Video: Frontline Club discussion on Channel 4 TV Films and Sri Lankan situation: [TC]

Thousands missing three years after war ends

Three years after the government of Sri Lanka declared an end to decades of civil conflict with separatist rebels, thousands of people are still missing, according to the UN and Sri Lankan activists. [TC]

“Dubbing Sri Lankan Conflict as ‘war without Witness’ is Simply not True” 

By Frances Harrison

Today marks three years since the end of the fighting in Sri Lanka . I would like to mourn the dead but still I do not know how many. Estimates range from seven to 147,000. It is a shocking difference.

How is it possible in this world of satellites, rolling news and internet we have no idea how many human beings really perished, even rounded up to the nearest thousand? [DBSJ]

Multi-party parliamentary select committee will consider constitutional amendments-G.L. Peiris at Capitol Hill

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris attended a a series of Capitol Hill meetings on Wednesday, the second day of his four-day official visit to Washington. [TC]

Gen. Sarath Fonseka to be released over the weekend

By Shamindra Ferdinando

General Sarath Fonseka, former commander of the Sri Lanka Army and defeated presidential candidate will be freed over the weekend, according to highly placed sources. [TC]

Ranjini deemed genuine refugee earlier now detained as security risk

by Michael Gordon

Ranjini was found to be a genuine refugee before ASIO decided last week she is a security risk for Australia. But the government won’t tell her why, and now she’s facing a life in detention. [TC]

Sri Lankan Supreme Court petitioned to disqualify Tamil political parties under Sixth Constitutional Amendment 

by R. K. Radhakrishnan

Most Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka could become things of the past if the Supreme Court acts on a petition that seeks disqualification of the parties for retaining the demand for a separate state in their party documents, called constitutions.

Long after the Tamil political parties dropped their demand for a separate state, their unamended party constitutions, in which the demand for a Tamil Eelam are stated, have come to haunt them. [DBSJ]

Muslims’ peaceful response to vandalism at Dambulla Mosque

By Latheef Farook

Muslim community’s overall response to vandalism at the Dambulla mosque by a mob led by Ven Inamaluwa Sumangala Thero on Friday 20 April 2012 has been “calm and dignified”. [DBSJ]

Dambulla outrage: Manifestations of anti Muslim racism are going since 1975

By Izeth Hussain

There has been much comment on the so-called Dambulla incident, which might have more appropriately been called the Dambulla outrage, not incident. In this article I want to focus on aspects that have not been brought out adequately, or not at all. [TC]

Reconciliation in Sri Lanka: Three areas where swift action is needed 

By Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP

Sri Lanka: Reconciliation and Justice – Frontline Club, London 16 May 2012

The following remarks had been prepared in the belief that speakers would have about 10 minutes each. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka’s Nationality Conflict: Contemporary Political Scenario 

By Suresh Premachandran M.P.

Text of a paper presented at a symposium in Oslo, Norway 

The root cause of the nationality conflict in Sri Lanka is based on two mythical believes masqueraded as history that is ‘Sinhalese are the son of the soil’ others are aliens. The island is blessed by Buddha thus, ‘the island is the land of Buddhism’. [DBSJ]

Preventing ‘outsiders’ from entering domain will not allow Tamil Drama to grow beyond what it is today

by Parakrama Niriella

A Reply to S.Jeyasankar

“Kaliman Vandi and History of Sri Lankan Tamil Theatre” was the title given to the write up by Sivagnanam Jeyasankar of the Eastern University , on the Tamil adaptation of the Sankskrit drama “Mruchakateeham” assumed to be written by Chudrakha between 400 – 500 AD. [DBSJ]

Video: Buddhist structures in the North: Co-existence or Colonization? 

YATV Webcast

The emergence of new Buddhist structures in the North has raised concerns among local residents:

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga Flays India in the Presence of President and New Delhi Envoy

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga on Monday asserted that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would have reacted differently if he had come under the same pressure as the late President J. R. Jayawardene. J. N. Dixit had been lucky that he had had to deal with JRJ and not President Rajapaksa, Weeratunga said. [TC] 

People in the North feel welfare measures by the Govt is due to Western pressure 

by Jehan Perera

The first green shoots of new life are emerging after a long period of drought in the north of the country, parts of which were not under government control for close on three decades, and where a terrible war was fought to its bitter end three years ago. [TC] 

Radhika Hails Capture of Senior Lords Resistance Army Commander in Uganda 

New York, 14 May – The Ugandan army last Saturday captured Caesar Acellam Otto, one of the top military leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army, in the Central African Republic. [TC]

Three rehabilitated youths allegedly released last year are still missing – Mano Ganesan 

Three Tamil youths who had undergone rehabilitation and were to be released last year are yet to reunite with their families and are reportedly missing. [TC] 

People of the North must be allowed to remember and mourn the loss of their loved ones publicly

by National Peace Council

The third anniversary of the end of the war will be celebrated in the coming week. In the past two years this has taken place with victory parades and with public commemorations of war heroes by the Government although many people would say it was not appropriate after a civil war when citizens of the country were killed in large numbers. [TC]

Denizens of the Ministry of External Affairs have no understanding at all of Foreign Policy 

by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP

The more extreme elements in the Ministry of External Affairs have at last put their cards on the table in the form of an article by the wife of one of its rising stars. [DBSJ]

The significance of Sri Lanka’s success at the UNHRC in Geneva, May 2009 

May is the month of the diplomatic success of Sri Lanka and its friends at the Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in 2009. That battle and victory are now the target of criticism and historical revisionism. [DBSJ]

Some quick notes on Mr. Jayasankar’s review on ‘Kaliman Vandi’

by Dr.Sunil Wijesiriwardena

I was puzzled and shocked by the extremely hostile review written by Mr. Jayasankar of the Tamil production of the Mirchakadikam, [DBSJ]

Frontline Club discussion today on Channel 4 TV Films and Sri Lankan situation 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Frontline Club in Britain will host discussion on impact of channel 4 documentaries on Sri Lanka & current situation today May 16 2011 at 7 pm

The Frontline Club discussion on Sri Lanka & British Channel 4 TV films sounds interesting as it has an impressive panel of participants [DBSJ]

‘Gota’s war’ book launch function turns Into an India bashing session

by R.K. Radhakrishnan 

“…When the Vadamarachchi operation commenced, the Prime Minister of India at that time, Rajiv Gandhi, issued a strong statement against the operation…Sri Lanka could have been rid of terrorism [at that time, but for the] high-handed interference of the then Indian envoy, Mr. J.N. Dixit,” said Mr. Weeratunga, to an audience that comprised all top elected leaders and officials and diplomats in Sri Lanka, including President Rajapaksa and the Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha. [DBSJ]

Over 500 people on indefinite hunger strike since May 1st in protest against Koodankulam nuclear plant 

By Sam Rajappa

THE manner in which the authorities have been trying to crush the agitation of the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, which is no longer a mere protest against generating electricity by using nuclear energy to boil water, is shocking. [DBSJ] 

This is a country that does not honour the constitution – its supreme law 

By M.A. Sumanthiran MP

Speech by M. A. Sumanthiran on Adjournment motion in Parliament (11th May, 2012

Thank you Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity given to me to speak on this Adjournment Motion moved by the Hon. Member for Kandy District. Before I get on to what I wish to state, I’d like to deal with some very interesting matters that the Hon. Acting Minister for Media just stated to this House. [DBSJ] 

By Prof. V.Suryanarayan

TAMIL TIGRESS: MY STORY AS A CHILD SOLDIER IN SRI LANKA’S BLOODY CIVIL WAR. | Niromi de Soyza (Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2011), pp. 308, Price not mentioned.

Writing about his literary career, Robert Frost once wrote: “I have never started a poem yet whose end I know. Writing a poem is a discovery”. I was in the same predicament when I started reviewing Niromi de Soyza’s absorbing account as a Tamil Tigress. [DBSJ] 

Those who are in charge of Defence establishment would be held responsible if any harm comes to Hirunika’s life and limb 

by Asela Premachandra

Six months after assassination of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra who was a former Parliamentarian, on an election day in Mullariyawa, now, one of the week-end newspapers in Sri Lanka has reported that “Contract” has been given to two under world gangs to assassinate Hirunika Premachandra who is the only daughter of Bharatha in order to stop her relentless pursuit of justice for her father’s and three of his political supporters’ brutal murders which were committed in the broad day light. [DBSJ] 

by Patali Champika Ranawaka

Was the JHU directly involved in the attempt to remove the Dambulla mosque?

This was the question posed to me by an Indian journalist who contacted me recently.  [DBSJ] 

Is GL or Sajin the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka? 

By Our Diplomatic Editor

The names of Sajin Vass Gunawardena and G.L. Peiris were to cause some confusion at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, South Africa last Wednesday. [DBSJ] 

By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha MP 

Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of its Chairman, the simple but brilliant idea of dividing into sub-committees given the amount of work, and the dedicated commitment of the three chairs of sub-committees, COPE last year was able to cover more ground than any previous Committee. [TC] 

‘Grease Poodham’ in Navanthurai: Supreme Court Grants 51 Jaffna Tamil petitioners leave to proceed 

by Namini Wijedasa

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted leave to proceed with petitions filed by 51 Jaffna Tamils who allege that the military and police assaulted them in the aftermath of the ‘grease yaka’ (devils) incidents in the peninsula last year. [TC] 

by Salma Yusuf

As Sri Lanka makes its way from a phase of post-war to post-conflict, the potential, the challenges and the successes are worthy of reflection. [TC]

Independent International Investigations required to look into allegations regarding serious violations of International Law 

by M.A. Sumanthiran

Adjournement motion Speech made by Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran in the House on May 11th 2012: [TC]

Selected information from Tamil Culture In Ceylon – A General Introduction by M.D. Raghavan

Compiled by Dr. Rajasingham Narendran

In his words Raghavan claims his book incorporates a number of cross-sectional studies of a number of Tamil societies in the different provinces and survey of the Northern Province, supplemented by a few incidental aspects in other provinces of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). [DBSJ]

Nationalist Suppression of the Tamil Past to Create Dominant Self-Images: Individual and Collective 

by S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole | UGC Coordinator for Engineering, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (Now with Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI)

Presented at Tamil Studies Conference Session 3F, University of Toronto, May 12, 2012

Chairman Sir/Madam Chairman, Friends: In this presentation I will attempt to show that Tamil images of our past are full recreations (through suppressed memory, the theme here), to assert our superiority over others and often have little to do with accuracy. [TC] 

Who will come to the streets to stop Mahina betraying the heroic war of Sinhala chauvinism? 

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

The leader of the opposition claimed that the Jaffna May Day rally and the protest was a grand success. Over ten thousand participated in the rally in spite of the campaigns of the government, jacked up by racist campaign of Premadasa. [TC]

The death of Sri Lankan diplomacy by suicide took place in Geneva on March 22

by Jayantha Dhanapala

The death of Sri Lankan diplomacy by suicide took place in Geneva on 22 March. For 64 years, it had served the country well despite the size of its professional cadre and persistent political meddling by all regimes.

The link between suicidal diplomacy and political directions received from Colombo is becoming obvious after the adoption of the resolution with anti-US and anti-Indian statements and actions being leaked to the media. [DBSJ]

UNP has chosen a hazardous route by aligning itself with TNA

by Gomin Dayasri

Are we living in the Wonderland of Alice or in a sorry State called Alas?

Government blunders with self-inflicted gaffes and goofs to display its mounting incompetence – UNP reciprocates by keeing the government buoyant in promoting serially unpopular causes to alienate and annoy voters. We sure lead a life between phonies. [TC] 

by Prolanka

Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s former Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Geneva, was compelled on to another posting, much against her wishes, and as far as is known without any valid grounds for such a move. [TC]

Professor Maunaguru: Icon of Indigenous Tamil Culture 

By Thulasi Muttulingam

There was a time in the not too distant history of this country when Tamil culture and arts were appreciated and explored in depth; Post 1983 and the intensification of the war however, all that came to a grinding halt in many parts of the country. As Tamils dispersed both within the country and abroad, the last thing on their minds was the preservation and / or promotion of their arts. [TC]

UNHRC Resolution: Justice and Responsibility Confront Sovereignty, Development and Diplomacy

by Jude Fernando 

“Dangerous pride, hatred, and selfishness are enthroned in our lives; truth lies prostrate on the rugged hills of nameless cavalries; and men do reverence before false gods of nationalism and materialism. The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of a nonconforming minority.” Martin Luther King Jr. [TC]

Was There any Meaning in Sampanthan’s Act of Waving the national flag in Jaffna? 

By S.L.Gunasekara

The UNP contested the elections for the Eastern Provincial Council under the name and symbol of the SLMC and under the leadership of Hakeem who has been a Minister in the Governments of Kumaratunga, Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa and is presently a Minister in his multitudinous cabinet. [DBSJ]

As Third Anniversary of Armed Conflict draws near Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa speaks out to ‘Business Today’ Magazine 

On May 19, 2012 Sri Lanka celebrates the third year anniversary of the end of the conflict that gripped this country for three decades. The LTTE – the most ruthless terrorist organisation was destroyed by our gallant Armed Forces under the guidance and direction of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. [DBSJ]

Curfew declared as prelude for massive police crackdown on peaceful protest against Koodankulam Nuclear plant 

By Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy

Curfew orders have just been promulgated in our area once again right after our planning meetings with the youth, women, community elders and the Idinthakarai village committee on May 8, 2012. Thousands of police personnel are being posted in and around Koodankulam in haste. [DBSJ]

The battle she fought in Geneva for the country should not be belittled 

(This is the text of an Editorial titled “Targeting Tamara” which appeared in the “Daily Mirror” of May 7th 2012) The latest turn of events to relocate Ms. Kunanayakam to a Latin American country, when Sri Lanka is heading for another crucial encounter in the UNHRC in August, signals a portentous threat to the country’s chances of surviving another blow. [TC]

Ambassador Kunanayakam unanimously re-elected as Chairperson/Rapporteur of the UN HRC Working Group on the Right to Development 

Only one week after her return from the 13th Session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII) in Doha, where she was elected by acclamation as an Asian Vice-Chair of the Conference and member of the Bureau, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam, was unanimously re-elected, also by acclamation, and in the presence of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, for a second term as Chairperson/Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on the Right to Development. [TC]

The lessons not learnt: The Geneva Debacle of March 2012

By Devanesan Nesiah 

The outcome in Geneva last year (March 2011) of the voting on Sri Lanka’s conduct of the war and related human rights record was very clearly in favour of the Sri Lankan government. [TC]

Sri Lanka: In need of a SRI LANKAN identity 

By Deneth Karunarathne

Since the defeat of the LTTE Sri Lanka as a whole has been looking forward to marching forward. Slowly but swiftly things have started to fall into place. During the ceremonial opening of Parliament on May 19, 2009, President Mahinda Rajapakse declared that the LTTE had been militarily defeated. [TC]

Let the unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims be victorious 

By Nimalka Fernando 

We fully endorse the resolution passed on this May Day affirming the rights of migrant workers. As a woman, I am proud to state that the economy of this country is heavily dependent on female labour. [TC]

President Rajapaksa orders transfer of Tamara Kunanayakam from Geneva to Havana with effect from July 1st 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Tamara Manimekhalai Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka ’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva has been transferred out from her current station with effect from July 1st 2012.

Ambassador Kunanayakam was sent an official facsimile message from External Affairs Ministy secretary Mr.Karunatilake Amunugama dated May 7th 2012 which informed her that she was being given notice of transfer as Ambassador to Cuba and that she should take up duties in Havana with effect from July 1st 2012. [DBSJ]

People in the North have become inmates of an open air prison

By Dharmasiri Lankapeli

Firstly, at this historic rally I apologise to the people in the North for not being able to address them in the Tamil language, as well as for the inability to provide them my speech in Tamil translation. [TC]

Protesting people on hunger strike against Koodankulam Nuclear Plant: Appeal to Indian Civil Society and International Community

by S.P. Udayakumar

The indefinite hunger strike has been going on for the past 7 days. Some 25 men have been on the fast since May 1 and 302 women and 10 more men have joined the strike on May 4, 2012.

More and more women are eager to join the indefinite hunger strike but because of logistical issues such as space, bedding and toilet facilities, we are not in a position to accommodate them all. [DBSJ]

13th Amendment Concluded Argument on Power Devolution Within a United Sri Lanka Without Revisiting Unitary State Concept 

by N. Sathiya Moorthy

With hopes, if not indications, of an early revival of some form of consultative process on power-devolution in the air in Sri Lanka, there is an accompanying need for contextualising some of the well-entrenched political positions on arguments in the matter. [DBSJ] 

Only Mahinda Rajapaksa matters in his ‘hangers on’ govt of self-seeking ‘yes’ men 

by S. L. Gunasekara

There was a time, not too long ago when even a relatively small increase in prices led to consternation among the public. Thus, an increase of even 10 cents in the price of a gallon [not litre] of petrol; or of 2 or 3 cents in the price of a cigarette made the people throw up their hands in collective horror and seek to cut down on purchases of such commodities. [DBSJ] 

by Jehan Perera

The dominance of national security considerations in the actions of the government have been highlighted again in the hundreds of detentions that have taken place in recent days in the East, especially in the Trincomalee area. [TC]

The message from the Jaffna May Day Rally from the TNA and for the TNA

by N. Sathiya Moorthy

There is a message from the Jaffna rally, both from the TNA and for the TNA. Sampanthan used the occasion once again, urging the Government to create conducive conditions for the TNA to join the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) mooted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, for resolving the ethnic issue through a nation-wide political consensus [TC] 

By Col. R. Hariharan

May Day celebrations in Sri Lanka this year saw an unusual sight. R Sampanthan, the septuagenarian leader fighting for Sri Lanka Tamil rights and president of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), standing shoulder to shoulder with the United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, waved a Sri Lanka flag to the cheers of a massive crowd in Jaffna celebrating the May Day. [TC]

Storify: ‘Blessed Wesak to all in Sri Lanka’

Dehiwala Wesak Kalapaya [TC]

Order the Armed Forces to stop their atrocious activates against the people 

by Veerasingham Anandasangaree

Text of a letter sent by TULF Secretary-General and former Parliamentarian Veerasingham Anandasangaree to Pressident Mahind Rajapaksa over the recent mass arrests in Trincomalee district

Your Excellency

I refer to the recent incident in Trincomalee in which youth, young girls and elders were arbitrarily and unjustly arrested and a good number of them detained. [DBSJ]

‘We are fighting to save the 2,300 year old Buddhist Heritage that is ours’ 

Ven.Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero Interviewed by Niranjala Ariyawansha

Ven. Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero, the Chief Priest at the Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya was in the forefront in recent times leading a protest at Dambulla to relocate a mosque which was within the sacred Vihara land, disputed by the Muslim fraternity. The issue is yet on the boil and the government has not resolved this sensitive stand off. [DBSJ]

‘I have not Resigned from my Post in Geneva nor is it my Intention to do so’-Tamara Kunanayakam 

An Interview with Namini Wijedasa

On April 28, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris telephoned Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and instructed her to leave. She was told to choose between Brazil and Cuba for her next posting. [DBSJ]

In a country where both democracy and rule of law are in abeyance development is an impossibility 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara Last week, as the country prepared to celebrate Vesak, treasure-hunters descended on Villachchiya in Anuradhapura. The residents claim that they heard the sound of mechanised digging throughout the night. In the morning they informed the police and ventured out in numbers to catch the nocturnal criminals. [TC]

Regime’s Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism is the main factor providing it mass support

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunararatne

The economic consequences of the decisions made by the Mahinda regime, to satisfy the international money lenders, are becoming intolerable. [TC] 

by Namini Wijedasa

Not long ago, one of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s little geniuses suggested that Sri Lanka imports camels from the Middle East so that Sri Lankans could drink camel milk. [TC] 

UNP May Day rally in Jaffna was a small but useful step towards building up confidence of Tamil people 

By Javid Yusuf

The UNPs decision to hold its May Day rally in Jaffna was the subject of a number of taunts from its critics. The SLFP rightly claimed that this was made possible by the Government’s achievement in defeating the LTTE. [TC] 

by Rathindra Kuruwita

United National Party (UNP) Gampaha district MP Karu Jayasuriya spoke to LAKBIMAnEWS about his participation at the R. Premadasa memorial meeting on May 1, his attempts at maintaining party unity and the display of the LTTE flag during the UNP rally in Jaffna. [TC] 

Sri Lanka plagued by problems and malaises sourced to familial nature of Rajapaksa rule 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

These are hard times, globally, and Sri Lanka is not immune to the general contagion. The country is struggling with a weak rupee, a falling rate of savings, a huge debt burden, high levels of youth unemployment and bulbous inequality. None of these are signs of a healthy economy or indications of popular wellbeing. [TC] 

by Tissa Jayatilaka

Two Veask Poyas have come and gone and three years have sped by since May 2009 when the prolonged war with the LTTE ended. [TC]

Vesak Full Moon Poya day: The saga of the Buddhahood 

By Gamini Jayasinghe

Vesak full moon poya day is of special significance to Buddhists due to three main incidents taken place on this day. The last birth of the Bodhisattva took place on a Vesak full moon poya day. [TC]

A Buddhist Monk and child abuse in London

by Dushy Ranetunge in London

This is a personal journey, which has touched our lives deeply and thus I will not pretend that it is an unbiased account. I have changed the names of the persons involved to attempt to safeguard the little privacy that they have. [DBSJ]

Mobs, Monks and the Problems of Political-Buddhism

By Kalana Senaratne

It is always a curious and odd little matter, to witness how even Buddhists become so obsessively attached to ‘sacred’ lands and in protecting them, commit acts seemingly prompted by hatred, delusion and ill-will. [DBSJ]

Let us make Commitment to National Unity and Religious Co-existence During Wesak Season

by Mahinda Rajapaksa

Let us in this Vesak season pave the way to success in this world and the next, by a eschewing all disputes and divisions and making a commitment to national unity and religious co-existence through seeing the true light of Buddhist teaching, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. [DBSJ]

tweets of the day: ‘Blessed Wesak to all in Sri Lanka’

Its the time to decorate the streets in Sri Lanka for Vesak. [TC]

Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero, Rangiri cricket stadium and Thilanga Sumathipala

By Michael Roberts

The following article was written by Prof. Michael Roberts on July 10th 2007 and appeared in Cricinfo.com. under the heading “Rangiri Cricket Stadium &Its Tempestuous History.It is being reproduced here as it sheds some light on the commercial interests of Ven Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero who spearheaded the deplorable attack on the Mosque in Dambulla. I am inclined to wonder whether some sordid money making motive is behind the sudden move initiated by the saffron-clad entrepreneur to demolish the Mosque and Kovil-DBS Jeyaraj [DBSJ]

‘Kalimann Vandi’ and history of Sri Lankan modern Tamil theatre 

by Sivagnanam Jeyasankar

A Response to the leaflet issued before the beginning of the performance of Kalimann Vandi the Tamil language stage production of “Mettikaraththaya” and to the performance itself

The “Tamil language production of Mettikaraththaya” refers to Mirhchakadikam, a Sanskrit play written in B.C. 300-400 by Chudraka. It was produced in Tamil as ‘Kaliman Vandi’ translation of the Sinhala version of Mettikaraththaya at the Swami Vipulanda Institute of Aesthetics Studies, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. [DBSJ]

Kurunegala Anglican Bishop Emeritus Andrew Kumarage – An Appreciation 

by Rt.Rev Kumara Illangasinghe

It was with much sadness that we learnt of the passing on of our beloved Bishop Andrew Kumarage, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kurunagala, in the early hours of April 21, 2012. He was ailing for some time, but briefly and was a wonderful relief for some of us to know that he has ended his life on earth and being relieved from all pains, agony and suffering of this world. [DBSJ]

Muslim community is strongly opposed to demolition or relocation of Dambulla Mosque 

By Ayesha Zuhair

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to summon a meeting shortly to discuss a matter of vital national importance.

This follows a discussion he had with Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem on Monday, during the course of which the President promised to resolve the dispute that has arisen over the Dambulla mosque, without harming the interests of the Muslim community. [DBSJ]

UN Rep on Children and Armed Conflict tells AlJazeera children are being targeted in Syria

More than 34 children have allegedly been killed in Syria since the UN-brokered ceasefire between security forces and opposition fighters officially took hold last month. [TC]

LLRC Report recommended access to Information Law

by Patricia. A. Butenis

The 20th century American politician Thomas “Tip” O’Neill once famously said that “all politics is local.” That was often true of the news in the last century as well. With the advent of so many technological changes, however, the truism for information in the 21st century has become “all news is international.” [TC]

Catholic Bishops Conference wants govt to implement LLRC recommendations

By Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Bishop Norbert M. Andradi

Much has been written and discussed since the publication of the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). [TC]

Karunannidhi wants Sampanthan to demand an Eelam which Sri Lankan Tamils dont want 

by M.S.M. Ayub

The visit by the Indian joint Parliament delegation to Sri Lanka was no doubt a novel experience not only for the members of the delegation but also for the Sri Lankan politicians as well as the general public. [TC]

Maldives: C’wealth ultimatum causes call for pull-out

by N. Sathiya Moorthy

With the People’s Majlis, or Parliament, confirming the nomination of Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Deen, an element of political continuity and consequent stability has been injected into the Maldivian polity for now. [TC]

Australian Immigration Minister Bowen Should Raise Concerns with Sri Lanka-Human Rights Watch

Cooperation on People-Smuggling Risks Further Abuses

(Melbourne) – Australia’s immigration minister should raise concerns with Sri Lankan officials about alleged arbitrary arrest and torture of people who were refused asylum and sent back to Sri Lanka when he visits this week, the Human Rights Law Centre and Human Rights Watch said today. [TC]

Moves on to remove Tamara Kunanayakam as UN envoy in Geneva 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lanka ’s ministry of External Affairs has initiated moves targeting Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva

Ms. Kunanayakam who returned to Geneva last week after participating at the UNCTAD conference in Doha, has been informed over the telephone that she should move out from Geneva at short notice and take up duties in a Latin American Country by June this year. [DBSJ]

Hate rhetoric articulated by radical Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka is uncannily similiar to that mouthed by ‘Hindutva’ proponents in India 

By Sudha Ramachandran

A mosque in the central town of Dambulla was attacked with petrol bombs and vandalized around 10 days ago by a mob led by radical Buddhist monks. To add insult to injury, the government has bowed to the mob’s demand and ordered the mosque’s demolition and relocation. [DBSJ]

President Rajapaksa a Buddhist married to a Catholic who worships at Hindu shrines has been a friend of Muslims

by Arjuna Hulugalle

Man, living in community will invariably have social and political problems. This applies to a tribal society, a nomadic society, a settled rural society or a highly structured civilization, whether Greek, Roman, European or Asian. [DBSJ]

Ensuring peoples prosperity is the best tribute to working class-President

The best tribute we can pay on this International Workers’ Day to the former leaders of the working people and the sweat and tears of our workers is to ensure the prosperity of the people and the country, President MahindaRajapaksa said. [TC]

Religious Extremism: The Post War Reality in SriLanka

by Rameez Aboobacker

There is a lot of debate and controversy in the public discourses over the last few days following the malicious attack on a Mosque in Dambulla by a group of extremist Buddhist led by monks in robes, hampering to perform Muslims’ Jummah prayers on Friday, 20th April 2012, and demanding the demolition of the mosque immediately since, what they regard, it is located in a Buddhist sacred area, but the Muslims, on the other hand, rebut the claim saying that the mosque is in existence over the last 60 years with a legal registration. [TC]

Why asking D E W Gunasekara to act as Minister of External Affairs was a brilliant idea

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.

When we were in Geneva in the dark days of March, I was surprised to read that Senior Minister D E W Gunasekara had been appointed Acting Minister of External Affairs. [TC]

Eastern Province can be Sri Lanka’s political laboratory or political minefield

by N. Sathiya Moorthy

The Eastern Province in a way is a microcosm of the Sri Lankan nation, given the confluence of all major communities, the Upcountry Tamils too not to be left out. Post-war, it can set a stellar example for the rest of the nation to learn from. [TC]

Defunct Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization(TESO) revived in Tamil Nadu by Karunanidhi 

by A Special Correspondent

Reiterating that a Tamil Eelam alone will offer a permanent solution for the Sri Lankan Tamils, who have been subjected to the “biggest ethnic cleansing of the century,” DMK leader and Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) president M. Karunanidhi on Monday said that the goal should be achieved only through non-violent methods. [DBSJ]

Tamil Diaspora cannot ignore realities and transparency 

By S. V. Kirubaharan, France

I humbly feel that if we don’t share our views openly and honestly, there is no use talking about unity. Therefore, I will be frank and honest.

We Tamils from the North East or Eelam Tamils have had many rises and falls – the non violent struggle, the armed struggle in self-defence which came to a halt in May 2009 – the debacle of Mullivaigzhal. [TC]

If ‘hand of politics’ had not deprived team of ‘full strength’ in Manila, Lanka would have been 2012 Asian Rugby Champions

By T.M.K. Samat

SRI Lanka ’s fall at the final hurdle of the A5N rugby tournament in Manila last week evokes much regret. The failure to get among Asia ’s top five nations is obviously disappointing, but more hurting was seeing the triumphant march of a team of brave young Sri Lankans finally come to grief. [TC]

The Dambulla crisis and need for a policy for multiculturalism and post-war social integration 

by Dr. Darini Rajasingham-Senanayake 

Sri Lanka has a long and proud tradition of religious co-existence which is attested by the presence of multi-religious sacred sites throughout the island, as well as, its uniquely mixed cultural geography. [DBSJ]

‘Why India? I don’t know why everybody talks about India’? – Basil Rajapaksa 

By Namini Wijedasa

I think very healthy. India’s vote in Geneva on the US-led resolution is only one incident. As a whole, there has not been much change in the relationship [DBSJ]

Tea Industry as a whole is said to be profitable while most estate operations report loss

By Dr. U. Pethiyagoda

As a sector of indisputable importance to the nation, the tea industry draws periodic comments and now seems such a time. [DBSJ]

TNA Leader Sampanthan writes to President over issues of arrested Tamil youths and Pillaiyar Temple in Trincomalee

By Franklin R. Satyapalan

TNA Leader and parliamentarian R. Sampanthan has sought President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intervention to secure the release of several youth taken into custody during the recent search operations in the Eastern Province, particularly in the Trincomalee District. [TC]

Hakeem says Muslim Congress would not agree to proposed relocation of Dambulla mosque

BY Harischandra Gunaratna

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress yesterday said that it would not agree to the relocating of the Mosque in Dambulla. [TC]

The Govt must apologise to the Muslim community over Dambulla Mosque Incident 

By Dr Laksiri Fernando

The violent mob attack on the Dambulla Muslim Mosque in the presence of the Police on 20 April is a serious event that can ignite communal disharmony in the country, including open violence, if the government fails to apologise to the Muslim community and take appropriate action to thwart the efforts by communal elements among its own ranks to create rift and mischief. [TC]

13th Amendment ‘child of rape’ must be legitimized or exchanged for legitimate baby of the nation

By Somapala Gunadheera

The homemade response to the UNHRC challenge has to begin with a clear understanding of the perspectives of the complaint. The Resolution calls for the implementation of the LLRC recommendations. But that does not imply that all the recommendations had not been complied with. [TC]

‘Sinhala Buddhism’ is worlds apart from the tolerant non-violent Buddhism of the Gautama Buddha 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Ordered disorder, planned caprice, And dehumanised humanity…”
Brecht (The Exception and the Rule)

That the ancient-city of Dambulla is not sundered by religious violence is thanks to the sense and sensibility of its ordinary inhabitants (of all faiths) and the security personnel on duty. [TC]

Dambulla Mosque controversy: Conflicting versions prevail 

By Raisa Wickrematunge and Niranjala Ariyawansha | reporting from Dambulla

Muslims in Dambulla are still reeling from last week’s events, which could mean the demolition and relocation of a 65 year old mosque.

We were there until the last minute… people were throwing rocks and stones, so we had to leave at around 1:30 pm,” said Hariff M Yasir, a trustee to the mosque, describing the chaotic scene. [DBSJ]

Immediate investigation needed for Dambulla Mosque incident 

by Javid Yusuf

The incidents surrounding the Dambulla mosque and its aftermath have left the Muslim community shaken and uneasy. The Muslims have over centuries lived in harmony with their brother communities and enjoyed excellent relationships with both the Sinhala and Tamil communities. [DBSJ]

Why are Indian Leaders like Krishna and Sushma Always ‘Mishearing’ Whatever President Rajapaksa says? 

by Namini Wijedasa

Is it something in the water?

Or is the gravy spiked?

Every time the Indians come here–and chow down on presidential grub–they lose their ability to understand the words that leave Mahinda Rajapaksa’s mouth. [TC]

Dambulla demonstrators regard minorities as invaders threatening Sinhala Buddhist identity of Sri Lanka

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

“The sleep of reason produces monsters” – Francisco Goya(The title of 43rd painting in the Los Caprichos series)

The mini-war in Kelaniya displays, in microcosmic form, the future that is in store for Sri Lanka under Rajapaksa Rule. [TC]

We are appalled that leading politicians and religious leaders have justified forcible removal of the mosque 

by National Peace Council

The dispute over the presence of a Muslim mosque on Buddhist temple land in Dambulla points to an underlying tension in Sri Lanka’s multi religious society that is being exploited by extremist forces. [TC}

NOTEBOOK OF A NOBODY

by Shanie

“I many times thought peace had come, When peace was far away;
As wrecked men deem they sight the land at centre of the sea,
And struggle slacker, but to prove,
as hopelessly as I ,
how many the fictitious shores
before the harbour lie.” - Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

Alan Paton, the South African anti-apartheid activist wrote his first and most celebrated novel Cry, The Beloved Country in 1948. [TC] 

Corruption, intrigues and power games in modern China – Part II

By M. S. Shah Jahan

It was 14 November 2011. Neil Heywood, a Beijing resident, arrived in the fog shrouded Chongqing and checked into Sheraton Hotel, as he was summoned on short notice for a meeting in Chongqing with representatives of the family of Bo Xilai, the local Communist Party chief. [TC]

Lalith Athulathmudali was accepted as a leader nationally and internationally

by S.V.D. Kesarralal Gunasekera

(19th Death Anniversary of Late Lalith Athulathmudali.)

Nineteen years ago on April 23 as I sat in the hospital varandah unable to muster enough courage to see the slain body of Mr. Lalith Athulathmudali, I had a sad and strange feeling that this was the end of great politics in our nation. Today, as we are challenged by the international community, I still feel the loss. [TC]

President Premadasa was no ordinary leader but an ‘Epoch-Maker’

By “Deshamanya” K.H.J. Wijayadasa

19th Death Anneversary of President Ranasinghe Premadasa

President Premadasa was no ordinary leader. He was a self made, self educated, self disciplined and self motivated man.

Mentally and physically he was nothing but a computer operated human dynamo. He was a philosopher- politician, a thinker, a patriot and above all an extraordinary man. [TC]

Sri Lanka with 103,000 Players is the Second largest Rugby Playing Nation in Asia next to Japan

by Emma Stoney

WELLINGTON — When you think of Sri Lanka, rugby is not generally something that springs readily to mind.

The island nation is certainly better known for cricket, tea exports and its recently ended civil war. But Sri Lanka’s British colonial forefathers left behind more than cricket as a sporting staple. [DBSJ]

DMK Chief Karunanidhi revives Tamil Eelam demand

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Muthuvel Karunanidhi the Octogenarian leader of India’s Dravida Munnetra Kazgagham (DMK) has a flair for creating controversy through provocative pronouncements. Karunanidhi known widely as “Kalainjer” or Artiste has been the chief minister of Tamil Nadu state for nearly 19 years serving five terms in office. [DBSJ]

Vasavilaan: Residents of former High Security Zone fear possible military reoccupation

A group of residents who have only just recently returned to their village in Vasavilaan, in the Tellippalai DS Division in Jaffna, which was a former High Security Zone, fear that steps are being taken by the military to reoccupy their lands. [TC]

The truth behind the Trincomalee Hospital Pillaiyar Temple issue

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

A news item published by some Tamil newspapers in Sri Lanka a few days ago stated that the Urban Development Authority (UDA) had issued a directive calling for the removal of the temple dedicated to Pillaiyar or Lord Ganesha at the Trincomalee general hospital premises. [DBSJ]

UN Finds Unexploded Cluster Bombs at Puthukkudiyiruppu in Northern Sri Lanka

by Ravi Nessman

Associated Press
NEW DELHI April 26, 2012 (AP)

A report from a U.N. mine removal expert says unexploded cluster munitions have been found in northern Sri Lanka, appearing to confirm, for the first time, that the weapons were used in that country’s long civil war. [TC]

Beyond the sparks and fumes of India’s Agni-V Test

India now exudes confidence at having come of age as a space-faring power with a minimum credible nuclear deterrence. A follow-up task awaits New Delhi. [DBSJ]

General Sarath Fonseka: Voice of our conscience

By Karu Jayasuriya MP 

Statement by Karu Jayasuriya, Member of Parliament on the occasion of the completion of 3 years of General Sarath Fonseka’s imprisonment and 6 years escaping death from the attack of the LTTE suicide bomber on the 26th April 2006

For a nation as a whole to be shaken on behalf of a decisive moment of an individual’s life is a rare occurrence. On 25th April 2006 we experienced such a rare occasion. [TC]

Implications and Ramifications of the Attack on the Dambulla Masjidul Khaira Mosque

By Surendra Ajit Rupasinghe

On 20th April 2012- Friday, a mob of some 2,000 led by Buddhist priests occupied and ransacked the Masjidul Khaira Mosque, obstructing those engaged in prayer. [TC]

ACJU issues appeal calling upon Muslims to observe April 26th as day of fast and prayer

The following is the text of an appeal issued on behalf of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama by its General Secretary Ash Sheik M.M.A. Mubarak

Muslims of this country are deeply worried over the recent incident took place in Dambulla in which a gang stormed the Jumma Mosque of Dambulla and damaged the place on 20 April, Friday [TC]

Discovering the White Van in a Troubled Democracy

By J.C. Weliamuna

An analysis of ongoing “abduction blueprint” in Sri Lanka

In a country that has achieved so much in literacy, education and social development, is it not indeed unfortunate that “White Van” has frightened the entire nation? Appearance of a white van assures a disappearance of some one. [DBSJ]

Education is one area where we are badly serving the people of the North and rural children in general

by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP

The concerns raised at the last set of Divisional Secretariat Reconciliation Committees I facilitated this week in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, after a long hiatus given an excess of travel in March, were both reassuring and upsetting. [TC]

Divergence and convergence of the USA and India over UN involvement

by Austin Fernando

There had been large scale local criticism of India and the USA, after the adoption of the UNHRC resolution in Geneva. [TC]

Demolition of Dambulla Mosque means loss of Muslim support to govt

By Latheef Farook

Prime Minister D.M. Dayaratne’s order to demolish a 65 year old mosque in Dambulla and instead build a mosque in another place strikes at the very root of religious freedom .It also shocked and hurt the island’s Muslim community. [DBSJ]

Dambulla incident shows govt has no vision or strategy to build co-existence among people of different religions

By Karu Jayasuriya MP

It is sad to note that there is a situation brewing up in the country, creating mistrust, suspicion and hatred amongst the people belonging to different ethnic and religious groups; when they were expecting harmony, reconciliation and co-existence in the country during the post war period. [TC]

Dambulla Mosque attack: Concerned citizens’ statement against religious intolerance

It is with great concern that we the undersigned protest against the growing trend of increasing religious intolerance in Sri Lanka with regard to minority religions. [TC]

Concern over misleading statement by M.L.A.M. Hizbullah on Dambulla Mosque incident

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU – Council of the Muslim Theologians) and the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) notes with deep concern the misinformed and misleading statement made by Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah – Deputy Minister of Child Development & Women’s Affairs at the meeting with Rev. Inamaluwa Thero on the 23rd of April 2012 in Dambulla. [TC]

Muslim Council of Sri Lanka statement on Dambulla Jumma Mosque incident

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the unfortunate incident of the attempted destruction of a mosque and disruption to the Muslims obligatory Friday prayers on 20th April 2012 at Dambulla. [TC]

72 Illegal structures around in Dambulla Including Mosque and Kovil to be Removed within 6 Months

by Azra Ameen

A committee comprising the Maha Sangha (Buddhist priests), Divisional Secretary, the District Secretary and several other officials yesterday decided to remove all illegal constructions where a controversial mosque is located in the Dambulla area within the next six months, sources said. [TC]

Hill Country huge potential for tourism-British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, John Rankin

Devon water fall is situated 6 km west of Talawakele on the A7 highway. [TC]

Was 13th Amendment not discussed by President Rajapaksa with visiting Indian MPs? 

by R.K.Radhakrishnan

The events seem to be a replay. It was External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna then. It is India’s Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj’s turn now. A leading newspaper in Sri Lanka has claimed that no discussion was held regarding the devolution of powers to States when the Indian MPs delegation met President Mahinda Rajapaksa. [DBSJ]

72 Illegal structures around in Dambulla Including Mosque and Kovil to be Removed within 6 Months

by Azra Ameen

A committee comprising the Maha Sangha (Buddhist priests), Divisional Secretary, the District Secretary and several other officials yesterday decided to remove all illegal constructions where a controversial mosque is located in the Dambulla area within the next six months, sources said. [TC]

Indian MPs’ Sri Lanka visit: A clear message from Indian polity

by N Sathiya Moorthy

The six-day-long visit of a 12-member Indian parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka could not have come at a more inopportune moment in the contemporary context of bilateral relations — after New Delhi had voted against Colombo at the Geneva UNHRC. [DBSJ]

World Future Council: Defending the rights of future generations

By Judge C. G. Weeramantry, Ashok Khosla, Dr. Scilla Elworthy

Today, vast factory trawlers are vacuuming every living thing off the floor of the oceans. Toxic wastes are being dumped on poor communities whose governments turn a blind eye. Millions of acres of irreplaceable primeval forest are purposely being burned every year, to make way for cattle ranches. [DBSJ]

Though govt pledged to implement 55 recommendations at Geneva UPR in 2008 performance has not been satisfactory

By Jehan Perera

In the aftermath of the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva in March of this year where a special resolution on Sri Lanka was passed, Sri Lanka now faces the Universal Periodic Review that commences in October of this year. [TC]

Indians seem to lay great reliance on full implementation of the 13th Amendment

by S.L.Gunasekara

Members of Parliament of any country whatsoever are elected to look into and pass legislation to suit and benefit the people of their own country.

Sri Lankan Shining in Geneva Through Two Inventors at ‘Inventions’ Exhibition

The inventions of Dr S.J.B Lenadora and Mr Dinesh Katugampala took the forefront at the ‘Inventions Geneva’ Exhibition, winning prestigious Gold and Silver medals at the event. ‘Inventions Geneva ’ which is the 40th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, is considered to be one of the most important in the world. [TC]

Mahinda Samarasinghe speaks out on the UNHRC sessions in Geneva

by Manjula Fernando

Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, who led the Sri Lankan delegation to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) sessions last month, speaking to the media for the first time since his return to the country, says Sri Lanka faced a David and Goliath situation against the world’s ‘superpower’ in Geneva. [TC]

The mysterious lady who knelt at the President’s feet and related a tale

by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha, MP

Last week, I was told, a mysterious lady approached the President while he was at a funeral, knelt at his feet, and came out with a terrifying story. The person who told me the story evidently thought of the lady as she who must not be named, but she was nothing like the fictional character who could not be named. [TC]

All have to do their bit so Sri Lanka comes true to its 18th century name ‘Serendip’

Reading between the lines on Indian delegation to Colombo

by Col. R. Hariharan

There are both positives and negatives in the reports on the Indian parliamentary delegation’s six-day visit to Colombo. The reports include a statement of Mrs Sushma Swaraj, the multi-party delegation leader issued at the end of the visit, as well as inputs on the press conference she addressed in Colombo. [TC]

An attempt to answer some questions Tamils ask

By Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

In response to my comments on the article in’ “www.dbsjeyaraj.com” by S.Venkatanarayan titled, ‘Who says Sinhalese are against devolving powers to Tamils? That’s absolute rubbish! says Chandrika Kumaratunge, ‘Quaero’ asked the following questions. [DBSJ]

I felt we had won a moral victory, a battle well fought – Tamara Kunanayagam

By Ayesha Zuhair

In an e-mail interview with Ayesha Zuhair of the Daily Mirror, Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam,Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, discusses the US-backed resolution against Sri Lanka which was adopted at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and the challenges ahead. [DBSJ]

Tamil Eelam is for Tamil Nadu politicians what the full moon is for hungry wolves -The Hindu

Tamil ‘Eelam’ is for Tamil Nadu politicians what the full moon is for hungry wolves. All their howling is indicative, not of any yearning for a distant, dreamy Eelam, but of the baser urges of the politics of the here-and-now. [TC]

Visit of Indian MP’s is a beginning in bridging the India-Sri Lanka communication gap

By N Sathiya Moorthy

The delegation may not be as representative as it could have been, and should have been, but the initiative goes a long way in crossing the mental and physical barriers of politicians from each country understanding the other. [TC]

Minister Fowzie denies meeting PM over Dambulla Mosque 

Prime Minister w/ MP Cader met in Gampola to discuss the Dambulla Mosque & announced like all Muslim MP’s agreed to relocate  [TC]

Indian delegation visit has not brought any good says TNA Batticaloa MP Ariyanenthiran 

by Arthur Wamanan

In an exclusive interview with The Nation, TNA Batticaloa District Parliamentarian P. Ariyanenthiran said no differences or different opinions within the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on the scheduled joint May Day rally in Jaffna. [TC]

Sushma Swaraj says President Rajapaksa will Enforce 13th Amendment Provisions and ‘Go Beyond it’ 

By Anthony David and Nadia Fazlulhaq

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will enforce provisions of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and “go beyond it,” India’s Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj said yesterday. [TC]

Post-Geneva reality and the predicament Sri Lanka is in today 

by Tissa Jayatilaka

One can understand to a certain extent the angst of some Sri Lankans over the injury caused to national pride by the ‘Geneva Resolution’ of March 2012. [TC]

Evidence of Sri Lanka’s bursting asset price bubble is apparent in all markets 

by Dr.Arujuna Sivananthan

A bubble in economics refers to a period in which a product or asset is traded in high volumes at prices that are at significant variance with its intrinsic value. [TC]

Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe faced with major crisis in Tea Industry 

by C.A. Chandraprema

Following fast upon the US resolution drama in Geneva, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe is once again involved in a major controversy, this time involving his Ministry – Plantation Industries under which the Tea Board and the Tea Council functions. [TC]

‘Sinhalese will be granted certain limited rights as long as they obey the Rajapaksas’ 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara 

In the second week of April, on Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Day, seven Tamil houses in Dilithura (a village in Elpitiya, Galle) were looted and burnt, because one young Tamil man did not call a Sinhala soldier on leave, ‘sir’. Instead of arresting the perpetrators of this orgy of arson and looting, the police arrested two Tamil youths [TC]

Madhu forest sanctuary in Mannar District being systematically destroyed through excavating sand and felling trees 

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Heavy excavating machinery rumbles relentlessly inside the Madu forest sanctuary — digging into the earth and felling trees — while truckloads of tipper lorries driven by drivers halfway drunk by 11am, packed to the brim with soil dug up, race through the road which runs through the sanctuary. [DBSJ]

JVP are ‘Bolsheviks’ using Nationalism as tactic to gain power

by Patali Champika Ranawaka

There is still much debate surrounding the alleged abduction of Premakumar Gunaratnam. It is yet to be established whether he faked his own abduction, or whether he was indeed abducted by members of the security forces. [DBSJ]

Hirunika Premachandra will seek justice for her father in Sri Lanka and will not internationalize issue 

by A Special Correspondent

The daughter of slain Presidential Trade Union Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra said that she is in possession of vital evidence which could further implicate the chief suspect in the case pertaining to her father’s gruesome murder on October 8 last year. [DBSJ]

‘I will engage in Political activities with progressive elements in Sri Lanka and other Countries’-Kumar Gunaratnam 

Central Committee member of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Kumar Gunaratnam spoke to LAKBIMAnEWS about the allegations levelled against him, his many aliases and the future plans of the FSP in an interview with Rathindra Kuruwita: [TC]

Fighting Food Fascism: The Beef-eating festival at Osmania University 

It looks like Foucault’s “real political task” is what the organisers of the recent beef-eating festival at Osmania University set out to do: they fought the “food fascism” that kept beef out of the menu, reminded the secular state that a university hostel mess was not Sankara math, and criticised the imposition of caste-Hindu dietary diktats on Dalits from within the confines of a seemingly neutral educational institution. [DBSJ]

The legitimate needs of Tamil people for equality, dignity, justice and self-respect in Sri Lanka 

By Sushma Swaraj

Distinguished representatives of the media,

I am happy to lead the All-Party delegation of Parliamentarians from India on this important visit to Sri Lanka. We are happy to meet you and share our impressions from this visit. I would like to start by introducing my colleagues from the delegation. [TC]

How do people who call themselves Sinhalese and Tamils know they are Sinhalese and Tamils?

By Dr. A.C. Visvalingam

In its modern form, the origins of the so-called National Question go back to the early twentieth century. [DBSJ]

Wimal Weerawansa has become a joke after he left our party – Vijitha Herath

by Dianne Silva

JVP MP Vijitha Herath spoke to Dianne Silva of the Daily Mirror about drama revolving around the disappearance of Premakumar Gunaratnam, the survival of the JVP and the interference of India in internal matters of Sri Lanka [DBSJ]

Why 13th Constitutional Amendment rammed through by India irritates Sri Lankans

by Lucian Rajakarunanayake

I have known Nirupama Subramaniam to be an observant journalist during here six years or more posting in Sri Lanka, first as a visiting journalist for ‘India Today’, later as correspondent for the ‘Indian Express’ and finally for the ‘Hindu’, to which she wrote the recent Lead Opinion (April 7) – ‘Lessons to learn from Geneva’, which was an analysis of the recent UNHRC vote against Sri Lanka. [TC]

Corruption, intrigues and power games in modern China

by M. S. Shah Jahan

“Corruption is the most crucial threat to the ruling party”.

At an annual meeting of anti-corruption officials on March 26th, China’s Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, had little progress to point to. He said there were still frequent corruption cases in departments that possess great power and in areas where the management of funds is centralized. [TC]

Sri Lanka’s Maj-Gen Prasanna Silva’s immunity questioned in UK Parliament

Yesterday, Thursday 19 April 2012, under Business Statement by the Leader of the House Sir George Young, a question was raised by the Labour Member of Parliament, Hon. Siobhain McDonagh for Mitcham and Morden on the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs’ decision not to declare Major General Prasanna Silva (Defence Attaché at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London) persona non grata [TC]

Sri Lankan mosque forced to abandon prayers by protesters

BBC News

A mosque in Sri Lanka has been forced to abandon Friday prayers amid community tensions in the central town of Dambulla. [TC]

Video: Lifestyles, living conditions and livelihood challenges

Jovita Arulanantham presents reports featuring , living conditions of upcountry Tamils, Muslim returnees in Jaffna and families returning to High Security Zone in Tellippalai; the reports were recently aired on ‘Connections’, a TV series from Young Asia Television: [TC]

Indian leadership miffed by Rajapaksa defiance wanted to rap Colombo on the knuckles

by Seema Sengupta

India’s decision to vote in favor of a United States sponsored UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution censuring the Sri Lankan government for alleged Human Rights aberration during the ethnic conflict has raised several eyebrows. [TC]

UNHRC Resolution: Sri Lanka is ‘Test Case’ for US to Continue Assault on International Law 

by Dharshan Weerasekera

The United Nations Human Rights Council at its recent sessions held in Geneva, adopted a US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of reconciliation and accountability since the end of the war with the LTTE, urging the government to make haste in implementing the recommendations of its own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and also calling for other more credible measures to ensue accountability. [DBSJ]

President Rajapaksa’s Instructions are Being Ignored to the Detriment of the Country 

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.

I was quite saddened by some of the responses to my article about ‘Letting down the President’, which recorded instances in which I thought the President’s instructions had been completely ignored, to the detriment of the country. [TC]

Mystery behind the sudden emergence and exit of Premakumar Gunaratnam 

Defence Secretary responds to allegations

By Ayesha Zuhair

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mirror, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa sheds light into the dramatic appearance and disappearance of Premakumar Gunaratnam. [TC]

The failures of the Ministry of External Affairs – encroachment or sheer incompetence? 

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.

The recent intrigues by the nastier elements in the Ministry of External Affairs have prompted some thought about the confused and confusing nature of the diverse elements that make up the current government. The need to examine this in greater detail has been made clearer by the strange affair of Mr Gunaratnam. [TC]

Genuine reconciliation will never be achieved until and unless terrorism threat is eliminated and third party intervention stopped

By Eymard de Silva Wijeyeratne

The word ‘reconciliation’ is being abused to a point and pitch that makes it a vehicle for wreaking vengeance. The UNHRC has acted in a manner reminiscent of Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin (perhaps unfairly called the mad monk). [TC]

Kumar Gunaratnam alias ‘Gemunu’ led JVP in guerilla war against Indian Army in 1989

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The enforced “disappearance” and dramatic “re-appearance” of Premakumar Gunaratnam alias Kumar/Kumara Mahathaya a.k.a. Noel Mudalige has evoked much interest into the revolutionary antecedents of this colourful personality who was at one time a key leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) or People’s Liberation Front.

Even though Gunaratnam alias Mudalige has now broken away from the JVP and together with comrades of a similar mindset, formed a new political party known as the Frontline Socialist Party (Peratugami Samajawadi Pakshaya) his significant contribution to the JVP over a period of nearly 30 years cannot be easily overlooked or dismissed lightly. [DBSJ]

Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka at China-UNESCO forum on ‘Confucianism and New Humanism’

Al Jazeera Video: Costs hit New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka 

The rising cost of living means that festivities are a little subdued this year in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Will launch of Frontline Socialist Party lead to revival of ‘Left’ in Sri Lanka?

By Niel Wijethilaka and K. Govindan (Nava Sama Samaja Party)

More than 5,000 people packed Colombo’s Sugathadasa stadium for the inaugural conference of the Peratugami Samajawadi Pakshaya (Frontline Socialist Party – FSP) on 9 April 2012. [DBSJ]

‘Hey Geneva’ by Ajith Kumarasiri! Birth of Sinhala Blues?

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Hello Friends

“Hey Geneva” is a song performed by musician-singer-composer Ajith Kumarasiri at his live concert”No More” at Punchi theatre in Borella on March 31st 2012. [DBSJ]

Constant obsession with achieving victory and a dominant concern with not being defeated

by Friday Forum

The Resolution No 19/2 on Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka that was adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on 22nd March 2012 calls upon the government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) that was appointed by the President. [TC]

What would have been Gunaratnam’s fate if he was not an Australian Citizen?

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

Does one need to possess foreign citizenship to practice basic rights of life, liberty and free expression in Sri Lanka? [TC]

It is easier to abduct a person than to get your kids ready for School

by Namini Wijedasa

State media reported last week that the government will upgrade security at the Colombo National Museum. One cannot argue with the merits of this move, however spectacularly overdue it might be. [TC]

‘We never deported him; he could have stayed but he wanted to leave the country’-Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

by Shamindra Ferdinando

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that many of those listed missing during the war could have obtained new identities courtesy foreign governments. [DBSJ]

Govt must clarify its stand on implementing the LLRC Report Recommendations

By Javid Yusuf

It would be unwise to brush aside the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council last month in Geneva as being of no consequence to Sri Lanka. We could choose to ignore it only at our own peril. [TC]

‘Who says Sinhalese are against devolving powers to Tamils? That’s absolute rubbish!’ says Chandrika Kumaratunga

by S.Venkatnarayan

Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has vehemently rubbished the claim being made by some people in the present government that the majority Sinhalese are opposed to devolving political power to the minority Tamils in her island-nation. [DBSJ]

Remembering CP de Silva the ‘Minneriya Deviyo’

By K.H.J. Wijayadasa

Birth centenary of Charles Percival de Silva is on April 16th

Men of great distinction and high calibre such as Charles Percival de Silva are rarely born. Such men live in the hearts of the people long after their demise. Popularly and fondly remembered as C.P. he dominated the administrative, social and political life of Sri Lanka in the mid 20th century. [TC]

Unprecedented double honours from Wisden for Sanga

Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara has achieved the unprecedented feat of being selected as both Wisden’s Leading International Cricketer in the World and one of its Five Cricketers of the Year, in the 2012 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, published in the UK on Thursday 12 April [TC]

By downgrading ties with India and US, Sri Lanka is in danger of cutting its nose to spite its face

By Sudha Ramachandran

BANGALORE – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka’s recent announcement that Colombo was considering raising the issue of the safety of India’s nuclear power plants with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been widely interpreted in the Indian media as retaliation for India’s vote supporting an anti-Sri Lanka resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recently. [DBSJ]

India has thrown a life line For Sri Lanka in Geneva that must be grasped

by M. Sooriasegaram

Time has come for all Sri Lankan people to come together to defend the sovereignty and independence of their mother country. People of Sri Lanka have a historic role to play at this juncture. [DBSJ]

M.I.A. Wrote the Music for Julian Assange’s New Talk Show

by Jeff Bercovici

It’s T-minus four days until Julian Assange‘s new talk show debuts on Russia Today, and while no one’s saying who the first guest will be, one interesting detail has come to light: The show’s theme music was written by Sri Lankan hip hop star M.I.A. [TC]

The Sri Lankan Tamil Catholic Priest who taught Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani

By Frances Bulathsinghala

A 73-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil, presently living in Colombo, proudly remembers that he had taught Yousuf Raza Gilani, the prime minister of Pakistan, way back in the 1960s at the La Salle High School in Multan. [TC]

Australia Has Just Been Given a Taste of “How It Works” in Sri Lanka

by Hamish McDonald

D.R. Kaarthikeyan is a name renowned in India. He was the police officer who led the investigation into the assassination of the former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 by a woman wearing a belt bomb who came up close in a chaotic election rally. [TC]

LTTE leader Prabhakaran is alive and will re-emerge says TNA MP Shritharan in Tamil Nadu

Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Alliance MP from Jaffna District Sivagnanam Shritharan has stated in India that LTTE leader Prabhakaran is alive.

Good Friday: A Sombre day in the Christian calendar 

By saba-Thambi

Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

People in general query the meaning of the name “Good Friday” when it was in fact the darkest day in the liturgical calendar. Some argue that the word ‘Good’ derived from the old English synonym for “holy” and the others state that it has been altered from the word “God” to ‘good’ as in the derivation of the word “Good bye” from the origin of the phrase “God be with ye”. [TC]

‘You do not want the TNA because you want to remove the roots of our right to equality, justice and dignity’ 

by Rajavarothayam Sampanthan

Mr. Deputy Chairman of Committees, we are discussing in the House today, an Adjournment Motion pertaining to the Resolution passed at the UN Human Rights Council at the 19th Session last month. [DBSJ]

Anatomy of the LTTE military debacle at Aanandapuram 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

This article was first written on April 10th 2009 under the heading”Top Tiger Leaders killed in a major debacle for LTTE”.Subsequently it was updated,revised and posted under the current heading. [DBSJ]

‘I Used Myanmar As An Example, Just As Others Have Used Israel And Cuba As Examples’– Amb. Dayan Jayatilleka 

By Dianne Silva

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Paris Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka has come under scrutiny in recent days for his controversial remarks in the aftermath of the passing of the United States sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council Sessions, last month. Certain remarks that were misconstrued as having compared Sri Lanka to Myanmar, a call for reform of Sri Lanka ’s foreign policy strategy and his unorthodox independent style of functioning have put him in the spotlight and opened his actions up for criticism. [DBSJ]

Theepan of the LTTE: Heroic saga of a Northern warrior 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Hello Friends

Today April 4th is the third death anniversary of Velayuthapillai Bhagheerathakumar alias Theepan of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE). He died in the decisive battle of Aananthapuram along with several frontline commanders and hundreds of cadres of the tigers in that confrontation. [DBSJ]

UNHRC vote in Geneva shows that Muslim countries were Sri Lanka’s sincere friends 

By Latheef Farook

In times of crisis in Sri Lanka, Muslims countries have always come to the island’s rescue with no strings attached. This friendly gesture was demonstrated once again by Muslim countries when they voted against the US sponsored United Nations Human Rights Council resolution against Sri Lanka. [DBSJ]

Text of Letter sent to Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka by Ministry of External Affairs

Letter dated March 30th 2012 sent by Mr.W.A.S. Prasanna, Actg Director General (Overseas Administration) states thus: [DBSJ]

‘An Insiders Account of the JVP’ By Lionel Bopage 

Book Review by Prof.V.Suryanarayan

Rebellion, Repression and the Struggle for Justice in Sri Lanka – The Lionel Bopage Story (Written by Michael Colin Cooke) (Agahas Publishers, Colombo, 2011), pp. 566, Price US Dollars 25/- [DBSJ]

New Farmland grab: Sri Lanka’s farmlands are being aggressively marketed as investment for agro-export agriculture 

by B. Skanthakumar

This article is published to draw attention to the forthcoming Global day of Peasant struggle on April 17th 2012: [TC]

Measures Taken by the Government of Sri Lanka and International Bodies To Investigate and Hold Accountable Violators of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law 

Report to Congress

OFFICE OF GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE | US Dept. of State

This report is submitted pursuant to the Conference Report (H. Conf. Rep. No. 112-331) accompanying the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2012 (Div. I, Pub.L. No. 112-74). [TC]

Mahinda Rajapaksa went to Geneva frequently during UNP rule and wanted the UN to intervene in Sri Lanka to uphold human rights 

by Mangala Samaraweera MP

Noting that both the Rajapaksa administration and the nation are now at a decisive juncture, UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera urges the government to decide whether it will follow the footsteps of the Emperor Dharmasoka or the dictator Robert Mugabe. [TC]

Nothing justifies the appalling savagery and all-out war launched against entire Tamil population in the name of fighting Tiger Terror 

by Aijaz Zaka Syed 

Riding the tiger is an art that isn’t easy to master in the best of circumstances. While a tiger’s back may be the safest place to be when you are riding it, you should be ready for what comes when the ride inevitably ends. [TC]

SJV Chelvanayagam’s Son Chandrahasan will return permanently to Sri Lanka after 27 years in India

by B.Kolappan

Ever since he arrived in Chennai in August 1983 after violence broke out against Tamils in Sri Lanka, S.C. Chandrahasan and his family lived with the hope that in three months they would be back in their motherland. [DBSJ]

Distressingly for Rajapaksa administration ‘Accountability’ will be the elephant in the room

by Gibson Bateman

Sri Lanka’s Minister of External Affairs, G.L. Peiris, has recently given one additional reason for the passage of a resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva: “collective commitments.” [DBSJ]

Storify: A tableau of Sri Lankan women with diverse talents and accomplishments

A Celebration of Role Models ~ A picturesque project by Reach Out, Sri Lanka: [TC]

UN OCHA provides update on Menik Farm conditions after Mar 31st heavy rain

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:

· On 31 March 2012 around 17:30hrs Menik Farm welfare camp was hit by a downdraft caused by the inter-monsoon rainy season injuring over 20 people and damaging 942 shelters, 76 latrine units and affecting 896 families living in Zone 1. Damages to Zone 0 were minimal [TC]

People can have freedom while not being liberated but they cannot be liberated while not having freedom

By Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

‘Liberation’ (Viduthalai in Tamil and Vimukthi in Sinhalese) has come to mean many things to many Tamils of Sri Lanka. What the word means to any individual or a group of people under normal circumstances, will depend on what they need to be liberated from. [TC]

MSF hopeful on Sri Lanka Ministry of Health promise to develop mental health care in Kilinochchi

MSF Ends Mental Health Program in Kilinochchi District

After 18 months of activity, the Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) mental health program that provided counseling to people resettled in Kilinochchi district, in the north of Sri Lanka, ended in April 2012. [TC]

Sri Lanka does not possess the resource base to counter the United States

Palitha Kohona Interviewed by Dianne Silva

The Mission to the United Nations, along with other Sri Lanka Missions elsewhere, including in Geneva, worked hard to lobby support against the US sponsored resolution at the Human Rights Council [TC]

India appears to have done everything possible to push Colombo into Beijing’s stifling embrace

by Ajai Sahni

“If such an outcome were to be secured in Iraq or Afghanistan or, now, even in Pakistan, it would be embraced by the West as an unadulterated and righteous triumph. [DBSJ]

Is ‘News Story’ about 150 Tamil ‘Terrorists’ being trained in Tamil Nadu true or inspired mischief? 

By Col. R. Hariharan According to a news item in the Colombo daily “The Island,” Sri Lanka intelligence services have received information that around 150 terrorists who returned to Sri Lanka from India were now hiding in the North and the East. [DBSJ]

Tamil Nadu State Govt delays implementing pledge given to PNAME about releasing imprisoned protesters and withdrawing cases 

Text of a press Release issued by PMANE on April 1, 2012

The People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) entered into a negotiation with the Tamil Nadu State officials on March 27, 2012 with the assistance of some credible and respectable mediators. [DBSJ]

Strengthening Tamil Moderates and weakening Tamil Ultra-Nationalists necessary in Sri Lanka 

By Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

Tamil Nadu’s mood is more hostile to Sri Lanka than it is not; it is more influential in Indian politics than it has been since the years of MGR; it is and will always be next door. [TC]

By Sumith Chaaminda

Newly initiated development projects in the Northern and Eastern Provinces in post-war Sri Lanka are expected to open new avenues towards ethnic reconciliation, as proclaimed not only by government media but also by the mainstream development scholarship. [TC]

IMF Approves US$ 426.8 Million Disbursement for Sri Lanka

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the seventh review of Sri Lanka’s economic performance under a program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). [TC]

The ‘ethnic issue’ has thrived on the sense of insecurity of the Sri Lankan state structure

by N Sathiya Moorthy

President Mahinda Rajapaksa‘s reiteration of the Government’s commitment to “walk an extra mile to establish permanent peace through reconciliation” should be a welcome reaction to the Geneva vote. [TC]

by Karu Jayasuriya MP 

On close scrutiny of the report submitted by the Srinath Perera P.C. Committee appointed to investigate and report on the alleged incidents at Siri Kotha on 19th December, 2012 , on the day of the election of office bearers, it is obvious that the report is a culmination of a pre conceived partial course of action. [TC]

External Affairs Ministry threatens to charge Dayan Jayatilleka under Penal Code 

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

In an unprecedented and controversial move Sri Lanka ’s Ministry of External Affairs has threatened to charge the country’s Ambassador to France Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka under the Penal code!

It is learnt that the External ministry’s overseas administration division Acting Director General Mr. W.G.S.Prasanna has sent a lengthy five page letter to Dr.Jayatilleka outlining certain charges relating to alleged “wrongdoing ” by Dr.Jayatilleka in the conduct of the affairs of the Embassy in Paris. [DBSJ]

Imperative for Sri Lanka to deflect attention from UNHRC Resolution and develop a realistic action plan

by Shanaka Jayasekara

On the face of it, the Indian decision to vote in support of the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka seems a departure from its stated doctrine for the Indian sphere of influence. [TC]

Cornered administration does not intend genuinely implementing LLRC recommendations at all

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

So now the truth is plain to see, unvarnished and appalling in its consequences for Sri Lanka. The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), says the Government at a press briefing this week, has exceeded its mandate and therefore only those recommendation that are ‘feasible’ will be implemented. [TC]

This is the time to repair and re-launch USA – Sri Lanka Relations 

by Teresita Schaffer

Teresita Schaffer, a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, was U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka from 1992-1995

The meeting in Geneva is over, leaving a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. It’s time to put Sri Lanka’s political rebuilding on track, and repair US-Sri Lanka relations in the process. [DBSJ]

Kolonnawa in firm grip of criminal mafia with political influence 

By Chandana Kariyawasam and Wijitha Nakkawita

Kolonnawa, a suburb of Colombo, is bizarre. It came to the limelight a few months ago when one of its prominent citizens, former Member of Parliament, was killed. [DBSJ]

Post Geneva challenge posed by Sri Lanka to British Foreign and Commonwealth Office 

By Westminster Insider

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) mandarins play the long game, and, as a matter of policy doctrine believe credible domestic inquiries of war crimes and crimes against humanity provide more durable solutions than those externally imposed. [DBSJ]

On the campaign trail in Burma with Aung San Suu Kyi 

by Marwaan Macan-Markar

For Aung San Suu Kyi, next week’s by-election is an attempt to reach out to the people and affirm her credentials as a unifier of Myanmar. [DBSJ]

Dismantling a dictatorship peacefully in Myanmar 

By Marwaan Macan-Markar

(As Burma heads for an election on April 1st this analysis written in January is reproduced here due to its current relevance. The writer is a Sri Lankan journalist now working for IPS in Bangkok - DBSJ)

BANGKOK, Jan 23, 2012 (IPS) – As he dismantles a 50-year military dictatorship without a shot being fired, Burmese President Thein Sein is resorting to the political art of compromise. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka like Muhammed Ali in reverse stings like a butterfly and floats like a bee

Jaffna High Court delivers verdict in favour of Gods Own children Foundation 

Press Statement by Gods Own children Foundation

On 22 March 2012, the Jaffna High Court delivered a auch awaited verdict in Favour of Gods Own children Foundation. [TC]

Sri Lankan policy cannot continue to be premised on the Medamulana doctrine 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara 

24 hours before adopting the resolution on Sri Lanka, the UNHRC approved, with a mammoth majority, another country specific resolution on Israel. [TC]

Maldives must investigate sexual harassment of detained women protesters-Amnesty International 

Maldives authorities must immediately investigate allegations that police beat and sexually harassed four women detained during an anti-government rally, Amnesty International said. [TC]

Philip Gunawardena – The Red Lion From Boralugoda

By Dr.Vickramabahu Karunaratne

Don Philip Rupasinghe Gunawardena, popularly known as Philip, was considered to be the founder of the Marxist movement in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Bovine Home Economics of Bandula Gunawardena

by Namini Wijedasa

When Wimal Weerawansa called for a boycott of American products, his cabinet colleagues said they don’t share his views. It was not the official stance of the government, they insisted. Don’t take much notice. [TC]

tweets of the day: Media battle heats up in Sri Lanka, again

AlJazeera: Listening Post – Media battle heats up in Sri Lanka, again [TC]

India’s Headlines Today Journalist wins award for Sri Lanka Report 

Headlines Today correspondent Priyamvatha has won the award ‘best Investigative report’ for ‘Inside Lanka’s Killing Fields’ at the ’5th News Television (NT) Awards 2012′ on March 28th in New Delhi. ‘Headlines Today’ is a member of ‘India Today’, media group [TC]

Belligerence shows Colombo’s mutinous response to international ‘meddling’ will remain constant 

by Namini Wijedasa

A stubby man in an open-necked shirt stands against the backdrop of a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, on the outskirts of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, waving a thick forefinger threateningly in the air. Mervyn Silva, the minister of public relations, growls that traitors should be executed as in the times of ancient kings. [TC]

Geneva fiasco due to our failure to maintain pragmatic International Relations 

by Shanie | NOTEBOOK OF A NOBODY

A cartoon this week in one of our newspapers said it all. A tall gaunt man with his head held erect walks into a room in Geneva saying, ‘I think we can, I think we can.’ The same man is then seen coming out of the door in Geneva, head bent down with a distraught face and almost bent in two, saying, ’I thought we could, I thought we could.’ [TC]

‘Benign conspiracy’ in Geneva by India and USA to make Sri Lanka move towards a political solution 

By Izeth Hussain

We have to face up to the fact that the Sri Lankan Government suffered a serious set-back at Geneva. We can of course argue that adding the abstentions to the votes against the US Resolution shows that we lost only by one vote. [TC]

Tamara Kunanayakam: Fighting for Lanka in Geneva 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Many Sri Lankans watching live proceedings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the fateful Thursday of March 22nd 2012 were puzzled by the composition of our representatives when the spotlight was on Sri Lanka in Geneva. [DBSJ]

Video ~ Backing Sri Lanka Resolution: Does this mark a shift in India’s regional foreign policy?

Sadanand Dhume of the American Enterprise Institute discusses pressures on New Delhi to support democracy abroad. [TC]

‘We Opposed the Resolution Because of Our Respect for the UN HRC’-Rajiva Wijesinha 

by Ayesha Zuhair

In an interview with Ayesha Zuhair for the Daily Mirror, Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, MP, Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation, discusses the resolution against Sri Lanka adopted at the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). [DBSJ]

People’s SAARC concerned about safety of human rights defenders, journalists and political activists in Sri Lanka

Minister Maithripala Sirisena’s allegations against ‘CARITAS-SEDEC’ are baseless and untrue 

by Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera

In a news item telecast over ITN at 9.30 pm on 23rd March 2012, Hon Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health accused Caritas SEDEC Sri Lanka as an NGO of being responsible for instigating farmers to protest. He also claimed that Caritas SEDEC Sri Lanka had a presence in Geneva where the UN Human Rights Council had its 19th Sessions recently. [TC]

USA and India have ingeniously divided their task regarding Sri Lanka 

by Gunadasa Amarasekera

On 2nd March 1815, we ceded our sovereignty to the – greatest empire at the time-The British Empire- of which it was said ‘the sun never set’.

On 22nd March 2012 we were intimidated into taking the first step to cede our sovereignty to the most powerful empire of today—the US. [TC]

‘American Exceptionalism’ means USA should be regarded above international law norms 

By Harith de Mel

Thursday the 22nd of March was a day Sri Lanka was given a lesson in International Law.

This is not to suggest we are inadequate in our understanding of this fascinating subject but events preceding suggest that we have either not comprehended the reality of ‘International Law’ or have been ignorant of it in the wake of International relations. [TC]

Ensure the security of Fishers Union Leaders Herman Kumara and Anura Roshantha 

We, the undersigned civil society organisations and activists, are deeply disturbed by the threats faced by Mr. Herman Kumara of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) and Mr. Aruna Roshantha Fernando of All Ceylon Fisher Folk Federation (ACFFF) and condemn these attempts to stifle democratic rights and silence these leaders. [TC]

Sri Lanka should take UNHRC Resolution seriously and improve human rights record like Myanmar says Dayan Jayatilleka

Sri Lanka could learn from Myanmar which has radically changed bringing democratic reforms in the country says Sri Lanka Ambassador to France, Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka. [DBSJ]

'Shape karala ganna puluwan' (Can fix it) plan of Govt failed in Geneva 

By Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu

The reaction of the Rajapaksa regime to the successful US resolution at the Human Rights Council makes out the resolution to be, in effect, the first defeat suffered by the regime, its feeble efforts at damage limitation notwithstanding. Needless to say it should not have come to this. [DBSJ]

Govt must present road map for implementing recommendations in LLRC Report 

by Jayantha Dhanapala and Prof. Savitri Goonesekere

The Friday Forum welcomed the setting up of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and co-operated constructively by making representations before it. [DBSJ]

by Kubes Navaratnam

In the wake of the world’s inaction to intervene and stop the grave human rights abuses in Rwanda and Srebrenica, and following the controversial intervention in Kosovo, the Responsibility to Protect doctrine emerged [TC]

USA adopts carrot and stick policy towards Sri Lanka to curtail Chinese influence

By K. Ratnayake

On March 22 the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting in Geneva passed a US-sponsored resolution on human rights violations in Sri Lanka. The toothless, non-binding resolution has nothing to do with addressing abuses in Sri Lanka but is aimed at advancing US interests in the South Asian region. [TC]

This is a struggle between powerful pro-mega development folks and powerless pro-sustainable development masses 

by S.P. Udayakumar

Dear Friends:

Greetings! Pushparayan, the other 12 friends and I have become weaker and tired; but we are still able to sit up and talk to people. Today is the seventh day of the indefinite hunger strike. [DBSJ]

The rise of populism: A comparative perspective from South Asia 

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.

I must begin by thanking the Secretariat of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats for putting together an excellent concept paper, which presents us with a very balanced view of the topic of our general assembly this year. [DBSJ]

Koodankulam protestors call off indefinite hunger strike but continue with relay fasts 

The anti-Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) protesters called off their nine-day-long indefinite fast on Tuesday evening, following talks with the district administration, led by Collector R. Selvaraj [TC]

Liberals present Ontario Budget with strong action plan 

by Dwight Duncan

Today, I presented our plan to balance the budget by 2017-18, while protecting the results we’ve achieved in health care and education. It’s all about making the right choices for Ontario families. [TC]

Post-war Northern Province: Some facts and fallacies 

By Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

I have been concerned by the claims of some politicians, journalists, NGOs and INGOs about post-war developments of an adverse nature relating to purported settlement of Sinhalese in the Northern Province, contrary to what I could see and gather from the people living within the province. [DBSJ]

‘We speak two noble languages (Sinhala and Tamil) but with one voice (Sri Lankan)’ 

By Dr.Devanesan Nesiah

Some countries are predominantly monolingual. Perhaps England, Japan, France, Germany and Thailand could, subject to some qualifications, be placed in this category. [DBSJ]

Dr. Indra De Soysa takes over as 18th Warden of St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia 

By Ishara Jayawardane 

Established in 1851, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia is one of the oldest and one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. Now the reins of control of this great institution have passed into the hands of its 18th Warden, Dr. Indra de Soysa [DBSJ]

Plight of journalists in Sri Lanka worsens after Geneva UNHRC Resolution-CPJ 

By Bob Dietz

The sorry situation faced by Journalists in Sri Lanka has seemingly worsened after the US sponsored resolution was passed by 24 to 15 at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 22nd. [DBSJ]

Accountability is paramount for any sustainable political solution in Sri Lanka-APPGT 

APPGT welcome the United Nations Human Rights Council on successfully adopting a resolution on Sri Lanka. We see this as a first step towards an international effort to bring sustainable peace in the Island. [TC]

Sinhala Language Graffiti in Colombo Says Hillary Clinton and Obama are ‘Naked’-Economist

“HILLARY CLINTON is naked! Obama is naked!” shriek the Sinhala-language graffiti across a wall in Colombo.[TC]

Memories of Yesteryears: Kristhava Keethankal

By Saba-Thambi

I cherish my childhood memories of listening to the “kristhava keethangal” (Christian songs) segment, broadcast on Sunday mornings in the nineteen sixties and seventies. [TC]

Tamil Nadu peoples protest against the Koodankulam nuclear power project 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Fifteen persons comprising eight men and seven women have been on an indefinite hunger strike for eight days now at a place called Idinthakarai adjacent to Koodankulam in Tirunelvely district of the Southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. [DBSJ]

India not supporting us did considerable damage to the Sri Lankan position at UNHRC 

Prof. G.L. Peiris Interviewed by Dianne Silva

Question: Why was Sri Lanka unable to obtain enough support to defeat the United States sponsored resolution?

Answer: I think the public should know that one matter that the international community and the delegation were distressed about was the manner in which the UNHRC is functioning today. [DBSJ]

Can the UNHRC effectively monitor Sri Lankan progress in implementing LLRC Report recommendation? 

By J.S. Tissainayagam

A resolution on Sri Lanka was passed in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Thursday. Human rights activists hailed the resolution as a hopeful first step by the international community in holding Sri Lanka accountable to war crimes. [TC]

Resentment in Sri Lanka over Indian failure to stand by this neighbor and friend 

by Salman Haidar

A sense of outrage pervades Sri Lanka after the passing of a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council critical of that country. The chief mover of the resolution was the USA, which has become the main target of public indignation. Street demonstrations have taken place and calls made for the boycott of US goods. [TC]

Crucial difference between Geneva 2009 and Geneva 2012 is erosion of moral high ground 

by Dayan Jayatilleka

After Geneva, do we Sri Lankans understand? Do we know how to understand?

Do we understand that understanding does not come easily or automatically; that one has to ‘learn how to understand’, as Fidel clearly indicates in his latest article entitled ‘Roads to Disaster’? [TC]

No conflict between myself and Minister Samarasinghe–G.L. Peiris 

By Dianne Silva

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peries yesterday stated that he could not condone the statements made by a government Minister that who claimed that he would clamp down on journalists and human rights activities, who had travelled to Geneva. [TC]

UNHRC Resolution is good for the whole country and will help all our people regardless of ethnicity 

by B. Kolappan

Rejecting the notion that the Sinhalese community as a whole would harden its stand as a result of the resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the country’s Tamil Nationalist Alliance MP M.A. Sumanthiran on Sunday said that on the contrary, there was realisation that the resolution had come about because of the Sri Lankan Government’s failure to do the right things at the right time. [TC]

Jayalalithaa announces slew of welfare measures for Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu camps 

by B.Kolappan

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Saturday announced a slew of welfare measures for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including financial assistance for self-help groups (SHGs) in camps, and extension of Chief Minister’s comprehensive insurance scheme to the refugees. [TC]

Impact of UNHRC Resolution on India-Sri Lanka relations 

By Col R Hariharan

India was among the 24 countries that voted for the U.S. draft resolution on Sri Lanka’s accountability in respect of human rights violations which was passed at the 19th meeting of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at Geneva. Fifteen member countries opposed it while eight abstained. [DBSJ]

After Geneva vote New Delhi finds itself in a precarious position in Colombo vis a vis Beijing 

by N.Sathiya Moorthy

History will remember two dates this week as the defining moment in the India-Sri Lanka relationship. Rather, by extension, they were landmarks in re-defining India’s evolving the 21st century equations in the South Asian neighbourhood — and by extension, in the larger geo-strategic milieu. [DBSJ]

We talk about victory and defeat but who really won or lost in Geneva? 

by Kalana Senaratne

The US-sponsored resolution at the UNHRC had to be defeated. It was not. 24 in favour, 15 against, 8 abstained. Hearts are broken, glasses are shattered, the ‘gods’ have ignored our prayers, there is madness surrounding us; 2012, we are now sure, is when the world comes to an end. [DBSJ]

Full text of Indian Prime Minister’s letter to the Sri Lankan President 

Press Information Bureau, Government of India

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka on the resolution in the UN Human Rights Council. [DBSJ]

US may have extended its footprint to Sri Lanka and expanded it to cover all of South Asia 

By N Sathiya Moorthy

It was not victory at Geneva for Sri Lanka, yes. Thankfully, it is not thumbing of the chest either, in Colombo. Instead, it should be shake-up time for the Government and polity. [TC]

UN and INGO personnel who served in Sri Lanka during war can help counter allegations in Channel 4 TV film-Gotabhaya Rajapaksa 

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The UN and INGOs deployed in Sri Lanka during Eelam war IV could help the international community to verify the validity of allegations contained in Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields: War Crimes Unpunished, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. [TC]

Now that the Geneva deed is done, India should begin the damage control process 

by M. L. Wickremasinghe

India lost the moral high ground in Geneva on March 22. Exactly a week after the ides of March, thousands of years after the back-stabbing in Rome, India became the only country in Asia to have voted against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, prompting Sri Lankans to ask “You too India?” [TC]

2,200-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscription found on Samanamalai near Madurai in Tamil Nadu

by T.S. Subramanian

A Tamil-Brahmi inscription that pushes back the association of Samanamalai (“Jaina Hill”), 15 km from Madurai, with Jainism to 2,200 years, has been discovered on the hill. [TC]

Storifying: ‘Militarisation of North Sri Lanka’ 

Alan Keenan, Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst and Sri Lanka Project Director, examines how de facto military rule and various forms of government-sponsored “Sinhalisation” of the Tamil-majority region are impeding international humanitarian efforts, reigniting a sense of grievance among Tamils, and weakening chances for a real political settlement to devolve power in Sri Lanka: [TC]

New Delhi must step up pressure on Mahinda Rajapaksa to evolve a new political system 

by Prof. V. Suryanarayan

Human Rights organizations and Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora have valid reasons to be jubilant about the outcome of the 19th Session of Human Rights Council held in Geneva on March 22, 2012. [DBSJ]

Manmohan Singh writes letter to Mahinda Rajapaksa clarifying Indian position 

Moving quickly to pre-empt any diplomatic damage that India’s vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday may cause, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, highlighting the “element of balance” that was introduced in the resolution because of Indian efforts. [TC]

Sinhala unhappiness is unlikely to turn into bitterness and hatred against India 

by B. Raman 

The unhappiness in Sri Lanka over the Indian vote in favour of the resolution in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the question of the human rights of the Sri Lankan Tamils-action in respect of past violations during the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE and to safeguard their human rights in future in the form of a political solution to the grievances and aspirations of the Tamils is understandable. [TC]

Sri Lanka is in the final process of completing its first nationwide census in more than 30 years. [TC]

Storifying: Sri Lanka visit of Rick Dykstra MP, Member of Parliament for the City of St. Catharines

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is sending three representatives, MPs Rick Dykstra and Chris Alexander – a former ambassador to Afghanistan – and new senator Vern White: [TC]

Huge credibility issue of Rajapaksa presidency is that no one believes them anymore 

by Dushy Ranetunge

Since 1983, the Sri Lankan state struggled to defeat the Tamil insurrection, because India and most of the Western democracies were sympathetic to the Tamil cause, and the Sinhalese were always perceived as the oppressors from the days of Sinhala only. [DBSJ]

We can defuse UNHRC Resolution simply by taking steps to implement our own LLRC Report recommendations – Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu

By Dinouk Colombage

Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanmuttu, political analyst and head of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, spoke to The Sunday Leader about the recently passed US backed Resolution and what it will mean to the country. He expressed his hope that this will see Sri Lanka move forward from ‘post-war to post-conflict’ [DBSJ]

‘In the Face of such Overwhelming Pressures it is still Impressive that we Secured 15 votes’

By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

I was first asked by the External Affairs Ministry to go to Geneva , after a lapse of a couple of years, the night the US tabled its Resolution. [DBSJ]

Samarasinghe’s statement broke the normally Phlegmatic Indian Camel’s back

By Tisaranee Gunasekara 

The Geneva Resolution was not inimical to Sri Lanka or Sri Lankans. Its adoption is not a defeat for Sri Lanka or Sri Lankans.

But for the Rajapaksas, the Geneva vote is a defeat; a defeat as needless as the battle itself. [TC]

India supported Sri Lanka by voting for US Resolution in the UNHRC says New Delhi envoy to UN in Geneva

In the wake of India voting against Sri Lanka and supporting the US resolution, India’s envoy to the United Nations Dilip Sinha says that India sees itself as amongst those who supported Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, as the resolution is “supportive of Sri Lanka rather than against it. [TC]

India has mutually beneficial partnership with USA built on ‘Principles and Pragmatism’

Wimal wants ban on American goods but does not want US Defence Pact revoked

by Dr.Vickramabahu Karunaratne

The third VV – Vipaksaye Virodhaya – the protest of the opposition took place in Hatton town on 14 March. Thousands turned up, shouting slogans and braving the rain. [TC]

Determined effort to make Prof. G.L. Peiris the scapegoat for foreign policy failures

by Gamini Weerakoon

Now is the time to come to the aid of the country is the rallying call today in this internationally besieged island. We too are all for it but being cynics we do so with reservations. [TC]

Vigorous U.S. Engagement Helped Spur Series of Important Actions at 19th Session of HRC

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s 19th Regular Session helped spur action on a series of important human rights situations around the world, in part due to vigorous U.S. engagement. [TC]

The High Commissioner for Human Rights is today warning that there must be no reprisals against Sri Lankan human rights defenders in the aftermath of yesterday’s adoption by the Human Rights Council of a resolution on Sri Lanka. [TC]

‘Rajapaksa Rottweiler’ Mervyn Silva threatens to break limbs and bones of journalists and human rights defenders in public 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Running dog of the Rajapaksa regime,Mervyn Silva has threatened to break in public the bones and limbs of Journalists and Human Rights Defenders who had allegedly worked against the Country at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) in Geneva. [DBSJ]

Indian Govt did what it did under pressure from the DMK and AIADMK 

By Smita Gupta

Pressure exerted by the United Progressive Alliance government’s southern comrade, the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham, forced India to vote in favour of the U.S.-sponsored censure motion against Sri Lanka on Thursday in the 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, urging that country to probe rights abuses in the war against the Tamil Tigers. [DBSJ]

US resolution against Sri Lanka is a negative precedent challenging core values of UNHRC 

by Tamara Kunanayakam 

Before proceeding, Sri Lanka seeks clarification on allegations made by certain countries of threats to, and intimidation of, human rights defenders by members of its delegation. We treat such allegations with utmost seriousness and do not condone such violations. [TC]

TNA Welcomes passage of Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva 

The Tamil National Alliance welcomes the passage of the Resolution “Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka” at the Human Rights Council. [TC]

India’s Vote in UN Against Sri Lanka Draws Mixed Reactions 

by Kurt Achin | New Delhi
Voice of America News

Sri Lanka’s government is expressing disappointment over India’s backing of a United Nations resolution calling on Sri Lanka to further investigate allegations of war crimes during its civil war. [TC]

When victims of mass abuse are ignored they are twice victimized 

Why Canada is calling Sri Lanka to account

By Brian Stewart

Human rights violations are too big to ignore, Canada and the UN now say When victims of mass abuse are ignored they are twice victimized: first by their oppressors, secondly by the world’s indifference. [TC]

UNHRC vote could rouse Sinhala rage and weaken India’s hand 

by Venky Vembu

For all the bluster and hectoring around the UNHRC vote against Sri Lanka, the skies haven’t fallen on Colombo just because the Council voted on the US-sponsored resolution. [DBSJ]

Karunanidhi’s ‘Eelam dream’ is a curse on Lanka Tamils

by Venky Vembu

Among politicians in Tamil Nadu, there is now a headlong scramble to claim credit for the Indian government’s vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council proceedings in Geneva on Thursday. [DBSJ]

India Should Send a Strong Message to Sri Lanka by voting for motion on Sri Lanka 

by Venky Vembu

Among politicians in Tamil Nadu, there is now a headlong scramble to claim credit for the Indian government’s vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council proceedings in Geneva on Thursday. [DBSJ]

India Should Send a Strong Message to Sri Lanka by voting for motion on Sri Lanka

by Col.R.Hariharan

Clearly Indian government is trying to find its famous “middle path” to make up its mind. And ‘middle path’ as per its standard operative procedure is to buy time. [DBSJ]

“Our Work To Defend Human Rights In Sri Lanka Must And Will Go On” 

by Sunila Abeysekara, Nimalka Fernando and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu

As the three Sri Lankan human rights defenders who have come most under attack by the state media in Sri Lanka in the past week, because of our active involvement with the on-going session of the UN Human rights Council in Geneva, we feel compelled to issue this statement of clarification. [TC]

Storify Update: Resolution adopted- HRC19 Debate and Voting in Genva

Live Update -5:30 AM-7:00 AM EST ~ UNHRC vote on ‘Sri Lanka war crimes’ commences: [TC]

Geneva Resolution should lead to serious soul searching by Rajapaksa regime

by Mangala Samaraweera

The resolution in Geneva must be understood in the spirit in which it was presented. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka in Geneva: Theoretical assertions of sovereign equality have no practical validity

by Ayesha Zuhair

When the Sri Lankan military defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009 ending nearly three decades of brutal terror, I – alongside millions of my fellow citizens – was elated. [DBSJ]

Chennai forces India to split from Asia, censure Sri Lanka

by Indrani Bagchi

Sri Lanka became the lastest victim of the UPA government’s coalition compulsions, as India voted against one of its closest neighbors at the UN Human Rights Council today on alleged human rights violations in a development that may have larger implications. [TC]

Safeguard Sri Lankan sovereignty through diplomatic defiance of Geneva Resolution

by Gomin Dayasri

Losing in Geneva partly caused by our own undoing makes it imperative now to stand firm in safeguarding our sovereignty and protecting Sri Lanka from foreign interventions. [TC]

Sri Lanka Failed to Note Implications of India Factor

by Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka

‘Strategic foresight’ is what it is termed in English, though the French who invented it in the ’50s, call it ‘strategic prospective’. Strategic analysis and anticipation – not to be confused with ‘security’– are major aspects of it. [TC]

ABC News Video: ‘How minorities are treated, an indicator of the level of democracy’

from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Sri Lanka has seen greater security since the end of the bloody civil war with the Tamil Tigers, but dissenters are routinely threatened and 32 activists have disappeared in the past six months. [TC]

President Rajapaksa has Brought Geneva Resolution Upon Himself -The Hindu

The passage of the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka is proof that the international community disapproves of the manner in which the Rajapaksa government is addressing the fallout of its Armageddon moment of mid-May 2009 [TC]

Should not Sri Lanka be given time and space to continue process of implementation and reconciliation without undue interference?

By Mahinda Samarasinghe

Madam President,

Thank you for this opportunity, as the country concerned, to outline our position in respect of the draft resolution before the Council. [TC]

If India had been with Sri Lanka the vote in Geneva may have been Different

Prayers and protest held against the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka 

United for Mother Lanka”~ the theme against US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva. [TC]

The Geneva Glider ~ Storifying News, tweets & Social Media on proposed Sri Lanka Resolution 

Digest of news & tweets relating to the proposed Sri Lanka Resolution at the 19th Sessions of UNHRC, Geneva.

Click here for Continually updated Sri Lanka related News and tweets throughout the UNHRC 19th Session – Feb 27 – Mar 24, 2012

by Teresita C. Schaffer

At the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Sri Lankan and U.S. governments are facing off this week over a resolution that the U.S. has proposed but neither side wanted. [TC]

by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha M.P

Perhaps the most telling perversions in the latest Channel 4 film come with regard to what is termed its first case study. This ‘begins on the 23rd of January when UN personnel from the last overland food convoy into the war zone became trapped in the fighting’. [TC]

Why India is now inclined to vote in support of US sponsored Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC

By Sumanasiri Liyanage

As The Hindu Newspaper has reported, the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has informed the Lok Sabha that India is “inclined to” vote in favour of a resolution on Sri Lanka [submitted by the United States of America] if it meets ‘our objectives’ with regard to the future of ethnic Tamils. [TC]

US sponsored Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva is a Trojan horse

By Bandu de Silva

Jehan Perera in his article of March 12th seems to propose a conciliatory attitude towards the amended US Draft Resolution (D/R) now before the UNHRC [TC]

Civil society urges government to stop hate campaigns and protect human rights defenders

In the backdrop of the resolution on Sri Lanka being discussed in Geneva and the expected vote on the resolution this week, the Sri Lanka Government and its propaganda teams have intensified an extremely malicious hate campaign against human rights defenders who express their views on accountability and governance issues in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Lanka adopts principled position as D-Day draws near at UNHRC in Geneva

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Even as D-day for the vote on a US sponsored resolution regarding Sri Lanka at the 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) drew near in Geneva the Island nation continued to adopt what may be described as a “principled position” as its key strategy in dealing with the diplomatic might of the worlds sole super power [DBSJ]

Catholic Church in Sri Lanka is deeply divided on the proposed Resolution at the UNHRC

By Kshama Ranawana

Schism and doubt are the great enemies Bishops are expected to combat, and at all times try to avoid among the clergy and the flock. [DBSJ]

Attempts to suppress Koodankulam anti-nuclear struggle through deployment of armed police results in death fast by Udayakumar – PNAME

We hope you have been following the Koodankulam Anti – Nuclear Struggle from its inception.

The entire populace in and around Koodankulam have rallied under the leadership of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant and have successfully with-stalled its implementation for the past 218 days. [DBSJ]

Tamil Nadu Govt increases Police deployment at Koodankulam in readiness for crackdown

by S.P. Udayakumar

The Tamil Nadu State government is increasing the police strength in front of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP). Heavy police force has been posted in a few major junctions around Koodankulam. [DBSJ]

“In My Mothers House” by Sharika Thiranagama Tells Tales of Exodus and Eviction in Sri Lanka’s civil war

by Nirupama Subramanian

Key to understanding the Sri Lankan conflict, and the reasons that it remains unresolved even to this day, is an understanding of the impact of displacement [DBSJ]

The truth behind India’s dilemma with UN Resolution On Lanka 

UNHRC Resolution: India Needs Forward-Looking Policy On Sri Lanka

Video: US supported Resolution not looking to condemn Sri Lanka-Robert O. Blake

Human Rights in Sri Lanka can best be protected by Sri Lankans themselves

‘Resolution first and necessary step towards ensuring peace, justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka’-TNA

Canada to send Three-Member Delegation to Sri Lanka on Fact Finding Mission

Language rights in Sri Lanka: Display of bus route boards in all three languages

Sri Lanka wants dawn of Palestinian State in the near future

An Open Letter to Sinhala Canadians

Dear Fellow Sinhala Canadians:

It is time that we express our immeasurable gratitude to Sri Lanka for our early education, facility in language, social skills, leadership qualities and all other factors that have led to our many successes in Canada. We can best do so by asserting the founding principles of the country of which we are now residents and citizens – peace, order and good government and helping Sri Lankans residents to wrest back our common homeland from an increasingly despotic family dynasty. [DBSJ]

Amidst mounting pressure from ally DMK and other parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said India was “inclined to” vote in favour of a resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN which meets “our objectives” with regard to the future of ethnic Tamils. [TC]

by R. Bhagwan Singh

Cho S. Ramaswamy, the redoubtable editor of the Tamil weekly Thuglak, and a former Rajya Sabha member, tells R. Bhagwan Singh that the hue and cry in Tamil Nadu in support of a US resolution on human rights against Sri Lanka is uncalled for [DBSJ]

by G.L. Peiris

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L Peiris said last week that it was not a question of who won or who lost at the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). [TC]

By Arthur Wamanan and Sandun Jayawardana

The documentary “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields: War Crimes Unpunished”, was aired by Britain’s Channel 4 on Wednesday (14).

The documentary is a follow-up to last year’s controversial documentary “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”. The new documentary, made by the same team reiterates accusations on “War Crimes” during the latter stages of the conflict. [DBSJ]

TNA in its statement dated 14th March 2012 titled ‘Broken Promises’, signed by Mr. R. Sampanthan, has inter-alia stated as follows:

“Despite the LLRC identifying the EPDP as an illegal armed group and recommending that armed paramilitary groups be investigated and disarmed, Minister Douglas Devananda (Leader of the EPDP) – whose attitude was condemned by the LLRC as being inimical to the rule of law – continues to function as the Cabinet Minister for Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development. [TC]

Capitalism: A Ghost Story 

by Arundhathi Roy

Is it a house or a home? A temple to the new India, or a warehouse for its ghosts?

Ever since Antilla arrived on Altamont Road in Mumbai, exuding mystery and quiet menace, things have not been the same. “Here we are,” the friend who took me there said, “Pay your respects to our new Ruler.”

Antilla belongs to India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. I had read about this most expensive dwelling ever built, the twenty-seven floors, three helipads, nine lifts, hanging gardens, ballrooms, weather rooms, gymnasiums, six floors of parking, and the six hundred servants. [DBSJ]

Wimal Weerawansas American boycott should start with Gotabaya and Basil renouncing their US citizenship 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

The latest Channel 4 documentary (like its predecessor) is efficacious because it happens in a vacuum created by the myopic obduracy of the Rajapaksa regime. [TC]

Is the 2009 May war victory, a licence for Rajapaksa Presidency to plunder the Country? 

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

There is a fundamental fallacy in believing that the fortunes of Sri Lanka will rise or fall solely on the outcome of the US draft resolution due to be taken up before the 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva this coming week. [TC]

Ensure patriotic-chickens accustomed to violence, brutality and abuse do not come home to roost 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Kill them out of the way… And let me hear their everlasting grunts and whines no more!” – Shelley (Oedipus Tyrannus; Or, Swellfoot The Tyrant)

Abductions in the South continue unabated, even as the Resolution on Sri Lanka awaits a vote in Geneva.

Can there be a more damning measure of Rajapaksa-addiction to abuse and impunity? [TC]

God Save America, several ‘Americans’ are today rulers of our own country

by Namini Wijedasa

Dear God,

These are terrible times. They say someone at the Central Bank mucked up the economy. There is a balance of payments crisis. Investment hasn’t taken off. We are heavily indebted. If the rupee sinks any lower, God, we will have to ask the Chinese to do something about it. After all, the Chinese are pretty much the only ones doing anything about our problems. [TC]

by N Sathiya Moorthy

Not since the ‘anti-Tamil pogrom’ has Sri Lanka rocked the Indian Parliament as of now on the upcoming UNHRC vote. [DBSJ] 

by Charles P. Sarvan

“Even though [Sri Lanka] has all the four world-religions, it is unfortunate that political chauvinism and religious fundamentalism have often overtaken religious values such as respect for human life and human rights.” [DBSJ]

By Vijay Lokapally

The 100th century was nothing but a number for him. He never chased it but some of his critics did, using it as a platform to question his credibility and commitment, forgetting the longevity factor that marks his cricket journey. [DBSJ]

By S. V. Kirubaharan in Geneva

The United States draft resolution (A/HRC/19/L.2) on Sri Lanka was tabled at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 8 March 2012. Once again Sri Lanka has become the talking point at the UN in Geneva. [TC]

Sri Lanka’s North: Recipe for Renewed Conflict 

International Crisis Group, Colombo/Brussels | 16 Mar 2012

The Sri Lankan military’s control over the political and economic life of the Northern Province is deepening the alienation and anger of northern Tamils and threatening sustainable peace. [TC]

Channel 4 Film on Sri Lankan war causes war of tweets between singer MIA and journalist Anderson Cooper 

By Claudine Zap

Take one CNN journalist. Mix in M.I.A., the Tamil Tigers, and the Super Bowl middle finger incident, and you’ve got yourself a good old-fashioned Twitter feud. Let us explain. [DBSJ]

Abstain or vote against Resolution towards effective hard-edged diplomacy 

India faces a crucial decision-making moment at the United Nations Human Rights Council on the U.S.-sponsored resolution that urges Sri Lanka to address rights violations alleged against its army in the final phase of the war against the LTTE in 2009. [TC]

India talks of Reconciliation in Borrowed Voice while West Talks of Accountability in Sri Lanka 

by G Pramod Kumar

In the last two days, the entire Tamil Nadu block of MPs in the Indian Parliament was up on their feet asking India to take a stand against Sri Lanka for their alleged human rights violations and war crimes. [TC]

The US Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva is neither innocuous nor unobjectionable 

by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

It is almost a crime to lie to the people and mislead them on a matter of vital national interest. When it is committed by politicians it is an act of unconscionable opportunism. [DBSJ]

I raised the question “Was Prabakaran and his entire family executed?” As the War Ended 

by Dushy Ranetunge

The present crisis facing Sri Lanka is not an exception, it is one that has been played out repeatedly across the world.

In South America, Africa, Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia powerful nations, primarily the United States has over the last century armed and trained local militaries as a bulwark against their perceived Great Satan. For most of last century the great Satan was communism, and after 9/11 it was replaced by terrorism. [DBSJ]

India in dilemma over Sri Lanka due to inability and unwillingness to talk and act tough when the time for it has come 

by B. Raman

1.We have seen how the human rights violation issue is often used by terrorist and insurgent organisations and their supporters to demoralise the security forces. [DBSJ]

Video: Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields 2 – Unpunished War Crimes

India’s Stance at Voting Time will be Bottom Line in Future Indo-Sri Lanka Relations

By M K Bhadrakumar

Deep-rooted contradictions are surging to the surface in India’s Sri Lanka policy.

The deep bonds of ethnicity, culture, geography and history make India and Sri Lanka inseparable.

Yet this is also a tragic story of the imperatives of geopolitics and the compulsions of domestic politics crisscrossing plain human dignity and compassion – especially for the land that gave birth to Mahatma Gandhi. [DBSJ]

Long trail of broken promises by Sri Lankan govt on political solution

TNA response to the position of the Government of Sri Lanka at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council

By Rajavarothayam Sampanthan

1. The Government of Sri Lanka has serious issues with regard to telling the truth and keeping its promises

1.1. In response to Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe’s statement to the 18th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council [UNHRC] on 12 September 2011, the Tamil National Alliance [TNA] issued a statement the very next day correcting the record and urging the Sri Lankan government “to be more forthright and honest in its representation of the situation in Sri Lanka to the international community.” Unfortunately, the government
continues to mislead the international community at the ongoing 19th Session of the UNHRC sessions as well. [TC]

Role of education in building a harmonious society: Challenges and opportunities

By: Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

The key words in the title are harmony, education, challenges and opportunities. The main theme is however reconciliation to achieve national harmony and the role education plays in this process [DBSJ]

Be it Mannar, Matara or Mutur, no politician must control a policeman

By Gamini Gunawardane

Devolution of Police Powers: A response to Mr.MA Sumanthiran MP

This response is in reference to the article by Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran MP. It is indeed a good thing that this vexed issue is opened for discussion in the public domain. We must be thankful to him for expressing his views as it enables public scrutiny of these ideas. [DBSJ]

Sri Lanka’s sinister white van abductions

‘Voice to the voiceless’: Tamil Americans render tribute to Marie Colvin 

Tamil Americans rendered tribute to Marie Colvin at a Memorial Mass held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at St. Dominic RC Church, Oyster Bay, NY.

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral.

A poem written by Tamil Americans was also delivered at the Service. [TC]

Video ~ UN Vote Against Sri Lanka: India’s Moral dilemma? 

With the DMK mounting pressure on the govt, which way will India go at the United Nations session in Geneva?, asks Barkha Dutt on NDTV current affairs program ‘The Buck Stops Here (TBSH).

Culprit Seeks to Elude the Indictment 

by Chanakyan

Mysterious are the ways in which the UN system moves. Pitiable is the fate of those who deserve justice. The culprit gets around leaving the victim to waste away.

‘Going to Geneva’: TNA in the eye of a political storm 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Tamil National Alliance(TNA) regarded as the premier political representative organization of the Sri Lankan Tamils has been in the eye of a political storm for the past few weeks.

The TNA which contested the 2010 Parliamentary polls under the House symbol of the “Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi” (ITAK) has been mired in controversy over its recent decision of not going to Geneva in Switzerland where the 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has been in progress since February 27th [DBSJ]

Voices of people’s plight, dud diplomacy and colonial control rise on US backed Resolution 

Sadun Jayawardane and Arthur Wamanan of The Nation compile the voices and views on the Resolution on Sri Lanka tabled by the United States at the UNHRC:

Plight of the people more important – Sangaree

Leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), V. Anandasangaree said the need of the hour was to address the needs of the people who had suffered during the war and after resettlement.

Speaking to The Nation, Anandasangaree said very little had been done for the welfare of the affected people. [TC]

Three Deaths,

Another Disappeared

by Indran Amirthanayagam

Risks reporters take,
crossing the border
from Turkey, up
a mountain path
on a horse sparking
his allergy, Shadid
entering Syria [TC]

Portrait of Marie Colvin painted by Sri Lankan artist at Funeral Home 

by Candace Amos | The New York Post

Friends, kin pay tribute to slain war reporter Colvin

West alone cannot impose its will on UN bodies-British HC John Rankin

By Namini Wijedasa

British High Commissioner John Rankin speaks to Namini Wijedasa on the situation surrounding proposed Sri Lanka resolution at UNHRC:

Excerpts:

There is much anti-British sentiment in Sri Lanka now. All kinds of people are lined up against the UK, including politicians, clergy and the public. Where do you think this animosity is coming from? [TC]

Rajapaksas continue to abuse power and victimise innocents, in North and South 

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

Last week Sri Lanka’s august legislature granted another three month leave-of- absence to parliamentarian Duminda Silva.

Fighting the good fight for Feminism 

By Thulasi Muttulingam

Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai is a well known blogger who specializes in covering Tamil events and issues. Coming from a supportive family who made her believe she could do anything she set out to do, she was in for a rude surprise when she plunged into her first job as a journalist in a Tamil newspaper. [TC]

International Women’s Day, March 8, 2012 ~ Feature Presentation

SHAKTHI ~ The ultimate feminine power

SHAKTHI ~ Woman, SHE is an energetic child, dear sister, loving wife and caring mother

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The word SHAKTHI means divine energy, force or power. SHAKTHI is a metaphor for womanhood. An embodiment of creative feminine force. As a force unifies most actively manifests through female embodiment, creativity and fertility. In males it is present in its unmanifest form. SHAKTHI is the great divine mother. [TC]

Eighth of March – International Women’s Day 

By Saba-Thambi

International Women’ Day (IWD) is celebrated worldwide on the 8th of March. IWD symbolises the economic, political and social achievements of the women past, present and the future. [TC]

Not too late for President Rajapaksa to take remedial action

US tables Draft Resolution promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka 

In her statement, the High Commissioner noted that the report of the Sri Lanka Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission falls short of the comprehensive accountability process recommended by the Secretary-General’s Panel of Experts and encouraged the Council to consider the matter. [TC]

Sri Lanka has a Zero tolerance policy on torture

by Mohan Peiris 

Let me congratulate both Special Rapporteurs for dealing with a difficult mandate with prudence. Sri Lanka has had the· benefit of the knowledge and experience of several of your predecessors who helped in a very constructive manner to fine tuning our criminal jurisprudence. [TC]

Location separating Sri Lanka and India too strategically important to allow oil exploration from other nations 

UNHRC debate opportunity for Sri Lanka to reflect on why it finds itself at such a difficult pass 

In this dystopian world, zero equals 8,000+; when prices go up, inflation comes down and people just love political deprivation and economic pain. [TC]

TNA unanimously resolves to monitor all developments at UNHRC meeting 

Statement made by H.E Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam

We have taken note of the comments made by the High Commissioner on the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and while unreservedly dissenting with the observations of the High Commissioner on its domestic process vis a vis the UN Secretary General’s Panel, we would like to highlight, at the expense of repetition, that the LLRC report reflects the emblematic parameters of rule of law strategies, which have been earnestly taken note of by the Government for speedy implementation. [TC]

Truth and accountability are essential in Sri Lanka rather than simply the peace of the victor 

Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Bloody War

Action now in UNHRC will sow the seeds of lasting peace in Sri Lanka-Maria Otero, U.S. Under Secretary of State 

Statement by Maria Otero, U.S. Under Secretary of State, Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights

19th Session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland | March 2, 2012

'We know from experience that there can be no lasting peace without reconciliation and accountability, but the United States is concerned that, in Sri Lanka, time is slipping away.' [TC]

Will Sri Lanka Shift more Towards State Capitalism as Economic Crisis Worsens?

By Charitha Ratwatte

A recent article by Charitha Ratwatte in the daily “Financial Times”published by Wijeya newspapers provides interesting reading about Corporatism and State Capitalism. It also focuses on various aspects of the current Chinese Corporatist model [DBSJ]

MSF was not present in Sri Lanka battle zone before May 2009

In this interview published in India on February 6 and reproduced in the Sri Lankan media, Sri Lankan secretary of defense M. Gotabaya Rapjapaksa is purported to have said that MSF-France teams were present in the battle zone during the fighting. [TC]

Yogi Tambiraja - CORD’s Canadian Co-Coordinator speaks about his experience

In early Dec 2011, I had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka and for see myself the good work being carried out by Cord. [MJ]

US Plan is to get Sri Lanka commit publicly in an international forum – US Envoy Patricia Butenis

Hello Friends,

Moves initiated by the USA to present a resolution on Sri Lanka at the 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva has aroused much controversy. [DBSJ]

by A Special Correspondent

Shocked by reports that India is set to strongly back Sri Lanka in case a United States-backed resolution is taken up in the ongoing session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva seeking an inquiry into allegations of war crimes in the last stage of the civil war, leaders from Tamil Nadu on Wednesday appealed to the Centre not to bail out the island nation. [TC]

The high stakes in Geneva in 2009 and 2012: Dayan Jayatilleka recalls

Hello Friends

The 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) has commenced in Geneva from February 27th. It is very likely that Sri Lanka would figure as item 10 on the agenda during the concluding stages of the conclave in the days between March 21st to 23rd.

With high level officials from the US state department having announced that a resolution on Sri Lanka would be presented in Geneva there is much concern and anxiety in the country about its outcome [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: The high stakes in Geneva in 2009 and 2012: Dayan Jayatilleka recalls]

TNA Leader Sampanthan writes to 47 member states of UNHRC urging support for Resolution on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka rattled by planned US-backed Resolution at Human Rights Council

Accountability for past crimes must not come at expense of Sri Lanka’s future

Forging a common Sri Lankan identity based on a culture of mutual respect and tolerance

Given the raucous cacophony of strident cries of race and religion it does seem unlikely that these polyphony of voices can ever be blended into a harmonious symphony [DBSJ]

Island wide census of population and housing is currently on in Sri Lanka

Indian Judiciary and anti – corruption crusade of civil society activism

Sri Lanka’s dead and missing: the need for an accounting

In Pictures: Protests against US, western nations over UNHRC Resolution begin in Sri Lanka 

Protest campaigns against US and western nations are being held across several locations over the anticipated resolution over Sri Lanka, in the 19th Sessions of UNHRC currently underway in Geneva. [TC]

‘Chair has no right to usurp authority to exclude Maj. General Silva’

Press Release issued by Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in New York [TC]

In Pictures: Week long awareness rally commences near US State Dept. 

It is not just Sri Lanka’s people that the UNHRC must serve this week, but the cause of international law 

by Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson

This week the UN Human Rights Council has an opportunity and a duty to help Sri Lanka advance its own efforts on accountability and reconciliation. Both are essential if a lasting peace is to be achieved. In doing so, the council will not only be serving Sri Lanka, but those worldwide who believe there are universal rights and international legal obligations we all share. [TC]

Will India Support, Oppose or Abstain if and when UNHRC Resolution against Sri Lanka comes up in Geneva?

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Geneva is the name of the game as Sri Lanka prepares to face and possibly overcome the threat posed in the form of a resolution initated by the USA at the 19th sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) scheduled to commence on Monday February 27th 2012.

The important question on the minds of those concerned is whether Sri Lanka would be able to muster enough votes to defeat such a resolution if put to the vote in the 47 member UN Human Rights Council. [DBSJ]

TNA leader R. Sampanthan interviewed by Namini Wijedasa

When a prophet speaks: Stephane Hessel on Sri Lanka 

by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

A prophet spoke at the UNESCO in Paris this week, though he joked that having lived for 90 years, he had written thirty pages and found he had been turned into ‘a rock star’.

Stephane Hessel, born in Germany in the year of the Russian revolution, is 95 years old. [TC]

Why there was intertia by Sri Lankan policy makers to growing economic imbalances 

Democratic Record of the Rajapaksa Administration is Deeply Flawed

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

The argument is put forward by some that if the current administration had taken steps to put its democratic record to right, post war, perhaps the scrutiny that we see now in regard to what is loosely defined as accountability, would not have been evidenced in all its intensity. [TC]

Sri Lanka Confident of Majority Support in 47 Member UN Human Rights Council 

By Manjula Fernando

Minister of Plantation Industries and President’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe, in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer before he led the Sri Lankan delegation to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Sessions in Geneva, said Sri Lanka has progressed far better than many other countries which were battered by prolonged, brutal terrorism and the international community should recognise this positive fact. [TC]

Rajapaksas seem seriously worried about latest challenges emanating from Geneva

The familiar patriotic rhetoric was in abeyance in previous weeks, as the regime busied itself with unleashing a price-hike tsunami on the Lankan masses. Having got itself into a financial bind (through a combination of profligacy and idiocy), the regime tried to escape by heaping economic burdens on the people. [TC]

People must form Parliament of the Streets and Constituent Assembly

Ban Ki moon Must Enforce UN’s Own Recommendations for Accountability Over War Crimes in Sri Lanka–USTPAC

The United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) and 10 other Tamil groups from around the world call on the UN Secretary-General to continue his principled stand on accountability for war crimes in Sri Lanka at the upcoming UN Human Rights Council meetings in a letter released today.

“The United Nations Secretary-General must stand by his own Panel of Experts’ Report and continue his principled stand in support for accountability for both sides for the events in Sri Lanka during the final stages of the war,” said Dr. Elias Jeyarajah, the President of USTPAC. [TC]

TNA wont exacerbate tensions by attending UNHRC 19th sessions in Geneva 

Statement issued by the Tamil National Alliance

The Sri Lankan Question will figure prominently at the above sessions.

Principal Reasons for TNA Position on Devolution of Land Powers 

by M.A. Sumanthiran MP

The devolving of Land Powers to the Provincial Councils is an issue like that of devolving Police powers which is causing a political furore in Sri Lanka. [DBSJ]

Marie Colvin: The uncrowned Queen of Intrepid Journalists

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

It was with a deep sense of sadness that I read about the death of Marie Catherine Colvin the respected war correspondent of Britain ’s “Sunday Times” 22nd along with a French photojournalist Remi Ochlik in Syria on February. [DBSJ]

Batticaloa: men of a village missing for three years

by Melani Manel Perera

Twelve women, Catholic and Hindu from Thumpalachcholai have not see their husbands, sons and brothers since the end of ethnic conflict. [TC]

Is the TNA response to LLRC Report been politically correct? 

Draft USA Resolution on Sri Lanka to be presented at UNHRC session 

Draft of USA Resolution to be presented at 20th UNHRC session highlights demerits in Sri Lanka LLRC report and recommends implementation of other acceptable proposals: [TC]

Sri Lanka has not worked with the USA on any ‘Resolution’ 

By Tamara Kunanayakam

Given below is the text of a communication issued today, by the Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam, which rejects a misleading and unethical communication sent out to Missions in Geneva by the Permanent Mission of the United States, and exposes manoeuvres to deceive the Human Rights Council. [TC]

If Rajapaksas show proper reconciliation and beef up democracy outsiders may talk less of horrors at the end of war 

Unslayable ghosts

by THE ECONOMIST | Print Edition

Shavendra Silva 'Debarred' from UN Special Advisory Panel Meetings 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lanka was rapped sharply on the knuckles at the UN in New York on Wednesday February 22nd 2012 when its controversial deputy permanent representative Major –General Shavendra Silva was debarred from participating in meetings of the Special advisory group of which he is a member representing the Asian group of countries. [DBSJ]

Burgeoning Defense Expenditure and Escalating Social Antagonism

Marie Colvin, wounded while working in Sri Lanka in 2001 dies in Syria

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Direct discussions beween Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Tamil National Alliance(TNA) leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan to revive stalled talks between the ruling regime and the TNA ended in failure. [DBSJ]

In Pictures: 'Becoming' ~ Second edition of the Colombo Art Biennale

Sri Lanka might get more time at UNHRC with series of riders 

by R. K. Radhakrishnan

An unusually strong contingent of Sri Lankan diplomats and officials has begun descending on Geneva to defend the country against likely onslaught when the session opens on February 27. [TC]

'So far' Sri Lanka is not on the agenda at UNHRC 19th sessions in Geneva 

By Ron Ridenour

Hello Friends

The forthcoming 19th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHCR) from February 23rd to Marh 23rd 2012 is of vital importance to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Government. [DBSJ]

21st Century UN Human Rights Mechanisms and the Tamils in Sri Lanka/Ceylon 

by Deirdre McConnell

Hello Friends

On 18th February 2012, a conference organised by the Centre for War Victims and Human Rights (CWVHR) took place in Toronto, Canada. It was attended by 400 participants. The conference title was: ”International Protection of Human Rights in the 21st Century and its challenges – Case Study on Sri Lanka”. [DBSJ]

Creeping Western Imperialism is not confined to Sri Lanka alone 

By S. L. Gunasekara

The country was agog with the news that after the visit of two American bureaucrats named Otero and Blake, [both from the State Department], they had announced that the United States would support the anti-Sri Lanka resolution bought by some western countries in the Human Rights Council. [TC]

Persistent international pressure over human rights and de-stabilisation efforts through mass agitation are two major concerns for President Rajapaksa 

by Jehan Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s speech to the nation on Independence Day provided an indication of his two major concerns for the future. [TC]

Why not reduce the military by half and go in for a duty free economy benefiting entire population?

by Chanakyan

For successive inept governments of Sri Lanka, no opportunity was more welcome than the two insurgencies and the ethnic war.

They produced the occasion, the justification and the means of engagement when avenues of productive employment could not be adequately created. [TC]

Washington has intelligence excerpts of Gotabaya Rajapaksa allegedly ordering the gunning down of surrendered LTTE cadres 

28 Buddha statues erected along A-9 Highway since war ended in May 2009

By Imaad Majeed

Since the end of the conflict in 2009, a new phenomena has emerged. That of Buddha statues being erected along the A9 route that leads to Jaffna.

Over 28 Buddha statues have been counted along this route since the war concluded in May 2009. The comedy of this charade (what else can one call it?) is that these statues are placed in areas where little or no Buddhists reside. [TC]

‘I had tried to be as balanced and as representative as I possibly could when editing the Reader’ – Prof. Holt

A body blow, but who lives it up 

By Namini Wijedasa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa urged people to tighten their belts during the war and they did. When three years after the Tigers were defeated Sri Lankans are still expected to scrimp, they want to know why. [TC]

Downgrade and Foreign Exchange Controls in Sri Lanka : A Probability or an Inevitable Certainty? 

By Dr.Arujuna Sivananthan

Hello Friends

As I have stated earlier ,there are many who feel that Sri Lanka is undergoing a severe economic crisis although Government propagandists do not seem to agree.Despite harsh economic realities there prevails an optimistic outlook in the Colombo corridors of power.

In recent times I have been posting in both my blog as well as website some analytical articles on the economy written by Dr.Arujuna Sivananthan who lives in Britain and is of Sri Lankan origin [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Downgrade and Foreign Exchange Controls in Sri Lanka : A Probability or an Inevitable Certainty?]

Tamil Nadu claim of Kachchativu ownership is not valid 

by Austin Fernado

Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse UNP led protest in Colombo

LLRC Recommendations: Practical steps to meaningful reconciliation 

Several valuable recommendations are contained in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’s (LLRC) Report and they are all the more compelling because they have issued from a Presidential Commission.

In pursuance of this, we the undersigned call upon the government of Sri Lanka, in consultation with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the leadership of the Muslims, to take steps to implement the recommendations. [TC]

Govt must stop shooting down the people’s right to live 

by Karu Jayasuriya MP

The present government came into power promising to dawn a glorious future to the country and its people.

Sri Lanka and Maldives are mere pawns in the great game to dominate Southern sea routes 

by Charitha Ratwatte

Hello Friends,

The “mutiny” in the Maldives and its aftermath is of vital concern and interest to Sri Lanka.The sequence of events in the “necklace of Islands” has serious implications for the “pearl of the Indian ocean”.

It may not be an exaggeration to state that the Maldivian thespians currently hogging the limelight in the unfolding drama on the Archipelago stage are all mere pawns in the great geo-political chess game that is being played out on another level. [DBSJ]

Cultural Nationalism to Society: Unlikely boon and unavoidable bane

‘President Rajapaksa has achieved more for the Tamil community than any other community’ -Faiszer Musthapha

Chamitha Kuruppu Interviews the Deputy minister of Technology and Research [TC]

One killed and eight critically injured in Chilaw in crackdown on fisherfolk protesting fuel price increase

Women in Mannar perturbed over setting up of new Army camp in Tharavankottai 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

Women from nine villages and housing schemes in Mannar are perturbed over plans to set up a new Army camp in Tharavankottai.

Representatives of Women’s rural development societies from the nine concerned villages met recently and drafted a petition in Tamil protesting the allocation of land along Tharavanlottai road for the purpose of constructiong a new Army camp. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Women in Mannar perturbed over setting up of new Army camp in Tharavankottai]

Wijeyadasa Rajapakse vs Tirantha Walaliyadde: Bar Association Presidency Elections 

Sri Lanka Army inquiry a delaying tactic intended to ward off international pressure – HRW

Human Rights Watch Press Release

The Sri Lankan army’s announcement that it had appointed a five-member court of inquiry to investigate allegations that its forces committed serious violations of the laws of war appears to be another government delaying tactic in the face of mounting international pressure, Human Rights Watch said today. [TC]

‘UNHRC resolution focussing on Sri Lanka would not help the cause of rebuilding a united Sri Lanka’

Sri Lanka appeals for more time

by R. K. RADHAKRISHNAN

Even as the United Nations Human Rights Commission session nears, Sri Lanka has appealed that it needs more time for the process of reconciliation to showcase the progress that it has made towards lasting peace.

At the end of a 30-year long bloody civil war, Sri Lankan forces trumped the Tamil Tigers, who have claimed Sri Lanka’s east and north as homelands. As Sri Lankan forces overran those of the Tigers, particularly between January and May 2009, it has been accused of colossal human rights violations. [TC]

Sri Lankan rupee in free fall after apex bank stops market intervention

By R. K. Radhakrishnan

As the Sri Lankan rupee breached the 120 mark against the dollar with most dealers, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) sought to reassure people that this was nothing but a “temporary overshooting of realistic level.” [TC]

Video: Sunila Abeyesekera speaks about Sri Lankan situation

Hello Friends, 

Sunila Abeyesekera is a well-known Sri Lankan human and womens rights activist. She is currently the Executive –Director of INFORM which is a Sri Lanka based Human rights documentation centre.

Sunila is also the recipient of two prestigious awards for her work as a Human rights campaigner from the United Nations as well as Human Rights Watch. [DBSJ]

Bangladesh, India and Pakistan want Sri Lanka to ‘fix’ the Shavendra Silva ‘problem’

By Matthew Russell Lee,
Exclusive ~ Inner City Press

UNITED NATIONS, February 13 — The Sri Lankan government’s first response to the more than two weeks of questions by Inner City Press about the appointment as a UN “Senior Adviser on Peacekeeping Operations” of General Shavendra Silva, whose Division 58 is repeatedly named in connection with war crimes in Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Panel of Experts report, was to sent a letter of complaint to Inner City Press. [TC]

Concerns raised by Navi Pillay about appointment of Shavendra Silva to peacekeeping panel ‘unethical’ – U.N. Mission, Sri Lanka

By Louis Charbonneau Reuters – trust.org/alertnet

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 14 Sri Lanka’s U.N. mission on Tuesday dismissed as “unfair and unethical” concerns raised by U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay about the appointment of a Sri Lankan army general to an advisory panel on peacekeeping. [TC]

US supported Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN and implementing recommendations in LLRC Report

by Jehan Perera

There are indications that the US Government will support a resolution at the forthcoming March session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that, among other things, will call on the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations of its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. [TC]

Temerity of EPDP leader before LLRC was due to armour of immunity given by years of impunity 

by Chanakyan

Hello Friends,

The role and conduct of the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) described once as “half democrats” by its leader Douglas Devananda came in for intense scrutiny by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

The LLRC report strongly recommended action by the Government against the EPDP and other groups of a similiar nature operating in Sri Lanka [DBSJ]

Set up an interim administration for North comprising non-anti LTTE moderate Tamils under a distinguished Tamil Governor

by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

If there is any point on which broad social and national consensus is obtainable it is precisely the flawed character of the CFA and its results. This criticism is not limited to Sinhala and Tamil hardliners.

A serious scholarly study by the Norwegians has produced a Western liberal critique. [TC]

It is our sincere hope that the Government and people of Sri Lanka will seize this opportunity to build a lasting peace and prosperity-Under Secretary Otero

Press Conference Statement by Under Secretary Otero
Colombo, Sri Lanka | February 13, 2012

I am pleased to be here in Colombo for the first time. I’ve had a series of productive meetings with the government of Sri Lanka, as well as civil society, political leaders, and journalists.

President Rajapaksa was kind enough to meet with me and explain his government’s vision to advance reconciliation among Sri Lanka’s ethnic communities since the end of the conflict. I also had fruitful meetings with the Minister of External Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, among others. [TC]

Important to correct setbacks to hold free and fair elections and ensure the support of the Maldivian people-Assistant Secretary Blake

Transcript of Press Conference by Assistant Secretary Robert O. Blake, Jr. at the American Center in Malé

February 11, 2012

Assistant Secretary Blake: Thank you very much, Val. I have a short statement that I’ll read and then I’ll be glad to take questions.

First of all, let me just say how pleased I am to be back here in the Maldives. I’ve been a frequent visitor here since I’ve been Ambassador and I’ve had a very productive range of meetings today.

I had a chance to meet with President Waheed and with all of the key leaders of the main political parties. I also had a very constructive meeting with members of civil society. [TC]

Judicial Intervention to Control Lawful Rallies?

An Analysis on recent court orders obtained by Police to restrain meetings & rallies

By JC Weliamuna

Basic Liberties cannot be taken away by any State Organ

Let me begin this article with the following often quoted words, worth reading and digesting.

“The law is not the private property of lawyers, nor is justice the exclusive province of judges and juries. In the final analysis, true justice is not a matter of courts and law books, but of a commitment in each of us to liberty and mutual respect.” – (Jimmy Carter, Dallas-Times Herald, April 26, 1978). [TC]

Australia urges Sri Lanka to set clear, firm timeframes for implementation of LLRC recommendations

The Australian Government has studied closely Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report, and welcomes its recommendations for addressing the post-conflict situation.

It has also expressed concern however that the report fails to fully address alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. [TC]

12 Members of US Congress write to President Obama urging strong USA-Sri Lanka partnership

A Congressional letter signed by 12 US Congressmen has been sent to President Barak Obama calling for building of strong bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the US.

It was initiated by Republican Congressman Jack Kingston from Georgia, who visited Sri Lanka last October with two other Congressmen. The letter was signed by six Republicans and six Democrats who are all senior Members of Congress. [TC]

Whitney Houston, A ‘Perfect Instrument,’ Dies

by Karen Grigsby Bates NPR

On the eve of the 54th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Saturday, the conversation was all about Whitney Houston. The 48-year-old pop diva was discovered dead in her room at the Beverly Hilton Saturday afternoon. The cause of her death was under investigation. [TC]

Sri Lanka Engaged in High Stakes Game of “heads -up”Poker with Their Largest Trading Partners

by Dr.Arujuna Sivananthan

Sri Lanka is defined as a small open economy; it does not have the ability to alter world prices, interest rates or incomes. It is a price taker. [TC]

Maldivian President Nasheed’s MDM Party Chairman Relates What Happened in Male Melee From a Colombo Hospital Bed 

by Chandani Kirinde

Ousted Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed and two of his Party‘s senior members had to hide inside a hardware shop in Male to escape a teargas and baton attack by policemen, before being detected and dragged out like common criminals along the streets of the city, an official who was injured in the incident and now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, said. [TC]

Tamil businessman who filed FR case against police abducted at Wellawatte by armed group in white van 

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

State Terror in the form of the dreaded “white van goon squad” struck again in Colombo on Saturday February 11th 2012 when a Tamil businessman of Indian origin was abducted near his residence on Canal Bank Row, Wellawatte in the presence of his Sinhala wife and daughter. [DBSJ]

Will Basil and Gotabaya Rajapaksa hang themselves for the treacherous crime of criticizing war heroes to US envoys?

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“It is so depressing to think we suffer because we are fools”
Bertrand Russell – (Sceptical Essays)

The February-March session of the UN Human Rights Council will be a trying time for the Rajapaksas. A US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka is expected to come up in Geneva, if the regime fails to honour its own, repeated promises of justice and accountability. [TC]

Mahinda has to decide whether he wants to be a prisoner of Sinhala chauvinism or not

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

Pro government trade union leaders claim that a certain group of people backed by International Non Government Organizations is conspiring against the country, when it is on the right track for development after 30 years of protracted war. [TC]

250 Sri Lankans who paid Rs 5 Lakh each to reach Canada Stranded in Togo

By Leon Berenger with addl reporting from Deva Athiran

This is a sad lot of men, women and children, holed up inside a detention centre in the West African state of Togo, with no money and nowhere to go after they were duped and dumped with the familiar false promise of a passage to Canada. [TC]

LLRC Report positives and negatives pinpointed by UNP in critique tabled by party in parliament

The number of deaths, those injured and requiring assistance in the government’s war with Tiger guerrillas remains yet to be properly counted, the United National Party (UNP) said on Friday. [TC]

Have the Legal Professionals in Sri Lanka failed the people and the country?

by Javid Yusuf

It is a given that one of the most important segments in any democratic society are the professionals. A professional, by virtue of his training, is able to shed his or her biases and dispassionately examine and come to a conclusion on any matter that he is required to give an opinion. Politicians by contrast are not trained in this manner and often respond to situations from their own political standpoint rather than from an objective or a national interest driven position. [TC]

When the Executive President is Placed Effectively Above the Law it is Academic to talk of Devolution or Accountability

by Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

In the morass of confusion worse compounded that Sri Lanka currently finds itself in regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), it is important to reiterate and underscore certain valid truths. [TC]

The full implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment: What can be done?

by Asanga Welikala

There has been in recent weeks a revival of interest in the full implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment, as part of a broader on-going debate triggered by the publication of the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) about future constitutional reforms addressing the need for devolution and democratisation.

M.A. Sumanthiran has raised the middle finger at 13th amendment and power sharing like M.I.A flipping the bird in the US

by Dayan Jayatilleka

As world class singers of Sri Lankan Tamil parentage go, MIA isn’t half as good as a new voice, Bhi Bhiman, an American singer of blues-tinged folk music with a voice as clear and mournful as the whistle of a lonesome train coming ’round the bend [TC]

However adept the govt is in buying time

issues of war crimes and accountability will not go away

For months, Sri Lanka fought off calls for an international probe into war crimes allegations by marching its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission down the catwalk. [TC]

Slain Bharatha Lakshman’s daughter Hirunika Premachandra Speaks Out

An Interview with Namini Wijedasa

From the moment she spoke out at her father’s funeral, it was evident that Hirunika, the 24-year-old daughter of assassinated SLFP stalwart Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, would take to politics. Last week Hirunika joined the Mahajana Party. In an interview with LAKBIMAnEWS, she said she would rather die telling the truth than lie to get privileges. [TC]

Trilingualism will help promote better communication and understanding among our people

by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.

It was good to hear the message of the President read out in all three languages, and the stress there, as well as in other messages read out, on reconciliation is most welcome [TC]

Sri Lankan refugee claimant acceptance rate by Canada drops from 91% in 2009 to 57% in 2011 

by Stewart Bell

BBC Pictorial & Audio: The life of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community

Outlook, BBC World Service

Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, known as Veddas are direct descendents of the country’s Neolithic community. Which they’ve been around since 18,000 BC. [TC]

"Operation Holdfast": Contours of a Coup Conspiracy 

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

50th Anniversary of Attempted 1962 Coup D’etat – 2

“Operation Holdfast” was the codename given by a group of conspirators to a plot devised to overthrow the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Government headed by the world’s first woman Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike through a bloodless coup d’etat in January 1962. [DBSJ]

Gotabaya Rajapaksa: Widely Feared Vegetarian Strongman

International community gearing up for action to hold Sri Lanka accountable for alleged war crimes

Radhika Coomaraswamy Asks Syria to immediately halt all violations against children

New York, 9 February 2012 – Following another violent day in Syria, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy reiterated her call to the Syria authorities to stop the killing and maiming of children. [TC]

Fifth Tamil-Brahmi Inscription Discovered in Edakal Caves of Wayanad District in Kerala

Constitution stipulates devolution of police powers to provincial councils

Hello Friends

The devolving of some Police Powers to the Provincial Councils is a Constitutional requirement that is yet to be implemented in practice. In recent times this important issue has been muddied further by President Rajapaksa’s pronouncements that Police powers will not be given to the Provincial councils. [DBSJ]

NY District Court Dismisses Law Suit Against Maj-Gen Shavendra Silva citing “Diplomatic Immunity”

Yesterday, the District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a lawsuit filed by Tamil victims of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka against Shavendra Silva, a former Sri Lanka Army general, who is now Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. [TC]

Indo-Chinese tensions and the ‘mutiny’ causing regime change in Maldives 

National Anthem not sung in Tamil on Independence Day celebrations despite LLRC recommendation

President Rajapaksa failed to utilise opportunity presented at Independence Day celebrations

by Jehan Perera

Addressing the nation and the international community on Independence Day President Mahinda Rajapaksa made many inspirational statements.

These could be regarded as statements of government policy that will charter the future course of the country. The President’s speech was also finely tuned to appeal to the nationalism of the masses of people and their sense of patriotism. [TC]

Arab Spring Drastically Affects Mango Cultivators of Tamil Nadu

Madonna, M.I.A and the middle finger malfunction!

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Superbowl XLVI is over and the National Football League champions for 2011 are the New York Giants who beat New England Patriots 21 -17. The game played on Sunday February 5th 2012 at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis,Indiana was televised live by NBC.I was one of the estimated 110 million who watched it on TV. [DBSJ]

Bird Food, Nandikadal

'Tamils are a distinct people entitled to certain rights like Self-Determination in International law' 

M.A. Sumanthiran MP Interviewed by Namini Wijedasa

Hello Friends,

Talks between the Sri Lankan Government’s main constituent the Sri Lanka Freedom Party(SLFP) and the Tamil National Alliance(TNA)has currently reached an impasse.

The Govt which engaged in bi-lateral talks with the TNA has now suspended it unilaterally and instead convened a Parliamentary Select Committee.It now wants the TNA to participate in the PSC and forge a multi-lateral solution.

The TNA states that a bi-lateral understanding with the Govt has to be reached as a pre-requisite to the party deciding to participate in the PSC. [DBSJ]

The abnormal as normal is normalcy in not so normal Sri Lanka 

by Namini Wijedasa

This is not normal

In coffee lounges and around dinner tables in contemporary Sri Lanka, it is not uncommon for people to talk flippantly about who abducted whom or who killed whom in police custody. And despite everything that many Sri Lankans might think or say to the contrary…that isn’t normal, you know. [TC]

The vast gulf between Rajapaksa rhetoric and existential reality of Rajapaksa rule 

by Tisaranee Gunasekara 

The Rajapaksas have quite a few attributes in common with Vellupillai Pirapaharan. A pronounced tendency towards deceitfulness is one such characteristic. Lying is a habit, but the Ruling Family is more likely to lie to fellow Sri Lankans than to foreigners. [TC]

Prison riots a conspiracy to move Magazine and Welikade prisons out and grab valuable lands adjacent to Baseline Road?

by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

We were told that four prison officers and ten men on remand over drug related offences have so far been identified by the intelligence units, as having been behind the recent riot in the Borella Magazine prison.

Police officials say that three prison officers had been seen encouraging the rioters. It is claimed that alleged drug traffickers, identified among those who led this revolt inside the prison, are Anthony Raj, Mohamed Shiran, Malik alias Kondaya, Army Thushara, Dematagoda Raja, Cake Saman, Kaduwela Sudda and Kamal Nishantha. [TC]

Moving Courts out of Colombo will become an enormous problem for litigating public and the legal profession

Today the national flag flutters pointing to a new country in the making. The way is open for an independent economy. It daily reinforces the nation’s aspiration for a prosperous future, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

It has given us freedom to decide upon issues concerning the country and the nation without bowing down before external powers. [TC]

UK and Australian MPs propose Channel 4 ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ documentary team for Nobel Peace Prize nomination

(Press Statement)