Asian Guardian

V. Anadasangaree, winner of the 2006 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence

2006-09-15T02:06:00.000+05:30

12-09-2006 4:00 pm The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura has designated President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Veerasingham Anadasangaree as the laureate of the 2006 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. The Prize was attributed on the recommendation of an international jury.

The members of the jury are: Andrés Pastrana Arango, former President of Colombia; Bahia Hariri, President of the Commission for Education, Science and Culture of the Lebanese Parliament; Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister of India; Sergei Markarov and Manu Dibango, both UNESCO Artists for Peace. Born in Sri Lanka in 1933, Mr Anadasangaree became the President of the Tamil United Liberation Front in 2002, after working as a teacher and lawyer.

As an indefatigable advocate of democracy and peaceful conflict resolution, he has contributed to raising awareness of the Tamil cause in a spirit of dialogue, while seeking to promote non-violent solutions to Sri Lanka and opposing terrorism. The $100,000 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize was created in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Mahatma Gandhi, thanks to the generosity of the Indian writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh, who is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Dedicated to advancing the spirit of tolerance in the arts, education, culture, science and communication, the Prize is awarded every two years to an individual or an institution for exceptional contributions in the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.

In 2004, the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence was attributed to the Bangladeshi writer and journalist Taslima Nasreen.

The Prize-giving ceremony will be held on International Day for Tolerance celebrated every year on 16 November.

2006-08-01T01:45:00.000+05:30

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JVP sold the house it was allowed to stay and threatens to kill the owners

2005-09-25T16:02:00.000+06:00

(AT) A petition has been filed at the National Human Rights Commission by a person complaining against the Kandana Police and several JVP members including the former minister Vijitha Herath for the failure of the Kandana Police to investigate a complaint lodged more..

The Presidential Election and Tamil Democracy

2005-09-25T15:59:00.000+06:00

(AT) The LTTE has a history of speaking in parables. When the Tigers say they are willing to talk about the proper implementation of the ceasefire ‘even this minute’ what they mean is that they want to inform the Sri Lankan government what it should do (and must do) to rid Mr. Pirapaharan of his bête-noire, Col. Karuna. more..

Suspect near Minister’s house arrested

2005-09-25T15:55:00.000+06:00

Troops on duty at the LEYARDS roadblock in the general area of BAMBALAPITIYA, COLOMBO 04, arrested another suspicious man on 23 September 2005 around 6.15 p.m. when the person was roaming near Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader, Minister DOUGLES DEVANANDA’s residence.

The arrested person was identified as S. SURALIRAJA of No. 81/01, KASHAYAPA Road, COLOMBO 05. He was handed over to the BAMBALAPITIYA Police station. The BAMBALAPITIYA Police are conducting further investigations.

Sri Lanka Tamil party Leader urges international community to take action against LTTE

2005-08-21T02:00:00.000+06:00

“The time has come for the international community to cry halt to the atrocities of the LTTE..." - TULF Leader

Aug 20, Colombo: The next in-line in the LTTE’s assassination list, Leader of TULF, V. Anandasangaree while claiming that LTTE was virtually controlling both the government areas and its own territory urged the international community to play a major role in the eradication of terrorism and refuse to submit to the threats of terrorist groups.

Calling on world leaders to take united action against Sri Lanka’s Tigers he said “Ceasefire Agreement should be replaced with a new one considering the fact that violations have now exceeded 2500 in number. The LTTE was virtually controlling both the government areas and its own territory although the area behind its own iron curtain was out of bounds to everybody, including the facilitators.”

Mr. Anandasangaree, in a letter to the leaders of several countries and copied to President Chandrika Kumaratunga said, despite the lull following the signing of the truce agreement, hardly a day passed without at least one political opponent or an officer of the intelligence unit getting killed.

Citing the murder of SSP Charles Wijewardena in Jaffna last week, Mr. Anandasangaree said although the attack was blamed on a mob it was obvious the LTTE had hacked the officer to death and thrown away the body.
“There had never been a single murder as brutal as this in Jaffna that can be cited as one parallel to this,” the TULF President’s letter said. According to Mr. Anandasangaree, the LTTE encouraged by the freedom it has enjoyed during the period of the ceasefire agreement has been taking the law into its own hands and acting unilaterally.

“It appears as if the LTTE leader has lost control of his cadres. They create trouble and take cover behind ordinary civilians who are generally innocent and god-fearing,” the letter said.
“The time has come for the international community to cry halt to the atrocities of the LTTE which should now agree to release all the prisoners in their custody, stop conscriptions, extortions, killing of rival groups and close down all their torture camps, dark room detention camps and also allow democracy to prevail in all areas under its control,” the hard-hitting missive says. The TULF President said the LTTE must agree or must be compelled to agree by the united action of the international community to lay down arms and accept federalism as a solution to the country’s ethnic problem.

Karuna and assassinations will be key issues in LTTE-Govt talks

2005-08-21T01:56:00.000+06:00

The planned direct talks between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE on properly implementing the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) are expected to revolve around two related issues. One is the continued assassination of government personnel allegedly by the LTTE, and the other is the alleged government support for Karuna, the LTTE renegade, who is killing LTTE cadres in Eastern Sri Lanka. More:

IS CEASEFIRE TALKS AIMED TO MAP OUT ELIMINATION OF KARUNA GROUP?

2005-08-21T01:51:00.000+06:00

Charles Perera

Mr.A.A.M.Nizam Matara, had correctly prophesied, in his article on the above subject, the reason for the sudden change of heart of the terrorists to have direct talks with the Government in Oslo. And his arguments are well worth to be brought to the notice of the Government and published in National media.

There appears to be no real necessity for talks with the terrorists at this moment when the Karuna faction is active in a gradual elimination of the LTTE. Karuna is giving a good challenge to LTTE. The LTTE’s and their Norwegian Champions’ talk about slipping into war is a bluff, that the Government should not fall into. More:

Suspected LTTE gunmen shot at civilians and robbed their motorbike

2005-08-21T01:50:00.000+06:00

Two unidentified gunmen, suspected to be LTTE, have shot and injured three civilians including one woman while they were riding on a motorbike in the general area of KATTANKUDY, BATTICALOA on 19 August 2005 around 10.00 p.m.

The three victims, PARIDDIN MOHOMMADU PABRIDIN (17), MEERA SAIBU RAVILAN (60) and LAMILAM SUMEYA (23) were traveling from KATTANKUDY towards Batticaloa on their motorbike when they suddenly came under gunmen’s fire.

According to the victims, the assailants have taken their motorbike away after victims fell off the bike with bleeding injuries due to gunfire. However, some passers by have admitted the injured persons to the BATTICALOA hospital. The BATTICALOA Police are conducting further investigations.

EPDP member shot & killed by LTTE pistol man

2005-08-21T01:49:00.000+06:00

An unidentified LTTE pistol man on motorbike shot and killed a member of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) in the general area of SAMANAMKULAM junction, VAVUNIYA Saturday (20) evening around 6.00 p.m.

According to the Police, the victim, NADARAJAH KESAVAWARMA (25) was killed by an LTTE pistol man while he was riding his foot bike near the SAMANAMKULAM junction.This was the forty-nine Tamil political members who fell victim to LTTE killing spree after the Cease-fire Agreement was signed.

The dead body has been taken to the VAVUNIYA Police mortuary on magistrate’s order.The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was to be informed.The VAVUNIYA Police are conducting investigations.

Four more LTTE cadres surrender

2005-08-21T01:47:00.000+06:00

Four LTTE cadres, who were disappointed about their organization have surrendered to the troops on duty at the OMANTHAI Entry/Exit point on 19 August 2005 around 9.45 a.m..

According to surrendees, LTTE had given them training nearly for two months before the victims ran away from the LTTE.

Surrendered LTTE men were handed over to OMANTHAI Police post for further investigations. They were to be produced before the magistrate shortly. The VAVUNIYA Police are conducting further investigations.

Names and particulars of the surrendees are withheld for obvious security reasons and questioned of human rights.

Mahinda plans to lead anti-terrorism forces: Tamil grievances not due to discrimination by the majority Sinhalese – Prime Minister

2005-08-18T02:11:00.000+06:00

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse will go all out against terrorism and will make an attempt to obtain all the forces against terrorism under his leadership at the next presidential election. He is expected to call for support from several minor political parties representing the southern Sinhala Buddhist voters and the democratic liberal Tamil and Muslim parties at the battle for the top position of the government. [more]

LTTE MOBS REMOVE UN FLAGS AT HALF-MAST

2005-08-18T02:01:00.000+06:00

LTTE mobs numbering over sixty swooped on three major United Nations (UN) compounds at KILINOCHCHI and tried to bring down UN flags flying at half-mast to coincide with the day of National mourning and of the funeral of Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mr. LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR who was tragically assassinated by LTTE snipers on 12 August 2005.

LTTE mobs in KILINOCHCHI at the very outset demanded the UN agencies not to fly the UN flag at half-mast in the UNHCR,UNDP and UNICEF compounds but the UN staff reportedly refused to comply with the group’s demand and went on raising the UN flags as a sign of respect and solidarity at the Nation’s hour of grief.

Unconfirmed reports further said that those LTTE mobs after forcibly removing the UN flags took them away paying no regard to the mission the UN were fulfilling in Sri Lanka and particularly in KILINOCHCHI.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Mr Miguel Bermeo on Tuesday (16) has lodged a strong protest to the LTTE leadership and warned LTTE in the strongest possible terms asking the LTTE to ensure that no such recurrence would occur in the future.

The UN has in a Press Release issued on Tuesday (16) said the UN is disturbed and saddened by the incidents at KILINOCHCHI and reminded the LTTE that they (UN) are here to serve the needs of all the people of Sri Lanka and they (UN) expect that UN staff and property should be respected and protected if they are able to fulfill their mission “In the wake of these incidents, the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka has issued a protest to the LTTE and also requested that the LTTE ensure such incidents do not occur again. The government of Sri Lanka has also been informed accordingly,” the Press Release added.

Ex-LTTE cadre at bus stand arrested

2005-08-18T02:00:00.000+06:00

An ex-LTTE cadre on secret mission was arrested on Monday (15) on suspicion around 4.45 p.m. while he was at VAVUNIYA central bus stand.

Suspicious behaviour of U.K. SURESH KUMAR of ELALE CENTRAL, ELALE, CHUNNAKAM, has prompted his Police arrest.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had worked for LTTE nearly for four years before he left the organization in May 2003 for reasons best known only to him.

He was produced before the courts and remanded until 18 August 2005. The VAVUNIYA Police inquiries are on.

Pre-dawn LTTE attack on EPDP office injures one

2005-08-18T01:58:00.000+06:00

A pre-dawn LTTE grenade attack on JAFFNA Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) office on Wednesday (17) injured one EPDP member who was asleep inside the office.

The EPDP member, AMBARASAN, who received injuries to his left side of the chest was admitted to the JAFFNA hospital. In the recent past, many EPDP political offices in the north and east came under LTTE grenade attacks causing damages and injuries to political activists.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission was to be informed. The JAFFNA Police are conducting investigations.

TRO men & two others with huge sums of money arrested

2005-08-18T01:54:00.000+06:00

Four men, said to be connected to the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), which is operating as a front Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) on behalf of the LTTE were arrested with a large sum of money when they tried to enter un-cleared areas across the KADDAIPARICHAN Entry/Exit point, TRINCOMALEE on 16 August 2005 around 6.00 p.m.

Troops recovered a sum of Rs. 25 lakhs (US $ 25,000) and two TRO Identity Cards from the possession of W. NAGULESHWARAM and S. WIJEKUMAR of KILINOCHCHI and THOPPUR who were on a private bus heading for SAMPOOR from MUTTUR.

Those suspects have further failed to account for the purpose of taking such a colossal sum of money into the un-cleared areas. At the time of their arrest, two more men, R. RAVICHANDRAN and S. RAJESHKHAN who were near the same bus were also arrested by the troops on suspicion as their Identity Cards indicated that they were also from the TRO.

However, those suspects were handed over to MUTTUR Police, the same evening. Meanwhile, just after an hour of that incident in MUTTUR, another two Tamil men carrying Rs. 175,000/= (US $ 1750) were arrested on suspicion by troops at the same entry/exit point around 7.00 p.m. The suspects, T. KENESWARAM and A. THILAKANANDAN, claimed to be members from an organization called “Village People’s Development Organization” were handed over to MUTTUR Police along with the recoveries. The MUTTUR Police station are conducting investigations.

Men near EPDP Minister’s house arrested!

2005-08-18T01:52:00.000+06:00

Two suspicious men, who were loitering near the residence of Hon. Minister DOUGLAS DEVANANDA who is on top of the LTTE hit list were arrested by alert troops on duty at ELIBANK roadblock in the general area of BAMBALAPITIYA, COLOMBO 6 around 1.50 p.m. on Tuesday (16).

Arrested persons, MURUGESU KUMARA and K. PARAMADOSI from JAFFNA were handed over to Police.

The BAMBALAPITIYA Police are conducting investigations.

Killing is a ceasefire violation - Norwegian monitors

2005-08-13T15:19:00.000+06:00

President Chandrika kumaratunge had declared a state of emergency after the assasination of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. the minister had been shot dead in the capital, Colombo.

US secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice had condemned the killing of Sri Lankan foreign minister. In a statement issued by the Canadian foreign ministry, the assassination was described as an unconscionable act against a member of the Sri Lankan government.
The acting head of the Sri Lanka ceasefire monitoring commission, Hagrup Haukland, has described the assassination as a ceasefire violation. He also told the BBC the killing would have a heavy impact on Sri Lanka's fragile peace process.

Mr Kadirgamar, 73, underwent emergency surgery after the shooting, but doctors were unable to save him, officials say. Police said the minister was shot near his heavily-guarded home in the city by an unidentified attacker.

There was no early word on the motive for the attack, but correspondents say suspicion is likely to fall on the Tamil Tiger separatist rebels.

Kadirgamar Killing is a heinous act - India

2005-08-13T15:18:00.000+06:00

India has expressed its deep sorrow and profound grief on the brutal assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar last night. A statement issued in New Delhi says "India learnt with deep sorrow and profound grief of the brutal assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar a long standing friend of India.

This has been a heinous act and we condemn it unreservedly. We hope the perpetrators of this terrorist crime will be brought to justice"

India also expressed hope that people in Sri Lanka would rise to the occasion to defeat the forces that trying to undermine the unity and the political stability of Sri Lanka. India says the country would stand by Sri Lanka at all times.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expected to call President Kumaratunga at 1.00 p.m Sri Lanka time to express his condolences.

It is a vicious act of terror- US Secretary of State

2005-08-13T15:17:00.000+06:00

US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar is a sensless murder and a vicious act of terror. In a statement issued Secretary Rice says " I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. This senseless murder was a vicious act of terror, which the United States strongly condemns. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Kadirgamar's family and to his friends and colleagues in Sri Lanka who will miss him greatly. I last met Foreign Minister Kadirgamar this June. He was a man of dignity, honor and integrity, who devoted his life to bringing peace to Sri Lanka. Together, we must honor his memory by re-dedicating ourselves to peace and ensuring that the Cease-Fire remains in force.

Kadirgamar a hero of our times - President Chandrika Kumaratunghe.

2005-08-13T15:16:00.000+06:00

President Chandrika Kumaratunga was deeply saddened to learn of the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar late last night. While condemning this act of terror the President states that her Government will not be bowed by such heinous acts of violence and will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.

A state of National Emergency has been declared to facilitate enhanced security measures and effective investigations of this act of wanton terror.

Lakshman Kadirgamar was a national leader who combined intellectual vigour, political courage and personal integrity of the highest calibre. He was deeply committed to a political settlement that upholds pluralism and democracy within a united Sri Lanka. During the eleven year tenure of his leadership of Sri Lankan foreign policy, the nation achieved incomparable success in its international relations, which culminated in the LTTE being proscribed in many foreign countries.

He was a hero of our times. He waged a relentless struggle against terrorism in all its forms, despite continuous threats to his life.

Lakshman Kadirgamar was felled by political foes opposed to the peaceful transformation of conflict and who were determined to undermine attempts towards a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict.

President Kumaratunga shares in the sorrow and extends to Ms.Kadirgamar and members of Minister Kadirgamar's family her personal and the nation's deepest sympathies at this time of grief. The President has declared a period of national mourning in honour of the late Minister.

The President today appointed a funeral committee headed by Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake. The President appeals for calm and restraint in the face of this grave and cowardly attack on Sri Lanka.

HON. FOREIGN MINISTER KADIRGAMAR SHOT AND KILLED

2005-08-13T15:12:00.000+06:00

Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR, one of the most illustrious sons of Sri Lanka was seriously wounded and killed after suspected sniper gunman directed fire at his residence from a distance outside his COLOMBO residence late Friday evening at about 10.30 p.m..

Hon. Foreign Minister who has been very outspoken against LTTE terror tactics died in hospital after he was seriously wounded in his chest while he was inside his compound.

For the last several years LTTE terrorists have been targeting the life of Mr. L. KADIRGAMAR because he was vehemently opposed to the division of this island nation. Following the shooting a massive security operation has been launched by the Police and Security Forces in and around COLOMBO with a view to arresting assassins.

All residents in and around COLOMBO are kindly requested to remain indoor unless there is an urgent requirement until the security operation is over.

Early this month two Tamils suspected to be from LTTE were arrested while they were gathering information on movements of the slain Hon. Foreign Minister. As this report was being filed, Security Forces and the Police in COLOMBO have been placed on alert. Special Police teams have been rushed to the scene for investigations.

Top sea tiger brigade retreat in fear of Karuna

2005-08-05T14:43:00.000+06:00

[5th Friday 11.45am]

Sea tiger brigade of wanni tiger organization deployed at Werugal in Batticaloa has been withdrawn in fear of an attack from Karuna faction of the tiger organization. Karuna faction launched all out attacks on wanni tiger camps at Aithivil and Wadukmune.

Other than the aforementioned areas Werugal was the only other area where wanni tigers had considerable influence in the Eastern Province. Werugal is an area between Trincomalee and Batticaloa and was important for wanni tigers for their sea undertakings.

After the attacks at Aithivel and Wadukmune, Werugal has become vulnerable and wanni tiger leadership has decided to withdraw the brigade fearing an onslaught by Karuna faction.

Task force’ head, intelligence deputy desert LTTE?

2005-08-05T14:39:00.000+06:00

Daily Mirror by Sunil Jayasiri - 04.08.2005

In an apparent setback to the LTTE, a senior LTTE leader and the head of its special task force has reportedly deserted the organization along with deputy LTTE head of the Jaffna intelligence unit, military sources said.

They said senior leader Mahengi who holds the rank of ‘colonel’ in the LTTE had informed the LTTE leadership a few weeks ago that he wanted to get medical treatment from the Apollo Hospital in Colombo. Later it was revealed that he had fled the country deserting the LTTE, making the LTTE vulnerable as he was well informed of almost all important LTTE intelligence matters.

Jaffna’s deputy intelligence head Mudy Arasan has also reportedly deserted the organization and it is believed that he had accompanied Mahengi. Mahengi had deserted at a time when the LTTE had launched a recruitment drive to recruit youth to the LTTE’s elite special task force. More:

Supreitendent of Police hacked to death by LTTE in Jaffna

2005-08-05T14:34:00.000+06:00

The Police Superintendent who went to the scene to negotiate peace with the protesters after the killing of the saloon employee in Jaffna, was forcefully kidnapped by the LTTE and hacked to death by the LTTE around 7 pm today (04-08-05).

Police superintendent Charles Vijayawarthana went to make peace with the LTTE protesters burning tires on the streets and disturbing the normalcy in the area. While he was talking he was quickly kidnapped and taken into a small boutique near by and locked up. The army surrounded the boutique and tried to get the Police Superintendent released. But they were told that Vijayawarthana would be released only after the LTTE in-charge of Jaffna, Ilamparuthy arrives. Therefore the army which was at the scene believed the deceiving LTTE and waited patiently.

In the meantime the LTTE had taken the Police Superintendent out of the boutique through the back door and taken him to a house about 100 yards from the scene. There, the LTTE in charges, Eeswaran, Sutharsan and the others had cut him and killed the Police Supreintendent.
The latest news report says that the forces have recovered the slain body of the Police Superintendent from the house and taken it to the Palaly Hospital.

Once again the Sinhala forces trusted the LTTE’s words and waited for them to act in a humanitarian manner, but the LTTE are inhuman and they have once again proved that they cannot be trusted. Political observers say that the LTTE is trying its very best to provoke the forces and start a war. This has been the trait of the LTTE for decades!

Suspicious movements of tigers in the estates

2005-08-05T14:31:00.000+06:00

Eight suspected Tigers have been taken in to custody by the Badulla police.

These persons have been arrested owing to the suspicious behaviour when they stay in Atampitiya estate near Badulla. When questioned they have not been able to reveal a fair reason for their coming long way from their residing areas as revealed, Kallar and Potuwil. A person called Nadesan who earlier been in custody for the affiliation to blasting a bomb was identified as the leader of this group. Security establishments in the area have revealed that the Wanni tigers are interested in provoking the estate tamil community for the purposes of their cause for a separate Ealam homeland.

CID to reinterrogate 'suspects'.

2005-07-31T03:12:00.000+06:00

The CID has decided to reinterrogate the suspect who have been taken into custody in connection with the assassination of the head of the Army Intelligence Crops, Major Tuwan Nizam Muthalif.

The Interrogations will be based on the clues that have surfaced thus far. According the CID has sought permission from Colombo magistrate women Tiger carder Rajarathnam Saraswathi, alias Uma first.

The Magistrate has granted permission to interrogate the suspect from today to 5th of next month.

Tigers find a Trojan Horse

2005-07-31T03:10:00.000+06:00

Four hardcore tiger carders have been killed at aiththamalei in the Vaunathiue area in batticoloa last everning. A group of seven had been together carrying on political work in the area. Three of them had been planted by Karuna faction. It is alluded at the four Tiger carders had been killed by the members Karuna faction.

after killing the four Tigers Karunas men had join Karunas faction again with the weapons of the murdered Tigers among the weapons there were LMGs and T-56 riffles.

The sources in the East say that Wanni Tiger organization is perturbed over the incident as they find difficult to know enemies among them.

Norwegian DFM here on 4th

2005-07-31T03:08:00.000+06:00

Norwegian deputy foreign minister is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka. According to Norwegian embassy sources he will be in Sri Lanka on the 4th of next month.

He is expected to pay special attention to the present situation of peace process and will examine post-tsunami development projects aided by Norway. Norwegian deputy foreign minister will be in Sri Lanka until the 7th and during his stay he will have meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and leaders of wanni tiger organization.

Tiger intelligence chief missing

2005-07-29T16:44:00.000+06:00

It has been reported that a head of an intelligence unit of wanni tiger organization has disappeared. The disappeared intelligence chief is Moody Arafan, who was in charge of tiger intelligence unit in Jaffna. He has been missing for several days.

Two special groups of wanni tigers have arrived in Jaffna from Vavuniya to look for the missing intelligence chief. They had launched a search operation in Jaffna during the past few days but have not been successful in finding out the whereabouts of the intelligence chief.

Mahinda is SLFP presidential candidate

2005-07-29T15:40:00.000+06:00

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse was officially declared as the presidential candidate of the SLFP.

Announcing this Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, General Secretary of the SLFP said all six members of the Central Committee of the SLFP had approved the selection. Mr. Rajapakse's name was proposed by the President.

SLFP has named Mr. Anura Bandaranayke as the candidate for Prime Minister's post. Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse was born in 1945. He is a son of Mr. D.M. Rajapakse. He entered Parliament as a MP in 1970 as the youngest MP to enter Parliament. He held several portfolios in SLFP and PA governments.

2005-07-28T23:44:00.000+06:00

LTTE shoot down EPDP member in Jaffna
One of the EPDP's long time member, Suliyampillai Nixon (aged 22) of Potpathy, Kudathanai, Vada Maratchi was shot down today afternoon, about 12.30 p.m. by the LTTE pistol gang while he was engaged in a political activity near Peoples Bank at Stanley Street, Jaffna

Comrade Nixon became another victim of the Fascist LTTE. He was a contestant at the Point Pedro Pradesiya Saba in Vadamaratchi and was serving untiringly during the Tsunamis devastation helping the affected in many ways.

2005-07-28T14:42:00.000+06:00

Scores of teenagers abducted by LTTE exposed

Three more abducted teenage LTTE cadres deserted ranks with the organization and surrendered to the C-1 Security point at old jetty in NEIDANAGAR, MUTTUR on Tuesday (26) around 7.15 a.m. in search of protection for their lives.

Those teenagers have been abducted by LTTE on 21st July 2005 while they were performing religious rites at the MURUGAN KOVIL at PANICHCHANKERNI and subsequently taken to LTTE camp at SAMPOOR for weapon training, according to confessions made by the surrendees.

All three victims of sixteen and seventeen years of age from PANICHCHANKERNI area in BATTICALOA are students at a leading school in BATTICALOA. Information further confirmed that their parents who went to the LTTE office in search of their teenagers were chased away by LTTE men, denying any knowledge of their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, reports received by the Security Forces in BATTICALOA reaffirmed that following eleven teenage students from ERAVUR, CHENKALADY, KALUWANCHIKUDY, BATTICALOA and MANDOOR- 03 areas have been abducted by LTTE for conscription on the dates mentioned against their names.

1. Nesathurai Vinodaraj (17) (31 May 2005)

2. Kumarasami Siyamalan (15) (16 July 2005)

3. Nesathuri Ramesh (15) (31 May 2005)

4. Kaneshan Kadiresan (17) (16 July 2005)

5. Maheswaran Kaliyugan (15) (24 July 2005)

6. Kanaganayagam Sudarshan (17) (16 July 2005)

7. Kunam Janarhanan (17) (23 May 2005)

8. Devendran Jegan (17) (16 July 2005)

9. Thiyagaraja Arulsivam (16) (05 May 2005)

10. Kanagasabai Vinodraj (17) (16 July 2005)

11. Kunarattinam Raguraj (17) (16 July 2005)

All those abductions have been brought to the notice of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) by the Security Forces.

LTTE killing spree claims one more EPDP political rival

LTTE’s uninterrupted cycle of violence was repeated on Tuesday night (26) when LTTE pistol men shot and killed another political rival of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) while he was riding on a push bicycle in the general area of BATTICALOA.

The pistol shot - riddled corpse of the EPDP member, PANNIRAA GEORGE alias PAKYA RASA RAMESH (27), was later recovered by the Police this morning after information was received.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased working in the CHENKALADY EPDP office has reportedly left his home on his push bicycle around 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday night (26) on some undisclosed business when his life was snatched by LTTE pistol men.

Later, his dead body with five pistol shots fired at his forehead and the backside was found lying in a lonely spot in the bazaar today (27) around 6.30 a.m. It has been further confirmed that the victim’s own brother SABESAN and his brother-in-law, ANTON are also active members of the EPDP. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was to be informed. The BATTICALOA Police are conducting investigations.

Tigers abducted 4700 children – UNICEF

According to the statistics they had received the Wanni Tiger organization has recruited 4700 children for combat training during the past few years says UNICEF. However, this number could be more and on pressure applied on the tiger organization by UNICEF about 3000 children have been released.Tiger organization has not abandoned recruiting child soldiers and in the previous week alone they had abducted 38 children from Batticaloa for armed training says UNICEF.

Wanni Tigers are fleeing the East

Wanni tigers are fleeing the Eastern Province on account of the increasing attacks on them by Wanni faction of the tiger organization. In an attack launched yesterday at Wakare on a fleeing wanni tigers in a tractor, 20 tigers are said to have died.

In addition several strongmen of the wanni tiger organization in the Eastern Province were targeted by Karuna faction during the last few days.

Among them were members of the tiger intelligence unit. Under these circumstances they have informed the Wanni tiger leaders that they were unable to remain in the Eastern Province say reports from the East.

LTTE backed agitators want LTTE suspects released

An LTTE instigated agitation with a group of about 20 – 25 men in front of the Court complex at TRINCOMALEE Tuesday (26) morning demanded the release of the two LTTE accused produced before the Court in connection with the grenade attack on the Army at GHANDINAGAR junction on 13 July 2005 injuring one Army officer and ten soldiers.

However, the suspect, NAGAPPA VIJEKUMAR (28) was further remanded until 05 August 2005 but the suspect, WEERAPPA KRISHNA KUMAR (32) was released on bail by the TRINCOMALEE Magistrate. The case was to be taken up for hearing on 05 August 2005. The group dispersed after about three hours.

LTTE rival clashes kill one more youngster

One more Tamil youngster, alleged to have been an LTTE cadre of the PRABHAKARAN faction succumbed to his pistol shot injuries on Tuesday midnight after another suspected LTTE cadre of a rival faction fired at him on DAM street, a suburb of COLOMBO.

According to information, the victim, KRISHNAPILLAI KIRIBARATHNAM (26) of SITTANDIKUDY, BATTICALOA, was a boarder at the MOHOMMED lodge at No 25, HUSENIYA street, COLOMBO 12 when the unidentified LTTE pistol man entered his room and fired at him at close range. The victim has however fled his room and run for his life with bleeding injuries while the assassin got away after taking his target.

He was subsequently admitted to the COLOMBO general hospital with 5 pistol shots on his neck but the victim succumbed to his injuries while medical treatment was being administered. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was to be informed. The KESELWATTA Police are conducting investigations.

Mahinda is SLFP Presidential candidate!

2005-07-28T02:25:00.000+06:00

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse has been named as the SLFP candidate for the Presidential Election. This has been recommended by the committee appointed by the President.

A lengthy discussion between the President and the members of the committee took place yesterday regarding the appointment. According to internal sources of the SLFP Mr. Rajapakse has been given the ticket as the candidate for the Presidency on condition that Mr. Anura Bandaranayke should be given the candidature for the Prime Minister.

The Central committee of the SLFP is to meet tomorrow. It will be held under the chairmanship of the President in President's House at 10.00 a.m. The candidatures of Mr. Rajapakse and Mr. Bandaranayke will be proposed by the President and the CC is expected to approve the two names.

AS UN ADOPTS RESOLUTION, PARENTS UP IN ARMS AGAINST LTTE CHILD ATROCITIES

2005-07-28T01:27:00.000+06:00

Scores of irate Tamil parents in the general area of VALACHCHENAI on Wednesday (27) morning gathered at the SANDIVELI Government School to explicitly show their opposition and revulsion against LTTE’s continuing spree of abductions and conscription of their children.

Over 50 parents of students joined the agitation for about three hours prompting school authorities to close down the school, most apparently in fear of LTTE reprisals. Wednesday’s open contempt and revulsion of the parents came in the wake of an unanimous resolution adopted at the UN Security Council on Tuesday (26) to monitor nations or rebel groups that kill, maim and sexually abuse children in war zones or recruit them as soldiers.

OLARA OTUNNU, the UN official in charge of tracking children in war zones said that the resolution would monitor nations or rebel groups operating in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.

The Security Council is deeply concerned over the lack of overall progress on the ground, where parties to conflict continue to violate with impunity….. International Law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict. Abductions are becoming widespread and brazen, as we have witnessed, in Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nepal, the resolution says.

The UN Security Council also foresees a UN- led task force, to be established in phases, that would encourage the council to take action against the perpetrators. “Today, as never before, we have the necessary norms, institutions and means to realize the “era of application” for the protection of all children exposed to armed conflict,” OTUNNU said in a statement.

2005-07-27T03:15:00.000+06:00

Co-chairs give the silent nod for LTTE to violate Ceasefire Agreement: Peace talks falter again

Colombo, 26 July, (Asiantribune.com): Right now it appears that the positions taken by the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE are hardening on both sides, leaving the Norwegians facilitators no room for a breakthrough.

In Colombo President Chandrika Kumaratunga met the four Colombo-based diplomats of the Co-Chairs – USA, EU, Japan and Norway – together with the High Commissioner of UK, S. N. Evans yesterday and asked them to “exert more pressure on the LTTE” to honour the terms and conditions of the Ceasefire Agreement. Asiantribune:

LTTE agent among 4 held in Rameswaram.

RAMANATHAPURAM: The sleuths of ‘Q’ branch, led by Inspector Thiagarajan, arrested four persons, including an agent of the LTTE and a Sri Lankan national, when they were trying to flee Rameswaram on Sunday. Police said the team conducted raids in Rameswaram island based on a tip-off and noticed the four roaming at Devil’s Point near Olaikuda under suspicious circumstances.

They were intercepted and later identified as Anandhraj alias Jaya, a Sri Lankan national, Teniston, an agent of the LTTE, Balamurugan of Sivaganga and ‘Katta’ Nambu of Rameswaram. Teniston is reported to have been in direct link with LTTE and had been a supplier of goods for the terrorist outfit for several years.

The police department had been on the lookout for him for many years.It is said Balamurugan was involved in stealing two-wheelers and selling the engines to Teniston who, in turn, supplied them to the LTTE. The four have been handed over to Rameswaram town police.

Two dead bodies found

Two dead bodies have been found from Manipuram area in Jaffna. The bodies discovered at 6.00 a.m. have been identified as that of Kumaraswamy Padmakaran of Kotahena, Colombo and Subramanium Kokula of Chawakachcheri.

A photograph of Prabhakaran had been found in a pocket of Kumaraswamy Padmakaran. Police suspect that the murders had been committed by Karuna faction of the tiger organization.

Tigers apprehended with illicit goods

In a search operation conducted in Nagar Kovil sea limits S.L. Navy was able to apprehend a large volume of illicit goods from a craft.

The three people who had been with the owner of the craft have been identified as tiger members. The three tiger members were arrested for transporting illicit goods, they were produced before a magistrate and then remanded.

10 Tigers killed in attack by Karuna faction

In a claymore bomb attack on a group of wanni tigers traveling in a tractor by members of Karuna faction killed ten and injured five. The incident had occurred in an un-cleared area at Wakare in Batticaloa. Members of Karuna faction had taken away the weapons of the wanni tigers.

Meanwhile, three children who had escaped from Sampur camp of the wanni tiger organization surrendered to Navy at Muttur. The children who are in the age group between 16 and 18 say they fled the LTTE camp as they couldn't bear the torture and other cruelty meted out to the children who are being detained in the camp for military training. The children will be produced before Trincomalee Magistrate on the 27th. All children are residents of Wakare.

Prabhakaran pushed us towards war - Karuna Amman.

2005-07-26T02:18:00.000+06:00

Giving opportunities for the wanni tiger organization to participate in reconstruction programmes will not bring any relief to tsunami affected people in the North and the East says V. Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman, leader of TMVP. He has expressed this in an interview he has had with 'Thamil Alai', the official organ of TMVP.

Karuna Amman says he didn't oppose getting relief to people in the North and the East. However, handing over that work to Prabhakaran and party would not bring any relief to the people he has said. Karuna Amman has said he totally rejects the wanni tiger allegations that he was having links with the government security forces.

He further said that tiger organization had obstructed the right of the Tamil political leaders in the North and the East to express their views freely. Karuna Amman says that he has a large number of combatants; when he left wanni tiger organization 5600 combatants left with him; they never had any need to make war but Prabhakaran and other leaders of wanni tiger organization pushed them towards military action.

He said his party will take action to minimize the murders committed by wanni tigers in the Eastern Province and whatever was said the decision he took to leave tiger organization is appreciated by the people in the East added Karuna Amman.

Anandasangaree says signing the Ceasefire Agreement was 'a most foolish act'!

2005-07-25T14:25:00.000+06:00

While criticising the Sri Lanka government, the opposition and Ceasefire monitors, TULF leader V. Anandasangaree said that signing the Ceasefire Agreement was "a most foolish act", as it has allowed the LTTE to take control of Jaffna in the guise of conducting political work.

Speaking at a dinner meeting organised by the Sinhala Association in London recently, the TULF leader said the LTTE has killed over 350 individuals and committed over 3000 violations since the Ceasefire Agreement was signed.

“Yet the government, the opposition and the SLMM have not condemned this,” he said, adding that it only encouraged the Tigers to act at will. The TULF leader said he had not received any reply when he asked Erik Solheim whether he had been allowed to go beyond the ‘iron curtain’ in Kilinochchi and see the detention and torture centres where many Tamils are being held incommunicado.

“There are hundreds of Tamils in these torture chambers,” Anandasangaree said. “I have a duty to liberate my people. During the tsunami tragedy I was able to go from Panadura to the deep south. But I am unable to visit my electorate in Jaffna.”

He also claimed that after the tsunami, there was no need for a Joint Mechanism. But if the government insisted, it should first get the LTTE to stop all killings, stop the abduction and recruitment of children, and introduce democracy to the area, he argued.

“Tamils want a united Sri Lanka. I am against a separate state. India will not tolerate it. We all want one Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Anandasangaree

The condition of Ellalan is critical!

2005-07-25T14:22:00.000+06:00

It has been revealed that Ellalan, tiger leader of the political wing of Eastern Province is in a critical condition.

Ellalan was ailing for sometime and when his condition became serious tiger organization had asked security from the Army to take him to Wanni. According to sources Army had provided security for Ellalan to be taken to Wanni.

Rift in wnni tiger organization?

2005-07-25T14:20:00.000+06:00

A conflict has arisen between tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and its intelligence chief Pottu Amman say internal sources of the tiger organization.

At a time when the tiger leader had taken a strategically important step of signing for P-TOMS in order to get international aid and recognition for his organization, Pottu Amman’s decision to intensify killing of intelligence officers of the security forces would hinder his attempts fear the tiger leader.

The order given for a temporary lull in the killings has gone unheeded say these sources adding that it had distanced the leader and his intelligence chief.

-Lanka Truth-

Tigers ‘intensifying child recruitment’

2005-07-25T14:06:00.000+06:00

The United Nations say Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tigers are intensifying child recruitment. The UNICEF office in Colombo said that the LTTE has recruited 28 children during July despite repeated pledges to stop child recruitment.
According to the UNICEF, there have only been 18 cases in June.
The agency says every time they raise the issue, the Tigers promise to ‘look into’ the matter, but kept recruiting under-age cadres.
“Not every one is forcefully recruited. Some do join the LTTE voluntarily,” Jeffrey Key, communications officer for UNICEF told BBC’s Ethirajan Anbarasan.
“But the child recruitment needs to stop.”
The spokesman said the current no-war, no-peace situation in Sri Lanka make it difficult to find a permanent solution to the problem.
“It is going to be very difficult to see child recruitment ends once and for all without an active peace process going on.”

-The Lanka Academic-

AI appeal : ‘Save Lankans in Saudi’

2005-07-24T14:58:00.000+06:00

AI says if the King chooses to ratify the sentences, three Sri Lankans may be executed at any time. More

Army Intelligence Chief stripped of his duties

2005-07-24T14:54:00.000+06:00

Army Intelligence Chief, Hendra Witharana has been suspended from carrying out the duties entrusted to him. Security sources say that he has not been expelled from his post. One officer named Chithra De Silva has been appointed to discharge his duties.

Security analysts are of the view that stripping an efficient officer of the caliber of Hendra Witharana of his duties will result in a setback in intelligence operations. These security sources also say that Wanni Tigers Organisation had issued death threats to the Intelligence Chief, Hendra Witharana.

Army Intelligence members had made requests that they should be given military training in view of the ongoing wave of killings of their members by the Wanni Tigers Organisation. But Army authorities had told them that they should remain inside the camps for their own protection.

Political wing leader of the Wanni Tigers Organisation, Tamil Selvam also had told that Army Intelligence Units should be disarmed.

Indian Deputy High Commissioner's car stolen

2005-07-24T14:52:00.000+06:00

The vehicle of the Deputy Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka has been stolen. This happened when the Deputy High commissioner was returning from Kandy with his family after a visit to Kandy.

Deputy High commissioner and party had gone to a hotel at Ambepussa. Later, when the driver had come near the car, two armed men had pushed the driver aside and driven away the car. This has happened yesterday at about 10.45 a.m.

No one has been taken into custody on the incident. A special police team has been assigned for investigation say the police.

British Police suspend LTTE fund raising event!

2005-07-24T14:40:00.000+06:00

The LTTE Cricket Festival – a money spinning razzmatazz following pressure being put on the authorities. The Metropolitan Police have refused to allow the fun-fare to go ahead. The organisers of the event is British Tamil Association (BTA) the name sake organisation of the LTTE. This organisation formally called itself the United Tamil Organisation (UTO). UTO would up when the LTTE was proscribed. A news face in the name of BTA was given to hoodwink everyone by the LTTE.

The Cricket festival was supposed to be held in the Park Grounds belonging to the Guildford Borough Council om 31 July 2005 (Monday-Bank holiday in UK). The combination of various factors made the police to clamp down the on the LTTE’s razzmatazz.

LTTE conduct on the Tamil civilian population in the UK and those who travel to the north of Sri Lanka.
Gang violence which caused heavy cost to the police in the region of £80,000 during 2003 cricket festival.
The government gathering more information about the nefarious activities of the LTTE.
The recent bombings in London by the Islamic extremists in London which has necessitated the government to clamp down on groups like BTA.

The LTTE spins about £300,000 by hosting this annual thamasha.
It is becoming clear that LTTE operatives will come under surveillance of the intelligence in the UK.

Ceasefire violations!

2005-07-24T14:38:00.000+06:00

SLMM estimates that received complaints are only a part of the actual Ceasefire violations. The numbers below should be examined with that in mind...Report

Political Killings and Rituals of Unreality!

2005-07-23T02:36:00.000+06:00

University Teachers for Human Rights (Jaffna)
Sri Lanka
UTHR(J)
Information Bulletin No. 38

Date of Release: 21st July 2005

1. Introduction

Months before violence in eastern Sri Lanka grew so acute that even the most optimistic reading pointed to the possibility of war; assassination of the LTTE’s perceived opponents was already a daily affair. Now the killing of armed and unarmed rivals in the Tamil community has been joined by targeted attacks on security forces personnel. At the same time state agencies seem to be trying to counter the targeting of intelligence operatives with reprisal killings of their own. Whatever the new level of threat, the LTTE leadership must be feeling very vulnerable. And as always when cornered, it lashes out.

Ordinary Tamils in the areas unaffected by escalating violence between the LTTE Vanni faction and Karuna’s forces cling to the hope that somehow the “normalcy” resulting from three years without open warfare can be maintained. They are beyond caring about how the absence of war is sustained as long as they are left alone. After two decades of being wedged in between armed forces, the notion that they could have a real democratic voice in their future seems absurd. And yet it is this very lack of voice which will doom any peace effort. Even at a basic humanitarian level, the North-East of Sri Lanka is unique among tsunami-hit regions for the systematic violence resorted to by supposed representatives for draconian control over aid and the victims. More:

Protest against tiger killings!

2005-07-22T02:12:00.000+06:00

A protest campaign was held in Polonnaruwa against the murders of security personnel committed by wanni tiger organization. The protest campaign was held on the day of the funeral of Private Sumith Kumara who was gunned down by the wanni tigers in Batticaloa.

Private Sumith Kumara was a resident of Athugalpura in Polonnaruwa. A large number of people participated for the protest campaign. The shops in the area too had been closed as a protest for the assassinations. The protestors demanded that immediate action should be taken to stop killing of security personnel by wanni tigers.

LTTE child abduction spree continues.

2005-07-22T02:08:00.000+06:00

By Udara SoysaTwo school boys of age fourteen and sixteen became the latest victims of LTTE child abduction yesterday.N.Yuddan and P. Ajanthan from Unnarkula Road, Chenkalady were kidnapped by alleged LTTE members at their paddy field , according to the complain made by the affected family.More: Lanka Muslims.com

Tsunami relief centre bombed in Sri Lanka; three wounded

2005-07-22T02:04:00.000+06:00

Colombo, (PTI): Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels today attacked a tsunami refugee camp in eastern Sri Lanka, wounding two elite special task force commandos and a police constable.

Military officials said the attackers lobbed a grenade into the sentry point at the Akkaraipattu tsunami relief centre today, wounding two special task force commandos and a police constable. There were, however, no casualties among civilians.
It was the second attack in a week against a tsunami relief centre in the troubled eastern province where security forces have been placed on high alert.
There was a similar attack on a security post at the Muslim town of Muttur eight days ago. Nine civilians, including a four-year-old girl, were hurt in that attack.
The victims were survivors of December's tsunami disaster, which killed more than 31,000 people in Sri Lanka and initially displaced a million.
The latest attack came a day after the Tigers warned that a truce brokered by Norway was at "grave risk" of collapsing even as the Colombo Government said it had no intention of returning to war.

London Blasts CauseTube Chaos!

2005-07-22T01:59:00.000+06:00

Four minor explosions spark the closure of London's Tube network, two weeks after the suicide attacks:BBC

GOSL surpasses TALEBANS

2005-07-17T14:39:00.000+06:00

Since The Taleban approved removal through destruction the world famous Bahamian Buddha Statues, a similar act was credited to the Government of Sri Lanka(GOSL) elected by the Sinhala Buddhist voter. The GOSL got rid of the statue of Lord Buddha in Omanthai on the ‘orders’ of the LTTE terrorists.

Despite this Statue being placed 5 years ago in an established Archaeological site and venerated by the majority of the populace and safeguarded by the constitution (9th clause –The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(I)(e).!

This is the first recorded instance in the world where a legally elected government removed an icon of its Sate religion due to a terrorists’ demand said a JHU spokesman. Full Story

TNA MPs summoned to Kilinochchi.

2005-07-17T14:36:00.000+06:00

The political wing leader of the Wanni Tigers Organisation, Tamil Selvam has called all TNA MPs to Kilinochchi for a meeting due to be held today at the Tigers’ peace Secretariat.

Government’s refusal to provide additional security to Tigers will receive more attention at this meeting. TNA MPs will be briefed here about how they should act within and outside the parliament in harmony with the decisions taken by the Tigers Organisation.

Tigers’ response to the government’s refusal to provide additional security to Tigers is due to be conveyed to the government through TNA MPs.

Grenade attack on Mayor’s residence.

2005-07-17T14:34:00.000+06:00

A hand grenade landed on the residence of the Mayor of the Dehiwala Galkissa Municipal Council. The attack came day before yesterday night, but no one was hurt.

The residence and a vehicle have suffered damages. The Mayor says that at the time of the attack he and a few officials were inside the house. He says that the crisis over the disposal of garbage could be the motive for the attack.

UNP MP to be questioned on murder of Maj. Muthalif

2005-07-17T14:32:00.000+06:00

A Parliamentarian of the UNP is to be questioned regarding the murder of Maj. Muthalif say CID sources. According to these sources the brother of the UNP Member has had connections with Wanni tiger organization.

It has been revealed that he also has had close connection with Sanjeewa, the media person of the UNP who is remanded regarding the murder of Maj. Muthalif. According to CID sources the UNP media person Sanjeewa had used letter heads of the Deputy leader of the UNP in his dealings regarding the murder.

Civilian killed over civil dispute.

2005-05-07T21:32:00.000+06:00

A dead body of a civilian from the general area of CHEDDIKULAM was recovered Friday evening (06) while it was lying on a wayside along with his motorbike.

The murder, believed to have been carried out by his adversaries over a civil dispute was being investigated by CHEDDIKULAM Police Station.

The victim, KANDAIYA MALINIGAM (55) of UNIT 14, VARIKUTTURUWA was found dead with serious cut injuries caused to his neck.

Karuna Faction kills 4 hardcore Wanni Tigers.

2005-05-07T04:07:00.000+06:00

Four leading Intelligence cadres of the Wanni Tigers Organisation have been abducted and killed by Karuna Faction at Kudapokuna North in Welikanda.

Among them were two leaders of the Intelligence Wing of the Wanni Tigers. It has been confirmed by information received through radio messages that these four have contributed heavily to all the assassinations committed in the East by the Wanni Tigers.

At the time of abduction they have had 10 grenades, four T-56 rifles, two claymore bombs, 300 bullets and a radio set. This haul of weapons have been taken away by Karuna cadres. Security forces have received information that these Intelligence Wing cadres have been abducted through Sinhakanda area in Welikanda.

Among those killed is Madan Master, a high ranker of the Tigers Intelligence Wing and two other cadres named Raju and Dinesh and one other person whose identity has not been established. Security forces have expressed concern that these four may have planned future operations with Intelligence Wing leader of the Tigers Organisation who toured the East recently and they may have been killed after being questioned about their involvement in the killings in the East.

Security sources say that they have received information that these four were killed at Bowaththa in Welikanda.

Reports indicate that with these killings all operations of the Wanni Tigers Organisation in the East are in disarray.

Teenage girl taken in for questioning.

2005-05-07T03:52:00.000+06:00

Soldiers on foot patrol near the Army Headquarters, COLOMBO 03 have taken in a teenage girl for questioning on suspicion after she was found loitering in the area close to the entrance on 05 May 2005 around 7.00 p.m.

Subsequently, eighteen-year old suspect MUTTUSHAMI DAYANI from BATTICALOA was handed over to KOLLUPITIYA Police station for further investigations.

Prisoners want TNA MPs to secure their release.

2005-05-07T03:50:00.000+06:00

Five LTTE remand prisoners in BATTICALOA prison started a fast after climbing on to the roof of the prison around 10.00 a.m. on 05 May 2005 demanding that they be released from detention.

Those prisoners remain remanded on Magisterial orders for different offences related to possession or use of weapons for criminal acts.

Those prisoners further demanded that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarians in BATTICALOA should come forward to get them released.

However, the fast was still continuing.

Youth in his twenties shot dead.

2005-05-07T03:49:00.000+06:00

llet-riddled dead body of an unidentified young man apparently in his twenties was found lying in the general area of KOMMATHUARAI, BATTICALOA on 05 May 2005 around 7.00 p.m.

The Police however sent the remains to ERAVUR hospital The ERAVUR Police are conducting further investigations.

LTTE go on fixing firing targets.

2005-05-07T03:48:00.000+06:00

A group of about 15 LTTE cadres, clad in both civil and LTTE uniforms were seen fixing small pieces of tin sheets on to coconut trees in the general area of KATTAIPARICHCHAN, TRINCOMALEE, approximately 300 meters away from the KATTAIPARICHCHAN Entry/Exit point on 05 May 2005 around 1.55 p.m.

According to a Muslim civilian in the area, he has seen they were carrying T-56 weapons and binoculars while they were engaged in their work.

It is believed that fixing of such tin sheets was to be used for firing targets of the LTTE.

Two LTTE Wanni cadres found dead.

2005-05-07T03:46:00.000+06:00

On information received from a civilian, troops recovered two dead bodies of LTTE PRABHAKARAN cadres from a lonely location in the general area of RANSARATENNA, WELIKANDA this morning (06 May 2005) around 8.00 ‘o’ clock.

The two bullet-ridden dead bodies believed to have been victimized by LTTE KARUNA faction were lying awaiting magisterial proceedings at the time this report was filed.

The VALAICHCHENAI Police are conducting investigations. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was to be informed of the incident.

TRO men caught with over Rs. 18 m

2005-05-05T03:03:00.000+06:00

May 4 (SAMN) Mannar police on Sunday arrested two men, travelling in a Land Rover at the Uylankulam road block, on suspicion, and discovered that they were in possession of Rs. 18,829,000 in cash, a lap top computer, a satelite phone, and two cellular phones. more..

Norway has committed a fraud -Wimal Weerawansa.

2005-05-05T02:58:00.000+06:00

VP parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa making a special statement in the parliament yesterday requested the ministry of foreign affairs to conduct a special investigation about the jeep taken into custody at the Uiyankulama Army check point in Vaunia.

A sum of Rs. 20 million also was taken into custody along with the jeep. This jeep has been given to the TRO of the Wanni Tigers’ Organisation by the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka. It has been registered as an ambulance.

Norwegian Embassy has thereby committed an act of fraud to the Sri Lankan government by offering material support to a terrorist organization. This deserves serious concern of a responsible government. The MP therefore emphasized that a formal investigation should be made immediately into this matter.

I am devoted to establish the JM! Chandrika Kumaratunghe.

2005-05-05T02:53:00.000+06:00

Even the presidency, ministries or political power will be put at risk to create the joint mechanism, president Chandrika Kumaratunga said addressing a seminar of all religious representatives at BMICH, Colombo.

She also said that the JM is not a division of country or danger to national security. Wanni Tigers are an organization that fought for a separate state. They have assassinated even the Tamil citizens to fulfill there goal. That organization of Wanni Tigers have now changed to ask for a joint mechanism to support the tsunami hit population in the north and east. It is an agreement for a demand for lower level position than the ISGA. JM covers only 2km area outside the north and east seashore.

President also added that there had been several organizations prior to the Tamil Tigers. They had Tamil intelligentsia with them. President said that her husband, late Vijaya Kumaratunga also had connections with them. However today what is left to contact is just the tiger organization. President Chandrika Bandaranaike further said that she is compelled to deal with the Tigers even it is a disgusting job.

Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter headed this All Religious Summit and the Hindu, Christian and Hindu religious representatives participated in this event. After the president’s speech the media personnel were removed from the conference hall giving the opportunity for the religious leaders to come up with their opinions. As the media representatives were ordered to go out what were their ideas were not reported.
However the JVP leaders in their May Day stage insisted that if the JM is granted the UPFA government will be no more.

From killing to killing!

2005-05-05T02:48:00.000+06:00

Nirupama Subramanian (The Hindu)

Sri Lankan Tamils must debate how to stop retributive killings in the community, not who's next.

"ONE DAY some gun will silence me and it will not be held by an outsider but by the son born in the womb of this very society, from a woman with whom my history is shared," wrote Rajani Thiranagama in 1989, a few months before she was killed in Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka. More:http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/04/stories/2005050404401100.htm

Child hit by LTTE lorry sans number plates airlifted to Colombo

2005-05-05T00:52:00.000+06:00

As Mahatma Gandhi once quipped that ‘ there is no other book greater than the book of humanity,’ our set of human values largely influenced by religious and cultural ethos see no boundaries, ethnicities or any other component whenever and wherever adversities strike. Well-trained and highly disciplined soldiers are no exception and they are there always to help overcome such occurrences, no matter whether it happens in the south or north.

The instance under reference has been reported from un-cleared areas of Padanvayal, Mullairvalai in Mullaittivu district. Fourteen-year old Krishna Pillai Sekar was riding back home on his push bicycle after prayers at Pullair Kovil when a blue-coloured Canter lorry belonging to the LTTE laden with rubble knocked him down while it was speeding past. The lorry, believe it or not, was without any serial number plates, both in the front or at the rear, depriving the public of their basic right needed for identification purposes.

With serious head injuries, his immediate relatives and a couple of civilians took the injured child to Kilinochchi hospital at about 4.30 p.m. on that ill-fated day, 29th April 2005. But the doctors after realizing the gravity of the injuries of the child finally decided to transfer him to Jaffna Teaching Hospital for admission.

Medical staff at Jaffna Teaching Hospital after taking him into the Intensive Care Unit at about 7.30 p.m. the same day (29) did everything medically possible for two days but realized that they should not take a risk since injuries were extremely serious and no improvement of his condition was forthcoming. Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. Raviraj, well confident of goodwill and humanitarian gestures of the Security Forces wasted no time to contact Major General Sunil D. Tennekoon, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna for assistance to transfer the teenager to Colombo after medical opinion was referred to him.

Major General Sunil D. Tennekoon, well-understood what need to be done swiftly got in touch with relevant authorities and got air travel facilities immediately organized by Monday (2) for the passage of the injured child to Colombo. Dr Duminga Rajapakse and Dr Uma Sudesh of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, uncle of the wounded child, Thangavelu Vijayakumar, Nursing Officer, Savundaraja and the victim were soon airlifted to Colombo National Hospital thanks to the positive response extended by the Sri Lanka Air Force to the appeal.

This particular instance, as evidence given by those affected in this incident to hospital authorities confirmed, speaks more words than what was actually happening in un-cleared areas held by LTTE. Lawlessness in those areas, contrary to what the LTTE was mischievously projecting and deceptively boasting, was distinctly clear and evident in this tragedy.

Use of vehicles in those un-cleared areas sans number plates, registration, insurance and safety standards, seems to be the order of the day for LTTE regardless of inconveniences caused to poor civilians in those areas.

However, all hopes for his survival shattered when he died early this morning (04) at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) COLOMBO National Hospital.

"LTTE trying to kill me using suicide vehicles" - Devananda complains to Solheim.

2005-04-25T13:25:00.000+06:00

Apr 24, Colombo: Minister and EPDP leader Douglas Devananda told visiting Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim that the Tigers are planning to kill him using two explosive-laden vehicles.

The Minister said he has received intelligence reports on a plot.

The complaint was made at a meeting held at Mr. Devananda’s ministry recently.

The Minister informed the envoy that he had received intelligence reports on a plot and asked him to take note of this information.

Devananda also told Solheim that the LTTE has intensified the killing of members of his organisation, supporters, political opponents of the Tigers, public servants and ordinary people.
He also briefed Solheim on differences between the LTTE factions and alleged that the Tigers have once again begun a killing spree “to divert the minds of the people and to suppress those who distrust and have no confidence in the LTTE.”

L.P

LTTE flag hoisting brought to SLMM’s notice.

2005-04-25T13:18:00.000+06:00

LTTE has continued to hoist their flag during a meeting organized by the LTTE in the general area of JAFFNA on 23 April 2005 around 10.30 a.m.

Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian Mrs Padmini Sidambaranadan, Jaffna Women’s LTTE Political Leader, KAYALVILI and NALLUR Women’s LTTE Political Leader, POOMAHAL have attended the meeting.

Hoisting the LTTE flag in the government-controlled area is a violation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government and the LTTE.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed regarding this MoU violation by the LTTE.

Passage of Sinhalese and Muslims to un-cleared area denied by LTTE.

2005-04-25T13:15:00.000+06:00

Information received from the general un-cleared area of MAHINDAPURA in TRINMCOMALEE on 23 April 2005 around mid noon confirmed that Sinhala and Muslim civilians proceeding towards un-cleared areas are turned back by the LTTE at their MAHINDAPURA roadblock.

In the meantime, troops on duty at the MAHINDAPURA roadblock have heard an explosion, probably of a claymore or a landmine, from the LTTE roadblock at MAHINDAPURA around 2.25 p.m. the same day.

LTTE fire at Hindu religious event injures two devotees and two girls.

2005-04-25T13:12:00.000+06:00

The latest act of violation by the LTTE has injured four civilians including two teenaged girls in the general area of BATTICALOA when two motorbike riding LTTE pistol men opened fire at a Hindu procession on 24 April 2005 around 10.45 a.m.

The Hindu religious procession was proceeding towards the MAMANGAMA KOVIL from the ANAMPOOPATHY KOVIL when those two LTTE pistol men on a motorbike who suddenly showed up in the scene indiscriminately opened fire at the procession injuring RASAMANIKKAM MADIYALAN (32), Chairman of the ANAMPOOPATHY KOVIL, a person named RAJARATHNAM RAJASEKARAN (43) and two teenaged girls, RAVICHANDRAN SEVVANDI (13) and JEGANADAN MITHYANANDANI (12), who were returning from a private tuition class.

The injured Chairman of the ANAMPOOPATHY KOVIL has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the BATTICALOA hospital with severe injuries to his backbone whilst others are undergoing treatments at the same hospital.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been kept informed.

Drunken three-wheel driver crashes into Army bowser

2005-04-20T03:47:00.000+06:00

A drunken driver in a three- wheeler crashed into a water bowser of the Army while it was moving in the general area of ARIYALAI on 18 April 2005 around 8.30 p.m.

Despite all efforts made by the Army driver to avoid any collision, the three-wheeler received slight damages as the three-wheeler driver has lost its control but some LTTE men in the area hurriedly showed up at the scene and wanted the public to agitate against the Security Forces.

However, the poor response received from the public to the LTTE provocative attempt, made LTTE men to abandon their plans. The drunken driver, who was slightly injured in his left leg, was referred to the JAFFNA hospital for treatment.

Policemen evacuated both vehicles to the Police Station for further investigations. The JAFFNA Police are conducting investigations.

Abducted and assaulted civilian enters hospital.

2005-04-20T03:46:00.000+06:00

A civilian from UPPUWELI area, who was assaulted and subsequently abducted by LTTE men over a land dispute, has been released by LTTE on 17 April 2005.

The victim, A. SIVA KUMAR of PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU, BARODAYANAGAR, UPPUWELI has been abducted and taken to the LTTE farm at UPPUWELI after five men who assaulted the victim earlier informed the LTTE of the dispute.

LTTE men after beating him again have however released him, the same day. Villagers however evacuated the victim to the TRINCOMALEE Base Hospital for medical attention after he was released by the LTTE.

The UPPUWELI Police are conducting investigations. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission was kept informed.

LTTE men hurl grenade and fire over sentry point,

2005-04-20T03:43:00.000+06:00

LTTE men for the fifth consecutive day fired about 40 rounds of small arms fire and threw a hand grenade towards an sentry point at MAHINDAPURA in TRINCOMALEE on Tuesday (19) morning around 10.15 a.m.

The hand grenade exploded away from the sentry point but caused no damages or casualties to the Security Forces who are engaged in routine duties in the area.

However, troops showed restraint and kept themselves from retaliating. LTTE men, for reasons obvious only to the LTTE, has been continuing to fire small arms at and over the MAHINDAPURA entry/exit point of the Security Forces (SF) in the general area of TRINCOMALEE since 09th April 2005 despite intimations given to the SLMM.(Ref Situation Reports of 09th , 14th, 16th & 18th April 2005) The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was to be informed.

My Captivity by the LTTE.

2005-04-20T03:40:00.000+06:00

Rajasingham Jeyadevan, the temple leader, urged the ICRC to bring an end to this brutal practice by the LTTE. "Having gone through a painful experience, it is my position that these types of harassment and intimidation by the LTTE is brought to an end forthwith."

The International Committee for Red Cross was told to bring an end to the harassment and torture by the Sri Lankan Tamil separatist outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and to make them to stop forthwith, the ruthless measures they use to adopt on those innocent ones, who are taken into custody in the areas controlled by them.

“My Captivity by the LTTE” is the subject matter of the letter written to the ICRC , but it in fact it was a firsts person testimony giving vivid details of the nightmarish experience of being held captive incommunicado in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka.

The British resident, a charted accountant by profession, was the managing trustee of the Eelap Pathiewarar Aalaiyam (Hindu Temple) in Wembley, London, who miraculously survived death as well as a long and torturous incarceration. He writes about his 62 day long ordeal in the hands of the LTTE in Vanni, Sri lanka.

Rajasingham Jeyadevan, the temple leader, urged the ICRC to bring an end to this brutal practice by the LTTE. “Having gone through a painful experience, it is my position that these types of harassment and intimidation by the LTTE is brought to an end forthwith.”...[Full Story]

Sri Lanka to launch international campaign against Tiger rebels.

2005-04-20T03:38:00.000+06:00

Yahoo, Mon 18th Apr . Sri Lankan government is to launch an international campaign against the acts of violence by the Tamil Tigers in spite of the ongoing cease-fire, a top minister was quoted by the state television as saying.

Rupavahini TV here Saturday quoted Acting Defense Minister and Minister of Law and Order Ratnasiri Wickremanayake as saying that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have violated the cease-fire agreement thousands of times and carried out many murders.
Wickremanayake said that the public was questioning the government as to what action they would take in the face of rebel acts of violence.

He said the government did not want to create a situation to pave way for the re-emergence of the separatist war that had claimed over 64,000 lives since mid 1980s. More...

Tamil Democratic Forum launched in Denmark to combat LTTE terror

2005-04-20T03:36:00.000+06:00

Asiantribune.com, Mon 18th Apr_Faced with serious threats to their lives, a Tamil group domiciled in Denmark recently launched the Tamil Democratic Forum (TDF) -- an organization to ensure the security of Tamils confronted by aggressive and violent Tamil political outfits backed by the LTTE.

The Tamils in Denmark decided to launch TDF as a safe mechanism of their own to protect their lives, human rights and democratic freedom to express their opinions with fear of being threatened by the agents of the LTTE.

It is well known to European governments that Tamils who do not toe the political line peddled by the LTTE are threatened regularly by LTTE agents who roam freely in Europe. They are able to move around easily through the porous European borders. Representations have been made as far high as Erik Solheim in Norway by Tamils living in Europe but neither the Norwegian government nor the other European governments have taken any action to protect the lives of these Tamil citizens. More...

Solheim promises the displaced persons’ return to motherland

2005-04-20T03:34:00.000+06:00

The displaced person from the North handed over a memorandum to the Norwegian Special peace envoy, Eric Solheim on his visit yesterday to Puttalam, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura stating their desire of going back to their motherland.

These people explained how their properties were confiscated by the LTTE and the way their belongings were sold on auction. They pleaded with Solheim to try his best to have their belongings returned to them or at least a compensation for same from the LTTE.

The same way, the Muslim people urged him to get back their properties and houses, taken over by the LTTE and return to them.

Mr. Solheim visited Puttalam refugee camps and learned in detail from the Muslim people, of the problems, sufferings and short comings faced by the people living in the camps. He promised the people that he will explain these problems to Prabakaran and urge him to spend a portion of Tsunami relief funds he had received on these people.

He also assured that he will take necessary steps to include in the discussion, the Muslim representation in the proposed joint mechanism and find a suitable place for them.

Special News (Asian Tribune)

2005-04-18T02:11:00.000+06:00

Tamil Nadu Police Chief Alexander plays for the LTTE .

Apr 17 (AT) Under a pre-planned operation to hoodwink Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jeyaram Jayalalitha, and strengthen the hand of the LTTE, A. X. Alexander, the new Director General of Police (DGP) in Tamil Nadu, has detained Rajan Gnanasekaran, the leader of the ENDLF) and ten others under the Foreigners Act for overstaying. more..

Call for greater Buddhist-Hindu dialogue.

Apr 17 (AT) The Venerable Medagama Dhammananda Thera of the Asgiriya Maha Vihara has called for strong legal measures to protect Buddhists and Hindus from dollar-waving ‘religious’ pied pipers. more..

The Coming Plague.

Apr 17 (AT) In this land where conspiracy theories flourish like the proverbial bay tree it is tempting to assume that the JHU is either directly or indirectly carrying out a Tiger contract to isolate the Sinhalese in the East to enable the LTTE can regain that vital province for Tiger Eelam. more..

The Death of Tamil Eelam.

Apr 17 (AT) Tamil Eelam is stillborn, and unless this dead foetus is removed from the womb, its toxicity will kill the patient, the Tamil community. A state, or the idea of a state, has two major components. Territory and a coercive apparatus. For the idea of a state to become an actual state, the two components must converge. more..

U.S. Asst Sec Of State here on Tuesday- Her 4th Visit to Sri Lanka.

2005-04-18T02:03:00.000+06:00

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca will visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 April 19 to inspect United States-funded tsunami reconstruction efforts and meet with Sri Lankan government officials , US embassy in Colombo said yesterday.

During her visit to Sri Lanka, She is scheduled to meet with President Chandrika Kumaratunga Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Rocca will also travel to the eastern coast Tuesday to see tsunami reconstruction efforts funded through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In Kalmunai She will also visit cash-for-work reconstruction sites, where she will present tool kits to tsunami-affected carpenters, masons and welders repairing schools through USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). This will be her 4th visit to Sri Lanka as Assistant Secretary.

Tigers are exaggerating its military strength - Brigadier Daya Rathnayake

2005-04-18T01:59:00.000+06:00

Army spokesman Brigadier Daya Rathnayake says that Wanni Tigers Organisation is making efforts to exaggerate its military strength which has weakened over the past few months. Wanni Tigers Organisation is making and circulating news through web sites that in possesses ships, submarines, aircraft and an airstrip.

They are making such false utterances and giving publicity to them as their Organisation has collapsed militarily and developed internal rifts within the top hierarchy. Army spokesman says that the Tigers are making futile efforts to mitigate the effect of the challenge posed by breakaway leader Karuna Amman and the developing crisis between the theoretician Anton Balasingham and political leader Tamil Selvam.

Special News:

2005-04-18T01:48:00.000+06:00

Tigers have links with Assam Guerrilla Movement - Jayalalitha Jeyaram.

Chief Minister of the Tamilnadu Provincial Government, Jayalalitha Jeyaram says that evidence has been unearthed about links between the Tigers Organisation and Guerrilla Movement and Organisations in the Assam Province in India.

She said so at a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the Provincial Governments presided by the Prime Minister of India, Man Mohen Singh. She made the above revelation when the important issue of regional security was taken up for discussion at this meeting.

Wanni Tiger's have abducted 1600 children from tsunami camps.

2005-04-18T01:30:00.000+06:00

The latest UNICEF report reveals that Wanni Tiger organization has conscripted more than 1600 children out of the tsunami displaced camps.

The continuous request by the world leaders and Human right pressure groups have not been successful in taming the Wanni Tiger's, the tsunami relief workers and human right activists in the east complain the 1600 children have been taken away by the Wanni Tiger's during the past three month. reveled that the separatist organization has not trusted the peaceful path for the settlement, political annalist point out.

Meanwhile the donor nation s have focused attention on the Wanni Tiger's activities during the ceasefire period. The incident of frightening away the civilian abduction, torture, conscription of children and extortion have been occured during this ceasefire.

The donor nations have also concerned over the Wanni Tiger operated TRO action in Australia, Canada and other European estates to collect funds in the guise of tsunami relief campaigns.

It is also reported that the UNHCR has decided to collect information of the collection of funds by the Wanni Tiger's during the past five years. The United Nation refugee agency has also focused attention on conscriptions and extortion done by the Wanni Tiger within Sri Lanka while they collect humanitarian aid around the world.

Two more teenagers abducted by LTTE rescued.

2005-04-18T01:27:00.000+06:00

Another LTTE attempt to abduct two teenagers from general area THIRUKKOVIL has failed on 16 April 2005 around 09.20 a.m.

On information, Special Task Force (STF) personnel deployed at the AKKARAIPATTU roadblock have rescued two teenage (seventeen and eighteen- year old) boys while being abducted by two LTTE men. Two LTTE abductors V JEGANATHAN alias MUTTUKIDAN (26) of BEACH ROAD, THIRUKKOVIL –01 and S KRISHNAMURTHI alias S RAJAN (22) of FISHERMAN’S VILLEGE, PALAKUDAH, VINAYAGAPURAM –3,THIRUKKOVIL carrying a VHF communication radio set were proceeding towards an undisclosed destination in the general area of KANCHI from THIRUKKOVIL when the arrest was made by the STF personnel.

Two LTTE suspects were produced before the AKKARAIPATTU magistrate and remanded till 29 April 2005.Two children were handed over to their relations through the courts. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed of the incident. The AKKARAIPATTU police investigations are being continued.

Name & particulars of the teenager are withheld for obvious security reasons and questions of human rights.

Navy arrests Sri Lankan refugees with two boats.

2005-04-18T01:25:00.000+06:00

Naval troops on duty in the general sea area of TALAIMANNAR have arrested two Sri Lankan refugees one Indian dhow with crew members and one Sri Lankan boat with two Sri Lankan crew members aboard on 16 April 2005 around 07.30 a.m.

The Indian dhow with its crew members and Sri Lankan boat with two Sri Lankan crew members were arrested whilst two Sri Lankan refugees were being transferred from the Indian dhow to the local boat.

The arrested persons with their personal belonging have been handed over to the TALAIMANNAR Police for further investigations by the navy retaining two boats with the accessories in the naval custody.

LTTE factional fighting kills five more.

2005-04-15T18:12:00.000+06:00

Another round of factional fighting between LTTE PRABAKARAN group and LTTE KARUNA group that erupted in the interior remote area of SORUWILA, WELIKANDA have caused death to five LTTE men and injuries to two LTTE men on Friday (15) morning at about 1.00 a.m.

According to information received from two injured LTTE men, their temporary hideout came under attack from LTTE PRABAKARAN faction.

Injured LTTE men have received admission to the POLONNARUWA hospital.Magisterial inquiries are on.The ARALAGANWILA Police have commenced investigations.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed. Names & particulars of the victims are withheld for obvious security reasons and questions of human rights.

LTTE repeats its firing over the Security Forces roadblock.

2005-04-15T18:10:00.000+06:00

LTTE men have once again continued their firing over roadblock of the Security Forces (SF) at MAHINDAPURA, TRINCOMALEE on 14 April 2005 at 2.30 p.m. for the second consecutive day.

LTTE men fired ten rounds of ammunition over the MAHINDAPURA roadblock using small arms from their hideouts in the general un-cleared areas of POONAGAR, despite the intimation given to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.

Troops were exposed to LTTE firing over the same roadblock on 13 April 2005 at about 7.00 p.m. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed.

Attempt to provoke Security Force fails.

2005-04-15T18:09:00.000+06:00

Another LTTE attempt to strain the relationship between Security Forces and civil society has failed when two soldiers paid no heed to provocative behaviour of two suspected persons instigated by the LTTE in the general area of PUTHOOR 14 April 2005 around 2.30 p.m.

Those two men who were under influence of liquor have insulted the two soldiers using abusive words.However, troops were compelled to take one of them named NAGAMANI JEGENDRAN into their custody when he began to turn violent after receiving no reaction to their act by the soldiers.

Later, the arrested person has been handed over to the BATTICALOA Police. The BATTICALOA Police are conducting investigations.

Husband abducted by LTTE, complains wife.

2005-04-15T03:10:00.000+06:00

A Tamil trader from the general area of UPPUWELI has been abducted by LTTE on 13 April 2005 around 6.15 p.m. stated a complaint made at the UPPUWELI police by his wife.

According to the complainant, D. ALHIRANI of No 241, ANANDAPURI UPPUWELI, the victim N S DAYALAN has been abducted while he was at his residence by 06 LTTE men who came in a van.

The victim initially taken to a place closer to the SELVANAYAGAMPURA farm where he has later been put into a three- wheeler before those LTTE abductors took him to an undisclosed destination, the complaint further claims.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed. UPPUWELI Police are conducting investigations.

LTTE firing over troops deployment continues.

2005-04-15T03:08:00.000+06:00

Two incidents of firing by LTTE towards the Security Forces (SF) roadblock in the general area of MAHINDAPURA on 13 April 2005. LTTE men from a hideout in the un-cleared area have first fired approximately 10 – 12 rounds with small arms towards the SF roadblock on 13 April 2005 around 7.00 p.m.

After about 30 minutes to the first incident of firing those LTTE cadres have launched another firing in three short bursts from the same area over the roadblock using Light Machine Gun (LMG). However, no injuries are reported since all rounds fired by LTTE have traveled over the SF roadblock.

In similar incidents earlier, LTTE had made a number of futile attempts to provoke troops in to conflict firing towards SF Forward Defence Line (FDL) and army detachments from LTTE hideouts in un-cleared area. Some armed LTTE men have fired a shot from an LTTE hideout in the general un-cleared area of KAYAVANDANKULAM towards the troops deployed at PACHCHANOOR, about 6 k.m. south of MUTTUR, on 08 April 2005 around 9.40 p.m. The round has flown over the Army detachment. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed

Ammunition found in LTTE vehicle.

2005-04-14T13:51:00.000+06:00

Troops on duty at the MUHAMALAI entry/exit point have found some ammunition hidden inside the vehicle belonging to LTTE on 12 April 2004 around 10.45 a.m

Those 10 pistol rounds have been recovered when troops conducted routine check on the LTTE vehicle (253 – 2913) traveling to cleared area. The driver, PARAMASIVAM PARAMENDIRAN and the vehicle along with recovered ammunition have been handed over to the KODIKAMAM Police for further investigations.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed. The KODIKAMAM Police are conducting investigations.

Armed LTTE men observed by troops.

2005-04-14T13:49:00.000+06:00

Troops in the general area of KESELWATTE in TRINCOMALEE have noticed the presence of five armed LTTE cadres in the LTTE held area on 12 April 2005 around 05.05 p.m.

Two of them had been attired in LTTE uniform. After a few minutes another civil clad ten LTTE cadres armed with T 56 weapons have joined the former group at the same place. Subsequently those LTTE men have moved away to interior.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed.

Another civilian escapes from LTTE.

2005-04-14T13:48:00.000+06:00

A Muslim civilian abducted and detained by LTTE nearly for two months had escaped from the LTTE and reported to the VAVUNIYA police on 12 April 2005 around 6.35 p.m.

According to the victim, M.K M RIYAZ (24) of No 22/6, 6th Lane, VEPANKULAM VAVUNIYA had been abducted by four LTTE men who came in a vehicle on 21 February 2005 near the VAVUNIYA Kachcheri and taken forcibly to PUDUKUDIRIPPU MULLAITIVU where he was chained and kept under detention.

However, the victim has managed escape from the LTTE and reached the VAVUNIYA Police with help of another civilian. Later, the escapee has been handed over to his father through the courts.

LTTE pistol group takes another target.

2005-04-14T13:45:00.000+06:00

A fisherman from the general area of PALAMINMADU, BATTICALOA has been admitted to hospital with severe gun shot injuries after members of LTTE pistol group fired upon him on 12 April 2005 around 11.35 p.m.

The victim SEWAYYA YOGESWARAM (33), PALAMINMADU, BATTICALOA. had been with a fellow fisherman at a boat yard where he was shot by LTTE for reasons best known only to them.

The injured person was rushed to the BATTICALOA hospital with critical injuries on his spinal code and the neck. He is being given treatments at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). No arrest has been made in connection to the incident.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed. BATTICALOA police are conducting investigations.

Jeyathevan in conversation – An explosive revelation of myths, anxieties and realities of the Tamil struggle

2005-04-14T13:42:00.000+06:00

Thamil broadcasting cooperation – TBC – is interviewing Jeyathevan an ardent Tamil nationalist and a key actor in the Tamil Diaspora on Thursday the 14th of April at 8:00 P.M. GMT. Jeyathevan was incarcerated by the LTTE for sixty-two days in Vanni.TBC can be heard via the Eutelsat Hotbird 6 Satellite throughout Europe and the Middle East on 12,597Mhz (vertical polarisation). It can also be heard via the Internet www.vzhlipu.com all over the world.TBC is organizing this program in response to the numerous requests from listeners all over the world including many from Sri Lanka.Tune in to the TBC to hear live interview of Jeyathevan by a leading human rights activist, long time advocate of the Tamils right to self-determination and a senior barrister Mr.Upali Cooray. Discussion will be focused on the experience of Jeyathevan and the future of Tamil Struggle. Senior political analyst Sivalingam also will contribute to the

President's New Year message: Proposed joint mechanism would be a foundation for a final solution .

2005-04-14T03:00:00.000+06:00

Apr 13, Colombo: President Chandrika Kumaratunga in her New Year's message said the proposed joint mechanism with the LTTE to provide aid to the people of the North and East would be a foundation to find a final solution to the protracted national conflict.

"The tsunami perhaps was a silver lining in a dark cloud..."

She said, “This year we observe our National New Year in environs completely different from what we have been used to all these past years. A little over three months have gone by after the worst ever national disaster in our living memory.

“The catastrophe in December last year destroyed our national wealth and property worth billions,” the President said. “We cannot however continue to lament and live in anguish. Let us resolve to make this New Year one of determination to rebuild and to restore peace and prosperity. Let us on this New Year day shed all differences and resolve to rebuild the nation in unity.

“The tsunami perhaps was a silver lining in a dark cloud. It has given rise to a new situation where the Sinhala and Tamil people, followers of all religions - Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam - can unite and work together.

“This New Year dawns just when the UPFA government has completed its first year of governance. The Alliance government assumed office in 2004 with great aspirations in every quarter for a better Sri Lanka,” President Kumaratunga also added.

“I wish you all a happy New Year!”

School children forced to attend LTTE protest.

2005-04-13T15:48:00.000+06:00

LTTE had forced students of some schools in the general area of VAVUNIYA to attend an LTTE organized protest march on 11 April 2005 around 10.00 a.m.

The protest march with participation of approximately 700 civilians instigated by LTTE and 300 school children had started from VAVUNIYA Tamil Maha Vidyalaya and ended at the Urban Council Ground VAVUNIYA.

They have demanded proper distribution of tsunami aid in north and east, recommencement of peace talks between government and LTTE and withdrawal of troops from public buildings.

However, the agitators have dispersed around 11.00 a.m. after handing over a petition to Mr. ADEKKALANADAN, Tamil National, Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed.

Wanni Tigers withdraw from East

2005-04-13T15:45:00.000+06:00

It has been reported that the Wanni tiger carders are decided to move away from their camps located at East area.

It is because of purely the threat that has been coming from Karuna Faction, an Eastern source says. Wanni tigers have already started to withdraw their members at several training camps in Batticloa and Ampara districts.

Bala questioned

2005-04-13T15:44:00.000+06:00

London police have questioned Anton Balasingham,. Theoretician of Wanni tiger organization about the detention of two British citizens in Wanni jungles.

Jeyadevan and Vivekananthan were two journalists who were kidnapped by the tigers. When they had reduced to certain manual work the common peopled were against such a move as they had been in the water for ‘seal’.

Lankaweb-10.04.2005.

2005-04-11T14:37:00.000+06:00

Karuna Element, and the fight against World terrorism.
-Charles Perera-

What all respectable countries ask the terrorist s is, that they give up arms and follow a democratic system to fight for their rights , working together with governments instead of fighting against governments. Sri Lanka in this respect is an example for those States who have started a war against terrorism. Why is Sri Lanka an Example ? Because in Sri Lanka a faction of the main terrorist group the LTTE, lead by Karuna broke away. Karuna says, that he wants to give up fighting against the establishment. His fight is against LTTE for making the Batticaloa Tamils “gun fodder” to protect the Jaffna Tamil tiger leadership. He wants to form a political party and fight for the rights of his people in keeping with democratic principles.-Full Story-