Obama will address the country from a rally in Chicago, Illinois, later Tuesday night.
As news broke, supporters cried and cheered, "Yes, we can."
Obama will become the first African-American to win the presidency.
The Illinois senator is projected to pick up a big win in Virginia, a state that hasn't voted for a Democratic president since 1964.
Obama also is projected to beat Sen. John McCain in Ohio, a battleground state that was considered a must-win for the Republican candidate. Watch more on Obama's Ohio win »
Earlier in the evening, senior McCain aides were growing pessimistic about the Arizona senator's chances.
Going into the election, national polls showed Obama with an 8-point lead.
In addition to the presidential contest, voters were making choices in a number of key House and Senate races that could determine whether the Democrats strengthen their hold on Congress.
Former Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, will win a Senate seat in Virginia, CNN projects. He will replace retiring Republican Sen. John Warner.
Incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican, is projected to lose her North Carolina seat to Democratic challenger Kay Hagan. Watch Dole concede defeat »
Dole is the wife of 1996 Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Turning Point of World War II
With a force like the 6th army, I could storm the heavens” Adolf Hitler As the surprise Soviet counter-offensive of the winter of 1941 petered out in the freezing snows of the Russian wilderness the minds of the German war planners began to turn to the inevitable summer campaign ahead, their successive offensive against a bloodied but defiant enemy.
Six months before on the 22nd of June 1941 the awesome German war machine, seemingly unstoppable had launched itself at Russia, the largest country in the world, with a sudden and devastating ferocity.
For this unparalleled attack the Germans had divided their four million strong striking force into three large army groups. Army Group North was to dash up to Leningrad, while bringing the Baltic area under its heel.
The task of the exceptionally strong Army Group Centre was to thrust into the Russia heartland with Moscow as the desired long stop. The Donnets River was the ambitious summer target for the Army Group South, with Ukraine and Crimea as the rich prizes(News-Dailynews)
Six months before on the 22nd of June 1941 the awesome German war machine, seemingly unstoppable had launched itself at Russia, the largest country in the world, with a sudden and devastating ferocity.
For this unparalleled attack the Germans had divided their four million strong striking force into three large army groups. Army Group North was to dash up to Leningrad, while bringing the Baltic area under its heel.
The task of the exceptionally strong Army Group Centre was to thrust into the Russia heartland with Moscow as the desired long stop. The Donnets River was the ambitious summer target for the Army Group South, with Ukraine and Crimea as the rich prizes(News-Dailynews)
Woman carrying infant nabbed with explosives Rafik Jalaldeen
A woman carrying an infant was nabbed with explosives and detonators at Irattaperiyakulam, Vavuniya on Monday evening, police said.
Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said Ravichandran Vijitha of Mannar was in the bus plying from Vavuniya to Medawachchiya which was checked at the Irattaperiyakulam checkpoint around 6.15 p.m.
Police recovered 500g of C4 explosives, two detonators, a timing device and two 9V batteries from the woman’s briefcase. “She was carrying a one-year-old baby with the explosives in the briefcase meant for the LTTE,” SSP Gunasekera told the Daily News.(News-Dailynews)
Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said Ravichandran Vijitha of Mannar was in the bus plying from Vavuniya to Medawachchiya which was checked at the Irattaperiyakulam checkpoint around 6.15 p.m.
Police recovered 500g of C4 explosives, two detonators, a timing device and two 9V batteries from the woman’s briefcase. “She was carrying a one-year-old baby with the explosives in the briefcase meant for the LTTE,” SSP Gunasekera told the Daily News.(News-Dailynews)
India-Lanka undersea power project on course
INDIA: The Sri Lankan and Indian Governments are going ahead with the implementation of the Rs. 1,000-crore under sea transmission link project between the two countries.
As reported by Financial Express on April 13, both Governments have given top priority to this project and are expected to sign an MoU soon, which will pave for an appointment of an agency to carry out a comprehensive under sea/marine survey.
The proposed survey is likely to be completed in six months and thereafter, a detail project report will be prepared.
The proposed under sea/marine survey is necessary, prior to the laying of the undersea/submarine cables.
The cable survey will look into the traffic of movements of ships in the area, depth of sea, earthquake zones and volcanic activities as well as the presence of sharks in that area of sea.
The link is likely to connect Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Anuradhapura.
The transmission line is expected to be 400 KV HVDC overhead lines from Madurai to the Indian coast (near Rameshwaram (139 km), a 400 KV HVDC cable from the Indian sea coast to the Sri Lankan sea coast (39 km), a 400 KV HVDC overhead line from the Sri Lankan coast to Anuradhapura/Puttalam (125km).
PowerGrid Corporation, which is India's central transmission utility, will be the project implementation agency.
PowerGrid Corporation, which is India's central transmission utility, will be the project implementation agency.
PowerGrid Corporation sources said on Monday that both Governments will decide on sharing expenditure even on carrying out under sea survey and thereafter for the entire project. "Initially, it was discussed to share the cost of the undersea/marine survey equally. However, after signing the MoU, the actual sharing pattern will be finalised. The sharing of the project cost will also be decided," sources said.
Financial Express, India
As reported by Financial Express on April 13, both Governments have given top priority to this project and are expected to sign an MoU soon, which will pave for an appointment of an agency to carry out a comprehensive under sea/marine survey.
The proposed survey is likely to be completed in six months and thereafter, a detail project report will be prepared.
The proposed under sea/marine survey is necessary, prior to the laying of the undersea/submarine cables.
The cable survey will look into the traffic of movements of ships in the area, depth of sea, earthquake zones and volcanic activities as well as the presence of sharks in that area of sea.
The link is likely to connect Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Anuradhapura.
The transmission line is expected to be 400 KV HVDC overhead lines from Madurai to the Indian coast (near Rameshwaram (139 km), a 400 KV HVDC cable from the Indian sea coast to the Sri Lankan sea coast (39 km), a 400 KV HVDC overhead line from the Sri Lankan coast to Anuradhapura/Puttalam (125km).
PowerGrid Corporation, which is India's central transmission utility, will be the project implementation agency.
PowerGrid Corporation, which is India's central transmission utility, will be the project implementation agency.
PowerGrid Corporation sources said on Monday that both Governments will decide on sharing expenditure even on carrying out under sea survey and thereafter for the entire project. "Initially, it was discussed to share the cost of the undersea/marine survey equally. However, after signing the MoU, the actual sharing pattern will be finalised. The sharing of the project cost will also be decided," sources said.
Financial Express, India
Obama leads in earliest vote
US: Buoyed by a surge in support from young voters, Barack Obama could become the first Democrat to capture traditionally Republican Virginia in more than four decades Tuesday, helping him clinch the White House.
With more than five million Virginians registered to vote statewide, including 500,000 mostly young new voters, election officials reported heavy turnout as polling stations opened earlier than much of the rest of the country. Callers to a national voter hotline reported experiencing long lines and voting machine problems but despite the technical problems, Obama supporters were optimistic.
“This is the right time for the pendulum to swing in favor of the Democrats and Virginia will set the stage for an Obama victory,” said Richard McClevey, an ex-State Department employee campaigning in the southwestern town of Blacksburg for the 47-year-old Illinois senator.
Obama came up a big winner in the presidential race in Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location, New Hampshire, where a tradition of having the first Election Day ballots tallied lives on.
Democrat Obama defeated Republican John McCain by a count of 15 to 6 in Dixville Notch, where a loud whoop accompanied the announcement. It was the first time Dixville Notch chose the Democratic candidate since 1968.
At least four independent polls over the last week showed Obama has an edge by up to nine percentage points over Republican Senator John McCain in traditionally conservative Virginia, which last voted for a Democrat for president in 1964.
had agreed on one thing during the longest presidential campaign in US history - their promise to slam the door on the era of George W. Bush.
But they were deeply at odds over how to fix the nation’s crumbling economy and end the 5 1/2-year war in Iraq, the issues that sent Bush’s job approval plummeting to a record low at the end of his eight-year presidency.
Record numbers of Americans were expected at polling stations across the US adding their ballots to 29 million citizens who had already voted in 30 states. The early vote tally suggested an advantage for Obama, with official statistics showing that Democrats voted in larger numbers than Republicans in North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and Iowa. All four states voted for Bush in 2004.
Sad news overshadowed the campaign on Monday when Obama announced the death of his grandmother, whose personality and bearing shaped him deeply. Madelyn Payne Dunham was 86 when she died of cancer late Sunday in Hawaii.
“She’s gone home,” Obama said, tears running down both cheeks as tens of thousands of rowdy supporters at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte grew silent as he announced Dunham’s death. The family said a private ceremony would be held later.
He explained to the North Carolina audience how Dunham inspired his campaign by her lifetime of hard work and sacrifice.
“In just one more day we have the opportunity to honour all those quiet heroes all across America,” Obama said. “We can bring change to America to make sure their work and their sacrifice is honoured. That’s what we’re fighting for.” Obama wrapped up his campaign by speaking to a crowd estimated at more than 70,000 people in Manassas, Virginia, near the site of the first major battle of the American Civil War that ended slavery, before heading home to Chicago to await the election returns.
McCain, a 72-year-old four-term Arizona senator, ended the contest on Monday with a frantic and grueling dash through several traditionally Republican states still not securely in his camp or even leaning to Obama.
McCain stopped in Florida, Virginia, Indiana, New Mexico and Nevada. And he again passed through Pennsylvania, the only state that voted Democratic in 2004 where he still hoped for a win.
He was closing out the endurance test past midnight at a home-state rally in Prescott, Arizona, a state where Obama has been running television commercials in the campaign’s final days after polls showed a tightening race.
On election eve, the 47-year-old Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, was favoured to win all the states Democrats captured in 2004, when Bush defeated Democratic Sen. John Kerry. That would give him 251 electoral votes.
He was leading or tied in several states won by Bush, giving him several paths to the 270 vote threshold - such as victories in Ohio or Florida, or in a combination of smaller states.
McCain, meanwhile, must hold as many Bush states as possible while trying to capture a Democratic stronghold, such as Pennsylvania.
While no battleground state was ignored, Virginia, where no Democrat has won in 40 years, and Ohio, where no Republican president has ever lost, seemed most coveted. Together, they account for 33 electoral votes that McCain must win.
Obama sprinted into the lead after economic concerns overwhelmed the war in Iraq, as the primary concern among voters. Even though Republican experts argued the race was tightening, several polls suggested Obama’s lead was growing.
A USA Today/Gallup poll published on Monday found likely voters nationwide favouring Obama by 11 points over McCain, 53-42 per cent, with a margin of error of two percentage points. Other polls showed Obama with a seven or eight percentage-point lead.
Polls conducted by Quinnipiac University showed Obama with significant leads in two critical swing states, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and tied with McCain in Florida, where the prize is 27 electoral votes. A win for Obama in any of these three states would be hard for McCain to overcome.
The American presidential election amounts to separate contests in the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia, home to the capital city. At stake are 538 electors, with the winning candidate needing to capture at least half plus one. Electors are apportioned to the states roughly according to population.
Agencies
With more than five million Virginians registered to vote statewide, including 500,000 mostly young new voters, election officials reported heavy turnout as polling stations opened earlier than much of the rest of the country. Callers to a national voter hotline reported experiencing long lines and voting machine problems but despite the technical problems, Obama supporters were optimistic.
“This is the right time for the pendulum to swing in favor of the Democrats and Virginia will set the stage for an Obama victory,” said Richard McClevey, an ex-State Department employee campaigning in the southwestern town of Blacksburg for the 47-year-old Illinois senator.
Obama came up a big winner in the presidential race in Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location, New Hampshire, where a tradition of having the first Election Day ballots tallied lives on.
Democrat Obama defeated Republican John McCain by a count of 15 to 6 in Dixville Notch, where a loud whoop accompanied the announcement. It was the first time Dixville Notch chose the Democratic candidate since 1968.
At least four independent polls over the last week showed Obama has an edge by up to nine percentage points over Republican Senator John McCain in traditionally conservative Virginia, which last voted for a Democrat for president in 1964.
had agreed on one thing during the longest presidential campaign in US history - their promise to slam the door on the era of George W. Bush.
But they were deeply at odds over how to fix the nation’s crumbling economy and end the 5 1/2-year war in Iraq, the issues that sent Bush’s job approval plummeting to a record low at the end of his eight-year presidency.
Record numbers of Americans were expected at polling stations across the US adding their ballots to 29 million citizens who had already voted in 30 states. The early vote tally suggested an advantage for Obama, with official statistics showing that Democrats voted in larger numbers than Republicans in North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and Iowa. All four states voted for Bush in 2004.
Sad news overshadowed the campaign on Monday when Obama announced the death of his grandmother, whose personality and bearing shaped him deeply. Madelyn Payne Dunham was 86 when she died of cancer late Sunday in Hawaii.
“She’s gone home,” Obama said, tears running down both cheeks as tens of thousands of rowdy supporters at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte grew silent as he announced Dunham’s death. The family said a private ceremony would be held later.
He explained to the North Carolina audience how Dunham inspired his campaign by her lifetime of hard work and sacrifice.
“In just one more day we have the opportunity to honour all those quiet heroes all across America,” Obama said. “We can bring change to America to make sure their work and their sacrifice is honoured. That’s what we’re fighting for.” Obama wrapped up his campaign by speaking to a crowd estimated at more than 70,000 people in Manassas, Virginia, near the site of the first major battle of the American Civil War that ended slavery, before heading home to Chicago to await the election returns.
McCain, a 72-year-old four-term Arizona senator, ended the contest on Monday with a frantic and grueling dash through several traditionally Republican states still not securely in his camp or even leaning to Obama.
McCain stopped in Florida, Virginia, Indiana, New Mexico and Nevada. And he again passed through Pennsylvania, the only state that voted Democratic in 2004 where he still hoped for a win.
He was closing out the endurance test past midnight at a home-state rally in Prescott, Arizona, a state where Obama has been running television commercials in the campaign’s final days after polls showed a tightening race.
On election eve, the 47-year-old Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, was favoured to win all the states Democrats captured in 2004, when Bush defeated Democratic Sen. John Kerry. That would give him 251 electoral votes.
He was leading or tied in several states won by Bush, giving him several paths to the 270 vote threshold - such as victories in Ohio or Florida, or in a combination of smaller states.
McCain, meanwhile, must hold as many Bush states as possible while trying to capture a Democratic stronghold, such as Pennsylvania.
While no battleground state was ignored, Virginia, where no Democrat has won in 40 years, and Ohio, where no Republican president has ever lost, seemed most coveted. Together, they account for 33 electoral votes that McCain must win.
Obama sprinted into the lead after economic concerns overwhelmed the war in Iraq, as the primary concern among voters. Even though Republican experts argued the race was tightening, several polls suggested Obama’s lead was growing.
A USA Today/Gallup poll published on Monday found likely voters nationwide favouring Obama by 11 points over McCain, 53-42 per cent, with a margin of error of two percentage points. Other polls showed Obama with a seven or eight percentage-point lead.
Polls conducted by Quinnipiac University showed Obama with significant leads in two critical swing states, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and tied with McCain in Florida, where the prize is 27 electoral votes. A win for Obama in any of these three states would be hard for McCain to overcome.
The American presidential election amounts to separate contests in the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia, home to the capital city. At stake are 538 electors, with the winning candidate needing to capture at least half plus one. Electors are apportioned to the states roughly according to population.
Agencies
Troops at a decisive stage: Colombo
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Tuesday claimed that troops operating in the western half of the Kilinochchi battle front reached a decisive stage in their mission and successfully sealed off over 90 per cent of the 80-km long northwestern coast of the island.
Following the recent liberation of Nachchikuda, the Task Force 1 now has continuous domination over 70 km stretch of the strategically vital Mannar- Pooneryn [A-32] road. According to the battlefield reports received so far, the Task Force 1 is now on an accelerated march towards Poonaryn, crushing remaining terrorist footholds on the northwestern coast, said the Defence Ministry.
It said heavy confrontations were reported from the Palayilkulam area throughout Monday as the Tiger cadres were making a desperate attempt to slowdown the advancing soldiers.
During the morning hours, Army Commandos attacked a group of LTTE cadres in the Ponnaveli area inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists. Meanwhile, Army Special Forces soldiers ambushed a group of LTTE cadres travelling on a tractor in the Uruthirapuram area in the afternoon hours, causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Separate clashes were also reported from the Mukkamvillu area during the day.
The Ministry said intercepted LTTE radio transmissions had revealed that senior terrorist leader Ilakoon was killed during the confrontation in the Navalladi area, on Sunday. He was a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel of the LTTE and a member of the ground fighters of the Sea Tigers.
It said, According to ground troops, LTTE terrorists have put-on stiff resistance initially and later abandoned its defences after receiving heavy beating in the duel.
The military said troops were moving inside the LTTE territory amid desperate attempts by the outfit to hold the strategically important terrain in Wanni. Terrorists are expected to receive a double blow at the Eastern Kilinochchi battlefront, west of the A-9 trunk road with the fall of Akkarayankulam Northern built-up and Terumurikandy.
The Defence Ministry alleged that faced with the intense multi-pronged military assaults LTTE has drawn in hundreds of underage fighters, sparing senior cadres to defend its Kilinochchi heartland.(News-The Hindu)
Following the recent liberation of Nachchikuda, the Task Force 1 now has continuous domination over 70 km stretch of the strategically vital Mannar- Pooneryn [A-32] road. According to the battlefield reports received so far, the Task Force 1 is now on an accelerated march towards Poonaryn, crushing remaining terrorist footholds on the northwestern coast, said the Defence Ministry.
It said heavy confrontations were reported from the Palayilkulam area throughout Monday as the Tiger cadres were making a desperate attempt to slowdown the advancing soldiers.
During the morning hours, Army Commandos attacked a group of LTTE cadres in the Ponnaveli area inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists. Meanwhile, Army Special Forces soldiers ambushed a group of LTTE cadres travelling on a tractor in the Uruthirapuram area in the afternoon hours, causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Separate clashes were also reported from the Mukkamvillu area during the day.
The Ministry said intercepted LTTE radio transmissions had revealed that senior terrorist leader Ilakoon was killed during the confrontation in the Navalladi area, on Sunday. He was a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel of the LTTE and a member of the ground fighters of the Sea Tigers.
It said, According to ground troops, LTTE terrorists have put-on stiff resistance initially and later abandoned its defences after receiving heavy beating in the duel.
The military said troops were moving inside the LTTE territory amid desperate attempts by the outfit to hold the strategically important terrain in Wanni. Terrorists are expected to receive a double blow at the Eastern Kilinochchi battlefront, west of the A-9 trunk road with the fall of Akkarayankulam Northern built-up and Terumurikandy.
The Defence Ministry alleged that faced with the intense multi-pronged military assaults LTTE has drawn in hundreds of underage fighters, sparing senior cadres to defend its Kilinochchi heartland.(News-The Hindu)
India’s assistance is a goodwill gesture, says Sri Lanka
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on Tuesday refuted media speculation on a secret deal with India, and asserted that there was a clear understanding between New Delhi and Colombo on its efforts to defeat terrorism and restore democracy in the north. His remarks came even as the United Nations dispatched a convoy of 29 trucks with 438 tonnes of food to people displaced in the war zone.
In response to a question by Joseph Michael Perera (UNP) in Parliament on the recent visit of Basil Rajapaksa, MP, Senior Advisor to the President, as the Special Envoy of the President to New Delhi, Mr. Bogollagama gave details of the understanding between the two governments on various issues related to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the fighting between the forces and the LTTE in the north.
The Minister characterised “the strong bonds of friendship and trust that the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa hasforged with the political leadership of India as a manifestation of the longstanding historical ties” between the two countries.
He told the House that the successful outcome of Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit was reassuring to the people of both countries and to friends and well-wishers who desired lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
He tabled the two official communiqués issued jointly by India and Sri Lanka on October 26 in New Delhi, at the conclusion of Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit: the India-Sri Lanka Joint Press Release and the India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement on Fishing Arrangements.
Implicitly criticising interested parties who were attempting to impute an ulterior motive to the Indian government’s offer of 800 tonnes of relief materials for civilians caught up in the conflict in the North, the Minister emphasised that India had come forward with humanitarian assistance as a goodwill gesture, which reflected the friendship and spirit of good neighbourliness between the two countries.
He cautioned the general public not to be misguided by the mischievous construction given to the noble gesture of goodwill by India and recalled the financial grants that Sri Lanka had given to Myanmar and Nepal in recent times, when the two countries had experienced natural disasters. “Similarly, Sri Lanka had also made a cash donation of US$50,000 as humanitarian relief for victims of the severe floods which inundated large parts of the Indian State of Bihar in September this year,” he said.
“We are open to receiving humanitarian assistance and relief from any other friendly country, which wishes to contribute towards the government’s efforts to keep an uninterrupted supply of goods and essential services to the civilians in the conflict-affected areas of the Wanni,” the Minister said.
Mr. Bogollagama maintained that for any political solution to be feasible, disarmament of the LTTE was an essential pre-requisite. “As long as the LTTE remains armed and possessing the capacity to kill innocent civilians and destabilise public order, whatever political solution that may be proposed will simply not be viable.”
Separately, the U.N. office in Sri Lanka in a statement here said it had dispatched another major food convoy into the Wanni region of northern Sri Lanka. The 29-truck World Food Programme convoy carrying 438 tonnes of food is part of a continuing humanitarian aid effort to reach the estimated 2,30,000 civilians displaced behind the lines of confrontation in the districts of Kilinochchi and Mullathivu.
This is the fourth U.N. convoy since the U.N. was forced to temporarily withdraw from the Wanni in mid-September because of fighting. The convoy will deliver food to three locations before returning to government-controlled territory on Wednesday. The U.N. said it had delivered 2,300 tonnes of food to the Wanni since the beginning of October.
In response to a question by Joseph Michael Perera (UNP) in Parliament on the recent visit of Basil Rajapaksa, MP, Senior Advisor to the President, as the Special Envoy of the President to New Delhi, Mr. Bogollagama gave details of the understanding between the two governments on various issues related to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the fighting between the forces and the LTTE in the north.
The Minister characterised “the strong bonds of friendship and trust that the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa hasforged with the political leadership of India as a manifestation of the longstanding historical ties” between the two countries.
He told the House that the successful outcome of Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit was reassuring to the people of both countries and to friends and well-wishers who desired lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
He tabled the two official communiqués issued jointly by India and Sri Lanka on October 26 in New Delhi, at the conclusion of Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit: the India-Sri Lanka Joint Press Release and the India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement on Fishing Arrangements.
Implicitly criticising interested parties who were attempting to impute an ulterior motive to the Indian government’s offer of 800 tonnes of relief materials for civilians caught up in the conflict in the North, the Minister emphasised that India had come forward with humanitarian assistance as a goodwill gesture, which reflected the friendship and spirit of good neighbourliness between the two countries.
He cautioned the general public not to be misguided by the mischievous construction given to the noble gesture of goodwill by India and recalled the financial grants that Sri Lanka had given to Myanmar and Nepal in recent times, when the two countries had experienced natural disasters. “Similarly, Sri Lanka had also made a cash donation of US$50,000 as humanitarian relief for victims of the severe floods which inundated large parts of the Indian State of Bihar in September this year,” he said.
“We are open to receiving humanitarian assistance and relief from any other friendly country, which wishes to contribute towards the government’s efforts to keep an uninterrupted supply of goods and essential services to the civilians in the conflict-affected areas of the Wanni,” the Minister said.
Mr. Bogollagama maintained that for any political solution to be feasible, disarmament of the LTTE was an essential pre-requisite. “As long as the LTTE remains armed and possessing the capacity to kill innocent civilians and destabilise public order, whatever political solution that may be proposed will simply not be viable.”
Separately, the U.N. office in Sri Lanka in a statement here said it had dispatched another major food convoy into the Wanni region of northern Sri Lanka. The 29-truck World Food Programme convoy carrying 438 tonnes of food is part of a continuing humanitarian aid effort to reach the estimated 2,30,000 civilians displaced behind the lines of confrontation in the districts of Kilinochchi and Mullathivu.
This is the fourth U.N. convoy since the U.N. was forced to temporarily withdraw from the Wanni in mid-September because of fighting. The convoy will deliver food to three locations before returning to government-controlled territory on Wednesday. The U.N. said it had delivered 2,300 tonnes of food to the Wanni since the beginning of October.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Policing the Police
The tough stand taken by the National Police Commission against errant police officers who violate the fundamental rights of citizens should be lauded particularly given the recent reports on such acts that has brought a bad name to the Department.
According to our weekend newspaper the Sunday Observer the NPC has decided to summon the DIG of the Western Province to answer for the conduct of one of his charges who had coerced a complainant in a bribery case against him (the officer) to withdraw the complaint.
The complainant was later found shot dead. The NPC is aghast as to why this police officer was not transferred elsewhere while the case was pending and what action had been taken against this officer for threatening the complainant. Today some senior police officers are known to be indulgent towards their charges.
It is also no secret that certain superiors are known to go soft on complaints against their subordinates while in some instances even act in collusion to share in the spoils from illegal activity.
This turning a Nelsonian eye to the shenanigans of junior officers has encouraged callous disregard towards discipline that was once the hallmark of the Police Service. The same report says that the NPC has urged the IGP to take action against an OIC who turned abusive against an attorney-at-law. This is another characteristic of present day policemen who abuse their rank.
This is particularly seen among some traffic policemen who delight in abusing motorists. Such behaviour on the part of Police officers can only invite the contempt of the public.
It is evident that some Officers-in-charge of Police stations act as lords of all they survey in their precincts. Rude behaviour is not uncommon among certain police officers.
IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne who has pledged to clean up the Augean stables should first of all build the fallen image of the Police Department in the eyes of the public. He should ensure the police act as friends of the public and remove those bad eggs.
Time was when Sri Lanka had an exemplary police Department where personnel were picked after careful screening. We still read and come across accounts of the deeds of those legendary men in Khaki not only for acts of bravery and valour but also as gentlemen who brought honour to the service and won public esteem. True, times have changed and the service has to confront new challenges that were not there in those bygone days.
Today the duties of the Police have extended to several fronts and it is no longer confined to maintaining law and order. The decades long terrorist problem has redefined the role of the police with emphasis shifted from tackling local crime to engagement in anti-terror operations.
While the change in the role of the policeman should be appreciated in the present context the main function of the police as the guardians of the law should not be lost sight of.
It is therefore incumbent on the IGP to revert the police to its main function of being keepers of the peace while lending all support to the military in the anti-terrorist drive.
There is also the need for emphasising discipline in the Police Department which had taken a nosedive in recent times as evident from many an episode. There is also a need to rid the service of the bad eggs in order to send a clear message that Policemen cannot act with impunity.
The number of police officers involved in the Sakvithi scam is a clear example of the extent to which the cancer of bribery and corruption had eaten into the Department.
The astronomical sums deposited in the bogus finance company by ordinary policemen is a clear indication of the decay that is manifest in the Police Department.
The IGP who is making a genuine effort to stem the rot should receive the full backing of the authorities in his endeavour to bring the Police Department to its former glory as a public oriented State agency. (News-Dailynews Editorial)
According to our weekend newspaper the Sunday Observer the NPC has decided to summon the DIG of the Western Province to answer for the conduct of one of his charges who had coerced a complainant in a bribery case against him (the officer) to withdraw the complaint.
The complainant was later found shot dead. The NPC is aghast as to why this police officer was not transferred elsewhere while the case was pending and what action had been taken against this officer for threatening the complainant. Today some senior police officers are known to be indulgent towards their charges.
It is also no secret that certain superiors are known to go soft on complaints against their subordinates while in some instances even act in collusion to share in the spoils from illegal activity.
This turning a Nelsonian eye to the shenanigans of junior officers has encouraged callous disregard towards discipline that was once the hallmark of the Police Service. The same report says that the NPC has urged the IGP to take action against an OIC who turned abusive against an attorney-at-law. This is another characteristic of present day policemen who abuse their rank.
This is particularly seen among some traffic policemen who delight in abusing motorists. Such behaviour on the part of Police officers can only invite the contempt of the public.
It is evident that some Officers-in-charge of Police stations act as lords of all they survey in their precincts. Rude behaviour is not uncommon among certain police officers.
IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne who has pledged to clean up the Augean stables should first of all build the fallen image of the Police Department in the eyes of the public. He should ensure the police act as friends of the public and remove those bad eggs.
Time was when Sri Lanka had an exemplary police Department where personnel were picked after careful screening. We still read and come across accounts of the deeds of those legendary men in Khaki not only for acts of bravery and valour but also as gentlemen who brought honour to the service and won public esteem. True, times have changed and the service has to confront new challenges that were not there in those bygone days.
Today the duties of the Police have extended to several fronts and it is no longer confined to maintaining law and order. The decades long terrorist problem has redefined the role of the police with emphasis shifted from tackling local crime to engagement in anti-terror operations.
While the change in the role of the policeman should be appreciated in the present context the main function of the police as the guardians of the law should not be lost sight of.
It is therefore incumbent on the IGP to revert the police to its main function of being keepers of the peace while lending all support to the military in the anti-terrorist drive.
There is also the need for emphasising discipline in the Police Department which had taken a nosedive in recent times as evident from many an episode. There is also a need to rid the service of the bad eggs in order to send a clear message that Policemen cannot act with impunity.
The number of police officers involved in the Sakvithi scam is a clear example of the extent to which the cancer of bribery and corruption had eaten into the Department.
The astronomical sums deposited in the bogus finance company by ordinary policemen is a clear indication of the decay that is manifest in the Police Department.
The IGP who is making a genuine effort to stem the rot should receive the full backing of the authorities in his endeavour to bring the Police Department to its former glory as a public oriented State agency. (News-Dailynews Editorial)
LTTE air attacks response to Govt victories in North Deputy Minister
Air attacks on last Tuesday are “a last ditch effort” by the LTTE, Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila said.
Speaking to RFI during a visit to Paris, Bhaila said the LTTE wanted to show they have the capacity to keep fighting.
“We have captured most Tiger strongholds in the North,” Bhaila said. The military has claimed that it is close to capturing Kilinochchi, the Minister said adding that humanitarian concerns are responsible for the delay.
“That was to allow the civilian population of Kilinochchi to leave for safer ground,” he said, adding that the Government has a “zero tolerance policy on civilian casualties”.
He accused the LTTE of using civilians as human shields.
Bhaila said “we are doing our utmost on the humanitarian ground”, including sending about 1,000 tonnes of food and medical supplies to conflict-hit areas. “I think we may be the only Government in the world which feeds the terrorists” he said.
Bhaila said elections will be held in the North.
“We want to have elections in the north, hand over power to the people so that it’ll be the Tamil people, who will decide their future,” he said.
Bhaila also hoped that about 100,000 Muslims will be able to return to the North.
“They were expelled from the North 19 years ago because the LTTE feared that they would back Colombo against the call for a Tamil homeland. They are still living in IDP camps,” Bhaila said. “But they want to go to the North.
They are not able to go because of this terrorist problem and we are eagerly awaiting the day when the Forces will be able to clear the North. The Muslims will then be able to go back.”The Minister said, development in the formerly conflict-torn region is now the envy of other Sri Lankans. (News-Dailynews)
Speaking to RFI during a visit to Paris, Bhaila said the LTTE wanted to show they have the capacity to keep fighting.
“We have captured most Tiger strongholds in the North,” Bhaila said. The military has claimed that it is close to capturing Kilinochchi, the Minister said adding that humanitarian concerns are responsible for the delay.
“That was to allow the civilian population of Kilinochchi to leave for safer ground,” he said, adding that the Government has a “zero tolerance policy on civilian casualties”.
He accused the LTTE of using civilians as human shields.
Bhaila said “we are doing our utmost on the humanitarian ground”, including sending about 1,000 tonnes of food and medical supplies to conflict-hit areas. “I think we may be the only Government in the world which feeds the terrorists” he said.
Bhaila said elections will be held in the North.
“We want to have elections in the north, hand over power to the people so that it’ll be the Tamil people, who will decide their future,” he said.
Bhaila also hoped that about 100,000 Muslims will be able to return to the North.
“They were expelled from the North 19 years ago because the LTTE feared that they would back Colombo against the call for a Tamil homeland. They are still living in IDP camps,” Bhaila said. “But they want to go to the North.
They are not able to go because of this terrorist problem and we are eagerly awaiting the day when the Forces will be able to clear the North. The Muslims will then be able to go back.”The Minister said, development in the formerly conflict-torn region is now the envy of other Sri Lankans. (News-Dailynews)
LTTE on verge of losing key supply line: Sri Lanka
COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on Sunday claimed to have pounded “an LTTE training and logistic base” located in the Iranamadu area in Mullathivu district.
Spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said the base is located north of Iranamadu jungle and “fighter jets accurately hit the target.”
The military claimed soldiers met with “less resistance” from the LTTE on the Wanni battlefront as they continued to consolidate defences in the newly-captured territory east and west of Kilinochchi. A Defence Ministry statement said sporadic fighting was reported close to the 12th mile post along the A-32 Mannar-Pooneryn Main Road on the western Kilinochchi battlefront. “Fighting was reported between troops and LTTE at Kovilkoduttavil, Podimuruppukulama and Urutirapurankulama. This phase of the military surge has forced the LTTE to retreat with heavy casualties. The LTTE is on the verge of losing its ‘supply line’ along the western coast,” it said.
The military claimed the LTTE had to relocate its artillery batteries — used to target civilian and military positions in Jaffna — on the outskirts of Pooneryn. “The military surge will force the LTTE to relocate its main guns towards Mullathivu, where the final stages of battles are expected.
Troops of the 57th Division, continuing their advances towards Kilinochchi, are now positioned north of the Akkarayankulama built-up area after weeks of intense fighting. The terrorists are faced with fierce multi-pronged attacks from the military, which has left scores of terrorists killed and many bunkers abandoned,” said the Defence Ministry.Indian aid
India and Sri Lanka are working out the modalities to deliver the 800 metric tones of food pledged by New Delhi. A meeting presided over by the President’s senior advisor, Basil Rajapaksa, was held here to discuss the logistics. Representatives of the Indian High Commission attended the meeting.
India made the commitment to supply food to the stranded citizens in the north over a week ago when Mr. Rajapaksa visited New Delhi to discuss the humanitarian crisis triggered by the war. (News-The Hindu)
Spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said the base is located north of Iranamadu jungle and “fighter jets accurately hit the target.”
The military claimed soldiers met with “less resistance” from the LTTE on the Wanni battlefront as they continued to consolidate defences in the newly-captured territory east and west of Kilinochchi. A Defence Ministry statement said sporadic fighting was reported close to the 12th mile post along the A-32 Mannar-Pooneryn Main Road on the western Kilinochchi battlefront. “Fighting was reported between troops and LTTE at Kovilkoduttavil, Podimuruppukulama and Urutirapurankulama. This phase of the military surge has forced the LTTE to retreat with heavy casualties. The LTTE is on the verge of losing its ‘supply line’ along the western coast,” it said.
The military claimed the LTTE had to relocate its artillery batteries — used to target civilian and military positions in Jaffna — on the outskirts of Pooneryn. “The military surge will force the LTTE to relocate its main guns towards Mullathivu, where the final stages of battles are expected.
Troops of the 57th Division, continuing their advances towards Kilinochchi, are now positioned north of the Akkarayankulama built-up area after weeks of intense fighting. The terrorists are faced with fierce multi-pronged attacks from the military, which has left scores of terrorists killed and many bunkers abandoned,” said the Defence Ministry.Indian aid
India and Sri Lanka are working out the modalities to deliver the 800 metric tones of food pledged by New Delhi. A meeting presided over by the President’s senior advisor, Basil Rajapaksa, was held here to discuss the logistics. Representatives of the Indian High Commission attended the meeting.
India made the commitment to supply food to the stranded citizens in the north over a week ago when Mr. Rajapaksa visited New Delhi to discuss the humanitarian crisis triggered by the war. (News-The Hindu)
Jayalalithaa fears funds, relief may be diverted to LTTE
CHENNAI: There is an apprehension among the people of Tamil Nadu that the money and relief materials will be diverted to the LTTE which has been using Tamils as a shield in the war against the Sri Lankan Army, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa said on Sunday.
“It is a genuine apprehension and I share it,” she said in a statement.
Ms. Jayalalithaa said petrol and other things were being smuggled to the LTTE from Tamil Nadu regularly and the relief materials would also eventually reach them.
“The funds and relief materials will never go the Tamils. People fear that the problems of the Sri Lankan Tamils would increase,” she added.Demonstration
In a separate statement she said the Madurai City unit of the Jayalalithaa Peravai would hold demonstrations to protest against the power crisis.
“There are around 6 thousand small scale industries in Jaihindpuram, Puthoor, Anuppanadi, Chellu and Krishnapuram. These industries and textile units are facing a threat of closure because of power crisis,” she said.(News-The Hindu)
“It is a genuine apprehension and I share it,” she said in a statement.
Ms. Jayalalithaa said petrol and other things were being smuggled to the LTTE from Tamil Nadu regularly and the relief materials would also eventually reach them.
“The funds and relief materials will never go the Tamils. People fear that the problems of the Sri Lankan Tamils would increase,” she added.Demonstration
In a separate statement she said the Madurai City unit of the Jayalalithaa Peravai would hold demonstrations to protest against the power crisis.
“There are around 6 thousand small scale industries in Jaihindpuram, Puthoor, Anuppanadi, Chellu and Krishnapuram. These industries and textile units are facing a threat of closure because of power crisis,” she said.(News-The Hindu)
Friday, October 31, 2008
All barriers cleared for troops to move into Kilinochchi
If there were any barriers for the troops, whether it was political pressure, international pressure or ground obstacles the situation has now been created for them to reach their objective- the defeat of the LTTE in their strongholds in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, after a long time has come out to express his views to the media, at least through his Political Chief Nadesan to tell the world about his existence and to praise Tamil Nadu politicians who were engaged in a futile exercise to exert pressure on the Central Government of India, to halt the military thrust on the LTTE in Sri Lanka.
The significant fact that emerged this week was that all cries by the Tamil Nadu politicians went silent soon after the visit of Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa’s visit to India to brief the Indian Government about the present status of the Tamil civilians entrapped in Wanni and the steps taken by the Government to fulfil their basic needs.
Many of the Tamil Nadu politicians including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Karunanidhi changed the stance over the Sri Lankan situation following this high profile visit by Presidential Advisor MP Rajapaksa to India and his discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The silencing of the Indian factor after effectively convincing them of the true picture of the Sri Lankan situation, though the situation had no major effect on the military operations conducted by the Security Forces, was a tower of strength for the troops now engaged in the military operations in Wanni since there was an ambiguity on their part about the future of the military operations.
However, the entire international community, understood the fact that the agitation campaigns by the Tamil Nadu politicians who were sympathetic towards the LTTE, in the guise of expressing their solidarity with the Tamil civilians, was one of the last options tried by the LTTE to stop their humiliating defeat in face of the military thrust on them in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
That was why the Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran himself had to come out with a statement that he was not hiding inside bunkers but ‘moving among the Tamil civilians’ in defending his illusionary Tamil homeland from Government Forces.
The silencing of the Indian factor after effectively convincing them of the true picture of the Sri Lankan situation, though the situation had no major effect on the military operations conducted by the Security Forces, was a tower of strength for the troops now engaged in the military operations in Wanni since there was an ambiguity on their part about the future of the military operations.
However, the entire international community, understood the fact that the agitation campaigns by the Tamil Nadu politicians who were sympathetic towards the LTTE, in the guise of expressing their solidarity with the Tamil civilians, was one of the last options tried by the LTTE to stop their humiliating defeat in face of the military thrust on them in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
That was why the Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran himself had to come out with a statement that he was not hiding inside bunkers but ‘moving among the Tamil civilians’ in defending his illusionary Tamil homeland from Government Forces.
The end note of his statement was that he wanted to tell that the he had not distanced himself from the Tamil civilians entrapped in Wanni, as it was the only way that he could divert the sympathy of Tamil Nadu towards him. If there are no civilians in Wanni he cannot garner at least this type of support from Tamil Nadu.
That is why he is trying to keep these nearly 200,000 Tamil civilians under his control, to try his best to have the world sympathy towards the LTTE till the last moment of his defeat, despite the harrowing experience the civilian population is undergoing in Wanni under the current bad weather conditions.
Under these circumstances the Tiger leader is compelled to come out of his hideout; it is no secret that all his hideouts are under threat - he has to mingle with the civilians and the ground level cadres since he had lost all his comrades who were there to carry out his message to the international community.
The only propaganda arm he is now having is the MPs of the Tamil National Alliance, as almost all the countries have listed the LTTE as terror organisation barring them from engaging in open campaigns in support of the LTTE.
After their failed attempt to divert Indian support to stop the military thrust on them in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, the Tiger outfit resorted to the most popular tactic to draw attention towards them once again by deploying their light aircraft to launch air raids.
It was on Tuesday around 10.35 p.m. that one Tiger light aircraft dropped three bombs into the Sri Lanka Army Area Headquarters in Thalladi Mannar causing minor damage to the camp site and injuring three soldiers who were in the open area inside the camp. None of the military equipment inside Thalladi camp was damaged in the air raid though the LTTE tried their best to target long range artillery or Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, as they mentioned in the pro-LTTE Tamilnet website.
That is why he is trying to keep these nearly 200,000 Tamil civilians under his control, to try his best to have the world sympathy towards the LTTE till the last moment of his defeat, despite the harrowing experience the civilian population is undergoing in Wanni under the current bad weather conditions.
Under these circumstances the Tiger leader is compelled to come out of his hideout; it is no secret that all his hideouts are under threat - he has to mingle with the civilians and the ground level cadres since he had lost all his comrades who were there to carry out his message to the international community.
The only propaganda arm he is now having is the MPs of the Tamil National Alliance, as almost all the countries have listed the LTTE as terror organisation barring them from engaging in open campaigns in support of the LTTE.
After their failed attempt to divert Indian support to stop the military thrust on them in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, the Tiger outfit resorted to the most popular tactic to draw attention towards them once again by deploying their light aircraft to launch air raids.
It was on Tuesday around 10.35 p.m. that one Tiger light aircraft dropped three bombs into the Sri Lanka Army Area Headquarters in Thalladi Mannar causing minor damage to the camp site and injuring three soldiers who were in the open area inside the camp. None of the military equipment inside Thalladi camp was damaged in the air raid though the LTTE tried their best to target long range artillery or Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, as they mentioned in the pro-LTTE Tamilnet website.
A few minutes after the Mannar air raid the ground troops operating in Thunukkai and Mallavi reported that they heard the sound of the light aircraft returning towards Iranamadu direction.
However, there was no such indication on SLAF radars about such air movement, according to Air Force.
However, the electricity supplies were disconnected in Colombo city and suburbs as the radars in Palavi detected another light aircraft heading towards Colombo. By this time Kfir fighter jets and F-7 interceptors were airborne from Katunayake and Colombo was ready with its anti aircraft guns.
From its first detection, it had disappeared from the radar screen and however, it had come towards Colombo from the sea side and entered in to land from the edge of the Colombo harbour.
The powerful cameras installed at the Colombo harbour had videoed the movements of this aircraft which was flying at a low altitude so that radars cannot easily detect it and troops on the ground could not direct their anti aircraft guns towards it as it was flying so low.
The anti aircraft guns are installed to direct towards high flying objects and it is difficult to manoeuvre these guns to target low flying objects.
The sky in Colombo city turned into a fireworks display as air defence systems installed at all vital installations were activated once the aircraft was heading towards Colombo city.
However, there was no such indication on SLAF radars about such air movement, according to Air Force.
However, the electricity supplies were disconnected in Colombo city and suburbs as the radars in Palavi detected another light aircraft heading towards Colombo. By this time Kfir fighter jets and F-7 interceptors were airborne from Katunayake and Colombo was ready with its anti aircraft guns.
From its first detection, it had disappeared from the radar screen and however, it had come towards Colombo from the sea side and entered in to land from the edge of the Colombo harbour.
The powerful cameras installed at the Colombo harbour had videoed the movements of this aircraft which was flying at a low altitude so that radars cannot easily detect it and troops on the ground could not direct their anti aircraft guns towards it as it was flying so low.
The anti aircraft guns are installed to direct towards high flying objects and it is difficult to manoeuvre these guns to target low flying objects.
The sky in Colombo city turned into a fireworks display as air defence systems installed at all vital installations were activated once the aircraft was heading towards Colombo city.
The aircraft which came from sea side turned towards the Kelanitissa power station from the edge of the Colombo harbour dropped two bombs into the power station amidst firing directed at it from various locations from the Colombo harbour, World Trade Centre and all other vital installations in Colombo.
A huge smoke emanated from the Kelanitissa power station soon after the air raid that caused minor damages to the FIAT (Gas Turbine 7) and the Combined Cycle Power plant. Fire fighting vehicles were rushed to the scene soon and the situation was brought under control ten minutes after the incident.
The LTTE light aircraft which dropped two bombs into the Kelanitissa power station took its return path from the landside to a certain extent and then to the sea route and had returned to uncleared areas in the north of Mannar.
However, the F-7 interceptors which were airborne from Katunayake could not take the target due to technical reasons. According to experts the LTTE aircraft had arrived towards Colombo covering engines with armour plates so that the heat seeking missile system could not lock the target.
To release the missile the missile system has to lock the target. However, the target has not been locked due to the fact the Tiger aircraft had reportedly covered its engines with heavy armour plates.
It is also believed that it was due to these heavy armour plates the Tiger aircraft had taken more than one hour to reach towards Colombo and return to either Iranamadu or Mullaitivu after dropping two bombs into the Kelanitissa power station.
The Kfir fighter jets which were flying at 3,000 feet also could not take the target as it was flying so low.
Though, the LTTE could not cause major damage through their air raid, the seventh since April 2007, once again it managed to draw the attention of the media worldwide.
That is the need of the day for the LTTE at this desperate moment.
But all these Tiger attempts to take the upper hand in the present security situation, were foiled by the Security Forces within the past few days clearing all the barriers in their advance towards the centre of Kilinochchi.
The Task Force -I or the famously known 58 Division under the command of Brigadier Shavendra Silva made steady progress within the past few days capturing many Tiger installations in the Western edge of the Kilinochchi district.
Their moves have become significant by yesterday as they are now in control upto the 12th Mile Post on the Mannar Pooneryn A-32 road only short of 15 Kilometres to reach vital Pooneryn which could be linked to Jaffna peninsula via Pooneryn Sangupiddy jetty.
The Task Force -I troops were in full control of the Nachchikuda fishing village which was strongly defended by the LTTE for the past few months constructing a huge earth bund in the South of it. This earth bund which has been constructed south of Nachchikuda extends upto east of Akkarayankulam.
The troops of the Task Force I who first breached this earth bund from Karamabakulam after a fierce battle with the LTTE have now advanced more than six kilometres from this earth bund to the North.
Once they expanded their control over the earth bund towards Pandiveddikulam to the west and Vannerikulam to the East LTTE cadres strongly resisted the troops when troops were advancing towards Jeyapuram village located in the west of Pandiveddikulam.
Amidst resistance troops ignored the LTTE presence in Jeyapuram village and advanced further northwards and hit the A-32 road 10 Km north of Nachchikuda. With the capture of the A-32 road troops advanced to the north and south on the A-32 road.
It was on Tuesday evening the troops took control of the 12th Mile Post and 16th Mile Post on the A-32 road. With the capture of the four way junction at the 16th Mile Post troops severed supply routes to Nachchikuda and towards Vallaipadu the last LTTE unloading point for supplies coming from the South Indian side.
With this move the Tiger cadres operating in Jeyapuram, having observed they have been surrounded from all directions started to vacate this huge settlement with a large number of houses. It had been strongly held by the LTTE for various purposes.
Until Wednesday many senior level cadres were operating in the Jeyapuram village, but they started to vacate the village with troops advancing towards it from the Manaiyankulam-Nachchikuda road. By Wednesday 1 p.m. troops took full control of the Jeyapuram village marking a major breakthrough.
As troops captured the Jeyapuram village, another section of troops from the Task Force -I launched a massive assault on more than 15 km long LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda.
By Wednesday evening Task Force I troops fully captured the LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda and were in the process of capturing the Nachchikuda fishing village, the last fishing village west of Kilinochchi on the Mannar-Pooneryn road.
With the capture of Nachchikuda the LTTE is facing severe difficulties in their logistics movements centred around Vallaipadu. Commando troops are posing a major threat to the LTTE cadres operating there on a frequent basis targeting their vehicles and other logistics movements.
Whilst Task Force I troops captured the LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda the troops attached to the 571 Brigade under the command of Colonel G.V. Ravipriya managed to capture the Akkarayankulam tank bund area having linked to the 572 troops operating in the East of Akkarayankulam some 600 metres north of the tank bund.
With the capture of this tank bund troops are now dominating the entire earth bund created by the LTTE from Nachchikuda to East of Akkarayankulam as illustrated in the map.
By yesterday afternoon troops of the 571 Brigade were in the process of entering the Akkarayan village spread more than seven Square Kilometres in the southwest of Kilinochchi.
Once the Akkarayan village is captured the LTTE will lose its access to Kilinochchi town from the Western flank.
The Tigers will lose the grip they are now having south of Kilinochchi as troops of the 572 Brigade have captured a huge extent of the earth bund the LTTE has constructed from Akkarayan East to Iranamadu. The Wanni battle is due to enter a crucial phase in the coming days as troops are poised to launch their thrust on the LTTE from another front with the formation of the Task Force -III to be deployed from another direction.
Things are moving so fast to cover up the Western coast depriving the LTTE of their links with South India to depend on their supplies whilst taking steps to serve the civilian population with essential items till they are freed from the clutches of the LTTE.(News-Dailynews)
A huge smoke emanated from the Kelanitissa power station soon after the air raid that caused minor damages to the FIAT (Gas Turbine 7) and the Combined Cycle Power plant. Fire fighting vehicles were rushed to the scene soon and the situation was brought under control ten minutes after the incident.
The LTTE light aircraft which dropped two bombs into the Kelanitissa power station took its return path from the landside to a certain extent and then to the sea route and had returned to uncleared areas in the north of Mannar.
However, the F-7 interceptors which were airborne from Katunayake could not take the target due to technical reasons. According to experts the LTTE aircraft had arrived towards Colombo covering engines with armour plates so that the heat seeking missile system could not lock the target.
To release the missile the missile system has to lock the target. However, the target has not been locked due to the fact the Tiger aircraft had reportedly covered its engines with heavy armour plates.
It is also believed that it was due to these heavy armour plates the Tiger aircraft had taken more than one hour to reach towards Colombo and return to either Iranamadu or Mullaitivu after dropping two bombs into the Kelanitissa power station.
The Kfir fighter jets which were flying at 3,000 feet also could not take the target as it was flying so low.
Though, the LTTE could not cause major damage through their air raid, the seventh since April 2007, once again it managed to draw the attention of the media worldwide.
That is the need of the day for the LTTE at this desperate moment.
But all these Tiger attempts to take the upper hand in the present security situation, were foiled by the Security Forces within the past few days clearing all the barriers in their advance towards the centre of Kilinochchi.
The Task Force -I or the famously known 58 Division under the command of Brigadier Shavendra Silva made steady progress within the past few days capturing many Tiger installations in the Western edge of the Kilinochchi district.
Their moves have become significant by yesterday as they are now in control upto the 12th Mile Post on the Mannar Pooneryn A-32 road only short of 15 Kilometres to reach vital Pooneryn which could be linked to Jaffna peninsula via Pooneryn Sangupiddy jetty.
The Task Force -I troops were in full control of the Nachchikuda fishing village which was strongly defended by the LTTE for the past few months constructing a huge earth bund in the South of it. This earth bund which has been constructed south of Nachchikuda extends upto east of Akkarayankulam.
The troops of the Task Force I who first breached this earth bund from Karamabakulam after a fierce battle with the LTTE have now advanced more than six kilometres from this earth bund to the North.
Once they expanded their control over the earth bund towards Pandiveddikulam to the west and Vannerikulam to the East LTTE cadres strongly resisted the troops when troops were advancing towards Jeyapuram village located in the west of Pandiveddikulam.
Amidst resistance troops ignored the LTTE presence in Jeyapuram village and advanced further northwards and hit the A-32 road 10 Km north of Nachchikuda. With the capture of the A-32 road troops advanced to the north and south on the A-32 road.
It was on Tuesday evening the troops took control of the 12th Mile Post and 16th Mile Post on the A-32 road. With the capture of the four way junction at the 16th Mile Post troops severed supply routes to Nachchikuda and towards Vallaipadu the last LTTE unloading point for supplies coming from the South Indian side.
With this move the Tiger cadres operating in Jeyapuram, having observed they have been surrounded from all directions started to vacate this huge settlement with a large number of houses. It had been strongly held by the LTTE for various purposes.
Until Wednesday many senior level cadres were operating in the Jeyapuram village, but they started to vacate the village with troops advancing towards it from the Manaiyankulam-Nachchikuda road. By Wednesday 1 p.m. troops took full control of the Jeyapuram village marking a major breakthrough.
As troops captured the Jeyapuram village, another section of troops from the Task Force -I launched a massive assault on more than 15 km long LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda.
By Wednesday evening Task Force I troops fully captured the LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda and were in the process of capturing the Nachchikuda fishing village, the last fishing village west of Kilinochchi on the Mannar-Pooneryn road.
With the capture of Nachchikuda the LTTE is facing severe difficulties in their logistics movements centred around Vallaipadu. Commando troops are posing a major threat to the LTTE cadres operating there on a frequent basis targeting their vehicles and other logistics movements.
Whilst Task Force I troops captured the LTTE defence line in Nachchikuda the troops attached to the 571 Brigade under the command of Colonel G.V. Ravipriya managed to capture the Akkarayankulam tank bund area having linked to the 572 troops operating in the East of Akkarayankulam some 600 metres north of the tank bund.
With the capture of this tank bund troops are now dominating the entire earth bund created by the LTTE from Nachchikuda to East of Akkarayankulam as illustrated in the map.
By yesterday afternoon troops of the 571 Brigade were in the process of entering the Akkarayan village spread more than seven Square Kilometres in the southwest of Kilinochchi.
Once the Akkarayan village is captured the LTTE will lose its access to Kilinochchi town from the Western flank.
The Tigers will lose the grip they are now having south of Kilinochchi as troops of the 572 Brigade have captured a huge extent of the earth bund the LTTE has constructed from Akkarayan East to Iranamadu. The Wanni battle is due to enter a crucial phase in the coming days as troops are poised to launch their thrust on the LTTE from another front with the formation of the Task Force -III to be deployed from another direction.
Things are moving so fast to cover up the Western coast depriving the LTTE of their links with South India to depend on their supplies whilst taking steps to serve the civilian population with essential items till they are freed from the clutches of the LTTE.(News-Dailynews)
Nachchikuda regained
Nachchikuda: The troops of Task Force I or the famously known 58 Division now in the western edge of the Kilinochchi district yesterday passed yet another milestone in their march towards Pooneryn completely capturing Nachchikuda the last stronghold of the LTTE on the Western coast before Pooneryn by last evening, Military sources announced yesterday.
“With the capture of Nachchikuda the LTTE is left with only Pooneryn on the Western coast as the rest of the area between Nachchikuda and Pooneryn is covered with jungle patches,” commander of the Task Force I or the 58 Division, Brigadier Shavendra Silva told the Daily News.
The LTTE faced two consecutive blows within 24 hours on the western edge of the Kilinochchi district as they lost two strategically important villages Jeyapuram and Nachchikuda, he said. The troops of the Task Force I or the 58 Division completely captured the 15 Km long LTTE defence line in the form of a massive earth bund surrounding the Nachchikuda fishing village.
“The LTTE strongly held Nachchikuda with the construction of this massive earth bund giving depth to Pooneryn the last township left with the LTTE on the Western coast. With the loss of Nachchikuda the LTTE will have to resort to the Eastern coast for their logistics supplies,” the Brigadier added.
The capture of Nachchikuda is a major victory for the troops operating in the Kilinochchi front as they are now entering jungle areas between the Nachchikuda and Pooneryn.
For the past two to three months the LTTE strongly held this area as they had links with Vallaipadu the LTTE’s unloading point on the Western coast to depend on their supplies despite losing areas west of Nachchikuda to the troops.
“The LTTE vacated Nachchikuda in face of the troops advance into the village from all directions with the fall of their 15 Km long defence line surrounding Nachchikuda and with the fall of Jeyapuram village to the Security Forces on Thursday afternoon.
With the capture of entire Nachchikuda troops are now controlling upto the 12th mile post on the Mannar-Pooneryn A-32 road which is short of only 14 to 16 Km to Pooneryn.
The capture of Nachchikuda is also important during this period in which the North East monsoonal rains are lashing the area as this provides easy access roads to the troops operating on the western edge of the Kilinochchi district. They are now using supply routes constructed by the Army itself.(News-Dailynews)
“With the capture of Nachchikuda the LTTE is left with only Pooneryn on the Western coast as the rest of the area between Nachchikuda and Pooneryn is covered with jungle patches,” commander of the Task Force I or the 58 Division, Brigadier Shavendra Silva told the Daily News.
The LTTE faced two consecutive blows within 24 hours on the western edge of the Kilinochchi district as they lost two strategically important villages Jeyapuram and Nachchikuda, he said. The troops of the Task Force I or the 58 Division completely captured the 15 Km long LTTE defence line in the form of a massive earth bund surrounding the Nachchikuda fishing village.
“The LTTE strongly held Nachchikuda with the construction of this massive earth bund giving depth to Pooneryn the last township left with the LTTE on the Western coast. With the loss of Nachchikuda the LTTE will have to resort to the Eastern coast for their logistics supplies,” the Brigadier added.
The capture of Nachchikuda is a major victory for the troops operating in the Kilinochchi front as they are now entering jungle areas between the Nachchikuda and Pooneryn.
For the past two to three months the LTTE strongly held this area as they had links with Vallaipadu the LTTE’s unloading point on the Western coast to depend on their supplies despite losing areas west of Nachchikuda to the troops.
“The LTTE vacated Nachchikuda in face of the troops advance into the village from all directions with the fall of their 15 Km long defence line surrounding Nachchikuda and with the fall of Jeyapuram village to the Security Forces on Thursday afternoon.
With the capture of entire Nachchikuda troops are now controlling upto the 12th mile post on the Mannar-Pooneryn A-32 road which is short of only 14 to 16 Km to Pooneryn.
The capture of Nachchikuda is also important during this period in which the North East monsoonal rains are lashing the area as this provides easy access roads to the troops operating on the western edge of the Kilinochchi district. They are now using supply routes constructed by the Army itself.(News-Dailynews)
Mob throws stones at convoy of Jayalalithaa at Pasumpon
Tamilnadu Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday escaped unhurt when a mob threw stones at her convoy of vehicles here in Ramanathapuram district. Two of her cars and a Government-owned bullet proof car were damaged.
The incident occurred a few seconds after she stepped out of her car and entered a VVIP gate of Muthuramalinga Thevar memorial to pay homage on the occasion of the 46th Guru Puja.
A youth wearing a red shirt threw stones at her car from a house, situated just 20 meters away from the VVIP gate. Some youths sitting atop nearby trees hurled stones at policemen and AIADMK men following her. A mob beat up some policemen with logs.
Seconds after the violence, police burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the unruly mob. At least four policemen and 16 civilians were injured in the stone-throwing incident and lathicharge. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident created tension at Kamudhi and the nearby parts of the district.
Ms. Jayalalithaa, accompanied by her friend Sasikala, placed a wreath on the memorial of Muthuramalinga Thevar and later attended a function to inaugurate ‘annadhanam.’ Later, police cleared all those standing along the path to pave way for her convoy to reach the nearby helipad, from where she flew back to Madurai.
Commenting on the incident, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the incident happened amid her repeated claim that she was facing a threat. She had also received a threat letter. The Government and the police failed in their duty to provide adequate security, she said.
T. Rajendran, Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP), said it was not a planned attack.
The police acted swiftly and brought the situation under control.
Earlier, M.K. Stalin, Minister for Local Administration, placed a wreath on the memorial on behalf of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. State Ministers, including I. Periasamy, S. Thangavelan and Thangam Thennarasu, also paid floral tributes at the memorial.
Leaders of various political parties, including K.V. Thangkabalu (Congress), S. Thirunavukarasar and L. Ganesan (BJP), G.K. Mani (PMK) and leaders of MDMK visited the memorial (News-The Hindu)
The incident occurred a few seconds after she stepped out of her car and entered a VVIP gate of Muthuramalinga Thevar memorial to pay homage on the occasion of the 46th Guru Puja.
A youth wearing a red shirt threw stones at her car from a house, situated just 20 meters away from the VVIP gate. Some youths sitting atop nearby trees hurled stones at policemen and AIADMK men following her. A mob beat up some policemen with logs.
Seconds after the violence, police burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the unruly mob. At least four policemen and 16 civilians were injured in the stone-throwing incident and lathicharge. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident created tension at Kamudhi and the nearby parts of the district.
Ms. Jayalalithaa, accompanied by her friend Sasikala, placed a wreath on the memorial of Muthuramalinga Thevar and later attended a function to inaugurate ‘annadhanam.’ Later, police cleared all those standing along the path to pave way for her convoy to reach the nearby helipad, from where she flew back to Madurai.
Commenting on the incident, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the incident happened amid her repeated claim that she was facing a threat. She had also received a threat letter. The Government and the police failed in their duty to provide adequate security, she said.
T. Rajendran, Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP), said it was not a planned attack.
The police acted swiftly and brought the situation under control.
Earlier, M.K. Stalin, Minister for Local Administration, placed a wreath on the memorial on behalf of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. State Ministers, including I. Periasamy, S. Thangavelan and Thangam Thennarasu, also paid floral tributes at the memorial.
Leaders of various political parties, including K.V. Thangkabalu (Congress), S. Thirunavukarasar and L. Ganesan (BJP), G.K. Mani (PMK) and leaders of MDMK visited the memorial (News-The Hindu)
I might be a bit mouthy about America but I'm no terrorist
IT has its ups and downs but there’s no doubting that M.I.A. and the United States enjoy a special relationship.
The up side. The singer has just scored the biggest British hit single in the States since the Spice Girls. She’s started her own label in partnership with US giant Interscope. She’s expecting her first baby with her American boyfriend.
The down side. She’s been called a “terrorist” because her father is a Tamil separatist in Sri Lanka. She had a prolonged battle to get a visa. She harbours a deep loathing of the Bush administration.
Born Mathangi Arulpragasam in Hounslow 31 years ago, known to her friends as Maya, she creates vivid sound collages that take in countless styles including pop, rap, rock, bhangra, punk and reggae.
Her two albums, the Mercury-nominated 2005 debut Arular (named after her father) and last year’s Kala (named after her mother), have marked her out as one of the most groundbreaking and vibrant artists in years.
The controversial Clash-sampling single Paper Planes, first released on Kala but finding success through the Pineapple Express movie trailer, has found its way into the hearts of more than two million Americans.
It’s an addictive three minutes of gunshots, ringing cash registers, lyrics about immigrants being misunderstood and typically chanty vocals.
For M.I.A, popularity and notoriety seem to go hand in hand. “I think they notice me because I’m mouthy,” she says. “I’m not mouthy like Amy Winehouse, just mouthy about American issues.
“Because of my whole political thing, everybody started calling me names and saying (she puts on an American accent), ‘Oh my God, she’s a terrorist.’
“You know, I grew up with my single-parent mum. I didn’t know my dad. Most of my life has been in England and I went through the British education system. I don’t have to be a terrorist to be vocal in song.
“I’m a very average person. I’ve got the same stories as a lot of people in London, and Britain is really multi-cultural. In the Eighties, we gave America Boy George, a reggae-singing tranny. Now we’ve given them a rapping terrorist and it’s freaked them out!”
Although she has never had the slightest thing to do with the Tamil Tigers, she’s bemused at the way things get out of control.
“How come people are allowed to say M.I.A. equals a tiger print shirt equals suicide bombing? If anyone else wears a tiger print shirt, it means nothing. Converse has put out a tiger print shoe and I wore it in my video and that means terrorism.
“That kind of word association reduces human beings to the lowest common denominator. It’s nuts. This guy has an internet campaign against me. Every time you join his MySpace friends, you can put out flyers.”
When I catch up with Maya, she’s in a Los Angeles hairdressers’ dying hair for a 17-year-old girl singer called Rye Rye, the first signing to her label NEET.
It doesn’t take long for our conversation to get round to next week’s presidential election. “If McCain gets voted in, then I’m outta here quicker than anyone can say Obama,” Maya exclaims.
“I’m here because it’s an interesting time. It’s important to be here watching and saying to people, ‘Look, your country has been so dumb for eight years. If you f*** up one more time, that’s a whole generation of dumb people’.”
Coinciding with the election and the global financial crisis, Paper Planes is a challenging statement.
“Everyone always thinks that all immigrants want to do is come and take your money,” she says, echoing the song’s chorus. “But perhaps all they want to do is sing and dance.
“At the time Paper Planes is doing well, we’ve gone so beyond the idea of everybody getting on anyway. America’s going through the worst stock market crash. They’re in trillions of dollars of debt. And the Earth is going to eat itself from running out of energy.”
If that sounds a bit gloomy, Maya actually comes over as a hugely upbeat person with an infectious enthusiasm for life.
And between developing the career of Rye Rye and working on the follow-up to Kala, there’s the small matter of her baby with Ben Brewer of New York band The Exit due early next year. “That’s part of the creation process,” she says. “I don’t know how it’s gonna fit in but I came to hang out here and people kept talking about babies. In the end, it was like if you can’t beat them, join them.
“Also I was running out of ideas of what to name the next album. I’ve done one with my mum and dad, now I can name one after the baby. Or maybe I’ll name the baby after the album.”
With Paper Planes doing well in the UK charts, I ask Maya what her next musical ambition is.
“I’d like to work with someone in a band, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets) maybe because he’s amazing lyrically, or Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) because he’s in the noisiest band in the world.” (News-Thesun)
The up side. The singer has just scored the biggest British hit single in the States since the Spice Girls. She’s started her own label in partnership with US giant Interscope. She’s expecting her first baby with her American boyfriend.
The down side. She’s been called a “terrorist” because her father is a Tamil separatist in Sri Lanka. She had a prolonged battle to get a visa. She harbours a deep loathing of the Bush administration.
Born Mathangi Arulpragasam in Hounslow 31 years ago, known to her friends as Maya, she creates vivid sound collages that take in countless styles including pop, rap, rock, bhangra, punk and reggae.
Her two albums, the Mercury-nominated 2005 debut Arular (named after her father) and last year’s Kala (named after her mother), have marked her out as one of the most groundbreaking and vibrant artists in years.
The controversial Clash-sampling single Paper Planes, first released on Kala but finding success through the Pineapple Express movie trailer, has found its way into the hearts of more than two million Americans.
It’s an addictive three minutes of gunshots, ringing cash registers, lyrics about immigrants being misunderstood and typically chanty vocals.
For M.I.A, popularity and notoriety seem to go hand in hand. “I think they notice me because I’m mouthy,” she says. “I’m not mouthy like Amy Winehouse, just mouthy about American issues.
“Because of my whole political thing, everybody started calling me names and saying (she puts on an American accent), ‘Oh my God, she’s a terrorist.’
“You know, I grew up with my single-parent mum. I didn’t know my dad. Most of my life has been in England and I went through the British education system. I don’t have to be a terrorist to be vocal in song.
“I’m a very average person. I’ve got the same stories as a lot of people in London, and Britain is really multi-cultural. In the Eighties, we gave America Boy George, a reggae-singing tranny. Now we’ve given them a rapping terrorist and it’s freaked them out!”
Although she has never had the slightest thing to do with the Tamil Tigers, she’s bemused at the way things get out of control.
“How come people are allowed to say M.I.A. equals a tiger print shirt equals suicide bombing? If anyone else wears a tiger print shirt, it means nothing. Converse has put out a tiger print shoe and I wore it in my video and that means terrorism.
“That kind of word association reduces human beings to the lowest common denominator. It’s nuts. This guy has an internet campaign against me. Every time you join his MySpace friends, you can put out flyers.”
When I catch up with Maya, she’s in a Los Angeles hairdressers’ dying hair for a 17-year-old girl singer called Rye Rye, the first signing to her label NEET.
It doesn’t take long for our conversation to get round to next week’s presidential election. “If McCain gets voted in, then I’m outta here quicker than anyone can say Obama,” Maya exclaims.
“I’m here because it’s an interesting time. It’s important to be here watching and saying to people, ‘Look, your country has been so dumb for eight years. If you f*** up one more time, that’s a whole generation of dumb people’.”
Coinciding with the election and the global financial crisis, Paper Planes is a challenging statement.
“Everyone always thinks that all immigrants want to do is come and take your money,” she says, echoing the song’s chorus. “But perhaps all they want to do is sing and dance.
“At the time Paper Planes is doing well, we’ve gone so beyond the idea of everybody getting on anyway. America’s going through the worst stock market crash. They’re in trillions of dollars of debt. And the Earth is going to eat itself from running out of energy.”
If that sounds a bit gloomy, Maya actually comes over as a hugely upbeat person with an infectious enthusiasm for life.
And between developing the career of Rye Rye and working on the follow-up to Kala, there’s the small matter of her baby with Ben Brewer of New York band The Exit due early next year. “That’s part of the creation process,” she says. “I don’t know how it’s gonna fit in but I came to hang out here and people kept talking about babies. In the end, it was like if you can’t beat them, join them.
“Also I was running out of ideas of what to name the next album. I’ve done one with my mum and dad, now I can name one after the baby. Or maybe I’ll name the baby after the album.”
With Paper Planes doing well in the UK charts, I ask Maya what her next musical ambition is.
“I’d like to work with someone in a band, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets) maybe because he’s amazing lyrically, or Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) because he’s in the noisiest band in the world.” (News-Thesun)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Army in full control of Nachchikuda tiger camp
S.L. Army over ran the Nachchikuda tiger camp last evening (29th), the last bastion of tiger s' supply route on Mannar - Poonerin A-32 route. Heavy fighting had been reported from this area for several months and in these confrontations tiger terrorists were inflicted with heavy defeats and damage.
By now the tigers are left with only Poonerin camp in Killinochchi town.(News-Lankatruth)
By now the tigers are left with only Poonerin camp in Killinochchi town.(News-Lankatruth)
Air attack on black tiger camp frequented by Pottu Amman
A black tiger camp training suicide tigers and frequented by black tiger leader Pottu Amman has been attacked says S.L. Air Force.
The black tiger camp located 6 km to the north east of Pudikudiruppu area was attacked by fighter jets of the S.L. Air Force today at 10.00 a.m. The damage to the camp has not been divulged yet. (News-Lankatruth)
The black tiger camp located 6 km to the north east of Pudikudiruppu area was attacked by fighter jets of the S.L. Air Force today at 10.00 a.m. The damage to the camp has not been divulged yet. (News-Lankatruth)
Monday, October 27, 2008
TMVP says TN parties should not try to help Tigers
Holding a protest rally in the East against the perceived efforts by some political parties in Tamil Nadu to stop the military campaign against the Tigers in the North, MP Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, known as Karuna Amman, yesterday said “there should be no attempt from Tamil Nadu to rescue LTTE”.
“We welcome the support from Tamil Nadu for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, but the political parties and their leaders should not attempt to rescue the Tigers, who are facing an imminent defeat in the hands of the Security Forces in the North,” Muralitharan who now heads the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) said at the rally.
Recalling the 1991 assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Tamil Nadu, the former LTTE commander had warned that “any effort by Tamil Nadu to save LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) would boomerang on them”. IANS(News-dailynews)
“We welcome the support from Tamil Nadu for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, but the political parties and their leaders should not attempt to rescue the Tigers, who are facing an imminent defeat in the hands of the Security Forces in the North,” Muralitharan who now heads the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) said at the rally.
Recalling the 1991 assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Tamil Nadu, the former LTTE commander had warned that “any effort by Tamil Nadu to save LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) would boomerang on them”. IANS(News-dailynews)
LTTE woman identified as suicide cadre
A suspected LTTE woman Sivalingum Thiruweli who was taken into custody two months ago at Kalpitiya has been identified as a suicide cadre who had come to launch an attack on a VIP, it was revealed by police.
The suspected woman had come to Kalpitiya from Batticaloa two years ago. She had frequently visited the work site where the coal plant is scheduled to be establish at Kalpitiya aiming to gather information for her target.
According to Power and Energy Ministry sources, the Minister of Power and Energy visit the work site frequently for inspection tours of the on going work.
The suspected woman is 27 and a mother of two, further investigations are being conducted.(News-Dailynews)
The suspected woman had come to Kalpitiya from Batticaloa two years ago. She had frequently visited the work site where the coal plant is scheduled to be establish at Kalpitiya aiming to gather information for her target.
According to Power and Energy Ministry sources, the Minister of Power and Energy visit the work site frequently for inspection tours of the on going work.
The suspected woman is 27 and a mother of two, further investigations are being conducted.(News-Dailynews)
Deepavali greetings from President
COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa extending his Deepavali greetings to all Sri Lankan Hindus on the occasion of Deepavali, said the festival, a significant event in the Hindu religious calendar celebrates prosperity and spreads light of wisdom.
It symbolises the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, he said. The message added: Being a unifying force, the devotions at Deepavali would seek to encourage great unity, amity and understanding among all people inhabiting our country irrespective of their ethnic, religious, class distinctions.
On this noble day let us reaffirm our commitment to unite the country and build a society where everybody could live in peace, harmony, dignity and freedom. May the spirit of Deepavali, the ‘Festival of Lights’ illuminate our land. I wish a happy Deepavali to all Sri Lankan Hindus.” (News-Dailynews)
It symbolises the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, he said. The message added: Being a unifying force, the devotions at Deepavali would seek to encourage great unity, amity and understanding among all people inhabiting our country irrespective of their ethnic, religious, class distinctions.
On this noble day let us reaffirm our commitment to unite the country and build a society where everybody could live in peace, harmony, dignity and freedom. May the spirit of Deepavali, the ‘Festival of Lights’ illuminate our land. I wish a happy Deepavali to all Sri Lankan Hindus.” (News-Dailynews)
MP Basil Rajapaksa briefs Indian leaders on range of issues: Sri Lanka assures India on civilian safety, welfare
INDIA: India and Sri Lanka asserted yesterday that terrorism should be countered with resolve, following talks between Indian leaders and Senior Presidential Advisor MP Basil Rajapaksa.
MP Rajapaksa visited India as a Special Envoy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to brief Indian leaders on the measures being taken by the Government to defeat terrorism and ensure the welfare of civilians in the North. He met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon.
A joint statement issued at the end of MP Rajapaksa’s visit said he has briefed the Indian authorities of the efforts by the Sri Lanka Government to afford relief and ensure the welfare of the civilian population in the North and assured that the safety and well-being of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka is being taken care of.
India has conveyed its concern at the humanitarian situation in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, especially of the civilians and internally displaced persons caught in the hostilities and emphasised the need for unhindered essential relief supplies.
As a gesture of goodwill, India has decided to send around 800 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka for the affected civilians in the North. The Government of Sri Lanka will facilitate the delivery. Both sides agreed to consult and cooperate with each other in addressing these humanitarian issues.
“MP Rajapaksa emphasised that the President and his Government were firmly committed to a political process that would lead to a sustainable solution,” the statement said.
They discussed the need to move towards a peacefully negotiated political settlement in the island including in the North. The Indian side called for implementation of the 13th Amendment and greater devolution of powers to the provinces.
Both sides agreed to further nurture the democratic process in the Eastern Province. MP Rajapaksa briefed the Indian side of the large development effort underway in the Eastern Province.
“Discussions in New Delhi during MP Rajapaksa’s visit were characterized by a spirit of constructive engagement on both sides. Both Governments will remain in close touch,” the statement added.
Indian news reports said during talks with External Affairs Minister Mukherjee in New Delhi, MP Basil Rajapaksa said the Government will keep the interests of Tamil civilians
in mind while carrying on with the offensive against the LTTE. Rajapaksa said that Indian medical teams will be allowed to provide aid to the affected Tamil population in the conflict areas.
“We have given every assurance to look after the civilians’ needs and whichever way we can,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Asked about the medical aid from India, the President’s advisor said “yes, that issue was brought up and we will take a positive look on it.”
“Yes,” he said when asked whether the Sri Lankan Government will allow Indian medical aid to Sri Lanka.Asked whether Mukherjee will visit Colombo on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Rajapaksa said “he has not discussed it”.
The Sri Lankan President, during a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last Saturday, assured him that “all necessary measures” are being taken to ensure safety and well-being of the Tamil community.
The Prime Minister has told the Sri Lankan President to ensure that the rights of civilian Tamils are not compromised and they do not get enmeshed in the conflict.(News-Dailynews)
MP Rajapaksa visited India as a Special Envoy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to brief Indian leaders on the measures being taken by the Government to defeat terrorism and ensure the welfare of civilians in the North. He met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon.
A joint statement issued at the end of MP Rajapaksa’s visit said he has briefed the Indian authorities of the efforts by the Sri Lanka Government to afford relief and ensure the welfare of the civilian population in the North and assured that the safety and well-being of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka is being taken care of.
India has conveyed its concern at the humanitarian situation in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, especially of the civilians and internally displaced persons caught in the hostilities and emphasised the need for unhindered essential relief supplies.
As a gesture of goodwill, India has decided to send around 800 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka for the affected civilians in the North. The Government of Sri Lanka will facilitate the delivery. Both sides agreed to consult and cooperate with each other in addressing these humanitarian issues.
“MP Rajapaksa emphasised that the President and his Government were firmly committed to a political process that would lead to a sustainable solution,” the statement said.
They discussed the need to move towards a peacefully negotiated political settlement in the island including in the North. The Indian side called for implementation of the 13th Amendment and greater devolution of powers to the provinces.
Both sides agreed to further nurture the democratic process in the Eastern Province. MP Rajapaksa briefed the Indian side of the large development effort underway in the Eastern Province.
“Discussions in New Delhi during MP Rajapaksa’s visit were characterized by a spirit of constructive engagement on both sides. Both Governments will remain in close touch,” the statement added.
Indian news reports said during talks with External Affairs Minister Mukherjee in New Delhi, MP Basil Rajapaksa said the Government will keep the interests of Tamil civilians
in mind while carrying on with the offensive against the LTTE. Rajapaksa said that Indian medical teams will be allowed to provide aid to the affected Tamil population in the conflict areas.
“We have given every assurance to look after the civilians’ needs and whichever way we can,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Asked about the medical aid from India, the President’s advisor said “yes, that issue was brought up and we will take a positive look on it.”
“Yes,” he said when asked whether the Sri Lankan Government will allow Indian medical aid to Sri Lanka.Asked whether Mukherjee will visit Colombo on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Rajapaksa said “he has not discussed it”.
The Sri Lankan President, during a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last Saturday, assured him that “all necessary measures” are being taken to ensure safety and well-being of the Tamil community.
The Prime Minister has told the Sri Lankan President to ensure that the rights of civilian Tamils are not compromised and they do not get enmeshed in the conflict.(News-Dailynews)
Norway funds for pro LTTE elements in Tamil Nadu
According to sources close to the Norwegian Government and its Foreign Ministry, millions of funds are being siphoned to the Tamil Politicians and Film Makers in Tamil Nadu for taking nonstop action against Sri Lanka's ongoing Military operation against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)."At this moment the Norwegian Government cannot do anything without the Sri Lankan Government's knowledge. But there is an attempt to save the Tigers as millions of Krons are being funded towards Pro LTTE activities in Tamil Nadu," high level source in the Foreign Ministry in Oslo told Sri Lanka Guardian, in a telephone conservation.However, when Sri Lanka Guardian contacted an official with the Central Government of India to comment on the Norwegian involments in Tamil Nadu politics, he said, " The Central Govenment is not aware of these allegations. If there is any truth in this the Government would be seriously concerned, he added. - (News-Sri Lanka Guardian )
As DMK relents, crisis for Centre ends
CHENNAI: Signalling the end of a major crisis that threatened the continuance of the United Progressive Alliance government, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi assured External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee that he would not precipitate any crisis over the issue of a ceasefire in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict, even as the island nation assured India that the safety of Tamils in that country was being taken care of.
On Sunday evening, Mr. Mukherjee met Mr. Karunanidhi at his residence here and requested him not to press with the resignation of Tamil Nadu Members of Parliament over the issue. (An all-party meeting, chaired by Mr. Karunanidhi last week, had resolved that the MPs might have to resign if the Centre did not ensure a ceasefire in Sri Lanka by October 29.)
“He suggested that we defer the decision [to resign] now. I gave him that assurance,” Mr. Karunanidhi told the media after his meeting with Mr. Mukherjee.
While emphasising the need to ensure that the ceasefire, which existed at the time of Norway’s initiative, is back in place, Mr. Karunanidhi agreed that it had to be further discussed. There was no final decision on whether India should take the initiative for a ceasefire, or whether other countries or agencies should play a role. “There is no impediment now to analyse the modalities to bring about a ceasefire,” said Mr. Karunanidhi.
“This issue has been going on for 40 years, we cannot expect it to be resolved in four days,” said Mr. Karunanidhi.
“We are not party to a ceasefire, we have not broken a ceasefire and we cannot restore a ceasefire on our own,” said Mr. Mukherjee. “We have said there cannot be a military solution … We are asking for a political solution.”
Mr. Mukherjee told the media that he had pressed Sri Lankan special envoy Basil Rajapaksa to implement the devolution of power agreed upon by the high power committee as soon as possible. The envoy assured him that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa would himself take charge of the political package and push it through politically. A committee would also be established to benchmark what could be done on increased devolution in the Eastern province.
Asked about Indian military assistance to Sri Lanka, Mr. Mukherjee said that while India was not a net exporter of arms, it sometimes gave some non-lethal equipment and platforms. Pointing out the position of the Indian and Sri Lankan coastlines, he said the radar that was given would cover vital installations in Indian areas as well.
“If the decisions finalised today [on Sunday] are implemented in full, I will be fully satisfied,” said Mr. Karunanidhi. On the resignations by Tamil Nadu MPs, he said some of the participants at the all-party meet were now having second thoughts about that decision. “So we too have second thoughts,” he said.
Mr. Mukherjee declined to answer questions on political realignments or the Congress view about them.(News-The Hindu)
On Sunday evening, Mr. Mukherjee met Mr. Karunanidhi at his residence here and requested him not to press with the resignation of Tamil Nadu Members of Parliament over the issue. (An all-party meeting, chaired by Mr. Karunanidhi last week, had resolved that the MPs might have to resign if the Centre did not ensure a ceasefire in Sri Lanka by October 29.)
“He suggested that we defer the decision [to resign] now. I gave him that assurance,” Mr. Karunanidhi told the media after his meeting with Mr. Mukherjee.
While emphasising the need to ensure that the ceasefire, which existed at the time of Norway’s initiative, is back in place, Mr. Karunanidhi agreed that it had to be further discussed. There was no final decision on whether India should take the initiative for a ceasefire, or whether other countries or agencies should play a role. “There is no impediment now to analyse the modalities to bring about a ceasefire,” said Mr. Karunanidhi.
“This issue has been going on for 40 years, we cannot expect it to be resolved in four days,” said Mr. Karunanidhi.
“We are not party to a ceasefire, we have not broken a ceasefire and we cannot restore a ceasefire on our own,” said Mr. Mukherjee. “We have said there cannot be a military solution … We are asking for a political solution.”
Mr. Mukherjee told the media that he had pressed Sri Lankan special envoy Basil Rajapaksa to implement the devolution of power agreed upon by the high power committee as soon as possible. The envoy assured him that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa would himself take charge of the political package and push it through politically. A committee would also be established to benchmark what could be done on increased devolution in the Eastern province.
Asked about Indian military assistance to Sri Lanka, Mr. Mukherjee said that while India was not a net exporter of arms, it sometimes gave some non-lethal equipment and platforms. Pointing out the position of the Indian and Sri Lankan coastlines, he said the radar that was given would cover vital installations in Indian areas as well.
“If the decisions finalised today [on Sunday] are implemented in full, I will be fully satisfied,” said Mr. Karunanidhi. On the resignations by Tamil Nadu MPs, he said some of the participants at the all-party meet were now having second thoughts about that decision. “So we too have second thoughts,” he said.
Mr. Mukherjee declined to answer questions on political realignments or the Congress view about them.(News-The Hindu)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Kattankudi mosque attacked, four injured
Husainiya Mosque in 1st Division, Kattankudy came under grenade attack by unknown men a short while ago, Police said. Four Muslim civilians who were praying were injured and admitted to Kattankudy hospital.(News-Timesonline)
Capturing Kilinochchi is a day dream of Rajapakse
The military strength of the LTTE remains the same despite not having Karuna, LTTE Leader Velupillai Pirapaharan said. In an e-mail interview with Indian magazine Nakkeeran last week, Pirapaharan admitted that the Sri Lankan troops were near Kilinochchi town. "The forces have entered parts of our homeland and are stationed in close proximity to Kilinochchi town. Our cadres are carrying out attacks on the Sinhala forces to prevent them from entering Kilinochchi." "But, capturing Kilinochchi is just a day dream of Rajapakse." He also expressed his gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for standing up against the violence on the Tamil people during the recent military operations in the north. "He has always showed his love and passion towards the Sri Lankan Tamils. He has proved it on several occasions. He has not only voiced his concern against the Sinhala state terrorism in Tamileelam, but has also showed it in action." Q: What is your view on the voice raised in support of the Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu, after the 1980s?
A: The government forces and the extremist leaders carried out an unprecedented genocide of the Tamils in 1983. The extent of the genocide was such that thousands of Tamils were killed and their wealth extorted. Several hundreds of thousands have fled the country and sought refuge in other countries. Those untold agonies cannot be forgotten. The people and the political leaders of Tamil Nadu have expressed their anger against the killings, putting aside their political differences.
Even today, the government forces are carrying out massive genocidal attacks on Tamils using their sea, air and ground troops. Civilians being killed or deserting their homes have become a daily occurrence. The people of Tamil Nadu have stood up for the Sri Lankan Tamils whenever they have gone through untold sufferings. This is what has happened in Tamil Nadu today. This situation will definitely give us more strength.
Q: Recently at the general meeting held in Chennai, Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) made an emotional statement in support of the Sri Lankan Tamils. Soon afterwards, he convened an All-Party Meeting and called upon the Central Government to stop the 'genocide of Tamils' by the Sinhala government within two weeks. Otherwise, the Tamil Nadu parliamentarians would resign. What is your view of the stance taken by the governing DMK?
A: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Kalaignar is a Tamil nationalist. He has always showed his love and passion towards the Sri Lankan Tamils. He has proved it on several occasions. He has not only voiced his concern against the Sinhala state terrorism in Tamileelam, but has also showed it in action. Today, it makes us happy to see him taking a stance in support of the Tamils when they face untold sufferings. We expect such support in the future as well.
Q: Jayalalitha, who is against your organisation and who was instrumental in banning your organisation in India, had two weeks ago taken a stance in favour of the Sri Lankan issue. But today, she has changed her stance. What is your view of the change in Jayalalitha's stance?
A: The effect of the genocide of Tamils carried out by the Sinhala government has shaken the whole of Tamil Nadu. The political leaders there have put aside their political differences and voiced their support for us. Jayalalitha had also voiced her support. But, if she has changed her stance now, what could we say about it?
Q: President Mahinda Rajapakse has said that they would capture your current capital Kilinochchi. What is the actual situation on the warfront in Sri Lanka?
A: The Sri Lankan government is receiving military assistance from several countries. They are buying more and more military equipment. They are using these equipment to carry out genocidal attacks on Tamils. The forces have entered parts of our homeland and are stationed in close proximity to Kilinochchi town.
Our cadres are carrying out attacks on the Sinhala forces to prevent them from entering Kilinochchi. The military is facing severe losses due to these attacks. Therefore, the forces are carrying out indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. More than 100,000 Tamils have fled their homes and are continuously on the move as refugees, seeking safe areas.
But, capturing Kilinochchi is just a day dream of Rajapakse.
Q: The Sri Lankan military is receiving help from several countries. You do not have the support of any country. Do you believe that you could emerge victorious given this fact?
A: We have the support of the Tamils all over the world. Our people are with us. During a struggle for the freedom of a community it is necessary to have the support and strength of the people. That will pave the way for victory. On that aspect, we continuously receive immense support from Tamils around the world. Therefore, the final victory will be ours. It will be the victory of the Tamil people as well.
Q: The Sri Lankan military says that they have weakened the Tigers by reducing them to 3000?
A: It is the Sinhalese forces that are facing severe losses while attacking us. The Sinhalese government has strategically censored the truth. The media supporting the Sinhala state is also doing the same thing. President Rajapakse is strategically carrying out false propaganda using pro-government media. It is an effort by President Rajapakse to create an anti-LTTE opinion. Our military power remains strong as always.
Q: What do you say on the claims by the military that it had destroyed your hideouts, the Tiger runway and your secret meeting places?
A: The Sinhala forces cannot destroy our meeting places and runways. Only the houses of civilians, hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship are being destroyed due to the indiscriminate engagements carried out by the military. The military is also destroying nature by dropping their bombs on forests. The military is carrying out attacks on the homes of the Tamils and on nature to destroy Tamilleelam and the Tamils, and claim that they have destroyed our hideouts.
Q: We got to know that there were attacks on your political headquarters recently. Were you there during the time of the attack?
A: There were attacks. But, there have been no damage. No one was there at the time of the attack.
Q: It has been continuously said that the reason for your inability to retaliate in the north, and your weakness is due to the absence of Karuna?
A: Karuna betrayed the organisation. He has been rejected by the organisation. The Tamil people also rejected Karuna no sooner the LTTE rejected him. He now functions as the paramilitary of the Sinhala forces after betraying the movement and the Tamil people. At this stage where our people have rejected him and where we have the total support of our people, I completely reject this question.
Q: Your view on the appointment of Karuna as an MP by Mahinda Rajapakse?
A: The Sinhala state, which is carrying out genocidal attacks on Tamils, is using Karuna as a tool to fool the international community and receive military assistance. Rajapakse has given this appointment to Karuna, the traitor, for this purpose. We see it as a payment for his labour, given by the leader of an autocratic government of Rajapakse for betraying the struggle of the Tamils.
Q: You have accused India of providing weapons to Sri Lanka. On what basis do you make these allegations?
A: Several media organisations have stated that India is continuously providing military equipment and training. The media also reported to the world that Indian experts were involved in providing training to operate the radar instrument in Vavuniya, which is very saddening.
Q: Will the war by the government continue? Or do you feel that there would be another suitable environment for talks?
A: We can only expect such a situation depending on the politics within the government and its military stance. But during the recent past, the government unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement and has been saying that a military solution is the only answer to the problem.
Q: How do you think that India could contribute on the ethnic issue of Sri Lanka?
A: We expect that it would lift the ban on our organisation and support us to fulfill the long awaited aspirations of the Tamil people.
Q: Recently the suicide force belonging to your organisation had killed former Major General Janaka Perera?
A: It has been a common practice of the Sinhala army to blame such attacks on our movement. There are conflicts within the army ranks that could result in taking each other's lives.
Q: The Sri Lankan government has told India that there is a necessity to destroy the Tigers which carries out suicide attacks and also destroys innocent Sinhalese. Indian political analysts meanwhile question as to how the Tigers could expect a positive response from India given this situation?
A: We do not carry out attacks on innocent Sinhala civilians. Ours is a liberation organisation fighting for the liberation of the Tamil people. We strongly believe that a solution cannot be reached by killing normal civilians. We have continuously called upon the Indian political analysts and policy makers to clearly understand this.
Q: The Sri Lanka Army has warned that Pirapaharan cannot live in bunkers for long and that he should surrender?
A: I'm not living in bunkers. We are living among the people, fighting for them and carrying out our freedom struggle. It is a common phrase used by the military during the last 30 years.
Q: What is your psychological state given the current intense situation at the warfront?
A: We are with a firm resolve to carry out the liberation struggle. We have faced several obstacles in our 30 years of struggle and have used them for our advantage.
Even those who were commanders of the Indian Peace Keeping Force have written in praise of our mental strength and our leadership.
We are determined to face any obstacle that comes our way.
Q: On the claims made by the Sri Lanka Army that Pirapaharan is trying to flee abroad as a refugee?
A: This is nothing but the usual false propaganda.
Q: Rajapakse says that he will hand over Pirapaharan to India if he surrenders?
A: This is one of the many dreams of Rajapakse.
Q: What should be the contribution of Tamil Nadu in the 30-year-old ethnic conflict?
A: We expect that they would continue to provide their support until our people are liberated and also help gain international recognition for our freedom struggle.
Q: Do the Tigers still maintain a good relationship with the international community?
A: We continue to have dialogues with the international community with regard to peace negotiations.
Q: Do you still demand Tamileelam as a solution? Or do you accept an administrative framework with minimum powers?
A: The Tamil people have at every election since 1977, indicated what their political aspirations are. That would be the permanent solution for the ethnic crisis.(News- Sunday Leader)
A: The government forces and the extremist leaders carried out an unprecedented genocide of the Tamils in 1983. The extent of the genocide was such that thousands of Tamils were killed and their wealth extorted. Several hundreds of thousands have fled the country and sought refuge in other countries. Those untold agonies cannot be forgotten. The people and the political leaders of Tamil Nadu have expressed their anger against the killings, putting aside their political differences.
Even today, the government forces are carrying out massive genocidal attacks on Tamils using their sea, air and ground troops. Civilians being killed or deserting their homes have become a daily occurrence. The people of Tamil Nadu have stood up for the Sri Lankan Tamils whenever they have gone through untold sufferings. This is what has happened in Tamil Nadu today. This situation will definitely give us more strength.
Q: Recently at the general meeting held in Chennai, Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) made an emotional statement in support of the Sri Lankan Tamils. Soon afterwards, he convened an All-Party Meeting and called upon the Central Government to stop the 'genocide of Tamils' by the Sinhala government within two weeks. Otherwise, the Tamil Nadu parliamentarians would resign. What is your view of the stance taken by the governing DMK?
A: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Kalaignar is a Tamil nationalist. He has always showed his love and passion towards the Sri Lankan Tamils. He has proved it on several occasions. He has not only voiced his concern against the Sinhala state terrorism in Tamileelam, but has also showed it in action. Today, it makes us happy to see him taking a stance in support of the Tamils when they face untold sufferings. We expect such support in the future as well.
Q: Jayalalitha, who is against your organisation and who was instrumental in banning your organisation in India, had two weeks ago taken a stance in favour of the Sri Lankan issue. But today, she has changed her stance. What is your view of the change in Jayalalitha's stance?
A: The effect of the genocide of Tamils carried out by the Sinhala government has shaken the whole of Tamil Nadu. The political leaders there have put aside their political differences and voiced their support for us. Jayalalitha had also voiced her support. But, if she has changed her stance now, what could we say about it?
Q: President Mahinda Rajapakse has said that they would capture your current capital Kilinochchi. What is the actual situation on the warfront in Sri Lanka?
A: The Sri Lankan government is receiving military assistance from several countries. They are buying more and more military equipment. They are using these equipment to carry out genocidal attacks on Tamils. The forces have entered parts of our homeland and are stationed in close proximity to Kilinochchi town.
Our cadres are carrying out attacks on the Sinhala forces to prevent them from entering Kilinochchi. The military is facing severe losses due to these attacks. Therefore, the forces are carrying out indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. More than 100,000 Tamils have fled their homes and are continuously on the move as refugees, seeking safe areas.
But, capturing Kilinochchi is just a day dream of Rajapakse.
Q: The Sri Lankan military is receiving help from several countries. You do not have the support of any country. Do you believe that you could emerge victorious given this fact?
A: We have the support of the Tamils all over the world. Our people are with us. During a struggle for the freedom of a community it is necessary to have the support and strength of the people. That will pave the way for victory. On that aspect, we continuously receive immense support from Tamils around the world. Therefore, the final victory will be ours. It will be the victory of the Tamil people as well.
Q: The Sri Lankan military says that they have weakened the Tigers by reducing them to 3000?
A: It is the Sinhalese forces that are facing severe losses while attacking us. The Sinhalese government has strategically censored the truth. The media supporting the Sinhala state is also doing the same thing. President Rajapakse is strategically carrying out false propaganda using pro-government media. It is an effort by President Rajapakse to create an anti-LTTE opinion. Our military power remains strong as always.
Q: What do you say on the claims by the military that it had destroyed your hideouts, the Tiger runway and your secret meeting places?
A: The Sinhala forces cannot destroy our meeting places and runways. Only the houses of civilians, hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship are being destroyed due to the indiscriminate engagements carried out by the military. The military is also destroying nature by dropping their bombs on forests. The military is carrying out attacks on the homes of the Tamils and on nature to destroy Tamilleelam and the Tamils, and claim that they have destroyed our hideouts.
Q: We got to know that there were attacks on your political headquarters recently. Were you there during the time of the attack?
A: There were attacks. But, there have been no damage. No one was there at the time of the attack.
Q: It has been continuously said that the reason for your inability to retaliate in the north, and your weakness is due to the absence of Karuna?
A: Karuna betrayed the organisation. He has been rejected by the organisation. The Tamil people also rejected Karuna no sooner the LTTE rejected him. He now functions as the paramilitary of the Sinhala forces after betraying the movement and the Tamil people. At this stage where our people have rejected him and where we have the total support of our people, I completely reject this question.
Q: Your view on the appointment of Karuna as an MP by Mahinda Rajapakse?
A: The Sinhala state, which is carrying out genocidal attacks on Tamils, is using Karuna as a tool to fool the international community and receive military assistance. Rajapakse has given this appointment to Karuna, the traitor, for this purpose. We see it as a payment for his labour, given by the leader of an autocratic government of Rajapakse for betraying the struggle of the Tamils.
Q: You have accused India of providing weapons to Sri Lanka. On what basis do you make these allegations?
A: Several media organisations have stated that India is continuously providing military equipment and training. The media also reported to the world that Indian experts were involved in providing training to operate the radar instrument in Vavuniya, which is very saddening.
Q: Will the war by the government continue? Or do you feel that there would be another suitable environment for talks?
A: We can only expect such a situation depending on the politics within the government and its military stance. But during the recent past, the government unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement and has been saying that a military solution is the only answer to the problem.
Q: How do you think that India could contribute on the ethnic issue of Sri Lanka?
A: We expect that it would lift the ban on our organisation and support us to fulfill the long awaited aspirations of the Tamil people.
Q: Recently the suicide force belonging to your organisation had killed former Major General Janaka Perera?
A: It has been a common practice of the Sinhala army to blame such attacks on our movement. There are conflicts within the army ranks that could result in taking each other's lives.
Q: The Sri Lankan government has told India that there is a necessity to destroy the Tigers which carries out suicide attacks and also destroys innocent Sinhalese. Indian political analysts meanwhile question as to how the Tigers could expect a positive response from India given this situation?
A: We do not carry out attacks on innocent Sinhala civilians. Ours is a liberation organisation fighting for the liberation of the Tamil people. We strongly believe that a solution cannot be reached by killing normal civilians. We have continuously called upon the Indian political analysts and policy makers to clearly understand this.
Q: The Sri Lanka Army has warned that Pirapaharan cannot live in bunkers for long and that he should surrender?
A: I'm not living in bunkers. We are living among the people, fighting for them and carrying out our freedom struggle. It is a common phrase used by the military during the last 30 years.
Q: What is your psychological state given the current intense situation at the warfront?
A: We are with a firm resolve to carry out the liberation struggle. We have faced several obstacles in our 30 years of struggle and have used them for our advantage.
Even those who were commanders of the Indian Peace Keeping Force have written in praise of our mental strength and our leadership.
We are determined to face any obstacle that comes our way.
Q: On the claims made by the Sri Lanka Army that Pirapaharan is trying to flee abroad as a refugee?
A: This is nothing but the usual false propaganda.
Q: Rajapakse says that he will hand over Pirapaharan to India if he surrenders?
A: This is one of the many dreams of Rajapakse.
Q: What should be the contribution of Tamil Nadu in the 30-year-old ethnic conflict?
A: We expect that they would continue to provide their support until our people are liberated and also help gain international recognition for our freedom struggle.
Q: Do the Tigers still maintain a good relationship with the international community?
A: We continue to have dialogues with the international community with regard to peace negotiations.
Q: Do you still demand Tamileelam as a solution? Or do you accept an administrative framework with minimum powers?
A: The Tamil people have at every election since 1977, indicated what their political aspirations are. That would be the permanent solution for the ethnic crisis.(News- Sunday Leader)
Jaya demands Karuna's arrest, assembly dissolution
Chennai, Oct 25 (PTI) Stepping up her attack against the DMK Government on the LTTE issue, AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalithaa today demanded dissolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly besides arrest of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for allegedly eulogising late LTTE leaders S Tamilselvan and Anton Balasingam."I have made this demand long back. Whether the UPA Government, of which the DMK is a constituent, has the guts to do this?" she asked in a statement.The arrest of Tamil film directors Seeman and Amir, for their pro-LTTE remarks at a rally by film industry in Rameswaram, was only a "farce", she alleged."They were in full public view in the human chain and Karunanidhi had also seen them in the demonstration. Why police did not arrest them initially? They were arrested only after completion of the human chain and after giving interviews to media," she charged.Jayalalithaa also demanded the arrest of DPI leader Thol Thirumavalavan, who had also reportedly supported the LTTE, at a conference here in January last.Alleging that his party colleague Vanniarasu was involved in arm smuggling for LTTE, she wanted to know why the two were not arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. PTI
Tamil MPs ask India to pressure Sri Lanka to end killings
Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) A group of Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka sympathetic to the Tamil Tigers Saturday sought sustained Indian diplomatic pressure to force Colombo to start talking to the guerrillas in a bid to end the ethnic conflict.
'An Indian intervention is needed to force the war-hungry Colombo regime to come to the negotiation table, work out with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) a peaceful political solution to our issue within the ambit of a federal, united Sri Lanka and stop its military moves against innocent Tamil civilians,' Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Sri Kantha told reporters.
'Over 250,000 Tamils have become refugees in our own homeland and several thousands of our brethren are being killed by the military. Absence of food and medicines to the sick and the infirm ... are also claiming lives,' he said.
'Habitations in Wanni and Kilinochcyi have been reduced to rubble in the bombing that have killed countless children and the aged. People are suffering without food. The undeclared war must end. The Sri Lankan government must begin negotiations with the LTTE without delay,' added M.K. Shivaji Lingam, another MP from the same party.
The MPs also expressed sincere appreciation for the pro-active measures including Friday's massive human chain protest held in Chennai and called for political parties in India to speak in a united voice.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu, which is separated from Sri Lanka by a strip of sea, have threatened to resign their seats from the Indian parliament by Oct 29 if New Delhi does not bring about a ceasefire in the island nation by that date.(News-YahooIndia)
'An Indian intervention is needed to force the war-hungry Colombo regime to come to the negotiation table, work out with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) a peaceful political solution to our issue within the ambit of a federal, united Sri Lanka and stop its military moves against innocent Tamil civilians,' Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Sri Kantha told reporters.
'Over 250,000 Tamils have become refugees in our own homeland and several thousands of our brethren are being killed by the military. Absence of food and medicines to the sick and the infirm ... are also claiming lives,' he said.
'Habitations in Wanni and Kilinochcyi have been reduced to rubble in the bombing that have killed countless children and the aged. People are suffering without food. The undeclared war must end. The Sri Lankan government must begin negotiations with the LTTE without delay,' added M.K. Shivaji Lingam, another MP from the same party.
The MPs also expressed sincere appreciation for the pro-active measures including Friday's massive human chain protest held in Chennai and called for political parties in India to speak in a united voice.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu, which is separated from Sri Lanka by a strip of sea, have threatened to resign their seats from the Indian parliament by Oct 29 if New Delhi does not bring about a ceasefire in the island nation by that date.(News-YahooIndia)
Sri Lanka's special envoy arrives in India for talks
New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) Amid growing concern in India about the military offensive in the island nation, Sri Lankan presidential adviser Basil Rajapaksa arrived here Saturday to assure Indian leaders about steps taken to safeguard Tamils trapped in the war zone.
Rajapaksa, a brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior adviser to him, will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Sunday on the situation in Sri Lanka in the light of the military thrust against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Rajpapksa will also meet National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and discuss with them Colombo's perspective on the military action.
He is likely to call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who returns home after midnight Saturday after attending the Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) in Beijing.
India is likely to reiterate its position that Sri Lanka should shun a military solution and respect the legitimate rights of the minorities, the Tamils included, an official source said.
The issue of finding practical arrangements to prevent incidents of firings by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen will also figure in a big way in the discussions between the two sides.
With Tamil Nadu MPs creating a storm over the military offensive in Sri Lanka, India has sent repeated messages to Colombo in the past 10 days to ensure the safety of Tamil civilians caught in the crossfire.
'We have emphasised to the Sri Lankan government that the safety and the security of the civilians must be safeguarded at all costs and that food and essential supplies be allowed to reach them unhindered,' Mukherjee had told parliament Wednesday.
'The rights and the welfare of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka should not get enmeshed in the ongoing hostilities against the LTTE,' he stressed after 15 MPs of DMK, a key ally of the Manmohan Singh government and the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, submitted resignations to the party chief over the situation in Sri Lanka.(News-YahooIndia)
Rajapaksa, a brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior adviser to him, will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Sunday on the situation in Sri Lanka in the light of the military thrust against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Rajpapksa will also meet National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and discuss with them Colombo's perspective on the military action.
He is likely to call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who returns home after midnight Saturday after attending the Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) in Beijing.
India is likely to reiterate its position that Sri Lanka should shun a military solution and respect the legitimate rights of the minorities, the Tamils included, an official source said.
The issue of finding practical arrangements to prevent incidents of firings by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen will also figure in a big way in the discussions between the two sides.
With Tamil Nadu MPs creating a storm over the military offensive in Sri Lanka, India has sent repeated messages to Colombo in the past 10 days to ensure the safety of Tamil civilians caught in the crossfire.
'We have emphasised to the Sri Lankan government that the safety and the security of the civilians must be safeguarded at all costs and that food and essential supplies be allowed to reach them unhindered,' Mukherjee had told parliament Wednesday.
'The rights and the welfare of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka should not get enmeshed in the ongoing hostilities against the LTTE,' he stressed after 15 MPs of DMK, a key ally of the Manmohan Singh government and the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, submitted resignations to the party chief over the situation in Sri Lanka.(News-YahooIndia)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A meeting between Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe
A meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe took place yesterday at Temple Trees. During this meeting the President has briefed the Opposition Leader regarding the humanitarian operations conducted by the Security Forces and also regarding the humanitarian assistance sent for the civilian population in the North. Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena also participated. Picture by Chandana Perera
Food convoys to continue despite rains - UN
Weekly food convoys run by the UN and Government for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North will continue, despite the monsoon rains, UN officials in Colombo said.
The third convoy since the relocation of UN and other international agencies from Wanni, on September 16 was expected to travel on October 24, UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told IRIN.
The agencies relocated following a Government directive. Since October 3, at least 101 UN supply trucks, in addition to Government supplies, have reached the Wanni. The weekly UN convoy carries 750 metric tonnes of supplies.
“The food distribution system, supported by the Government Agents in the Wanni, is working well,” Weiss said, “and indications are that supplies are reaching IDPs even in the remote villages (in the Wanni).”
Heavy rains in the Wanni in the past two weeks have caused delivery problems and heightened the need to provide shelter material for the estimated 230,000 IDPs there, UN and government officials told IRIN.
“The roads used by the food convoys need some repair,” Imalda Sukumar, the Government Agent for the Mullaithivu District, where more than 155,000 people (about 39,000 families) are displaced, told IRIN. “We have received funds to repair the road from the Government and we will start work soon.”
She said that Rs. 30 million had been allocated for the repair work, of which half was to be released immediately. The convoys can no longer use the A9 highway, the best road into the Wanni, but instead must take a north-eastern route from Puliyankulam, about 15km north of the Omanthai crossover point.
“It is not an easy journey, especially when you have 50 heavy vehicles loaded with supplies travelling during the rains,” Weiss told IRIN. The last UN convoy was delayed by more than two hours when two trucks became stuck in deep potholes.
The rains have also raised concerns over shelter for IDPs, Weiss said. According to UN assessments, thousands of families are in temporary shelters on paddy lands, which are prone to flooding.“With rains, there is the need to supply shelter material and we are now looking into transporting them,” Weiss said.
Sukumar told IRIN that despite most IDPs staying in low-lying areas, no significant flooding of IDP sites had been reported.
“There is, however, a health risk. Most of these people are living in the open without proper toilet facilities,” she said. “With the rains there is the threat of water-borne diseases, especially among the children.”
Weiss said cases of diarrhoea had been reported among the IDPs. IRIN(News-Dailynews)
The third convoy since the relocation of UN and other international agencies from Wanni, on September 16 was expected to travel on October 24, UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told IRIN.
The agencies relocated following a Government directive. Since October 3, at least 101 UN supply trucks, in addition to Government supplies, have reached the Wanni. The weekly UN convoy carries 750 metric tonnes of supplies.
“The food distribution system, supported by the Government Agents in the Wanni, is working well,” Weiss said, “and indications are that supplies are reaching IDPs even in the remote villages (in the Wanni).”
Heavy rains in the Wanni in the past two weeks have caused delivery problems and heightened the need to provide shelter material for the estimated 230,000 IDPs there, UN and government officials told IRIN.
“The roads used by the food convoys need some repair,” Imalda Sukumar, the Government Agent for the Mullaithivu District, where more than 155,000 people (about 39,000 families) are displaced, told IRIN. “We have received funds to repair the road from the Government and we will start work soon.”
She said that Rs. 30 million had been allocated for the repair work, of which half was to be released immediately. The convoys can no longer use the A9 highway, the best road into the Wanni, but instead must take a north-eastern route from Puliyankulam, about 15km north of the Omanthai crossover point.
“It is not an easy journey, especially when you have 50 heavy vehicles loaded with supplies travelling during the rains,” Weiss told IRIN. The last UN convoy was delayed by more than two hours when two trucks became stuck in deep potholes.
The rains have also raised concerns over shelter for IDPs, Weiss said. According to UN assessments, thousands of families are in temporary shelters on paddy lands, which are prone to flooding.“With rains, there is the need to supply shelter material and we are now looking into transporting them,” Weiss said.
Sukumar told IRIN that despite most IDPs staying in low-lying areas, no significant flooding of IDP sites had been reported.
“There is, however, a health risk. Most of these people are living in the open without proper toilet facilities,” she said. “With the rains there is the threat of water-borne diseases, especially among the children.”
Weiss said cases of diarrhoea had been reported among the IDPs. IRIN(News-Dailynews)
CPM demands unbiased action on LTTE supporters
CHENNAI: The CPI (M)’s Tamil Nadu unit yesterday demanded “unbiased action” against those supporting banned outfits or supporting armed rebellion for the Sri Lankan Tamil cause.
Referring to the arrest of MDMK leader Vaiko and party’s presidium chairman M Kannappan for allegedly making pro-LTTE speeches, the Party’s state unit secretary, N Varadarajan, said such action should be “unbiased,” in an apparent reference to some Tamil film directors reportedly demanding separate nationhood for Tamil Nadu.
In a statement here, he said demands for a separate Eelam as the permanent solution for the ethnic strife and a separate Tamil Nadu “will do no good for the Tamils in Sri Lanka.” He called for unity among “democratic forces” in the state which favoured a political solution to the problem in Sri Lanka through dialogue.
The party also condemned secessionist demands made by some persons.(News-Dailynews)
Referring to the arrest of MDMK leader Vaiko and party’s presidium chairman M Kannappan for allegedly making pro-LTTE speeches, the Party’s state unit secretary, N Varadarajan, said such action should be “unbiased,” in an apparent reference to some Tamil film directors reportedly demanding separate nationhood for Tamil Nadu.
In a statement here, he said demands for a separate Eelam as the permanent solution for the ethnic strife and a separate Tamil Nadu “will do no good for the Tamils in Sri Lanka.” He called for unity among “democratic forces” in the state which favoured a political solution to the problem in Sri Lanka through dialogue.
The party also condemned secessionist demands made by some persons.(News-Dailynews)
Premasiri Khemadasa passes away
Internationally renowned music maestro Premasiri Khemadasa (71) passed away yesterday at a private hospital in Colombo. ‘Khemadasa Master’ who has left his mark in the local and international music scene during the past five decades was born on January 25, 1937 in Talpitiya, Wadduwa.
He was educated at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya and St.John’s College, Panadura. He started his musical career with the Radio Ceylon orchestra.
He had the opportunity of providing music to Roddie Kella a film by Sirisena Wimalaweera and the musical contribution he made to Lester James Piries’ Golu Hadawatha was a turning point in cinematic music.
He also composed music for the landmark film Nidhanaya. Later, he contributed to films such as Agnidahaya and Ammavarune.
He was a pioneer of indigenous music at a time when Hindi and Tamil copies flooded the airwaves. He shot to fame with the Manasawila opera. This was followed with several other productions such as Dora Mandalawa and Sonduru Warnadasa.
His symphonies Muhuda and Mage Kale Mavni also left indelible memories among his fans. Agni was also critically acclaimed.
The film “Bambaru Evith” captured the audience with his music for the Song “ Handunagaththoth Oba Ma....”. He embraced the television medium through Jayantha Chandrasiri’s epoch-making creation Dandubasnamanaya.
He has enriched the local theatre, ballet, symphony and the Sinhala film/television industry with his vast repertoire. No two creations of Khemadasa were similar and he evolved a unique identity among world musicians.
While some of his compositions were influenced by Western composers of opera in the end they assumed a totally Sri Lankan aura.
He has conducted shows in many world capitals, taking Sri Lankan music to an international audience.
Funeral arrangements will be notified later.
He was educated at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya and St.John’s College, Panadura. He started his musical career with the Radio Ceylon orchestra.
He had the opportunity of providing music to Roddie Kella a film by Sirisena Wimalaweera and the musical contribution he made to Lester James Piries’ Golu Hadawatha was a turning point in cinematic music.
He also composed music for the landmark film Nidhanaya. Later, he contributed to films such as Agnidahaya and Ammavarune.
He was a pioneer of indigenous music at a time when Hindi and Tamil copies flooded the airwaves. He shot to fame with the Manasawila opera. This was followed with several other productions such as Dora Mandalawa and Sonduru Warnadasa.
His symphonies Muhuda and Mage Kale Mavni also left indelible memories among his fans. Agni was also critically acclaimed.
The film “Bambaru Evith” captured the audience with his music for the Song “ Handunagaththoth Oba Ma....”. He embraced the television medium through Jayantha Chandrasiri’s epoch-making creation Dandubasnamanaya.
He has enriched the local theatre, ballet, symphony and the Sinhala film/television industry with his vast repertoire. No two creations of Khemadasa were similar and he evolved a unique identity among world musicians.
While some of his compositions were influenced by Western composers of opera in the end they assumed a totally Sri Lankan aura.
He has conducted shows in many world capitals, taking Sri Lankan music to an international audience.
Funeral arrangements will be notified later.
Lanka rejects EU probe for GSP+
Sri Lanka will not be part of a process that comes in the form of an investigation on the extension of the GSP+ facility, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama asserted during his discussions with French Ambassador Michel Lummaux yesterday.
France is the current Chair of the European Union (EU).
Minister Bogollagama reiterated that an investigation to assess Sri Lanka’s compliance on the requisites for extension of this facility would not be accepted and therefore an alternative process should be found.
Bogollagama pointed out that Sri Lanka has conformed to all the requirements and nothing had changed since the commencement of according this facility.
He observed that the noble objective of the GSP+ facility will be negated judging from the communications Sri Lanka has received from the EC, which seem to allude to the establishment of punitive measures.
He stated that examination of conformity on the part of Sri Lanka in the review process should not be judged in the context of extraneous political issues.
The Minister also informed that Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing its engagement with the EU at the highest level.
Ambassador Lummaux confirmed that he understood Sri Lanka’s sentiments against the investigative review process and that France will follow a purely technical analysis on Sri Lanka’s response to the criteria.
He pointed out that the GSP+ facility was formulated as an incentive for sustainable development in developing countries. Therefore France wishes to have Sri Lanka’s application for its extension treated fairly.
The Ambassador also emphasised that France would not take a position of using this review process as a punitive measure, as it would only affect the poorest segment of Sri Lankan society.
He undertook to convey Sri Lanka’s position to his capital.
France is the current Chair of the European Union (EU).
Minister Bogollagama reiterated that an investigation to assess Sri Lanka’s compliance on the requisites for extension of this facility would not be accepted and therefore an alternative process should be found.
Bogollagama pointed out that Sri Lanka has conformed to all the requirements and nothing had changed since the commencement of according this facility.
He observed that the noble objective of the GSP+ facility will be negated judging from the communications Sri Lanka has received from the EC, which seem to allude to the establishment of punitive measures.
He stated that examination of conformity on the part of Sri Lanka in the review process should not be judged in the context of extraneous political issues.
The Minister also informed that Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing its engagement with the EU at the highest level.
Ambassador Lummaux confirmed that he understood Sri Lanka’s sentiments against the investigative review process and that France will follow a purely technical analysis on Sri Lanka’s response to the criteria.
He pointed out that the GSP+ facility was formulated as an incentive for sustainable development in developing countries. Therefore France wishes to have Sri Lanka’s application for its extension treated fairly.
The Ambassador also emphasised that France would not take a position of using this review process as a punitive measure, as it would only affect the poorest segment of Sri Lankan society.
He undertook to convey Sri Lanka’s position to his capital.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Attempt to attack Office of SL Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai thwarted
At around 15:00 hours on the 23rd October, 2008 an unruly group had attempted to forcibly enter the premises of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner's Office situated at No. 196, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600-018.(News-news.lk)
Sakvithi scam: Chief Legal Officer surrenders
Gangodawila Chief Magistrate yesterday ordered Sharmila Priyashanthi, Chief Legal Officer of the collapsed Sakvithi Financial Institution be placed under protective custody until November 3.
The suspect had been absconding for one month and surrendered to Gangodawila Courts through a lawyer yesterday.
Counsel for the suspect moved for bail for his client. This was refused by the Magistrate.
The suspect had been absconding for one month and surrendered to Gangodawila Courts through a lawyer yesterday.
Counsel for the suspect moved for bail for his client. This was refused by the Magistrate.
Two Sea Tiger leaders killed
Two Sea Tiger leaders attempting to blow up two freighters transporting essential food items and cement to Jaffna from Colombo to Kankesnathurai were killed by the Navy on Wednesday morning in the northern sea.
The Navy fired at the Tiger suicide boats approaching the Nimalawa vessel and destroyed two of their boats on Wednesday around 5.10 a.m. Six Tigers were killed including two Sea Tiger leaders. An LTTE suicide boat was captured and towed to the Mailady jetty.(News-Dailynews)
The Navy fired at the Tiger suicide boats approaching the Nimalawa vessel and destroyed two of their boats on Wednesday around 5.10 a.m. Six Tigers were killed including two Sea Tiger leaders. An LTTE suicide boat was captured and towed to the Mailady jetty.(News-Dailynews)
Quality television
The concern expressed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at some of the programmes aired over certain TV channels would be shared by many TV viewers.
Meeting with a group of artistes to accommodate their suggestions in the upcoming budget the President noted that some programmes telecast over certain TV channels debased moral values and are injurious to the mentality of children.
The President's views will certainly be endorsed by many.
The President was of the view that TV channels should telecast quality programmes and promote indigenous culture and values and espouse the cause of the Motherland.
There is no denying that some of the current TV programmes and particularly those garish soap operas dubbed in the vernacular are jarring on the nerves of the purist to say the least.
Many would agree that these programmes not only lack quality and direction but they are hard to rival for their sheer artificiality. Some of the 'mega' shouting matches that pass off as teledramas telecast on private channels while being completely alien to our culture also foster different values and lifestyles that are not in keeping with our civilised ethos.
True, these soap operas are meant to entertain and are backed by sponsors with commercial interests. But the wrong message conveyed could cause immense damage to our time honoured values and impact negatively on the young audience.
Interestingly it is this type of pot boilers that have been the biggest draw with the local TV audience. These soap operas are even big hits with educated housewives who take leave of their domestic chores if not their senses to be thrilled by the melodrama.
Sadly some of the national television stations too are seen attempting to emulate this tripe dished out to prime time audiences. Not only teledrama even other programmes aired by these channels are not in keeping with the accepted norms particularly those gyrations and contortions involving young couples.
The unbridled commercial bent of these channels is also amply demonstrated by the mega competitions that have created a new culture of 'superstars'. All these programmes have only one aim and that is to rake in the maximum returns .
True the world has moved fast and in today's globalised environment these sentiments may sound old fashioned and obsolete. But one has to take cognisance of the overall impact they would have on young impressionable minds. There is the danger of them being cast off their cultural moorings. Hence the President's concern at the declining standards and the need to foster programmes promoting indigenous culture and moral values.
In a highly commercialised milieu it would not be possible to lay down any rules and guidelines that would restrict such programmes. It is therefore left to the parties concerned to make the first move.
Strangely we do not hear any protests from the members of the clergy at these substandard teledramas and 'super star' shows which certainly do not accord with our indigenous ethos. This is not to say that programmes that entertain should be scrapped. Only that the sponsors should treat with circumspection and consideration the impact these may have on the young.
At the same meeting President Rajapaksa has also stressed the need to develop our cinema, and TV productions to match international levels rather than the wholesale import of English, Hindi and Tamil films. Here what is keeping our productions from securing international markets is not the absence of creative talent but the lack of technical excellence.
We say this because Hindi films that are more or less based on the same themes run to full houses in Western countries. This is chiefly due to the technical excellence of these productions. Therefore what we should concentrate on is to improve on this field to secure a market for our films in foreign countries.
Sri Lanka should also open itself to foreign collaboration in our productions. We should also promote Sri Lanka as a premier film location destination. This would also boost the tourism industry while promoting the country internationally.
All this though will be to no avail without resuscitating our film industry which is in the doldrums. Today cinemas countrywide are closing down at a rapid rate to make way for commercial enterprises. Action should be taken promptly to arrest the decline.
Now that the East is cleared there is a need to provide it's inhabitants with the type of entertainment that were denied to them all these years. It is well known that this segment are avid film goers and the conflict put paid to their entertainment. Measures should be taken to rebuild all cinemas in the province and restart those abandoned during the conflict so that once again they could indulge in their popular hobby.(News-Dailynews Editorial)
Meeting with a group of artistes to accommodate their suggestions in the upcoming budget the President noted that some programmes telecast over certain TV channels debased moral values and are injurious to the mentality of children.
The President's views will certainly be endorsed by many.
The President was of the view that TV channels should telecast quality programmes and promote indigenous culture and values and espouse the cause of the Motherland.
There is no denying that some of the current TV programmes and particularly those garish soap operas dubbed in the vernacular are jarring on the nerves of the purist to say the least.
Many would agree that these programmes not only lack quality and direction but they are hard to rival for their sheer artificiality. Some of the 'mega' shouting matches that pass off as teledramas telecast on private channels while being completely alien to our culture also foster different values and lifestyles that are not in keeping with our civilised ethos.
True, these soap operas are meant to entertain and are backed by sponsors with commercial interests. But the wrong message conveyed could cause immense damage to our time honoured values and impact negatively on the young audience.
Interestingly it is this type of pot boilers that have been the biggest draw with the local TV audience. These soap operas are even big hits with educated housewives who take leave of their domestic chores if not their senses to be thrilled by the melodrama.
Sadly some of the national television stations too are seen attempting to emulate this tripe dished out to prime time audiences. Not only teledrama even other programmes aired by these channels are not in keeping with the accepted norms particularly those gyrations and contortions involving young couples.
The unbridled commercial bent of these channels is also amply demonstrated by the mega competitions that have created a new culture of 'superstars'. All these programmes have only one aim and that is to rake in the maximum returns .
True the world has moved fast and in today's globalised environment these sentiments may sound old fashioned and obsolete. But one has to take cognisance of the overall impact they would have on young impressionable minds. There is the danger of them being cast off their cultural moorings. Hence the President's concern at the declining standards and the need to foster programmes promoting indigenous culture and moral values.
In a highly commercialised milieu it would not be possible to lay down any rules and guidelines that would restrict such programmes. It is therefore left to the parties concerned to make the first move.
Strangely we do not hear any protests from the members of the clergy at these substandard teledramas and 'super star' shows which certainly do not accord with our indigenous ethos. This is not to say that programmes that entertain should be scrapped. Only that the sponsors should treat with circumspection and consideration the impact these may have on the young.
At the same meeting President Rajapaksa has also stressed the need to develop our cinema, and TV productions to match international levels rather than the wholesale import of English, Hindi and Tamil films. Here what is keeping our productions from securing international markets is not the absence of creative talent but the lack of technical excellence.
We say this because Hindi films that are more or less based on the same themes run to full houses in Western countries. This is chiefly due to the technical excellence of these productions. Therefore what we should concentrate on is to improve on this field to secure a market for our films in foreign countries.
Sri Lanka should also open itself to foreign collaboration in our productions. We should also promote Sri Lanka as a premier film location destination. This would also boost the tourism industry while promoting the country internationally.
All this though will be to no avail without resuscitating our film industry which is in the doldrums. Today cinemas countrywide are closing down at a rapid rate to make way for commercial enterprises. Action should be taken promptly to arrest the decline.
Now that the East is cleared there is a need to provide it's inhabitants with the type of entertainment that were denied to them all these years. It is well known that this segment are avid film goers and the conflict put paid to their entertainment. Measures should be taken to rebuild all cinemas in the province and restart those abandoned during the conflict so that once again they could indulge in their popular hobby.(News-Dailynews Editorial)
TMVP will fully support endeavour to defeat terrorism - Karuna Amman, MP
LTTE terrorism should be defeated to enable the people of the North to enjoy freedom like their counterparts in the East said TMVP Leader and Parliamentarian Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan yesterday.
Muralitharan said his organisation will fully support the endeavour to defeat LTTE terrorism adding that smaller parties should rally round to ensure the success of this effort. Muralitharan expressed these sentiments when he met
National Freedom Front (Jathika Nidahas Peramuna) President Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa at his party headquarters in Battaramulla.
He said Prabhakaran was keeping innocent Tamil civilians in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu as prisoners against their wish. No one talked about the LTTE’s human right novations. “We should brief all countries about this situation”. National Freedom Front President Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said during their meeting the two parties dismissed the political situation in India. Several matters gained their attention during the discussions. Among topics disused were the humanitarian operation in the North to defeat LTTE terrorism, protection of innvient civilians and the present political situation in the country vis-a-vis the Indian factor.
Weerawansa said the two parties would make a united effort towards defeating LTTE terrorism and make use of their interaction to stabilise the cause of democracy.
Parliamentarian Achale Jagoda and Mohamed Muzammil were also present on the occasion.(News-Dailynews)
Muralitharan said his organisation will fully support the endeavour to defeat LTTE terrorism adding that smaller parties should rally round to ensure the success of this effort. Muralitharan expressed these sentiments when he met
National Freedom Front (Jathika Nidahas Peramuna) President Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa at his party headquarters in Battaramulla.
He said Prabhakaran was keeping innocent Tamil civilians in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu as prisoners against their wish. No one talked about the LTTE’s human right novations. “We should brief all countries about this situation”. National Freedom Front President Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said during their meeting the two parties dismissed the political situation in India. Several matters gained their attention during the discussions. Among topics disused were the humanitarian operation in the North to defeat LTTE terrorism, protection of innvient civilians and the present political situation in the country vis-a-vis the Indian factor.
Weerawansa said the two parties would make a united effort towards defeating LTTE terrorism and make use of their interaction to stabilise the cause of democracy.
Parliamentarian Achale Jagoda and Mohamed Muzammil were also present on the occasion.(News-Dailynews)
Sri Lanka reassures UN on IDP welfare
New York: Sri Lanka yesterday reassured the United Nations that it is steadfastly committed top protect the rights of the residents in the Wanni and ensure their welfare.
This assurance was given when Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe called on UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon at the UN.
The Minister briefed the Secretary General on the progress being achieved by the Government in its effort to promote and protect human rights and also address the humanitarian concerns in the North, a spokesman for the Minister said. He reiterated that the Government remained sensitive to the principle of civilian protection, emphasizing that the Security Forces’ experience in the Eastern Province last year with no civilian casualties provided the best practice, which inspired its ongoing campaign against terrorism in the North.
He stressed that the continuing food supplies to the Wanni with the assistance of the United Nations demonstrated the concern that Government had for the welfare of its citizens and that,
based on the priorities identified by the UN needs assessment mission last week, supply of non-food items would follow. He said there was no withdrawal of UN personnel from Kilinochchi to Vavuniya and it was only a temporary relocation which was taken in consultation with partners, specially to ensure that they faced no risk as military action against LTTE intensified.
Elaborating on the work of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Access, which met regularly under his chairmanship to address all operational issues in the humanitarian arena, the Minister conveyed that this mechanism served as a clearing channel for immediate concerns and helped find solutions to several issues then and there. Emphasizing that the measures taken by the Government and the UN in the humanitarian area were reassuring, the Secretary General confirmed that UN stood ready to assist the Government in its effort to continue to improve humanitarian situation and encouraged the Government to continue to remain committed to achieving a negotiated settlement.
The Minister stressed that he had specific instructions from President Mahinda Rajapaksa, following the President’s meeting in New York with UN Secretary General, the support and goodwill to the Secretary General and the United Nations for the humanitarian work being carried out in Sri Lanka in addition to ongoing development work and also to build on the existing bilateral relations.(News-Dailynews)
This assurance was given when Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe called on UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon at the UN.
The Minister briefed the Secretary General on the progress being achieved by the Government in its effort to promote and protect human rights and also address the humanitarian concerns in the North, a spokesman for the Minister said. He reiterated that the Government remained sensitive to the principle of civilian protection, emphasizing that the Security Forces’ experience in the Eastern Province last year with no civilian casualties provided the best practice, which inspired its ongoing campaign against terrorism in the North.
He stressed that the continuing food supplies to the Wanni with the assistance of the United Nations demonstrated the concern that Government had for the welfare of its citizens and that,
based on the priorities identified by the UN needs assessment mission last week, supply of non-food items would follow. He said there was no withdrawal of UN personnel from Kilinochchi to Vavuniya and it was only a temporary relocation which was taken in consultation with partners, specially to ensure that they faced no risk as military action against LTTE intensified.
Elaborating on the work of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Access, which met regularly under his chairmanship to address all operational issues in the humanitarian arena, the Minister conveyed that this mechanism served as a clearing channel for immediate concerns and helped find solutions to several issues then and there. Emphasizing that the measures taken by the Government and the UN in the humanitarian area were reassuring, the Secretary General confirmed that UN stood ready to assist the Government in its effort to continue to improve humanitarian situation and encouraged the Government to continue to remain committed to achieving a negotiated settlement.
The Minister stressed that he had specific instructions from President Mahinda Rajapaksa, following the President’s meeting in New York with UN Secretary General, the support and goodwill to the Secretary General and the United Nations for the humanitarian work being carried out in Sri Lanka in addition to ongoing development work and also to build on the existing bilateral relations.(News-Dailynews)
Troops capture Gajabapura
Troops engaged in operations against the LTTE in Welioya sector captured Gajabapura area located north of Janakapura this evening, Media Centre for National Security said.
TNCC welcomes Vaiko's arrest
New Delhi (PTI): Welcoming MDMK chief Vaiko's arrest for his pro-LTTE remarks, the Tamil Nadu Congress on Thursday said all those who support the banned militant outfit should be put behind bars.
"Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi ordered the arrest of Vaiko and his deputy Kanappan. Congress party demands appropriate action against all those who speak in favour of the LTTE.
"We want all such supporters of the banned guerrilla organisation to be dealt with similarly," TNCC president K V Thangkabalu told reporters here.
Tamil Nadu police on Thursday arrested Vaiko, a vocal supporter of LTTE, on the charge of publicly supporting the banned militant outfit.
He said all those who speak in favour of the internationally banned organisation should be condemned.
"We condemn all those who are making inflammatory and anti-national statements strongly," the TNCC president said.
Thangkabalu said Karunanidhi, by arresting the two MDMK leaders, had implemented the will of the people of India.
"Tamil Nadu CM made sure that the law of the land is more important and he implemented the law and the will of the people of India," the TNCC chief said.
He said the Congress had already congratulated Karunanidhi for taking this step.
However, Thangkabalu parried questions on whether the Congress would be part of the DMK-sponsored human chain to condemn "attacks on Tamils" in Sri Lanka.
"Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi ordered the arrest of Vaiko and his deputy Kanappan. Congress party demands appropriate action against all those who speak in favour of the LTTE.
"We want all such supporters of the banned guerrilla organisation to be dealt with similarly," TNCC president K V Thangkabalu told reporters here.
Tamil Nadu police on Thursday arrested Vaiko, a vocal supporter of LTTE, on the charge of publicly supporting the banned militant outfit.
He said all those who speak in favour of the internationally banned organisation should be condemned.
"We condemn all those who are making inflammatory and anti-national statements strongly," the TNCC president said.
Thangkabalu said Karunanidhi, by arresting the two MDMK leaders, had implemented the will of the people of India.
"Tamil Nadu CM made sure that the law of the land is more important and he implemented the law and the will of the people of India," the TNCC chief said.
He said the Congress had already congratulated Karunanidhi for taking this step.
However, Thangkabalu parried questions on whether the Congress would be part of the DMK-sponsored human chain to condemn "attacks on Tamils" in Sri Lanka.
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