Monday, October 31, 2011
Australia Based LTTE Network Exposed
President’s maligner - top Tigress
By Bhakthi MENDIS and Mahinda ALUTHGEDERA
DailyNews.lk
November 03, 2011
Meena Krishnamoorthy - who was used in Australia to level baseless allegations against President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Security Forces - has been found to be a second rung commander of the LTTE’s ‘Malathi’ brigade.
The Army intelligence has uncovered that she had joined the LTTE international operations wing in December, 2003. She had subsequently traveled to a number of countries to promote LTTE activities. She at present acts as the chairperson of an LTTE supportive organization in Australia.
She had been trained in the ‘Malathi’ brigade for over five years and is also known as ‘Illanadi’ and ‘Thangani’ within the organization.
She is also believed to have had close links with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
She had got married to another hardcore LTTE leader ‘Kubiran’ alias ‘Thaiparan’ and in 2008 she had got pregnant. Later due to her military activities the child had been stillborn.
Recently she has come up to level false allegations against the Security Forces on a number of fronts and has also compiled documents containing fabricated material to support her allegations.
Australian TV uses LTTE cadre to attack SL ahead of CHOGM
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Island.lk
October 22, 2011
Sri Lankan intelligence services have exposed an operation by Australia’s ABC TV Channel aimed at embarrassing President Mahinda Rajapaksa ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Meeting (CHOGM 2011) in Perth, Western Australia.
In spite of the LTTE’s propaganda efforts and threat of protests, the president will participate at the biennial meeting of leaders of one-time British colonies.
He will leave for Perth early this week for the three-day summit scheduled to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II on Oct. 28.
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) is believed to be planning protests during CHOGM 2011.
An authoritative official told The Sunday Island that the Australian Channel had telecast a documentary targeting Sri Lanka over accountability issues citing an eyewitness account of Meena Krishnamoorthy.
They said that the so-called eye witness was an LTTE cadre Krishnamoorthy Navarangi Meena aka Eelanadee, a Sri Lankan born Australian citizen.
Valvettiturai-born Meena had returned to the then LTTE-held area in 2004 on the invitation of the LTTE and had three years later married a hardcore LTTE cadre.
The person interviewed by the Australian TV Channel had received a six-month military training programme and served the LTTE’s Malathi ‘regiment’ until the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009, these sources said.
UK’s Channel 4 News partly based its unsubstantiated ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ on comments attributed to Sri Lankan born UK passport holder Vani Kumar believed to be a colleague of Meena.
"We believe they were in the Vanni together at the end of the war," a senior official said. The 50-minute long Channel 4 News production was aired by Channel 4 last June with the backing of the UK government, the official alleged.
Since then the documentary had been shown in various parts of the world, including Oslo, USA, India, Australia and the EU parliament.
Sri Lanka’s war time Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told The Sunday Island on Friday that images of torture and the subsequent killing of Gaddafi now on the internet had exposed those seeking to avenge Prabhakaran’s killing citing LTTE propaganda propagated by a section of the international community and primarily three NGOs, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group.
Military intelligence said that the international media and human rights watchdogs had stepped up using LTTE women in their propaganda offensive.
South Africa-based Vathsala Devi, an ex LTTE cadre (wife of LTTE leader Ramesh) recently moved the US judiciary against Sri Lanka. Another leading woman activist is Sampavi, former LTTE/TYO (Tamil Youth Organization) activist is presently playing an active role in Australian Tamil Congress (She represented ATC in the recent meeting with Green Party Australia)
Using Meena, a section of the Australia media had targeted President Rajapaksa, UN Ambassador Palitha Kohona, and Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka High Commissioner for Australia, intellingence sources said.
The military has also identified Meena’s husband, Irasarathnam Thayakaran,
Meena had been among a selected group of LTTE cadres sent to South Africa to follow a course in law and briefly coordinated LTTE activities in Malaysia.
Her husband, Thayakaran, had joined the LTTE in 1993 and served the Imran Pandiyan Special Regiment. He had been among those sent on a special mission to Johannesburg in Nov. 2003 and returned to country in December the same year.
LTTE rump Meena Krishnamoorthy lied to ICJA and to the Australian people
By K.T.Rajasingham
Asiantribune.com, Colombo
November 01, 2011
She has made baseless allegations, as people were 'massacred' in the final stages of the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and she is presently the LTTE‘s coordinator of the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) in Australia.
She was recently interviewed by 'ABC’s 7.30 News Report' and she said that the reason why she came forward to tell her story was because, “I always believed in Justice.”
Though she tried to cover her real identity and come up with the concocted story, it has become clearly evidenced that she has told lies and half truths and misled the International Commission of Jurists, Australia (ICJA) with her distorted version about Sri Lanka on the last days of the battle between Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam –LTTE the ruthless terrorist organization that was responsible for the protracted 30 year long bloody ethnic conflict and the security forces of Sri Lanka.
Based on the lies nauseated by Meena Krishmamoorthy Mr. John Dowd, the President of the International Commission of Jurists, Australia (ICJA ) has prepared a report against Sri Lanka and handed over to the Australian Police chief to investigate and bring about charges against Sri Lanka President for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Even in an interview with ABC’s “7.30 Report” Mr. John Dowd has said "her story was credible". Now after the recent exposure about her, world is waiting for his response.
Already in our earlier news story Rump LTTE has their women operatives to spin stories to West NGO’s to satisfy their urge about ICJA and handing over the 500 page report on Sri Lanka to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Tony Negus, Asian Tribune pointed out that they have committed a serious breach of trust and confidence by taking on the face value of her account without cross checking the statement made by Meena Krishnamoorthy.
It all happened after Veerakulasingham Manivannan or better known as Castro was made the person in charge of the International LTTE operations. On 3rd December 2003. he organized the Tamil Youth Organization and its members were between the ages of 18 to 30 years.
For the 2004 conference of the TYO organized by Castro in Vanni, Meena Krishnamoorthy and many others from the United Kingdom, Canada and from other Western countries came to Vanni to participate in the conference.
But in her interview with Australia’s ABC News 7.30 she had stated that she went to Sri Lanka to work in the orphanages in Vanni, but now it has been proved beyond doubt that she visited Sri Lanka to participate in the TYO conference held in Vanni.
Meena Krishnamoorthy who came to Sri Lanka in 2004 stayed back in Vanni after the TYO conference. She joined the Malathi women regiment of the LTTE and initially underwent a three month basic arms training. She was given a name after her induction in the LTTE - 'Eelanadhi'.
Subsequently, she received the uniform meant for the LTTE women armed cadres, as well as the necklace with the cyanide capsule. As she has received them, she rightly became the LTTE armed cadre. She was also given further armed training.
Australia_4.jpg
Though she was registered with the Malathi regiment, she worked with Castro and was made a coordinator of TYO and on 2005 she was on a short visit to Europe.
In her interview with 'ABC 7.30 news', she has said that she met an accountant of the LTTE and married him.
But in fact she married one Kuberan alias Thayaparan who joined the LTTE militant wing in 1993 and in 1994 he joined the Castro group.
In Vanni, she was married to Kuberan in the beginning of 2008 after she conceived. It was suspected that she had extramarital relationship prior to her marriage with Kuberan and once she conceived, her marriage with Kuberan was arranged.
In October 2008, when she was into her 8th month of pregnancy and she complained that there was no moment of the baby and went to Dr.Ponnampalam’s Memorial Hospital which was run by LTTErs and was specially meant for the LTTE cadres. Asian Tribune reliably learnt that she was taken to the hospital by some LTTE armed cadres and not by her husband Kuberan and he was not seen anywhere when she went to the hospital and after.
At the Ponnampalam hospital, Asian Tribune learnt that Dr.V Shanmugarajah was channeled by the hospital authorities to check Meena Krishnamoorthy's condition.
Asian Tribune further learnt that Dr. Shanmugarajah, a gynecologist, who after examining the patient found that her child had died (infra uterine death) and put her on an observation for two weeks.
Asian Tribune also learnt that she wore jeans when she went to meet Dr. Shanmugarajah and she was told to come in a loose dress next time she visit the hospital.
After two weeks, Asian Tribune learnt that again she went to Dr. Ponnampalam memorial hospital to remove the dead baby. Agaiin it was Dr. Shanmugarajah who attended on her and inserted prostaglandins into her organ to induce pain and she delivered the dead baby virginally.
After the delivery, she was admitted in the hospital for two days and later discharged.
But she gave another version of the still born baby in her interview with 'ABC 7.30' as it was related to the last days of the war, with the view to create little bit of sympathy and to show the world that even the unborn babies were not safe during the last days of the battle.
It has become clear that the rump LTTE Meena Krishnamoorthy has clearly misled Mr. John Dowd, President of International Commission of Jurists, Australia (ICJA) with her distorted version.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Was Moammar Gaddafi the ONLY MAN who cared for African Blacks?
By Ananda-USA
October 28, 2011African immigrants are OSTRACIZED and LEFT TO DIE in LIBYA in the wake of "Victory for Democracy" by Libyan rebels.
With Moammar Gaddafi who welcomed them, gave them jobs, and protected them now DEMONIZED and EXECUTED at the URGING of the Neocolonialists of the West, they are left to the VULTURES by the RACIST Islamists who inherited the new "Democratic Libya"!
What will NATO, in its infinite wisdom, that bombed Libya into this REGIME CHANGE, do to "Protect Civilians" now that the Islamists who inherited the new "Democratic Libya" does not want them?
I SUGGEST to these "bleeding heart" Western Neo-colonialist SERIAL BUNGLERS, who in their "democratic fervour" created this "humanitarian crisis", that they MAKE AMENDS by transporting these people to EUROPE.
In EUROPE, lovingly take care of them, restore to them their lost jobs, and grant them permanent resident visas in European Countries to boot.
YES, ALL 2,000,000 of needy Black Africans that Moammar Gaddafi provided for in the past!
How will they transport them to EUROPE you ask?
Use PLANES, Dear Henry, Use PLANES!
REMEMBER those vast Armadas of High Tech planes that NATO used to Bomb Libyan Government Forces and lavishly transport Weapons of War, and insert Special Forces Troops to win the "Democracy War" for the Islamists ... err, pardon me ... I mean the "Democratic Forces" ... in Libya?
Don't let them fly home empty ... you FOOLS; now transport the Black African refugees in LIBYA to EUROPE in them!
OR, will NATO undergo an ephiphany and JOIN FORCES IN COMMON CAUSE with the reviled ISLAMISTS on this ONE ISSUE, and REFUSE TO FLY THE REFUGEES TO EUROPE because, after all, these PEOPLE ARE BLACK? Who wants Black People, eh?
Oh My God, was that DEVIL INCARNATE Moammar Gaddafi the only man of COMPASSION who CARED for BLACKS, the destitute, the needy in this world?
AMAZING revelation, a'int it ... that the REAL DEVILS always were the HYPOCRITES of the Neocolonialist West?
..............................................................................................................
Libya's African migrants face harder life post-Kadhafi
By Simon Martelli
October, 2011
On the coast outside Tripoli, a squalid refugee camp shelters hundreds of African migrants who found work under Libya's former regime, but are now jobless, discriminated against and unable to return home.
Squatting in the derelict buildings of what was once a training centre for the ousted Libyan leader's special forces, they face racist abuse, attacks and robberies as they wait each day, hoping someone will offer them work or bring emergency food handouts. Clothes hang on makeshift washing lines. Piles of rubbish lie everywhere.
"Since we came here... we've been hoping, praying to God, believing one day maybe help will come from somewhere, because all we had has been taken," said Anthony, who worked on a building site before the conflict forced him to seek refuge in Sidi Bilal. "I've been beaten and robbed several times, even in the camp here... Sometimes, when we go out onto the streets, people start throwing stones at us because we're black," he added.
The camp's 700 residents are mostly young Nigerian men who fled the capital two months ago when it fell to the revolutionary forces that last week crushed the final pockets of resistance by Moammar Kadhafi loyalists. They are a tiny fraction of the number of people displaced by the conflict.
Over 700,000 migrant workers have left Libya since February, according to the International Organisation for Migration, but tens of thousands remain.
The Nigerians, the largest migrant community in Tripoli, found casual work before the city fell,washing cars or labouring on farms and building sites, jobs shunned by most Libyans.
But with many locals angered by claims that sub-Saharan mercenaries supported Kadhafi's regime, they now face hostility in their host nation.
"It is a problem having the Africans here," said Adil, one of the camp's security guards. "It's not healthy. They don't eat good food, they fight each other, and some of them came without passports, bringing diseases with them, only to cross into Europe." "The best solution is to send them back to their country," added the former fighter from Zawiyah.
Most of the camp's residents say they plan to return home following Kadhafi's ouster, because they no longer feel safe. But without cash or passports -- Nigeria does not have a consular representative in Tripoli -- they are currently unable to do so, stuck in a limbo with no way forward or backwards.
"Some of them don't want to go back. They've risked everything to make it this far," said Jeremy Haslam, the IOM's chief of mission in Libya. "But there are others who are eager to return, and they are desperately hoping that their temporary travels permits will be issued soon."
There are growing concerns among the humanitarian community that Libya's immigration policy will be tightened by the National Transitional Council. The new regime is already believed to be restricting aid to the camp, fearing that it may become a permanent settlement.
"We believe that since Libya is free from the past government, it should be a free Libya for everyone," said Anthony, one of the few residents who plans to tough it out. "Going back to my family empty handed would not be a good idea for me. So I think I prefer to stay here, to try to make some money to take care of them," he said.
But most in the camp see no future for themselves in the new Libya. "I came here to work and make money for my family. But when the crisis started everything changed. Now I just want to go home and start my life afresh," said Larry, a 33-year-old father of three.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tactical Surrender
[Translated from my sinhala blog]
It happened during the height of war. War had extended its destruction beyond the best of imagination. Death was everywhere. The leaders responsible for the death were in hiding.
There is an expiry time for everything. No difference for hiding too. Victorious armies were surrounding the hideout. There was little to none hope of escape. Suddenly an enlightenment of "Peace" tingled the otherwise dogmatic minds of the leaders. It was a feeling that never rose until the death loomed over their heads - the very death they prescribed for many others.
Evading an inevitable death they came out. They thought of surrendering, which was their last option, in order for them to live for another day to lead the same war.
Victorious armies shot the leaders dead. They were unarmed.
"These deaths of leaders... Are they war crimes?"
We asked the elite panel of judges comprising USA, EU, Canada, Australia etc.
"Nop. These are fair killings. By all means these chaps are murderers. They have killed thousands. So it is fair. Therefore, we do not consider the killing of Gaddafi as a war crime"
"Gaddafi?"
We were confused.
"We're not talking about Gaddafi killing. We're talking about the killing of Tamil Tiger leadership, whom you allege to have come out to surrender, after sacrificing thousands, including kids in forced conscription, as cannon-fodder."
The communication channel went blank.
It happened during the height of war. War had extended its destruction beyond the best of imagination. Death was everywhere. The leaders responsible for the death were in hiding.
There is an expiry time for everything. No difference for hiding too. Victorious armies were surrounding the hideout. There was little to none hope of escape. Suddenly an enlightenment of "Peace" tingled the otherwise dogmatic minds of the leaders. It was a feeling that never rose until the death loomed over their heads - the very death they prescribed for many others.
Evading an inevitable death they came out. They thought of surrendering, which was their last option, in order for them to live for another day to lead the same war.
Victorious armies shot the leaders dead. They were unarmed.
"These deaths of leaders... Are they war crimes?"
We asked the elite panel of judges comprising USA, EU, Canada, Australia etc.
"Nop. These are fair killings. By all means these chaps are murderers. They have killed thousands. So it is fair. Therefore, we do not consider the killing of Gaddafi as a war crime"
"Gaddafi?"
We were confused.
"We're not talking about Gaddafi killing. We're talking about the killing of Tamil Tiger leadership, whom you allege to have come out to surrender, after sacrificing thousands, including kids in forced conscription, as cannon-fodder."
The communication channel went blank.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
New state administrative complex in Hambanthota opened
Colombopage News Desk, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Colombopage.com
October 05, 2011
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremoniously declared open the newly constructed four-storied administrative complex in Hambanthota Tuesday (04).
Speaking at the occasion, the President said the government implements development programmes not only for the benefit of the present generation but also for the prosperity of future generations as well.
The government aims provide the people with benefits of development regardless of their political and ethnic differences, the President added.
The five-storied building complex, built at a cost of 2.9 billion rupees on a 72-acre land in Siribopura, Gonnoruwa in Hambanthota, is to house the district's all major government institutions, department offices and the office complexes demolished for the Hambanthota port construction.
Accordingly, 42 Government institutions will be housed in this administrative complex including Hambanthota District Secretariat, Divisional Secretariat, banks, post offices, Local Government institutions, libraries, electricity depots, telecommunication offices and many other state and public sector offices making it convenient for the public to receive all state services from one location.
The Exim Bank of South Korea had granted funds for the project and the Urban Development Authority has carried out the construction.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs W.D.J. Seneviratne, Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nirupama Rajapaksa, South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Choi Jong Moon and other distinguished guests participated in the ceremony.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Colombopage.com
October 05, 2011
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremoniously declared open the newly constructed four-storied administrative complex in Hambanthota Tuesday (04).Speaking at the occasion, the President said the government implements development programmes not only for the benefit of the present generation but also for the prosperity of future generations as well.
The government aims provide the people with benefits of development regardless of their political and ethnic differences, the President added.
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The five-storied building complex, built at a cost of 2.9 billion rupees on a 72-acre land in Siribopura, Gonnoruwa in Hambanthota, is to house the district's all major government institutions, department offices and the office complexes demolished for the Hambanthota port construction.
Accordingly, 42 Government institutions will be housed in this administrative complex including Hambanthota District Secretariat, Divisional Secretariat, banks, post offices, Local Government institutions, libraries, electricity depots, telecommunication offices and many other state and public sector offices making it convenient for the public to receive all state services from one location.
The Exim Bank of South Korea had granted funds for the project and the Urban Development Authority has carried out the construction.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs W.D.J. Seneviratne, Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nirupama Rajapaksa, South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Choi Jong Moon and other distinguished guests participated in the ceremony.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Statement by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the General Debate of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly United Nations, New York. 23rd September, 2011,
Mr. President of the Sixty Sixth Session of the General Assembly
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Your Excellency Nassir Abdul Aziz Al-Nasser on your assumption of the Presidency.
I must also congratulate His Excellency Ban Ki-moon warmly on his re-election as Secretary-General and we look forward to working with him constructively. As we gather here today, it is appropriate to reflect on the values and ideals which inspire the United Nations system. One of the principal attributes is the spirit of flexibility which has always been a feature of the United Nations.
We must acknowledge the need for that spirit of openness and adaptability today, more than at any other time. This is because the foundations of the world order are being transformed dramatically and fundamentally. At the heart of these changes is the need to protect smaller countries in the developing
world and to advance their interests vigorously.
In the midst of uncertainty, there are some things which must remain constant. These reflect our esteemed beliefs and convictions. Despite repeated references in this Assembly by many member countries, on the right of the Palestinian people to a State of their own within secure borders, we still have not been able to make it a reality.
It is a matter for profound disappointment that this has not yet happened. There is a window of opportunity now and we must make use of it before it is too late. It is time for decisive action rather than more discussion. This will be in the interest of the security and the well being of the entire region including Israel.
The need for sustained support for countries of the African Continent at this critical time is also worthy of mention.
It is important to remind ourselves that every country cherishes the values and traditions, and deeply held religious convictions it has nurtured over the centuries. These cannot be diluted or distorted under the guise of human rights, by the imposition of attitudes or approaches which are characteristics of alien cultures.
If this were done, it would amount to a violation of human rights in a fundamental sense. It must also be pointed out that even where sanctions are imposed, extreme care has to be taken to ensure that the people at large are not harmed by such action.
I would also express, once again, my solidarity with the people of Cuba and I wish them all success.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Whilst clash of ideas, opnions and values continues, we have clearly to recognise that dialogue, deliberation and consensus offer the only viable means for resolving differences. The might of powerful nations cannot prevail against justice and fair play.
In the troubled times in which we live, we can derive guidance from the wise words of Gautama the Buddha who advised the Lichchavi Princes, whose energies were being consumed by bitter disputes among them, that the way forward consists of meeting, discussing and departing in an atmosphere of amity and goodwill. This represents the essential spirit of the United Nations, particularly relevant today.
The most significant challenge to stability and progress in the modem world is posed by the menace of terrorism. Recent experience the world over amply demonstrates that inconsistent standards and discriminating approaches can unintentionally give a fresh lease of life to the forces of terror. An explicit and
uniform response which refuses to recognize political shades of terrorism, is necessarily required.
Terrorism presents a threat from which not even the wealthiest and most powerful of nations are immune. It must be remembered, as well, that terrorist groups frequently operate under the guise of front organizations. Conferring legitimacy on these has the inevitable effect of providing comfort and encouragement to the merchants of terror.
As the leader of a nation which has paid a heavy price due to terrorism over a quarter of a century, I would underline that we must firmly resolve to rid the world of terrorism. We need to have solid practical action on the ground, and send out our collective message on this issue, loud and clear universally.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
The interest of the developing world needs to be protected in another significant respect. It is vitally important to insist that the structures and procedures of multilateral organizations are uniform and consistent and devoid of discrimination.
My country has reason for concern with approaches tainted by an unacceptable degree of selectivity, which we have brought to the notice of the organizations in question in recent weeks. The developing world must keep a vigil against these irregular modalities which should be resisted through our collective strength.
After three decades of pain and anguish, today, Sri Lankans of all ethnicities, living in all parts of Sri Lanka, are free from LTTE terror and no longer live in a state of fear.
However, I am deeply mindful that the battle for peace is every bit as important and difficult as the struggle against terror. After the eradication of terrorism, my government has turned its undivided attention to building anew, the foundations of a unified and vibrant nation and drawing upon the inherent strengths of our country and in particular, the unique caliber of our human potential.
It is justifiable for us to be proud of our nation's achievements during the brief span of thirty months which have elapsed since the beginning of the post conflict phase. The resettlement of more than 95% of internally displaced persons, who constituted the largest number of civilians forcibly held by a terrorist group at any time, while continuing even today to clear the mines laid by terrorists in extensive areas is a proud achievement.
Today, in the Northern Province, the Armed Forces are engaged in development of the infrastructure which were destroyed by the terrorists during a period of three decades. Contrary to malicious propaganda, the numbers of the Armed forces personnel present in the Northern Province is at a minimal level.
Revival of the economy has enhanced incomes and improved livelihoods, excombatants and other cadres after exposure to programmes of vocational training and counseling have been re-integrated into society, electoral process has been restored after decades making possible the emergence of a democratic
leadership. These are among our valued accomplishments.
The remarkable growth of 22% of the economy of the Northern Province is a clear indication of the success achieved by the government's initiatives with regard to development in that part of the country. The GDP growth of the country has been consistent at 8 percent, unemployment at a record low of 4.5 percent and it is also worthy of mention that in the assessment by the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report for 2011 - 2012, Sri Lanka shows dramatic improvement, moving up to 52nd from 79th rank over a span of two years.
It is worthy of note that all these developments have taken place within the brief space of 30 months - an achievement all the more significant because of our strong emphasis on reconciliation. Important as economic development is, we have attached the highest priority to fostering the spirit of inclusivity and removing any remnants of bitterness from the hearts and minds of all our people.
Over the last two years, we have recruited 669 Tamil police officers bringing the total number of Tamil officers to 1143, while plans are afoot to recruit more this year.
After more than two decades, a census is being conducted in the Northern Province as a part of the national census, to provide a firm basis for our initiatives.
As a result of these achievements what we see in Sri Lanka today is a selfreliant nation, with robust hope for the future, and a strong economy, strengthened by inward investment flows, unprecedented expansion of tourism and significant growth of volumes of international trade.
Towards consolidation of these trends, leaving behind us, the trauma of the past, we ask of the international community the hand of friendship and goodwill, based on understanding of our nation's determination to confront with courage the challenge of a new era in our history.
We ask our friends in distant lands to drop pre-conceived notions. We strongly believe in home-grown solutions for them to be sustainable. It is clearly impractical to conceive of universal remedies for problems which afflict our societies.
My country, as it comes out of the darkness of the last three decades into the light and promise of the future, must be afforded the time and space to seek its destiny in accordance with the wishes of its people. It is in keeping with the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the whole body of international law which governs us.
A further consideration that the international community should take into account is the vulnerability of developing nations and make provision, by means of appropriate institutional arrangements, for their protection. As I observed when inaugurating the fiftieth anniversary meeting of the AsianAfrican
Legal Consultative Committee in Colombo three months ago, dumping of commercial and industrial goods manufactured in developed countries imperils the economies of many Asian and African countries represented here.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
In conclusion, let me say that the use of substantial subsidies by Treasuries and Reserve Banks to support agricultural production in the developed world, and other forms of protectionism, cause serious distortion of the interplay of market forces, and reduce to a great extent the ability of farmers in many developing
countries to access international markets for their export products on an equitable basis.
The disproportionate pollution of the environment by industrialized countries, and the resultant impact on global warming and climate change, cannot be remedied with any semblance of justice by imposing harsh restraints on developing countries which have contributed very little to aggravation of the problem. These circumstances heighten the importance of social equity at the international level.
May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sri Lanka - Crucifixion of a Country for Defeating Terrorism?
By Mathias Keittle, Colombo
AsianTribune.com
September 05, 2011
Sri Lanka eliminated a dreaded terrorist group, with intricate global links, but receives little credit for it!
Unlike elsewhere in the world, Sri Lanka has succeeded in resettling 300,000 IDPs. There are no starving children for the NGOs to feed but this gets ignored!
Sri Lanka has avoided mass misery, epidemics and starvation but the West takes no notice of this.
Sri Lanka has attained enviable socio-economic standards for a developing country while eliminating terrorism but gets no acknowledgement!
The Government of Sri Lanka and its President continue to enjoy unprecedented popular approval through democratic elections but this is dismissed!
The economy continues to boom, but remains unencouraged by the West.
Background
After 27 years of bloody conflict Sri Lanka’s internal mayhem came to an end with the comprehensive defeat of the Tamil Tigers. In an Alice in Wonderland scenario, the country changed from an environment of unconstrained fear and uncertainty to peace and utter relief overnight. Thousands poured out on to the streets to celebrate in an outpouring of incomparable joy and restaurant keepers spontaneously distributed food to all passersby along busy thoroughfares. Over the following months approximately 300,000 IDPs were returned to their own towns and villages, admittedly not to the best of living conditions.
But one has to remember that their circumstances were hardly comfortable under the iron rule of the LTTE for close to 27 years or as they were herded from one tent camp to another as a human shield and a bargaining chip by the retreating LTTE. The retreating LTTE had also removed roofing material from houses to prevent the return of their human shield to their homes. The captured child soldiers (approximately 600) have undergone rehabilitation and have returned to their communities. The UNICEF documented 5700 child recruits by the LTTE. Of the 11,700 former LTTE combatants, over 7000 have been returned to their communities after rehabilitation despite the real risk of some returning to the only profession that they had been trained in – that of being trained killers.
The risk is magnified by the fact that caches of buried weapons continue to be unearthed in the North and the Tamil militants in the West continue to drum up separatism and violence from their safe havens. The continued presence of the military in the North is naively criticized, but the above background factors are ignored. Only a fraction of the detainees will face trial as the evidence against the rest may not be adequate to satisfy the evidential requirements of the courts. A vast effort has been undertaken to restore the economy of the North and huge sums are being pumped in for the purpose.
All this receives hardly a mention in the West while an intense campaign is being orchestrated to pin down individuals allegedly guilty of war crimes and human rights violations. This must surely be the only case in history that a winner in a conflict has been hounded in this manner to account for alleged war crimes and breaches of human rights in the process of winning the conflict – leave alone defeating a ruthless terrorist group. There have been no such demands made following World War II, or after the Korean Conflict, after Vietnam, after Gulf War 1, the continuing occupation of Afghanistan or Iraq.
Remarkably, all sorts of people have flocked together to demand accountability from Sri Lanka, the Elders, Prime Minister Cameron, Hillary Clinton, the SG, Bernard Kouchner, David Milliband, the aging Ed Mortimer, et al. It cannot simply be that they all were encouraged by the sexiness of the subject or simply by the nobility of advancing humanity's highest ideals.
The Reasons
It is difficult to pin down one reason for this attitude of a number of key Western countries and some high profile individuals. Were pure principled attachment to humanitarian standards the reason, then Sri Lanka would, in their view, appear to be the one egregious offender in the whole world. This obviously cannot be the case. But Sri Lanka is certainly a developing country from the non-Western world and hence easier to beat up. Sri Lanka also was unusual in not responding positively to intense pressure when a number of Western leaders demanded a ceasefire towards the very end of the conflict and this refusal set an uncomfortable precedent. Bernard Kouchner, David Miliband and Hillary Clinton, all demanded a cease fire which Sri Lanka rejected. Both sides had good reasons for the approaches that they adopted.
Sri Lanka had the Tamil Tigers on their haunches and victory after 27 years of brutal bloodshed was temptingly within grasp. The Western leaders were under intense pressure to intervene from the Tamil diaspora, which wielded enormous financial and some political clout. Cities like Toronto, London, Melbourne and Sydney were brought to a standstill by massive Tamil demonstrations. During his visit to Sri Lanka in the middle of May 2009, David Miliband was told in no uncertain terms to butt out and mind his business by the Sri Lankan leadership and may not have forgiven this slight by the former colonial minion. The US proposed an evacuation of the trapped civilians and, perhaps the LTTE leadership, using its naval assets and this was rejected both by India and the Sri Lankan Government.
There were predictions of a blood bath and, at the time, no one claimed that it actually happened. (Subsequently and, suspiciously, evidence began to be produced by interested parties to establish that a blood bath did actually happen!). Interestingly, allegations of war crimes and human rights violations have emerged from countries that have provided refuge to massive numbers of Sri Lankan Tamils. Many have used the then existing violence as a basis for their claims for refugee status.
The LTTE raised large amounts of money from the diaspora to fund the war effort. Today these funds are used to advance their cause. Tamils for Clinton contributed substantially to her campaign until this was brought to public attention and the funds were returned. The LTTE has quietly funded politicians in many Western countries and continue to do so. The US lawyer, Bruce Fein, is funded by the Tamil diaspora. The liberal end of Western politics, ever ready to champion the underdog, was a willing champion of the Tamil diaspora cause. The shadow LTTE incessantly targets the media and the diplomatic community in Colombo.
The availability of funds, articulate advocates, the liberal tendency to take up the causes of apparent underdogs, horror stories, real or concocted, sympathetic journalists who were ever ready to use their privileged position in the Western media to support the cause, the sense of unhappiness with Sri Lanka among liberal political leaders in the West, the slow pace with which Sri Lanka countered some of the issues, were a cogent mix to activate the major humanitarian NGOS in the West. Many Western journalists unashamedly adopted the Tamilnet version of the conflict and were willing to use influential Western newspapers (London Times, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age) to propagate the version fed by the Taminet.
It would also seem that a not so subtle campaign is being mounted against the Sri Lankan leadership, orchestrated by elements of the Tamil diaspora and picked up by the Western media. The settling of scores by using the international community, now that the battle on the ground has been lost, appears to be the major objective. Efforts persist to pin charges of war crimes and human rights violations, on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations and innuendo. This powerful surge is further augmented by allegations of abuses, corruption and nepotism. If these allegations stick, it would be a short step to drag Sri Lankan leaders before international tribunals. Recent history suggests that some allegations get a life of their own by the simple process of repetition.
The Machiavellian story line is simple. “The Sri Lankan Government deliberately set about using its military to target the Tamil population of the North and killed thousands in the process”. This line is repeated for effect while the authenticated history of the LTTE’s murderous bombing campaign targeting civilians over a period of 27 years and killing thousands, the recruitment of thousands of children as child soldiers, the murder of dozens of moderate Tamil leaders, the extortion of millions from Tamils around the world, the ethnic cleansing of the Northern Province, the deliberate destruction of UNESCO protected places of worship, the deliberate and cynical use of thousands as a human shield, the human trafficking and the drug trafficking are air brushed as the frenzied campaign is cranked up using NGOs, eminent persons and the media to establish human rights violations and war crimes by the Government.
The focus is deliberately shifted from the murderous Tigers to the Government and these allegations are designed to stay around for a long while. The one goal of this campaign appears to be to punish the Government leadership, in order to avenge the defeat of the murderous Tigers, if not today than at some later time.
A lie repeated often enough acquires a life of its own. This also gradually contributes to causing feelings of discomfort and doubt in the minds of ordinary Sri Lankans whose confidence in their Government, unshakable at present, could falter in time giving rise to prospects of regime change possibilities.
Some Elementary Fallacies – Were Thousands Killed in the Final Stages of the War
Were thousands of civilians killed in the final stages of the conflict? Was the number 1000? 7000 (as claimed in an internal UN document, later denied)? 20,000 as claimed by Jeremy Page in the London Times? 40,000 as claimed in the Cage by Gordon Weiss (commonly known as Gordon the Unwise) and referred to in the Darusman Report to the UNSG? or higher. The exact number will never be known just as much as we will never know the exact number of civilians killed in Afghanistan and Iraq following the intervention by Western governments. (The Lancet claimed in 2005 that already over 500,000 civilians had been killed).
But certain established facts cannot be ignored. In the final weeks of the conflict, the ICRC with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy evacuated approximately 7000 injured and the sick, including pregnant women, and over 8000 others from the last holdout of the LTTE. Is it likely that if there had been other injured, the ICRC would have left them behind and ferried out 8000 healthy persons? Experience and records of other recent conflicts would suggest that the number killed must be substantially lower than the number injured. This is a fact derived from experience.
Most importantly, at the end of the conflict both sides were hell bent on fighting to the end leaving no time to bury the dead. In the circumstances, the LTTE is unlikely to have had the time to bury the alleged large numbers of dead. The Sri Lankan army never found large numbers of dead bodies either. But what is a fact is that in April and May 2009, close to 300,000 civilians streamed out of the LTTE enclave to seek the protection of the Government Security Forces. Importantly, the Government which adopted a zero civilian casualty policy had learned from the experience of other armies fighting amongst civilians in region that indiscriminate attacks on civilians only result in producing more volunteer martyrs.
In early 2009, the Committee to Coordinate Humanitarian Assistance (CCHA) to the North was working on the figure that there were approximately 121,000 people in Kilinochchi and 127,000 in Mullaitivu for the purpose of directing relief supplies to the North. It is quite likely that the LTTE took with them around 100,000 from Mannar.
Considering that around 60,000 escaped to Government controlled areas in the previous year, the numbers detained by the LTTE settles around the number accommodated in the Government organized refugee camps in May 2009. It is also on record that the Government adopted a zero civilian casualty policy and consciously adopted an infantry based approach. This resulted in 6000 deaths of security personnel as the final battles were fought by infantry when more devastating approaches could have been adopted. The allegation of deliberate targeting of civilians by the military and the large numbers killed appears to be a convenient and Machiavellian story to pin a charge of crimes against humanity.
Was the Tamil Community the Target of the Security Forces?
This is an accusation which could be dismissed outright if not for the seriousness with which it is expressed. The majority of the Tamils of Sri Lanka do not live in the North or the East. The vast majority lives among the majority community, the Sinhalese. It is estimated that 41% of the population of the capital, Colombo, is Tamil. In Colombo, the Tamil community has schools, temples, flourishing businesses and a significant number of Tamils are successful professionals and businessmen in Colombo. Many business houses in Colombo are Tamil owned. The UN has acknowledged that for over 27 years, the Government funded the health services and the schools in the LTTE controlled areas and sent food supplies to those areas. The food requirements were determined by the Government agents stationed in the District capitals, although in fact under the control of the LTTE.
The CCHA which consisted of the Ambassadors of the US, EU, Japan, Norway and the ICRC, in addition to senior representatives of key ministries, monitored the supply of essentials to the North on a weekly basis.
In the circumstances, to suggest that the Tamil community was targeted by the Government’s security forces, as was done in the Ch 4 documentary, is a base attempt to exacerbate ethnic divisions and create a negative impression of the Government. It also appears to be part of a insidious scheme to pin a charge of crimes against humanity on the security forces and its leadership in addition to aggravating and perpetuating latent ethnic tensions. No armed conflict is a game played in the school yard leave alone a terrorist war unleashed by a brutal proscribed group. Civilians do get hurt in war. Elsewhere this is referred to as “collateral damage”, and we know of wars in the wider region where collateral damage can be counted in the thousands.
But the Government of Sri Lanka adopted a policy of minimizing civilian casualties and to denigrate this approach now is reprehensible. It was because of the adherence to this policy that the Security Forces incurred over 6000 deaths by approaching the last pockets of the LTTE on foot. Perhaps, it is also convenient for the thousands of Tamils who went to the West claiming discrimination and oppression to maintain this facade until their refugee claims have been processed.
To acknowledge anything else may result in being sent back. It is also a fact that thousands who have received refugee status and travel documents from Western countries have travelled back to Sri Lanka to reclaim their properties and visit family and have not suffered any harassment.
Mathias Keittle A German researcher in Colombo hailing from Statalendorf.
- Asian Tribune -
Sri Lankan expatriates in Europe protest against UN in Geneva
By ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 13, Geneva: Thousands of Sri Lankan expatriates living in European countries gathered in Geneva today and held a protest against the United Nations for pushing for an international war crime probe on Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan of all ethnicities including Tamils and Muslims, carrying placards and shouting slogans, protested in front of the UN complex in Geneva where the 18th sessions of Human rights Council is in progress.
The activists in unanimous voice urged the UN not to meddle and hinder in Sri Lanka's development and reconciliation at a time Sri Lanka is trying to rebuild after eliminating the three-decade long terrorism from the country.
The demonstrators also signed a petition, against the report of the UN's three-member Expert Panel chaired by Marzuki Darusman of Indonesia and the Britain's Channel 4 ,documentary to hand over to the UN .
They called on the human right organizations and western governments accusing the Sri Lankan government of violating human rights not to forget and turn a deaf ear to the atrocities committed by the Tamil Tiger terrorists on Buddhist monks, women and children and suicide attacks on sacred institutions in the country .
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
AsianTribune.com
September 05, 2011
Sri Lanka eliminated a dreaded terrorist group, with intricate global links, but receives little credit for it!
Unlike elsewhere in the world, Sri Lanka has succeeded in resettling 300,000 IDPs. There are no starving children for the NGOs to feed but this gets ignored!
Sri Lanka has avoided mass misery, epidemics and starvation but the West takes no notice of this.
Sri Lanka has attained enviable socio-economic standards for a developing country while eliminating terrorism but gets no acknowledgement!
The Government of Sri Lanka and its President continue to enjoy unprecedented popular approval through democratic elections but this is dismissed!
The economy continues to boom, but remains unencouraged by the West.
Background
After 27 years of bloody conflict Sri Lanka’s internal mayhem came to an end with the comprehensive defeat of the Tamil Tigers. In an Alice in Wonderland scenario, the country changed from an environment of unconstrained fear and uncertainty to peace and utter relief overnight. Thousands poured out on to the streets to celebrate in an outpouring of incomparable joy and restaurant keepers spontaneously distributed food to all passersby along busy thoroughfares. Over the following months approximately 300,000 IDPs were returned to their own towns and villages, admittedly not to the best of living conditions.
But one has to remember that their circumstances were hardly comfortable under the iron rule of the LTTE for close to 27 years or as they were herded from one tent camp to another as a human shield and a bargaining chip by the retreating LTTE. The retreating LTTE had also removed roofing material from houses to prevent the return of their human shield to their homes. The captured child soldiers (approximately 600) have undergone rehabilitation and have returned to their communities. The UNICEF documented 5700 child recruits by the LTTE. Of the 11,700 former LTTE combatants, over 7000 have been returned to their communities after rehabilitation despite the real risk of some returning to the only profession that they had been trained in – that of being trained killers.
The risk is magnified by the fact that caches of buried weapons continue to be unearthed in the North and the Tamil militants in the West continue to drum up separatism and violence from their safe havens. The continued presence of the military in the North is naively criticized, but the above background factors are ignored. Only a fraction of the detainees will face trial as the evidence against the rest may not be adequate to satisfy the evidential requirements of the courts. A vast effort has been undertaken to restore the economy of the North and huge sums are being pumped in for the purpose.
All this receives hardly a mention in the West while an intense campaign is being orchestrated to pin down individuals allegedly guilty of war crimes and human rights violations. This must surely be the only case in history that a winner in a conflict has been hounded in this manner to account for alleged war crimes and breaches of human rights in the process of winning the conflict – leave alone defeating a ruthless terrorist group. There have been no such demands made following World War II, or after the Korean Conflict, after Vietnam, after Gulf War 1, the continuing occupation of Afghanistan or Iraq.
Remarkably, all sorts of people have flocked together to demand accountability from Sri Lanka, the Elders, Prime Minister Cameron, Hillary Clinton, the SG, Bernard Kouchner, David Milliband, the aging Ed Mortimer, et al. It cannot simply be that they all were encouraged by the sexiness of the subject or simply by the nobility of advancing humanity's highest ideals.
The Reasons
It is difficult to pin down one reason for this attitude of a number of key Western countries and some high profile individuals. Were pure principled attachment to humanitarian standards the reason, then Sri Lanka would, in their view, appear to be the one egregious offender in the whole world. This obviously cannot be the case. But Sri Lanka is certainly a developing country from the non-Western world and hence easier to beat up. Sri Lanka also was unusual in not responding positively to intense pressure when a number of Western leaders demanded a ceasefire towards the very end of the conflict and this refusal set an uncomfortable precedent. Bernard Kouchner, David Miliband and Hillary Clinton, all demanded a cease fire which Sri Lanka rejected. Both sides had good reasons for the approaches that they adopted.
Sri Lanka had the Tamil Tigers on their haunches and victory after 27 years of brutal bloodshed was temptingly within grasp. The Western leaders were under intense pressure to intervene from the Tamil diaspora, which wielded enormous financial and some political clout. Cities like Toronto, London, Melbourne and Sydney were brought to a standstill by massive Tamil demonstrations. During his visit to Sri Lanka in the middle of May 2009, David Miliband was told in no uncertain terms to butt out and mind his business by the Sri Lankan leadership and may not have forgiven this slight by the former colonial minion. The US proposed an evacuation of the trapped civilians and, perhaps the LTTE leadership, using its naval assets and this was rejected both by India and the Sri Lankan Government.
There were predictions of a blood bath and, at the time, no one claimed that it actually happened. (Subsequently and, suspiciously, evidence began to be produced by interested parties to establish that a blood bath did actually happen!). Interestingly, allegations of war crimes and human rights violations have emerged from countries that have provided refuge to massive numbers of Sri Lankan Tamils. Many have used the then existing violence as a basis for their claims for refugee status.
The LTTE raised large amounts of money from the diaspora to fund the war effort. Today these funds are used to advance their cause. Tamils for Clinton contributed substantially to her campaign until this was brought to public attention and the funds were returned. The LTTE has quietly funded politicians in many Western countries and continue to do so. The US lawyer, Bruce Fein, is funded by the Tamil diaspora. The liberal end of Western politics, ever ready to champion the underdog, was a willing champion of the Tamil diaspora cause. The shadow LTTE incessantly targets the media and the diplomatic community in Colombo.
The availability of funds, articulate advocates, the liberal tendency to take up the causes of apparent underdogs, horror stories, real or concocted, sympathetic journalists who were ever ready to use their privileged position in the Western media to support the cause, the sense of unhappiness with Sri Lanka among liberal political leaders in the West, the slow pace with which Sri Lanka countered some of the issues, were a cogent mix to activate the major humanitarian NGOS in the West. Many Western journalists unashamedly adopted the Tamilnet version of the conflict and were willing to use influential Western newspapers (London Times, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age) to propagate the version fed by the Taminet.
It would also seem that a not so subtle campaign is being mounted against the Sri Lankan leadership, orchestrated by elements of the Tamil diaspora and picked up by the Western media. The settling of scores by using the international community, now that the battle on the ground has been lost, appears to be the major objective. Efforts persist to pin charges of war crimes and human rights violations, on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations and innuendo. This powerful surge is further augmented by allegations of abuses, corruption and nepotism. If these allegations stick, it would be a short step to drag Sri Lankan leaders before international tribunals. Recent history suggests that some allegations get a life of their own by the simple process of repetition.
The Machiavellian story line is simple. “The Sri Lankan Government deliberately set about using its military to target the Tamil population of the North and killed thousands in the process”. This line is repeated for effect while the authenticated history of the LTTE’s murderous bombing campaign targeting civilians over a period of 27 years and killing thousands, the recruitment of thousands of children as child soldiers, the murder of dozens of moderate Tamil leaders, the extortion of millions from Tamils around the world, the ethnic cleansing of the Northern Province, the deliberate destruction of UNESCO protected places of worship, the deliberate and cynical use of thousands as a human shield, the human trafficking and the drug trafficking are air brushed as the frenzied campaign is cranked up using NGOs, eminent persons and the media to establish human rights violations and war crimes by the Government.
The focus is deliberately shifted from the murderous Tigers to the Government and these allegations are designed to stay around for a long while. The one goal of this campaign appears to be to punish the Government leadership, in order to avenge the defeat of the murderous Tigers, if not today than at some later time.
A lie repeated often enough acquires a life of its own. This also gradually contributes to causing feelings of discomfort and doubt in the minds of ordinary Sri Lankans whose confidence in their Government, unshakable at present, could falter in time giving rise to prospects of regime change possibilities.
Some Elementary Fallacies – Were Thousands Killed in the Final Stages of the War
Were thousands of civilians killed in the final stages of the conflict? Was the number 1000? 7000 (as claimed in an internal UN document, later denied)? 20,000 as claimed by Jeremy Page in the London Times? 40,000 as claimed in the Cage by Gordon Weiss (commonly known as Gordon the Unwise) and referred to in the Darusman Report to the UNSG? or higher. The exact number will never be known just as much as we will never know the exact number of civilians killed in Afghanistan and Iraq following the intervention by Western governments. (The Lancet claimed in 2005 that already over 500,000 civilians had been killed).
But certain established facts cannot be ignored. In the final weeks of the conflict, the ICRC with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy evacuated approximately 7000 injured and the sick, including pregnant women, and over 8000 others from the last holdout of the LTTE. Is it likely that if there had been other injured, the ICRC would have left them behind and ferried out 8000 healthy persons? Experience and records of other recent conflicts would suggest that the number killed must be substantially lower than the number injured. This is a fact derived from experience.
Most importantly, at the end of the conflict both sides were hell bent on fighting to the end leaving no time to bury the dead. In the circumstances, the LTTE is unlikely to have had the time to bury the alleged large numbers of dead. The Sri Lankan army never found large numbers of dead bodies either. But what is a fact is that in April and May 2009, close to 300,000 civilians streamed out of the LTTE enclave to seek the protection of the Government Security Forces. Importantly, the Government which adopted a zero civilian casualty policy had learned from the experience of other armies fighting amongst civilians in region that indiscriminate attacks on civilians only result in producing more volunteer martyrs.
In early 2009, the Committee to Coordinate Humanitarian Assistance (CCHA) to the North was working on the figure that there were approximately 121,000 people in Kilinochchi and 127,000 in Mullaitivu for the purpose of directing relief supplies to the North. It is quite likely that the LTTE took with them around 100,000 from Mannar.
Considering that around 60,000 escaped to Government controlled areas in the previous year, the numbers detained by the LTTE settles around the number accommodated in the Government organized refugee camps in May 2009. It is also on record that the Government adopted a zero civilian casualty policy and consciously adopted an infantry based approach. This resulted in 6000 deaths of security personnel as the final battles were fought by infantry when more devastating approaches could have been adopted. The allegation of deliberate targeting of civilians by the military and the large numbers killed appears to be a convenient and Machiavellian story to pin a charge of crimes against humanity.
Was the Tamil Community the Target of the Security Forces?
This is an accusation which could be dismissed outright if not for the seriousness with which it is expressed. The majority of the Tamils of Sri Lanka do not live in the North or the East. The vast majority lives among the majority community, the Sinhalese. It is estimated that 41% of the population of the capital, Colombo, is Tamil. In Colombo, the Tamil community has schools, temples, flourishing businesses and a significant number of Tamils are successful professionals and businessmen in Colombo. Many business houses in Colombo are Tamil owned. The UN has acknowledged that for over 27 years, the Government funded the health services and the schools in the LTTE controlled areas and sent food supplies to those areas. The food requirements were determined by the Government agents stationed in the District capitals, although in fact under the control of the LTTE.
The CCHA which consisted of the Ambassadors of the US, EU, Japan, Norway and the ICRC, in addition to senior representatives of key ministries, monitored the supply of essentials to the North on a weekly basis.
In the circumstances, to suggest that the Tamil community was targeted by the Government’s security forces, as was done in the Ch 4 documentary, is a base attempt to exacerbate ethnic divisions and create a negative impression of the Government. It also appears to be part of a insidious scheme to pin a charge of crimes against humanity on the security forces and its leadership in addition to aggravating and perpetuating latent ethnic tensions. No armed conflict is a game played in the school yard leave alone a terrorist war unleashed by a brutal proscribed group. Civilians do get hurt in war. Elsewhere this is referred to as “collateral damage”, and we know of wars in the wider region where collateral damage can be counted in the thousands.
But the Government of Sri Lanka adopted a policy of minimizing civilian casualties and to denigrate this approach now is reprehensible. It was because of the adherence to this policy that the Security Forces incurred over 6000 deaths by approaching the last pockets of the LTTE on foot. Perhaps, it is also convenient for the thousands of Tamils who went to the West claiming discrimination and oppression to maintain this facade until their refugee claims have been processed.
To acknowledge anything else may result in being sent back. It is also a fact that thousands who have received refugee status and travel documents from Western countries have travelled back to Sri Lanka to reclaim their properties and visit family and have not suffered any harassment.
Mathias Keittle A German researcher in Colombo hailing from Statalendorf.
- Asian Tribune -
Sri Lankan expatriates in Europe protest against UN in Geneva
By ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 13, Geneva: Thousands of Sri Lankan expatriates living in European countries gathered in Geneva today and held a protest against the United Nations for pushing for an international war crime probe on Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan of all ethnicities including Tamils and Muslims, carrying placards and shouting slogans, protested in front of the UN complex in Geneva where the 18th sessions of Human rights Council is in progress.
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The activists in unanimous voice urged the UN not to meddle and hinder in Sri Lanka's development and reconciliation at a time Sri Lanka is trying to rebuild after eliminating the three-decade long terrorism from the country.
The demonstrators also signed a petition, against the report of the UN's three-member Expert Panel chaired by Marzuki Darusman of Indonesia and the Britain's Channel 4 ,documentary to hand over to the UN .
They called on the human right organizations and western governments accusing the Sri Lankan government of violating human rights not to forget and turn a deaf ear to the atrocities committed by the Tamil Tiger terrorists on Buddhist monks, women and children and suicide attacks on sacred institutions in the country .
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sri Lanka made South Asia safer from terrorism - President Rajapaksa
ColomboPage News Desk, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
September 04, 2011
Sept 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka today stands proud as a nation that eradicated terrorism from the country and in doing so made South Asia too safer from terrorism, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.
Addressing the Rotary South Asia Conference on 'Development and Cooperation' at the Galadhari Hotel in Colombo on Sunday, the President said Sri Lanka achieved this success with limited resources and without the economic and fire power other countries waging war against terrorism have at their disposal.
"We have achieved this with much less of the assets, and none of the deceit and duplicity of those who have been waging a War on Terror for more than a decade; those with much more economic and fire power than we had and many more allies than we ever had, but are still caught up in the killing fields made by un-manned drones and other lethal devices that attack civilians, too," he said.
President Rajapaksa who was the chief guest at the conference said it is regrettable that individuals and institutions trying to prosecute Sri Lanka for defeating terrorism are unaware of the truth about Sri Lanka's prolonged battled against terrorism and the nature of the terrorists.
He pointed out that the same countries accusing Sri Lanka of war crimes are harboring those who funded terror in Sri Lanka and providing them with a safe haven to rapidly raise funds now to destabilize the country again.
"Have they no concern for the truth about Sri Lanka's agony and the humanitarian actions that under-scored our battle against terror? Have they no interest in the truth?" he asked.
The President told the audience Sri Lanka is now trying to consolidate the hard-earned peace to bring much needed relief to the people who immensely suffered for decades under the terrorist control.
Speaking of accountability during the war, President Rajapaksa emphasized that for most of those raising voice against Sri Lanka, "accountability is only a verbal apology for civilian deaths that are dismissed as collateral damage in heavy bombings."
"Our commitment to human rights is second to none, and with such commitment we seek to transform our society to one of peace, pluralism and equality," the President said.
He appreciated the Rotary's help during the humanitarian operation and their philanthropic support to provide relief and resettle the displaced.
The President of Rotary International Kalyan Bannerjee welcomed the President presenting him with a memento.
The three-day conference is being held at Galadari and Cinnamon Grands hotels in Colombo from September 4-6 to mark the 82nd anniversary of Rotary Sri Lanka.
Former Presidents of the Rotary International Rajendra Saboo and Bill Boyd, President of the Rotary Organization Committee N. R. Gajendran and Governor of Sri Lanka's Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal also participated in the event.
September 04, 2011
Sept 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka today stands proud as a nation that eradicated terrorism from the country and in doing so made South Asia too safer from terrorism, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.Addressing the Rotary South Asia Conference on 'Development and Cooperation' at the Galadhari Hotel in Colombo on Sunday, the President said Sri Lanka achieved this success with limited resources and without the economic and fire power other countries waging war against terrorism have at their disposal.
"We have achieved this with much less of the assets, and none of the deceit and duplicity of those who have been waging a War on Terror for more than a decade; those with much more economic and fire power than we had and many more allies than we ever had, but are still caught up in the killing fields made by un-manned drones and other lethal devices that attack civilians, too," he said.
President Rajapaksa who was the chief guest at the conference said it is regrettable that individuals and institutions trying to prosecute Sri Lanka for defeating terrorism are unaware of the truth about Sri Lanka's prolonged battled against terrorism and the nature of the terrorists.
He pointed out that the same countries accusing Sri Lanka of war crimes are harboring those who funded terror in Sri Lanka and providing them with a safe haven to rapidly raise funds now to destabilize the country again.
"Have they no concern for the truth about Sri Lanka's agony and the humanitarian actions that under-scored our battle against terror? Have they no interest in the truth?" he asked.
The President told the audience Sri Lanka is now trying to consolidate the hard-earned peace to bring much needed relief to the people who immensely suffered for decades under the terrorist control.
Speaking of accountability during the war, President Rajapaksa emphasized that for most of those raising voice against Sri Lanka, "accountability is only a verbal apology for civilian deaths that are dismissed as collateral damage in heavy bombings."
"Our commitment to human rights is second to none, and with such commitment we seek to transform our society to one of peace, pluralism and equality," the President said.
He appreciated the Rotary's help during the humanitarian operation and their philanthropic support to provide relief and resettle the displaced.
The President of Rotary International Kalyan Bannerjee welcomed the President presenting him with a memento.
The three-day conference is being held at Galadari and Cinnamon Grands hotels in Colombo from September 4-6 to mark the 82nd anniversary of Rotary Sri Lanka.
Former Presidents of the Rotary International Rajendra Saboo and Bill Boyd, President of the Rotary Organization Committee N. R. Gajendran and Governor of Sri Lanka's Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal also participated in the event.
Monday, August 22, 2011
PSC coming, but for national unity Instead of Tamil grievances alone, committee will have broader mandate
By Political Editor
SundayTimes.lkAugust 21, 2011
Contrary to earlier expectations of a Parliamentary Select Committee to address Tamil grievances, the Government will now appoint one “to recommend and report political and constitutional measures to empower the people of Sri Lanka as one nation.”
Thirteen Cabinet Ministers are among the 18 parliamentarians who have given notice of a motion in Parliament last week. They want it listed in the Addendum to the Order Book No 4 of Parliament. The proposed Parliamentary Select Committee, they have said, should recommend to the House within six months the initiative appropriate to achieve political and constitutional measures to:
* Enhance the unity of the people of Sri Lanka
* Further empower the people to work as a nation, and
* Enable the people to take decisions
For this purpose, the motion says,
* That the committee and its chairman shall be nominated by the Speaker.
* That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 95, the committee shall consist of not more than thirty one (31) members.
The motion is based on three different grounds. First is that a unique opportunity has arisen for the people of Sri Lanka to unite and work together as a nation towards the economic, social and political development of the country and its citizens. The second is that to this end it is opportune to take steps to enhance the unity of the people of Sri Lanka and empower them to take decisions and engage in actions towards their economic, social and political development.
The third is that a Select Committee of Members of Parliament being a committee of elected representatives of the people is best equipped to determine the nature and scope of steps to be taken to enable the reasons stated above.
The motion, among other matters, says that the PSC is empowered to summon such persons and documents as it deemed necessary, examine on oath or affirmation persons so summoned, continue notwithstanding adjournment of Parliament from time to time and submit interim reports from time to time.
The Government had earlier planned to appoint a PSC to address issues relating to Tamil grievances. This was in fact conveyed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when a high powered three-member Indian delegation visited Sri Lanka. It was headed by India’s National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, the then External Affairs Ministry Secretary Nirupama Rao and Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar.
Government sources told the Sunday Times yesterday that while addressing issues related to Tamil grievance, the proposed committee will also look at broad issues that concern all communities in Sri Lanka.
Signatories to the motion are Susil Premajayantha, Champika Ranawaka, Rauff Hakeem, Tissa Vitarana, Douglas Devananda, Dinesh Gunawardena, Maithripala Sirisena, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Rishad Badhiutheen, Basil Rajapaksa, V.S. Radakrishnan, D.E.W. Gunasekera, Muthu Sivalingam, Perumal Rajadurai, Rajiva Wijesinha and Dullas Alahapperuma.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sri Lanka defeats LTTE insurgency, returns on path of 8% growth rate
By Gen. Ashok K Mehta
IndiaTimes.com
August 11, 2011
Not only did the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) comprehensively defeat the LTTE insurgency - the first such victory in the 21 century, but it also returned the country to a high growth rate path of 8%. That's the judgment Central Bank of Ceylon governor Ajith Cabraal made during the international conference last month at Colombo.
He considers the Sri Lankan military very productive, winning the war on the cheap: for $5.5 billion between 2006 and 2009, which is 4% of the GDP. By contrast, the US has spent nearly $1 trillion on its unfinished wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That government message is not going out loudly enough.
Instead, it has to justify victory and confront western allegations of human rights violations amounting to war crimes. The LTTE knew that killing the economy would result in Sri Lanka becoming a failed state. It chose economic targets in Colombo - the Central Bank, international airport and hotels - launching suicide attacks that also destroyed tourism.
Although the annual economic loss during the war was around 1-2% of the GDP, the economy grew for the most part, at 6% as the insurgency was confined to the North-East. Previous governments did not attempt defeating the LTTE militarily for fear of costs, high political uncertainty, loss of investor confidence and lack of political will. No one knew how India would react but most of all, few believed it was possible to subdue the LTTE.
So when the campaign was launched with hopeful titles like Eastern Awakening and Northern Spring, military commanders pursued a measured strategy of attrition and recapture of territory, certainly not the rout of LTTE. This is akin to India's capture in 1971 of Dacca, which was never envisaged in the original plans, regardless of claims made later.
The SLA deservedly congratulated itself on doing the unthinkable - conquering an invincible LTTE, thanks to its leader Prabhakaran's strategic follies including fighting positional battles instead of employing unconventional tactics, its forte. What surprised Sri Lanka was India's strategic cooperation in the destruction of the LTTE.
Recently one Sri Lankan minister said that Sri Lanka did not think India will allow the war to continue after the fall of Kilinochchi. Western pressures were used to end the war. In 2009, the EU withdrew the GSP plus concession on textiles which resulted in a recurring loss of nearly $200 million and the IMF delayed giving the loan.
What surprised Prabhakaran was a 'transformed' SLA led from the front by unrelenting commanders, backed by resolute political leadership and the adulation of the majority Sinhalese community prepared for any sacrifice to end the LTTE reign of terror.
Mr Cabraal said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered full financial support for the war, which was reflected in successive defence budgets managed by the President's younger brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a former army officer. He pioneered fast-track weapons acquisition ensuring troops had the wherewithal to fight. Pakistan and China, India's twin adversaries, were the main suppliers of military hardware as India provided only defensive weapons.
Two years after the war, the investment on defence has paid off. The economic indicators are striking. There is a brain gain instead of the usual brain drain. Inflation is down to single figure, unemployment below 5%, fiscal deficit down from 6.8% to 5%, malnutrition down from 35% to 13.5% and poverty down to 7.6% in 2009-10 from 15.2% in 2006-07 - the fastest reduction in the world.
....................................
SRI LANKA's ELEPHANT CENSUS:
IndiaTimes.com
August 11, 2011
Not only did the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) comprehensively defeat the LTTE insurgency - the first such victory in the 21 century, but it also returned the country to a high growth rate path of 8%. That's the judgment Central Bank of Ceylon governor Ajith Cabraal made during the international conference last month at Colombo.
He considers the Sri Lankan military very productive, winning the war on the cheap: for $5.5 billion between 2006 and 2009, which is 4% of the GDP. By contrast, the US has spent nearly $1 trillion on its unfinished wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That government message is not going out loudly enough.
Instead, it has to justify victory and confront western allegations of human rights violations amounting to war crimes. The LTTE knew that killing the economy would result in Sri Lanka becoming a failed state. It chose economic targets in Colombo - the Central Bank, international airport and hotels - launching suicide attacks that also destroyed tourism.
Although the annual economic loss during the war was around 1-2% of the GDP, the economy grew for the most part, at 6% as the insurgency was confined to the North-East. Previous governments did not attempt defeating the LTTE militarily for fear of costs, high political uncertainty, loss of investor confidence and lack of political will. No one knew how India would react but most of all, few believed it was possible to subdue the LTTE.
So when the campaign was launched with hopeful titles like Eastern Awakening and Northern Spring, military commanders pursued a measured strategy of attrition and recapture of territory, certainly not the rout of LTTE. This is akin to India's capture in 1971 of Dacca, which was never envisaged in the original plans, regardless of claims made later.
The SLA deservedly congratulated itself on doing the unthinkable - conquering an invincible LTTE, thanks to its leader Prabhakaran's strategic follies including fighting positional battles instead of employing unconventional tactics, its forte. What surprised Sri Lanka was India's strategic cooperation in the destruction of the LTTE.
Recently one Sri Lankan minister said that Sri Lanka did not think India will allow the war to continue after the fall of Kilinochchi. Western pressures were used to end the war. In 2009, the EU withdrew the GSP plus concession on textiles which resulted in a recurring loss of nearly $200 million and the IMF delayed giving the loan.
What surprised Prabhakaran was a 'transformed' SLA led from the front by unrelenting commanders, backed by resolute political leadership and the adulation of the majority Sinhalese community prepared for any sacrifice to end the LTTE reign of terror.
Mr Cabraal said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered full financial support for the war, which was reflected in successive defence budgets managed by the President's younger brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a former army officer. He pioneered fast-track weapons acquisition ensuring troops had the wherewithal to fight. Pakistan and China, India's twin adversaries, were the main suppliers of military hardware as India provided only defensive weapons.
Two years after the war, the investment on defence has paid off. The economic indicators are striking. There is a brain gain instead of the usual brain drain. Inflation is down to single figure, unemployment below 5%, fiscal deficit down from 6.8% to 5%, malnutrition down from 35% to 13.5% and poverty down to 7.6% in 2009-10 from 15.2% in 2006-07 - the fastest reduction in the world.
....................................
SRI LANKA's ELEPHANT CENSUS:
Friday, August 5, 2011
False allegations will be laid to rest with the 'Factual Analysis Report'- Secretary Defence
By Hon. Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Secretary of Defence, Sri Lanka
Defence.lk
August 02, 2011
"The false claims and allegations made by Tamil Diaspora together with the LTTE international network will be laid to rest with the release of the factual analysis reports, said Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He expressed these views addressing the gathering at the launching of the report titled "Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 - May 2009," on Monday (Aug 01), at the Hilton Colombo.
Secretary Defence further questioned, "Why should the government, which directly looked after the family of LTTE leaders, kill those who surrendered to the military?"
"The sole purpose of these allegations is to discredit Sri Lanka and disrupt the prevailing peace in the country," he said commenting on the Channel-4 canard, "11,000 former LTTE cadres have been rehabilitated and reintegrated to society thus far. Medical supplies were released to the North even up to the last day of the humanitarian mission, which ended on May 18, 2009", he further stressed.
Full text of the speech delivered by Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the release of the report, "Humanitarian Operation: Factual Analysis" on 01st August, 2011 at Hilton- Colombo.
Religious Dignitaries
Hon. G. L. Pieris, Minister of External Affairs
Other Honourable Ministers
Members of Parliament
Excellences, the Ambassadors & High Commissioners of other nations
Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President
Secretaries to Ministries
Chief of Defence Staff
Service Commanders
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning. I would like to warmly welcome all of you and thank you for your presence here today. The purpose of today's event is to officially release the report that has been compiled by the Ministry of Defence on the Humanitarian Operation. The purpose of this report is to set out the factual background and operational context, which brought peace to Sri Lanka by liberating our people from the brutal terrorism of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the LTTE, in May 2009.
The report begins with a detailed analysis of the LTTE, including its true nature, and its growth and sophistication over the years, and the threat it posed to all Sri Lankans. The LTTE was a vicious terrorist group that suppressed democracy in the areas it dominated, killed all its rivals and assassinated moderate Tamil politicians and intellectuals, and spread terror throughout Sri Lanka with its many attacks on innocent civilians. Raising funds through its international criminal network, the LTTE not only had the ability to use semi-conventional tactics on land, but also acquired sea and air dimensions to strengthen its offensive capability. The size and scale of the LTTE was equivalent to many conventional forces; any attempt to defeat it militarily required the proportionate use of force.
Through the years, successive Governments of Sri Lanka attempted many solutions to the conflict, including military engagement as well as peace talks. The sincere efforts of the Governments to seek a solution through negotiation, however, were always sabotaged by the LTTE. Though it sought the refuge of ceasefires whenever it was weakened militarily, the LTTE had no interest in peace. This is made abundantly clear by its acts of brazen provocation during each ceasefire period, especially the last ceasefire from 2002 to 2006.
The second part of this report begins by describing the resumption of hostilities in 2006. The closure of the Mavil Aru sluice gate by the LTTE in July of that year threatened a humanitarian disaster in the east, affecting many thousands of Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese civilians. The near simultaneous attacks launched on Security Forces positions made it clear that the closure of the Mavil Aru sluice gate was only the start of the LTTE's offensive. In the circumstances, the Government had no option but to launch a military operation to save the country from the LTTE menace. This section of the report charts the progress of that Humanitarian Operation. It also describes the many precautions taken by the Government to safeguard civilian lives during the period of hostilities, and the broader frameworks within which civilian rights were protected.
The final part of the report is a brief overview of the consequences of the Humanitarian Operation, which shows a Sri Lanka that is finally at peace. The country is now rebuilding after suffering thirty long years of terrorism. Democracy has been restored to every part of the country, the North has almost completely been demined, nearly all internally displaced people have been resettled in their homes, normalcy has returned throughout the land and an economic revival is at hand. Sri Lanka has thirty years of lost opportunities to catch up on. While we will certainly engage with and account for the events of the past, our focus must be on the future.
In this regard, it is disturbing to note that the rump of the LTTE organisation together with some in the Tamil Diaspora are still working to tarnish the image of this country, sow discord amongst our people, and drag Sri Lanka back into the past. They make various allegations against the conduct of the Humanitarian Operation, which have unfortunately been given far too much attention. These allegations are quite absurd.
Take for instance the allegation that the Security Forces killed or gravely mistreated those who surrendered or were detained. This has been repeated loudly and repeated often, but it is not an accusation that stands up to scrutiny. By the end of the Humanitarian Operation more than 11,000 LTTE cadres surrendered to Security Forces. Despite the various acts of terrorism and mass murder they had committed, these cadres were not mistreated in any way. The 595 child soldiers who surrendered were reunited with their families within one year, while over 6,100 adult cadres were rehabilitated and released by June 2011. Most of the remaining cadres are undergoing further rehabilitation programmes and will be reintegrated to society when they are ready. Those culpable for atrocities at a higher level will be prosecuted through legal channels.
The Government of Sri Lanka has taken the utmost care to look after not only those citizens who were oppressed by LTTE terrorism in the North and East, but even those who were directly connected with the LTTE. As the Humanitarian Operation was drawing to a close, the parents of LTTE leader Prabhakaran were among the IDPs who came over to Government controlled territory. Instead of being mistreated in any way, Prabhakaran's father and mother were treated with the utmost consideration and care until they passed away of natural causes in January 2010 and February 2011 respectively.
The same consideration has been extended to the families of other LTTE leaders. Soosai was the leader of the Sea Tiger wing, one of the most influential leaders of the LTTE after Prabhakaran, and responsible for the deaths of so many Naval personnel. The Navy intercepted his wife and children, along with the family of another senior LTTE leader Ruben, as they tried to leave Sri Lanka by boat at night during the last week of the Humanitarian Operation. From the time of their interception, these families have been well looked after by the Navy.
Another example is the family of Tamilchelvan, who was an LTTE area commander who rose through the ranks to become the head of its so-called political wing. He was killed in a precision air strike carried out by the Air Force in November 2007. After his family identified themselves to the Security Forces in May 2009, the Government has looked after them. They are living comfortably in Colombo. Such courtesies were not only extended to the families of LTTE leaders, but also to former LTTE cadres themselves. George Master and Daya Master, who were full-time members of the LTTE also surrendered during the last stages of the Operation. They too were cared for.
Why should a Government that extended such care to families so directly linked to the LTTE, and former LTTE cadres themselves, be accused of mistreating civilians who suffered because of the LTTE? Yet that is the accusation levelled against Sri Lanka by parties with vested interests. It is extremely unfortunate that there are some who get swayed by such malign and absurd accusations instead of paying attention to the facts. They have got carried away by the media hysteria generated by LTTE apologists, and have neglected to verify the true picture for themselves.
Take for example this accusation of "up to 40,000 civilian casualties" occurring during the Humanitarian Operation. This is a vague accusation, based on even vaguer arithmetic, which keeps getting repeated without any sort of critical analysis by people who should know better. At various times during the Humanitarian Operation, various estimates were made by various parties about the overall population figure in the North.
According to the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies, the number was between 75,000 and 150,000. According to the UN Resident Coordinator, the number was between 120,000 and 180,000. According to the World Food Programme, the number was 210,000. According to the Government Agent in Mullaitivu, the number was 305,000. The largest estimate given is that last one, by the GA Mullaitivu. The registered number of IDPs at the end of the Humanitarian Operation was 294,000.
According to the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies, the number was between 75,000 and 150,000. According to the UN Resident Coordinator, the number was between 120,000 and 180,000. According to the World Food Programme, the number was 210,000. According to the Government Agent in Mullaitivu, the number was 305,000. The largest estimate given is that last one, by the GA Mullaitivu. The registered number of IDPs at the end of the Humanitarian Operation was 294,000.
Estimating the number of people who were in the North is a very complex task. A large number of people left Sri Lanka without going through legal channels during the period of the conflict. Approximately 100,000 people went to India by boat, including several LTTE cadres, and live there in camps. However, we do not have enough information to identify these people. Similarly, there are large numbers residing as refugees in places such as Indonesia, the Christmas Islands, Australia and Canada. Their names are unknown to us, and these countries do not release that information.
To address this issue of initial population estimates, a comprehensive statistical analysis has been undertaken by the Government. This analysis is challenging. There is no census data for the North after 1981, and so many people fled LTTE controlled areas to the rest of Sri Lanka as well as other countries over the last three decades. Nevertheless, the Government is confident that a much more accurate estimate of the population in the North can be arrived at with the conclusion of this analysis. It is only then that this subject can be discussed with any accuracy.
In the meantime, the Government has other sources it can rely on. In December 2009, the Government together with UNICEF launched a programme to trace the missing in the Northern Province. The Vavuniya Government Agent and the Probation and Childcare Commissioner in the Northern Province jointly established a Family Tracing and Reunification Unit with UNICEF assistance. This Unit undertook a comprehensive programme to catalogue all those who were missing, adults as well as children. Families were encouraged to report missing persons to a hotline, and any information available with the Government Agent, District Secretaries, Divisional Secretariats, hospital staff and police officers was also collected. As of 30th June 2011, 2,564 reports have been received. These relate to 1,888 adults and 676 children. It is important to note that the reports made by the parents of these missing children confirm that 64% of them were recruited by the LTTE. It is likely that the actual percentage is even higher. In this context, it is clear that the accusations levelled against Sri Lanka have little foundation. Why then, do they continue to recur?
It is important to realise that although the LTTE has been militarily defeated in Sri Lanka, its international organisation remains largely intact to this day. As the report being released today demonstrates, the LTTE had at its disposal a vast international network that was active in many parts of the world. A significant component of that network was its propaganda arm. This continues to work actively, though often in disguise, to promote the separatist cause and discredit the Government of Sri Lanka. This network has funds at its disposal, and pushes its agenda through influential international figures and misled media outlets, which continue to accept and even promote this propaganda with very little objective examination.
The most recent example of this is the report aired last week on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. It features two men who are supposed to be army officers. Neither are they shown on screen, nor are their voices heard for even a few seconds, as is the practice in responsible journalism when unnamed individuals speak in interviews. Of the two names these people are given, Fernando is one of the commonest while Sasrutha is hardly ever heard of. The voice-overs made on the behalf of this pair allege that war crimes took place during the last days of the Humanitarian Operation. However, absolutely no evidence is given for these allegations, nor is there any proof that these so-called Army officers are even genuine people.
Nevertheless, the voice-over goes on to describe these people as eyewitnesses. But what are they eyewitness to? The actual claim they are supposed to be making is that Shaveendra Silva told them that I had called him and instructed him to do certain things. This is absolutely false, and is a claim that Shaveendra has always categorically denied. These people making this claim are not eyewitnesses to anything, what they are saying is pure fabrication. The absurdity of their claim is even clearer when you analyse it a little more deeply and with some knowledge of how a military operates. There are rules and procedures for following orders that have been historically established. The only officers Shaveendra would give instructions to would be Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers. None of these officers have left Sri Lanka. Who, then, are these shadowy figures that Channel 4 claims to have unearthed? What is their credibility? How can their absurd allegations be taken at face value? Have they an unexplored agenda?
Another accusation made against Sri Lanka in this latest report concerns the alleged attempt made by two of the LTTE's political cadres to surrender to the Government through mediation by international figures. The report shows an interview with a British journalist who has always been extremely critical of Sri Lanka, who claims that assurances were given that these cadres could surrender. Whether assurances had been given or not, more than 11,000 LTTE cadres including several LTTE leaders have not only surrendered and have been rehabilitated and reintegrated to society. But nobody has communicated anything to the responsible authorities about these two particular people that are being spoken of as surrendering on that particular day. As the Secretary Defence, I was certainly not contacted.
Just like its recent so-called documentary, this continuing serial by Channel 4 simply promotes baseless accusations whose sole purpose is to discredit Sri Lanka. It is an attempt to tarnish this country's image and divide our people. It is an attempt to set back the peace that has been won after three painful decades.
This is not reportage; it is propaganda. That supposedly respectable media channels are complicit in the separatist agenda is extremely disturbing. At a time when the media establishment in the UK is under heavy fire and is drawing the attention of British authorities for its lack of ethics, it seems Channel 4 is no exception.
Another good example of propaganda pretending to be journalism concerns the allegations made about the supposedly deliberate shelling of hospitals. The doctors who served in those hospitals have stated very clearly that there was no deliberate shelling. This is supported by satellite evidence from before and after the period in which fighting took place near the hospitals. Unfortunately, the affidavits of the doctors at the scene are not given any attention by the so-called opinion makers. Instead, they focus exclusively on the comments the doctors were forced to make under duress by the LTTE. This is extremely disturbing and reveals a fundamental bias against the Government of Sri Lanka. The implication that the doctors were being truthful while held hostage by the LTTE, and are lying under Government pressure when they are free is frankly insulting.
One of the other allegations made against Sri Lanka is that not enough food or aid was sent to the people in the North throughout the Humanitarian Operation. This is again an allegation with no basis in fact. At the start of the Humanitarian Operation, the Government of Sri Lanka set up the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance. This Committee, often called the CCHA, met regularly at the Ministry of Defence. It was chaired by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and had the participation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Ambassadors involved in the peace process as well as the Heads of International Organisations and NGOs involved in delivering aid regularly attended the meetings. All issues with regard to humanitarian assistance were discussed at these meetings, and immediate solutions were provided. There were no allegations at these meetings that not enough was being done; on the contrary, it was clear that the Government was making every effort possible to cope with an extremely complex and hazardous situation.
Irrespective of how difficult things became, the Government did its utmost to make sure that the people suffering in the LTTE's clutches received the resources they so badly needed. International agencies such as the World Food Programme and the ICRC have records that attest to this. Even in the very last stages of the Humanitarian Operation, when the trapped population could not be reached by road, supplies were sent in through an ICRC ship that was escorted by the Sri Lanka Navy. Records of the ICRC show that medical supplies were delivered even on the 18th of May 2009, the day the Humanitarian Operation ended.
However, instead of finding out these facts and consulting those who are in a position to reveal the truth, Sri Lanka's opponents continue to flog their stale old lies. Instead of being acknowledged as the LTTE apologists they are, these opponents of Sri Lanka are sometimes lionised for their strident comments. A good example of this is the treatment of Miss Damilvany Gnanakumar.
This lady claims to have arrived in Sri Lanka to visit her relatives but was unable to leave due to the hostilities, and therefore volunteered to assist in the hospitals. While there, she claims she saw large numbers of casualties and surgery being carried out without anaesthesia even on children. Not only do the doctors at the hospital flatly refute these claims, but Miss Gnanakumar is known to have been an LTTE operative. She was recruited by Castro, the leader in charge of the LTTE's international operations, and worked at an LTTE front organisation in London before arriving in Sri Lanka in February 2008. While here, she underwent military training under Durga, a female leader of the LTTE. Miss Gnanakumar was no civilian volunteer but an LTTE cadre. The sad reality is that her word has been taken at face value.
While the LTTE's propaganda machine continues to spin its lies, and such lax standards of journalism continue to prevail in the west, the narrative on Sri Lanka may continue to be obscured by vicious falsehoods. I sincerely hope that with the publication of this document, these falsehoods will be laid to rest once and for all, and that the world will see, beyond any doubt, that the Humanitarian Operation was just.
VIDEOS:
VIDEOS:
Speech delivered by Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the launching ceremony of the book complied by the Ministry of Defence- “Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 - May 2009” - at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo on 1st August 2011.
The Keynote speech delivered by External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the launching ceremony of the book complied by the Defence Ministry - “Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 - May 2009” - at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo on 1st August 2011.
The video documentary produced by the Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka
“Lies Agreed Upon”
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sri Lanka takes care of its Disabled War Heroes: President declares open wellness resort for disabled war veterans
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
July 26, 2011, Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open "Abimansala", a wellness resort in Anuradhapura for totally disabled war veterans.
President Rajapaksa symbolically registered the entry of the first inmate to the resort, built near the Anuradhapura Weva, and interacted with the disabled soldiers.
The resort, fully-equipped with a swimming pool was built by the engineering unit of the Sri Lanka army at a cost of 220 million rupees.
The project to build the resort was implemented under the Brave Heart project of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Army.
The resort provides facilities for 54 totally disabled soldiers in the North Central Province.
Governor of the North Central Province Karunaratne Divulgane, Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Ministers S.M. Chandrasena, Tissa Karalliyadda, Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanyake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and commanders of the tri-forces were also present at the occasion.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
July 26, 2011, Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open "Abimansala", a wellness resort in Anuradhapura for totally disabled war veterans.President Rajapaksa symbolically registered the entry of the first inmate to the resort, built near the Anuradhapura Weva, and interacted with the disabled soldiers.
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The resort, fully-equipped with a swimming pool was built by the engineering unit of the Sri Lanka army at a cost of 220 million rupees.
The project to build the resort was implemented under the Brave Heart project of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Army.
The resort provides facilities for 54 totally disabled soldiers in the North Central Province.
Governor of the North Central Province Karunaratne Divulgane, Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Ministers S.M. Chandrasena, Tissa Karalliyadda, Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanyake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and commanders of the tri-forces were also present at the occasion.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sri Lanka Local Government Authorities Election 23.07.2011 Results
Department of Elections, Sri Lanka
SLelections.gov.lkCOMPLETE FINAL RESULTS
Sri Lanka Time, 7.30AM, Sunday, 24.07.2011
Ampara DISTRICT
Karaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 4,284 52.71% 4
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 2,364 29.08% 1
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,134 13.95% --
Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal 152 1.87% --
Independent Group 2 143 1.76% --
United National Party 50 0.62% --
Independent Group 1 1 0.01% --
Thirukkovil Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 6,865 72.87% 07
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,249 13.26% 01
United National Party 810 8.60% 01
Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal 497 5.28% --
Anuradhapura DISTRICT
Nuwaragam Palatha Central Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 24,473 79.39% 12
United National Party 5,713 18.53% 02
People's Liberation Front 640 2.08% --
Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 13,947 77.85% 08
United National Party 3,344 18.67% 01
People's Liberation Front 410 2.29% --
Patriotic National Front 214 1.19% --
Galnewa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 16,350 79.17% 8
United National Party 3,061 14.82% 1
Independent Group 705 3.41% --
People's Liberation Front 536 2.60% --
Colombo DISTRICT
Kaduwela Municipal Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 59,987 66.8% 20
United National Party 24,897 27.72% 7
People's Liberation Front 3,709 4.13% 1
Jana Setha Peramuna 1,142 1.27% --
Independent Group 68 0.08% --
Kesbewa Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 38,112 53.74% 10
United National Party 29,652 41.81% 6
People's Liberation Front 2,926 4.13% 1
Independent Group 183 0.26% --
Jana Setha Peramuna 23 0.03% --
Patriotic National Front 23 0.03% --
Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 62,332 78.55% 19
People's Liberation Front 10,135 12.77% 3
Independent Group 2 4,127 5.20% 1
Independent Group 5 1,343 1.69% --
Independent Group 3 1,064 1.34% --
Jana Setha Peramuna 211 0.27% --
Independent Group 1 100 0.13% --
Independent Group 4 41 0.05% --
Galle DISTRICT
Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 19,954 58.54% 10
United National Party 10,427 30.59% 4
Independent Group 2,539 7.45% 1
People's Liberation Front 1,100 3.23% --
Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Bhoomiputhra Pakshaya 56 0.16% --
Ruhunu Janatha Party 10 0.03% --
Baddegama Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 19,954 58.54% 10
United National Party 10,427 30.59% 4
Independent Group 2,539 7.45% 1
People's Liberation Front 1,100 3.23% --
Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Bhoomiputhra Pakshaya 56 0.16% --
Ruhunu Janatha Party 10 0.03% --
Akmeemana Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 22,743 70.80% 10
United National Party 7,814 24.32% 3
People's Liberation Front 1,567 4.88% 1
Gampaha DISTRICT
Minuwangoda Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 3,162 63.8% 08
United National Party 1,523 31.52% 03
People's Liberation Front 95 1.97% --
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 48 0.99% --
Independent Group 02 0.04% --
United Democratic Front 02 0.04% --
Attanagalle Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 54,363 72.34% 17
United National Party 18,124 24.12% 05
People's Liberation Front 2,493 3.32% 1
Jana Setha Peramuna 107 0.14% --
United Democratic Front 62 0.08% --
Jaffna DISTRICT
Valvetithurai Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 2,416 76.36% 07
United People's Freedom Alliance 653 20.64% 02
United National Party 93 2.94% --
Independent Group 02 0.06% --
Point Pedro Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 3,263 72.62% 7
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,107 24.64% 2
United National Party 115 2.56% --
Independent Group 7 0.16% --
People's Liberation Front 1 0.02% --
Chavakachcheri Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 4,307 76.84% 9
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,232 21.98% 2
United Socialist Party 38 0.68% --
United National Party 28 0.5% --
Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 1,781 40.74% 3
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,667 38.13% 1
United National Party 921 21.07% 1
People's Liberation Front 3 0.07% --
Kayts Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 2,833 77.45% 4
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 805 22.01% 1
United National Party 20 0.55% --
Delft Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,609 84.33% 08
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 216 11.32% 01
United National Party 83 4.35% --
Velanai Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 3,973 63.74% 8
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 2,221 35.63% 3
United National Party 39 0.63% --
Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 12,117 77.78% 11
United People's Freedom Alliance 3,041 19.52% 3
United National Party 420 2.70% --
Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 12,065 70.71% 15
United People's Freedom Alliance 4,919 28.83% 6
United National Party 78 0.46% --
Valikamam South West Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 11,954 72.02% 12
United People's Freedom Alliance 4,428 26.68% 4
United National Party 216 1.30% --
Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 12,895 74.29% 13
United People's Freedom Alliance 4,027 23.20% 3
United National Party 435 2.51% --
Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 16,763 71.22% 16
United People's Freedom Alliance 6,635 28.19% 5
United National Party 113 0.48% --
People's Liberation Front 27 0.11% --
Vadamaradchi South West Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 12,454 81.46% 15
United People's Freedom Alliance 2,522 16.50% 3
United National Party 290 1.90% --
Independent Group 22 0.14% --
Point Pedro Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 3,263 72.62% 7
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,107 24.64% 2
United National Party 115 2.56% --
Independent Group 7 0.16% --
People's Liberation Front 1 0.02% --
Chavakachcheri Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 12,565 75.07% 12
United People's Freedom Alliance 3,161 18.89% 2
United National Party 667 3.98% 1
Independent Group 1 246 1.47% --
Independent Group 2 97 0.58% --
People's Liberation Front 2 0.01% --
Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 10,207 81.33% 10
United People's Freedom Alliance 2,238 17.83% 2
United National Party 105 0.84% --
Kaluthara DISTRICT
Agalawatta Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 14,122 72.38% 09
United National Party 5,038 25.82% 02
People's Liberation Front 332 1.7% --
Independent Group 8 0.04% --
United Democratic Front 7 0.04% --
Patriotic National Front 3 0.02% --
Kandy DISTRICT
Harispattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 19,967 53.89% 11
United National Party 13,892 37.5% 06
Independent Group 3 1,553 4.19% 01
People's Liberation Front 822 2.22% 01
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 644 1.74% --
United Socialist Party 135 0.36% --
Independent Group 2 22 0.06% --
Independent Group 1 15 0.04% --
Akurana Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 12,763 43.74% 7
United National Party 10,026 34.36% 4
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 6,175 21.16% 3
People's Liberation Front 169 0.58% --
Independent Group 3 16 0.05% --
Independent Group 1 11 0.04% --
Independent Group 2 8 0.03% --
Independent Group 5 6 0.02% --
Independent Group 4 5 0.02% --
Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 27,921 65.92% 15
United National Party 12,347 29.15% 06
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 1,310 3.09% 01
People's Liberation Front 747 1.76% --
Independent Group 30 0.07% --
Kegalle DISTRICT
Kegalle Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 5,845 68.92% 8
United National Party 2,378 28.04% 3
People's Liberation Front 249 2.94% --
Independent Group 9 0.11% --
Jana Setha Peramuna 0 0% --
Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 38,302 71.19% 16
United National Party 13,182 24.50% 5
People's Liberation Front 1,393 2.59% 1
Independent Group 925 1.72% --
Ruwanwella Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 20,734 71.11% 11
United National Party 7,728 26.50% 4
People's Liberation Front 680 2.33% --
Independent Group 17 0.06% --
Kilinochchi DISTRICT
Pachchilaipalli Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Tamil United Liberation Front 1,650 55.89% 6
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,184 40.11% 3
United National Party 114 3.86% --
People's Liberation Front 4 0.14% --
Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 18,609 74.80% 15
United People's Freedom Alliance 6,097 24.51% 4
United National Party 133 0.53% --
People's Liberation Front 39 0.16% --
Poonakary Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Tamil United Liberation Front 3,827 49.90% 6
United People's Freedom Alliance 3,689 48.10% 4
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 154 2.01% --
Kurunegala DISTRICT
Giribawa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 11,099 71.75% 7
United National Party 3,745 24.21% 2
People's Liberation Front 620 4.01% --
Independent Group 4 0.03% --
Kuliyapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 34,077 59.85% 14
United National Party 18,816 33.05% 7
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 1,678 2.95% 1
Independent Group 2 1,219 2.14% --
People's Liberation Front 1,103 1.94% --
Ekasath Lanka Maha Sabha 16 0.03% --
Independent Group 3 16 0.03% --
Independent Group 1 10 0.02% --
Polgahawela Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 29,238 69.20% 15
United National Party 11,165 26.42% 5
People's Liberation Front 1,797 4.25% 1
Independent Group 1 25 0.06% --
Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha 17 0.04% --
Independent Group 2 11 0.03% --
Mawathagama Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 19,100 64.13% 9
United National Party 9,535 32.01% 4
People's Liberation Front 488 1.64% --
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 383 1.29% --
Independent Group 1 179 0.60% --
The Liberal Party 68 0.23% --
Independent Group 2 16 0.05% --
Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha 10 0.03% --
Jana Setha Peramuna 6 0.02% --
Matale DISTRICT
Wilgamuwa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 5,792 40.94% 5
Independent Group 4,616 32.62% 2
United National Party 3,741 26.44% 2
Ukuwela Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Aliance 16,390 56.56% 9
United National Party 9,928 34.26% 4
Independent Group 4 1,712 5.91% 1
People's Liberation Front 515 1.78% --
Independent Group 2 306 1.06% --
Independent Group 1 109 0.38% --
Independent Group 3 19 0.07% --
Matara DISTRICT
Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 19,566 73.41% 09
United National Party 5,018 18.83% 02
People's Liberation Front 1,407 5.28% 01
Independent Group 2 635 2.29% --
Independent Group 1 17 0.06% --
The Liberal Party 09 0.03% --
Moneragala DISTRICT
Siyambalanduwa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 16,193 71.78% 9
United National Party 5,970 26.46% 2
People's Liberation Front 378 1.68% --
Independent Group 19 0.08% --
Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 16,932 80.92% 08
United National Party 3,115 14.89% 1
Up-Country People's Front 483 2.31% --
People's Liberation Front 348 1.66% --
United Socialist Party 40 0.19% --
Independent Group 6 0.03% --
Mullaitivu DISTRICT
Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 2,198 71.69% 07
Puravesi Peramuna 847 27.63% 02
United National Party 21 0.68% --
Nuwara Eliya DISTRICT
Talawakele - Lindula Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 1,988 64.73% 07
United National Party 1,002 32.63% 02
Democratic People's Front 75 2.44% --
People's Liberation Front 06 0.2% --
Polonnaruwa DISTRICT
Elehera Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 17,869 81.70% 8
United National Party 2,950 13.49% 1
People's Liberation Front 494 2.26% --
Independent Group 2 369 1.69% --
Patriotic National Front 176 0.80% --
Independent Group 1 13 0.06% --
Hingurakgoda Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 23,481 77.36% 14
United National Party 5,553 18.30% 3
People's Liberation Front 1,318 4.34% 1
Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 12,961 88.22% 8
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 1,356 9.23% 1
People's Liberation Front 375 2.55% --
Puttalam DISTRICT
Chilaw Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 7,298 68.59% 8
United National Party 3,265 30.69% 3
People's Liberation Front 72 0.68% --
Independent Group 5 0.05% --
Navagattegama Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 6,567 78.99% 8
United National Party 1,237 14.88% 1
Independent Group 388 4.67% --
People's Liberation Front 122 1.47% --
Chilaw Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 23,607 68.37% 12
United National Party 10,532 30.50% 5
People's Liberation Front 390 1.13% --
Wennappuwa Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 35,083 67.77% 16
United National Party 15,936 30.79% 6
People's Liberation Front 700 1.35% --
Independent Group 5 14 0.03% --
Independent Group 1 13 0.03% --
Independent Group 3 11 0.02% --
Independent Group 2 4 0.01% --
Independent Group 4 4 0.01% --
Ratnapura DISTRICT
Embilipitiya Urban Council
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 9,497 58.01% 5
United National Party 6,274 38,32% 2
People's Liberation Front 577 3.52% --
Independent Group 1 10 0.06% --
Patriotic National Front 5 0.03% --
Independent Group 3 4 0.03% --
Independent Group 2 4 0.03% --
Ratnapura Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 23,399 68.91% 16
United National Party 9,827 28.94% 6
Nawa Sama Samaja Party 420 1.24% --
People's Liberation Front 299 0.88% --
Independent Group 12 0.04% --
Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 20,304 69.78% 14
United National Party 8,457 29.07% 5
People's Liberation Front 335 1.15% --
Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 20,593 88.14% 8
Independent Group 1 2,027 8.68% 1
People's Liberation Front 690 2.95% --
Independent Group 2 55 0.24% --
Trincomalee DISTRICT
Seruvila Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 4,471 67.83% 7
United National Party 728 11.05% 1
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 649 9.85% 1
Independent Group 623 9.45% --
People's Liberation Front 120 1.82% --
Kantale Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 14,270 65.21% 08
United National Party 5,820 26.60% 03
People's Liberation Front 796 3.64% --
Independent Group 2 693 3.17% --
Independent Group 1 303 1.38% --
Trincomalee Town & Gravets Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 8,986 47.96% 5
United People's Freedom Alliance 6,353 33.91% 3
United National Party 2,869 15.31% 1
The Liberal Party 347 1.85% --
People's Liberation Front 169 0.90% --
Independent Group 11 0.06% --
Kuchchaweli Pradeshiya Sabha
PARTY NAME VOTES OBTAINED PERCENTAGE SEATS
United People's Freedom Alliance 8,451 64.70% 6
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi 2,961 22.67% 2
United National Party 1,639 12.55% 1
People's Liberation Front 8 0.06% --
Independent Group 2 0.02% --
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