Military intelligence wrapped in controversy over Lasantha killing

The investigation into the assassination of the Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga is set to cause ripples in intelligence circles.

POLITICS: Sri Lanka, Britain Spar Again Over Tigers

Tensions between Sri Lanka and Britain may have calmed down somewhat after the civil conflict ended in this South Asian country last year, but are rising again after the government accused London of aiding the defeated Tamil Tigers to regroup internationally.

Mahinda to take oaths on November 18

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will take oaths for his second term on November 18 this year, Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Recording evidence nears completion

The preliminary Army inquiry in the case against General Sarath Fonseka has entered its final phase. Military Spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe said that recording evidence is in its final stage.

Lanka in diplomatic war with UN

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has warned UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon of the consequences of appointing a panel of experts to advise him (the UN chief) on alleged violations of international humanitarian laws and human rights during Sri Lanka’s military campaign that ended the separatist war by Tiger guerrillas.

TMVP demands 13th amendment

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 13:09 pm GMT

The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) has demanded the implementation of the 13th amendment soon after the General Elections and has also rejection of the Oslo Declaration, party officials said today. TMVP Spokesperson Azath Maulana told Daily Mirror online that the party’s main election policy mentioned in its manifesto was the implementation of the 13th Amendment ...

UK Under-Secretary to Government: Allow NGOs to Help IDPs

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 13:00 pm GMT

The Head of the UK Diplomatic Service, Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Peter Ricketts, who arrived in Sri Lanka on March 10, has called on the government to allow humanitarian organizations to play a full role in the resettlement of IDPs. Sir Peter had expressed the UK’s willingness to support Sri Lanka to restore full freedom of movement ...

Thondaman says they joined UPFA after 17 years with UNP in support of Mahinda’s vision

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 12:57 pm GMT

Basil Rajapaksa has said that his aim is to create an environment where all communities could live in peace and harmony in the Gampaha District. He pointed out that the President is striving to create an era in which the youth do not have to pursue employment opportunities but opportunities come after them. He said that in ...

POLITICS: Sri Lanka Locks Horns with UN over Experts’ Panel

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 13:06 pm GMT

UN chief Ban Ki-Moon with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during his visit to the island in August 2009. Credit:Amantha Perera/IPS The war of words between the Sri Lankan government and the United Nations has begun all over again, this time over the creation of an experts’ panel on the island’s human rights record. U.N. Secretary-General Ban ...

Soldiers ‘victimised by government’

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 12:59 pm GMT

Family members say they earlier visited Kilinochchi to get imprisoned soldiers released but now visiting Temple Trees for the same purpose A human rights group representing the families of disappeared military men in Sri Lanka has accused the government of victimising soldiers. Visaka Dharmadasa, convenor of the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), said her organisation is ...

Everyone has an equal opportunity to live in liberty in a unitary state – The SL Army Commander

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 12:56 pm GMT

The Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya declared open the civil coordination and public relations office of the Sri Lanka Army in Jaffna today. Under the President’s leadership everyone has received an equal opportunity to live in liberty in a unitary state, he observed. The Army Commander said that the era has now dawned to rebuild ...

Moon and Nambiar families’ allegiance to India and war crimes

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 13:05 pm GMT

There is a view that the UN Organization General Secretary Ban Ki Moon appointed a panel of experts to investigate the human rights (HR) violations and the war crimes committed during the Sri Lanka (SL) war was in order to get an extension for his term in office as Gen. Secretary. It is evident that ...

5 charges against the General at Court Martial

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 12:58 pm GMT

General Sarath Fonseka will be tried over five charges under the Army Act at a court martial within the next few days. This was revealed by Military Spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe to the media yesterday. According to the military, the summary of evidence over charges against General Fonseka made in compliance with provisions of the ...

Namal Rajapaksa tours Jaffna to support colleagues

Wednesday, March 10th 2010, 12:54 pm GMT

Hambantota District Freedom Alliance candidate Namal Rajapaksa is touring Jaffna. His desire is to provide strength to SLFP candidates who are contesting the elections from that area. Mr. Rajapaksa was accorded a very warm welcome in Jaffna with religious blessings. He first visited the Naga Deepa Vihara and secured blessings of the Maha Sangha. Thereafter, he participated in ...