Victoria Nuland, spokesperson, US Department of State and former U.S. ambassador to NATO- pic: NATO
QUESTION: Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission has cleared the country’s army of deliberately targeting civilians during the final days of its war against LTTE. Do you have any comments? And where are they heading?
Continue reading ‘Fulfill LLRC recommendations and address issues the report did not cover-US State Dept.’ »
Kim Jong-il on Aug 24, 2011 - pic: Kremlin.ru
As the North Korean government announces the death of Kim Jong-il, the future of the “hermit kingdom,” along with its 25 million people, remains largely uncertain. It is no secret that life under the Dear Leader was no picnic. Just this month, over 40 human rights organizations, marking the 63rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, called for “international action to stop crimes against humanity perpetrated by North Korea’s dictatorship.”
Continue reading ‘The Prophet Is Dead: Juche and the Future of North Korea’ »
“Nallathor Veenai Seithe –athai
Nalankeda Puzhuthiyil Erivathundo?”
(Do we make a good “veena”(musical instrument)and throw it away in the dust to decay?)-Subramaniya Bharathiyar
The on going dialogue between Government and Tamil National Alliance delegations has seen agreement on a number of issues although areas of disagreement receive wider publicity in the media. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Remembering the APRC expert panel 'majority' report]
Former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel answers questions about anti-government protests in Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East, (File)- courtesy: AP pic via VOA News
Dissident playwright and freedom fighter, Vaclav Havel, a leader of Czechoslovakia’s anti-communist revolution in 1989, has died at his weekend house in the northern Czech Republic at the age of 75.
He was a modest writer whose powerful words catapulted him from political prisoner to president.
Continue reading ‘Vaclav Havel, Playwright and Former Czech President, Dead at 75’ »
Interview of Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka
Radio France International (rfi), Aired on 15th December 2011
Yesterday Sri Lanka rejected calls for an independent probe into war crimes committed during its thirty years civil war. The External Affairs Minister –G.L. Peiris- also said they did not need international policemen to solve internal issues.
Continue reading ‘Extremes in both ethnic communities are an important factor of obstruction says Dayan Jayatilleka in interview to Radio France International’ »
By Tisaranee Gunasekara
“an amoral clique of corrupt lawbreakers who are deaf both to their citizens and to their enemies”. – Avraham Burg (International Herald Tribune – 6.9.2003)
‘වෙළද පොල බිද වැටේ ආන්ඩුව නිදි’ -මෑනිං වෙළපොල සුරැකීමේ වෙළද සංගමය – Protest in Against Vegetable Law of the Sri Lanka Government – 14 Dec 2011 – Front of Railway Station Colombo Fort-pic courtesy: VikalpaSL
The ‘plastic crates saga’ is a quintessentially Rajapaksa tale.
Arbitrariness is a hallmark of the ‘Johnston Law’, decreeing plastic crates mandatory in transporting vegetables and fruits.
Continue reading ‘Plastic crates protests in Pettah and night motor races in Fort’ »
Karu Jayasuriya M.P.
Deputy Leader UNP
No.2, Amarasekara Mawatha, Colombo 5
2583477 / Fax No.2500972
E-mail : kjsun@sltnet.lk
Dear Member,
As you are already aware, I have through a news release issued on 28th November, announced my decision to contest the post of leader of the United National Party. In that I have set out the reasons for doing so. I take pleasure in enclosing herewith a copy for your kind information.
Continue reading ‘Karu Jayasuriya writes letter to UNP members seeking support’ »
A sense of oneness: Children at an earlier camp
As carols and bright lights usher in the Christmas festivities, one group of people- the Ekamuthu Oray Makkal Unity Mission Team is working hard to make this season of peace and sharing all the more special.
Plans are being finalized, transport arranged and food, clothing and a lot of love is being stored up in preparation for the Ekamuthu Oray Makkal Unity Camp Three, to be held in Mannar from December 27 to 30
Continue reading ‘Unity Mission Team takes message of integration to Mannar’ »
July 1983 - pic: Courtesy of the Sahajeevana Centre
As DEW Gunasekera once stated “They are also our people” we need to reach out to them. The ordinary Tamil citizen has gone through real hell since the LTTE and other militant groups started their campaign in the 70s.
The Tamil people were not an aggressive people they were a God fearing passive people but Tamil youth who were deprived of opportunity by the Sinhala Only Act and later by Standardization which limited their opportunity to enter University which was a dream of every Tamil youth.
Continue reading ‘We must match our words by deeds and reach out to the ordinary Tamil people’ »
By Gomin Dayasri
A man of repute inquired from his nephew, a CEO of one of the most prestigious international companies, to name a few successful people of his generation for a project with a charitable disposition where there will be no worthwhile return except the feeling of satisfaction.
Few days later the enterprising young man in his forties returned without a name in mind. His comments were more disturbing -”Mama, you may still find a few from your generation but not from mine.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan youths adopt servile sycophancy as comfort route to advancement’ »
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene
Stripped of all ambiguities, the moral question regarding state accountability for civilian casualties during the last stages of the war between government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was whether the government deliberately pressed ahead with its military offensive despite knowing full well the terrible toll that it would take.
Continue reading ‘LLRC report leaves certain core questions unanswered’ »
By Tisaranee Gunasekara
The LLRC has done its job. The LLRC Report has cleared its appointing authority, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, of any and all wrongdoing in the conduct of the Fourth Eelam War.
The LLRC report duly concurs with the Rajapaksa narrative on the Fourth Eelam War on every essential count.
Continue reading ‘LLRC report is verbose fig leaf to cover Rajapaksa wrongdoing in conduct of war’ »
By Namini Wijedasa
The government on Friday made public the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, ending weeks of speculation on its contents-speculation that, for the most part, has turned out to be imprecise.
Many observers commended the government’s move in releasing the full document. Not only was it presented in parliament and distributed among MPs and journalists there, it was simultaneously uploaded on the web.
Continue reading ‘LLRC report appears to be daring and cautious at the same time’ »
By Dr.Sudharshan Seneviratne
Hello Friends,
Dr.Sudharshan Seneviratne, Professor of Archaeology at Peradeniya university needs no introduction as a respected archaeologist-scholar.
Colonel Olcott, Founder father of Ananda College
He is an old student of Ananda College, Colombo and delivered a speech titled “Celebrating the sacred space of wisdom and humanism: Revering Anandamatha” on December 8th 2011 on the occasion of the venerated Institutions 125th anniversary. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Ananda College: Liberal Arts tradition of knowledge and humanism]
Human rights day, Jaffna, Sri Lanka-Dec 12, 2011
I wonder about peacemakers,
the ones who take the host’s word,
observe appearances, offering
of coconuts at temple, Xmas
Continue reading ‘In Your Face’ »
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced hope that the Sri Lankan Government will move forward on its commitments to deal with accountability concerns in the wake of the long-running civil war in the Asian country.
Sri Lanka”s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission tabled its report in the national Parliament yesterday, and Mr. Ban welcomed the public release of the report, according to information released by his spokesperson last night.
Continue reading ‘Ban voices hope Sri Lanka Govt will take steps on accountability’ »
By Priyanthi Fernando
Two things have escaped the general discussion on the highway.
pic courtesy: vikalpasl
The first is the cost and the debt repayment over the next 20-30 years that, given the considerable cost overruns of 100 percent, the delays in getting the highway completed and subsequent maintenance costs, will continue over the years.
Continue reading ‘Southern Expressway, economic costs and plight of affected people’ »
By Prof.Carlo Fonseka
The history of free education in Sri Lanka is the history of an aspect of the class struggle in our country. The LSSP came into existence on 18 December 1935, as a party of public intellectuals who were inspired by the ideas of the political philosopher Karl Marx (1818 – 1883).
Marx regarded ‘social class’ as a necessary category for understanding the distribution of wealth and power in a given society and the struggle between classes as the main motor of history.
Continue reading ‘The LSSP led class struggle and history of free education in Sri Lanka’ »
(New York, December 17, 2011) – The report of the Sri Lankan government’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) disregards the worst abuses by government forces, rehashes longstanding recommendations, and fails to advance accountability for victims of Sri Lanka’s civil armed conflict, Human Rights Watch said today.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s LLRC Report Disregards Worst Abuses by Govt Forces and Fails to Advance Accountability charges Human Rights Watch’ »
News release by Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka
The final report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was tabled today, December 16th in Parliament by Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva .
Continue reading ‘Final report of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) tabled in Parliament’ »
By Ayesha Zuhair
Hello Friends
Retired Supreme court Judge CV Wigneswaran is a person for whom I have a lot of respect. Justice Wigneswaran who made a distinctive mark while on the bench now engages himself in various aspects of public life. He has not hesitated to fearlessly speak out on many issues.
He was interviewed in depth recently for “Daily Mirror” the Colombo English daily by Ayesha Zuhair. Wigneswaran expressed his views frankly and forthrightly on a number of crucial issues. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: An In-depth Interview with former Supreme Court Judge CV Wigneswaran]
The widow of M.S. Mohammed Niyas who was abducted and killed by the dreaded white van squad has written a letter to worldwide human rights organizations and media institutions seeking justice.
The full text of the letter is as follows:
Continue reading ‘Wife of murdered ‘White Van abduction’ victim makes worldwide appeal seeking justice’ »
by Melani Manel Perera
Jaffna – Two and half year since the end of the 30-year civil war, Tamils in northern Sri Lanka complain about the area’s militarisation and the slow pace of the government’s development projects, and this despite the promises made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
pic courtesy: AsiaNews.it
In Jaffna peninsula, the ratio between military and the civilian population is 1 to 11, which means about 40-50,000 soldiers out of a population of 600,000.
Continue reading ‘Tamil refugees and war widows in militarised Jaffna’ »
As members of the Tamil civil society interested in the existence and future well being of the Tamil Nation we wish to bring the following to your attention:
1. Regarding talks with the Government of Sri Lanka; arriving at a political solution:
a) Despite several rounds of talks, while acknowledging that there appears to be some progress in the talks, the TNA released a public communiqué on the 4th of August 2011 stating that you will not fix the date for the next round of talks until such time there is a written response from the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) on three important issues.
Continue reading ‘Public Memo to Members of Parliament representing the Tamil National Alliance from members of Tamil Civil Society’ »
by Fr. Sunil De Silva
The Colombo Magistrate Courts said today, 15th Dec. 2011, ” Nothing illegal has happened at ‘Prem Nivasa’, Rawathawatta” and released Rev. Sr. Mary Eliza from all accusations NCPA had presented to the Courts.
Rev. Sr Mary Eliza released of all accusations
Having received the investigations reports from the Attorney General and from the Criminal Investigation Department, Colombo Magistrate Courts said that there are no illegal activities happening at “Prem Nivasa” of Mother Teresa’s Sisters, at Rawathawatta.
Continue reading ‘‘Nothing illegal has happened at Prem Nivasa’-Magistrate court’ »
Hello Friends
December 14th is the fifth death anniversary of Anton Stanislaus Balasingham who served for many years as the “Arasiyal Mathiyuraingar” or political adviser to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)movement and its leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran.
While the media described Balasingham by various designations such as political adviser, political strategist,ideologue,theoretician etc he was “Bala annai” (elder brother Bala) to Prabhakaran, LTTE cadres and many Tamil journalists and friends. I too called him that. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 5th Death Anniversary of LTTE 'Mathiyuraingar' Balasingham]
Sri Lankan political activists Lalith Kumara Weeraraju and Kugan Muruganandan have been missing since 9 December. They were arranging a press conference for the following day to publicize a protest. Lalith Kumara Weeraraju’s family received a phone call saying that he had been killed.
Lalith Kumara Weeraraju and Kugan Muruganandan were last seen leaving Kugan Muruganandan’s residence in Avarangal, Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka, on 9 December. There were preparing a press conference to be held on 10 December, World Human Rights Day, which aimed to publicize a protest planned for the same day.
Continue reading ‘Amnesty International: Fears for missing Sri Lankan activists’ »
Nov 2011, Montreal, Canada-pic: TamilWin.com
The Minister of External Affairs Prof GL Peiris usually gives no reason to be described as ‘irate’.
That however, was the newspaper description of his uncharacteristically sharp remonstration, urging Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe not to ‘outsource’ the role of the Opposition to the international/diplomatic community.
Continue reading ‘What is the goal of western policy towards Tamils of Sri Lanka?’ »
by Sara de Silva
Despite the military defeat of the LTTE in 2009, the recent developments outside of Sri Lanka depict that the certain segments within the Diaspora community are still sustaining the Tamil separatist movement in one way or the other.
It takes us by no surprise that the so-called LTTE international network is still intact, and to date, many organizations that are sympathetic to the Tamil Eelam cause still exist worldwide.
Continue reading ‘Taming the Tigers abroad requires a two-track effort’ »
by J.Jeganaathan
In September 2011 the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation ( NORAD) – a directorate under the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report titled Pawns of Peace-‘Evaluation of Norwegian Peace Efforts in Sri Lanka, 1997-2003’.
This report probes two important questions: what went wrong with Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka? And what lessons does the failed Sri Lankan peace process offer to conflict resolutionists?
Continue reading ‘Norway in Sri Lanka: An analysis of report on the failed peace process’ »
by M.S.M. Ayub
If the Government thinks that all political parties in the Parliament must be consulted in finding a solution to the ethnic problem why did it initiate talks only with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the main Tamil politi cal party alliance on the same issue?
On the other hand, why should the government appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) if it was correct to hold talks with the TNA in order to find a political solution?
Continue reading ‘Why did govt appoint parl select committee while holding talks with the TNA?’ »
by M.I.M. Mohideen
According to Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil are the Official Languages. They are also called National Languages. English is the link language.
Failure on the part of the Government institutions to comply with the Constitutional provisions, Cabinet directives and Public Administration circulars relating to the Official Languages have caused immense inconvenience and hardships to the members of the public who are not conversant with Sinhala and this amounts to the denial of the Tamil speaking citizens their fundamental rights.
Continue reading ‘Comprehensive project plan needed for implementation of Tamil as an official language’ »
Lalith Ambanwela
Hello Friends
Many of you may have forgotten the name Lalith Ambanwela. It was on May 20th 2002 that this conscientious and gutty auditor attached to the Auditor – Generals dept had acid flung at him for having exposed the high level corruption by certain Central Provincial Council officials in Kandy
Despite this vicious acid attack that scarred him for life, Auditor Lalith Ambanwela is back at work, as determined as ever to serve the nation and uncover corruption. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Lalith Ambanwela: A man of exemplary courage and integrity]
By Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P
Speech at the Committee Stage of the Budget Debate 2011 on the votes of the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha, MP dviser on Reconciliation to the President on December 9 th 2011
I am grateful, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity to support the budget allocation and the work of the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration amongst others.
Continue reading ‘National Languages and Social Integration Ministry must think ‘outside the box’’ »
Jayantha Dhanapala
Hello Friends
Sri Lanka despite its size has produced quite a few personalities who made their mark in the International sphere through distinguished service. One such person is Jayantha Dhanapala who was United Nations Under-Secretary General for Disarmament Affairs from 1998 to 2003.
He was earlier director of the UN institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)from 1987 – 1992.
Dhanapala was in Sri Lanka’s foreign service and served in places like London, New Delhi, Beijing, Geneva and Washington DC. He was also a contender in the initial stages for the post of UN Secretary-General at one time. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Democracies, dictatorships and the exercise of civic responsibilities]
by Sumanasiri Liyanage
Although I took up this and related issues many a time before, the current impasse in talks between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has compelled me to address those issues once again as, in my view, the resolution of the national question would be key to Sri Lanka’s future.
Continue reading ‘TNA should demand transfer of power from military to elected provincial councils in North and East as pre-condition for participation in parliamentary select committee’ »
Jaffna will soon get its first industrial zone following a landmark agreement signed on Friday between promoters and financiers of the initiative.
by Namini Wijedasa
The government last week withdrew an amendment to the Town and Country Planning Ordinance that if passed would have given the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs vast powers over any private property in the country.
The Town and Country Planning (Amendment), a copy of which was obtained by LAKBIMAnEWS, consists of just eight clauses. Legal practitioners described the bill as ‘bizarre.’
Continue reading ‘Supreme Court determines land is a devolved subject coming under provincial councils’ »
by Tisaranee Gunasekara
It was an explosive revelation by any yardstick. The former Questioned Documents Examiner of the Elections Department had determined that the 62 ballot papers found abandoned near the Ratnapura technical college (and marked for common oppositional candidate Sarath Fonseka) were authentic and not photocopies.
In most countries the revelation would have caused a furore.
Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa makes convicted criminal Iniya Barathy a ‘Deshamanya’’ »
The Tamil Centre for Human Rights – TCHR/CTDH, in association with other Human Rights organisations, Institutions, Human rights defenders and with many others around the world celebrates today the 63rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -UDHR.
The UDHR contains thirty articles. Articles 1 and 2 outline the philosophical claim of the UDHR and emphasise that human beings are born free in equal dignity and are entitled to all rights and freedoms without any kind of discrimination.
Continue reading ‘December 10th: 63rd Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ »
By Premini Amerasinghe
We leave Anuradhapura and the old city, with its atmosphere of sanctity — balm to a city dweller like myself — and arrive at Medawachchiya, a little known town until a few years back, when it gained a dubious notoriety, due to the high prevalence of incurable renal disease there.
It does not take long to get to Vavuniya, the southernmost point of the ancient Tamil kingdom of Sangili.
Continue reading ‘Prevailing peace in Jaffna continues to have a surreal air about it’ »
by Philip Fernando
My recent visit to Jaffna was after three and half decades. What I saw was positively reassuring.
The battlefront dynamics had receded irrefutably. From the air, it seemed a blanket of lush green had swept over the signature fertile red soil of Jaffna. Yes, Jaffna is rising. Her toiling farmers and fisherfolk seemed hoping to share the peace dividend.
Continue reading ‘Crystal clear that Jaffna is rising through sustainable work ethic in post-war environment’ »
by Ranga Jayasuriya
The editor of this newspaper Rajpal Abeynayake was assaulted at the annual Voetlights dinner of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka held last Saturday night (December 3).
The annual function, named in the honour of 18th Century Dutch jurist Johannes Voet, is an occasion where lampoon vilification and prank are freely exchanged in celebration of the suspension of the contempt of court law on that particular night.
Continue reading ‘‘LakbimaNews’ Editor Rajpal Abeynayake assaulted by lawyer at ‘Voetlights’ Dinner held by Bar Association’ »
Minister Douglas Devananda
Q. There were reports that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was critical of you and your supporters. What do you have to say about that?
It is highly ridiculous. Firstly, the report has not been made public yet. It is still with the President and he will be tabling it in Parliament once he goes through the contents. Once the report is out I am ready to challenge the newspaper.
Continue reading ‘Sand mining is done legally through the organization Maheswari Foundation’ »
by Dr. U. Pethiyagoda
Except for a minuscule minority, everyone I know, from varied strata of society, ranging from Professors to labourers to taxi drivers, are disappointed with our politicians.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in conversation with Mohan Lal Grero on Nov 30, Pic: DailyNews.lk
The minority are those who have benefited or are guilty of incurable apathy – both very negative traits. To face the truth (despite the forced symbolism of the prefix ‘Honourable’), the revulsion is acute and universal.
Continue reading ‘Five things Mohan Lal Grero can do if he wants to continue standing upright’ »
by Tisaranee Gunasekara
“Hitler swallowed the boundless adulation. He became the foremost believer in his own Führer cult” – Ian Kershaw (Hitler: 1889-1936: Hubris)
“Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” lamented Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth.
Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa is not a welcome guest in western capitals’ »
Namini Wijedasa Interviews UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya
courtesy: LakbimaNews.lk
UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, who is contesting Ranil Wickremesinghe for leadership of the party, said last week that the government is making full use of its power and strength to destroy the opposition. He also said that he has still not spoken to Wickremesinghe, personally, about the leadership challenge.
Continue reading ‘“Whether I win or lose, I’m making a sincere effort to prove my point”says Karu Jayasuriya’ »
Niromi de Soyza
“Tamil Tigress” is a 320 page book released by the Australia–based publishing house, Allen & Unwin, this year. The book has a picture of an armed female guerilla fighter on the cover along with the strapline “My story as a child soldier in Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war”. It is written by a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)under the pseudonym Niromi de Soyza.
The book has reportedly made quite a splash in Australia and New Zealand where it is available at bookshops.The Australian ministry for the Arts and the Australian Arts council have selected it for their 2011 “ Get Reading! Campaign” as one of the 50 Books You Can’t Put Down. It is earmarked for a second edition soon and is likely to be available world-wide. [Click here to read in full ~ dbsjeyaraj.com ~ From Shenuka to Niromi: True tale of a 'Tamil Tigress']
Reverend Sister Mary Eliza
Hello Friends
The recent incident where the “Prem Nivasa” at Rawathawatta,Moratuwa was raided by the National Child Protection Authority(NCPA) and Police has shocked many.
This home administered and looked after by the Catholic Church, with the assistance of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Theresa has been a haven of hope and refuge to many.The nun in charge of the Reverend Sister Mary Eliza was taken into custody and subsequently released on bail. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Over enthusiastic NCPA and police charge nun sheltering orphans and the destitute]
by Lucinda Fleeson
Hello Friends
Lucinda Fleeson
The state of Journalism and plight of Journalists in Sri Lanka is far from satisfactory. Various media and human rights organizations have frequently described the situation in Sri Lanka as not being safe for Journalists.
Among the various Sri Lankan journalists who have been victims of violence is Namal Perera. He was savagely attacked a few years ago in Colombo . Namal Perera then left the country in search of safety like many other Journalists. [click here to read in full on ~ dbsjeyaraj.com: Namal Perera, Sarath Fonseka and the plight of Sri Lankan media]
By Mohanlal Grero MP
The Chinese Philosopher, Confucius, once said, “If your strategy for the future is for one year then cultivate paddy. If your strategy is for ten years then grow trees. If your future strategy is for 100 years then what you must invest in is education”.
Therefore, in a budget for a country’s future economic improvement and development, the most important and long term investment is the expenditure on education.
Continue reading ‘I have decided to support and work with the govt to do what is necessary for education in the country’ »
by Basil Rajapaksa
I regret there was no constructive criticism at all during the debate on the budget for 2012. Therefore let me conclude the debate by recalling our childhood days.
When we had no one to play cricket with, we became the batsman and bowler both rolled into one.
Continue reading ‘We have marched towards a new Sri Lanka during 2005-2010 via Mahinda Chintana’ »
Cartoon by Hasantha Wijenayake-courtesy: LakbimaNews.lk
Karu Jayasuriya has stopped doing a Hamlet at long last and decided to take on Ranil Wickremesinghe. The latter has picked up the gauntlet. The battle lines have now been drawn.
Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Vs Karu Jayasuriya’ »
by Ruwandi Silva
Hello Friends
Death,deprivation,loss and suffering is not necessarily the monopoly of Tamils in Sri Lanka alone. Other ethnicities have also suffered , many at the hands of those belonging to the Tamil ethnicity
As for the majority community there was a particular brand of violence which victimized them greatly.I am talking of the two insurrections in 1971 and 1988-89 by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP). [Click to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'Farewell my dear Father': A tribute by a daughter to a fine human being]
by Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright
Senior executives at Bell Pottinger told undercover reporters that they were so influential that they had written a key speech given by the Sri Lankan President to the United Nations.
During the address by President Mahinda Rajapaksa last year, which the company said was used in preference to one prepared by the Sri Lankan foreign ministry, the President suggested rules governing the humanitarian conduct of war should be re-examined. He also described his troops’ action against Tamil Tiger separatists as humanitarian.
Continue reading ‘We wrote Sri Lankan President’s UN speech, says Bell Pottinger’ »
Karu Jayasuriya MP
Gampaha district MP and senior co-deputy leader of the United National Party Karunaratna (Karu) Jayasuriya has decided to throw his hat in the ring for leadership of the party.
In a statement released by him Karu Jayasuriya has stated that he would be contesting for the post of UNP leader in order to save and unite the party.
He has said that he is doing so because of many requests made to him by party members to contest for party leadership. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Karu Jayasuriya to challenge Ranil Wickremasinghe for UNP leadership]
Full text of statement released by Tamil National Alliance, Dec 3, 2011
At the Bilateral talks between the TNA and the government delegation on the 16th of November the parties identified the issues to be discussed and agreed upon in evolving a political solution.
The parties agreed on the specific order in which these issues were to be discussed and for this purpose scheduled four meetings, on the 1st, 6th, 14th, and 15th of December 2011. Thereafter, a time-table setting out these dates and issues was also circulated.
Continue reading ‘TNA urges government to honour mutual agreement reached and not to place new impediments’ »
cartoon by Hasantha Wijenayake- courtesy: LakbimaNews.lk
The Rajapaksa administration’s priorities are curious, to say the least. The Met Department’s inexplicable failure to forecast last month’s deadly gale placed tens of thousands of citizens in danger.
But even after the gale became an undeniable fait accompli, authorities failed to act expeditiously to save endangered lives, especially of the fishermen who went out to sea, trusting in the Met Department’s ‘all clear’.
Continue reading ‘Rajapaksa refusal to distinguish between Tiger Terrorism and Tamil Nationalism is obstacle to peace’ »
by Arjuna Hulugalle
The incident connected with the “Prem Nivesa” in Rawattawatte Moratuwa is a very sensitive subject and these views which are very personal may go against the grain.
Rev. Sr.Prema MC, Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Charity (Mother Teresa’s Sisters) arrived in Sri Lanka on 27th Nov, having heard the arrest of one of her Sisters, Sr. Eliza – pic: Archdiocese of Colombo
It is written, however, in the spirit of charity which means love.
Continue reading ‘My first reaction is to sincerely apologize to the foreign nun Rev Sister Mary Eliza who was taken into custody’ »
‘Groundless accusations against the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity and ‘Prem Nivasa”
Press Conference was held at the Archbishop’s House, Borella, Colombo 08 on 03rd December 2011. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Episcopal Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera , Episcopal Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Rev. Fr. Noel Dias, several Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, Senior Counsel Neville Abeyratne who appears for the Court case on behalf of the Rev. Sr. Mary Eliza, and several other Rev. Fathers participated in the Press Conference.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, at a Press Conference held at the Archbishop’s House, Borella, Colombo 08 on 03rd December 2011-pic by: Archdiocese of Colombo
Continue reading ‘Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to boycott state functions Durig Christmas Season to Protest Arrest of Catholic Nun’ »
by Namini Wijedasa
President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media unit circulated a curious little note last week. It went like this: “It has been brought to the notice of the President’s office that various people are making calls to the Police and other Public Institutions, saying they are Coordinating Secretaries and other senior officials attached to the Presidential Secretariat.
Continue reading ‘Gunawardena punished for heinous and dangerous crime of flinging a water bottle near Speaker’s little brother’ »
by Tisaranee Gunasekara
Only those who support terrorism can request to reduce
allocations for defence”. – Basil Rajapaksa (SLBC – 30.11.2011)
As President Mahinda Rajapaksa was declaring open the Southern highway amidst fanfare, the people of Galle and Matara were struggling with the aftermath of a deadly gale.
Continue reading ‘Keep them quiet by keeping them down seems to be the Rajapaksa path to peace’ »
In a remarkable turn of events within the United National Party(UNP) Hambantota district MP and co-deputy leader Sajith Premadasa has called upon Gampaha district MP and senior UNP deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya to contest for the post of party leadership.
Mr.Premadasa has in a letter written to Mr.Jayasuriya said” I request you to stand for election for the post of Leader of our Party. It is my firm belief that you are the only person who can take up the challenge of unifying our fractured Party ”
Continue reading ‘Sajith wants Karu to contest for UNP leader post and unify party’ »
by Fr. Sunil De Silva Archdiocese of Colombo
Attorney-at-Law Neville Abeyratne presenting his submissions on behalf of Rev. Sr. Mary Eliza and ” Prem Nivasa”, of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, informed the Court, said that the ” ‘Prem Nivasa’ or the Sisters of Mother Teresa absolutely not involved in taking any money when the children are given for adoption.
“Prem Nivasa” is registered under the Probation Department which is under the Social Ministry of the government. Therefore, everything at ‘Prem Nivasa’ had been done in consultation and on the instructions of the Probation Dept. and the children for adoption have been given through a legal procedure and through the Courts”
Continue reading ‘‘Mother Teresa’s Sisters absolutely not involved in child – trafficking’ Attorney Neville Abeyratne informs the Court’ »
KJ Yesudas
Reputed Indian singer Kattassery Joseph Yesudas known to the world as KJ Yesudas celebrated his golden jubilee in singing for films on November 14th this year. It was on Nov 14th 1961 that Yesudas recorded his first film song for a Malayalee film at a Chennai studio.
Thereafter in fifty –years of singing for films Yesudas has sung over 50,000 songs in 17 Languages.He has won numerous awards and is regarded as a unifying voice of India. He turned seventy last year [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com]
Baird talks tough on Sri Lanka
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird MP
OTTAWA – Sri Lanka needs to take accountability for serious allegations of war crimes committed during its 25-year civil war, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Thursday.
Baird’s comments to MPs at the Commons foreign affairs committee come after Prime Minister Stephen Harper publicly criticized Sri Lanka over its human rights record during the Commonwealth meeting in Australia in October.
Continue reading ‘Canadian Foreign Minister Baird praises UN for publishing report on Sri Lanka’ »
by Darley Jose Kjosavik
The seminar room at the Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences UMB), was full.
Professor Nadarajah Shanmugaratnam (Shan) was in for a surprise. He was invited to a seminar, but was blissfully unaware of the special gift he was to receive. It was a Festschrift in his honour. As he unwrapped and opened the box I handed to him, on behalf of the Department, the surprise and the bewilderment were all too obvious.
Continue reading ‘He Retires and Continues – A Personal Tribute to Professor N. Shanmugaratnam’ »
Testimony by Amnesty International before Canadian House of Commons Subcommittee on Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka
NUMBER 008
1st SESSION
41st PARLIAMENT
EVIDENCE
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Chair (Mr. Scott Reid (Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, CPC)):
Good afternoon, everyone. It is November 17, 2011 today and this is the eighth meeting of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. We are currently studying the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt does not want “Interference”by Organizations like Amnesty or Countries like Canada’ »
Hello Friends,
The controversy over the issue of War crimes allegedly committed by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces with the sanction of high officials does not seem to receding into the background with the passage of time.
Each time the flames show signs of reducing into flickers there is a fresh input of fuel into the fire which fan the flames again. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com]
Rohana Wijeweera
A couple of months prior to the insurrection of 1971, Rohana Wijeweera was arrested by the police in the jungles of Ampara, while he was having a meeting with some JVP leaders. He was brought to theBatticaloa prison and thereafter transferred to Jaffna.
Continue reading ‘1971 JVP Insurrection and incarceration of Rohana Wijeweera’ »
President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the Diaspora could contribute in a significant manner towards the development in the North.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa
“We have launched several programmes to develop the North and help our people there. There is a need to provide entertainment for the people of the North and more facilities for sports and recreation in addition to building of more hotels. Both the private sector and the Diaspora could play an active role in the North” the President said.
Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Invites Diaspora to Return and Help Develop North’ »
by William Ide Voice of America
Although U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says economic sanctions against Burma will not be lifted until certain policies of the Burmese government change, there is debate among analysts over the effect of Washington’s trade restrictions and the role they play in promoting political reform.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, Burma, on December 1, 2011. [State Department photo]
Continue reading ‘Burmese Reforms Raise Questions About Economic Sanctions’ »
by Dayasiri Jayasekera
It is our right to protest that no government or political party can investigate past decisions and actions of the former Chief Justice or else the next victim will be the incumbent chief justice and the government will take steps to appoint a new person.
Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake taking oaths as Chief Justice before President Mahinda Rajapaksa, May 2011-pic: sundayobserver.lk-
This has become a threat for judges to act independently.
Continue reading ‘‘I wish Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake will have courage to resist Political pressures’’ »
Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP
Mr. Speaker, on Friday we learned that the government plans to slash $31.5 million from immigration settlement services in Ontario. Community organizations are already struggling because of similar cuts last year and the year before.
Continue reading ‘Rathika Sitsabaieson protests cuts in govt funding for Ontario Immigration Settlement Services’ »
President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the ceremony opening Southern Expressway, Nov 27, 2011
“A remedy as dangerous as the malady” is the heading of an open letter in The Island of 17th November 2011. It is addressed by Jayantha Dhanapala to our university teachers.
Holding as he currently does the position adorned by Bertrand Russell, who founded the Pugwash Movement in 1957, JD commands the respectful attention of all serious- minded citizens in our country.
Continue reading ‘‘I don’t know of any academic whose intellectual freedom has been curtailed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’’ »
By Professor N. Shanmugaratnam
‘A biography by its very nature’, writes Michael Colin Cooke, in setting the scene for the Bopage Story, ‘reveals a life not only of an individual but of the society and times of that individual.’ A person’s life story, however, can be told in different ways. A biography may be rich in minutiae and fail to go sufficiently beyond the more immediate social context of the subject.
Continue reading ‘The Lionel Bopage Story: A journey through Serendipity’s not so serendipitous times’ »
Hello Friends
The Tamil film “7aum Arivu”(the seventh sense)directed by AR Murugadoss is now running in cinemas and is a box office success.
The film is based on the story of Bodhidharmar who was supposedly a Tamil Buddhist born In Kanchipuram and a scion of the Pallava dynasty. While relating the tale of Bodhivarmar at the start the film goes on to portray the modern saga of a character purported to be a descendant of Bodhidharmar [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Tamil Buddhism in Ancient South India and Sri Lanka]
Chandrika Kumaratunga, President, Sri Lanka (1994-2005)-pic: Club de Madrid
Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga last week delivered a scathing attack on the government’s handling of the former IDPs at a discussion held in the South Asia Policy Research Institute in Colombo.
“You may be satisfied with it (reconciliation process), but I am not,” she said responding to Professor Rohan Gunaratna, who was the guest speaker.
Continue reading ‘The military is taking over large chunks of land in North-Chandrika Kumaratunga’ »
Judge Deepali Wijesundara
Deepali Wijesundara, President of the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar that convicted former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka to three years imprisonment in the “white flag” case spoke to the Sunday Times on the threats she faced during the trial , after the judgment and other matters.
Excerpts:
You have spoken of threats to your life due to the “white flag” case? Please elaborate?
Continue reading ‘“How can they say I am Biased when I Acquitted Fonseka on two of three charges Against him”: Judge Deepali Wijesundara’ »
Minister Maithripala Sirisena MP
The UPFA alleges the US embassy is increasingly interfering in domestic political issues, thereby undermine the government.
The SLFP-led coalition believes that the US is trying to cause a rift in the government over the imprisonment of defeated presidential candidate, former Army Chief, Gen. Sarath Fonseka.
Continue reading ‘Is US threatening action against Lanka at UN in Geneva if presidential pardon is not given to Sarath Fonseka?’ »
by Namini Wijedasa
Sri Lanka is a noble nation with a rich heritage. We were always grand but we became positively marvellous after defeating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, one of the meanest terrorist organizations in the world.
Indeed, in our current disposition–with the Tigers gone and a strong, stable government in charge–we are splendid. Not unnaturally, many ministers and ruling party politicians regularly allude to this magnificence in their speeches. It makes them feel self-important, poor sods. They have little else to do under this regime.
Continue reading ‘President stands by chuckling as his MPs assault the opposition in parliament’ »
cartoon by Hasantha Wijenayake ~ courtesy: LakbimaNews.lk
Don’t the people have the right to speak of anything taking place illegally?” Gen. Sarath Fonseka(Post-verdict statement in the White Flag case)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa takes umbrage at the strangest things. He once vented outrage at a Sinhala song, titled, ‘The people of that country are running crazy’. Such songs, the President remarked at his sanctimonious-best, would encourage separatism.
Continue reading ‘Taking law into their hands is a popular pastime among Rajapaksa acolytes’ »
By Jude Fernando
“Judges should behave within the judiciary as well as outside it in such a manner as to consolidate the confidence of the people. Judges have no private behaviour. It should be remembered that when oppressive, criminal, arbitrary, despotic actions are taken against the people by the executive or authorities, it is the judiciary that will be the guardian of the people.” - Chief Justice Hema Basnayake, July 3, 1964.
I fully support the enforcement of law and order to preserve communal harmony. Harmony is a precondition for peace in whatever form it comes, and disharmony would obstruct a political solution to the ethnic conflict.
Continue reading ‘Broad-based dialogue needed to address public concern about politicisation of our justice system’ »
Dumindha silva with Prasident Mahinda Rajapaksa-pic: dumindasilva.com
On the day of the recent elections, Duminda Silva, ruling party politician, with his entourage of armed official and unofficial enforcers, rampaged through the streets of Kolonnawa, physically brutalising and intimidating the opposition.
Although the area had been heavily policed, the compliant and neutered arm of the law chose to remain limp, permitting Silva an unfettered run of the electorate.
Continue reading ‘Duminda Silva: Frontline General in ruling family’s relentless campaign’ »
Hello Friends
Today November 26th is the birthday of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)Leader Thiruvengadam Veluppillai Prabhakaran. Had he been living Prabhakaran would have celebrated his 57th birthday today. [click here to read in full ~ dbsjeyaraj.com: Prabhakaran: Powerful symbol of Tamil armed struggle]
pic by: RIA Novosti
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed state officials to assess the situation in the areas hit by heavy rains and winds yesterday November 25 and provide urgent relief to the people affected by the disaster immediately.
The President has met with relevant authorities this morning at the Temple Trees to discuss the immediate measures need to be taken to provide relief to the people affected by the heavy rains and winds in southern coastal areas.
Continue reading ‘President Mahinda Rajapaksa orders urgent relief to disaster-stricken people’ »
Issued October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.
Continue reading ‘President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation’ »
The count down has begun for “ Great Heroes Day” (GHD) on November 27th. Rival factions of the overseas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)competing with each other to commemorate the event in Western countries where substantial concentrations of Sri Lankan Tamils are prevalent.
November 27th falls on a Sunday this year. This has reinforced the efforts of both factions as the chances of drawing massive crowds is greater because of Sunday being a holiday.In a scenario similar to a market place both factions are doing their best to ensure that the Great Heroes Day(GHD)events organized by them get the highest number of attendees. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Countdown begins for ‘Great Heroes Day’ showdown]
by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne
Text of a speech made at the inauguration of the multi-party,multi-ethnic, multi-religious “Movement for Justice” in Colombo on November 23rd 2011
Today there is a serious challenge to democracy in this country. On the surface, one sees only democratic tendencies. We can have press conferences and protest meetings.
Continue reading ‘Mass struggle must be launched to defeat this dictatorial terror regime’ »
Dear friends,
As you all very well know my father was given another 3 years of imprisonment simply because the court felt he assisted in spreading a rumor that brought tension among ethnicities.
Although it is my dearest wish to comment on this “verdict” and the so called “justice system” in Sri Lanka, I will keep them to myself for the sake of my family, who has felt the wrath of the the Sri Lankan “law” more than any regular family that lives in the country.
Continue reading ‘Daughter Apsara wants signatures for ‘White House’ petition seeking justice for Sarath Fonseka’ »
by S.L.Gunasekara
Unruly scenes and episodes of thuggery in what is, for some quaint ‘reason’, termed the “August Assembly”, namely Parliament, are regrettably, nothing new.
Perhaps a new “low” was established by the scenes of rampant thuggery in the presence of the President of the Republic and the leader of the UPFA/SLFP while the President was reading the budget speech.
Continue reading ‘Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe must weed out their party MPs who misbehaved in parliament’ »
by S.L. Gunasekara
Quick to seek some political advantage from the conviction of General Sarath Fonseka by the Trial at Bar on Friday the 18th, Ranil Wickremesinghe (the leader under siege) of the UNP has made a pronouncement condemning the treatment meted out to Mr. Warawewa who was the dissentient member of that Trial at Bar who held that General Fonseka was not guilty of any of the charges against him.
Continue reading ‘Is Ranil Wickremesinghes concern over judicial independence genuinely ‘bona fide’ or a ‘mala fide’ device?’ »
Both Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) factions in Canada have agreed NOT to have different”Great Heroes Day”functions on Nov 27th 2011
Clashing LTTE factions in Canada have decided to conduct one “Great Heroes day” function in Ontario Province & another in Quebec Province only [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Rival LTTE factions in Canada clashing over 'Great Heroes Day' event unite due to soccer club efforts]
by Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Full Text of address by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation: “The Way Forward for Post Conflict Sri Lanka”, on Nov 24, 2011 held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, in Colombo
Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defense Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaks during the inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation in Colombo November 24 ,2011. Credit: Reuters/Dinuka Liyanawatte Courtesy: Reuters
I am grateful to the Honourable G. L. Pieris, Minister of External Affairs, for having invited me to deliver the keynote address at the inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation, hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Continue reading ‘“Real number of dead and missing far too small to provide any substance to the absurd allegations of genocide and war crimes”’ »
Senator Patrick Leahy
Full text of the letter as follows:
Continue reading ‘US Senators urge Secretary of State to take lead in establishing independent international commission if LLRC fails to meet standards’ »
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has, in its final report, said that no state should be asked to suspend military operations aimed at rescuing civilians forcibly held by a heavily armed terrorist group.
The failure on the part of a state to proceed with such operations will only allow terrorists to go on the rampage, the presidential commission has said.
Continue reading ‘LLRC report states no need of international probe if govt implements its recommendations’ »
by Prof.Michael Roberts
Rohan Gunaratna addressing Conference on Reconciliation in Colombo November 24 ,2011-pic: Defence.lk
In measured tone, he pinpointed several shortcomings in the government policies in meeting world-wide attention directed at the situation in Sri Lanka, such as the failure to present a White Paper on the last stage of the war and the failure to invite Ban Ki-moon’s Darusman Panel to visit the island as part of their investigation.
Continue reading ‘The Tamil death toll in early 2009: a misleading count by Rohan Gunaratna’ »
President Mahinda Rajapaksa entering the House to deliver the 2012 budget speech on Nov 21-Picture by Sudath Silva" Courtesy: DailyNews.lk
Text of 2012 budget speech in Parliament by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 21st 2011
Introduction
Hon. Speaker, I am indeed happy to deliver the 7th consecutive Budget Speech of our Government. I am also inspired to see you in the chair on this occasion.
Continue reading ‘“We Should be Committed to Build a Nation that all of us can be Proud of”’ »
Karu Jayasuriya MP
Press Release by Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Leader, United National Party, on the assault of the main opposition, United National Party, by the Members of Parliament of the Government 22nd November 2011
We have to reiterate the fact that there is a severe eroding of democracy in this country.
Continue reading ‘UNP members were assaulted by govt members in the presence of the President’ »
Pandemonium erupted in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Monday November 21st 2011 as MP’s belonging to the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) and opposition United National Party(UNP)clashed openly in the presence of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the presentation of the budget for the forthcoming year.
In what was a shameful spectacle viewed by several diplomats ,high ranking govt officials,media personnel and eminent citizens ,there were fisticuffs, scuffles, manhandling, hurling of water bottles,books,files,papers, abuse, threats and tugging of sarees worn by some woman MP’s. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Pandemonium in parliament as UPFA-UNP MPs clash during budget speech]
