Delhi must closely work with US to break China’s strategy
India has a common interest with the US in countering China’s strategy. No matter the motives behind the US’ current emphasis on a “political settlement”, after having been a staunch supporter of Rajapaksa’s war, Delhi must closely work with the Barack Obama Administration, writes former Indian diplomat M. Bhadrakumar, who sees Delhi’s political leverage over Colombo diminishing in what he thinks ‘post-LTTE’ era.
Nearly 10% of population disabled
Nearly ten per cent of the country’s population consists of disabled persons. Minister of Labour Relations and Manpower Resources, Athauda Seneviratne revealed this at the opening of the Centre for the Disabled at Battaramulla.
“It is a gigantic problem and calls for our intense attention. Superficially it would look that this ten per cent is of no use to the country but in most developed countries the contribution of the disabled to the development was much appreciated.
3 TNA candidates in Vavuniyaa election receive death threats
Tamil National Alliance (TNA)
Three candidates of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) contesting the election to the Vavuniyaa Urban Council have received death threats, according to the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV).
The CMEV in a press release said today (Wednesday) that it has received complaints from the three candidates, V.Paranjothy, N.Mathiharan and P.Sellathurai, that death threats have been issued to them.
Tamil Nadu’s regional party demands lifting of ban on LTTE
Demanding the lifting of the ban on the LTTE, members of a regional party based in Tamil Nadu staged a demonstration outside the Central Station in Chennai on Wednesday.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi party members also demanded equal rights for the Sri Lankan Tamilians, residing as refugees in India since many years.
Remembering Black July – Tamils hold vigil at Centrepointe to commemorate 1983 riots
A single candle was lit amid a bed of roses on July 23 in the Chamber room at Centrepointe Theatre to commemorate Black July 1983. “The black colour marks our pain, sorrow and fear,” said Ruban Santhiralingam, the master of ceremonies.
Black July refers to the massacre of 3,000 Tamil people and the destruction of 250,000 businesses and homes owned by Tamils that took place in Columbo, Sri Lanka between July 23 and July 26, 1983.
IMF loan strains Lanka‐Britain relations
Last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the $ 2.6 billion loan to Sri Lanka amid opposition from several countries including the US and Britain voicing concerns over human rights abuses. Britain abstained from voting on the loan.
Free civilians from detention camps: They deserve their freedom
Eventual resettlement no excuse for holding 280,000 displaced Tamils; keeping several hundred thousand civilians who had been caught in the middle of a war penned in these camps is outrageous. Haven’t they been through enough? They deserve their freedom, like all other Sri Lankans, says Brad Adams, Asia director for Human Rights Watch.
AFTA welcomes the shift in approach of the LTTE
The Australasian Federation of Tamil Associations (AFTA), the peak body representing the Tamil Diaspora in Australia and New Zealand, welcomes the decision of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to pursue political and diplomatic means to achieve the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
Sinhalese rehabilitated at Manalaru, Mullatheevu
Government has designed a rehabilitation plan to rehabilitate within a period of 180 days , the displaced Sinhala families from Manalaru, Mullaitheevu.
Under the northern “Vasantham” project, the said activity is occurring was stated. These Sinhala people would be rehabilitated before 31st of August, at Kalayanappa, Morawewa and Gajapapura areas was stated by by President’s Advisor Basil Rajapakse at an event held last 26th at the Mahaweli Society Centre.
People in the camp are kept as “displaced prisoners” – International Human rights Mission
In International Human Rights Mission has insisted more than 280,000 people detained in the displaced camps in the north, should immediately released by the government.
Asian Regional Director Brad Edams stated from last year March, government has violated international laws and giving prominence to violence.
