LTTE's clandestine airstrip located by troops - Mullaittivu

LTTE's clandestine airstrip located by troops - Mullaittivu

Troops of the 57 Division operating North of Vannivilankulama have located a 500m long airstrip, believed used by LTTE for emergency landing, Tuesday (Sep 30) afternoon.
According to military the airstrip was located 7km Northwest of Mankulama and about 500m West of the A-9 trunk road in general area Pankikkankulama.
It is also believed the airstrip could have also been used as an open parking space or a hangar, in a way, Army sources were quoted saying.

Defence.lk - now in Tamil

Defence.lk - now in Tamil

The official website of the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order of Sri Lanka, defence.lk, has launched its Tamil page. Viewers can now get the latest news updates on the country's war on terror and other related issues in Tamil by logging to http://www.defence.lk/tamil

The Tamil language website was considered necessary by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is of the view that all citizens should be kept informed of issues related to the country's defence. The English language site was launched in April 2006 catering to both the local and international communities.

World news -India-Woman journalist shot dead in Delhi

New Delhi: A 26-year-old television journalist was shot dead in the Capital early on Tuesday morning.

Soumya Viswanathan was an employee of TV Today Network’s English news channel Headlines Today. Prior to joining Headlines Today, Soumya also worked with CNN-IBN.

She had stayed back in office on Monday night to bring you coverage of the blasts in Malegaon and Modasa. The incident occurred when she was driving from her Jhandewalan office to her Vasant Kunj residence at around 0330 hrs (IST).

Police say she was shot dead while on her way home. Her car was found rammed into the divider on Nelson Mandela road. Her body was still in the driver's seat and there was a bullet in her head. There were signs of a struggle in the car and one tyre was punctured from which a bullet was recovered.

The police rushed her to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences but doctors declared her brought dead.

Soumya last spoke to her father at 3:15 am, saying she'll reach home shortly.

Police have registered a case of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, but the motive for the killing has not yet been established.

"We received a call at about 3:55 am regarding a road accident. They responded by removing the injured to the hospital and this lady was subsequently declared as brought dead. During a post-mortem, it was revealed that a bullet was lodged in her skull. We registered a case of murder. At the moment preliminary investigation is in progress, we have called the experts to examine the scene of crime and the car. Further action will be taken as the investigations progress, it is not very clear if the second bullet was fired or not. But this is a very serious case and we are putting our best efforts forward," Joint Commissioner Southern Range, Delhi, Ajay Kashyap said.

Soumya's death raises questions about security of women in the Capital, specially those working in night shifts. But the Delhi Police was quick to say that women should themselves exercise precaution.

Ajay Kashyap said, "We advocate women should take busy, well-lit routes and drive with companions."

Working women have and will always be on their guard, but it's time for the police to make Delhi a safer place for professionals, by day and by night.

Go to again LTTE controlled areas.-Sri lanka Gov. decided

The Government has now decided to allow UN officials to escort food convoys to LTTE-controlled areas.
Two weeks ago The government ordered the UN and other humanitarian agencies out of the Wanni.

Human Rights activist lawyer’s home attacked

The home of leading human rights activist J.C. Weliamuna came under a grenade attack in the early hours of this morning (Sept. 28th).

Two grenades had been hurled at the premises at Kohuwala around 2.00 am, but only one had exploded.

No one has been injured, while there is minor damage to the house and the property.

Mr. Weliamuna, executive director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, has appeared in many HR cases in the Supreme Court and also is an activist against corruption in the state.

Sri Lanka's war entering tragic phase- Canadian MP

Sri Lanka's war entering tragic phase- Canadian MP

Canadian MP and Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae says Sri Lanka's war is entering a tragic new phase as the Sri Lankan government issues an official warning that the government can no longer 'guarantee' the safety of aid workers in the north and east, and encouraging them to leave the area.

"As violence between the government and the LTTE spirals out of control once again, the country's once admired democratic institutions are buckling under the strain. The number of deaths in the fighting is now estimated at 75,000...There is much that the warring parties in Sri Lanka can do to reverse this situation. A complete ceasefire and a return of the government, the LTTE and others to the negotiating table could reverse the escalating violence," Rae said on his website.

France says Sri lanka govt. has obligation to protect civilians

France says Sri lanka govt has obligation to protect civilians

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France, welcomed the meeting of the Co-Chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Conference held on 24 September in New York in relation to the current civil war in Sri Lanka.

This meeting, which brought together representatives from the European Union, United States, Japan and Norway, has enabled a broad consensus to be reached on the assessment of the situation on the ground, France said in a statement

LTTE attack TMVP camp

LTTE attack TMVP camp

The LTTE attacked a TMVP camp deep in the Batticaloa jungles this morning killing one TMVP cadre and injuring at least eight others.

Security forces continued advances in the combined Mullaittivu-Kilinochchi battlefront

6 LTTE terrorists killed, LTTE body recovered in Wanni fighting

Security forces continued advances in the combined Mullaittivu-Kilinochchi battlefront Saturday (Sep 27), reportedly killing 6 terrorists and recovering a terrorist body, according to military reports received.

4 terrorists were killed during fighting ensued between troops and LTTE, West of Mankulama, at around 1p.m. Subsequently, troops have recovered a slain LTTE body along with 2 T-56 assault riffles, sources said.

Also, a terrorist was reported killed and another injured in general area West of Akkarayankulama, when troops forced into an LTTE bunker defence.

Meanwhile, an LTTE terrorist was killed sniped in the same area .

Read more:www.defence.lk

Air Strikes at female 'black tiger' training facility- Kilinochchi

Air Strikes at female 'black tiger' training facility- Kilinochchi

Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets have launched a precision air strike at the LTTE's main, female 'black tiger' training facility located at Rathnapuram, in Kilinochchi, Saturday (Sep 27), at around 12.15p.m.

according to defence.lk."The target was located 1.5km East of the A-9 trunk road and North of the Iranamadu Tank", Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

According to the Air Force Spokesperson, the target was acquired on real-time ground information received.

The site is known to be the main female black tiger training and coordinating facility and a most frequented location by LTTE's intelligence wing chief, Pottu Amman, military sources said.

Read more :

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080927_05

But according to tamilnet.com a civilian was killed and at least two, including a child, were wounded in Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) attack in Iraththinapuram, a suburb of Ki'linochchi town, Saturday around 12:30 p.m.
tamilnet has repoted The ICRC office, which was recently relocated from Ira'naimadu junction, is situated around 150 meters away from the bombed locality. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan defence ministry claimed that the attack was a 'precision air strike' against an LTTE target.








Child wounded in SLAF attack at Ki'linochchi hospital(Pictures:Tamilnet)

Bomb hits India market shoppers

India -Delhi bomb blast, a boy dead 15 injured

A young boy has been killed and 15 people injured after an explosion ripped through a flower market in India's capital New Delhi.

The market, in the Mehrauli area, was packed with shoppers when, according to eyewitnesses, two men drove up in a motorcycle and dropped a package.

Police have described it as a low intensity explosive device.

Witnesses said blood and broken glass littered the streets, and one man said his brother had taken five people to hospital.

Some of the injured were in serious condition while six others had been admitted to hospital in critical condition, the Press Trust of India said.

Two weeks ago, five bombs ripped through busy shopping areas in Delhi, killing at least 20 people. Nearly 50 were killed in Ahmadabad in July.

Police say they have arrested the head of a group claiming the attacks.

Mohammed Arif Sheikh, described as the founder of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), was arrested along with four others, Mumbai (Bombay) police said on Thursday.

BOMB ATTACKS IN INDIA IN 2008

27 September: Bomb blasts kills one in Delhi

13 September: Five bomb blasts kill 18 in Delhi

26 July: At least 22 small bombs kill 49 in Ahmedabad

25 July: Seven bombs go off in Bangalore killing two people

13 May: Seven bomb hit markets and crowded streets in Jaipur killing 63

Central Bank names and shames six fraudulent finance operators

Central Bank names and shames six fraudulent finance operators

The Central Bank has deemed that the following six organizations and individuals are engaged in fraudulent financial operations: Okanda Finance (Private) Ltd, Sakwithi Ranasinghe (House Construction Pvt. Ltd) , Piyadasa Ratnayake, Nadini Finance (Pvt.) Ltd, D.K Udayasiri and Sriyawi Homes and Lands Investments.

According to the Central Bank notice these individuals and institutions are not authorized to conduct finance business by accepting money from the public as deposits or in any other form and the lending of money on interest and/or the investment of money in any manner.

Why did not take action to against these companies

These particular companies had been advertising through print and electronic media (TV and Radio) encourage people to invest the companies for a long period whereas the Central Bank of Sri Lanka did not take stringent action against these fraudulent companies .many people have been invested there hard earned money with these companies up to now. The people question why Central Bank did not take action to against these companies

President mahinda meets Nepali PM Pushpa kamal in New York

President mahinda meets Nepali PM Pushpa kamal in New York

The newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal met President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (24), in New York on the sidelines of the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly currently in progress at the UN headquarters. Prime Minister Dahal in his discussion with President Rajapaksa stated that the Government of Nepal is fully committed to working towards achieving the expected goals of the SAARC as arrived at during the recently concluded 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo. While both parties agreed on initiating an air route between Lumbini and Colombo, Sri Lanka also expressed willingness to help train Nepali students at Sri Lankan medical institutions and extending cooperation to the Government of Nepal in upgrading their health sector. Another decision was reached at the discussion to grant Nepali Bhikkus an opportunity to pursue their higher studies in Sri Lankan academic institutes.

India-US in last nuclear push

Indian PM Manmohan Singh is due to meet US President George Bush amid frantic efforts to win US Congressional support for the two countries' nuclear deal.

The controversial accord needs to be rushed through Congress before lawmakers conclude this year's session to campaign for November's elections.

Correspondents say its ratification will be a complicated process.

US officials hope Congress will approve the deal before the two leaders meet later on Thursday in Washington.

Congress goes into recess at the end of this week.

"We will not let the Tamil community be held hostage to terrorism" -- President Mahinda Rajapaksha tells UN

"We will not let the Tamil community be held hostage to terrorism" -- President Mahinda Rajapaksha tells UN

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the 63th Session of the United Nations in New York today (24), said "the Government would not and cannot let an illegal and armed terrorist group, the LTTE, to hold a fraction of the population, a part of the Tamil community, hostage to such terror in the northern part of Sri Lanka and deny those people their democratic rights of dissent and free elections."

The President, who pointed out that terrorism is a fast spreading phenomenon, observed that the United Nations has a grave responsibility to save today's and succeeding generations, from this new and continuing menace.

63rd UNGA Opening Ceramony

63rd UNGA Opening Ceramony

President Mahinda Rajapaksa attened 63rd UNGA at UN Headquaters on 23rd morning,Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva,Education Minister Susil Presmajayantha , Foreign Secretary Dr.Palitha Kohona, UNPR Mr.palihakkkara, were also in the picture, SG of UN Mr.Ban ki Moon and US president Adress the opening session
(pix Suadth Silva)

Norway always welcome to assist Wanni civilians through Government channels - Srilanka President

Norway always welcome to assist Wanni civilians through Government channels - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a discussion with the Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, reiterated that the Government of Sri Lanka welcomes Norwegian assistance to bring relief to the Northern masses.

The President also said that such initiatives can be successfully implemented through the Government channels direct to the needy since a stabilized mechanism has been put in place to assist the Wanni civilians.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly sessions in New York yesterday (Monday 22). Mr. Solheim was accompanied by Jon Hansen Bauer, Special Envoy associated with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.

Discussions on current developments in Sri Lanka included President's approach towards a sustainable peace and the need to eliminate terrorism. It was shown that the Government's current policy mirrored the developments taking place in the East, with the defeat of LTTE terrorism there.

The President brought to notice of the foreign delegates that despite the requests made to the LTTE, the terrorists continue to use civilians as a human shield to prevent Security Forces advancing into enemy-held territory.

The Sri Lankan delegation at the bi-lateral discussion comprised Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Palitha Kohon

President Rajapaksha arrived in new York to attend UN General assembly

President Rajapaksha arrived in new York to attend UN General assembly


President Mahinda Rajapaksa who arrived in New York to attend the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) being welcomed by four Sri Lankan children. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama was also present. Picture by Sudath Silva

EU does not have anti Sri Lanka agenda - Ferrero-Waldner

EU does not have anti Sri Lanka agenda - Ferrero-Waldner



The European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in an open letter has rubbished the assumption that the EU has an anti-Sri Lanka agenda and also said she was dismayed to see several articles in the Sri Lankan press criticizing the European Commission and in particular personal attacks against the Commission’s former Head of Delegation in Colombo, Ambassador Julian Wilson.

President to address UNO

President Mahinda Rajapakse will leave to New York to participate at the 63rd summit of the Heads of State to be held on 23rd of this month.
He is expected to address the summit where more than 100 leaders of state will participate.