LTTE suicide bomber kills himself to avoid arrest

An LTTE suicide bomber has exploded himself when a group of police officers tried to check a room of a three story lodge down Aluth Mawatha at Ibbanwala Watta, in Modara this morning (February 29).

According to the available information 4 police personnel, including 3 women police personnel and 3 civilians have suffered injuries in the explosion. defence.lk special reporter in the area said one women police officer has suffered serious injuries.

According to the sources, the explosion has taken place around 6.15.a.m. when police acting on information has tried to check the room. The body of the bomber has destroyed into an unidentifiable condition and the walls of the room show lot of damages caused by iron balls, the sources added.

A senior defence official speaking to defence.lk noted that unless for the vigilant civilians in the area and for the police personnel who acted swiftly to the civilian information, the suicide bomber could have committed another civilian massacre in the South.

Therefore, he said due to commitment and the bravery of the police officers who involved in this incident, a large number of civilian lives have been spared from a possible disaster.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorists outfit that pioneered the techniques of suicide bombing using brainwashed individuals. The outfit has made a unique contribution development of terrorist tactics by introducing innovative brainwashing techniques and also techniques such as the use of suicide belts, jackets, breast bombs and placing bombs under female under garments, etc that are now being widely copied by all other terror organization in the world.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080229_02

Army Captures Sluice Gates of Sinnaodaippu

SINNAODAIPPU sluice gates and its adjacent areas north of GIANT TANK in MANNAR were captured by troops from Tiger terrorists this morning (28) after a fierce fire fight that lasted till about 6.00 a.m.

At least fourteen Tiger terrorists were feared killed and six T-56 weapons were recovered along with a number of other LTTE belongings during the incident.

Two soldiers received gunshot injuries and were rushed for medical treatment.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=11139

Former Local Councilor Murdered

Two motorbike-riding gunmen, believed to be Tiger terrorists, Tuesday (26) around 5.30 p.m. have shot and killed a former Local Council (Pradeshiya Sabha) member in the general area of UPPUVELI, TRINCOMALEE. The victim, GOPAL KONESWARARAJA (32) of Farm road, SELVANAYAGAMPURA, was with one of his relatives when he was gunned down.

The victim according to the Police has been making his living on a day today basis visiting various places in the area.

The reason behind the killing is yet to be revealed.

The UPPUVELI Police are conducting investigations.

Read more,
http://army.lk/fulsit.php?idx=861

Relations with CPI(M) good, says JVP

The Sri Lankan Marxist JVP party today underlined its close relations with the Communist Party of India-Marxist despite not being invited for the CPI(M) conclave in Tamil Nadu next month. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which is usually amongst the invitees for the CPI-M's Congress, has been overlooked for the left party's conclave this year in Coimbatore from March 29 to April 3.

"We have not been invited," said R. Chandrasekaran, a senior JVP member and the Tamil face of the party.

It is being felt that the JVP supremo Somawansa Amar Singhe's recent utterances against India could be the reason for the Indian communist party not extending an invitation to the Island country's left party to attend the meeting. "Our relations with the CPI(M) will in no way be affected due to our not being invited for the conclave and it will remain good," Chandrasekaran told PTI.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200802271654.htm

Cairn in race for two Lankan oil blocks

Cairn India has entered the race for acquiring two oil exploration blocks in Sri Lanka, by bidding for blocks 001 and 002 under the ongoing Sri Lankan licensing round. Back home, it has decided to undertake exploratory drilling in new areas in Rajasthan.

According to sources, Sri Lanka’s block 001 is spread over 3,338 sq km, and block 002, 3,572 sq km. Block 001 is, in fact, closer to the Cauvery basin, where oil and gas has already been discovered, hence it is attracting bids from other international oil exploration companies as well. The chances of striking oil here are higher as geological features of the blocks are similar.

In India, Cairn Energy India (CEIL) — the operator, on behalf of joint venture partners Cairn India and ONGC in contract area RJ-ON-90/1 in Rajasthan — has decided to commence production activities and development drilling at the Mangala Field.

Read more,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

UNP's fullest support for 13th Amendment

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday extended the UNP's fullest cooperation to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which has been proposed by the APRC proposals. The Opposition Leader gave this assurance following an extensive discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa held at Temple Trees yesterday.

During the discussion, President Rajapaksa briefed the Opposition Leader on the implementation of the 13th Amendment proposed by the APRC proposals.

In addition, the discussions also centred on the 17th Amendment, a media release issued by the President's Media Unit said yesterday. The UNP's representation for the next rounds of the APRC discussions was also discussed.

The discussions were conducted in a very cordial manner. SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Prof. Vishwa Warnapala represented the SLFP while the UNP Chairman MP Rukman Senanayake and MP K.N. Choksy represented the UNP, the release added.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/02/27/pol01.asp

Sri Lanka Telecom sets up internet TV unit

Sri Lanka Telecom, the island's dominant fixed line operator, Wednesday announced it had set up a subsidiary to provide internet television programmes with a planned investment of 100 million rupees.

The fully-owned subsidiary called SLT Visioncom would provide internet-based television services to its broadband customers, the company said in a statement to the Colombo bourse.

"By the deployment of IPTV, SLT expects to optimize the use of its existing broadband access networks," it said.

Read more,
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?

Forty-Four LTTE Men/Aides Seek Rehabilitation in Jaffna

Forty four detainees, having confessed that they were either connected to LTTE or have directly or indirectly aided and abetted the terrorist cause in the JAFFNA peninsula consented to receive rehabilitation after they reached Security Forces Headquarters, JAFFNA prisons on Tuesday (26).

Those surrendees after formal registration at the Police are to be absorbed into a rehabilitation programme in the peninsula beginning tomorrow (27). They have sought the rehabilitation in writing, according to the military sources.

During January 2007- February 2008, a total of three hundred and seventeen men and women, some of who claimed themselves to be LTTE cadres have turned up at the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in JAFFNA and wanted to seek protection saying that they were very much harassed, disgusted with the LTTE or exposed to LTTE conscription attempts.

Extracted from,
http://army.lk/morenews.php?id=11056

The arrests that upset terror-supporting media

A local TV station in its evening news telecast yesterday (February 25), reported that an unidentified gang that had come in a white van abducted a person named Muththusami Ilankoowan alias Sami at Pettah, Colombo on the same day evening.

According to this TV station the person who was a holder of a Singaporean passport had been accommodated at a hotel on Kadireshan road before getting "disappeared".

Media personnel of this TV station who seemed to have got the first hand information on this "disappearance", quickly inquired from the police media spokesman who was only able inform them what he knew at the time.

Later, the police spokesperson informed relevant media station that the person that it was referring as disappeared was actually a suspect arrested by the police. However, the media station carried out the same story spinning it as an abduction that carried out by the government giving less prominence to the police spokesman's clarification.

A senior intelligence official speaking exclusively to defence.lk said that Muththusami Ilankoowan is a number one LTTE terrorist who is suspected to have a hand in many civilian massacres carried out by LTTE in the south. Muttusami, is a Sri Lankan born Tamil, who has strong connection with terror chief V.Prbhakaran, and also with LTTE's international wing leaders such as Castro , Kumaran Padmanadan, David and Iyyanna.

Security Forces about to reach Madhu Church!

Security Forces engaged in operations in Mannar Yodawewa area is only 1.5 km away from Madhu Church say security sources.

According to information from security sections, the 57th Brigade of S.L. Army engaged in operations from Mannar towards Wanni have seized a large territory in the jungle in Uilankulama area adjacent to Madhu Church after a fierce battle that continued from last evening to this morning.

6 terrorists were killed in the battle.

Madhu Church is only 1.5 km away from this jungle state troops engaged in the operation.

Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/

President-Ranil meeting backed by India?

A meeting between President Mahinda Rajapakse and Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe will take place today, Tuesday, at 7.30 p.m.

Sources said the meeting was due to persuasion by the international community, especially India, to use the opportunity to work out a minimum consensus on a political solution to the ethnic conflict in the country.

Earlier, the president and leader of the opposition met at the unveiling ceremony of a bust of former president, Ranasinghe Premadasa, where President Rajapakse had extended an invitation to the latter to discuss a solution to the ethnic problem in the country.

Read more,
http://outreachsl.com/en/?p=125

India continues to influence events in Sri Lanka

Since the government proposed and accepted the 13th amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution as a means to devolve power within a unitary state, India’s interference in the affairs of its southern neighbour is becoming increasingly clear — and even coming under fire.

None would dispute the claim that India has a role to play in Sri Lanka’s ethnic crisis. After all, it was India which in the early 1980s trained, armed and financed several Tamil militant groups to fight the Sri Lankan government.

It was India which came to the rescue of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and other militant groups when the Sri Lankan security forces were about to capture the Tamil Tiger stronghold of Vadamarachchi in 1987.

It was India which imposed on Sri Lanka the 13th amendment to the constitution following a 1987 treaty.

Even after Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister, who browbeat Sri Lanka into accepting the 13th amendment, was killed in a Tamil Tiger suicide attack, India continued to play its role of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.

Though India banned the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, for strategic purposes, it maintains some secret links with the LTTE. A case in point was when the LTTE laid siege on Jaffna in 2000, India, responding to a plea from the then Sri Lankan government, asked the rebels not to capture Jaffna.

Read more,
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?

Sri Lankan gov't hands over bodies of rebels

At least 14 dead bodies of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka's north central town of Anuradhapura, officials said Tuesday.

Sarath Weerabandara, the director of the General Hospital in Anuradhapura told the media that the bodies were handed over to the ICRC officials who called over at the hospital in the morning.

"We handed over the bodies after the post-mortems were conducted by Dr. Ajith Mendis (the Judicial Medical Officer for Anuradhapura)," Weerabandara said.

The bodies were of the LTTE members killed in fierce battles in the north and east border of Welioya over the last weekend, according to military sources.

Read more,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/26/content_7673938.htm

LTTE front outfit attempts to raise funds in London

Unfazed by two flopped attempts, a front organisation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is allegedly planning a new show in London to raise funds for the Tiger rebels.

The show called 'Illam Kaatru' (Wind of Eelam) is scheduled to be held in the Great Hall in Hatch End in Harrow on March 1 by the Tamil Youth Organisation, which allegedly has links with the banned LTTE, sources said in London on Tuesday.

The previous show at London's Alexandra Palace flopped as South Indian stars refused to come after adverse reports, sources said. Subsequently, a show scheduled at Paris was also called off.

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

Sri Lankan rice importers to be issued certificate

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will issue the “certificate of origin” for the export of long grain basmati rice to Sri Lanka under zero-duty facility on the first-come-first-serve basis, according to a TDAP official on Monday.

Sri Lankan public sector agency will import 500 tonnes of basmati rice duty-free. The official said that this certificate will be issued on submission of copies of “bill of lading” along with the commercial invoice and the original copy of quality certificate by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) or Quality Review Committee (QRC) certifying that the consignment is long grain basmati rice.

He pointed out that TDAP will issue the certificate on post-shipment basis only. He said Sri Lankan Department of Commerce will not allocate any quota to the importers in Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lankan importers will now apply for the issuance of letter of recommendation through their Commerce Department to the Ministry of Finance. The official said that these measures have been taken to fully utilise the available quota.

Extracted from,
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=98232

Former Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando passed away

Former Foreign Minister and United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Tyronne Fernando passed away today at a private hospital following a brief illness. He was 67 at the time of his death.

Tyronne Fernando was an advisor to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and recently served as the governor of North-East Province Council (NEPC) from December 2004 till January 2006. He was the Foreign Minister under the previous UNP government.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/February26124638CH.html

Rama Mani, NGOs, and Foreign Relations

The main focus of this article is on the external aspect of the Rama Mani case, more specifically on the damage that it can do to our foreign relations. But it is relevant for my purposes to begin with a brief observation on its internal aspect.

Reportedly Ms Mani had received a letter dismissing her with immediate effect from the post of Director at the ICES. Apparently no opportunity was given to her to defend herself against any charges prior to the issue of that letter, which can therefore be taken as outraging the norms of natural justice. However, she was reinstated in her post by a further letter and asked to continue for the full term for which she had contracted.

Worth emphasising is that she had received strong support from the ICES staff, who had given her a grand send-off even though it was known that she was being ordered out of the country by the Government.

There is in humanity a deep love of justice. There is also in humanity a deep love of injustice. Otherwise we cannot explain why injustices are committed all over the world practically all the time, and at the same time injustices are corrected.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/02/25/features5.html

The Government turns its’ back on fishermen

Over 10 thousand Sri Lankan fishermen, a large slice of the national economy, are suffering because of Government policies. The warning comes from Premasiri Manage, a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party that contributed to the rise to power of current president Mahinda Rajapakse.

The politician, who is also a member of the All Island General Fisheries Federation, explained the problem during a press conference held in Colombo on February 22nd.

“The government – charged Manage – is not paying sufficient attention to this sector of workers”. The Federation is threatening a national protest, if Colombo continues to favour large foreign fishing fleet’s exploitation of Sri Lankan waters and does not block importation of fish products, which has led to the plummeting price of fish and made it impossible for local fishermen to compete. “One fishing trip of medium length – the politician underlined – costs our fisherman up to 1300 Euros”.

Read more,
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=11607&size=A

Indonesia issues tsunami warning after earthquake

INDONESIA issued a tsunami warning today after a powerful quake struck off the western coast of Sumatra island.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 and had the "potential to cause a tsunami," Indonesia's geophysics agency said in a statement.

Extracted from,
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200802/20080225/article_349933.htm
Tsunami Messages for the Indian Ocean here,
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/indian/2008/indian.2008.02.25.085024.txt

Anandasangaree deplores aerial attack on civilians at Poonakari

While deploring the aerial attack on Kiranchi, Poonakari, which led to the civilian casualties, V. Anandasangaree, President of the Tamil United Liberation Front pointed out that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was blood thirsty and is all out to shed innocent blood and what they wanted is a “backlash.”

In a statement, Anandasangaree said, I am deeply concerned about the civilian casualties in this aerial attack in which men, women and small children numbering eight were killed and fourteen injured, some of whom are very serious and awaiting at the Kilinochchi Hospital to be transferred for specialized treatment elsewhere.

He said that he did not dispute the fact that there was a Sea Tiger base, may be along the coast. He added, “What I wish to know is whether it is the fault of the innocent civilians if the LTTE cowardly and foolishly locate their base in the midst of civilian population?”

Anandasangaree emphasized in a similar situation it was obligatory on the part of the Government Forces to safeguard the civilians at any cost.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/9739

Air Strike on Sea Tiger Base; 10 cadres killed

Air Force pounded on the Sea Tiger base located in Kilinochchi West in KIRANCHI using fighter jet aircraft on February 22, around 8.15 a.m. Consequently naval intelligence sources revealed that it was a women’s Sea Tiger training camp and that ten terrorists including self-styled Lt. Colonel Kalai Arasi a female Sea tiger instructor Major Thuwarika and Lt. Senthamani were killed and 09 were wounded.

Kalai Arasi is also the custodian of the LTTE Sea Tiger fighter craft called “Surali” to which 02, 200 HP engines are fixed. Many LTTE fighter crafts had been damaged by Air Force bombing.

Further naval intelligence revealed this location covering 2 KM area has been declared by the LTTE as a High Security Zone to which civilians are prohibited from entering.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=10807

SLAF Bombs Mannar LTTE’s Leaders Camp

SRI LANKA FIR FORCE (SLAF) fighter craft this morning (24) bombed LTTE’s MANNAR area commanders camp in PARAPPAKANDANTHAN, MANNAR five kms north of GIANT TANK at about 9.00 a.m.

Extracted from,
http://army.lk/morenews.php?id=11007

Three die in Sri Lanka suicide bombing

Three people were killed in an apparent suicide attack in Sri Lanka's restive east while security forces threw a security blanket over the capital to prevent new attacks, officials said.

A suspected Tiger suicide bomber riding a motorcycle crashed into another motorbike carrying two rival militants in Batticaloa district 300 kilometres (190 miles) east of Colombo.

"One man detonated the explosive immediately after crashing into the other bike, killing all three of them," a local military official told AFP by telephone.

The two victims were from a Tamil Tiger breakaway faction that is contesting local polls on March 10.

Read more,
http://afp.google.com/article/

Man carrying diesel for LTTE arrested (Rameswaram)

Rameswaram: A 30-year-old man carrying a can of diesel meant for the LTTE, was arrested at a coastal village in the district on Saturday as he was waiting for a Sri Lankan boat to pick him up, police said.

Police said that Mathia Maller (30) was waiting for a boat when he was arrested at Mudalmunai village. A can containing 40 litres of diesel was seized from him, they said

Police said Maller had smuggled diesel for the LTTE several times. He has now been lodged in prison.

Extracted from,
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14609574

Bus Bomb Blast on Mount Lavinia Video (News)

Exrtacted from,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XXYVJdKDlI

Bus Bomb Blast on Mount Lavinia Photos

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/
http://army.lk/
http://www.lankatruth.com/

LTTE violates Children's Rights - Human Rights Watch

International human rights group- Human Rights Watch claim that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam - LTTE has failed to release the children from its ranks by December 31, 2007, the deadline it agreed to under the terms of an action plan signed on October 15, 2007.

“The LTTE has ignored repeated appeals to end its use of child soldiers,” said Joe Becker, children's rights advocate at HRW.

The LTTE, who claims to be the guardians of the entire Tamil community abducted thousands of children from their schools and use them in their war fronts. While doing so, this self-elected Liberator of Tamils could "liberate" hundreds of Tamil children at their front defence lines.

The security forces have found letters written by some of them, in which they have heavily criticized and cursed the LTTE leadership for ruining their lives.

LTTE still maintain several brigades which are totally run by child soldiers. The tragedy here is to see that the children of LTTE leaders are enjoying special privileges while the children of the poor are forced to the war fronts.

Read more,
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=14865

Bomb explosion at Mt'Lavinia junction

A bomb has been exploded inside a bus at the Mt'Lavinia junction around 10.55 a.m. today (23 February) injuring seventeen civilians (9 males, 7 females and a child). As per the sources the private bus has been completely destroyed in the explosion and a motor cycle in the vicinity has also been damaged.

Police is conducting further investigations

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080223_04

Bomb explosion at Mt'Lavinia junction

A bomb has been exploded inside a bus at the Mt'Lavinia junction around 10.55 a.m. today (23 February) injuring three civilians. As per the sources the private bus has been completely destroyed from the explosion and a motor cycle has also been damaged.

As per the Police sources, when the conductor has observed an unattended parcel under the back seat of the bus (No. WP NB 5665) plying from Moratuwa to Colombo, they have stopped the bus and evacuate the passengers to safety. As the conductor and driver had gone to inform the police station about the suspicious parcel, the bomb has exploded. Because of the vigilance and the wise action taken by the conductor and the driver, a major tragedy has been averted.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080223_04

Fighter jets pound on LTTE Military base - Oddusudan

Sri Lankan Air force fighter jets pounded on a key LTTE military base 11 Km north east of Oddusudan today (23 February) at about 6.35 a.m.

Pilots have confirmed that the LTTE Military base has been accurately hit and the base is completely destroyed.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080223_03

India Should Help Rajapaksa Solve Tamil Problem: EROS Leader

A top leader of a Sri Lankan Tamil political party has said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is eager to solve the long-standing ethnic problem in Sri Lanka and has appealed to India to help him in the task.

'We have no doubt that Rajapaksa wants to solve the problem. His sincerity is evident in his practical approach to the question,' said Rajanathan Prabaharan, general secretary of the Eelavar Democratic Front (EDF), the political wing of the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS), a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group that had given up arms to join the democratic mainstream.

'Instead of thrusting his ideas on the country, Rajapaksa formed an all-party committee to go into the question of power devolution. And what the committee had suggested - the full implementation of the existing provisions of the constitution relating to devolution of power - is the most practical yet,' Prabaharan told IANS over the phone from Batticaloa, where he is a candidate for the post of town mayor in the local body elections March 10.

Read more,
http://newspostindia.com/report-38595

Resolute action against LTTE by UN essential

The full text of the statement made by Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Working Group:

First, I would like to convey our appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, for the leadership you and your country have been providing to the issue of children and armed conflict. I thank other members of the Working Group for working diligently for the shared objective of bringing an end to the detestable practice of recruitment and use of children by armed groups.

Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and her staff also deserve credit for the manner in which they work effectively with member States concerned, with the aim of better implementing Resolution 1612.

Since independence 60 years ago, all successive governments in Sri Lanka have been committed towards creating a protective environment for children to live in dignity and to enjoy their rights with care and support of their families.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/02/23/fea01.asp

Terrorist Camp in Kiranchi Bombed

Air force fighter jets, now actively engaged in the fight against terrorism, pounded one more Sea Tiger camp in KIRANCHI, about 9 km south of DEVIL point, west of KILINOCHCHI this morning (23) at about 8.15 a.m.

The Sea Tiger camp where suicide craft and other terrorist equipment are kept stored was extensively damaged in the aerial attack, according to Air Force pilots.
Air Force fighter craft on Thursday (21) extended their air cover to the ground troops marching forward in WANNI and MULLAITHIVU.

Photo and news from,
http://army.lk/morenews.php?id=10998

Consignment of explosives found at Kerawalapitiya

Naval personnel on patrol at Kerawalapitiya, Mahabage recovered a consignment of explosives weighing 20 kg on Thursday (21), at around 10.15 p.m.

According to Naval sources, the explosives were found hidden under sand, piled at a construction site along the Colombo-Katunayake new highway running across Kerawalapitiya.

There were 20 packets each containing 1 kg of C-4 high explosives, the sources said. The troops also found 23 detonators and 2 belt orders, according to sources.

Photos and news from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080222_03

'Idi Amin option' for LTTE supremo Prabhakaran?

Providing LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran a "safe haven" abroad like Ugandan dictator Idi Amin "has been proposed for sometime", Sri Lanka has said while warning the elusive rebel leader that he won't be able to go past India if he tries to flee the island country.

"Yes, that is his problem. If he (Prabhakaran) leaves Killinochchi, then India will get him for sure," Sri Lankan foreign secretary Palitha Kohona said.

The top Sri Lankan diplomat was asked whether the LTTE supremo was in danger of being apprehended by India if he leaves Sri Lanka. Kohona said it will be difficult for Prabhakaran to get past India. "It will be difficult. You know that an Indian court wants him. India is a very legalistic country. You know that they regularly send us notes for Prabhakaran's extradition.

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

International Crisis Group asks LTTE to give up separatism

An international peace advocacy group has asked the Tamil Tiger rebels to eschew terrorism, formally abandon separatism, and announce an intention to negotiate a political settlement within a united Sri Lanka.

The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) in its latest report on Sri Lanka, called upon the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to 'cease all attacks on civilians, suicide bombings, forced recruitment, and repression of media freedom and political dissent, and respect fully, international human rights and humanitarian law.'

It went on to urge the LTTE to 'abandon publicly, the demand for an independent Tamil state (Eelam), and announce willingness to negotiate within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.'

Read more,
http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080222/99272.htm

Four held for smuggling

The Intelligence sleuths seized large quantities of goods meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka and arrested five people, including a Lankan national, in this connection, here today.

Police sources said during routine surveillance along the Ramanathapuram Coast, Intelligence sleuths intercepted two youths riding a motorcycle at Sogaiyanthoppu sea shore on suspicion.

When the police were questioning the youths after seizing their cell a speeding Maruti Omni suddenly came to the area. The sleuths intercepted the van too and questioned its two inmates.

During a check, the police found 2,000 empty gunny bags, five doctor's coats, a large number of hand gloves, five facial cream tubes, five Churidhar dress sets and caps concealed in the van.

Interrogation revealed the goods were meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka.

Even as the sleuths were interrogating the four people, a mini- lorry managed to speed away on seeing the police.

Read more,
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?

Sri Lankan man hospitalized after apparent racial mass assault in N. Germany

A 43-year-old Sri Lankan man was hospitalized with a concussion and multiple bruises after a group of thugs beat him up in an apparent racial attack Wednesday evening in the north central German town of Goslar, news reports said Thursday.

At least 12 assailants punched the victim repeatedly until he remained motionless on the ground.

One of the thugs used a walker to hit the helpless victim.

Last week, a 36-year-old Vietnamese woman and her two-year-old daughter became of victims of anti-foreigner assault in Berlin.

Three unidentified assailants punched the Vietnamese woman in the face and shouted racial slurs at her in Berlin's eastern Marzahn district, which is considered to be a major stronghold of neo-Nazis in the German capital.

Read more,
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-239/0802212419182327.htm

Recruiting Easier When You Are Winning

The army offensive continues, with nearly 400 LTTE fighters claimed killed in the last two weeks. The government claims a 16:1 combat ratio (16 dead enemy for each deal soldier). Given the reports, from late last year, of the LTTE forcibly recruiting anyone, especially teenagers, and low morale in LTTE territory, this ratio is possible.

The army is advancing, and the soldiers are better trained, and more experienced than in the past. Five years ago, an outnumbered force of LTTE gunmen could rout the army, sending soldiers fleeing, and often deserting. None of that now.

In response, the LTTE has increased its terror attacks, contributing to the heavy toll of civilian casualties (nearly 500 dead and wounded so far this year.) Some civilians are killed in LTTE territory as well, as the LTTE sometimes puts military facilities in residential area, to try and gain some protection from artillery or bombing attacks (or at least some useful propaganda images of civilians killed by the government).

Most of the fighting takes place in the bush, as troops pound, and then rush, LTTE bunkers, killing or chasing away the LTTE defenders. Now bunkers are built a kilometers or so away, but each bunker complex taken reduces the territory the LTTE controls.

The government has taken several measures to combat LTTE terrorist attacks. The public will no longer be allowed at school ceremonies, as the LTTE has found such ceremonies an attractive terror target. Nothing terrorizes better than attacks on children.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080220.aspx

Aerial Attacks to Support Ground Troops Conducted

Ongoing offensives of the troops in MANNAR and MULLAITHIVU districts received a further boost this afternoon (21) when two Sri Lankan Air Force sorties shelled LTTE gun positions, from where the terrorists were directing artillery and other heavy fire towards the troops.

Those two air sorties carried out between 12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m. enormously helped the troops to move forward more confidently causing more and more losses to the terrorists.

Pilots confirmed the enemy’s firing capacity was considerably reduced as a result of those aerial attacks.

Sri Lanka - Reggie Ranatunga sworn in as member of parliament

Reggie Ranatunga, a provincial council governor in Sri Lanka, was Thursday appointed a member of parliament for the ruling coalition to represent the Gampaha district, north of Colombo.

Ranatunga, the father of Sri Lanka's cricket star-turned-politician Arjuna Ranatunga, was sworn in as a member by the speaker of parliament W J M Lokubandara.

Ranatunga fills the parliamentary seat left vacant by the death of Sripathy Sooriyarachchi, also representing Gampaha district, who was killed on February 9 in a motor vehicle accident.

Ranatunga is the governor of the Sabaragamuwa province, south east of Colombo, and has also been a parliamentarian and deputy cabinet minister on a previous occasion.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080221035218.php

Jayalalithaa questions 'inaction' against VCK leader

The war of words between Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa on the LTTE issue continued unabated with the latter on Wednesday wanting to know why the government had not yet taken action against Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Tirumavalavan for his alleged statements in support of the banned outfit.

Though the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) had been repealed, the Chief Minister was still harping on it and maintaining that there was no legal avenue to take action against the VCK leader, she said in a statement here.

She said the Centre had banned the LTTE under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 1992 which was being renewed every two years. As per Section 39 of the Act, expressing support to the proscribed LTTE was a crime, attracting an imprisonment of 10 years, she contended.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200802201744.htm

Tamil Separatists Hail Kosovo's Independence Declaration

Separatist Sri Lankan Tamils have hailed the emergence of an independent Kosovo with Western support, saying it augurs well for the liberation of 'oppressed' minorities like the Tamils of northeast Sri Lanka.

Most Sri Lankans do not relish the prospect of their small island country breaking up on the prodding of powerful Western nations. But while radicals like the Janatha Vimukthi Permuna (JVP) would like the Mahinda Rajapaksa government to take a strong anti-West stance, the liberals are urging restraint on the plea that belligerence will only provoke the West to side with the Tamil separatists when it comes to the crunch.

In its editorial, the Colombo-based radical Tamil daily Sudar Oli said it was not surprising that the Sri Lankan government was the first to condemn Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) Sunday.

Read more,
http://newspostindia.com/report-38193

Lankan refugees arrive in Rameswaram

Three Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including a three-year-old girl, arrived at Arichamunai coast, following fierce fight between the Sri Lankan forces and LTTE in the island nation today.

Police sources said the trio Dhava Selvi (27), her daughter Thrisa (3) and younger brother Anthony Doss (19), hailing from Vavuniya in Sri Lanka arrived here with the help of a clandestine boat operator after paying Rs 12,000.

The intelligence sleuths and the local police interrogated them.

Extracted from,
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?

Top UN official arrives in Sri Lanka

Angela Kane, UN assistant secretary general for political affairs arrived in Sri Lanka today following a request from UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for a weeklong fact finding mission, Foreign Ministry announced.

“The top UN official will come here for a week for primarily to review the work of the UN Country Team in the South Asian nation in all key areas,” a statement said.

“The visit is part of her regular consultations in the areas of her responsibility,” it added.

Foreign Ministry said that Ms. Kane will hold talks with the Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona and envoys from the European Union, Norway and India. She will also meet the opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe. The top UN official is expected to meet leaders of the All Party Representative's Committee (APRC) during her weeklong visit from Feb 20 through 26.

Exrtacted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/February20124758JV.html

Sri Lanka fight to stay in series

Sri Lanka's match against Australia at the MCG on Friday is not technically a must-win game for the visitors but Mahela Jayawardene knows another defeat could be as good as fatal to their CB Series. Australia are all but into the deciders - a victory on Friday will confirm it - and they are taking the opportunity to again rest their spearhead Brett Lee.

However, Jayawardene said with several Australia batsmen out of form the hosts would be keen to regain their touch ahead of the finals. "I've played Australia quite a few times," Jayawardene said. "They don't take any game lightly. Even without Brett they've done pretty well, they've shown that they can control things out there in the middle."

Read more,
http://content-www.cricinfo.com/baggygreen/content/story/339086.html

No drop in Sri Lankan labour force, says mission

The Sri Lankan embassy has said there is no drop in the number of job attestations handled by the mission even after it raised the minimum salary of skilled labourers from the country at the beginning of this year.

Announcing this yesterday, an embassy official told Gulf Times that the demand for labour from Sri Lanka in Qatar has been steady even after the increase in the minimum salary.
“We are getting the same or better response than before even after the embassy effected a hike in the minimum salaries of Sri Lankan labourers,â€‌ the official said.

The embassy had hiked the minimum salary for skilled labour from Sri Lanka to QR900 from January 1 this year. Earlier, the minimum salary of a Sri Lankan skilled worker was QR650.

Read more,
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?

Powerful earthquake in Sumatra

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck off the western coast of Sumatra island close to Simeulue Island this morning. An immediate tsunami warning has been issued in the area, possibly because the quake was deep under the sea bed.

Department of Meteorology stats the earthquake has no effect on Sri Lanka.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.htm
bulletin issued by PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER,
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/indian/2008/indian.2008.02.20.094708.txt

Three soldiers die in terrorist attack

Three soldiers who were on route picket duties died when terrorists attacked them in near Galge on Buttala - Kataragama road today (20) around 11.00 a.m.

In a confrontation terrorists have fled with their injured and the soldiers who rushed from the nearby Camp are pursuing them.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=10737

Sri Lanka Navy Participated in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

The inaugural event of a newly launched cooperative, consultative and inclusive regional initiative titled the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) which started on the 14th of February came to a conclusion yesterday (18) in New Delhi. The IONS can be seen as a closer model of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS).

Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was invited to participate in this inaugural INOS which seek to provide a regional conversation among the Naval Chiefs of all the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Twenty eight countries including Sri Lanka took part in initial discussions which aims at drafting a Charter to enhance the Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean which is considered as a vital sea area to the protection of Sea Lines of Communication around the world. The drafted Charter would be ratified after a period of six months following amendments if necessary.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/9681

Three arrested for threatening candidates in E Sri Lanka

At least three people have been arrested for issuing threats to candidates ahead of local elections in eastern Sri Lanka, police said Tuesday.

A police spokesman in the Batticaloa district told Xinhua by phone that three people, all Muslims from the Kathankudy area were arrested alongside printed material which had been used to issue death threats on candidates.

The Batticaloa district is scheduled to hold elections on March10 to appoint local councilors to nine local councils.

The candidates from the TMVP (Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal) party had complained of death threats received allegedly from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels.

The three people arrested will be investigated for their links with the LTTE, the police said.

The election in the east will be the first since the government in July 2007 claimed that the entire Eastern Province had been cleared of Tamil Tiger rebels.

Read more,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/19/content_7632700.htm

Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Singapore discuss ties, progress in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama today apprised Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo of the current political situation in Sri Lanka and outlined developments relating to the termination of the Ceasefire Agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He also briefed his counterpart on the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) proposals and the upcoming elections in the Eastern Province. The Minister reiterated that the Sri Lankan government remains committed to a peaceful solution of the present conflict.

Noting that air connectivity between Singapore and Sri Lanka had increased to 44 flights per week, the Minister asked Singapore to consider Sri Lanka as a “source country” for recruiting foreign staff for the planned integrated resorts in Singapore.

Read more,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/February18143637JR.html

Sri Lanka to report on child soldiers

A report from the Sri Lanka government on the recruitment of child soldiers in the country is expected to be presented to the United Nations.

Government officials announced plans to present the report on forced military indoctrination of children at the U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday. The U.N. recently singled out the terrorist organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam operating in Sri Lanka as among the top human-rights violators in the world, Sri Lanka's Daily News reported.

Sri Lanka Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe say a delegation from the country is traveling to U.N. headquarters in New York to apprise the world body on what he called progress that has been made by a committee appointed to inquire into abductions and recruitment of children for armed conflict.

Read more,
http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/02/18/

Prabakaran's official photographer killed

Military sources say that Prabakaran�s official photographer Thavam has died in Kilinodhdhi hospital yesterday.

He has succumbed to the injuries of a military attack.LTTE has honored him with a name given only to special persons posthumously and his rank has also been elevated to Lt. Colonel, says a Tamil language website.

Thavam, born in Trincomalee, joined the LTTE in 1981. Previously he served as the chief of a Tamil language website and the technical chief of the Voice of Tiger radio.

Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=5407

Troops Bag More Areas in Mannar

Troops,now triumphantly storming areas hitherto held by Tiger terrorists in the eastern part of MANNAR area in ANDANKULAM, to the north of GIANT TANK this morning (18) around 5.30 a.m. captured an area of about 600 sq m with an LTTE defence line and a strongly- built bund.

Ten Tiger terrorists who resisted the move lost their lives in the surprise attack. At least ten more Tigers received injuries in the skirmishes.

The clashes let the troops re-gain the area after so many years. Six terrorist dead bodies and three T-56 weapons were recovered by the troops later on.

One valiant soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the fight for supremacy in the area.

Four soldiers received injuries in the fighting.Troops are now consolidating their positions.

Extracted from,
http://army.lk/morenews.php?id=10881

Sri Lanka does not endorse Kosovo 'independence'

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement released yesterday (17) has refused to endorse the unilateral secession of Kosovo from the Republic of Serbia, noting that the move was made without the consent of the majority of people in Serbia. The full text of the Foreign Ministry media release is as follows:

Sri Lanka has noted the unilateral declaration of Independence (UDI) by Kosovo.

Sri Lanka does not endorse the unilateral secession of Kosovo from the Republic of Serbia. We note that the declaration of independence was made without the consent of the majority of the people of Serbia.

This action by Kosovo is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States.

Read more,
http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content

Asian countries fearful over Kosovo independence

The declaration of Kosovo's independence is generating fear in many Asian nations, above all those made up of various ethnic groups. They are afraid that Kosovo's unilateral independence could be a model for many other groups, leading to the disintegration of countries like China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and even India.

Yesterday, the Kosovar parliament unanimously (and unilaterally) declared its independence from Serbia. The region, which now has an overwhelmingly Albanian and Muslim majority population, has separated from the rest of Serbia, which is of Slavic and Orthodox tradition.

The decision, which has long been supported by the United States, has created joy in Kosovo, but great concern in the world. Various countries of the European Union - Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy - are ready to recognise the new country, together with the U.S.

Russia, allied with Serbia, asked overnight for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, and obtained a more formal and extensive meeting on the topic for tomorrow afternoon.

Read more,
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=11548&geo=7&size=A

Animal rights group protests LTTE attack on zoo

An international animal rights organisation has protested the bombing of a zoo in Dehiwela in Sri Lanka, allegedly by Tamil Tiger rebels earlier this month. “In addition to injuring several human beings - which was no doubt its intent - the explosive device that was set off near the zoo’s birds enclosure terrified many animals in the zoo,” said Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in a letter to the Tamil Tiger leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.

At least seven people, including two children, were injured, when a grenade kept near the birds’ enclosure went off Feb 3.

Newkirk said that animals got caught in the cross fire of wars all over the world and countless animals were being killed either intentionally or accidentally in bomb attacks worldwide.

Read more,
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/

Lamentation of a slain female LTTE cadre

This is a lamentation of a female Tiger cadre Jenny, who died in a recent battle with the Sri Lanka Army in Parapakandal, located in the Mannar district. After her death letters were recovered from her.

The letters reveal the mentality of the female cadre who was recruited forcefully by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to be a cannon fodder in a meaningless battle which kills so far more than 20,000 LTTE cadres alone.

In one of the letters found in the body of the female cadre reveals that she did not join the LTTE voluntarily. She was forcefully conscripted. She knew very well that she will never be able to leave from the grip of the Tamil Tigers. But she was longing to be reunited with her father, mother, sisters, brothers and others in the family. Unfortunately her yearnings did not materialize.

“When will I be able to get out of this hell? I am not sure whether it might ever happen,” she writes with frustration and finality.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/9659

Nobody can touch Prabhakaran: LTTE

Rubbishing frequent claims by Sri Lankan government that the elusive LTTE supremo Vellupillai Prabhakaran has been injured in a military raid, his key aide has said the people would soon realise the "futility" of army's claims of success against the rebels.

"A false propaganda saying our leader Prabhakaran is injured is being carried. Nobody can approach our leader," LTTE political head B. Nadesan told the Tamil Daily Thinakkural in an interview yesterday. While the Sri Lankan security forces were claiming success in their clashes against LTTE, Nadesan said the "people of Sri Lanka will realise the futility of such a claim in times to come".

Nadesan accused the Sri Lankan government of trying to sideline the Norwegian mediators besides contradicting the United Nations. "The government is not in favour of peace process," he said. Lankan Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetilleke had said that fighter jets had dropped 20 bombs on Prabhakaran's bunker on November 26, 2007 and had claimed that the rebel leader could have been injured in the attack. The LTTE denied the claim.

Read more,
http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/02/17/0802171801_lanka_prabhakaran.html

No change in AIADMK stand towards LTTE: Panneerselvam

The All India Anna DMK (AIADMK) today made it clear that there was no change in its stand in opposing the outlawed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the post-Rajiv (assassination) era.

Reacting to DMK platform speaker Vetrikondan's demand for the arrest of party Supremo J Jayalalithaa for having supported the LTTE and its leader V Prabakaran, AIADMK Treasurer O Panneerselvam, in a statement here, said the AIADMK has changed its stand towards the LTTE after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and there was no change in it.

Dismissing the demand as childish, he said not only Ms Jayalalithaa, but a galaxy of leaders, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran had supported the LTTE, but that was before the assassination of Mr Gandhi.

Read more,
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?

Paralysed maid returns to Sri Lanka after two years in Sharjah hospital

A paralysed domestic worker from Sri Lanka finally boarded a flight home on Saturday after being stranded in a UAE hospital for over two years.

Rejina John’s departure has evoked a mixed reaction from all those associated with her stay in the country. Their happiness at seeing Rejina return home was tinged with sadness as they will all miss the feisty young woman.

Despite losing her ability to speak, Rejina managed to connect with staff at the Kuwaiti Hospital in Sharjah with enthusiastic responses and an endearing smile.

Read more,
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Society/10190241.html

JVP denies allegation of arms deal link with LTTE

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday denied the allegations levelled against the party, accusing it of having had an arms deal with the LTTE during the 1988-’89 period, across the Hambantota coastal area.

JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa told The Nation that the accusation was cooked up by retired Major General Wasantha Perera in favour of the court case filed against Weerawansa.

“He is trying to influence the procedure of the court with such stories, which are in favour of him. Anyway, we do not believe that anyone will believe those tales as the JVP has contributed immensely to bring the LTTE down to the position in which it is today. He is a retired Army officer and we have to mind that whatever he may say is unofficial,” he added.

Perera filed a case earlier against Weerawansa seeking Rs. 5 million for a statement the MP had made on the Rupavahini’s Visanvada programme.

Weerawansa alleged that the media had twisted the story and reported the incident in the press.
“I was there at the Colombo District Court when Perera made the statement. What he said was that he had investigated in to the matter to check whether the JVP had transactions with the LTTE. He only said that he investigated the issue; he didn’t specifically say that the JVP had an arms deal with the LTTE. It was misinterpreted by the media.”

Extracted from,
http://www.nation.lk/2008/02/17/news4.htm

Mervyn De Silva to quit parliament

Labour Minister Mervyn De Silva speaking to www.news.lk today confirmed reports that he would resign his parliamentary seat shortly. The Mnister represents the United People's Freedom Alliance.

He was first elected to Parliament in 1994 from Hambantota on the UNP ticket and crossed over to the People's Alliance in 1999. He is currently the SLFP Organizer for the Kelaniya electorate.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?

LTTE’s Operation Coordinating Center In Wanni, Bombed

Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) fighter craft this afternoon (16) successfully bombed LTTE’s ‘Operation Co-ordination Center’, south of PALAMPIDDI, MANNAR at about 1.30 p.m..

Sources reveal that the target had been identified by the military after a series surveillance done with the assistances of ground information.

Further the location was also identified as one of the well protected main camps of LTTE in WANNI area where their heavy guns were deployed.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=10775

LTTE chief sustained critical injuries in Nov. raid: Air chief

LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran may have sustained major injuries in the November last year aerial raid on a rebel base but reports of his treatment in India are "baseless", the Sri Lankan Air Force Chief has said.

The Air Force jets dropped 20 bombs during the air strike on the LTTE target on November 26 and they came under "very heavy anti-aircraft" fire from the rebels, Roshan Goonetilleke said participating in a political programme "Thulawa" organised by the state-owned Independent Television Network.

Goonetilleke said he was confident that Prabhakaran had been critically injured in the air strike and added that the war with the LTTE would be over "very shortly", but refrained from giving a time frame.

He, however, dismissed reports of the LTTE chief being treated in India as baseless, the 'Island' newspaper said.

The Air Force chief said he did not subscribe to the view that Prabhakaran had left the country for treatment. "A terrorist leader usually doesn't leave at a critical juncture like this as he fears that someone else might take his place."

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200802161441.htm

Army troupe showcases Lanka’s rich culture

A group of touring Sri Lankan artistes performed a spectacular show that depicted the country's rich cultural tradition, at Gulf Cinema yesterday.

The cultural show was jointly hosted by Sri Lankan embassy and Sri Lanka Coordinating committee. A large number of families and community leaders turned up for the event.

Sri Lankan ambassador S B Atugoda was also present.

Twelve variations of the dances ranging from Puja Netuma to the Ves dance were performed by the Sri Lankan Army Cultural Dance Troupe.

Read more,
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?

Tamil Tigers Exploit Exiles Abroad to Fund Insurgency

After 25 years of civil war, the Sri Lankan government believes that its goal of militarily defeating Tamil rebels is finally in sight. But cutting off the rebels' financial resources is a different matter.

The Sri Lankan flag, with its green-and-orange stripes and yellow image of a lion, fluttered proudly in a brisk ocean wind. President Mahinda Rajapaksa also seemed filled with pride when he stepped up to the microphone to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence on Monday of last week.

"Our security forces are today achieving victories against terrorism unprecedented in history," he said defiantly, referring to the civil war that has crippled the country for the last 25 years. "Terrorism is receiving an unprecedented defeat."

Despite the military parade that followed Rajapaksa's address, it was clear, judging by the many ordinary soldiers positioned behind sandbags, rolls of barbed wire and temporary bunkers in the capital Colombo, that the ceremony was only made possible by tight security precautions. Soldiers and armed security personnel kept a watchful eye on every shop and even every ice cream vendor along the city's harbor promenade.

Read more,
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,535316,00.html

Radha base hit hard

Two Kfir bombers of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) 10th fighter squadron took to the skies from Katunayake airbase at around 10.20AM last morning (14th). Their target was a clandestine LTTE military installation located in Vishwamadukulam region, Mullaithiv district (See previous article). In a few more minutes, the jets carried out a precision air strike on the pre identified target which was codenamed Radha base.

Radha base was a large training and logistics base home to some of the most trusted cadres in the LTTE outfit. Military intelligence had previously identified that the base was a central hub of activity for LTTE's so called anti aircraft units.

LTTE anti aircraft (AA) regiment had recently caused minimal damages to several fighter jets of the 5th Jet Squadron when they engaged in low flying bombing missions over rebel held territory. Ever since these incidents, LTTE's AA unit has been a primary target of the SLAF.

Read more,
http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2008/02/radha-base-hit-hard.html

Sri Lanka's first female paratroopers get the wings

Sri Lanka's first batch of female paratroopers today received their basic parachutists' wings by Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilakel, the Commander of the Air Force at a ceremonial wings-awarding parade held at the Katunayake Air Base.

Seven airwomen trained along with their 17 male counterparts in Navy and Air Force displayed their competencies by taking high altitude Para jumps to the airbase before receiving their wings.

Sri Lanka Air Force established the parachute training base at Katunayake in 2004 and so far 360 paratroopers have successfully completed their training at the base.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080215_06
Photos,
http://www.dinamina.lk/2008/02/16/mainpic_L.jpg

Sethu project: Beware of LTTE, says Lankan Navy chief

Sri Lankan Navy chief Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda on Thursday sought international cooperation to deal with the threat posed by the LTTE and claimed that patrolling would have to be increased if India’s Sethusamundram shipping channel project is implemented.

Wasantha Karannagoda, who is in New Delhi to take part in Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, claimed that the LTTE has been a threat for Sri Lanka but if its activities were not checked the group will pose problems for other countries.

He said the Sri Lankan Navy has been successful in countering the LTTE. Welcoming the Indian Navy’s initiative to bring together sea forces of the Indian Ocean region, he said such a cooperation will help in forming a joint strategy to deal with threats posed by terrorists.

Read more,
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?

Micro Technologies enters into pact with Sri Lankan firm

Micro Technologies India on Friday said it has entered into a strategic agreement with Sri Lanka's real estate firm I-Systems to market micro products and its licenses in the island nation.

The firm said it has entered into an strategic agreement with the Sri Lankan company, it said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

According to Kavinda Jayasooriya, Managing Director of I-Systems, Sri Lanka has a very lucrative and rapidly expanding Market, which offers excellent opportunities for Micro Technologies security products and their product licenses.

Micro Technologies India provides high-end security products in the areas of mobile security, automobile security and monitoring systems, among others.

Read more,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indl_Goods__Svs/

Open Letter to Amnesty International - AI bias and deception exposed again

AI never cease to be anti GoSL and pro LTTE. I am referring to the statement by AI referred to in the BBC article with the Title "Security situation worsening - AI ref: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2008/02/080205_amnesty.shtml

Careful analysis of the statement would reveal that, AI does not blame the LTTE, who are their darlings, alone, but wish to drag GoSL and blame them as well.

AI also fail to state that the security situation is worsening, because of terrorism, again appearing to be protecting the terrorists and misleading the world.

There is reference in the article, to an alleged claymore mine attack on a bus in Mannar District on January 29 which allegedly killed 11 schoolchildren.. AI says ‘Both sides blamed each other for the attack.’ Soon afterward AI says in a typical AI fashion ‘Both the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE are failing to comply with their obligations’ without giving any evidence that GoSL is not complying with the obligations. The manner in which the statements were made, it implied that GoSL carried out the claymore mine attack.

Read more,
http://www.spur.asn.au/BS_20080214_AI_bias_and_deception_exposed_again.htm

Sri Lankan business community donates to the housing project for armed forces

Sri Lankan business leaders handed over checques for the "Api Wenuwen Api Fund" to the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees today.

Under the 'Api Wenuwen Api' scheme the Ministry Of Defence in cooperation with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is building 50,000 housing units for armed forces personnel. The project is phased over five years, with 10,000 houses to be completed each year.

Any donation made to “Api Wenwen Api” Fund is treated as a donation made to a government fund and will be 100% tax deductible.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/February15132342CH.html

Lanka chooses Al Jazeera for tourism campaign

Sri Lanka Tourism has joined hands with Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel on a major publicity campaign targetting Arabic speaking travelers in the Middle East market.

"There is a need to be more pro-active in promoting the country's image among Middle East travellers. Under the advice of the President, I have made special programmes and a strategy to promote Middle East travelers to Sri Lanka," Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Musthapha said, addressing a stakeholders meeting comprising tourism experts and airline operators in Doha.

He added, "The flight connectivity for Middle East is the best out of all countries and a wealthy Arab population coupled with large number of expats will provide an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka to be one of the most preferred destinations for them which is only four and a half hours away.

Read more,
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?

Air Force jets pound Sea Tiger Training bases

Air Force jet aircraft pounded a LTTE Sea Tiger terrorist training base in the NAYARU area, MULLAITIVU and a Forward Operational Training Base in the WELIOYA area today (15) around 8.30 in the morning.

The aircraft pilots who launched the attack confirmed that the air strikes successfully targeted targets resulting in severe damage to the terrorist training bases and facilities.

The air strike was successfully launched on ground information as well as air observation.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=10686

Sri Lanka Air Force Bombs LTTE “Raddha base”

Today (14), at around 10.30a.m, Sri Lanka Air force Fighter jets bombed a LTTE military base called “Raddha base” located in Teravilkulam, North East of Vishvamadukulam, It is one of the major LTTE terrorist bases in the area.

The air attack on the base was executed preciously using real time ground intelligence information, There fore the surprise attack left no time space for the LTTE terrorists to be prepared for any counter measures.

Fighter pilots confirmed the target was accurately hit and destroyed.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=10678

Sri Lanka to take up sea attack issue with India

The chief of the Sri Lankan Navy is to take up the issue of an attack against a Sri Lankan naval ship from a flotilla of Indian fishing boats, a government spokesman here said Wednesday.

Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, who is currently on an official visit to India, would raise the issue, among other things, with Indian officials, spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters.

The Sri Lankan Navy said Feb 5 that up to six sailors had gone missing after a naval boat was fired upon from a flotilla of 400 Indian fishing boats, which were poaching off the seas off Talaimannar in the north.

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http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080213/97510.htm

Navy rescues Three Tamil Nadu Fishermen in Distress in Sri Lankan Waters South of Thalaimannar.

Sri Lanka Navy rescued three Tamil Nadu fishermen, whose fishing trawler had washed ashore south of THALAIMANNAR, today (13th February 2008) around 6 a.m. They had left for fishing from MANDAPAM, which is located 15 nautical miles from DHANUSHKODI, Tamil Nadu, India.

The naval personnel of the THALAIMANNAR Naval Base, upon observing the ill-fated Indian trawler running aground, had rushed assistance to the Indian fishermen who had suffered multiple fractures and injuries due to the ordeal at sea. They were immediately taken to the sickbay of the naval base and were attended to by a naval doctor on duty. Having given them medical treatment, food and refreshment, the measures were taken with the assistance of the THALAIMANNAR Police to transfer the injured to the MANNAR government hospital for further medical treatment.

According to the injured Indian fishermen, five of them had left for fishing from MANDAPAM, which is located 15 nautical miles from DHANUSHKODI, on board the fishing trawler, “Jehovah Jireh” bearing the number TN 10 MFB.

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http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=10663

Sri Lanka accuses international rights groups of bias

The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday accused international rights groups of bias for their alleged failure to condemn the killings of students by Tamil Tiger rebels.

Keheliya Rambukwella, the minister of Foreign Employment and the government's defense spokesman told reporters that some 14 school children had been killed as a result of recent bomb explosions blamed on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels.

"These groups who are very quick to blame the government have remained silent on the LTTE's killing of students," Rambukwella said.

An LTTE female suicide bomber killed 14 civilians including six students at the Colombo's busy Fort railway station on Feb. 3.

The students from a leading Colombo school were members of the baseball team and were returning to Colombo from the central town of Kandy when caught in the explosion.

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/13/content_7598545.htm

Monks in Sri Lanka to counter Valentine's Day celebrations

Sri Lankan Buddhist monks plan to counter Valentine's Day celebrations in the island with programmes to lure the youth away from romantic love which they denounce as an undesirable Western concept.

The Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya (JSS), a national organisation of monks, will hold 'Adishtana' and 'Ashirwada' prayers Valentine's Day Thursday in a bid to make the youth love the country and the security forces battling Tamil Tigers.

The Daily Mirror Wednesday quoted JSS president Venerable Induragare Dhammaratana Thero as saying that Valentine's Day involved 'marketing love' as a commercial product. It also meant that love should be shown only on a particular day. All this was against Sri Lankan culture, he pointed out.

While special prayer ceremonies to foster love among all living beings were being performed on this day since 2004, this year the accent would be on showing love for the security forces, Dhammaratana Thero said.

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http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080213/97410.htm

'Centre should take against Karunanidhi for LTTE support'

The Opposition AIADMK on Wednesday urged the Centre to take action against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for his open support to the proscribed LTTE and play a role in finding a political solution to the ethnic Tamils issue in Sri Lanka.

A resolution adopted at the party's General Council, the highest policy making body, said that after coming to power in the aftermath of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the AIADMK Government headed by J Jayalalithaa had taken stern action against the LTTE, responsible for the assassination, and had played a vital role in banning it.

However, after coming back to power, Karunanidhi, while remaining silent against the supporters of the LTTE, went a step ahead and offered condolence eulogising the death of LTTE political wing leader S P Tamilchelvan.

Read more,
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1150679

India will leave no room for Lanka's division - Indian Minister

Visiting Indian Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh who called on the Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter Most Ven.Thibottuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera yesterday reassured that India will not leave any room for division or creation of a separate state within Sri Lanka.

The visiting Indian Commerce Minister who held extensive discussions with the Mahanayake Thera said the Indian Government has always maintained a firm stand on the Sri Lankan issue.

The Minister told the Mahanayake Thera: "India has always treated Sri Lanka as its own family member. The only wish of India is to see peace in Sri Lanka as soon as possible. The Indian Government is well aware of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka."

The Indian Minister, who called on the Mahanayake Thera with Investment Promotion Minister Naveen Dissanayake, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara said: " I firmly believe that peace will dawn in Sri Lanka very soon."

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http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/02/13/news03.asp

M&M to develop IT Park in Sri Lanka

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and Mahindra & Mahindra inked an agreement on Tuesday under which the latter will develop an Information Technology Park in the island nation. Located at a 53 acre site in Katunayake, near the only international airport in Sri Lanka, the project involves development of 2.6-3 million sq. ft. of space that can be used for the different types of IT related activities.

The agreement was signed by Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, and Arun Nanda, Vice-Chairman, Mahindra & Mahindra, in the presence of Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce, who is now on an official visit here as leader of a high level Government and business delegation. It was also announced on the occasion that Mahindra & Mahindra was committed to develop a 900-acre special economic zone (SEZ) in Trincomalee in the east and a formal agreement on the SEZ could be expected in the next 30 days.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/13/stories/2008021355291800.htm

Sri Lankan swimmers to take part in Malaysia, China and Pakistan

Sri Lanka Swimmers will be involved in three international swimming meets for the year 2008 in Malaysia, China and Pakistan according to the SLASU. Aquatic Calendar. In addition the Swimmers will also concentrate on domestic events.

The swimmers first will participate at the Asian Age Group Swimming championships in July in Chinese Taipei, two swimmers (to be selected by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union by end of May) will participate at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China and the 2nd South Asia swimming and Waterpolo championships in Islamabad, Pakistan in September.

The swimmers who reach the standard timing set by SLASU at the Pentathlon swimming championships, national short course swimming championships and the Age Group swimming championships will have the great chance of setting selected to swim at the Asian Age Group swimming championships and the South Asia Swimming Championships.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/02/13/spo03.asp

Why are HROs silent over tiger attack on Kalladi RC church? – Military spokesman

The UNO and international and local human rights organizations maintain a calculating silence over the tiger terrorist attack on St. Sebastian’s Church at Kalladi in Mannar says Brig, Udaya Nanayakkara, military spokesman.

Making a statement to the media Army spokesman regarding the terrorist attack on Kalladi church said, “Tiger terrorist carried out a mortar attack on St. Sebastian’s Church at Kalladi yesterday. 6 soldiers engaged in clearing the church premises of shrubs and weeds were killed in the attack and 10 others were injured. The church too was badly damaged in the attack.

The UNO, international and local human rights organizations and religious groups that denounce the Security Forces even at the attacks carried out by tiger organization and blame security forces for such attacks have not made any response regarding the attack on the church.”

Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2008/February/13/200800213_03.htm

'Supplier' of explosives to LTTE arrested in TN

The Tamil Nadu Police on Monday arrested an alleged supplier of explosives to the LTTE and seized from him 100 detonators, 83 gelatin sticks and 10 metres of fuse wire.

The man had been shuttling between Tiruchirapalli and Pudukottai to procure the explosive substances, including gelatin sticks, Tamil Nadu Police's 'Q' Branch Inspector Thiagarajan, who arrested him, told reporters.

Police had kept a close watch on his movements and arrested him, he said, adding the explosives were seized after he was questioned.

Extracted from,
http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/02/12/0802120200_tn.html

Sri Lanka Navy denies shooting Indian fisherman

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), in a media statement issued yesterday (11), categorically and unequivocally denied the allegations made by certain indiscriminate sections of that media of involvement in the killing of an Indian fisherman on Saturday (9) night.

"Sri Lanka Navy exercises utmost care not to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line between Sri Lankan and Indian territorial waters while conducting patrolling and maritime surveillance to prevent LTTE arms smuggling and infiltration across the Gulf of Mannar and the Polk Bay," it added.

The statement also drew attention to the recent incident where the Sri Lanka Navy did not open retaliatory fire when the persons yet to be identified on board two Indian fishing trawlers fired on one of SLN fibre glass boats in the seas off Talaimannar on the February 4, 2008. Then SLN boats did not retaliate in order to avoid other Indian fishing boats being hit in the cross fire.

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http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task

Bombers may use 'pregnancy prosthetics'

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reminding law-enforcement officials of the increased use of female suicide bombers worldwide, and warning that women terrorists might hide explosives in devices “that mimic the look of a pregnant woman.”

The unclassified DHS threat assessment, released Monday and obtained by NBC News, shows photographs of “pregnancy prosthetics,” hollowed-out devices that could hold explosive devices. The report says “female suicide bombers have used devices that make them appear pregnant to hide explosive devices.”

The DHS report states that terrorists are using female bombers more frequently, in part because these attacks generate “more widespread media exposure.” It adds: “Continued use of female suicide bombers-the most recent example being a 3 February 2008 attack at the main railway station in Colombo, Sri Lanka-indicates that terrorists judge this tactic as effective in increasing defenses and thwarting security measures.”

Read more,
http://deepbackground.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/11/656670.aspx

Sri Lanka to confer highest title on Maldivian president

Sri Lanka will confer its highest title, Lanka Mithra Vibhushana, on Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom during his two-day official visit to the island beginning Tuesday.

The honour is in recognition of Gayoom's contribution to the friendship between the two countries, enhancement of South Asian cooperation, and the global campaign in relation to climate change, a Sri Lankan government release said Monday.

This year Gayoom completes 30 years as president of the Maldives.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives have very close relations. Sri Lankan hotel chains run many well-known resorts in the Maldives, which is a cluster of tiny islands. Many Sri Lankans work in the Maldives in the tourism and hotel sectors.

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http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080211/97056.htm

Dilshan Half-Century Brings Sri Lanka CB Series Win

Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a superb half-century as Sri Lanka beat India by virtue of the Duckworth Lewis method, to record their first win, by eight wickets, of the Commonwealth Bank Series in Canberra.

Rain followed the conclusion of India’s innings and as a result Sri Lanka’s innings was reduced to 21 overs and their victory target was revised to 154.

There was a thought before the Indian innings that perhaps a 29 over innings would leave India with a slight dilemma, as to whether they should go for an all out attack as one might associate with Twenty20 cricket, or try and keep wickets in hand as we would expect to see in ODI cricket.

However, given that Sri Lanka’s innings had been altered to 21 overs it was always possible they would feel they had the freedom to approach their run chase like it was a Twenty20 innings. This proved to be the case as the Sri Lankan opening batsmen raced to 41 from just three overs before Sanath Jayasuriya was caught by MS Dhoni off Ishant Sharma for a swashbuckling 27 from just 13 balls.

Read more,
http://www.cricketworld.com/commonwealth_bank_series

India proposes to invest $2 bn in Sri Lanka: Ramesh

India is committed to a closer economic cooperation with Sri Lanka, visiting minister Jairam Ramesh said today, while is stating that investments of 2 billion dollars from business houses in his country into the Island Nation are at discussion stage.

"While 220 million dollars worth of Indian investment is already there in Sri Lanka as much as 2 billion dollars of investment by Indian business houses into the Island country are under discussions," India's Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh told reporters here at Indo-Sri lankan Investment Seminar.

Read more,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Economy/

Cathay Pacific to resume flights to Colombo

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will resume its passenger services to and from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, with effect from 30 March 2008. The airline will operate a daily service using a Boeing 777-300 aircraft routed through either Bangkok or Singapore.

Three flights a week, operating as CX703, will go via Bangkok every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Hong Kong at 18.35 and arriving in Colombo at 00.15 the next day. The return CX700 service departs Sri Lanka at 01.45, arriving in Hong Kong at 12.10.

On all other days of the week the flight will be routed through Singapore. CX711 departs Hong Kong at 16.15 and arrives in Sri Lanka at 22.45, while the return CX710 service departs Colombo at 00.15 on the following day and lands in Hong Kong at 12.15.

Read more,
http://www.just4airlines.com/j4_dox/email

Sri Lanka cement plant to be expanded by India's Birla

India's Aditya Birla group has suggested expanding a defunct cement plant in Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula to exploit the region's rich deposits of limestone, government officials said.

A team from the Birla group is in the island for talks with government officials on several investments.

Sri Lankan officials said Monday the initial proposal submitted by the Birla group suggested raising capacity at the Kankesanturai plant to 3.6 million tonnes a year depending on the availability of reserves of limestone, the basic raw material for cement manufacture.

The proposal did not have any details of financial investment and the Sri Lankan authorities are trying to make arrangements for Birla group experts to visit the site in Jaffna, which is cut off from the mainland as Tamil Tigers control the road to the peninsula.

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http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?

Thalladi church damaged in LTTE artillery attack- Mannar

LTTE launched artillery barrages fell at the densely populated Thalladi town this morning (February 12) damaging the Thalladi Church, Mannar defence sources said.

According to military sources, LTTE mounted artillery shell attacks since 9.a.m.

SLA retaliated with heavy gun fire towards identified LTTE artillery positions in the non-liberated areas north of Mannar, security sources said.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080212_04

Maldivian President arrives here tomorrow (12)

The President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and first lady Nasreena M. A. Gayoom will arrive in the island on two-day official visit tomorrow (12), on an invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa following his visit to the Republic of Maldives in 2006, a press release issued by the President’s media unit said.

President Gayoom will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Shahid and several high ranking officials of the Maldivian Government. The President will be accorded full state honours on his arrival to the country.

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http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=

Clinton rejects funds from LTTE supporters

Leading Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton through her Office in Washington, DC announced that they have already rejected the election campaign funds sent by the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) proscribed as an arm of the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

A New Jersey resident in U S A, allegedly connected to the TRO had sent in the funds. This was revealed to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona and Bernard Goonatilake, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Washington.

This was a sequel to two top ranking Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry diplomats visiting Senator Hillary Clinton’s office at Washington on the Hill, to protest against the collection of campaign funds by TRO.

Sources at the Clinton office indicated that after thorough scrutiny, the funds were deemed unacceptable under U S law. The two Sri Lankan diplomats met Andrew Shapiro, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor of Senator Hillary Clinton and recorded their objections over her remarks she reportedly made about terrorism and LTTE in October 2007.

The Clinton office revealed that they were aware of the criticism arising from Senator Hillary Clinton’s alleged statement that “There are personality-driven terrorist objectives.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/02/11/sec10.asp