2 killed, 9 injured in hand grenade explosion - Wellawatta

According to the latest report received said that 2 civilians were killed while another 9 suffered injuries exploding a hand grenade shot while ago in Wellawatta today, May 31.

Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said that the explosion took place near a bus halt along the Colombo-Galle main road, opposite the Arpico super market in Wellawatta.

The victims were rushed to the Kalubowila teaching hospital for immediate medical attention.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080531_07

Reggie Ranatunga passes away

Reggie Ranatunga, veteran Sri Lankan politician and father of world cup winning cricket team captain Arjuna Ranatunga, died here on Saturday morning following a pro-longed illness.

Reggie Ranatunga, who was in his seventies, died at a private hospital here. He was ailing for some time.

The septuagenarian leader was sworn in as a parliament member for the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance to fill the seat left vacant by death of fellow parliamentarian Sripathy Sooriyarachchi.

Earlier, he served as the governor of Sabaragamuwa Province in South-western Sri Lanka.

His son Arjuna Ranatunga guided the island's cricket team to a world cup win in 1996 and is currently holding the post of Chairman of Sri Lankan Cricket.

Extracted from,
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1167641

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels turning more violent amid gov't offensive, official says

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels are becoming more violent as they suffer setbacks because of a new government offensive, a top official from the war-torn South Asian nation said Saturday.

Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona said the Tigers have shown no interest in negotiating for permanent peace to end 25 years of separatist violence on the island nation off southern India.

On the contrary, there is a "continuing focus on their part to resort to violence and terrorism" — evident from recent deadly train and bus bombings — Kohona told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Singapore.

"It looks like they are absolutely committed to terrorism and nothing else. Maybe because in the battlefield they have been pushed back methodically by the government and their only response is to blow up civilians," Kohona said.

Public affairs personnel for the Tamil Tigers were not immediately available for comment.

Read more,
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/31/

Five suicide jackets found; suspect detained - Chilaw

Police acting on an information received from intelligence sources found 5 jackets designed for the LTTE suicide bombers from Maina Doopatha (an islet) in the Chilaw area this evening (May 30). According to the police sources, only four out of the five jackets were filled with high explosives.

Police said the jackets were unearthed from a location close to an abandoned Hindu Temple around 6.30 pm. A person was also detained for further inquiries, the sources added.

LTTE is the terror outfit that pioneered the suicide terrorism and introduced recruitment, brainwashing, and technical expertise for suicide bombing to the terrorist organizations in the world over. It has carried out over 200 suicide attacks killing hundreds of people during its two and half decades of terrorist war against Sri Lankan citizens.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080530_10

Civil Defence Force soldier and two civilians shot dead by Tiger terrorists

A Civil and his fifty (50) year old wife and a Civil Defence Force soldier was shot dead by Tiger terrorists on Friday(30) in the night around 8.45 in RAJANGANE area, Block 18, ANURADHAPURA.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/

LTTE artillery, mortar launching pads bombed: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Friday claimed that its fighter jets have bombed 'artillery and mortar launching platforms' of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Kalmunai point in the northern district of Jaffna.

'Two separate sorties were launched around 12 noon and 1.20 p.m. The targets were accurately hit, but the exact damages to the enemy are yet to be ascertained,' the defence ministry said.

The ministry said, 'The LTTE rebels used the targeted locations to launch artillery attacks on Tamil villages in the peninsula Thursday that killed six civilians including two children and left 20 others wounded.'

The air raids came exactly a day after the pre-dawn sea-borne attack by the Tamil rebels on a naval detachment in an islet in the northern Jaffna peninsula.

Read more,
http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080530/121824.htm

‘Mihin’ to fly again , Plan to work with SriLankan

The Government’s Budget Carrier Mihin Lanka (Pvt. Ltd.), grounded for nearly two months for want of an aircraft, will commence operations in July with an A-320 aircraft obtained on a dry lease from a French Company. The monthly rent would be US $ 347,000, according to the company’s former CEO Sajin de Vas Gunwardena.

Gunwardena resigned as CEO of Mihin Lanka on Thursday but told a news conference at the BMICH that he would continue to serve as a Director.

Asked to comment on the future of the airline, Gunawardena was not optimistic. "No doubt, its an uphill task. We will map out a joint commercial strategy with the national carrier Sri Lankan by pooling our resources and that should make it viable," he said.

Gunawardena said that SriLankan and Mihin Air could exchange passengers on selected destinations that could result in the cabin factor increasing upto between 80 and 90 per cent.

He blamed the Sri Lankan-Emirates joint management for failing to cooperate with Mihin and trying to undermine it. "They were totally opposed to the advent of Mihin. When we asked for two of their aircraft on a wet lease they opposed it," he said.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/05/31/news1.html

Police find LTTE claymore in public transport bus - Mortuwa

Sri Lanka police personnel on duty at the main bus stand, Moratuwa have found a claymore mine inside a public transport bus around 9.30 pm.

According to the police sources the bomb has been found inside a parcel placed under the rear seat of the bus that completed its trip from Colombo. The bomb has not been armed, but the detonator and few electrical batteries have been found with the bomb, the sources said.

Air Force bomb disposal team defused the bomb, the sources added.

read more,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080530_06

Pak, Lanka trade to be supplemented by FTA

The bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be supplemented under FTA between the two countries which have a great potential.

It was stated by Muhammad Farooq Dadabhoy Vice President, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a meeting with the Sri-Lanka Trade Delegation at Federation House here, says FPCCI release on Thursday.

Mr. Dadabhoy further stated that there will be a win- win situation for both the countries under FTA .

The bilateral trade and economic relations could be increased manifold. Presently the trade volume is in favour of Pakistan which is likely to be little balanced through FTA .

He stated that under SAFTA and particularly FTA between the two countries of SAARC region will not only promote bilateral trade but also contribute in promotion of intra-regional trade.

Vice President FPCCI while briefing the trade delegation about the activities of FPCCI suggested for aggressive marketing of Sri-Lankan commodities in Pakistan particularly tea , service sector, tourism and education.

Read more,
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2008/05/30/business2.htm

Defence ministers gather for Asia security dialogue

Singapore - Defence leaders gathered in Singapore on Friday for the largest defence and security dialogue among Asia-Pacific nations aimed at generating "fresh policy thinking and innovative solutions to global challenges."

The 2008 Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's highest concentration of policy-makers involved in regional security with 27 delegations represented.

Since the inaugural event in 2002, the dialogue organized by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has expanded as a venue for diplomatic leaders from Europe and the United States.

The meeting officially opens Friday afternoon with a keynote speech from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,

US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates was scheduled to address the participants on Saturday and is likely to discuss the impact of the devastating earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar.

Read more,
http://www.topnews.in/law/defence-ministers-gather-asia-security-dialogue

Troops capture LTTE main supply base "Munnagam Base" - Mullaittivu

Troops engaged in offensive operation in Wanni front have captured LTTE main supply and administration base known as "Munnagam Base" located in general area north of Janakapura this morning, May 29.

The said LTTE base which comprising well fortified building complex is used as the centralized location to distribute war materials for terror war fronts, sources said.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080529_10

Twenty LTTE Artillery Shells Kill Six & Injure Twenty Including Catholic Priest

TWENTY ARTILLERY SHELLS fired by Tiger terrorists from their bases in POONERYN early this morning (29), as Army and Naval troops fought a sea battle against a pocket of Tiger boats sailing towards KERATHIVU island, MANDATHIVU, KOLOMBUTHURAI in JAFFNA for an assault, fell on the town area of JAFFNA killing six civilians and injuring twenty more including two children and a pastor who were fast asleep.

Nine seriously injured civilians were to undergo surgery at JAFFNA Teaching Hospital at any moment upon medical advice.

Tiger terrorists, unable to resist the military thrust offered by serving Army and Naval troops on the islet, lost four of their boats as a result of the heavy fire directed by the Army. Confirmed reports said eight Tiger terrorists died and many, including LTTE’s operations commander and his deputy were injured as a result of the resistance.

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=13605
Photos,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=13605

3 LTTE boats destroyed, 15 killed in Army-Navy counter attacks- Jaffna

Army and Navy troops deployed at the Chiraththivu islet, Jaffna sprung an ambush killing at least 15 terrorists as troops claimed to have thwarted a pre-dawn LTTE infiltration attempt at the combined military detachment located between the Jaffna mainland and the Mandathivu island today (May 29).

One soldier was killed while another 2 suffered injuries in this incident. Two navy sailors and an army soldier reported missing in action, military sources added.

Later troops also have reportedly repulsed a second wave of offensive launched by LTTE in six boats towards the islet from non-liberated Ponneryn area, as sources said 3 LTTE boats destroyed and another heavily damaged and sunk in the shallow waters at around 2a.m. Troops have also mounted heavy artillery attacks towards the fleeing terrorists as enemy fatalities were expected to soar, military source said.

Chiraththivu is a small islet located in close proximity of the Jaffna- Mandathivu causeway.

Security Forces are now engaged in search operations in the area, while a military official said that efforts are been made to recover another LTTE boat partially sunk in the shallow waters off the Chiraththivu islet.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080529_07

Pre-dawn Navy Ambush captures Two LTTE Boats smuggling Fuel worth of Rs. 400.000/= off Ussimukanthurai in Mannar

Naval troops ambushed and captured two LTTE boats smuggling fuel worth of Rs. 400,000/= off Ussimukanthurai in Mannar today morning (29 May 2008) around 3.30 a.m.

The captured LTTE boats were engaged on a run of smuggling fuel for the terror outfit. The LTTE cadres manning the boats have fallen overboard and are presumed dead.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=829

Air Force attack key LTTE locations in Mullaittiuvu, Kilinochchi and Mannar

Pre identified key LTTE locations in Mullaittiuvu, Kilinochchi and Mannar came under fire from Air Force MI-24 gun-ships today (29).

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, an LTTE training facility located 6km Southwest of Mulliyavali in the jungles of Mullaittiuvu was targeted in the air raid launched by fighter jets at around 6.15 am.

According to intelligence sources, the target, identified as 'Vellamalai Base,' was located at Kulamurippu between the general areas of Oddusuddan and Mulliyavali, Ministry of Defence reported.

The target in Pulliyankulama, Mannar was taken by the Sri Lanka Air Force to support the advancing Army infantry and armour battalions around 5.45 am this morning.

Meanwhile, SLAf fighter craft made another precision air strike at a well fortified LTTE forward operational base (FOB) located the the general area of Kokavil in the Kilinochchi district. The air bombardment was launched around 6.10 am, Wing Commander Nanayakkara said, adding that "the base was obliterated in the air raid".

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

LTTE fundraiser becomes the Mayor

The LTTE’s leading activists and fundraiser Miss Elizabeth Packiyadevi Mann has been elected as Mayor at the London Borough of Southwark council meeting. The Council controlled by Liberal Democratic Party has elected Miss Mann in a determined way as a result of political pressure from the President of the Liberal Democratic Party Simon Hughes MP.

Simon Hughes is the Member of Parliament for Southwark and Bermondsey constituency. The LTTE had its headquarters Eelam House at 202 Long Lane in his constituency. He was introduced to the LTTE by Miss Mann who is a local resident of the constituency. Simon Hughes MP had visited the Eelam House many times and has interacted with the hardcore LTTE members and as a result had undertaken a visit to Sri Lanka in the late 1990’s.

Miss Elizabeth Packiyadevi Mann is considered be the blue eyed lady of Simon Hughes MP and he has rubbished representations about her direct engagement with the LTTE.

When the peace agreement was signed in 2002 between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, which lasted for four years Miss Mann visited the LTTE nerve centre in Vanni many times. She is said to have taken cash and electronic equipments during her visits to the LTTE controlled Vanni.

Read more,
http://www.srilankawatch.com/index.php?

Sri Lanka Seeking Compensation for Makkah Property

Sri Lanka will seek compensation from the Saudi government for the Ceylon House in Makkah, which is marked for demolition to make room for the expansion of the Grand Mosque. The three-story building had been endowed by a Sri Lankan organization to house poor pilgrims from the island nation.

“We are afraid that the compensation, if any, will go to the building’s caretaker who had made subtle claims of ownership to the property,” said Petroleum Minister Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie, who is visiting the Kingdom at the head of a special Haj delegation.

Fowzie said that the title deed for the property, which has a total area of 1,000 square feet, is with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh.

He added that the building was purchased for SR115,000 by the Colombo-based Sri Lankan Haj Pilgrims Welfare Trust in 1963. “This came after King Saud in 1960 granted permission to construct housing in Makkah for poor pilgrims from the island,” he said.

Read more,
http://www.arabnews.com/

57 advancing on Mallavi, Thunukkai

The 57 Division has advanced upto the general area Mallavi and Thunukkai in the Mullaithivu District, a distance of 45kms into LTTE controlled areas by this evening. The capture of Palampiddi has opened-up the new front in Mallavi, which is a popular route of the Tigers from Mullaithivu to Kilinochchi. As it stands now, the Army is in control of 600km2 in Vavuniya North.

The Army says that since the formation of the 58 Division, around 2000 LTTE cadres have been killed by that Division in the Mannar sector alone. In today's fighting, 58Division snipers sniped and killed four Tigers in Nedunkandal.

6 and 8 Gemunu Watch (GW) have started consolidating the newly captured 300m FDL of the LTTE in the general area Nedunkandal North. The Tiger FDL was decimated by Army Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) yesterday. Gemunu Watch troops were able to discover a large underground bunker at Nedunkandal North.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/05/57-advancing-on-mallavi-thunukkai.html

Rebels Losing To The Trends

So far this year, the LTTE have lost nearly 4,000 fighters (killed, captured, deserted). The army has suffered over 300 dead, and over a thousand wounded. There are also several hundred deserters, but as many, or more, deserters return these days. The army has 150,000 troops, with about half of them covering over 100 kilometers of front line up north. Most of the LTTE fighters man bunkers along that front line.

But the thing that really keeps the army from just marching into LTTE territory is the existence of several hundred experienced LTTE fighters, who have been able to defeat the soldiers consistently in the past. This reserve force rushes in whenever the army advances too far, and inflicts lots of casualties.

Eventually, the army will have to take on this elite force, but the strategy is to use artillery and air power to pick apart the LTTE front line force to the point where the elite reserve force will have to be either broken up to man the front line bunkers, or be forced back to a small bit of territory that can be blown to bits with artillery and bombs.

The army strategy is based on the fact that the trends are going against the LTTE. The rebels are getting less money, less ammo, and are losing more fighters each month, with no source of replacements or reinforcements. Tamil civilians are often being forced to man the bunkers along the front line. Threats against the families of these reluctant warriors keeps them on the job.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080528.aspx

Journalist hacked to death in Jaffna

Sirasa Jaffna reporter P. Devakumaran was hacked to death this afternoon in Navthurei by an unidentified gang.

Paranirupasingham Devakumar, 34, and his friend were returning home at Vadukkodai on a motorcycle when they were taken by an unidentified group at Navatturai around 6.00 pm, report said.

Their bodies are presently lying at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

The friend, Mahendran Varadan was a 28-year-old employee of the District Secretariat.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080528130447.php

LTTE bomb attacks have killed 149 civilians in Sri Lanka this year

Sri Lanka’s separatist rebels have targeted civilians on 21 occasions killing 149 civilians and injuring 560 more so far this year, according to the military figures.

Appealing to the public to be vigilant of their surroundings military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara addressing the media briefing today said that from the 1st of January 2008 to date LTTE have staged 21 attacks on civilians in the form of claymore mine explosions, suicide attacks, parcel bombs and shooting incidents.

Brigadier Nanayakkara further said that the Army has been successful in their mission in the North.

Since March 2007, 57 division of the Sri Lanka Army have been successful in capturing 600 square kilometers of LTTE territory in the North, he revealed. LTTE have shifted their defence lines to Mallavi and Tharukkui areas 45 km behind the Army Defence Lines in Mannar, he added.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May28121019CH.html

Sri Lanka not to allow mobile phones as gifts

Worried over the growing grey market for mobile phones due to illegal imports from countries like China and India, Sri Lankan Customs has decided to confiscate such cell phones being brought in as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage or as gift.

The Sri Lanka Customs has announced that all goods for commercial purposes/commercial quantities have to be imported in accordance with the provision of the Import Control Act and regulations framed there under.

It said all the goods for commercial purposes, imported or bought in as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage and gifts, contrary to the Act, would be forfeited.

It added that the importer of such goods would also be liable to penalties/forfeited under Section 129 of the Customs Ordinance. This was enforced with effect from May 15.

The action follows demand by local mobile phone importers for strong law enforcement to combat illegal mobile phone imports into the Island country.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200805281760.htm

Tamil Canadian arrested over suspected fund-raising for LTTE

A Lankan born Tamil Canadian has been arrested by the Canadian Police for allegedly raising money for the LTTE movement in Sri Lanka.

Prapaharan (Prapa) Thambithurai, 45, who lives in Toronto but was arrested last Friday in Vancouver, is charged with providing or making available property or services for terrorist purposes in Sri Lanka.

This incident is been reported as the first time in Canada that a man in Vancouver has been charged with financing terrorists, for allegedly raising money for the Tigers.

"The funds were allegedly raised for the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or Tamil Tigers) which is a listed terrorist organisation in Canada,'' said RCMP Supt. Lloyde Plante, of B.C.'s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET).

Police allege the funds were being collected from members of Vancouver's 6, 000- to 8,000-person Sri Lankan community.

Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5965&Itemid=44

Gelatin stick smuggling case: Prime suspect held -Rameswaram

The prime suspect in the gelatin stick smuggling case, Ebiraj, allegedly an LTTE supporter, was arrested near here today, police said.

He was produced before a local court, which remanded him to 15 days judicial custody, police said.

Police had earlier arrested one person in connection with the case relating to smuggling of 83,500 gelatin sticks, 20 boxes of detonators, contraband goods and 34 cans containing chemicals on May 8.

Police seized the huge quantity of explosives and arrested one Nagendran. Police had also impounded the boat in which the explosives were meant to be smuggled to Sri Lanka.

Ebiraj has been lodged in Madurai prison.

extracted from,
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=445481&sid=REG

Somawansa remains as the leader of the JVP-Wimal axed

Somawansa Amarasinghe remains as the leader of the JVP while Tylwin silva was appointed as the General Secretary by the Central Committee of the JVP at their fifth convention held in this evening at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium , Colombo.

Wijitha Herath was appointed as the Propaganda Secretary by the central committee and Anura Kumara Dissanayake is now holding Parliamentary group leadership.

In last few weeks the Asia Tribune predicted about Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s post and most of party loyalists say these leaders could save the party and the nation.

Extracted from,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11433

Tamil leader frustrated with fundraising

Federal officials released more documents yesterday that were seized during a massive RCMP investigation into Tamil Tigers fundraising in Canada, including a guerrilla leader's request for "a huge sum" of money.

The police files, unsealed by the Federal Court, are the latest evidence that Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers rebels have been bankrolling their civil war with money raised by supporters in Canada. But the newly disclosed documents also suggest the Tamil Tigers may not be getting as much from Canada as they would like: In one communique, a senior rebel boss complained that Canadians were not doing enough to support the fight.

Colonel Soosai, who commands the rebel navy wing known as the Sea Tigers, told three Canadian Tamil activists he was frustrated about the "insufficient activities of the branches in Canada and England," according to a 12-page report. He said he was "expecting a huge sum" of money and that Tamil activists should "act accordingly," says the document, written by the Tamil Tigers International Coordination Centre but seized by RCMP counter-terrorism officers in Toronto. The document is an account of a meeting that took place in a rebel-held region of northern Sri Lanka in 2004. Several senior guerrillas addressed the visiting delegation, including Col. Soosai, who complained that "most of the promises" made by foreign supporters "ended up as fictions."

Read more,
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=541876

Rajapaksa assures full security for SAARC summit

In the backdrop of the spurt in attacks by the LTTE, Sri Lanka has said it will take all necessary security measures during the SAARC summit here from July 27 that is scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The assurance was given to SAARC Secretary General Sheel Kanta Sarma who called on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday evening.

"The President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the SAARC Secretary General that all security will be available during the holding of the SAARC summit," an official said.

Security drills for the Indian premier are also being taken up with the Sri Lankan security officials.

Sri Lanka has witnessed a spurt in violence after the government scrapped a tattered 2002 ceasefire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam thsi January. At least nine persons including five women, were killed and 71 others injured on Monday when a bomb, planted by suspected LTTE rebels, ripped through a packed train near here.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200805271421.htm

Sri Lankan police arrest 33 people over train blast

The police in Sri Lanka said Tuesday 33 people have been held on suspicion over the bomb blast which killed nine people and injured 86 more on Monday.

The blast on board a crowded train along the western coastal line hit the Colombo suburb of Dehiwala late Monday afternoon.

Officials said 72 of the 86 injured are still being treated in two hospitals.

A senior police officer said 15 people out of the 33 arrested on suspicion were released after questioning.

The authorities have alerted the commuters in public transport to be aware of attempts by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to explode bombs.

Read more,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/27/content_8265233.htm

Sri Lankan president vows to crush Tamil rebels after deadly train blast

Sri Lanka's president vowed Tuesday to crush Tamil Tiger rebels after a rush-hour train bombing blamed on the insurgents killed eight passengers and wounded 70 others.

"I will not stop till terrorism is defeated," President Mahinda Rajapaksa told a meeting with media officials, according to a statement from his office.

The bomb blast took place inside a train during Monday evening's rush hour. The train was preparing to leave a railroad station in Dehiwala, just south of Colombo, when the blast tore through it.

Rajapaksa said the rebels had resorted to targeting civilians to divert the government's attention from its successful operations against them in the north.

The rebels did not immediately respond to the allegation.

Read more,
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/27/news/Sri-Lanka-Civil-War.php

An LTTE expert in explosive devices killed in air raid - Mannar

An expert in explosive devices of the LTTE in Mannar front identified as "Dhora" has been killed in a successful air raid carried out by the SLAF MI-24 helicopters this morning, May 26.

An explosive dump of the LTTE terrorists was also destroyed in this attack, sources further said.

The air raid was launched targeting LTTE stronghold located in general area Andankulam, 1.5 Km north of the security forces defence in Mannar front around 8.30 a.m. today.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080526_08

Somawansa has become a puppet of JVP’s UNP sympathizers - Nandana

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has become a puppet in the hands of a powerful segment within the party which is fast becoming a crutch to the main Opposition UNP, General Secretary of the newly formed National Freedom Front and one time JVP Presidential candidate, parliamentarian Nandana Gunatilake said yesterday.

"In the issue of ousting Wimal Weerawansa and others, who dissented against this conspiracy, Comrade Amarasinghe was used to the hilt. He, who once led the campaign of rebuilding the party from ruins, came under the pressure of several conspirators and cracked. He let the conspirators take control and is now politically assassinated," Gunatilake told a media conference at the National Library and Documentation Center in Colombo.

The conspirators within the party had been bought over by the UNP to destroy the JVP, he said. "Comrade Amarasinghe, by giving into the conspirators is also partially responsible for the crisis the party faces today," he said.

Gunatilake said there was speculation in the media recently that Somawansa Amarasinghe would be replaced at the fifth JVP convention scheduled to be held today.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/05/27/news3.html

Health Minister new WHO Chairman

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was appointed the new Chairman of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Representatives from 123 countries voted for him. Minister de Silva is the first South Asian to hold this post which is a special honour for Sri Lanka, Ministry sources said.

Minister de Silva was first elected as a member of the Executive Committee in 1998 and later elected the Vice Chairman of the same committee.

He served in this position up to 2000. Minister de Silva was elected as the member of the Executive Committee representing the South East Asian Region in 2005.

During this time, Minister de Silva maintained a very close association and friendship with other Members and other Member States. Because of his efficiency and dedication he became popular and a distinguished figure among other members of the committee. During the same period he was elected Chairman of the B Committee of the WHO.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/05/27/news03.asp

News Video - Bomb explosion in side the Colombo-Panadura train at dehiwala

Source,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qQoYpJPyLg

Photos- Bomb explosion in side the Colombo-Panadura train at dehiwala

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5946&Itemid=44 and
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/pictures/COL104.htm

7 Killed, 62 wounded in LTTE bomb explosion - Dehiwala

7 civilians were killed including a pregnant mother and 62 more passengers suffered injuries when the LTTE terrorists exploded a bomb inside a highly crowded Colombo-Panadura train around 4.55 p.m today.

According to the available information the explosion occurred inside the 5th carriage of the Panadura bound train which leaves the Maradana railway station around 4.25p.m.

It is believed that the parcel bomb exploded had been placed on the luggage rack in the train, police sources said.

Many of the victims were office workers headed home at the end of the workday and the victims who suffered injuries were rushed to the Kalubowila teaching hospital and National hospital Colombo.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent children, Tamil and Sinhalese political leaders in indiscriminate bomb attacks. FBI in a recent report called LTTE the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world.

extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080526_07
Photos,
AFP

Bomb explosion occurred in side the Colombo-Panadura train

An Explosion occurred in side the Colombo-Panadura train while it reaching to the Dehiwala railway station short while ago, 26 May.

According to the available information the explosion took place around 4.55 p.m and the victims were being rushed to the hospitals.
More information will follow.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080526_05

US mulls military support to Lanka

Sri Lanka can look forward to US military assistance to crack down on LTTE terrorism as the United States is now considering to lift the arms embargo following the recent release of child soldiers by the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP).

The United States which has come down hard on terrorism, suspended air and maritime surveillance assistance to Sri Lanka last year citing two reasons - recruitment of child soldiers by the TMVP and human rights violations.

US Ambassador Robert O. Blake told the Sunday Observer that there was a possibility of resuming military assistance to the government to defend the LTTE.

“US military assistance is currently suspended due to two provisions in the US law. The first being child soldiers. The TMVP has released over 50 child soldiers and this is a very good sign”, he said.

Blake said that the US had welcomed the move publicly and hope they would release more.

According to UNICEF figures over 100 child soldiers were still in the custody of the TMVP, he said.

“The US believes that we will be able to lift that particular restriction and to continue to provide military assistance if the TMVP releases more children”, he said adding that the United States is working closely with the government to improve its human rights record too.

Blake said that US military assistance in the areas of air and maritime surveillance has helped the government to detect LTTE arms shipments in the territorial waters of the country.

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/05/25/sec02.asp

Another time bomb found in Kandy

Police personnel of Wattegama police station have found a time bomb placed near an electric transformer at Madawala Junction this morning (May 25).

According the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), the bomb has been discovered by the police around 9.20 am on information provided by a vigilant civilian. The army bomb disposal team has defused the bomb. The weight of the bomb is about 1kg, said the sources.

Police investigations are in progress.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080525_04

Three arrested LTTE suspects released on bail by British Courts

Three LTTE suspects, who were arrested by the Britain police for conspiring to procure equipment to LTTE, have been granted bail by the British Courts.

Media reports said that fourth man was not released as he has not applied for bail.

Jegatheswaran Muraleetharan, alias Muralee Tharan, 46, Jeyatheswaran Vythyatharan alias Vithy Tharan, 39, Murugesu Jegatheeswaran alias M Jegan, 33 and Shanthan are charged with conspiring to receive equipment for terrorist purposes between January 2003 and December 2006, reports said.

Shanthan was granted bail with a large financial security and on condition that he contacts the police by phone daily through voice recognition equipment.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May24140118JV.html

Rice from Myanmar to check Sri Lanka shortage

A consignment of rice from Myanmar is expected to reach the port of Colombo early next week that will meet the local market needs, a top official said Saturday.

R. M. K. Ratnayake, secretary to the Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs, said 7,000 metric tons of rice from Myanmar would arrive on May 27.

This was part of the 50,000 metric tons ordered by the Sri Lankan government in late March.

Escalation of retail rice prices due to a shortage prompted the government to place urgent orders with Myanmar.

The government early April imposed price control as means to ensure the availability of rice, the staple diet of the 20 million population.

"There is no shortage right now but we are concerned about August/September. If there is a problem then Myanmar rice will help us to overcome the situation," Ratnayake told reporters.

He said the cyclone in Myanmar had delayed the rice shipments from arriving. The Sri Lankan rice crop was affected by heavy monsoon rains and floods in the last quarter of 2007.

Extracted from,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/25/content_8246485.htm

High tea production in Lanka to give boost to exports

Sri Lanka has registered a 29 per cent increase in its tea output to around 112 million kgs in the first four months of 2008 that is expected to give a boost to its exports, which are slated to cross one billion dollars in value terms this year.

Sri Lanka's tea exports is likely to grow by 15 per cent for 2008 against the landmark one billion dollar export mark on top of high output due to favourable weather conditions this year, according to experts.

The rise in demand for Sri Lankan black tea from Russia, Iran and Libya is likely to push tea exports from the island country to a new high in 2008, they said.

Sri Lanka would face competition for its sought after orthodox tea (black tea) from Vietnam, which produces similar variety of high quality tea.

Tea Production for the period January-April 2008 is pegged at around 112 million kgs, which is 29.2 per cent higher as compared to the same period in 2007, the Sri Lankan Tea Board said.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/015200805241421.htm

Were Noyahr’s abductors trying to get a lead on his `sources’?

As Thursday’s abduction and torture of Keith Noyahr, Associate Editor of The Nation, drew widespread condemnation, Sunday Island inquiries revealed his tormentors had been taken him to Dompe and then brought him back to his Dehiwela residence after Rivira Media Corporation triggered a frantic search for him.

Well informed sources said the gang would have been after the identity of Noyahr’s ‘sources.’

The timely intervention of Lalith Alahakoon, Editor of The Nation and Krishantha Prasad Cooray,

CEO of the Rivira Media Corporation, had forced the government to search for the missing journalist. But his release, the sources said asserted would have been after the gang had established the identities of the target’s ‘sources.’

Now, they would be after his ‘sources,’ the sources said. Had not for their intervention, Noyahr would have been killed and dumped somewhere, the sources said.

A UK based businessman early this year bought a 49 per cent stake of Rivira Media Corporation which publishes ‘Rivira’, ‘The Nation’ and ‘Bottom Line’ newspapers. He is reported to have paid Rs. 100 million.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/05/25/news2.html

Another time bomb defused

A time bomb weighing 03 kg was detected in a COLOMBO - MORATUWA bus and defused by the Army bomb disposal unit today(24) around 8.45 p.m.

A woman passenger had noticed the suspicious parcel. The Army bomb disposal unit was informed and the parcel identified as a time bomb and defused.

The vigilance of the woman passenger had foiled the terrorists attempt and prevented a carnage.

News extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=12692

Is it all that important to be seated on the UN Human Rights Council? USA & Israel doesn’t think so – why should Sri Lanka?

Desmond Tutu must be happy, so too must be Adolfo Perez Esquivel & former President Carter & perhaps many more of the human rights activists & NGOs that set in motion an international propaganda to project Sri Lanka as a nation in the grips of anarchy & urged member nations to reject Sri Lanka’s attempt to secure a re-election to the 47 member UN Human Rights Council.

But is this seat all that important? Why is the US & Israel not a member of it since they voted against the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council on 15th March 2006 & why did Venezuela abstain from voting citing that certain paragraphs paved the way for intervention in the internal affairs of States.

There are likely to be many interpretations of the denial of Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council, of course in the world of diplomacy it may be considered a slap to the Sri Lankan Government & possibly a jolt to its ego internationally but then considering the countries that have secured election purely by the structure of the Council, it becomes questionable whether Sri Lanka should feel disheartened at all.

Sri Lanka presently being accused of atrocious human rights abuses must feel quite content for being omitted from a seat in view of the members having to uphold highest standards in the promotion & protection of “human rights” not to mention being subject to periodic review.

Read more,
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15330

Terror bomb attack at civilians averted- Ganemulla

Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) bomb disposal team defused a time bomb weighing 1.25 kg this evening found in a public transport bus at Kossinna in Ganemulla (May 24) . According to the defence sources, the conductor of the bus who initially detected the ownerless parcel has thrown it out of the bus at a remote location. Then he has alerted the STF on the suspected parcel, the sources said.

The bomb was found in the bus that was due to leave Colombo from Parakandeniya. According to the sources, there were no passengers in the bus when the conductor detected the suspected parcel found under one of the passenger seats.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080524_03

No human rights organizations would be allowed in! – Govt. informs UNHRC

Sri Lanka has informed UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva that no human rights organizations would be allowed to investigate human rights situations in Sri Lanka here after.

The government has accused UNHRC for being a victim of incorrect information supplied by various voluntary organizations while the government was rigorously involved in safeguarding human rights in the country adding that the government would never give in to the demands of voluntary organizations that receive foreign funds to dismantle the work of the government.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to investigate the colossal sum of money received by voluntary organizations and how they are spent in this country. It has been revealed that a certain human rights organization has received a sum of $40 million.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?

Sri Lanka starts to build China-funded arts theater

Work on the construction of a performing arts theater funded by China commenced Friday in Sri Lankan capital Colombo with the participation of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ye Dabo.

The project, which will be built on 2.18 acres of land, was finalized during Rajapaksa's official visit to China in 2007.

Sri Lankan officials said the theater will be equipped with ultra modern facilities such as an auditorium with 1,288 seats, parking facilities for 500 vehicles, library and training facilities for performing arts, and facilities to conduct educational and research activities.

The project is expected to be completed in 26 months.

Extracted from,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/24/content_8239917.htm
Photo,
http://www.silumina.lk/2008/05/25/mainpic_1.jpg

PRO-LTTE REPORTS ON ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS REFUTED

THE SRI LANKA ARMY flatly refutes and despises attempts of the pro-LTTE media to blame the Army over alleged explosions of claymore mines in un-cleared areas of Kilinochchi, targeting both an ambulance and a van during the course of the day (Friday,23rd, 2008). The areas alleged in those reports lie about 100 km away from the northern most Omanthai Entry/Exit point and defence lines under the government control in Vavuniya.

Those reports shamelessly claimed that an ambulance carrying an Assistant Director of the Fisheries Corporation, Mannar and a civilian was the target of the first claymore mine in Muzhangkaavil, Kilinochchi. Adding another dimension a few hours later, the same pro-LTTE mouthpiece alleged that one more van carrying sixteen civilians, including six children, four girls and two boys was attacked with a claymore mine at about 2.15 p.m. on Friday (23) in the same un-cleared Muzhangkaavil area while they all were allegedly returning from a hospital.

It is crystal clear that those LTTE reports have been attributed to the Army with a sinister move and the sheer intention of tarnishing the image of the Army unreservedly and also provoking the international community in order to win back the world sympathy for their lost cause. Many such reports carried in their media in the past provide ample evidence and examples to this effect. The Army categorically refuses such reports and appeals sensible readers to judge the motive behind such pro-LTTE allegations.

extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=13466

Dethroned for violations or...?

Sri Lanka has lost its seat in the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) due mainly to a disrespecting of the world system, arrogance, complete lack of counter propaganda against LTTE and bungling and rantings by a group of theoreticians and technocrats.

International norms dealing with torture, disappearances, and political killings have emerged due mainly to the atrocities committed elsewhere. Human Rights groups, pioneered by the work of Amnesty International have used fact finding, consensus building, principled norm construction, norm application etc paving the way for HR standards and measures broadly described as 'principled norm emergence'.

In times of war, the principle Jus in Bello (Justice in War) is said to apply to regulate the conduct of military forces. The rules of warfare aim to safeguard human life and some other fundamental Human Rights, and to ensure that war is limited in its scope and level of violence. It is the premise that combatants have voluntarily forfeited some of their rights whilst civilians have not and carry at all times the full rights under the UN Charter.

Although international law suggests that the inhabitants of non-occupied territory, who take up arms on the approach of the enemy and resist the invading troops, even if they have not had time to organize themselves, count as armed forces, a guerrilla or insurgent force fighting mostly without uniforms are miles apart and cannot be easily distinguished from unarmed civilians.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/05/dethroned-for-violations-or.html

President orders full investigation into attack on Keith Noyahr

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed IGP Victor Perera to launch a full investigation into the abduction and attack on senior journalist, Keith Noyahr who is the Deputy Editor of The Nation newspaper.

Noyahr went missing last night and his wife had lodged a complaint at the Dehiwala Police Station when his vehicle was found empty outside his house around 11.00 pm.
Noyahr had been released by his abductors early this morning (May 23) around 5.30 and had come home carrying severe injuries. He was hospitalized thereafter.

Police Spokesman N.K. Ilangakoon said that three police teams have been deployed to carrry out the investigation.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5927&Itemid=44
Photos,
www.dailymirror.lk

Sri Lankan police impose curfew on Muslim town after 5 killed

Police imposed a curfew on a predominantly Muslim town in eastern Sri Lanka on Thursday after five people died in retaliatory killings.

Police spokesman N.K. Ilangakoon said the violence started when two men from a pro-government ethnic Tamil militia were shot to death in eastern Kattankudy town.

Later, men believed to be from the militia stormed the town and killed two Muslims and wounded four others, Ilangakoon said.

Police declared a curfew to prevent more violence, he said.

However, Dr. K. Murugananthan of the government hospital in nearby Batticaloa town said there were five bodies — three of them Muslims — in the morgue.

Read more,
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/22/asia/AS-GEN-Sri-Lanka-Violence.php

Political crisis in Lanka's Eastern Province ends

The political crisis in the newly-established Eastern Provincial Council ended on Thursday, when the dissident Muslim leader, MLA M Hisbullah, joined the government as Minister of Health, Youth and Women’s Affairs.

Hisbullah had threatened to walk out of the ruling United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) with two other councilors and reduce the government to a minority, if he was not made Chief Minister after the UPFA won the provincial elections on May 10.

But the head of the UPFA, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, stood firm on his decision to appoint TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, as the CM in order to help solve the long-standing Tamil problem.

Hisbullah was willing to reconsider his threat if he was offered important portfolios like Health, Education and Land, but Rajapaksa offered only Health and stuck to his stand. It is believed that Muslim religious leaders urged Hisbullah to accept the President’s offer and not precipitate a Muslim-Tamil communal problem.

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

LTTE accused of continuing to recruit child soldiers

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continued to recruit and use children, despite repeated commitments not to do so, a global report on child soldiers released on Tuesday (May 20) said.

Child Soldiers Global Report 2008 published by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, a non governmental organization based in London, UK said that the LTTE, which had recruited under-age fighters for many years, pledged on June 18 2007 to rid its ranks of all under-18s by the end of 2007.

Despite the pledges LTTE had not committed to the full release of children under 18, it said.

“The LTTE consistently denied that it knowingly recruited children and it claimed that children sought to join by disguising their age. However, there is overwhelming evidence of recruitment, often forced, throughout areas under LTTE control as well as from government-controlled areas in the north and east.

The recruitment of children typically followed a pattern of increased recruitment during the season of temple festivals and a fall during periods of international condemnation,” the report noted.

Read more,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May2242537JV.html

SLT upgrades bandwidth, announces IPVPN system for schools

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has upgraded its international internet backbone network, which now has 2.2Gbps of international IP broadband capacity, and plans to upgrade to 3.5Gbps or more within a year, the company said in a statement. SLT claims that its ISP unit SLTnet has a 60% share of the country’s residential and business internet user market.

In another announcement, SLT says that its IPVPN solutions will connect schools island-wide to a new IP network, named SchoolNet, providing voice, video, broadband internet access, other network services and web hosting. A total of 1,100 schools are to be connected under the first phase of the project, with 5,000 schools to be on the network by 2010.

SchoolNet has been designed as a secure and fully managed system. SLT’s IPVPN technology will allow all establishments to access a centralised IT network at any given time, which will enable them to communicate with a Network Operations Centre (NOC), located at the University of Moratuwa.

Extracted from,
http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=23237

Desmond Tutu criticised by Church of England cleric for his comments on Sri Lanka

A well-respected Church of England priest and a British citizen told Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a hard hitting letter that it was matter for utmost regret that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) described as the “the most evil terrorist organization in the world” was possible to secure the Archbishop’s apparent support to denigrate Sri Lanka.

Rev. Tony de Alwis of the Church of England Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham replying about Tutu’s alleged campaign against the re-election of Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council of the UN told the Archbishop that his action has become “a matter of the utmost regret that such an organization has found it possible to secure Your Grace’s apparent support in its unrelenting propaganda campaign to denigrate Sri Lanka on the international stage.”

Rev. De Alwis, an avowed campaigner against terrorism all over the world said that it had been a significant coup for the terrorists to be enabled to proclaim support for their demented cause from someone of the Archbishop’s undoubted stature and moral authority in the world.

So, he wondered in his letter whether Archbishop Tutu received information from independent sources or his sole source is the “very active cabal of supporters of this criminal organization, the LTTE, in South Africa. He said the unbalanced and unfair nature of his purported comments point to the latter. “If that is the case,” Rev. Alwis said, “then I wonder whether Your Grace would be open to learning the truth about Sri Lanka’s terrorist problem from less biased sources.”

Read more,
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15311

Nobel Prize Winners misled by LTTE sympathisers

Three Nobel prize winners, in a coordinated act, has issued a statement regarding electing Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council. The timing has left the friends of Sri Lanka with very little or no time to respond. I have seen the response of some, to the views expressed by the Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu. The comments are as follows:

How can a person who fought against racism and imperialism support Tamil racism and expansion ?

Another asked the following valid questions, which are relevant to all three Nobel Nobel laureates.

* What are the grounds and facts on which you make this claim. Are your information first hand, second hand, third or otherwise?
* Who are your informers in Sri Lanka ? Or do you have your sources in distant lands ?
* Are these sources ( here or abroad) remote- controlled by hidden hands or hidden and spotted tails ? Clearly if the secondary source of data is incorrect, corrupt or deliberate lies then the receiver of this incorrect data would come to incorrect deductions.

If the citizens of Sri Lanka are worried by the manner in which GoSL deals with human rights, they have a mechanism to get rid of the government. The recent election victory showed that even in the areas controlled by LTTE until recently, the Tamil people elected the Government lead coalition party. This surely must say something. Even the Tamil people have confidence in the Government lead coalition.

The most serious threat to human rights come from terrorists who have taken away the basic human right of right life of many innocent civilians. Sri Lanka is fighting for survival, against a vicious terrorist organisation that is carrying out an undeclared war.

Read more,
http://www.spur.asn.au/BS_20080520_Noble_Prize_winners_misled_by_the_LTTE_sympathisers.htm

Two more LTTE cadres arrested in Paris

French police detained two leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who evaded arrest last year and fled the country when police closed in on them during the major round up of top Tigers operating in Paris.

The Sous-Directorate Anti-Terrorism (SDAT) of France announced that two leading LTTE activists Subramanium Muhundan and Yogarasa Sivarasan were apprehended in Paris on May 13 after investigations lasting several months.

Muhundan and Sivarasan were the head of the LTTE political and finance since the arrest of 26 LTTE cadres including top most leaders of all the divisions of the terrorist organisation in April 01, 2007. After preliminary investigations, 11 were released but the top 14 leaders were remanded without bail. The detained include LTTE's French leader Nadaraja Mathinatharan alias Parithi and the Political Leader Aravindan Thuraiswamy alias Metha.

At that time, several LTTE cadres including Muhundan and Sivarasan crossed over to neighbouring countries through open border points.

After the arrest of the top two leaders, the LTTE appointed Stalin Sarvarimuthu alias Ranjan and Ravi Manikkam alias Utha Ravi to the top two posts. But within months, the SDAT arrested them together with three others taking the total LTTE detainees to 19.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/05/22/sec01.asp

JVP’s branch in Japan ceases funding, more to follow "May have to rob petrol sheds again"

The JVP yesterday received a heavy blow to its fund raising on the international front as its branch in Japan, which had poured in billions of rupees, severed all connections with the party over the ousting of Wimal Weerawansa and ten other MPs along with a large number of party members.

"Our comrades in Japan had directed all money they earned to the party fund. They were under orders to send their pay-packets home and were allowed only to keep a meager sum for subsistence. We funded all elections except for the recent polls to the Eastern Provincial Council.

Other than this the Japanese branch had loaned a large sum of money on various occasions at the request of party leader Somawansa Amarasinghe. Not a cent of the loans was repaid and we did not even request that the loans be repaid as we were clear about our priorities. Now we understand that our sacrifices had been misused," organiser of the JVP’s Japan Branch Saman Priyankara said in a letter addressed to JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva.

He said party leader Somawansa Amarasinghe had come under the grip of several top rankers acting like frogs in the well and he had mixed up the party’s priorities and had commenced to silence dissent against it.

"The leader of the party should have acted prudently and respected the opinion of the majority within the politburo and central committee. Instead he gave into several front liners. The end result was a major split in the party resulting in the loss of eleven MPs including Wimal Weerawansa, a large number of provincial and local government level representatives and full timers in almost all districts."

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/05/22/news1.html

Sri Lanka to launch its own satellite

Sri Lanka will launch its own first satellite in the near future, an official told the media.

Director General of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Priyantha Kariyaperuma said a group of local engineers has already gone to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) based in Geneva for registration purposes. “The satellite would be named after science fiction guru, the late Sir Arthur C. Clarke,” he said.

He said the TRC is planning to launch a satellite network within the next two years, though no timeframe has been fixed for the project.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May21151559JV.html

Palampiddy Falls to Army’s Hand

LTTE TERRORISTS met another humiliating defeat in their battle with the troops to defend PALAMPIDDY, one of LTTE major strongholds in MANNAR, which fell into the hands of the Army by Saturday (17) afternoon.

Army had to face severe resistance by the terrorists and inched forward nearly for six days to reach PALAMPIDDY, about 8 km north of MADHU. PALAMPIDDY junction connects VIDATTALTIVU in northwest, MADHU in south, MULLIKULAM in southeast and NEDUNKANDAL in northeast. Fall of this former LTTE stronghold cripples administrative work and supplies to the terrorists.

Troops have so far recovered thirteen LTTE dead bodies, eleven T-56 weapons, one MPMG (Multi Purpose Machine Gun) and four communication sets from the area.

Troops after consolidating their positions in and around PALAMPIDDY are now conducting search and clear operations.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=13297

Lankan navy detains 19 Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 19 Indian fishermen on charges of poaching in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.

The authorities here suspect the fishermen have also “smuggled in something” for the Tamil Tigers, a military spokesperson said.

“We have arrested 19 Indian fishermen with three dhows off Thalaimannar on Thursday. This time the issue is very serious because they were arrested while returning from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) held territories such as Devil Point and Palaitivu,” said navy spokesperson Commander D K P Dassanayake.

Pointing out that India had banned fishing “during this breeding season”, he said the fishermen had “violated rules and regulations of their own land”.
“We strongly suspect that they might have smuggled in something for the LTTE,” Dassanayake told IANS.

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

17 innocent civilians injured in LTTE hand grenade attack - Vavuniya

Seventeen innocent civilians including two children suffered injuries when an LTTE terrorist exploded a hand grenade in Vavuniya town this afternoon, May 17.

An LTTE terrorist has lobbed a hand grenade targeting a STF (Special Task Force) buffle carrying security forces personnel and it dropped back missing it's target, Vavuniya police sources said. The explosion took place at 12.10 p.m in a densely populated area in Vavuniya town, sources further said.

Seventeen civilians who suffered injuries were rushed to the Vavuniya hospital immediately. Nine males, six females and two children were among the victims, hospital sources said. Four victims who received severe injuries have already been transferred to Anuradhapura hospital, sources further said.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080517_05
Photo,
www.defence.lk, www.army.lk and www.nationalsecurity.lk

Take LTTE to Task Now, Anandasangaree Urges International Community

V. Anandasangaree,President of the President TULF strongly condemned the bomb attack on innocent civilians in Colombo by the terrorist LTTE. He called upon international community to take the ruthless terrorists to task for this barbaric act. Hhe pointed out that that within two days of the assassination of Ms. Maheswary Velauthan of the EPDP, the LTTE has once again shown its atrocious feat in the heart of Colombo.

As usual Prabaharan has selected an innocent family to provide a suicide bomber for the game he plays off and on and thoroughly enjoys the killings of the innocents. He added, once again it is somebody else’s brainwashed child had sacrificed himself without any known protest neither from the suicide-bomber’s parents nor from any one of the TNA Members of Parliament who are although proxies of the LTTE, in name elected by the people.

I am not asking the TNA Members to sacrifice their own children. My only worry is as to why they can’t lodge a strong protest against human sacrifices by the LTTE. That is all I am asking. I strongly condemn the LTTE for playing with human lives."

He said that Ten innocent people some of whom are police officers, have died and over eighty-five seriously injured. How many more will die will not be known for a few days and by the time the exact figure is made known, more similar incidents would have taken place.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11236

Sri Lankan president expresses condolence to China over earthquake

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and the victims of earthquake that struck China on May 12,the Sri Lankan government said Friday.

In his letter to the Chinese President Hu Jintao, Rajapaksa said "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death and destruction caused by the earthquake that struck western China on May 12."

"Having gone through the fury of nature ourselves in 2004 December due to the unprecedented tsunami that struck our country, the government and the people of Sri Lanka extend their sympathies to the bereaved families and the victims of this calamity.

Read more,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/16/content_8189162.htm

SLAF raids Iranamadu runway - Mullaittiuvu

The Sri Lankan Air Force fighter craft made precision air sorties at the Iranamadu runway this evening in Mullaittiuvu, Air Force sources said.

According to available information the target was engaged on receiving intensified LTTE activities at the location, at around 8.p.m., sources further added.

More information will follow.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080516_09

Pilleyan' sworn in as Chief Minister

Leader of the TMVP, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council before President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (May 16).

Chandrakantha obtained the highest number of preferential votes from the Batticaloa District in the recently concluded Provincial Council elections.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5871&Itemid=44
Photo,
http://www.dinamina.lk/2008/05/17/mainpic.asp?pic=mainpic_L.jpg

Ten Killed and over 86 injured by suicide motor cyclist

A total of ten (10) which included eight Police constables and two civilians were killed and over (86) others were reported injured, some seriously, when a suicide bomber on a motor cycle crashed into a parked Police vehicle on Lotus road around 12.00 noon today (16) near the check point barrier close to Sambuddhaloka Viharaya, in Colombo, Fort. Among these 86 injured there were 30 policemen, Six Army personals and fifty innocent civilians.

Usually the city is busy at this hour on week days. Today, the roads were busier than usual as traffic was trying to leave Colombo before the rush hour to get away for the weekend especially as Monday and Tuesday also being holidays for the Wesak festival.

At the time of the incident there had been three vehicles belonging to the Police Riot Squad. One vehicle was a Police Bus with a contingent of constables and a few officers most of whom drawn for Duty from the Peliyagoda Police Station. The two other vehicles were equipped with water cannon. The contingents of Police were on 'stand by' duties at the time to meet any emergency. Most of the casualties were Policemen from the Peliyagoda Police station.

Read more,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=12500
Photos,
www.defence.lk and www.army.lk

Terrorist base west of Nayaru lagoon destroyed in air attack

An LTTE military base engaged in intensified activities located west of Nayaru lagoon came under Sri Lanka Air Force Fighter Jet attack last night, after it had been constantly observed by the air and ground surveillances for a long period, defense sources said yesterday (15).

Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya, said that the air sorties were carried out around 7.30 p.m targeting the LTTE base located in a jungle patch in Mullaittivu area.

The target was accurately hit causing maximum damage to the enemy base, he further said.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5853&Itemid=44

JVP not in tune with new challenges - Wimal

The current JVP leadership has failed to respond to issues created by new challenges or accept those challenges other than merely being an alternative to the traditional Left, leader of the newly-established National Freedom Front (Jathika Nidahas Peramuna) Wimal Weerawansa said yesterday addressing the party's first general summit at the BMICH, Colombo.

Weerawansa recalled that the JVP was created by the late Rohana Wijeweera with the noble objective of fighting imperialism 43 years ago on May 14, 1965 while offering solutions to identified issues.

The Eastern provincial council election result has clearly showed the present deterioration of the JVP whereas the party could win with a clear majority at earlier elections. But as the result of weakness of the party leadership the JVP has failed to identify the pulse of the ordinary masses, he added.

"The adamant party leadership and some high rankers within it were not ready to accept the present day challenges even though we tried to steer the party on the correct path," Weerawansa said.

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Patil expresses concern over LTTE’s ‘air capability’

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has expressed concern over the reported air capability of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that could be a threat to the vital installations in South India.

Stressing the need to synergise the efforts of all key partners for a safer and more efficient functioning of the installations in various sectors, he said the government would take all steps to protect the atomic energy installations and ports.

Inaugurating a “Security of Installations in Key Sectors” conference on Monday, Mr. Patil said the government was aware of the need to provide foolproof, multi-tier security to key atomic plants, establishments of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other set-ups in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The conference was attended by heads of installations along with their security chiefs.

“There is a need to pool our efforts, have better coordination and upgrade our technological skills to secure our installations, which are critical to our country,” he said.

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http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/14/stories/2008051459781700.htm

If Sri Lanka Fails Against LTTE the World Fails Fight Against Terrorism-Rajapaksa Tells Oxford Union

Calling it the plain truth President Mahinda Rajapaksa said if Sri Lanka failed in her war against the LTTE the world will fail in its fight against terrorism and democracy will be victim addressing the Oxford University Student Union.

“The LTTE is the most brutal terror outfit the world has ever seen and defeating them requires global support. What Sri Lanka is doing..is fighting the terror outfit single handed to ensure that democracy and respect for human life prevail in the world,” the President said .

Calling the LTTE the main obstacle to development in Sri lanka the President said, it is time the world raising its united voice express its utter revulsion of the barbaric practice of suicide bombings and that form of political expression , if it could be described as such is utterly unacceptable in the civilized world.
Speaking to a packed house of Britishers and expatriate Sri Lankans the President pointed out at the Oxonians like the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike whose wife was the first woman Prime Minister of the world and the late Laxman Kadirgamar who was brutally assassinated by the LTTE.

Sri Lankan Society President Dilan Fernando and his members were joined by Pakistani, Palestine, Indian Socociety members in felicitating the President. Thai Society also sent their delegation to the audience.

The following is the unedited full text of the President’s speech:
#“It is with much pleasure that I address you in these hallowed surroundings tonight. I must thank the Oxford Union and Mr Dilan Fernando for this opportunity. Many renowned speakers have addressed you from here before me. I do not seek to match them in their eloquence but I do wish to speak to you on a subject of much interest to my country at the present time.

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