, retirement homes, and training centres.

It is an achievement of Anjalendran’s that needs to be noted by all Sri Lankans. He agreed with me when I said that recognition seems to come from abroad, not from within. Sad but true. [TC]

Non-academic strategies for dealing with endemic political violence in our universities

Professor Savitri Goonesekere-pic: UNIS

by Prof.Carlo Fonseka

When the history of university education in Sri Lanka in the early decades of the 21st century comes to be written, law professor Savitri Goonesekere should surely figure on a peak of resplendent courage.

Having sat next to me at fortnightly meetings of the University Grants Commission for several years, Prof SG knows my favorite quote from Ernest Hemingway : “If people bring so much courage to this world, the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them” [TC]

Freedom of expression must not de-generate into wild ass freedom on cyber space 

by Victor Ivan

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) has blocked several news websites. Local and foreign media organizations have criticized and protested the government’s decision to block them.

The US and European Union embassies too, had issued statements expressing their concerns over this decision. [TC]

Expropriation Bill a wake up call to the Private Sector-Eran Wickramaratne

Eran Wickramaratne MP: eranw.org

Opposition Member of Parliament and former Bank Chief Executive, Eran Wickramaratne, speaking on the government’s Expropriation Bill in Parliament sounded a wake up call to the private sector as the government hurriedly pushed through a Bill to acquire private sector businesses on the basis of them being underperforming or having underutilized assets alienated from government over the past 20 years. [TC]

UPFA now stands for Unbridled Powers of a Family Alliance

12 November 2011, 4:46 pm

by Karu Jayasuriya MP

The might of numbers in Parliament steamrolled the plight of the private sector albeit the nation this week.

Notwithstanding widespread protests, the government has placed in the statute books the draconian Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Underutilized Act. That 37 business enterprises, including profit making ventures which gave employment and revived rural economies are now Government property is a fait accompli. [TC]

'Sri Lankan Tamil' fishermen deprived of their own rights due to Indian boats fishing in Lanka shores

They are asking me weather 'Jaffna Tamils' have been resettled and whether their living conditions are good or bad and whether we are helping them. So why not help the fishermen? They are deprived of their own rights. So this is an unfortunate thing. So they must understand that too. [TC]

Parliament can be described today as an underperforming enterprise as it has been reduced to a rubber stamp

Text of speech made in Parliament by M.A. Sumanthiran,Tamil National Alliance MP on November 9th 2011 during the debate on the underperforming businesses and under utilised assets expropriation [TC]

Attack on Parithy in Paris: Intra-Tiger power struggle

By D.B.S. jeyaraj

The October 30th  nocturnal attack on senior French  tiger leader Parithy in Paris is a symptom of a malady currently afflicting Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora politics. [DBSJ]

Is Europe burning the Euro or the Euro burning Europe?

by M.S.Shah Jahan

Few years ago a small rural town in Spain twinned with a similar town in Greece. The Mayor of the Greek town visited the Spanish town. When he saw the palatial mansion belonging to the Spanish mayor, he wondered how he could afford such a house. [TC]

Pawns of Peace: Evaluation of Norwegian Peace Efforts in Sri Lanka

by Jonathan Goodhand, Bart Klem and Gunnar Sørbø

Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka have been the subject of heated debate and controversy, ever since they became public in December 1999. This debate has spawned many different stories about Norway’s involvement in Sri Lanka, some of them very critical. [TC]

NORAD releases report on the 'failed' Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka

Report evaluating Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka, 1997-2009, commissioned by Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) and Carried out by: Chr. Michelsen Institute/School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London [TC]

Al Jazeera 101 East: What can remedy bitter ethnic divisions in post-war Sri Lanka?

Since Sri Lanka ended a long-running civil war in May 2009, the country has attracted new tourists and trade. [TC]

Nepal Journalists condemn arbitrary blocking of websites in Sri Lanka

We believe the real motives behind the actions taken were to control the new media and hinder the free flow of information by refusing to ensure the democratic and pluralistic media environment. [TC]

There is no such thing called a Just War: Letters for humanity - I

by Kanishka Ratnapriya

Whenever we fought each other, we saw the death, destruction and disease that war brought. In the recent past of humanity from WWI, to WWII, to Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka any war that involves violence and killing ends up showing humanity’s darkest side [TC]

Remembrance Day (11.11.11) – Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields

By Saba-Thambi

Ever since I bought the red artificial poppy in Colombo in the nineteen eighties, I have been fascinated by the symbolism behind the artificial flower. Red poppies are sold in memory of the fallen soldiers of the World Wars I & II. [TC]

Situation  in Sri Lanka Today is the most serious Tamils have faced in 2500 years of Recorded History

By Dr. Brian Senewiratne

The humanitarian situation in the Tamil-speaking area in the North and East, more than two years after the so called ‘end’ of the war, between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Tamil people, is the most serious the Tamils have faced in their 2,500 years of recorded history. [TC]

We in Sri Lanka are passionate believers in social mobility

by Mahinda Rajapaksa

We in Sri Lanka are passionate believers in social mobility. Education, health facilities and modern communication, must be made available to all. [TC]

Show-casing Sri Lanka as "Emerging Wonder of Asia":Sanity,Vanity and Reality -Anila Dias Bandaranaike

By Ravi Ladduwahetty

Retired Central Bank Assistant Governor and outspoken Economist Dr Anila Dias Bandaranaike, recently, took on the government on policy related issues in post war Sri Lanka, adding that: "The country’s development potential is unlimited but we need to develop it with wisdom and balance." [TC]

Fifth death anniversary of TNA Jaffna MP Nadarajah Raviraj

by D.B. Jeyaraj

Hello Frinds, It was on November 10th 2006 that Nadarajah Raviraj was brutally gunned down along with his Police bodyguard  in broad daylight near his residence in Colombo. Five years have passed and no one has been punished for the  murders of the Tamil National Alliance(TNA) MP from Jaffna district nor Sgt.Lakshman Lokuwella the bodyguard. [DBSJ]

Raviraj was a connector of people and not divider of communities

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

Hello Friends, It was on November 10th 2006 that Nadarajah Raviraj the Tamil National Alliance(TNA) MP from Jaffna district  and his Police bodyguard Sgt.Lakshman Lokuwella  were killed in Colombo. Five years have passed and none have been penalised for the ghastly crime. [DBSJ]

Russia to present ‘Order of Friendship' award to Tamil writer D. Jayakanthan

The Russian Federation has announced the presentation of ‘Order of Friendship' award to noted Tamil novelist D. Jayakanthan. [The Hindu]

Malicious websites run by propaganda hitmen should not remain above the law-The Island

The government has drawn heavy flak from some quarters for ordering that all websites specialising in Sri Lankan news be registered with the Information Department immediately. [TC]

Arbitrary Blocking and Registration of Websites: The Continuing Violation of Freedom of Expression on the Internet

We also condemn the actions of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) that has, according to a Sunday Times news report, moved to block a number of specific websites in line with this. [TC]

Please give peace chance in Sri Lanka

by Chitranganee Wagiswara

The Star has once again issued an editorial to discredit Sri Lanka. Why harp on the final days of the war, conveniently ignoring the terrorist activities carried out in Sri Lanka by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers) for nearly 30 years? [TC]

Parliament passes controversial bill to take over businesses and assets by 122 to 46 votes

By Saman Indrajith 

The Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Underutilized Assets Bill was passed by a majority of 76 votes in Parliament yesterday. The Bill received 122 votes in favour and 46 against. [TC]

Expropriation Bill – Unmasks the Private Sector?

 By Amrit Muttukumaru MA Econ.(Madras); MBM(Asian Inst. of Mgmt.)

Although the “Revival of Under Performing and Under Utilized Assets” Bill has dire implications to the well-being of the country in general and the private sector in particular, our valiant captains of industry and commerce as reflected in the leadership of the main business chambers are reportedly comfortable with this Bill except for “serious concern” over some of the entities included! [TC]

Lawyers file response in courts saying Sri Lankan General  Shavendra Silva Not Entitled to Immunity from War Crimes Lawsuit

“The United Nations has a war criminal within its ranks. This is a moral and legal offense,” said Ali Beydoun, director at American University Washington College of Law’s UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic and a Senior Partner at SPEAK Human Rights & Environmental Initiative. [TC]

'War tourism,' in an environment where survivors worry about next meal and still haunted by violent past

By Nita Bhalla

Now, as communities return to find their homes destroyed, possessions lost and little means of making an income, some aid workers and residents question this “war tourism” in an environment where survivors worry about their next meal and are still haunted by their violent past. [TC]

Practical realities must be looked at instead of a theoretical application of humanitarian norms to all situations

Speech by Sri Lankan  Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem, on the Report of the International Law Commission at its sixty-third session [TC]

Frequent flooding of city after heavy rains will wash 'beautified' Colombo down the drain

by Anton Nanayakara

After all the work done in beautifying the City of Colombo or making it a Miracle City or Wonder of Asia, it will be sad if we see everything getting washed down the drain when a heavy rainfall plays havoc on the lives of the city dwellers rich and poor [TC]

Jon Snow to Revisit Sri Lanka's Killing Fields

By Alex Guest

Channel 4's investigation into the final weeks of the Sri Lankan civil war, Sri Lanka's Killing Fields, revealed war crimes committed by both sides in the hostilities. [TC]

Replacing words 'Arabs,' 'Hamas,' and 'Israel' with 'Tamil,' 'Tiger and 'Sri Lanka'

by Jonathan Kay

This isn’t a column about the Middle East. But to make my point, I’m going to start by asking readers to imagine a scenario from that part of the world. [TC]

IFJ condemns new move by Sri Lankan govt to block news websites

These include Lanka News Web, Sri Lanka Mirror, Sri Lanka Guardian and Lanka Way News. [TC]

Economic and political costs of over-extending military role

By Jehan Perera

Hello Friends

The war may be over but the Armed forces of Sri Lanka continue to play an assertive role in the affairs of the Country. [via DBSJEYARAJ.COM]

CH 4 Video: Torture perpetrated by military and police still continuing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's civil war ended with "credible" evidence that war crimes were committed. Now Channel 4 News can reveal mounting evidence that the government is still torturing Tamil prisoners. [TC]

Urgent need to prosecute security agents involved in torture-Amnesty International

Sri Lanka is not credibly investigating torture, Amnesty International said on the eve of a review by the UN Committee Against Torture into the country [TC]

Families search for thousands of missing victims from brutal war

by Andrew Buncombe

His name was Abi, he was six, and the last his family glimpsed of him was in the frenzied moments after deadly shells struck close to the bunker where they had been sheltering. [TC]

Single dominant ethnicity-religion 'enslaves' Independence Square

by Dushy Ranetunge

Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural, multi-religious republic, where leaders of all communities fought for the nations independence, frequently helping each other. [TC]

With 'enemies' such as these, what need has Sarath Nanda Silva of 'friends'?

by S.L. Gunasekara

Hello Friends, 

The recent motion signed by several MP's calling for the appointment of a Parliamentary select committee to inquire into allegations of misconduct by retired chief justice Sarath Nanda Silva has caused much excitement. [via DBSJeyaraj.com]

Failure to debate what happened in Sri Lanka may have consequences for Commonwealth

by Malcolm Fraser

Last weekend, representatives of 54 countries, mostly heads of government, attended the bi-annual Commonwealth Meeting. [TC]

Govt must hold Northern Provincial Council elections and sign a memorandum of understanding with NPC

by Sumanasiri Liayanage

A rumour goes like this: Speaker, Chamal Rajapaksa on his return from a recent visit to India suggested that some meaningful steps be taken, sooner rather than later, to devise a mechanism to resolve the national question in general and the Tamil national question in particular. [TC]

TNA travel to the USA viewed with hostility by the Mahinda Administration

by Vickramabahu Karunaratne

While the Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his diplomatic corps tried to put water on fires at the Perth Commonwealth summit, the Tamil National Alliance leaders were in the United States, meeting leaders in the Obama administration and the United Nations, to press for an amicable political solution. [TC]

Sri Lanka will survive even if Canada cuts off aid says Vasudeva Nanayakkara

by Lee Berthiaume

While he’s hoping Canada will not boycott the next Commonwealth summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka, or cut aid over war crimes allegations, a senior Sri Lankan minister says his country will survive if it does. [TC]

One law for the Rajapaksas and their favorites and another for the rest of us

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

The long-awaited LLRC report is, finally, ready. But can it promote accountability or assure justice in a country where contempt for law is a hallmark of governance? [TC]

Govt Targetting Sevanagala Sugar Factory as “underperforming”through new Law is Political victimisation

By The Sunday Times Political Editor

Sitting on top of a six billion rupee empire extending to several spheres, he is easily one of Sri Lanka’s top notch business entrepreneurs.

No more take-over of businesses under controversial new law assures Basil Rajapaksa

by Namini Wijedasa

The government will not introduce further laws to take over businesses nor will it acquire any more institutions by amending the schedule to the controversial Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Underutilised Assets bill, said Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in an interview. [TC]

Thou shallt not oppose the ruling family: New First commandment for Sri Lanka

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

‘Either you are with us or against us’: that was the Rajapaksa leitmotiv during the Fourth Eelam War. According to this credo, only those who supported and obeyed the Rajapaksas, uncritically and unquestioningly, were considered ‘friends’ by the Ruling Siblings. [TC]

New Colombo Mayor Muzammil Complains to Police about unlawful conduct of UPFA Councillors

By Chris Kamalendran

The row over the controversial opposition meeting held at the Colombo Municipal Council premises intensified yesterday with seeking police assistance to resolve the issue. [TC]