Army chief rings alarm bells in LTTE camps

Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, whose service was extended recently, in an interview told the 'Sunday Observer' that he wants to eradicate terrorism once and for all during his term of office.

The veteran battlefield Commander observed it is only a question of survival for the terrorist as many of their cadres have started abandoning the ship. Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: It was reported that the LTTE has strengthened its surveillance in the North by deploying more civilians. Are these civilians paid by the LTTE ?

A: No. They are not paid much but one member from each family have been asked to come forward and may be they are given food and accommodation, because the LTTE does not have money to pay them. The civilians, of course were well paid when the A9 road was opened, as the LTTE earned over Rs. 10 to 15 million a week.

Q: How many LTTE cadres are escaping or abandoning the LTTE now ?

A: Three or four cadres desert the LTTE but they do not come to our side due to difficulties to cross LTTE lines and mine fields. I think if they can cross safely more LTTE cadres would desert the organisation. But everyday more than four terrorists abandon the LTTE.

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/09/30/fea01.asp

120 Tamil youth surrender: Sri Lankan army

Around 120 Tamil youths, including several LTTE militants, have "surrendered" to the authorities, the Sri Lankan Army said here today amid raging fighting in the country's restive north.

"Some 42 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the Jaffna Human Rights Commission during the past few weeks," military spokesman, Udaya Nanayakkara, told PTI adding that reports suggested that in all about 120 tamil youth have "surrendered" during the period in northern Sri Lanka.

The spokesman claimed that some "surrenders" also took place due to fears of forced induction into the LTTE forces.

"Many who give themselves up or are handed over by their parents are those who fear the LTTE. We hand them over, who in turn produce them before the magistrate," the official said.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200709291223.htm

Lanka minister slams Govt for silence on Myanmar

The Sri Lankan Minister for National Heritage, Anura Bandaranaike, has lambasted the government and the Buddhists in the island for their silence on the developments in Myanmar, where a military government is ruthlessly crushing a pro-democracy movement spearheaded by Buddhist monks and the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi.

"What do our self-appointed custodians of Buddhism in parliament have to say? Not a word about the attacks on fellow Buddhist priests in Yangon, who took to the streets in utter desperation. Silence is the finest form cowardice. The silence of our Buddhists is deafening, especially the self-appointed custodians of the Dhamma and of course our Foreign Ministry," Bandaranaike said in a statement in Colombo on Friday.

Read more,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id

Air Force destroys Sea Tiger training facility -Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lanka air force fighter jets this morning (September 29) destroyed a key training facility of the Sea Tigers located at Thevipuram, Northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu, air force sources said.

A combined air raid of MIG 27 and Kafir fighter jets launched at 8.10.a.m accurately hit the terrorists' training camp which is known as L2 (Lima two) , the sources added.

Information gathered through air surveillance and ground intelligence for a long time have confirmed that the target had been used to train LTTE cadres on seaborne and amphibian operations. Further, real time ground information has confirmed that the activities in the targeted camp have largely increased since last two- three weeks.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070929_02

LTTE dissident Karuna ‘leaves’ Lanka

The controversial LTTE dissident, Colonel Karuna, is believed to have left Sri Lanka recently, following trenchant international criticism of the activities of his group, the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), in the eastern Tamil-speaking district of Batticaloa.

Media reports said on Wednesday that Karuna had left for Britain. But independent sources could only confirm that he had left the country temporarily.

The Scandinavian-staffed Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and the New York-based Human Rights Watch had both criticised the TMVP for forcibly recruiting children and extorting money from the people in Batticaloa.

Read more,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=93c6

I wish Tendulkar plays for 10 more years: Jayawardene

Critics may say that Sachin Tendulkar is past his prime and should contemplate retirement, but Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardane feels the Indian batting maestro has a lot of cricket left in him.

"I think Tendulkar is playing great cricket. I wish he plays for 10 more years," Jayawardene told PTI here.

Jayawardane's English counterpart Paul Collingwood echoed his views and said Tendulkar was in great touch despite playing almost non-stop cricket for the past 18 years.

"I think he is in great form and will continue for some more years," Collingwood said.

Tendulkar had opted out of the recently-concluded Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa. He returns to action in the seven-match ODI series against Australia starting tomorrow.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200709281340.htm

Sri Lanka Tells UN Debate That Global Treaty on Terrorism Must Be Agreed

The negotiation process for a comprehensive global convention against terrorism has taken far too long and needs to wind up, Sri Lanka's President told the United Nations General Assembly today as he called for greater international vigilance against terrorism and related illegal activities.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the annual high-level general debate at UN Headquarters in New York, said his country knew first-hand of both the impact of terrorism and the need to act aggressively to deal with the scourge.

"We have become party to 11 of the 13 UN conventions for the suppression of various acts of terrorism," he said. "We think that the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, which in our view remains a priority, is only limited to endless discussion. I emphasize that we must conclude these negotiations soon."

Read more,
http://newsblaze.com/story/20070926090452tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html

Solheim to meet President today

Norway's International Development Minister Erik Solheim is due to call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the sidelines of the UN deliberations.

President Rajapaksa and Solheim, who was the special envoy for the Sri Lankan Peace Process prior to the appointment of Jon-Hanssen Bauer, are expected to discuss the current developments in Sri Lanka including the All Party Representative Committee Process, which is on the threshold of presenting a finalised set of proposals.

Solheim recently told an interviewer in Norway that Norway was willing to resume its role of facilitating the peace process. It was waiting patiently till the Government and the LTTE agree to resume talks, he said.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/26/news17.asp

Sri Lanka Tamil party shocked over UNP's deviation from federalism

The leader of Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) V. Anandasangaree today expressed shock over the United National Party’s (UNP) deviation from the former federalist stance on the solution to the ethnic problem.

Issuing a statement, V. Anandasangaree said that the UNP had agreed at Oslo talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) to find a solution to the ethnic problem based on federal reforms. He says that a solution cannot be found for the ethnic issue based on unitary state framework and emphasized the need of a federal structure similar to India.

Read more,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/September26133116SL.html

Army captures LTTE's FDL near Yodha Wewa

The Military on Monday captured the LTTE's first Forward Defence Lines on the western side of the Yodha Wewa in the north of Mannar, in a fresh military operation launched on Sunday to capture the area, military sources said.

They said that on Monday itself the military was able to kill more than 20 LTTE cadres and injure nearly 40. Clashes erupted between the advancing military and the LTTE on Monday on the west of the Yodha Wewa.

Extracted from,
http://www.thecitizenjournalist.org/index.cfm?

Security Forces Confront LTTE Attack at Yoda Weva

During the early hours today(24), at around 12.15 p.m., LTTE terrorists attempt to attack a security cordon along the Western side of Yoda wewa area in Mannar was repelled successfully by the Forces.

During the clashes four soldiers were injured while 9 LTTE cadres were killed and 36 injured.

Security Forces have also established through LTTE radio transmission interceptions that a vehicle belonged to the terrorists was also completely destroyed.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=7560

Jaffna University lecturer killed in LTTE claymore blast

A lady lecturer of the University of Jaffna and a Government Technical Officer were killed in a claymore mine explosion carried out by the LTTE this morning (25) in Jaffna.

Those killed were Sharadha Maransodhi (42) a senior lecturer of the University of Jaffna who died on the spot and Kandan Nishandan (25) a Technical Officer of the Uduvil AGA Office, who died on admission to the Base Hospital at Chankanai- Manippay, the Vaddukkoddai Police said.

The claymore mine attack took place at 8.05 am today at Sithankerni junction along the Manippay - Karainagar main road in Jaffna.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070925_03

Tigers tried to target Gotabhaya in U.S.

The movement of two suspected LTTE hit men from Canada to the USA during a recent private visit to America by the Defence Ministry Secretary Col. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa sparked off a quick re-action from the US Federal Agencies.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) which was tipped off by friendly agencies about the movement of LTTE operatives swiftly tracked down Col. Rajapakse to provide him with security, according to reliable sources.

The unassuming Secretary had traveled incognito to prevent inconveniencing enforcement agencies providing security to him. He was forced to reluctantly accept security provided by the FBI when the full extent of the threat was explained to him.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/7510

LTTE may tap supplies in South India hideouts: Report

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels in Sri Lanka, running short of ammunition, particularly heavy calibre artillery and mortars, will try to tap the supplies from their "South Indian hideouts," a media report said on Monday.

"As tigers experience what the military believes is the worst shortage of ammunition, particularly heavy calibre artillery and mortars, the Sri Lankan navy is stepping up its efforts to prevent them from bringing in fresh supplies to the Mannar mainland," The Island Newspaper quoted official sources as saying.

The official claimed that the "enemy (LTTE) would now try to bring in whatever supplies available in their South Indian hideouts," it reported.

Read more,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Rest_of_World/Weapon_star...

Four Top Rank Tiger (LTTE) Leaders Confirmed Killed

Latest intelligence obtained by the Security Forces following the aerial shelling on LTTE’s Vishwamadhu “Imbran Pandyan” military complex during the weekend (September 21-22) confirmed four top rank terrorist leaders were among those feared dead.

The intelligence also re-affirmed that one of those dead terrorist cadres has been posthumously promoted to the rank of a “Lieutenant Colonel ” by the LTTE hierarchy.

Air force fighter craft on Friday (21) bombed LTTE’s “Imbran Pandyan” regiment complex in Vishwamadhu, west of Pudukudiiruppu, Mulathivu around 12.15 noon while an LTTE meeting was in progress. Again on Saturday (22), fighter craft after information was received confirming Tiger terrorists were collecting remnants from their bombed military complex conducted another bombardment at about 7.00 a.m. and crippled their plans.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=8000

Lankan govt. asks LTTE to return to negotiations

The Sri Lankan government today extended an olive branch to the Tamil Tiger rebels by offering to halt the military operations against them if they return to the negotitating table for the peace talks.

"The decision is theirs (LTTE's) and I believe they wouldn't reject the opportunity," Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said in an interview to "Sunday Island' newspaper.

Asking the rebels to make a "genuine" effort at the negotiating table, Gotabhaya, brother of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, said the government would not exploit "an environment conducive for further military action" if the rebels opted for peace talks.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200709231550.htm

Government has failed miserably -JVP

A matter of great concern for us today is how a President and the Government are increasingly distancing themselves from the people. Both are unconcerned about the mandate they received.

The character of this Government cannot be defined. It is not a homogenous composition. It has no policy. It is an arrangement of convenience to savour unbridled power and not to serve the people. That is why it has not been able to implement the pledges made in Mahinda Chinthanaya or any other cohesive policy to rebuild Sri Lanka.

The only positive aspect is the military action against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Praise for this campaign against terror should go to the security forces and the police. The Government and its leaders have not set any example to those brave men and women who are sacrificing their lives.

Read more,
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070923/News/news00024.html

Thoppigala -the new symbol of national pride

If the year 2004 was bad for Velupillai Prabhakaran then the year 2005 was worse. The first crack in the seemingly indivisible monolith of the LTTE appeared in April 2004 when Karuna, his most able commander, broke away asserting his own regional rights in the east.

There were other factors like personal rivalries as well that made them lock horns. But the underlying factor of regional differences between the northern and eastern Tamils surfaced once again to divide the Tamil separatists.

To create the political fiction of a pan-Tamil movement, stretching like a single unbroken thread from Mannar in the western coast to Kumana in the eastern coast, the eastern Tamils were recruited hastily and opportunistically in the 50s and 60s by the vellahla leadership of Jaffna with offers of some senior positions in the federalist/separatist party.

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/09/23/fea02.asp

LTTE terrorists target civilian bus in claymore blast; one civilian killed - Trincomalee

LTTE terrorists detonated a claymore mine targeting a privately owned bus at Nilaveli 06th Mile Post in Trincomalee this morning.

According to the available information due to the attack that took place at 11.20 a.m, the driver of the bus was killed and two others were injured. The targeted bus was plying from Trincomalee to Errakkandi with a large number of innocent civilians when the attack has taken place.

The security forces personnel have rushed to the location and are evacuating casualties at present.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070922_03
and
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=7531
Photo,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=7531

Air strikes neutralize LTTE attempts to salvage LTTE Vishwamadu Base - Mullaitivu

Today (22) at 7.00 a.m., Air Force fighter jet aircraft launched an air strike in the vicinity around the LTTE Vishvamadu Base on Terrorists engaged in attempting to salvage what remained from yesterday's (21) air strike using vehicles.

The air strike based on LTTE communication intercepts and intelligence was successfully completed.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070922_06

Tiger detainees dig 200m tunnel beneath Kalutara prison wall

In a startling discovery, officials of the Kalutara Prison on Horana Road have found a tunnel nearly 200 metres long and eight feet below the prison ground leading to the Kalu Ganga complete with electricity and light bulbs, dug by LTTE suspects in custody over a period of one year.

Prison officials on Thursday made this find during a special search operation within the prison premises. Fifty-three LTTE detainees were kept in a separate section at the Kalutara prison till they were transferred to the Welikada prison several months ago.

A senior prison official told the Daily Mirror yesterday that the tunnel was dug by the LTTE suspects using blunt weapons improvised from utensils they had smuggled into the cells hidden on their persons.

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/22/front/1.asp

President off to UN

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will leave for New York today to attend the 62nd United Nations General Assembly.

The President’s Office said President Rajapaksa was scheduled to address the assembly next Wednesday and he is expected to explain how his government has found a permanent political solution to end the north and east crisis.

Meanwhile, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga will also fly to New York on Monday to address the Bill Clinton Foundation.

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/22/front/6.asp

Speaker of Sri Lanka parliament decides to take the votes for four controversial bills again

The Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara today announced at the Sri Lanka parliament that four of the five tax bills that were declared passed on September 06 amid chaos should be put forward to the committee stage again in the House.

Stating that a bill would not pass merely since he stated that it was passed, the Speaker said only the No: 256-draft bill was passed in the House at the committee stage and the remaining four bills should be re-submitted for the committee stage.

The Speaker said that he took the decision after considering the facts furnished by the government and opposition MPs.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/September21142009SL.html

SLAF destroys key LTTE base - Mulaithivu

SLAF fighter jets destroyed a strategically important LTTE facility in precision air strikes carried out at 12:15 p.m. today (21), at Vishvamadu in the Mulaithivu area.

The air sorties were carried out at a LTTE base complex consisting of large arms and ammunitions dumps which was also said to be a harbouring location for the LTTE's special "regiment" (Imran Pandiyan). The air strikes were based on accurate air and ground surveillance information, a defence official said.

SLAF sources said strikes were also launched today on a LTTE gathering point in the area, where high raking LTTE terrorists meet. This LTTE facility was a regular visiting place for key terrorist leaders.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070921_02

LTTE confirms Soosai’s injury, son’s death

The LTTE has, for the first time, confirmed that Sea Tiger leader Soosai was injured in an “accidental” explosion off the Mullaitivu seas recently while his son was killed.

In comments over the Voice of Tiger radio on Wednesday, an LTTE official ‘Radha’ said Soosai had now fully recovered.

According to the radio report, Soosai was injured during a Sea Tiger training exercise.

In July, reports spread that Soosai was critically injured in a boat explosion off the Mullaitivu seas.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/21/front/07.asp
Photo,
http://www.interpol.int/public/Data/Wanted/Notices/Data/2006/76/2006_57476.asp

terrorist groups get their supply of arms and ammunition from Sri Lanka to use against India

Due to the increased vigil by the Indian security forces on all the possible land routes of infiltration, the terrorist organizations are reportedly busy in searching other routes to infiltrate in India now. The previous tried and tested land routes have become difficult to cross now.

High security measures in those areas have resulted in major losses for terrorist organizations and the terror outfits such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba has tried to explore new routes and the sea route has become most preferable route for them...

...According to the Intelligence Bureau, terrorists start on boats from Karachi in Pakistan to reach Jafna in Sri Lanka. The terrorists get their supply of arms and ammunition From Sri Lanka to use against India....

Read more,
http://www.indiadaily.org/entry/
terrorists-preferring-karachi-jafna-chennai-sea-route-now/

Air Force fighter jets destroy LTTE Arms storage - Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets have pounded the LTTE's Arms and Ammunition storage located at North-West of Puthukuduiruppu in the Mullaittivu area this morning (September 20). According to defence sources, the target has been accurately hit by Kfir and Mig-27 fighter jets around 11:50 a.m.

The attack followed gathering of information through both ground and air surveillance carried out for a long period. Further, the targeted LTTE base had been used as one of the key arms and ammunition storages of the LTTE, sources said.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070920_02

5300 buses for CTB - Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma.

Central Transport Board (CTB) currently operates with a capacity of only 4600 buses. This is a marked reduction from 5200 buses which were on service in 1975. The Government will be taking steps to increase the number of busses to 5300 in two months period.

This was stated by the Minister of Transport Dullas Allahapperuma today in Parliament.

Minister Allahapperuma added that there is a visible sacristy of buses at every CTB bus depot and the Ministry is currently making efforts to find solutions to this problem through the ‘model depot’ project. He explained that there are many buses stationed at the depots because of mechanical problems.

Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3494&Itemid=44

Lankaputra and Mihin Air: Sordid deal, says Ranil

Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday that the transfer of public finances to establish Lankaputra Development Bank and Mihin Air was totally illegal because there was no approval from Parliament which oversees such matters.

Mr. Wickremesinghe told the House in a statement that there was a deliberate act of violating the principles of Parliamentary control over public finance.

The statement reads as follows:

As Members of this House we are at all times prepared to protect both our rights and those of the House. The legislative power in the country is vested in the House. There are three characteristics for an independent legislature.

1. Legislating, 2. Supervision of the Executive, 3. Control over Public Finance....

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/20/front/2.asp

US aid to Lanka will continue, says envoy

US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Robert O’ Blake yesterday denied any move to halt US aid to Sri Lanka and reiterated its unwavering support for a political solution based on a compromise between the Government and the LTTE.

The US envoy was speaking at the handing over of 17,500 metric tons of essential commodities worth US $ five million to be distributed among people in conflict affected areas at the WFP Warehouse at Orugodawatte.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/20/news03.asp

Basil swears in amidst opposition chaos

Basil Rajapakse took oaths as a MP before the Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara amidst protests and chaos of the opposition MPs. It was the first time in the history that a MP assumed duty in such context.

The tradition of the parliament is to stay calm until the new MP takes oath and to welcome him with applause. Instead, the UNP MPs today displayed placards mentioned '10%' in protest of the appointment of Basil Rajapakse as a MP.

The chaos due to the display of such placards in front of the Speaker's chair led to the adjournment of the meeting for ten minutes.

Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4695

Times of India says LTTE is divided now

Quoting tha Singapore based Counter terrorism think tank and other sources New Delhi’s Times of India said there is a rift in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam leadership ranks due to its leader trying to make his son Charles Anthony his successor.

“Sources say LTTE is witnessing an ugly power struggle that is beginning to undermine Prabhakaran's leadership which was undisputed so far.

In fact, the Singapore-based counter-terrorism think-tank, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, in its recent country report, says a major rift within LTTE is a distinct possibility,” the newspaper said .

The newspaper said the 52 year old Supremo of the LTTE is trying to groom his son as his health is afflicted with hypertension and diabetes. The following is the full story published by the newspaper on its front page:

“Tamil Nadu's Dravidian leaders seem to have left an indelible mark on LTTE chief V Prabhakaran. So it comes as no surprise that dynastic politics is catching up within the LTTE too, with Prabhakaran eager to hand over the reins of the terror outfit to his son Charles Anthony Seelan, an aeronautical engineer...

Read more,
http://www.go2lanka.com/stories/091907_2.html

Ricky Ponting out of World Twenty20

Ricky Ponting has been ruled out of the rest of the World Twenty20 because of injury.

The Australia captain pulled a hamstring muscle during yesterday's match with Pakistan and according to Australian media reports the skipper will be out of action for at least two weeks.

Ponting's absence will be a significant blow to Australia, whose last Group F match with Sri Lanka is effectively a quarter-final. That match is a rematch of this year's World Cup final in the Caribbean.

It remains to be seen if Ponting will be fit for Australia's forthcoming one-day tour of India.

Extracted from,
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/cricket/article2488681.ece

Bombs found in Sri Lankan capital

Sri Lankan police said Wednesday that they had found a dozen bombs hidden in a building in the capital Colombo and arrested two people in connection with the incident.

"We did a search operation in Kotahena Jampettah Street Tuesday night and found the bombs hidden in a building," a police spokesman said.

The police said that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels may have transported the bombs to the capital.

The police in the capital carry out sudden security operations in the city to ban suspected accomplices of LTTE rebels arriving from north and east.

Read more,
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6266380.html

Bharti, China's Huawei signs deal for Sri Lanka operations

Bharti Airtel Ltd's Sri Lankan unit signed a $150 million contract with China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to build and manage mobile infrastructure in the island nation over three years.

Bharti, India's largest mobile services provider, had in January received an offer from the Sri Lankan telecom regulator to provide 2G and 3G mobile services in the country, the company's first foreign venture.

The deal will help Bharti to reduce its total cost of ownership, and deploy its network faster and more cost-effectively, the company said in a statement.

Extracted from,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/..

New Military Spokesman Assumes Office

New Military spokesman and Director, Directorate of Media, Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, Brigadier V.U.B. Nanayakkara USP Hdmc assumed duties this morning (18 September 2007) at his office after a brief ceremony.

Brigadier V.U.B. Nanayakkara, was the Commander Area Headquarters Kandy, before he took over as Military Spokesman cum Director, Directorate of Media Army Headquarters.

Photo and News,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=7908

Karunanidhi Insults Hindu God Rama

Furious about the Sethu Samudram project being put on hold by the New Delhi government over strong Hindu religious sentiments, Bharathiya Janatha Party Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi strongly came down on what he called communal forces and even neighboring Sri Lanka, which has raised environment concerns for stalling the project.

“Who is this Raman (as Lord Ram is referred to in Tamil)? In which engineering college did he study and become a civil engineer? When did he build this so-called bridge? Is there any evidence for this?” an apparently infuriated Karunanidhi asked at a function in Erode in Saturday night.

The leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (DMK) rejects any belief in the myriad of Hindu gods as of Aryan and non Tamil origin and ridicules them in his party ideology.

Read more,
http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=3141

JVP leader says elections should be held in the east

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is of the firm view that the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka should hold elections to the provincial council in the east as soon as possible, under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, to consolidate the recent gains made by the military against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

In an interview to The Hindu, JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said that though his party was opposed to the 13th Amendment, made as a follow up to the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, it believed that elections in the east would encourage democracy and promote development....

...He said elections in the east would not only bring back democracy and equality, but also encourage people in the Wanni under the control of the LTTE to rise against the outfit and send the right signals for economic growth.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/18/stories/2007091861211300.htm

JR-style satyagraha to topple government: Ranil

Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinge yesterday called on all parties including the JVP and the LSSP to join hands with the UNP in its struggle to establish the sovereignty of the people.

Speaking at a ceremony held at party headquarters to mark the 101st birth anniversary of late President J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the UNP would launch a J.R. Jayewardene-style sathyagraha to topple the government.

`Any party can join in the struggle to force the government to resign and then campaign on their own at a future general election,` he said. Mr. Wickremesinghe said an organized struggle could force a government out of power any time. Citing examples, he said the people`s struggle in Ukraine compelled the government to hold an election and Philippines former President Ferdinand Marcos had to run away during the uprising of the people in that country.

Read more,
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2007/9/19502.html

Nation Building Minister Basil?

Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa is tipped to fill the vacant post created by the demise of non-Cabinet Irrigation Minister Anver Ismail, reliably government learns.

It is understood that several high-ranking government ministers have approached Minister A.L.M. Athaullah, hoping to secure the national list slot for Rajapaksa.

Read more,
http://lankaguardian.blogspot.com/2007/09/nation-building-minister-basil.html
and
http://www.lankaenews.com/Sinhala/news.php?id=3198
Photo,
http://www.lankaenews.com/Sinhala/news.php?id=3198

The Commander in Chief Salutes Heroic Sailors- Trincomalee

His Excellency the President and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Honourable Mahinda Rajapaksa today (September 17) saluted the brave sailors who returned home after winning an epic victory to Sri Lanka Navy. The Commander in Chief visited the Naval Base at Trincomalee this morning to welcome the crews of the six naval ships who destroyed three large arms-carrying ships belonged to the LTTE terrorists at high seas on 11th September 2007.

The Ministers, Douglas Devananda, Nimal Siripala De Silva, G.L. Peries, Milinda Moragoda, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and the Chief Minister of North-Central province Berty Premalal Dissanayake along with Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa accompanied the Commander in Chief.

The six ships; SLNS Sayura, SLNS Samudura, SLNS Suranimila, SLNS Shakthi , A 520, and A 521 arrived Trincomalee harbour this afternoon after having completed the longest tour of duty in the Navy's history. Sri Lanka Navy adhering to the oldest customs among the worriers at sea honoured the incoming ships by a glamorous "Man and Cheer Ship" ceremony.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070917_03

Indian spymaster speculates whether KP whisked away by FBI

Adding further confusion to the alleged arrest of top LTTE international operative Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) in Thailand, a former head of the counter terrorism unit at the Indian intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) B. Raman has speculated whether KP had been whisked away by the FBI to be questioned by them on the LTTE's links with Al Qaeda.

Raman's speculation comes amidst reports that a top Sri Lankan defence and intelligence team that went to Thailand last week to secure KP's deportation to Sri Lanka had failed, with the Thai authorities denying that KP had been arrested by them. KP, who was believed to have been arrested by Interpol in Thailand a fortnight ago, was also wanted by India in connection with the assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

B. Raman who was also a top Indian civil servant and known as a spymaster writing to a think tank called the South Asia Analysis Group said: "In September,2003, the Thai Police informally picked up Hambali, the then operational chief of Indonesia's Jemmah Islamiyah, at Ayuthya and handed him over to the FBI, which flew him out to Diego Garcia for questioning.

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/17/front/04.asp

LTTE PAID 20 MILLION DOLLARS BRIBE TO THAILAND POLICE : politicsparty.com

politicsparty.com Bases this Analysis from highly placed sources in the Intelligence Community in Thailand,

The LTTE Logistics Mastermind of the Rajiv Gandhi Assasination Padmanathan was arrested by the Police in Thailand.

Padmanathan was interrogated thoroughly and highly classified details of the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination was obtained from the Thailand Authorities.

Padmanathan also gave enormous information about the Money Routes, Sources, Freighting, Procurement of Arms, Deployment of Arms and tones of other Data.

Padmanathan also revealed the names of several conspirators involved in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination.

Padmanathan then struck a Deal with the Thailand Authorities to allow him to flee.
The Deal was finalized after Padmanathan arranged for 20 Million US Dollaras.

Read more,
http://politicsparty.com/terror_scoop.php

Arrest of LTTE’s KP: Goof up or Cover up?

Media broke the news about KP’s arrest in Bangkok on Sep 10 and later picked up by all news agencies around the world.

Sri Lanka took a sigh of relief and India desperately wanted to take him home for a trial. But all this euphoria died down when Thailand authority denied his arrest on the face of all media hype.

KP is Kumaran Padmanadan (also, Tharmalingam Shanmughan), LTTE's point man for international arms procurement/ trafficking and a senior cadre involved in many high profile operations, including financing the assassination of a former Prime Minister of India.

KP considered as the most important players within LTTE, next to chief V. Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman, head of its intelligence wing.

There is a possibility that Thai government is hiding something worthwhile now, even though they handed over three other Tamil Tigers to Lankan authority in August after they served jail terms for arms smuggling, since 2003.

Read more,
http://counterterrorismblog.org/2007/09/arrest_of_lttes_kp_goof_up_or.php
Photo,
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Kumaran_Pathmanadan.jpg

Sri Lankan Minister passed away

M.I. Anver Ismail, the non-cabinet Sri Lanka Minister of Irrigation passed away today early morning at a Colombo private hospital.

The 40 year old Minister was being treated for a stomach disease. His body was taken to his home town, Samanthurai and was buried there according to Muslim customs.

The Minister first entered into the parliament as a Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (Athavulla Faction ) MP in 2001. He was appointed as a Minister in 2004.

News extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/September14125127SL.html
Photo,
http://www.parliament.lk/directory_of_members/images_members/060.jpg

Sri Lanka romp to record victory

Records tumbled as Sri Lanka demolished minnows Kenya by 172 runs at the World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa.

Sri Lanka compiled a new highest total of 260-6 as veteran Sanath Jayasuriya made 88 off 44 balls, captain Mahela Jayawardene smashed 65 off 28 and Jehan Mubarak blasted an unbeaten 46 from 13 deliveries.

Mubarak took 29 runs off the 19th over bowled by seamer Lameck Ngoche as Sri Lanka surpassed the previous highest total of 221-5 by Australia against England in Sydney earlier this year.

Read more,
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/14/srilanka.twenty/
Watch it,

Business Chambers condemn Ranil's statements

Representatives from several business chambers yesterday condemned statements made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on the HSBC and business chambers.

Wickremesinghe recently said the HSBC's banking licence would be revoked and it would be sent back to Hong Kong if it plays a role in securing a US$ 500 million international bond for the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Opposition Leader's statements against the HSBC matter and the country's main business chambers are unbecoming of a responsible politician in the country, said the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) President Nawaz Rajabdeen.

He said that the HSBC, which has maintained a presence in Colombo since 1892, is one of the pioneer foreign banks in the country and this type of statement is detrimental to the country since its contribution to the economy is tremendous. "It also supports the SME sector in a big way and if they pulled out from the country it would adversely affect the entire business community," he said.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/14/news20.asp