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Thursday, 08 October 2009 06:57 AM 

Internally Displaced Tamil children are happy in welfare camps

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First Batch of Soldiers Trained at Advance Infantry Training School in Kilinochchi Passed Out - ON a concept mooted by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya with intension of uplifting professional standard of soldiers on par with expansion of the organization, has opened up an Advanced Infantry Training School in the 57 Division, Kilinochchi. The first batch of officers and soldiers who underwent advanced infantry training at this new training centre passed out on Saturday (03) at a smart parade with participation of General Officer Commanding 57 Division Brigadier G.M.R Bandara as Chief Guest. Training for the first batch comprising 15 officers and 510 other ranks selected from 15 volunteer battalions deployed under Security Forces Headquarters-Kilinochchi commenced on the 1st of September. Soldiers who excelled in training were awarded during the passing out. This training centre that fell into the hands of the Army troops during final battles against the LTTE could accommodate 600 trainees at a time. Presently 23 officers and 138 other ranks are serving as instructors on the staff. A large crowd of officers and other ranks serving in the area witnessed the parade (Sri Lanka Army : 5 Oct 2009).

New LTTE leader barred from entering Germany - Sources in Germany said Rudrakumaran, who is a US citizen, and another pro-LTTE South Indian film director had been billed as the key speakers at a mass demonstration planned for last weekend, to which some TNA Parliamentarians still living abroad were also to join. “Tamil Makkal Elutchi Kulu,” a front organisation of the LTTE, was responsible for organising the demonstration, which was to be staged opposite the Federal State Parliament, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) where the largest Tamil community in Germany is living,” sources said. Meanwhile, the sources also disclosed that German intelligence, ever since the decimation of the LTTE in Sri Lanka, is getting more co-operation than before from the Tamil community about the activities of the LTTE front organisations in Germany. “Many Tamils here are disappointed with the LTTE and feel that the Tigers deceived them on many occasions. Most Tamils in NRW are now demanding that they be paid back the money they donated to the LTTE believing in their pledge to build a separate state for the Tamils. There had been a number of clashes between the Sri Lankan Tamil community in Germany and the LTTE fund-raisers in the past few months. The NRW tops the illegal fundraising in Germany followed by Berlin,” sources in Germany said (Lanka Everything: 5 Oct 2009).

Muslim Religious Observances to Mark Army 60th Anniversary Performed at Davatagaha Mosque - THE Muslim religious ceremony to bless the Sri Lanka Army on its 60th Anniversary and the Army Day on 10th October took place on Monday (05) at the Davatagaha Jumma Mosque Colombo 2. Series of religious observances coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army commenced on Saturday (03) with Flag Blessing ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura on the 2nd October. Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Chief Guest of the ceremony lit the oil lamp and garlanded the statue of deity at the mosque before prayers conducted by a section of Muslim priests headed by Maulavi Rev. Hassan commenced invoking blessing on the Army and its members. Army Commander signed the VIPs’ Book at the invitation of the Rev. Maulavi subsequent to the Muslim religious rites. Davatagaha religious ceremony was attended by, President Army Muslim Association Major General Abdul Zaheer, Senior Army Officers and members of the Army Muslim Association (Sri Lanka Army : 5 Oct 2009).

Conference and an exhibition in Jaffna after 30 years - Arrangements have been made to conduct a conference and an exhibition in Jaffna after 30 years, Governor of the Northern Province Major General G.A Chandrasiri said at a media conference held at the sub-office of the Governor at Battaramulla today (05). This event will be organized by the Ministry of Provincial Local Government, assisted by the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government of the Central Government, monitored by the Northern Province Governor (Sri Lanka defence Ministry : 5 Oct 2009).

A European parliament member expresses displeasure over the under estimating of Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism by certain groups in Europe - Member of the European Parliament and Vice Chairman of the Overseas Development Committee Neranjhan Devadithya says although Sri Lanka has been able to totally eradicate terrorism within a short period, European countries including Britain as well as America , are still battling terrorism. Participating in an interview with foreign media, he added that certain countries are trying to impose sanctions on Sri Lanka citing various reasons, despite the fact that the international community has endorsed this victory. Mr.Devadithya also said it is extremely despicable to note the attitude of certain groups in Europe trying to go against Sri Lanka. Certain Tamil youth , though not born in Sri Lanka but born to Sri Lankans in overseas , continue to show alliance to the LTTE. Anti Sri Lankan organizations sometimes use these persons for programmes against Sri Lanka. The European parliamentarian also expressed satisfaction on the programme carried out by the government to resettle people living in well fare camps in Sri Lanka. He also pointed out that there are more than four million displaced persons living in camps in several Middle eastern countries for many years. However no country or international group has shown any interest to resettle these displaced persons (SLBC : 5 Oct 2009).

Hillary Clinton and ‘Xeroxable’ sentiments - US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Patricia Butenis has issued a statement: ‘Clinton did not implicate anyone in Sri Lanka’. She was referring to a reference made by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to Sri Lanka in an address to the UN Security Council. Clinton said, ‘.......’ Speaking in her capacity as the current President of the Security Council on the subject of ‘Women and peace and security’, Clinton stated that Rape has been used as a tactic of war in Sri Lanka. Butts in Butenis: “During the 26-year long war in Sri Lanka, there were allegations of rape and sexual violence, just as in other conflicts. Secretary Clinton’s statement was to raise awareness of such brutality, not to implicate specific perpetrators.” She adds that the full remarks of the speech by Secretary Clinton’s shows that she made no reference to the Sri Lankan Army or to the LTTE (Lakbima News).

Peace Direct: Where do your get your information about Sri Lanka? - by Asoka Weerasinghe - Ms. Carolyn Hayman, OBE Chief Executive PEACE DIRECT Development House 56-64 Leonard Street London EC2A 4LT, Dear Carolyn Hayman: When I received your call “(Global Alliance) Re: Join the Sri Lanka campaign for peace and justice” from a friend of mine by e-mail on October 2, at 2:03 P.M., I was enormously troubled by the information that you had presented in that Global SOS showing your concerns about Sri Lanka. It so happened that I am from that exquisite island, and so I wrote to you immediately (2:13 PM) saying, “A friend of mine forwarded your call (Global Alliance) Re: Join the Sri Lanka campaign for Peace and Justice”. I’d like to respond to that note, but before I do that can you inform me from where you get your information as I am stupefied with what you had to say.” (LankaWeb : 5 Oct 2009).

Prove your allegations - President challenges accusers: Some powerful countries are trying to tarnish the good name of our Motherland by levelling various accusations and insults alluding that our Security Forces have committed crimes and I would like to challenge these countries to provide us with a comprehensive report to prove the same, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday in Matara. He was addressing a public rally which was held at Sanath Jayasuriya Sports Ground, Matara . The rally was organized by the group of UPFA contestants who are canvassing for the upcoming Southern Provincial Council election. The President said, "the Government has been able to liberate the Motherland from Tiger terrorism that ailed the country for the past three decades and brought a new hope of freedom to all its people." (Sri Lanka defence Ministry : 5 Oct 2009).

State department admits there had been no recent rape cases by Sri Lanka army in response to controversial Clinton statement - By Walter Jayawardhana - The United States went back on the statement of Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and said the US does not have any recent evidence of women being raped while in Sri Lankan government custody. Hillary Clinton generating widespread condemnation mentioned Sri Lanka as a country which uses rape as a military tactic while speaking at the Security Council meeting of the United Nations recently. The Sri Lanka government officially protested against her statement and the cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Sri Lanka totally rejected and condemned the Clinton statement (Sri Lanka defence Ministry : 5 Oct 2009).

HILLARY CLINTON IS UNDIGNIFIED THE PARTING SHOT OF HILLARY CLINTON - By Stanley Perera from Melbourne - Hillary Clinton’s parting shot aimed at Sri Lanka’s armed forces is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka earned its image in combating the terrorism with the dedicated armed forces that are the world’s most disciplined armed forces. In the second world war Gurkas became the best disciplined army but the west did not recognise them fully (LankaWeb : 5 Oct 2009).

Two textile training institutions at IDP centers - The Textile Industry Development Ministry will open two textile training institutions in the Vavuniya and Cheddikulam Welfare Villages. The two textile training institutions will pay Rs. 2,000 to each participant during the training course and material required by trainees will also be provided free of charge, the Ministry said. Minister Mahinda Ratnathilaka told The Island that specialized training on the textile industry was vitally important in the IDP villages because young men and women with skill would be absolutely essential. The Government had decided to provide trained lectures and one machine each to trainees and was of the view that after the training programme young men and women would be self-employed (Sri Lanka defence Ministry : 5 Oct 2009).

Mankulam to be re-modelled after New Delhi - Mankulam, the principal town of the North and the second largest town in the Vavuniya District is to be re-modelled after New Delhi, India under a directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, senior official sources in the North told Daily News yesterday. The first round of talks among senior officials of the North was held last Friday with the participation of the Governor Northern Province G.A.Chandrasiri Local Government Ministry Secretary Casian Herath, District Secretary P.S.M. Charles and Senior Urban Development Authority officials about preparations to be made to start the project (Sri Lanka defence Ministry : 5 Oct 2009).

Lankan envoy justifies Tamil scribe's jail term - Sri Lanka has likened the charges against Tamil journalist J S Tissainayagam, sentenced to 20 years in jail for links with LTTE, to any European scribe accepting al-Qaeda funding. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha told Human Rights sub committee of the European Parliament in Brussels that he wondered "whether journalists in Europe accepting a cheque from Al Qaeda would be acceptable". Aryasinha said the committee members gave the impression that Tissainayagam was convicted by the Colombo High Court for writing two articles, which in the view of the prosecution had the effect of inciting communal disharmony. "They forget the more serious charge proved (against the Tamil scribe) which was that he had accepted funds from the LTTE," the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels quoting the official said in a release (Daily Mirror: 5 Oct 2009).

The global community has benefited from the defeat of the LTTE -- President - President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that the Sri Lankan armed forces had proved that they were a professional and highly disciplined lot during the war. The entire world watched how Sri Lankan soldiers carried the old and wounded to safety in their hands when nearly 300,000 innocent Tamil civilians fled the LTTE barbarism, he said. Addressing a massive election propaganda rally in support of the UPFA candidates at the Southern PC polls at the Sanath Jayasooriya Grounds in Matara yesterday, Mr. Rajapaksa said that our soldiers had fought a war against the most ruthless and feared terrorist outfit in the world – one that had been a threat not only to Sri Lanka but to the entire world. “The global community benefited immensely, as our heroic forces vanquished the LTTE single handedly. The Sri Lankan armed forces must get appreciation for their deed, not brickbats, as they have comprehensively defeated a terrorist organization that everyone believed was invincible,” he said (Daily Mirror: 5 Oct 2009).

Govt identified hidden potentials of soldiers - Defence Secretary - The Government has correctly identified hidden potentials of our soldiers and leadership qualities and made use of them to decimate the world’s most ruthless terrorists who raged a 30 year war debilitating economic and social conditions of our country. Working as a team was another factor for our success. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in every sense a true leader, who identified the most essentials of the human values and accomplished the noble task of bringing peace, prosperity, integrity and sovereignty to our country, said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. He was the Chief Guest at the Kandy Mahamaya BV colours awarding ceremony at the College auditorium recently. The Defence Secretary said “you have invited me to this occasion which I consider as a tribute to the members of the Armed Forces and the Police who made great sacrifices to have our country saved from the LTTE clutches.” (Daily News: 5 Oct 2009).

Mankulam to be re-modelled after New Delhi - Mankulam, the principal town of the North and the second largest town in the Vavuniya District is to be re-modelled after New Delhi, India under a directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, senior official sources in the North told Daily News yesterday. The first round of talks among senior officials of the North was held last Friday with the participation of the Governor Northern Province G.A.Chandrasiri Local Government Ministry Secretary Casian Herath, District Secretary P.S.M.Charles and Senior Urban Development Authority officials about preparations to be made to start the project. This would be one of the major projects under the Uthuru Vasanthaya rehabilitation and development program of the North and would be personally looked into by Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa (Daily News: 5 Oct 2009).

Three Indian warships arrive today Joint exercise belies anti-Lanka propaganda - Amidst allegations by some South Indian politicians that the Sri Lanka Navy attacks Indian fishermen near the international maritime boundary even after the end of the war, a combined Indo-Lanka naval exercise off Colombo is being planned. A three-day exercise is scheduled to begin early this week in the Western Naval Area. The LTTE collapsed on May 18 after bloody clashes on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon eliminated the last group of terrorists, including its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran (Island ; 5 Oct 2009).

Of those captured weapons on display - Stockpiles of LTTE's weapons currently on display at the BMICH are proof that Prabhakaran was never for a political solution and successive governments only played into his hands by trying to talk peace with him. The question that those who advocated a negotiated solution should answer is whether the LTTE would ever have agreed to hand over those weapons upon which depended its survival. Prabhakaran, it may be recalled, even defied India's order that he surrender arms in return for a devolution package and took on the IPKF in the late 1980s. Prabhakaran turned each peace effort into a stepping stone to the next phase of his terrorist war and inched towards his goal. By the time he plunged the country into Eelam War IV, he had procured arms and ammunition sufficient for several times the number of his combatants. If he had managed to recruit enough fighters to handle them, perhaps the war would have had a different ending (Island : 5 Oct 2009). 

Rape as a Weapon in Sri Lanka - The Secretary of State of the US in her address to the Security Council is reported to have included Sri Lanka among countries that used rape as a weapon. Elaborating on the statement, the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka has reportedly stated "Secretary Clinton’s statement was to raise awareness of such brutality, not to implicate specific perpetrators." Both statements are shocking beyond belief. When someone alleges that rape had been used as a weapon of war in Sri Lanka, its armed forces are obviously placed in the dock. Furthermore, the only purpose of making such an accusation should be to ensure that due compensation is received by the victims and punishment meted out to the specific perpetrators, after the proper legal processes are instituted. ‘Raising awareness’ of brutalities should not be the goal of blanket statements of this nature. The Sri Lankan nation, in general, and its armed forces, in particular, have every right to demand that the Secretary of State of the US, either withdraws the said statement or gives details of specific instances to the Sri Lankan authorities so that inquires could be made. A point that the good lady may note, is that it was the armed forces of the US, and not the UN, EU or anyone from the ‘International Community’, that conducted the inquires when US soldiers stood accused of criminal acts in Iraq in the not too distant past (Island ; 5 Oct 2009).

SLFLA vehemently condemns Clinton's comments - The Sri Lanka Freedom Lawyers Association (SLFLA) vehemently condemned the comments made regarding Sri Lanka by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the UN Security Council. The Secretary to the Colombo branch of the Sri Lanka Freedom Lawyers Association Bandula Wellala stated that the Association would express their concern to the UN in writing. Further the Association would take measures to enlighten the international organizations on the utmost restraint and the discipline with which the Sri Lankan Security Forces acted during the humanitarian operation. The Association stated that it never expected Clinton to make such detrimental statements without proper facts about the most disciplined Sri Lankan Armed Forces which eliminated the heavily armed ruthless terrorist organization and also rescued over 200,000 Tamil civilians that were kept as a human shield by the LTTE. Wellala stated that no one including the US Secretary of State had the right to make a general statement accusing all Armed Forces of developing countries in a way that tarnishes the good name of a sovereign state. The Sri Lankan Forces not only demonstrated how terrorism should be eradicated but also how an operation must be conducted humanely. Our soldiers carried a gun in one hand and the Human Rights Convention in the other. There were no charges of rape levelled against the Sri Lankan Security Forces (Daily News: 5 Oct 2009).

GOVERNMENT USHERING IN MUCH NEEDED DEVELOPMENT THE LACK OF WHICH GAVE BIRTH AND NURTURED TERRORISM SAYS PRESIDENT 

By Walter Jayawardhana

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said at the inaugural celebrations of the Sri Lanka Army’s 60^th anniversary that terrorism was born and nurtured in Sri Lanka due to lack of development and immediately after the crushing of terrorism the state has taken over the responsibility of ushering in the much needed growth that would help the people to improve their lives. The celebrations started off at the Bandaranaike memorial International Conference Hall premises in Colombo that exhibited the tons of weapons captured from the crushed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in various battles from Mavil Aru where the terrorists blocked drinking and irrigation water to people to Nandi kadal, where the LTTE Supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed with all his leading men. The President said,”This is the golden era of the 60 year old Sri Lanka Army,” mindful of the fact that his nation’s fighting machine was able to finally demolish the most formidable obstacle that stood in the path of economic uplift of the people since independence against all odds (Details and more photos in Sri Lanka News Online ; 4 Oct 2009).  (More Photos in Daily News: 5 Oct 2009)  (Sri Lanka Army)

More LTTE military items uncovered in clearing operations - Sri Lanka Army troops continued clearing operations in liberated areas uncovered more LTTE military hardware from Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday (03 October), military sources said. Troops of 21 Division conducted a search and clear operation in general area Vavuniya and recovered a Sony Camera and a Design Meetrimec Camera. Task force 3 troops also recovered 28 x Anti Personnel (AP) mines from general area Puliyankulam In Kilinochchi district. Separately, Following military items were uncovered by the troops of Task force 8 (TF-8), during the clearing operations conducted in Puthukudduiruppu east area yesterday (03 October) (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 4 Oct 2009).

Rs. 900 million to develop the Mankulam city in Northern Sri Lanka -: Sri Lanka government has allocated Rs. 900 million to develop Mankulam as one of the main cities in the Northern Province. According to the Vavuniya District Secretary, Mrs. P. S. M. Charles, the government has already made a special plan to carry out this development process in Mankulam. A special discussion was also held yesterday at the Vavuniya District Secretariat on the proposed project under the patronage of the Governor of the Northern Province, Major General G. A. Chandrasiri. It was revealed that 22,200 houses are to be built on 883 hectares of land in Mankulam under this development project. The main office of the Northern Provincial Council is also expected to be set up in Mankulam under the proposed plan. Mankulam city, a one-time stronghold of LTTE rebels was completely captured by the Sri Lankan government forces during the final stage of the war with the rebels (Colombo Page : 4 Oct 2009).

"Our victory showed the world how humane our brave soldiers are..." - President - "No one could charge the military for any crime as they had engaged in a humanitarian operation in a professional manner. I urge those who point their finger at us to be careful as their other fingers are pointed at themselves," President and Commander-in-Chief Mahinda Rajapaksa at the inauguration of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Army on Saturday (Oct 03). He said that terrorism is born and nurtured due to the lack of development . Now the government has taken over the responsibility of ushering in national development. Anyone who has witnessed the bravery of the army that fought the most dreaded terrorists in the world would not think of leaving the country. He said that this exhibition displays the pride of the Lanka Army which is experiencing its golden era. The Sri Lanka Army flag has strengthened the national flag (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 4 Oct 2009).

Machines from China are being used for development work in the north - The largest stock of machines to have ever been imported, in the history of the government are being used for the development in the North with the mediation of the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" task force. The newly added machines will make contribution to accelerate the resettlement of civilians rescued from the iron grip of the terrorists. The development work in the north and east steadily progressing under the directive of the HE president Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for Northern Development, Senior Presidential Advisor MP Basil Rajapaksa. The new Machines were released for the development work in a function held at the kalukunnam-madu area resent under the patronage of "Uthuru Wasanthaya" task force chief MP Basil Rajapaksa. Speaking to defence.lk people in the area conveyed their gratitude on the government's resettlement programme and development programs underway to uplift the living condition of those people (sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 4 Oct 2009).

Kinniya bridge to open next week - Construction work on Sri Lanka's longest bridge, across the Kinniya bay, connecting Wellaimanal and Kinniya, has now been completed. It will be commissioned next week after the Southern Provincial Council polls, Minister of Highways and Road Development T. B. Ekanayake told the Sunday Observer. The bridge was set up under the Eastern Province Resurgence project to link Trincomalee with Kinniya at the request of the President, to overcome the difficulties the people of the area have been encountering for a long period. This is the longest bridge that is under construction on the A15 highway. Trincomalee is one of the main cities of the eastern province.Civilians frequently cross the Kinniya lagoon to reach Kinniya and Muttur. They used to cross the lagoon by ferry. The new bridge is 396 metres long and 10 metres wide and there are two pavements, each 1.5 metres wide, for pedestrians. The Government of Saudi Arabia provided Rs.710 million to set up the bridge and a Chinese firm is handling the construction work. Construction was supervised by the Road Development Authority (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry:  4 Oct 2009).

Sampanthan and Hakeem Co.-For Heaven’s sake Please Stop Sowing Seeds of Communal Hatred and Division any further at Least Now! - Dr. Sudath Gunasekara (SLAS) President Senior Citizens Movement .Mahanuwara - Obscurity generates fear; darkness crushes the very inside of us; nights could be pleasing but for a very short chunk of time. This, I think, is exactly what has happened to our communal minority politicians in Sri Lanka who refuse to accept the stark reality, that this country on earth is the non-negotiable Homeland of the Sinhala Nation, where other communities have mingled, assimilated and lived harmoniously for thousands of years as equals, while recognizing the logical place of Sinhala people on this Island. It had been so at least for the past 2500 years of recorded history. Whether someone likes it or not that is the fact. Every grain of sand on this Blessed Land will vouch for it. Obscurity and darkness in the minds of minority politicians, partly implanted and infused by foreign elements and partly by themselves as an instrument gaining political power in a competitive social set up, are the two evils that has shattered the harmony that was there in the past (LankaWeb : 4 Oct 2009).

THE NATIONALIST PAPERS : All the IDPs are not in Menik Farm - By Malinda Seneviratne - Politicians come and go and this is true for every country. Statements stay, in heart and memory. Some politicians are remembered not for the good they do but because they are either vile or they are unforgettable clowns. Two names I shall not forget: David Miliband (Britain) and Bernard Kouchner (France). First they wanted to bail out the world’s most ruthless terrorist, Velupillai Prabhakaran. They engaged in a lot of chest-beating in their home countries, virtually promising LTTE supporters that they would orchestrate the LTTE leader’s escape. They vilified the Government of Sri Lanka, made a lot of noise, screamed in fact, before arriving in Sri Lanka, only to get a mouthful from the Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. They went back, tail between legs, and whimpered that they had failed (Sinhale Hot News: 4 Oct 2009).

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has received widespread condemnation over her ridiculous statement!

SRI LANKA OFFICIALLY PROTESTS TO THE US OVER HILLARY CLINTON STATEMENT THAT COUNTRY USED RAPE AS MILITARY TACTIC - By Walter Jayawardhana - Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest against the statement of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the UN Security Council that Sri Lanka has used rape as a war tactic. Sources in the Ministry said Sri Lanka has lodged this protest with the United States embassy in Colombo. Clinton’s statement in the UN Security Council last Wednesday that said, "We've seen rape used as a tactic of war before in Bosnia, Burma and Sri Lanka and elsewhere," was condemned widely and the Cabinet Spokesman for the Army Keheliya Rambukwella totally rejected and condemned it. He said this was the first time Sri Lanka has ever been accused of using rape as a war tactic by anybody. Clinton’s remarks provoked widespread condemnation other than the official protest and National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa attacked the statement as telling as to who supported the LTTE terrorists for three decades. He said Cliton’s statement as utter fiction and irresponsible. Another political party the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) held a demonstration in Colombo that marched from the Vihara Maha Devi Park to the US Embassy on Galle Road, Kollupitiya. The demonstrators accused Clinton of attempting to destroy the image of the country by mudslinging (EOM).

Military victory not handed over on a platter - President - President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted yesterday that some internal forces were trying to charge Sri Lanka for war crimes to cover up their shortcomings and to degrade the hard earned military victory, but as long as there are patriotic people, these forces would not achieve their ignoble ‘missions’. President Rajapaksa was addressing the opening of the exhibition at the BMICH to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The gathering included Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka, the three Service Commanders and the IGP. The President said that no one could charge the military for any crime as they had engaged in a humanitarian operation in a professional manner. “I urge those who point their finger at us to be careful as their other fingers are pointed at themselves,” he said. The President expressed confidence that those who witnessed the heroism of our soldiers who had defeated the world’s most ruthless terrorists would not attempt to take up arms again to destroy this united country and would not think of a separate State when they reap the benefits of the country’s development (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

Govt. wants Clinton to withdraw ‘rape’ remark - Sri Lanka has called upon US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to retract her remarks that during the 26-year-long war in Sri Lanka rape was used as a tactic of war. Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama made the request during a meeting with the new US Ambassador Patricia Butenis. Foreign Ministry sources said last night that Mr. Bogollagama conveyed the Government’s serious concern over Ms. Clinton’s remarks. President Rajapaksa had directed that the Foreign Minister summon the US ambassador to be told of the Government’s displeasure. President Rajapaksa who declared open an exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army said yesterday that false allegations including those of rape were being brought against security forces. He said the troops were the best disciplined in the world. “When they point one finger at human rights violations here, they must know three fingers are pointed at them,” he added. Ms Clinton speaking on the adoption of a United Nations Security Council Resolution to Combat Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict said: "Now, reading the headlines, one might think that the use of rape as a tactic of war only happens occasionally, or in a few places, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Sudan. That would be bad enough, but the reality is much worse (Sunday Times ; 4 Oct 2009).

Sri Lanka: From hot war to cold war - By Janaka Perera - Attorney Gomin Dayasiri said on Thursday (Oct.1) that after winning the hot war Sri Lanka was now facing a cold war. He called for public support to deal with this crisis since the State’s intelligence services alone could not handle the problem. The lawyer made these observations when he gave a talk in Sinhala on the ‘New Shapes of Tamil Separatism’ at the National Library and Documentation Services Centre auditorium, Colombo 7. The lecture was one of a series of talks delivered under the auspices of the Jaathika Vidwath Mandalaya (National Intellectual Council). Council Chairman Professor Buddhadasa Hewavitharane presided. Dayasiri charged that all those who were now clamouring for the full implementation of the 13th and 17th Amendments to the Sri Lankan Constitution were the very people who opposed the anti-LTTE war and did everything possible to stop the military campaign, vehemently arguing that the Tigers could never be crushed (Asian Tribune: 4 Oct 2009).

AMERICA COVERS UP HER CRIMES AND SITS ON JUDGEMENT AGAINST SRI LANKA - By L. Jayasooriya - According to a news report by Daya Gamage in Asian Tribune (2009-10-03) under the title “Rape of Iraqi women by US forces” four US soldiers raped a 14 year old girl in March 2006 and murdered her and her family including a 5 year old child. They have been found guilty of this heinous crime on May 07, 2009 by a US Court and no sentence has yet been delivered. It will be interesting to know what the sentence will be or whether there will be any sentence at all because of the time that has elapsed since conviction. This will have to be carefully followed up to know whether American Courts are functioning independent of American policy towards the world that they exploit (Sinhale Hot News: 4 Oct 2009).

13th Amendment a result of Indian intervention - Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva stated that it was through a “bottom up” approach rather than the failed “top down” approached of the 13th Amendment that would eventually help formulate a solution to the ethnic conflict in the country.  “We have to formulate solutions or remedial measures firstly in broad terms and flesh out each item addressing the needs from the grass root level upwards” he said speaking at the inauguration of the 103rd annual sessions of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka on 1st October 2009 at the BMICH. Justice Silva said problems between the two main ethic groups began with independence “when the lid of foreign domination was removed upon gaining independence, the ethnic divisions of our plural society began to brew (Sunday Times: 4 Oct 2009).

Sri Lanka deserves humanitarian award - Niranjan Deva Adithya, European Union Parliamentarian Remarkable achievement in eradicating terrorism: Encourage Tamil diaspora to invest in Sri LankA: - Niranjan Deva Adithya, European Union Parliamentarian and the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Overseas Development of the European Parliament says the ‘Sri Lankan Government has done a remarkable job in eradicating terrorism at a time when Britain and many EU states and USA are still trying to fight terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places without success. Niranjan Deva Adithya, better known as Nirj Deva, is a British politician born in Sri Lanka. Nirj is one of the 27 UK Conservatives who are now part of the European Parliament’s majority political group. In 1999, Niranjan Deva Adithya became the first Asian-born person to be elected as a Conservative Member of the European Parliament where he represents South East England. He serves as the Vice Chairman on the Committee on Overseas Development and is a bureau member of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. He is also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. He was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth from 1992 to 1997 and during that time served as Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Scottish Office and was a member of the Select Committees on the Parliamentary Ombudsman (1993-1997) and Education (1994-1996). Nirj Deva has served in diverse fields as a member of the EU Parliament. In 1985, Nirj Deva became the first Asian-born to be appointed by Queen Elizabeth II to the office of Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Greater London - a position which he holds for life (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

European Parliament’s Friends of Sri Lanka say: Support Sri Lanka to obtain GSP+ concession - Friends of Sri Lanka Group of the European Parliament Dr. Charles Tannock MEP has called for support to Sri Lanka to get the GSP+ concession. He said, “We should give Sri Lanka a helping hand and not punish and beat it down and we must support Sri Lanka to get the GSP+ concession”. Dr. Charles Tannock was speaking on behalf of the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ group of the European Parliament at the opening ceremony of the photographic exhibition inaugurated at the European parliament on Wednesday. Chairman of the Northern Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province and Senior Advisor to the President, Basil Rajapaksa, MP, together with the Vice-President of the European Parliament Dr. Libor Roucek, inaugurated the photographic exhibition titled ‘Sri Lanka Facets of Post-conflict Development’ in the European Parliament premises in Brussels on Wednesday (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

Strong pro-active system needed to counter detractors - Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe - The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe, in an interview with the Sunday Observer, said that the country needs to implement a strong pro-active system to be tough on people who are trying to be 'nasty' to Sri Lanka. He said that the UN rapporteurstoires would make positive remarks about situations once they come to know the reality. "I don't think that they intended to make some controversial statements, but could not realise the difference between the Tamils and LTTE. Sri Lanka knows that Tamil citizens are basically very decent people while few LTTEers were monsters, but the West does not know this difference. Due to propaganda lots of Westerners think that Tamils means the LTTE", he said. Disclosing the UN's decisions to send six of its officers who were young, earlier, Prof. Wijesinghe said: "In some cases I have not recommended to extend their visas as I don't think they are appropriate persons to represent the UN. They are immature to handle the issues in Sri Lanka.' (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

IDPs resettled and North developed despite criticism - Even amidst the strident criticism by some mischievous elements and the Opposition carrying out propaganda aiming at personal political advantage, the Government is successfully carrying out the resettlement of IDPs and the infrastructure development in the North under the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" accelerated Northern development drive. The Government is committed to promote the living standards of the community affected due to the LTTE terrorism for the past three decades.The Government has resettled a large number of IDPs in their original lands where land mines were successfully removed by the Government. Resettlement of IDPs has become the main priority for the Government after they were liberated from the clutches of the LTTE while developing the dilapidated infrastructure in the region. The ultimate goal of the Government is to develop the Northern Province on par with other developed provinces and even beyond the Eastern Province which was subjected to a major development process after all parts of the province were brought under one flag (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

Light at the end of the tunnel for Jaffna - Mayoress - Yogeswari Patkunaraja was elected as the 25th Mayor of Jaffna, at the Local Government polls to the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) held recently. The second woman to be elected to this position. she will be sworn in as the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Mayoress for Jaffna before President Mahinda Rajapaksa on October 12. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer, Yogeswari Patkunaraja outlines her vision for Jaffna (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

Despite futile LTTE attempts to buy over agencies: US played decisive role in dismantling LTTE networks - Prof. Rohan Gunaratna - Although a handful of US officials in the State Department react to LTTE lobbying, the US played a decisive role in dismantling the strong LTTE international procurement network, International Terrorism Expert, Prof. Rohan Gunaratna said yesterday. Speaking to the `Sunday Observer’ from Singapore, Prof. Gunaratna said the US Government, particularly the Department of Defence, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have played a decisive role in cracking the LTTE weapons procurers. The latest of such arrests was the Singaporean businessman and former Reform Party member Balraj Naidu on a US extradition case last week.According to media reports Naidu is wanted by the US on two terrorism related charges and for allegedly brokering arms deals with the LTTE. Prof. Gunaratna said, “The US hunt against the LTTE weapons procurements intensified since 2006. This generated the intelligence that led to the destruction of the LTTE shipping fleet berthed along the equator.” A total of six LTTE ships were destroyed with the help of shared Sri Lanka-US intelligence (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

Controversies behind Sri Lanka’s IDPs - by Shenali WADUGE - It is amazing how people who do not know any of these “IDPs”, people who have not even come to Sri Lanka, people who have so far not even sent a cent or contributed any aid are demanding that Sri Lanka’s IDPs be allowed “freedom of movement”. As of May, there were 288,938 IDPs, but only 2,000 people came forward to claim their relatives. For those who have not even seen these camps, it is baffling how they can so authoritatively describe these camps as “concentration camps” and demand freedom of movement. Making these accusations are the very nations who are directly responsible for displacing millions of innocents and have yet to resettle these people in their “homes”. Let the IDPs decide whether they wish to rally behind these “freedom of movement” slogans that the international community offers or wait till demining work is completed and take Rs. 25,000, free seed paddy and free food for six months that the Government is allocating, while being presently fed three meals a day. Given the intensity of accusations against Sri Lanka and its Government, is it just possible to think that the Eelaam struggle could have been just a facade to use Sri Lanka as a base to train Jihad type fighters the LTTE was notorious for? Let us take the accusations one by one: (Sunday Observer: 4 Oct 2009).

THE NATIONALIST PAPERS All the IDPs are not in Menik Farm - by Malinda Seneviratne - Politicians come and go and this is true for every country. Statements stay, in heart and memory. Some politicians are remembered not for the good they do but because they are either vile or they are unforgettable clowns. Two names I shall not forget: David Miliband (Britain) and Bernard Kouchner (France). First they wanted to bail out the world’s most ruthless terrorist, Velupillai Prabhakaran. They engaged in a lot of chest-beating in their home countries, virtually promising LTTE supporters that they would orchestrate the LTTE leader’s escape. They vilified the Government of Sri Lanka, made a lot of noise, screamed in fact, before arriving in Sri Lanka, only to get a mouthful from the Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. They went back, tail between legs, and whimpered that they had failed (Sunday Island ; 4 Oct 2009).

Help Lanka resettle IDPs, envoy tells EU - Sri Lanka’s EU Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has urged that the IDPs in Sri Lanka be not used as a political tool, but instead help the Government to overcome the difficulties faced in re-settling them. The Ambassador made these observations when he addressed a hearing held on Sri Lanka by the Human Rights Sub Committee of the European Parliament, chaired by MEP Heidi Hautala of the Finnish Green Party last Thursday. Refuting a suggestion that “de-mining has been used as a political tool to confine the IDPs to the camps”, and that they “would be held indefinitely”, the Ambassador showed on a map the main population centres of the Northern Province with adjacent farm land that had been de-mined or ear-marked for de-mining on a priority basis. He said the security concerns were not imagined, but very real, as it was well known that many LTTE cadres had come into the camps mingling with civilians, and GOSL didn’t want them to go back and collect hidden weapons and re-start terrorist acts (Sunday Times : 4 Oct 2009).

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Army 60th Anniversary Mega Exhibition Begins - THE YEAR’S much-expected stunning spectacular, Sri Lanka Army’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition, a major feat of the celebratory events was declared open by His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning (3) during a colourful ceremony at BMICH premises. President Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in Chief of the Tri-services graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He was warmly received at the premises on arrival by Secretary Defence Dr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sarath Fonseka, and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. Commanders of Navy and Air Force, Inspector General of Police and a host of other senior Army officers were also associated with the inaugural opening. In his speech made after opening the exhibition, the President commended the commitment of the Army and its soldiers who served with utmost dedication. He highlighted the fact that Army’s contribution to the humanitarian war was extremely higher (Sri Lanka Army ; 3 Oct 2009).

Suspects involved in trafficking IDPs to Australia arrested - Three suspects believed to have been involved in trafficking displaced people and LTTE cadres from IDP camps in Vauniya to Australia were arrested from a hotel in Waikkal following information received by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), police media spokesman DIG Nimal Mediwaka said. (SD (Daily Mirror: 3 Oct 2009).

Lanka: Come for KP later - interrogation of post-conflict Tiger leader Sri Lanka will not heed any requests by foreign governments for their security agencies to interview Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP), head of the Tiger guerrilla procurement wing, until the legal process against him is completed locally. Such a process, the Sunday Times learns, is to be initiated only after ongoing investigations are concluded. At present, CID detectives are conducting a detailed interrogation on a wide-range of matters. This includes procurements, the guerrilla shipping network, fund raising and matters relating to the LTTE’s international network.  The Government’s position will mean requests by India for its security agencies to interview KP will remain on hold. Among other matters, Indian agencies want to question him with regard to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in Sriperumpudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21 1991. A Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) set up by the Government of India to investigate the murder conspiracy found that KP had visited Tamil Nadu before Mr. Gandhi was killed. Indian agencies now want to ascertain how funds were channelled for this purpose. KP was arrested on August 10 and flown to Colombo in a special non-stop SriLankan Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur. Though it was widely reported that he was rounded up at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Government denied it officially (Sunday Times : 3 Oct 2009).

Moral cries and lies of Hillary Clinton - by H. L. D. Mahindapala - On September 30, 2009, UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1888/2009, on Women and peace and Security aimed at combating sexual violence in armed conflict. This session was presided over by Hillary Clinton, the US State Secretary, who used the opportunity to name Sri Lanka, along with Burma and Rwanda, as one of the countries that uses rape as a war tactic. This is not the first time that the American administration used the Security Council to manipulate world opinion with lies. The most notorious case was Colin Powell presenting maps and aerial photographs to the 15-member Council on Iraq, accusing it of hiding weapons of mass destruction. Besides, President Barack Obama had openly accused her of telling fibs in one of the debates in the run up to the presidential election. Challenging accusations leveled against him by Hillary and Bill Clintons in the debate held on January 21, 2008 the then Democratic candidate, Obama, told America that “the assertions made by Sen. Clinton and her husband are not particularly accurate.” That’s a polite way of telling that she and her husband are liars (LankaWeb ; 3 Oct 2009).

WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION OF HILARY RODHAM CLINTON BY STATEMENTS, TV INTERVIEWS AND DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF US EMBASSY - By Walter Jayawardhana - US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has received widespread condemnation from government spokesman and and other political parties for mentioning Sri Lanka as a country using rape of women as a military weapon with a host of other countries. “This is a total fabrication tarnishing the image of a sovereign nation that should be condemned with contempt,” said Minister Keheliya Rambukwella explaining matters at a press briefing at the media center for national security. We totally reject those charges, the Minister said. The minister who is the government spokesman for military affairs said the totally “baseless allegation” has  been done against the disciplined security forces of Sri Lanka by an ulterior motive. The Secretary of State, Clinton has been having a controversial relationship with Sri Lankan elements ever since she received a donation from individuals connected with the terrorist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) when she was contesting as a presidential candidate. When it was exposed she announced the donations have been returned to the donor. But details of how many donations were returned are not known (Sri Lanka News Online ; 3 Oct 2009).

President says govt. has taken over the responsibility of development - The President stressed that the government has taken over the responsibility of ushering in national development at the inauguration of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the Sri Lanka Army today. He said that terrorism is born and nurtured due to the lack of development . Now the government has taken over the responsibility of ushering in national development. Anyone who has witnessed the bravery of the army that fought the most dreaded terrorists in the world would not think of leaving the country. He said that this exhibition displays the pride of the Lanka Army which is experiencing its golden era. The Sri Lanka Army flag has strengthened the national flag. The Army inaugurated its 60th anniversary celebrations at the BMICH under the patronage of the President following the elimination of the LTTE terrorism that prevailed for 30 years. Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, Chiefs of the Security Forces, the IGP and high ranking officers of the Security Forces participated in this occasion (ITN : 3 Oct 2009).

The President says that no force will be able to divide the country by an armed struggle as long as the valiant Armed forces are guarding the nation -  The President says that no force will be able to divide the country by an armed struggle as long as the valiant Armed forces are guarding the nation. Sri Lanka Army has proved its professionalism by combating the most brutal terrorist outfit in the world. Some say that a cause of terrorism is the lack of national development in the country. The President said however, the government has taken the responsibility of accelerating the national development within very short period. The president made these comments participating at the opening ceremony of Army exhibition at the BMICH to mark the 60th anniversary. The President further said that Sri Lanka Army has symbolically become the live wire of the nation. The Army championed the cause of uniting the nation under one flag by eliminating terrorism once for all. Many countries in the world including the Asian region are now studying the victory of the Sri Lanka Army (SLBC : 3 Oct 2009).

Bitter Hilary - Hilary Clinton first tried to throw in a life-line to the LTTE when they were facing annihilation. It came a cropper at the end. Ever since, her band at the US Department of State has been trying to vilify Sri Lanka for emerging victorious over terrorism, while her country is all messed up in Iraq and Afghanistan, not to mention Vietnam. Failing in all their sinister attempts to achieve their goal of victimizing SL, she now tries to sidekick us by mentioning us in her ramblings at the UN Security Council meetings. Yesterday, Hilary was reported to have said that SL, among few other countries, has used rape as a weapon in the just concluded war! Where is she coming up with all this crap from? Has she seen another JDS sponsored Channel 4 broadcast? Or is she showing her country’s desperation at not being able to manhandle Sri Lanka? Hilary, what a ridiculous statement! (Island : 3 Oct 2009).

Rape in War: Mrs Clinton has over stepped the mark - by Donald Chandraratna, Australia - This incessant talk of violating human rights is fast becoming hollow talk by Western powers who do not apply the rules of fairness to the charges and allegations levelled at poorer nations in the world. No one will deny that there are serious violations from time to time by all states parties including those who are the current accusers. Sadly the international covenants are imprecise in the way due process is specified in the rules of fair play and justice. International statutes do list the crimes but are vague in the manner in which the charges and allegations are to be initiated without injury to innocent state parties. Hence these codes of conduct are subsumed under the rubric ‘in good faith’. Herein lays the problem. In the world of today ‘in good faith’ has become the royal prerogative of white folks, powerful nations and Western countries. Hence charges are levelled without a shred of evidence against countries like Sri Lanka and the very recent slap stick charge of rape as an instrument of war is the last straw that really breaks our patience. The lack of fairness against Sri Lanka is really appalling (LankaWeb : 3 Oct 2009).

Suicide jacket found from a house in central Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka police found a suicide jacket and several weapons from a house at Hansamunawa in Kurunegala early this morning. Kurunegala police said they found several T-56 guns along with the suicide jacket in a search operation conducted on civilian information. Police believe that the suicide jacket and the weapons have been brought to this house during the final stages of the war with the LTTE. No arrests have yet been made, but the investigations are continuing, the police said (Colombo page : 3 Oct 2009).

COVERING A MOUNTAIN WITH A RAG…… - by Piyal Samarakone - The Lady in Red is in a desperate attempt to cover up the military sins and nudity with a little piece of third grade diplomatic rag. It’s nothing to be surprised when self-labeled super power writing death certificates of innocents on daily basis in the sake of eliminating terrorists. For Americans to kill one terrorist at least they need to harm a dozens of unarmed innocents simply because they are well equipped cowards in the modern world who operate within fortified military compounds and in herds, if seen in the outer perimeters. A terrorist would not tell you from where he intends to attack and he got rights to wage any atrocity disregard of civilian safety, that’s why we call them terrorists. But a civilized armed force would not act with stupidity just to carry out their mission. This is where discipline and bravery become a paramount aspect to any legitimate armed force, if not you will become a simple American Soldier who got neither discipline nor bravery who go on rampage whenever he is threatened (LankaWeb : 3 Oct 2009).

Van fitted with claymore mines found in Kurunegala - Acting on a lead given by an LTTE suspect in custody the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) took into custody a van which was fitted with six claymore mines weighing 5 kg in Kurunegala on Saturday early morning. In side the vehicle the TID uncovered one T56 weapon with 340 ammunitions and 100 electric detonators. Further two remote controls, six grenades and one micro pistol and ammunition was also found in the van. The claymores were fitted to the under side of the wan by fixing a mettle rack on to it DIG Nimal Mediwake said (Times online ; 3 Oct 2009).

Army 60th Anniversary Mega Exhibition Begins - The year's much-expected stunning spectacular, Sri Lanka Army's 60th Anniversary Exhibition, a major feat of the celebratory events was declared open by His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning (3) during a colourful ceremony at BMICH premises. President Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in Chief of the Tri-services graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He was warmly received at the premises on arrival by Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sarath Fonseka, and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. Commanders of Navy and Air Force, Inspector General of Police and a host of other senior Army officers were also associated with the inaugural opening (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 3 Oct 2009).

Hillary Clinton makes baseless accusations against Sri Lanka Army to satisfy her informants- the Tamil expatriates of the terrorist front Organisations- the “Tamils for Obama” - By Charles.S.Perera - People living in glass houses should not throw stones at others is an old adage .How could it be related to the damaging Statement the American Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made to the UN Security Council, against the most disciplined Armed Force of Sri Lank, which not only eliminated a heavily armed ruthless terrorist force from Sri Lanka, but also rescued over 200,000 Tamil civilians kept as a human shield by these terrorists ? Sex and rape are offences that could easily be made against any one, even against a most respected person and leave him to live with the stigma all his or her life. It was an “ innocent “ sex play by a 22 year old intern who crept under a US President’s table in the Whitehouse to give the President a little sexual excitement that occasioned, for the first time in the history of America, for a US President to be summoned before a Federal Grand Jury, in August, 1998 (LankaWeb ; 3 Oct 2009).

'Sri Lanka: Facets of Post-Conflict Development' Photographic Exhibition inaugurated at the European Parliament - Chairman of the Northern Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province and Senior Adviser to the President Basil Rajapaksa, MP, together with the Vice-President of the European Parliament Dr. Libor Roucek, inaugurated a photographic exhibition titled 'Sri Lanka: Facets of Post-conflict Development' at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday (30 September). The exhibition was conceptualized and organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, with the sponsorship of Mrs. Elisabetta Gardini, MEP and the 'Friends of Sri Lanka' group in the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps from EU member countries and SAARC, officials of the European institutions and a representative gathering of Sri Lankans living in Belgium and friends of Sri Lanka, participated in the event (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 3 Oct 2009).

Army uncovers more LTTE military items in clearing operations - Troops of o 234 Brigade and 684 Brigade during search and clearing operations uncovered following war materials in general area Mawadiwembu and in general area Kappakulam respectively yesterday (October 2 ) (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 3 Oct 2009).

Army commander refutes allegations on 1000 rupee coin - Military Spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara has said that certain sectors are making allegations about the deduction of thousand rupees from the salaries of the war heroes.  He made this observation at a media briefing held yesterday. The Military Spokesman said that thousand rupees was extracted from their salaries to offer them a coin worth 1000 rupees, which they can use to buy goods to this value. He said the statement was made to discredit the Army (ITN : 3 Oct 2009).

Catholic devotees participate in the Madhu feast - The Catholic devotees are participating in the October feast of the Madhu Shrine which was released from the LTTE recently.  Special feasts are held by different Churches. This month is confined to Our Lady of Madhu. The feast is centered around the Madhu Shrine. This is the first time it is being held after the Madhu Church was released from the LTTE. The premises and adjoining areas were de-mined under the patronage of the Uthuru Wasanthaya task force. Our reporter says that the Madhu Church premises is filled with the devotees. Yesterday, 45 statues were installed in the premises with the blessings of the Archbishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith. A service was conducted by the the Mannar Bishop Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph. All facilities have been provided to the devotees under the advice of the President and the supervision of Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa (ITN : 3 Oct 2009).

Hillary Clinton Lives in the Biggest Glass House of them - I was shocked when I learned of Hillary Clinton’s statement about rape being used as a weapon during the Sri Lankan war against the LTTE terrorists. For many reasons I simply cannot believe this is true. On one hand I applaud the unanimous passing of the UN Security Council’s resolution to create new tools to combat sexual violence against women and children in conflict situations. On the other hand, for the US Secretary of State to off-handedly, and without any proof, include Sri Lanka in a list of countries where rape has been used as a weapon is not only irresponsible, but downright shameful. She put Sri Lanka in the company of the Balkans and Burma, but why didn’t she mention Darfur, the biggest modern perpetrator of them all? Is it because the Sudan has coveted oil resources, and she doesn’t want to rock the boat? It makes me wonder… (Asian Tribune: 3 Oct 2009).

SUSPECTED TAMIL PTOTESTERS BARGE INTO NEW DELHI SRI LANKA HIGH COMMISSION ON A PUBLIC HOLIDAY AND DAMAGE SOME PROPERTY - By Walter Jayawardhana - A group of around ten out of forty protestors chanting slogans scaled a wall and damaged some property of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi on a holiday when no officials of the mission was available police sources said. “We deeply regret this unfortunate incident which has involved an act of violence against a diplomatic mission”, the external affairs ministry said later. The Ministry said “Action as prescribed by the law will be taken against the perpetrators of this incident.” First Secretary of the mission said they had taken up the matter with the New Delhi police and the External Affairs Ministry. The protesters identified only as Tamils after scaling a wall had smashed up about ten to fifteen flower pots. The Police said before the police could arrest them they had fled. "It is difficult to confirm who they were, but we believe they are from an anti-Sri Lankan government lobby group based in Tamil Nadu," Sugeeswera Gunaratne, first secretary at the mission, was quoted having told a news agency Security has been beefed up around the mission now (EOM).

Open Letter to Ms. Navanetham Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - By Asoka Weerasinghe, Canada - Ms. Navanetham Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Palais Wilson 52 rue des Paquis; CH-1201 Geneva Switzerland.  Dear Ms.Navi Pillay: "It may well be that each of Ceylon's (Sri Lanka) attractions is surpassed somewhere on Earth; Cambodia may have more impressive ruins, Tahiti lovelier beaches, Bali more lovelier landscapes (though I doubt it), Thailand more charming people (ditto). But I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments - which has so many advantages, and so few disadvantages, especially for the western visitor." I didn't say this Navi, it was Sir Arthur C. Clarke who said all this. No wonder you are jealous of this little gem of an island having left behind your country, South Africa, where poverty tourism is at its peak that would take me to the outskirts of Johannesburg, and to the edge of Cape Town to visit the squalid townships around Soweto, where I will be shown in the safety of a tourist bus, the huts where people live without water or electricity and to imagine what cramped conditions your African people live. Little wonder why you are jealous of Sri Lanka, and the way she liberated 300,000 people of your Tamil tribe from the clutches of Tamil Tiger terrorists; housed them in temporary welfare villages thousand times better than the shanties in Soweto, fed three cooked meals a day, provided water to drink, looked after medically who are sick, and treated them as normal human beings no different from Navi Pillay and Asoka Weerasinghe. Navi, admit it. You are God damn jealous of this little emerald gem tucked away in a remote corner of the Indian Ocean aren't you? Isn't that the reason why you are trying to bully this sovereign nation to carve out one-third of that gem to provide a second home for your tribe away from their homeland, Tamil Nadu where 61 million of your people live? That is sneaky way to do it, isn't it? (Sri Lanka News Online : 16 Sept 2009).

Humanitarian Assistance to IDPs in Sri Lanka from New Zealand - At the end of the war, in May 2009 more than 250,000 Sri Lankans escaped from the clutches of the LTTE with the help of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. These people have been forced to move along with the LTTE cadres when they retreated before the advancing security forces of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the home towns of these people have been heavily mined by the LTTE while they were retreating. The security forces are clearing those areas at present and until that is completed they have to spend their lives in the camps built for Internally Displaced People in Vavuniya. These camps have become a much talked about topic in Sri Lanka and in western countries. While the Sri Lankan Government do their best to improve the conditions, some interested parties criticise the Government for not doing enough. Sri Lankans living in New Zealand came up to assist these people and collected funds to send a consignment of milk powder. It was a token gesture to indicate that Sri Lankans living around the world are with their brethren, in their hour of need irrespective of the ethnicity  (SPUR New Zealand).

FM SUMMONS US AMBASSADOR OVER CLINTON REMARKS - Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama summoned US Ambassador Patricia Butenis yesterday to express concern on the part of the government over the comments made regarding Sri Lanka by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Daily Mirror has learned. According to well informed sources the Foreign Minister had informed the US Ambassador that the US had no right to make allegations against the Sri Lankan armed forces. However, earlier in the day, Patricia Butenis said in a statement, that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had not implicated any party in Sri Lanka in her speech at the UN Security Council on Wednesday when she made a reference to Sri Lanka. “During the 26-year long war in Sri Lanka, there were allegations of rape and sexual violence, just as in other conflicts. Secretary Clinton’s statement was to raise awareness of such brutality, not to implicate specific perpetrators,” the Ambassador said. Ambassador Patricia Butenis noted that the full text of the speech by Secretary Clinton’ showed that she made no reference to the Sri Lankan Army or the LTTE (Daily Mirror: 3 Oct 2009).

SL Ambassador tells European Parliament : Don’t use IDPs as political tools - Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has urged that the displaced persons in Sri Lanka be not used as a political tool, but instead that those being critical, step up and help the Government to overcome the difficulties faced in looking after them and re-settling them. He said “these are our people, successive governments fed them, provided medicines, ensured education through the 30 years when the LTTE dominated their lives. We will ensure that they get back to their homes in safety, not because anybody tells us to do so, but because we want them to do so”. The Ambassador made these observations when he addressed a hearing held on Sri Lanka by the Human Rights Sub Committee of the European Parliament, chaired by MEP Heidi Hautala of the Finnish Green Party on Thursday (Daily News: 3 Oct 2009).

Greed, Hate, Delusion and long term planning for rape - By L. Jayasooriya - “We can now come to the background of Hillary Clinton’s vicious allegation of our troops having used rape as a weapon of war. Nobody can understand how rape can be used as a weapon of war but the whole world knows what American troops have done in Asia, Africa and in South America. The background to Hilary Clinton started from the day Robert O Blake arrived in Sri Lanka. He utilized the entire duration of his stay here to destabilize the country by joining hands with the opposition. This man had the guts to advise us to follow the lead given by Tissa Vitharana and Ranil Wickranasinghe. He even went to Chennai and addressed a university audience to whip up hate against Sri Lanka. He failed in every move he made and when the primaries for the American election started he was totally opposed to Obama and would have fed Hillary Clinton with all the stories of rape, murder and killings that he could generate to take revenge against Sri Lanka. He very cleverly manoeuvred foolish Hillary Clinton to gain her confidence with the result she promoted him to the level of Assistant Secretary.” (Sinhale Hot News: 3 Oct 2009).

Lankan HC in Delhi stormed India vows to deal with attackers - No arrests have been made so far in connection with the mob attack on the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi yesterday afternoon, according to Indian agency reports. IANS quoted Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), S. Dass as saying: "No one was injured. It all happened in two minutes. Before the police could swing into action, they had fled. No one could be arrested." The violent protesters had claimed they were extending support to the Tamils in Sri Lanka. "These people were Tamils protesting and they are extending support to Tamils in Sri Lanka. They were prepared and had arrived along with news channel reporters. We are seeking video footage from news channels to identify those who stormed the High Commission," Dass said. A group of 15-20 Tamils had stormed the Sri Lankan High Commission in the high-security diplomatic area, the Indian police said. However, a press release issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said there had been around 40 attackers (Island : 3 Oct 2009).

Govt totally rejects Clinton’s statement - Government Defence Affairs Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday vehemently opposed and totally rejected the statement made by US State Secretary Hilary Clinton to the UN Security Council that rape had been used as a tool of the liberation war in Sri Lanka. US State Secretary Hilary Clinton in a statement made to the Security Council has included Sri Lanka among the other countries which had used rape as a weapon in their liberation wars. “We vehemently reject and condemn the irresponsible statement made by US State Secretary Hilary Clinton”, the Minister said. Minister Rambukwella stated that it was a totally fabricated story which had no background whatsoever. He said that it was for the first time an allegation of this nature was leveled against the Sri Lanka and Security Forces in the aftermath of the liberation operation (Daily News: 3 Oct 2009).

Join hands to develop the country - President - President Mahinda Rajapaksa said every national is treated equal before the law despite their professional and community background. Addressing the gathering at a ceremony organised by the Southern Province Consultation Committee on Land at Temple Trees, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the Opposition Leader had given officially part of the country to be controlled by the LTTE. The Government has now liberated the entire country and brought it under one flag to create a united Sri Lanka. “It is important to note at this juncture a deed was signed by the Opposition Leader during the CFA giving one third of land and two third of coastal line to be controlled by the LTTE cadres. Politicians, Security Forces and Police were not allowed to enter their controlled areas without orders from the LTTE leaders,” he added. The LTTE built their own kingdom and established their court, police, air and sea wings. The Security Forces had to sacrifice their lives to liberate all these land and coastal line established by the LTTE. “What is important and necessary now is to share the liberated country and join hands for its development instead of criticizing the development process carried out by the Government,” he added (Daily News: 3 Oct 2009).

GSP+ puts Europe in quandary too - As the pressure on Sri Lanka to give into pro-LTTE pressure in the post-conflict situation mounts, there are mixed signals coming that the apparent unity of the sections of the international community that have been clamouring for action against Sri Lanka, are not as strong as they have appeared to be. News reports give more than a broad hint that the EU may be thinking of a passage out of a harsh and open confrontation with Sri Lanka over GSP+, while back channel discussions are on in Brussels and elsewhere, in view of the consequences to some key members of the EU too, by the removal of GSP+ from Sri Lanka (Daily News: 3 Oct 2009).

Development projects in North and East

One of the development projects under the Uthuru Vasanthaya program (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

Api Wenuwen Api musical show in UAE - The Api Wenuwen Api musical event organized by the Sri Lankan Consular General's Office at United Arab Emirates will take stage on 06th November, for the second successive year. The musical event organized in aid for the welfare of war heroes is scheduled to show case at the 'Wonderland's', theme and nature park in Dubai, sources at the Consular's office said. Prominent artists from the Sri Lankan music industry including Athula Adikari, Dewulgane, Laxman, Deepika and Anuradha will take stage with the Army musical group, the sources further said (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 2 Oct 2009).

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella condemns the statement made by Hilary Clinton - The Minister made this statement at a media briefing held at the Media Centre for National Security. The Minister said that in their term it is a total fabrication towards tarnishing the image of a sovereign nation. He said that it will be taken up with the relevant authorities. The Minister observed that it is not clear as to why the State Secretary made such an allegation when the US President has stressed that he will not provide shelter for the remaining few LTTE terrorists living in foreign countries (ITN : 2 Oct 2009).

Wimal Weerawansa says that US army is also accused of war crimes - Mr. Weerawansa said that the forces which nourished the tigers for more than 30 years have been provoked. It is being displayed in different manner. Hilary Clinton, the US State Secretary, has mentioned Sri Lanka amongst several countries that used rape as a weapon of war. He said that so far Sri Lanka has never faced this allegation. He said none of the Tamils have accused the Army of this crime. Therefore, who has told Hilary Clinton about this? It could be the NGOs. Chandrika Kumaratunga is also roaming the world making various allegations, and perhaps, this story was created through her or Ranil Wickramasinghe. He said that none of the Armies in the world are accused of war crimes as much as the US Army (ITN : 2 Oct 2009).

Rape – Hillary said! - By Gomin Dayasri - Fury of a woman knows no bounds. Worse, when she is powerful and arrogant but yet failed to achieve her goals. Such is Hilary Clinton. The mighty Secretary of State failed to tame Sri Lanka. The failed Presidential aspirant, knowingly or unknowingly, received terrorist funding for her election campaign and was compelled to return the cash to comply with the law. Notwithstanding her strenuous efforts she could not save the lives of the terrorists, to whom she is obliged. Therein lays the story. The anger is intensified because Sri Lanka in its drive to dismantle terrorism, did not heed to the pleas and pressures of Hillary Clinton to save the terrorists. Her pride is wounded but the country rid itself of terrorism. Having to hang her head in shame, she is hell bent to damage and destroy the country that defeated terrorism comprehensively, which her country has failed to achieve and continue to unsuccessfully grapple with forces of terrorism. Green Eyes, Madam? Understandably, a jealous woman is an angry woman (Sinhale Hot News: 2 Oct 2009).

Hillary Clinton accuse Sri Lankan soldiers of raping Tamil women - by Asoka Weerasinghe - OPEN LETTER TO Ms. Hillary Clinton U.S. Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington D.C. 20520 US; Dear Hillary Clinton: The news item which I read a few minutes ago said, “U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that rape had been used as a weapon of war in the Balkans, Burma, Sri Lanka and elsewhere.” And the headline for this news item was “Now, Hillary Clinton bats for anti-Lanka lobby.” Hmmm….not nice Hillary! Going after Sri Lanka the way you have, gives me the impression that you have lost your cool because you haven’t got your way, as if scorned and jilted by a lover, as your power you thought you had to flay a puny country has got eroded, and you just don’t like it. Your Solo Jocular Act on the International Theatre – Hillary Goes a Sri Lanka Bashing – isn’t funny and hilarious anymore. It displays your down right arrogance and it has made the majority of Sri Lankans inside and outside the island angry (LankaWeb : 2 Oct 2009)..

'Far-from-truth'- Sri Lanka refutes Clinton's baseless allegation - Questions the reasons for the claim made on behalf of many other countries. The Sri Lankan government yesterday (Oct 01) strongly condemned Hillary Clinton's allegation that rape had been used as a weapon in Sri Lanka's successful war against the LTTE terrorists. Speaking with media, a senior defence official said that such sadistic allegations are far from the existing realities: far from the truth. Refuting the allegation he said that there was no basis whatsoever even to suggest Sri Lankan forces had involved in such gross violence during its three-year humanitarian campaign (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 2 Oct 2009).

Hillary Clinton Bashing Sri Lanka ! - Dr.P.A.Samaraweera, Australia - The Island of 2nd October had a news item about Hillary Clinton making allegations that rape had been used as a weapon in Sri Lanka’s successful war against the LTTE. Hillary, while chairing a meeting of the UN Security Council had referred to Balkans, Burma and Sri Lanka and said that perpetrators of rape in war go unpunished. She had made these accusations without any basis and obviously she is confused with what the US forces are up to and gauged the sri Lankan army as well from the same wave length. Sri Lanka is proud that she has one of the most disciplined armed forces in the world and without any doubt we could challenge Hillary to disprove this. She seems to be unaware of the fact that some countries including the UK had approached the Sri Lankan army for coaching and to learn the strategy in fighting terrorists. She cannot deny the fact that she is making these unfounded allegations to pacify the Tamil diaspora who backed her during the Presidential elections by their votes and funding. So instead of pointing the finger at the Sri Lankan army she should examine the role of the US army in Iraq and Afghanistan as other countries are not blind to US policies. Even the people in the US do not seem to take her statements seriously otherwise she would have had a different role today! (Lankaweb : 2 Oct 2009).

Despite difficult fiscal situation: Government continues welfare projects - ...... Resettlement activities of IDPs in the Northern and Eastern Provinces continued in 2009 at a cost of Rs.4,328 million. A significant amount of money has been utilised under North East Housing Reconstruction project and Protected Relief and Recovery program amounting to Rs.1,348 million and Rs.2,023 million respectively. The fertiliser subsidy scheme targeting smallholder agriculture to assist particularly, low-income farmers continued in 2009. Paddy farmers enjoyed all varieties of fertilizer at a subsidised price of Rs.350 per 50 Kg bag. The Urea fertilizer subsidy scheme was also continued in 2009 to the plantation sector targetting those who owned less than 50 acres in extent at a subsidised price of Rs.1000 per 50 Kg bag, he said (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

Humanitarian relief for IDPs: Donors grant US $196m - Donors have provided nearly US$ 196 million to assist in humanitarian efforts for IDPs who fled areas in the recent battles in the North, a Joint Media Release by the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry and the United Nations Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said. This includes over US $ 155 million to projects detailed in the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP), with the remainder earmarked for humanitarian assistance outside of the CHAP. This assistance complements the substantial expenditures provided by the Government for land clearing, drainage, electricity, water supply in the IDP sites in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Trincomalee. Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said: “The Government is currently stepping up efforts to return as many of the 250,000 IDPs still in camps back to their homes or in the alternative accommodation to alleviate congestion ahead of the approaching monsoon rains.” (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

Now, Hillary Clinton bats for anti-Lanka lobby Swedish move to disgrace Lanka countered at HRC - The government yesterday strongly denied US allegations that rape had been used as a weapon in Sri Lanka’s successful war against the LTTE. Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told The Island that nothing could be far from the truth. He emphasized that there was absolutely no basis whatsoever even to suggest Sri Lankan forces had raped anyone during the three-year campaign. The US targeted Sri Lanka at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday (September 30). U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that rape had been used as a weapon of war in the Balkans, Burma, Sri Lanka and elsewhere and that in too many countries and in too many cases, the perpetrators had not been punished. She said that this impunity would encourage further attacks. Government sources told The Island that Clinton had chaired Wednesday’s meeting on the last day of the US presidency of the council (Island ; 2 Oct 2009).

Obama against legalizing, providing support to the LTTE - The U.S. Supreme Court said on Wednesday it would hear an Obama administration appeal against moves by a human rights group in Los Angeles which seeks to legalize providing support to the LTTE in Sri Lanka and the Kurdistan Workers Party in Turkey, a Reuters report said. The justices agreed to review a U.S. appeals court ruling that struck down as unconstitutionally vague a law that makes it a crime to provide support to a foreign terrorist group. The challenge had been brought by groups and individuals who want to provide support to the Kurdistan Workers Party in Turkey and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. The State Department designated both as foreign terrorist groups. The Humanitarian Law Project, a human rights group in Los Angeles, previously provided human rights advocacy training to the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, and the main Kurdish political party in Turkey. The Humanitarian Law group and others sued in 1998 in an effort to renew support for what they described as lawful, nonviolent activities overseas. The law, first adopted in 1996, was strengthened by the USA Patriot Act supported by then-President George W. Bush and approved by Congress right after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. It was amended again in 2004 (Daily Mirror: 2 Oct 2009).

US, no interference in domestic affairs - JHU - JHU Parliamentarians and their supporters gathered at Viharamaha Devi park, Colombo yesterday(01)protesting against American interference in the domestic affairs of Sri Lanka and their international propaganda to distort the country's image making allegations of war crimes and human rights violations. The JHU questioned whether Americans are against the elimination of terrorism in Sri Lanka which brought misfortune to its people for more than three decades while the US itself has proclaimed a global war on terrorism. "We are protesting against the action of the former US Ambassador Robert O Blake for bringing accusations of human rights violations against Sri Lanka and we are organizing worldwide protests. The USA was the hidden force in every war that took place in the world during the recent times. It is responsible for the crises in Afghanistan and in Iraq where thousands have been killed," said JHU parliamentary leader Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera. Meanwhile, Western Province Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila criticized the the actions of David Milliband and Hilary Clinton for supporting the LTTE underhand and further condemned US interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, asking them to mind their own affairs. Many JHU monks and supporters carrying placards and posters walked towards the US Embassy braving the heavy rains to handover a petition to the Embassy (Daily news: 2 Oct 2009).

HC reissues warrants on Prem Raj - The Colombo High Court yesterday re-issued warrant on Kanthilingam Prem Raj who is indicted for granting Rs. 35 million to the LTTE from the funds of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation with eight others in 2006. Colombo High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundara re-issued the warrant through the Foreign Ministry against K. P. Raj who is reportedly residing in United Kingdom. The Court on an earlier date issued the warrant after the prosecution submitted that it was informed Raj was residing in UK. The Attorney General filed indictment against Velupillei Sivanadiar of Mulliayvali, Mullaitivu, Murugesu Shanmugarajah of Chenkaladi, Batticaloa, Kanthilingam Prem Raj of Kandy Road, Kilinochchi, Kathirakesu Ganeshalingam of Nawakkodi, Kopai South, Sinnaiyah Shanthilingam of No. 128, Second floor, Highlevel Road, Nugegoda, Eliyathambi Nadarajah of No 17 A, Fredric Lane, Colombo 3 and Krishna Kutti Sukumaran alias Udayan, Balasubramunium Sri Scandarajah and Kamalias Prabakaran of Kandy Road, Kilinochchi, before the Colombo High Court. They were charged with conspiring to grant Rs. 35 million to the LTTE through the seventh accused, an LTTE member (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

Sri Lanka and GSP+: Challenges ahead - Aggamaha Panditha Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera - ...... It is quite clear that Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism after 30 years has been a bitter blow to LTTE sympathizers all over the world. Consequently the enraged Tiger supporters have launched a campaign of vilification against this country. It is obviously an attempt to tarnish the island’s global image. That some foreign governments have been deceived by this misinformation has saddened our people. Hence the ordinary citizens and the Maha Sangha of Sri Lanka most humbly wish that the European Union will do a proper study of the situation here and reconsider its move to withdraw the GSP Plus concessions (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

Children blossom in terror-free country - PM - Freedom is not doing everything or whatever you want. It is living while protecting society, social ethics, culture and the country, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said. Addressing the National ceremony held at Ananda College, Colombo to mark World Children’s Day, the Prime Minister said the Government is carrying the country towards that goal and called on everyone to support the Government. He said Prabhakaran gave guns to children instead of pens and gave cyanide capsules instead of Panchayuda (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

German Tech to recruit students from North-East areas - Trainees are recruited from Northern and Eastern Provinces to the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) this year to improve technical skills of students who were victims of the recently concluded war, Institute Principal G.S. Manchanayake told the Daily News. Vocational training on automobile technology will be given to the trainees and after its completion they will be sent to CTB depots in the area. The automobile course is one of the nine full time courses conducted by CGTTI. “Due to the war, most depots were closed and this step is initiated to develop the transport facilities in the area,” he said. A written exam to select the trainees was held at the Tamil Central College in Vavuniya last Sunday (Daily News: 2 Oct 2009).

What is needed to be an ‘Activist’? - By S Akurugoda, Melbourne, Australia - Both printed and electronic media are full of news items carrying the activities, statements and articles of so-called ‘activists’, especially those who pretend to be the guardian of human rights, free media rights and peace. Apart from the lucrative jobs, these millionaire ‘activists’ are receiving free attractive titles,  wide publicity, and free foreign trips and so forth, perhaps, not second to any other job in existence.  To be an ‘activist’ today, knowledge in English is essential, because the ‘activist’ needs to communicate with the west, their employer, effectively. Knowledge on any other European language such as German, French etc may be useful since some of the funding agencies are from those countries. Paper qualifications too are useful to some extent. An ‘activist’ with a degree in low irrespective of his/her speciality (not necessarily a practicing lawyer), will get the automatic label ‘human rights lawyer’. Post graduate degree such as doctorate, from any field, from a western country is an added qualification since such a title will facilitate the use of another label ‘expert’.  The worldwide LTTE propaganda machinery and free media counterparts are there to promote the theories and practices of the ‘experts’. Besides the above requirements, possible link with the National Christian Council and its various organisations operating in and outside the country is a priority. Since the activists are only concerned about the wellbeing of the ‘Tamil militants’, to be successful in his/her livelihood, one has to be a born abhorrence of Sinhala Buddhist.  Despite the fact that the role is not a recognized profession, shamelessness is essential, perhaps, similar to the world’s oldest profession!  Let us go through some of the statements of the ‘activists’ appeared in media prior to the military defeat of LTTE to see what is really needed to know to be an ‘activist’ (Sri Lanka News Online : 01 Oct 2009).

Steering a new era of development North and East will boost economy: - The economic outlook of the future of Sri Lanka was predicted to become positive by the Central Bank and senior Government Ministers since the war against terrorism was over and even while the war was on an average macro economic growth rate of over four percent was recorded for the first and second quarters of the current year. The Daily News interviewed State Revenue Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya to ascertain the strategies used by the Government to sustain the growth rate and further develop the dormant regions and sectors to accelerate economic development. Following are the highlights of the interview: (Daily News: 1 Oct 2009).

Congratulations Karunanidhi! - Dr. Sudath Gunasekara (SLAS) 28.9.2009. It was reported that Tamilnadu Chief Minister has very correctly decided to give Indian Citizenship to all Sri Lankan refugees who are living there. I am not sure whether he could do this under the Indian Constitution, since the decision has to be finally taken by the Central government. Any way I wish him good luck and congratulate him for this bold decision. In fact he should have taken this decision long- long time ago. Because why should “their relations unnecessarily suffer in Sri Lanka under the Sinhalese dominated government” as they always say. With this decision I am sure their other kith and kin like Vaiko, Nedumaran and even Rahul Gandhi will be happy. Because that will put an end to the suffering of Lankan Tamils now living in Tamilnadu as refugees (LankaWeb ; 1 Oct 2009).

Countering terrorism and healing wounds: Resettling and improving health of IDPs - Statement by Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe MP, at the 60th Session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday. The first part appeared yesterday.  While de-mining in three divisions in Batticaloa and one division in Trincomalee has been completed, clearance activities are ongoing in another two divisions each in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts. As at the end of August, a total of 445,370,401 square meters have been cleared of mines and UXOs. US$ 64 million has been allocated for the Sri Lankan Mine Action Program through the respective de-mining agencies. Of the area cleared,335,927,614 square meters have been cleared by the Army at the cost of only US$10 million. The rest of the area has been cleared by other de-mining agencies. Apart from de-mining, resettlement can only be sustainable if livelihoods and other early recovery measures are put in place. The smooth transition from early recovery to medium and longer-term economic development is also being planned for (Daily News: 1 Oct 2009).

Sri Lanka police arrest LTTE fuel supplier and seize boat - Sri Lanka police yesterday arrested a senior LTTE rebel who allegedly supplied fuel to the LTTE and seized his boat used in the operation, the police said. The police made the arrest in the northern district of Mannar and also seized several other arms and equipment. Another fuel carrying boat is believed to have been buried, said the police. Police are conducting further investigations (Colombo page ; 1 Oct 2009).

Hardcore LTTE cadre with motor boat, explosives arrested – A hardcore LTTE cadre, with a motor boat and some explosives, has been arrested in Mannar by a special team of police personnel from the Intelligence Unit in Kandy. Police suspect that the motor boat was one of the boats used by LTTE to transport fuel to the North during the war. Police suspect that a similar boat was sunk by the LTTE. The operation was conducted on the directions of Senior DIG, Gamini Nawaratne, DIG, Pujith Jayasundara and C.I. L.M. Bowala (Island : 01 Oct 2009).

Controversies behind Sri Lanka's IDPs - By: Shenali Waduge - It is amazing how people who do not know any of these "IDPs", people who have not even come to Sri Lanka, people who have so far not even sent a cent or contributed any aid are demanding that Sri Lanka's IDPs be allowed "freedom of movement". As of May there were 288,938 IDPs but only 2000 came forward to take their relatives. For those who have not even seen these camps, it is baffling how they can so authoritatively describe these camps as "concentration camps" & demand freedom of movement. Making these accusations are the very nations who are directly responsible for displacing millions of innocents & have yet to resettle these people to their "homes" (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 1 Oct 2009).

Combating pro-LTTE separatist professionals’: Distortions about Sri Lanka in the West - Are there moves to globally revive the separatist LTTE and has the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora living in Western and European Union nations a fertile ground to revive the Eelam agenda overseas? What propaganda has been used by the remnants of the LTTE in the West to discredit Sri Lanka to gain grounds among the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora to get the Western nations to bring pressure on Sri Lanka as a move to de-rail the post-war reconstruction of this South Asian nation? What is the correct picture of the status of Sri Lanka government’s endeavor to resettle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and the welfare afforded to them? (Asian Tribune: 1 Oct 2009).

Indian Maoists have copied LTTE in child conscription - by Walter JAYAWARDHANA - The Hindustan Times newspaper said the Communist Party of India, (Maoist) popularly known as the Maoists of India have borrowed the idea of child conscription to their army from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). According to an item published by the Hindustan Times they have imitated the Tamil Tigers by recruiting children as small as nine years. The Hindustan Times said, Ajay Kumar, son of a labourer in Jharkhand Lohardagga district (in India), was only nine in 2004 when security forces nabbed him from a Communist Party of India (Maoist) hideout. Like the Tamil parents in Sri Lanka they violently opposed the taking of their children, the Indian report said. Telling that Maoists are studying the setbacks suffered by the LTTE to take lessons the report said, A Maoist document, Post-Election Situation, Our Tasks, said: The setback suffered by the LTTE has a negative effect on the revolutionary movement. The experience of the LTTE setback in Sri Lanka is very important to study and take lessons (Daily News: 01 Oct 2009).

160 Tamil Children meet the President - 160 children from the Tamil families that were resettled under the “Uthuru Wasantha” program in the Seelawathura, Aripppu area had a cordial meeting with the President on the 30 in the Sri Maha Bodhi Hall at Anuradhapura. The students who had come to the Vilachchi MV on the 1st to celebrate the World Children’s Day came to Anuradhapura. Another 116 students from the Kappalthurai Saraswathi Vidyalaya in Trincomalee who suffered under LTTE rule for 30 years saw Colombo for the first time. The children had their mid day meal at McDonalds Rajagiriya. 24 teachers and parents were on tour in addition to the students and traveled under the supervision of Major General Prasanna Silva of the 21st Division in Trincomalee (Sri Lanka Watch).

Is the USA Harbouring Terrorists? - JHU - Members and supporters of the Jathika Hela Urumaya, took to the streets today to protest against what they termed as attempts by the US government to interfere in Sri Lankan affairs.  This protest was held in front of the us embassy Colombo with the presence of Ven.Omalpe Sobhitha Thero, the General Secretary of the JHU, Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero the parliamentary group leader of the JHU, JHU spokesmen Nishantha Sri Warnasingha, JHU Udaya Gammanpila, the Legal Advisor to the Jathika Hala Urumaya (JHU), JHU Kotte Provincial Council Member Daya Ihalagamage and hundreds of JHU supporters (Sinhala Net: 1 Oct 2009).

Hardcore LTTEer arrested at Settikulam -  The Kandy police arrested an LTTEer at Settikulam wanted in connection with several terrorist activities in the Kandy area. The suspect believed to be a hardcore cadre of the terrorist movement is alleged to have been involved in several blasts in the Kandy division including the explosion at the Katugastota Railway bridge and Polgolla bus bomb, last year and early this year respectively. The special team acting on the directions of Senior DIGs Gamini Navaratne and Pujith Jayasundara conducted the raid in Settikulam to apprehend the suspect who had taken refuge among the civilians of the area. The suspect is being interrogated by the Police (Island ; 01 Oct 2009).

Lawrence Cannon: Canada's UN Speech - By Asoka Weerasinghe, Canada - The Editor EMBASSY, Ottawa - Sir: Your "Analysis: Canada's UN General Assembly speech" by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon gave me a good chuckle. He said, it was the responsibility of individual countries "to eradicate terrorism in all its forms", and yet, Canada took umbrage when Sri Lanka single handed eradicated the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, the Tamil Tigers on May 18 this year, and wants to take the Government of Sri Lanka to the War Crimes Court for just doing that. This is the group that perfected the art of suicide bombing with suicide body-packs which is now creating mayhem around the world with copy-cat suicide bombings. By the end of their 26-year terrorist war with the democratically elected Sri Lankan government, they had detonated 388 suicide bombs killing thousands of innocent Sri Lankans, politicians, clergy and intellectuals for not toeing their line and also India's Rajiv Gandhi. I almost wondered whether Minister Cannon has now adopted the voice for the thousands of Tamils in Canada who took to the streets in the thousands in Ottawa and Toronto in the Spring demanding the Canadian Government to save the Tamil Tiger leaders from annihilation by stopping the war with a call for a "ceasefire" when they were gasping for survival around April-May. Canada's position does not make sense to me at all. Either we try to eliminate terrorism or we don't. We cannot position ourselves as masters of 'double-speak' when it comes to eliminating terrorism around the world.

Sri Lankan expatriates in Australia contribute to Api Wenuwen Api fund - Sri Lankan expatriates in Canberra, Australia made a contribution worth of Rs. 754,231/= for the Api Wenuwen Api fund, today (Oct 01). The donation was handed over by Mr. Mahinda Ramasundara to Chief Accountant Ministry of Defence Mr. L. Liyanagama at the MOD premises in Colombo. Mr. Sena Athugala and Mahinda Ramasundara are the chief organizers of the fund raising campaign involving many Sri Lankans now residing in Canberra. Project Director of the Welfare housing scheme Brigadier L.M Thennakoon was also present at the occasion. The Ministry of Defence initiated the 'Api Wenuwen Api' project with the cooperation of the Central bank of Sri Lanka, facilitating construction of houses for war heroes. The 'Api Wenuwen Api' housing fund was initiated to build 50000 houses for the armed personnel who contributed for bringing peace, end a three decade long war against terrorism (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 01 Oct 2009).

More focus on O/L students in welfare camps - The government has made special focus on students in welfare camps who sit for the G.C.E O/L examination this year. Education Minister Susil Premajayanth said all measures were in place to conduct special classes for the students in the welfare villages in the north who are sitting for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination. 5,693 students in welfare villages suppose to sit for the exam this year. 1,800 teachers have been assigned to conduct these special classes. The classes would be conducted on weekends (Sri Lanka Defence Ministry: 01 Oct 2009).

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