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Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

As part of a joint UN appeal, FAO and partners are calling for US$23.6 million to support over 200 000 people to resettle in the North of Sri Lanka. This emergency response plan aims to promote self sufficiency and prevent further dependency on food aid for some 50 000 rural families.

Nearly 130 000 people have returned to their places of origin in the North of Sri Lanka as of December 2009. Anticipating further accelerated pace of return, resettling families need assistance to resume their livelihoods, boost local agricultural production and related income generating opportunities and improve their food security.

With an estimated 80 percent of the population in the Northern Province reliant on crop cultivation, livestock and fisheries as their primary source of livelihoods, assistance needs to focus on rural livelihoods.

As part of the sector’s response plan, immediate measures need to be taken to address socio-economic and environmental losses, increase food production, ensure food security and improve nutritional levels of resettled IDP farmer and fisher families and conflict-affected people in the North.

“We want to assist the government in reducing poverty level among conflict affected populations by enhancing income generating and employment opportunities”, stressed Patrick Evans, the FAO Representative in Sri Lanka.

Immediate assistance is also needed to re-establish and strengthen institutional capacities to develop crops, livestock and fisheries, the FAO statement said.

As part of ongoing emergency programmes, FAO is providing rice and other field crops such as cowpea, green gram, maize and groundnut, and training to over 6 600 vulnerable families in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mannar this maha season 2009/10 with funds provided by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

In addition, with funds provided by the UK Department of International Development, FAO provided ongoing paddy assistance and training to some 11 000 families for cultivation during this maha season.

FAO has also received funds from the Australian Government to provide integrated agriculture and food security assistance for 6 000 newly resettled families in the North during the next Yala season 2010.

Joint Civil Society Statement on Election Violence

With the race for the presidency getting increasingly close and uncertain, there has been a considerable increase in tension throughout the country.

This gives rise to the danger that there can be obstructions to the exercise of the franchise on the day of election which needs to be effectively countered as the electoral process is the main source of legitimacy in a democracy. Election monitoring and media organizations have been reporting a sharp increase in election-related violence including several killings accompanied by a flagrant disregard of election laws including abuse of state resources.

The violation of election laws and the practice of violence at election time are not new phenomena and have taken place in previous elections under previous governments as well. However, on this occasion our concern is greater as the Election Commissioner himself has publicly bemoaned his helplessness and has threatened to give up his duties as his orders are being disregarded.

We, the undersigned organizations, believe that the impunity surrounding election-related practices, if further tolerated, will lead to space being created for a total breakdown of law and order as Election Day approaches. We call on the two main presidential candidates to jointly issue a statement for a cessation of violence and restoration of law and order with regard to the current election campaign. The government needs to immediately implement this call.

A further factor that may influence some sections of the electorate not to participate in the elections is the fear that they will become victims of the politics of revenge if they choose to go with the side that does not win. We therefore call on the rival candidates to make a pledge that they will not engage in the politics of revenge after the election, but strictly adhere to the rule of law. This will encourage voters from all communities to participate in the forthcoming elections and be stakeholders in the outcome, as empowered citizens of a real democracy. We trust that the candidates would by immediate actions demonstrate their commitment to the values outlined (which by their words they profess an adherence) and thereby create a path to a peaceful and fair election process as well as the future development of the country

Signed by

Association of War Affected Women
National Peace Council
R.M.B. Senanayake
Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum
Mannar Women for human rights and democracy
Center for Policy Alternative
M.C.M. Iqbal
Smathi Sivamohan
Sunila Abeysekara
Alliance Development trust
Equal Ground
Saradha de Seram
P. Saravanamuttu
Service Civil International
Tony Senevirathna
Visaka Dharmadasa

Blatantly false and misleading coverage of Centre for Policy Alternatives and Social Indicator on website:

Statement by Centre for Policy Alternatives:

It has been brought to our notice that the website titled SF Balakaya hosted at the URL http://www.sfbalakaya.com currently features a blatantly false story involving Social Indicator (SI), the survey research arm of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA).

A story posted on the aforementioned website (accessible at http://www.sfbalakaya.com/story.php?nid=n20100122_04 at the time of writing) claims that SI was contracted to do an opinion poll survey on the presidential election by the United National Party (UNP), and that survey results have been withheld by the Executive Director of CPA, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu on account of the results showing a victory for President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Social Indicator and CPA categorically deny this report as one without any basis in fact. We have not done and nor were we asked to do any survey on the presidential election by any political party or partisan group.

We remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism in our work and wholeheartedly condemn this attempt at inventing a story for short -term political gain.

We demand a full and immediate retraction of this story by this website, which misleads the public with incorrect information.

The following is full text of media Communiqué No 15, issued by Centre from Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) on Jan 18, 2010:

North Western Province

Murder in Kurunegala

According to Mr. Manjula Bandara (son of Member of Parliament and UNP Organizer for Wariyapola Ms. Amara Piyaseeli), between 12.30am and 1.00am this morning, Mr. Dhammika Herath (also known as Manju) was beaten to death by supporters of Minister of Rural Industries & Self-Employment Promotion S.B. Navinne. Mr. Herath was pronounced dead on arrival at the Wariyapola Hospital, and the body has been sent to the Kurunegala Consultant JMO Dr. H.M.K. Senanayake for the postmortem.

Dhammika Herath (33) – pic: daily mirror online

According to Dr. Senanayake, the postmortem has been concluded, and the cause of death has been established as damage to the spinal chord as a result of a blow to the back of the neck. He added that the body also contained 7 bruises.

According to eyewitness information received by Dr. Senanayake, the assailants attacked the group, during which one person fell to the ground, and the assailants fled the scene subsequently. The fact that Mr. Herath had passed away was noted only while taking him to the hospital.

According to SI M.G. Thilakarathne of the Wariyapola Police, 5 suspects have been arrested in relation to the above incident, and they have been identified by the other victims to the assault. SI Thilakarathne stated that investigations are currently underway, but refused to furnish any further information.

According to Mr. Manjula Bandara, while Mr. Herath and others were pasting posters of General Fonseka in the Wariyapola Ambakadawara area, a group of approximately 15 UPFA supporters of Mr. Navinne had arrived on 7 motorbikes, and assaulted Mr. Herath and others.

When contacted, Minister Navinne told CMEV that he was aware of the incident, stating that a clash had taken place between the two parties, and that persons were injured. He was also aware of Mr. Herath’s death, but stated that he had no knowledge of the details of the incident.

Central Province

Grievous Hurt in Matale

According to the CMEV monitor, at approximately 3.30am, the home of Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha member Mr. A.V. Rupasinghe was attacked by 4 persons who had their faces covered, who cut Mr. Rupasinghe on either side of his neck, chest and left upper arm, using swords.

According to Duty Officer Sergeant Thissa Bandara of the Dambulla Hospital Police Post, the cut to Mr. Rupasinghe’s left arm has resulted in a nerve being cut, and therefore Mr. Rupasinghe has been transferred to the Kandy Hospital for specialist treatment.

When contacted, OIC Elections Branch of the Seegiriya Police IP Kulathunga told CMEV that they had obtained a statement from Mr. Rupasinghe, in which he said that he was struck by flat iron bars, as opposed to by swords as stated by the wife. A complaint has been lodged in this regard bearing the number EIB 20/25.

According to Mrs. Rupasinghe the assailants had broken in through the back door, held a sword to her neck and threatened to kill her if she screams. They then proceeded indoors in search of Mr. Rupasinghe. She confirmed that they were also carrying iron bars. She added that Mr. Rupasinghe has cuts on his face, arm, neck and legs. She said that while the doctors have told her that his condition is not serious, he is due to be taken in for surgery regarding the cut to a nerve in the arm, at approximately 4.30pm.

The CMEV monitor had received information that the attack may have resulted from an intra party issue. Mrs. Rupasinghe told CMEV that while this may be a possibility, she had no knowledge regarding the matter. She added that Mr. Rupasinghe is however working for Attorney at Law Mr. Lakshaman Perera, who is one of 4 UPFA District Organizers for Matale.

Shooting in Matale

According to the CMEV monitor, on 16th of January, between 10.30pm and 11.00pm, the home of Matale Urban Councilor Mr. Roshan De Silva was shot at by unidentified persons who arrived in a vehicle, and fired several shots in the direction of the upper floor of the house. The Matale Police had arrived on the scene at approximately 11.00pm in response to a 119 call.

When contacted, OIC of the Crimes Branch IP Jayampathi told CMEV that an investigation was conducted around the Matale town based on the description of the vehicle, but no arrests have been made so far due to a lack of adequate information.

As of 14th January 2010, CMEV has confirmed a cumulative total of 619 incidents of election related violence of which 275 incidents have been categorized as Major. Of these, 3 incidents are Murders, 5 are Attempted Murders, 74 are Assault, 78 are Threat and Intimidation, 27 are Grievous Hurts, 31 are Hurts, 35 are cases of Misuse of State Resources and 11 are Robberies, and 11 are Arsons. The total number of incidents involving the use of firearms is 89. In addition, 344 incidents have been categorized as Minor.

The following is full text of media Communiqué No 13, issued by Centre from Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) on Jan 16, 2010:

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

According to the Spokesperson of the hospital, 4 other persons had been admitted to the Puttalam Base Hospital of sustained injuries during the shooting, and 3 of them have been transferred to the Kurunegala Hospital. According Director of the Kurunegala Hospital Dr. S. Rajamanthri, the 3 injured persons are not in serious condition. Two of the victims had suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and neck. They had received emergency treatment from the Puttalam Hospital prior to transfer.

According to Deputy Minister Fisheries Mr. Neomal Perera, Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha member Mr. R.M. Anjana Sandaruwan and his supporters had opened fire from within the home of Mr. Sandaruwan, on UPFA supporters that were returning from President Rajapakse’s rally held in Madurankuliya earlier today.

According to UNP Member of Parliament Mr. Palitha Range Bandara, he had received information that the UPFA supporters that were shot at, had attacked the UNP party office, and then proceeded to set fire to a hotel that belonged to Mr. Sandaruwan, at which point UNP supporters had opened fire on the UPFA attackers. He added that Mr. Sandaruwan was away from his residence, attending a meeting at the time.

However, Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, while admitting that the burning of the hotel had taken place, he states that it took place after the shooting, by UPFA supporters who were angered by the shooting.

When contacted, SI Herath of the Mundalama Police told CMEV that no one has been arrested with regard to this incident thus far. He also stated that details of the incident remain unclear at present.

CMEV attempted on several occasions to get in touch with Mr. Sandaruwan to obtain a statement regarding the incident, but he did not answer the phone.

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

1: That the Sri Lankan Government is guilty of War Crimes;

2: That the Sri Lankan Government is guilty of crimes against humanity;

3: That the charge of genocide requires further investigation;

4: That the international community, particularly the UK and USA, share responsibility for the breakdown of the peace process.

Harrowing evidence, including video footage, was submitted by eye-witnesses of the use of heavy artillery and phosphorous munitions, and of the continuous violation of human rights by military activity to a panel of ten international jurors over two days.

The Irish Forum for Peace in Sri Lanka welcomed the preliminary findings of the Tribunal. Responding to the findings, the Forum issued the following five demands:

1: We call on the Sri Lankan government to allow the United Nations to conduct an inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated during the final stages of the war between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE, and during the war’s aftermath;

2: We call on the Sri Lankan Government to release all those being detained in concentration camps and the estimated 11,000 people being held secretly at unknown locations;

3: We call on the Sri Lankan government to end the use of extra-judicial killings, sexual violence, and the deprivation of food and water as weapons against the civilian population;

4: We call on the Sri Lankan government to end the suppression of political dissent by violent or other means;

5: We call on the Sri Lankan government to fully implement human rights for all citizens of Sri Lanka, and the political solution involving the full participation of the Tamil population, ending the systematic historical discriminatory measures of the Sri Lankan state against the Tamil people.

The Irish Forum for Peace in Sri Lanka asserts that long term peace and stability can only be established on the basis of full justice and rights for all the inhabitants of the island.

[Press Release]