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Saturday, 12 December 2009 06:56 AM 

Sri Lankan Government is ready to share intelligence and evidence with the US authorities, if the need arose, in order to secure the arrest of senior LTTE activist V. Rudrakumaran who is believed to be operating from the US.

See Daily Mirror for details

A cooperative and a health service centre for the Kiranchi village - Arrangements are afoot to open up a divisional health service centre to meet the health needs of the people in the village of Kiranchi said the Hon.Governor, Northern Province, Major General GA Chandrasiri. The process of resettling people in the village of Kiranchi in the Poonagary Divisional Secretariat area has commenced. At the request made by the people of this village, when the Hon.Governor visited them to look into their welfare and needs, for a health centre, steps were taken to provide them an outlet of cooperative unit (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 10 Dec 2009).

Lanka ready to share evidence to arrest Rudrakumaran - The Sri Lankan government says it is ready to share intelligence and evidence with US authorities, if the need arises, in order to secure the arrest of senior LTTE activist V. Rudrakumaran who is believed to be operating from the US. Government Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rumbukwalla said the government hopes to gather evidence on the links between Rudrakumaran and the Tigers through the ongoing interrogation of Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) in order secure his arrest. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake, speaking to reporters in Colombo yesterday, said that Rudrakumaran could not be arrested as he had not committed any crimes on US soil. When asked to respond to the US position on Rudrakumaran, Minister Rumbukwalla told Daily Mirror online Sri Lanka is hopeful that with sufficient evidence the LTTE activist can be arrested in the United States. The Minister said that the US authorities had previously arrested and prosecuted LTTE personnel after gathering sufficient evidence against them. “Maybe with enough evidence we can convince the US authorities to arrest Rudrakumaran. This matter involves the legal systems of both countries and thus it is not simple,” he said. Following its military defeat the LTTE formed a team under US-based LTTE legal adviser Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran to work on the formation of a Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (Daily Mirror : 10 Dec 2009).

Navy to purchase six fast attack craft from Israel - Despite the end of the war the Navy is to purchase six more fast attack craft from Israel in January next year to strengthen the Navy capabilities, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thissera Samarasingha told reporters in Colombo this morning. He also said the Navy has strengthened security at sea to ensure Indian fishermen do not enter Sri Lankan waters (Daily Mirror : 10 Dec 2009).

UNP under Ranil is responsible for;

• The decimation of our intelligence gathering network in 2002 . This ghastly episode can have no parallel in the annals of Treachery to date. Don Juan Dharmapala’s treachery in favour of the Portuguese can equal the UNP’s diabolic of the cream of our intelligence unit, LRRO (Millennium City), to the LTTE.
• Signing an illegal agreement with the LTTE leader Prabhakaran, the so-called CFA, loaded heavily in favour of the LTTE bypassing the country’s President.
• Having given the LTTE a claim over a large extent of territory, the UNP thereafter wilfully and deliberately turned a blind eye to almost every LTTE violation of the CFA, genuflecting to almost every LTTE demand, ignoring the smuggling of 11arms shipments and helping the LTTE to bring in through the Customs, several items of military use, which reportedly included aeroplane parts.

Thus, if culpability for the death and destruction in the country should rest with anyone, it must rest primarily with Ranil and his UNP.

Where is Phony now?

Sri Lanka should be vigilant of International conspiracies

President Mahinda Rajapaksa unveiled a monument in Pudumathalan yesterday in honour of the war heroes engaged in the mission against terrorism. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Three Forces Commanders and the IGP were also present. Right: The President also took time to talk to Forces personnel. Pictures by Sudath Silva

Unveils victory monument: President visits scene of final battles: Govt withstood foreign pressure: - Although our heroic war heroes gallantly marched forward in the battle front in the past they were unable to liberate the motherland from terrorism due to the wrong decisions taken by the politicians who ruled the country then, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Puthukuduyiruppu yesterday. The President was speaking after unveiling a monument to mark the victory over terrorism at Puthukuduyiruppu. This was the first time a head of State visited Puthukuduyiruppu which was the scene of the decisive and final phase of the humanitarian operation which defeated terrorism in this country. The President said when the war heroes were taking on the terrorists in the battle front, the Government ably faced and withstood all foreign and local pressures exerted to halt their operations on behalf of the war heroes without allowing them to face it. A significant feature of yesterday’s event was the presence of all military commanders who participated in the final operation of the Security Forces in the Vanni battlefield (Daily News : 10 Dec 2009).

US welcomes IDP resettlement - The United States welcomes the Government’s progress in the resettlement process, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and former US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Robert Blake said yesterday. He emphasized that his overall assessment of his visits to Menik Farm and the demining areas in Mannar, was that the current situation was very agreeable. “The United States,” he stated, “welcomes the recent progress by the Government of Sri Lanka to return a majority of these Sri Lankans home and allow increased freedom of movement to those still in camp.” The former Ambassador visited Menik Farm the previous morning, as well as demining areas in Mannar. He had also called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and several other leaders. Talking about the upcoming presidential elections, Blake said the USA did not take sides in elections in other countries (Daily News : 10 Dec 2009).

Child soldier surrendees rehabilitation expedited - The Justice and Law Reforms Ministry has taken the initiative to expedite the rehabilitation program of LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Armed Forces, the Justice and Law Reforms Deputy Minister V. Puththirasigamoney said. After liberating the country from terrorism, around 11,000 LTTE carders including child soldiers have surrendered to the Security Forces. The Ministry has made arrangements to integrate these ex LTTE carders to the society while rehabilitating them. Under this scheme, more training centres have been established in several parts of the country apart from Vavuniya. After identifying skills and capabilities of the surrendered youth they have been separated into batches consisting of 500 members. These batches will undergo vocational and professional training at these training centres. The Government has offered employment to youth who already possess vocational qualifications, Deputy Minister Puththirasigamoney added. Under this scheme, around 150 youth have got foreign jobs including in Malaysia and the Middle East. "These youth who went abroad for foreign employment were conscripted as child soldiers and were directly involved in terrorist activities. But, they have now been integrated to society and they bring foreign exchange to the country. More training centres will be established in due course. After identifying their educational and vocational background, most are sent back to schools while others will receive training at vocational training centres," Puththirasigamoney said (Daily News : 10 Dec 2009).

Kilinochchi hospital opens - Kilinochchi District Hospital damaged by the fleeing LTTE was reequipped, renovated and opened for the public last Friday by the Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri, official sources of the North said. The hospital once a well equipped one with all medical, surgical equipment and supplies was badly damaged by the terrorists and they had taken away vital drugs and equipment when they fled sources said. The hospital now has a maternity ward, OPD, dental clinic and a unit for wound dressing. An Anti-Malaria Campaign Unit was also opened at Kilinochchi by the Governor who said steps were being taken to provide high quality medical services for the people of the North under the Vaddikin Vasantham rehabilitation and resettlement program of the North implemented by the Presidential Special Task Force led by Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP (Daily News : 10 Dec 2009).

US hails Lanka’s war on LTTE terrorism ; won’t take sides at Jan 26 presidential poll - Close on the heels of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee calling for ‘a less confrontational approach towards Sri Lanka’, citing strategic US interests in the region, vsiting US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake said that the defeat of the LTTE had created a tremendous opportunity for the people of Sri Lanka. "For the first time in over a generation, Sri Lankans live in a country that is not divided by war or marred by violence," he told a media briefing, at the Galle Face Hotel, after meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. Referring to the forthcoming presidential election, the former US Ambassador in Colombo said that the US would not take sides in elections in other countries, except to express their strong support a for free and fair democratic process. He said, "It’s been over six months since I left Sri Lanka as Ambassador and began my duties in Washington as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. I left Sri Lanka only days after the Government forces captured the last remaining territory held by the LTTE." (Island : 10 Dec 2009).

Mammon and accountability - The UNP has asked the government to reveal assets seized from the LTTE and sought to create an impression in the public mind that the confiscated terrorist property is being siphoned off for the benefit of the powers that be. When Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera raised a question on this issue in Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake replied that all LTTE property being acquired would be used for the country's development. Last week we exclusively reported that three captured LTTE ships were being brought to Sri Lanka and yesterday we revealed that those vessels had entered Sri Lanka's territorial waters. A huge amount of money and gold recovered from LTTE hideouts is in the custody of the State and much more is expected to be seized with the help of information ascertained from the self-appointed new Tiger leader and chief LTTE arms procurer KP now in custody. The government must not only handle the LTTE's ill-gotten wealth––soaked with blood, sweat and tears of innocent civilians––in a very transparent manner but also be seen to be doing so (Island Editorial : 10 Dec 2009).

Ranil has done it again – all by himself - by H. L. D. Mahindapala - Each time Ranil Wickremesinghe tries to lift the UNP up it sinks a foot or two deeper in the mud in which it is located right now.. Each time he tries to raise his head he is knocked on the head by his own stupidity. Each time he thinks that he has stitched up the best deal for himself, the party or the nation every stitch comes apart at the seams. Each time he blunders it has diminished the image of the UNP and prospects of recovering from repeated defeats at the polls. The latest fiasco is Gen (retd.) Sarath Fonseka. For a brief while Wickremesinghe’s loyalists were elated that their leader had found the best deal to save the party. But even before the race could begin he is back at square one. Instead of rallying the party behind him he has once again created another irreparable rift. He thinks that his party is like pappadam – made to be broken. Breaking up his party has been his specialty and Mahinda Rajapakse should not forget to present Wickremesinghe with the Deshabandu or Desmanaya award for his incomparable services to his own failure in politics (LankaWeb : 9 Dec 2009).

Canada rules Princess Eashwary as terror carrier - Canadian government yesterday, (08 Dec) ruled MV Princess Eashwary later renamed as MV Ocean Lady as a LTTE ship that was used to transport and smuggle arms and ammunitions to the LTTE. Further, the sources revealed that there are several number of sea tigers among the crew and another leader called Kobal who claimed to be the second in command of LTTE's Kutti Sri Artillery Regiment is also among them. According to informed sources, Ravi Shankar Kanagarajah alias Shangili, a most wanted transnational terrorist is the owner of MV Ocean Lady alias Princess Eashwary. He has been extensively involving in human smuggling activities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand etc. In addition, the sources further revealed that Kamal Raj known to be the captain of the vessel and involved in almost every supply of military cargo to the LTTE (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 9 Dec 2009).

LAW PROFESSOR DON ROTHWELL SEEMS TO HAVE MISSED THE LAW POINT IN HIS STATEMENT - By Noor Nizam, Sri Lanka Peace Activist, Political Activist and Freelance Journalist – Canada, Dec. 8th., 2009. In response to the so-called allegations made by the U.S report that Dr.Palitha Kohona then Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was involved in orchestrating the killing of the two LTTE political figures after they had negotiated to surrender, Professor Don Rothwell has expressed his opinion that diplomatic immunity should be wavered and investigations carried out on the role played by Australian dual citizen and former Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary who is presently holding office as the permanent representative for Sri Lankan at the UN. This statement is published in TamilNet.com datelined [TamilNet, Tuesday, 08 December 2009, 12:10 GMT]. In his opinion the professor is citing the principle of “command authority”, which holds that a person in a position of power who is aware of war crimes being committed can be held liable (LankaWeb : 9 Dec 2009).

Commander opens the new SFHQ Mullaittivu - As serenity is fast taking root, the law and order machinery is simultaneously shaping up in the Mullaittivu district while restoring full normalcy, freedom, democracy and more significantly, the peace and harmony among Mullaittivu people, badly battered for over three decades due to LTTE terrorism inside the so called former "heartland of LTTE's de-facto regime". The ceremonial opening of the newly established Security Forces Headquarters, Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) complex Tuesday (8) morning by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya further cemented the notion that security in the Mullaittivu sector would not remain an issue any longer since Police personnel in Mullaittivu are now able to well coordinate all security administrative matters with this new Headquarters. Commander was welcomed on arrival by Major General Nandana Udawatta, Commander Security Forces, Mullaittivu and conducted him to receive the Guard Turnout plus the Guard of Honour accorded in his honour (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 10 Dec 2009).

LTTE trained Naxalites - Naxal leader - A senior Naxal leader who surrendered in Maharashtra, India last week has claimed that two LTTE cadres had visited camps in India twice to give training to the Naxal terrorists. Naxal leader Rainu said that the LTTE cadres had taught the Naxals how to lay mines and handle grenades, reported the Indian Express. Maoist groups in India have been known to collaborate with their counterparts across the border in Nepal and also occasionally with sympathizers elsewhere in South Asia but the senior Naxal leader claimed that a warfare expert from the Philippines also visited and stayed in a Bastar Naxal camp in Abujmad, stated the Indian Express. “It is not very difficult for LTTE men to pass off as Indians, but how the Naxals managed a safe passage for a Filipino into territory where even the police can’t go, and back, is very curious,” said a security official who did not want to be named, the Indian Express further said (ISRIA : 9 Dec 2009).

The naked and the shameless : West vs Sinhalé (Sri Lanka) - Since the end of World War II the world has undergone many changes. Former colonies regained independence. Communism spread and then collapsed. Tremendous strides have been made in science and technology. The information revolution has turned the planet to a virtual global village. But one thing as not changed. It is the greedy Western mindset – the craze to `civilize’ the rest of humanity as in the age of colonialism. They still cannot shake off the delusion that they have a `divine’ right to dictate terms to the rest of the planet and impose their will on developing nations of Asia, Africa and Latin America in the name of democracy and human rights. What makes them continue with this hypocrital farce is that these big powers have absolutely no sense of shame even though they have been caught with their pants down in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. However much their double standards are exposed they carry on merrily. How they can keep a straight face while pontificating on the need to protect human rights is one of the world’s many wonders (Sinhale Hot News : 9 Dec 2009).

BEWARE ! SATAN IS COMING BACK - By Malin Abeyatunge - Satan Robert Blake the assistant secretary of state for South Asia is supposed to visit today with the purpose of encourage post war reconciliation. Rajapaksa Government is doing tremendously well with the IDP issue and most recently even allowed free movement of the IDPs despite there is a risk of LTTE cadres still hiding under the IDP cover who can create random chaos in the country. Mr. Blake, may I ask how your country reconciled with the Post Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans . Their issues have not been settled even after 4 years. Has your Government resettled all citizens who were displaced by the Hurricane Katrina? Please put your house in order first before you try to poke your finger with Sri Lankan affairs by dangling a carrot worth a few million dollars (Sinhale Hot News : 9 Dec 2009).

Vocational Training Ministry Assists In Rehabilitating Former LTTE Combatants - Vocational Training & Technical Training Ministry actively participates in the government’s efforts of rehabilitating the former LTTE combatants, who are now in the welfare centres and detention centres, Vocational Training & Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage said. Minister Gamage at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department said that over thousand youth have been provided vocational training on beauty culture, electronics, plumbing, welding, tourism, hotel management, journalism and several other fields. “Over 100 such former LTTE trained youths were provided vocational training on numerous fields at the Tellipalai in Jaffna and another batch of 120 at Pallekele in Kandy and 150 youth at Welikanda in Polonnaruwa were provided vocational training enabling them to join in the present labor force of the country”, Minister Gamage added (Asian Tribune ; 9 Dec 2009).

Govt committed to war heroes' welfare - President - In the past attitude of society towards war heroes, members of the Armed Forces was not positive but today the Government is committed to their welfare as well as the welfare of their families and children, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. The President made this observation after opening the newly-built swimming pool and the common amenities building at the Defence College, Malay Street, Colombo 2 yesterday. He said there were some people who had said it was easy for any fool to carry a gun and fight a war but it was the valiant war heroes who liberated the country from bloody terrorists so that our children could live freely and help build a united nation. Therefore, the Government is duty bound towards them (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 9 Dec 2009).

Navy brings three LTTE ships to Colombo - Amidst a simmering political debate over LTTE assets seized by the government following the collapse of the LTTE in May, the Sri Lanka Navy brought three LTTE ships to the Sri Lankan waters. Well informed sources told The Island that the government had taken custody of the vessels following negotiations with foreign officials subsequent to information provided by the new LTTEleader KP, who had been in charge of the LTTE arms procurement network. The Island in its December 2 issue exclusively reported a move to take over ships belonging to the LTTE. Authoritative sources said that the three ships were believed to be among the LTTE fleet that was targeted by the SLN during September 2006 – October 2007 period. The SLN destroyed eight vessels in four separate operations on the high seas (Island : 9 Dec 2009).

Govt to use LTTE assets for development: - Gold seized belong to the people - PM - Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake yesterday told parliament that all assets including gold found from the possession of the LTTE are owned by the people of the country and they would be made use of towards the development of the country. The Premier was responding to a question raised by Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera. He further stated that the Security Forces are investigating into the discovery of the accumulated gold unearthed after the death of the LTTE leader on May 18. “K.P. is revealing about the LTTE assets in foreign Banks accounts and the ships owned by them”, the Prime Minister said. “Some of those ships had been destroyed by our Navy”. The Prime Minister further stated that the intelligence units were gathering information on the assets revealed so far. The Government was taking steps to take over those assets of the LTTE in foreign countries and return them to Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister agreed that those assets belonged to the people of this country and should be used for the development of this country. He also remarked that although many have requested to reveal the facts so far gathered by the intelligence units that would be a hindrance to the on going investigations. The Prime Minister asserted that soon after the completion of the investigations all the details would be submitted to parliament (Daily News : 9 Dec 2009).

Reveal captured LTTEassets – UNP - Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera asked the government to reveal to the House what it proposed to do to prevent the confiscated assets, frozen bank accounts and gold acquired from the LTTE from becoming the property of a single family. If those assets were going to be utilised for the benefit of the country, then how was it going to be done, MP Perera asked. Making a special statement in Parliament, MP Perera said that the armed forces who had recovered a massive stock of gold belonging to the LTTE, following the killing of its leader Prabhakaran, had handed over this stock to the government on November 26. Similarly there were reports that former LTTE financial head Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP had revealed details of LTTE wealth and assets to the Sri Lankan government following his capture. It was also reported that according to the information provided by KP, there were over 600 bank accounts worldwide where the LTTE’s money had been deposited. It was also reported that the LTTE had 20 ships and the Sri Lanka Navy had destroyed one of them. So far, the nation was in the dark as to what had happened to others (Island : 9 Dec 2009).

Govt resettlement program satisfactory - Robert Blake IDPs down to 94,000:- United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia and former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert Blake expressed satisfaction with the Government's resettlement program now under way and the new freedom of movement allowed. He said he was pleased with the mine risk education being given to students. Blake made these comments during his visit to the Menik Farm relief centre yesterday morning. The total number of IDPs in Menik Farm has come down to 94,000 as of yesterday. Blake met the IDPs and questioned them about conditions at welfare centres. The IDPs told him that they were satisfied. Asked them if there were any problems, the IDPs replied that they had no problems. The IDPs expressed satisfaction with the meals, medical services and sanitation in the centres as well as the freedom of movement. Blake was received by Major General Kamal Gunerathna and Vavuniya Government Agent P.S.M. Charles. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Patricia A. Butenis joined Blake in his visit (Daily News : 9 Dec 2009).

Tiger arms, explosives recovered - A large stock of C4 explosives and arms were recovered by Police and the Army in two separate locations in the Batticaloa area on Monday. Kandy Police Intelligence Unit launched a search operation in the Dangeliyadda area, Batticaloa and unearthed 125kg of C4 explosives following information provided by an LTTE suspect, Police said. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Army Intelligence of the Security Forces Headquarters in the East recovered arms and weapons in Mandaweli, Batticaloa on Monday (Daily News : 9 Dec 2009).

‘Govt. not bothered about IDPs who did not return’- Minister of Human Rights and Disaster Management Mahinda Samarasinghe said that the government was not bothered about the 621 internally displaced persons who had failed to return to the welfare centres after leaving them. "They have the freedom to go anywhere. If they come back they would be provided with all the facilities they enjoyed during their stay, or arrangements would be made for them to return to their original places of residence," Samarasinghe said. He also said the Government was not bothered to find out why they failed to return (Island : 9 Dec 2009).

Two alleged LTTE cadres remanded - Colombo Additional Magistrate Ayesha Abdeen yesterday remanded, till December 16, two suspects who interrogations uncovered were LTTE air wing cadres involved in sentry duties at the former LTTE held Viswamadu air strip. SP Namal Perera, of the Terrorists Investigations Division, moved for remand of the suspects. Police told Court that the case had been referred to the Attorney General for advice. The suspects in this case are Padmanathan Suresh Kumar and Kandasamy Sadis, residents of Kilinochchi. Police, filing a ‘B’ report, said that the suspects had confessed to fighting against the security forces during the successfully concluded Humanitarian Operation in May this year. Investigations had revealed that the second suspect had taken part in attacks against Army camps. In addition, he had participated in operations launched against the security forces at Manidhavil during the same operation (Island : 9 Dec 2009).

How SLN achieved tactical edge over Sea Tigers - Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, recently warned that the LTTE would not give up its efforts to challenge the government, though it had been crushed militarily. Addressing the Navy at the strategic Trincomalee base on August 28, he said that the LTTE would make a fresh attempt to resume arms smuggling and train cadres overseas and bring them in boats. They would also try to open sea routes for their leaders to move in and out as they did some time ago. He said that negligence and shortcomings on their part would be catastrophic against the backdrop of efforts to revive the LTTE. It would now be Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe’s mission to thwart any fresh attempt. Under his command, the navy could step up surveillance operations, training and basically take action to strength the service in post-LTTE era. One of the major tasks now would be effective patrolling and coordination with the police and the SLAF to track down vessels engaged in carrying illegal immigrants, particularly to Australia (Island : 9 Dec 2009).

Uncle Sam regains wisdom? - The US used to earn plaudits from every Sri Lankan who abhorred terrorism, for its unequivocal condemnation of that dreadful evil. Its ban on the LTTE as a foreign terrorist organisation and moral support extended to Sri Lanka's war on terror came as a blessing. America had, everybody thought, realised the danger terrorism posed to not only civilians but also one of Asia's maturing democracies that needed support and protection. But, alas, when it became patently evident that the LTTE had fought its way into a cul-de-sac and was doomed, America's policy towards Sri Lanka's terrorism underwent a sea change much to the disappointment of the terror affected public here wishing for an end to the scourge. Suddenly, the US grew hostile towards this country; so did its allies though it was widely believed that the crusaders against global terror look forward to the decimation of the so-called world's most ruthless terrorist group at the hands of a small nation (Island Editorial : 9 Dec 2009).

From the Tamil Press: CB nod for more bank branches in Jaffna - Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that permission had been granted to open more than 60 bank branches in Jaffna. Every week a branch had been opened. He said that not only local but international banks also could open their branches. The Bank of Ceylon will open its branch in Kilinochchi. More than 2 billion rupees have been deposited by IDPs. These bank branches have been opened at the welfare centres for the benefit of the IDPs. There were mobile bank branches at these centres. TNA Parliamentary Group leader R. Sambandan said that the alliance did not consider to select a Tamil candidate at the Presidential Election Sambandan said that he had met President Rajapaksa. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said that Sarath Fonseka cannot be a victor at the President Election but if he wins, he would declare military rule in the country. The All Ceylon Muslim Congress leader said that Fonseka has no political experience as well as a party. Uva Provincial Council Minister Senthil Thondaman says that the Ceylon Workers Congress supports President Mahinda Rajapaksa considering the future of the up-country people. During the four years of the President's rule the up-country people have benefited much. People could benefit only by supporting a winning party and not the losing one (Daily News : 9 Dec 2009).

Virginia University honours Lankan Scientist Aloka Abey Bandara - Developed an Anti Biotic vaccine to control infectious Brucellosis The honoured Sri Lankan Scientist is Prof. Aloka B. Bandara who is the Asst. Professor in the Research Division of the Micro-Biological and Infectious Diseases Centre. He is a former student of Thambuththegama Maha Vidyalaya and Anuradhapura Central College. He received his Degree in Science from the University of Peradeniya and also holds a Degree from the University of Virginia (SinhelaNet : 7 Dec 2009).

Robert Blake visits Menik Farm IDP camp in Vavuniya - Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia, Robert Blake toured the Menik Farm IDP camp in Vavuniya today. When asked if he had made any comments about the visit to the camp the US Embassy said he will comment during a press briefing tomorrow. The Press Trust of India had meanwhile reported that according to an official statement the Assistant Secretary was satisfied with the ongoing resettlement programme carried out by the government and that he also appreciated the new freedom of movement given to the internally displaced (Daily Mirror ; 8 Dec 2009).

Two LTTE cadres had met the Naxals- Naxal leader - A senior Naxal leader who surrendered in Maharashtra, India last week has claimed that two LTTE cadres had at one time visited camps in India twice to give training to the Naxal terrorists. Naxal leader Rainu told The Indian Express that the LTTE cadres had taught the Naxals how to lay mines and handle grenades. Maoist groups in India have been known to collaborate with their counterparts across the border in Nepal and also occasionally with sympathisers elsewhere in South Asia but the senior Naxal leader claimed that a warfare expert from the Philippines also visited and stayed in a Bastar Naxal camp in Abujmad for about a month to train cadres, indicating the global reach of the extremist movement. One of the three tribal members in the 22-member Andhra cadre-dominated Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee created in 2007 to oversee activities in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, Rainu laid down arms saying he had had enough of what he called the romantic Naxal mirage of liberation after 22 years in the movement. “It is not very difficult for LTTE men to pass off as Indians, but how the Naxals managed a safe passage for a Filipino into territory where even the police can’t go, and back, is very curious,” said a security official who did not want to be named. Rainu is alleged to have been part of the 2003 police ambush in Kumarguda near Bhamragarh in Gadchiroli in which five policemen were killed, and another one in Fulbodigatta in 2005 that claimed four policemen (Daily Mirror : 8 Dec 2009).

Demining the North cost millions of dollars -  Demining operations to clear 529,943,909 square metres of land of the northern region from buried land mines and unexploded devices has cost Sri Lanka USD 79 million, the government said. Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said at a media briefing that 25 demining machines were in operation to clear the region despite the inclement weather and the government is hopeful to finish the operations by the end of the year. Minister Samarasinghe said the government has resettled 169, 938 displaced civilians and 112,062 are remaining in the welfare villages. Of the remaining Internally Displaced Persons to be resettled, 105,664 are from Vavuniya, 1,738 from Jaffna and 2,298 from Trincomalee. Another 2,360 IDPs are receiving treatment in the hospitals. While the demining operations are being accelerated with the new machines, the government is using the manpower and other resources to develop the public roads, rail tracks, infrastructure facilities, and public places in the area, the Minister pointed out (Daily Mirror ; 8 Dec 2009).

'Philippines expert, LTTE cadres trained Indian Maoists' - Maoist groups in India have been known to collaborate with their counterparts across the border in Nepal and also occasionally with sympathisers elsewhere in South Asia but a senior Naxal leader who surrendered in Maharashtra last week has claimed that a warfare expert from the Philippines visited and stayed in a Bastar Naxal camp in Abujmad for about a month to train cadres, indicating the global reach of the extremist movement. “It was way back in 2001 that a man from the Philippines had come to train us in south Bastar,” Naxal leader Rainu told The Indian Express. “Also, two LTTE men had come twice for the same purpose,” he added (Indian Express ; 8 Dec 2009).

Resettled people receive Rs.3,150,000 as credit assistance and also bicycles free of charge - The people of the resettled villages were given micro credit facilities to establish small business ventures totaling Rs. 3,150,000 and 150 bicycles valued at Rs. 1.4 million free of charge by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP, Senior Advisor to HE the President and Chairman Presidential Task Force for the Northern Province, said Hon. Governor, Northern Province, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri. These were made available to the resettled people of the North at the Security Force Headquarters Wanni in Vavuniya on 05th December 2009. In addition, the Northern Provincial Council made available 10 water pumps to clean the wells of these people and 3 water browsers for distribution of drinking water. 22 tractors made available by the Ministry of National Development were also distributed at this function (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 8 Dec 2009).

US change of heart towards Sri Lanka - New York Times report from New Delhi has triggered fresh ripples in the stormy political pool of Colombo. Ripples (as yet) because clammy Colombo is already a whirlpool of elections, defections and political slandering. Quoting from a to-be-released Senate Foreign Relations Committee report, NYT said that US was to adopt a ``less confrontational approach’’ towards Sri Lanka. “While humanitarian concerns remain important, U.S. policy towards SL cannot be dominated by a single agenda. It is not effective at delivering real reform, and it shortchanges U.S. geostrategic interests,’’ was one reason. The second: “SL is located at the nexus of crucial maritime trading routes in the Indian Ocean connecting Europe and the Middle East to China and the rest of Asia. The US, India, and China all share an interest in deterring terrorist activity… that could disrupt maritime trade.” (Hindustan Times : 8 Dec 2009).

Migrant links to Tamil Tigers ruled 'probable' - Immigration and Refugee Board declares that terrorism guru's warnings are credible - A Singapore-based terrorism expert who warned that Tamil Tigers were among the 76 migrants who arrived in a boat nearly two months ago has been given a stamp of credibility by an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator. Rohan Gunaratna, who was grilled for hours under cross-examination by lawyers for the migrants, is "credible and trustworthy," Lynda Mackie said in a nine-page ruling released yesterday. Mr. Gunaratna heads a terrorism think tank at Nanyang Technological University and has advised the Canadian government on the thorny issue of how to proceed with the Tamil migrants. The migrants' lawyers claim the men are refugees fleeing the aftermath of the two-decade civil war between separatist Tigers and the Sri Lankan government. But Mr. Gunaratna alleges that some of the men are members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He told the Canadian government they planned to move to Canada to re-establish the separatist movement and raise funds. He also claims their ship, the MV Princess Easwary (which was renamed MV Ocean Lady), was a gun-running vessel that transported weapons to Tamil Tigers during the war. But Mr. Gunaratna's assertions were called into question by lawyers for the migrants, all of whom plan to make refugee claims. They claimed Mr. Gunaratna was biased in favour of the Sri Lankan government and demanded to cross-examine him. But after hearing the cross-examination, Ms. Mackie ruled the Mr. Gunaratna's conclusions aren't unreasonable (Full report in Globe & Mail : 8 Dec 2009).

The General and the Politician - By Dr Susantha Goonatilake - Sarath Fonseka's announcement was like a bomb thrown by a terrorist, the shrapnel was hitting all over - bringing out contradictions. UNP’s Ranil (and Ravi Karunanayake and Kiriella) were eating their own words as the UNP who signed the CFA handing over large tracts to the LTTE, supports Sarath Fonseka SF - the liquidator of the LTTE. The UNP government once killed far more JVP members and their supporters than Fonseka and Rajapaksa’s government killed LTTE members. The JVP whose insurrection was against separatism and the 13th Amendment now joined the UNP in support of SF on a platform of power abuse and anti-corruption. SF on his part was now saying to the Indian magazine Outlook “I am for the 13th Amendment-plus”. Rajapaksa under Chandrika had supported the CFA and P-TOMS which would have consolidated the LTTE mini-state. Only after the JVP entry with Mangala Samaraweera as vocal supporters for his Presidency, did MR start playing total patriot. JVP and Mangala Samaraweera (the latter, one of Chandrika's Sudu Nelum group) were now both cheering for SF (Daily Mirror ; 8 Dec 2009).

US Senate Report on Sri Lanka: U.S. Cannot Afford to Lose Sri Lanka due to its Strategic Importance - The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee report, a bipartisan endeavor, on Sri Lanka released December 07 was a thorough review of the failed U.S. policies and approach toward Sri Lanka in recent years and recommends that the U.S. needs to adopt a fresh approach to this South Asian nation declaring “the U.S. Government has invested relatively little in the economy or the security sector in Sri Lanka, instead focusing more on IDPs and civil society. As a result, Sri Lanka has grown politically and economically isolated from the West.” The report shared by the Senate Committee chairman Democratic Party’s John F. Kerry and the committee’s ranking member Republican Richard G. Lugar further observes: “This strategic drift will have consequences for U.S. interests in the region. Along with our legitimate humanitarian and political concerns, U.S. policymakers have tended to underestimate Sri Lanka’s geostrategic importance for American interests. Sri Lanka is located at the nexus of crucial maritime trading routes in the Indian Ocean connecting Europe and the Middle East to China and the rest of Asia.” (Asian Tribune : 8 Dec 2009).

234 Brigade headquarters gifts items to children in orphanage - Under the sponsorship of 234 Brigade, the Officer Commanding of the Town Sector II (Batticaloa), Captain R.M.J.B. Rajapaksha handed over one computer, a stock of sports items, books and dry rations and other educational equipment for the use of children in Arundappanee Children's Home, Poonachchimunai on 6th December 2009. The items were received by Rev. Father S. Puvanendran, Administrator of the Children's Home. There are parentless 9 boys and 26 girls with others coming from low-income group families, residing in this Children's Home. In the meantime, 234 Brigade Headquarters with the sponsorship of 12th Battalion of Sri Lanka Artillery, organized a donation received from "Sansara Seva" organization, Rajagiriya to donate educational equipment and school uniforms to school children of Tamil Mix School, Valachchenai on 7th December 2009 (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 8 Dec 2009).

Sri Lanka should be vigilant of International conspiracies - ..... President Rajapakse is patriotic and national minded who wows not to bow to US and Europeon demands. The US and the European countries under subterfuge were more sympathetic to Velupillai Prabhakaran and the L.T.T.E than to the majority Sinhalese people. All along Rajapakse was aware of this conspiracy and did not yield to the demands of these imperialist countries. To off-set this Western conspiracy Rajapakse chose China, Iran, Vietnam, Pakistan, Venezuela, Myanmar, India, Palestine and Libya as friends. This enraged the US and the Europeans especially the close relationship between Iran and Sri Lanka as they consider president Ahamadinejad and Iran as anathema. Rajapakse has cemented an excellent friendship with Ahamadinejad and both are wary of the US and its European allies who are likely to do anything to provide for a Fonseka victory. In addition to this, Sri Lanka has presently become a geo-strategic centre of utmost importance for the big powers. All big powers envy Sri Lanka. In the event of a future war that may occur in South Asia or South East Asia, the US and Europe also fear the rise of China which may confront the US in the future. For these reasons the US needs a pliant leader in Sri Lanka to implement its agenda in the region. It appears that Sarath Fonseka is the right man in the right place to help the US implement it’s diabolical plan. The government must not dismiss these possibilities lightly, but watch for any suspicious movements of Sarath Fonseka. The intelligence units of the armed forces should be alert to the presence of any C.I.A operatives in Sri Lanka at time of the elections and after. Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under Mr. Rajapakse is similar to the enlightened foreign policy of Mr. and Mrs. Bandaranaike during their time when in power. No body should be given the opportunity to be unpatriotic in this crucial time when Sri Lanka is developing after a 26 year war that Rajapakse put down. Rajapakse will undoubtedly win, but conspiracy by Western powers, just like after the presidential elections in Iran, can precipitate unforeseen mayhem and trouble (Sri Lanka Guardian : 8 Dec 2009).

Tamil militants, Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), vow new insurgency

Palestine denies any connection to PLA - The Palestinian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Dr. Anwar Al- Agha, yesterday denied reports that a link exists between the People’s Liberation Organization in Palestine and a new Tamil armed group called the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the East of the Sri Lanka. Dr. Agha said that he was not even aware of the existence of such a group, and that it is not possible for such ties to exist. His observations follow a report which appeared in the “Times online website,” hinting that an organization called the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in the East of Sri Lanka had the support of the well known PLO, who are active in Palestine, as well as another country. “We have had strong ties with the legitimate government of Sri Lanka and have supported the government in defeating terrorism and still support the government in their efforts,” he emphasized. A person identified as the head of the PLA’s Eastern District military command speaking to the “Time online” website vowed to launch attacks against government and military targets unless its demands for a separate Tamil homeland are met. The website quoted “Commander Kones,” the head of the military command, as saying that the PLO and another country are supporting the group. He had said that his organization, PLA, was an entirely separate entity, but said that former LTTE cadres would be able to join the organization provided that they swore their allegiance to the PLA and its political aims (Daily Mirror ; 8 Dec 2009).

Government aware of PLA presence in the East - Minister - The government is aware of the presence of a group by the name ‘Peoples Liberation Army’ (PLA) operating in the East, Government Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said adding that the government is dealing with it politically and administratively. Speaking to Daily Mirror, Minister Rambukwella said that he is aware of the existence of the group and that this sort of situation arises anywhere in the world. He added that since the country was in a reconciliation process after the defeat of the LTTE the government would deal with the issue politically (Daily Mirror : 8 Dec 2009).

People’s Liberation Army emerges in Eastern Sri Lanka - Report - A Marxist group of Tamil militants with connections to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and Cuba is preparing to mount a new insurgency in Sri Lanka six months after the Government declared an end to the 26-year-old war, the Times UK publication reported. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was founded in eastern Sri Lanka four months ago and has vowed to launch attacks against government and military targets unless its demands for a separate Tamil homeland are met. “This war isn’t over yet,” Commander Kones, head of the PLA’s Eastern District military command, told The Times during a night meeting in a safe house in the east of the country last week. “There has been no solution for Tamils since the destruction of the LTTE [Tamil Tigers] in May. So we have built and organised the PLA and are ready to act soon. Our aim is a democratic socialist liberation of the northeast for a Tamil Eelam [the desired Tamil state].” Kones, a nom de guerre, claimed that the PLA had 300 active members and expected to recruit 5,000 volunteers from the 280,000 Tamil civilians recently freed from detention camps. He said that the PLA, commanded by a ten-man committee, was an entirely separate organisation from the LTTE, but said that former LTTE cadres would be able to join the organisation provided that they swore their allegiance to the PLA’s political aims. “There are former LTTE members in the PLA now,” he said. “But the LTTE was an extremist organisation that fought only for itself rather than the people’s needs. “It is totally destroyed now and I don’t worry about it. We are socialist ideologues and we are trying to draw different Tamil groups together for a people’s struggle, a people’s war.” Although the PLA’s capabilities remain unclear, it includes in its ranks several experienced insurgents who fought against the government forces in Sri Lanka in the 1980s before falling foul of the LTTE and either leaving the country or becoming dormant. Commander Kones, now in his forties, had himself been given guerrilla training at a camp in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1983, where his trainers included fighters from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). “We still have a relationship with the PLO, as well as Cuba and Indian Maoist groups,” he said (Daily Mirror : 8 Dec 2009).

Now, an insurgency threat from the East - Times - A Marxist group of Tamil militants with connections to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and Cuba is preparing to mount a new insurgency in Sri Lanka six months after the Government declared an end to the 26-year-old war, the Times UK publication reported yesterday. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was founded in eastern Sri Lanka four months ago and has vowed to launch attacks against government and military targets unless its demands for a separate Tamil homeland are met. The Times UK story said: "This war isn’t over yet," Commander Kones, head of the PLA’s Eastern District military command, told The Times during a night meeting in a safe house in the east of the country last week. "There has been no solution for Tamils since the destruction of the LTTE [Tamil Tigers] in May. So we have built and organised the PLA and are ready to act soon. Our aim is a democratic socialist liberation of the northeast for a Tamil Eelam [the desired Tamil state]." Kones, a nom de guerre, claimed that the PLA had 300 active members and expected to recruit 5,000 volunteers from the 280,000 Tamil civilians recently freed from detention camps (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

Tamil militants vow new insurgency - Tamil militants say they'll start a new insurgency in Sri Lanka unless demands for a separate Tamil homeland are met. Militants who regrouped four months ago under the name People's Liberation Army, PLA, are being led by a man who calls himself Commander Kones, The Times of London reported Monday. Kones met with a Times reporter at a hideout last week in eastern Sri Lanka. "There has been no solution for Tamils since the destruction of the (Tamil Tigers) in May," Kones said. "So we have built and organized the PLA and are ready to act soon." The PLA has 300 active members and expects to recruit as many as 5,000 more from the 280,000 Tamil civilians freed recently from detention camps, Kones said. The PLA claims links to Cuba, Indian Maoist groups and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Sri Lankan News.net reported Monday. "We are getting stronger by the day, much stronger than any other group," Kones said (UPI : 7 Dec 2009).

Fonseka for 13th A Plus, willing to go beyond Indo-Lanka Accord -  Common candidate of the Opposition coalition Sarath Fonseka has stated that he is for the 13th Amendment Plus by way of devolution and Sri Lanka needs to move beyond the Indo-Lanka Accord (1987). In an interview with the Indian magazine, the Outlook, published in its latest issue, Fonseka has reiterated his willingness to go beyond the existing 13th Amendment in granting devolution of power. His first declaration to that effect came at a press briefing on Nov. 29 in Colombo, where he announced his decision to enter politics and take part in the presidential race. Here are the relevant question the Outlook posed to Fonseka on devolution and his answer to it: Outlook: What is your opinion on the 13th Amendment? Are you in favour of devolution of powers in the north and east? Fonseka: I will not be able to speak of a solution right away. There will be consultations among the political parties in the Opposition. I’m for 13-Plus because we need to move beyond the Indo-Lanka accord (1987)… the best solution would be the one which is acceptable to all communities (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

Dealing with SL: US Senate advocates less confrontational approach – New York Times - ‘Sri Lanka too important a country to be isolated’The New York Times (NY) reported yesterday that a report on Sri Lanka to be released next week by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged a less confrontational approach to that nation, citing strategic American interests in the region. NY said that the bipartisan report endorsed by Senator John Kerry, the Democratic chairman of the committee, as well as Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican, was being released as the Obama administration was preparing to announce its new policy on Sri Lanka against the backdrop of questions about what Western countries could do to influence the Sri Lankan government. "With the end of the war, the United States needs to re-evaluate its relationship with Sri Lanka to reflect new political and economic realities," the report says according to NY. "While humanitarian concerns remain important, US policy toward Sri Lanka cannot be dominated by a single agenda. It is not effective at delivering real reform, and it shortchanges U.S. geostrategic interests in the region." (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

New group threatens to carry on battle for Tamil homeland - A new group of Tamil militants threatened to carry on the battle for a homeland in Sri Lanka, six months after the government claimed victory over the LTTE in the ethnic conflict, a news report said on Monday (December 7). The People's Liberation Army (PLA), a Marxist group with connections to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and Cuba, was founded in eastern Sri Lanka four months ago and has vowed to launch attacks against government and military targets unless its demands for a separate Tamil homeland are met. “This war isn't over yet,” Commander Kones, head of the PLA’s Eastern District military command told The Times. “There has been no solution for Tamils since the destruction of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) in May,” he said, adding “We have built and organised the PLA and are ready to act soon. Our aim is a democratic socialist liberation of the northeast for a Tamil Eelam, the Tamil homeland”. Kones claimed that the PLA, commanded by a ten-man committee, had 300 active members and expected to recruit 5,000 volunteers from the 280,000 Tamil civilians recently freed from detention camps (Times Now ; 7 Dec 2009).

Combating terrorist funding dominated Commonwealth parley - Heads of Commonwealth countries yesterday spoke of the need for member-states to implement the legal framework for suppression of terrorist financing and funds. Addressing the media Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) was held successfully in Trinidad and Tobago from November 27 to 29. “All Heads of the Commonwealth countries have supported the bid by Sri Lanka to host the next CHOGM in Sri Lanka in 2013,” he added. He asserted that holding CHOGM in Sri Lanka proves its ability and political stability as well its stable foreign relations. “The CHOGM is going to be held at an appropriate time in the Sri Lanka calender. It is a unique opportunity to show and prove our ability and foreign relations with all the continents. Around 53 Heads of the Commonwealth countries will participate. It would provide a window of opportunity to productively engage the Commonwealth partners with the post conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation. It will strengthen diplomatic relations and open the economy,” the Minister said. Sri Lanka’s relations with the Commonwealth date back to the Organization’s very inception having been a signatory to the London Declaration in 1949. While upholding democratic values which form the basis of the Commonwealth network, Sri Lanka has been actively involved in the work of the Commonwealth (Daily News : 8 Dec 2009).

Over 5,000 get Ranbhoomi title deeds - Opposition mud slinging campaign to cover up political bankruptcy - President: - Over 5,000 persons who did not own an inch of land received Ranbhoomi title deeds to 20-perch blocks of land at a function at Temple Trees yesterday. Addressing those present, President Rajapaksa said the Opposition has resorted to a mud slinging campaign to cover up its political bankruptcy in the face of the Government’s victory over terrorism and the massive development drive. They have become voiceless as their policies are quite different from the Government when they were in power, he said. He said the Opposition has nothing to say than sling mud at leaders of the Government and their relatives. “These elements are behind the rumour that the Apollo Hospital was purchased by our family members,” he said. President Rajapaksa stressed that Apollo is no longer an entity owned by a private company. “The Apollo Hospital came under the Government after the Supreme Court declared that the privatisation of Sri Lanka Insurance null and void. It is a Government owned company now,” the President said. “My Government has completely deviated from their policies in all aspect of the Governance. We did not sell fertile lands to companies and the people who are friendly to the Government,” President Rajapaksa said (Daily News ; 8 Dec 2009).

Govt committed to war heroes' welfare - President In the past attitude of society towards war heroes, members of the Armed Forces was not positive but today the Government is committed to their welfare as well as the welfare of their families and children, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. The President made this observation after opening the newly-built swimming pool and the common amenities building at the Defence College, Malay Street, Colombo 2 yesterday. He said there were some people who had said it was easy for any fool to carry a gun and fight a war but it was the valiant war heroes who liberated the country from bloody terrorists so that our children could live freely and help build a united nation. Therefore, the Government is duty bound towards them. Information Technology was available in the past to less than five percent of our schoolchildren but today with the introduction of the Nenasala program to rural areas IT knowledge had reached to 32 percent of our schoolchildren. "We have provided IT learning facility to 3,600 schools as I believe that we should empower our children from their very young days with IT skills," the President noted (Daily News : 8 Dec 2009).

Jaffna re-settlement complete - All the displaced people in the Jaffna district have been re-settled and out of 272,751 internally displaced persons lived in welfare camps 144,846 were re-settled, weekly over 15,000 persons are returning from camps to their ancestral villages, Northern Province Governor Major General G.A Chandrasiri said. These people have been re-settled in cleared areas free from landmines. Each family has been provided Rs 5,000 to purchase basic requirements. In addition to this, a bank deposit of Rs 45,000 has also been granted for each family, he said. Every family has been provided roofing sheets, cement, squatting pans, kitchen utensils, clothes, food for one week and dry rations for one month. Seven government and non-governmental agencies were engaged in clearance of land mines (Daily News : 8 Dec 2009).

British, Norwegian envoys tour Jaffna - British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes and Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem, arrived in the Jaffna Peninsula on Sunday on a two-day visit. They are expected to meet the Army and Navy Commanders, Jaffna Government Agent, NGOs, INGOs, UN officials and the staff and students of the University of Jaffna. They will also travel to an IDP camp, Elephant Pass and visit communities living on the islands near Jaffna. On Sunday, the two envoys paid their respects at the Hindu Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil and the Buddhist Nagadipa Vihara, which are located a short distance from each other on Nainativu Island. Commenting on the visit Dr. Hayes said. "It has been a privilege to visit the beautiful islands off the Jaffna Peninsula and talk to their people. The fishermen we spoke to were concerned about protecting and developing their livelihood. The end of Sri Lanka’s longstanding conflict provides a real opportunity to achieve greater prosperity not only for Jaffna’s fishermen but all Sri Lankans" (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

Not too late - by Justin Amerasinghe, Colombo - A contribution from a writer in Los Angeles that appeared in The Island on Monday was very interesting reading. It is a moving appeal to three men who matter and summarises the sentiments of the vast majority of people in the country. It requests magnanimity from three victors of a conflict that has been draining the resources of this country for almost three decades. It is still not too late for Gen.Fonseka to extricate himself from the manipulations of self seekers who are seeking to exploit him to achieve their objectives.It is a universal feeling among Gen.Fonseka’s well wishers that he should not plunge himself headlong into this mess. As an appeal to Island readers I would suggest that they read and re-read Don Puswella’s contribution which is interesting,informative and very valid. I very much hope that those to whom the letter is primarily addressed, will not miss out on it. Even they should read it more than once. Entirely by the way,the cartoon that appeared in the same Issue of The Island was excellent.But there is a problem.Swans are not found in this country except perhaps in captivity.Symbolic! (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

A Trojan horse - Blake has landed in Sri Lanka once again. This time in an Airbus 300 we are told, and thankfully not in a ‘tuk tuk’! His mission is to promote national reconciliation! Yes, we Sri Lankans can only hope for better tidings this festive season from his visit because ‘tuk tuk’ missions undertaken in the past by him were sinister in nature aimed at plotting ‘regime changes’ at hush hush midnight meetings with opposition leaders. A far cry from his diplomatic brief as the U.S Ambassador to Sri Lanka (Island : 8 Dec 2009).

End of global LTTE network imminent - Prof. Rohan Gunaratna

End of global LTTE network imminent - Prof. Rohan Gunaratna - In an exclusive interview with the `Sunday Observer’, Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Head, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore focuses on efforts to dismantle the LTTE’s international network and argues the case for reaching out to LTTE leaders and cadres living overseas to obtain their support for rebuilding the Nation. An author of several books on Sri Lanka he is constantly sought after by foreign States during investigations for his expert knowledge on LTTE international affairs. When the LTTE ship “MV Princess Easwary”/”MV Ocean Lady” was detained in Vancouver in October 2009, Professor Gunaratna was appointed by the Government of Canada to provide advice on the origins of the ship (Sunday Observer: 6 Dec 2009).  (Re-produced in full in Sri Lanka News Online ; 6 Dec 20090.

EPDP leader Devananda hits back at devolution issue - EPDP leader and Minister Douglas Devananda yesterday challenged the JVP to announce how General Sarath Fonseka would resolve the national question instead of criticising the EPDP for calling for power devolution that went beyond the 13th Amendment. Devananda made these comments in response to the JVP statement that the EPDP demands were detrimental to the national interests of Sri Lanka.  Devananda said that for more than two decades his party had remained consistent with its demand for power devolution beyond the 13th Amendment, and that there was nothing new to it. “We placed ten demands before the President and he agreed to most of them. In the first place even General Fonseka has said he is for power devolution beyond the 13th Amendment. The JVP should him about it and not from the EPDP,” Devananda said. When asked about the demands that the President rejected, Devananda said he could not reveal details off hand. “At the moment in I am in Jaffna. I have to refer to the documents before giving you an answer,” he said over the phone (SinhelaNet : 7 Dec 2009).

SL comes out firing for President Mahinda ( Interview) - Following are excerpts from an interview with S.L. Gunasekera - Q: You have always spoken out without fear or favour in the country’s interest, irrespective of whatever party is in power. How do you read the situation now? A: Today, I think the country is in a terrible situation, because, for one thing, the nationalist forces are split, and you find various minority parties now starting an auction for favours of both sides, and there seems to be a succumbing to it by even Gen. Fonseka and President Rajapaksa. Now, Sivanesaturai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pillaiyan’ came and said he wanted something over and above the 13th Amendment, then another said the same thing. Both of them said that after Fonseka’s press conference, where he said he will give something more than the 13th Amendment. Funniest part is that Fonseka does not know what is in the 13th Amendment, for he has said he will study the 13th Amendment after he is elected. So he is promising to give something more than what is there, without knowing what that something is. Today, the name of the game is ‘by fair means or foul get power’. For that purpose, you can find the majority community being betrayed for a mess of pottage, and the victory gained by the armed forces set at naught. So, I am very depressed by the current situation (Sinhale Hot News ; 7 Dec 2009).

Rehabilitation of LTTE child soldiers commendable - Tamil Intellects The Government's humanitarian programme to rehabilitate LTTE cadres and transform them back to the society has earned bouquets and acclamation of Tamil businessmen and Intellects.  The Government has restored freedom to the civilians of the North and East to uplift their livelihoods after crushing terrorism. The Tamil intellects and businessmen said the programme mooted by the Government to rehabilitate LTTE cadres in the immediate aftermath of the war was creditable.  An entertainment show presented by ex-LTTE combatants pursuing studies at the Hindu College in Ratmalana was held recently. Minister Milinda Moragoda and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the occasion.  The Government has also afforded an opportunity for the child soldiers to engage in education. The Tamil business community has been afforded an opportunity to witness for themselves how LTTE cadres were being rehabilitated in the Thellipalai area in Jaffna (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 7 Dec 2009).

We will not ask for anything else from the Government of the President who liberated us say resettled people - We who were liberated from terrorism and given all protection and given a new lease of life will not ask for anything else from the Government of HE the President said the people of Jayapuram area on 04th December 2009 when they met with Hon. Governor, Northern Province. This was stated by the resettled people of the village of Jayapuram in Poonagary, Kilinochchi when the Hon.Governor met them on his visit to look into their welfare and well-being. The Hon.Governor, Northern Province, Major General GA Chandrasiri told them that in addition to the Rs. 5000 made available to those at the time of their being resettled the Rs. 20000 credited to their Bank Accounts, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP, Senior Advisor to HE the President and Chairman of the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" Presidential Task Force on the instructions of HE the President had taken steps to increase it to 45000. The Governor, Northern Province made a field visit of the resettled villages in Kilinochchi district the whole day yesterday and looked into their requirements and welfare (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 7 Dec 2009).

Meeting with RCMP to nail LTTE activities in Toronto-Canada - By: Kamala Chandrakurana - It was a Patriotic meeting called by peace loving Canadian-Sri Lankan community with RCMP National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) and Toronto Police Unit Commander Director Mark Pugash & team on 5th December 2009 “Party Room” at 301 Prudential DR, Scarborough. Toronto. It was attended by nearly 100 Canadian-Sri Lankan citizens (Including Tamils, Sinhalese, Muslims and Burgers) who were worried about the threat to peace and harmony among our community in Canada since the pro-LTTE group invited “Nam Thamilar” (We are Tamils) movement leader, Tamil Nadu Cine industry personality and Very close follower of LTTE leader Pribaharan who had given a “Mavirar” (War Heroes) speech recently in Toronto. He called all young generation Tamils to become a human bomb to achieve dream land “Tamil Eleam”. Also he called to kill all Sinhalese in this world in order to get Tamil Freedom and Tamil home land “Tamil Eleam”. RCMP prompt action was highly appreciated at this meeting to deport this terrorist Leader immediately after his violence speech. However, concern was arise the Visit visa issued to him since he is a notorious LTTE leader. RCMP team has noted the concern and promise to be watchful in future all this group activities (LankaWeb : 7 Dec 2009).

Banks in Lanka mint money from resettled Tamils - Internally displaced Tamils have deposited nearly SLR 2 billion in cash and jewellery in banks opened for them in the refugee camps of northern Sri Lanka. That amount translates to more than Rs 810 crore, almost enough to start an infrastructure company. Several mobile bank branches with ATMs are functioning in camps in Vavuniya in north Sri Lanka. Thousands of savings accounts and jewellery lockers have been opened in these branches. “Many of the displaced had come to the camps with cash strapped to their arms and legs. Forty-feet containers were transformed into mobile banks so that the people could deposit the money and valuables. Telecommunication facilities were also given so that they could get remittances from relatives abroad,” Ajith N. Cabraal, the governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka, told HT. “As more Tamils get resettled, we expect that remittances they have been getting from abroad would also increase,” Cabraal said. He added that in a recent meeting in Jaffna, commercial banks in the five districts of the northern province — large parts of which were under the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) — were instructed to release about SLR 1 billion in December in small loans to help Tamils resettle. “Sixty-six bank branches have been approved (to be opened in the northern province). Every week one new branch is being opened,” Cabraal said, adding that MNC banks might also branches in the region soon (Hindustan Times : 7 Dec 2009).

Open letter to President, Gotabhaya and Fonseka - Don Puswella, Los Angeles - Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Almost everyone pauses from their day to day chores to reminisce about things we can be thankful for in our lives. I am thankful to be surrounded by the love of my wife, our son and many friends and relatives. I am thankful to America for giving me a place to live as a free man with the opportunity to be whomever I want to be. I am thankful to our President, Barack Obama, for leading us and to our past President, George W. Bush, for helping Sri Lanka, my country of birth in her battle against terrorism. I am thankful and grateful to all three of you, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and General Sarath Fonseka. Everyone in Sri Lanka who does not enjoy random killing, bloodshed, mayhem and wanton destruction of life and property will be with me offering thanks to all three of you. Together, the three of you have done so much in so short a period of time, that I wonder as I write whether it is morally right to ask you for one more favour (Island : 7 Dec 2009).

The contender and 13 plus - Sarath Fonseka, the would be Presidential candidate has and many other things besides, savoury and unsavoury, including a penchant for whining of late, has said it. He said ‘it’ to Satarupa Bhattacharjya of ‘Outlook India’. ‘It’ is of course India’s little play-thing vis-…-vis Sri Lanka: the 13th Amendment. Bhattacharjya asks, ‘What is your opinion on the 13th Amendment? Are you in favour of devolution of powers in the North and East?’ Fonseka responds: ‘I will not be able to speak of a solution right away. There will be consultations among the political parties in the opposition fold. I’m for 13-plus because we need to move beyond the Indo-Lanka accord (1987)...the best solution would be the one which is acceptable to all communities.’ That’s either saying a lot or saying nothing. The ‘political parties in the opposition fold’ have divergent views on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The UNP at one time backed a federal model while the JVP stood for the unitary arrangement. The JVP went to Court regarding the constitutionality of the 13th Amendment and the Supreme Court determined that the North-East merger was unconstitutional. Mano Ganeshan was for a separate state. I am not sure how consultations will resolve these differences (Daily News : 7 Dec 2009).

Restoring long-term peace and stability - Text of speech by Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe at the Key Person’s Forum organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED) Project of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Colombo. We must be conscious that we live in a world beset by global challenges that dwarf the adversities that we care called upon to encounter within our shores. Later this month, I will attend the World Climate Conference in Denmark - a forum that has great significance for the fate of the world as we know it. We are also trying to recover from a global economic downturn that, thankfully, we have been spared of suffering the worst effects. Fighting poverty, disease, addressing global governance issues and empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable groups are macro-level issues that we have to deal with (Daily News : 7 Dec 2009).

Will Fonseka be a ‘suicide-bomber’ for Ranil?- Part one of this article appeared on 2nd of December -by H. L. D. Mahindapala - Whether General Sarath Fonseka wins or loses there is no doubt that, at the end of it all, Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the loser. If Fonseka loses it is Wickremesinghe who will have to cop the flak. In the unlikely event of a win credit will go invariably to Fonseka and not to Wickremesinghe. So either way Wickremesinghe is a loser. What is worse, if Fonseka won Wickremesinghe would have no power to force him out and grab power from him. Wickremesinghe would be a loser in this respect too. According to his late uncle, J. R. Jayewardene, the constitution would bestow on Fonseka unbridled political power to do anything he pleases with Wickremesinghe. Therefore, the voters and the UNPers, in particular, have a right to ask what substantial good Wickremesinghe has done to the nation and to the party. He is a self-confessed failure. In asking Fonseka to contest on his behalf he is making a public confession that he can’t even contest an election to save his skin. Sri Lanka has produced many firsts like the first woman prime minister, the doosra, and even the world’s deadliest terrorists. In Wickremesinghe, however, Sri Lanka has produced a politician who has so far lost around 18 elections and still claims to be a leader (Island : 7 Dec 2009).

War-affected hearts, minds need be won: Gotabhaya - To prevent LTTE from raising its head again - LTTE activities have assumed a different attitude today. Locally and internationally they are encouraged. Hearts and minds of people in war-affected areas should be won in order to prevent the LTTE from raising its head again, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. He was addressing a ceremony to felicitate the security forces at St. Thomas College, Matale organised by the College Past Pupils’ Association. Continuing he said, “The Navy has beefed up the defence of the coast which was of prime importance in the conservation of the victory achieved amidst strong opposition. “War heroes have directed their attention now towards other fields such as removal of claymore mines, resettlement of internally displaced persons and development of such areas and winning the confidence of such people.” “Towards this end a systematic development is in progress to stabilize the economy in an endeavour to make the war victory a reality for economic relief to be provided to the people who suffered innumerable hardships during the last three decades,” the Defence Secretary pointed out. He said tourism suffered a setback. The country’s development was paralysed due to the foreign investment breakdown. The impending catastrophe was overcome by the priceless sacrifices made by war heroes. During the last three decades the three-fold forces sacrificed their lives for the country (Daily Mirror : 7 Dec 2009).

Mahinda College to pay tribute to war heroes - ‘Mihindu Ranaviru Upahara’ has been organised to pay tribute to all the ‘War Heroes’ from Mahinda College Galle, who contributed towards the victory, and to maintain the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka from the brutal LTTE. The felicitation will be held on January 8 2010, at the college Olcott Hall. The felicitation celebration will be held with the participation of Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa along with the senior officers of the three forces and police who are old boys of Mahinda College, Galle who are presently in service. The organising committee requests if anyone knows any personnel, who assisted in the war victory, disable or dead to furnish this information before December 10, on telephone number: 0912234965 or do write to the principal of Mahinda College, Galle (Daily Mirror : 7 Dec 2009).

Rs15bn for Vavuniya city development plan - The government has allocated Rs15 billion for the first phase of the Vavuniya Urban Development Plan. The first phase includes the construction of infrastructure and other facilities including roads, markets, sports grounds, swimming pools and holiday resorts. The rehabilitation of reservoirs will also be undertaken. The development plan was unveiled at the Vavuniya District Secretary’s office at a ceremony held under the patronage of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. The Urban Development Authority will implement the plan. Minister Gunawardena, who handed over the City Development plan to Vavuniya Urban Council chairman S Nathan, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government had given top priority for the development of Vavuniya as a modern and attractive city. While the Mankulam area is to be developed as an administrative centre of the North, Vavuniya will remain a gateway to all northern districts. Tamil National Alliance MPs Sivanadan Kishor and Shivashakthi Anandan, Urban Development Minister Rohana Dissanayake, Vavuniya District Secretary P S M Charles, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry secretary Dr P Ramanujam, Vanni District SLFP organiser Premaratne Sumathipala, UDA officials and representatives of Non-Government Organisations also attended the event (Island : 7 Dec 2009).

Terrorism defeated due to war heroes - Defence Secretary LTTE terrorism was defeated as a result of the enormous sacrifices war heroes had made not only during the last four years but during the whole span of the past three decades, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. The Defence Secretary made these observations at a War Heroes Felicitation ceremony held at St. Thomas’ College, Matale. During the past four years alone, nearly 6,000 soldiers and policemen sacrificed their lives due to terrorism while more than 10,000 had been wounded. Meanwhile human losses and damages to properties that had a heavy toll on the national economy too was enormous, he said. “Educated people left the country in large numbers. We were not only able to overcome this dark period which befell the country, but were able to eliminate the LTTE leadership,” the Defence Secretary said. St. Thomas’ College, Matale has produced a large number of war heroes who fought for the country’s independence, territorial integrity and liberation. Both students and teachers of this school should be proud of this fact, he said. “The unique emergence of Major General Shavendra Silva from this school is something which I can be highly proud of and happy about,” he said. “It is also necessary to take measures to raise the living standard of disabled and families of deceased war heroes. Most of them hail from rural areas in the country,” the Defence Secretary said. Special mementoes were presented to Defence Secretary Rajapaksa and Major General Shavendra Silva. Group Captain Ajantha Silva, Central Province DIG Pujit Jayasundera and officials representing the police and tri-forces were also present (Daily News : 7 Dec 2009).

KKS harbour to be renovated - Harbour will play key role in passenger, cargo transportation in future: - In line with the rapid development process in the country’s sea transportation system, moves are under way to renovate the Kankesanthurai harbour at a cost of Rs 100 million. The renovation process will be carried out by the Navy. The Kakesanthurai harbour had mainly been used for military purposes. As a result of the peaceful situation in the country, the harbour can now be utilised for general activities. The renovation work is scheduled to commence soon. Jetties will be modernised and renovated while deepening the harbour bed will begin under the development process. Access roads will also be renovated. Apart from this, many other harbour related development have been planned aiming to convert the Kankesanthurai harbour to a commercial harbour. “The harbour will soon operate as a modern commercial harbour,” Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said. The Kankesanthurai harbour can easily be used as a sea transportation hub for the North. It has been estimated that the harbour will play a key role in passenger and cargo transportation in the future. Moreover crops and other produce can be transported to other parts of the country via the Kansesanthurai harbour, sources said (Daily News : 7 Dec 2009).

Muslims will be resettled - Basil Rajapaksa - Northern Muslims who were evicted from their habitats by the LTTE and have taken refuge in Puttalam areas will be resettled in their own areas. They will be assured of all their properties which they had lost 19 years ago, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, MP said. He made these observations at a meeting held at the Puttalam Town Hall recently. This meeting was held to coincide with the inauguration of the resettlement process of these displaced Muslims from the North in 1990. “Certain people have unlawfully occupied your properties in these areas. In our resettlement process in these areas, these displaced people will be given top priority. Their lost properties too will be restored,” he said. Media reports about several deaths of persons at welfare centres per day is not something unusual, for there are hundreds of thousands of peoples living in these centres. These media people never spoke of new births in these welfare centres, Minister Rajapaksa said. The UNP founded by statesman like D.S. Senanayake is bankrupt and unable to find a candidate for the Presidential Election. The same fate has befallen the SLMC founded by A.H.M. Ashroff and to the JVP founded by Rohana Wijeweera, he said. Rehabilitation and Resettlement Minister Rishad Badhiutheen and Presidential Advisor A.H.M. Azwer also spoke (Daily News : 7 Dec 2009).

Tamil detainees freed in Sri Lanka and nowhere to go - The Editor (Letters), THE OTTAWA CITIZEN, Sir: The cruel and insane side of international Human Rights activism was revealed in the very words that you had quoted (Dec.5), ‘Tens of thousands of Tamil detainees freed in Sri Lanka, many have nowhere to turn.’ I am not surprised. After 27 years of an intense and ugly Tamil separatist war where almost every house was destroyed in the North of Sri Lanka, and the government had provided temporary shelter in welfare camps for the 288,000 rescued Tamil people until the North was demined from over a million landmines, infrastructures, hospitals, health clinics and schools were rehabilitated, and the destroyed houses were repaired or rebuilt to accommodate them, and yet the human rights organizations and western countries pressured the Sri Lankan government to release these people immediately. This was insane. It was stupid. It was cruel. Foreigners have taken issue that the camps were surrounded by barbed wire. What was wrong about these enclosing barriers? If one would visit any house in a village in Sri Lanka, one would see that the houses were guarded either by barbed wired fences or parapet walls where the upper surfaces were either mounted with iron spikes or broken glass with shards spiking up. Why? To keep away thieving visitors, marauding wild animals, et cetera. These camps had to be guarded from Tamil Tiger suicide bombers who had already killed refugees who were lining up to be registered in camps. There had to be some order to this madness as the country’s security was at stake as the thousands of hardcore Tamil Tiger terrorists had to be sieved out from the rest of the civilians. They we not dealing with a 100 but with 288,000 displaced people who were herded from the west to the east during the 30 month retreat by the Tamil Tigers. Of the 9,143 refugees who were given the freedom to go out of the welfare camps on December 1st, 5,020 of them returned the same day searching for security, food and comfort. They too will be sent to their villages before the end of January once their homes have been rebuilt and the terrain has been de-mined. The Sri Lankan Government has already performed miracles having sent over half of the 288,000 refugees to their de-mined villages and rebuilt homes during the past six months, and such miracles will continue until the camps will be closed for good by the end of January 2010. Human Rights aficionados cannot have it both ways - Asoka Weerasinghe.

Crossing of strategic earth bund - The entering of new battle formations into the Wanni liberation operation gave a hard time to the LTTE as their capability to maneuver their cadres to face all these battle formations became increasingly difficult at the beginning of the last quarter of the year 2008. As described last week, the ability to increase the manpower of the Sri Lanka Army helped to form new battle fronts in support of the 57, 58 and 59 Divisions engaged in the Wanni liberation operation by this time. Since Jaffna front was comparatively a narrow front, there was no space to open up new battle fronts from there. Therefore, all the new battle formations were added to the wider front created in the southern part of the Wanni theatre. By mid of 2008 the Task Force 2 under the command of Brigadier Rohana Bandara was added to the Wanni liberation operation and deployed in the Eastern flank of the 57 Division from Mundimuruppu area. Therefore, the battle front of the West of A-9 road was progressing well by the beginning of the third quarter of the year 2008 (Sunday Observer ; 6 Dec 2009).

THE NATIONALIST PAPERS Nationalism’s unfinished/untouched business - By Malinda Seneviratne -The LTTE is the Bugbear of the nationalist project. For many years, nationalists, especially Sinhala Buddhist Nationalists operated as though the LTTE constituted the last obstacle to true independence. May 18, 2009, was therefore seen by many as THE post-independence moment harkening renewal. The LTTE was an aberration of the Tamil nationalist movement. Indeed the entire Eelam Project was built on an infirm foundation made of myth, chauvinism, hatred and a fratricidal tendency. It was patently erroneous to believe that defeating the LTTE would constitute an end to the trials and tribulations of the Sri Lankan state (Island ; 6 Dec 2009).

Special Envoy on children and Armed conflict visiting Sri lanka - Special Envoy Major General (ret) Patrick Cammaert is visiting Sri Lanka on behalf of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The visit will take place from 6 to 11 December 2009, at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka. The mission will follow-up on the recommendations of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict on Sri Lanka within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005). Upon his return, Major General Cammaert will report to the Security Council Working Group. Major General Cammaert will ascertain firsthand the situation of the children affected by the recent conflict with a view to ensure greater child protection. He will also pay particular attention to the situation of displaced children and the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups into civilian life. He will meet with Government Officials, NGOs, civil society representatives and children themselves. Major General (ret) Cammaert’s distinguished military career includes serving in commanding roles in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps., as well as the United Nations in a number of peace keeping missions and as Military Advisor to the Department of Peace Keeping Operations of the United Nations (Asian Tribune : 6 Dec 2009).

Was KP the only individual who had access to LTTE funds ? If not who are the other custodians? - No, KP hardly handled LTTE money after 2003. There are many others and many of them are worried for their past deeds. The chief international accountant of the LTTE still lives in Europe. The chief LTTE international procurement officer lives in Asia. The chief LTTE shipping officer lives in North America. Many of them will be placed in Interpol red notices in the coming months. Sri Lanka needs to do a lot more work in collaboration with foreign governments to dismantle the LTTE network (Sri Lanka News Online : 06 Dec 2009).

Blake to visit Sri Lanka - A senior US envoy will head to Sri Lanka this week to encourage post-war reconciliation, days after the island nation allowed Tamil civilians to leave detention camps, officials said Friday. Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for South Asia, will visit Sri Lanka on Monday and Tuesday in the highest-ranking US trip to the island nation since it ended a 37-year guerrilla war in May, the State Department said. Blake, formerly the ambassador to Colombo, will meet with "government officials, political leaders and civil society," it added in a statement. Sri Lanka’s relations with the United States and other Western nations soured earlier this year as troops defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels, who waged a bloody campaign for a separate homeland. Western powers and the United Nations had voiced concern about the safety of non-combatants in the final offensive and were alarmed when Sri Lanka later detained tens of thousands of civilians, arguing it was weeding out rebels. Sri Lanka opened the gates Tuesday as part of a plan to close down the widely-condemned displacement camps by the end of January. But many civilians have stayed put because their villages were destroyed or mined in the long ethnic war (Island : 6 Dec 2009).

With effect from yesterday Northern civilians allowed to visit Colombo sans security clearance - On a decision by the government, civilians in the north were allowed to leave for Colombo without security clearance with effect from yesterday, military officials said. Hundreds of eager civilians queued up at the Jaffna bus stand to leave for Colombo and Vavuniya to visit family, friends and relatives following this move. Twenty state-run passenger buses left the peninsula with a full complement of passengers yesterday alone, they said. Passengers have to submit a copy of the National Identity Card (NIC) to the army and state the area they are leaving for before boarding the buses, the officials said. "They need no longer fill up forms and await security clearance". Some joyous civilians said they were visiting loved ones in Colombo after a spell of three years. "We cannot believe this is happening". A woman who had queued up with her small child said she was visiting her husband, a LTTE activist held in detention in Vavuniya. "I am happy that I am able to go and see him now". Earlier, even civilians who could secure security clearance were unable to visit their loved ones in Colombo because air travel was beyond their purse (Sunday Island : 6 Dec 2009).

Boost for fishing industry in North - The Government is determined to boost the fishing industry in the North which was hampered by LTTE terrorism, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry sources said. According to the sources, under a mid-term development drive Rupees 1165 million has been reserved by the Government to boost the fishing industry of the North under the 'Uthuru Wasanthaya' accelerated Northern development drive. Accordingly, fishing sector development projects have been implemented in Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi Districts under this project. Moves are under way to set up NARA regional offices in the North. Development projects are under way on the fishing harbours and jetties in the North. With the intention of promoting the living standards of fresh water fishermen, fresh water fish breeding centres will be started in the North. Centres to breed hatching will also be set up, the sources added (Sunday Observer : 6 Dec 2009).

BPA initiates BizPact for industrial development in North and East - Post conflict business possibilities are now being actively pursued, Manique Mendis, Secretary General Business for Peace Alliance (BPA), addressing the media last week. Initiating plans for business partnership between Northern and Eastern entrepreneurs, BizPact, or the Business for Peace Action Program, was convened by the BPA under the ‘Invest in Sri Lanka’ symposium in June this year. Telescoped business possibilities and entrepreneurial activity expected to expand to the North and East was the keynote for expansion. The joint venture business partnership at that time provoked intense enquiry that yielded positive investor response. Stemming from that perspective, two investors have now collaborated for joint ventures with local interest groups, having confirmed land purchases in Trincomalee (Island : 6 Dec 2009).

Fonseka’s swansong - By Asoka Subhawickrama, Sydney, Australia - Sarath Fonseka choosing the swan as his election symbol is indeed prophetic. Legend has it that the song of the swan heralds its impending demise. The non-superstitious would call it mere coincidence and others may argue that Fonseka’s is crowing and whinging, not singing, but the quirk is weird, indeed. There is a saying “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away”. But in Sri Lanka, they get blown away, at least the brave heroic types. One of the very best soldiers we had was General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, much senior to Fonseka. As Denzil led his soldiers from victory to victory, his fame skyrocketed. Whilst peaceful Sri Lankans hailed him as the 20th Century Dutugemunu, Tigers feared and detested him like the devil incarnate. Ironically, his rapidly increasing popularity was perceived by those in power at the time as a bigger threat than that posed by the Tigers. Finally, on 8 August 1992, Denzil was blasted by a bomb planted by an “unknown party”. Several high ranking officers, including the equally heroic Brigadier Wimalaratne and Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha were blown to pieces together with Denzil. When fingers were pointed at the late President Premadasa, he wept inconsolably. In a vain attempt to clear his pitiful name of the horrendous crime he definitely didn’t commit (he had been accused of many others, though). Premadasa publicly pleaded, “Please assassinate me, but not my name”. The true villain behind the attack on Denzil’s party was never discovered. Another valiant officer who was deeply hated by the Tigers was Major General Lucky Algama. On his retirement after many a victorious battle against the Tigers, he - unfortunately a born UNPer - was persuaded by Ranil Wickramasinghe to join his political campaign. On that fateful day of 18 December 1999, Algama, the disciplined military man he was, appeared punctually on the UNP podium as the election meeting started. Only a few minutes ticked away before a bomb exploded killing Algama instantly. Curiously, Ranil who was billed to preside the meeting, was “a bit” late and escaped. Again, fingers started pointing at others (Sri Lanka News Online : 5 Dec 2009).

Tiger sees ‘Fonseka a blessing in disguise’ - By Janaka Perera - Truth they say is stranger than fiction. With General Sarath Fonseka emerging as the Opposition’s Presidential Candidate some of those who cohabitated with the enemy are coming out of the woodwork to express support for him. Of course it is really not Fonseka’s past military role or his personality that has attracted these snakes to him but the dubious politics of some of those who selected him as their candidate. Among the latest to express support to the General is former LTTE spokesman in London Vasantha Raja. Suddenly his views – like those of that other Trotskyite loony Wickremabahu Karunaratne – are echoing the very objectives of the Western “capitalist imperialists.” The latter having failed to save Prabhakaran, are now looking forward to see whether a confederation can be introduced by subtle means, which what Tamil separatists too want. In other words it is weakening the Centre by ethnicity-based devolution eventually making two traditional Tamil homelands (one in Tamil Nadu) for Tamils a reality. A confederation was Vasantha Raja’s pet theme at the height of LTTE terrorism (Sinhale Hot News: 5 Dec 2009).

Rs 1,500 m to develop Vavuniya - Vavuniya is to be developed as a modern fully equipped city by the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry. The proposed City Development Plan was unveiled at a contract signing ceremony held under the patronage of Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Vavuniya Kachcheri yesterday. The government has allocated Rs. 1,500 million for the first stage of the City Development Plan which would include the construction of infrastructure and other facilities including roads, markets, sports grounds, swimming pools and holiday resorts. Rehabilitation of reservoirs will also be undertaken to make them more attractive and functional (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 5 Dec 2009).

India: "We are committed to doing more" for Jaffna Tamils - NEW DELHI, December 4: India said today that it will work with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the resettlement of 3,00,000 people displaced in the island-nation's civil war-ravaged northern region, freed from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May this year. India also said it is keen to see revival of the political process in the island nation, said External Affairs Minister SM Krishna in a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha, Parliament's upper house, on recent developments in northern Sri Lanka. "We continue to work with the Sri Lankan government to ensure the resettlement of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)," Krishna said. He said it is crucial that nearly 3,00,000 IDPs are given immediate humanitarian attention and that urgent steps are taken to resettle them in their original places of habitation (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 5 Dec 2009).

'Few Tamil refugees leaving camps in Sri Lanka' - Less than 20 per cent of the Tamil war refugees kept in camps in north Sri Lanka have availed of the freedom of movement granted by the government since Dec. 1, the Minister for Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, said here on Friday. Samarsinghe told the media that over the past three days, only 22,443 of the 112,062 refugees resident in camps had availed of the facility. Of them, 9, 717 had come back, he added. “This is a testimony to the satisfactory conditions prevailing in the camps. They are not as bad as alleged by a section of the local and international media,” he said. The Minister further said that a section of the international media had “falsely and mischievously” spread the story that the refugees had to return within 15 days. He said that there was no time limit for being out. Nor was there any restriction on where the refugees could go, though, for obvious reasons, places in the former war zone which were yet to be cleared of mines were still no-go zones, he said (Express Buzz : 5 Dec 2009).

The "Elders" Statement on IDPs in Sri Lanka - Sadly outdated and Inaccurate – Dr. Kohona - In a statement Dr. Palitha Kohona has pointed out that "The Elders Foundation, based in London, has issued unfortunate statement dated 26.11.2009 containing highly inaccurate and outdated information on the IDP situation in Sri Lanka." It is sad that respected group of eminent Elders, including its Chair Archbishop Tutu, has endorsed such a statement further said Dr. Kohona. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nation based in New York said, Contrary to the perception created in its press statement, the Sri Lanka Government has resettled over 170,000 IDPs from an original displacement of 294,000 with the assistance of the UNHCR, WFP, OCHA and other UN Agencies. In the resettlement process, UNHCR’s standards have been adhered to and access provided to UN Agencies where resettlement is taking place. The UN Under Secretary General Sir John Holmes, during his recent visit, publicly stated that there was no indication that people were being returned involuntarily. IDPs are clearly returning to their home villages and not to “closed camps” as alleged. Returning IDP families are being provided with a package which includes a cash payment of SL Rs. 50,000, food, dry rations sufficient for six months, roofing sheets and building materials as well as tools required for agricultural and farming pursuits. The return of the IDPs has occurred in less than six months of their displacement (Asian Tribune : 5 Dec 2009).

Most IDPs go home by December 31: Resettlement of IDPs; Two-thirds complete - A total of 169,938 Internally Displaced Persons have been resettled in their native places within a short period providing them along with the provision of health, shelter, sanitary, education co-operative, water, electricity and other facilities in their villages, Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said.  “As a result of the speedy resettlement program the number of IDPs in welfare villages has come down to 112,062 from 282,000,” the Minister told a media briefing. The Minister said that the Government has clearly shown the commitment to resettle the IDPs as quickly as possible. The resettlement program for IDPs is in full swing achieving its set goals well within the expected time frame. This might be a record for resettling IDPs. Most probably by December 31 the Government will resettle a large number of IDPs out of the remaining or else complete resettlement activities, Minister Samarasinghe added. At present 105,664 IDPs are in Vavuniya, 1,738 IDPs in Jaffna, 2,298 IDPs in Trincomalee. Approximately 2,360 IDPs are receiving treatment in several hospitals. A total number of 112,062 IDPs are yet to be resettled. However, the resettlement process in a way depend on the on-going de-mining activities. The Government has already put into operation 24 de-mining machines. It purchased 19 de-mining machines out of 24 while the UN has offered five machines (Daily News : 5 Dec 2009).

Ex-UN weapons inspector condemns Blair, Bush on Iraq - LONDON, Dec 5, 2009 (AFP) -George W. Bush and Tony Blair's conviction that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a threat blinded them to the lack of evidence justifying a war to depose him, an ex-UN weapons inspector said Saturday. Hans Blix, who led the UN weapons inspection team in the run-up to the 2003 invasion, told the Daily Mail that the then US and British leaders had “misled themselves and then they misled the public” about the reason for the conflict. Hans Blix The presence of weapons of mass destruction was the main justification for the US-led war in the absence of explicit UN approval, but Blix's team found nothing in the run-up to the invasion, nor were such weapons found afterwards (Sunday Times : 5 Dec 2009).

Beware, the Caretaker Syndrome - By Lucien Rajakarunanayake - Caretaker Government has become a buzz word in politics just now. With the inability to have a clear policy among the motley collection of political discards forming an alliance of opportunism in a situation of desperation, a key proposition is for General (Rtd.) Sarath Fonseka to be president, heading a caretaker government with that serial loser in politics, Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister. We are not told for how long this caretaker government will last, and how sure this alliance is of obtaining even a simple majority in parliament to form any government, whether caretaker or careless. The later description seems to fit the idea better. But there are other political issues to be cleared too. Here we go. Does Fonseka agree to head a caretaker government with Ranil as prime minister? If that’s his initial idea of how democracy is to be safeguarded in Sri Lanka, it certainly is a mighty curious way of doing the job. It does not show much knowledge of the democratic process he hopes to exploit and also promises to preserve and strengthen (Island : 5 Dec 2009).

LTTE suspects among 108 illicit immigrants - Groups of 108 young men attempting to migrate to Australia illegally by sea were produced last morning before the Matara Chief Magistrate M.K.A. Peiris who remanded them until Dec.16. Among the would-be illicit immigrants were several LTTE suspects. The Sri Lanka Navy which received information of four suspicious multi-day vessels sailing off the sea off Matara carried out an operation in which 146 suspects were arrested. and four vessels were seized on Nov. 23 and 24, 2009. Investigations revealed 28 of the suspects who were held on a detention order issued by the Ministry of Defence were directly involved in LTTE activities. These individuals are being detained at the Terrorist Investigation Division’s detention camp at Boossa. Meanwhile 19 others involved in human smuggling rackets were being questioned by the CID. Police said a former Southern Province Provincial Councillor and his brother were among the suspects taken in for questioning by the CID. Two of the multi-day fishing vessels had set sail from the Devinuwara fisheries habour while the two others had sailed from the Beruwala fisheries harbour. The racketeers operating the scheme are alleged to have charged each passenger Rs.250,000 on boarding the vessel with the balance Rs. 750,000 on arrival in Australia. Police requested the Magistrate to order the Prison Superintendent to produce the king pin behind the racket Lalith Nishantjha Ferando (41) alias Modara Lalith of Mattakkuliya who is already in remand for helping a group of terrorists to leave the country. A senior official of the CID said police were conducting further inquiries to arrest several others involved in the racket. The suspects were transported to prison in three buses under tight security (Daily Mirror: 5 Dec 2009).

Heavy rains hamper de-mining in North -  De-mining work in the Northern Province has been hampered due to the heavy rains leaving most areas water-logged, a government official said yesterday. Chandra Fernando, presidential adviser for North-East development, said unexpected heavy showers that lashed the North nearly the whole of Thursday left some four or five villages in the west of Mannar under water. “We expect the rainy season to end of this month and we hope to restart the de-mining process no sooner the rainy weather ends,” he said. Mr. Fernando said personnel from seven foreign de-mining groups including two from India -- Sarvatra and Horizon – together with the military were engaged in de-mining, with the foreign groups operating in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. He said about 25 Grama Niladhari divisions in the Mannar district had been marked for de-mining. “The Madhu area in the Mannar district is also under water. Karachchi and Poonekery in Kilinochchi, have been completely de-mined. In the district, there are some 35 Grama Niladhari divisions to be de-mined. We have demarcated such areas while carrying out resettlement work in other parts of the district that have been declared safe,” he said. Mr. Fernando said he spoke to some of the resettled people on Thursday and they expressed their satisfaction about what the government had done for them but were keen on having better health and transport facilities (Daily Mirror: 5 Dec 2009).

Ranil Says Govt. mum on his challenge to reveal seized LTTE assets - UNP and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe challenges the government to reveal the amount of cash and goods captured from the LTTE, since the end of the war. He threw this challenge on Thursday at a meeting in Chilaw, where he declared open a new office of Puttalam District parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara. Wickeremesinghe said he had not received a reply from the government. The matter would be raised in Parliament on Dec. 08. The LTTE had in its possession a large amount of cash and goods when it was defeated and the government had not yet revealed what transpired in the interrogation of Kumaran Pathmanathan, the international arms procurer of the LTTE, he said. Wickre-mesinghe urged the government to reveal, in Parliament on Tuesday, all what had been confiscated from the LTTE (Island : 5 Dec 2009).

Rehabilitation of LTTE combatants

A section of ex-LTTE combatants during a performance at the Hindu College, Ratmalana on Thursday (Dec 3). Pics Sujatha Jayaratne

Current Developments in the North - Presentation made to International Chamber of Commerce on Government initiatives on development programme in the North by Major General GA Chandrasiri Governor, Northern Province at BMICH on 30th October 2009 (Sri Lanka News Online)

Secretary Defence visits formal education facility of child combatants - Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Formal Education Facility of Child Combatants at Hindu College Rathmalana on the invitation of Hon. Minister of Justice and Law Reforms Milinda Moragoda today(03). The purpose of his visit is to ensure the higher studies of 273 children who were moved to Rathmalana Hindu College from Vavuniya Puththottam Rehabilitation Centre for their higher studies. The Principal of Rathmalana Hindu College, Commissioner General Rehabilitation Major General Daya Rathnayaka, Mr. V Kailassapillai representing the Tamil Community, Mr. Rajan Asirwathan representing the Business community and many other officials were present at the event (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 4 Dec 2009).

West using Sarath Fonseka to bring regime change in Lanka: Minister - Former top General Sarath Fonseka, who led the army to victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), has now become a pawn in the hands of some western nations "conspiring" to bring "regime change" in Sri Lanka, a top minister has alleged. The general secretary of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and agriculture development minister Maithripala Sirisena also alleged that many of the foreign dignitaries who visited Sri Lanka during the last phase of the Eelam War IV tried to save the slain LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. "Certain Western nations were trying to bring about a regime change here since the government have never given into their pressure in its fight against terrorism," the Daily Mirror newspaper quoted Sirisena as saying. He described Fonseka as a brave military leader. "We recognise it. We regret the fact that he has become a pawn of this Western conspiracy against the government,"he said. Many foreign dignitaries who visited Sri Lanka during the last leg of the nearly 30-year-old war were interested in salvaging Prabhakaran through the cessation of humanitarian operations, the senior minister said. There was pressure applied by them to save the LTTE supremo. "Almost all of them wanted to save the life of Prabhakaran by applying pressure on the government to stop military operations," the paper quoted Sirisena yesterday (DNA : 4 Dec 2009).

President tells disabled servicemen: You are the real heroes - President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday paid his heart felt tribute to the country’s disabled war heroes saying although they were physically handicapped, today they have displayed their giant strength before the world. “Although you are today disabled I am eternally grateful to the strength you all gave me as the leader who defeated the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world,” he told the disabled war heroes at a function at Temple Trees to mark World Disability Day. A special stamp too was issued to mark the event. The President said there were various groups who come to meet him, some ask wage increases and threaten to go on strike. Others ask for promotions and threaten to stage a work-to-rule (Daily News : 4 Dec 2009).

Foreign Minister brief BBC on resettlement of IDPs - Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama has said that the government was keen to resettle the displaced civilians at the earliest. He made this reference in an interview with the BBC. In response to a question as to why the displaced housed in welfare centres should register to leave the camps, the Minister said the need arose as they wanted to maintain the camps temporarily till the victims they returned home. He recalled a previous interview with the same Correspondent a few months ago, at which he had stated that there were 280 thousand civilians who had taken shelter in these camps. The Minister said the number has now reduced to a little over 125,000. This resettlement task had been met in a brief period,the minister added. The minister pointed out that many areas had to be cleared of landmines to resettle the people, and the necessary facilities had to be provided (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 4 Dec 2009).

Germany relax travel restrictions on Sri Lanka - Germany has further relaxed travel restrictions imposed on German nationals visiting Sri Lanka. This follows the rapid improvement in the security situation in Sri Lanka with the collapse of the LTTE. The German Embassy said a long standing travel advisory had been eased enabling German tourists to visit Yala National Park and Arugam Bay. The Defence Ministry welcomed the move while urging other countries to review existing travel restrictions on foreigners imposed years ago. Sri Lanka's tourism has great potential. New German Ambassador Jens Uwe Plotner who makes the observation said that Sri Lanka is a small universe with great potential. The wide diversity tourism ranges from cultural sites, sunny beaches, tea plantations to wild life and safaris. Sri Lanka has attracted German tourists to Sri Lanka for over three decades. He was not surprised to find that the most number of tourists to Sri Lanka for several years had come from Germany. He said "Now is the time for Sri Lanka to exploit its vast tourism potential by assuring stable and reliable investment-conditions, investing in transport-infrastructure and upgrading existing hotels on the island (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 4 Dec 2009).

The forthcoming presidential election - By Neville Ladduwahetty - If elected President, General Fonseka has pledged to abolish the Executive Presidency. A similar undertaking was given by President Rajapaksa when he contested the Presidency. Since abolition of the Executive Presidency is a Constitutional change, and no present or future President is in a position to fulfill such an undertaking without the support of 2/3 of the Parliament, because it is only Parliament that has the authority to amend the Constitution and not the President, however sincere the commitment. Therefore, neither candidate can be held accountable for not abolishing the Executive Presidency without support from a 2/3 majority in Parliament. For such a support to materialize either a Government with a 2/3 majority has to be elected at the forthcoming Parliamentary election, or bipartisan support has to be actively sought from a Parliament that does not have a 2/3 majority. It is believed that the present Parliament would have extended such bipartisan support had President Rajapaksa initiated action in this regard, but the initiative was not taken. Therefore, if candidates are to be truthful they should make the pledge to abolish the Executive Presidency conditional on either a Government with a 2/3 majority, or bipartisan support in the Parliament (Island ; 4 Dec 2009).

Troops continue clearing operations - Sri Lanka Army troops engaging the search and clear operations in the North and the East yesterday (03) also recovered some war materials hidden by the LTTE. Killinochchi Troops of Task Force 3 recovered 5 xH/G , 3 x 81mm Mortar Trapped and one AP mine during their search operations done in general area Kokavil. The troops of Task Force 2 engaging the search operations in general area Puthukkudiyiruppu,Mullaittivu recovered 4000 FMC Ammo hidden by the LTTE. Meanwhile Troops uncovered the following burried items on received information in general area Mankerny , Batticacoa (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 4 Dec 2009).

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith speaks - by Asoka Weerasinghe, Canada - Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith Archdiocese of Colombo Colombo, Sri Lanka; The Most Reverend Sir: I have just read your comment in yesterday’s ZENIT, The World seen from Rome, which said, “After the Sri Lankan government’s decision to send refugees home, the archbishop of Colombo is warning about the danger of landmines that may greet these displaced persons.” “Holy Smokes”, I said, “This Archbishop surely is not being another joker, as what the Bishop John Arnold of the Diocese of Westminster in London and the Bishop John Rawsthorne of Sheffield happened to be last September?” In my letter to Bishop Arnold of Westminster on September 16, 2009, I said: “I have just read a Reuter’s report which said: “Bishop John Rawsthorne of Sheffield and Bishop John Arnold of Westminster call for Tamils displaced by civil war to be allowed to return home after visiting camps in Sri Lanka. Two English Catholic bishops have recently returned from Sri Lanka where they gained a rare insight into life in the post-conflict camps (LankaWeb : 4 Dec 2009).

Naval troops recover arms haul - A part of the arms haul - Acting on information received, Intelligence Team (East) was able to recover a large quantity of arms, ammunition and mines in two separate search operations. The recovered cache of war like items were found from the general area of Wellamulli Vaikal in Mullaitivu on November 28 and from the general area of Puthukudiruppu East in Iranamadu on November 29. The following items were recovered from Wellamulli Vaikal. MPMG Weapon 01, MPMG 25 Links 16, T 81 Weapons 02, Claymore Mine (10kgs) (i) 01, Claymore Mine (05 kgs) 01, Claymore Mine (03 kgs) 01, C-4 Explosives 03 kgs, 12.7x108 mm Ammunition 400 nos, 7.62x54 mm Ammunition 3100 nos, 7.62x39 mm Ammunition 2250 nos, LTTE Pouches 05, LTTE pack 01, MPMG Ammo Box (Empty) 01, Comset Power Supply Unit 01, Claymore Remote Control Unit 01. The list of recovered items from Pudukudiruppu is as follows: Claymore Mines 120, Sea mine (30kg) 01, Anti Vehicle Pressure Mine (25 kg) 01, Anti Vehicle Pressure Mines (20kg) 02, LTTE Smoke Grenades 02, Claymore Receivers 37, Thamilan Grenades 08 (Daily News : 4 Dec 2009).

Tamils praise govt efforts to rehab LTTE cadres, pledge support - The government yesterday received accolades from a section of the business community for going ahead with the challenging task of rehabilitating captured LTTE cadres in the immediate aftermath of the final battlefield victory over the LTTE in May. Contrary to fears expressed in some quarters, including the Tamil Diaspora, a major rehabilitation effort is now underway with the support of the international community, Sri Lankan business leaders and the Ceylon Hindu Congress. Chartered Accountant Rajan Asirwathan, former head of Ford, Rhodes and Thornton and Company and former Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon and accountant Viswanathan Kailasapillai, former Deputy Chairman of the John Keells Holdings yesterday commended the government efforts when Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa visited the Hindu College, Ratmalana to see a performance by ex-LTTE cadres studying at the College (Island : 4 Dec 2009).

Lanka’s triumph over LTTE terrorism: Why Mahinda’s predecessors can’t share credit -  Responding to Opposition demands that President Mahinda Rajapaksa should share credit for Sri Lanka’s triumph over the LTTE with his predecessors and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that the enemy would have achieved Eelam had his brother lost the last presidential election in November 2005. In an interview with The Island, Rajapaksa said that the LTTE had acquired a conventional fighting capability as well as air and naval assets thanks to short-sighted policies and incompetence of previous political leaders. "What we had to face in early 2006 was a formidable fighting force backed by an influential section of the international community as well as the Tamil Diaspora," he said. An irate Defence Secretary said that the LTTE also had the backing of several political parties here, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which went to the extent of declaring the LTTE sole representatives of the Tamil speaking people ahead of the last parliamentary polls in April 2004. This was done at gun point, he said. Today, they could freely engage in politics, secure an alliance with any political party or boycott future polls if they believed it would help their strategy, he said (Island : 4 Dec 2009).

On the so-called ‘division of nationalists’ - When Sarath Fonseka was talked of as a possible ‘Common Candidate of the Opposition’ it thrilled several groups of people. For the average UNP disappointed by defeat after defeat after defeat and frustrated by an intransigent leader who failed to see he was problem more than solution Fonseka constituted a ray of hope. Anyone, just anyone, would have a better chance, they must have felt. Fonseka, moreover, had acquired a certain iconic stature thanks to being the incumbent Army Commander when the LTTE was defeated. There were others and their’s was not the innocent, hopeful joy of a party loyalist but the salivating glee of those who worked day and night to undermine the offensive, who cannot stand the idea of a unitary state and who have vilified Sinhalese and Buddhists at every turn. ‘The nationalists are divided/dividing......hurray!’ sums up their sentiments when Fonseka entered the fray. If nationalism is compromised by the shifting loyalties of personalities, then nationalism is weak indeed. And if nationalism was of a character that it could slip to such a level of weakness a few months after the nation celebrated its greatest post-independence triumph then it is surprising indeed that the LTTE was defeated in the first place (Daily News : 4 Dec 2009).

Sri Lanka seeks to confiscate property belonging to KP

KP DETECTIVES WORKING WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL TO FREEZE LTTE BANK ACCOUNTS RUNNING TO 600 ACROSS THE WORLD (By Walter Jayawardhana) The Sri Lanka government has sought the advice of the country’s Attorney General how to freeze more than 600 bank accounts belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorist outfit. Government sources said the minute details of these bank accounts have been divulged by Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) who succeeded the outfit’s slain leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the former procurer of arms , now in the custody of the Sri Lanka government. KP was arrested by Sri Lankan intelligence officers in Kulalumpur and flown to Sri Lanka. Yesterday, it was revealed in Colombo that three arms and human smuggling ships of the LTTE had been seized by the country’s navy outside Sri Lanka and are being brought back to the country under tight security. The 600 bank accounts containing the ill-gotten money of the outfit are spread across the world in different countries, KP has revealed. Sri Lanka government has been slowly extracting information from KP about the millions of worth LTTE assets deposited in many banks across the world. The detectives who have been extracting the information from KP are now working with the Attorney General’s office to freeze the accounts one by one. The government sources did not reveal the amount of cash available in the LTTE accounts. But it is widely believed it could run into billions. Earlier it had been estimated the number of accounts of the terrorist outfit was 1582 but the sources have attributed the new figure of 600 to statistics divulged by KP (EOM).

Why Sri Lankan voters should put Country first - By Shenali Waduge - If Sri Lankans presently wonder why the nation is divided in thought and deed it is possibly because we have not experienced too many incidents of what it is like to be united, feel united and think united. However, everyone will all agree that 2009 will go down in history as an epic example of a single instance where a nation did actually feel for the first time since its post-independence history a sense of pride, a sense of glory, a sense of relief and a strong sense of togetherness. It culminated in people disregarding political allegiance to ward off all alliances (foreign and local) and to build a force that helped to even neutralize excessive international bullying. The amount of National Flags the public proudly displayed was a phenomenal sight. Six months later we again find ourselves in a state of turmoil. This time round we have no reason to blame LTTE terrorism. It is unfortunate that the isolated few who chose not to unite when the country came together with the elimination of the LTTE has somehow been able to entrap the man who the country believed played a significant role in marshalling the ground troops to victory supported by the other heads of the armed forces and police (Asian Tribune : 3 Dec 2009).

Tool kits to empower IDPs towards self employment - Tool kits worth over rupees three million will be provided to trained individuals of IDP centres by the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training. An agreement between the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training and the National Development Bank (NDB) was signed yesterday (December 2). According to this agreement, the NDB will provide these tool kits under the Empowerment of IDPs program. Minister of Vocational and Technical Training Piyasena Gamage stated that the first stage of the Vocational Training Programs have produced 1,200 skilled individuals. He further added that the Ministry was not limiting this training to a certificate, but also enabling these individuals towards self employment and economic development through the provision of tool kits. Approximately Rs.25,000 is spent by the Government on each individual undergoing vocational training. Since its inception in June 2009, six months of extensive training has been provided in masonry, carpentry, electrician, welding and dressmaking. These programs are being conducted at the IDP centres of Lakshman Kadirgamar, Ramanadan, Arunachalam and Ananda Coomaraswamy villages. Minister Gamage, Vocational Training Authority Chairman, Admiral Daya Sandagiri and NDB Vice President Kumar Weerasuriya presided (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 3 Dec 2009).

Over 600 LTTE bank accounts still active - Sri Lanka has sought the advice of its top lawyer to initiate the process of freezing more than 600 bank accounts maintained by the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) across the world. The details of these accounts have been gradually spilled by Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP), LTTE chief V Prabhakaran successor and the outfit’s former international relations chief. KP was arrested from outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur in August and has been in the custody of the Sri Lankan police since. Wanted by the Interpol and India, KP had also unsuccessfully tried to negotiate a ceasefire between the government and the LTTE in May. Investigators here have now got in touch with the office of Attorney General to begin the process of freezing the accounts. The government did not disclose the amount of money that could be stacked up in the banks. It could easily run into billions of US dollars. KP himself was one of the main fundraisers for the Tamil Tigers and maintained links with financiers worldwide. The estimate of 600 bank accounts, however, is a revision of the earlier figure of 1582 bank accounts given by the government. That statistic was also attributed to KP (Hindustan Times : 3 Dec 2009).

More donations for "Ranaviru Dudaru Scholarship" Fund - Murungagasyaye Gnanissara Nahimi Foundation donated Rs. 135,000 to "Ranaviru Dudaru Scholarship" fund established to assist the education of children of war heroes by Seva Wanitha Unit of Ministrry of Defence, today Dec 03. Chief incumbent of Sri Sambuddhaloka Vihara venerable Murungagasyaye Gnanissara Thera handed over the cheque to Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, the Chairwoman of the Defence Ministry's Seva Wanitha Unit at a function held at the Ministry. Venerable Kirinde Premasiri Thera and several members of the Seva Vanitha Unit were present at the occasion (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 3 Dec 2009).

Lanka seeks to confiscate property belonging to KP - Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says the government has sought the advice of the Attorney General’s office in order to take ownership of property and deposits from nearly 600 bank accounts belonging to Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) and other major LTTE operatives (Daily Mirror ; 3 Dec 2009).

Sri Lanka: Refugees permitted to leave camps -  by Asoka Weerasinghe, Canada - The Editor (Letters) THE OTTAWA CITIZEN, Sir: Re: Sri Lanka – refugees permitted to leave camps, there were never doubts in the minds of the majority Sri Lankans that the 288,000 Tamil Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were housed in temporary camps would be sent back to their original homes and villages as soon as possible. Common sense dictated that the Sri Lankan Government could not be that irresponsible to let the refugees die blown up by the over a million landmines that had been planted by the retreating Tamil Tiger terrorists during the latter part of their war, after having been rescued in the first place from the clutches of these terrorists who held them as human shields for 30 months. The foreign governments and Human Rights Organizations howls and screams to let these people go immediately had little impact on the Sri Lankan Government as they knew what had to be done first to let the people go – clear the landmines, renovate their homes, rehabilitate all infrastructures like minor road and major highways, clean up the water sources, install electricity, re-establish other public services such as sanitation, health clinics, and schools, et cetera. All that had to take the normal course although they had been accelerated. The Sri Lankan government was smart not to succumb to outside pressures and have knee jerk reactions just because the outside world showed concern and place these refugees in more misery. To the credit of the Sri Lankan Government over half the refugees have returned to their de-mined villages and renovated homes. And that too happened in six months. They have been provided with 5,000 rupees in cash, and 20,000 rupees in the bank, and have been promised another instalment of 25,000 rupees. They have been provided with cooking utensils to start cooking and six months worth of rations. They have also been provided tools for de-weeding their land since it has been overgrown with trees and undergrowth having been abandoned for over 25 years during that brutal Tamil Tiger war. All this is a modern day miracle for a small developing island that had meagre help from western nations other than irrational criticism, and much help from the Asian and Africa’s friendly nations to get back on its feet - Asoka Weerasinghe

State takes over LTTE property - The Government will take over all LTTE property and assets in the possession of individuals and groups here and abroad . The LTTE has 14 ships, five of them belonging to self-appointed LTTE diaspora leader Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP. Addressing the media at the Media Centre for National Security yesterday, Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government Intelligence has identified properties of the LTTE in various parts of the world. Action has been taken to confiscate these LTTE properties held by individuals and groups. “The Government has sought the Attorney General’s advice to take action to take ownership of the LTTE properties,” he added. It is known that the LTTE possesses 14 ships and five of them belonged to KP. The Government had taken steps to bring three ships belonging to KP. “More than 600 accounts of KP were frozen by the Government and it is in the process of probing LTTE financing channels,” the Minister said. KP was on Interpol’s most wanted list for various crimes including arms smuggling and criminal conspiracy. Pathmanathan was one of the top LTTE operatives and the chief procurer of arms for the organization. He ran a global network of LTTE offices which were engaged in weapons procurement, logistics and money laundering operations. Initially based in Malaysia, where he set up a shipping company in 1987, he was forced to move out after the Malaysian Special Branch cracked down on LTTE activities in the country in 1990, culminating in the seizure of an LTTE ship the same year. KP then moved to Thailand, which became a safe haven for the LTTE. There he established himself as the head of banking, procurement and shipping for the LTTE. He is believed to have obtained citizenship of Thailand. In Thailand, KP set up and led the “KP Department”, the procurement arm of the LTTE, the oldest international wing of the organisation. He was responsible for equipping the LTTE cadres with a modern day arsenal which enabled them to challenge the Security Forces. KP was arrested by the Intelligence on August 6, 2009 (Daily News : 3 Dec 2009).

LTTE murdered father, says supporter - A Toronto man who will be sentenced in the United States next month for procuring weapons for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam described in court documents how those same cadres murdered his father. Thiruthanikan Thanigasalam, 43, said in a sentencing memorandum in US District Court that he fled to Canada after the Tigers took away his father and shot him eight times for refusing to give them money. Thanigasalam did not explain why, while living in Canada years later, he would take part in an illicit conspiracy to buy black market weapons for the very LTTE group that had killed his father. The married father of two is asking the court for no more than the 25-year minimum sentence, as is Sahilal Sabaratnam, another Canadian convicted on the same charges. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to life in prison. The men are among six Canadians arrested by the FBI and RCMP in 2006 after they allegedly tried to buy 500 AK-47 assault rifles and 10 SA-18 heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles for the Tigers. US officials have depicted Thanigasalam as the technical expert of the group, and allege he had sought missiles that could shoot down the Kfir fighter jets used by the Sri Lankan military. Sabaratnam, 30, immigrated to Canada at age nine, studied commerce at Carleton University and later worked at TD Waterhouse in Toronto. He was allegedly in charge of paying for the weapons (Daily News : 3 Dec 2009).

Re-settlement of IDPs after demining former places of abode commences - Following the clearing of mines in eight GS Divisions of the Killinochchi District, the Government this week commenced the re-settlement of around 9,000 IDPs in their former places of abode, Presidential Secretariat Committee sources, Monitoring Special Projects, said yesterday The District Secretary (GA) for Killinochchi Mrs. R. Ketheeswaran said yesterday that 6,000 persons were resettled in Pooneryn GS division early this week with a further 1,412 persons belonging to 431 families being resettled in the Karchchi GS division close to the Killinochchi town on December 1 (Tuesday). The District Secretary said that another batch of a 1,000 IDPs were to be re-settled by next Friday under the personal supervision of Northern Governor, (Retd) Maj. Gen G. A. Chandrasiri. Mrs. Ketheeswaran said that each of the re-settled IDP families were provided with six months of dry rations, tin sheets, timber and tarpaulin sheets sufficient to protect them from the vagaries of the weather to last until such time they construct a temporary shelter (Island : 3 Dec 2009).

Resettlement of IDPs at satisfactory level – Govt. - Defence spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said that the resettlement of IDPs was at a satisfactory level and 9,931 IDP had yesterday visited the areas they would be resettled in. About 3,200 had returned to their respective welfare camps by evening. "The IDP are provided buses from different camps to visit the villages where they will be resettled and this process will continue until they are fully resettled," he said adding that they are forced to return to the camps until the building of permanent structures for the was completed. One main reason for the delay in resettling them was that the areas they were to be resettled had been heavily mined and until demining was completed no one would be able to resettle there, he said. Government did not want any one of them to be victims of landmines and was worried about their safety, he said (Island : 3 Dec 2009).

Britain welcomes release of IDPs - In response to the opening of the camps in Northern Sri Lanka yesterday (December 2) British International Development Minister Mike Foster welcomed the release of thousands of displaced persons, the British High Commission said yesterday. It said in a media release: "Opening the camps and granting real freedom of movement will allow the thousands still living in the camps to start to rebuild their lives. The UK has repeatedly called for civilians to be freed and allowed the choice to return home. ‘But now it is imperative that humanitarian agencies be allowed full access to give them the help they need in all the places that they return to. ‘The UK will continue to clear landmines, provide transport from the camps and help restart their lives so people can return home quickly and safely’ (Island : 3 Dec 2009).

OPEN LETTER TO NICK CHAMPIAN MP - By Stanley Perera from Melbourne My dear Nick, You made a speech at the Australian Federal Parliament that the Tamil population in the North of Sri Lanka continue to suffer human rights abuses and are being denied basic rights and freedom. Hon. Member of the federal parliament has agreed that it has been the situation in the past 30 years when he says “continue to suffer”. You must be tolerance enough to give some breathing space to Sri Lanka government to bring some changes to that Terrorist’s rule of the North and East of Sri Lanka. Eastern district is already enjoying the benefits of democracy established by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka whereas it is only six months since annihilation of the terrorist movement in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is almost in the completion of its monumental task of rehabilitation of the 300,000 IDP’s liberated from the grip of the Terrorist’s used as a human shield (LankaWeb : 2 Dec 2009).

Will Fonseka be the suicide-bomber for Ranil? - Part II - By H. L. D. Mahindapala - (December 03, Melbourne, Sri Lanka Guardian) Whether General Sarath Fonseka wins or loses there is no doubt that, at the end of it all, Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the loser. If Fonseka loses it is Wickremesinghe who will have to cop the flak. It will prove once again that he is a born loser. In the unlikely event of a win credit will go invariably to Fonseka and not to Wickremesinghe. So either way Wickremesinghe is a loser. What is worse, if Fonseka wins Wickremesinghe will have no power to force him out and grab power from him. Wickremesinghe will be a loser in this respect too. According to his late uncle, J. R. Jayewardene, the constitution bestows on Fonseka unbridled political power to do anything he pleases with Wickremesinghe, except turning him into a woman. Fortunately, Fonseka will not have to go that far because Wickremesinghe, ever since he took over the UNP, has been behaving like a cantankerous and frustrated wattiamma returning home without selling a single halmassa. Therefore, the voters and the UNPers, in particular, have a right to ask what substantial good Wickremesinghe has done to the nation and to the party. He is a self-confessed failure. In asking Fonseka to contest on his behalf he is making a public confession that he can’t even contest an election to save his skin. Sri Lanka has produced many firsts like the first woman prime minister, the doosra, and even the world’s deadliest terrorists. In Wickremesinghe, however, Sri Lanka has produced the first political hermaphrodite (napoonsakaya) who had lost around 18 elections and still claims to be a leader (sri Lanka Guardian : 2 Dec 2009).

Bank accounts of KP could be frozen - Sri Lanka Minister and Defence Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella disclosed at a news conference here on Tuesday that the government has sought the advice of the Attorney General’s office to take up the subject of possible freeze of nearly 600 bank accounts belonging to Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP), LTTE chief Velupillai’s successor, currently in the custody of the authorities here. Asked about the estimated value of money in these accounts, the Minister said the government was still in the process of making an assessment. “Getting information about bank account details of individuals and groups from some of the countries is not easy. There are secrecy laws and clauses involved. At the moment, we have no idea of the amount stashed away in these accounts." The Minister said that information on the accounts is on the basis of questioning and interrogation of KP, who was arrested in the first week of August in a dramatic fashion in a South East Asian country by sleuths of the Sri Lanka government and subsequently flown to the island nation. The arrest and shifting of KP to Sri Lanka was considered a major setback to the overseas operations of the LTTE and those working for an alternative leadership to Mr. Prabakaran. Since August, the Sri Lankan authorities have subjected KP to sustained questioning and believe to have gained valuable information. For instance, on October 24, the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry had said the LTTE’s arms procurer and Prabakaran’s successor had revealed during interrogation that Sri Lanka-born U.S. business tycoon Raja Rajaratnam had been a leading contributor of money to the LTTE. Mr. Rajaratnam (52) was among six persons arrested on October 17 on charges of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud (Hindu : 2 Dec 2009).

'Detained LTTE chief KP owns 5 ships, 600 bank accounts' - Detained LTTE chief Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias KP owns five ships and 600 unidentified bank accounts which are sought to be frozen, a senior Sri Lankan minister said today. KP, who was was arrested overseas and brought to Colombo in August this year, is considered to be a key custodian of slain LTTE Supremo V Prabakaran's wealth. During interrogation KP had revealed the existence of five ships out of which efforts are on to seize three of them with process being initiated, Defence spokesman and senior cabinet minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters. Rambukwella said the questioning also brought to light the presence of 600 unidentified bank accounts. "We want to get these account frozen," he said while stating the details of the accounts were not known. Rambukwella said the government was also exploring the possibility of converting the assets and properties of KP into state properties (PTI News : 2 Dec 2009).

Convicted Tamil says LTTE murderedfather Arrested In 2006; Toronto man procured weapons for Tigers: U. S. - A Toronto man who will be sentenced in the United States next month for procuring weapons for the Tamil Tigers rebels described in court documents how those same rebels murdered his father. Thiruthanikan Thanigasalam, 43, said in a sentencing memorandum in U.S. District Court that he fled to Canada after the Tamil Tigers took away his father and shot him eight times for refusing to give them money. Mr. Thanigasalam did not explain why, while living in Canada years later, he would take part in an illicit conspiracy to buy black market weapons for the very rebel group that had killed his father. But the memorandum portrays Mr. Thanigasalam as a man traumatized by Sri Lanka's brutal civil war, who spent his youth in temporary camps and was detained, beaten and tortured by both sides in the conflict. The married father of two is asking the court for no more than the 25-year minimum sentence, as is Sahilal Sabaratnam, another Canadian convicted on the same charges. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to life in prison. The men are among six Canadians arrested by the FBI and RCMP in 2006 after they allegedly tried to buy 500 AK-47 assault rifles and ten SA-18 heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles for the Tamil Tigers, separatist guerrillas who were then fighting for independence from Sri Lanka (National Post : 2 Dec 2009).

Training program for northern municipal, urban council and pradeshiya sabha members - A training program for northern municipal and urban council members who were elected from the election is to be held today, 2 December, at in Vavuniya. The training program is organized by the Northern Provincial local government department and 43 members who elected for Jaffna Municipal Council, Vavuniya Urban Council and Puddukuddiirippu pradeshiya sabha will participate for the training. The aim of the training program is to make aware the elected members on duties, responsibilities and the functionalities of the local government in order to provide the maximum service for the public, Northern Province governor G A Chandrasiri said. Northern Province chief secretary A Siwasuamy, secretary of the Nothern Province local government ministry Mrs Wijayaluxmi Ramesh and assistant commissioners of the department will also participate at the event (sri Lanka Defence Ministry : 3 Dec 2009).

THREE LTTE SHIPS HAVE BEEN CAPTURED OVERSEAS AND ARE BEING BROUGHT BACK TO SRI LANKA UNDER TIGHT SECURITY - By Walter Jayawardhana - Sri Lanka has seized three LTTE cargo ships which the terrorist outfit used to smuggle arms and are being brought back to Sri Lanka with the help of the Interpol, Colombo’s Island newspaper said. “The rogue vessels being brought to Sri Lanka by the Lankan Navy were expected to reach the Sri Lankan shores within the next two weeks,” said the newspaper quoting unnamed government sources. The Island said “the highly placed government sources” refused to divulge the port of embarkation. According to the Island , the information about the rogue ships have been divulged by K.Pathmanadan alias KP, the leader appointed by a section of the LTTE but was arrested by Sri Lanka intelligence agents , believed to be in Kulalumpur. He is still under Sri Lanka government custody in Colombo after being flown back to the island on August 6 this year. Going on the “information provided” by KP the Interpol helped Sri Lanka to trace the ships , the newspaper said. The “expensive craft” are being brought back to Sri Lanka under tight security, the newspaper revealed. Capture of the ships is hailed as the first step of the government to seize overseas assets of the terrorist outfit, the Island further said. Since the seizure of the ships, their agents had gone missing according to the story. Quoting the unnamed officers the newspaper said, “Such assets and high ranking LTTE cadres now hiding in foreign capitals will be captured soon and brought to Sri Lanka.” (EOM).

Three captured LTTE ships being brought to Sri Lanka - First phase of govt. operation to seize Tigers’ overseas assets - Vessels expected to reach Colombo within next few days - In what could be described as the third biggest blow to the LTTEsince the decimation of its leadership in the Vanni last May, followed by the arrest and ‘extraordinary rendition’ of its self-appointed leader and chief arms procurer K. Pathmanadhan alias KP, Sri Lanka has seized three LTTE ships and is in the process of bringing them to Colombo, The Island learns. The rogue vessels being brought to Sri Lanka by the Lankan Navy were expected to reach the Sri Lankan shores within the next two weeks, highly placed government sources said yesterday. They refused to divulge the port of embarkation. Information about the LTTE ships had been revealed to the security forces during the interrogation of KP arrested on August 6 from the capital of an Asian country and flown to Sri Lanka. He had provided valuable information to the security forces on the past activities of the LTTE and the outfit’s future plans, sources said. Interpol had helped the security forces to act on information provided by KP, sources said. Information about local contacts of the LTTE, provided by KP, was being verified, source said. The ships being brought to Sri Lanka under tight security are expensive craft used by the LTTE for transportation of arms, ammunition and human smuggling. Earlier during the war, the Sri Lankan Navy destroyed 10 LTTE ships engaged in arms smuggling. Sources said it was the first step in the Government’s endeavour to seize LTTE’s overseas assets. "Such assets and high ranking LTTE cadres now hiding in foreign capitals will be captured soon and brought to Sri Lanka," source said. Once Sri Lanka taken over the three ships, their agents had gone missing but Interpol was helping Sri Lanka to trace them, source said (Island : 2 Dec 2009).

New freedom for 9,300 IDPs - A new beginning - Around 700 to 800 IDPs from each zone opted to go out - IDPs had gone out of their welfare centres for the first time - Government to increase number of buses from tomorrow - Maha cultivation season will help IDPs to find manual jobs - Around 9,300 IDPs went out of their welfare villages to see the outer world enjoying their new freedom to move freely after six months as early as six o’clock in the morning. But most returned to their zones before mid day, Vavuniya District Secretary P.S. M. Charles told Daily News yesterday. There were around 700 to 800 IDPs from each zone who had opted to go out but the rain hampered their enjoyment of moving freely though the government provided around 25 buses for them to travel, she said. The IDPs had gone out of their welfare centres for the first time. Most probably they may have gone shopping or to see the outside world, another officer said (Daily News : 2 Dec 2009).

How the IDPs were resettled - Resettlement effort - De-mining operations cost US$ 79 million - It cleaned 529,943,909 square metres - The Presidential Task Force launched a 180 day development program - Relief villages were built in two weeks - They sheltered 287,000 - Textile and clothing for IDPs cost Rs. 12 million - Welfare villages had 120,000 children and 3000 teachers - The massive infrastructure development in the Northern areas where the Internally Displaced Persons were resettled was in place before those people went back to their villages. The de-mining operations alone had cost 79 million US Dollars to clear 529,943,909 square metres. The whole exercise was a gigantic humanitarian operation especially looking after the IDPs for the first time Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri said at a press briefing in Colombo yesterday. The Presidential Task Force implementing the 180 day rapid infrastructure and economic development program Vadikkin Vasantham was led by Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP first built the relief villages for IDPs in two weeks. It sheltered 287,000 providing them meals as soon as they came fleeing from the terrorist clutches, he said. The massive effort and coordination, planning, resources and personnel for this humanitarian operation was not known to the public at large but the President had directed that every official and member of the government should give their cooperation towards helping the IDPs (Daily News : 2 Dec 2009).

Central Bank eyeing LTTE admin capital for base - Exploiting the strategic central location of Kilinochchi in the Northern Province, the Central Bank mulls opening a Provincial Office in the former administrative capital of the LTTE. Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in talks with regional heads and branch managers of commercial banks in Jaffna asked them where they would suggest the Central Bank locate its provincial office for the North. Many said Jaffna but some suggested Kilinochchi, centrally situated in the province, for which reason it was once used by the LTTE rebels as an administrative capital. "Jaffna should not get everything. The whole Northern province must develop," Cabraal told the bankers who then agreed Kilinochchi would be the most suitable location. Later, speaking to journalists, Cabraal said the Central Bank had been eying Kilinochchi for sometime. "We thought it would be a better place, centrally located so that the Central Bank can drive credit growth in the region, but it was important that the choice came from them," Cabraal said (Island ; 2 Dec 2009).

Canada seeks help to distinguish potential Tigers - Canadian authorities are considering tracking down known Tamil Tigers – some outside the country – to help them distinguish potential terrorists from genuine refugees among the 76 Tamil men who arrived in a boat off Vancouver Island in October. The government is also considering seeking assistance from the Sri Lankan government as it attempts to delve into the backgrounds of these men who claim to be refugees fleeing postwar Sri Lanka. These revelations were made at a detention hearing Monday for one of the Tamil migrants, who remains behind bars in a Vancouver-area detention centre. Government lawyer Ron Yamauchi was making the case to keep the man in custody for security reasons. The Immigration and Refugee Board has so far sided with the Canadian government's position that these mysterious men must stay in custody because there is reasonable grounds to believe they might be inadmissible to Canada on security grounds. The men however camnnot be held in detention indefinitely and at some point the government must seek to have them sent home or allow them to be released while their refugee claims proceed. Some security experts have suggested that the migrant ship was filled with Tamil Tigers, the violent separatist group that waged a decades-long civil war with the Sri Lankan government, which ended in their defeat last spring. But after more than a month of interviews and investigation, the government has not provided proof that the migrants were members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). (Daily Mirror : 2 Dec 2009).

Gen. Fonseka And The 13th Amendment - By L. Jayasooriya - Just a few days ago Gen. Fonseka said that he would go beyond the so-called 13th amendment which meant that he would establish Eelam. If the 13th amendment provided for land powers and police powers those alone are sufficient for those provincial councils to declare UDI which will be promptly recognized by the powerful nations that failed to save the LTTE at Nathikadal. I have not seen the wording of the 13th amendment imposed on us by India but I believe that the 13th amendment gives those powers because Minister GL Peiris provided for them in his Draft Constitution under the direction of President Kumarathunge. People do not realize that President Kumarathunge and Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe were working in close collaboration. How else can anyone explain the CFA that President K had the power to stop but did not stop? Instead she used the CFA to send troops against Karuna. Karuna is not dead. He is still living. Please ask him. He will tell you the details. When Gen. Fonseka said what he would go beyond the 13th amendment I promptly wrote in the Asian Tribune that he by that statement guaranteed the votes of 70% of the nation against him. Now Gen. Fonseka says that the environment that gave rise to the 13th amendment is not there now giving us the impression that he would not implement it (Asian Tribune : 2 Dec 2009).

Decimation of Tigers props illegal immigration - The decimation of the LTTE in Sri Lanka has given a big push to illegal immigration involving Sri Lankan Tamils in India, New Delhi based web reports said yesterday. They added that there was a sudden spurt in Sri Lankan Tamils illegally crossing over to India to take a flight abroad. A story published by the DNAIndia web service said: "Agents have kept apace by doubling fees for passports and visa. Investigators believe most Sri Lankans trying to cross-over to western shores via India are LTTE cadres or sympathizers. Airport authorities have caught at least 40 Sri Lankan Tamils trying to take such flights from Indian airports. In the latest case at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on November 16, Rajan Kumar was stopped from boarding an Air India flight to New York, after the US visa on his passport drew suspicion. The regional passport office in Hyderabad had purportedly issued the passport (Island ; 1 Dec 2009).

More IDPs to be resettled in Mullaitivu, Vavuniya districts - More than 10,000 IDPs would be resettled in Thunukkai, Poonagari and Mallavi areas while another 18,000 IDPs would be resettled in Vavuniya North within the next few days, Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri said yesterday. Each resettled family is given 12 to 18 roofing sheets, 10 bags of cement, material to build fences around their houses, squatting pans for latrines, kitchen utensils, dry rations for six months and a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to build partly damaged houses and a sum of Rs. 350,000 to rebuild a fully damaged house he said. Each resettled villager will get three three-wheelers worth one million rupees, so that they could use them in an emergency like going to hospital during an emergency illness, he further said. The officers of the Northern Provincial Council numbering 146 were provided with bicycles yesterday to visit the villages and work among the IDPs to sort out any problems. He had written to the Defence Ministry to allow the Government vehicles to ply on the A9 road as he said only public transport and lorries were allowed to run on A9 road, he noted (Daily News : 1 Dec 2009).

Dilemmas of a nation in war and peace – Part I - by H. L. D. Mahindapala - War brought out the best in us. Peace has brought out the worst. War helped us to close ranks and hold us together. Peace has blown this apart. War taught us that we have the capacity to overcome all obstacles and achieve the impossible combating local and external forces. Peace is now throwing us back to primeval politics of wild beasts feeding on each other. In the light of what is happening now, it seems that war was preferable to peace. No one expected peace to take this destructive turn. Peace has turned inward to fight the very forces that fought for peace. We didn’t fight the war to make peace a bitter battlefield for comrades-in-arms to indulge in dog-eat-dog politics. But that is exactly what has happened. There is, in a sense, a historical inevitability in this turn of events. Forces that come together tend to fly apart sooner or later. It is a part of the permutations and combinations of bizarre politics that go to make history. But what took everyone by surprise is the speed with which it came and shattered the euphoria of victory. The nation was expecting that it could go to bed without spending sleepless nights. We thought that we had overcome the worst and the future was in our hands. But the split in the ranks of those who fought the common enemies has raised serious doubts about the way we are about to manage peace (LankaWeb : 1 Dec 2009).

Secret hand of UK behind Tamil-speaking parties meeting in Switzerland - The three distinct Tamil-speaking political parties in Sri Lanka – indigenous Tamils, Muslims and Indian Tamils – met in Switzerland from November 20 – 22 and they all agreed to disagree and meet again to discuss how they could work together. It was hosted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Tamil Information Centre (TIC) in London invited the Tamil parties to the first meeting of Tamil-speaking parties. Each participant was paid $3100 as expenses. When the conference opened Minister for Social Services, Douglas Devananda, representing the Eelam People’s Democratic Party, objected to the presence of Swiss Foreign Ministry officers, saying that they were invited by TIC and foreigners should not intervene in the domestic politics of Sri Lanka. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) representatives struck a discordant note by trying to discuss the coming Presidential elections. Suresh Premachandra of Eelam People’s Revolutionary Front raised the issue of self-determination. This was followed by Gajendra Ponnambalam of the All-Ceylon Tamil Congress, talking about two nations. They were rebuffed by Douglas Devananda, Dharmalingam Siddarthan, People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam, (his father was killed by the LTTE) and Arumugan Thondaman of the Ceylon Workers Congress, representing the Indian Tamils (LankaWeb : 1 Dec 2009).

LTTE : The ghosts are after you - By Shenali Waduge For most the fall of the LTTE and the death of Prabakaran was treated not only with shock but it essentially put an end to decades of terror upon an entire country that extended globally creating an empire that used foul & wicked means to fill its deadly kitty. It was thought that the elimination of the upper tiers of the LTTE leadership, the surrendering of remaining LTTE cadres & gradual arrest of the remaining hardcore LTTE fighters was purely a sweep up operation until authorities netted in their biggest prize next to Prabakaran – the arrest of the infamous KP who is now in an undisclosed location & providing vital information to Sri Lanka’s intelligence units. Two shocking events unveiled to remaining LTTE supporters and those attempting to revive the LTTE by giving it a new face that the ghosts of revenge are now coming out (Asian  Tribune : 1 Dec 2009).

Eelam Through Back Door – Hard talk - Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaks to ” Hard Talk ” about the threat of an international conspiracy at work against the country in the form of seeking a regime change, as former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka enters the Presidential fray. He attributes this to the ‘disappointment’ that certain countries and their political elements may have experienced with the country’s victory over the LTTE and the decision by the President to not give in to international pressures he alleges were moved by elements who sought to safeguard the LTTE during the last stages of the war. There are certain elements of the international community who see the President taking a hard stand on the international community when the war was on, taking it personally. Maybe these elements want governments like this changed. We certainly see an international conspiracy to oust the President. I don’t point my finger at any government, but there were pressures that came through to safeguard the LTTE. These elements want to see the President out. Maybe they see that they can come out in a different way to give the LTTE Eelam. We have to be aware of this situation. The people have to be mindful of this danger’, he maintains (LankaWeb : 1 Dec 2009).

Lankan billionaire Raj Rajaratnam sells DFCC shares - Sri Lankan shares ended higher Monday with trading boosted by the sale of shares in DFCC by the Galleon hedge fund of billionaire Raj Rajaratnam, facing insider dealing charges in the US, brokers said. Angelo Ranasinghe of Bartleet Mallory Stock Brokers said the day's trading was mainly driven by the DFCC sale which accounted for the bulk of turnover. "Raj Rajaratnam sold his stake in DFCC. Apart from that deal, activity is still low." "Galleon Diversified Fund completely existed from DFFC Bank shares today," said Tushan Wickremasinghe, managing director of Capital Trust Securities, the selling broker. "Most of the other blue chip shares held by Galleon have been sold and for the shares that remain, there are buyers at market prices." He said John Keells Holdings is not in the Galleon group portfolio. Some 12.2 million shares of DFCC, or about a nine percent stake of the bank, were sold Monday in several big blocks at 135 rupees each, according to CSE data. DFCC ended at 139.50 rupees, up 1.50, having traded between 137.50 and 144 rupees. The DFCC trades accounted for a turnover 1,650 million rupees. The Galleon Diversified Fund was the fifth biggest shareholder in DFCC with 10,885,200 shares or a stake of 8.2 percent. Galleon has been selling off its portfolio in Colombo as it seeks to raise funds with investors withdrawing their money from the fund following Rajaratnam's arrest and release on bail on insider dealing charges in New York (Daily Mirror : 1 Dec 2009).

UPFA on Lanka-India plan to evacuate Jaffna-based forces in 2000 - Champika points out differences among partners - The UPFA yesterday revealed that the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s government, in concurrence with India, planned to abandon the Jaffna peninsula shortly after the fall of the strategic Elephant Pass base. Had that happened, the LTTE would have achieved Eelam a long time ago (Island ; 1 Dec 2009).

Sri Lankans using India to flee overseas illegally - New Delhi: The decimation of the LTTE in Sri Lanka has given a big push to illegal immigration involving Sri Lankan Tamils in India. There is a sudden spurt in Sri Lankan Tamils illegally crossing over to India to take a flight abroad. Agents have kept apace by doubling fees for passports and visa. Investigators believe most Sri Lankans trying to cross-over to western shores via India are LTTE cadres or sympathizers. Airport authorities have caught at least 40 Sri Lankan Tamils trying to take such flights from Indian airports. In a latest case at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport on November 16, Rajan Kumar was stopped from boarding an Air India flight to New York, after the US visa on his passport drew suspicion. The regional passport office in Hyderabad had purportedly issued the passport. But close scrutiny showed the passport was fake. It would have gone down as another case of illegal immigration had Rajan not told investigators he was a Sri Lankan Tamil who had illegally crossed over to India. His original name was Sivapalan and apart for his Indian passport, he was also carrying documents to prove his Sri Lankan identity. Sivapalan explained he planned to show his original Sri Lankan documents on reaching America. "He would have claimed to be an LTTE sympathizer and a victim of persecution by Sri Lankan forces," said a source who interrogated Sivapalan. But authorities are undecided on whether Sivapalan was really an LTTE recruit or just trying to get a toe-hold in the US (Daily Mirror : 1 Dec 2009).

Australian PM discusses human smuggling issue with Lanka - Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told reporters at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Port of Spain, that he had discussions with Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama regarding the human smugglings issue. The Australian Prime Minister’s office quoted the Premier as saying he raised Australia’s continued cooperation on the difficult challenges of people smuggling. “We have a special representative on Sri Lankan humanitarian affairs, our former High Commissioner to New Delhi, John McCarthy. He's active in his engagement with both the Sri Lankan Government and with the international institutions, including the World Bank and other potential donor countries, to assist with the great humanitarian challenges which exist within Sri Lanka at present,” the Australian Premier told reporters. He also said that there was a huge problem in terms of the adequate provision of housing to accommodate the basic life needs of internally displaced persons, and that's where Australia will continue to provide support. “I understand that the number of individuals now awaiting resettlement from camps within Sri Lanka is about 130,000, that's my most recent advice from the Sri Lankans themselves,” the Australian Premier said (Daily Mirror : 1 Dec 2009).

Act firmly against LTTE supporters: Union Minister - MADURAI: The police should firmly deal with demonstrations of support for the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said Union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan here on Saturday. Referring to the incident at Erode, in which the former Union Minister E.V.K.S. Elangovan and his supporters removed banners of LTTE leader V. Prabakaran, put up by supporters of the banned organization to mark ‘martyrs’ day’ on Friday, Mr. Vasan said that the police should not entertain any form of support for the banned organization. The government should initiate severe action not only against those responsible for putting up banners and posters at Erode but also all those who eulogized the LTTE and its leader all over Tamil Nadu. They should be dealt with severely. Mr. Vasan said that the reported attack on Mr. Elangovan’s house in Chennai was a “cowardly act” by anti-social elements. The Congress would not be cowed down by such incidents. He was confident that the police would soon bring to book persons responsible for the incident (Daily Mirror ; 1 Dec 2009).

IDPs to get 'freedom of movement' from today - The remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the welfare villages of the North will be free to move from their centres from today (December 01). The centres will be declared as 'open camps', Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiyudeen said. There will be no restrictions imposed on them. they will not be told when they should return once they leave the camp. However, inmates would be able to freely leave and re-enter the camps once they have registered their details with the relevant authorities and they would be given a token which needs to be returned upon coming back to the camp, he added. The Minister further elaborated that the government's open camp policy will allow the inmates to resettle themselves once they leave the camp and are not required to return back to the camp. According to government sources, around 128,000 people remain in the camps at the moment, while around 145,000 have been resettled already. About 9,000 people had been resettled last week from all the camps. The government's objective is to resettle all the IDPs in their native villages by the end of January 2010, the Minister said (Island : 1 Dec 2009).

EPDP calls for expanded powers for Provincial Councils - More powers should be given to the Provincial Councils (PC) than what will be given after the implementation of the 13th Amendment, EPDP Media Spokesman Nelson Edirisinghe told Daily Mirror Online. He added that through this constitutional amendment, they expect to solve the ethnic issue and that because they did not receive the necessary powers till now it was impossible to solve the problems faced by the Tamil population. Further Mr. Edirisinghe stated that they had proposed to the government to hold the Northern Provincial Council elections as soon as the Internally Displace Persons (IDP) are resettled in the North (Daily Mirror : 1 Dec 2009).

Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka bade farewell to President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a convivial atmosphere at the Temple Trees. 

United We Stand; Divided We Fall

What is happening today remind us what we learnt when we were 2nd or 3rd year students, a story of a bird hunter (watu vadda) who managed to get the advantage of conflicts among birds. As long as the birds were together and united, the hunter could not catch a single bird, because the birds had the strength to flyaway with the net laid by the hunter. But the hunter easily caught all the birds at once, when the birds were quarrelling for petty things (Sri Lanka News Online).

The foreign powers will raise their ugly head once again to keep Sri Lanka under their control

News Archives

• 2009 November 22 to 30
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