http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/328253 The stock of 39,800 Kilograms contained “BP-100 Compact Therapeutical” which has a shelf life of 4 years, concealed in 3 layer packs. The driver of the truck transporting the batch when questioned by police said that these were being transported to the WFP’s Vavuniya office with the approval of the Ministry of Health.
However, a senior official of the Ministry of Health told www.news.lk that the Ministry is not involved with the WFP or with any other organization in the transportation of biscuits or any other similar items.

Police sources from Medawachchiya said that initial investigations have revealed that High Protein Biscuits of this kind are used by combatants as rations, pointing out that even the security forces use similar biscuits, although with a different brand name.

Speaking to the Government official news web, an officer of the WFP- Sri Lanka branch said that Country Director has called for an immediate discussion with the WFP staff with regard to the incident, treating the matter very seriously.

The ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is presently available in two forms: a cookie (BP100) and as a paste that comes in a sachet. The nutritional qualities of the RUTFs are similar to those of the therapeutic milk and the high concentration of nutrients in a small volume. RUTFs are typically distributed among children suffering from or prone to malnutrition and studies have revealed that typically children prefer the paste to the biscuit. In this instance it is the biscuit and not the sachet that was being transported.

The WFP maintains sub-offices or branches in all parts of Sri Lanka including several in conflict-ridden areas such as Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mulaitivu, Batticaloa and Ampara

The truck carrying the items is belonging to the "Trico" Terminal Private Limited company.

Medawachchiya Police are conducting investigations.]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2008 02:17:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/328253 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327879 When adequately ready to fight, they walk away from negotiations, as they have done at each series of talks. That was not all; they were brazen enough to take the lives of those who initiated two rounds of talks viz. the former Indian Prime Minister Gandhi and President Premadasa and very nearly took the life of President Kumaratunga, in all three instances employing suicide bombers. When things were no going their way, they blamed the international community as being partisan and unjust.

The full text of Ambassador Goonetilleke’s speech is given below:

I am privileged, to be able to share with you, some thoughts on Sri Lanka’s attempts at conflict resolution and peace negotiation with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or the LTTE, which, the FBI earlier this month introduced as, “one of the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world.”

I regret that Dr. Peter Chalk, who was to speak on “The International Dimension of the LTTE,” could not be with us today. However, as intended, I shall focus on the Ceasefire Agreement, the peace process and the role of the international community, while Dr. Stanley Samarasinghe will speak on how Sri Lanka could realistically resolve the conflict.

You are aware that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious democracy, in fact, one of the oldest democracies in South Asia. You are also aware that the LTTE shuns democracy, and intends, through terrorism, to establish a mono-ethnic, mono-political separate state in Sri Lanka’s north and east. This separate state will encompass approximately 30% of the country’s landmass, and is intended for Sri Lankan Tamils, who, according to the1981 census, comprise approximately 12% of the county’s population. The majority of these Tamils, incidentally, live outside the north and the east.

LTTE Leader, Prabhakaran in a speech on November 27, last year said, and I quote, “We are struggling only to regain our sovereignty in our own historical land where we have lived for centuries, the sovereignty which we lost to colonial occupiers.” The sovereignty he spoke of ended in 1560, when the Portuguese defeated Jaffna’s ruler, Cankili 1, more than 200 years before the U.S. declaration of independence. Note that Cankili’s rule at that time was limited to Jaffna, and did not extend to present day northern and eastern provinces.

The LTTE demand for a separate state, called “Tamil Eelam,” at best, can be described as “fictitious,” for there was never, at any time in Sri Lanka’s history, “a traditional Tamil homeland,” as the Vadukkodai Resolution of 1976, declared based on an erroneous claim by the first British colonial Secretary Hugh Cleghorn.

Sri Lanka is a small island, home to 20 million, similar in size to West Virginia, or is twice the size of the island of Hawaii. It has been home to many ethnic groups for over 2000 years, who migrated north to south and south to north over the years. Thus, the Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Burghers, Malays and other communities, too numerous to be listed, can all rightfully claim the island as their traditional homeland.

Sri Lanka’s Ceasefire agreement or the CFA and its recent abrogation have been very much in the news these days. My familiarity with the CFA runs back to the time of its presentation in draft form by Norway, to its signature in February 2002, to its implementation, or more to the point, its brazen violation by the LTTE, from day one. I recall my critical remark in early November 2005, that a glaring defect of the CFA was the inordinate haste of its conclusion, denying the opportunity, particularly to the Sri Lanka government, to deeply scrutinize it.

The eagerness to conclude the CFA with least delay, was due to the fact, that by Christmas 2001, the government had agreed to an informal ceasefire initiated by the LTTE, and Norway, in its wisdom, considered it desirable to have a formal agreement signed before the informal ceasefire began to unravel. In retrospect, at least some of the CFA’s shortcomings could have been addressed, if the parties had more time to consider the ramifications of individual articles of the agreement, including practicability of timelines indicated in the CFA.

On January 3, 2008, the government gave notice to abrogate the CFA, which became operational on January 17, 2008. Since then, many close observers of Sri Lanka’s conflict and the peace process, Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference viz. Norway, Japan, the US and the EU, other friends of Sri Lanka and the civil society, have expressed concern. The sentiments commonly expressed have been that withdrawal from the CFA would escalate fighting, leading to heavy civilian casualties and violation of human rights, that there is no military solution to the conflict, that a solution can be found only through negotiation, and that parties to the conflict should return to the CFA.

First, the government’s notice of abrogation on January 3 was not out of the ordinary, as Article 4.4 of the CFA provided for either party to withdraw by giving 14 days notice to Norway. The government action to abide by the agreement, contrasts with the LTTE’s actions with respect to the previous truce, where the LTTE commenced hostilities following several hours of notice, on April 18 1995.

Second, the demand of a return to the CFA is like requesting a return to the make-believe world in which Sri Lankans lived since 2002. True, the CFA halted open hostilities and saved many lives. However, those who are familiar with the CFA would recall that the LTTE began violating the agreement willy-nilly, within weeks of signing it. By end April 2007, Tigers had amassed a catalogue of 3800 violations as determined by the Nordic monitors, as against some 300 minor violations by the government forces. I vividly recall how one of those initial violations took me to Kilinochchi for a meeting with late Tamilselvan. That encounter proved, beyond any doubt, how fickle the Tigers were, about upholding the nascent CFA. Throughout the CFA, they engaged in serious truce violations such as, assassinating moderate Tamil politicians, officials and members of the armed forces; murdering political opponents; engaging in suicide bombings; abducting civilians for ransom; and conscripting child soldiers, despite the tripartite agreement signed with the government and UNICEF. It was during this so-called “ceasefire,” that the Tigers assassinated foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, made two attempts to kill another Tamil minister, Douglas Devananda, using female suicide bombers, and employed yet another female suicide bomber in an attempt to assassinate the commander of the Sri Lanka Army. I wonder, which country, among those who ask Sri Lanka today to return to the CFA, would agree to continue with a charade of that nature, in the face of such grave provocations.

It is a fact that a ceasefire agreement existed until recently. However, the violations listed by Nordic monitors clearly establish that the Tigers never ceased firing. What remained of the CFA, until its recent abrogation, was an agreement on paper, rendered defunct by the Tigers, from day one. In this backdrop, it is ironical that, after the government served notice to withdraw from the CFA, the LTTE solemnly declared, it would uphold the CFA 100%! However, none of those critical of the government’s decision, thought it fit to ask the Tigers why they failed to uphold the CFA 100% since inception.

Third, critics predict that Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the CFA would result in increased levels of violence. If the Tigers had been genuine about a negotiated settlement, they had a golden opportunity in November 2005, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as President of Sri Lanka. The President, in his inaugural speech, said, “I reaffirm my commitment determination to pursue the peace process to achieve an honorable peace that will respect the aspirations of all communities in our country…. To achieve this noble goal, my Government will be ready to engage the L.T.T.E. in discussing a political solution, when the L.T.T.E. declares their readiness to resume negotiations, which they unilaterally abandoned.” Two days after the inauguration, Prabhakaran acknowledged President Rajapaksa as a pragmatic man and said that he would give him time to find a solution to the conflict.

Pause for a moment to examine the difference between the words and the deeds of the Tigers.

Eight days later, on December 5, 2005, the Tigers carried out their first claymore mine attack against the armed forces. This was followed by killing scores of civilians in isolated villages, bombing of a market place in Trincomalee, employing a suicide bomber to assassinate the Army Commander, killing the third most senior officer of the army and detonating claymore mines targeting a bus carrying civilian passengers, taking the lives of over 60 passengers.

Thus, sane thinking would indicate that it was not the abrogation of the CFA that would lead to increased violence, but it was the ever increasing violence and grave provocations that led the government to abrogate the CFA.

Fourth, Sri Lanka shares the view of its friends, the US included, that the conflict can only be resolved politically, not militarily. President Rajapaksa said so on the day of his inauguration, and has, since, repeated it many times. If you think that the political leadership says one thing, and the military is pursuing its own agenda, Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, said at a media briefing on January 12, 2008, and I quote, “Ultimately, any solution will have to be political. But there can be a political solution only after the LTTE has laid down arms.”

Fifth, on the subject of the CFA, Sri Lanka has attempted no less than six series of negotiations, since 1985. Of those, only the last three, in 1995, 2002/2003 and 2006 were conducted in an environment of CFAs. This demonstrates that a CFA, while being a useful tool, is not essential for negotiations, if parties to the conflict are serious about a resolution. What is essential is to conduct negotiations in good faith until a lasting solution to the conflict is agreed upon.

Finally, a “ceasefire” by its very definition, is a temporary measure, until it is replaced by a more permanent arrangement. Similarly, the CFA signed between the government and the LTTE was a temporary suspension of hostilities until negotiations were concluded. After the Tigers unilaterally moved away from negotiations in April 2003, it took Norway nearly three years to bring them back to the table. When they repeated their performance in October 2006, there seemed little prospect of their return. Neither can the government be confident that the Tigers would be any less fickle in future peace talks, than they have been during the last two decades.

Thus, it is regrettable that the international community has failed to understand the complex dynamics that have played out over nearly three decades in Sri Lanka. With the ease of the uninformed, some countries repeatedly call on the government and the LTTE, to shun hostilities and to resume peace talks. The reality is that Sri Lanka has attempted negotiations with the Tigers on six different occasions, viz., in 1985 at Thimpu with Indian mediation; in 1987 with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi taking the lead; during 1989/90 with President Premadasa; in 1995 with President Chandrika Kumaratunga; during 2002/03 with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe; and with President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2006. The past twenty odd years are testimony to the fact that Tigers only agree to negotiate as a mere ploy; to buy time to regroup, to replenish and to strengthen their fighting capability. When adequately geared to fight, they walk away from negotiations, as they have done at each series of talks. That was not all; they were brazen enough to take the lives of those who initiated two rounds of talks viz. the former Indian Prime Minister Gandhi and President Premadasa and very nearly took the life of President Kumaratunga, in all three instances employing suicide bombers.

We ought to ask, then, how serious were the Tigers, when they sat at the negotiating table. I can authoritatively speak of the six meetings we had in Bangkok, Oslo, Berlin, and Hakone, between September 2002 and March 2003, as I was part of the government team. The LTTE insisted that the two sides focus on banal issues, or to borrow late Balasingham’s own words, “the existential problems” faced by the Tamil civilians in the north and the east first, and only after resolving them, to discuss issues leading to a settlement of the conflict. Our plea that we utilize the time to discuss both issues simultaneously fell on deaf ears.
Against this background of Tiger stonewalling, Norway made a valiant bid in Oslo, in November 2002, to persuade the leader of the LTTE delegation to agree on a compromise, where the LTTE agreed to the terminology “the parties agreed to explore a solution founded on the principle of internal self –determination in areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking peoples, based on federal structure with an united Sri Lanka…” and, for the first time, agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues leading to a political solution, such as: Power-sharing between the center and the region, as well as within the center; Geographical region; Human rights protection; Political and administrative mechanism; Public finance; and Law and order. That was a refreshing breakthrough, given the tense atmosphere in Oslo the previous evening. That was also a landmark decision, as the LTTE agreed to climb down from its demand for a separate state, and the government agreed to a solution based on a federal structure, a concession successive governments failed to concede to the Tamil minority.

What followed thereafter is history. Opposition soon built up against the leader of the LTTE delegation in his own camp, and he abruptly ended a crucial visit to Wanni, following Prabhakaran pressurizing him to retract. He returned to London, a sick and broken man and went into isolation, severing all connections with the LTTE, Norway and the rest of the world. Later, he painstakingly tried to explain there was no agreement in Oslo for a solution based on a federal arrangement!

The final meeting held in Hakone, Japan, in March 2003, was an eye opener, as that meeting clarified beyond any doubt that the LTTE had reverted to its old position of not discussing any substantive issue to resolve the conflict. On par with the understanding reached in Oslo, the International Adviser on Human Rights, Ian Martin, presented a paper, and the late Balasingham came up with reasons why they could not agree to international monitoring of human rights. His response was that Sri Lanka’s national Human Rights Commission was equal to the task. When pressed to focus on other substantive issues agreed upon in Oslo, Balasingham sheepishly said he had no mandate to discuss any of those subjects, proving that he had been prohibited from engaging in discussing substantive issues by the LTTE leadership.

I have traced the history of negotiations, not to heap blame on late Balasingham, or even on the LTTE. All what I want to say is, that the LTTE had a clear strategy then, as it does now, and that is, to establish a separate state by hook or by crook, irrespective of the deaths it would cause to the Tamil people it claims to represent, and destruction to the country. After all, Prabhakaran has given permission to his cadres to kill him if he wavers from the commitment he made for a separate state. And, the slogan of the LTTE still remains “The thirst of the Tigers is the Homeland of Tamil Eelam.”

Against this backdrop, the question we ask from those who urge the government to seek a negotiated settlement is, are they asking us to negotiate with the LTTE once again? If the LTTE demand for a separate state is non-negotiable, what exactly are we going to negotiate with them? There are more questions. How can a democratically elected government hand over a part of its sovereign territory to an undemocratic entity like the LTTE, which engages in terrorism? What is the fate of the Muslim and Sinhala people, living in the areas claimed by the LTTE, as the traditional homeland of the Tamils?

Finally, we have to ask, who would guarantee that this time around, the LTTE will not walk away from the negotiating table. Some may even ask, if the players were different, for example, would the US negotiate with a terrorist group, which has used suicide bombers to assassinate one president, nearly killed another president, and assassinated several secretaries, including the Secretary of State? There are certain individuals, who try to draw parallels between the LTTE demands with the American demand for independence from Britain. However, in my view, the more appropriate comparison is to describe the LTTE to the secessionist Confederates, who tried to break away from the Union. As President Abraham Lincoln said in his First Inaugural Address on March 4, 1861,“Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy."

Likewise, “Physically speaking, we can not separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other nor build an impassable wall between them” Sri Lankan government too, being a representative entity like the Union, finds secession wholly unacceptable, and seeks friendship of all its citizens, and genuine peace, as President Lincoln did, where all citizens in the country can co-exist as equals in harmony, as they did for many centuries. Throughout the conflict, Sri Lanka’s friends have remained steadfastly supportive of a negotiated solution to the conflict.

The Tigers, however, see this involvement as being partial toward the government. In his Heroes Day speech in November 2007, referring to the role of the international community, Prabhakaran, said, “This partisan and unjust conduct of the international community has severely undermined the confidence our people had in them. And it has paved the way for the breakdown of the ceasefire and the peace efforts.”

Despite the stance of Tigers, Sri Lanka is indeed appreciative of the positive role played by the international community in the war on terrorism. The ban on the LTTE, first by India, the U.S., the U.K., followed by Canada and the 27 member EU, has helped dampen the Tigers’ increasing ability to raise funds for their war chest.

The U.S. ban on one of the LTTE front organizations, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) in November 2007, was a significant blow to the Tiger fundraising capabilities. This kind of international action is critical to make the Tigers realize they do not have an endless fount of resources to carry on a relentless terrorist campaign to achieve its major political objective, a separate state, by force of arms.

The international community also needs to persuade the LTTE to return to the negotiating table, and to hang in there until a satisfactory comprise is reached. Only such action will drive home the message that undemocratic methods of seizing power as the Tigers currently employ, are unacceptable to the civilized world.
The international community needs to be cognizant that democracies cannot take extra-constitutional measures, and, political solutions to conflicts require discussion, debate and compromise before consensus is reached.

As you may be aware, after deliberating for one and a half years, the All Party Representative Committee (APRC), comprising the political spectrum of the country, submitted its proposals for devolution to the President, two days ago. Complex arrangements for devolution and power sharing, that also involve constitutional changes and consultation of the people, are inevitably, an incremental process. It is necessary to remind the international community, that this is only a beginning of an evolving process, which requires its fullest and continuing support.

]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:28:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327879 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327881
This data is contained in a compilation published on 17 January 2008 by the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services, the Ministry of Nation Building and Development and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The table below lists the figures on a District wise basis:

District
IDPs in Welfare Centres and Temporary Accommodation Centres
IDPs with Friends and Relatives
Total

Jaffna
857
30,180
31,037

Kilinochchi
3,737
44,810
48,547

Mullativu
923
31,173
32,096

Mannar
9,660
13,884
23,544

Vavuniya
281
10,362
10,643

Trincomalee
3,753
2,218
5,971

Batticaloa
10,041
16,471
26,512

Ampara
87
5,608
5,695

Puttalam
2,371
551
2,922

Anuradhapura
-
486
486

Polonnaruwa
133
47
180

Gampaha
-
213
213

Kegalle
-
4
4

Grand Total
31,843
156,007
187,850



The government is committed to settling back all IDPs in their original homes. In the Eastern Province alone, over 108,000 IDPs have already returned to their homes since March 2007, and only 38,178 persons are living in welfare centres or temporary accommodation or with friends and relatives. Most of them have been held back due to the need for the clearance of landmines.

The settlement of IDPs back in their homes has been a voluntary process and it has been undertaken according to international standards. This has been acknowledged by the international community including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme(WFP).

]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:28:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327881 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327883
The attack on the U.N. premises in Algeria last month that claimed the lives of 17 staff members -- the second such attack after the August 2003 bombing of the U.N. compound in Baghdad -- has jolted the Secretariat in New York.

"With the United Nations increasingly becoming a target around the world, no efforts should be spared to protect its staff, beginning with an independent investigation and the transparent sincerity of its purpose," says the New York-based U.N. Staff Union.

Asked about the attacks, Ban Ki-moon told reporters last week: "As the secretary-general, I feel it very unfortunate and sad that the United Nations has become the target of terrorist bombings, already for the second time, after the terrorist bombing which happened four years ago in Baghdad."

''There may be many areas strategically where we will have to look at this issue," he said, expressing customary reticence in divulging some of the new security measures the United Nations plans to take.

Primarily, he said, the responsibility of protecting U.N. staff and premises falls on the host government.

"And we do expect that the host governments, wherever the United Nations operates, should provide adequate and necessary protection and facilities and measures. This is what I am going to discuss with (the U.N.'s 192) member states," said Ban.

The Secretariat is also involved in a war of words with the Algerian government, which is opposed -- primarily for political reasons -- to any independent investigation of the bombing.

The government also denies the charge that it ignored a U.N. request for stepped up security measures, including blocking off streets, before the bombing of the U.N. offices in the capital of Algiers.

Kemal Dervis, head of the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), whose office was destroyed in the attack, says that in at least six countries, U.N. staff has been told to work at home because some of the U.N. agencies in the field have become more "explicit targets" of terrorist groups.

Dervis refused to identify the six countries, but admitted Algeria was one of them.

The threats against U.N. staffers have been directed both at officials and peacekeepers in countries such as Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and Lebanon.

Osama bin Laden, described as the mastermind behind the terror attacks on the United States in September 2001, offered a reward of some 10,000 grams of gold for the lives of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his Special Representative in Afghanistan Lakhdar Brahimi.

A senior U.N. official told IPS, "The United Nations means many things to many people." First, there is the political body, and then there is the Secretariat, and the various humanitarian agencies.

If the Security Council is accused of double standards or being biased, it's the big powers that are to be blamed -- not the U.N. staff in the Secretariat or in the field.

"Unfortunately, most people out there have failed to make the distinction between the United Nations as a political animal and the United Nations as a humanitarian organisation," he added.

If a U.N. office is targeted, it's the staff that takes a beating, not the member states, who trigger the political resentment in the first place.

Dervis said the victims in the Algerian attack were not soldiers who signed up for battle, "but people, mostly Algerians, who are working for peace, development and to alleviate human suffering."

"It's so saddening for me to see, with my own eyes, the impact of this attack on colleagues so committed to helping create sustainable livelihoods for Algeria's poor, supporting access to justice, strengthening the national parliament and promoting environmental protection," said Dervis, one of the most senior U.N. officials to visit the scene of the attack last month.

At a memorial service for U.N. staff members who lost their lives in Algiers, the secretary-general said: "What we remembered at today's ceremony was a savage loss inflicted on the entire United Nations family."

"Our colleagues worked at the United Nations in Algiers not to pursue a political mission, and definitely not to promote the interests of one group of nations or peoples over those of another."

Just after the bombing last month, the secretary-general also wondered whether the anti-U.N. sentiments were an indication of the failure to communicate the U.N. mission to people worldwide.

He said the United Nations must do even better in explaining to the public and the media the role of the world body, "wherever we operate -- why we are there, what we do, what we stand for and what we don't."

"We must make clear we are not there to represent the interests of any one group of nations over another. We must make clear that we are there to clear mines, build schools, run clinics, advance the rule of law, help protect the environment and help protect human rights."

In short, he said, "(we are there) to build better lives for the men, women and children we exist to serve," he declared.

]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:28:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327883 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327467 Several incidents have been reported from Tamil Nadu where organizations and individuals openly and actively supported the LTTE terrorists through various channels.

Participating in a discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the assembly, senior legislator, C Gnanasekaran of the Congress Party cited reports that 102 LTTE cadres had infiltrated into the state during the last two years and that cases had been filed against 40 of them under the National Security Act, Indian media reports.

Recalling the recent arrest of LTTE intelligence wing leader Thambidurai Parameswaran and others, who allegedly attempted to procure arms and material for the LTTE, he questioned the "inaction" of the state's intelligence, sources said.

Stating that the LTTE had also killed several Tamils, Gnanasekaran wondered how some parties and organizations in the state were openly supporting the outfit.

Mr. Gnanasekaran requested the Government to ban such organizations and completely curb their activities in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in India.

Meanwhile reiterating that Congress party would never forgive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for "assassinating" former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he urged the Tamil Nadu Government to take to steps to bring LTTE leader V Prabakaran to India to face trial in the assassination case.
]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:26:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327467 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327465 The report added that the use of child soldiers has decreased but both groups have recruited hundreds of children since November 2006. The report covers the period from November 1, 2006 to September 14, 2007.

The UN also criticised the Tamil Tigers for refusing to adhere to international legal requirements that soldiers must be at least eighteen years old. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in his report urged all sides to abide by the recommendations of his previous report.

In the earlier report, he appealed for peace and for the cessation of the recruitment of children as soldiers.]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:08:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327465 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327375
They discussed their concerns and hopes of today’s youth with acclaimed British actress Emma Thompson and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata.

The news comes in the light of a recent global survey conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the British Council to research the international outlook of young people aged between 11-16 years old. When asked what are the biggest issues facing the world today, they responded by saying that terrorism was their biggest concern with 44 per cent of votes followed by national/international conflict (39%), climate change (33%), poverty (33%), drug abuse (24%), famine (23%), AIDS/HIV (22%), crime (22%), health (12%), population growth (8%) and religious fundamentalism polling 8 per cent.

Significantly, 85 per cent of respondents’ felt that it was important for leaders of countries to do more to build friendly relations with other countries whilst more than half went out of their way to understand current events in the world.

‘I am 18 years of age and I work,” said the Sri Lankan representative, Radheena De Alwis, “with street and slum children on the outskirts of Colombo.”

She said these children are marginalized by society and have low self confidence. “This is why I choose to spend my time with them, giving them the confidence they need to branch out into society and carry on with their education. I believe that young people have to put themselves out in the rain and face the thunder if they intend to make a difference and that is why I do what I do,” she further added.

The Davos Six took part in a major session - Future Shifts: The Voice of the Next Generation – at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in the Congress Centre (Senada 12), January 24 . Chaired by Becky Anderson of CNN International, actress Emma Thompson and the former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata also took part in the panel discussion, the British Council, who organized their participation in the World Economic Forum, said.

The six youth activists were selected by more than fifty of their peers aged between 16 to 19 years-old from over 40 countries worldwide during a week of workshops in Guildford, UK, to represent their views at the World Economic Forum as part of the pioneering British Council initiative The Road to Davos.

The young delegates took their recommendations to Davos, Switzerland, to make a challenge to world leaders on global issues such as climate change, education, intercultural conflict and the devastating impact of poverty.

The initiative is devised by the UK’s international body for cultural relations, the British Council, in partnership with the World Economic Forum aimed at giving a voice to the views of the younger generation for solutions to global issues and their vision for the future. The Davos Six are the youngest ever delegates at the high profile event.

Chief Executive of the British Council, Martin Davidson, said: ‘Young people around the world are making amazing personal contributions in politics, in climate change, in social activities. We, and the World Economic Forum, want to give them an opportunity to challenge the worlds’ leaders on a range of issues. The youth of the world are not only passive recipients of education or passive consumers; they want to take responsibility into their own hands. The issues discussed at Davos are global issues that concern them as much as the world leaders’.

“I am 19 years old. I work with young people, aged 13-19”, said Gillion Bosman of South Africa, “in poor communities in and around Cape Town. We focus on issues of identity and human rights, using the arts as an educational and relevant yet fun methodology. I focus specifically on South Africa's history and the struggle for identity.’

Nick Henderson of Scotland said,” I am 19 years old and grew up in Glasgow. The group I work for, Youth End Poverty (YEP) Dundee, seeks out the most marginalised young people in society, those that cannot access services because of the barriers of poverty. We feel strongly about ensuring that those who face multiple barriers, young poor people who may be lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, HIV+ or sexually exploited, have the same opportunity to hope that other young people have.”

‘I am 16 years old. My activism is found both inside and outside school. We go twice or three times a year to different and humble schools and communities and our main focus is that of raising awareness of the value of education. At the same time,” said Juan Nascimbene of Argentina, “ I have an independent group which involves the setting up of a library and community forum in a shelter home to provide a space for young people to interact and share ideas. I believe that the voice of youth should be heard, not only because we represent the future but because we can produce a transformation in our present society.”

The following are two more statements from the other two participants

Whitney Burton from the USA

‘I'm an 18 year old university student at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and I’m from Houston, Texas. I started an initiative at my high school called 'Building Futures' to raise money to build a school in Sierra Leone. We also worked to empower youth to understand their power to make a positive difference in the world. I now work for a charity called 'Free the Children', the largest network of children helping children through education, helping young people get involved in global issues.’

Yunan Jin from China

‘I am 17 years old and come from Beijing. I focus my activism on environmental issues, especially on climate change. I started out 4 years ago when I initiated a program called 'A Tree a Day' in which volunteers head to Inner Mongolia for 2 weeks every year and every person plants 365 trees during that period. 20,000 trees have already been planted, covering approx 1 square kilometre. I've focused on promoting climate awareness in my school and community through lectures and documentary showings. I founded www.sco2.cn, a website that aims to help people develop eco friendly lifestyles. I also hold 3 patents in the field of biomass briquettes and IC enzymes.’

]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327375 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327377 The President and several Ministers held discussion with the visiting Minister, focusing on the opportunities that can be created between the two nations to explore trade possibilities as well as bilateral trade agreements.

Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade and Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs were also present at the discussion.]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327377 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327379 November 1, 2007.

"Four months on from the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, rather than stop its unlawful arrests the Burmese government has actually accelerated them. U.N. Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari was told in early November by Prime Minister Thein Sein that arrests had stopped and that no more would take place. Amnesty International's research contradicts that assurance completely," said Catherine Baber, director of Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific program.

"The new arrests in December and January target people who have attempted to send evidence of the crackdown to the international community, clearly showing that the government's chief priority is to silence its citizens who would hold them accountable," continued Baber.

Amnesty International is also gravely concerned that since November 1,2007, the Myanmar authorities have sentenced to prison at least 15 protesters and their supporters, and that torture and ill-treatment of detainees has been reported.

"Such prosecutions are politically motivated, imposed after proceedings that flagrantly abuse people's right to a free and fair trial and contravene international human rights standards," said Baber.

]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327379 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327381
"The Government of Sri Lanka has been good enough to share with us the interim steps recommended by the All Party Representatives Conference in Sri Lanka for implementation of devolution provisions and official language provisions of the Sri Lankan Constitution,” said the statement.

It was also pointed out that it has consistently been India’s view that a settlement of the issues in Sri Lanka is to be done by the Sri Lankan people themselves in a manner acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.

“The Government of India will continue to work with Sri Lanka and its people to bring about such a settlement of the issues in Sri Lanka. To the extent that the APRC proposals contribute to such a settlement, they are a welcome first step,” said the statement.]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327381 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327389
The ceremony was held to confer Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama and the Rana Sura Padakkama to personnel in the Armed Forces.

"There was a time when it was thought that terrorists were indomitable. This has been proved to be myth. The truth is you are supreme, invincible and indomitable; your motherland is supreme, invincible and indomitable," the President said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa also promised that his government would neither pass down the problem of terrorism to future generations nor use the war for political gain or leverage.

He praised the heroism shown by the security forces in a series of military successes such as the battles of Mavil Aru, Muthur, Vakarai, Thoppigala and the Eastern region, with zero civilian casualties, and for having reached the last phase in eliminating terrorism from the country.

“We will not blame the war and hinder the country's development, nor shirk in our duties and responsibilities. However, we have created an environment where our Armed Forces could fight a without interference. We will create an environment where your children can have a quality education and you all could enjoy and cherish freedom in abundance. We will ensure that your country which you have duly protected, is not betrayed by anybody," he said.

“We need to give a political solution now, for all communities to live in harmony sans fear or suspicion, fully protected from the cruel grip of terrorism. We are all stakeholders of this war which is no respecter of persons and impacts the whole world."

The President pointed out that the terrorists have deceived not only national leaders but world leaders as well, such as former Indian Premier the late Rajiv Gandhi, by projecting themselves as the true representatives and liberators of the Tamil people.

President further said that the Sri Lankan security forces have set an example, proving that terrorism can be defeated.
]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327389 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327013
The proposals are formulated by the All Party Representative Committee – the collective of southern political party representatives to formulate the 'southern consensus' to the protracted ethnic conflict. But the main opposition UNP has boycotted the APRC since its beginning and more recently, the JVP too withdrew from the committee.

At times described as a 'constitutional sleight of hand' by observers, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution is the Rajiv Gandhi-Jayawardene Accord of 1987 presented in another form as an amendment to the constitution. It created the Provincial Councils and enforced a temporary unification of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. But in 2006 the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled that the merger of Northern and Eastern provinces as "unconstitutional, illegal and invalid" shattering hopes of the Tamil minority.

One political observer said that the proposals are a massive waste of public funds saying "they go on reverse gear to the 13th amendment.' The three to four pages long APRC proposals were finalized after 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years. "After 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years the consensus document is being finalized" the APRC said in the document. Another observer said that 'there's nothing new.'

But Lionel Guruge, a senior member of the Centre for Policy Alternatives and a well known Federal activist labeled by ultra-Sinhalese parties as a non-patriot speaking in an independent capacity welcomed the move to hold elections in the East. "This will fill an urgent vacuum in the east – that is the absence of a politico-administrative mechanism in east to serve the regional populace" he said. He added "Even the nationalist party JHU has now come to a consensus that devolution is necessary to serve the minorities. In that sense, APRC proposals stand as a considerable victory for Mahinda Rajapakse. But Rajapakse should not attempt to rule the East in the way Varadaraja Perumal attempted under Indo Lanka pact's Eastern Province in 1987-88 period which ended in a debacle" Guruge said.

The full text of APRC is given below:

APRC Proposals to President

The following are the proposals handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) yesterday, on fully implementing relevant provisions in the present Constitution, in order to achieve maximum and effective devolution of powers to the provinces in the short term

Action to be taken by the President to fully implement relevant
provisions of the present constitution as a prelude to the APRC
proposals

1. Introduction

1.1 The APRC was mandated by the President to prepare a set of proposals that would be the basis for a solution to the national question. After 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years the consensus document is being finalized and it should be possible to hand it over to the President in the very near future. The outcome would be a basis for appropriate constitutional arrangements. Implementation of this would of course require amendment of the present Constitution, and in respect of some Articles, approval by the People at a referendum. This would of course take time, once a favorable climate is established.

1.2 Under the circumstances, the APRC taking into consideration its own proposals, has identified a course of action to achieve maximum and effective devolution of powers to the provinces in the short term. The emphasis would be on meeting the aspirations of the Tamil speaking peoples, especially in the North and East. This would be done within the framework of the present Constitution, that is, the 1978 Constitution. The course of action proposed by the APRC would be implementable with immediate effect, and envisages an interim arrangement pending the restoration of democratically elected Provincial Councils in the North and East.

1.3 The 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution was enacted following the Indo Sri Lanka Agreement of July 1987. It resulted in the setting up of Provincial Councils throughout Sri Lanka and it devolved power to the Provinces under the unitary Constitution. The powers devolved fall under a Provincial List and a Concurrent List. All other powers were reserved for the Centre through a Reserved List. Further, any subject or function not included in any of the three Lists will also be deemed to be a subject or function in the Reserved List.

1.4 Implementation of subjects and functions devolved on the Provinces through the Concurrent List has not taken place at all due to the fact most of these subjects and functions were retained by the Centre as if they also belonged to the Reserved List.

2. Steps necessary to permit Maximum Devolution of Powers to Provinces under the 13th Amendment

2.1 The Government should endeavor to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in respect of legislative, executive and administrative powers, overcoming existing shortcomings.

2.2 Adequate funds should be provided by the Government to facilitate effective functioning of the Provincial Councils.

2.2.1 The Centre should hereinafter route all finances in respect of special projects undertaken by the Centre in the Provinces, if they are on subjects under the purview of the Provinces, through the respective Provincial Administrations.

3. Special Arrangements necessary to permit Maximum Devolution of Powers to the Northern and Eastern Provinces under the 13th Amendment

3.1 The APRC is of the view that conditions in the Eastern Province are conducive to holding elections to the Provincial Council and that elections should be held immediately.

3.2 Conditions in the Northern Province are far from being peaceful. A free and fair election in the North will not be possible in the near future. Hence an alternative arrangement is required in the Northern Province to enable the people of that Province to enjoy the fruits of devolution.

3.3 As it is not possible to hold elections in the North, the President could make appropriate order to establish an Interim Council for the Northern Province in terms of the Constitution.

3.4 The Interim Council of a Province will aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his executive powers, and will function until Provincial Council elections are held in that Province.

3.4.1 The Interim Council should reflect the ethnic character of that Province.

3.4.2 It is proposed that the Interim Council for a Province should consist of individuals who have political experience and an abiding interest in the development of the Province and in its people and be acceptable to the people of the Province. A person to qualify for appointment as a member of an Interim Council should have a thorough knowledge of the particular Province.

4. Implementation of the Official Languages Provision of the Constitution

4.1 The Government should take immediate steps to ensure that Parliament enacts laws to provide for the full implementation of Chapter IV of the Constitution on Language.

4.2 There are many contexts in which remedial measures will assume an administrative, rather than a legislative, character.

The following are instances of measures which should be strenuously accelerated and implemented by the Government.

(a) recruitment of Tamil speaking police officers in sufficient numbers to enable Tamil speaking members of the public, not only in the North and East, but in the country as a whole, to transact business in their own language in police stations;

(b) the taking of all steps, including recruitment of staff and procurement of equipment to enable Tamil speaking members of the public to deal with Ministries, Government Departments, statutory corporations and all other public bodies in
their own language;

(c) the regular holding of, and streamlining of procedures for, mobile "clinics" where officials fluent in the Tamil language will engage problem solving on the spot;

(d) the provision of interpreters, translators and other relevant facilities in all courts of law, so that the needs of members of provincial minority communities are catered fully with regard to all aspects of the administration of justice;

(e) The Sinhala minorities in the North and East suffer from disadvantages similar to those affecting Tamil speaking peoples as mentioned above. Suitable steps should be taken to address them along the same lines.

]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:08:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327013 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326965 The Q branch of the Tamil Nadu police, which has already tracked down and arrested 10 LTTE cadres, has been able to arrest Thambidurai Padmanabhan, a member of the LTTE's intelligence wing, last week in Chennai.

Police believe that other Tiger cadres are working with him to carry out attacks in India and Sri Lanka, including possible assassination attempts on Minister Douglas Devananda and the EPRLF leader Vartharajah Perumal.

Surveillance has been increased at Chennai airport and coastal districts for LTTE suspects. Detectives are monitoring flights to Colombo, Paris, London and Frankfurt. Q branch personnel are manning immigration counters with the names of nearly 50 Sri Lankan Tamils, it is reported.]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326965 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326967 The air raid was based on information received through intelligence sources and air surveillances conducted over a long period, Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Andy Wijesooriya further said.

The pilots confirmed that the target was hit accurately.]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326967 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326969
The statement pointed out, “The fact that we have chosen to write about this issue, with so many competing priorities, should underline the strength of our governments’ determination to support the people of Burma in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. We have repeatedly made clear that the situation in Burma cannot continue, and that we remain committed to helping the people of Burma.”

The following is a joint statement by the U.S. Secretary of State and the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom and France issued at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, January 25.

Begin Text:

The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum at Davos is a unique event. No other occasion brings together so many of the world’s leaders from all fields. For over three decades now, these meetings have provided a global platform for collaboration and action to address international priorities of concern to us all.

One such priority is the urgent need for progress towards a transition to democracy and improved human rights in Burma. The fact that we have chosen to write about this issue, with so many competing priorities, should underline the strength of our governments’ determination to support the people of Burma in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. We have repeatedly made clear that the situation in Burma cannot continue, and that we remain committed to helping the people of Burma.

It is now more than four months since the world was horrified by the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations in Burma. The dramatic pictures seen around the world of the brutality directed against peaceful protestors, including monks and nuns, were truly shocking. We cannot afford to forget. We must convince the Burmese regime to meet the demands of the international community and respect the basic rights of Burma’s people.

The UN Security Council in October spelled out its expectations and reiterated those expectations on January 17. First, the early release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the creation of conditions for a genuine dialogue between the Government and the opposition. Second, full co-operation and constructive engagement with the UN. Third, the need for the regime to address the economic, humanitarian and human rights concerns of the Burmese people. Several months on, however, we find the regime has met none of these demands.

The regime claims to be moving ahead with its roadmap to civilian rule. However the process, already 14 years old, is open-ended, and many key political actors, not least Aung San Suu Kyi, are excluded. There can be little doubt that only genuine and inclusive dialogue can deliver national reconciliation and stability for Burma and its neighbor.

We call on all those attending the World Economic Forum to demonstrate that, while the regime may be indifferent to the suffering of the Burmese people, the world is not.

We ask you to support the return to Burma by UN Special Adviser Gambari as soon as possible, and to urge the regime to cooperate fully with him and the UN. We call on the regime to act on the recommendations of UN Human Rights Envoy Pinheiro; to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; and to launch a substantive, time-bound dialogue with democratic leaders and ethnic minority representatives, as called for in Aung San Suu Kyi’s statement of November 8.

A unified call for genuine and peaceful political reconciliation and reform will be heard in Burma. We would not live up to our values if we ignored Burma's plight
]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/326969 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327003
While thanking Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapakse for coming forward to implement the devolutionary proposals, he said that implementing the 13th amendment in full may not be the final political solution, but it is a great leap forward towards achieving that goal. He added that it will act as a catalyst for a confidence building process, amongst deferent communities in Sri Lanka.

Minister Douglas Devananda also emphasised that rejuvenating the defunct North and East provincial councils by giving political leadership, will help to ease the day-to-day sufferings of the people living in these provinces to a greater extent. It will also help to build a true Sri Lankan identity.

Given below the full text of the speech made by Minister Douglas Devananda on the occasion of handing over the APRC proposal to President Mahinda Rajapakse at President Secretariat on 23rd January 2008:

His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapakse,
Hon. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake,
Minister and Chairman of the APRC Hon. Prof. Tissa Vitharana,
Hon. Ministers,
Party Leaders,
Members of APRC and other distinguished guests.

Aybowan, Vanakkam, Aslam Alaikum

It is a historic occasion today in the 60 years of independence of our country, that for the first time under the leadership of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapakse’s initiatives are being taken to devolve power, in word and deed, to the North and East provinces.

Two decades have gone since signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord. Sri Lanka has seen five Presidents since then. I have taken up the issue of implementing the 13th amendment to the constitution in full as an interim measure, with four presidents, except with J R Jayawardena. I am proud to mention that it is President Mahinda Rajapakse who had finally taken the bold initiative to make it a reality. It is His Excellency’s vision of differentiating the problem of the Tamil Speaking People from that of the LTTE that has led him to take this bold step.

It is my fervent hope that had the Governments in the past implemented the 13th amendment wholeheartedly, and in its true spirit, today the political equation might have been different.

I frequently use a proverb that “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, this is what I wish to say to the Tamil Speaking People and to the critics about the implementation of the 13th amendment. I also use another axiom, which I wish to remind to the Tamil Speaking People at this moment. I quote “Though she weep with the pain of parturition, she herself must bring forth the child”.

Implementing the 13th amendment in full may not be the final political solution, but it is a great leap forward towards achieving that goal. It will act as a catalyst for a confidence building process, amongst deferent communities in Sri Lanka.
Rejuvenating the defunct North and East provincial councils by giving political leadership, will help to ease the day-to-day sufferings of the people living in these provinces to a greater extent. It will also help to build a true Sri Lankan identity.

I am really happy today and thankful to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse for his initiative to fulfil the dream of the late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi who scarified his life for the sake of bringing peace, in the Island nation. I also take this opportunity to thank His Excellency on behalf of Tamil Speaking People for his political will to implement the 13th amendment in full without delay and the actions taken to re-activate the North and East provincial councils.

I also wish to thank the Chairman and the members of the APRC who have contributed a lot to make it happen.

May I conclude with what Jawaharlal Nehru told his countrymen on the eve of India’s Independence in the midnight of 14th August 1947, I quote:

“The future beckons to us. Whither do we go and what shall be our endeavour? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers ; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman.” Un-quote.

Thank you.

]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327003 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327005
The highlight of this day would be the official launch of SAARC Trade Fair, unveiling of the Logo of SAARC Trade Fair and the inauguration of the Official Web site of SAARC Trade Fair.

The venue also will provide opportunity for social integration of top level businessmen and provide opportunity for these businessmen to meet and discuss these SAARC Ambassadors and High Commissioners for them to get assistance on international trade and travel.
]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327005 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327007
An immediate summit between Burma's military junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is now sought in order to commence a genuine reform in Burma. They criticized the reconciliation process sponsored by the United Nations which was too slow to create such a favorite meeting. They believed that waiting for United Nations to mediate and solve the crisis in Burma is unacceptable.

The appeal of the two monks is now bringing attention to Burma. Making peace a reality in Burma is now being discussed in many parts of the world.

Burmese monks from all over the world have formed the International Burmese Monks Organization, under the leadership of two Senior Monks, Masoerain Sayardaw (Great Abbot of Masoerain Monastery in Mandalay and New York ) and Penang Sayardaw U Pannya Vamsa. The two abbots helped to set up the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO) in Los Angeles in October after monks in Burma were killed in street protests in September 2007.

Head of the Penang Buddhist monastery in Malaysia, Venerable Abbot U Pannya Vamsa (80) paid a 5-day visit to Thailand in mid-January. As President of the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO), U Pannya Vamsa arrived in Bangkok on 12 January, accompanied by Venerable Abbot U Uttara (50), chief of the Sasana-Ramsi-Vihara in London. The next day, two venerable abbots were welcomed by various groups in Mae Sot on Thai-Burma border. There they have successfully organized a Thai branch IBMO consisted of over 20 monks presided by venerable abbot U Centita who came out of Burma after the Saffron Revolution.

Some important objectives of the International Burmese Monks Organization ( IBMO) are to spread the Buddhism around the globe, to publish teaching of Buddha and education in Buddhism, to protect or look after the interest and perpetuation of Buddha’s Sasana, to establish good relationship with other various religions in order to cooperate on common subjects, and to serve for the interest and peace of all human beings throughout the world.

On 15 January, during a meeting - under the title of “How to Establish Peace and Security in Burma?” - With civil society in Bangkok, the two abbots denounced the Burmese military junta for its continuous atrocities upon the Buddhist monks inside the country. The Penang Abbot U Pannya Vamsa said that the roots of country's crisis are in the military's denial to hand over power after Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) won the 1990 general election. The junta now declares it is following its own seven-step "road map" to democracy that is supposed to conclude in free elections, though it has not set a timeline for the procedure.

The two venerable Burmese monks also expressed their plan and opinion on the night of 15 January at the press briefings held at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT), accompanied by one of Thailand's most prominent social critics, Dr. Sulak Sivaraksa and Dr. Phra Maha Boonchuay Sirindharo from Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University, Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai.

U. Uttara showed his displeasure by saying that even the situation in Burma is very critical, the UN special envoy for Burma, Ibrahim Gambari has to wait for visa approval, before entering Burma. Besides, the Security Council also cannot make any progress due to member countries have different opinion based on their own interest. Actually, Burma needs a rapid change and it is fed up with waiting for the UN process, which was hindered by bureaucracy mechanism. The IBMO called on leaders around the world to support its demand for an immediate summit between Burma's military junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in order to commence a genuine reform in Burma.

Aung San Suu Kyi, detained leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), offered an olive branch to Burma's military rulers last November, saying she was ready to take part in a regular, meaningful and time-bound reconciliation talks in the interest of national unity.

The statement by Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), also called for the inclusion of ethnic and political groups in dialogue. "In the interest of the nation I stand ready to cooperate with the government in order to make this process a success," she articulated in her statement read out in Singapore by the UN envoy, Ibrahim Gambari. "I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit," she pronounced clearly.

But, the inflexible military regime not only took into account of the thoughtfully composed statement but also discredit on the leader of the NLD through its media. It happened during the facilitating period of the UN’s special envoy. That means the junta has no intention of changing its mind toward democratic reform urged by the international community.

According to U. Uttara of IBMO, monks and people can no longer keep hoping for a talk between the military and Aung San Suu Kyi to produce good results. It is time to take the opportunity that come to IBMO and it has to accept its role to bring peace to people of Burma. So, he calls on the brethren Buddhist monks to be united to support political change in the country.

U. Pannya Vamsa emphasized support from neighboring countries was very important in restoration of democracy in Burma, especially to press for a substantive dialogue.

To crack up the junta’s obstinacy, the monk organizations inside and outside give their mandates to Penang Abbot U. Pannya Vamsa to set up the IBMO, which has to beef up the protests against the junta until it agreed to stop human rights abuses and accept to come forward for a substantive reconciliation talks.

According to U. Pannya Vamsa, IBMO will seek unity among various dissident groups inside and outside of Burma.

“I want to encourage you, people of Burma, to be united as one and all. We cannot achieve our goal without strong unity within us. You shouldn't emphasize only on the interest of your group or party. All groups must work together for the cause of the nation’s freedom. Unity is the key question to overthrow the military dictatorship. We are still in the vicious circle because of disunity. So, to gain our goal, keep the spirit of unity at the first place”, said the venerable abbot.

The secretary of the organization, the venerable U. Uttara also said, “IBMO will do its best organizing a peaceful movement of people on the twentieth anniversary of the 8th August uprising which sparked in 1988. So, we are starting our global tour to organize all parties under one banner in order to work for the country’s freedom. We need concerted effort to change Burma into a free state. IBMO has been seeking to gain support from leaders around the world for political change in Burma”.

Zin Linn is a freelance Burmese journalist in exile. He spent nine years in a Burmese prison. He works as an information director of the NCGUB. He is also an executive member of the Burma Media Association, which is affiliated to the Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontiers.

]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327007 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327009
Consular General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, Jaliya Wickramasuriya has extended the invitation to all patriots to be participants at this ceremony. This is a great day for all Sri Lankans as we focus on the achievements of the country during past six decades, he said. Most observers believe that a new era is dawning as we speak and it is opportune that we look back with pride on the events of the past.

The progress made through the years since 1948 calls for reflection with a view to making the future a glorious one for the diverse communities who call Sri Lanka their motherland, they added. Those intending to participate in the special ceremony are requested to get in touch or email the Consulate office before Sunday 27th January, 2008 indicating the number of persons attending.

Limited seats will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis. The email address is lacongen@sbcglobal.net
]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327009 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327011
The contours of eventual break-up of the DAN coalition became apparent when the two members of the Janata Dal (U) Deo Nukhu and Huska Sumi made it known that they would withdraw support to the Niephiu Rio government after they were dropped from the Cabinet. Yet the rot was mainly within the main constituent of the DAN coalition the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) five of whose members –K. Therie, Z. Obed, Yeangphong Konyak, Vatsu Maru and Khutovi resigned from the party amidst allegations against Chief Minister Rio. They then demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry against the Chief Minister. That was in the third week of September. The allegations carried conviction because Therie was the Finance Minister in the Rio Cabinet.

Matters were on the boil till mid-December when the Congress-led Opposition tabled a no-confidence motion against the DAN Government. Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie’s letter to the Opposition parties that the three Independent members –Khutovi Sema, Jongsilemba Ao and P. Chuba Chang – could not cast their vote on the issue because the Tenth Schedule barred Independent members from taking part in party politics. The letter was cause celebre from the moment the House assembled for the day with the Congress strongly objecting to the disbarment of the three Independents.

However, worse was to follow. Put to vote the results produced a real scare for the DAN Government when, instead of the five known dissidents from the Nagaland People’s Front, four others joined the ranks of the disaffected and voted for the no-confidence motion. The DAN Government was reduced to minority. Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie’s ruled disqualifying the nine dissidents on the ground that the Constitution prohibits floor-crossing. Those disqualified were Kihoto Hollohon, Kheto Sema, Tokheho Yepthomi, Talinungsang Ao,Tarie Zeliang, Hewoto Awomi, Kapili Sangtam,Nikao Lotha and Hukavi Sema.

The three Independents showed their hand prematurely when they co-sponsored the no-confidence motion along with 17-strong Congress group and the rebels from the Nagaland People’s Front. The Speaker’s action of banning the three Independents from voting and disqualifying the NPF rebels was, thus, a pre-emptive strike that only served to precipitate the dismissal of the DAN government.

As a consequence Nagaland is destined to hold elections in the third week of February. The Delimitation Commission of India has stated that it will complete its work in the north-east within two months. A final blueprint was delayed because of the several stays obtained by political parties from courts and it is not unlikely that the document pertaining to Nagaland will be hotly contested by those who are demanding Greater Nagalim comprising bits of Naga-inhabited territory adjoining Nagaland in Manipur.

The DAN government was a votary of Greater Nagalim and this factor put it squarely in the camp of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim of the Isak Swu - Muivah faction. It is in this context that the threat held out by the DAN government that the dismissal and imposition of President’s Rule (which it insists on describing as imposition of Martial Law) would cause a disruption of the peace process underway with the Government of India.

A ceasefire has held for the better part of a decade albeit unsatisfactory in several respects. The ground rules stipulated that the approximately 6000 strong NSCN armed cadres would have to report to designated camps and deposit their weapons in armouries. Of these, a mere fraction of about 1000 fighters have arrived at the designated camps and the rest are still running extortion rackets and wielding political power at gun point.

The NSCN ((I-M) has tremendous nuisance value both inside Nagaland, the surrounding States, and as far afield as Myanmar and Bangladeh in the east and Nepal where it has been training the Maoists in guerrilla tactics and heavy calibre weapons thereby emboldening some elements of its youth wing to make inroads into India to try and foment trouble. The security forces have long warned that it is using the ceasefire to strengthen its position.

If the DAN coalition ( now of the Nagaland People’s Front and the four members of the Bharatiya Janata Party), has been suggesting that the imposition of President’s Rule could affect the peace process it could mean that the NSCN (I-M) is preparing to flex its muscles. It remains to be seen how far the BJP would go along with that kind of a game plan of the NPF. Whatever gains the NSCN has made in terms of influence could evaporate given that both Myanmar and Bangladesh have shown signs of cooperating with India in its counter-insurgency operations.

Meanwhile, Niephiu Rio has some things to worry about. Persistent allegations of corruption and nepotism have dogged him since the time he affected his down-sizing. One pertains to a land scam and demands for a CBI enquiry have been made to the Governor. The other, curiously, pertains to the period immediately after the Speaker’s ruling that saved the DAN government and the interregnum between that event and the imposition of President’s Rule. The allegation is that the Rio Government withdrew Rs 130 crore from the exchequer for food grains for the public distribution system over the short space of time between the 13 December no-confidence motion and New Year’s Eve. These are going to haunt the DAN coalition till Election Day
]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/327011 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325573
President Rajapaksa thanked all the political parties represented at the APRC and also those who left the APRC prior to the completion of the final proposals for their participation at APRC deliberations. He also thanked the APRC members for handing over their proposals within the stipulated time period.

The President explained that the handing over of the proposals was a fulfillment of a requirement of the country as the public expected a political solution to fully implement the Constitution in all parts of the country.

"Today we have an environment to implement these political proposals in the country though it was difficult due to interference by the LTTE in the North," the President added.

He said that all political parties share the responsibility in the process of ensuring democratic rights and the people's right to live without any fear regardless of their ethnicity.

The party leaders who participated at the event expressed satisfaction that the APRC was able to finalise the proposals at a time the nation was about to celebrate 60 years of independence next month.

"We should find a political solution for the political problem of the country. There is no military solution to political problems. That is very clear. The solution to terrorism is a different one. We are bound to fulfill all aspirations of the people," the President added.

The proposals will be submitted before the Cabinet to rectify any shortcomings and steps would be taken to implement the approved document.litical difference in the interest of resolving the national issue]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325573 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325575
The proposals are formulated by the All Party Representative Committee – the collective of southern political party representatives to formulate the 'southern consensus' to the protracted ethnic conflict. But the main opposition UNP has boycotted the APRC since its beginning and more recently, the JVP too withdrew from the committee.

At times described as a 'constitutional sleight of hand' by observers, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution is the Rajiv Gandhi-Jayawardene Accord of 1987 presented in another form as an amendment to the constitution. It created the Provincial Councils and enforced a temporary unification of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. But in 2006 the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled that the merger of Northern and Eastern provinces as "unconstitutional, illegal and invalid" shattering hopes of the Tamil minority.

One political observer said that the proposals are a massive waste of public funds saying "they go on reverse gear to the 13th amendment.' The three to four pages long APRC proposals were finalized after 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years. "After 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years the consensus document is being finalized" the APRC said in the document. Another observer said that 'there's nothing new.'

The full text of APRC is given below:

APRC Proposals to President

The following are the proposals handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) yesterday, on fully implementing relevant provisions in the present Constitution, in order to achieve maximum and effective devolution of powers to the provinces in the short term

Action to be taken by the President to fully implement relevant
provisions of the present constitution as a prelude to the APRC
proposals

1. Introduction

1.1 The APRC was mandated by the President to prepare a set of proposals that would be the basis for a solution to the national question. After 63 sittings over a period of 1½ years the consensus document is being finalized and it should be possible to hand it over to the President in the very near future. The outcome would be a basis for appropriate constitutional arrangements. Implementation of this would of course require amendment of the present Constitution, and in respect of some Articles, approval by the People at a referendum. This would of course take time, once a favorable climate is established.

1.2 Under the circumstances, the APRC taking into consideration its own proposals, has identified a course of action to achieve maximum and effective devolution of powers to the provinces in the short term. The emphasis would be on meeting the aspirations of the Tamil speaking peoples, especially in the North and East. This would be done within the framework of the present Constitution, that is, the 1978 Constitution. The course of action proposed by the APRC would be implementable with immediate effect, and envisages an interim arrangement pending the restoration of democratically elected Provincial Councils in the North and East.

1.3 The 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution was enacted following the Indo Sri Lanka Agreement of July 1987. It resulted in the setting up of Provincial Councils throughout Sri Lanka and it devolved power to the Provinces under the unitary Constitution. The powers devolved fall under a Provincial List and a Concurrent List. All other powers were reserved for the Centre through a Reserved List. Further, any subject or function not included in any of the three Lists will also be deemed to be a subject or function in the Reserved List.

1.4 Implementation of subjects and functions devolved on the Provinces through the Concurrent List has not taken place at all due to the fact most of these subjects and functions were retained by the Centre as if they also belonged to the Reserved List.

2. Steps necessary to permit Maximum Devolution of Powers to Provinces under the 13th Amendment

2.1 The Government should endeavor to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in respect of legislative, executive and administrative powers, overcoming existing shortcomings.

2.2 Adequate funds should be provided by the Government to facilitate effective functioning of the Provincial Councils.

2.2.1 The Centre should hereinafter route all finances in respect of special projects undertaken by the Centre in the Provinces, if they are on subjects under the purview of the Provinces, through the respective Provincial Administrations.

3. Special Arrangements necessary to permit Maximum Devolution of Powers to the Northern and Eastern Provinces under the 13th Amendment

3.1 The APRC is of the view that conditions in the Eastern Province are conducive to holding elections to the Provincial Council and that elections should be held immediately.

3.2 Conditions in the Northern Province are far from being peaceful. A free and fair election in the North will not be possible in the near future. Hence an alternative arrangement is required in the Northern Province to enable the people of that Province to enjoy the fruits of devolution.

3.3 As it is not possible to hold elections in the North, the President could make appropriate order to establish an Interim Council for the Northern Province in terms of the Constitution.

3.4 The Interim Council of a Province will aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his executive powers, and will function until Provincial Council elections are held in that Province.

3.4.1 The Interim Council should reflect the ethnic character of that Province.

3.4.2 It is proposed that the Interim Council for a Province should consist of individuals who have political experience and an abiding interest in the development of the Province and in its people and be acceptable to the people of the Province. A person to qualify for appointment as a member of an Interim Council should have a thorough knowledge of the particular Province.

4. Implementation of the Official Languages Provision of the Constitution

4.1 The Government should take immediate steps to ensure that Parliament enacts laws to provide for the full implementation of Chapter IV of the Constitution on Language.

4.2 There are many contexts in which remedial measures will assume an administrative, rather than a legislative, character.

The following are instances of measures which should be strenuously accelerated and implemented by the Government.

(a) recruitment of Tamil speaking police officers in sufficient numbers to enable Tamil speaking members of the public, not only in the North and East, but in the country as a whole, to transact business in their own language in police stations;

(b) the taking of all steps, including recruitment of staff and procurement of equipment to enable Tamil speaking members of the public to deal with Ministries, Government Departments, statutory corporations and all other public bodies in
their own language;

(c) the regular holding of, and streamlining of procedures for, mobile "clinics" where officials fluent in the Tamil language will engage problem solving on the spot;

(d) the provision of interpreters, translators and other relevant facilities in all courts of law, so that the needs of members of provincial minority communities are catered fully with regard to all aspects of the administration of justice;

(e) The Sinhala minorities in the North and East suffer from disadvantages similar to those affecting Tamil speaking peoples as mentioned above. Suitable steps should be taken to address them along the same lines
]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325575 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325577
Minister De Silva had expressed his views not only in the interest of 1,500,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East alone but millions of workers from several other countries working in developed countries. He had pointed out the importance of giving due attention to health care facilities of migrant workers as a separate subject.

As of now there are no health programmes whatsoever to ensure their good health and no health care facilities are available to them.

Considering this situation Health Ministers of all countries unanimously approved the proposal.

Sri Lanka’s participation at the meeting is significant in that the Minister would represent for further financial and technical assistance from the WHO to control non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka.
]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325577 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325579 Sri Lankan tea is in great demand in Japan, and the tea drinking habit has not waned, it was found out. During the year ending last November [2007], tea export earnings from Japan alone exceeded Rs.930 million the Minister stated, addressing the gathering. Black tea exports to Japan had increased from 45 per cent to 67 per cent by 2006 resulting in an average increase of 8.9 million kilos a year the Minister observed, and further added that Japanese people preferred flavored tea, organic tea, and gourmet package tea imported tea from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka needs to explore how Green Tea preparation technology and Tea plucking technology could be made use of to bolster production with minimum human labour was Minister Jayaratne's view.

The Minister also paid a tribute to the Japanese exporters by awarding special mementos at the meeting which was held at the HiltoHotel, Tok.
]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325579 http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325581
Despite receiving reinforcements from neighbouring states to help slaughter more than two million birds, at least 1,000 additional veterinarians and doctors are needed to fight the outbreak that began more than a week ago, West Bengal’s Animal Resources Minister told foreign media sources.

The lack of adequate technology and a proper process to overcome the epidemic in the states has resulted in thousands of chickens dying every day, Minister Anisur Rahaman said. Rahaman said hundreds of culling teams had been sent to 10 districts where bird flu had been confirmed, but not all of them were accompanied by medical staff.

More than two million of poultry are expected to be killed to overcome the threat of the flu. No reports of any human cases of bird flu have been reported from India so far.

The outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal has hit poultry sales in Uttar Pradesh by as much as 20 percent. Meanwhile, Nepal has banned imports of Indian poultry to prevent the spread of bird flu in the country following the outbreak of the disease. Poultry farms along the Indo-Nepal border are on a high alert to control the flow of birds, chickens and other poultry products from India, reports from Nepal said.
]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:53:00 EST http://ashroffali.tigblog.org/post/325581