By
S.Vijay Kumar

Many Sri Lankan nationals, who had planned to visit Tamil Nadu as tourists or pilgrims, cancelled their trips following a travel advisory issued by their Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday.

According to diplomats, a large number of citizens of the island nation who called the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi and the Deputy High Commission in Chennai, were told to avoid visiting Tamil Nadu in view of the attacks on Buddhist monks and ongoing protests across the State.

Continue reading ‘Tourist Industry in Tamil Nadu Hit as Sri Lankans Cancel Planned Visits to State After Attacks on Buddhist Priests’ »

By

The City Bureau

Protests against the Sri Lankan government’s human rights record heated up in the city on Tuesday, with road and rail rokos, demonstrations and fasts taking place across several locations. While a few train services were briefly disrupted and traffic had to wend its way through marches, the agitations were mostly peaceful.

Continue reading ‘Burning, Storming, Blockading, Fasting………….Anti-Sri Lanka Protests in Chennai Go on!’ »

In view of the current situation prevailing in the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development has advised Sri Lankan travelers to avoid Tamil Nadu when transiting to other states in India.

Issuing a statement Military Spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya said, “Sri Lankan tour operators who organize group pilgrimages to Indian destination have also been advised to avoid Chennai and to use air ports in other states.”

“If the final destination in India is Tamil Nadu the travelers are required to contact Sri Lankan High Commission in Delhi or branch office in Chennai and seek advise,” the statement added.COURTESY:DAILY MIRROR

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By

Supun Dias

Hirunika Premachandra and three others were taken into custody this evening and released on police bail by the Borella police for allegedly assaulting and threatening a businessman last Thursday after entering his shop in Kinsey Road.

Continue reading ‘Hirunika Premachandra and Three Others Arrested by Borella Police and Released on Police Bail’ »

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA: A day after the DMK withdrew support to the UPA government on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, the party’s five Union Ministers on Wednesday submitted their resignation to the Prime Minister amid speculation that party chief M. Karunanidhi’s son M.K. Alagiri was unhappy for not being kept in the loop.

Eyebrows were raised as Mr. Alagiri and D. Napoleon did not go along with other three Ministers S.S. Palanimanickam, S. Gandhiselvan and S. Jagatrakshakan to submit their resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at around noon at his Parliament House office.

Continue reading ‘DMK Ministers Submit Resignations in Two Groups Due to Intra-Party Rivalry Between Karunanidhi’s Sons Stalin and Azhaghiri’ »

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA: Protests over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue continued all over the state on Wednesday with CPI(M) and BJP also holding agitations.

In Chennai, protests including demonstrations, were held by the advocates of Madras High Court, CPI(M) under its state unit secretary G. Ramakrishnan, BJP’s youth wing and the recently founded Aam Aadmi Party.

Continue reading ‘Widespread Protests Against Sri Lankan Regime Continue in Tamil Nadu’ »

By

A Staff Reporter

In a suspected retaliatory response to the protests against Sri Lanka in Tamil Nadu, four fishermen from the State were brutally assaulted allegedly by Sri Lankan Naval personnel off Kodiakkarai in Vedaranyam in the early hours of Wednesday.

Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu Fishermen Allegedly Assaulted Brutally by Sri Lankan Navy in Suspected Retaliation for Anti-Sri Lanka Protests in State’ »

By

A Special Correspondent

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Tuesday accused her rival and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi of seeking to deceive the people of the State and cover up “his role that caused untold misery to Sri Lankan Tamils”

Reacting to Mr. Karunanidhi’s announcement of withdrawal of support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, Ms. Jayalalithaa listed instances of, what she called, betrayal of the Sri Lankan Tamils by Mr. Karunanidhi and said his decision came after he frittered away opportunities to express strongly against the Union government. In 2009 when the Eelam war was at its peak, instead of pulling out his nominees from the Union Cabinet or withdrawing support to the Central government, he enacted a drama of “three-hour fast.” Had he withdrawn his support to the government then, the Sri Lankan Tamils would have been saved. “This is a very big betrayal of the Tamils,” she said.

Continue reading ‘DMK Quitting Govt in New Delhi is Deception by Karunanidhi to Cover up his Betrayal of Eelam Tamils Charges Jayalalithaa’ »

By

Smita Gupta

As efforts went on through the day to see whether a resolution on the issue could be passed in Parliament to appease the DMK, and the Congress Core Group took stock of the situation, ministerial sources said that with or without the party’s 18 MPs, the government was stable: the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party both affirmed their continued support to the government on Tuesday, they said. Union finance minister P Chidambaram told journalists, “The government is stable and enjoys a majority in Lok Sabha. The government will continue.”

The numbers currently are stacked thus: without the DMK and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the UPA total is 224. With the support of the SP (22), the BSP (21) and 24 other MPs, nine of whom are independents, the total is 291 in a House that currently has 540 members — there are four vacancies. The government currently requires 271 to continue, so it has a margin of 20.

Continue reading ‘Sonia Gandhi’s Speech Empathising with Sri Lankan Tamils has come “Too Late” Says Elangovan of DMK’ »

By

B.Kolappan

Amid raging protests by students and an upsurge in pro-Lankan Tamil sentiment in Tamil Nadu in the run-up to the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote against Sri Lanka, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Tuesday decided to come out of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), arguing that staying in the government and the ruling combine would do great harm to the cause of Lankan Tamils.

DMK president M. Karunanidhi announced his party’s decision to quit both the government and the Congress-led UPA, just a day after Union Ministers P. Chidambaram, A. K. Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad tried in vain to persuade him to back down from his core demand that the U.S.-backed resolution at the Geneva-based UNHRC be made tougher. He also ruled out providing outside support to the UPA government.

Continue reading ‘DMK Exits Central Govt and resigns Ministerial Posts but will not Try to Topple Congress Led Ruling Combine’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu”of March 20th 2013 Under the Heading “From Defensive to Offensive”)

The less there is to lose, the more there is to gain. In quitting the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre with only a year to go before the general election, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is not exactly taking a huge political gamble. The possible political gains far outweigh the inherent risks in leaving a ruling coalition and being out of power at the Centre as well as in the State. As the protest movement on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue gathers steam in Tamil Nadu, the DMK realised it could be under attack for being part of the government at the Centre.

Continue reading ‘Possible Political Gains far Outweigh the Inherent Risks in DMK Leaving Ruling Coalition and Being out of Power in the State and Centre’ »

by

Nirupama Subramanian

If the pressure being brought to bear by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other Tamil political parties and groups on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to take a strong stand against Sri Lanka in the Human Rights Council (HRC) is aimed at helping the Tamil minority in that country, it is unlikely to achieve that objective.

In fact, it is quite likely to have the opposite effect of painting Sri Lankan Tamils as a fifth column for Tamil nationalist or Eelamist designs emanating from Tamil Nadu, and increasing the political polarisation in that country.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Obstinate Reluctance to Deal with It’s National Question is Squarely to Blame for the Churning in Tamil Nadu Today’ »

By

Upul Joseph Fernando

President Mahinda Rajapska and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-pic: PTI

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his speech made in Parliament pertaining to the US resolution to be tabled at the UN Human Rights Council, made no mention of the photograph of Prabhakaran’s son or the war crimes allegations against Sri Lanka. He only stated his government was committed to safeguarding the rights of the Lankan Tamils by ensuring devolution of power under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Some are of the view India is not evincing much interest regarding the war crimes allegations, because it fears permitting an international investigation into Sri Lanka’s war crimes allegations would open the flood gates, and there could well be a resolution against India on a future date with a request to the human rights commission for an investigation into the human rights violations in Kashmir on a future date. Hence, India’s apprehensions.

Continue reading ‘Is Manmohan Singh Afraid to Antagonize Mahinda Rajapaksa Because Sri Lanka may Expose India’s Involvement in War on LTTE?’ »

by Sivamohan Sumathy

(Sivamohan Sumathy is attached to the Department of English, University of Peradeniya)

HALAL

Fazeel Kariyappar

Continue reading ‘“Halal” as a metaphor in the search for understanding of the Consciousness to Forge the “WE”in Multiple Ways’ »

by

Kath Noble

In the third week of the UN Human Rights Council sessions, Karunanidhi played what he hopes will be his trump card. Unless India not only votes against Sri Lanka but also ensures that the resolution includes a commitment to a war crimes investigation, his party will quit the coalition government.

Whether or not he gets what he wants in this instance, he knows that there is a limit to what can be achieved by means of threats alone. Threats couldn’t have persuaded Manmohan Singh to intervene to stop the war in 2009, for example. That’s why Karunanidhi didn’t make any. Instead, he launched a fast that lasted from breakfast until a slightly late lunch, at which point he professed to be completely convinced that the Sri Lankan military had stopped using heavy weapons in the No Fire Zone.

And that was at a time when Karunanidhi was rather more powerful than he is today, having since lost an assembly election rather badly.

Today, to get anything more than a resolution in Geneva, he is going to have to mobilise public opinion.

Continue reading ‘As always, it is not clear whether it was the Tamil Chicken or the Sinhalese Egg that came first.’ »

By
Tamara Kunanayakam

(Tamara Kunanayakam is a Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UN in Geneva)

These past few weeks, the Sri Lankan media and Indian officials have echoed US claims that its latest draft resolution is only procedural and, hence, will not harm Sri Lanka’s national interests and sovereignty. According to other media reports, “there is no call for an international investigation.” A closer examination of the latest draft text will show, however, that such claims are incorrect and misleading.

Continue reading ‘US Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva Envisages Establishment of International Investigation Mechanism to Monitor an Internal Process’ »

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA: Slamming DMK president M. Karunanidhi for announcing his party’s withdrawal from the UPA over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Tuesday described it as a “drama” and indicated it was an action which came too late in the day.

His announcement that the party was withdrawing its support to the Centre over the Lankan Tamils issue was a late decision, she said while also referring to a Tamil saying.

Continue reading ‘Jayalalithaa Mocks Karunanidhi’s Announcement of DMK Withdrawal From Congress Led Central Govt as “Enacting Latest Drama”’ »

As the DMK decided to withdraw support, the government on Tuesday moved to bring a resolution on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue in Parliament in an attempt to placate the key ally which has set it as one of the conditions for reconsideration of its decision.

Sources said the government is drafting a resolution to be brought in Parliament.

The decision was taken after the Congress Core Group meeting, hours after DMK chief M. Karunanidhi announced that his party would withdraw support to the UPA.

Continue reading ‘Karunanidhi May Reconsider DMK Quitting Central Govt as Congress Drafts Resolution on Sri Lanka to be Presented in Indian Parliament’ »

Dasun Edirisinghe

A senior census and statistics official yesterday disputed a claim being propagated in the country that the Muslim population is likely exceed that of the majority community. The Sinhala population in the country is 74.9 per cent according to the Basic Population Information Report of the Census of Population and Housing 2011.

Director, Population Census and Demography Division of the Department of Census and Statistics, Indu Bandara said that according to the 2011 census, the Muslim population was 9.2 per cent and the Sinhala population was 74.9 per cent. Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils were 11.2 and 4.2 per cent respectively.

Continue reading ‘Census and Statistics Dept Director Refutes Propaganda that Muslim Population Will Exceed Sinhala Population in Sri Lanka’ »

By

Dianne Silva

(Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa spoke to the Daily Mirror about the ongoing development projects undertaken across the country, intra-party politics and his future political aspirations)

Q. What is your stance on the Bodu Bala Sena issue?

From time to time these issues arise. However we as the government have to look at all sides of the issue. It is the right of the people to bring to light anything that they are dissatisfied with or any issues that they have—the government cannot do anything to stop people from expressing their views. However if something goes beyond a reasonable point then we have to curtail it. I am looking at it in a very open minded way.

Continue reading ‘“It is up to the President to Think About Whether I Need to be The Prime Minister”-Basil Rajapaksa’ »

By

Mahinda Rajapaksa

(Full text of the speech made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he inaugurated the Mattala Rajapaksa International airport on March 18th 2013)

President Mahinda Rajapaksa at arrival to declare open Mattala Rajapaksa International airport, Mar 18, 2013

Today is a significant day for us here at Mattala and the entirety of Sri Lanka. I have been given a very special task today which I will perform at the outset. Accordingly, I hereby declare that this March 18 on which day the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was handed over to the people in keeping with the commitment of the Mahinda Chinthana to make Sri Lanka an aviation hub in Asia as part of the five – fold hubs of development and thereby enhance the service towards the people by inaugurating the first international airport built since independence through our own strength, is declared as Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Service Day.

Today we mark a new international airport on the world map. What we have built here in Mattala is an airport where even the largest aircraft flying today could land.

Continue reading ‘Value of Wellassa Corn Pods and Mahampura Beach Sands will Rise Because of the Mattala International Airport’ »

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday demanded an “independent and credible” inquiry into the violation of human rights in Sri Lanka even as she refused to comment on key UPA ally DMK withdrawing support to the government at the Centre.

Continue reading ‘Sonia Gandhi Demands an “Independent and Credible”Inquiry into Violation of Human Rights in Sri Lanka’ »

by

G Pramod Kumar

The Indian government seems to have been successful in watering down the proposed second US resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC.

The revised US draft, which was tabled on Monday, is much softer and “there is a lot of evidence to clearly show the imprint of Indian influence,” said G Ananthapadmanabhan, Chief Executive of Amnesty International in India.

Continue reading ‘India Succeeds Again in Getting US to Water Down Text of Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva’ »

By

B. Kolappan

by: ‘Cartoonist Bala’ – via- facebook.com/cartoonistbala

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has bought time from its ally DMK, which is threatening to leave the alliance, by promising to adopt a resolution in Parliament supporting two important amendments to the U.S.-sponsored draft resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Continue reading ‘Karunanidhi Vacillates on Announced Decision About DMK Quitting Central Govt After Discussions with 3 Top Congress Ministers’ »

(Text Of Statement Issued by Tamil Information Centre in London)

We have observed the recent attacks on Buddhist monks and other Sri Lankan visitors in Tamil Nadu with grave concern and extreme unease. These attacks are callous and disgraceful and will not help the Sri Lankan Tamils, but may cause them more harm. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the victims.

Certainly, there is no justification for these acts from either a political perspective or, in truth, from the perspective of any other moral and freedom-loving people. These acts diminish the pride, dignity and freedom of Eelam Tamils.

Continue reading ‘Attacks on Buddhist monks and Sri Lankan visitors to Tamil Nadu must cease-Tamil Information Centre’ »

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar topped the list of most gorgeous women politicians in the world, a survey conducted by India Today said on Wednesday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar – pic by: Asia Society

Khar, who was elected member of national assembly from the seat of Pakistan Peoples Party, is famous for wearing attractive and fashionable outfits. Her handbags and dresses remains the focus of the media during foreign trips.

Continue reading ‘Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is World’s Most Gorgeous Woman Politician-“India Today”Poll’ »

By

NICK CUMMING-BRUCE

Navy Pillay, United Nations High Commission for Human Rights during the Panel at the palais des Nations. 1 March 2013. Photo by Jean-Marc Ferré

GENEVA — The United Nations Human Rights Council is preparing to vote this week on a resolution that urges Sri Lanka to deliver on its promises to investigate allegations of mass civilian slaughter in the army campaign that crushed a rebel group in May 2009, and expresses growing international concern over a lengthy catalog of continuing atrocities.

Continue reading ‘More Support Foreseen for US Resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva This Year Than Last Year-NYT’ »

The DMK on Tuesday quit the UPA and its government voicing dismay over India’s stand over Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, but Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said there was no threat to the government.

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi announced that his party could not accept New Delhi’s bid to bail out Sri Lanka, which faces charges of committing human rights abuses on the Tamil community.

Continue reading ‘DMK Quitting Central Govt in Protest Over India’s Stand on Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva Announces Karunanidhi’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu”of March 19 2013 Under the Heading”Mindless Solidarity”)

A fanatic fringe seems intent on hijacking the protest movement in Tamil Nadu against Sri Lanka’s treatment of its Tamil citizens. With the terrorist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam no longer in the picture, large sections of the people in Tamil Nadu have begun to openly sympathise with the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. But, even as the protest movement gathers momentum, extremist outfits without any popular base have started carrying out violent attacks on Sri Lankan students and offices.

Continue reading ‘Protest Movement in Tamil Nadu Over Sri Lankan Tamil Issue Being Hijacked by Fanatic Fringe-The Hindu’ »

By

S. Vijay Kumar

The Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Southern India has written to the State government asking for increased security to be given to Sri Lankan people and establishments in the city.

The request follows Statewide agitations on the issue of Sri Lanka’s human rights record and attacks on Buddhist monks, including one on Monday.

Continue reading ‘SL Deputy High Commission in Chennai Wants Increased Security From Tamil Nadu State Govt for Sri Lankan People and Establishments’ »

By

Vivek Narayanan

A Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka was assaulted by three unidentified persons on board the Tamil Nadu Express, just as it arrived at Chennai Central Railway Station on Monday.

This is the second such attack in three days, the first being on a monk at the Big Temple in Thanjavur on Saturday. The government railway police (GRP) have intensified checks on all trains and tightened security in stations across the State to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Continue reading ‘Three men Assault Sri Lankan Buddhist Priest Pilgrim on a Train as it Reaches Chennai Central Station’ »

(Text of Letter dated 18.3.2013 addressed to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India by Selvi J Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is reproduced below)

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa

“As you are aware, Tamils in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora spread across the world are legitimately outraged and incensed over the impunity with which the Sri Lankan Government is ignoring international sentiments and binding resolutions relating to reconciliation and accountability for the war crimes and genocide committed in the closing stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka and the ongoing gross human rights abuses. To assuage the legitimate sense of outrage and deeply hurt sentiments it is absolutely important that India takes a strong stand in support of the US sponsored Resolution in the 22nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council and more importantly moves necessary independent amendments to further strengthen the Resolution.

You would recall that I had presented a Memorandum to you on 14.6.2011 and written to you on 25.6.2011 bringing to your notice the Resolution of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly dated 8.6.2011 which had called upon the Government of India to take up the issue of war crimes committed against Sri Lankan Tamils and also called for an economic embargo on Sri Lanka till the Tamils are fully resettled and are allowed to live with dignity and with equal constitutional rights as their Sinhala counterparts.

Continue reading ‘Jayalalithaa Wants Govt of India to Take a Bold Stand in Support of the Long Suffereing and Much Discriminated Against Tamil Minority of Sri Lanka’ »

Six distinguished former Ambassadors will be converging under one roof on Wednesday March 20th to discuss various issues concerning Sri Lanka’s forign Policy. The event will held at 6 pm at the CPA auditorium in Colombo is the fifth in the series of discussions organized by the Liberal Party on Ideas for Constitutional Reform. The event programme is as follows –

Presentations by two former Ambassadors/Permanent Representatives to the UN in Geneva on how foreign policy should be developed and what it should prioritize:

• Karu Jayasuriya
• Javid Yusuf
• H M G S Palihakkara
• John Gooneratne

Wednesday March 20th at 6 pm at the OPA Auditorium

All are welcome

By

Dharisha Bastians

Signalling an about-face on a key issue on its agenda, the hard-line Bodu Bala Sena group yesterday declared victory in its battle against the Halal certification and slammed the English-language press, even singling out the Daily FT for being traitors to the Sinhala Buddhist cause.

screen capture from Bodu Bala Sena Kandy Rally, Mar 17, 2013-via: pearltv.lk

Addressing a massive rally in Kandy town last afternoon, Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero said the Defence Secretary had provided an assurance that the Halal logo would be withdrawn in the country and a special Police unit would be set up to carry out inspections in shops around the country that might be still carrying Halal products.
Continue reading ‘Defence Secy to set up Special Police Unit to Monitor Shops selling Halal Products says Bodhu Bala Sena in Kandy’ »

By

Ranga Jayasuriya

Religious groups compete with each other for their constituency, just like terrorists, trade unions, or any other factions of competing ideologies do. That would perhaps explain the increasing militant activism of two controversial Buddhist groups: Bodu Bala Sena and Sinhala Ravaya.

On Saturday, protesters affiliated with Sinhala Ravaya stormed a house which is used as a Catholic religious centre in Nawala. They assaulted a male resident in the house in the presence of his wife and the child, accusing him of ‘defaming Buddhism.’ On Friday, a mob belonging to the same Buddhist group laid siege to another Catholic religious centre in Kahatagahapitiya, Galle.

Continue reading ‘Swelling Ranks of Bodu Bala Sena and Sinhala Ravaya is Ominous Sign of Potential Religious Conflagration in the Making.’ »

From “The Hindu” Tiruchi Bureau

Eight persons, who were arrested in connection with the assault on a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk in Thanjavur and Tiruchi on Saturday, have been remanded to judicial custody.

Pathberiye Gnanaloka Thero was assaulted by a group of persons owing allegiance to Thamizh Desiya Poduvudamai Katchi and Naam Thamizhar Katchi when he was on a study tour along with other students. In Tiruchi, two vans transporting Buddhist monk and other students to the Tiruchi Airport from Thanjavur were also attacked.
Continue reading ‘Eight Political Activist Goondas in Judicial Custody for Attack on Sri Lankan Buddhist Priest in Tamil Nadu’ »

Controversially impeached Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, who is to appear before the Commission to investigate into allegations of bribery or corruption today has turned down a request from a Commission official to come in through the backdoor instead of using the main entrance.

The Daily Mirror learnt that Justice Dr. Bandaranayake was contacted by a Sub-Inspector attached to the Bribery Commission who asked her to enter the Commission premises from a rear entrance on Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 7.

Continue reading ‘Bribery Commission Asks De Jure Chief Justice to Use Rear Entrance but Shirani Bandaranayake Wants to Use Front Entrance’ »

by

Ranga Jayasuriya

Tamara Kunanayakam

On the eve of the forthcoming resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s permanent representative at the UN Office in Geneva during the 2011-2012 period, relates her experience during the previous resolution in March 2012, and explains why she believes the new resolution is ‘a result of our foreign policy orientation.’

Continue reading ‘“I was Made the Scapegoat for the Diplomatic Setback in Geneva Last Year”-EX-UN Envoy Tamara Kunanayakam’ »

By

Sir Ronald Sanders

Sir Ronald Sanders

The most important reason for the selection of a country as the host-venue for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is that it serves the interests of the Commonwealth as a whole.

If this reason were a consideration, President Mahinda Rajapaksa would already have withdrawn Sri Lanka from hosting the CHOGM in November. The President has not done so. Instead, he has insisted that the Commonwealth Summit must be held in Sri Lanka even as his government is mired in intense controversy over violations of human rights and disregard for the rule of law.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt Must Withdraw From Hosting CHOGM Summit or Other Commonwealth Countries must Withdraw from Attending’ »

By

Shamindra Ferdinando

Sri Lanka’s refusal to move a joint resolution on accountability issues, at the ongoing United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions, has set the stage for a vote on the second US motion, targeting the country, since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009. The vote will take place on March 21.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka to get Friendly Country to Call for Vote at UNHRC in Geneva on March 21st to Expose Hypocrisy of Countries’ »

By

Mike Andree

With Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy being ordered to return to Sri Lanka on or before March 20, comes the news that three domestic aides employed by him have done the vanishing trick.

Three days ago, as many of the staff had expected, Asitha Perera complained that all three doemstic aides had disappeared. However, the Italian intelligence had received information that the aides were taken by one of Asitha’s agent friends to Verona.

The Italian Foreign Ministry has been irked by this and has informed Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Ministry, sources said.

Continue reading ‘Lankan Envoy to Italy Asitha Perera Allegedly Sends His Three Domestic Aides with”Agent”Friend to Verona and Complains They are Missing to Police in Rome’ »

By

Izeth Hussain

It is questionable whether there are today any purely internal problems, serious internal problems, without any external dimension to them at all. It is true that governments frequently try to explain away internal problems, for which they alone are responsible, by alleging foreign interference. It is true also that there is the human propensity to indulge in conspiracy theories. In certain situations of stress people can become paranoid and imagine that sinister foreign forces are at work behind practically every serious problem. While all that is true, it is also true that in today’s highly interdependent world foreign interference takes place on a scale never before known in human history.

Continue reading ‘Halal Problem in Sri Lanka is Almost Certainly Unique Because of Its Sheer Quasi-Insane Irrationality’ »

By
M.A.Sumanthiran MP

“Violence in the voice is often only the death rattle of reason in the throat” – H.G. Bohn

On 9th September 2011, a Muslim shrine which had stood for 300 years in Anuradhapura was destroyed by a mob reportedly led by monks. The Police, though present, did not intervene.

Anuradhapura Mosque demolition – Sep 2011

On 20th April 2012, a mob of about 2000 people led by the Mahanayake of the Rangiri Dambulla Chapter forcefully entered a 50 year old mosque, claiming it was illegal. The mosque also came under a petrol bomb attack. In Dehiwela, around 250 protesters led by Buddhist monks staged a protest, threw stones and rotten meat over the gate of a madrasa in May 2012.
Continue reading ‘Facilitating an “encore” with the anti-Muslim hate campaign?’ »

By

Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Hatred of one group can lead to hatred of others”
Amartya Sen (The Argumentative Indian).

In Sri Lanka the boundary line between myth and history is dangerously amorphous. And this twilight world often plays a decisive role in Lankan politics.

Sinhala schoolchildren are taught that they belong to a race which began when an Indian-Aryan princess eloped with a lion. They learn this tale not in the story-hour but during the history lesson.

The lion myth is from the Mahawamsa, venerated by most Sinhala-Buddhists as a history book cum sacred text. It is the grandson of the lion and the princess the Mahawamsa embraces as the originator of the Sinhala race. According to Mahawamsa itself, Vijaya ‘was of evil conduct’; he and his followers committed so many crimes of such horrific nature that his father was eventually compelled to exile them ’.
Continue reading ‘Mahawamsa Created Enduring Myth of “Chosen Race” Sinhalese Being the Rightful Owners of “Sacred Space” Sri Lanka’ »

By

Jayantha Jayaweera

(Jayantha Jayaweera BSc Civil Eng (Lon), MIE (Aust), CPEng, an old boy of both Thurstan and Isipathana wanders down memory lane as the 50th encounter of the Thurstan-Isipathana big match draws near)

This year two leading boys’ schools in Colombo, Thurstan College and Isipathana College, are celebrating their 50th annual big cricket match encounter on 22nd and 23rd March 2013 at the SSC grounds. This is a special occasion for past students of both schools and an opportunity for many of them to reunite, for some of them perhaps since leaving school.

I am one of many old boys who live overseas and am returning to Sri Lanka to witness this historic occasion.

Continue reading ‘Golden Memories:50th Annual Big Match Between Thurstan and Isipathana on March 22nd and 23rd)’ »

By

A Special Correspondent

Justifying his threat to leave the Congress-led UPA government if his demand that India seek effective amendments to strengthen the US-sponsored resolution in the UN Human Rights Council was not met, DMK president M. Karunanidhi on Saturday said that in the past such pressure tactics from him had produced the desired results.

DMK Leader M. Karunanidhi celebrating 60th birthday of his son M. K. Stalin (R)-Mar 1, 2013-pic via-twitter.com/kalaignar89

Responding to scepticism voiced in the media about the seriousness behind his warning, and criticism that the DMK had so far had issued six such threats but did not carry them out, Mr. Karunanidhi said in a statement that the media could not suppress the fact that such threats had brought benefits to Tamil Nadu.

Continue reading ‘DMK Leader Karunanidhi says his Threats to Leave the Congress Led Indian Central Govt have Worked in the Past’ »

By

A Sri Lankan Muslim

poster in Kandy-pic:navamani.lk

It was early hours of Sunday 17 March. I was returning from Macau to Hong Kong after a short visit with my nephew who was browsing his iPhone. I was in deep thought of the situation in Sri Lanka. All of a sudden he gave me his phone and said look.

There was a news item in Tamil asking the Muslims of Kandy not to go out on the Sunday 17th as the Bodhu Bala Sena was conducting an anti Muslim rally. I asked whether it was on Facebook and he said yes.
Continue reading ‘Hon President, Are Today’s Muslims of Sri Lanka the Yesterday’s Jews of Germany?’ »

By

G. Srinivasan and R. Rajaram

A Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, Pathberiye Gnanaloka Thero, was assaulted by members of Tamil outfits at the Big Temple in Thanjavur on Saturday. He was part of a team of students of the Institute of Archaeology of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, on a study tour.

Members of a Tamil outfit surround Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Pathberiye Gnanaloka Thero at the Big temple in Thanjavur on Saturday-Photo: Special Arrangement ~ courtesy: The Hindu

Later in the day, vans transporting the students to the Tiruchi airport from Thanjavur were pelted with stones resulting in damage to windshields. However, the students escaped unhurt.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Buddhist Priest Pathberiya Gnanaloka Thero on Archaeology Study Tour Assaulted by Tamil Nadu Political Goondas at Thanjavoor Great Temple Precincts’ »

By

Easwaran Rutnam

The government has refused to accede to a request by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, to visit Sri Lanka.

Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue.-Jun 2012-UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva has told La Rue that his mandate on Sri Lanka was only for the period the UN Human Rights Council resolution 19/2 adopted in March 2012 was in force and not after.

Continue reading ‘Govt Turns Down Request Made by UN Special Rapporteur onFreedom of Opinion and Expression Frank La Rue to Visit Sri Lanka’ »

By

N.Sathiya Moorthy

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe & President Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa could not have asked for more. The Opposition UNP’s offer to work with the government on the issues and problems flowing from the second US resolution at the UNHRC, Geneva, means different things to different stake-holders nearer home and afar. Yet, on the face of it, UNP Leader and former Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, may have sent out the signal to his fellow-Sri Lankans that the nation is united on the issue at hand. Or, so would he like it to be seen.

The UNP had maintained silence on the issue for long. It had obviously hoped for – or, anticipated – a climb-down either by Washington or Colombo. Until the vote is taken, or until the final draft is submitted for vote, there could still be hopes in many and anxieties in some about a ‘compromise resolution’ contributed by – and to – a climb-down by both. The way, Sri Lanka feels cornered, that could well be saying a lot, depending of course on the wording of a ‘compromise resolution’, if any.

Continue reading ‘Is UNP Offer to Sign MOU with Govt “Another Great Sinhala Conspiracy”to Side-step the Ethnic Issue and Side-line the Tamils?’ »

By

Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema

R. Sampanthan MP

TNA Leader R. Sampanthan says the government seems determined to imprint upon the Tamil community the status of an inferior people. He observed that the government’s performance has been under observation by relevant UN agencies and others who have presented resolutions. “The government most regrettably seems to think that by persistently engaging in denials and adopting tactics of delay and evasion it could avoid the fulfillment of its commitments and obligations,” Sampanthan noted.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Continue reading ‘Govt Response to Concerns of the International Community has Neither been genuine Nor Honest-TNA Leader Sampanthan’ »

By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

cartoon by Hasantha Wijenayake-courtesy:Lakbima

As family members of a murdered ruling party politician travelled to Geneva this week to lay their case for denial of justice before the United Nations Human Rights Council, the ironies are palpable, almost painful. Are we to see in coming months, an unfairly impeached Chief Justice, persecuted Cabinet Ministers and scores of once loyal supporters of this administration following in their wake?

Good enough for some but not for others?

Continue reading ‘Why Have We Let Ourselves be Made the Virtual Laughing Stock of the World?’ »

By

Lasanda Kurukulasuriya

Reports of a news conference by Buddhist prelates led by the Ven Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero, held jointly with the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) on Monday, point to the salutary effects of consultations between religious and other groups in defusing a potentially explosive situation. The participants addressed concerns raised by certain parties over the labelling of ‘Halal’ food items in the market. It was announced at the conference that the ACJU (council of Muslim theologians) would issue Halal certification free of charge, and that the display of Halal logos on products would be on a ‘voluntary basis’ by manufacturing companies.

One of the most useful outcomes of the consultations has been that the CCC, representing several chambers of commerce and industrial groups, issued a media statement on the use of this certification by companies with respect to what are known as ‘Fast Moving Consumer Goods’ (FMCGs) – like groceries and toiletries. The CCC said goods sold in the local market are not required to display the Halal logo. However exporters who wanted it could get the certification free of charge from the ACJU.

Continue reading ‘Bodu Bala Sena is Spearheading the Anti-Halal Agitation Aided and Abetted by the Jathika Hela Urumaya’ »

By
C.A.Chandraprema

UNHRC- Mar 2012 Vote

Those of us in Sri Lanka have to understand, that voting in international fora is often no different to the way votes are conducted at national level. Interest group block votes, bribery, skulduggery, arm twisting, all have a role to play in voting in international bodies. For at least a decade, one of the main topics under discussion in both the old UN Commission on Human Rights and the present UNHRC has been the creation of ‘a democratic and equitable international order’.

On October 11, 2012, the UNHRC passed a resolution titled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order” which was passed with 31 votes for, 12 against and four abstentions. The voting with regard to that resolution was as follows:
Continue reading ‘After Finishing One War Sri Lanka Finds Herself on the Frontline of Another War’ »

by

Michele. J Sison, U.S. Ambassador

Ambassador Michele. J. Sison in Batticaloa-October 25, 2012

In my second week in Sri Lanka I visited a workshop to see American development aid in action. Our office at the United States Agency for International Development was helping sponsor a three day Peace Camp.

Toward the conclusion of this camp, a young Sinhalese girl from Gampaha approached our embassy officials and told us that her mother had not wanted her to attend an event in the North. She said that after breaking her shoe, another girl attending the Camp, a Tamil girl from Puttalam, gave the Sinhalese girl a pair of her shoes, moving the young visitor to call her mother and explain the good deed.
Continue reading ‘“We Have Supported Civil Society in Sri Lanka for Over 60 Years and Will Continue to do so”-US Envoy to Sri Lanka’ »

By
C.A.Chandraprema

As at the time of writing, there still isn’t a final draft of the US sponsored resolution that is to be presented to the UNHRC against Sri Lanka. The world’s most powerful nation is finding it difficult to word a resolution against one of the smallest and weakest nations in Asia.

UNHRC Voting on Sri Lanka in March 2012-pic: UN-Geneva

What would the situation have been if this was an attempt to present a resolution against a more powerful Asian nation? Even last year’s resolution against Sri Lanka was not won comfortably by the USA. The US resolution got 24 votes and Sri Lanka got 15 votes with eight countries abstaining.
Continue reading ‘World’s Most Powerful Nation is Finding it Difficult to “Word” a Resolution Against One of the Smallest and Weakest Nations in Asia’ »

By Sujeeva Nivunhella in London

Canadian special envoy to the Commonwealth Senator Hugh Segal said Canada will not boycott the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka.

PM Harper visits Yellowknife to announce a devolution agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories, Mar 11, 2013-pic: PMWebPhotos

Senator Segal, who will be arriving in Colombo tomorrow morning, on a fact-finding mission, talking exclusively to the Sunday Island in London said that there will be a Canadian delegation in Colombo for CHOGM and “Canada is sorting out as we speak the level of that delegation”.

Segal, who was in London, to attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations, however, said that the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will not attend the summit.

Continue reading ‘Canada Will Not Boycott The Commonwealth Summit in Sri Lanka But Prime Minister Harper Will Not Attend It’ »

By
C.A.Chandraprema

The original draft of the US resolution that was circulated to members of the UNHRC had a number of provisions which no country will accept. The very delay in finalising this draft is an indication of how unacceptable they are (or were depending on whether they have been revised by the time this reaches the reader). The UNHRC Independent Expert on the Promotion of an Equitable International Order stressed in his interim report that there should be ‘a renewed commitment to the UN Charter’ as the constitution of the modern world and ‘rigorous respect’ for Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter. The Independent Expert also called upon the UN General Assembly to ‘reclaim’ leadership in asserting the values that underlie the UN Charter.

Continue reading ‘Original Draft of US Resolution on Sri Lanka at UN in Geneva has Several Provisions Which No Country can Accept’ »

By AMY KARAFIN

As soon as I arrived at the temple, an old man caught my eye and directed me to the inner sanctum. It was hot outside, and the sun was strong. But it was even hotter in the temple, where hundreds of festivalgoers had gathered.

Naguleswaram Shiva Temple.

Once I walked beyond the crowds and entered the dark, smoky chamber, the air was cooler, though, with scents of burning ghee and faded coconut. The Hindu god Murugan, popular among the Tamil people of Sri Lanka, was in his alcove, garlanded in flowers and lighted by dozens of tiny oil lamps. I’m not a Hindu and tend toward agnostic, but my mother was sick, and the vibes here were strong. So I prayed.
Continue reading ‘Temples, Islands and Surreally Beautiful Landscapes of Jaffna’ »

by

Shamindra Ferdinando

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that a section of the Tamil Nadu fishing fleet had been propagating lies against the navy at the behest of interested parties, while poaching and causing immense damage to fishery resources in the country’s northern waters.

The Defence Secretary said that much publicised claims of recent attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen were lies timed for the ongoing United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva. “They are working overtime to show us in bad light. Ongoing protests in Tamil Nadu are part of their overall strategy,” the outspoken official said.

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance Must Take up Cause of Our Fishermen with Indian and Tamil Nadu Govts says Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’ »

By

A Special Correspondent

Movie Star Khushboo, now a member of DMK with and DMK Leader Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in January 2013

The DMK on Friday night threatened to quit the UPA government unless the U.S.-sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council was strengthened with a firm demand for an independent international probe into war crimes.
Continue reading ‘Karunanindhi Says DMK will Quit Central Govt Unless India Strengthens US resolution at UN with Firm demand for Probe on Sri Lankan War Crimes’ »

By

K. Balchand

Amid the diplomatic parleys to chalk out India’s stand at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has categorically said the stress will be on an impartial and transparent enquiry into allegations of atrocities against them.

Continue reading ‘India for Impartial and Transparent Probe into Allegations of Atrocities by Sri Lanka -Indian Foreign Minister’ »

The government has asked 438 arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu to be closed immediately till further orders as student organisations across the state gear up to organise massive protests from Monday.

The students are demanding that India vote against Sri Lanka on a resolution expected to be moved at a meeting of the United Nation’s Human Rights Council in Geneva this month.

Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu Govt of Jayalalithaa shuts down 438 Arts and Science colleges to prevent student protests against Sri Lanka’ »

(Compiled from Indian News reports in Indian Print and electronic Media)

Protest by the student community expressing solidarity with Eelam Tamils gathered pace in the central region on Thursday with agitations reported across Tiruchi and neighbouring districts. However, there were no arrests.

Students of Ambedkar Law University staging a protest against the Sri Lankan Government in Chennai on Monday. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan-courtesy of: The Hindu

Even as close to 1,000 students of Bharathidasan University, including a large section of girls, commenced their two-day fast in front of the main entrance along the Tiruchi-Pudukkottai Highway, a group of students of a couple of government colleges attempted to lock the head post office and the main branch of the State Bank of India, before proceeding to the Railway Junction and detaining two trains.
Continue reading ‘Widespread Student Protests in Tamil Nadu Over Sri Lankan Tamil Issue Gather Increasing Momentum’ »

By
Frances Harrison

Hugh Segal

Canada’s special envoy for the Commonwealth Hugh Segal is on his way to Sri Lanka as pressure mounts to relocate the Commonwealth’s heads of government meeting being held in Colombo later this year because of concerns over deteriorating human rights.

Canada’s Prime Minister has said he has no plan to attend the meeting if it’s held in Sri Lanka. Britain says it has yet to decide, though a parliamentary foreign affairs select committee recommended the Prime Minister stay away and there are unconfirmed reports that the Queen, who heads the Commonwealth, will not attend.
Continue reading ‘Canadian Special Envoy for Commonwealth Hugh Segal on his Way to Colombo for Discussions on Commonwealth Summit 2013’ »

by
New Delhi Bureau

Amid uproar in Parliament, the Centre summoned the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner to South Block and demanded speedy release of 53 Indian fishermen arrested by the island Navy. (Nineteen were arrested on Wednesday and the rest on Thursday)

With irate parliamentarians from Tamil Nadu attacking the government for its feeble response, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his deputy Preneet Kaur made statements in either House promising a lasting solution.

Continue reading ‘India Summons Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner to South Block to Demand Speedy Release of 53 Fishermen Arrested for Poaching in Sri Lankan Waters’ »

By
A Special Correspondent

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa

Reacting strongly to the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the last two days by the Sri Lankan navy, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa demanded on Thursday that the island nation’s envoy be summoned urgently to lodge India’s strong protest and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh intervene to ensure their early release.

Continue reading ‘Jayalalithaa Demands That Sri Lankan Envoy be Summoned Urgently to Lodge Protest Over Arrest of Tamil Nadu Fishermen by Lankan Navy’ »

By

Phil Miller

In a hotel by the tranquil shores of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam is catching his breath from the relentless repression faced by Tamil activists in Sri Lanka.

Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam – pic: twittter/tnpforg

He is here to attend the UN Human Rights Council’s 22nd session, which will examine the situation in his homeland this month.
Continue reading ‘Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam Got Into Trouble With The Sri Lankan Govt For Trying to Travel Abroad’ »

by

Rajpal Abeynayake

Why isn’t your government implementing its own LLRC recommendations?

That’s the refrain of those who have made the Geneva UNHRC sessions an article of faith, to coax the Sri Lankan nation to take cognizance of reconciliation issues after the war.

In pursuance of that task, they say that there are so many recommendations in the LLRC report which have been itemized in the National Action Plan, that have not been implemented.

Continue reading ‘Why Should We Implement All the Recommendations of “Our Own LLRC”Report?’ »

By

Vishwaguptha

“An emancipated society, on the other hand, would not be a unitary state, but the realization of universality in the reconciliation of differences.” – Theodor Adorno

G.G.Ponnambalam & S.J.V.Chelvanayagam

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), led by R. Sampanthan and his Party, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), do not seem to realize the gravity of serious politics, essential features of which include, among others, hard bargaining, postures one should adopt when confronted with an adversary who is backed by an overwhelming majority of people, the fine art of negotiating from a position of weakness, how not to antagonize the majority by being dogged and inflexible and the whole enchilada of political survival in harsh and unsympathetic conditions.

R. Sampanthan

The Party that began its turbulent journey 64 long years ago and whose origins and birth belonged to a totally bygone era that was dominated by a totally different class of politicians and statesmen, has carved out an image of an ‘elitist and educated clan’ representing an unsuspecting people. And the people too had been reposing their unqualified faith and confidence in a successive set of leaders, who first established their political party in the early 1940s as the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC).
Continue reading ‘Why Tamils and Tamil National Alliance are Bogged Down in Deep Pothole Today’ »

By

Sagarica Rajakarunanayake

In seeking better understanding between Buddhists and Muslims we welcome the fact that issues hitherto considered highly sensitive and not subject to question, such as halal products and halal certification, have now come out in the open.

pic courtesy: Knowledge Box-Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Even while we write this piece we learn that the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) and the Buddhist clergy, after considerable discussion, have amicably resolved the issue of halal certification.
Continue reading ‘Buddhists and Muslims Must Act Together to Put an End to The Atrocious Cruelty and Corruption in the Meat Trade’ »

By

Indrajit Coomaraswamy

Lasith Malinga should not have behaved in the manner he recently did in relation to the media. However, there is a consensus among those who know him well that he is a very decent person. (I must concede I have never met him.)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 07, 2012: Lasith Malinga of the Stars bowls during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium on December 7, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) 2012 Getty Images- pic via: facebook.com/Lasith.malinga.99

It is important, therefore, to ask the question what could have made him behave in this manner. The answer that comes to my mind will not be very palatable to sections of the media or the cricketing public.
Continue reading ‘Criticising and Questioning Lasith Malinga’s Commitment to National cause is Totally Unfair’ »

by

N Sathiya Moorthy

It has been heartening to see the eternally divided Indian polity standing as one in both Houses of Parliament on any issue -thrice in the past year. Yet, their election-driven agendas could not be hidden when the ‘UNHRC vote issue’ spilled over to the streets of the national Capital this time.

Existing alliances and election calculations dictated their participation, if at all, presence (in terms of minutes spent) and position on the ‘TESO seminar’.

Continue reading ‘Sinhalese Language has Borrowed Extensively From Sanskrit, Pali and Almost Every Other Language or Dialect in India’ »

by

Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Is there no asylum safe enough from your insane and blinded fury?” – Schiller (The Bride of Messina)

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest at the opening of Meth Sevana, the Buddhist Leadership Academy of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS). In his speech Mr. Rajapaksa said that he decided to attend the event “after realising its timely importance”; according to him, “these Buddhist clergy who are engaged in a nationally important task should not be feared or doubted by anyone” (Sri Lanka Mirror – 10.3.2013).

Secretary Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa ‘Methsevana’ opening – pic courtesy of: defence.lk

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s decision to publicly associate himself with the BBS is of inestimable significance. Anti-minoritism is the creed of the BBS, cowing the minorities its raison d’être. Igniting an anti-Muslim Black July seems to be its ‘nationally important task’. When the über-powerful Defence Secretary, the man who controls the police and the military, gives a character certificate to such a violently divisive organisation, it is not a happy portent.
Continue reading ‘Igniting an Anti-Muslim “Black July” Seems to be “Nationally Important Task” of Gothabaya Rajapaksa Endorsed Bodu Bala Sena’ »

By
Dharisha Bastians

The heavy Police guard at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo early Monday morning created the impression that there would be VIP movement at the hotel premises that day.

pic courtesy: Knowledge Box-Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Instead of politicians, it was a large contingent of senior Buddhist monks that alighted at the entrance and made their way towards the hotel’s Ivy Room. There, the monks took their seats alongside Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chief Susantha Ratnayake and senior Muslim clerics to address a massive joint media conference, where they proudly announced a win-win compromise on the Halal controversy that has been sweeping across the country.
Continue reading ‘Enmity and Social Segregation Propagated by Bodu Bala Sena Monks Find no Resonance or Comparison in the Teachings of the Buddha’ »

Minister Mervyn Silva

If anyone is attempting to stir religious hatred and out to destroy unity and peace, its is a warning to desist from doing so otherwise it would not be possible to escape him’ says the Minister for Public relations, Mr. Mervyn Silva. The minister was speaking at a ceremony at the Sri Wardanarama Temple in Katana.

He said that monks should act and speak in the manner of normal laymen adding that they should be more exemplary conduct.

Continue reading ‘Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva Warns”Any one Attempting to Stir Religious Hatred will not Escape Me”’ »

By

Sathya Liyanasuriya

Duminda Silva MP

For the past two years, controversial parliamentarian Duminda Silva has rarely been away from the spotlight even though away from the public eye. Last week, he hit the headlines again with a sudden return to the country.

Silva had been undergoing treatment in Singapore for injuries he sustained in a shooting incident at Kolonnawa on October 8, 2011 during the local government elections. Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) stalwart and Presidential advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra was killed in the incident.

Since then, Silva has caused some embarrassment to the ruling United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) for a variety of reasons in addition to being involved in a clash which killed a party colleague. That is because of the various legal issues that arose as a result of the event.

Continue reading ‘Retention of MP Seat Through Periodic Extensions of Leave Indicate Govt is in no Mood to Abandon Duminda Silva’ »

Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake

Ousted Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was requested to be present before the Commission to Investigate Bribery and Corruption on March 18.

Meanwhile the Lawyers Collective, who vociferously defended the ousted Chief Justice said the government has started ‘it’s much practiced witch hunts of those who do not submit’ to them
Continue reading ‘Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake Asked to Appear Before Bribery and Corruption Commission on March 18th’ »

By

Uditha Jayasinghe

Ranil Wickremesinghe

The time has come to decide whether the Rajapaksa regime or country is more important insisted the main Opposition Leader yesterday, calling for the Government to implement key accountability processes including holding elections in the north before the island is labelled as a “pariah State” by the international community.

Taking an impassioned stance, United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe requested the Government to hold a meeting with Opposition parties before the second US-backed resolution on Sri Lanka is passed at the ongoing United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) insisting that “it is still not too late”.

Continue reading ‘“Time has come to Decide Whether the Rajapaksa Regime or Country is Important”-Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Damian Thompson

Jorge Mario Bergoglio (b: 17 December 1936) Pope Francis

Pope Francis I, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, is a priest of holinesss and tremendous modesty of manner – a man who, until now, has taken the bus to work. His challenge is clear. He needs to learn from Benedict XVI’s greatest success – and his greatest failure.

The success was the restoration of reverent, mystical worship to the centre of Catholic life, an achievement that has inspired a dynamic generation of young Catholics. The failure was Benedict’s inability to reform the corrupt structures of the Roman curia, which should be recognised as the rotten core of the abuse crisis, and which is likely to have loomed large as an issue in the conclave. The historic decision to choose a Pope from the New World will perhaps make that task easier. Almost his first words as Pope were that he is “from far away”.
Continue reading ‘Pope Francis I: A Humble Man from the New World whose First Challenge is to End the Scandals and Reform the Church’ »

By Nick Squires in Vatican City

pic: News.va

Tonight he was to first return to the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the spartan but comfortable “hotel” within the walls of the Vatican where all the cardinals have stayed during the conclave.

He will have a celebratory dinner with his brother cardinals, their ranks now reduced from 115 to 114 in the wake of his election.

Continue reading ‘Pope Francis: What Next for the New Pontiff?’ »

By Damien McElroy, and Donna Bowater

pic via: News.va English

(The first man outside of Europe in more than a millenium to be elected Pope, the first Jesuit, and a humble man who cooks his own meals – who is Pope Francis? Damien McElroy and Donna Bowater profile the Pope)

At the outset of the conclave, few Vatican watchers were even ranking Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergogio as the top Argentine candidate. The 76-year old had been overshadowed by his fellow countryman Leonardo Sandri, 69, a Vatican diplomat.

But having trailed second in every ballot to Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires triumphed at the fifth ballot to chose his successor, becoming the first ever Jesuit to ascend to the throne of St Peter as well as the first from outside Europe.
Continue reading ‘Argentina’s Jorge Mario Bergoglio Elected as the New Pope Francis’ »

By
Dharisha Bastians

facebook.com/sinhalarawayapage

Firing from all cylinders, the Bodu Bala Sena yesterday hit back against Monday’s much-welcomed and harmonious compromise on the Halal controversy and its architects, with the monk-led group claiming it would not rest until the Islamic certification is completely banned.

The hard-line group which started the anti-Halal agitation through the country said the logo was merely the final stamp of a process that was abhorrent to the Sinhalese Buddhist majority in the island. The group said the Halal debate must continue and Sinhalese must continue to boycott Halal products.
Continue reading ‘Bodhu Bala Sena Claims Sales in Muslim Owned Enterprises Have Dropped by 50% Due to Campaign About Creeping Muslim Extremism’ »

by

Jayantha de Silva

Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC admonished two Attorneys-at-Law who staged a walk out before the issuance of an order at yesterday’s resumed hearing of the petition filed by residents of Slave Island in the Supreme Court against their relocation attributed to a development project. The Chief Justice ordered the two counsel, UNP parliamentarian Sujeewa Senasinghe and Farman Cassim appearing for the petitioners to be called back and he told them to “sit down”.

He then proceeded to warn them by observing “Do not repeat these types of acts. This is the last time the Bench is going to tolerate such conduct. On this occasion the Bench is not going to issue a ruling on the incident.’

Continue reading ‘Chief Justice Mohan Peiris in Open Court Admonishes Lawyers Appearing for Slave Island Residents in Case Concerning Defence Secretary’ »

By

Upul Joseph Fernando

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tour of Japan was scheduled for an earlier date. But because of the sudden political upheaval and change of government in that country, he had to postpone the trip. He is now making the tour at a crucial juncture when America has presented a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, and India is supporting it.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa gift Amara and Vidura~Sri Lanka’s gift to people of Japan-pic courtesy of: twitter.com/bundeljayse

At the same time, it is also reported that some weeks ago Japan’s Ambassador to the United Nations along with envoys of several other countries had met UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon and handed over a report in favour of Sri Lanka. Some media referred to this as a report to ‘whitewash’ Sri Lanka.
Continue reading ‘Difficult to Speculate Whether Mahinda Rajapaksa is Seeking Japan’s support to Change Stern Stance of USA Towards Sri Lanka’ »

(Text of an Editorial Appearing in the Newspaper”Ceylon Today”)

The pressures exerted on the government by one of its fringe elements ultimately got its dividends. The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the unwitting villains in the halal saga, backed down in the interest of defusing communal tension with the announcement that halal certification would henceforth be an optional process for products sold in the local market.

Showcasing that the Ulamas could be ‘magnanimous’ when backing down, the ACJU also announced that the certification would be provided free of charge for the exporters. The government’s apprehension that the removal of halal labels for such export products could lead to a sudden and considerable decline in sales overseas, is well founded and their concern is manifest in the exceptions made.
Continue reading ‘Global Consequences of Hate Campaign Launched by Buddhist Clergy and Extreme Nationalists Targeting Muslim Community Would be Immeasurable.’ »

by Shamindra Ferdinando

Having refused to negotiate with the US on the text of the forthcoming second US resolution targeting Sri Lanka before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, the government is now faced with the possibility of asking for a vote on the resolution in spite of certain defeat.

The UNHRC is divided into five regions, comprising 47 countries.

Well informed sources said that the failure to go for a vote meant the adoption of the US resolution without a division. That would be inimical to national interests, sources said, adding that even though the result was certain to be worse than the defeat last year, the government would have no option but to seek a vote.

Continue reading ‘Govt to ask for a Vote on the US Resolution Against Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva in Spite of Certain Defeat’ »

By

Kath Noble

Pressure for a war crimes investigation continues to mount. With the sessions of the UN Human Rights Council entering their second week, activists descended on key national capitals, urging governments to pass a resolution that calls for international action.

As usual, India has been the site of the most extreme interventions. As Karunanidhi’s DMK held a meeting of the Tamil Eelam Supporters’ Organisation in Delhi and called for a general strike in Tamil Nadu, a member of Seeman’s NTK self-immolated and eight students of as yet unidentified affiliation launched a fast-unto-death in Chennai. Then a group of thugs ransacked an office of Mihin Lanka in Madurai, and Vaiko’s MDMK laid siege to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission, burning effigies of Mahinda Rajapaksa and shouting about genocide.

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa is Far Too Wily a Politician to Have Ordered any War Crimes, but Wont Give up Anybody who did Either.’ »

By

Dr.Vickramabahu Karunaratne

The Families of the Disappeared, a joint organisation led by Brito had organised a protest in Colombo on March 6. Political leaders too were invited to participate in this event to be held opposite the Colombo Municipality near Viharamahadevi Park. The large convoy of family members of the disappeared, nearly 1000, which travelled from the North were stopped by the military in Vavuniya, and not allowed to proceed to Colombo. Hence the military rulers of the Tamil homeland stopped them taking part in the scheduled protest.

The plan of the organisers was to hold a public meeting and submit a petition to the United Nations office in Colombo. These Tamil family members of the disappeared were traveling in 11 buses, all of which were stopped in Vavuniya on the night of March 5.Apparently they were told it was not safe for them to travel further. If they continued to do so, there were people who would be pelting stones at them. And, the military would not be able to do anything.

Continue reading ‘Today a Tamil Mother of a Missing son Cannot Travel From Jaffna to Colombo and Protest the Disappearance’ »

By

Susitha R. Fernando with Additional reporting by Lahiru Pothmulla

The British Labour Parliamentarian, Simon Danczuk who visited Sri Lanka last week in search of justice for one of his constituents Khuram Shaikh, a Red Cross worker who was cruelly murdered in Tangalle on Christmas eve, 2011 raised the issue relating to the importance of improving the rule of law and a speedy justice system in the country. The British MP for Rochdale expressed his distress over the response of senior government politicians to his request to meet them to discuss the murder case and also warned that if a quick remedy was not provided to ensure justice, the country’s hard-won peace and potential tourism targets were at stake.

Q:How did you get involved in this case of Khuram’s murder and fight for justice for his family?

I got involved in this case from the day one. I remember Khuram was ruthlessly murdered on Christmas day 2011 and I became aware of that within about 24 hours because his family contacted me. This was to assist and help them to get the body back… and I have been involved since then.

Q: You seem to have gone the extra mile on a single constituent to see that justice is done in this case?

It is usual for a British parliamentarian to accompany one of his constituents abroad in this way. I think it is the right thing to do. Because it is a special case and it is a tragic case. I met Khuram’s father just before Christmas to discuss the case with him. He was emotionally upset and they were grieving and that gave me a reason to represent them. And that’s why I am here.

Continue reading ‘” British will NOT go for Holidays to Sri Lanka Because it is a Dangerous Place”-Labour MP Simon Danczuk’ »

By

Tasha Manoranjan

(Ms.Tasha Manoranjan made the following statement at the UN Human Rights Council session today Tuesday March 12th 2013 on behalf of Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation. Tasha is also a member of USTPAC)

Thank you Mr. President.

Ms.Tasha Manoranjan of United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) at UNHRC Sessions, Geneva on Mar 12, 2013

The ongoing human rights crisis in Syria has reached a catastrophic level with an estimated 70,000 people killed. The apathy and inaction by some in the international community has allowed the Assad regime to commit crimes against international law with impunity.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Long History of Impunity is Structurally Institutionalized’ »

By

Rohantha Athukorala

Sri Lanka was just a $ 40 b economy around three years back and today, it is touching a $ 60 b with the landscape of change in high gear, be it the condominiums in Colombo, the new industrial zone coming up in Atchchuvely, or the planned launch of Mattala Airport, just to name a few.Last week I received the latest report from the Department of Census and Statistics and the data was very interesting given that for the first time in 30 years or more we are seeing some statistics from the north of Sri Lanka.

The report highlighted that Kilinochchi had registered the highest percentage of people below 15 years in the whole of the island at 33.1%, which may mean that the future of the north can be Kilinochchi if properly architectured and groomed.

Continue reading ‘Kilinochchi can be The Future of the North If Properly Architechtured and Groomed’ »

By

Kartiga Thavaraj

Statement made by Ms. Kartiga Thavaraj at the UN Human Rights Council on March 11th 2013 on behalf of Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation in Geneva)

Thank you Mr. President.

Ms. Kartiga Thavaraj at UNHRC in Geneva, on Mar 11, 2013

Pasumai Thaayagam welcomes the report of Mr. Juan Mendez, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The act of torture represents one of the gravest forms of abuse of power by a state. In his latest report, Mr. Mendez affirms the state’s imperative role in ensuring freedom from torture, and particularly stresses that special protection be afforded to minorities and marginalized groups. A state’s obligation is not simply to refrain from inflicting torture, but to prohibit, prevent and redress torture within its borders and by its agents.
Continue reading ‘UN Special Rapporteur on Torture must Visit Sri Lanka to Document On Going Acts of Torture’ »

BY

DESMOND TUTU & MARY ROBINSON

Absence of war is not peace: the saying is true of Sri Lanka today.

While the country’s civil war ended four years ago, and roads have been rebuilt, human rights protections are getting weaker. The personal tragedies of the conflict’s victims have yet to be acknowledged and accounted for. The climate required for reconciliation does not yet exist.

Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson ~ pic courtesy of: OXFAM

The UN Human Rights Council, whose new session has just begun in Geneva, has a unique opportunity to pressure Sri Lanka’s authorities into meaningful action. In doing so, it would preserve the hope for accountability and reconciliation harboured by all Sri Lankans. The present culture of impunity must end.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Offers UN Human Rights Council the Test of Holding Govts Accountable Even When Global Attention has Turned Elsewhere.’ »

By

David Miliband

David Miliband with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Apr 29, 2009 – in Colombo

In early 2009, as foreign secretary, I travelled to Sri Lanka with Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, so that we could see for ourselves the situation at the end of the brutal 26-year civil war. We met the president and his ministers in Colombo, and then travelled to refugee camps further north. I will never forget what I saw, and in particular the pleading of Tamil women carrying slips of paper with the names of their husbands and sons who had been taken away for “screening”.

The last phase of the government offensive involved squeezing anything up to 330,000 people into the Vanni region, south of the Jaffna peninsula. A report in March 2011 by a special UN panel laid bare the scale of human suffering. Tens of thousands had been killed by government shelling, which had targeted no-fire zones, UN food distribution lines and hospitals. The report also detailed appalling behaviour by the LTTE, the “Tamil Tigers”, alleging that civilians were prevented from escaping and used as hostages. The UN report found credible allegations of serious violations of international law by the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Continue reading ‘Britain Must Back Canada’s Call to Change Sri Lanka as Venue for Commonwealth Summit’ »

The Sri Lankan Government vehemently rejected the new resolution the United States tabled against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday in Geneva, saying that the resolution is “substantive, intrusive and political in nature,” and far from a procedural resolution.

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka at the UN Ravinatha Aryasinha says that the resolution is unfair biased, unjust and contrary to the principles of cooperation genuine dialogue and the founding principles of universality.Stressing that the Sri Lankan Government does not recognise the previous resolution 19/2 sponsored by the US and adapted by the UN last year, the Sri Lankan Envoy to the UN said the new resolution was far from a “procedural resolution,” as it was originally claimed.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Rejects US Resolution at UN in Geneva as “Intrusive and Politicised”’ »

By Chrishanthi Christopher

Hirunika Premachandra

Hirunika, daughter of the slain government politician last week expressed satisfaction at the turn of events in the Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra murder case that brought politician Duminda Silva under arrest.

Last month the case entered its watershed when the Magistrate’s Court indicted UPFA Member of Parliament Duminda Silva and 12 others, who were charged with the murder of Presidential Adviser and former Parliamentarian, Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and three others. In a sudden move, the CID last February filed four counts of charges on 19 February against 13 suspects, including Duminda Silva before the Magistrate’s Court. Following an indictment order from the Magistrate’s Court to produce the suspects in Court, the case that had been dragging on for 18 months ground to a sudden halt.
Continue reading ‘“We Really Dont Know Whether Duminda Silva is Sick but I want Justice”-Hirunika Premachandra’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya

“A policeman put a pistol into the mouth of a driver and threatened that he would not return to Vavuniya alive if he takes us to Colombo,” Brito Fernando, a human rights activists who was among the family members of the disappeared Tamils, and who had been prevented from coming to Colombo by the police last week, said.

Seven hundred people, all of who were family members of the disappeared youth, who had planned to arrive in Colombo to handover a petition to the UN Mission, were on Tuesday prevented from leaving Vavuniya and herded into the Urban Council grounds of Vavuniya, where families were forced to spend most of the night without food, water or sanitation.

Continue reading ‘Policeman Put Pistol into Mouth of Bus Driver at Vavuniya and Threatened him not to Take Families of Disappeared Persons to Colombo’ »

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

An academic, economist, author and politician, Dr. Subramanian Swamy is the President of the Janata Party of India and takes strong opposition to what he terms as the ‘leaning politics of Tamil Nadu.’In an exclusive interview with Ceylon Today, the Harvard scholar and former Indian Cabinet Minister who has lately taken up the cause of regional security, insisted Sri Lanka would come out of the Geneva sessions unscathed, exposing pro-Tiger lobbyists and the Western bias to the world and be able to stand out as a country that had withstood international pressure and tackle terrorism on its own terms.

Dr.Subramanian Swamy meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa-pic courtesy of: facebook.com/Swamy.39

Excerpts:
Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Should Implement 13th Constitutional Amendment and Devolve Power-Dr.Subramanian Swamy’ »

By

Vishnuguptha

“I’d be glad of a retaliation that wouldn’t recoil on myself; but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends: they wound those who resort to them, worse than their enemies.” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

Treachery plays a very significant and decisive part in all human endeavours. Its play is sometimes shaded by its own momentum, dependent more on the person at the receiving end rather than the one committing it. That’s the sad irony of it.
Continue reading ‘Treachery has been Practised,Plotted and Exhibited by Rulers in Sri Lanka from the Dawn of its History’ »

By
Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Mahasivarathri or ‘the great night of Lord Siva’ is a celebration of Siva’s spirit, celebrated by Hindus the world over.

Hindus around the world celebrating “MahaSivarathri” today – pic by: Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

It falls on the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight and is considered the most important day for Siva worshippers and marked with special celebrations.
Continue reading ‘“Maha Siva Rathri”: The Great Night of Lord Siva’ »

By

M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

In his book ‘Sri Lanka – What Went Wrong: J.R. Jayewardene’s Free and Righteous Society, writer and political commentator V.P. Vittachi refers to a mode of speech he describes as ‘plonking’. Quoting from Stephen Potter’s ‘Lifemanship’ he says,

“For maximum irritation remember, the tone of voice must be ‘plonking’…What is Plonking? If you have nothing to say, or, rather, something extremely stupid… say it, but in a plonking tone of voice – i.e. roundly, but hollowly and dogmatically.”(Vittachi, Sri Lanka – What Went Wrong: J.R. Jayewardene’s Free and Righteous Society, New Delhi, 1995, p. 50)

Vittachi then goes on to say that ‘the era of plonking as an instrument of high government policy had arrived.’ (p.51)

The ‘plonking’ of the Sri Lankan government today is all too apparent in its response to the upcoming resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Continue reading ‘Achieving Reconciliation is only Possible if Truth is Uncovered Through Impartial and Transparent Process’ »

By
C.A.Chandraprema

As the UNHRC sessions heats up, one of the questions in the minds of most members of the public is whether the UNHRC can initiate a war crimes probe against Sri Lanka. There are only two ways in which a war crimes trial can take place. One would be for the Security Council of the UN to institute a war crimes tribunal as had been done in the case of the special Tribunal on Yugoslavia (ICTY) or the Special tribunal on Rwanda (ICTR). The other way is for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to initiate proceedings against Sri Lanka. There are three ways in which the ICC can commence a probe against a country. The first way is for the UN Security Council to refer a matter to the ICC in which case, the ICC will have the authority to act even if the country concerned is not a signatory to the Rome Statute which set up the ICC. The other methods by which the ICC can initiate a probe is if any member of the ICC moves a motion calling for a probe against any other member state. The Prosecutor of the ICC can also recommend that a probe be initiated against a country if he is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for doing so.

Continue reading ‘Even if UN Human Rights Council Asks UN Security Council to Impose Sanctions on Sri Lanka Veto Power of Russia and China will Negate it’ »

By
C.A.Chandraprema

If the Lok Sabha debate last Thursday is anything to go by, the Indian government is acutely aware of the implications of this process that the USA has initiated in the UNHRC in relation to Sri Lanka, for India as well. The debate on ‘The plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka’ began around noon last Thursday.

In her preliminary remarks the Speaker cautioned the members of parliament that the subject matter is a neighbouring country with which India has close and friendly relations and urged members to refrain from saying anything that may adversely affect India’s relations with that country.
Continue reading ‘US Resolution on Sri Lanka at UN in Geneva has De-Stabilised New Delhi more than Colombo’ »