by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The Exhibition and Events will continue in Colombo till February 9th 2010,in Ampara from February 17th to February 19th 2010, in Batticaloa from February 22nd to February 24th 2010 and in Jaffna from March 7th to 9th 2010. It's sponsored by the American Center in Colombo and the Foundation for Co-Existence. [click for more pictures]

Post Presidential Election Realities: A Statement by a group of Bishops

Regardless of how they voted, many Sri Lankans strongly disapproved of three trends during the campaigning. These were: [TC]

In pictures: The peninsula, the cultural heart of Tamil life, seems to be stuck a generation behind the rest of the nation

Jaffna is a city of ruins. Some are physical, like the overgrown jumbles of mold-streaked concrete where graceful buildings used to stand. [TC]

By voting for Sarath Fonseka I along with 4.17 million people have not betrayed the country

by Anura Gunasekara

The Sunday Observer of 31/1/10 carried the headline, "A Bold Reply to those who Betrayed the Country", extracted from a post-election statement attributed to President Rajapaksa, in a reference to those who opposed him at the recent election. [TC]

Colombo believed that the American President was personally committed to the downfall of President Rajapakse

by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha

With regard to the UNP performance over the election, there were two schools of thought that seem at first sight distinct. [TC]

Flip-flops of elections commissioner: From tragedy to farce

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

So the cynics were proved right all along in their assessments of Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake’s performance (to put it at the kindest level) as Sri Lanka’s elections chief. [TC]

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Some very interesting questions were raised by the reader Nalaka at comment #147 made in response to my article “The magic behind the Mahinda Rajapakse victory”. [DBSJ]

Voice of America editorial urges "dialogue with all parties, including Tamils inside and outside Sri Lanka"

Sri Lanka government should "promote justice and political reconciliation for all its citizens, and hold dialogue with all parties, including Tamils inside and outside Sri Lanka, on new mechanisms for devolving power," writes The Voice of America, in an editorial published on Sri Lanka's Independence Day on Feb 4, 2010: [TC]

New Delhi must now deal with a vastly Strengthened Rajapakse at the Pinnacle of his Political Career

by K.Bhadrakumar

The Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory in the election held on Jan 26 becomes a defining moment for regional security. [TC]

War displaced start to pick up the pieces

About a year ago, civil war raged around Vasanthi Kumari's house in northern Sri Lanka. "There was a loud sound and `Appa' [father] went out," Kumari, 21, told IRIN [TC]

Heartbreak in Post-War Jaffna

by Adele Barker

On a sandy street on the northern shore of the Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka, an innocuous building surrounded by mango and palmyra trees houses a rehabilitation center run by a Catholic priest, who in January 2005 just days after the tsunami began to counsel survivors [TC]

India nervously watches post-election Sri Lanka

The Tamil American Peace Initiative (TAPI), a group of Tamil Americans dedicated to peaceful change in Sri Lanka, called on Sri Lanka's newly reelected President Mahinda Rajapaksa to a forge a new path and create the conditions to repair the deep divide between the people of the island. [TC]

Tamils and Sri Lanka: A wake-up call

by Veerasingham Anandasangaree

I humbly appeal to the TNA Members of Parliament in general and to M/s. S.Senathirajah, R.M.Imam, Selvam Adaikalanathan, Vinotharalingam and Suresh Premachandran of the Federal Party, TELO and the EPRLF of the alliance, not to mislead the innocent Tamil speaking people who easily get swayed by sentiments [TC]

'President Rajapaksa has it in his power to reap a peace dividend'-Toronto Star [TC]

Back to Africa: A new Haitian homeland?

By Leo Hornak

If a proposal under consideration by the African Union this week were to bear fruit, Haitians made homeless by the earthquake could start afresh in a new homeland in Africa. [independent]

Sinhala "intellectuals" with "pariah" thoughts replace "mau-basa" with "mau-bima" and "kaduwa" with "traitor"

Stuart Cosgrove, a Scottish journalist, broadcaster and television executive voted in a "Tamil referendum', held across the United Kingdom this weekend. [TC]

Rajapakse won election because majority of war euphoria infected Sinhalese wanted to keep the Tamils in their place

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

So begins the Rajapaksa era, heralded by a massive vote of confidence by the Sinhala majority, a resounding vote of no-confidence by the Tamil and Muslim minorities and armed soldiers surrounding the hotel in which the main contender was temporarily residing. [TC]

Rajapakse’s commitment of reconciliation with the Tamil minority remains as empty as his long promised devolution

by Dayan Jayatilleke

The (geographic) periphery proved to be (politically) peripheral, while the road to power lay through the paddy fields and the provinces of the Sinhala heartland. Mahinda Rajapakse gave the lie to the notion that the minorities, especially the Tamil minority, held the key to the outcome of the election.[TC]

President's mantra of "peace through development" has been resoundingly rejected by all ethnic minorities

by Dr.Muttukrishna Sarvananthan Ph.D.

On the morning after the election result was announced I woke up to a stale old day. The winning margin of the election was too big to believe. [TC]

What Now for the TNA, the Tamil Diaspora and their Supporters?

by The Centre for Policy Alternatives

A series of recent events connected to the presidential election last week give rise to extremely serious concerns about the state of democracy in Sri Lanka today. [TC]

Election Results Procedure Change Leads to Suspicion

Hosted by The Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin, The School of Law and Government, Dublin City University National College of Art and Design, Dublin [TC] 

The Magic behind the Mahinda Rajapakse Victory

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Presidential Stakes 2010 came to an official end when Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake announced the winner in Sri Lanka’s sixth Presidential election.

Incumbent Executive President Mahinda Rajapakse registered a stunning victory by polling 6,015,934 votes(57.88%).Former Army commander retired General Sarath Fonseka, his chief challenger got 4,173,185 or 40.15% of the votes. [dbsj]

What NYTimes.com did not include in '31 places to visit' [TC]

Will India gain with Rajapaksa's win?

by K Venkataramanan

No country's role is more discussed and less understood in Sri Lanka than India's. [TC]

Behind Sri Lanka’s political infighting: US-China rivalry

BY Peter Symonds

In the wake of Tuesday’s presidential election in Sri Lanka, Colombo has become a hotbed of rumour and intrigue as the two factions of the ruling elite backing the winner, Mahinda Rajapakse, and the loser, General Sarath Fonseka, manoeuvre and position themselves for open political warfare. [TC]

Thai Poosam and the Tamil Frontier Spirit

By Dharman Dharmaratnam

Thai Poosam is a significant day for ethnic Tamils living in Malaysia, Mauritius, Reunion and Singapore. This year, it falls on Saturday, January 30. The holiday denotes the full moon of the month of Thai and is dedicated to the God Murukan or Skanda, also known as Seyon in the Sangam-era of Tamil literature. [TW]

Sri Lankan Police Raid Defeated Opposition Candidate’s Office

by Rogene Fisher

Sri Lanka’s quarter-century-long civil war may have ended, but there is no peace between the two rivals in Tuesday’s presidential contest. Police raided opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka’s campaign headquarters on Friday, seizing computer equipment and arresting 15 members of his staff. [TC]

Disgraceful treatment of Fonseka and his security personnel after election

By Shanie

Mahinda Rajapakse has won re-election to the Presidency of Sri Lanka. The margin of 1.8 million votes over Rajapakse’s nearest rival was a decisive one. [TC]

Sri Lankan government cracks down on opposition

By Sarath Kumara

After winning Tuesday’s election, President Mahinda Rajapakse has begun his second term with a widening crackdown on his political opponents.[TC]

End Harassment, Attacks on Journalists-HRW

The Sri Lankan government should immediately end its post-election harassment of media outlets and ensure protection of journalists from attack, Human Rights Watch said today. [TC]

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

The electoral verdict, stunning and conclusive on the whole, has some cracks in parts. As the President of the whole country, Mahinda Rajapaksa must take the initiative and reach out to those sections of the people who have been alienated in terms of ethnicity, class, and the urban-rural divide. [dbsj]

Igbo and Thamizhar: Biafra in Nigeria and Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka

by a Concerned Tamil

Rudyard Kipling said that someone who knows only England doesn’t know England: in order to understand one place and situation, England, one must know other countries, other histories. With this attitude, I draw attention to the Biafran War.

Rajapaksa’s Victory & After: Answers to questions put by national and international media

by Col. R. hariharan

When Mrs Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister she reacted strongly to America’s planned foray into Sri Lanka. China has already made an entry into Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka is in a 1987-like situation now, do you expect Rajapaksa to slowly marginalise Indian influence in the island to accommodate the Chinese? [TC]

Video: When does President Rajapakse's second term begin?

There have been a number of confusing media reports after the results of the Presidential Election were announced on 27 January 2010 as to when the second term of Mahinda Rakapakse begins. [TC]

Activist apprehended due to information given by LTTE sources

by D.B. S. Jeyaraj

Subramaniam Sivakumar alias Rajan a top LTTE activist abroad was "arrested" in a South-eastern country & brought to Sri Lanka today (Jan 28). [TC]

The "Swan" has been Shot along with Truth, Democracy and Conscience

by Chackravarthy

“It has to be stated with much reluctance that the co-operation received from some of the candidates and their supporters in ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election during the two months period of the election campaign was much less than desired. It became necessary to issue directives and guidelines to prevent misuse of State resources and the State media. [TC]

A principled approach Necessary for constitutional Reform

A VICTORIOUS Mahinda Rajapakse has vowed to put tensions with Western critics behind him and transform his war-ravaged nation into a development and tourism hub after his landslide win in Sri Lanka's first post-conflict presidential poll [TC]

Sri Lanka North-East settlements likened to Robert Mugabe policies

Damien Kingsbury, chair in the school of international and political studies at Deakin University of Australia sees parallels with Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe in the new enforced settlements in Sri Lanka North-Easy by Sri Lanka government. [TC]

"I should have been the president. I am the people's president."- Fonseka

Charging widespread irregularities took place in the counting process and 1.4 million of his votes were misappropriated, General Sarath Fonseka is quoted as saying , "I should have been the president. I am the people's president," in an AFP report. [TC]

What the president’s re-election means for his sorely divided country

from THE ECONOMIST

HAD Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s war-winning leader, lost his island-state’s presidential election on January 26th, it would have been described as a Churchillian defeat.

U.S. Government Statement on the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka

The United States congratulates Sri Lanka for the first nationwide election in decades and President Rajapaksa on his victory. [TC]

Opposition allegations of counting process needs more proof

by Steve Herman

The United States and India are congratulating Sri Lanka for carrying out a successful presidential election this week. [TC]

'This year's International Holocaust Remembrance Day is of special significance to Tamils'

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan 27, 2010

The United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) joins the world humanitarian community in remembering and paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the hands of Nazi Germany, honoring survivors and supporting the recognition of this day internationally. [TW]

“Why should I get involved in all these petty matters”- President Rajapaksa on the situation of Fonseka

from the twitter pages of Lydia Polgreen in Colombo, The New York Times

Said he was not stung by Tamil votes against him, only wanted them to participate in elex as a start to reconciliation. [TC]

Abuse of power makes travesty of democracy in Sri Lanka elections

by Ralph Michael

Sri Lanka’s presidential election should have been cause for celebration — the first since the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels in May, and the first in peacetime in almost three decades. [TC]

Letter to Commissioner of Elections to urgently address concerns voiced by voters [TC]

Fonseka rejects results

from the twitter pages of Lydia Polgreen in Colombo, The New York Times

Fonseka rejects results. Looks like a standoff [TC]

Post-mortem on presidential elections 2010: Please have your say…..

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Presidential Elections held on January 26th 2010 has concluded. Though the results are not yet officially released at the time this is being written “unofficially” it does seem very clear who has won. [dbsj]

Sri Lanka presidential challenger says fears arrest

By Ranga Sirilal and C. Bryson Hull

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's top opposition candidate said troops had surrounded his hotel on Wednesday, after polling in Sri Lanka's first post-war presidential election ended with the revelation that he was not a registered voteR [TC]

Mp3 Audio: Interview with Asanga Welikala over Sarath Fonseka not having a vote

Interview with Asanga Welikala, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives over the confusion arising from key presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka not having a vote, and the confusion significantly fueled by State media that he is ineligible to be elected as President as a consequence: [TC]

Government authorities fail to address voter rights of IDPs and other Northern residents

26 January 2010: CMEV was informed that approximately 24,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) presently living in government run camps and with host families were also registered on the 2008 electoral register. [TC]

Low turn out in North-East, Fonseka not registered to vote

Tweet bundle from the twitter pages of The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Lydia Polgreen of New York Times in Colombo: [TC]

Disturbances in Jaffna and identity, transport issues at Manik Farm deter turnout

CMEV received reports of multiple explosions in Nallur, Uduppidy, Manipay, Vaddukottai, Chavakachcheri and Tellipallai. [TC]

Provincial-wide update on Election Day violence and law breaking

Batticaloa District: Kalkudah Electroate: SLMC supporter Mr. Mohamad Ismail was attacked by a group of UPFA supporters at around 10:55 am about 20m away from the Oddamavadi Central College Polling Station (Polling Centre 69). [TC]

2010 Presidential Poll: Oh! God! What a Free and Fair election? Part II

Common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka speaking to Daily Mirror Online a short while ago said that he was fully qualified to contest the Presidential Elections although he could not cast his vote at the elections today. [TC]

Video: Lives of many of the Tamils in Sri Lanka's north remain difficult [TC]

Three poems for Sri Lanka on presidential elections day

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

January 26th 2010 is upon us!

It’s the Day of decision for Sri Lanka as it faces yet another election to either re-elect or elect the most powerful person in the Country. [DBSJ]

I tell Tamils, there is no problem - I too speak Tamil - Mahinda Rajapakse

President Mahinda Rajapaksa answered questions put to him by Rajpal Abeynayake on Tuesday’s elections and a host of related issues, at President’s House in Kandy this week. We publish below the transcripts from that exchange. [TC]

2010 Presidential Poll: Oh! What a Free and Fair election?

By Chakravarthy

**The Colombo Magistrates court today refused to grant a search warrant requested by the Criminal Investigations Department to search UNP leader Ranil Wickremesighe’s office and the Biyagama press of Wijeya Newspapers, publishers of Daily Mirror [TC]

Mahinda gave Rs. 180 million to the LTTE through Basil, charges Tiran Alles

National organizer of the SLFP Mahajana Wing Tiran Alles says Basil Rajapaksa personally handed over, at his office, Rs. 180 million to the then LTTE financial controller Emil Kanthan to ensure that the people of the north refrained from voting at the 2005 presidential election. [TC]

The voter in the North-East, election politics and promises

by Nimmi Gowrinathan

On May 19, 2009 the Government of Sri Lanka announced that it had defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), ending one of the longest civil wars in South Asia. [TC]

Fonseka factor and the creeping politicization of military in Sri Lanka

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Last year when speculation was rife about former Army commander Sarath Fonseka announcing his candidacy for the Presidential elections this columnist was among those who warned of adverse consequences befalling the Country as a result of this unprecedented move. [dbsj]

Mahinda's insolent message to Tamil speaking people

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

"Lakbima News" editor Rajpal Abeynayake asks President Rajapakse a serious question "What is the message you give Tamil speaking people"?. [TC]

Exhibit: Unpacking the complexities and liminality of the Tamil Community

Shanaathanan Thamotharampillai, a Tamil artist from Sri Lanka who is currently completing his PhD in art history at Jawaharlal Nerhu University, New Delhi. [TC]

100,000 Tamils still limbo in camps, families forced to take refuge on the roadside

Excerpts from report by Wayne Hay of AlJazeera

A journey north along the severely bombed A9 road reveals hundreds of families forced to take refuge on the roadside, finding shelter in the remains of someone else's home. [TC]

Presidential Elections, The Sinhala Mindset And The Future Of Sri Lanka

Prof. A. R. M. Imtiyaz

It is likely that who ever wins the ethnic problem will not be solved. [TC]

“Gramarajya”: The Utopian vision of Ukku Banda Wijekoon

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Three days from today(23rd) the nation will be going to the polls to elect the most powerful person in the Country.

Twenty-Three potential candidates handed in their nominations on December 17th 2009but with the Commissioner of Elections rejecting one there were only twenty-two in the fray. [dbsj]

Once Considered Walk Over this Election Could Well be Nemesis of Rajapakse

By Kshama Ranawana

Deeply divided Sri Lankan citizens go to the polls on Jan. 26 to vote in a president in its first major post-war electoral exercise. [TC]

Why I am voting for Sarath Fonseka

By Samanmalee Unanthenna

When rumours started circulating some months ago of the possibility of Sarath Fonseka being a Presidential candidate, I was horrified. [TC]

Electing the general as president would be a decidedly a risky adventure

by Atticus

It is said that large sections of the country —-people from different communities, religions, classes, regions, occupations and gender —-are supporting the General at the Presidential elections. [TC]

Pre dawn attack causes severe damage to house and vehicle of Secretary, SLFP Mahajana Wing

At approximately 4.50am this morning, an explosive device was thrown at the home of the Secretary and National Organizer of the SLFP Mahajana Wing Mr. Tiran Alles, located at Galpoththa Road, Nawala, resulting in severe damage to his vehicle and house. [TC]

35 Muslim Organizations Appeal to Make 2010 The Year of Return of Expelled Northern Muslims

As Sri Lankan Muslims civil society groups we are deeply concerned by the lack of urgency and recognition of the Northern Muslims’ right to return. [TC]

Early Presidential election and unexpected developments

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

The general view on the motive behind the decision to hold the Presidential election two years earlier than the scheduled end of the 6-year term of the incumbent President is to exploit the delight of the majority of the citizens over the military victory achieved in May 2009 that annihilated the ferocious Tamil Tigers. [TC]

'Tamils have won the hearts and sympathy of Canadians for their cause'

By Siva Sivapragasam

In an emotionally inspired speech, Jack Layton, President of the National Democratic Party had nothing but full of praise to the Canadian Tamils and feelings for the Tamil cause when he addressed the International Conference for the Tamil Quest for Democracy & Peace in Sri Lanka:Problems & Prospects. [MJ]

Report on election monitors' visit to Jaffna, Kilinochchi & Vavuniya, Jan 17- 19

CMEV met with residents of the area including those who had recently returned, internally displaced person (IDPs), civil society groups, agencies and government officials. [TC]

The Two Elections in 2010: End of History for the NE Tamils or, A Fresh Beginning?

By Jolly Somasundram

"War does not determine who is right: it just determines who is left," wrote Bertrand Russel. The NE Tamils (who include those from this region living elsewhere in the island), never had it so bad. [TC]

Why do Tamils in India hurl slippers at Lokubandara but Tamils in  Sri Lanka  garland Rajapakse and Fonseka?

By Somapala Gunadheera

Two news items appearing in the Island of Monday, January 11, 2010 took me by surprise. [TC]

Rajapakse and Fonseka were treated as respected guests by Tamils in Jaffna

By S.Udhaya

Mr Somapala Gunadheera raised an interesting issue in his piece titled Exclusivity of the Sri Lankan Tamil Psyche dated January 19, as to why the Tamils were "mellow, forgiving, tolerant" in their treatment of the two 'Cup' claimers. I must credit Mr Gunadheera for having asked such a fascinating question [TC]

Tamil émigrés follow the election campaign with jaundiced eyes

From the print edition of THE ECONOMIST

IN THE dingy back office of a Sri Lankan grocery shop in Harrow, north-west London, sales assistants pore over a Tamil newspaper, while a customer says he is going home to follow events on the internet. [TC]

Basil Rajapakse allows LTTE leader's mother and mother-in-law to leave the country

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

LTTE leader Prabhakaran's mother Mrs. Parvathy Veluppillai is currently warded at the Oorani hospital in her hometown of Valvettithurai. [TC]

Presidential contender put in the fray by Rajapakse regime quacks on divided loyalties

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

It's an open secret that Former UNP national list MP Sarath Kongahage was put up to contest presidential elections by the Rajapakse regime. [TC]

Fonseka has put aside the General's "Thoppiya" to assail a political Thoppigala

by Nalin Swaris

Even you Brutus? Most famous last words in history, due to its inclusion in William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Julius Caesar’. Before turning to Shakespeare, a few historical facts about Gaius Julius Caesar (100 BCE- 44 BCE). Julius’ surname became the title of emperors after him. [TC]

Government plot to harass Sarath Fonseka relatives continue

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Govt continues "games"with Sarath Fonseka's son in law Danuna Tillekeratne by getting Police to postpone inquiry after summoning him for one. [TC]

Rajapakse regime gets ready to derive propaganda mileage by "fixing" Sarath Fonseka & his son-in-law

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Rajapakse regime gets ready to do anti-opposition propaganda by "fixing" Sarath Fonseka & his son-in-law on charges of alleged corruption [TC]

Canadian Tamil Community Donates for Haiti Disaster Relief

By Siva Sivapragasam

The funds collected will be channeled through Global Medic, an international organization of repute and recognition for medical assistance and healthcare services. [TC]

"No Blood for Panties," Boycott Sri Lanka Releases Second Video

Boycott Sri Lanka Releases Second Video in Series "No Blood for Panties"; innovative marketing strategy proves popular, effective: [TC]

"Day after the election there will no longer be any concern for the Tamil people"

"There is really no fundamental choice between General Fonseka and Rajapakse because both were instrumental in launching this military offensive against the Tamil community," says Tasha Manoranjan in a report by Shaun Tandon of AFP datelined from Washington on Jan 17, 2010: [TC]

YATV Video: Jaffna via the A9, election and minority votes

A 7.10 minute telecast featuring A9, IDPs seeking shelter along the road and interviews with few Jaffna residents at the market. [TC]

UNP activist beaten to death by supporters of government minister in Kurunegala

According to Mr. Manjula Bandara (son of Member of Parliament and UNP Organizer for Wariyapola Ms. Amara Piyaseeli), between 12.30am and 1.00am this morning, Mr. Dhammika Herath (also known as Manju) was beaten to death by supporters of Minister of Rural Industries & Self-Employment Promotion S.B. Navinne. [TC]

Short notes on a sojourn in Sri Lanka

by R.M.M

Mahinda Rajapakse maybe corrupt but a lot of the hearsay foolish talk here in Colombo is just that. [TC]

Experiences make regime change the critical question for the minorities

An Appeal by a Collective of Tamil Professionals

The vote is a valuable right and we call upon Tamils, Muslims and all minorities to exercise it without doubt or hesitation on the 26th of January.[TC]

Both Pirapaharan and Rajapakse are propaganda masters and cardboard heroes

by Dr.Muttukrishna Sarvananthan

The 30-year battle against terrorism has turned into a vicious battle for the spoils-of-war in recent times. This post-war phenomenon does not augur well for the people of Sri Lanka.[TC]

"Keep on Moving": In Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King

Masses around the globe fighting for freedom, liberty and / or human dignity liken Dr. Martin Luther King's message to their own struggles. And Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech is looked upon by many to identify with King's fight for equality. [TC]

AlJazeera Video: Military rule not new for Tamils

As campaigning heats up ahead of Sri Lanka's presidential elections, the two main candidates are competing for support from the Tamil community. [TC]

How "exceptionalism" relates to race, racism and racists

The following is apropos an interview with Mr A. Sivanandan, published in New Left Review (London, Nov-Dec 2009 issue, pages 79-98) under the caption ‘An Island Tragedy: Buddhist ethnic cleansing in Sri Lanka’. [TC]

Sri Lanka under Rajapakse regime becoming feudal kingdom with constitutional veneer

Did Sampanthan Tell Newspaper about Fonseka Agreeing to Re-merge North and East?

by Dayan Jayatilleka

Douglas Devananda once likened Tamil nationalism to cholesterol, saying just as there is good and bad cholesterol, there is good and bad Tamil nationalism, and just as you need good cholesterol, you need the good Tamil nationalism.[TC]

Ranil Wickremasinghe Speaks Out on Current Situation

An Interview by Rajpal Abeynayake

The General prepared his programmes approved by all the parties backing him at that time. Now the numbers have been added on. Subsequently General released it (the programme) in Jaffna. Then Mr. Sambanthan wanted to meet with him. [TC]

Voting for Fonseka:"When you are in the Frying Pan You have to Jump"

In Dublin today, 16th January, at 2.00pm the Peoples' Tribunal Chairman Francois Houtart read the preliminary findings of the Peoples' Tribunal on the war in Sri Lanka and its aftermath. There were four findings: [TC]

Poll violence in Puttalam claims life of UPFA supporter

According to North Western Provincial Councilor Mr. Sanath Nishantha Perera (UPFA), at 3.50pm, UNP supporters had shot at UPFA supporters in front of the UNP party office located in front of the Minnas Private Hospital, Madurankuliya, Puttalam District, resulting in the death of UPFA supporter Mr. Saman Kumara of Thonigala, Anamaduwa. [TC]

The political fight between the President and the General

By Ranga Welaratne

I visited my beloved country during the recent festive season, the land of my forefathers, where due to my extended sojourn overseas, I no longer have the right to vote. [TC]

Philip Alston wants credible, independent investigation by Sri Lanka

An Interview with Namini Wijedasa

UN Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Philip Alston raised a hornet’s nest recently by resurrecting the controversial Channel 4 ‘execution’ video and deeming it to be authentic on the basis of a report produced by three independent experts. [TC]

Election related violence in North, East and Uva provinces

According to UNP District Secretary for Polonnaruwa Mr. S.A.M. Wickramasinghe, Captain R.D.A. Ranaweera of the 8th Vijayabha Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, Palali, was arrested yesterday at 4.30pm by the Military Police (4th CCMP) for influencing voters in favour of General Sarath Fonseka. [TC]

In Pictures: Illegal cutout displays using State resources

Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), Colombo has released few pictures showing misappropriation of State resources to display cutouts and banners in the run up to the Presidential Elections. [TC]

All Citizens must vote at Presidential Elections and influence result

By Dr.A.C.Visvalingam

Our Constitution makes it clear that the People are sovereign and that their sovereignty is inalienable. However, for practical reasons, the Constitution provides for the legislative power of the People to be exercised by Parliament, consisting mostly of elected representatives, and, in respect of certain specific situations, directly by the People at a Referendum. [TC]

Presidential Election is re-shaping political forces that existed before the war

By Dayapala Thiranagama

The Presidential election battle is gathering momentum with incredible speed. Defections and pledges of support to Sarath Fonseka (SF) have injected some nervousness for the Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) campaign. [TC]

Sri Lanka east coast is best left to fishermen while the wounds of civil war heal

Gill Charlton of The Daily Telegraph UK sees that it is too soon for tourism in Sri Lanka's east coast: [TC]

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga has given astonishing media interview

Rajapakse Vs Fonseka: Not a one horse race, but a contest

By Rajan Philips

This election was supposed to be a one horse race for Mahinda Rajapakse. Now it is a contest. Nobody can yet say that Mahinda Rajapakse is going to lose; nor can anyone now say that Sarath Fonseka is not going to win. [TC]

Sri Lanka-Tamil Vote and the Presidential Elections

By Siva Sivapragasam 

A former Sri Lankan High Court Judge and a well-respected Tamil and Religious scholar Justice Wigneswaran in his interview to a leading Tamil Newspaper in Sri Lanka on the forthcoming Presidential Elections has stated that the Tamils should exercise their democratic right of voting and not boycott the elections as they did last time. [MJ]

Rajapakse and Fonseka election promises mean nothing to the Tamils

by Dushy Ranetunge

During a previous election many in Colombo and the affluent classes were overconfident of a UNP victory. At the time there was a massive disjoint between the perceptions in Colombo and those in the country. Rajapakse tapped into these rural aspirations, and Prabakaran assisted by excluding the Tamil vote. The rest was history. [TC]

Why the minority communities are rallying around Sarath Fonseka

by Leela Issac

The moment the TNA announced its support for the opposition presidential candidate, General Sarath Fonseka, the ruling party and the forces that back President Mahinda Rajapakse have begun to smell an international conspiracy with the help of the LTTE to destabilize and divide Sri Lanka.[TC]

Three distinguished Sri Lankans write to Rajapakse and Fonseka about conduct of elections

by Arjuna Aluwihare, Jayantha Dhanapala and Chandra Jayaratne

This Presidential election is taking place at a time when we are free of the scourge of armed conflict––thanks to you and the team of which you as President and also General Fonseka were vitally important members. The contents of this note are for the attention of both of you please [TC]

Dilemma facing the nation at presidential poll is how to choose the lesser of two evils

by Senerath Ambepitiya

After emerging victorious in a 30-year war Sri Lanka was heading for a bright new era. At least so the Sri Lankans thought. [TC]

Ven. Batharamulle Seelaratana Thera attains enlightenment under Araliya trees

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Lord Buddha was enlightened under the Bodhi tree. A Sri Lankan claiming to be his disciple has received enlightenment under Araliya trees! [TC]

How preference votes are counted in a Presidential Election

By Suriya Wickremasinghe

This briefing paper responds to questions received by CRM about the counting of preferences at the Presidential election A decision how to vote, or whether to vote at all, should be an informed decision. [TC]

Presidential Poll 2010: Breaking the Piper’s Charm

by Chinthaka Senaratne

Political commentators seem to have run out of superlatives when attempting to describe the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapakse. [TC]

The spiritual theme of Thai Pongal

By Gamini Jayasinghe

‘Thai’ is the first and auspicious month in the Tamil almanac and ‘Pongal’ is a dish of a sweet concoction of rice, dhal or a split pulse, jaggery and milk. Thai Pongal is therefore the feast in the month of Thai. [TC]

There is a minority question with multiple configurations that plagues our existence in every way

Maya's tweet to NY Times: "Get your priorities straight"

tweet bundle from the twitter pages of maya arulpragasam M.I.A

Here is the lush coastline they are talking about [TC]

The first murder of Presidential Election 2010 campaign

Interview with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Co-Convenor of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) over the murder of a political party supporter in Tangalla today and the lobbing of a hand grenade in Batticaloa. [TC]

Tissainayagam the First Journalist Convicted Under PTA Granted Bail by Appeal Court

by Chris Patten

Pity the poor Sri Lankan voter. As presidential elections loom on Jan. 26, the public is faced with a choice between two candidates who openly accuse each other of war crimes. [TC]

Slow swing in favour of 'Swan' and the perturb at President's campaign

by Col. R. Hariharan

For President Mahinda Rajapaksa last week was not a happy one. Media predictions show a slow swing in favour of the common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka in the January 26 presidential poll. [TC]

Concern grows over IDP voting rights

by IRIN News

Tens of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) and new returnees in Sri Lanka may miss out on voting in this month's presidential election on 26 January. [TC]

Giving Sri Lanka green light to fight “war on terror” regrettable -International Crisis Group

International actors need to press for accountability for abuses by both sides during the war as well as challenge the government’s post-war policies. [TC]

In Pictures: Funeral of Thiruvengadam Veluppillai [TC]

Lasantha's wife Sonali writes to Mahinda about inquiry into husbands murder [TC]

Is TNA decision to support Sarath Fonseka revenge politics or separatist politics?

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sarath Fonseka relying mostly on people from the "Triple A" for campaign. AAA stands for Army personnel, Ananda Collegians & Ambalangoda people [TC]

Family members of Mahindas cronies preparing to flee Country from Jan 20th

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]

Pictorial: A Sri Lankan Underdog Battles Global Tea Giants

by Vikas Bajaj

Focus on the multifaceted Rights issue

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

In his Kanchana Abhayapala Memorial lecture, JC Weliamuna emphasized the fact, “human rights regime does not operate in a vacuum and one cannot draw an assumption that human rights will find its legitimate space in a society, because it is influenced by various other external factors such as corruption”. [TC

Lasantha: The Courageous Editor who Fearlessly spoke Truth to Power

Remembering “Lassieboy” on the first anniversary of his death

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

It was on January 8th last year that Lasantha Wickrematunga the Editor of “The Sunday Leader” in Colombo was killed by “unknown” assassins. He was my colleague, editor, friend and above all a kindred soul. [dbsj]

Unbowed and unafraid to the very end

By Marianne David

One year ago on this day, Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge was gunned down in broad daylight, in a high security zone to boot.

Remembering Lasantha

The Tamil Solidarity (TS) steering committee met on Friday 18 December 2009 to discuss future plans. One of the most important items on the agenda was the question of what the TS position on the upcoming presidential election should be. [TC]

Media Organizations in Lanka Present Agenda to Presidential Candidates

The undersigned media organisations hereby present the following agenda of reform to the presidential candidates (2010) for their unequivocal commitment to implement the same; [TC]

Sri Lanka execution video 'authentic' - UN Envoy

Video apparently showing extra-judicial killings by Sri Lankan troops is most probably genuine, a UN envoy has said. [TC]

Media Organizations in Lanka Present Agenda to Presidential Candidates

The undersigned media organisations hereby present the following agenda of reform to the presidential candidates (2010) for their unequivocal commitment to implement the same; [TC]

Thiruvengadam Velupillai, LTTE leader Prabhakaran's father passes away

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

LTTE leader Prabhakaran's father Thiruvengadam Velupillai has passed away. He and his wife were being held under "special" military custody [TC]

Presidential Election 2010 - Shakespearan Drama with a Sri Lankan Flavour

By Jolly Somasundram

In the aftermath of the Mullaitivu triumph, the rewind button set to Shakespeare could draw attention to a collage of the Bard's relevant insights. [TC]

These  candidates are largely to blame for destroying our people

by Catherine Philp

A few weeks ago Sri Lanka’s upcoming general election looked like a walk in the park for the incumbent, President Rajapaksa, who was riding high on the kudos of ending the country's long-running civil war. [TC]

Tamil National Alliance announces support for Sarath Fonseka

The Tamil National Alliance that has 22 members of Parliament officially stated that it would extend support to common opposition candidate Gen.Sarath Fonseka at the forthcoming Presidential elections. [TC]

Killing Rajiv Gandhi: Dhanu's sacrificial metamorphosis in death?

by Michael Roberts

Journals use Abstracts in order to provide readers with a distillation of the argument in an article. Where theoretical concepts are deployed, this presupposes that readers have some familiarity with the literature. [TC]

HRW urges Australia and Asian counties for compassion towards refugees

At the dawn of a new decade, Asian governments should commit themselves not only to the nonrefoulement principle, but also to the idea that granting asylum is a humanitarian act that should be entirely divorced from political relations between states, writes Bill Frelick, Refugee Policy director at Human Rights Watch, in an OPED article appearing in the New York Times of Jan 2, 2010: [TC]

Anniversary of terror attack on MTV-MBC Radio/TV Station

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Today January 6th is the first anniversary of a “terror” attack on the MTV-MBC Radio/TV station in suburban Colombo. None of the culprits responsible for the attack have been apprehended let alone prosecuted despite a whole year passing by. [dbsj]

Whenever Tamils boycott polls they end up worse than before

by Dr A.C.Visvalingam

Our Constitution makes it clear that the People are sovereign and that their sovereignty is inalienable. [TC]

Mahinda compelled to seek Tamil votes after Sarath entered fray

by M.I. M. Mohideen

Soon after defeating LTTE terrorism in May 2009, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that there are no minority or majority communities in Sri Lanka today.[TC]

Entry of Gen.Fonseka will lead to militarization of politics and politicisation of Military

by Dew Gunasekara

It is with a sense of relief, emotion and pleasure that I am addressing the comrades and friends today after a lapse of almost 27 years since 1982 Presidential Election when I visited the North in support of Hector Kobbekaduwa, S.L.F.P. Presidential candidate. [TC]

Oppressive Govt is worse than a tiger said Confucius

by M.S.Shah Jahan

Liu Shihui, a human right activist and a lawyer with a law firm in China was suddenly grabbed by the neck from behind while he was hiking with friends on Baiyun Mountain last October.[TC]

Corruption charges raised against Fonseka in parliament

By Wijitha Nakkawita and Irangika Range

The JVP has now become the defender of corruption. The sacrosanct gentlemen of that party were carrying on their shoulders a Presidential Candidate who had used his position to award tenders for the purchase of equipment from a company owned by his son-in-law, JNP leader Wimal Weerawansa said in Parliament yesterday. [TC]

Negative Attributes of  Mahinda Rajapaksa: Candid assessment of Presidential Candidates – 1

By Rajpal Abeynayake

Yes, we have to talk about the Fonseka candidacy, but before that we have to get to grips with the Rajapaksa incumbency [TC]

Programme of Immediate Relief Measures for war affected persons & Areas for Peace

Full Text of "Programme of Immediate Relief Measures for War Affected Persons & Areas for Peace", handed over to Hon. R. Sampanthan, Leader of the TNA by General Sarath Fonseka common Presidential Candidate at his campaign headquarters on Jan 4, 2010: [TC]

Video: Sex Un-Sells: "No blood for Panties" video urges boycott of products made in Sri Lanka

Boycott Sri Lanka released a shockingly innovative No Blood For Panties video series today. No Blood For Panties is part of a campaign to boycott products made in Sri Lanka in an effort to end the suffering of Sri Lanka's Tamils. [TC]

Attention: Presidential Candidates! The Case for a 'Media Commission'

by Chaminda Weerawardhana

These two are like rails of a rail-track - and the SL train cannot move forward unless the track is in order (its absence explains the 62-year stagnation, and especially the post May 2009 stagnation). [TC]

Feedback: Citizens speaking up on the polls from all over Sri Lanka

by Dushy Ranetunge

A Traffic Police officer near the Benthara River ; “The law must be applied to all equally. We stopped a container and found it full of Billboards in support of the President. [TC]

Gwynne Dyer holds up a mirror on Sri Lanka's future

by Dayan Jayatilleka

It usually takes an objective, empathetic outsider to hold up a mirror before us, reflecting our achievements and our failures. [TC]

Politics of election has exposed a giant black hole at the centre of Tamil politics

by Kumar David

The animation of election politics has exposed a giant black hole at the centre of Tamil politics. Understandably the destruction of the LTTE created a vacuum that will take time to repair.[TC]

Sri Lanka in 2010: An Assessment of trends in  politics, international affairs and human rights

By Col R Hariharan

How is the year 2010 going to be for Sri Lanka? What are the likely trends? [TC]

JR Jayewardene and the caste factor in Sinhala politics

by Nalin Fernando

On Royal-Thomian cricket match morning in March 1996 I got a telephone call from someone very close to President J.R. Jayewardene saying that the Old Man, who was suffering from a bad head cold, was insisting on going to the Big Match that day against medical advice. [TC]

Promises Galore by Gen. Fonseka  wooing Tamil voters in Jaffna

In an ironic twist of fate Sarath Fonseka the man who refused to dismantle high security zones in Jaffna during the Oslo -brokered ceasefire in 2002 performed a neat somersault in 2010 by promising to remove high - security zones in North if elected President [TC]

Sarath Fonseka makes assurances to voters in Jaffna

Presidential contender Sarath Fonseka has said Ariyalai, Muhamalai, Jaffna and Tanangkillappu High Security Zones (HSZs) will be taken off immediately and emergency rule abolished when elected, while speaking to the public in Jaffna today. [TC]

Student Victims of Embilipitiya and Trincomalee:How the State Obstructs Justice

by Dr.Rajan Hoole

Are we living under a State so crisis-prone that reordering it to represent all sections and provide justice for all, has become an insuperable task?[TC]

The Second Philippic: Presidential Election and Political Possibilities

by Rajan Philips

In a witty word play Dayan Jayatilleka has called my article last week, a philippic. So I offer a second Sri Lankan philippic – on the presidential election and political possibilities. [TC]

Pacha Gaha-The charge of the Rumour Brigade

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake

The Pacha Gaha providing abundant shelter at the Galle town was a landmark known for the mastery of the lie [TC]

Dayan’s Powerful Argument on Contemporary Relevance of Castro or Fidelismo [TC]

Celebrating birth of Jesus: Song by poet Vairamuthu [TW]

In Pictures: “Nobody’s people” caught in the “buffer zone”

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Today is the 5th anniversary of a tsunami that devastated our country. Five years on, but how many of us still care for the people who suffered? [HA]

Internally displaced persons on the A9 highway – victims of heartless politics

By: Dr. Rajasingham Narendran

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) had become the bone of contention between the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), many governments and institutions in the international community, and the Tamil community at large-both within Sri Lanka and the Diaspora, after the war ended. [TC]

In Thiraaimadu, Batticaloa: Self-confidence and courage amidst multiple tragedies

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"I lost my house in Tsunami in 2004 in Kallady. I built the house not with my sweat, but with my blood " recalls Rajeswary Sithravadivel.

She got displaced twice in her life-In 1983 from Colombo to Batticaloa after Black July riots & in 1990 from Batticaloa to Colombo. [HA]

In Saainthamaruthu: Indelible memories of kith and kin [HA]

In Maruthamunai: Tears, trial and triumph of humanity [HA]

Tamil politics: Too much thinking might be going on

by Rajan Philips

It is not that there is no thinking in Tamil politics; there might be too much thinking going on. There is no institutional apparatus to screen out bad thinking and try out better options. And the free license of the internet has provideed the medium for unsupervised circulation of idiotic thinking. [TC]

Presidential aspirant views sought on 14 issues by Tamil professionals

Presidential elections are always of great importance to all citizens. In the context of the recent civil war defeat of the LTTE, as well as other developments over the years, the forthcoming Presidential Election is of very special relevance to ethnic minorities, human rights activists and journalists. [TC]

A nasty, cruel war followed by a nasty, dirty election

by Gus Mathews

The unpredictability of Sri Lankan politics is a godsend to journalists and political analysts alike.[TC]

Lankan cricket star Dilshan manhandles Indian Photojournalist Dutta

Tillekaratne Dilshan, the star Sri Lanka opener who perfected the “Dil-scoop”, became so angry at being photographed in a nightclub that he chased a photographer of The Telegraph, Bishwarup Dutta, from the fifth-floor club down to the street to confront him on Tuesday night. [TC]

Thiruvempaavai-a ten day worship for Lord Siva begins [HA]

Ramifications of Corruption and Their Impact on Human Rights

by JC Weliamuna

As you know, Kanchana Abhayapala Memorial lecture is held in honour of a distinguished young colleague who was senselessly assassinated during one of the darkest periods of our recent history. [TC]

International LTTE seems to be divided into twin factions

By Col. R. Hariharan

The overseas supporters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been in disarray ever since the founder leader Prabhakaran and the entire insurgent leadership were eliminated in May 2009. [TC]

Trapped civilians in Sri Lanka cut off from aid deliberately, says Médecins sans Frontières

Civilians attacked, bombed, and cut off from aid in Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along with stagnant funding for treating HIV/AIDS and ongoing neglect of other diseases, were among the worst emergencies in 2009, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported today in its annual list of the "Top Ten" humanitarian crises. [TC]

UN Asks Sri Lanka to tell the truth about killing LTTE leader surrendees

Here is the full text of Alston's letter to Amb. Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations office at Geneva [TC]

On Sri Lankan Killings, Alston Asks Rajapaksas, Why Not UN's Nambiar?

By Matthew Russell Lee

So one wonders, given not only the UN's role in the final days of what even it called the "bloodbath on the beach" in Sri Lanka, but especially UN chief of staff Vijay Nambiar's reported role in the deadly surrenders, why Rapporteur Alston has not already demanded answers from the UN itself. [TC]

"Up to 95 percent of IDP's might be deprived of their voting rights"

By Ranga Sirilal

"Up to 95 percent of IDP's might be deprived of their voting rights at the presidential elections as a proper mechanism has not been in place," one of the monitors, Keerthi Thennakoon of the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), told Reuters. [TC]

Sri Lankan guards 'sexually abused girls' in Tamil refugee camp

by Prof. Charles Sarvan

Kumar Sangakkara Should Not Combine Responsibilities of Skipper,Keeper and Lead Batsman

by Nirgunan Tiruchelvam

Many records were broken in the recent run feast in India. One record went unnoticed [TC]

Sri Lankan tragedy: No exit from crisis even after military victory

by Dayan Jayatilleka

It is a fairly safe assumption that with the Southern province elections the Rajapakse administration hit its electoral ceiling and the UNP its floor [TC]

Paasikuda: Heavenly beach of the 'Green algae' bay

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Paasikuda means Green-Algae-Bay. It is a coastal resort which is situated 35 kilometers North West of Batticaloa [TC]

Obama’s Afghan Dilemmas

by Rajan Philips

The man who soared onto the American presidency unlike any other is now saddled with challenges that only a few among his forty three predecessors did have to surmount.[TC]

Sarath, Gota and the brutality shown to surrendered LTTE leaders

By Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

Whatever maybe the outcome of the investigation promised by the parties involved, the war has not indeed created heroes but only suspects of war crimes. [TC]

Tamils must come out of the graveyard of boycott politics

by Kumar David

The 2005 presidential election was the graveyard of Tamil boycott politics. [TC]

Need for new "vibes" and emergence of a "home grown" Tamil leadership

By Gnana Moonesinghe

Too long just a few have done the thinking for the Tamils. Too long have the Tamils followed a few at the top. Too long have they been led by emotion and rhetoric. [TC]

Approximately 1,600 Sri Lankans receive priority processing to help reunite with family in Canada

The humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka prompted the Government of Canada to begin expediting the processing of new and existing sponsorship applications in June 2009 for Sri Lankans who were directly and significantly affected. [TC]

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Naguleswaram temple in Jaffna will be kept open for the devotees.Limited access was permitted for 30 years. [TC]

Canada Liberals release policy statement on current situation in Sri Lanka

We must continue to work together as a nation to ensure that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are upheld in Sri Lanka as they move forward to face the challenges of their society together.” [TC]

Which is bad, getting “donation” from Praba’s father or fleecing the country?

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Mahinda Rajapakse attacks Sarath Fonseka indirectly in Anuradhapura by alleging that accepting cash from Prabakharan's parents is a betrayal [TC]

Gotabhaya Rajapakse absolved govt & blamed army for alleged violations- Sarath Fonseka

Gen.Sarath Fonseka tell "Daily Mirror" online that it was Def Secy who first told US authorities about alleged killing of LTTE leaders [TC]

Who fought the war? 

State television covering presidential nominations had no images of Sarath Fonseka during live telecast except shaking hands with President [TC]

India’s Plan to Create New Southern State

Mahinda Rajapakse has reportedly agreed to ten point demands proposed by Douglas Devananda in return for EPDP support at presidential polls [TC]

Mahinda, Sarath and their monstrous crimes against people and humanity

by Com. Surendra

This up-coming presidential election would be comical, if not for the fact that it is deceptively diabolical. [TC]

Four questions for Gen. Sarath Fonseka, “transformed” champion of media freedom

Gen.Sarath Fonseka reportedly said at Dec 14th press briefing that he would provide full media freedom if elected president [TC]

"Fishy" explanation given on "Missing" Lankan fishermen

What befell the Sri Lankan fishing boat "Winmarine" with Sinhala fishermen at the hands of the Indian coastguard & navy remains a "mystery" [TC]

Gen.Sarath Fonseka moves out of Bullers road

Gen.Sarath Fonseka has moved out of his official army residence on Bullers road into another bungalow in Kollupitiya [TC]

'US aware & supportive of UN investigation into alleged HR violations in Sri Lanka' 

Philip J.Crowley Asst.Secy-Bureau of Public Affairs:Press Relations at US State dept answers question on Sri Lanka at Dec15th press briefing [TC]

'Sri Lanka has a unique opportunity - and duty - to work for genuine political reconciliation'

by David Miliband

Since the end of the conflict the UK has focused its efforts on securing an improvement in the humanitarian situation. [TC]

Ranil Wickremasinghe may have to contest presidency himself

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Fonseka adopts contradictory stance of projecting himself as war hero & human rights champion simultaneously. Will he fall between two stools? [TC]

Gen.Fonseka shoots himself on the knee right royally

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Season to climb the mountain and worship Lord Iyappan has just begun. [TC]

Expert with ties to FBI and Vancouver Police authenticates “Sri Lanka War Crimes”-Channel 4 Video

Rhys Blakely in Mumbai

Video footage that appears to show Sri Lankan troops committing war crimes by summarily executing captured Tamil Tiger fighters on the battlefield was not fabricated, as claimed by the Sri Lankan Government, an investigation by The Times has found. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka perturbed at negative reaction within Army personnel over interview

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Like typical politico he now says" The Sunday Leader" newspaper had misquoted what he said about alleged Army conduct in war with the LTTE. [TC]

Indian coast guard seize another Sri Lankan boat off the coast of Pondicherry

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Indian coast guard seize another Sri Lankan boat with five fishermen on board off the coast of Pondicherry union territory in South India [TC]

Gen. Fonseka does a volte-face over charges against Army

by B.Muralidhar Reddy

Less than 24 hours after his sensational statement that Sri Lanka Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa had instructed a ground commander in the battle zone during the last phase of the Eelam War IV (May 16 to May 19) to shoot all LTTE leaders that had come out waving a white flag with the intention of surrendering to the military, the retired General and contender for the January 26 presidential poll, Sarath Fonseka did a volte-face. [TC]

Did President Rajapakse assure the UN that surrendering LTTE leaders would be safe?

General (Retd) Sarath Foneka’s explosive interview to “ The Sunday Leader” has caused great controversy about whether Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse had allegedly given orders to then 58 division commander Brig.Shavendra Silva that LTTE leaders Nadesan,Pulithevan and Ramesh surrendering with white flags should be executed. [TC]

Sri Lanka wants India’s help ‘to defeat LTTE politically’!

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivering the Olcott Oration at Ananda College, Colombo on 14 November is reported to have said: [TC]

Two basic questions to the United National Front and its allies

by Kusal Perera

There are two (02) basic questions that have NOT been answered directly by the UNF and its allies (some 16 political parties said to be with them but, yet to be named) and the JVP in promoting and supporting their Common Candidate for presidency.

Let Them Speak:Truth about Sri Lanka 's Victims of War

By UTHR

Drawing on individual eyewitness accounts, it chronicles the relentless violence experienced by survivors of the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam between September 2008 and May 2009, when the Sri Lankan government ultimately crushed the LTTE leadership and declared victory. [TC]

Growing political support for Sarath Fonseka among ordinary soldiers worries govt.

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Army chief Lt.GenJagath Jayasuriya calls upon soldiers to be loyal to military as an institution-to individuals (meaning Sarath Fonseka) [TC]

Gotabhaya ordered execution of LTTE leaders who surrendered alleges Sarath Fonseka

by Frederica Jansz

Common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka says Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa instructed a key ground commander in the north that all LTTE leaders must be killed and not allowed to surrender. [TC]

Prudent 2 point program for pragmatic Tamil Politics

by Dayan Jayatilleka

Sri Lanka is a work in progress, a jigsaw puzzle that we have never been able to complete because the pieces haven’t been fitted together correctly. [TC]

Early campaign push via posters and person to capture minority votes

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe is currently visiting Jaffna Peninsula.He prayed at Nallur Kanthaswamy temple, and Naaga Vihare. [TC]

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Sri Lanka

Amnesty International USA Testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Dec 10, 2009

In short, Amnesty International is deeply disappointed with the senate report. [TC]

"To all Tamils who died in this raging violence, Know this we will never forget you!"

by Dr. Ellyn Shander MD

The numbers of Tamils who have been killed is incomprehensible. Everyone of them was precious. Every death broke our hearts. I am sure that each of you have had moments when it was too much to bear. [TC]

By Dayapala Thiranagama

Never before has such a major rift opened up between the political and military leadership in electoral politics as what has been witnessed over the recent months [TC]

Why human rights are important for all Sri Lankans

By Prof.Rajan Hoole

An important indicator of Human Rights protection in modern society is successful enforcement of the rule of law. [TC]

UN’s Special Envoy of Special Representative of Secretary for Children & Armed Conflict- General (ret) Patrick Cammaert was in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Journalist Tissainayagam completes 100 days of the 20 year hard labour 'unfair jail term'

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

19 media personnel were killed &109 brutally attacked during President Rajapakse's rule (2005-2009) allege journalists at press conference [TC]

Ven. Ellawela Medhananda Thera MP displays double-standards on imbibing liquor

Jathika Hela Urumaya MP Ven. Ellawela Medhananda Thera displays double-standards over Mahinda Rajapakse & Sarath Fonseka on imbibing liquor [TC]

Violators, apologists & accomplices of perpetrators speak on human rights in Jaffna

Heights of Hypocrisy reached on HumanRights Day(dec 10th) in Jaffna. Human rights champions & violators of human rights address meeting together [TC]

Dec 11th: Birth anniversary of Tamil poet Mahakavi Bharathy

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Interestingly a film song by Bharathi was censored in Sri Lanka. Two lines from a song in the the film "Kaikodutha Deivam" were slashed [TC]

'Sarath Fonseka not racist, reflected views of Government in the media' - Mangala

Mangala says Sarath Fonseka is not a racist & much of what he told media about minorities as army commander reflected views of Government [TC]

Portrait of the East: "I am your friend, I am your relative"

tweet treats from the East from the twitter pages by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Forget the past: "We want to be friends of Tamils"say Muslims of the East."We want to friends of Muslims" say Tamils of the East. [TC]

Degrading aftermath of Sri Lanka’s civil war demands international action

By Martin Shaw

In the aftermath, the Colombo government corralled 280,000 Tamils who had fled from Tiger-controlled territory in forty-one “detention-camps”. [TC]

No Action against US lawyer Visvanathan Rudrakumaran - Amb. Blake

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Robert Blake states in Colombo that no action would be taken by US Govt against US lawyer Visvanathan Rudrakumaran [TC]

Karuna justifies destruction of LTTE monuments commemorating the fallen [TC]

Mahinda vs Sarath:Grassroots vs "Townie"

by Muthu Padmakumara

One cannot demand recognition or reward. Though initially it might have been earned, demanding it brings you disrespect. [TC]

The Zurich meeting,Usual Suspects and Usual Suspicions

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha

There was much speculation recently about the provenance of the meeting of minority parties in Zurich. The usual suspects were thought to be behind the event, with the usual suspicions [TC]

Whichever candidate wins presidential elections US-Sri Lanka relations will grow

by Robert Blake

Even in death Prabhakaran has won the war-Mangala Samaraweera

by Shakuntala Perera

By Dayan Jayatilleka

As a citizen of Sri Lanka and a political scientist by vocation, hardly a day passes when I do not envy the American people for the high intelligence of their political leadership and policy elites, the capacity for self-correction ensured by the functioning of their democratic political institutions, and the transparent, accountable, democratic and participatory character of their civic culture. (I didn’t feel this way during the Bush years of course). [TC]

The Presidential election, and the politics of the Tamil-minority

by Prof. Chandre Dharmawardana

Prabhakaran is no more. Fonseka, an architect of the fall of the Eelam regime has crossed over to the pro-western, seemingly more minority-sensitive UNP led by Ranil Wickremasinhe [TC]

President takes the campaign North while oppositions fly allegations

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

President Rajapakse worships at Our Lady of the Rosary Church at Marudhamadhu in Mannar dist known as famous Catholic shrine of Madhu Madha [TC]

Food in short supply and life inside camps still hard says detainee

By Karon Snowdon

As the numbers decrease, camp conditions are improving but Kannan says food is in short supply and life inside is still hard. [TC]

Human-rights and conflict-resolution activists refute US Senate report on Sri Lanka

"This report is an incredibly shoddy, ill-informed piece of work that grossly overstates the strategic importance of Sri Lanka to the United States and woefully understates the degree of abuses carried out by the government there," said Robert Templer, director of the Asia programme at the Brussels- based International Crisis Group (ICG)." [TC]

Sri Lanka: Recharting U.S. Strategy after the war

Executive Summary by US Committee on Foreign relations 

The administration is currently evaluating U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka in the wake of the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), one of the world’s deadliest terrorist groups [TC]

New Tamil group People’s Liberation Army vows to start a fresh war

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Major policy shift in US towards Sri Lanka because of report by Senate Foreign Relations Committee to be released next week in Washington [TC]

"People’s Permanent Tribunal " in Dublin to probe Sri Lankan war crimes

tweet bundle

Alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan Govt & armed forces will be probed by the "People’s Permanent Tribunal " in Dublin on January 14th & 15th 2010 [TC]

East: "Colours of umbrellas lead a steady way through heavy wind & rain"

a bundle of tweets of nature & Life ~ from the twitter pages of Ebony

Dust settles down as it began to rain heavily in Batticaloa. Hindu temples are being painted and given a new look. [TC]

Moves underway to field Supreme court Judge Wikneswaran in Prez poll

tweet bundle

Moves are on to make former Supreme court Judge Wikneswaran the common Tamil presidential candidate. But will he agree? [TC]

Why Mahinda Rajapaksa should be re-elected President

The post-cold war political climate is vulnerable to identity-oriented tensions, caused by both primordial and constructed political strategies.[TC]

"Bogols bombast" continues on IDP camp access and Commonwealth Summit

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

ICRC & media not given access to Wanni IDP camps still despite foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama's announcement that IDP camps are open [TC]

SLA firing in Kalkudah beach at fleeing people leaves 1 dead, 2 injured

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

People who paid "agents" 3-5 lakhs to go to Australia months ago were waiting on beach to be taken by boats to deep sea & put aboard ships [TC]

‘No qualms about shelling huge numbers of ethnic minority civilians‘

BY Andrew Stroehlein

"Genocide" is too limiting a term in any case. In recent years, governments have not necessarily been exterminating entire subgroups en masse with crystal-clear intent. Yet some governments show no qualms about shelling huge numbers of ethnic minority civilians trapped in confined war zones, as we saw in Sri Lanka earlier this year. [TC]

Tamil doctor Interdicted by Health Ministry for expressing private opinion

by Namini Wijedasa

A Tamil doctor has been interdicted by the ministry of health allegedly for expressing a private opinion to a Sinhala doctor that was interpreted as “causing disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka”. [TC]

Dragon's share of Lankan development projects given to China

China has bagged the largest chunk of post-war development projects in Sri Lanka’s North and South with ongoing and projects concluded estimated at more than US$ 6.1 billion or about Rs 6,973 million. [TC]

Rajapaksa vs.Fonseka: What Choice For India?

by Kuldip Nayar

When dealing with neighbouring countries, India's main predicament is to choose between two options, both of which are uncertain and without hassle. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka wont have manifesto for election campaign

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

SarathFonseka wont have manifesto for election campaign due to UNP-JVP rivalry. He will have "common action program" acceptable to both parties [TC]

SMS & e-mails on property buying spree by brothers not true says President Rajapakse

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Preident Mahinda Rajapakse tells journalists of vilification campaign through SMS & e-mails that his brothers are on a property buying spree [TC]

AI Letter to Asst Sec Blake on His Upcoming Visit to Sri Lanka

by Amnesty International USA

I urge you to raise the following with Sri Lankan authorities: [TC]

Mixed loyalties: Sri Lanka's challenge of transforming military victory into lasting peace

by Times UK Correspondent in Trincomalee

A chance encounter behind the wire offered the cook an opportunity to serve exquisite revenge on his would-be killer. [TC]

Children among 11,000 Tamil ‘fighters’ held in rehabilitation

by Times UK Correspondent in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka is holding more than 11,000 Tamil prisoners without charge in closely guarded “rehabilitation centres”, despite the Government’s claim that it released all Tamil civilians from detention centres this week.

Sarath Fonseka fails to satisfy key leaders & officials in India

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Gen.(retd) Sarath Fonseka returns to Colombo after failing to satisfy key leaders & officials in India about the exact nature of his politics [TC]

Sarath Fonseka,Caste Factor and Presidential Poll; a Historical Irony

By Uvindu Kurukulasuriya

The caste factor which has for long been swept under the carpet has begun to raise its ugly head in Sri Lankan politics with the entry of Sarath Fonseka into the Presidential elections. [TC]

‘LTTE funds being clandestinely misappropriated to Rajapakse family coffers’

BY D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe demands the Govt must disclose to Parliament details of funds & assets owned by the Liberation Tigers. [TC]

President Rajapakse forbids media interviews of Gotabhaya

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

President Rajapakse forbids media from interviewing Def secy Gotabhaya & provoke him into making adverse statements against Sarath Fonseka [TC]

Senior journalist-activist Poddala Jayantha, wife & only daughter flee Sri Lanka

by D.B.S Jeyaraj

Senior journalist/activist Poddala Jayantha,wife & only daughter flee Sri Lanka to seek asylum abroad due to sustained threats to their lives [TC]

By: Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

The presidential election will be held on 26th January' 2010, two years ahead of schedule, and the general election on due time, soon thereafter in Sri Lanka. [TC]

"Sarath Fonseka yet to apologise for racist comments"

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sarath Fonseka is yet to apologise for the racist comments he made in the past. Can the Minority politicos supporting him get SF to do that? [TC]

“General” trends in the politics of the General

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The presidential election campaigns of both Mahida Rajapakse and Sarath Fonseka seem to have got off the ground with customary procedures. [DBSJ]

Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias KP, now being"coerced"by state

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lankan Govt gets imprisoned Pathmanathan ( KP) to sign documents transferring his assets&funds to Lankan state by force & false promises [TC]

'Govt. gloating about limited right of movement allowed for Wanni IDP's'

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

Wanni IDP's can move freely in & out of camps after filling out forms informing army of their movement but cant be away for more than 15 days [TC]

To Whom Does Sri Lanka Belong? To The Few,Many or All?

By Dayan Jayatilleka

When Imthiaz extended this invitation to me, it was impossible for me to refuse for three reasons. Firstly, Bakeer Markar was one of those unforgettable Speakers who could command the respect of the House; a legend in his time. [TC]

"Common Presidential Candidate" Dr. Vickramabau Karunarathne

Statement by Nava Sama Samaja Party

We are suffering because we have failed to resolve basic problems in our country. We cannot claim to be a free and democratic country unless we resolve the national problem and also stop international global capitalist interference. [TC]

Upali Cooray Memorial Meeting held in Colombo

by B. Skanthakumar

Upali Cooray, who passed away on 21 August 2009, was a revolutionary socialist; trade unionist; anti-racist; partisan of anti-colonial and national liberation movements; human rights lawyer; university teacher and much more. [TC]

How to abolish Executive Presidency before presidential poll 2010

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Present trends indicate that the question of abolishing the executive presidency will be the central theme of the current presidential election.

The need for removal of the danger posed by Gen. Sarath Fonseka

by Sumanasiri Liyanage

A combination of several factors in synergy has contributed to the unleashing of a process of increasing militarisation of the Sri Lankan political and social landscape since 1977. [TC]

Report from Jaffna: Long road to recovery, say returnees

by IRIN News

Thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have left camps in Sri Lanka’s north say they are struggling to claim back their lives even as the government implements a programme to support them. [TC]

Utter inadequacy of military solution to resolve the ethnic conflict

by Lynn Ockersz

The best evidence one has at the moment that history is on the side of truth, is the stubborn persistence with which the subject of the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution and the need for ‘extensive power devolution’ as an answer to this country’s ethnic conflict, are recurring in local political debate. [TC]

"Tamil Nationalists Have Left The Tamil People Badly Isolated

by Prof.S.Sivasegaram

Amnesty International is calling on the Sri Lankan government to permanently release civilians who have been illegally detained in camps since the end of the civil war six months ago. [TC]

'Some dictators do hold "elections" but they are neither fair nor free'

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

JVP office in Kadadolaha, Anuradhapura attacked by thugs in Defender jeep - No. WP GG 9417.Cut-outs & posters for Sarath Fonseka were destroyed [TC]

Gen. Fonseka trying to become cheap politician says Gotabhaya

There are certain elements of the international community who see the President taking a hard stand on the international community when the war was on, taking it personally.

"Sinhaya on a Hansa", ready for country & politics

Sarath Fonseka announces at press conference that he would be contesting Presidential elections 2011 under the symbol of Swan (Hansa /Annam) [TC]

Abolition of Executive Presidency: Pledge and performance

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

The question of abolishing the Executive Presidential system has received fresh focus after the foray of Gen.Sarath Fonseka into politics. [dbsj]

Pillaiyan withholds support for President at polls

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Tamil Makkal Viduthalaip Puligal(TMVP) controlling the EPC has decided to withhold support for Mahinda Rajapaksa at presidential polls [TC]

Special cubicle for Namal Rajapaksa at Law College

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Mahinda Rajapaksa's son Namal Rajapaksa answered the Law College Entrance examination while sitting in a special cubicle in exam hall [TC]

In Pictures: "If it is made in Sri Lanka put it down"

Several Tamil activist groups around the globe are conducting “Boycott Sri Lanka” campaigns, aimed at divestment in Sri Lanka, particularly by the garment industry. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka silent on resolving Tamil National question

Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

The JVP put forward, a four point minimum programme for the common candidate, which includes: a) Abolition of the executive Presidency, (b) Reactivate the independent commissions, a constitutional obligation under the 17th amendment (c) Restore democracy and curb corruption, (d) A programme to expedite the resettlement of IDPs and to address their concerns. [TC]

Fonseka and  Rajapaksa vie for Tamil votes:Who would the Tamils vote for?

by Namini Wijedasa

If you were Tamil, who would you vote for: Mahinda Rajapaksa or Sarath Fonseka? Many Tamils are already saying: “Neither”. [TC]

The Elders call on Sri Lankan government to protect rights of civilians displaced by conflict

The Elders – a group of eminent global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela – have made a direct appeal to the President of Sri Lanka to protect the rights of civilians displaced after the government’s defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May. [TC]

“Operation holdfast”: The attempted coup d’etat of Jan 1962

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Coup d’etat meaning “stroke of state” in French is used to describe the overthrow or deposition of a government or head of state through illegal or unconstitutional means. A coup d’etat generally referred to as a coup is usually undertaken by officer/s of armed forces against the established government. [TC]

Seeman in distress: A "Tweet Tale"

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Indian Tamil film director/actor Sebastian Seeman left Toronto on Nov 26th by Jet Airways flight to New Delhi via Brussels. [TC]

Rajapaksa-Fonseka battle is blessing in disguise for Tamil speaking people

by Vasantha Rajah

The ongoing “Rajapaksa-Fonseka battle” is a blessing in disguise for the Tamil-speaking people and the Sinhalese despite its immediate appearances; because the upcoming debates are bound to change the confused Sinhala consciousness on an unprecedented scale. [TC]

by THE ECONOMIST

SHAKING the rain out of his hair, Ravi Chandran boarded a state-run bus for Jaffna in the north and looked around.[TC]

Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is the REAL Common presidential candidate

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is the REAL Common presidential candidate as he is supported by 28 political parties representing all ethnicities [TC]

Main speaker at Great heroes day meetings in Canada opts to leave

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Question mark over Great heroes day meetings in Canada on Nov 26th & 27th to be addressed by Seeman as Tamil film director is now detained [TC]

Uninted National Party warned on committing political "hara-kiri"

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Dr Vickramabahu Karunaratne to contest Presidential elections under "Table" symbol of Left Front. Comrade Bahu expects Tamil & Muslim support [TC]

Free All Unlawfully Detained-HRW

As it prepares to allow the 130,000 internally displaced persons detained in camps to decide whether to stay or leave, the Sri Lankan government should ensure that no additional persons are subject to arbitrary detentions, Human Rights Watch said today. [TC]

Rajapakse vs. Fonseka: "The unspeakable going after the uneatable"

by Dr. Packiyasothy Saravanamuttu

The results of the national elections are now by no means certain. There is a contest and as a consequence, there is the possibility that the presidency could change hands, which in turn will have its impact on the general elections. [TC]

JVP, LTTE and the failure of armed struggles in Sri Lankan politics

by Dayapala Thiranagama

In the early 1960’s the Great Debate in the world communist movement had a profound political effect on the Sri Lankan Left movement. [TC]

Neelambari Perumal plays journalist in debut whodunit "Bombay Mittai"

BY Soyesh. H. Rawther

Neelambari Perumal is no stranger to social issues. In fact, she has experienced the trauma that a committed social worker’s family faces while pursuing a genuine cause. Life can’t be different for the daughter of former chief minister of North East Provincial Council in Sri Lanka and Tamil leader Varadaraja Perumal who had to spend a major part of his life in exile fearing the guns of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). [TC]

Agencies raise concerns over IDP care once resettled

The release of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from camps in Sri Lanka's north is welcome, but the government must now ensure they are properly cared for, the UN and NGOs say. [TC]

Australian Labor’s refugee detention regime triggers Christmas Island riot

IMF Loan Will Not Benefit Sri Lankan People or Help Resurrect Crisis Ridden Economy

We, as the Centre for Social Democracy (CSD), take it as our bounden responsibility to respond to the written dialogue between the HRW, Asia Division Executive Director, Brad Adams and the IMF Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, which is now in public domain, on the issue of the IMF emergency support loan provided to the SL government, basically to prevent the Sri Lankan economy from collapse, as stressed by the IMF. [TC]

Promise to free displaced must be followed by concrete action- Amnesty International

“Now the Sri Lankan government needs to demonstrate that it will provide the displaced with necessary assistance such as shelter, food and security as they re-establish their homes,” said Madhu Malhotra, Amnesty International’s Asia Pacific deputy director. [TC]

UN concerned at how Tamils are being returned

"There are concerns about the quality of the returns process,” says Mr. John Holmes, UN's Emergency Relief Coordinator in a UN News Centre media release while commenting on the "resettlement" methods of the Govt. of Sri Lanka. [TC]

Amnesty International Chief Blasts Australia's 'Panic' Over Asylum Seekers

The head of Amnesty International, Irene Khan, says the Australian government should close its immigration detention center on Christmas Island. [TC]

AI writes President Barack Obama to secure ICRC access to LTTE suspects

As India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh becomes US President Barack Obama's first state guest during a three-day visit to Washington beginning November 23, Amnesty International has written to President Barack Obama to "candidly address human rights concerns," on several matters. [TC]

An island of secrecy: Indian High Commission in Colombo 

By P K Balachandran

In a foreign country, your own mission is an island of familiarity. In Colombo, the Indian High Commission is an island all right, it’s just that no one, not even the Indian media, is welcome.

The Indian & Chinese models and the Maoist surge in South Asia today

by Dayan Jayatilleka

South Asia has witnessed more significant anti-systemic ideological conflicts than most areas of the world outside of East Asia and Latin America [TC]

In Pictures: End of 180 day period promised for the release of interned Tamils

The end of the 180 day period promised by Sri Lankan President Rajapakse to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on May 23, 2009 for the release of 300,000 Tamils detained in internment camps in Sri Lanka was marked by Tamils and friends of Tamils from United States and Canada in Washington DC on Nov 20, 2009. [TC]

Why Mahinda may have to face presidential polls first

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Throw a stone into placid waters and you get a big splash followed by numerous ripples. The ripple effect caused by the Fonseka factor continues to excite the contemporary Sri Lankan political scene. [DBSJ]

Tamil women, children behind bars in Indonesia

Ten Sri Lankan women and children who came off the Oceanic Viking yesterday say they are locked up and unable to leave an Australian-funded detention centre in Indonesia. [TC]

Govt. removes northern travel restrictions to avoid judicial intervention

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Govt removes security clearance travel requirement for North to avoid judicial intervention & claims it was a confidence building measure [TC]

AI: Open letter to Heads of Government attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

On the occasion of the forthcoming meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government, Amnesty International would like to draw your attention to recent developments in Sri Lanka, and urge you to raise concerns regarding the human rights situation in that country with your Sri Lankan counterparts. [TC]

Re-Settlement of IDP's in North: An Eye-Witness Account

Last week a group of us got very rare access to some of the resettled areas in Mannar and Killinochchi. I also visited the different zones in Manik Farm (used to be called Manikkam Pannai). [TC]

Well-wishers mount efforts to avert Rajapakse - Fonseka showdown

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Intense efforts by mutual well-wishers on to make President Rajapakse & Sarath Fonseka reconcile & avert political showdown. Will moves succeed? [TC]

After Fonseka plunge into politics Sri Lankan democracy will never be the same again

By M. Bhadrakumar

When a tea sapling was brought into Ceylon -- present-day Sri Lanka in 1824 from China and planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens, the British had no commercial interests in mind. [TC]

Will "uncommon" General Fonseka become "common" candidate sponsored by decrepit politicians?

by S.L. Gunasekera

T he serial loser Wickremasinghe, we are told, has recently announced a set of conditions to which General Sarath Fonseka must agree if he is to be nominated for the Presidency by his party. [TC]

Tamil rebels face doubtful future

By Anbarasan Ethirajan

The recent attempts by remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) abroad to revive the movement have not succeeded so far. [TC] 

Amnesty International takes action for Sri Lanka displaced [TC]

VOA Editorial: Sri Lanka - Post Conflict Recovery

Voice of America Editorial, Nov 15, 2009:

It's been 6 months since Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war ended, but for many of those who were displaced by the fighting, a chance to get back to normal life has been a long time coming. [TC]

UNP faithfuls want own candidate

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Discontent in UNP ranks about supporting Sarath Fonseka as common presidential candidate. Party faithfuls want their own candidate [TC]

Sarath Fonseka Must be Told This Land Belongs to All- Mano Ganesan

By Thava Sajitharan

Democratic Peoples Front leader Mano Ganeshan first wanted to leave the recently formed United National Front (UNF) if they were going to nominate General Sarath Fonseka as the presidential candidate of the UNF. But, later Ganeshan decided to support him. [TC]

A Hero’s Resignation: Triumph, Tragedy and Farce

by Rajan Philips

First there was triumph – of the army over the LTTE. Then came the tragedy - the encampment of 300,000 people. And now the farce – an establishment divided, the resignation of a war hero, and all but the announcement of a premature presidential race. [TC]

Rajapakse regime and the Fonseka phenomenon: Genesis of current crisis

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Notwithstanding desperate denials to the contrary, current developments have clearly demonstrated the deep divisions existing between the ruling Rajapakse regime and former Army commander Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka: Uncertain future despite the costly military victory

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

The focus of the Sri Lankan government soon after annihilating the LTTE in mid-May 2009 has been on provincial and local government elections. [TC]

Thirteen theses: Lanka's lessons for the world

by Dayan Jayatilleka

The second part of this paper is devoted to the Sri Lankan experience of, and further prospects for, conflict resolution in my country. [TC]

'Rajapakse has better equation with Indian leadership'

Comments on Gen Fonseka’s Resignation

By Col R Hariharan

General Sarath Fonseka, Chief of Defence Staff, and national war hero submitted his resignation letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 12. Later the Information department of the government announced the President had accepted the resignation with immediate effect. [TC]

Ministers shocked to hear President approved rude demonstration

tweet bundle from the twitter pages by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Cabinet ministers who criticised Mervyn for staging rude demonstration against Sarath Fonseka shocked to know it was approved by president [TC]

General Fonseka Cannot Claim He has Unstained,Clean Pair of Hands

By Kusal Perera

After weeks of media speculation on the prospective “Common Candidate”, to every one’s relief, confirmed news about General Sarath Fonseka’s decision to retire from military service with effect from 01st December, 2009, came on 12th Thursday afternoon.[TC]

An interview with Toronto-Tamil Magesh Ananth

by Andrew Moran

205 days have passed since Magesh Ananth first set up camp in front of the United States Consulate in downtown Toronto at University Avenue and Queen Street. Ananth, a 67-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil born in Jaffina, is demonstrating every day because he wants "global murders against humans" to cease. [DJ]

Mob attack on suburban church needs to be unequivocally condemned

by Lynn Ockersz

A mob attack on a place of religious worship in a Colombo suburb recently, while drawing public attention to the simmering fires of religious intolerance in some quarters in this country, provokes a reexamination of unresolved issues at the heart of Sri Lanka’s citizenship question. [TC]

'Govt. has no clear policy to win the hearts and minds of Tamil people' - Sarath Fonseka

Sarath Fonseka charges Rajapakse Govt of not having a clear policy to win the hearts & minds of the Tamil people despite the army winning war [TC]

Full Text: Sarath Fonseka letter of resignation and confidential annexure [TC]

Both Gotabhaya Rajapakase and Sarath Fonseka are men of integrity

by Gamini Gunawardane(Rtd. Snr. DIG.Police)

The rarest commodity under the free market economy in this country today appears to be integrity [TC]

Rajapakse & Fonseka: Simmering feud out in the open

from the twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sarath Fonseka resigns & Mahinda Rajapakse accepts. Simmering feud out in the open. UNP-JVP led opposition will back SF against MR at prez [TC]

Mano Ganeshan Must Go Beyond engaging those who "worship" Sarath Fonseka

by Kusal Perera

Once in a way, in this sad little Republic as Mano Ganeshan aptly calls Sri Lanka, there happens discussions, worth following up on. [TC]

Is there a "role" in Sri Lankan politics for Sarath Fonseka?

by Lionel Bopage

Sage words indeed from General Sarath Fonseka. Now that the euphoria of winning the war against the LTTE is over, our minds must turn to the complex issues facing the country, such as wining the peace; [TC]

Interview with Vavuniya Government Agent P. S. M. Charles on IDP camps, returns

One of the more contentious issues in Sri Lanka this year has been the plight of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the north. [TC]

Rajapakse extends "Olive branch" to Sarath Fonseka

Mahinda Rajapakse extends "Olive branch" to Sarath Fonseka. Prez has private meeting & lunch with CDS at "Temple Trees" on wednesday. [TC]

A tale of two "fatwas": Vandemataram song and taking oaths in Hindi

by Suhasini Haider

Intolerance, like the animals off Noah's ark seems to come in twos. [TC]

Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka on Sinhalese numerical majority

from the twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Three queries to Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka [TC]

In Sri Lanka, anger over detainees' fate

By Emily Wax

Six months after Sri Lanka's decades-old civil war ended with a final assault, about 200,000 people remain trapped in overcrowded government-run camps that were once safe havens for those fleeing the conflict. [TC]

India unhappy about pro-Pakistan Sarath Fonseka

from the twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

India is unhappy about pro-Pakistan Sarath Fonseka being backed as presidential candidate by combined opposition including anti-Indian JVP [TC]

The Democratic Peoples Front and Sarath Fonseka:Response to Kusal Perera

by Mano Ganesan

My friend Kusal’s article and the messages he tries to convey are well noted. There are plenty of media opinions running around. [TC]

Trouble at the top in Sri Lanka?

By Charles Haviland

It is said to pit the armed forces chief, Gen Sarath Fonseka, against two ultra-powerful brothers, the president and the defence secretary, Mahinda and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa [TC]

Letter from IMF Managing Director to Human Rights Watch

The Sri Lankan economy is facing a serious crisis and regardless of one’s opinion of the human rights situation in that country, the collapse of the economy cannot be considered a reasonable outcome. [TC]

Poll plots thicken

by Col. R. Hariharan

General elections in South Asia have all the makings of a Bollywood pot boiler. [TC]

Outrageous treatment being meted out by govt. to Sarath Fonseka

by Karu Jayasuriya

Recent attempts by the government to belittle the security forces and former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka in particular calls for condemnation from all sections of civilized society. [TC]

Mano Ganesan and Sarath Fonseka: Whither principled politics?

By Stephen Fitzpatrick

FORMER Toronto gang member Sanjeev Kuhendrarajah is heavily tattooed, has a criminal record for death threats and firearms possession that got him deported from Canada six years ago, and is now, perhaps improbably, the articulate and thoughtful spokesman for a boatload of Tamil asylum-seekers trying to get to Christmas Island. [TC]

Sri Lanka and Myanmar: Civilizational sisterhood

by Dr. Hema Goonatilake

One of the countries with a continuous memory of warm relations with Sri Lanka is Myanmar. These connections span over one thousand years.[TC]

Sri Lanka: Trade and economic prospects

by Col R Hariharan

The European Council is likely to take a final decision on the extension of the GSP+ tariff concessions to Sri Lanka in the first week of January 2010, to become effective from middle of June, 2010. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka candidacy will divide Sri Lankan armed forces

Presidential contest between Mahinda Rajapakse & Sarath Fonseka will politicise and divide Sri Lankan armed forces. Dismal prospects ahead! [TC]

Non-partisan claim of Dr. Rohan Guneratne challenged

from twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Canadian lawyers representing Tamil refugees in Vancouver protest about Dr. Rohan Guneratne being cited as non - partisan authority on LTTE [TC]

National security notion lies in defending human rights enshrined in constitution

by Nirmala Chandrahasan

The notion of ‘National Security’ is generally regarded as being in conflict with Human Rights. I would like to express a different view. [TC]

Crisis, what crisis? India stays calm as refugees keep coming

by Matt Wade

THERE is a country where leaky boats full of Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers are turning up without triggering a political crisis. [TC]

Massacre in Fort Hood: Who was Major Nidal Hasan?

By M.S.Shah Jahan

“Someone had shot up the S.R.P. building [Soldier Readiness Processing Center] I am hiding”. [TC]

Rajaratnam: a 'living buddha' under suspicion

by Mel Gunasekera

Raj Rajaratnam, a billionaire financier facing insider trading charges in the United States, is recalled in stone in one of the villages he helped recover from the Asian tsunami in 2004. [TC]

163,000 people in Sri Lanka camps under deteriorating conditions-UNHCR

From Here to Hanoi

by Dayan Jayatilleka

Vietnam was the first country to be informed by Sri Lanka of its victory over the Tigers. It was from the on the record remarks of a top Vietnamese leader that I learned that. [TC]

Opposition too hasty in supporting Sarath Fonseka

from twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Opposition too hasty in supporting Sarath Fonseka as common candidate. Country will fall from frying pan into fire. Army will be politicised [TC]

Gotabhaya receives US query on violation of Human Rights

Gotabhaya receives letter from US querying whether he as a US citizen was/is involved in any violation of Human Rights in any other country [TC]

Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka may resign his Chief of Defence Staff post

from twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka may resign his Chief of Defence Staff post on or after November 10th and declare intention to contest future elections [TC]

President Obama, one year after

by Rajan Philips

The first anniversary of his resounding victory in last year’s Presidential election has been more blues than roses for Barack Obama. [TC]

In Pictures: “Numbed”, Exhibition on sculpture by Bandu Manamperi

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Numbed” –Exhibition on sculpture by Bandu Manamperi’s exhibition of sculptures is currently being held at the Theertha Red Dot Gallery in Pitakotte. The exhibition began on October 17th 2009, and it will end on November 9th 2009. The Theertha Red Dot Gallery is a contemporary-artist- run gallery, and first of its kind in Sri Lanka. [HA]

Chinmaya Mission Sri Lanka seeks donations for Youth Camp

Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka will be conducting a camp for Hindu Tamil speaking youth in Sri Lanka in December 2009. [MJ]

H. Res. 711 resolution: "Rights of Sri Lankan Tamils" [TC]

PEARL Applauds Congress for Passing Resolution to Address Rights of Sri Lankan Tamils [TW]

The killing of Balavarnam Sivakumar

by Dr A.C.Visvalingam

Perhaps the most sickening TV news item seen by Sri Lankans in recent times was the cold-blooded murder of the mentally ill Balavarnam Sivakumar of Ratmalana. [TC]

The mysterious ambitions of Sri Lanka’s victorious army commander

From The Economist print edition

NOT even six months has elapsed since the protracted war with Tamil Tiger rebels ended in a bloody climax, leading to the Sri Lankan government’s triumph. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka in Strategic Withdrawal

from the Twitter pages of D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sarath Fonseka in Strategic Withdrawal .Flees from US - Nov3rd 11pm without meeting US officials on 4th.Will arrive in Colombo -Nov 5th 4am [TC]

Why is Gota, JVP, JHU & Bogollagama in panic about US quizzing Sarath Fonseka ? [TC]

In pictures: Fresh water prawn hatchery in Vattavan

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The road from Udappu town to Vattavan is bumpy and dusty, and nestled through Coconut, Palmyrah trees and neatly woven palm fence allies. [HA]

Is Gota trying to "fix" Sarath or Sarath trying to "psycho" Gota? [TC]

Myanmar: Developments in Myanmar and the Security of North East India

by Col R Hariharan

Myanmar is going through throes of change after over 45 years of military rule. The first multiparty elections under the new constitution are to be conducted in 2010. [TC]

Sri Lankan society for abolition of executive presidency

by Karu Jayasuriya

The unceasing call from all sectors of Sri Lankan society appears to be for the abolishing of the executive presidency. [TC]

Rebel with a cause:An Interview with Dayan Jayatilleka

by Rathindra Kuruwita

Thaththa came from a conservative family, with an upright and sternly authoritarian father --who studied at Trinity College, Kandy-- but he had himself rebelled against that. [TC]

Sri Lanka behind closed doors

by Pierre Salignon

In early July 2009, following on from the closing weeks of fighting between the Sri Lankan army and Tamil Tiger rebels (LTTE), a Times journalist raised the alarm on the mortality rate in the internment camps, opened by the Sri Lankan government. [TC]

Survivors have had little justice

by Rahul Bedi

The 25th anniversary of Indira Gandhi's assassination revives stark memories of some 3,000 Sikhs killed brutally in the orderly pogrom that followed her killing. [TC]

Indira Gandhi's death remembered

by Ramachandra Guha

In the summer of 1965, Indira Gandhi was thinking of shifting base from Delhi to London. [TC]

"Sinhalese detainee stuns onlookers in Christmas Island"

by Paige Taylor

SRI Lankans on Christmas Island who staged a tense eight-hour standoff inside the immigration detention centre on Friday are in a long dispute with the Rudd government because they wanted to seek asylum in New Zealand, not Australia. [TC]

US Tamil Tycoon Rajaratnam fights tough legal battle

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Members of the extended family were inundated with messages of sympathy,solidarity and support from relatives,friends and well-wishers when New York based Hedge fund billionaire and philanthropist Raj (Rajakumar) Rajaratnam was arrested and produced in a Manhattan court on Friday October 16th. [dbsj]

“Changing minds”, 25th Anniversary of Women and Media Collective

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Women and Media Collective celebrated its silver jubilee recently. An anniversary exhibition “Changing Minds” by and about women was held on October 8th to 11th 2009 at Lionel Wendt and Harold Peiris Galleries in Colombo. The exhibition featured Women’s Activism, Women Photographers, Women Artists and Short Videos [HA]