In a major relief to Catholic devotees, the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers have agreed to declare a demilitarized zone around the much revered Madu Catholic church in the island's north.
Co-chairs have taken the decision to strongly urge the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to return to the negotiating table.
M.R. Narayan Swamy, Co-chairs to tell Sri Lanka, LTTE to talk peace, India interacts, June 29, 2007.
India plans to provide Sri Lanka another advanced off shore patrol vessel (AOPV) to fight the Sea Tigers. New Delhi provided Colombo a similar AOPV in 2000 following heightened LTTE threat perceptions.
India should sell arms to Sri Lanka, Lanka Everything, June 29, 2007.
Sri Lanka has said that it would be a tragic error to withhold pecuniary resources from Sri Lanka because that will create conditions in which extremism and terrorism would thrive.
Sri Lanka's government has said that it will hold elections in the eastern region near Batticaloa after the army took control of the area from the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for the first time in 14 years of fighting.
Paul Tighe and Anusha Ondaatjie, Sri Lanka to Hold Elections in Eastern Area Seized From Rebels, Bloomberg, June 28, 2007.
"Knowing fully well that Tamil Eelam is only a day-dream why are you unnecessarily causing the death of more and more people", says the President of the Tamil United Liberation Front in an open letter to LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
As a national institution vested with decision making power, including that of inflicting punishment, the judiciary can be a formidable force for reform in Sri Lanka.
Jehan Perera, Countervailing power can play crucial reformist role, Daily Mirror, June 26, 2007.
Peace analysts have said they see little prospect of a breakthrough in the crucial meeting held by Norway with Sri Lanka's top aid donors to halt a new wave of bloodshed.
Amal Jayasinghe, Sri Lanka donor meeting in Norway unlikely to break deadlock: analysts, LBO, June 24, 2007.
"I do not want to pursue a military solution. I want to talk with the LTTE without any pre-conditions. Velupillai Prabhakaran must convey his moves and not others.", says the President.
Iqbal Athas, Situation Report, Sunday Times, June 24, 2007.
Also See:
SLFP has become chauvinistic by Mangala Samaraweera, leader Sri Lanka Freedom Party [SLFP].
Friday, June 29, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
New Sri Lanka Reports
The International Crisis Group has released a new report on Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Crisis, June 14, 2007. Full text here.
The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons released a statement about human rights violations in Sri Lanka and a second follow-up statement. The Centre for Policy Alternatives has responded here.
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Crisis, June 14, 2007. Full text here.
The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons released a statement about human rights violations in Sri Lanka and a second follow-up statement. The Centre for Policy Alternatives has responded here.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Maldives Update: June 15, 2007.
Police, prison guards and army personnel have mounted a joint “clean up operation” in the Maafushi island prison.
Ajay Makan, Police Move Into Maafushi, Minivan News, June 9, 2007.
Two hundred and fifty inmates have been hunger striking since Wednesday after one prisoner died and six more were hospitalised following a jailbreak by four hundred inmates. Now the inmates have said they will sign a government offer and call off their strike, if Ahmed Mujtabha and Shaheed Zaki are taken to the island to observe the agreement.
Ajay Makan, Inmates Offer To End Maafushi Hunger Strike, Minivan News, June 12, 2007.
"Maldives’ diplomatic Missions abroad have a vital role to play in presenting to the outside world a true picture of the Maldives and the social, economic and political developments taking place in the country, as well as fostering our ties with other countries", says President.
The Maldivian National Congress party’s platform statement offers up a heady mix of radical democracy and socialist economics, promising “democracy will permeate relationships between people” and “social ownership of the Maldivian natural resources for the benefit of Maldivians.”
Ajay Makan, Fifteen Minutes With Monaza Naeem And The MNC, Minivan News, June 13, 2007.
Also See:
In 1988, LTTE terrorists ran havoc in Maldives islands causing vandalism. Supported by the Indians forces, the Maldivian government violently put down the attempted capture. Until this date, the Maldivians enjoy their freedom from terrorism.
Dilrook Kannangara, Military Force as an Effective Means of Conflict Resolution, LankaWeb.
Sri Lanka: Implications of LTTE's Delft Attack [Analysis], India Defense, June 14, 2007.
Ajay Makan, Police Move Into Maafushi, Minivan News, June 9, 2007.
Two hundred and fifty inmates have been hunger striking since Wednesday after one prisoner died and six more were hospitalised following a jailbreak by four hundred inmates. Now the inmates have said they will sign a government offer and call off their strike, if Ahmed Mujtabha and Shaheed Zaki are taken to the island to observe the agreement.
Ajay Makan, Inmates Offer To End Maafushi Hunger Strike, Minivan News, June 12, 2007.
"Maldives’ diplomatic Missions abroad have a vital role to play in presenting to the outside world a true picture of the Maldives and the social, economic and political developments taking place in the country, as well as fostering our ties with other countries", says President.
The Maldivian National Congress party’s platform statement offers up a heady mix of radical democracy and socialist economics, promising “democracy will permeate relationships between people” and “social ownership of the Maldivian natural resources for the benefit of Maldivians.”
Ajay Makan, Fifteen Minutes With Monaza Naeem And The MNC, Minivan News, June 13, 2007.
Also See:
In 1988, LTTE terrorists ran havoc in Maldives islands causing vandalism. Supported by the Indians forces, the Maldivian government violently put down the attempted capture. Until this date, the Maldivians enjoy their freedom from terrorism.
Dilrook Kannangara, Military Force as an Effective Means of Conflict Resolution, LankaWeb.
Sri Lanka: Implications of LTTE's Delft Attack [Analysis], India Defense, June 14, 2007.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Southern States Update: June 11, 2007.
It is an established fact that Tamil Nadu plays a pivotal role as a key coalition partner in any political formation in Delhi. Consequently, the parochial interests of Tamil Nadu have become the determining factor in Delhi's policy towards Sri Lanka.
Neville Ladduwahetty, Dictates from India, Lanka Web, June 6, 2007.
Upon landing in India, refugees are questioned by police to establish their identities. They try to find out whether they have any links with the Tamil Tigers, which is a banned organisation in India. Some young men have accused the police of using a high-handed approach during their investigations.
Swaminathan Natarajan , War-weary Tamils face India hardship, BBC News, June 4, 2007.
"It is believed that the LTTE terrorist outfit has infiltrated the Tamil Nadu refugee camps in the guise of displaced and asylum seekers and has been recruiting fighters, including children, from among refugees.", says the Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry
Paul Tighe and Anusha Ondaatjie, Tamil Tiger Rebels Recruit Fighters in Indian Refugee Camps, Bloomberg, May 28, 2007. Koodankulam concentrates all the problems associated with nuclear power in a magnified form. It will generate large amounts of highly radioactive spent fuel. The EIA doesn't mention this. Like all reactor types — and Koodankulam, like Chernobyl, is a Russian design — KNPS can undergo a core meltdown, with devastating consequences for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, even Sri Lanka.
Praful Bidwai, Koodankulam trap, Khaleej Times, June 10, 2007.
Neville Ladduwahetty, Dictates from India, Lanka Web, June 6, 2007.
Upon landing in India, refugees are questioned by police to establish their identities. They try to find out whether they have any links with the Tamil Tigers, which is a banned organisation in India. Some young men have accused the police of using a high-handed approach during their investigations.
Swaminathan Natarajan , War-weary Tamils face India hardship, BBC News, June 4, 2007.
"It is believed that the LTTE terrorist outfit has infiltrated the Tamil Nadu refugee camps in the guise of displaced and asylum seekers and has been recruiting fighters, including children, from among refugees.", says the Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry
Paul Tighe and Anusha Ondaatjie, Tamil Tiger Rebels Recruit Fighters in Indian Refugee Camps, Bloomberg, May 28, 2007. Koodankulam concentrates all the problems associated with nuclear power in a magnified form. It will generate large amounts of highly radioactive spent fuel. The EIA doesn't mention this. Like all reactor types — and Koodankulam, like Chernobyl, is a Russian design — KNPS can undergo a core meltdown, with devastating consequences for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, even Sri Lanka.
Praful Bidwai, Koodankulam trap, Khaleej Times, June 10, 2007.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sri Lanka Update: June 10, 2007.
Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) has urged India to shed its "do-nothing" policy on Sri Lanka, and adopt a proactive one under which the LTTE is denied bases in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka is given economic support, in exchange for devolution of power to the Sri Lankan Tamil moderates.
Adopt pro-active stance on Lanka, says leading Indian think-tank, Daily News, June 11, 2007.
Japan's special peace envoy has voiced concern at human rights abuses blamed on both the Sri Lankan state and Tamil Tigers as police returned hundreds of deported Tamils to the capital in a U-turn.
Simon Gardner, Japan peace envoy concerned at Sri Lanka rights abuses, Reuters, June 09, 2007.
He has also said that human rights violations by the Sri Lankan government would not prevent Japan from continuing to give humanitarian and development aid to the people of Sri Lanka.
PK Balachandran, Japan to aid Lanka despite rights violations, Hindustan Times, June 9, 2007.
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka stopped the forced eviction of ethnic Tamils from the capital city of Colombo Friday, calling the government "misguided" in its latest attempt to reduce attacks by "Tamil Tigers." Later in the day, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse invited the evicted Tamils back to Colombo, promising a disciplinary probe against the police chief responsible.
Nearly 200 ethnic Tamils who had been expelled by police as part of a crackdown on Tiger rebels have returned to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo after a three-man bench of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Friday stayed the expulsion of Tamils belonging to the Northern and Eastern provinces from Colombo, and the bar on their entry into the capital city.
PK Balachandran, Lankan Supreme Court stays Tamils’ expulsion, Hindustan Times , June 9, 2007.
Centre for Policy Alternatives Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, has voiced his opinion on the human rights situation in the country. He has said that "the government needed to act more responsibly, especially in the light of distinguishing itself from a terrorist organisation such as the LTTE, instead of becoming the mirror image of the terrorists".
Keith Noyahr, Govt. is becoming the mirror image of LTTE, The Nation, June 10, 2007.
Mr. Ban Ki - Moon has condemned the killings, voicing concern about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminding “all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times,” according to a statement by his spokesperson.
UN human rights experts condemn murder of Sri Lankan aid workers, UN News, June 9, 2007.
In the media from Azerbaijan to the United States, Sri Lanka has now been portrayed as the latest ethnic cleanser, a charge which was previously levelled at the LTTE for cleansing the north of thousands of Muslims over 10 years ago.
Neville de Silva, Insensitive acts that blacken our already tarred image, Sunday Times, June 10, 2007.
Also See:
Faced with a conflict situation for over three and a half decades, players and stakeholders in the `war(s)/peace industry' have taken to the Internet with a vengeance. Since the Internet hit the Sri Lanka airwaves in 1995, it has been a story of non-stop e-proliferation.
B. Muralidhar Reddy, In the web of war, Frontline, June 2, 2007.
Adopt pro-active stance on Lanka, says leading Indian think-tank, Daily News, June 11, 2007.
Japan's special peace envoy has voiced concern at human rights abuses blamed on both the Sri Lankan state and Tamil Tigers as police returned hundreds of deported Tamils to the capital in a U-turn.
Simon Gardner, Japan peace envoy concerned at Sri Lanka rights abuses, Reuters, June 09, 2007.
He has also said that human rights violations by the Sri Lankan government would not prevent Japan from continuing to give humanitarian and development aid to the people of Sri Lanka.
PK Balachandran, Japan to aid Lanka despite rights violations, Hindustan Times, June 9, 2007.
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka stopped the forced eviction of ethnic Tamils from the capital city of Colombo Friday, calling the government "misguided" in its latest attempt to reduce attacks by "Tamil Tigers." Later in the day, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse invited the evicted Tamils back to Colombo, promising a disciplinary probe against the police chief responsible.
Nearly 200 ethnic Tamils who had been expelled by police as part of a crackdown on Tiger rebels have returned to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo after a three-man bench of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Friday stayed the expulsion of Tamils belonging to the Northern and Eastern provinces from Colombo, and the bar on their entry into the capital city.
PK Balachandran, Lankan Supreme Court stays Tamils’ expulsion, Hindustan Times , June 9, 2007.
Centre for Policy Alternatives Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, has voiced his opinion on the human rights situation in the country. He has said that "the government needed to act more responsibly, especially in the light of distinguishing itself from a terrorist organisation such as the LTTE, instead of becoming the mirror image of the terrorists".
Keith Noyahr, Govt. is becoming the mirror image of LTTE, The Nation, June 10, 2007.
Mr. Ban Ki - Moon has condemned the killings, voicing concern about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminding “all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times,” according to a statement by his spokesperson.
UN human rights experts condemn murder of Sri Lankan aid workers, UN News, June 9, 2007.
In the media from Azerbaijan to the United States, Sri Lanka has now been portrayed as the latest ethnic cleanser, a charge which was previously levelled at the LTTE for cleansing the north of thousands of Muslims over 10 years ago.
Neville de Silva, Insensitive acts that blacken our already tarred image, Sunday Times, June 10, 2007.
Also See:
Faced with a conflict situation for over three and a half decades, players and stakeholders in the `war(s)/peace industry' have taken to the Internet with a vengeance. Since the Internet hit the Sri Lanka airwaves in 1995, it has been a story of non-stop e-proliferation.
B. Muralidhar Reddy, In the web of war, Frontline, June 2, 2007.
New Crisis in Sri Lanka, June 10, 2007
The eviction of Tamils from Colombo has precipitated a new crisis. Civil society and the courts have been swift to respond.
Open Letter to President Mahinda Rajapakse to stop the expulsion of Tamils from Colombo, June 7, 2007.
National Peace Council Statement.
Open Letter to President Mahinda Rajapakse to stop the expulsion of Tamils from Colombo, June 7, 2007.
National Peace Council Statement.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Maldives Update: June 7, 2007.
Tension was high in Malé after police arrested at least eleven drivers on Tuesday in an attempt to break a three day long strike against rising fuel prices.
Action will be taken against taxi drivers who participated in strike: Minister, Haveeru Online, May 6, 2007.
The arrests were immediately followed by a mass jailbreak at Maafushi prison, one of the largest prisons in the island. One man has been confirmed dead during the incident and two are hospitalised "in a serious condition.
Ajay Makan, Custodial Death After Maafushi Jail Break, Minivan News, June 6, 2007.
According to Maldivian Detainee Network doctors in IGMH say the injuries are consistent with assault. The police have been accused of violence in the prison.
Ajay Makan, Police Accused Of Violence As Maafushi Inmate Buried, Minivan News, June 6, 2007.
European Union has demanded that Maldives, must urgently open the way to sweeping democratic reforms. The EU believes that there needs to be a proper investigation into recent events; including Mr. Salah’s death some weeks ago and that the use of force cannot solve political problems.
EU demands democratic reforms in Maldives, EU Business, June 4, 2007.
Also See:
"The Maldivian Coast Guard is a highly trained professional force. Several thousands of our hard-earned money is allocated to our defence budget. It is their duty to protect our waters and that's what the people of Maldives pay them for."
Coincidence or Stage-managed: possibly with a view to frame the opposition? Divehi Observer.
Action will be taken against taxi drivers who participated in strike: Minister, Haveeru Online, May 6, 2007.
The arrests were immediately followed by a mass jailbreak at Maafushi prison, one of the largest prisons in the island. One man has been confirmed dead during the incident and two are hospitalised "in a serious condition.
Ajay Makan, Custodial Death After Maafushi Jail Break, Minivan News, June 6, 2007.
According to Maldivian Detainee Network doctors in IGMH say the injuries are consistent with assault. The police have been accused of violence in the prison.
Ajay Makan, Police Accused Of Violence As Maafushi Inmate Buried, Minivan News, June 6, 2007.
European Union has demanded that Maldives, must urgently open the way to sweeping democratic reforms. The EU believes that there needs to be a proper investigation into recent events; including Mr. Salah’s death some weeks ago and that the use of force cannot solve political problems.
EU demands democratic reforms in Maldives, EU Business, June 4, 2007.
Also See:
"The Maldivian Coast Guard is a highly trained professional force. Several thousands of our hard-earned money is allocated to our defence budget. It is their duty to protect our waters and that's what the people of Maldives pay them for."
Coincidence or Stage-managed: possibly with a view to frame the opposition? Divehi Observer.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Sri Lanka Update: June 3 2007.
India has demanded that Colombo should avoid procuring arms from Pakistan and China, and that it should come to India instead, even though India will not provide offensive equipment. Sri Lankans have received the move with mixed feelings.
PK Balachandran, Mixed feelings in Lanka over India's demand, Hindustan Times, June 1, 2007.
Senior vice president of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party, D M Jayaratne has said that India is the first choice but Colombo was compelled to transact with China and Pakistan to fulfill its military requirements.
Sadiq Ali, India the first choice; New Delhi’s reluctance led to approach other countries: Lanka, Newstrack, June 2, 2007.
The Sri Lankan media has lambasted India's National Security Advisor MK Narayanan for his statement regarding this issue.
PK Balachandran, India can force Lanka to buy its garbage: media, Hindustan Times, June 2, 2007.
Where the media is concerned in Sri Lanka, the unprincipled attitude on the part of a number of major newspapers to the deterioration of the institution of the judiciary has been a main factor in the past few years.
Kishali Pinto Jayawardena, Hauling editors before parliament, Sunday Times, June 3, 2007.
From the war, to the cost of living, to the government’s dubious deals, the JVP has emerged stronger than the main opposition UNP in many ways.
Dharisha Bastians, Govt can’t hide behind a military campaign for forever, Nation on Sunday, June 3, 2007.
There have been stepped-up clashes between suspected rebel ships and the Sri Lankan navy in recent months amid heavy fighting in the island's northern and eastern regions.
Sea Pirates, Lanka Business Online, June 3, 2007.
The Tiger outfit within the last two weeks once again revert to their older tactic of exploding bombs in Colombo and suburbs.
Tigers through a testing process, Sunday Observer, June 3, 2007.
"Unless the international community cages Prabhakaran and his Tigers, there will be no liberation not only to Tamils but also to the Muslims and Sinhalese", says Sunday Observer.
PK Balachandran, Mixed feelings in Lanka over India's demand, Hindustan Times, June 1, 2007.
Senior vice president of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party, D M Jayaratne has said that India is the first choice but Colombo was compelled to transact with China and Pakistan to fulfill its military requirements.
Sadiq Ali, India the first choice; New Delhi’s reluctance led to approach other countries: Lanka, Newstrack, June 2, 2007.
The Sri Lankan media has lambasted India's National Security Advisor MK Narayanan for his statement regarding this issue.
PK Balachandran, India can force Lanka to buy its garbage: media, Hindustan Times, June 2, 2007.
Where the media is concerned in Sri Lanka, the unprincipled attitude on the part of a number of major newspapers to the deterioration of the institution of the judiciary has been a main factor in the past few years.
Kishali Pinto Jayawardena, Hauling editors before parliament, Sunday Times, June 3, 2007.
From the war, to the cost of living, to the government’s dubious deals, the JVP has emerged stronger than the main opposition UNP in many ways.
Dharisha Bastians, Govt can’t hide behind a military campaign for forever, Nation on Sunday, June 3, 2007.
There have been stepped-up clashes between suspected rebel ships and the Sri Lankan navy in recent months amid heavy fighting in the island's northern and eastern regions.
Sea Pirates, Lanka Business Online, June 3, 2007.
The Tiger outfit within the last two weeks once again revert to their older tactic of exploding bombs in Colombo and suburbs.
Tigers through a testing process, Sunday Observer, June 3, 2007.
"Unless the international community cages Prabhakaran and his Tigers, there will be no liberation not only to Tamils but also to the Muslims and Sinhalese", says Sunday Observer.
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