TW Music Corner

'Is this justice just': A poem by Paaventhar Bharathithaasan

Message to Tamil diaspora

Paaventhar Bharathithaasan’s poetic works dealt with socio-political issues that are true and relevant to this day. [TW]

Non-Profit

Org.

Is a bond of Love and Understanding, encouraging a process of sharing which enriches both the giver and the receiver [CORD]

Help Tamil Refugees in Indonesia Reach Safety,Take 30 secs to Email António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [PEARL]

Gods Own Children Foundation, 34 Sattanathar Veethi, Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

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    Prabhakaran, Veluppillai and the father-son relationship

     

    by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    Veluppillai Prabhakaran’s father Thiruvengadam Veluppillai breathed his last on Wednesday January 6th night. The 86 year old retired government servant’s birthday was on January 10th. [dbsj]

    Pro-Tiger diaspora in a post-Prabhakaran scenario

    By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    A noteworthy feature of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been the special manner in which it glorifies death and pays homage to dead tiger fighters.

    Fallen LTTE members were eulogized as martyrs and referred to as “Maaveerar” or Great heroes. [dbsj]

    The last days of Thiruvenkadam Veluppillai Prabhakaran

    by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    Thiruvenkadam Veluppillai Prabhakaran is no more!

    The body of the 54 year old supreme leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) was found on Tuesday May 19th near the Mullaitheevu lagoon known as “Nanthikkadal” (sea of conches). He had gunshot wounds in the head and forehead. [dbsj]

    Theepan of the LTTE: Heroic saga of a Northern warrior

    by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    [dbsj]

    Sixty-One Years of Independence and the Tamils of Sri Lanka

    By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    Sri Lanka celebrates sixty-one years of Independence from Britain today. The country known then as Ceylon, obtained full freedom on February 4th 1948.

    For any people free of colonial bondage this would be a day of joy and happiness.

    But that is not so for the Tamils of Sri Lanka right now. [dbsj]

    Mar 21 - 27:

    Are the "whims and fancies" of smaller parties going to be heard for "strengthening President's hand?"

    by M.S.M. Ayub

    The ruling coalition, the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) seems to be obsessed with the hope of winning more than two thirds of the parliamentary seats at the General Election scheduled to be held on April 8.[TC]

    Election enemas are dehydrating democracy

    by Rajan Philips

    Sri Lankans must be turning out to vote within five year spans more than anyone else in the world. But too many elections are not a recipe for enhancing democracy. [TC]

    Relevance of the Indian Political  Model of governance to Sri Lanka

    By Arjuna Hulugalle

    From time to time one hears the call for introducing the Indian Political Model of governance [TC]

    Rajapakses Have put in place a new Paradigm Premised on Sinhala Supremacism and Family Bandyism

    By Tisaranee Gunasekara

    The evening began with a lullaby. A lullaby of the ‘heroic saga’ of ‘King Mihindu’ and his ‘Chief General Gotabhaya’, of how they defeated the ‘demons’ threatening the motherland. [TC]

    Where and with whom were you and your wife between 3.30PM on Jan 26th and 4.45 PM on Jan 27th?

    An open letter to Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake

    by Elmore Perera [TC]

    'Banging the head against every organization and country would not help Sri Lanka's economy in the long run'

    This does not mean that Sri Lanka should compromise its sovereignty for perks. It means that Sri Lanka needs to be civil and diplomatic when dealing with the outside world,” says the March 20th editorial of Daily Mirror.lk. [TC]

    Mar 14-20:

    'Non Aligned Movement's letter defending President Rajapaksa government was not agreed to by NAM member India' [TC]

    Australia says Sri Lanka’s 'prospects for lasting reconciliation requires stronger civil society and free media' in the country

    Hon Stephen Smith, MP, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs has said the importance of “Proper, transparent and compassionate treatment of those citizens of the north and east” while emphasizing that “it will be important for post conflict reconciliation in Sri Lanka."

    He also added that, “It is for this reason that Australia continues to advocate resettlement of all remaining displaced persons in safe and dignified conditions as soon as possible.” [TC]

    President Rajapaksa wants to be remembered as "man who loved his country, his people, and did his best to serve them" [TC]

    The Tamil National Alliance must demonstrate its "firebreak" between federalism and separatism

    by Dayan Jayatilleka

    The sin of the Tamil National Alliance in the post-war period and the current electoral context is that of omission rather than commission. It has failed to qualify and de-limit its use of the concept of ‘self determination’ and thereby signal its full separation from separatism. [TC]

    Is there discrimination against Sri Lankan Muslims in the field of cricket?

    by Izeth Hussain

    The focus of this article is on what looks like discrimination against Sri Lankan Muslims in the field of cricket. [TC]

    In Pictures: They came to India in boats. And now?

    by Malini Morzaria

    "I want to go home," Nisha tells me. She is one of the 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees who fled the 26-year-long civil war and are scattered across India's vast Tamil Nadu state. [TC]

    Gen. Sarath Fonseka Calls Charges Against Him 'Bogus'

    by Robert Mackey

    Four months ago, Gen. Sarath Fonseka was the commander of Sri Lanka’s army, hailed as a national hero by the country’s Sinhalese majority for putting an end to the long, bloody rebellion by Tamil separatists. [TC]

    Tamil Representation in the North and East and fearmongering by organizations like the SPUR

    By Kath Noble

    Having lived through so many years of conflict, you’d have thought everybody in Sri Lanka would be extra careful about suggesting policies Tamils might consider discriminatory. After all, that’s how it started. [TC]

    War Crimes,Genocide,Crimes Against Humanity and the principle of Individual Criminal Responsibility

    by Nirmala Chandrahasan [TC]

    The 2010 General Elections and rise of ethno-nationalist politics in the East

    by Jehan Perera

    The ethnic divide in the country is not only manifested politically but also socially in the lack of positive integration in which members of the different ethnic communities keep to themselves.[TC]

    Set record  straight on list of civil society activists issue -National Peace Council [TC]

    They came….. Enjoyed….. Saw….. Made an impact in our hearts

    by Lasantha De Abrew

    The North- South Dialogue Desk of Lanka Centre for Social Concern co-sponsored the much awaited educational tour of the Arippu school children to Colombo and Kandy [TC]

    Secret list reveals Sri Lanka government's media hit list

    A leaked list – believed to be compiled by the Sri Lankan intelligence unit – has revealed the names of 35 leading journalists and NGO officers of interest to the country’s secret services [TC]

    Journalists close to Gen. Sarath Fonseka threatened with arrest

    Reporters Without Borders is very worried by attempts to intimidate at least four journalists linked to jailed opposition leader Sarath Fonseka, who are being threatened with prosecution. [TC]

    Will there be any “justice” in this court-martial for my father?

    By Apsara Fonseka

    To request that anyone with any love for his/her nation try even in a small way to defend the supreme interests of this nation and not the petty interests of a small group. [TC]

    Mrs. Gnanie Nalliah: A lady with a passion for teaching

    An appreciation by Ms. RanjanaThambirajah (Nee Sabaratnam)

    March 21st 2010 marks the first death anniversary of Mrs Gnanie Nalliah who passed away in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 91. The nonagenarian was a well known mathematician in the Jaffna circle and taught at Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna for more than 25 years. [TC]

    On ‘The End Justifies the Means’ and other damaging beliefs

    By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

    Having read the comments on my previous article, – ‘Whither the new Sri Lanka proclaimed by the triumphant Head of State?’ – posted by transCurrents on 26 February 2010, the need has arisen to clear the misconceptions and misunderstandings of some Sri Lankans, which reinforce the concern for the future of the island nation [TC]

    Hybrid Histories of South India and Sri Lanka

    by Rajan Philips

    (A modified version of a Review Article originally published in the Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, University of Peradeniya) [TC]

    Exit the "old" western masters: Enter the "new" eastern mandarins

    by Dushy Ranetunge in London

    An article published last week by Gomin Dayasri commences with the three following paragraphs, which represent a populist view of apologists of the present regime. [TC]

    Cardinal John Henry  Newman: His Great Mind was Felt Even in Sri Lanka

    By Professor S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole

    Three Sundays ago (February. 21), a kindly retired priest next to me at church gently reminded me that it is Cardinal John Newman Day, in celebration of Newman’s birth in 1801.[TC]

    No funds to meet needs of nearly 200,000 Northern IDPs due to govt refusal to endorse 2010 action plan

    By Namini Wijedasa

    With nearly 200,000 people still displaced in the North — some living in temporary camps while others squat with host families — international agencies are running out of money to meet urgent needs like water supply and resettlement grants, according to a report released last week. [TC]

    Time for Sri Lanka to stop search for external enemies and turn the searchlight inwards

    by Dayan Jayatilleka

    The Sri Lankan discourse on war crimes, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in general, divide into two camps, both of which demonise the other. [TC]

    How student "Mithuro" from Kollupitiya met their counterpart "Mithirar" in Kalmunai

    by Capt. Elmo Jayawardena

    There are three huge hundred year old ancient nuga trees growing in a sandy patch by the Wesley School in Kalmunai.[TC]

    The 17th Amendment to the constitution must be amended to be implemented

    by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha

    One of the more frequent critiques of the government with regard to what is characterized as Human Rights relates to the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.[TC]

    The Rajapaksa regime and the role of Basil the presidential sibling

    Basil Rajapaksa Talks to C.R.Chandraprema

    "Come Mr Chandraprema" says the usher. I follow him into the smallish modestly furnished office in the presidential secretariat. [TC]

    Sarath Fonseka refuses to appear before military tribunal [TC]

    True democracy means much more than holding free and fair elections at periodic intervals

    by Carlo Fonseka

    Socrates (469 – 399 BC) taught that the most important thing for us to learn in life is how to live in harmony with others. To live in harmony with others we have to do things that are helpful to others and avoid doing things that are harmful to them. [TC]

    Purported  Arrest and Continued Detention of Sarath Fonseka is entirely Contrary to Law and Justice

    By Sarath Nanda Silva

    Every living being by nature cherishes liberty, security and freedom of movement. Law evolved as an instrument of regulation of human conduct and recognized from the earliest times that certain rights pertain by nature to all members of the human family. [TC]

    CNN: Sri Lanka war survivor: The future holds 'nothing' [TC]

    March 7-13:

    Full Text: General Election 2010 Manifesto, Tamil National Alliance (TNA)

    Prior to the arrival of the western powers in the 16th century, there were three kingdoms in the island of Ceylon, one of which in the North belonged to the Tamils. [TC]

    Ship-bound Tamil refugees need help

    By Joe Fiorito

    What happens there happens here: a small wooden boat is sitting at anchor off the coast of Indonesia. It has been there for five months. [TC]

    A River for Jaffna

    by Thiru Arumugam

    In the article on Eppawala phosphate deposit in The Island on Sunday 07 March 2010, the felicitation to Jayantha Dhanapala on his election as President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs for a five year term 2007 – 2012 was mentioned. [TC]

    US State dept. Full Report: Sri Lanka Human Righst 2009

    AI & HRW jointly appeal Sri Lanka Government: 'End campaign to discredit civil society' [TC]

    Video & Pictures: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presents award to Jansila Majeed of Puttalam, Sri Lanka

    US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented the Women of Courage award to Sri Lanka’s Jansila Majeed at a ceremony held at the US State Department in Washington, Wednesday, March 10. Majeed was among 10 recipients of the 2010 award. [TC]

    "Greater the authority, greater then was the accountability"

    by S. Skandakumar

    Hon Minister,past and present Principals of our revered institution, our eminent guests of honour, the Principal of Ladies College and Warden of St Thomas' College, distinguished fellow Royalists and their equally distinguished spouses, [TC]

    We need to stay with the presidential system that has proved so successful

    By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

    Amongst the many sticks used to beat me and the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka now is the claim that we have abandoned our commitment to the abolition of the Executive Presidency.[TC]

    Sri Lankan attorney general assures exiled journalists

    In a meeting with a CPJ delegation today, Sri Lankan Attorney General Mohan Peiris said he was prepared to offer protection to any of the nation’s journalists who return to the country from exile. [TC]

    Sri Lanka asylum seekers in limbo [TC]

    "Pathways of dissent": An unabashedly Jaffna-centric volume that ignores Muslims

    Sivamohan Sumathy writes as a "dissenting reader"

    On May 19th, 2009, with the violent deaths of the top rung of the LTTE leadership, including that of its leader V. Prabakaran, the 30 year old civil war came to an abrupt halt. [TC]

    Is Ban_Ki-moon influenced by India on Sri Lanka through his son-in-law Siddharth Chatterjee?

    by Upul Joseph Fernando

    There is a view that the UN Organization General Secretary Ban Ki Moon appointed a panel of experts to investigate the human rights (HR) violations and the war crimes committed during the Sri Lanka (SL) war was in order to get an extension for his term in office as Gen. Secretary.[TC]

    Anti - Sri Lanka triumvirate of western powers, diaspora and NGOs continue war-crimes allegations

    By Gomin Dayasri

    The spectre of war crimes will haunt Sri Lanka until the triumvirate consisting of the Diaspora, anti-Sri Lanka NGO’s and the Western Powers abandon their relentless struggle to punish Sri Lanka for defeating terrorism which still continues to torment those countries which did not desire the LTTE to be vanquished. [TC]

    Southern hawks think a Sinhala solution can be imposed on the Tamils

    by Dayan Jayatileka [TC]

    To shelterless Wanni civilians god will appear in the form of a house

    by S. Sivathasan

    Among the war devastated to be rehabilitated, the displaced of Wanni are a category apart. Battered by cruel fate, they evoke our sympathy and call for proactive support. [TC]

    Rapid increase of southern tourists to Jaffna has positive and negative impact

    by Jehan Perera

    The opening of the road to Jaffna was one of the dividends of the Presidential Election. It illustrated the benefits that could accrue to the people due to the competitive bidding for votes by rival political parties [TC]

    Big-Talking Beggar Bogollagama is the Shame of Sri Lanka

    by Malcolm Ferdinands

    UN is pointing the accusing finger at Sri Lanka with NGOs trying to suck the blood out of Sri Lanka . But, the outgoing foreign minister of Sri Lanka Bogollagama who everything is foreign is only committed to bring shame on Sri Lanka with his personal needs and deeds. [TC-

    Minister Bogollagama seeking UN job for son queried at Sec. Gen Ban's press briefing

    USTPAC highlights the plight of Tamil Women in North-East Sri Lanka on International Women’s Day [TC]

    India intends to open Consulate in Jaffna [Hindu]

    “Service and Sacrifice”: Celebrating the centenary of International Women’s Day with Louisa Arulamma Thambyrajah

    by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

    “Each person must live their life as a model for others”~ Rosa Louise McCauley Parks-February 4, 1913-October 24, 2005, African American Civil rights activist

    “I am the first person in our family who lived this long, and I very much want to go back to my lovely village Tharmapuram, celebrate my centenary birthday and live there happily and die peacefully. It is my dream” mentions Louisa Arulamma Thambyrajah in her pleasant voice. [HA]

    Nirupama Rao in Colombo

    by Rajan Philips

    Within ten days of stick-handling India’s first formal diplomatic talks Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, reportedly on the invitation of the Sri Lankan government. [TC]

    Economic Freedom: The Path to Economic and Political Emancipation of the Conflict-Affected Region in Sri Lanka

    by Muttukrishna Sarvananthan

    Sri Lanka is, slowly but surely, emerging out of a vicious civil war that has lasted over twenty-five years (July 1983 – May 2009); armed conflict since 1972; and the conflict per se ever since independence in 1948. [TC]

    "Why are they harassing us"? Emotional query of the General's daughter

    By Aparna Fonseka

    It’s been a while since I’ve written and I have thought of writing for a while but because of all the surprising things that my life brings everyday, I had no clue where to start and what to write about [TC]

    Dismal state of Dehiwela "Animal holding facility"

    by Hasini Pannila

    A zoo is a place of relaxation and most importantly education. It is a place where children should be taken, to learn about how diverse and complex their planet earth really is. [TC]

    “New” Information Given by Lasantha’s Brother for Further Investigation

    By Lal Wickrematunge

    It was mid February 2009 and barely over a month since Lasantha was killed. A small-made, dishevelled man turns up in office and says he wishes to speak with me. [TC]

    Was Sarath Fonseka Involved in  Murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge? [TC]

    No party should be given a two-thirds majority in parliament

    By Dr. A.C. Visvalingam

    In recent days, some contributors to the Press have examined the goal set by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to get at least 151 of its candidates elected/appointed to Parliament at the impending polls. These commentators have made various insightful observations. [TC]

    Why is Govt Extending emergency when there is no emergency situation in Country?

    by Namini Wijedasa

    President Mahinda Rajapaksa has summoned parliament on Tuesday - a month after its dissolution - to allow for the extension of the state of emergency. [TC]

    NGOs  Fear Witch Hunt against them by Rajapaksa Regime

    by Namini Wijedasa

    The government of Mahinda Rajapaksa has from the beginning of his term as president conducted a love-hate relationship with local and international NGOs. [TC]

    Mp3 Audio ~ Sri Lanka: “Actions of not a good partner in the international community”

    Susan Glasser, Executive editor of Foreign Policy remarks on Sri Lanka - the horrific end to decades of insurgency, the muted response by both United States and the international community on the plight of civilains and the recent arrest of Presidential contender General Sarath Fonseka along with many of his supporters: [TC]

    What is the regime after? - The steam rolling of all dissent and criticism?

    by Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu

    The 24th of February marked the first month anniversary of the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, the Lanka E-News journalist. Two special Police teams are said to be on the case. They have however, not come up with any information as to Ekneligoda’s whereabouts. [TC]

    Dismal state of Dehiwela "Animal holding facility"

    by Hasini Pannila

    A zoo is a place of relaxation and most importantly education. It is a place where children should be taken, to learn about how diverse and complex their planet earth really is. [TC]

    Feb 28-Mar 6:

    UN Rights Chief Criticizes Iran, Sri Lanka [TC]

    On Sri Lanka, UN's Ban Was Lied To, But Pascoe Trip Delay, of Job Requests

    The UN's failure to follow through even on what few commitments it made about Sri Lanka became clearer this week. [ICP]

    Student journalist escapes Sri Lankan censorship

    By Aubrey Eyre

    Sophomore Ruan Pethiyagoda, 24, plans to return to Sri Lanka after completing his journalism degree.

    Journalism is not typically viewed as a field of work where people have to fear for their lives. But that’s not the case in Sri Lanka, where journalists are not nearly so safe. [TC]

    Election manifesto full text: TULF urges to ‘study ground situation and act sensibly’ [TC]

    Sri Lankan Recognized as an "International Woman of Courage" by the U.S. Department of State [TC]

    In pictures: Seminar and discussion on women's participation in politics in Sri Lanka

    by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

    Women represent 52% of Sri Lanka’s total population of 20, 217,000 (2008 census) according to the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, and 56% of registered voters.

    There are only 11 women Parliamentarians out of the total 225 members in Sri Lanka, which is less than 6% according to a recent survey carried out by the Women and Media Collective. [HA]

    No Tamil political party has overwhelming support of Tamil people as the TULF did in 1977 [TC]

    How the colour revolution got discoloured in Sri Lanka [TC]

    GTF Inaugural Conference - London 2010 - UK calls for constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka

    Text of press release issued by the GTF

    Global Tamil Forum (GTF) Conference was formally inaugurated on Wednesday 24 February 2010, by the Foreign Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. David Miliband MP, joined by Shadow Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon. William Hague MP and an array of national and international Parliamentarians, civil leaders and academics, at a momentous show of support for the Tamil Diaspora congregation, at The Gladstone Room in the British Parliament. [TC]

    Dreams of celebrating 100th birthday in home village

    by IRIN News

    This time last year, Arulamma Thambiraja, 99, was among tens of thousands of civilians trapped in Sri Lanka's north by fighting between government forces and the since-defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). [TC]

    SBS Dateline, Feb 28, 2010 ~ Video and Transcript: Sri Lanka War Stories

    "We have been very successful in getting information about LTTE from KP"- Gotabhaya

    By Dianne Silva

    Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa spoke to Daily Mirror Hot Seat on the trial of former Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, the support of the international community in apprehending the remaining elements of the LTTE,Kumaran Pathmanathan and his personal feelings on the actions of the General in the past months. [TC]

    Eritrea not co-operating With Sri Lanka  on LTTE Issue complains Gotabaya Rajapaksa

    By Dianne Silva

    The government’s diplomatic ties with Eritrea broke down due to certain newspaper reports, according to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. [TC]

    Joining mainstream SLFP will help address Muslim issues better – Ferial Ashraff

    by Rukshana Rizwie

    Minister of Development and Construction of the East & Rural Housing, Ferial Ashraff made headlines when she crossed over to the SLFP recently. [TC]

    The ghost of Lord Soulbury in London: Sinhala-Tamil politics after the war

    by Rajan Philips

    The voting at the January presidential election brutally exposed the two solitudes in Sri Lankan politics. The Sinhalese voted in clear preference for President Rajapakse while Tamils along with Muslims, equally clearly voted against him.[TC]

    Whither the new Sri Lanka proclaimed by the triumphant Head of State?

    By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

    Many questions about the methods used in gaining the astounding military and Presidential election victories remain unanswered. The interest of the majority has been on the victory and not how it was achieved [TC]

    The case against military justice for Sarath Fonseka

    By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    The above mentioned observation by British Lord Chief Justice Hewart has become famous over the years as an aphorism espousing and emphasising the importance of appearance in meting out justice.It is not only important to ensure justice but equally necessary to demonstrate clearly that Justice appears to have been done. [dbsj]

    General Fonseka was  only member of national Security Council who opposed early re-settlement of IDPs

    Inderjit Bhadwar: Under what specific charges did your government arrest Gen. Fonseka?

    Gotabhaya Rajapaksa: I cannot talk about specific charges because the summary of evidence preceding the charge sheet is now being prepared by the military authorities under specific rules of procedure that guarantee due process and a fair trial. That is the work of the prosecutor. [TC]

    An Apology and  Brief Response to Dayan Jayatilleka

    by Nalin Swaris

    Who are we? A matter of identity: Response to Dr. Nalin Swaris

    By Dayan Jayatilleka [TC]

    Feb 21-27

    US Senator Casey Remarks Read at Global Tamil Forum Event [TC]

    Sri Lankan Tamils disillusioned with India must forget the "North" and turn "East" towards China

    By S. Sivathasan

    In the Asian region, hardly any people have had such close cordiality as the Tamils of Sri Lanka with the people of Tamil Nadu and by extension with India.[TC]

    Three "Bees" for Britain-Brown, (Mili) Band and Bogol (lagama)

    By Malcolm Ferdinands

    Gordon Brown is no match for Tony Blair. In fact he was very jealous of Blair and tried his best to undermine him. It is also no secret since Blair’s wife, Cheri has written all about it in her book. [TC]

    The Arrest of Sarath Fonseka and Comrade Dayan's critical response

    by Nalin Swaris

    I must disagree with some of Comrade Dayan Jayetileke’s recent writings Arresting Sarath Fonseka, he wrote was a “Perfect Political blunder”. But then nobody is perfect. Otherwise they would not blunder. Perfect blunder seems so oxymoronic. [TC]

    IMF delays third tranche of $2.6 bln Sri Lanka loan [TC]

    Jayalalithaa: From alluring actress to powerful politician

    by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    India in general and its Tamil Nadu state in particular have spawned many colourful political personalities. Standing out among these figures is Jayalalithaa Jayaram, the actress-politico of Tamil Nadu. [dbsj]

    UK: 'Reconciliation, accountability and human rights are basis for lasting peace all Sri Lankans want and deserve'

    Foreign Secretary David Miliband's Written Statement to the House of Commons on recent developments in the political and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. [TC]

    Miliband risks Sri Lanka’s wrath to support Global Tamil Forum [TC]

    Int'l Crisis Group Full Report: 'Tamil diaspora groups should move away, once and for all, from the failed agenda of LTTE' [TC]

    Democracy in Sri Lanka was a foreign imposition upon a polity segmentalized and divided against itself

    by J.B.Muller

    Democracy’ is neither organic nor home-grown. It was a foreign imposition upon a polity that was segmentalized and divided against itself. [TC]

    Asst. Sec. Robert Blake urges 'national reconciliation and power sharing-particularly with the north'

    Interview with BBC

    What is the American view of what is taking place in Sri Lanka? Live now to the U.S. State Department in Washington, and Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. [TC]

    Caste in modern Sri Lankan politics

    by Prof. Michael Roberts

    In a recent intervention in the web-site www.transcurrents.com (10 Feb. 2010), Lakruwan de Silva has conjectured that caste rivalry between the Govigama and Karāva contributed in a secondary manner towards the rift between the Rajapakse clan and General Fonseka [TC]

    mp3 audio: Anoma Fonseka says her husband is held in hot, unventilated conditions [TC]

    The Decline and Fall of "Colonel"Karuna

    Karuna Amman is a politician who had the potential to be a phoenix but got all his fortune ruined as a result of a wayward lifestyle. [TC]

    Hundreds need reconstructive orthopedic surgery

    Many patients who had surgery during the time of fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) that were operated on initially under emergency conditions have developed infections, particularly of the bone. [TC]

    TNA must disavow separatist politics and accept a political solution within a unitary state

    by Dayapala Thiranagama

    The TNA, the remnant of old politics in the Tamil community has entered a new era. The post LTTE politics has made it possible to create conditions for a democratic culture in the North and East. [TC]

    On being Democratic in spite of the Constitution

    by Rajan Philips

    The polemical piece I wrote on cricket and the Constitution two weeks ago has got drawn into the debate over the Third Amendment, courtesy Rajiva Wijesinha’s intervention last week. That provides me with the context, if not the pretext, to offer this proposition on how Sri Lanka could be democratic despite the Constitution and not in defiance of the Constitution. [TC]

    Clueless Wanni IDPs and govt. resettlement plans

    By Ranga Jayasuriya

    The government pledged to resettle former residents of Wanni, in their former villages by the end of January 31. [TC]

    Discharged "Lanka" Editor Remains Defiant Despite Detention

    by Rathindra Kuruwita

    Irida Lanka Editor Chandana Sirimalwatta has been a frequent visitor to the CID in the last few months [TC]

    Gotabaya Rajapaksa was very cautious in precipitating action against former Army Commander

    Mahinda Rajapaksa Discloses in Interview with N.Ram

    President Mahinda Rajapaksa is confident that the United People’s Freedom Alliance, led by his Sri Lanka Freedom Party, will win the forthcoming parliamentary elections “very comfortably.” [TC]

    Specific quotas necessary in Sri Lanka to enhance women representation in electoral politics

    By Ruana Rajepakse

    According to statistics, women constitute 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population and 56 per cent of registered voters [TC]

    Will the Constitution,Parliamentary Elections Act and Criminal Procedure Code be Dispensed with too?

    By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

    On the one hand, a former professor of law now turned strident government propagandist, Minister GL Peiris tells us that the due process of law is being followed in governmental actions against its critics. [TC]

    "Bell,Swan and Trophy": The JVP march of Folly

    By Chakravarthy

    “We have not formed any alliance with the UNP; we supported the General, the UNP supported the General and the other parties supported the General separately. [TC]

    Gotabaya Rajapaksa's  imprint on Lanka will not be a footrint on the sands of time

    By Ranmali Fernando

    After a certain victory in the north, lovable General Denzil Kobbekaduwa came running and embraced him with fatherly affection. [TC]

    US$23.6 million FAO appeal for resettling Sri Lankan refugees [TW]

    Feb 14-20:

    "Economics" the cause of war in Sri Lanka-can be key to lasting peace too

    By Yatharthan

    Economics is the cause and effect of War and Peace in Human History. [TC]

    Govt. 'trying to destroy Buddhism' [TC]

    CPJ report on Attacks on the Press in Sri Lanka - 2009 [TC]

    Lanka determined to Court Martial Fonseka despite protests

    by P.K. Balachandran

    Despite protests from the national opposition parties and the international community, the Sri Lankan government appears to be determined to Court Martial former Army Commander and defeated Presidential candidate Gen.Sarath Fonseka, reliable sources say. [TC]

    'Sinhalese have apparently persuaded themselves against all evidence that the outside world is against them'

    By Barbara Crossette

    In its 62 years of independence, Sri Lanka has never had a better chance than it has now to stamp out the last fires of ethnic hatred, violence and mindless chauvinisms that have left over 80,000 people dead in civil wars across the country. [TC]

    Foreign Interference and bending in two to foreigners must stop

    By Ranmali Fernando

    A report in the Daily Mirror today states that the US is not happy with the Sri Lankan state media.[TC]
     
    SJV Chelvanayagam would not  have Allowed the Federal party to Help Destroy the Tamil United Liberation Front

    by Veerasingam Anandasangaree

    There is no doubt that the present situation demands absolute unity of all Tamils and Tamil speaking people, not only of the North and the East but also of the West, South and the Centre, not to confront the Government but to evolve a consensus towards finding a lasting solution, acceptable to the Tamils, without prejudice to the interests of the other communities in Sri Lanka. [TC]

    V. Anandasangaree writes to President Mahinda Rajapakse urging free and fair polls [TC]

    President sent his secretary Weeratunga secretly for talks with the LTTE

    Victor Ivan discloses in Interview with CR Chandraprema [TC]

    A New direction for  development of the North and East of Sri Lanka

    By A. Chandrahasan

    We have to find a new direction to lead our country to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. War has given us an opportunity to rethink, reassess and change our traditional values and attitudes.

    Full Text of 2010 Presidential election petition filed in courts on behalf of Gen.Sarath Fonseka [TC]

    20 years on, a collective voice for forgiveness in Kaathaankudy-A pictorial

    by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

    It is always an enchanting drive through the city of Kaathaankudy. Kaathaankudy is a small city which is situated in the Eastern Province, Batticaloa District. It is known for its own distinct culture. [HA]

    Upali Wijewardena: Memories of the unforgettable tycoon

    By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

    If Philip Upali Wijewardena was among the living he would have reached the Seventy-two today. (February 17). [dbsj]

    Tamils can opt for new beginning or let slip an opportunity that comes but rarely

    by S. Sivathasan

    To a segment of Tamils in Sri Lanka, alienation from mainstream life has become a habit of thought. It has now got embedded in sentiment and inertia. Perhaps to a people habituated to fatalistic propensities, this mode of action came a bit too easily. [TC]

    Thousands of IDPs miss resettlement deadline [TC]

    Ethnic consciousness: The case of Sri Lanka

    By Daya Somasundaram

    The dangers inherent in emphasising difference and exclusiveness as the foundations of collective identities are not to be underestimated. While group identities provide various benefits, the consequences of a group considering itself superior to others often results in violence.[TC]

    Rajapaksa and cohorts justified Fonseka "action" against the media earlier

    By Kshama Ranawana

    Is it selective amnesia, emulating Pontius Pilate or both? [TC]

    Rajapakse regime is a bundle of "criminal" contradictions

    by Dushy Ranetunge

    Dr. Rajapakse's administration, now champions of a “Russian” doctorate of world peace has taken refuge behind the law to justify its latest unprecedented action in arresting the main opposition Presidential candidate, when there are so many contradictions in its actions. [TC]

    Were the General and JVP involved in a coup conspiracy?

    By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

    A striking facet of Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s intriguing personality is the candour he displays in some media interviews. Instead of bluffing, sidestepping or trying to wriggle out of answering tricky questions the Defence secretary responds directly and fields them in a frank,forthright manner. [dbsj]

    Arrest Most Foul

    by Rajan Philips

    The Rajapakse brothers are turning Sri Lankan politics into a blood sport. The arrest of Sarath Fonseka is an abuse of state power for the purpose of personal vengeance. [TC]

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