Sri Lanka safe place for tourists - Foreign Ministry

Sri Lanka safe place for tourists - Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Ministry has directed all Sri Lankan missions overseas to persuade the host countries to lift travel advisories on Sri Lanka as the country's situation has rapidly changed with the eradication of terrorism.

According to a Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sri Lankan envoys in foreign missions were directed to initiate a dialogue with the respective Foreign Ministries and convince them that Sri Lanka is a safer place for tourists.

He said they have been asked to highlight that Sri Lanka for the past two years have held a number of international conferences and summits such as SARRC and no incidents of violence or terrorist activities were reported from any part of the country after terrorism was completely eradicated by the Security Forces.

The Foreign missions will also educate the respective Governments on the initiatives taken by the Health Ministry to control epidemics such as swine flu and Dengue, he said.

"International insurance underwriters based in London recently lowered the war risk level of Sri Lanka from 3.4 to 3.0 and changed the Sri Lanka's status from severe to high. The Joint Cargo Committee of London also removed Sri Lanka from the JCC's Air - war \strikes risk list," he said.

Courtesy : Daily News

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Govt. committed to resettle IDPs in six months.....

Govt. committed to resettle IDPs in six months
Sri Lankan delegation assures India

The government reiterated its commitment to resettle in six months all IDPs now staying in relief centres, after their release from being held hostage by the LTTE.
The was conveyed by the high-level Sri Lankan delegation comprising Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa MP, the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga which met Indian foreign minister S M Krishna yesterday. defence.lk

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Sri Lankan reporter 'kidnapped' .........

Sri Lankan reporter 'kidnapped'


A Sri Lankan journalist says she was kidnapped from outside her home in the capital Colombo and held for a day by people claiming to be the police.
Krishni Ifam, a Tamil reporter who works for media development NGO Internews, said the men had warned her to give up journalism altogether.
She said she was then released in the central city of Kandy late on Wednesday with a tiny amount of cash.
Police in Sri Lanka could not be reached for comment.
Unmarked vans
Ms Ifam has been speaking about her ordeal on a private television station and, separately, to the BBC.
She said men who said they were policemen forced her to get into their vehicle outside her Colombo home early on Wednesday and drove for several hours while keeping her blindfolded.
She said they had taken her belongings, asked if she was writing articles for foreign media outlets and warned her to give up journalism altogether before releasing her.
Ms Ifam used to write for a prominent Tamil-language newspaper.
Separately, a columnist who usually covers astrology was picked up late on Wednesday by men with identity cards from the Criminal Investigation Department. His wife said he was still being held 24 hours later.
In both these cases the vehicles used were said to be unmarked white vans, which have become notorious in Sri Lanka as a means of abduction and sometimes disappearance.
The Sri Lankan government insists that the media here are free.
But many journalists say they do not feel free to write or broadcast what they want - many have been physically attacked and others have fled into exile.
BBC News, Colombo

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Michael Jackson, 50, legendary 'King of Pop' dead in Los Angeles

Michael Jackson, 50, legendary 'King of Pop' dead in Los Angeles

Pop icon Michael Jackson died Thursday after being taken to a Los Angeles hospital in cardiac arrest, officials said. He was 50.
The "Thriller" superstar was unconscious and not breathing when Fire Department paramedics were summoned to Jackson's Bel Air home by a 911 call at 12:26 California time.
They desperately tried to resuscitate the faded King of Pop as a cherry-red ambulance sped him to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
"You've got to save him!" aides to the star screamed as he was wheeled into the hospital on the stretcher, the Web site TMZ.com reported.
Jackson's mother and his sister LaToya were seen rushing into the hospital, apparently after he had already died.
The cause of death was unknown. The Los Angeles County coroner said an autopsy would be performed Friday.
Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, said through her lawyer she was "inconsolable" at the news.
"I lost my little brother today and part of my soul went with him," music mogul Quincy Jones said as tributes began pouring in.
In a sign of Jackson's enduring magnetism, crowds of mourners gathered outside the hospital within minutes of the news breaking.
Rev. Al Sharpton flashed a 25-year-old snapshot of Jackson and himself during a press conference outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
"We thought we'd see him moonwalk one more time," Sharpton said.
Jackson's death capped a life of dizzying superstardom and bizarre scandal and ended his bid to make a comeback with 50 sold-out concerts planned for London this summer.
He was training for the upcoming gigs with Lou Ferrigno, the star of the TV show The Incredible Hulk.

Longtime Jackson family lawyers Brian Oxman accused unnamed "enablers" of pushing the star too hard physically as he prepared for the tour.
The music legend burst onto the pop scene as a child star with the Jackson 5 nearly four decades ago. The group from Gary, Ind., produced hits like "ABC" and "I Want You Back."
He became the world's most popular musician when he went solo in the '70s. Once a sure-fire hit machine, he holds the record for the biggest-selling album with "Thriller."

He also wowed fans with monster hits like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It."
Millions of fans imitated his famed moonwalk dance and he was known worldwide as the Gloved One for his trademark handwear.
But personal and professional woes have eclipsed his talent for years.
He was acquitted in 2005 of molesting a young fan at his Neverland Ranch and caused an uproar by dangling one of his three children out of a Berlin hotel window in 2002.

His latest recordings suffered from tepid sales and a rumored comeback album never materialized.
Jackson's first wife was Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis, whom he married in 1994.
It was a match made in showbiz heaven but they split less than two years later.
He later married Australian Debbie Rowe and they had two children, Prince, 12 and Paris, 11, though she gave up her parental rights.
A third child, Prince Michael II, was reportedly born with the help of an anonymous surrogate mother.
Jackson had faced serious financial problems in recent years as sales wilted. Some reports said he was as much as $500 million in debt.
He faced certain foreclosure on Neverland until he managed to refinance the mortgage on the 270-acre spread.

Some analysts said he could make more than $200 million from this summer's concerts in Britain.
Jackson moved with his kids to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf after his molestation trial, but returned to Los Angeles in recent months. www.nydailynews.com

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Sri Lanka to resettle war refugees soon: official

NEW DELHI (AFP) — A Sri Lankan official delegation visiting India said on Wednesday Colombo was working to resettle tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting on the island.
The team said Sri Lanka was also working for the "democratisation" of the country's north, where fierce fighting earlier this year led to the rout of the separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas.
"We are getting all the assistance to start their livelihood programmes like agriculture, fisheries and livestock," Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told reporters after meeting Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna.
"I think we can resettle the bulk of the people within a 180-day programme," he said, adding that Colombo had already begun rebuilding roads and bridges damaged in the fighting.
Nearly 300,000 civilians who fled Sri Lanka's war zone are detained in temporary shelters which the government calls "welfare villages".
The official said Colombo would "very soon" conduct elections to local government bodies in the north.
"For the last 30 years we did not have any representive in the grassroot level in local government or municipal councils there," he added.
Lalith Weeratunga, secretary to Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, is also part of the visiting delegation meeting Indian officials in New Delhi.

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Lanka ssures India tamils..........

Lanka assures India Tamils will return home from camps


Sri Lanka on Wednesday assured India that it would ensure that Tamils, displaced during the military operations against LTTE, return to their homes after their camps are dismantled within six months.
The assurance was conveyed by a high-level Sri Lankan delegation which included Basil Rajapaksa, President's Special Envoy and G B Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, which met foreign minister S M Krishna here.
Krishna told reporters later that India would assist in the resettlement and rehabilitation process of the displaced persons. New Delhi also remains committed to demining activity to ensure their safe return.
The Sri Lankan government's commitment to devolve "considerable power" to its provinces was also reaffirmed by the delegation, according to the minister.
He said the delegation had agreed to India's suggestion to allow the ship "Captain Ali" to off-load the relief material meant for displaced persons in Northern Sri Lanka. These items will now be routed through the Red Cross.
Earlier describing his discussions with Krishna as very "positive", Basil Rajapaksa said "we have given a positive reply to the Indian government and most of the requests have been approved. I should not mention what is going to be... but definitely it will be for the people in the camps."
On whether the ship will be allowed to off-load, Basil said "we have fulfilled the requirements".
Rajapaksa said he also had useful talks with the Indian delegation, especially regarding a programme to resettle all internally displaced persons who are now in relief camps.
"We have a 180-day programme. First how to do demining. The Indian government had earlier agreed to send four teams but now on the request made to them, they are trying to increase the number by 8. That will be helpful to resettle these people," Rajapaksa said.
Krishna said he also told the Lankan delegation about the need to "strictly adhere" to the understanding reached in October last on matters relating to fishing.
"The Sri Lankan government clarified that it does not contemplate putting up any structures at Katchchativu islet," the minister added.
The reported move by the Sri Lankan Navy to set up a base in Katchchativu had drawn the ire of a cross-section of people and parties in Tamil Nadu.
timesofindia

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Uthuru Vasanthaya....

Uthuru Vasanthaya :Rs. 1,058m worth projects for displaced children's education

Concurrent to the Uthuru Vasanthaya Northern Development Program launched by the Government to bring normality to the lives of people displaced from terrorism in the North, the Government has launched projects worth Rs. 1,058 million to provide higher education facilities to children of the displaced funded by the ADB and the World Bank. -defence.lk

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Colombo reporters....

Colombo reporters decry new body

Critics say press freedom is under attack in Sri Lanka The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish a body that can fine and imprison print journalists.
They say that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working.
Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors' Guild which groups the main newspaper editors, have written to President Rajapaksa.
They say that the reactivation of the Press Council fills them with deep concern and disappointment.
The reporters say that media culture should not be based on charging, fining and jailing journalists and added that Mr Rajapaksa himself had spoken up in favour of an independent press while in opposition seven years ago.
For the past six years a self-regulating Press Complaints Commission has fielded any readers' grievances.
The writers of the letter said this mechanism had the overwhelming support of those working in newspapers.
The old council was reactivated earlier this month by the government.
Staffed with government appointees, it adjudicates complaints against newspapers and has the power to imprison and fine journalists.
Contacted by the BBC, the media minister declined to comment on the matter.
In a separate development, lawyers who were defending a newspaper accused of defaming the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, have withdrawn from the case.
The defence ministry website said they had decided not to oppose the defence secretary "due to his dedication for the country". -BBC News, Colombo

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Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship .......

Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship


India says Sri Lanka 'kindly agreed to our suggestion' The Indian government says Sri Lanka has agreed to accept a cargo of relief aid brought by Tamil expatriates in Europe and meant for people displaced by the now ended war in northern Sri Lanka. Earlier this month the Sri Lankan authorities had turned away the ship carrying the aid.
The news that the vessel, the Captain Ali, will after all be allowed to offload nearly 900 tonnes of food and medicine, came after talks in Delhi between India’s foreign minister, S.M. Krishna, and a high-level Sri Lankan delegation.
Indian Red Cross
Mr Krishna said in a communique that he had asked the Sri Lankans, as a humanitarian gesture, to let the boat unload the aid and that the visitors had “kindly agreed to our suggestion”.
He said the goods would be routed to Sri Lanka through the Indian Red Cross.
A crew member told the BBC he believed they would unload the cargo in Chennai, the Indian port near which they are currently anchored, and that the Red Cross would then take it on to the island.
A Tamil group called Mercy Mission to Vanni sent the aid on its journey from Britain and France two months ago and was accused by the Sri Lankan government of trying to help the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels.
But Mercy Mission says its aims are purely humanitarian.
It has thanked India for its intervention and help.-BBC News, Colombo

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Focus on innovation and growth......

President tells policy planners:
Focus on innovation and growth

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday asserted that Sri Lanka’s future economic strategies would be based on “home-grown” policies which would supplement the unique needs of the country. Addressing new recruits to the national planning service of the Finance and Planning Ministry at Temple Trees, the President emphasised that strategies should be developed by locals who have a thorough understanding of the ground realities with the intention of projecting what’s best for the country. dailynews

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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final of Twenty20....

Pakistan are the Twenty20 champions
Pakistan won the 2009 Twenty20 cricket world cup beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the final at Lords . The Pakistani’s won with 8 balls to spare. Shahid Arfridi top scored for the Pakistani’s with 54 off 40 balls.

The Pakistan team is seen here celebrating after being crowned the Twenty20 cricket World Champions. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final of Twenty20 World Cup at Lords by 8 wickets. (Getty images) source-dailymirror

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NCP people didn't flee

President says :
NCP people didn’t flee

The people in the North Central Province didn’t flee in fear of LTTE terrorists leaving their villages and property. Buddhist priests protected the shrines from LTTE attacks. If not for them we would have to start our war against the LTTE from another location such as Kurunegala, Matale or Negombo, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. dailynews

President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to the public the conserved Jethavana Stupa one of the largest brick constructions of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom built by King Mahasen in the Third Century AD yesterday. Picture by Kamal Jayamanne

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Sri Lanka fighting over..........Ban

Sri Lanka fighting over, but much work remains- Ban


The Sri Lankan Government last month declared that its military operation against Tamil rebels has ended, but there remain a number of outstanding issues that if left unaddressed could lead more violence, stated Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In his remarks at a gala at the Foreign Policy Association in New York, Mr. Ban said that he has made it clear to President Mahinda Rajapaksa that though the fighting might be over, “there is much more to do.”
Mr. Ban, who was honoured with an award in recognition of his efforts in tackling global humanitarian issues, expressed his deep concern over the situation in Sri Lanka’s refugee camps.
He got a first-hand look at the situation in the camps, which are housing over 280,000 people displaced by the recently-concluded conflict between the Government and Tamil rebels, when he visited the country from 22 to 23 May.
In recent days, he has said that the Government has addressed some concerns he raised over humanitarian access to the camps, and that he was encouraged by its commitment to return 80 per cent of those displaced in the fighting to their homes by the end of this year. Nevertheless, he has noted that the conditions in the camps remain difficult.
“People must be allowed to return to their homes. There must be reconciliation. The Government of Sri Lanka must hold out their hands to the minority,” he told last night’s gathering.
“If this is not addressed, there might be more violence,” he warned.
The Secretary-General also called for accountability for those who may have committed human rights abuses, as was agreed in the joint statement issued with the Government at the end of his recent visit.
Mr. Ban reiterated his commitment to continue his work for the people of Sri Lanka, and for all people suffering from breaches of humanitarian law and human rights, in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the violence plaguing various parts of the world, the economic crisis, and climate change -dailymirror

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More warlike materials recovered.......

More warlike materials recovered by Naval troops - Upparu Naval troops

conducted a search operation based on an information received and recovered few warlike materials buried in the Upparu Jungle, yesterday (16 June) around 1600 hrs.
Those items suspected to have been abandoned by the fleeing LTTE terrorists during the humanitarian operations launched by the Security Forces to liberate the East, recently. defence.lk

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Swine flu hits Sri Lanka .....

Second Swine Flu patient detected in Lanka

A second confirmed case of Swine Flu has been detected in Sri Lanka. The patient is the brother of the first case detected yesterday, a health official said adding that the parents of the children had however tested negative for the virus. dailymirror

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Good flow through A9

Goods flow through A9

Forty lorries permitted to travel a day Army escort for convoys Essentials include rice, sugar, dhal, oil
Around 35 lorries belonging to private traders transporting essential items to the North through the A9 Road left Medawachchiya yesterday morning. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 35 lorries of private traders have left from Medawachchiya check point carrying essential items to the North on the A9 Road after a lapse of several years. --dailynews

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Sri Lanka players....

Sri Lanka players celebrate beating New Zealand by 48 runs during the Super 8 stage of the ICC World Twenty 20 cricket match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on June 16, 2009. Ajantha Mendis spun out New Zealand as Sri Lanka roared into the World Twenty20 semi-finals with an emphatic 48-run win at Trent Bridge. AFP PHOTO

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Swine flu hits Sri Lanka .....

Swine flu hits Sri Lanka

Swine flu has spread to over 170 countries worldwide Sri Lanka health authorities say that they found the first confirmed case of Swine Flu in the island.Health minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told BBC Sandeshaya that two members from a family of nine were initially detained in Singapore on suspicion of infected with the viral flu.
The other members of the family have arrived in Wattala from Australia to attend a family wedding.
"Later we were informed by the Singapore authorities that the child detained is infected with the swine flu virus," the minister said.
Officials from the epidemiology unit of the health ministry have detained other family members and conducted investigations.
"Our investigations confirmed that another child was infected." he said.
It is the first reported case of the deadly virus in Sri Lanka.
Minister de Silva said all other passengers travelled in the flight to Colombo with the infected family will be tested for the virus.
The swine flu (H1N1) virus has now spread to 76 countries after it was first detected in Mexico in April.
Young working age adults have been the most likely to contract the virus, with a third to a half of complications presenting in otherwise healthy people. BBC

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Strengthening Lanka-Myanmar ties: .........

Strengthening Lanka-Myanmar ties:

President’s Myanmar visit pays dividends

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a two-day state visit to Myanmar had discussions with senior leaders of Myanmar including State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister General Thein Sein. -dailynews

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Japan provides Rs. 13 million for two projects .........

Japan provides Rs. 13 million for two projects

The Japanese Government has provided Rs. 10 million for an agricultural and livelihood project in Moneragala and Rs. 3 million for a health project in Polonnaruwa to improve, living environment, income and health of targeted communities.
The Project for Uplifting Living Standards of Communities living in three Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Moneragala District will be implemented by the Lower Uva Development Centre to renovate three roads, construct an anicut, improve a fruit processing facility, promote fruits production and to facilitate a water scheme.
The Project for Construction of Drinking Wells and Toilets for Resettled families in Medirigiriya, Polonnaruwa District will be implemented by the Arunodaya Rural Development Federation Medirigiriya to construct seven wells and 20 common toilet units.
The two projects will improve the living standards of 1,000 families. The Japanese Government provides funds to Non-Governmental Organizations and Governmental agencies through its Grant Assistance for Grass roots Human Security Projects (GGP) to fulfill urgent needs of all the communities at grassroots level.
This scheme has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 1989 and has provided funding assistance to 197 projects at a total value of approximately Rs. 2,750 million (US$ 24 million) for development and humanitarian projects.
The Japanese Government focuses its GGP on livelihood improvement support for the people of conflict affected ares, humanitarian demining for early resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons and uplifting lives of people in rural areas.
It is envisaged that these supports will contribute to enhance peace and development in Sri Lanka. The two Grant Contracts were signed between Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi, and Executive Director of Lower Uva Development Center L.H. Trilantha de Silva, and Project Coordinator of Arunodaya Rural Development Federation Medirigiriya K.W.G. Wilson on June 12 at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo.source-dailynews

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president -Myanar.......

President outlines two challenges:
Rehabilitation livelihood renewal Sri Lanka-Myanmar sign MoU on tourism promotion :

President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on a State visit to Myanmar said that his latest challenge is to rehabilitate the war torn region and bring normalcy to the lives of the people. The 30 year old cruel war against terrorism cost 100,000 lives, he said.dailynews

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Military haedware recovered......Trinco...

More military hardware recovered - Trincomalee & Mullaittivu

Based on an information received, Police troops attached to Serunuwara Police, conducted a search operation in the Trincomalee area recovered the following military items from Thonithottammadhu area yesterday (13 June). defence.lk

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IDP welfare.......

IDP welfare:
Tangible progress - Akashi

The condition of internal displaced persons (IDPs) in welfare centres in the North has achieved tangible progress compared to his last visit to Sri Lanka, Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi said adding that resettlement of IDPs have to be made after demining activities are completed.dailynews

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Keleniya University indefinitely closed ....

Keleniya University indefinitely closed

Colombo -Lankapuvath -The Keleniya University was immediately closed for all students indefinitely except for the Medical Faculty.The University premises were tense this morning due to a dispute between the students and the residents in the area from last night (10). It is reported that an exchange of words have caused the incident.The police arrived at the University to mediate in the conflict. pix-dailymirror

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political solustion.....

Political solution, a Sri Lankan affair- Shiv Shanker Menon

(Colombo Lankapuvath June 10) A political solution for the National Question is a Sri Lankan affair and it is not the task of India, Norway or the United Nations to push Sri Lanka towards a political solution, Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon told a group of Sri Lankan editors visiting India at the invitation of Indian Government. It is only Sri Lanka that would decide whether to provide a solution on the lines of 13th Amendment or go beyond it emphasized Mr Menon. Liberating the Tamil people from the clutches of terrorism is highly commendable and we should work together to build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka he said.Menon also said that India has already provided Indian Rs. 5 billion for relief and rehabilitation in the North.

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Sri Lanka should devolve powers ........

Sri Lanka should devolve powers to Tamils: Chidambaram

Chennai (PTI) Sri Lanka should devolve powers to Tamils in line with the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord and "if possible go even beyond that", Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Sunday.
"The Sri Lankan government should implement the 13th amendment of the Indo-Lankan Accord on devolution of powers.... if possible go beyond that," he told reporters after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi here to discuss the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.
Mr. Chidambaram said the Sri Lankan government should strictly proceed towards rehabilitating the Tamils. India, he said, too was working for the internally displaced Tamils and had donated large sums of money.
Mr. Chidambaram, who called on Mr. Karunanidhi for the first time after taking charge as Home Minister in the new UPA government, said he met the DMK chief to get "inputs on what he was thinking and what has to be done for Lankan Tamils and how to rehabilitate them as well as how we should be proceed in this regard".
He said he would present Mr. Karunanidhi's "thoughts" at the union cabinet meeting. (PTI)

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Yal devi.....

Yal Devi to reunite North and South

A thirty -year conflict comes to an end, and we bid farewell to an age of separation and usher in a new era of togetherness.
The "Yal Devi" track, which united the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities of the North and the South in times gone by, fell into ruin, and the trains ran only to Vavuniya, thereby making the division between the North and the South larger, said Project Director of the Yal Devi Louzanne Perera.
The track is now being rebuilt and the "Yal Devi" is poised to bring together the people of the North and the South again.
On the directive of President, Mahinda Rajapaksa the Ministry of Transport has dedicated itself to rebuild the railway track, which will cost an estimated Rs. 15 billion.
After the 4 Km track from Vavuniya to Thandikulam has been completed as the first stage, the track is to be further extended up to Kankesanthurai. An Uthuru Mithuru campaign has been launched islandwide to raise funds for this endeavour.
Yesterday, the Yal Devi made its maiden journey with religious observances at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
The train went beyond Vavuniya after twenty-years on the Northern line up to Thandikulam, which was refurbished recently. Plans are under way by the Railway Department to extend the Yal Devi service up to Kankesanthurai, the final destination on the Northern line. -defence.lk

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SL Navy seize LTTE cargo vessel off Colombo ..

SL Navy seize LTTE cargo vessel off Colombo

SRI LANKA-An LTTE cargo vessel 'Captain Ali', was seized by Sri Lankan Navy patrol craft 160 Nm off the Colombo seas this morning (June 4). According to Naval sources, the Syriyan vessel 'Captain Ali' had set off from United Kingdom on 20th April, 2009 under the pretext of a 'mercy mission' towards Puthumathalan, Sri Lanka, intended to provide essential logistic supply for the diminishing terrorists.
The vessel is now being towed towards the Colombo harbour with a crew of 15 including its captain Christia Goomesta, an Icelander and a former SLMM member. The vessel is carrying 884T of cargo which is yet to be cleared the sources further said.-defence.lk

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India for political solution in Sri Lanka .....

India for political solution in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) With the Tamil Tigers decimated, India Thursday pledged to support initiatives aimed at finding a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka to ensure equal rights to the Tamil minority.
"We will support initiatives in Sri Lanka which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there, and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect," President Pratibha Patil told a joint session of the Indian parliament.
"India will make appropriate contribution to rehabilitate those affected in the conflict," Patil said.
After Sri Lanka crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) last month, New Delhi asked Colombo to address the "root cause of the conflict" with suitable power sharing formula.
India’s main focus now is to work with the government of Sri Lanka to provide relief and rehabilitate over 200,000 Tamil civilians displaced by the conflict.

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Future of greatness, distinction .....

Future of greatness, distinction

SRI LANKA-The great humanitarian operation that unified our motherland under a single national standard has opened the path to our nation that is eager to step forward to a future of greatness and distinction, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the Nation from Galle Face Green after receiving the scrolls from the Three Forces’ Commanders and the Inspector General of Police informing him about the victorious conclusion of the humanitarian mission of defeating terrorism.-dailynews

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Yasushi Akashi visit Sri Lanka

Yasusi visit Sri lanka again

SRI LANKA-Yasushi Akashi, Special peace envoy of Japan, will be in Sri Lanka and India from on the 8th to 12th of this month.
Mr. Akashi will meet government officials and representatives of the government and opposition parties.

He will have discussions on resettlement of internally-displaced persons as well as a political solution for the national question in Sri Lanka.

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"I am the proudest Head of State in the world"- Says President in his Victory Day speech

"I am the proudest Head of State in the world"- Says President in his Victory Day speech

SRI LANKA-His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces today (June 3) hailed the valiant forces who wiped out terrorism from the country, saying that they have made him the proudest head of the state in the World. defence.lk

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Poddala Jayantha, secretary SLWJA abducted and severely assaulted

Poddala Jayantha, secretary SLWJA abducted and severely assaulted

SRI LANKA-Poddala Jayantha, General Secretary of Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association was abducted by an unknown group late afternoon today. He was on his way back home form work and abducted some close to Nugagoda town. Some people who have seen him pushed in to a white van alerted the journalists on the abduction. source-Lankanewsweb

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