• Bishop of Mannar calls for recognition of Tamil nation

    Oct 30

    The Bishop of Mannar has stated that the 13th Amendment is “fundamentally flawed” and has called for the recognition of the Tamil people as a nation as crucial to bringing about peace on the island.

    Speaking via Skype at a side event at the 14th session of the Universal Periodic Review currently underway in Geneva, Bishop Rayappu Joseph told the audience that,

    “Our solution does not lie in the 13th Amendment but on the Tamil nationhood to be recognised. We are not a minority.

    From the beginning of history there have been two nations, that must be recognised.”

    The Bishop then went on to state that the 13th Amendment was “fundamentally flawed” and called for the Tamil people to have the “right to rule”.

    Bishop Joseph also commented on many other issues, telling the audience that despite testifying to the Sri Lankan government several times that a recorded 146,679 people were missing from the end of armed hostilities in May 2009, he was yet to receive a response.

    He also stated that crimes such as extra-judicial killings had to be investigated, saying,

    “We know the people behind these crimes… there must be accountability”.

    Commenting on the Sri Lankan government’s prohibition on commemorating those that had died in Tamil areas, the Bishop said,

    “There are a lot of people walking like skeletons… They have lost their mind, they need to heal… A lot of money is spent on celebrating the war but where are our people?

    We are not allowed in our areas, Mannar for example… to grieve our dead people. The dead must be respected and justice served.”


    Responding to a question from Father Emmanuel of the Global Tamil Forum on the militarisation of the North-East, the Bishop also commented,

    “The Sri Lankan military are here. We don’t understand why… the war is over.
    They run restaurants. People who earn very little are being deprived.
    Land is not grabbed all over the country, but in the North-East. They are grabbing land all over the North-East; Trincomallee, Jaffna, Palali and Mullaitivu.
    The presence of the military is creating abnormality.”

    Also speaking at the event was Gary Anandasangaree from Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, who spoke out against colonization of Tamil areas, saying
    “Increased colonisation in Tamil areas is reducing any type of democratic exercise by Tamils and it needs to be stopped”

    "Colonisation effectively renders the Tamil majority into a minority…"

    He also noted that the 13th Amendment was “flawed”, stating that even though it was part of the Sri Lankan constitution, it is yet to be implemented. Anandasangaree went on to say that it was “ridiculous” for institutions such as the UN to call for its implementation.

    The event, entitled “Sri Lanka UPR 2012: Rhetoric and Reality” was organised by the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, and was co-sponsored by Amnesty International, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Franciscans International, Human Rights Watch and Lawyers Rights Watch Canada.

    Other speakers included Sinhalese journalist Sunanda Deshapriya, who noted “impunity has not stopped (in Sri Lanka), after the war has come to an end”.
    Brito Fernando from Right to Life Sri Lanka also called for the Sri Lankan government to publish a list of all detainees being held, noting that even a prisoner who was killed in the recent attack by security forces on prisoners in Vavuniya was thought to be have been missing by his family for over 3 years.

    The event was chaired by Nimalka Fernando from Lawyers for Democracy (Sri Lanka), who told the audience,
    “You have heard from Gary Anandasangaree and the Bishop (of Mannar), what we have read in Sri Lanka’s report is contrary to the situation on the ground”.

    Sunil Abeysekera from Sri Lanka Human Rights Defenders Network also noted that the Sri Lankan government portrayed those who work for human rights as “LTTE agents, CIA agents and Western Imperialists”.

    The floor was then opened up, with Father Emmanuel telling members of the audience,
    “Sri Lanka is a failed state and is hurrying down the slope to disorder.
    The panelists are mainly from the South and they haven’t suffered the persecution for 60 years like the Tamils.

     

    Tomorrow Sri Lanka will paint a rosy picture. How long can Sri Lanka go on in the international community telling lies after lies?”

    Also present in the audience was GK Mani from Tamil Nadu, president of the PMK party. He told the audience that Tamil Nadu stood in solidarity with Tamils on the island and stated that what was happening in Sri Lanka was an “international problem”.

    See our live tweets from the event on our Twitter account here.

  • Curious change of tone in Jaffna

    The Mayor of Jaffna and Jaffna’s District Government Agent have announced their appreciation of the Sri Lankan Army’s presence in Jaffna.

    Both speaking at a prize-giving ceremony organised by the Army for Year 5 students, Mayor of Jaffna, Mrs Yogeswari Patkunarajah is reported to have said:

    “At one time we all saw the Army as enemies; times have changed and today we have become a community of integrated Sri Lankans living alongside our brothers in the Army.”

    Mrs Patkunarajah also pointed out the numerous educational facilities provided for free by the government, claiming that:

    “While integrating ourselves into the country, we should remain grateful to the government.”

    Jaffna’s GA, Sundaram Arumainayagam was also full of praise for Jaffna’s military presence, mentioning their many contributions to civil life and stating:

    “As we have the full contribution of the army and police in Jaffna, our administration is taking forward projects with the right management framework.”

    The GA also spoke about various occasions where the army has lent a helping hand, such as in building and cleaning, saying:

    “The army is working together with us to develop not only education but general living standards as well.”

     

  • Progressive' government to challenge capitalist 'conspiracy'

    Speaking at Sri Lanka Insurance Cooperation’s Silver Jubilee, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has voiced his defiance against economic conspiracies to topple his ‘progressive’ government.

    Recalling challenges faced by the government in nationalising the Insurance Cooperation, the President urged employees of government managed corporations to show more commitment to improving profitability.

    "People will approve our decisions when these institutions are managed profitably," he is reported to have said.

    Rajapaksa further said that protecting national companies was much more challenging than selling them off to the private sector, and that ‘local and international conspirators were in operation to destroy these progressive governments and leaders’ that did try to protect them.

    He also claimed that development works in the country were not simply planned to keep the government in power.

  • HRW - 'Approach Sri Lanka with skepticism'

    Human Rights Watch has called on United Nations members to hold Sri Lanka accountable for wartime abuses at the upcoming Universal Periodic Review, later this week.

    In a statement released on Tuesday, the New York-based NGO gave a detailed rebuttal to Sri Lanka’s 2012 UPR submission, addressing areas of media freedom, anti-terror laws, intimidation of human rights activists, the use of torture, disappearances, the plgiht of internally displaced  persons and accountability for war crimes.

    The statement went on to say,

    “UN member countries should express grave concern about these failures and approach Sri Lankan’s 2012 UPR submission with skepticism.”

    Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch said,

    “The government’s rosy self-appraisal makes a mockery of the situation in Sri Lanka, as well as its failure to deliver on commitments from 2008...

    Its default response to criticism of its rights record – that its efforts are ‘ongoing’ – is neither truthful nor adequate.”

    “Governments should use the UPR to question Sri Lanka’s deteriorating human rights situation and make recommendations for meaningful change... Of particular concern is the government’s ongoing failure to hold anyone to account for numerous deadly abuses by both sides during Sri Lanka’s long war.”

    Also see our TG View - 'How meaningful is Sri Lanka's UPR?' (25 October 2012) 

  • Rains pound North-East as cyclone Nilam approaches

    12:43 GMT

    Mullativu. Photographs Sri Lanka Red Cross Society

    A depression in the bay of Bengal, has intensified into a mini cyclone - named cyclone Nilam - which is said to be approaching the North-East and India. The Meteorological Department in Sri Lanka, said last night that it was approximately 100km from Trincomalee. This morning, the Met Depart has stated the cyclone has changed course and is likely to pass over Kankesanthurai this afternoon.

    All images are courtesy of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.

    Mullaitivu district

    The news comes as heavy rains and gusts of upto 80kmph continue to batter Mullativu district and across the North-East. Despite the change of direction of the cyclone, the pounding of the North-East is set to continue.  

    Flooding in Jaffna

    The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society reported that Tamils who had only be recently resettled due to the armed conflict are "mostly effected", particularly in Puthukkudiyiruppu, along with Manthai East, Maritimepattu, Oddusuddan and Thunukkai.

    Satellite imagery of cyclone Neelam. 0600 UTC, 30 Oct 2012
  • Iran sanctions cause SL tea prices to fall

    Sri Lanka's tea prices dropped this week as sanctions against Iran affected the state's exports, reports Xinhua.

    According to one tea broker, John Knells Ltd. average prices have been steadily falling from 452 rupees per kilo at sale in late September, to 407.31 rupees in mid-October.

    Sixty percent of Sri Lanka's tea exports is to the Middle East, with Iran one of the largest importers.

    In a statement, John Knells said,

    "High priced Tippy teas which feed the Iranian market have come under severe strain with prices dropping significantly in comparison to the Leafy teas,"

    "The situation in Syria remains another area of concern, particularly for the Low Grown Leafy teas, which have also not fared too well. Given the present scenario, the immediate prospect for a quick turnaround does not look promising."

  • Culture of impunity for human rights violations' - Amnesty

    In a statement released the day before Sri Lanka's UPR at the Human Rights Council, Amnesty International reiterated the "lack of progress on a number of human rights issues highlighted in the first review four years ago", and a "culture of impunity for human rights violations".

    The statement continued:

    'While the government of Sri Lanka has defeated the LTTE, it has failed to implement commitments to enhance human rights protections and to account for past violations.

    It has yet to repeal oppressive anti-terrorism legislation which is used to justify abusive practices including arbitrary detention and restrictions on freedom of expression. A lack of witness protection laws and continued lack of independence of the National Human Rights Commission had added to a culture of impunity for human rights violations.

    Amnesty International continues to receive reports of enforced disappearances, torture and other ill treatment in detention, which the authorities refuse to investigate. Security forces’ use of arbitrary arrests and detentions have targeted members of armed groups, political opponents and journalists.'

    See here for Amnesty's full UPR submission.

    See also 'HRW - 'Approach Sri Lanka with skepticism' (30 Oct 2012)

    And our TG View -'How meaningful is Sri Lanka's UPR?' (25 Oct 2012)

  • Remembering Sri Lanka's Killing Fields'

    Writing for Project Syndicate, former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans has labelled Sri Lanka’s ‘savagery’ in 2009 as comparable to genocide in Rwanda and Darfur, and criticised the silence of international observers at the time.

    Read the full article on Project Syndicate here.

    Extracts reproduced below:

    “The world has paid almost no attention to war crimes and crimes against humanity comparable in their savagery to any of these [- Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur]: the killing fields of Sri Lanka in 2009.”

    “The lack of outrage mainly reflects the Sri Lankan government’s success in embedding in the minds of policymakers and publics an alternative narrative that had extraordinary worldwide resonance in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”

    “The other key reason behind the world’s silence is that the Sri Lankan government was relentless in banning independent observers – media, NGOs, or diplomats – from witnessing or reporting on its actions. And this problem was compounded by the timidity of in-country United Nations officials in communicating such information as they had.”

    “One of the most tragic aspects of the whole story, just now emerging, is the failure of UN officials on the ground to publicize at the time, when it really mattered, credible information that would have undercut the government’s narrative.”

    “An institutional decision was taken not to use this information on the grounds that it could not be “verified.”

  • Anti-13A campaign blessed

    Sri Lanka’s Minister of Housing, Construction and Common Amenities Wimal Weerawansa met the chief prelates of the Buddhist Clergy Siyam Nikaya, to seek approval to continue the campaign to abolish the 13th Amendment.

    The Siyam Nikaya Chief Prelate, Udugama Buddharakkhitha Thero, concurred with Weerawansa’s lamentations of the 13th Amendment, noting that the Provincial Council system was not suitable for the country.

    Weerawansa has also sent letters to several Sri Lankan parties to lobby them towards pressurinsf the government to abolish the amendment.

    See here and here for other moments of the government seeking divine guidance.  See here and here for more examples of Buddhist apprehension towards devolving powers to the North-East.

  • Sri Lanka ‘will conclude’ investigations into high-profile cases

    The Sri Lankan Attorney General Palitha Fernando has claimed that several high-profile human rights violations will be investigated and concluded by the end of the year.

    Officials told local media that those responsible for the killings of 5 students in Trincomalee and the executions of 17 aid workers of Action Contra Faim, will be brought to justice soon, said Additional Solicitor General Suhada Gamlath.

    Organisations such as Amnesty International, have taken up these cases and pushed for a full investigation of the killings.

    The US has pointed out these specific cases for the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council.

  • Minister ‘promises’ Tamil language court proceedings
    The Sri Lankan Minister for National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara has reportedly ‘promised’ that Tamil prisoners can receive their judiciary proceedings in Tamil, according to ColomboPage.

    Hundreds of Tamil political prisoners have been languishing in jails, with legal proceedings being carried out against them entirely in Sinhalese. Cases of Tamil political prisoners being     attacked and killed  by security forces have also occurred this year.

    However the Minister assured the prisoners that Tamil language proceedings would be provided, noting that special courts have been set up to try these prisoners, including those accused of ‘conspiring’ with the diaspora.

    See the report from ColomboPage here.

    Also see Nanayakkara’s praise of Sri Lanka’s human rights record in an interview earlier this month here, calling Sri Lanka “one of the best countries in the human rights practice”.
  • Only in Sri Lanka

    The Sri Lankan Army has held an education programme in Jaffna, helping pupils who are studying for their O-Levels, prepare for their upcoming exams.

    The seminars and lessons were organised by the Army’s 52nd Division and consisted of revision for Science and Maths papers.

    Commander 522 Brigade Brigadier Athula Silva, Commander 521 Brigade Colonel Tikiri Dissanayake, Commander 523 Brigade Colonel M.W.A.A. Wijesooriya and several senior officers of the 52 Division were present at the events coordinated by Civil Affairs Officer 52 Division Colonel L.B.D.H.S. Luxman.

    The Army claimed over 1,000 pupils from 26 schools in Jaffna, Thenmaradchi, Vadamaradchi, Valikamam and the Islands attended the event, which was held over two days.

    Director Education Northern Province Mr. V. Selvaraja, Assistant Director of Education Mrs. Sudarshani Kapukotuwa, Director Vadamaratchi Education Zone Mr. Nantha Kumar, principal of Point Pedro Methodist Girls’ High School Mrs. Suntharesan and principal of Chavakachcheri Hindu College Mr. A. Kailaya Pillai “extended their support” to organise the programme, reported the 'Civil Military Coordination Jaffna' website.
  • SL seeks to be involved in Kudankulam monitoring

    Sri Lanka will wants greater involvement in the the monitoring mechanism of Kudankulam nuclear power plant, reports the Sunday Times. 

    Speaking to the Sunday Times, Karunatilleke Amunugama, secretary to the ministry of external affairs, said,

    "More diplomatic efforts will be made soon to enable Sri Lanka to get more involved in the monitoring mechanism at the plant which has caused serious concerns in both countries,"

    Whilst Sri Lanka feels that India has a right to take forward its own atomic energy progression, it believes it is entitled to pursue its 'safety interests', commented the Times of India.

  • TNA just making noise - Gota

    Gotabhaya Rajapakse has spoken to Uthayan, during his trip to India, regarding his stance on the 13th Amendment, and questions of demilitarisation in the North.

    Extracts translated below:

    Uthayan: Are you absolutely firm in your position [regarding the 13th Amendment]?

    GR: Absolutely. My opinion on the 13th Amendment is firm. The Amendment was only introduced to solve Prabhakaran’s problem. But even Prabhakaran rejected it. Then the TNA had nothing to say, and it’s amusing that they are now raising their voices and crying out for the 13th Amendment.

    Uthayan: Are you saying in that case, that the 13th Amendment will not resolve any problems?

    GR: Absolutely. It may help with some administrative problems, but this amendment will never provide any realistic, practical solutions.

    Uthayan: The TNA pointed out to India that the number of soldiers in the North and East need to be reduced and that military camps in the region need to be abolished. Did you receive any pressure from India concerning this during your trip?

    GR: I received no such pressure from India, and there is no need for India to give it. The TNA are creating problems. Whether it is in the North or the South of the country, army camps are essential for national security. When it comes to security, there is no distinction between North, East, South or West.

    Some of India’s key military bases are located in Tamil Nadu. Has anyone ever said that they need to be abolished in Tamil Nadu? The TNA are being worse than the Tigers. We will not compromise the defence of our country in order to bend to pressure from anyone.

    The TNA is creating an outcry about the 13th Amendment. But does the 13th Amendment say anything about abolishing army camps in the North and East? The TNA needs to dissolve its act and come forward in a straightforward manner.

  • Bread prices to increase

    The price of bread may rise to Rs. 60, speculated the Island on Saturday, after bakers at the Association of Bakery Owners met on Friday.

    On Friday, officials at Sri Lanka's two main milling companies - Prima and Serendib - said that the price of wheat flour had been raised by Rs.6 and Rs. 4 per kilo, respectively. Both companies said the price hike was due to losses during the importing of wheat flour, following the depreciation of the rupee, and increased transport costs.

    Speaking to The Sunday Island, bakers said:

    "We don’t want to burden the people, we feel it too. But what can we do with the flour price going up?"

    "Everything is going up.. and it is the people who will suffer"

    Another baker commented that prices were being rounded up to the nearest Rs. 5 as customers disliked having to carry small coins.

    "People don’t like to carry coins because nothing can be purchased for Rs. 1 or Rs.2. They only serve the purpose of making exact payments. And we as traders cannot always carry enough change. It is a nuisance to both parties".

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