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Tamil Nadu Students’ support urged for UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay’s call for ‘Independent, credible International Investigation’ in Sri Lanka

Full Text of Letter Addressed to Students in Tamil Nadu from World Tamil Organization USA

It is pertinent that the High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay on her report to the UN Human Rights Council dated February 11 has clearly and unambiguously called for an ‘Independent, credible International Investigation’ for the mass atrocities committed against Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.

Eliot Engel Calls for an Independent International Investigation into Allegations of War Crimes in Sri Lanka

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote Secretary Kerry on Tuesday expressing serious concern regarding the deterioration of democracy and the lack of progress on reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.

Institutionalized Impunity in Syria and Sri Lanka

by Tasha Manoranjan

The ongoing human rights crisis in Syria has reached a catastrophic level with an estimated 70,000 people killed. The apathy and inaction by some in the international community has allowed the Assad regime to commit crimes against international law with impunity.

US Tamil Organizations Thank Tamil Nadu support for Sri Lanka Resolution

Full Text of Letter by Word Tamil Organization thanking people and leaders of Tamil Nadu for support on UNHRC resolution regarding Sri Lanka:

Role of Tamil Nadu to Pressure India for Strengthening UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka

World Thamil Organization, Inc. (WTO) is a Registered, Non-Profit organization, incorporated in the United States of America. Since its inception in 1991, WTO has been espousing the legitimate cause of Tamils wherever they live.

Bodhu Bala Sena Begins New Campaign Against Attire of Muslim Women in Sri Lanka After Abolishing Halal Logos

By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Having tasted victory over the Halal certification issue the Bodhu Bala Sena(BBS) organization is to begin another widespread campaign targeting the Muslim community on the issue of attire worn by Muslim women in Sri Lanka.

Jamiyathul Ulama Due to Govt Pressure Will Stop Halal Certified Logos Locally as Demanded by the Bodhu Bala Sena

By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj

The Bodhu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force)that has been conducting a widespread anti-Muslim campaign has achieved a significant victory over the controversial Halal Certification issue.

The Sri Lankan Government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has caved into the chief demand made by the Ethno-religious Fascist Organization Bodhu Bala Sena that the Halal certification process should be abolished.

Spiritual Night of Consmic Dancer Sabapathy ~

Sivarathri ~ Observed on March 9 or 10th around the Globe is the utmost spiritual night to worship Lord Sabapathy ~ Dheena Karunakarane Nataraja Neelakandane ~

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in a Controversial Move Associates Publicly with the Bodhu Bala Sena at Galle

By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj

In what seemed to be a harmless act in the public interest the Secretary of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has engaged himself in a controversial move that is likely to have far reaching implications.

On Saturday March 9th 2013, the Presidential sibling regarded widely as the second most powerful man in Sri Lanka was the chief guest, ceremonially opening an institution linked to the Ethno Religious Fascist movement known as the “Bodhu Bala Sena” meaning Buddhist Power Force.

Columbia University Human Rights Center Urges International Investigation in Sri Lanka

Statement by:
DAVID L. PHILLIPS
Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present on the “Observation of the Progress of National Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka,” a project organized by the Government of Japan (GoJ) in association with Columbia University.

Diaspora LTTE Activists Posing as Human Rights Champions

By D.B.S.JEYARAJ

Sri Lanka is very much in the news these days as events unfold at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) in Geneva.The focus is on the final phase of the war between the Armed forces of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE). The avowed objective is eliciting the truth about what had exactly happened in that critical period.

India and Public Commitment to Support US Resolution on Sri Lanka

by Col R Hariharan

[This summary contains comments made by Col Hariharan to different print and TV media from 5 to 7 March 2013 on specific issues raised by them on India’s response to the U.S. draft resolution on Sri Lanka’s accountability now under consideration at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.]

Approach of Current Sri Lankan Govt has Presented Tamil Diaspora with Golden Opportunity

by Gordon Weiss

In the past few years, I’ve largely avoided junkets from Sri Lankan diaspora groups, for fear of being tarred with various brushes.

Writing and Talking About War Crimes Every Day is Corrosive and Soul Destroying

by Frances Harrison

Publishing a book about a highly charged ethnic conflict in which tens of thousands have died is no path to a peaceful life. You only need to look at the racial abuse and filthy language in the comments sections of online sites frequented by Sri Lankans to see how intense the emotions still are.

Violations of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in Sri Lanka Require Establishment of Independent International Investigations

By
Dhamayanthi Rajendra

(Statement by ms.Dhamayanthi Rajendra of United States Political Action Council (USTPAC) at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 4th 2013)

Mr. Vice President & Madam High Commissioner.

The High Commissioner’s report recognizes that the failure of the international community and the UN to understand and address the causes of widespread violence and conflict in certain countries, such as in Syria and Mali, leads to prolonged suffering for those caught in such violence, and widespread impunity.

War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Sri Lanka Must be Investigated by a Neutral Party

By
Vani Selvarajah

(Canadian Tamil Congress board of director Ms. Vani Selvarajah made the following statement on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council TODAY (Monday March 4th 2013) on behalf of Lawyers Rights Watch Canada)

Thank you Mr. President,

Madam High Commissioner, on behalf of Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada and the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), we welcome your annual report, and thank you for your continued resolve to protect human rights around the world.

Ten Million Rupee Reward for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s “Thalai”
(Head) by Lawyers in Tamil Nadu

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

In a controversial move, a reward of One Crore or Ten Million rupees for the head of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been announced in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu!

This provocative act of announcing a monetary reward for anyone bringing the Sri Lankan president’s head has not been made by nondescript irresponsible elements in the state but by an acknowledged association of Lawyers.

Rani’s Story

By: Roma Tearne | Translated with permission: Senthilan

அந்த முகவரியை இலகுவாக கண்டுபிடிக்க முடிய வில்லை. நான் தாமதமாக வந்திருந்தேன். மன்னிப்புக் கேட்டுக்கொண்டேன்.

பிறகு, ஒரு தற்சமைய முடிவில் வாங்கிய மலர்கொத்தைக் அவர் கையில் தந்தேன். [in Tamil ~ தமிழில்]

in English: Rani’s Story

The place has been difficult to find and I am late.
‘I’m sorry,’ I say.

And then I hand her the bunch of flowers bought on impulse. It is an unremarkable day in February. The sun does not shine and the damp air threatens rain. I have travelled up to London for this interview but at the station I hesitated, then bought some hyacinths.

“Operation Dematagoda” by Bodhu Bala Sena Against Muslims in Meat Trade Ends in a Fiasco

By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj

A calculated propaganda stunt engineered by the Sri Lankan Ethno-Religious Fascist movement ”Bodhu Bala Sena” (BBS) in Colombo city against Muslims engaged in the meat trade ended in a fiasco on Friday March 1st 2013.

The neo-fascist Bodhu Bala Sena storm troopers were compelled to call off “Operation Dematagoda” a few hours after commencing it amidst great fanfare and publicity and “retreat” with lots of “Bithara” on their zealous faces.

On going Violations and Persecution of the Tamil Population need to be Investigated and Stopped -Sumanthiran

By
M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

(Statement made on 1 March 2013 by TNA M.P. M.A. Sumanthiran at the UNHRC Event in Geneva titled ‘The No Fire Zone’)

On behalf of the Tamil People I wish to thank you Callum for that film. Our thanks our due to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for sponsoring this event.

Sri Lankans who Love their Country must Ask International Community to Censure the Rajapaksa Regime

“Platform for Freedom “Media Briefing by TNA Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran ~ in English,Tamil & Sinhala – Video:

Ilaiyaraja Live at Rogers Centre ~ Maid of the Mist ~ Goddess of the Arts

“Alai Ma Magal nee~ Kalai Ma Magal nee” ~ “I consider all women as mother. I compose poems for any female considering her as mother.” – Ilaiyaraja (As to why why his songs on mother (Thai) are more sweet and melodious)

Photographs in New Channel 4 Documentary Reveal that Prabhakaran’s 12 year old Son Balachandran was Captured and Executed by Army

By Callum Mcrae

It is a war that has produced some truly terrible images, but this one is particularly disturbing. A young boy sits looking distressed, like a child who has been lost in a supermarket. He has been given a biscuit or some kind of snack. In the second photograph, he is looking anxiously up, as though hoping to see someone he recognises.

Christian clergy in Sri Lanka North-East urge tough UNHRC action

The Bishop of Mannar and 132 priests from North East Sri Lanka have issued the following statement urging tough action by the Human Rights Council and for an independent international commission of inquiry into violations of international law in the country:

Military Cannot Take High Ground and Threaten Legal Action Against the TNA – MA Sumanthiran

By
Arthur Wamanan

(Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran is interviewed by Arthur Wamanan of The Nation )

Q: TNA is part of the common opposition coalition with the UNP. On what basis are you part of such a coalition?

This joint opposition was formed sometime ago when the fuel prices went up. The parties came together and started agitations throughout the country. We had our very first protest outside the Fort Railway Station. We have had frequent protests.

Vindictive Jayalalithaas ‘Vishwaroopam’ Against ‘Vishwaroopam’ Film

by D.B.S. JEYARAJ

“Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” – William Congreve “The Mourning Bride”

Renowned Actor and Filmmaker Kamal Haasan’s Magnum Opus”Vishwaroopam”is now running to packed movie theatres in the South Indian state of “Tamil Nadu” and elsewhere. The film produced in Tamil and Hindi and dubbed in the Telugu language has raked in more than Rupees 1200 Million within a week in India

Story of Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam is one of Tremendous Resilience Against all Odds and Symbolic representation of Hope

By Dharisha Bastians

Travelling on the Kandy-Jaffna A9 Highway as it passes through the former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stronghold of Kilinochchi, a dilapidated building used to catch the eye.

Two girls from the A Level class ~ For Tamil people, a university education is considered the end goal. despite the lack of employment opportunities for graduates, parents in the area prize the college degree greatly

Two storeyed and pockmarked with bullet holes, the yellow walls stood out in this embattled region, partly because it has had its entire roof blown off, a poignant war memorial even when Kilinochchi Town became the Tigers’ showcase capital during the ceasefire years.

Tamil Groups Welcome UN Human Rights Chief’s Call For Independent International Investigation in Sri Lanka

“The High Commissioner’s report contextualizes the failure of the Sri Lankan government to meaningfully address its breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law”

London/Toronto/Washington D.C.

The British Tamils Forum, the Canadian Tamil Congress, and United States Tamil Political Action Council acknowledge the Report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which emanates from United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 19/2.

Can India Accept the Increasingly Embarassing Political Situation in which it has been Placed by President Rajapaksa?

By Col. R. Hariharan

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is well known for wrongly timing his foreign visits. In the past his India visits were more successful than his European sojourns because they were diplomatically ‘tenderized’ in advance to avoid any embarrassment to the President.

Upali Wijewardene: Unforgettable Memories of a Dynamic Tycoon

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Today February 13th is the 30th Anniversary of the disappearance of Philip Upali Wijewardena. If he was among the living Upali as he was generally known would have been Seventy-five years of age on February 17th.

Alas, this was not to be as he disappeared thirty years ago just four days before his forty-fifth birthday.

Police Involvement Suspected in the Burning of “Mother Mary” Statue in Avissawela

by D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Was the Police directly or indirectly involved in the arson attack on “Mother Mary” statue that was erected by Catholics in Avissawela?

The suspicion of the Khakied guardians of Law and order being involved in the incident has been strengthened by the didgraceful conduct of the Avissawela Police after the arson attack.

Discovery of 140 Skeletal Remains in the Matale Mass Graves: Is Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Implicated in the Incident?

Speculation is rife in Sri Lanka and among Sri Lankans abroad of the possibility of Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa being implicated in the incident concerning the discovery of skeletal remains in mass graves in the Hill town of Matale.

Discussions are on whether the Presidential sibling regarded as the second most powerful person in Sri Lanka could have been allegedly involved in the incidents relating to the 140 skeletal remains discovered in Matale.

Greatest Contribution of Mahatma Gandhi was in Enabling Indians to Regain their freedom,Dignity and National Identity

by Col. R. Hariharan retd.

[Text of speech on “Gandhian values in participatory management” at the Gandhi Peace Foundation (Chennai Chapter) on January 29, 2012.]

A retired army veteran from the Military Intelligence who participated in wars and dealt with traffickers, forgers, criminals etc for nearly three decades speaking about Gandhian values may sound like an oxymoron.

Sri Lanka at 65 Faces Unfinished Task of Building a ‘New’ Nation

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lanka will Celebrate its Sixty-fifth Anniversary of Independence from the United Kingdom this Monday. The country then known as Ceylon obtained full freedom from the British on February 4th 1948.Completing 65 years is significant as it is the age denoting “Seniority” in most Western nations. By that yardstick Sri Lanka becomes a Senior nation on Independence day.

Newly erected “Lumbini Vihara” at Karadipoku Junction displaces family, deprives of livelihood

by Sanjeeth Arulanantham

Kandasamy Sivakumaran lived in Kilinochchi and was displaced to the Vavuniya IDP camp during the final battle in May 2009. He was only able to return to his own village recently.

He relates that his land has been taken away from him and that he is struggling to get it back. Even today he has to go to Government offices and army camps daily and has filed a case regarding this matter in the court.

“Lumbini Vihara” is the Buddhist temple that is situated near the Karadipoku junction in Kilinochchi. There is a small Buddhist shrine under the banyan tree and to its left there is a hostel in the shape of a temple for the pilgrims. A Stupa is being built to its right.

Senior Sri Lankan Govt Official Close to President Rajapaksa Suspected by Ausssie Intelligence of Being Involved in People Smuggling to Australia

by Cameron Stewart and Paul Maley

A SENIOR Sri Lankan government official is suspected by Australian authorities of being personally “complicit” in the people-smuggling trade, directly undermining Canberra’s attempts to stop the surge in asylum-seeker boats.

US Senators urge Independent International Investigation into alleged Sri Lanka-LTTE War Crimes

In Letter to Secretary Clinton, Senators Call for Independent International Examination

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) called for an independent, international investigation into potential war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE during the civil war in Sri Lanka. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Senators said such an investigation is needed because the legitimate concerns of the Sri Lankan people have not been answered by the government.

Instead of Righting a Wrong This Govt has Chosen to Elevate a Wrong to the Status of That Which is Right

By M.A.Sumanthiran MP

On 15th January 2013, by no less than violent means, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was de facto removed from her post. This was done despite a ruling by the apex court of this country that the purported process by which she was sought to be removed was illegal and unconstitutional.

“Hela Sihila Hiru” Stages Provocative Anti-Muslim Demonstration with Placards and Effigy of “Allah” in North-Western town of Kuliyapitiya

by DBS Jeyaraj

The recurring phenomenon of orchestrated demonstrations against “Halal”labelled foods, Muslim owned businesses and Muslim places of worship by organized groups of Buddhist Clergy and Laity took a different turn in Sri Lankas Northwestern Province of Wayamba on Thursday January 24th.

Army to Construct House for Rizana Nafeek Family Without Destroying Existing Home:Foundation Stone Laid on Friday by Parents

by D.B.S.Jeyaraj

In a significant gesture welcomed by residents of Shafi Nagar in Moothoor the Sri Lankan Army has commenced work to build a new house for the family of Rizana Nafeek who was unjustly executed in Saudi Arabia on January 9th 2013.

Reconstructed Road in Moothoor to be Named After Rizana Nafeek

by D.B.S.Jeyaraj

The Sri Lankan Government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is engaged in enacting a number of positive measures to honour the memory of Rizana Nafeek and to help uplift her poverty stricken family.

Quiet Efforts of Jaffna University Vice-Chancellor Succeed in Two Undergrads Being Released After “Rehabilitation”

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Two of the four Jaffna University undergraduates held at the Protective Accommodation and rehabilitation Center(PARC) at Welikanda have been released on Tuesday January 22nd 2013.

Rehabilitation Commissioner-General Brigadier Tharshana Hettiarachchi confirmed to the media that the two students — Jaffna University Student Council President V.Bavananthan and Science Faculty third year student and union member S.Solomon were released today 22nd.

Will The 48 hour Detention Law Improve Investigations or Increase Torture?

by M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

On Tuesday, 22nd January 2013, Parliament will take up for debate the ‘Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions)’ Bill. This legislation which will, among other things, enable the police to detain a person who has been arrested without a warrant for 48 hours before producing her/him before a magistrate has resulted in serious widespread concern amongst political groups, human rights group and the legal community.

“We Dont Want any Money from Saudi Arabia Where my Daughter was Killed” States Rizana’s Mother Fareena Nafeek

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

In a significant gesture that shamed many Sri Lankan Muslim politicians the mother of Rizana Nafeek has rejected any offer of direct or indirect aid from Saudi Arabia the country in which her eldest daughter Rizana was wrongfully beheaded on January 9th 2013.

Law Society of Upper Canada urges judicial independence in Sri Lanka

The Law Society of Upper Canada publicly expresses concern that the recent dismissal of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake is politically motivated and may have a negative effect on judicial independence in Sri Lanka.

Thai Pongal Greetings from Canada Citizenship Minister

Ottawa, January 14, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to recognize Thai Pongal:

~ The Tamil Thanksgiving Day ~ Wishing Everyone a Happy ‘Pongal ‘o Pongal’ ~ January 14, 2013 ~ [twitter.com/tamilamerican]

“Pongal”, for having thousands of years such tradition and history has been finding a place in the festivities of several global communities, particularly in cities and towns with large number of new comers of Tamil heritage now making their new homes.

Tamil Thanksgiving Day celebrating sun, rain, farm cattle and ushering in pureness and prosperity

Tamil month of ‘Thai’, falling on January 14th, 2003 is Pongal day, the Tamil Thanksgiving Day celebrating sun, rain, farm cattle and ushering in pureness and prosperity.

Rizana Nafeek: Sorrowful Story of The Maid From Moothoor

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

When news of the loss of a loved one is heard ,it is the practice of many Muslims to console each other by repeating part of a verse from the Holy Quran “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” meaning “Surely we belong to God and to Him shall we return”. The phrase is commonly translated as “Verily we belong to God, and to God we return.”

Abu Musa Abd –Allah ibn Qays al-Ashari better known as Abu Musa al-Ashari , a companion of Prophet Muhammad and a prominent personality figuring in early Islamic history has stated that the Prophet had explained the significance of this line in the following manner – “When a son of a servant of Allah dies, Allah Says to the angels, ‘Have you taken the son of My servant?’ They say, ‘Yes.’ Then Allah Says, ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ They say, ‘Yes.’ Allah Says, “What has My servant said?’ They say, ‘He has praised You and said, To Allah we belong and to Him is our return’. Then Allah Says, ‘Build a house for My servant in Paradise and call it the house of praise.’

Audio of M.A. Sumanthiran’s Speech in Parliament on January 10th 2013

Call by Ian Paisley Jr. MP put to rest in Sri Lanka Parliament

Ian Paisley Jr. MP, a lobbyist for the Government of Sri Lanka asked the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to join the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to bring about a ‘political solution’ during a speech he made at a British Parliament debate, held on Tuesday, January 8, 2012.

Canada Must Hold Sri Lankan Government Accountable

As a member of the Commonwealth and the designated host of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Sri Lanka has a duty to uphold democracy and the rule of law. As they have failed to do so, Canada has has an obligation to hold its government to account at the highest level.”

Sri Lankan President and Govt Did NOTHING to Save Rizana Nafeek’s Life Except to Issue Valueless Statements – AHRC

(Text of statement issued by the Asian Human Rights Commission on the Execution of Ms. Rizana Nafeek)

According to reports received, the Government of Saudi Arabia has executed Ms. Rizana Nafeek (1988 – 9 January 2013) today. The embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh has confirmed this report.

Lasantha Wickrematunga Remembered on the Fourth Anniversary of his Murder

Text: Marianne David
Pix: Arthur Wamanan

A memorial service was held at slain Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge’s gravesite at Kanatte on the morning of 8 January to mark the fourth anniversary of his brutal murder.

Violent Sexual Assault Incident in Delhi Ignites Fire in Country for the Dignity of India’s Daughters

By M. S. Shah Jahan

“We are very sad to report that the patient passed away peacefully at 4:45 a.m. on December 29, 2012 (2045 GMT Friday). Her family and officials from the High Commission of India were by her side.

‘External Affairs Minister has Failed in ALL Responsibilities Undertaken’-Rajiva

An Interview with Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.-Part 3

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

(Third and Final Part of an Interview with Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.The first and second instalments of the interview appeared in the “Daily Mirror” of December 22nd 2012 and December 29th 2012 respectively)

Question:

Some observers of the Sri Lankan situation opine that a creeping Illiberalism is pervading Society at large under the Rajapaksa regime.As a Liberal and an advocate of liberal democracy, are you not perturbed by the erosion of those very values in Sri Lanka? Are you not concerned over the creeping illiberalism?