NewsRoom

 
Thursday 28 May 2009
Conditions of the IDP centres are good and impressive
- US Congress delegates
The US Congress delegation say they saw that the standards of the relief villages where the Internally Displaced are accommodated are good and impressive, and of a much higher standard than described by some media. [Full Story]
We preserve right to decide modalities of relief – Sri Lanka at UNHRC
“We are receptive to international cooperation and assistance, however, as the affected State we have to preserve our right to decide the modalities and mechanism by which we would address these issues. They must be home-grown. [Full Story]
More funds to develop the East
Sri Lankan government has allocated Rs.1270 million to develop the Eastern province under "Naganahira Nawodaya" project.  [Full Story]
Never seen so much horror as in last few days under LTTE
- Tamil public servant
“Since we were ordered by the LTTE to shift out of Kilinochchi in November deeper into the Tiger-held territory in Vanni, I have lost count of the number of times I was displaced. [Full Story]
UNHRC Special Session
Sri Lanka carries it with big majority
The Sri Lankan resolution that opposed foreign interference in the internal affairs of a country, which was expanded from 17 to 29 paragraphs to make it a consensual resolution, was adopted with a clear majority of members of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last night (27). [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Russian President assures continued support to Sri Lanka
Russia will continue to assist Sri Lanka for the restoration of peace and reconstruction of the country, said the President of the Russian Federation Dmitriy Medvedev, in a telephone conversation with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, today. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Deep cracks in LTTE abroad
Strong divisions have emerged among Tamils resident abroad on the future of the LTTE and claims to its leadership. [Full Story]
Double standards on Sri Lanka by West - Indonesia
Indonesia accused Western countries of applying double standards for their rights violation probe into Sri Lanka's final offensive against the Tamil rebels, comparing to the situation in Sri Lanka to that in Palestine and Afghanistan, according to local media on Tuesday, said Xinhua, China, today, May 26. [Full Story]
Japan Extends Additional US$ 1.4 million to North
Japan has decided to extend additional grant aid totaling US$ 1.4 million (approximately Rs.160 million) for humanitarian de-mining activities in Jaffna, Killinochchi and Vavuniya through DDG (Danish De-mining Group) and the HALO Trust. [Full Story]
Democracy gets opening in Jaffna & Vavuniya
The Government has taken steps to hold Local Government elections for the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Urban Council, in a bid to restore the democratic rights of the people in the North. [Full Story]
India on alert for LTTE cadres
There is a possibility of LTTE terrorists entering India through the sea and the Tamil Nadu government has been sensitized about it, said Home Minister P Chidambaram. [Full Story]
Vietnam donates US$30,000 for IDPs
Vietnam welcomes the recent victory of the Government and people of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
 
Monday 25 May 2009
Ambassador Dayan firms Afro-Asian support for Sri Lanka in Geneva
An address by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geneva, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka where he criticized the sponsors of the Special Session on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka as “Western Colonizers” who refused to consult with the Asian bloc, brought strong support from Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries for Sri Lanka.
[Full Story]
Sri Lanka - Australia agreed on combating Transnational Crime
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Lanka Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on combating Transnational Crime including Terrorist Offences and Developing Police Co-operation was signed recently in Colombo. [Full Story]
Govt. invites Sri Lankan’s abroad and Migrant Working Community to invest in SL
The government invites Sri Lankan’s resident abroad and the Migrant Working Community to invest in the most secure and high yielding Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds in the Sri Lanka while contributing to the development of the nation. [Full Story]
Eelam Tamils warn India and IC
With the military defeat of the separatists LTTE in Sri Lanka and the death of its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran accepted a pro- LTTE Tamils abroad who label themselves as Eezham Tamil community have warned India and the International Community that they invite trouble if they do not support the political war to Tamil separatists. [Full Story]
Emulate Security Forces to rebuild nation – Secretary to President tells Public Servants
All public servants should dedicate themselves towards rebuilding the Nation considering themselves as true patriots… as people who loved the country they should work hard in a dedicated manner to assist the national rebuilding effort. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 24 May 2009
Govt. & UN agree on post-conflict challenges in Sri Lanka
“New opportunities for long-term development of North”
The Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations are agreed that in the new post-conflict situation, Sri Lanka faces many immediate and long-term challenges relating to issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. [Full Story]
 
Saturday 23 May 2009
President honoured with highest honour in land
President Mahinda Rajapaksa was conferred Visvakeerthi Tri Sinhaladheesvara, honour by the Chief Incumbents of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters, the highest title that one born in the motherland could have, expect for the leadership in the battle to defeat terrorism. [Full Story]
IDPs: Govt. already acting on agreed areas of priority
– President to Ban Ki-moon
The Government is already giving the highest priority to the issues raised by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with regard to the massive influx of Internally Displaced Persons held hostage by the LTTE, and matters that have arisen following the defeat of LTTE terrorism, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at their meeting at President’s House, in Kandy today. [Full Story]
 
Friday 22 May 2009
The world now sees the path we took against terror was correct – President
Many are the obstacles placed in our way in this struggle. It was no walk on a bed of roses. [Full Story]
More opportunities now for better Indo-Sri Lanka ties
– President to Indian Prime Minister
Sri Lanka's recovery from the destruction wrought by terrorism will, I am confident, open up even more avenues for our two countries to further deepen and strengthen their bilateral cooperation. [Full Story]
Italian Bishops donate Euro One Million for war victims
Italian Bishops’ Conference donates One Million Euros for the war victims in Sri Lanka, which has been made through the intervention of Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith now serving in the Vatican. [Full Story]
President wisely ignored international calls for ceasefire - Wall Street Journal
President Mahinda Rajapaksa wisely ignored international calls for a ceasefire as he got closer to victory, including threats from the Obama Administration to block $1.9 billion in International Monetary Fund aid money, states the Wall Street Journal commenting on the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 21 May 2009
Let us be magnanimous in victory – President
"At a time when we seek to embrace all of our people as members of a single nation, the celebration of this victory, as deep as it is felt, should be expressed with magnanimity and friendship towards all," states President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the celebrations currently taking place throughout the country. [Full Story]
What International Community?
For the past several months Sri Lanka has been the focus of attack by the “International Community” as it exercised its sovereign right to eradicate terrorism from its soil. [Full Story]
Flow of praise for defeat of terrorism
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka government continue to receive praise and good wishes from many countries and national leaders for the successful defeat of terrorism in the country. [Full Story]
Sri Lanka and India focus on relief for IDPs
Sri Lanka and India are agreed that with the end of military operations in Sri Lanka, the time was opportune to focus attention on issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and re-conciliation including a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
HRC session on Sri Lanka ill-timed and unwarranted – Human Rights Minister
The convening of a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to discuss ‘The human rights situation in Sri Lanka” is ill-timed and unwarranted is the view of the Sri Lanka Government. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Japan offers help for peace building
Japan is among the first countries to welcome the defeat of the separatists Tamil Tigers and the end of hostilities in Sri Lanka.
[Full Story]
Prabhakaran's body found - Army Chief
Commander of Sri Lanka Army General Sarath Fonseka confirmed earlier today, May 19, that the body of V. Prabhakaran, psychopathic leader of world's most ruthless terrorist outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been found.
[Full Story]
Second attack on Sri Lankan Embassy in Netherlands
The LTTE international terror network struck again on the Sri Lanka Embassy in the Dutch capital in the early hours, May 16. It was the second such attack on the Sri Lanka Embassy in the Dutch capital, The Hague within a week. [Full Story]
LTTE mob attack on World Health Assembly, Geneva
Pro-LTTE mob entered the UN compound through the main gates despite security resistance, while Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, the newly elected President of the WHA (World Health Assembly), ... [Full Story]
Terrorism defeated: writ of Parliament now throughout Sri Lanka – President
The Motherland has been completely freed from the clutches of separatist terrorism. [Full Story]
 
Monday 18 May 2009
Forces end task of liberation
“On the morning of today- May 18 we have carried out fully the task entrusted to us by His Excellency the President of liberating Sri Lanka from the terrorism of the LTTE.”[Full Story]
Prabhakaran believed killed in bid to flee troops
Defense sources say that the bodies of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the Intelligence Wing Leader Pottu Amman are among those killed while trying to flee the advancing troops.  [Full Story]
President to address Parliament tomorrow
The President will address Parliament at the ceremonial opening of its next session at 9.30 am on Tuesday (19), when he is expected to make an important announcement on the defeat of the LTTE, freeing all civilians held hostage by it, liberating the entire country from terrorism and the future programme of development of the country. [Full Story]
Bodies of Charles Anthony and three top LTTE leaders found
Sri Lanka Army special forces troops have found a body suspected to be of Charles Anthony and another three bodies of key LTTE leaders identified as Nadeshan, Pulidevan and Ramesh, during the mop up operations in the last LTTE foothold, Karayamullavaikkal area this morning, May 18. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 17 May 2009
President returns
President Mahinda Rajapaksa went down on his kneews and worshipped the Motherland on his return to Sri Lanka at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (May 17). [Full Story]
 
Saturday 16 May 2009
"I return to my country freed of LTTE barbarism"
- President at G-11 Summit
“I will be going back to my country Sri Lanka that has been totally freed from the barbaric acts of terrorism of the LTTE. This freedom comes after 30 long years”. [Full Story]
When the camera lies for terror
In the past few days the international media has been full of alleged pictorial evidence, mainly through video footage, of what they claim to be scenes of the "massive humanitarian crisis" said to be occurring in the north of Sri Lanka, where the LTTE is holding thousands of Tamil civilians hostage. [Full Story]
Coastline free of terror
More civilians flee to freedom
Troops of the Sri Lankan Army’s 58 and 59 Divisions have linked on the coast of the No Fire Zone in the North of Sri Lanka, freeing the last coastal stretch from the LTTE. [Full Story]
 
Friday 15 May 2009
Humanitarian mission forges ahead
Troops rescue over 3700 civilians : more coming
In its continuing humanitarian operation in the North of Sri Lanka, Army troops rescued more than 3700 civilians held hostage by the LTTE as at last evening, May 14. [Full Story]
Rescue all Tamil civilians near at hand
- President Mahinda Rajapaksa
The freedom of the Tamil civilians held hostage by the LTTE is near at hand and the rescue of all civilians in the small patch of land held by the LTTE will be done in 48 hours. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 14 May 2009
President warmly received at the Queen Alia International Airport-Jordan
His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa was received by the Minister of Industry and Trade of Jordan, AmerHadidi at the Royal Pavilion of Queen Alia International Airport today (14). [Full Story]
US gives further $6 million to IDPs
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), has donated $6 million (Rs.720.5 million) for non-food aid assistance to provide short-term, life-saving interventions for IDPs in the North. [Full Story]
Troops ready for final operation
Sri Lankan troops who pushed 800 meters deeper into the New Safety Zone, Wednesday, May 13, are now set to launch a major operation to rescue civilians held hostage by the LTTE. [Full Story]
LTTE's shocking use of banned weaponry
- White phosphorus targeting fleeing hostages
LTTE terrorists are preparing the worst slaughter of civilians ever witnessed by the civilized world in modern times with the systematic use of hostages as a weapon of mass destruction, said defence observers commenting on the unfolding human tragedy at Mullivaikkal. [Full Story]
LTTE forcing residents to be human shield - Asahi Shimbun
Facing certain defeat, the LTTE has chosen the desperate course of forcing local residents to effectively act as human shields, says Asahi Shimbun in its editorial today(14). [Full Story]
Troops rescue 1300 more civilians today
Troops of the Sri Lanka Army now sweeping around the new Civilians Safety Zone were able to rescue nearly 1300 civilians held by the LTTE shortly after noon today, May 14. [Full Story]
Presidential Task Force on Northern Development
A 19-member Presidential Task Force was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province. [Full Story]
Security Council members agree Sri Lanka’s right to combat terrorism
Members of the United Nations Security Council, have strongly condemned the LTTE for its acts of terrorism over many years, and for its continued use of civilians as human shields and acknowledged the legitimate right of the Government of Sri Lanka to combat terrorism. [Full Story]
President Rajapaksa at G-11 Summit in Jordan
Sri Lanka will be represented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated in the Lower and Middle-Income Countries (G11) Summit to open in Jordan today, May 14. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Czech Minister appreciates Government’s improvement of security
The Czech Deputy Foreign Minister, Madam Bambasova congratulated the Government on the improvement of security in Colombo, since 4 years her last visit to Sri Lanka. She said so at a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry yesterday, May 12. [Full Story]
Pro-LTTE attack on Sri Lanka embassy, Netherlands
A pro-LTTE group, supportive of the LTTE’s international terror campaign, attacked the Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague, the capital of the Netherlands 11th May, at around 10.30.p.m. [Full Story]
Speaker and MPs condemn pro-LTTE hijackers of Parliament Square, London
British Members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle in the House of Commons have joined in condemning the pro-LTTE Tamil demonstrators who many agree have hijacked Parliament Square and are obstructing free access by MPs to Parliament. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 12 May 2009
“Hospital hit” another fabrication - Military
Sri Lankan military sources describe as yet another fabrication the news item prominently carried on some international media that a hospital has been shelled inside the conflict zone, killing at least 45 persons, according to LTTE and alleged hospital sources. [Full Story]
“Terrorist group is part of Toronto demonstrations”
- Conservative government
The presence of pro-LTTE groups dominating demonstrations in Toronto, Canada is giving an impression that all Tamil demonstrators are supportive of a terrorist group, say several political and government leaders of Canada. [Full Story]
Hands off Sri Lanka - Palestinians
"Hand off Sri Lanka" say the Palestinians in unison angered and dismayed by the sinister manipulations and arm-bending tactics of some self-centered politicians of the West against Sri Lanka, one of the friendliest nations of Palestine. [Full Story]
UN Security Council refuses to discuss Sri Lanka
New York, May 12 - Top diplomats from Britain and France were rebuffed Monday when some UN Security Council members refused their request to discuss the fighting in Sri Lanka, which conflicting media reports said more than 400 people were killed during the past weekend. [Full Story]
Catholics pledge support to government
A delegation from Caritas, Sri Lanka-Sedec led by the Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop of Colombo, pledged their complete support to the government in providing relief to the IDPs who have left LTTE held territory and come to government areas in the Vanni. [Full Story]
The great “bloodbath” lies: manipulation by media and pro-LTTE pressure groups
The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies reports attributable to sources aligned with or under duress from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as to supposed civilian casualties in the no-fire zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
UN spokesman on mat for adverse remarks
The UN Spokesman in Sri Lanka, Gordon Weiss, is to be summoned to the Foreign Ministry for questioning over his comments to the international media that there was a bloodbath in the No Fire Zone. [Full Story]
 
Monday 11 May 2009
“LTTE are terrorists”
- British MP Malcolm Bruce
The Tamil Tigers have assassinated many many Tamils including those in and out of government and the opposition parties, and we had very credible evidence from many of the people we met in camps to say that they were threatened and shot at by their own side and were told that if they tried to leave the conflict zone their lives would be at risk. [Full Story]
Pro-LTTE demonstration endangering children
- Toronto
Pro LTTE demonstrators in Toronto, Canada have endangered the lives of children by putting them on the front line of a protest. They have closed down the important Gardiner Expressway in downtown, Toronto. [Full Story]
Another 1000 civilians break out of captivity
Defense sources have reported in that over 1000 civilians broke out of the conflict zone at the Mullaitivu end over 24 hours, ending noon, May 11. The LTTE sentries, initially overwhelmed, recovered and opened fire on the fleeing civilians. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 07 May 2009
Pro-LTTE attack on Chinese Embassy, London
Chinese Embassy in Central London came under attack by LTTE supporters this morning (May 7). [Full Story]
Teachings of the Buddha given utmost place in our governance system - President
The doctrine of Lord Buddha demonstrates the correct path to life. Accordingly we have given the teachings of Lord Buddha the utmost place in our governance system as it paves the way for a new Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
Friendly countries must keep pressure on LTTE to surrender and release hostages
- President to DPLs
As members of the international community, friends of Sri Lanka need to bring pressure to bear on the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender. [Full Story]
The Tamil Tigers have reaped what they have sown – Jonathan Kay, Canada
Much as many Tamil-Canadians claim that the Sri Lankan government is engineering a “genocide,” the greatest threat to the country’s Tamils has been their professed protectors, states Jonathan Kay, Editor for Comment at the National Post, and a visiting fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. [Full Story]
Three Canadians convicted for LTTE support
The trial of three Canadians accused of traveling to New York in 2006 to buy anti-aircraft missiles and assault rifles for the LTTE ended on Tuesday, the Canadian Media reported. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 06 May 2009
Aid appeal for IDPs
The United Nations and the Government yesterday (05) announced the launch of a $50 million appeal to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the rising number of civilians fleeing the LTTE grip, states in a statements issued May 05 by the U.N. Headquarters, New York. [Full Story]
President invites Ban Ki-moon
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to Sri Lanka to see for himself the situation regarding the action for the accommodation and treatment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have recently come to government controlled areas in such large numbers, and plans for their resettlement. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 05 May 2009
Be cautious of LTTE’s false information
- President tells British delegation
It is necessary to be cautious of the false information spread by pro- LTTE groups and sections of the media and to know that the LTTE used donations made so far for their military needs, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today. [Full Story]
Ceasefires don’t work with LTTE - Foreign Minister to Canada
The LTTE had used the pause in military operations to strengthen its fortifications in the Civilian Safety Zone and actively prevented civilians from leaving. [Full Story]
“Attack on Army convoy is a dangerous trend”-Chidambaram
Indian Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said the attack on an Army convoy in Coimbatore by a group was a “dangerous trend” that needed to be viewed seriously.
[Full Story]
 
Monday 04 May 2009
Tamil Nadu: Playing politics with Tamil lives in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's beleaguered Tamil community deserved better from Tamil Nadu. As the West gets hyper to know what it can do to end the killings of innocent civilians in the conflict and assist their flight from the war zone, election-bound Tamil Nadu is obsessed with street protests. [Full Story]
Accept responsibilities of election - President to WPC members
The repeated victories in elections show that the people endorse the path taken by our government and that they believe the country is going in proper direction. [Full Story]
Sri Lanka ready to reach full economic potential – EU Envoy
"Sri Lanka is ready to re-brand itself and to take off at this time, to reach its full economic potential”, said Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union (EU) Ravinatha Aryasinha addressing the launch of a comprehensive Sri Lanka Economic Promotion Programme in Brussels. [Full Story]
Japan to donate $4 mn for IDPs
The Government of Japan decided to extend emergency grant aid of up to 4 million dollars (412 million yen) as assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
More arrests in pro-LTTE attack on Indian Army convoy
At least 20 persons have now been arrested in connection with the attack on an Indian Army convoy in South India, by pro-LTTE groups, reports from, Coimbatore state. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 03 May 2009
LTTE should allow IDPs to leave – Akashi
We hope that even now the LTTE will change its attitude and let the IDPs in areas it still holds move to other areas, as several thousands of others had already done, said Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Japan’s special envoy for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka at a Media Briefing in Colombo May 2.
[Full Story]
 
Saturday 02 May 2009
“Commitment to free my people remain”
– President to Akashi
President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the visiting Special Envoy from Japan, Yasushi Akashi, that he was firm in his own commitment and that of his government to free the Sri Lankan Tamil citizens who remained being held as hostages by the LTTE. [Full Story]
Foreign funded weapons killing Tamils seeking freedom from LTTE
- President
“It is with weapons obtained by funds provided by Tamil people abroad to the LTTE that the Tamil civilians fleeing for freedom were attacked. It is with those heavily armed tanks that the innocent Tamil people and their children who were escaping terror were attacked,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the May Day celebrations by trade unions held at Temple Trees yesterday. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 30 April 2009
No time for ceasefire: time yet for surrender - President
We have at no time gone for a ceasefire. We will not do so now. There is no time for that now. [Full Story]
Goal of Tamil protesters: saving Tamils or LTTE?
- National Post,Canada
“Many Tamil spokesmen in Canada seem to live in a dream world — ignoring the plain fact that (as the United Nations and several blue-chip NGOs have pointed out) a primary threat to Tamils in Sri Lanka is posed by the Tigers themselves, who are holding trapped civilians as human shields”, said the Canadian "National Post" in an editorial comment (April 29). [Full Story]
Indian Army, Navy on high alert
The Indian Army and the Indian Navy have been placed on high alert along the country's southern coast to prevent any infiltration bid by LTTE cadres fleeing the military offensive against them in Sri Lanka, a top commander said on Wednesday. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 29 April 2009
Warnings of blood bath unreal - Foreign Minister 
As you all know we are poised on the threshold of defeating terrorism and embarking on an era of lasting peace and security for all our people… [Full Story]
We want to catch Prabhakaran alive: President
We are continuing with operations to free the civilian hostages held by the LTTE. We would like to catch Prabhakaran and other leaders alive to be dealt with under the law for all their crimes and after that if necessary send Prabhakaran to India to face justice there. [Full Story]
Resettlement process begins in North
The government has commenced the resettlement process in the Mannar district at the Musali Divisional Secretariat area and the first batch of villagers will come back to their original properties.  [Full Story]
No denial of entry to Swedish FM – Govt.
The government that allegations of the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt being denied entry to Sri Lanka are baseless and with no element of truth in them. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 28 April 2009
ILO must be in vanguard against all forms of terror
- President Rajapaksa
Terrorism is widespread the world over today. It affects the rich, developed and the poor developing world. This is also a threat to the conditions of work of the people that the ILO will have to take note of. [Full Story]
UN to donate $10 mn for IDPs
The Under Secretary General of the UN Sir John Holmes visited the IDP Welfare Camps in Vavuniya yesterday (April 27) and promised to donate 10 million US Dollars through UN agencies to uplift the living condition in the camps. [Full Story]
Rs.100-cr. as humanitarian relief from India
The Indian government announced to donate Rs.100 cr. for providing humanitarian relief to civilians being evacuated from the LTTE grip in northern Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
Tamils protesters vandalise Indian High Commission in London
Sri Lankan Tamil protesters smashed windows of the Indian High Commission and some forced their way inside the building during a demonstration in London April 27, reported the IANS yesterday (27). [Full Story]
Sri Lanka’s U.S. Envoy briefs Congressmen
Sri Lanka’s ambassador to the United States continued meetings with members of Congress in April, offering briefings on the coming conclusion of the government’s conflict with the LTTE, as well as prospects for civilian resettlement and redevelopment. [Full Story]
 
Monday 27 April 2009
Combat operations reach conclusion - Government
Government of Sri Lanka has decided that combat operations have reached their conclusion. [Full Story]
India steps up coastal security
Security has been beefed up along Tamil Nadu's 650-km coastline stretching from Chennai to Rameshwaram following intelligence inputs that LTTE chief Prabhakaran may attempt to cross over from Sri Lanka, Indian police said Sunday. [Full Story]
A clear message to int’l community - President
This Western Province mandate has sent a decisive message to the international community. [Full Story]
Clinton & self-styled peacemakers obstructing Tiger defeat -- Washington Times
The Sri Lankan government is justifiably confused and angry at the international response to their progress. Sri Lanka has been fighting the Tamil Tigers for over 30 years. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 26 April 2009
UPFA sweeps Western Province polls
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the ruling coalition in Sri Lanka led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, retained control of the Western Provincial Council with a larger majority at the election to the Council held April 25. [Full Story]
LTTE must surrender – Defence Sec.
The LTTE must first lay down arms, surrender and let the people go, said Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa reacting to reports of an alleged unilateral cease fire by the LTTE, and reiterating the Governments position on the LTTE. [Full Story]
 
Friday 24 April 2009
Enhanced facilities for IDPs - Minister
The number of Tamil civilians who have come from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) to freedom in the Safe Zone in government territory as at this morning was 193,960, .. [Full Story]
President meets Indian delegates
The Indian National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees today (24). [Full Story]
Japan welcomes rescue of civilians
“Japan welcomes that, in the past few days, nearly 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDP) in the northern part of Sri Lanka controlled by the LTTE have moved to the area controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka”, [Full Story]
 
Thursday 23 April 2009
World responds positively for relief to civilians
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama called on the International Community to provide humanitarian assistance to the civilians who had entered the cleared areas in government territory after being held hostage by the LTTE in the No Fire Zone. [Full Story]
170,000 liberated and still more seek freedom
The exodus of Tamil civilians from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) to freedom in the Safe Zone in government territory from morning yesterday (April 22) till noon today was 35,000 approx according to defence sources. [Full Story]
Lay down arms, renounce terror – UN to LTTE
“The LTTE is a terrorist organization and should be condemned for its use of civilian as a human shield. The LTTE should immediately lay down arms and renounce its terror tactics”, said Ambassador Claude Heller, the President of the UN Security Council summing up the views expressed by the Members of the Security Council at an informal briefing today (22/4). [Full Story]
Stop barbarism against Tamil civilians – India tells LTTE
India has called on the LTTE to stop its barbaric attempt to hold civilians hostage. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Prabhakaran spurned chances for pardon – President
The LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has spurned the possibility of pardon by us. In doing so, by not giving up arms and surrendering as required, he must now face the consequences of his acts, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today – April 22. [Full Story]
Large crowds view “Victims of War”
Large crowds are coming to view “Victims of War” the photographic exhibition which depicts the brutalities, political assassinations, cruelties imposed on civilians, attacks on civilian and economic targets and the disregard for human rights by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), now on in Geneva. [Full Story]
China backs Sri Lankan fight against LTTE
China has come out strongly in support of the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to wipe out the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and apprehend its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
[Full Story]
Contortionist feats in Tamil Nadu
Each of the two main political alliances of Tamil Nadu - one led by the DMK and the other by the AIADMK hosts diametrically opposed positions on the character and legitimacy of the LTTE which has been banned as a terrorist organization by some 30 countries led by India, says the Hindu in its Editorial - April 22, on the growing contradictions in support of the LTTE in Tamil Nadu politics. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 21 April 2009
“Victims of War” in Geneva begins today
“Victims of War” photographic exhibition will begin at the Centre International de Conference Geneva (CICG), Rue de Varemba 17, 1202 Geneva today (April 21). It will continue from 9.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. daily till April 23. [Full Story]
Govt. firm against Special Envoy – President tells Brown
On inquiry by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown with regard to the status of his Special Envoy to Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa has informed that Sri Lanka’s position on the non-acceptability of the said appointment remained unchanged.
[Full Story]
Now 49,000 more civilians in Safe Zone
Tamil civilians arriving to the Safe Zone from the no fire zone (NFZ) between yesterday (20) and today (21) have risen to 49,058, defence sources at 3 pm SL time today. More are expected to arrive in the course of the day. [Full Story]
President committed to meet the aspirations of the Tamil community
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to meet the aspirations of the Tamil community; Sri Lanka is party to major international human rights instruments and has acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ... [Full Story]
UN Sec.Gen. welcomes rescue of civilians from conflict zone
UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon in a statement issued April 20 welcomed the escape by tens of thousands of civilians from the conflict zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka over the last three days. [Full Story]
 
Monday 20 April 2009
President orders relief
As the influx of civilians from the NFZ continues from in its thousands, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Commissioner General of Essential Services to ensure that necessary food, medicines and other essentials be provided in adequate quantities to the people. [Full Story]
LTTE attacks fleeing civilian boats
Tamil civilians fleeing the LTTE held area in nearly 80 boats from the Pudumathalan coast towards Point Pedro in the early hours today were attacked by armed LTTE craft that gave them chase killing several civilians. [Full Story]
Another shipment of food items to Mullaitivu
Another 1,200 metric tones of essential food items have been dispatched to the displaced people in the High Security Zones of Mullaitivu and Pudumathalan from the Trincomalee harbour yesterday (19). [Full Story]
30,000 civilians flee LTTE to Safe Zone
At least 30,000 Tamil civilians have fled to the Safe Zone from LTTE held territory by noon today (April 20). [Full Story]
Sri Lanka establishes diplomatic relations with Paraguay
Sri Lanka and Paraguay have established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 1961, and by the mutual desire to strengthen the existing friendly relations between the two States in political, economic, commercial, cultural and other fields. [Full Story]
LTTE cadre jailed in Chennai
A member of the LTTE was remanded to judicial custody Saturday, Tamil Nadu Police said. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 19 April 2009
Nearly 70,000 IDPs free in Safe Zone
With at least 2.857 Tamil civilians fleeing the LTTE held areas of the NFZ to the Safe Zone of Government, the number of IDPs in Government held areas of the North is fast approaching 70,000. [Full Story]
“Victims of War” in Geneva
“Victims of War” a photographic exhibition to enhance worldwide awareness of the brutalities, political assassinations, cruelties imposed on civilians and disregard for human rights by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) through the past three decades, ... [Full Story]
Put pressure on LTTE to free civilians – President Rajapaksa
President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on all those pressuring his government, both locally and internationally for an extended “humanitarian pause” or a ceasefire, to instead appeal to the LTTE to give freedom of movement “just for one hour” to innocent civilians stranded in the No-Fire Zone (NFZ), in the North. [Full Story]
 
Saturday 18 April 2009
UK Tamil Tiger chief guilty of terror charges
The head of the Tamil Tigers in Britain was found guilty, April 17, of supplying bomb-making equipment for the Sri Lankan terrorist organization. [Full Story]
 
Friday 17 April 2009
UN to assist civilians fleeing LTTE grip
The United Nations expects to assist Sri Lankan Tamil civilians fleeing the LTTE to safety and the United Nations Secretary-General is doing his utmost to alleviate the situation in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
LTTE controlled World Tamil Movement in Toronto: Police
The World Tamil Movement of Ontario is a non-profit organization that fundraised and produced propaganda for the LTTE, According to the RCMP documents released Wednesday. The National Post reported. [Full Story]
Sympathy for Tamils, but not Tigers- National Post, Canada
“If the Tiger supporters in Ottawa truly had the best interests of innocent Tamils at heart, they would be pleading with the Tigers themselves to release their human shields, not declaring their undying support for a terror organization,” said the Canadian "National Post" in an editorial comment (April 16). [Full Story]
 
Thursday 16 April 2009
President visits Killinochchi
President Mahinda Rajapaksa was given a warm welcome when he visited the Northern town of Killinochchi today (16). [Full Story]
Canada won't lift ban on Tigers
Canada has done its best to end the long-running conflict in Sri Lanka, but will not bow to pressure to remove the Tigers from the list of banned terrorist groups, the Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. [Full Story]
British and French FMs say LTTE holds civilians as human shields
It is clear that the LTTE has been forcefully preventing civilians from leaving the conflict area and we deplore their determination to use civilians as a human shield. [Full Story]
“LTTE more actively prevented people leaving during pause”
– John Holmes
“There seems to be less civilians getting out during the [New Year] pause than before. So it is clear that LTTE did not allow those who wished to leave even if they wished to leave the area during this pause to do so, [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Britain condemns LTTE brutality in Buttala
Britain has strongly condemned the LTTE massacre of civilians in a remote village in Buttala, killing 8 villagers, including 3 women and 2 children. [Full Story]
Co-Chairs reiterate call for LTTE to release civilians
The Representatives of the Tokyo Co-Chairs of the Sri Lanka Peace Process- United Sates, European Union, Norway and Japan, reiterated their call for the LTTE to permit freedom of movement for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone. [Full Story]
LTTE refuses idea of humanitarian NFZ - Hindu
“Facing annihilation, they [the LTTE] have had no moral compunction in moving into the NFZ with heavy weapons, and using the hard-pressed civilians as a last-ditch shield. [Full Story]
 
Monday 13 April 2009
Norway failed discharge international obligations
- Govt. tells envoy
The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the violent attack by hooligans belonging to the international terror network of the LTTE on the Sri Lanka Embassy in Oslo on Sunday, 12th April 2009. [Full Story]
Sri Lanka condemns attack on Oslo Embassy
“Disappointed at inadequate protective measures” – Foreign Sec.
Sri Lanka has strongly condemned the attack on its embassy in Oslo, Norway (Sunday 12) by suspected LTTE supporters, causing extensive damage to the premises and property. [Full Story]
New Year promise of freedom & prosperity
- President
At a time when the country awaits the dawn of peace and prosperity we are happy to welcome the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which brings the promise of a new awakening to our people. [Full Story]
 
Sunday 12 April 2009
Defensive action only during New Year
– President to Armed Services
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the Armed Forces of the State to restrict their operations during the New Year to those of a defensive nature, says a statement from the President’s Office. [Full Story]
 
Saturday 11 April 2009
Co-Chairs ask LTTE to release civilians
The representatives of the Tokyo Co-Chairs of the Si Lanka Peace Process – United Sates, European Union, Norway and Japan - have called on the LTTE to release now held in the No Fire Zone. [Full Story]
LTTE to blame for suffering of Tamil civilians
– President tells Ban Ki-moon
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the suffering undergone by the Tamil civilians in the No Fore Zone in the north of Sri Lanka is the sole responsibility of the LTTE that was holding them as a human shield, despite many calls for their freedom. [Full Story]
President returns from Libya
President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned from his three-day State Visit to Libya today. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 09 April 2009
Leaders discuss stronger ties between Libya and Sri Lanka
The strengthening economic and trade ties between Libya and Sri Lanka featured prominently in bilateral talks between Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Libyan Head of State Colonel Muammar Gaddafi at the special venue for meetings with distinguished visitors at Sheri, Libya today - April 09. [Full Story]
Let Tamil civilians decide for themselves – Key UN officer  tells LTTE
“Civilians trapped by the fighting must be allowed a free choice of whether to leave or stay, as we have made clear to the LTTE. If the LTTE truly has the best interests of the Tamil people at heart, they should contribute to ending this unnecessary civilians ... [Full Story]
Indian spy satellite to eye terrorists
India will launch a spy satellite from the Sriharikota spaceport on April 20, primarily to keep an eye on its borders, PTI reports. [Full Story]
LTTE threat to Sonia Gandhi and children
Worries are mounting in New Delhi about intelligence reports of the strong prospect of an attack on the Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi, her children, and other top political leaders of India by the LTTE, during the current election time in India. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 08 April 2009
President arrives in Libya
President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Libya on a three-day State visit this evening (April 08). [Full Story]
Lay down arms and renounce violence – France to LTTE
The LTTE must lay down arms and permanently renounce violence and terrorism. [Full Story]
More facilities for IDPs
Over 64,000 civilians fled LTTE's grip
The government has taken several measures to enhance the facilities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in government controlled areas. [Full Story]
UN expert on IDPs tells LTTE to free all civilians
Following reports that LTTE fighters have now been pushed entirely into the no-fire zone, and many more civilians there are at risk of losing their lives, I urgently repeat my call to the LTTE to allow all civilians under its control to leave the this zone and seek safety elsewhere. [Full Story]
 
Tuesday 07 April 2009
President left for Libya
President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for Libya today (7) for a three day official visit at the invitation of the government of Libya. [Full Story]
Sri Lanka inventors win Gold, Silver, & Bronze at international awards
Sri Lanka made a large haul of prestigious awards at the 37th International Exhibition of Inventions, Techniques and Products of held in Geneva last week. [Full Story]
Sri Lankan economy on trajectory of growth
– Central Bank
With the war on terror at its last stages the Central Bank predicts Sri Lanka’s economic growth prospects for 2009 will be on a trajectory of negative of slow growth seen by other countries due to the global economic downturn. [Full Story]
 
Monday 06 April 2009
India breaks another LTTE weapon smuggling ring
India has broken yet another LTTE ring that sought to smuggle war material to the outlawed outfit, arresting four men including a British national of Sri Lankan origin in Chennai, IANS reported yesterday. [Full Story]
UN special envoy praises facilities at welfare centers
UN special envoy on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Prof. Walter Kaelin had expressed his satisfaction over present efforts by the government to provide infrastructure facilities and vocational centers at welfare villages in Vavuniya. [Full Story]
Govt deeply concerned over the plight of trapped civilians
The Government attaches the highest priority for the safety and welfare of the civilians, who are currently being held hostage by the LTTE in the narrow coastal strip in Mullaitivu. [Full Story]
Troops succeed in massive humanitarian intervention
Sri Lankan troops who drove the LTTE out of its last stronghold Puthukudiyirippu (Sunday) dealing what is considered the final major military blow to the terrorists, ... [Full Story]
 
Saturday 04 April 2009
Allow civilians to leave freely – UNSG tells LTTE
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has expressed his deep distress by continuing reports of civilians being kept at extreme risk, against their will and with heavy casualties in a very small area by the LTTE, and calls on the LTTE leadership to allow civilians to leave the conflict area of their own free will. [Full Story]
 
Friday 03 April 2009
Police to act against cruelty to cart bulls in hackery races
The Police has been instructed to inform the organizers of Sinhala and Tamil New Year events to prevent the incidence of cruelty to cart bulls in the hackery (thirikkal) races organized in connection with the festive season. [Full Story]
Govt to provide telecom facilities at welfare centers
The Government yesterday decided to provide telecommunication facilities to welfare camps and villages in Vavuniya within 48 hours. [Full Story]
Defence Ministry provides mobile registration facility for Western Province
The Ministry of Defence yesterday launched a mobile registration unit for the citizens in the Western Province through the online registration portal, www.citizens.lk. [Full Story]
Two top LTTE leaders killed
Leader of the "Charles Antony" brigade of the LTTE Amuthab, and former leader of the same brigade Gobith were killed in fighting in Puthukkudyiruppu, defence sources confirmed today. [Full Story]
USAID donates essential food items for IDPs
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated $15 million worth food aid to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to be distributed among the Internally Displaced Persons in North and East. [Full Story]
 
Thursday 02 April 2009
WPC Polls:
Postal voting begins today
Casting of postal votes for the Western provincial council election will commence today, the Election Secretariat said. [Full Story]
Eurojust hosts tactical meeting on 'LTTE front organisations'
EU member states must scrutinize the financial statements submitted to their host countries by LTTE front organizations such as the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), to verify whether the money collected ostensibly for post-tsunami relief and reconstruction projects in the North were actually used for the stated purposes; and if not, ... [Full Story]
“Tamil civilians flee their Tiger 'protectors' in Sri Lanka”
Civilians are fleeing from the Tamil Tiger forces who claim to protect them and revealing the fears of the thousands still trapped by desperate last-ditch fighting, states Nick Meo of the Sunday Telegraph, UK, of March 28, reporting from Kilinochchi in the north of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]
 
Wednesday 01 April 2009
Prabhakaran's son injured
LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran's son was injured in a confrontation with ground troops, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said on Wednesday. [Full Story]
Arundhati Roy helping LTTE continue holding civilians
- SL Embassy
"It is indeed unfortunate that Ms. Roy has chosen to make comments which are likely to encourage the LTTE into believing that its propaganda is successful and that it should therefore remain even more obdurate, in holding onto the civilians", ... [Full Story]
UNHCR Welcomes Govt. initiatives on IDPs
The conditions at the IDP sites in North are in line with international standards, UNHCR the international lead agency for the internally displaced persons, says in a statement yesterday (31). [Full Story]
Sri Lanka rebuts allegations in European Parliament
“No military operation to defeat terrorism in the world is conducted without difficulty to the civilian population who live in the afflicted area. In the achievement of our military dominance over the LTTE, ... [Full Story]
Indonesia territory will not be used for terror against Sri Lanka
Indonesia will not allow its territory to be used for carrying out or facilitating any terrorist activities against Sri Lanka. This pledge was made visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda when he called on Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in last sunday (29) in Colombo. [Full Story]
 
 
   
   

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