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Media Release
The Government of Sri Lanka rejects Channel 4 story as concocted |
The attention of the Government of Sri Lanka has been drawn to a news item telecast on Channel 4 television in the UK which is also available on the Internet which depicts Sri Lankan forces allegedly committing atrocities against Tamils.
The Government of Sri Lanka strongly and unequivocally denies the allegations contained in the video footage telecast on Channel 4. This footage is diabolical and there is absolutely no truth in its concocted story which is based on this footage. The Government of Sri Lanka is of the view that the purpose of the video, which is evidently orchestrated by LTTE front organizations, is a deliberate and sinister attempt to cause embarrassment and bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka in order to disturb the post conflict developmental and rehabilitation phase.
At a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is focusing on the reconciliation and healing process and rebuild the country, the contents of this video appear to be deliberately intent on tarnishing the sincere efforts and commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
26th August 2009
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Press Release
DONATIONS FOR THE RELIEF AND RESETTLEMENT OPERATIONS FOR IDPs – AN INVITATION |
Sri Lanka is on the threshold of a new beginning. The brutal terrorism that hindered the countrys development for almost three decades has been eliminated completely from its soil and the country is in the process of a reawakening. A large number of reconstruction activities have already been initiated by the Government. Simultaneously relief operations are underway to restore the lost opportunities in the regions.
The Government of Sri Lanka, as well as the Central Bank, has received a number of requests inquiring of the possibilities of contributing towards the relief and resettlement operations initiated by the Government for those people displaced from their regular places of living due to the Situation that prevailed in the country. In response to this, and on the request of the Government, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has introduced special account to receive voluntary contributions from interested parties towards the relief and resettlement operations.
All such contributions will be collected at the special account maintained at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, for and on behalf of the Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka. Funds available in this account will tall under the direct authority of the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury (DST) and the DST will utilize these funds for activities relating to identified relief and resettlement operations.
All contributions to this account are exempted from Sri Lanka income tax under section 34 (1) b of Inland Revenue Act. All contributions to this account exceeding US dollars one hundred or its equivalent will be acknowledged by the DST upon the realization of such amounts. No contributions in kind are accepted.
Accordingly, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka wishes to inform the public that arrangements have been made to receive foreign currency and rupee donations to the Fund A/c. No. 4237 maintained at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka through SWIFT., Telegraphic Transfers. Bank Drafts, Cheques & Money Orders and credit cards.
A special web window is now opened at Central Bank website www.cbsl.gov.lk for this purpose.
On-line Donations
Facility has been provided in the Central Bank website, www.cbsl.gov.lk for those who wish to make donations on-line through VISA and MASTER Credit cards.
Direct Remittances (SWIFT & Telegraphic Transfers)
All direct remittances can be forwarded to the accounts given below in respect of the following currencies:
a) US$ A/c No. 04015541 with Deutshe Bank Trust Company Americas, New York. US. A/c.
Name: Deputy Secretary to the Treasury -Relief Fund for IDPs (SWIFT Code - BKTRUS33XXX)
b) ""Euro A/c. No. 5040040828 with Deutsche Bundes Bank, Zentrale, Frankfurt, Am Main De. (SWIFT Code: MARKDEFFXXX)""
c) -GBP A/c. 0151060001400 with Bank of Ceylon, London. GB (SWIFT Code: BCEYGB2LXXX)
Other Modes of Payments (Cheques, Bank Drafts, Money Orders)
Those who wish to send their donations can forward Cheques or Bank Drafts, Money Orders by hand or by post drawn in favour of ""the Chief Accountant, Central Bank of Sri Lanka on A/C of IDP Relief Fund (DST A/C -4237)"".
All such remittances and any correspondence in this regard should be addressed to
The Chief Accountant,
Central Bank of Sri Lanka,
No. 30,
Janadhipathi Mawatha,
Colombo 01.
Sri Lanka
Telephone:- +94 112 477 153
Fax No.:- +94 112 346 264
E-Mail – ca@cbsl.lk
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JOINT STATEMENT BY THE GOSL & THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE CONCLUSION OF UN SECRETARY–GENERAL’SVISIT TO SRI LANKA, 23rd MAY 2009 |
At the invitation of the H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Sri Lanka. During the course of his visit, he held talks with the President, Foreign Minister as well as other senior leaders of Sri Lanka. During his stay, he also consulted other relevant stakeholders, members of the international humanitarian agencies and civil society. The Secretary-General visited the IDP sites at Vavuniya and overflew the conflict area, near Mullaitivu that was the scene of the conflict.
President Rajapaksa welcomed the Secretary-General as the highest dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in the post-conflict phase. This was a reflection of the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Nations as well as Sri Lanka’s commitment to work with the UN in the future.
President Rajapaksa and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed that following the end of operations against the LTTE, Sri Lanka had entered a new post-conflict beginning. In this context, the Government of Sri Lanka faces many immediate and long-term challenges relating to issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. While addressing these critical issues, it was agreed that the new situation offered opportunities for long-term development of the North and for re-establishing democratic institutions and electoral politics after 2 ½ decades. The Government expressed its commitment to ensure the economic and political empowerment of the people of the North through its programmes.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Secretary-General agreed that addressing the aspirations and grievances of all communities and working towards a lasting political solution was fundamental to ensuring long-term socio-economic development. The Secretary-General welcomed the assurance of the President of Sri Lanka contained in his Statement in Parliament on 19th May 2009 that a national solution acceptable to all sections of people will be evolved. President Rajapaksa expressed his firm resolve to proceed with the implementation of the 13th Amendment, as well as to begin a broader dialogue with all parties, including the Tamil parties in the new circumstances, to further enhance this process and to bring about lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed a series of areas in which the United Nations will assist the ongoing efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing the future challenges and opportunities.
With regard to IDPs, the United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the IDPs now in Vavuniya and Jaffna. The Government will continue to provide access to humanitarian agencies. The Government will expedite the necessary basic and civil infrastructure as well as means of livelihood necessary for the IDPs to resume their normal lives at the earliest. The Secretary-General welcomed the announcement by the Government expressing its intention to dismantle the welfare villages at the earliest as outlined in the Plan to resettle the bulk of IDPs and call for its early implementation.
The Government seeks the cooperation of the international community in mine-clearing which is an essential prerequisite to expediting the early return of IDPs.
The Secretary-General called for donor assistance towards the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) jointly launched by the GOSL and the UN, which supports the relief, shelter and humanitarian needs of those in IDP sites.
President Rajapaksa and the Secretary-General recognized that the large number of former child soldiers forcibly recruited by the LTTE as an important issue in the post-conflict context. President Rajapaksa reiterated his firm policy of zero tolerance in relation to child recruitment. In cooperation with UNICEF, child-friendly procedures have been established for their “release and surrender” and rehabilitation in Protective Accommodation Centres. The objective of the rehabilitation process presently underway is to reintegrate former child soldiers into society as productive citizens. The Secretary-General expressed satisfaction on the progress already made by the Government in cooperation with UNICEF and encouraged Sri Lanka to adopt similar policies and procedures relating to former child soldiers in the North.
President Rajapaksa informed the UN Secretary-General regarding ongoing initiatives relating to rehabilitation and re-integration of ex-combatants. In addition to the ongoing work by the office of the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, a National Framework for the Integration of Ex-Combatant into Civilian Life is under preparation, with the assistance of the UN and other International Organizations.
Sri Lanka reiterated its strongest commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in keeping with international human rights standards and Sri Lanka’s international obligations. The Secretary General underlined the importance of an accountability process for addressing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The Government will take measures to address those grievances .
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
May 23, 2009
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Address by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa
at the ceremonial opening of Parliament,Sri Jayawardhanapura – Kotte
May 19, 2009 |
I declare open this fourth session of Parliament at a time the people of our country, as well as the entire world are celebrating a great victory.
I address this session of Parliament at the historic occasion when the hopes and expectations of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay and all people of our country for several decades, to see a Sri Lanka that is free of murderous terrorism, have been realized.
Friends, (In Tamil)
This is our country
This is our mother land
We should live in this country as children of one mother
No differences of race, caste and religion should prevail here
Over the last thirty years, the LTTE has killed many people
Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims - many have been killed
The war against the LTTE is not a war against Tamil people
Our aim was to liberate our Tamil people from the clutches of the LTTE
Our heroic forces have sacrificed their lives to protect Tamil civilians
The victory we have gained by defeating LTTE is the victory of this nation,
and the victory of all people living in this country.
Protecting the Tamil speaking people of this country is my responsibility
That is my duty
All the people of this country should live in safety without fear and suspicion
All should live with equal rights
That is my aim
Let us all get together and build up this nation (Tamil ends)
As you already know our Motherland has been completely freed from the clutches of separatist terrorism. From now on it is only the laws enacted by this sovereign Parliament that will be that will be in force in every inch of Sri Lanka.
For almost three decades the laws enacted by this legislature were not in force in almost one-third of our land.
When I won the Presidential Election in 2005 there were LTTE police stations in the North and East. There were Tiger courts. What was missing was only a Tiger parliament. Today we have finished all that forever.
Today, this session of Parliament opens in a country where the writ of this august legislature spreads equally throughout the 65, 332 sq. km of territory of Sri Lanka.
Hon. Speaker
This will give you great cause for satisfaction. The 225 Hon. Members of this House have cause for great satisfaction about this. The entire population of the country can enjoy that satisfaction. All sections of the people; and all political parties that contributed to my victory in the Presidential Election in 2005 can share this satisfaction.
Hon. Speaker
It is necessary to recall at this time the statements in the historic Mahinda Chinthana that policy statement that was placed before the people three years ago. “The freedom of our country is supreme. I will not permit any separatism. I will also not permit anyone to destroy democracy in our country …I will respect all ethnic and religious identities, refrain from using force against anyone and build a new society that protects individuals and social freedoms” This is the objective of the Mahinda Chinthana.
Hon. Speaker
It is necessary on this historic occasion to inquire as to how it was possible to obtain the proud victory we have achieved today by defeating the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization.
We are a country with a long history where we saw the reign of 182 kings who rules with pride and honour for that extended more than 2,500 years. This is a country where kings such as Dutugemunu, Valagamba, Dhatusena and Vijayabahu defeated enemy invasions and ensured our freedom.
As much as Mother Lanka fought against invaders such as Datiya, Pitiya, Palayamara, Siva and Elara in the past, we have the experience of having fought the Portuguese, Dutch and British who established empires in the world. As much as the great kings such as Mayadunne, Rajasingha I and Vimaladharmasuriya, it is necessary to also recall the great heroes such as Keppettipola and Puran Appu who fought with such valour against imperialism.
In looking at this unconquerable history there is a common factor we can see. It is the inability of any external enemy to subdue this country as long as those to whom this is the motherland stand united. That is the truth. Another common factor we can see is the inability to establish any savage or dictatorial regime on this land. In the history of my motherland, the people have always risen undefeated against any arbitrary, savage or brutal rule.
I must express my gratitude here to those heroes of our past who have given us the strength and courage to fight against savage invaders and enemies not only today, but in the future too.
Hon. Speaker
The LTTE terrorists began the march to own half of this country, having assassinated the Mayor of Jaffna in 1975, and began their journey to divide the country into two. At that time the terrorists did not hold a single inch of land in the entire north and east.
When the people handed over this country to me the LTTE had control over 15,000 sq. km or one-fourth of the territory of this country, and two- thirds of its coastline.
It was not only territory that we lost during that period. The nation lost several thousand lives and much property and assets. Hundreds of religious dignitaries, as well as national leaders such as R. Premadasa and Rajiv Gandhi, and great ministers such as Lakshman Kadirgamar, Gamini Dissanayake, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and AHM Ashroff were lost to us.
By the last Presidential Election terrorists had gone much further than anyone had believed possible. As a massive international organization, they had established an unmatched that no other organization in the world enjoyed.
They had acquired ships, aircraft, submarines, and the most advanced weaponry in the world. They controlled city administrations, international frauds and scams, banks, web sites and radio stations, and had also issued currency.
There is no one yet able to fully measure their assets. The word had so far not seen such a powerful and large organization. The biggest danger was that the north and east of this country were brought together and gifted through a deed of peace to this destructive terrorist organization.
As result, in 2005 what we took over was a country with grave challenges. Not only in the jungles of Thoppigala or the Vanni, the shadow of terrorism was also cast on all political activity in the country. You are aware that the Norochcholai Power project was due to be established several decades before this. But the construction of this power plant was delayed because of thinking of the fear that the location of this power project would some day come under the control of the terrorists. These are bitter truths to the nation. My Motherland has had to face even more bitter realities.
The terrorists worked continuously to mark the area that should belong to them on the map of Sri Lanka and establish the Eelam state. But the terrorists had created a situation under which there was even fear to respect the principle of the unitary state that has been established in our Constitution.
Even the powerful countries of the world showed fear before the terrorists; some countries were shaken and went on their knees in the face of terror.
Our people began to face a defeatist mentality, whether we could face up to a problem that many countries in the world the world did not seem able to face. Terrorism is like a venomous serpent that draws the most dangerous qualities from politics, economics, science and all subjects in the world.
What terrorism draws from politics is racism. It builds an economy through drug trafficking. What it draws from technology is the manufacture of explosives. The defeat in Sri Lanka of the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization in the world that is made up of all these deadly qualities can be considered second to none.
Therefore, we did not attempt to respond to the terrorists in their own language. When the terrorists were calling for war, we responded with a humanitarian operation. Our troops went to this operation carrying a gun in one hand, the Human Rights Charter in the other, hostages on their shoulders, and the love of their children in their hearts.
That was an incomparable chapter in the history of war. It is truly a miracle to go to a battlefield where civilians have bee turned into human bombs, and carry on the battle without shedding the blood of civilians. It is a great skill to face up to the heaviest monsoon rains and major floods and not retreat a single step. It needs the ability of a Vishvakarma to defeat battle tanks and artillery with small arms.
There was no school of war in the word that could face up to the savage military strategies used by the terrorists of the LTTE. The world had not seen military sciences able to face a combination of land mines, claymore mines, small suicide vessels, light aircraft that can evade radar, and suicide killer jackets.
Through thirty years the Security Forces of Sri Lanka were compelled to find ways and means to face up to all this. By the end of its successful march the Security Forces of Sri Lanka had become the most disciplined and capable military in the world.
Our security forces were able to defeat the most ruthless terrorists in the world due to their strict discipline, commitment, and creative use of military strategy.
Hon. Speaker
What is it that we have now acquired having defeated the most ruthless terrorists of the world?
What we now have is another powerful challenge in the world.
The Tamil people who have a great history are today in a tragic and helpless state due to the terrorists of the LTTE. When did it ever happen in the history of the Tamil people that parents forced their young daughters to get pregnant to save them from being dragged into war? Who was it that brought Tamil children who are protected by the Goddess Pattini to this fate? Who was it that abandoned in tents the Tamil people who worshipped the Deity Ganesh at Kataragama, and cared for their health with the antiseptic qualities of saffron water and margosa leaves?
Hon. Speaker
It is the LTTE that has put the Tamil community to their lowest position in history. Those who raised their voices for the protection of the terrorists, and all those who helped the terrorists should now fall at the feet of these Tamil mothers and seek their pardon. Those who live abroad and supported the terrorists with funds, if they have any love for their own people, should not help terrorism again.
The day is not far when the hearts and feelings of the mothers and daughters who have today been rendered helpless became the collective conscience of the Tamil people. Their hearts are now with us who liberated from the slavery they had been forced into. Facing up to and winning this challenge is like building a strong bridge over Eelam. What was seen in the past days at Pudumathalan area should forever remain seared in the minds of the Tamil people.
Hon. Speaker
The defeat of the LTTE and the breakdown of their armed strength will never be the defeat of the Tamil people of this country. What have the Tamil people inherited from the gun that was used to assassinate Alfred Duraiyappah to the armed tanks used to attack the innocent Tamil people who were fleeing Pudumathalan, and all other weapons of the LTTE?
What was the LTTE able to win for the Tamil people from the force of its arms?
The complete defeat of the LTTE is an even greater victory for the Tamil people.
Hon. Speaker
The Tamil people were never a people who had faith or trust in weapons. It would be sufficient for them to know of just one incident that took place when the LTTE was powerful.
One clause in the Indo-Lanka Accord was that the LTTE should hand over its weapons to the army. When the LTTER announced to the people of Jaffna that it would be handing over its weapons, they received a resounding cheer and applause from the people. The LTTE was also surprised by this response. It is, therefore clear that the Tamil people are not a people who like to bear weapons.
Mr. Speaker
At this victorious moment, it is necessary for us to state with great responsibility, that we do not accept a military solution as the final solution. Similarly, when we see the sad faces of the people who have been fleeing from the Puthumathalan area, we can realize that a document offered on a tray as a political solution could also not be the final solution. Therefore, the responsibility that we accept after freeing the Tamil people from the LTTE is a responsibility that no government in the history of Sri Lanka has accepted.
When we accept the responsibility for the people who have been liberated, we receive many proposals from various countries and institutions. They ask us to look after our own Tamil people well.
Hon. Speaker
All the people in the country from Dondra Head to Point Pedro are our own people.
The government saw to it that we did not shirk our responsibilities even to the people who were under the yoke of the LTTE. In brief, the terrorist leader who was killed yesterday, until that time had his meals with the food and drink that the government supplied.
Mr. Speaker
We are a country with unique precedents. According to the tradition established by kings such as Dutugemunu, we should respect even the enemy that has surrendered or been killed in combat. That is a quality of greatness that is found not only with the government, but also with the people of this country.
This is a country with a people who when thousands lost their homes and were made destitute from the Tsunami, took care of all those people, not letting even a single victim go hungry for even one meal. We who are schooled in the Buddhist tradition of loving kindness and compassion, and nurtured in the Hindu, Islam and Christian traditions, do not need to be taught how we should treat and care for the innocent and helpless. We shall resettle all those who have been freed from being hostages in very welcome surroundings. People who have not had electricity and not seen modern roads will be resettled in environments complete with all facilities. I ask you to compare the living conditions of the people in the East three years ago with what it is today.
Although we engaged in a massive struggle to defeat terrorism, we did not make that a cause to delay development and welfare services. We launched development projects throughout the country that had been ignored for 30 years. We created new employment. They were not confined to the South. While carrying out massive humanitarian operations in the North, the Vanni and the East, we were also engaged in development work in those areas.
At no time since independence have the development work now being done in the East and Mannar been undertaken. A Presidential Task Force has already been appointed to expedite development work in the Vanni and the North. As much as we defeated deadly terrorism and freed the innocent people held by terror, we are committed to carry out accelerated development in the areas that were under terrorism, within the next three years. While bringing the lives of the people within a democratic political structure, the government will also provide education and health facilities, and launch the Northern Spring by providing the infrastructure such as irrigation, highways, electricity and such facilities necessary for the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors.
We have now removed terrorism, the biggest obstacle that the private sector in our country faced in participating in the Northern Spring. Therefore, the environment has now been created to carry out their investments and engage in business. I especially call on our business community to make a commitment to invest in the North and East of our country. What we need is not advice; but the cooperation to bring a better life to these people. I believe that the world community will also extend that cooperation to us.
I call on all who have left our motherland due to terrorism, especially the Tamil people, to return. I made this request when addressing an Independence commemoration event on an earlier occasion, too. Similarly, I call on our engineers, doctors, accountants and other professions living in various countries abroad, to return to your motherland and contribute to its development.
Mr. Speaker
It is necessary that we give to these people the freedoms that are the right of people in all others parts of our country. Similarly, it is necessary that the political solutions they need should be brought to closer to them faster than any country or government in the world would bring. However, it cannot be an imported solution. We do not have the time to be experimenting with the solutions suggested by other countries. Therefore, it is necessary that we find a solution that is our very own, of our own nation. It should be a solution acceptable to all sections of the people. We expect cooperation for it from the international community and not obstruction. Should the international community doubt our capability to find such a solution, when we have successfully overcome a challenge that that the world was unable to achieve? No. We can achieve this.
I believe that the solution that we who respect valued the qualities of Mettha (loving kindness) Karuna (Compassion) Muditha (Rejoicing in others’ joy) and Upeksha (Equanimity) based on the philosophy of Buddhism can present, can bring both relief and an example to the world. Similarly, I seek the support of all political parties for that solution.
Mr. Speaker
We have removed the word minorities from our vocabulary three years ago. No longer are the Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and any others minorities. There are only two peoples in this country. One is the people that love this country. The other comprises the small groups that have no love for the land of their birth. Those who do not love the country are now a lesser group.
Mr. Speaker
This small group questions as to whose victory this is. Our answer to that is that this is not a victory by President Mahinda Rajapaksa alone. The people are gathering around the National Flag. What we have done is to make the people of this country line up behind the National Flag. Therefore, this victory belongs to the people so lined up behind the National Flag. It belongs to the mothers, fathers and wives who gave their children and husbands to the armed forces; to the people who thought not of their stomachs but of their country. The blood shed by those people have enriched the soil of our land.
Mr. Speaker
Remember this country was saved by the blood, eyes, limbs, flesh and lives of our young people. Thousands of our youth faced shells on their heads, land mines at their feet, bullets in their hearts and sacrificed their lives to protect this land. We cannot allow such a land be grabbed by thieves, fraudsters, and the corrupt. This land cannot be betrayed or allowed to be sold. We should pay tribute to the children of the motherland who protected it with such sacrifice, by ensuring peace, development and good governance in this country.
There are thousands of heroic troops who sacrifice their lives from 1980 buried in our motherland today. We remember all these heroic troops with respect. We show them our gratitude. On this special occasion, the parents, wife and children of Lt. Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe, brave officer of the Long Range Reconnaissance Unit who fought fearlessly and sacrificed his life are present here today. The immense gratitude of our nation goes out on this occasion to all parents who brought forth the heroic troops who sacrificed their lives, and to their wives who gave them strength to serve the motherland.
WE have among us today a large number of heroic troops whom suffer many disabilities since 1980. Lance Corporal Bandara, a heroic trooper who was injured twice in the northern humanitarian operation and returned to active duty, and later lost both his legs at Puthukudiruppu is also a participant at this historic occasion. I extend by gratitude him on this occasion, symbolic of the gratitude and honour extended to all disabled and heroic troops.
I also extend the honour and gratitude of the nation to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, the Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Admiral Vasantha Karannagoda, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke, as well as the Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremeratne, and the Director General of the Civil Defence Force Sarath Weerasekera, who worked tirelessly to give this great victory to the motherland.
All heroic troops who shouldered battle for freedom obtained great encouragement from their families. But for the help of the parents, brothers and sisters, wives, children and other family members of these heroes of war, we would not have been able to achieve any of these victories. Similarly, the blessings and encouragement from my wife Shiranthi, and my sons Namal, Yoshitha and Rohitha, as well as my brothers and sisters was a great strength to me. I thank all of them as I express the gratitude of the nation to the families of all families of our heroes of war.
Mr. Speaker
There is no era in before this when the international community has paid as much attention to my motherland as in the present times. When went to the front against terrorism with a firm determination, many foreign states made many requests of us.
But although we were able to listen to all these requests, we were not ale to implement all of them. That is because I was bound to make real the expectations offered by me and carry out the mandate given to me in 2005. This was also because we had because I considered the freedom and sovereignty of my motherland as being of more value than my life
Yet, I must state that the Sri Lankan nation will always remember the help given to our country by many countries.
We will not forget that such assistance was given on behalf of world democracy. Ending terrorism in Sri Lanka means a victory for democracy in the world. Sri Lanka has now given a beginning to the ending of terrorism in the world.
Mr. Speaker
All this time what we had to tell the world was about our great, heroic and glorious history. But today we have brought about such greatness and heroism to present day Sri Lanka. Till now we gained strength to rise as a nation from the past built by our heroic ancestors. Today, as much as we have added a new pride and honour to that past, we have created an era of new strength for the future of our nation. In the future when our nation has to engage in a glorious and invincible struggle the achievements of this era will be recalled.
Mr. Speaker
Having defeated the most ruthless terrorists who made the world helpless, we rise today as invincible citizens; as a national with a great and imposing personality.
What we thought so far was that we could not achieve success in many things. After our fall in 1815, we were unable to revive that lost nation pride and dignity. But, today, we have achieved victory in a challenge that no other country has been able to overcome. It is the both your duty and mine to safeguard that dignity. It is the responsibility of us all.
As we have been victorious in the battle to defeat terrorism, we should also take to the required successful end the struggle to build our land. It is necessary for us to take the required clear decisions for this. We must now be ready to direct our motherland to that new era of national revival.
I must specially mention here that this great battle for national revival will be waged with the aim of raising the lives of the Tamil people who live in the North an East of our land, too.
In the past several decades those people did not have the right to a meaningful life. They were denied the right to life, the right to freedom, the right to development. I shall give all of that to those people. I accept that responsibility.
Hon. Speaker
I do not believe that we have a right to be engaged in politics if we are unable to accept the responsibilities thrust upon us by time. I have accepted that responsibility. We have been victorious in facing one challenge. Time is now raising a new challenge before us. It is the challenge of building the motherland. From now all, everyone should change in keeping with the needs of facing up to that challenge, too. Just as I accepted the earlier challenge, I accept this new challenge too. In doing so, I look forward very much to the fullest cooperation of all Members of Parliament and Ministers, and of my dear people in our motherland.
AS a special mark of respect to the heroic troops who contributed to this great victory I hereby declare tomorrow as a national holiday.
Mr. Speaker
I value my motherland first, second and third. This should be so to you and to the entire nation. It is only our beloved motherland that we should all cherish and value.
May you be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem.
Note: This is the English translation of the address made in Sinhala
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MEDIA RELEASE |
Government Committed to Providing Food
Assistance to Civilians in No-Fire Zone
The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to supplying sufficient food to civilians held captive by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the no-fire zone on the Mullaitivu coast. The Government has since February facilitated the delivery of over 2,400 MT of food, medicines and other relief items to the no-fire zone.
The Government has expressed its appreciation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners for their assistance in supplying these items to the civilians. The WFP publicly acknowledged the Government’s willingness to send in food and other supplies during the monthly Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance which was held under the Chairmanship of Mahinda Samarasinghe MP, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights on 11 (Monday) at the Ministry of Defence.
The Government is disappointed that the ICRC has been unable to deliver foodstuffs and evacuate patients (sick and wounded) over three successive attempts during the week commencing 11 May. The ICRC was last able to deliver 25 MT of food and evacuate patients on 09 May. The Government and the Sri Lanka Navy facilitated the loading and departure of three consignments of food amounting to 550 MT during the past 4 days. The Government has clearly manifested its willingness to have these patients evacuated and the civilians supplied with basic food items by providing all guarantees and assurances and granting all security clearances necessary. The Government considers that these non-combatant civilians are deserving of every assistance until they are released by or liberated from the clutches of the LTTE.
The Additional Government Agent, Mullaitivu, and the fishermen’s association who have been cooperating in this effort have indicated their readiness to unload the vessels bearing food supplies. However the ICRC has communicated its inability to unload the food supplies due to what it deems are security conditions in the no-fire zone.
It is hoped that the ICRC will be able to obtain the necessary guarantees from the LTTE similar to those obtained from the Government in order to enable the supply of essential food supplies to civilians unlawfully held captive. In addition, the Government will also explore all available avenues of getting these supplies to the civilians who require them. The Government and security forces are doing their utmost to ensure the liberation of these civilians at the earliest available opportunity so that they may be brought to safe areas and cared for until conditions are created for their eventual return to their original places of habitation. [Ends]
Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights
Colombo
Sri Lanka.
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Media Release |
Health Ministry questions credibility of Dr Shanmugarajah
No contact with Provincial or National Health authorities since October 2008
The Secretary to the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, Dr. H.A.P. Kahandaliyanage, has questioned the veracity and credibility of statements attributed to a doctor said to be working in the no-fire zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka. He says: “I wish to draw your attention to a statement released by one Dr Shanmugarajah, allegedly a District Medical Officer (DMO) of a hospital in the Mullaitivu District, that has been circulated to foreign media agencies. I am made to understand that in this release it is stated that indiscriminate shelling and firing by the Security Forces of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) has resulted in more than 300 civilian agencies.”
The Health Secretary goes on to add that: “The Provincial Director of Health Services in the Northern Province has informed me that though a Dr Shanmugarajah had worked as a Medical Officer in the Mullaitivu District, he has had no contact with the Provincial Health Authorities or the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition since October 2008. Therefore no credibility can be given to statements released by Dr Shanmugarajah in any
capacity.”
Cautioning against reliance on the statements made by this person, Dr Kahandaliyanage states: [T]he international community should view this and future statements if released by this alleged DMO, Dr Shanmugarajah with caution, as the Provincial Health Authorities and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition has had no information as to the existence and whereabouts of this officer since October 2008, and is of the view that such statements are being made with the vested interest of bringing disrepute to the GOSL.”
[Ends]
Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights 12 May 2009
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GoSL Denies Reports of Civilian Casualties Caused by Armed Forces Fire |
< font size 2>The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies reports attributable to sources aligned with or under duress from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as to supposed civilian casualties in the no-fire zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The most recent claim of 378 deaths and over 1,100 injured is founded on a single source – a Government doctor said to be working in the zone. The Government has utterly rejected these claims of civilian casualties being caused by shelling from the security forces on Saturday (09) and Sunday (10). The Government notes that there is no independent verification possible to the tenuous security situation caused by the LTTE’s last-ditch attempts to save itself from military annihilation. The Government’s view is that to treat the doctor’s statement as evidence of irrefutable and incontrovertible fact is unwise. It is patently obvious that any story coming out of areas unlawfully occupied by the LTTE does not emanate without the imprimatur of that organization. To treat the statement of any official (albeit one employed by the Government) living under the domination of the LTTE as independent and believable is extremely risky in reaching an objective conclusion on the current situation. The video footage supposedly of the no-fire zone which is attributed to a Tamil pressure group is also of dubious provenance and probative value.
Giving credence and acceptance to this LTTE-inspired piece of “news”, would wittingly or unwittingly aid the terrorist organization to save itself at the hour of its impending demise. The best guarantee of survival for an organization that is designated a terrorist organization by several right-thinking governments the world over, would be through the generation of shock and outrage at supposed atrocities. The Government feels it is necessary to guard against these coordinated campaigns which seek to vilify the security forces and besmirch their record as they successfully overcome terrorism. It is noted that these exaggerated claims of Government forces firing on civilians in no-fire zones, dramatic casualty figures and charges of indiscriminate attacks have been heightened since January 2009 when the LTTE was pushed back into a rapidly dwindling area. It is this steady stream of LTTE-originated disinformation that has been amplified by its surrogates and acolytes through a extensive worldwide propaganda network enabling the disinformation to be widely disseminated.
The Government designated certain areas in which civilians were gathered, as no-fire zones with the intention of safeguarding civilians in keeping with its policy of zero civilian casualties. The Government has, for several months, stated that it is not targeting civilians in these no-fire zones. This position was reiterated by the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat in a statement issued on 27 April 2009. The Government went so far as to specifically commit to not using heavy artillery, airpower and area weaponry which could cause civilian casualties. This is a principled stand of a legitimately elected, democratic government of an independent and sovereign nation. The 115,000 civilians who escaped the LTTE, bravely seeking safety while coming under fire and suicide bomb attacks from their former captors, have done so because they are convinced where their safety and security lies. These civilians, who have come over to the Government seeking refuge since 20 April, would have hardly done so if they were being indiscriminately being fired upon by the security forces. Indeed these 115,000 persons have made no mention of any instances when they were shelled or otherwise attacked by the security forces.
In contrast, it is the LTTE which consistently endangered and attacked civilians it held hostage by locating heavy weapons within these zones and firing at the advancing Sri Lankan armed forces. They also have proved that they are not averse to firing on civilians seeking to flee to safety. They even deployed their signature weapon of terror – the suicide bomb - at civilians seeking safety with Government authorities. In contrast, the Sri Lankan forces have exercised maximum restraint despite suffering increased casualties due to being restricted to the use of small arms and light weaponry. Given the LTTE’s track record of brutality against the very people they profess to protect, it is not difficult to surmise as to who is responsible for any civilian casualties that occur in the no-fire zone. [Ends]
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Address by H. E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Diplomatic Community in Colombo on current developments in Sri Lanka |
Presidential Secretariat, May 07, 2009
Excellencies
I am pleased to address you this morning at a time when humanitarian operations in the North are coming to an end and the country is about to be salvaged from the scourge of terrorism. The war with the LTTE is rapidly nearing its conclusion and it is my hope that this will create the space for democracy to flourish in the North again.
As you are very well aware, the people of Sri Lanka have suffered for nearly three decades. We have suffered too long and our people have witnessed the trauma and agony unleashed by terrorist acts. At long last we are on a threshold of defeating terrorism and facing a new era of lasting peace and security for all Sri Lankans.
You are also very well aware that my Government was compelled to take military action against the LTTE only as a last resort. This was after all attempts to engage them in meaningful negotiations failed. From the day I was elected, we gave priority to peace negotiations. We went to Geneva, we went to Oslo. In all these places, the LTTE made a mockery of the negotiations and left the negotiating table.
Undoubtedly, we have to be indebted to our brave security forces who have fought valiantly to defeat the LTTE who were thought to be an invincible force. The military has now confined LTTE to an area less than 6 sq kms. in the safe zone created for the civilians. On my instructions, due to the priority given to the policy of zero civilian casualties the security forces are limiting themselves to rescue operations of the entrapped civilians held hostage as a human shield by the LTTE. My primary and only concern is the well being and safety of the civilian population presently in the No Fire Zone and those displaced persons in the cleared areas.
My Government unilaterally declared two humanitarian pauses in January and April. We too shared the expectations with the international community that the LTTE would use these opportunities to release the civilians being held hostage in the No Fire Zone. However, on both occasions the LTTE cynically exploited the opportunities to strengthen its defences for its own security and actively prevented the civilians leaving. On the other hand, we have witnessed mass movements of people from the safe zone more so during other times. I am sure you will agree with me that cease fire are redundant. As we all are aware, the LTTE has always misused periods of cease fires, to rearm them and resort to military action. These are bitter lessons we have learnt from the past experiences and therefore will not be deceived anymore.
Nearly 180,000 fleeing from the clutches of the LTTE to the cleared areas clearly serve to demonstrate a feeling of security and confidence in our security forces. The LTTE has progressively proved that they have never been interested in negotiating for the aspirations of the Tamil community whom they have claimed to be their sole representatives. The LTTE only believe in the language of terror which needs to be met military force.
We also need to acknowledge the role of the armed forces who engaged in a heroic task to rescue more than 200,000 innocent civilians who were kept hostage by the LTTE. The manner of rescuing the hostages would indeed be an example to others engaged in military operations. It may also be one of the greatest rescue operations in the world. I am glad that over 200,000 persons have been able to escape from the LTTE, due to the meticulous operations of the Armed Forces. In my view, the urgent need of the hour is the sensitivity and understanding of the international community on ground realities. As you are aware, the LTTE has an extensive international network spread among many of your countries. As members of the international community, friends of Sri Lanka need to bring pressure to bear on the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender. Punitive action could be taken on its front organizations spread globally. Your Governments also need to bring pressure on the leadership of the LTTE to free the civilians who are being held against their will as human shields. In fact, these civilians could be relatives of those Sri Lankans who are in your countries.
Excellencies
I am fully aware that in-depth reports submitted by you contribute no little to building international opinions. Three is no doubt that these reports are much important in the building of arguments and positions in your Capitals. As you are well aware the Government of Sri Lanka is now facing the daunting task of providing security and needs of displaced persons who are now in the welfare villages. The Government has mobilized all the relevant Government Agencies and stakeholders who are working together to provide the basic needs of these innocent civilians.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank your Governments, the United Nations and its Agencies as well as the ICRC for the humanitarian assistance extended in our hour of need. The Government of Sri Lanka is fully engaged in delivering all the basic needs to the people in the welfare centres. The international humanitarian organizations have been given maximum access that is possible at present. We are in the process of assessing the ground situation and will work towards providing enhanced access in the future. I wish to bring your notice that at present there are 52 NGOs working in the IDP welfare villages. The media has also been given unhindered access.
The next step is to focus our collective attention and energies on the long term post conflict development agenda for Sri Lanka. In this regard, one of the primary tasks is to rebuild the shattered lives of our people who have been traumatized by living for long periods under LTTE domination.
We have to focus our efforts on the development of infrastructure of the liberated areas. This could be achieved through the provision of necessities and facilities for the displaced persons to be resettled. as early as possible. In fact, 122 families have already been re-settled in Mannar and another 2,500 are to be settled by the end of this month. Much of the resettlement will be dependent on the ability to de-mine the affected areas.
The North has not seen any development for the past 30 years due to the subjugation and autocratic dominance of the LTTE. The Government is giving top priority developing these areas. The implementation of long-term development programmes for the North and the welfare programmes for the displaced persons and their resettlement will be considered our duty and responsibility. This will specially relate to:
De-mining activities
Infrastructure development which includes building of roads, houses, schools, hospitals, electrification etc.
Livelihood support for the resettled persons, and
Psycho social programmes for the rehabilitation of former LTTE cadres and in particular child soldiers. We have already initiated action in this regard.
Towards this end, my Government is in the process of completing a Master Plan for a long term reconstruction of the war ravaged region. The international community could join the Government of Sri Lanka in these challenging tasks ahead. Already a Presidential Task Force has been named for resettlement, development and security of the Northern Province. We are also very keen to ensure the rehabilitation of the surrendered LTTE cadres and bring them into the society. We are also giving emphasis to vocational training to provide life skills to these surrendered cadres.
While eliminating terrorism militarily and freeing the remaining hostages from the LTTE, a sustainable political solution based on a Sri Lankan agenda is in the process of being worked out. The All Party Representative Committee is formulating a set of political proposals which would be submitted once the environment is free of terrorism.
Recently we had discussions with all representatives of the Tamil people in the North and the East to resolve this problem. Regrettably a certain party in Parliament did not participate in these discussions. On the first occasion they declined to come. On the next occasion they agreed to come but did not turn up. Therefore, we discussed with all the parties present and appointed a committee to solve the problems of the IDPs in the North and to coordinate activities in this regard.
I believe we have the strength to arrive at a political solution through discussion. We cannot allow terrorism to raise its head in this country again. Whether they are problems of the Tamil people or the Muslim people, we have not forgotten that all of these are Sri Lankans. They all belong to Sri Lanka. I have a responsibility to ensure that they can live in freedom, without fear or mistrust, in a unitary and democratic Sri Lanka. I will not forget that this is the mandate given to me by the people. I state most humbly on this occasion that I accept this responsibility that has been placed upon me more than any other.
We expect to conduct Local Government Elections in the Jaffna and Vavuniya areas very soon. Steps are being taken to call for nominations early this month.
Our final appeal to the international community represented by you is to fully understand the current realities about Sri Lanka and in resolving the problems that may arise in your own countries, not to subjugate the aspirations and aims of the Sri Lankan people. And by this, to assist in solving the problems of the Sri Lankan people and extend all assistance and cooperation for the building of this country, so that we can together see the end of terrorism in this country and worldwide, too.
I also extend my gratitude for all the cooperation extended to us so far. As a Buddhist, in this Vesak season I wish you all a very Happy Vesak!
May you all blessed by the Noble Triple Gem!
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Hunger strikers should have first demanded Prabhakaran to let the people go – High Commissioner Rajakaruna |
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in South Africa Mr. Anura Rajakaruna giving an interview to Lotus FM radio in Durban said that what the LTTE hunger strikers are trying to highlight is not the plight of the trapped civilians but the demands of the LTTE. Following is High Commissioner Rajakaruna’s interview broadcast on 18th April.
Lotus FM: Mr. Anura Rajakaruna, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka talked to us about the situation in his country. Here is what he has to say.
HC: The LTTE has forced civilians to move with them and now the LTTE using them as a shield. So, this is a situation created by the LTTE and what the Government of Sri Lanka trying is to get the civilians out of the LTTE grip. The President of Sri Lanka declared a pause to the military operations during last week but we did not see any response from the LTTE to let the people go.
Lotus FM: The Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka have been struggling for self Government for more than 40 years. Now, that the Sri Lankan Army has almost defeated the LTTE. What’s the future of Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka?
HC: To bring about a political solution, there is a need to defeat the LTTE first, and thereby find a space for political dialogue in seeking a political solution. This is what the Government is trying now. Once the LTTE is defeated militarily, the Government is hoping to find an opportunity for political dialogue. So, there is hope to involve everybody in the political process.
Lotus FM: Once the Sri Lankan Government has achieved its military campaign against the LTTE, many believe that Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka living as a defeated people in the land of their birth. Is this would be the situation?
HC: It would not be the situation. Military operation is not an operation against the Tamil people. It only targeted the LTTE which is an armed group. What the Government forces are trying to do is to liberate the Tamil people from the LTTE clutches. The people who were already liberated in the Eastern province are quite content with the situation and they are now involved in normal way of life. And the development process is on now - the normalization process is on now. In the Eastern province, a pluralistic polity has emerged. So, this is going to be the situation in the North as well. There would not be any feeling of defeating the Tamil people. Tamil people are very much part of the Sri Lankan nation and the Government is working to accommodate the aspirations of the Tamil people within one country.
Lotus FM: The Indian Government now says it is concerned about Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Indian Foreign Minister Prenab Mukherjee says they would be providing humanitarian aid to the people caught up in the war zone. Is the Sri Lankan Government not providing any humanitarian aid at the moment?
HC: Without food and medicine sent by the Sri Lankan Government to the conflict zone, starvation and health issues would have create a huge humanitarian situation by now. But it is not the case. The Sri Lankan Government, in collaboration with the UN agencies and the ICRC, has been supplying humanitarian needs to the people in the conflict zone. Just for example, by now, the Government has supplied 2332 MT to the conflict zone with the assistance of these agencies. Of course, we welcome any assistance by the Government of India in addition to what is being provided.
Lotus FM: Finally, we have a former Sri Lankan Member of Parliament, Mr. Eelaventhan, who is on a hunger strike here in Durban, to highlight the situation of the Tamils in Northern Sri Lanka. Is your Government taking Mr. Eelaventhan and others like him in other parts of the world seriously?
HC: What Mr. Eelaventhan and other LTTE campaigners are doing is to highlight not the issue of the Tamil civilians but the demands of the LTTE. They are trying to save the LTTE from the defeat. So, this is how we look at Eelaventhan and others. And if they are really concerned about the Tamil civilians before the sit down for hunger strikes they should call on their supreme leader Prabhakaran, to let the people go from his grip-which unfortunately they have failed to demand. So, instead of making that demand-doing hunger strikes won’t be helpful to settle the situation.
High Commissioner Rajakaruna giving comments to a talk show programme on Sri Lanka in the same radio channel further said;
HC: Quite amazed to hear some of the comments. I feel that those commentators have got a heavy dose of LTTE propaganda. Sri Lankan conflict is totally misunderstood in South Africa. This conflict is not between the Tamils and the Sinhalese.
Lotus FM: How can you refer it as propaganda by our speakers when your own country has media block, when you do not allow the independent journalists into the country to report the facts?
HC: Well - otherwise how can so many news papers and TV stations reporting on the situation on hourly basis and there are various ways of reporting. Of course, media people have been taken to the conflict zone as and when the military operations permitted. Diplomats have been taken to the conflict zone and the welfare centers where the Internally Displaced Persons are being looked after. So, this is happening. What we hear is the emotional way that some commentators speaking without any idea about the ground realities and calling for various measures which are quite unrealistic - in a democratic country like South Africa.
Lotus FM: Do you believe that no ethnic Tamils are being killed in the north east of Sri Lanka?
HC: Not by the Army. Of course, Sri Lankan Army’s target is the LTTE. The fighters whoever is coming for surrender have been looked after and would be rehabilitated.
Lotus FM: Though International media reports, do you state that some Tamils are not being killed by the Sri Lankan Army?
HC: Some of the reports unfortunately based on the NGO reports which are really biased and has an agenda to discredit the Sri Lankan Government. This we have seen quite often and they don’t reflect the ground situation.
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Media Release
Government deeply concerned over the plight of trapped civilians |
The Government attaches the highest priority for the safety and welfare of the civilians, who are currently being held hostage by the LTTE in the narrow coastal strip in Mullaitivu. Thus, the military operations to free the entrapped civilians have been painstakingly slow, in order to avoid causing civilian casualties. Despite enormous logistical and other operational constraints, the Government has been sending an uninterrupted supply of food, medicine, fuel and other essential items for these civilians. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama made these observations when the Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Prof. Walter Kaelin called on him at the Foreign Ministry today (03 March 2009). The UN official arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a four-day visit, during which he will hold discussions with government officials, as well as visit the IDP welfare villages and IDP transit points in Vavuniya.
The Foreign Minister briefed Prof. Kaelin on the steps taken by the Government to provide basic amenities at the IDP villages and transit points, which are receiving ever growing numbers of civilians who have risked their lives to flee from LTTE captivity. Already, over 62,000 civilians have braved the bullets of the LTTE and come to the Government controlled areas, and are being well cared for.
Acknowledging that there are still several shortcomings in the IDP camps, the Minister said that the Government is addressing these issues expeditiously. It has already arranged family reunions of several inmates as well as provided telecommunications facility to the camps.
Referring to his last visit to Sri Lanka in September 2008, Prof. Kaelin recalled his meeting with the Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa where he had commended the role of the Sri Lanka Army in its military operations, which had kept civilian casualties to a minimum. However, he expressed concern that as the Army approaches the no-fire zone, civilians could get caught up in the fighting. He said that the UN and the Government of Sri Lanka share a common interest in saving the lives of these innocent civilians, which is a major challenge.
Prof. Kaelin also said that it would be necessary to provide additional space to accommodate the anticipated influx of civilians fleeing from LTTE control to the Government areas. Admitting that a temporary congestion in the IDP camps in the initial phase would be inevitable, he called upon the Government to expand the facilities to the residents, so that they could stay in these facilities in reasonable comfort, until their return to their original places of habitation.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama stated that it is the policy of the Government to ensure the expeditious re-settlement of the IDPs in their own areas, but that de-mining and re-building of the damaged infrastructure and housing should be undertaken on a priority basis before this could be done. He appealed for assistance from the UN System and the wider international community in this endeavour. He also briefed Prof. Kaelin on the Government’s firm commitment in evolving a durable political solution to the present conflict, through an inclusive process which would be acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Minister also referred to the recent dialogue with the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora that the Government has launched on his initiative, which has been extremely useful in understanding the concerns and aspirations of the expatriate Tamils of Sri Lankan origin.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
03 April 2009
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Media Release
Call for ceasefire would only help the terrorists |
“It is unfortunate that some in the international community have fallen straight into the well laid trap of the LTTE and are calling for a ceasefire, a ceasefire which would only help the terrorists to recover and drag this war for another twenty five years. It must also be mentioned at this moment that H.E. the President and the Government have on many occasions called on the LTTE leadership to let these people go and have been consistently ignored demonstrating again and again the utter and callous disregard paid by LTTE to the very people they claim to represent”. These remarks were made by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the inauguration of the Sri Lankan Diaspora Dialogue in Colombo last Saturday (28 March 2009).
Speaking further, he said that as the LTTEs delusion fades into history, the Government is rightly calling on the Tamils living overseas to return to the warm embrace of mother Lanka and seek a common future with all her other children, whether they be Muslims, Sinhalese, Mukkuvars, Malays, Burghers, etc. Today, the beginning has been made in this endeavour. Each of the participants gathered, represents diverse backgrounds and has enormous individual potential. Therefore, it is the wish of the Government to build a partnership with the Diaspora in the realization of this noble vision.
In conclusion, Dr. Kohona requested the assembled gathering to consider funding the education of a child from the areas which were until very recently under the vicious domination of the LTTE. He made a plea to the audience to give these children a new chance in life, with a passionate call, “Let a childs dreams be realized in a respected academic institution, whether in Sri Lanka or overseas. These children represent the future of Sri Lanka and have the potential to be our leaders in the future. They are Sri Lanka’s future”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
31 March 2009 |
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Media Release
Government seeks Partnership with Diaspora for Reconciliation and Peace building in the North |
The Government of Sri Lanka is committed towards developing a partnership with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in promoting a new era of peace through reconciliation among the different communities and implementing an economic plan to reconstruct the war ravaged North of the country. This pledge was made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the inauguration of a two day Sri Lankan Diaspora Dialogue in Colombo yesterday( 28th March 2009) organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister, elaborating on the involvement with the Diaspora in the post conflict era, stated that the initial engagement should evolve into a partnership with the Government as a stakeholder. This partnership, he said would be through political empowerment of the people and economic development of the North.
The Minister pointed out this dialogue that the Government has now initiated as being the first opportunity for the diverse views of the Tamil community of Sri Lankan origin living abroad to be freely articulated. Hitherto, their voices have been stifled by the oppressive control of the LTTE on the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora. The Foreign Minister expressed his confidence that this interactive dialogue with the Diaspora would develop into an inclusive process leading to sustainable peace and stability in Sri Lanka.
He underscored the important role that the Diaspora has to play in addressing the current humanitarian situation in the North. He called upon them to add their voice to the growing chorus within the international community to exert pressure on the LTTE to free the helpless civilians who are being held hostage as human shields, confined to the fast receding sliver of land along the Mullativu coast, yet to be cleared. Minister Bogollagama emphasized the Government’s paramount concern for the safety and well being of the entrapped civilians. Sri Lanka is now on the verge of defeating terrorism and the time has arrived to look towards the future to re-establish democracy in the North and rebuild the infrastructure and facilities which have been destroyed. In this regard, he highlighted the re-establishment of the democratic institutions of governance which has now empowered the people of the Eastern Province, in tandem with the reconstruction and economic development.
Minister Bogollagama pointed out that the LTTE committed its biggest blunder by rejecting the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, and its violent and destructive opposition to the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has now led to the disastrous consequences it is now facing.
The Minister of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration, D.E.W. Gunasekera, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the important measures undertaken by the Government to implement the Official Languages policy, including the mandatory requirement for all new entrants joining the public service with effect from 1st July 2007, to acquire proficiency in the two official languages within 5 years, in order to be eligible for confirmation in the service, as well as the financial incentives granted to encourage the drive to make the public service bilingual in the shortest possible time. He also said that the Government was endeavouring to develop a tri-lingual public service at the management level.
The Minister of Science & Technology and Chairman of the All Party Representatives Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitharana described the political process underway to identify the areas for wider devolution of powers to the provinces, and expressed his confidence that President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be able to see through this difficult and challenging task. The Government has made this position known to the international community, which has also offered its encouragement.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora delegation held wide-ranging and lengthy discussions, lasting for more than three and a half hours with Senior Adviser to the President, Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa today, during which a number of issues of concern to the delegation, including the current humanitarian situation in the North were addressed.
During their stay in Sri Lanka,the delegation also had the opportunity to interact with leaders of major Tamil political parties, including TULF leader, V. Anandasangaree,, EPDP leader, Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Vinayagamoorty Muralitharan, PLOTE leader, D. Siddharthan and TELO leader, N. Srikantha.
During the deliberations, the participants belonging to the Sri Lankan Diaspora stated that their primary mission was to engage the Sri Lankan Government and pointed out that the habit of blaming the Sinhalese or Tamils for the conflict was futile and the task at hand is to face the future. In this context, they outlined a two pronged approach namely, on the economic and political fronts. They emphasized the need to implement the economic programme which can be undertaken almost immediately by engaging with the Sri Lankan Government, while political issues, which would involve other communities as well, also needed to be addressed with equal priority.
The Coordinator of the Tamil Diaspora for this dialogue, Dr. Noel Nadesan from Australia in his opening remarks observed that making peace is in fact more difficult than making war, but said that a start had to be made somewhere. He hoped that this interactive dialogue would be one of the many endeavours that would help draw a road map for all communities in Sri Lanka to co-exist in a non-violent environment.
Apart from the presentations made by Ministers Prof. Tissa Vitharana and D.E.W. Gunasekera to the forum which was attended by 21 participants from 9 countries across the world, senior officials of the Government, including Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona, Secretary, Ministry of Justice & Law Reforms, Suhada Gamlath, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development &Sacred Areas Development, Dr P. Ramanujam, Secretary, Ministry of Social Services & Social Welfare, Mrs V. Jegarajasingham, Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Adviser to the President, Chandra Fernando also addressed the gathering.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
29th March 2009
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SABC Interview with the High Commissioner on current situation – 02.03.2009 |
The High Commissioner Mr. Anura Rajakaruna gave this interview to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 03rd March 2009 explaining the current situation in Mullaittivu while also responding to misinformation carried out in South Africa by LTTE propagandist Fr. Emmanuel.
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SABC Interview with the High Commissioner on the LTTE – 01.06.2008 |
The High Commissioner Mr. Anura Rajakaruna gave this interview to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 1st June 2008. It was telecast throughout South Africa and the African Continent through the SABC Channel 2 and SABC International under the popular programme titled “Point Blanc”. The interview, which reveals the true LTTE , was conducted by popular TV Presenter Mr. Mpho Tsedu.
The transcript of the full interview is given below.
Hello and welcome – my name is Mpho Tsedu – you are watching Point Blanc. We look at the Asian country – Sri Lanka and its efforts to achieve everlasting peace with the radical movement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. In the Studio to unpack – some of the critical issues, I am joined by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in South Africa His Excellency Anura Rajakaruna. The history of Sri Lanka is one plagued by violence largely attributed to the LTTE, which the Government has branded as a terrorist organization. Among the acts of violence are; number of assassinations of Sri Lankan Leaders, numerous bombing campaigns in the cities and rural areas. Today, on Pont Blanc, we ask what is the problem? and is there any headway in stops-stuck peace initiatives? Before we go into the Tamil issue;
Q - How are your relations with South Africa?
A - We have very good relations with South Africa. Since the democracy established in South Africa in 1994, Sri Lanka established formal Diplomatic Relations and since then there is a good cooperation between the two countries.
Q - Now, obviously, like you were saying, we had this formal relations post 1994. But, the history would credit Sri Lanka also for having produced the first female Prime Minister in the world - and I know that she was quiet vocal in campaigning for liberation of South Africa.
A - You are correct. You are referring to Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She was the first woman Prime Minister of the world. When she was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, she was one of the Asian leaders who championed the cause of the majority people of South Africa in the United Nations, in the Non Alignment Movement and also in the Commonwealth. In fact, we hosted the Non-Alignment Summit in 1976 under the Chairmanship of Madam Bandaranaike and issued Colombo Declaration condemning the Apartheid and supporting the struggle of the ANC for democracy. So, our contacts go back to the apartheid era also with the ANC and the freedom movement here.
Q - Now, let’s go to the issue in everybody’s lips. There are always bombs; attacks - what is happening in Sri Lanka? I know that you held regional elections recently in your provinces – if I may say so – very well. May be you take us through that. What are those elections meant for Sri Lanka and perhaps the region?
A - Indeed those elections mean very much to the people of Sri Lanka. People who are yearning for peace and security and who want pluralistic polity in Sri Lanka. This is the approach of the Government of Sri Lanka to resolve the conflict by political means. After defeating the terrorism in the Eastern Province, the Government of Sri Lanka embarked on the normalization process and the economic development. So, as part of this normalization process, the two elections were held. First one for the municipality of Batticaloa, which is the main city in the Eastern Province, and then Provincial Elections for the entire Eastern Province. Both these elections were concluded satisfactorily, peacefully and 60% of the people participated in the election and all the parties except the LTTE took part in contesting these elections. So, the elections have produced representative administration in the Eastern Province now. They have now embarked on their programmes. This is a very healthy development and it is process also that the Government of Sri Lanka working through now.
Q - Is all of Sri Lanka in conflict?
A - Not at all. This conflict is now confined only to two districts of the most northern region which are called Mullaittivu and kilinochchi. Rest of the country is normal and business as usual. The military operation is confined to the northern part only. But, this group which is called LTTE has been doing suicide bombings in the Southern parts, also in Colombo - in the Capital and other rural areas, as you said. This has been a concern for us - even two days before they exploded a bomb in a train - in fact, in Capital Colombo, killing 12 people and injuring 70 people.
Q - What are they fighting for?
A - They are fighting for a separation of the country. This has been going for almost 25 years now and as far as people of Sri Lanka is concerned - this is not possible and this is not viable.
Q - There are two organizations here, representing the Tamil people. You got the LTTE and TMVP and now in that situation - who do you regard as the authentic or true representative of the Tamil people?
A - You know, there are many Tamil parties in Sri Lanka. What the Government is trying is to involve everybody - all the parties in the political process. But the LTTE has been insisting that only they should be involved in this process which we don’t believe that they are the only party - there are many other Tamil parties such as TULF and EPDP and there are many Muslim parties who are also affected by the conflict. So, the Government is working to involve everybody to bring about consensus and an agreement. In fact this process has started for about one year now - which is called the APRC - all Party Conference - and through which the Government is trying to build consensus among the stakeholders and - as a interim measure this APRC has proposed to implement the Provincial Council system fully. In fact, the elections for the Eastern Province took place as a part of this process and the Government is hoping to implement the Provincial Councils in the Northern Province also where there are now confrontations.
Q - Would you say that the Government of Sri Lanka is failing to deal decisively with the Tamil tigers?
A - No. What is proven in the East is that the Sri Lankan Forces have successfully defeated the terrorism. The LTTE is no more in the entire Eastern Province. Of course, they can infiltrate and create incidents and mischiefs. But, their presence is no longer there in the East.
Q - Who is arming them?
A - On their own they find weapons. But, concern for the Government of Sri Lanka is that they buy these weapons through the monies collected from the Tamil communities in other countries - Tamil Diaspora. Of course, they do not give money voluntarily. Money is collected through coercion and creating fear in them - so, the people are compelled to give money from their salaries. So, with this money they support the purchase of arms and their armed campaign.
Q - How do they get them into Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka is an Island. Are your boarders not effectively controlled?
A - Boarders are effectively controlled. Still, they had been able to bring in arms in the past. They are a part of the illegal network in the region where they have been able to get down arms in boats and other means.
Q - What kind of network? Is there any body who supports Tamil terrorism?
A - There is no country supporting the LTTE in region. All the countries - all our neighbours are against the LTTE terrorism. But, the LTTE is part of the network of drug dealings and human trafficking and money laundering. So, arms also being smuggled through this network.
Q - What would you say that are you dealing with - a political crisis or dealing with a criminal activity?
A - Sri Lanka is dealing with one of the ruthless terrorism in the world. So, everyday, there is some incident that they have targeted civilians in the buses, people in the trains, people in their normal day today life are the victims. So, it is a serious human catastrophe that we have been going through for 25 years. And, at the same time the people of the all ethnic back grounds are victims. The majority is the Sinhalese and then the Muslims. All these communities including Tamils are affected by this.
Q - Why do you not ban this organization? Tamil Tigers are still in operation.
A - There is a reason for this. In fact other countries have banned the LTTE. For example, the European Union countries have banned them about three years ago. They can not engage in fund raising or any other activities in Europe now. Our neighbour India has banned them, then the USA has listed them as a terrorist organization and then Australia and Canada. All these countries have banned them not going by what they claimed to be; but going by what they are, in fact, doing in Sri Lanka. So, there is a recognition now in the world that this is a terrorist organization and they should not be allowed to operate in their countries. But Sri Lanka has not yet taken that option.
Q - Why?
A - Because, we are still trying to engage them in talks as a group of our own citizens.
Q - Your own citizens are killing other citizens !
A - This is the irony. But, we need to engage them in talks at some point.
Q - But you have to eliminate them. How do you live in a country where terrorists operate freely knowing that they are not a banned movement? They are not even a political organization? Are they?
A - Their political organization is very minimal. There is no really a political organization in them. It’s entirely a military organization. But what they talk about is their propaganda.
Q - So, they are more of a guerrilla movement?
A - Very much so
Q - And you are comfortable dealing with a guerrilla movement that there is no politics?
A - Well, we are trying to discourage them from the terrorist activities while keeping the option open to talk to them.
Q - How about the fact that they have been linked to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi affected your relations with India?
A - It did not affect the country to country relations with India. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed by the LTTE in the soil of India in 1991. Of course, the LTTE as usual denied it. But at some point later, they acknowledged that they had done that. The Court also delivered a judgment linking the LTTE to the killing of the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. So, there is a realization in entire South Asia that LTTE is a menace. And, we are receiving good cooperation from India and as well as other neighbours to deal with the LTTE and also to bring about a political solution to the conflict.
Q - Political solution which you have even engaged the services of Norway. Has that born any fruit?
A - Not as we expected really. But, still we hope that Norway would be able to bring the LTTE to the negotiation table. We believe that we need a third party involvement to get a terrorist organization like LTTE to talk to. So, in that regard we expect the Norway to facilitate this. There have been number of negotiation rounds earlier. But, any of those rounds have not produced any out come.
Q - You had three peace talks?
A - We had several rounds during the former Presidents and the Prime Ministers and in all these rounds what the LTTE did was - come to talk and while talking they prepared for the next war. They get themselves armed, they get their supplies arranged and when they are ready, they go back to fighting with a surprise attack on Sri Lankan Forces. So, this has been our experience. What we now expect for the LTTE to show a genuine desire for talks. That is not forthcoming from the LTTE, unfortunately. Once the LTTE indicates a genuine desire for serious negotiations, I believe confrontation would cease and the negotiation will start.
Q - What do you want to tell the LTTE at the negotiation table which you are not able to tell them now? What do you think they will concede to when you talk to them which they are not able at the moment?
A - They need to understand that separation is not a viability
Q - You have told them that before.
A - Yes. Our President, President Mahinda Rajapaksa very clearly mentioned that he is ready to consider anything less than separation of the country.
Q - Are they willing to accept anything less than separation?
A - This is what we are waiting for hear from them. They have not given any indication yet
Q - Their actions say anything?
A - Not from the actions - not from their words, that they are ready to consider anything less than the separation. This is why the confrontation is going on.
Q - Have you ever considered perhaps the option of Referendum in the areas affected as to what the people say, if they want separation or not?
A - This again should be an arrangement as part of the negotiations. But, I am sure if we are going to have a Referendum, vast majority of the Tamil people themselves would say they want to stay within one country. Because majority of the Tamil people are even now living amongst the Sinhalese in the Southern areas and they don’t want to be part of a mono ethnic Tamil State. They are enjoying a free life in one country situation and also the Muslim population - they would not want to be a part of a separate Tamil State. And, also the Sinhalese community living in those two provinces would definitely say no to separation.
Q - Now who is leading the Tamil Tigers?
A - There is a leader called Prabhakaran - a psychopath. This is what he is known for by his actions. He is fearful of others. So, he has made sure to eliminate whoever has a dissent, whoever is not following his line. So, what has happened over the years is that moderate voice has been silenced. Moderate Tamils, Tamil leaders have been killed. This is the tragedy of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
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Media Release
UN Resident Coordinator unable to vouch for civilian casualty figures |
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne has stated that he is unable to confirm the veracity of the figures of civilian casualties since 20th January 2009 in the conflict area of Mullaitivu District, contained in an official report issued by his Office recently. He made this disclosure at a meeting yesterday (24th March 2009) with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama held at the Foreign Ministry, in response to a query from the Minister.
The Foreign Minister informed Mr Buhne that the figures of 2,683 civilian deaths and 7,241 injuries cited in the report titled, “Sri Lanka | Civilian casualties Vanni Overview| March 2009” emanating from his Office, have not been attributed to any reliable or independent source. The assertion in the report that two thirds of the documented casualties had occurred in the NFZ (no-fire zone) is patently false, since the security forces take extra-ordinary precautions to avoid causing civilian casualties, including exercising maximum restraint in not resorting to retaliatory fire at the LTTE, which has brazenly violated International Humanitarian Law by directing fire at the Government troops from artillery guns and heavy weapons that it had deliberately positioned among the civilians within the NFZ.
Moreover, the Government with the assistance of the ICRC has up to 18th March evacuated by sea, 4,120 sick and injured persons, as well as 1,485 accompanying carers. This has been corroborated by the ICRC in a report issued on 17th March 2009. It is self-evident that only after all sick and injured persons have been accommodated from the conflict area, that accompanying carers would have been taken on board. Thus, the figure of 7,241 injuries also cannot be credibly established. Therefore, the Government of Sri Lanka categorically rejects the report, which has unfortunately received wide circulation within the international community.
Mr Buhne acknowledged that the report had been prepared by his Office, and was meant only for circulation among the donor community, but could not independently verify the authenticity of the figures of civilian casualties mentioned in the report.
Minister Bogollagama expressed his deep displeasure at such unsubstantiated information being incorporated in an official report of the UN, which would ipso facto lend it credence. He urged the UN Resident Coordinator to issue a formal clarification on this matter, in order to rectify the negative and damaging inferences that may be drawn from the said report.
Foreign Secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.(ENDS)
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Media Release
High Commissioner for Human Rights Statement is unfounded and lacks credibility |
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights wishes to express its strong sense of surprise and dismay at the tone and content of the press release issued today (Friday 13) by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Especially in the context that when High Commissioner Navanetham Pillai met Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights on 04 March in Geneva during the High Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council, the detailed figures relied upon in the statement were never raised. Neither did the Office of the High Commissioner discuss with, nor did it seek the views of, the Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the UN at Geneva on the highly questionable, unverified and unsubstantiated figures used in the statement. The claims of 2,800 civilians being killed in a 7-week period from 20 January and a further 7,000 being injured are totally unacceptable and are rejected as being no more than the repetition of propaganda emanating from uncleared areas of the Wanni. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights deplores the apparently unprofessional manner in which the Office of the High Commissioner has conducted itself in uncritically repeating information from unverified and unnamed “credible sources”.
Unlike many of the senior officials of the United Nations, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who have called on the LTTE to let the civilians escape to safety, the High Commissioner’s omission in not unequivocally demanding the free movement of civilians, is most regrettable. This is the main issue involving human rights of civilians caught up in the conflict that should have commanded her attention, but this issue of prime importance has not been commented on.
The Ministry also notes with regret that despite repeated assurances from the Government that the security forces were instructed to respect the no-fire zone and that they do not use long range weapons, the Office of the High Commissioner still continues to repeat unfounded claims of civilian casualties due to shelling. The Government of Sri Lanka will place all these facts before the High Commissioner at the earliest possible opportunity and seek an immediate clarification from her Office. [Ends]
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LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival – Akurassa |
The latest updates on brutal terrorist attack at the national Milad Festival in Sri Lanka, indicates that 10 civilians were killed and at least 20 others, including a government minister were injured. An LTTE suicide bomber attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 10.30 , this morning (Mar 10).
According to the defence sources, the LTTE terrorist has targeted the Islam devotees attending the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration, held at the mosque. The Milad-un-Nabi , the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, hospital sources say Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration has suffered injuries, in the explosion. The sources add that another 15 people with injuries have been admitted to the government hospital Matara.
The LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by its psychopathic chief V. Prabhakaran, the outfit has slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent civilians during its three decades of terror campaign against Sri Lankan citizens.
The LTTE has been engaged in a systematic and brutal ethnic cleansing campaign against Muslims and Sinhalese living in the North and Eastern Provinces in it fanatical attempt create an ethnically pure Tamil State in the Island nation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sri Lanka
10.03.2009
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Government condemns LTTE attack on food ship to Mullaitivu |
The Government of Sri Lanka strongly condemns the artillery shelling by the LTTE today (9th March 2009) of a ship carrying urgent supplies of food and other essential items to the civilians who are being held hostage by the LTTE in the narrow coastal strip, north of Mullaitivu.
Addressing a media briefing at the Ministry today, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama vehemently denounced this cowardly attack by the LTTE on an unarmed vessel engaged in a purely humanitarian mission to feed the people. The LTTE is trying to starve these self-same Tamil people whom it claims to represent, perhaps with the ulterior motive of giving credence to the myth of starvation that is being circulated in some quarters internationally by the LTTE’s propaganda machinery.
The Government had arranged for a vessel, “MV Bintan” through the Commissioner General of Essential Services to send 500 MT of food, including flour, dhal ,sugar, vegetable oil, as well as kerosene and petrol, to Puthumattalan, Mullaitivu from the Trincomalee port last Friday (6th March).
This complex logistical operation undertaken by the Government with the help of the good offices of the ICRC is tangible proof of its profound concern for the helpless civilians, who are undergoing untold misery and suffering at the hands of the LTTE, which is preventing them from moving out to the cleared areas, resorting to its familiar brutal terror tactics, including shooting and killing those daring to flee to safety and freedom.
Although it was possible to unload 142 MT of the cargo yesterday (8th March) off the Puthumattalan coast and taken ashore in smaller boats, this humanitarian mission had to be suspended today (9th March) when the LTTE launched an unprovoked heavy artillery barrage at the ship around 8.30 am, which compelled the captain of the vessel to turn back and move into deeper waters, where bad weather conditions have further aggravated the situation.
Notwithstanding the desperate and futile attempts by the LTTE to starve the people, whom it is holding hostage and cynically using them as human shields, the Government remains totally committed to ensure that these unfortunate citizens who are innocent victims of LTTE terror will never be abandoned.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
9th March 2009
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South African Government condemns the attack on Sri Lanka Cricket Team |
The South African Cabinet, at its meeting in Pretoria on 04th March 2009, condemned the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore on 03.03.2009. The Statement dated 04th March issued in this regard states as follows;
“Cabinet condemns the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan. No objective, political or otherwise, could ever justify the barbaric attack on innocent sportspeople who were in Pakistan to represent their country and its people. This government rejects, in no uncertain terms, the targeting of sports teams as they serve the important role of being ambassadors for all sports loving citizens of the world.”
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SRI LANKA PROSCRIBES TRO AND URGES GLOBAL ACTION AGAINST ALL LTTE FRONT ORGANIZATIONS |
The Sri Lanka Government on Wednesday (21 November 2007) proscribed the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) and urged the international community to take action against the TRO and other LTTE front organizations. This was announced by Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, at the Post-Cabinet media briefing held Thursday at the Information Department.
Addressing the briefing Acting Foreign Minister Hussein A. Bhaila noted that the recommendation for the proscription of the TRO was made to cabinet by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, in furtherance of a pledge to parliament on 16 November 2007. He said action to freeze the accounts of the TRO had already taken place in Sri Lanka in August 2006, following investigations into its financial transactions by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank. The present decision to proscribe the organization, was in the light of recent developments in the US, where it had been established after a detailed investigation into the TRO’s international operations, “that the TRO passed off its operations as charitable, when in fact it was raising money for a designated terrorist group responsible for heinous acts of terrorism” and that the “ TRO also has facilitated LTTE procurement operations in the United States. Those operations included the purchase of munitions, equipment, communication devices, and other technology for the LTTE”.
Noting that the recent US action set an important precedent in this regard, the Acting Minister said, Sri Lanka would appeal to Foreign Governments, International Organizations and INGOs that have a TRO presence in their countries or have relationships with the TRO, to take action against this organization and to cease any transactions. At the same time, Sri Lanka would also request Foreign Governments, International Organizaions and INGOs to review the operations and its relationships with other LTTE front organizations.
Minister Bogollagama who addressing parliament in the aftermath of the US freezing of TRO assets had noted that “ the LTTE’s ability to continue to raise funds from the Tamil diaspora, mostly through extortion, has been possible due to the presence of numerous front organizations, mainly the TRO, which operates under the control of the LTTE. Those it has exploited most, are the peace loving Tamil people living abroad who have parted with their hard earned money and those Tamils living in the areas dominated by the LTTE who were expected to be the recipients of this money.”
It has been noted that when dealing with transnational financial networks, it is imperative that concerted action is taken by the international community in terms of international legal obligations cast upon states, under Security Council Resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and the International Convention on the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism of 2000, to act against all entities funding terrorism in any part of the globe. The Government of Sri Lanka has in recent times emphasized that the proscription of the LTTE by India, US, Canada and the EU member countries has been undermined and diluted through the continuing ability for numerous front organizations of the LTTE which posed off as charitable fronts – under the guise of rehabilitation, educational, social, religious, and economic groupings - to circumvent laws of host countries and to continue collecting funds to bolster the LTTE arsenal.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
22 November 2007 |
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Government committed to looking after its people in the Vanni |
At Friday’s [15 August 2008] high level policy meeting of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance [CCHA], the Chair Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights and Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, M.P. Senior Advisor to H.E. the President, addressed humanitarian issues faced by the people of the Vanni. While reiterating the continuous commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) in providing humanitarian assistance to its people in the Vanni; Minister Samarasinghe and Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, M.P requested the Government Agents of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya to present the current situation in order for immediate assistance to be provided.
Both Government Agents (GA’s) of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu confirmed that IDP’s are housed at schools in areas of displacement with further plans to settle them in shelters during the coming weeks. They also informed the CCHA that contingency plans have been drawn up to accommodate any further increase in IDPs. This is contrary to recent reports on IDP’s living under trees.
The GA’s informed that there is a buffer stock of food available for two weeks coupled with the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development and World Food Programme (WFP) providing food rations for a period of one month. The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services informed that they have already released a sum of Rs. 15 million for the Kilinochchi district and Rs. 8 million for the Mullaitivu district to meet the needs of the people. A further two lorry loads of clothing, kitchen utensils, water containers, tarpaulins and other essential items will be sent next week to the Vanni. In addition to this, the Ministry continues to supply dry rations for protracted IDPs in the area. The Ministry of Health informed that the request for medical items by the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) is ready for transportation; the Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES) has approved the said items. The Government assured the GA’s of full facilitation in order to enable them to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need without delay.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Neil Buhne thanked the Government Agents for the excellent work undertaken in order to provide humanitarian assistance to the people. He further expressed his appreciation for the cooperation extended by the GoSL to the UN and humanitarian agencies in carrying out their work in the Vanni.
Background
The CCHA, chaired by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, is a high-level committee appointed to deal with important policy issues concerning humanitarian assistance. The CCHA meets monthly and is attended by Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaska, Secretary/Ministry of Defence; Mr Basil Rajapaksa, Advisor to the President, Secretaries of the ministries of: Foreign Affairs, Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Health; the Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES); Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process; Chairman of the Co-chairs and Ambassador to the United States of America – His Excellency Robert O. Blake; Representative of the Presidency of the European Union – Ambassador to France – His Excellency Michel Lummaux; Head of Delegation of the European Union, Mr Neil Buhne the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN; heads of ICRC, UNHCR, UNOCHA; ECHO and the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA).
The co-chairs of sub-committees developed under the CCHA: Resettlement and Welfare, Logistics and Essential Services, Livelihoods, Health, and Education, represented by high-level Government officials and UN heads of agencies – NHCR, WFP, ILO, UNICEF, and WHO, were also present to update members on progress made to date. The sub-committees address operational issues that fall within their respective areas.
(Ends.)
15 July 2008 |
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Media Release |
FM reiterates government’s concern for the safety of aid workers
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama chaired the second interactive session with the UN and its specialized agencies to review the action being taken to support the efforts of the government in providing emergency humanitarian assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Wanni, at the Foreign Ministry today (10th October 2008).
The UN and its specialized agencies were represented by Mr. Neil, Buhne, Resident Coordinator, UNDP, Mr. Phillippe Duamelle, Representative, UNICEF, Ms. Azeb Asrat, Country Director a.i., WFP, Mr. Amin Awad, Representative, UNHCR, Mr. Rainer Frauenfeld, Director, UNOPS and Mr. Christian Friedrichs, Deputy Security Advisor. Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona, senior officials of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. A.C.M. Razik, Secretary, Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services and Mr. S.B. Divaratne, Commissioner General of Essential Services were also present.
One of the two main issues taken up at this meeting was ensuring continuous and adequate supplies of food, medicine and essential items to the IDPs in the Wanni, in line with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directive to look after the welfare of civilians in the Wanni. The other aspect was to ensure the safety and security of all humanitarian personnel in the region.
Minister Bogollagama briefed the meeting on his discussion with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon pertaining to the humanitarian situation in the Wanni, during his recent visit to the UN in New York.
Mr. S.B. Divaratne, Commissioner General of Essential Services stated that the first convoy of 650 MT of food has already being distributed. The second convoy of 50 lorries is currently being loaded and would be carrying 750 MT of food. These convoys are accompanied by several UN staff to ensure effective and speedy distribution. In addition, every day, 20 lorries are being sent to the Wanni carrying the normal requirement of essential items.
Secretary, Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services informed the meeting that within the next 10 days, 1141 MT of rice (locally purchased), 315 MT of flour, 270 MT of sugar and 15 MT of dhal are to be sent to the IDPs who were first displaced prior to February 2006. These quantities have been estimated for the period, October to December 2008.
Minister Bogollagama also emphasized that the government is taking maximum efforts to maintain adequate and continuous medical supplies and other emergency assistance to the Wanni on a regular basis, and is working closely with the UN and its specialized agencies, for this purpose. He also extended his appreciation for their effective role, under challenging circumstances in supporting government efforts. He assured that the government is mindful of the safety and security of the UN staff and all humanitarian aid workers.
The Minister further emphasized these meetings with UN and its specialized agencies will be held periodically, to ensure effective coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy civilians in the Wanni and to ensure the safety and security of all humanitarian aid workers.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
10th October 2008 |
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Time for LTTE to lay down arms and enter democracy – Sri Lanka President |
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the All Parry Conference on 11th October 2008 repeated his call to the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender.
Here is the text of the President’s statement:
“I welcome you all with all respect, and thank you for being present at this meeting at such short notice.
“We have today reached an important juncture in the difficult path of eradicating terrorism from our motherland and ensuring the dawn of peace. We seek this peace for all the people of our country. Similarly, what we look forward to is a peace that will ensure to all citizens, whether in the North, South, East or West equal rights and privileges, to be enjoyed in freedom and dignity.
“The political parties gathered here are those that have the highest regard to the democratic system, ands have great confidence in it; it is satisfying that they all value democratic thinking and follow the principles of democracy. We are also encouraged by the fact that all of these parties comprise those who take great pains to achieve the economic, social, cultural and political aspirations of our people.
“I wish to emphasize the importance of all of us have come together so as not to betray the people in their eager search for democracy and peace, away from the path of violence.
“However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people min all other parts of the country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land.
“You will recall that in January this year the All Party Representative Committee presented a set of proposals. It is the expectation of the government to carry these proposals forward and implement them. Especially, in the context of our Constitution not being properly implemented, such the full implementing of these proposals cannot be done immediately. They should be done step by step. Already this is being implemented well in the Eastern Province. At the same time, the military operations are continuing in the North, to free the people there from the yoke of terrorism and ensure them of their democratic rights and freedoms.
“There should be a proper environment to fully implement the proposals of the All Party Conference and the All Party Representative Committee. The current military operations are being carried out to build that required environment. They are not intended to harass the ordinary people, or cause harm or hardship to them. Our policy in this regard is very clear. It is that we continue with these operations to free another group of our own brothers and sisters from the cruel grip of terror.
“I wish to state our satisfaction that the entire machinery of government led by the respective Government Agents, is carrying out fully coordinated work together with the International Red Cross and the United Nations to ensure the welfare of the civilians who are faced with some hardship and have been temporarily displaced due to the current military operations in the North.
“I wish to state that all hardships faced temporarily by our brothers and sisters in the North will be brought to an end in a short time. Similar to what we did in the East, we will soon make arrangements to bring normalcy to the lives of our fraternal citizens in the North, and provide them the opportunity to elect their own political representatives to the constitutionally established political institutions.
“You are aware that we are taking action to properly implement our Constitution. Similarly, the local government bodies and provincial councils are being strengthened. What the All Party Conference should do now is to discuss and agree on measures towards stabilizing this political process, and discuss the further measures necessary to achieve peace. This should be done in a manner that is fair by all communities. Such measures should help in raising the living standards of all communities. Also, we should build an environment in which every citizen will be able to live in peace and satisfaction.
“Finally, I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren.”
The leader of the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP) Muralitharan Karuna Amman, who was present at the APC said he had been with the LTTE for more than 22 years; and with his experience knew that when the LTTE came forward seeking peace it was always to further strengthen itself. On earlier occasions, incumbent governments, possibly by mistake, had encouraged the LTTE by giving it arms and money.
“He recalled his own participation in several rounds of talks with the Government held under international sponsorship. They had come to an understanding to accept a federal system as a solution. However, Anton Balasingham, without consulting Prabhakaran had issued a statement stating that they were willing to consider a federal system. When he discussed this with Prabhakaran he rejected the idea of federalism. He wanted the talks dragged for at least five years till the LTTE obtained enough arms to strengthen itself further.
That was when he decided to leave the LTTE. It was called a renegade for talking this decision, which was done after he had explained to Prabharakan the futility of the armed campaign they were engaged in where at least 80,000 people had lost their lives.
He emphasized that it was necessary to defeat the LTTE militarily. This was necessary in the interests of the people of the North, who have already rejected the LTTE, but controlled by the military power of the organization.
He said the President had brought about many important changes in the East with free and fair elections and that all communities in the East were today participating in the development process there.
The representatives of the parties present supported the President initiative to end terrorism and restore peace in the country, and also the measures being taken to ease the temporary hardships faced by the people of the North due to the ongoing military operations.
Representatives of the following parties were present: Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, Jathika Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and Ceylon Workers Congress. Up Country People’s Front, National Unity Alliance, United National Party Democratic Group, Eelam People’s Democratic Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, National Congress, Western People’s Front, Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, National Freedom Front.
Issued by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka
Date : 13.10.2008 |
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Humanitarian efforts in the Vanni continue |
At Thursday’s [16 October 2008] high level policy meeting of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance [CCHA], chaired by Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe; the Government Agents of Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were commended for their dedication and effort to ensure delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Vanni. Both the Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES) Mr. S.B. Divaratne and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Mr. Neil Buhne thanked the GA’s for the assistance in making the food convoys to the Vanni a reality.
The GA’s have been working round the clock to ensure that the alternative route used to deliver food to the Vanni was in working condition after reports of a culvert being damaged between the Nadunkerny and Oddusudan route. While damages to the culvert had been repaired overnight with the assistance of the GA’s, a GA convoy of 28 lorries carrying 271MT of flour, sugar, dhal, oil and kerosene was sent to the Vanni on 16 October 2008.
Since 02 October 2008 to date, a total of 714MT of Government food including flour,dhal, sugar and oil with another 168,399l of kerosene have already been sent to Vanniin convoys. While the WFP food convoy was to proceed to the Vanni on 16 October,due to shelling on the A9, the convoy was re-scheduled for the next day and it hadreached the Vanni safely.
Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, M.P. Senior Advisor to H.E. the President reiterated the commitment of H.E the President and the GoSL in providing humanitarian assistance to the people in the Vanni. Hon. Rajapaksa M.P. went on to state categorically that the Government would take the full responsibility for the welfare of the people in the Vanni and that the UN and other Non-Governmental agencies would be facilitated to complement the efforts of the Government in this direction.
Minister Samarasinghe said that the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) SituationReport #147 which was quoted on the Daily Mirror on 14 October 2008, was not an accurate representation of the situation in the Vanni and was sensationalist. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) and Chair of the IASC Mr. Neil Buhne regretted that inappropriate language was used in the report and had apologized to Minister Samarasinghe. At a subsequent meeting between the RC/HC and Minister Samarasinghe, it was decided that the issuance of the IASC Report will be reviewed.
Issued by: Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights – Colombo
Date : 17th October, 2008 |
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Welfare of Tamil people furthest from LTTE policies |
The LTTE, by launching an attack on merchant vessels carrying food and other essential items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North, has once again demonstrated that the well-being of Tamil people it claims to represent is furthest from their concern.
This morning the LTTE mounted a premeditated attack using suicide craft on two merchant ships, ""Ruhuna"" and ""Nimalawa"" in the seas off the Northern coast. This is the second attack targeting a food convoy reaching the Vanni civilians in recent times. On the 16th of this month the LTTE launched an attack targeting a convoy of fifty lorries carrying food and essential items, including medicine plying, under the UN banner. The items had been dispatched to be distributed among the IDPs in Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts. The terrorists fired artillery and heavy mortar attacks targeting the convoy.
The Government notes that the LTTE has continuously done everything possible to subvert all relief measures to these people, the most pernicious strategy being that of forcibly deploying them to act as a human shield in the face of advancing security forces, blocking their movement to safe areas wherever possible.
The Government of Sri Lanka has been using air and sea routes as means of transporting essential food items and ferrying civilians. Focusing on the plight of civilians in North, the Government has taken swift measures to dispatch food and essential items as an immediate relief measure. Accordingly, the Government has organized a regular flow of humanitarian supplies to the entire North, ensuring there are no shortages.
Further, the Government is confident that the international community, and especially those who have expressed concerns about the plight of civilians in the Wanni, will be further convinced as to the logical necessity of employing all means necessary to eliminate the terrorist threat and secure the release of people trapped in the open prison that the LTTE has turned the Wanni into. The Government also emphasizes that this act of the LTTE is a crime against humanity and it should put to rest any illusions that anyone may have entertained that the LTTE represents the concerns of civilians. Indeed, it puts into perspective recent concerns that have been expressed regarding the Governments efforts to ensure that essential items are sent to the Wanni.
The Government reiterates the sentiments expressed recently by the President that its primary responsibility is to look after all citizens. The President, on that occasion said, ""I carry out this responsibility to the fullest, especially with regard to the people who are temporarily displaced in the North, due to the ongoing military operations to defeat terrorism. There is a wrong impression created in Tamil Nadu that this not being done. This is furthest from the truth.""
The Government notes with grave concern that the ships that came under attack are also used by NGOs and private sector suppliers to transport goods. By attacking these ships the LTTE terrorists are trying to disrupt the smooth flow of essential items to Jaffna and thereby create a humanitarian crisis in the region, that would not exist but for its acts of terror.
It is patently clear that the LTTE is trying to get the attention of the international community by these indiscriminate activities and the Government calls on the international community to condemn without reservation such despicable acts that seek to obtain political mileage at the cost of innocent civilians.
The Government remains undeterred by all acts of terrorism and is fully conscious of the objectives of the terrorists. The Government will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all civilians in the North.
Issued by: Department of Government Information, Sri Lanka
Date:22.10.2008 |
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Statement by Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Diplomatic Corps on 19 November 2008 |
Excellencies
Ladies & Gentlemen,
I am glad to meet you once again as part of our regular dialogue with the Diplomatic Corps based in Sri Lanka. Our meetings here in the Foreign Ministry have given us an opportunity of exchanging views on important developments in Sri Lanka, as well as to brief you on the government?s agenda. Today, in fact is the 3rd anniversary of assumption of office by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
I thank all of you who have accepted our invitation and are present here today.
As you are aware, the Sri Lankan armed forces regained the strategic town of Pooneryn in the North Western coast on Saturday the 15th of November. Pooneryn has been under the LTTE for more than one and a half decades. Taking into consideration the strategic location of Pooneryn, this victory is a significant milestone in the current military engagement in the Northern Province which is being undertaken with the objective of restoring democracy to that region.
It is noteworthy that this victory was achieved without any civilian casualties, which has completely debunked the many wild and unfounded allegations being spread by the LTTE and its international network of sympathizers, of indiscriminate aerial bombing and shelling. In fact, there are preposterous reports of a genocide of Tamils in the Wanni! I have categorically dismissed these allegations with the contempt they deserve. Our security forces deserve our highest tribute for this accomplishment, due to their scrupulous adherence to the government?s zero civilian casualty doctrine.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has demonstrated his personal commitment to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the country, ever since he assumed the Presidency three years ago. In the Mahinda Chintana Policy document of the government, the President has elaborated on his perspective of the conflict in the following words:
Quote ?I am deeply convinced that we need to think from a fresh perspective and devise a new approach if we are to find a sustainable solution to the conflict in the North and the East. The violent conflict and the stalemate in the peace talks over the past years have gradually led to this issue progressing beyond the North and the East to engulf the entire country. Thereafter, it widened further and became regionalized and internationalized. This situation also led to external interferences into the issue, thereby making it even more complex.
The ceasefire agreement entered into by the United National Front Government in much haste and in a short?sighted manner without consultations further complicated this problem. Democratic institutions in the North were destroyed. The Muslim and Sinhala people living in the East were subjected to abuse, resulting in continuous unrest in the areas. National security was compromised. Attempts were made to foist such agreements on the people of our country while the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam did not abide by such agreements?. Unquote
It is in this context that the LTTE compelled the government into military action when they denied water to fifteen thousand farmer families in the Trincomalee district by closing the Mavil Aru sluice gates in July 2006. The humanitarian operation that we undertook to restore the supply of water to the affected farmers was taken further to clear the entire Eastern Province of the terrorists. The armed forces carried out a successful campaign in the Eastern Province with minimal harm to civilian life and property. The subsequent holding of elections to the Eastern Provincial Council culminating in the election of a former child soldier of the LTTE, as the Chief Minister is a triumph of our democracy, which is deeply rooted in our national ethos.
It is not the government which elected the Chief Minister but the people of the Province belonging to the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities. There were many prophets of doom both in and outside Sri Lanka who predicted that the government will never be able to defeat the LTTE in the East and there were others waiting for a humanitarian crisis to follow the military operations. President Rajapaksa was able to prove all of them wrong.
The President?s sincerity of purpose in making democracy work and meaningful to the people in the Eastern Province has been amply demonstrated by the enhanced allocation of funds for the development of the Province in the 2009 Budget. A sum of almost Rs. 15 billion has thus been allocated, which represents a 50% increase compared to the 2008 allocation.
The regaining of Pooneryn offers many strategic advantages to the Government and I will provide more details through the presentation by the Defence Ministry which will follow. From a humanitarian point of view, the people of the Jaffna peninsula who have had to depend on sea and air routes for travel as well as supplies of food and essential items will now have the benefit of a land route link to the South. There will be many associated benefits that will accrue to the people of Jaffna and those who live on the A 32 main road. In this context, you would be aware of the many instances where the LTTE had attempted, albeit unsuccessfully to disrupt the supply of food and essential items to the people in the Jaffna peninsula, by attacking unarmed ships, as well as to the people in the Wanni itself by targeting the road convoys carrying humanitarian aid.
It should be mentioned that the LTTE have continued to use the North Western coast to smuggle supplies of arms and ammunition from South India. In this exercise, the LTTE have used the cover of Indian fishermen who have been straying into the Sri Lankan waters. There have been many instances where the LTTE have deliberately shot Indian fishermen and blamed the Sri Lanka Navy. With the capture of Pooneryn, we can expect a significant reduction in the smuggling activities of the LTTE across the Palk Strait.
Announcing the success of the Pooneryn campaign, President Rajapaksa said, Quote ?In this situation my clear message to Prabhakaran and the LTTE is to lay down their arms and come forward for discussions with us forthwith? Unquote. The President said that the laying down of arms now and surrendering was the greatest service the LTTE could do to the people in the areas of armed conflict and the people of Sri Lanka.
I also would like to briefly refer to the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to New Delhi last week to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, where he held bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The President briefed the Indian leadership on the progress we have achieved in the humanitarian operation in the North to afford relief and ensure the welfare of the civilian population. He assured that the safety and the well being of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka is being taken care of. While meeting the Press in New Delhi, the President said that looking after the Tamil people was his responsibility as the President.
I should also mention that both India and Sri Lanka have complete understanding on the imperative need that terrorism should be countered with resolve.
President Rajapaksa has also time and again emphasized his firm commitment to finding a political settlement to the conflict. In this context, it would be appropriate for me to quote from the Mahinda Chintana policy guide of the government Quote ?My primary aim would be to arrive at a political settlement where the power of each and every citizen is strengthened to the maximum, without being trapped within concepts such as traditional homelands and right to self-determination. My intention is to devolve power to the level of the citizen. I believe that by developing a strong citizen, we would be able to reach a solution in this national conflict. In that endeavour, I would abide by the majority consensus which is a fundamental premise of democracy. The majority national view shall prevail over my individual view?. Unquote
As you are already aware, the Government Agents in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts coordinate the delivery of supplies sent by the government to the civilian population under the direct supervision of the Commissioner General of Essential Services. I wish to emphatically state that there is absolutely no shortage of food, medicine or any essential item in the Wanni, which is clearly demonstrated by the absence of any outbreak of epidemic diseases, or reports of malnutrition, leave alone deaths due to starvation.
Notwithstanding the absence of any shortage of food and essential items in the North, the Government of Sri Lanka nevertheless appreciates the gesture of goodwill of friendly countries offering humanitarian assistance to the people of Sri Lanka.
I believe that Mr. S.B. Divaratne, Commissioner General of Essential Services who is present here will brief you on the current situation, which will provide you a better understanding of the government?s objectives and purposes in ensuring the welfare of the civilian population in the Wanni.
Thank you |
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