Non-profit Tamil group added to terrorism list

A Toronto-based non-profit organization has been outlawed by Cabinet under the Anti-Terrorism Act, in what may signal an aggressive new approach to combating terrorist financing in Canada.

The decision to add the World Tamil Movement to Canada's list of outlawed terrorist groups marks the first time Ottawa has used the anti-terrorism law to shut down a Canadian community group for ties to terrorists.

Stockwell Day, the Minister of Public Safety, was expected to make the announcement in Toronto today at 1 p.m. but financial institutions were officially notified at 9 a.m. this morning by Canada's banking regulator.

The directive issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions advised banks and insurance companies to notify the RCMP or CSIS if they hold any accounts linked to the WTM.

The announcement may mark the end of the road for the WTM, which has operated in Canada since the 1980s. Earlier this year, the RCMP seized dozens of bank accounts linked to the group's officers and shut down its Montreal branch office.

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12 Police personnel killed, over 20 injured in LTTE suicide attack - Vavuniya

12 police personnel including 3 WPCs (Woman Police Constables) were killed and over 20 others have suffered injuries when a motorbike ridding LTTE suicide cadre blew himself in front of the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) office complex in Vavuniya this morning, June 16.

According to the initial reports received from Vavuniya, the explosion has occurred around 7.10 a.m., targeting the Police personnel leaving the SSP office for their duties.

A total of 23 people were admitted to the general hospital at Vavuniya, including 19 Police personnel and 4 civilians, the Vavuniya hospital sources said speaking to our defence correspondent. A school girl is also among the victims who suffered injuries, hospital sources further said.

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50,000 MTs of Thai rice to Sri Lanka

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama returning to the country after a successful official visit to Thailand said that the Government of Thailand has agreed to provide 50,000 metric tons of rice.
The decision was reached when Minister Bogollagama held discussions with Thai Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, and with his counterpart Noppadon Pattama during his visit.

The Thai Foreign Minister while welcoming Mr. Bogollagama guaranteed Thailand's cooperation with Sri Lanka in her efforts to eradicate terrorism.

The Minister, during the meeting, had given a detailed briefing on the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Sri Lanka, which had ensured the clearance of the LTTE from the Eastern Province enabling the restoration of democracy and the holding of elections there after 20 years.

The Thai Foreign Minister had, referred to the excellent relations between the two countries based on ancient religious and cultural ties. He also referred to the positive mutual cooperation on regional platforms such as AR, ACD, and BIMSTEC.

The Thai Foreign Minister proposed that the two parties draft a joint plan of action to promote tourism, culture, exchanges, trade, investment etc. The Sri Lanka Foreign Minister responded positively and said that both sides could forward proposals at the next Joint Commission meeting to be hosted in Thailand.


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