Sri Lanka ranked in countries most hit by terror

SL ranked third in countries most hit by terror

Sri Lanka has been ranked third and Pakistan fourth in the list of countries most hit by terror in the second quarter of 2008, a report released by the Centre of Excellence - Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), a Turkey based anti-terror organisation, has said.

According to the report based on a worldwide research, a total of 2396 terrorist incidents occurred across the world during the said period, thereby killing a total of 4204 people and injuring 7614.
According to it, the ten countries most hit by terrorism in the second quarter of the year include Iraq with 857 terror incidents, Afghanistan with 334, Sri Lanka with 327, Pakistan with 216, India with 195, Somalia with 112, Turkey with 71, Thailand with 55, Nepal with 44, and Israel with 31 terror incidents.

South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism

South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism

Eight South Asian countries, most of which are facing violent insurgencies, agreed Thursday to pool efforts to fight terrorism, a Sri Lankan government minister said.
The decision came ahead of a weekend summit in the Sri Lankan capital at which India and Afghanistan are expected to put pressure on Pakistan to do more to combat the militancy that has rattled all three nations.
Foreign ministers from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation also approved draft agreements on Thursday on launching a regional development fund of US$307 million and a food bank amid skyrocketing food prices, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.
Pakistan is grappling with restive tribal regions along its border with Afghanistan, where fighting between insurgents and government troops intensified this week. The government in Kabul is facing a resurgent Taliban-led militancy, and a spate of bombings has hit India in recent weeks.
But cooperation in combatting terrorism is likely to face roadblocks amid accusations from India and Afghanistan that Pakistan may be behind recent violence, including a huge bombing outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7.
Indian and Afghan officials say their information indicates Pakistani involvement in the attack, which killed some 60 people. Afghan officials have repeatedly said Pakistan is not doing enough to crack down on militants and even accused the country's intelligence agency of supporting the insurgency. Pakistan denies the charges.
Recent exchanges of fire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the cease-fire line in the disputed Kashmir region have dampened relations between the two rivals.
The summit _ which represents one-fifth of the world's population and many of its most impoverished _ is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1985, it was set up to promote economic cooperation, but progress in most areas has been slow _ mainly because of the rivalry between India and Pakistan _ and it has often been derided as little more than a talking shop.
Nearly 19,000 police and soldiers have poured into the streets of Colombo and its suburbs to prevent attacks from Tamil rebels during the conference. The city's already tight web of checkpoints has increased and several major roads have been sealed off for the duration of the gathering.

LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army

LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army

The Army says the LTTE violated the unilateral ceasefire announced to coincide with the SAARC Summit by firing at least 10 artillery rounds from Poonaryn to Muhamalai this morning injuring two soldiers.

SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit

SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit

The Standing Committee of the 15th SAARC summit constituting the Foreign Secretaries of the eight member states of SAARC will commence deliberations today on the key issues to be taken up at the main Summit to be held from August 2 to 3.
This is the 35th session of the SAARC Foreign Secretaries. The present chair of the Foreign Secretaries of SAARC nations, Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon wills formally handover the chairmanship to Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the meeting. The Foreign Ministers' meeting is to be held on July 31st and August 1st. The SAARC leaders will meet on August 2nd and 3rd. Four agreements including the topic of eliminating terrorism from the region are expected to be signed at the leader's summi which will also see the launching of a SAARC Development Fund.
Members from seven non-SAARC countries will also take part at the summit as observers. They are, the USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, Mauritius and European Union. Meanwhile, various functions including cultural shows have been organized in line with the SAARC Summit. Accordingly, a SAARC dancing show organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Heritage will commence from today to the 1st of August at thr Kularatne Hall in Ananda College, Colombo.

SAARC friendship Village Inauguration in nawalapitiya

SAARC Friendship Village Inauguration in - Nawalapitiya

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka. The picture shows from left to right : High Commissioner of Pakistan, Shahzad A Chaudhry , Ambassador of Nepal, Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Minister of Housing, Githanjana Gunawardena, Mrs. Deepthi Bogollagama, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka.

The picture shows Foreign Minister Bogollagama unveiling the plaque to mark the event, flanked by the Bangladesh High Commissioner Shahdat Hossain and the Ambassador of Nepal Durga Prasad Bhattarai

SAARC top agenda for regional terrorism,food,securty energy

SAARC Top Agenda for Regional Terrorism, food ,security, energy

The 15th SAARC Summit which got off the ground in Colombo yesterday is set to adopt a series of measures with the main focus on a joint approach to combating terrorism, maximising energy and water resources, food security, poverty alleviation in addition to several other key issues concerning the region.

Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day’s deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.

Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.

The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.

15th SAARC summit begings in Colombo

15th SAARC summit

India approves document to ensure mutual cooperation in tackling crime
The stage is set for the eight nations SAARC Summit which begins in Colombo today with a two-day Programming Committee meeting and ending with a meeting of heads of State or governments on August 2 and 3.
The eight leaders will participate in the 15th Summit, the theme of which is "SAARC for Partnership for our People."
Besides, the member countries seven observer states- Japan, the United States, the European Union, China, South Korea, Iran and Mauritius will also attend the regional summit.
Meanwhile the Indian Cabinet on Thursday approved a document to ensure mutual cooperation among SAARC countries to deal with criminal matters. The approval for "brief for negotiation" to finalise the text of the SAARC convention was given at a Union Cabinet meet, Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
"The convention would provide a broad framework for SAARC member states to mutually cooperate and assist in the investigation and prosecution of crime and restraint and forfeiture of the proceeds and instruments of crime," he said.
The Cabinet also approved authorizing External Affairs Ministry to negotiate and finalize the text and for signing it during the SAARC summit in Colombo, he said.
Police on Thursday said 12,000 more police would be deployed to guard South Asian leaders, who will also have their own heavy securit during the summit.
Police deputy Inspector-General Nimal Mediwaka said the 12,000 men will reinforce soldiers, who will also deploy in strength ahead of the two-day SAARC leaders meeting starting on Aug 2.
“The heads of state will have their own security personnel to provide close protection,” said Mediwaka, who is responsible for security in the already tightly-guarded capital of 650,000 people. He said key roads in the city will be closed for normal traffic during the summit that will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India is reported to be bringing in thousands of troops as part of security for its Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will also travel within Sri Lanka in Indian military helicopters and bullet-proof cars.
New Delhi is sending war ships to anchor off Sri Lanka’s coast to evacuate its delegates in case of any closure of the island’s only international airport. The LTTE had announced a unilateral truce for the duration of the summit.

DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUP

DAYAN TO REPRESENT ASIA ON UNHRC CONSULTATIVE GROUP

ImageDr.Dayan Jayatilleka, Sri Lanka's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, has been nominated as a member of the Consultative Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council, representing Asia.

Vidattaltivu Liberated; terrorists suffer fatal blow

Vidattaltivu Liberated; terrorists suffer fatal blow

Gallant soldiers of Army Task Force 1 and Commando Brigade operating on the Mannar warfront liberated the strategically important Vidattaltivu town this morning (July 16). Vidattaltivu is the largest town situated on the North- Western coast of the Island, 20 km North of Mannar and used by the terrorists as their main Sea-Tiger base cum logistic hub in the West.

Soldiers of Task Force 1 on Tuesday evening (July15) commenced their forward march from their initial locations at the Southern limits of Vidattaltivu town, i.e. few hundreds meters short of Vidattaltivu terror defence, located 2 Km South of the town. These troops were able to capture a 2.5km stretch of the LTTE Forward Defence by late in the evening.

Unable to withstand the military onslaught, terrorists started to flee further northwards towards and later suffered heavy damages during their withdrawal as the elite commandos flanking in the Northeastern boundaries of Vidattaltivu laid an ambush on them. The commandos confronted with a group of approximately 60 LTTE cadres around 1.45 p.m. As the terrorist started to withdraw towards Iluppaikkadaval, North of Vidattaltivu; commandos called in indirect fire. As a result, heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket fire were directed at the terrorists. Also, Air Force launched close air support missions to ground troops using MI 24 helicopter gunships. Ground troops claimed over 30 terrorists were killed due to artillery and air assault while the rest turned tail.
Read More.http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080715_11

Karunanidhi demands Katchatheevu back from Sri Lanka

Karunanidhi demands Katchatheevu back from SL

At a fast in Tamil Nadu today against attacks on Indian fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said the Indian Central government should help get back Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.

Tears of SARRC ....Colombo houses demolished ignoring Supreme Court order

Tears of SARRC

Sleepers on the rail track removed in protest

The officials of Urban Development Authority (UDA) assisted by a riot police squad demolished the houses of Glenny Passage in Slave Island(Colombo 2) ignoring the interim injunction of the Supreme Court issued yesterday morning (18).

The Supreme Court order was informed to UDA after eight houses were demolished but the temporarily stopped demolition was restarted with riot police guard using back haws later. UDA officials said they were not aware of a Supreme Court ruling.

UDA did not allow the the residents to remove their belongings and demolished the houses using back haws. The residents attempted to stop the action amidst riot police attacks of tear gas.

The angered residents removed the sleepers of the railway track in Slave Island in protest of demolishing their homes of almost five decades temporarily bringing the railway traffic to a halt temporarily. People were blaming the government and police and police were seen armed with batons and shields.

WHO 'S PROTECT US?

Daily Mirror reporter Yohann Perera who was there to report the incident was attacked by a UDA official and he has lodged a complaint in Slave Island police in this regard.

The displaced residents were cursing the authorities as their houses were demolished.
Photos: Houses are demolished by UDA back haws and the protests of the residents)






Pix:Before Demolition

New restrictions at duty free shops

New restrictions at duty free shops

Items like large TVs, fridges, air-conditioners, washing machines, etc will not be sold at Airport Duty Free shops from August under a new circular-Customs Chief

Sprinter Susanthika to lead Sri Lankan team for the Olympics

Sri Lanka's sprint queen Susanthika Jayasinghe, who was recently felicitated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Most Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year, has been named as the leader of the Sri Lankan team travelling for the the Beijing Olympics on August 5th. Accordingly, she will be given the privilege of carrying the Sri Lankan flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Susanthika shot to fame after winning a bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is the only Olympic medal winning female athlete in Sri Lanka. Her success was also the first Olympic medal for Sri Lanka in 52 years. Sri Lanka will field a team of eight for this year's Olympics.

Karuna to the Parliament?

Karuna to the Parliament?
Karuna Amman had told the media that he was not after the post of chief minister but would enter the Parliament soon. Hence, Pilleyan will continue to hold the post of chief minister in the Eastern PC. Meanwhile, Karuna Amman has asked the government to recruit 2000 trained and armed cadres of his party to Police Department and fill vacancies in the police service in the East.

After a special discussion held between Karuna Amman, and Pilleyan yesterday Karuna Amman has been re-appointed the leader of TMVP.

Another Strike will come soon

Three day strike in the offing - Lal Kantha

Lal Kantha warned a three day strike in the near future and said that they would begin to strengthen their support in work places from next Monday.

Passenger bus attacked; 3 civilians killed, 26 wounded

Passenger bus attacked; 3 civilians killed, 26 wounded


At least 3 civilians were killed and 26 others reported wounded when unknown group opened fire at a passenger bus plying from Monaragala towards Katharagama, at the 149th mile post along the Buttala-Katharagama main road, today (11), at around 10:30 a.m.

The injured civilians were initially rushed to the hospital at Katharagama and after words 19 persons injured seriously were transferred to the General hospital in Hambantota.

Hakeem sworn in

Hakeem sworn in

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem was sworn in as a parliamentarian in front of the speaker a short while ago.

Hakeem resigns Eastern Province Provincial Council seat

Hakeem resigns Eastern Province Provincial Council seat

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem resigned from his post as opposition leader and member of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) yesterday to return to Parliament. Accordingly, he will be sworn in as an MP before Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara.

The SLMC leader resigned from Parliament in April to contest the EP-PC elections on the UNP ticket. He was elected to the council, securing the highest number of preferential votes in the Trincomalee district. Along with him, MPs Hassan Ali and Basheer Segudawood also resigned from their parliamentary seats to the contest the polls. Mr. Ali is also expected to resign from the council and re-enter Parliament. It is believed that Mr. Segudawood will then be appointed as the EPC’s opposition leader.

Mr. Razik Fareed of Mutur, who is next in line by way of preferential votes, in the UNP-SLMC Trincomalee district list, is expected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Hakeem.

Moscow to screen movie on LTTE suicide cadres

The Moscow Film Festival has turned down a request to cancel the screening of a documentary

on female suicide bombers of Sri Lanka.

The movie ‘My Daughter the Terrorist’ by Norwegian director Beate Arnestad’s was to be screened last evening. Sri Lankan embassy representatives have alleged that the movie glorified suicide attacks.

UN urged to protect Lanka press

UN urged to protect Lanka press

Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka

IFJ Letter to UN Secretary-General - Danger for Sri Lankan Journalists

21 watchdogs representing Europe, Asia, Africa and many other countries including Venezuela, Paraguay, Somalia, Ukraine and Moldova have signed the letter UNSG, Ban Ki Moon



Media watchdogs all over the world have urged United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, to persuade Sri Lanka government to withdraw statements threatening media freedom.

Thirty one media press freedom organisations representing Twenty one countries have informed Mr. Moon of the 'alarming situation' is Sri Lanka with regard to the freedom of expression.

Defence Ministry statement

The recent statements by the Defence Ministry and Sri Lanka army commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, the letter says, have put journalists in 'grave danger'.

We seek your support in urging all United Nations member states to respect Resolution 1738 in letter and in spirit, and specifically request your help in persuading the government of Sri Lanka to withdraw these statements and immediately stop all actions which undermine the independence and safety of the news community

For Full Story see this webs http://www.ifj.org/en/tags/256/contents
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2008/06/080622_moon_press.shtml

http://www.freemediasrilanka.org/English/news.php?id=979&section=news