President of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Lamine Diack called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. President of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka Maj Gen. Palitha Fernando and officials were also present. Picture by Chandana Perera
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lamine Diack called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Lamine Diack called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. President of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka Maj Gen. Palitha Fernando and officials were also present. Picture by Chandana Perera
Civilians our main concern - President
The battle against terrorism which we could convincingly win within a few days, is nevertheless prolonged due to the grave concern and the optimum caution exercised by the highly disciplined Armed Forces who are fighting under severe constraints, to cause no harm or loss to innocent, civilian human life, observed President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
President Rajapaksa made this observation when he addressed a ceremony organised by the National Research Council, at the Presidential Secretariat, to felicitate and confer ‘Presidential Awards for Research’ to indigenous Scientists who have been of yeoman service for the Nation’s economic wellbeing. “We have directed the Armed Forces to refrain from inflicting any harm, even a scratch, to the innocent civilians who are being utilised as human shields by the terrorists in the Wanni. We are proud to have an Army which is complying and carrying out their humanitarian operations accordingly,” he said.
He pointed out that the liberation of the East and the Madhu shrine was carried out without causing any harm to civilians. “Not a single bullet was fired, in those operations, as we had a duty and responsibility to conserve and protect human life and maintain the church’s religious and spiritual significance and dignity,” he added.
The President was of the view that Sri Lanka was the first country ever, based on humanitarian reasons, dispatching and providing food and other essentials to a ruthless terrorist outfit, while simultaneously fighting them.
He said that as clearly indicated by some serious personal sentiments of nostalgic and sentimental value, in the personal letters which have been found in the abandoned LTTE bunkers recently,
the LTTE cadres have not joined Prabhakaran spontaneously. They have joined due to an array of personal issues and are consistently striving to escape from the clutches of the LTTE. Nonetheless, the LTTE is forcefully depriving them of their freedom of choice and retaining them as a ‘human shield’ to achieve their fascist objectives.
“The masses of this country selected me as their President, with the objectives of protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of their motherland and end its needless fragmentation. We are not in any way fighting against the Tamil polity of this land. We are relentlessly engaged in liberating the innocent Tamil diaspora from the cruel grip of terrorism under Prabhakaran,” the President categorically stated.
President Rajapaksa opined that Scientific Research was crucial in the multi-faceted development of any country, including Sri Lanka which unlike in the past, rely highly on such know-how. Scientific research and knowledge has been used in all spheres of development, including the agro sector. The budget allocation for ‘Scientific Research’ would be enhanced soon. ‘Scientific Research’ could alleviate poverty and help us in achieving economic development, President Rajapaksa added.(News-Dailynews)
President Rajapaksa made this observation when he addressed a ceremony organised by the National Research Council, at the Presidential Secretariat, to felicitate and confer ‘Presidential Awards for Research’ to indigenous Scientists who have been of yeoman service for the Nation’s economic wellbeing. “We have directed the Armed Forces to refrain from inflicting any harm, even a scratch, to the innocent civilians who are being utilised as human shields by the terrorists in the Wanni. We are proud to have an Army which is complying and carrying out their humanitarian operations accordingly,” he said.
He pointed out that the liberation of the East and the Madhu shrine was carried out without causing any harm to civilians. “Not a single bullet was fired, in those operations, as we had a duty and responsibility to conserve and protect human life and maintain the church’s religious and spiritual significance and dignity,” he added.
The President was of the view that Sri Lanka was the first country ever, based on humanitarian reasons, dispatching and providing food and other essentials to a ruthless terrorist outfit, while simultaneously fighting them.
He said that as clearly indicated by some serious personal sentiments of nostalgic and sentimental value, in the personal letters which have been found in the abandoned LTTE bunkers recently,
the LTTE cadres have not joined Prabhakaran spontaneously. They have joined due to an array of personal issues and are consistently striving to escape from the clutches of the LTTE. Nonetheless, the LTTE is forcefully depriving them of their freedom of choice and retaining them as a ‘human shield’ to achieve their fascist objectives.
“The masses of this country selected me as their President, with the objectives of protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of their motherland and end its needless fragmentation. We are not in any way fighting against the Tamil polity of this land. We are relentlessly engaged in liberating the innocent Tamil diaspora from the cruel grip of terrorism under Prabhakaran,” the President categorically stated.
President Rajapaksa opined that Scientific Research was crucial in the multi-faceted development of any country, including Sri Lanka which unlike in the past, rely highly on such know-how. Scientific research and knowledge has been used in all spheres of development, including the agro sector. The budget allocation for ‘Scientific Research’ would be enhanced soon. ‘Scientific Research’ could alleviate poverty and help us in achieving economic development, President Rajapaksa added.(News-Dailynews)
India with Lanka on national issue - Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama described the current relationship and dialogue with India in relation to the Northern issue, as being in its “highest expectations for Sri Lanka.”
He said India had been “not only moderate” but also “most understanding” of the current situation and this was a comforting position for both parties. Speaking to the Daily News after an invitation to Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to come here for an assessment, Bogollagama said they were maintaining a very sincere and transparent relationship over the issue.
The Foreign Minister said the Government was expecting a response from the Indian External Affairs Minister to its invitation early this week. “The invitation was extended on Saturday and we expect a response by today or tomorrow,” Bogollagama said yesterday.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss mainly current developments in Tamil Nadu and India, at the Temple Trees on Saturday. On the reason for holding the meeting and ensued telephone conversation with Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday, Bogollagama said it was in line with the President’s view that India should be kept abreast with the on going operations in Kilinochchi and Wanni especially in the backdrop of mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu.
Many pro-LTTE factions including LTTE sympathising political parties have been clamouring that India should intervene to halt ongoing operations in the North. During the cordial dialogue, the President had assured the Indian Premier that a political solution will be offered simultaneously along with the current efforts to counter terrorism by disarming the LTTE.
“We are not going to do it afterwards,” the Minister said adding that this stand has been re-emphasised by the President. He has also given his word to ensure civilian safety.
Asked if the Centre will be compelled to give into the mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu political parties, especially the DMK, a key ally in the UPA Government, given the up coming elections, the Minister said: “India is a vast country, in that Tamil Nadu is an important factor in the Indian election process and in the Indian polity. But it doesn’t mean that it is the only State that decides the Indian election outcome.”
India since late had seen outrageous and repeated terror attacks in its cities. As a result there is a huge public outcry not to intervene in Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism and the operations to re-establish democracy in the North. The Centre has also taken a tough stand to crush terrorism.
A leading national newspaper based in Chennai, The Hindu last week called the recent outcry in Tamil Nadu by Tiger sympathisers for Indian intervention in the issue, to have been masterminded by the LTTE.
The paper upheld the position maintained by successive Indian governments after 1991, not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. The Janatha Party President early this week attacked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for seeking to halt military operations against the LTTE, saying it amounted to supporting the terrorist organisation.
Fourteen DMK Lok Sabha MPs tendered dated resignations with a deadline of October 29 to the Centre for intervention. Despite the Tamil Nadu threats, Congress thus far has repeatedly voiced its desire to keep out of the Sri Lankan issue.
A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of top State officials is also due in India shortly to meet to brief leaders on the Northern front and allay its concerns over the civilians’ plight. Minister Bogollagama said they would expect the meeting to be a reality in the coming week.(News-Daily news)
He said India had been “not only moderate” but also “most understanding” of the current situation and this was a comforting position for both parties. Speaking to the Daily News after an invitation to Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to come here for an assessment, Bogollagama said they were maintaining a very sincere and transparent relationship over the issue.
The Foreign Minister said the Government was expecting a response from the Indian External Affairs Minister to its invitation early this week. “The invitation was extended on Saturday and we expect a response by today or tomorrow,” Bogollagama said yesterday.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss mainly current developments in Tamil Nadu and India, at the Temple Trees on Saturday. On the reason for holding the meeting and ensued telephone conversation with Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday, Bogollagama said it was in line with the President’s view that India should be kept abreast with the on going operations in Kilinochchi and Wanni especially in the backdrop of mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu.
Many pro-LTTE factions including LTTE sympathising political parties have been clamouring that India should intervene to halt ongoing operations in the North. During the cordial dialogue, the President had assured the Indian Premier that a political solution will be offered simultaneously along with the current efforts to counter terrorism by disarming the LTTE.
“We are not going to do it afterwards,” the Minister said adding that this stand has been re-emphasised by the President. He has also given his word to ensure civilian safety.
Asked if the Centre will be compelled to give into the mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu political parties, especially the DMK, a key ally in the UPA Government, given the up coming elections, the Minister said: “India is a vast country, in that Tamil Nadu is an important factor in the Indian election process and in the Indian polity. But it doesn’t mean that it is the only State that decides the Indian election outcome.”
India since late had seen outrageous and repeated terror attacks in its cities. As a result there is a huge public outcry not to intervene in Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism and the operations to re-establish democracy in the North. The Centre has also taken a tough stand to crush terrorism.
A leading national newspaper based in Chennai, The Hindu last week called the recent outcry in Tamil Nadu by Tiger sympathisers for Indian intervention in the issue, to have been masterminded by the LTTE.
The paper upheld the position maintained by successive Indian governments after 1991, not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. The Janatha Party President early this week attacked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for seeking to halt military operations against the LTTE, saying it amounted to supporting the terrorist organisation.
Fourteen DMK Lok Sabha MPs tendered dated resignations with a deadline of October 29 to the Centre for intervention. Despite the Tamil Nadu threats, Congress thus far has repeatedly voiced its desire to keep out of the Sri Lankan issue.
A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of top State officials is also due in India shortly to meet to brief leaders on the Northern front and allay its concerns over the civilians’ plight. Minister Bogollagama said they would expect the meeting to be a reality in the coming week.(News-Daily news)
Roads closed during Parliament sessions
Roads connecting the Parliament and the Kollupitiya Junction will be closed for half an hour from 9.00am to 9.30am and 5.00pm to 5.30pm during the opening and closing sessions from today onwards till Friday due to security reasons.
LTTE may lose legitimacy and land
Even if the Sri Lankan military overruns the rebel capital of Kilinochchi, it would only “disperse the (LTTE) problem” and wouldn’t be the end of a quarter-century-old civil war in the island nation, believe Indian security establishment.
According to sources involved in assessing and analysing Sri Lanka’s civil war, a military takeover of Kilinochchi would only disperse the LTTE into smaller guerrilla groups. The immediate result could be a wave of suicide attacks in major cities like Colombo, and on high-value targets, they fear. A senior intelligence source says, Sri Lanka will “enter a more turbulent period.”
However, another senior source in the security establishment says, once LTTE is denied territorial dominance, it will change tactics and resort to more suicide attacks and other such acts. This is visible in the eastern province, which the LTTE lost after the Karuna faction split from them in 2004. Political assassinations and other acts of violence by LTTE continues in the eastern province, despite the TMVP (Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal) — the political party led by Karuna, a former senior LTTE member — coming to power there.
A step up in targeted attacks, or suicide attacks would only further complicate the situation. “The military offensive definitely robs LTTE of some legitimacy, but that doesn’t end the violence,” says an analyst within the security establishment.
Indian security establishment also do not completely buy into the claims of Sri Lanka defence ministry that they are just a couple of kilometers away from Kilinochchi. They believe that the Sri Lankan forces are facing resistance and may not overrun the rebel capital so easily.
Sources also say there has been no increase in the number of refugees flowing into Tamil Nadu despite the onslaught of violence in recent months. The number of those returning to Sri Lanka from the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu has also not dropped, say sources. “LTTE wouldn’t let the civilians leave the island,” says one source, pointing that the civilian presence provides them a shield as well as the semblance of being a legitimate representative of Tamil people.(News-DNA)
According to sources involved in assessing and analysing Sri Lanka’s civil war, a military takeover of Kilinochchi would only disperse the LTTE into smaller guerrilla groups. The immediate result could be a wave of suicide attacks in major cities like Colombo, and on high-value targets, they fear. A senior intelligence source says, Sri Lanka will “enter a more turbulent period.”
However, another senior source in the security establishment says, once LTTE is denied territorial dominance, it will change tactics and resort to more suicide attacks and other such acts. This is visible in the eastern province, which the LTTE lost after the Karuna faction split from them in 2004. Political assassinations and other acts of violence by LTTE continues in the eastern province, despite the TMVP (Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal) — the political party led by Karuna, a former senior LTTE member — coming to power there.
A step up in targeted attacks, or suicide attacks would only further complicate the situation. “The military offensive definitely robs LTTE of some legitimacy, but that doesn’t end the violence,” says an analyst within the security establishment.
Indian security establishment also do not completely buy into the claims of Sri Lanka defence ministry that they are just a couple of kilometers away from Kilinochchi. They believe that the Sri Lankan forces are facing resistance and may not overrun the rebel capital so easily.
Sources also say there has been no increase in the number of refugees flowing into Tamil Nadu despite the onslaught of violence in recent months. The number of those returning to Sri Lanka from the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu has also not dropped, say sources. “LTTE wouldn’t let the civilians leave the island,” says one source, pointing that the civilian presence provides them a shield as well as the semblance of being a legitimate representative of Tamil people.(News-DNA)
Lanka breaches Tiger den in Kilinochchi
The Manmohan Singh government is expected to face fresh pressure from DMK for negotiating a ceasefire in Sri Lanka following reports that the military offensive there has breached key defences of LTTE in Kilinochchi, the Tamil Tigers’ administrative headquarters. With the Lankan government in no mood to scale down its military offensive, the government could find it impossible to continue its balancing act for long.
The Lankan army’s incursions into Kilinochchi is a major boost for Colombo, which has claimed that it has significantly reduced the areas held by LTTE in northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan foreign ministry claimed in a statement that there was “heavy damages” to rebels and that bodies of 11 Tamil Tiger fighters were recovered by troops. The ministry also said that 33 soldiers were r killed in action.
The government here, without changing its long-standing Lanka policy, has been urging the Lankan government to avoid civilian casualties. ``What we see is a humanitarian crisis which has affected the Tamil population... that we feel needs to be addressed,’’ said foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.
He said that India was working with the Red Cross and the US to send relief material to affected areas. He added that several convoys have gone in the last week and that the government was working out arrangements to send more supplies. The Rajapaksa government, which is expected to send a high-powered delegation to India soon, is also aware of political compulsions of the UPA government and Tamil parties. This was articulated by Lankan defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who launched a stinging attack against the Tamil parties. “It is very clear that LTTE is at a decisive stage. No one can stop them getting defeated. So, they are trying their maximum to get Tamil Nadu (leaders) to pressure the Indian government to pressure the Sri Lankan government,” said Mr Rajapaksa. “Dravidian parties don’t realise that LTTE is a terrorist group.” He denied charges levelled by Tamil parties of an ethnic genocide, saying that the fight is against terrorists and not against the Tamil community. Tamil parties have been urging the government to act on the Lankan issue with 19 MPs submitting their postdated resignation letters to DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday. The government here, however, has not shifted from its stand on Lanka. Careful not to be seen to be aligning itself to a pro-LTTE position, the government, without deviating from its anti-terrorism plank, has sought the protection of Lankan Tamil civilians and pushed Lanka to move towards a political solution through a peacefully negotiated settlement to solve the ethnic crisis. With LTTE pushing for a separate Tamil state, the government has carefully highlighted its support for a united Lanka. Mr Karunanidhi has already said that he expects more action from the government. Even Mr Mukherjee’s visit to Lanka, which Mr Menon said is under discussion, is not expected to change the status quo. Mr Mukherjee’s plans will be firmed up only after the outcome of discussions with the Lankan delegation that is excepted in India. India’s stance is being used by anti-India parties in Sri Lanka to seek a parliamentary debate on ‘Indian intervention’. Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the newly formed National Freedom Front, has called for a meeting on Monday to discuss the issue.(News-The Economic Times)
The Lankan army’s incursions into Kilinochchi is a major boost for Colombo, which has claimed that it has significantly reduced the areas held by LTTE in northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan foreign ministry claimed in a statement that there was “heavy damages” to rebels and that bodies of 11 Tamil Tiger fighters were recovered by troops. The ministry also said that 33 soldiers were r killed in action.
The government here, without changing its long-standing Lanka policy, has been urging the Lankan government to avoid civilian casualties. ``What we see is a humanitarian crisis which has affected the Tamil population... that we feel needs to be addressed,’’ said foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.
He said that India was working with the Red Cross and the US to send relief material to affected areas. He added that several convoys have gone in the last week and that the government was working out arrangements to send more supplies. The Rajapaksa government, which is expected to send a high-powered delegation to India soon, is also aware of political compulsions of the UPA government and Tamil parties. This was articulated by Lankan defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who launched a stinging attack against the Tamil parties. “It is very clear that LTTE is at a decisive stage. No one can stop them getting defeated. So, they are trying their maximum to get Tamil Nadu (leaders) to pressure the Indian government to pressure the Sri Lankan government,” said Mr Rajapaksa. “Dravidian parties don’t realise that LTTE is a terrorist group.” He denied charges levelled by Tamil parties of an ethnic genocide, saying that the fight is against terrorists and not against the Tamil community. Tamil parties have been urging the government to act on the Lankan issue with 19 MPs submitting their postdated resignation letters to DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday. The government here, however, has not shifted from its stand on Lanka. Careful not to be seen to be aligning itself to a pro-LTTE position, the government, without deviating from its anti-terrorism plank, has sought the protection of Lankan Tamil civilians and pushed Lanka to move towards a political solution through a peacefully negotiated settlement to solve the ethnic crisis. With LTTE pushing for a separate Tamil state, the government has carefully highlighted its support for a united Lanka. Mr Karunanidhi has already said that he expects more action from the government. Even Mr Mukherjee’s visit to Lanka, which Mr Menon said is under discussion, is not expected to change the status quo. Mr Mukherjee’s plans will be firmed up only after the outcome of discussions with the Lankan delegation that is excepted in India. India’s stance is being used by anti-India parties in Sri Lanka to seek a parliamentary debate on ‘Indian intervention’. Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the newly formed National Freedom Front, has called for a meeting on Monday to discuss the issue.(News-The Economic Times)
Total domination over western Kilinochchi
The Sri Lankan military on Monday claimed to have established complete domination over the western Kilinochchi battlefront. It said 33 soldiers died, 48 were injured and three missing, in the pitched battles with the LTTE, which is resisting the Army’s thrust. The LTTE has been unusually quiet on detailing its accounts of the battles and there are no precise estimates of its losses.
The military said in the mop-up operations, bodies of 11 LTTE cadre were recovered, along with large quantities of ammunition.
A Defence Ministry statement said Task Force 1 soldiers commenced mop-up operations in Vannerikulam, on the western Kilinochchi battlefront, on Monday. The Army established “total domination over the area” after months of fighting, it said, adding the area would be declared “fully liberated once the mop-up operations are completed.”
Task Force 1 and 57th Division, operating on the Kilinochchi front, are consolidating positions acquired after heavy fighting since Saturday, said the statement, adding that the 57th Division breached the last LTTE defence south of Kilinochchi on Saturday from the east and west of Akkarayankulam Tank.
The military continued its offensives in Vannerikkulam, Chinnakkonailai, Manniyakulam, and Kunachakulam areas.
Twelve soldiers were injured due to mine explosions and mortar fire. On the Vavuniya front, the Army attacked LTTE cadre in Nallikulam, Palamoddai and Puttur areas. “Troops confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists,” said the statement. On the Mullathivu front, the LTTE suffered heavy damages due to the Army’s operations in the Andankulam jungle.TULF’s appeal
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) has appealed to Tamil Nadu’s leaders to exert pressure on the LTTE to set free Tamil civilians trapped in Kilinochchi. “The moment the LTTE opens its iron-gate, the displaced persons will move out in no time and get back to their respective homes,” said TULF President V. Anandasangaree in a letter addressed to Tamil Nadu’s leaders and its people.
He said if Tamil Nadu had any sympathy for the Tamil people suffering “under the subjugation of the LTTE, it has a moral obligation to win them [the Tamil public] the fundamental right of being able to choose the place they wish to live.”
Separately, the Defence Ministry claimed Russia had endorsed its measures against terrorism.
“This was revealed when Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa met Russian officials during a visit to Russia recently,” said the Ministry.
Mr. Rajapaksa also met Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Russia “viewed Sri Lanka’s struggle against terrorism similar to the measures taken in the past by Russia to defeat Chechnya terrorists,” it said.(News-The Hindu)
The military said in the mop-up operations, bodies of 11 LTTE cadre were recovered, along with large quantities of ammunition.
A Defence Ministry statement said Task Force 1 soldiers commenced mop-up operations in Vannerikulam, on the western Kilinochchi battlefront, on Monday. The Army established “total domination over the area” after months of fighting, it said, adding the area would be declared “fully liberated once the mop-up operations are completed.”
Task Force 1 and 57th Division, operating on the Kilinochchi front, are consolidating positions acquired after heavy fighting since Saturday, said the statement, adding that the 57th Division breached the last LTTE defence south of Kilinochchi on Saturday from the east and west of Akkarayankulam Tank.
The military continued its offensives in Vannerikkulam, Chinnakkonailai, Manniyakulam, and Kunachakulam areas.
Twelve soldiers were injured due to mine explosions and mortar fire. On the Vavuniya front, the Army attacked LTTE cadre in Nallikulam, Palamoddai and Puttur areas. “Troops confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists,” said the statement. On the Mullathivu front, the LTTE suffered heavy damages due to the Army’s operations in the Andankulam jungle.TULF’s appeal
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) has appealed to Tamil Nadu’s leaders to exert pressure on the LTTE to set free Tamil civilians trapped in Kilinochchi. “The moment the LTTE opens its iron-gate, the displaced persons will move out in no time and get back to their respective homes,” said TULF President V. Anandasangaree in a letter addressed to Tamil Nadu’s leaders and its people.
He said if Tamil Nadu had any sympathy for the Tamil people suffering “under the subjugation of the LTTE, it has a moral obligation to win them [the Tamil public] the fundamental right of being able to choose the place they wish to live.”
Separately, the Defence Ministry claimed Russia had endorsed its measures against terrorism.
“This was revealed when Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa met Russian officials during a visit to Russia recently,” said the Ministry.
Mr. Rajapaksa also met Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Russia “viewed Sri Lanka’s struggle against terrorism similar to the measures taken in the past by Russia to defeat Chechnya terrorists,” it said.(News-The Hindu)
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