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ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
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Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BACKGROUNDER
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
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India
Maldives
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EXTERNAL RESOURCES
RISK ALERT
ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
NA
Statement:2013
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Date
Incidents
January - 5 
Higher Education Minister of Sri Lanka S.B. Dissanayake said that the Jaffna University would be closed if academic activities are not resumed this week, reported Colombo Page on January 6. Jaffna University students and academic staff started to boycott classes demanding the release of four univers
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Higher Education Minister of Sri Lanka S.B. Dissanayake said that the Jaffna University would be closed if academic activities are not resumed this week, reported Colombo Page on January 6. Jaffna University students and academic staff started to boycott classes demanding the release of four university students who are detained at the Welikanda military camp for rehabilitation. The students were arrested on charges of supporting terrorist activities following the clash between university students and the Security Forces (SF) on November 27, 2012 when the students tried to commemorate the dead Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Terrorists on the banned organization's Mahaveer Day (Heroes' Day).
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January - 8 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that the party would vote against the amended Divi Neguma Bill when it is taken up for a vote in Parliament on January 8 (today), reports Colombo Page. He said there was no change in the party's stance in relation to the Bil
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that the party would vote against the amended Divi Neguma Bill when it is taken up for a vote in Parliament on January 8 (today), reports Colombo Page. He said there was no change in the party's stance in relation to the Bill. He explained that the TNA would vote against the Bill since it would acquire certain powers vested with the provincial councils. However, he observed that the party may reconsider its stance if the government includes the amendments proposed by the party in the Bill. Premachandran has noted that the proposed amendments have so far not been included in the Bill. The government has made 10 amendments to the Bill based on the recommendations made by the Supreme Court after considering 14 petitions filed against the Bill. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), an ally of the Government, also said that it is yet to reach a final decision on the party's stance on the Bill as some SLMC members have expressed concerns over the bill since it interfered with subjects vested with the provincial councils under the 13th Amendment.
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January - 9 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka's Security Forces (SFs) fought the separatist terrorists and liberated the country not for their personal gain but for the yet unborn future generation. Addressing a national conference as the chief guest in Colombo, President Rajapaksa asserted that no one
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka's Security Forces (SFs) fought the separatist terrorists and liberated the country not for their personal gain but for the yet unborn future generation. Addressing a national conference as the chief guest in Colombo, President Rajapaksa asserted that no one will be allowed to snatch away the freedom of the people and the democratic rights gained through the sacrifice of lives by the valiant soldiers. The President stressed that the Government is not prepared to reverse the massive development programme being implemented as a free and sovereign nation.
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January - 17 
Addressing the cabinet media briefing on January 17 in Colombo, Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said Sri Lanka will focus on the need to amend the Constitution to add a 19th Amendment due to the recent conflict risen between the judiciary and legislature, reports Colombo Page. He
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Addressing the cabinet media briefing on January 17 in Colombo, Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said Sri Lanka will focus on the need to amend the Constitution to add a 19th Amendment due to the recent conflict risen between the judiciary and legislature, reports Colombo Page. He said there is discussion in several Government circles on the need to amend the Constitution and the Government will have to make a decision. However, the country will be informed before such a decision is taken, the Minister told the media.
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January - 18 
Construction, Engineering Services Housing and Common Amenities Minister and National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa on January 18 (today) said the eradication of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism is the only reason for all foreign interferences in Sri Lanka's internal m
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Construction, Engineering Services Housing and Common Amenities Minister and National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa on January 18 (today) said the eradication of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism is the only reason for all foreign interferences in Sri Lanka's internal matters, reports Daily News. The Minister said the Tamil Diaspora and certain Western countries want to create conflicts in Sri Lanka to portray a bad picture of Sri Lanka to the international community to support the resolution against the Sri Lankan Government on alleged war crimes and human rights violations. "Though the LTTE was defeated, we still have external and internal enemies. All Sri Lankans should recognize these enemies and support the government to defeat these enemies," the minister said.
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January - 21 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on January 21 said that the Government has failed to honor the pledges given to the United Nations (UN) on post war reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Sampanthan observed that the Government had made several pledges to the UN and the internationa
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on January 21 said that the Government has failed to honor the pledges given to the United Nations (UN) on post war reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Sampanthan observed that the Government had made several pledges to the UN and the international community on reconciliation in the country, and one was the demilitarization of the Northern Province. He pointed out that there were concerns on the resettlement of the war displaced in their original homes. He also added that the delay in releasing or taking legal action against the Tamil political prisoners was also an issue that the Government has failed to address. According to Sampanthan, the Government will have to answer about its failures at the UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva in March.
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January - 23 
Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya said on January 23 that the Army will hand over its first report on January 24 (today) in response to observations and recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) with regards to the Sri Lanka Army, reports Daily Mirror. He said “T
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Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya said on January 23 that the Army will hand over its first report on January 24 (today) in response to observations and recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) with regards to the Sri Lanka Army, reports Daily Mirror. He said “The report will be handed over to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Ministry of Defence.” He also stated that the report prepared by a Court of Inquiry to look in to the LLRC observations on casualties and deaths due to the activities of the armed forces would be handed over to the Defence Secretary in the near future as well.
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January - 24 
Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on January 24, said no Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre that surrendered to the Security Forces during the final stage of the humanitarian mission went missing, reports Daily News. Commenting on allegations levelled by certain
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Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on January 24, said no Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre that surrendered to the Security Forces during the final stage of the humanitarian mission went missing, reports Daily News. Commenting on allegations levelled by certain foreign elements that some of the LTTE fighters that surrendered to the Security Forces during the last phase of the humanitarian mission had gone missing, the Defence Secretary said all allegations are baseless and ever since, LTTE cadres who have surrendered were rehabilitated and reintegrated to society.
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January - 27 
External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on January 27 said that he has briefed India about the progress it has achieved in the areas of post-war reconciliation and the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC report during the eighth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint
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External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on January 27 said that he has briefed India about the progress it has achieved in the areas of post-war reconciliation and the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC report during the eighth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, which was held in Delihi last week, reports Daily News. He said Sri Lanka-India Joint Commission will be the apex body to discuss or review matters between the two countries and India has agreed to find collective solutions to various matters, be it political, educational, economic or otherwise during the Joint Commission meeting.
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January - 28 
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department James R. Moore on January 28 said, “As a measure to force Sri Lanka to expedite the implementation of the pledges given on reconciliation, the United States will sponsor a new resolution against Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Righ
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US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department James R. Moore on January 28 said, “As a measure to force Sri Lanka to expedite the implementation of the pledges given on reconciliation, the United States will sponsor a new resolution against Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Sessions in Geneva in March. It is a straightforward resolution that will build on the resolution brought in March 2012." He added that the resolution will be to expedite reconciliation and implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report. There was speculation that the US was not happy with the Government's pace of the implementation of LLRC recommendations, and it was planning to bring another resolution.
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January - 29 
Two US Senators on January 29 have called for an independent investigation into the potential war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the civil war in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. In a letter addressed to the outgoing Secretary of
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Two US Senators on January 29 have called for an independent investigation into the potential war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the civil war in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. In a letter addressed to the outgoing Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania Bob Casey and Democratic Senator from Vermont Patrick Leahy said an independent investigation is needed because the Sri Lankan Government has not answered the legitimate concerns of the people. "During the years following the end of the war, the Sri Lankan people have waited for the Government to address these concerns, yet no tangible or substantial progress has been made," the Senators wrote.
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February - 12 
Speaking at the Special Development Committee meeting at Tilco City Hotel in Jaffna District, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 12 said all countrymen have a responsibility to ensure no room is left for the re-emergence of terrorism which brought suffering to the people of all communities for
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Speaking at the Special Development Committee meeting at Tilco City Hotel in Jaffna District, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 12 said all countrymen have a responsibility to ensure no room is left for the re-emergence of terrorism which brought suffering to the people of all communities for over three decades, reports Daily News. He said that he was well aware of the misery faced by the people due to terrorism and insisted that they all should keep in mind that the country has only one Government.
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February - 28 
Patrick Ventrell, acting deputy spokesperson of U.S. Department of State said at the daily press briefing on February 28 that the Government of Sri Lanka to date has not initiated any kind of investigation into the alleged rights violations yet, reports Colombo Page. He was responding to media inqui
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Patrick Ventrell, acting deputy spokesperson of U.S. Department of State said at the daily press briefing on February 28 that the Government of Sri Lanka to date has not initiated any kind of investigation into the alleged rights violations yet, reports Colombo Page. He was responding to media inquiries about the reports released by the United Nations and the Human Rights Watch accusing Sri Lanka of human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law.
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March - 2 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 2 (today) denied that the Army killed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabakaran’s 12-year-old son Balachandran, reports Daily Mirror. He told “Had it happened, I would have known it. It is obvious that if somebody from the armed forces h
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 2 (today) denied that the Army killed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabakaran’s 12-year-old son Balachandran, reports Daily Mirror. He told “Had it happened, I would have known it. It is obvious that if somebody from the armed forces had done that, I must take responsibility. We completely deny it. It can’t be.”
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March - 4 
Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay on March 4 reiterated her concern about the lack of meaningful progress in accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) general debate on thematic repo
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Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay on March 4 reiterated her concern about the lack of meaningful progress in accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) general debate on thematic reports by Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva at the 22nd session of UNHRC, Ms. Pillay said she remained concerned about the lack of meaningful progress in terms of accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, and welcomed the Council's engagement in monitoring domestic processes regarding accountability.
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March - 5 
Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on May 5 (today) said he recognised the important steps taken by the Sri Lankan Government since the end of the conflict, reports Daily News. The UN Chief said this in reply to a question on Sri Lanka during a press briefing. He said “I recognised the impor
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Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on May 5 (today) said he recognised the important steps taken by the Sri Lankan Government since the end of the conflict, reports Daily News. The UN Chief said this in reply to a question on Sri Lanka during a press briefing. He said “I recognised the important steps taken by the government of Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict.”
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March - 9 
The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration on March 9 said that Sri Lanka will conduct a census on people died and injured during the civil war with the LTTE and the Marxist insurrection in the 80's. The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs in collaboration with the Census
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The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration on March 9 said that Sri Lanka will conduct a census on people died and injured during the civil war with the LTTE and the Marxist insurrection in the 80's. The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs in collaboration with the Census and Statistics Department will carry out the census. The census will cover the period of the terrorist war since 1983 including the unrest prevailed in the country in 1983 and the insurrection of the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in the years of 1988 and 89. There is no data relating to the people dead and injured due to the atrocities committed by the two groups during these periods. The Ministry plans to complete the census before the end of this year.
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March - 11 
Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena on March 11 said the groups supporting Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who could not defeat Sri Lanka through war are now trying to attack the country by creating conflicts using international forces. Addressing a public meeting in C
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Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena on March 11 said the groups supporting Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who could not defeat Sri Lanka through war are now trying to attack the country by creating conflicts using international forces. Addressing a public meeting in Colombo the Minister alleged that international forces envious of Sri Lanka's rapid development process are exerting pressure on Sri Lanka and hatching conspiracies to make a regime change in the country. "Despite all this, the Sri Lankan Government will not be shaken by such allegations and will instead continue with its policies for the country," the Minister said.
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March - 13 
Meanwhile, Vavuniya prison authorities said on March 13 that no LTTE suspects were located in the Vavuniya prison due to security reasons, reports Daily Mirror. All the LTTE prisoners were at the Anuradhapura prison while Tamil civilian suspects were at the Vavuniya prison as usual. The Vavuniya pri
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Meanwhile, Vavuniya prison authorities said on March 13 that no LTTE suspects were located in the Vavuniya prison due to security reasons, reports Daily Mirror. All the LTTE prisoners were at the Anuradhapura prison while Tamil civilian suspects were at the Vavuniya prison as usual. The Vavuniya prison was opened on March 12 after being refurbished and the relocating of prisoners would be carried out gradually.
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March - 15 
Meanwhile, Mahinda Samarasinghe on March 15 answering a question during the sessions at the 22nd Session of the UNHRC also asked the International Community as to why “it keeps silent on the atrocities committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),” reports Daily Mirror.
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Meanwhile, Mahinda Samarasinghe on March 15 answering a question during the sessions at the 22nd Session of the UNHRC also asked the International Community as to why “it keeps silent on the atrocities committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),” reports Daily Mirror.
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March - 16 
The United States on March 16 expressed its disappointment over Sri Lanka's rejection of all Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations from States that called upon it to implement the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations. Delivering a statement, the U.S. Ambassad
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The United States on March 16 expressed its disappointment over Sri Lanka's rejection of all Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations from States that called upon it to implement the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations. Delivering a statement, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe said the U.S. is disappointed that Sri Lankan Government rejected all UPR recommendations from States that called upon it to implement the LLRC recommendations and called on the government to expeditiously implement both the UPR and LLRC recommendations.
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March - 17 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on March 17 accused the Government of changing demographics in north east, reports Colombo Page. He said, "Most regrettably, the time and space that the Government seeks is not to fulfill its commitments and obligations but rather to fulfill its own
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on March 17 accused the Government of changing demographics in north east, reports Colombo Page. He said, "Most regrettably, the time and space that the Government seeks is not to fulfill its commitments and obligations but rather to fulfill its own agenda, which is to change the demographic composition of the North and East Provinces further and dilute and alter the cultural and linguistic identity of those areas.” He further said the Government seems to think that by persistently engaging in denials and adopting tactics of delay and evasion it could avoid the fulfillment of its commitments and obligations.
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March - 18 
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasada Kariyawasam on March 18 said, "Resolution on Sri Lanka in UN is uncalled for. We don't think there is a need for international community to get involved in Sri Lanka at this point", reports Daily Mirror.
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Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasada Kariyawasam on March 18 said, "Resolution on Sri Lanka in UN is uncalled for. We don't think there is a need for international community to get involved in Sri Lanka at this point", reports Daily Mirror.
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March - 19 
Sri Lanka on March 19 said it intends to request for a vote when the United States sponsored draft resolution is taken up at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 21, reports Colombo Page. In letters addressed to Foreign Ministers of Human Rights Council member (HRC) countries, Sr
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Sri Lanka on March 19 said it intends to request for a vote when the United States sponsored draft resolution is taken up at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 21, reports Colombo Page. In letters addressed to Foreign Ministers of Human Rights Council member (HRC) countries, Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris rejecting the new resolution has said, that Sri Lanka seeks the understanding and the support of HRC member states at the vote on this resolution. The External Affairs Minister has written "Just as the Government of Sri Lanka did not recognize the last HRC resolution, it rejects the new resolution. Sri Lanka intends to request a vote when the draft resolution is taken up at the Human Rights Council on 21st March 2013.” "Government of Sri Lanka believes that drawing disproportionate attention to Sri Lanka's situation and introducing a resolution that seeks to discredit, single out the country and name and shame are unhelpful and counterproductive to Sri Lanka's current reconciliation process," the Minister emphasized.
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March - 20 
Sri Lanka on March 20 expressed 'strongest' reservations on the content of the report prepared by the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Navanetham Pillay on Sri Lanka following a technical mission to the country, reports Colombo Page. Participating in the general debate on country spe
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Sri Lanka on March 20 expressed 'strongest' reservations on the content of the report prepared by the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Navanetham Pillay on Sri Lanka following a technical mission to the country, reports Colombo Page. Participating in the general debate on country specific reports at the 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Sri Lanka's special envoy Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the report has been formulated pursuant to the last year's resolution against Sri Lanka which Sri Lanka has rejected. The envoy questioned how a technical mission after a visit of just over a week to the island could have produced such a document claimed to be a comprehensive report.
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March - 20 
Tens of thousands of Tamils from the North joined a rally in Jaffna city of the Northern Province on March 20 to condemn a US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva, reports Daily News. The protestors said undue pressure on Sri Lanka will harm the hard won peace and ongoing de
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Tens of thousands of Tamils from the North joined a rally in Jaffna city of the Northern Province on March 20 to condemn a US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva, reports Daily News. The protestors said undue pressure on Sri Lanka will harm the hard won peace and ongoing development. Protestors described the US led resolution as an attempt to undermine Sri Lanka’s post-war reconciliation and development and an ‘infringement on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.’ Some banners by protestors stated: ‘Hands off Sri Lanka, do not disturb our unity, we want time and space to develop and sustain peace’. One of the organizers of the protest, political activist Angajan Ramanathan said such resolutions will not benefit the people in the former conflict affected North and East. Ramanathan said the Government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been able to restore normalcy and rebuild the conflict affected areas which had not enjoyed such comforts for more than three decades.
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March - 22 
In a rejection of the resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, President’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe on March 22 (today) said that the resolution was clearly unacceptable due to its inherent flaws, reports Daily News. The minister pointed out that preambular part of t
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In a rejection of the resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, President’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe on March 22 (today) said that the resolution was clearly unacceptable due to its inherent flaws, reports Daily News. The minister pointed out that preambular part of the text is ‘intrusive, bears misinterpretations and focuses disproportionately on the negative and eliminates or is dismissive of the positive.’
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March - 22 
Minister for Youth Affairs Dallas Alahapperuma while addressing a media briefing held in at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on March 22, said “The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has become an institution that implements a new 'colonial policy' of ruling by creating divisio
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Minister for Youth Affairs Dallas Alahapperuma while addressing a media briefing held in at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on March 22, said “The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has become an institution that implements a new 'colonial policy' of ruling by creating divisions in international community, reports Colombo Page. The Minister further said the UNHRC has used Sri Lanka as the first test subject to experiment with the new policy of division. He said the UN resolution, calling for Sri Lanka to investigate war crimes allegedly committed by the security forces during the war against the LTTE, attempts to divide the country.
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March - 22 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the presentation of Presidential Colours to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment in Boyagane town of Kurunegala District in the North Western Province on March 22 said that the Government has made the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) aspiration of an Eelam state a
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the presentation of Presidential Colours to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment in Boyagane town of Kurunegala District in the North Western Province on March 22 said that the Government has made the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) aspiration of an Eelam state a dream, reports Daily News. He added that the Government was aware that it had to face the consequences, when the humanitarian operation began. He said “Surprise attack is vital to any side. Some international television stations are also trying to launch surprise attacks on Sri Lanka by making false allegations against us.” The President added that the country had to face pressure exerted by foreign Governments, when the humanitarian operation was being launched. It is because of this external irritant that the country is facing pressure from various foreign forces. This foreign intimidation is what the imperialists and the diaspora want.
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March - 25 
Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa while delivering a talk on ‘How the war was ended’ at a function at Light House Hotel in Galle District on March 25 said “Certain politicians who are slavishly devoted to the service of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terro
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Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa while delivering a talk on ‘How the war was ended’ at a function at Light House Hotel in Galle District on March 25 said “Certain politicians who are slavishly devoted to the service of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists are engaged in a dirty game of creating problems among the Tamil population to cling to power,” reports Daily News. He was of the view that the machinations of the LTTE rump and other parties with vested interests were compounded by the strategic interest that certain states have in Sri Lanka because of its unique geographical position and said the LTTE propaganda machine remains fully operational in a number of countries though the terrorist outfit has been completely wiped out.
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March - 28 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on March 28 said that Sri Lanka should act on the call by the Deputy Minister V Muralitharan, known as Colonel Karuna, to investigate war crimes by examining his own role in serious abuses, reports Daily Mirror. Karuna was effectively the second-in-command of the Liberation
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) on March 28 said that Sri Lanka should act on the call by the Deputy Minister V Muralitharan, known as Colonel Karuna, to investigate war crimes by examining his own role in serious abuses, reports Daily Mirror. Karuna was effectively the second-in-command of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the head of its eastern province forces until he split from its leader V Prabhakaran in March 2004. Brad Adams, the Asia director at HRW said "Karuna's call for war crimes investigations should not allow him to airbrush out his own role in atrocities. His LTTE forces were implicated in some of Sri Lanka's most horrific abuses, so the Government's long-stalled war crimes investigations might as well begin with him. LTTE forces under Karuna's command were directly involved in some of the worst crimes of Sri Lanka's 26-year-long armed conflict, which ended in May 2009.”
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March - 31 
Minister of National Language and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara on March 31 said that the Government is seeking a ban on nationalist and religious extremist groups disrupting the ethnic harmony in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Minister said his ministry is preparing to submit a Ca
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Minister of National Language and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara on March 31 said that the Government is seeking a ban on nationalist and religious extremist groups disrupting the ethnic harmony in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Minister said his ministry is preparing to submit a Cabinet paper seeking a ban on extremist groups that are creating rifts between the ethnic and religious communities in the island. According to the Minister, the Cabinet paper will seek to bring new laws to crack down on such groups.
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April - 2 
S.B. Divaratne, who heads the Presidential Task Force overseeing resettlement, said on April 2 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is known to have taken over more than 2,000 acres of residential properties belonging to Muslims in the North and given them to its supporters during the wa
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S.B. Divaratne, who heads the Presidential Task Force overseeing resettlement, said on April 2 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is known to have taken over more than 2,000 acres of residential properties belonging to Muslims in the North and given them to its supporters during the war, reports Daily Mirror. He said the lands grabbed by the LTTE had been occupied by some people for more than ten years and therefore there were practical difficulties when it came to moving the occupants out of these lands. This has resulted in the Government having to find alternative land to resettle the displaced Muslims. He further said “Though some 23,000 Muslims families, displaced from their original places of residence had consented to be resettled in the North after the war ended, nearly 15,000 had been resettled, particularly in the Mannar District. We want to resettle the remaining 8,000 families as well. Yet, their lands are occupied by others. We cannot take back these lands. Instead, we have to find them alternative lands elsewhere in the North.”
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April - 5 
Addressing a press briefing held in Colombo on April 5, Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, the secretary of Sri Lanka's ill famous Buddhist extremist organization Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) said that the country's fate would be changed within two months, reports Colombo Page. He further said that the Bu
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Addressing a press briefing held in Colombo on April 5, Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, the secretary of Sri Lanka's ill famous Buddhist extremist organization Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) said that the country's fate would be changed within two months, reports Colombo Page. He further said that the Buddhist monks would not allow the country to be converted to a state like Thailand. BBS said that it will not allow the casinos and other betting businesses to surge in the guise of developing tourism. The BBS secretary criticized the several websites, including the websites linked to Minister Wimal Weerawansa, leftist Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Minister Mervyn Silva for criticizing BBS and acting against it. The BBS's hardline attitude towards other religions has drawn concern from moderate Sri Lankans who fear that a Taliban like group is in the formation if the Government and the society fail to take action against the group.
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April - 7 
Executive director of the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi on April 7 said election monitors in Sri Lanka have begun their operations in the Northern Province in preparation for the provincial council elections, reports Colombo Page. He said the Government h
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Executive director of the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi on April 7 said election monitors in Sri Lanka have begun their operations in the Northern Province in preparation for the provincial council elections, reports Colombo Page. He said the Government has decided to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council before September this year and the public awareness campaigns have been commenced in the North regarding the Northern Provincial Council election and programs have been started from Mannar District. The election monitor in collaboration with the Registrations of Persons Department has organized a mobile service for the voters in the North to obtain national identity cards.
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April - 8 
External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris on April 8 reaffirmed in Parliament that it did not concur with the US-sponsored resolution adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions on March 22, reports Daily Mirror. Responding to a statement by Opposition United National Party (UNP)
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External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris on April 8 reaffirmed in Parliament that it did not concur with the US-sponsored resolution adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions on March 22, reports Daily Mirror. Responding to a statement by Opposition United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Peiris said the Government would not hold talks with anyone on the matters contained in the resolution. He said the resolution seeks to incorporate both the report of the panel of experts, dubbed by Sri Lanka as the Dharusman report and the report by United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay.
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April - 10 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on April 10 said “Had the then Indian Government acted with responsibility, Sri Lanka wouldn’t have experienced a 30-year protracted war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page. The Defence Secretary said former Indian Permanent Repres
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on April 10 said “Had the then Indian Government acted with responsibility, Sri Lanka wouldn’t have experienced a 30-year protracted war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page. The Defence Secretary said former Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Hardeep Singh Puri had been directly involved in the Indian operation against the then J. R. Jayawardene Government in the run-up to the July 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord.
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April - 10 
The first part of the Army’s Court of Inquiry (CoI) report which was handed over to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa by Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya on April 10 stated “The instances of shellings referred to in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report were not caused b
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The first part of the Army’s Court of Inquiry (CoI) report which was handed over to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa by Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya on April 10 stated “The instances of shellings referred to in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report were not caused by the Sri Lanka Army and civilian casualties might have occurred due to unlawful acts by LTTE,” reports Daily News. The Army said in a statement “These acts include firing at civilians fleeing to the safety of Army held areas, dropping of artillery rounds fired by ill-trained LTTE gunners on to civilian concentrations, employment of sub-standard artillery rounds obtained from illegal sources by the LTTE, forced conscription of civilians including children and old people by LTTE for combat purposes, thus exposing them to danger.”
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April - 15 
United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary William Hague on April 15 said the human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2012 remained of serious concern, with a number of negative developments, including with regard to freedom of expression and media and judicial independence, reports Daily Mirror. William
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United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary William Hague on April 15 said the human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2012 remained of serious concern, with a number of negative developments, including with regard to freedom of expression and media and judicial independence, reports Daily Mirror. William Hague launched the "Human Rights and Democracy report for 2012" prepared by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, which documented UK's action to raise standards and stamp out abuses occurring globally. The report stated, “Serious human rights violations including intimidation of human rights defenders continued in Sri Lanka in 2012 and reports of enforced disappearances continued in the year.”
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April - 20 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on April 20 that the Government is planning to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) most likely in September, reports Daily News. This will be the first time, provincial council elections will be held in the Northern Province, since the PC system c
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on April 20 that the Government is planning to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) most likely in September, reports Daily News. This will be the first time, provincial council elections will be held in the Northern Province, since the PC system came into existence under the 13th amendment to the Constitution in 1987. Addressing a large gathering, the President recalled how terrorism brought untold hardships to the people of the area where many were killed and some others fled due to continuous attacks by the terrorists.
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April - 21 
Former spokesman of Tamil Tiger terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velayutham Dayanithi alias Daya Master on April 21 said that he would announce his decision to contest the NPC election within the next two weeks. Daya Master is slated to contest under the ruling party United Pe
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Former spokesman of Tamil Tiger terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velayutham Dayanithi alias Daya Master on April 21 said that he would announce his decision to contest the NPC election within the next two weeks. Daya Master is slated to contest under the ruling party United People's Freedom Alliance. The former English teacher, who joined the LTTE, became the media spokesman of the outfit which ran a de facto state centering Kilinochchi town. The LTTE's former media spokesperson surrendered to the Sri Lanka Army on April 22, during the final stage of the war, with another prominent Tiger, George Master, in the Putumatalam area of Mullaitivu District inside the No-Fire Zone. A Sri Lankan court subsequently released them on bail.
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April - 23 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on April 23 stated that “the only way to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the world is to understand its true nature and fight it for what it is, instead of giving terrorism various definitions and tags”, reports Daily News. The President said his Government will
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on April 23 stated that “the only way to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the world is to understand its true nature and fight it for what it is, instead of giving terrorism various definitions and tags”, reports Daily News. The President said his Government will never allow anyone to take up weapons against the country and shall not leave room for anyone to divide the motherland. However, he lamented that when fighting against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Sri Lanka had to seek foreign help largely to get weapons. “We need to do research and as Sri Lankans’ we should produce what we need in our own soil. This is how we can add value to our hard won peace,” he added.
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April - 25 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on April 25 threatened a continuous protest campaign against the military's acquisition of private lands in the North, reports Colombo Page. TNA says the military has acquired over 6,400 acres of private lands in the North.TNA will commence a protest campaign in Jaffna
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on April 25 threatened a continuous protest campaign against the military's acquisition of private lands in the North, reports Colombo Page. TNA says the military has acquired over 6,400 acres of private lands in the North.TNA will commence a protest campaign in Jaffna from April 29 against the military acquisition of lands.TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran said the military has put up notices in the North on the lands that are to be acquired by them. He said the notices put up by the military states the lands have been acquired for military purposes. The lands acquired by the military are to be used to settle families of military personnel in the North. He added that despite a Supreme Court order in 2006 and an assurance by the President in 2009, the displaced people have not been resettled.
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April - 26 
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the largest ally of the ruling coalition, officials on April 26 said they will call for applications from prospective candidates soon to contest the elections for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) in September, reports Daily Mirror. The SLFP-led alliance will hand
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Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the largest ally of the ruling coalition, officials on April 26 said they will call for applications from prospective candidates soon to contest the elections for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) in September, reports Daily Mirror. The SLFP-led alliance will handpick 19 candidates for the Jaffna District, eight for the Mannar District, and eight for the Mullaitivu District, nine for the Vavuniya District and seven for the Kilinochchi District. SLFP National Organiser and Minister Basil Rajapaksa said his party would put up a newspaper advertisement soon calling for applications from those willing to contest the election. The NCP will comprise 38 members including two bonus seats. There will be 16 elected from Jaffna, five from Mannar, six from Vavuniya, five from Mullaitivu and four from Kilinochchi. The number of seats has been determined according to the population in the North based on the latest census, and the geographical size. According to the Provincial Council Election Act, there should be presidential order to the Elections Commissioner to conduct an election for the first time to a provincial council.
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April - 27 
Sri Lankan Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Major General Shavendra Silva on April 27 said that the United States and other western countries should understand that terrorism wherever and in whatever form is terrorism and it should be eliminated, reports C
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Sri Lankan Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Major General Shavendra Silva on April 27 said that the United States and other western countries should understand that terrorism wherever and in whatever form is terrorism and it should be eliminated, reports Colombo Page. Speaking to the national radio Major General Silva said bombs used in the Boston attack are similar to the bombs used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka. Highlighting that still arms and ammunitions are being recovered from the former battle fields in the North and East, the UN envoy said placing Security Forces (SFs) in those areas is not a matter to be considered in a different perspective.
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April - 29 
National Mine Action Centre said on April 29 that ninety five percent of the Confirmed Hazardous Area has been cleared of mines and an area of 96 kilometers remains to be cleared at the end of March 2013, reports Daily News. A total of 1,968,369,553 square kilometers have been completely cleared of
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National Mine Action Centre said on April 29 that ninety five percent of the Confirmed Hazardous Area has been cleared of mines and an area of 96 kilometers remains to be cleared at the end of March 2013, reports Daily News. A total of 1,968,369,553 square kilometers have been completely cleared of mines in the North, Eastern and North Central Provinces during the last four years. In June 2009, a month after the defeat of LTTE, the government with the support of donor communities such as, US, Australia, Japan, China, India, European Union (EU) etc, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), national and international mine action operators implemented a comprehensive and rapid de-mining programme to clear the affected areas estimated to be 2,064 square kilometers.
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May - 1 
Sri Lanka's Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Propaganda Secretary and Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath on May 1 said the party has plans to present affidavits to court from family members of individuals who had disappeared from the Matale District during the 1988-1989 period, reports Col
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Sri Lanka's Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Propaganda Secretary and Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath on May 1 said the party has plans to present affidavits to court from family members of individuals who had disappeared from the Matale District during the 1988-1989 period, reports Colombo Page. The party is to make these representations to court when the case on the Matale mass grave will be taken up on May 8. Vijitha said that the party has already collected information from families of one hundred people who had gone missing during the JVP insurgency in the late 1980s. He said the party would present the affidavits from the families and request the court for DNA tests to be carried out on the skeletal remains. He noted that the JVP would intervene in the case to identify the victims buried in the mass grave that has been found to be from the period between 1986 and 1990. The Matale mass grave was uncovered last November and 154 skeletal remains have been unearthed from the grave.
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May - 2 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran on May 2 said that TNA is planning to file a large number of cases demanding the lands taken over by the military for security purposes from Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. He said that they would file a case in Colombo against the acquisit
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran on May 2 said that TNA is planning to file a large number of cases demanding the lands taken over by the military for security purposes from Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. He said that they would file a case in Colombo against the acquisition, later this week, and appealed to people to file at least 5,000 cases in various courts.TNA had reportedly summoned the people, who make claims for land supposedly taken over by the military, to provide them legal assistance to file the cases. TNA and other Tamil groups say that 6,000 acres of land are taken over by military for the High Security Zones.
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May - 5 
The Sri Lankan Government on May 5 has allocated Rs. 400 million to pay as compensation to owners of the land in the High Security Zones (HSZs) in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Government has decided to acquire 6,381 hectares of the land in Jaffna District that is now being used as HSZs perma
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The Sri Lankan Government on May 5 has allocated Rs. 400 million to pay as compensation to owners of the land in the High Security Zones (HSZs) in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Government has decided to acquire 6,381 hectares of the land in Jaffna District that is now being used as HSZs permanently and the owners of the land will be paid compensation, the Minister of Land and Land Development Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said. The Government has posted notices in all three official languages at public places in the relevant areas informing the acquisition that is to be done under the Land Acquisition Act. According to the notice, the owners of the land can produce deeds or some other document of proof to enter into the HSZs and identify their land. An official evaluation of the land will be carried out and the owners will be compensated accordingly.
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May - 7 
The Government ruled out the possibility of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) despite requests by opposition political parties, reports Daily Mirror. In response to a question by Opposition United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne told Parl
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The Government ruled out the possibility of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) despite requests by opposition political parties, reports Daily Mirror. In response to a question by Opposition United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne told Parliament that though the LTTE was militarily defeated, there were attempts to revamp the organisation in different parts of the world. The Prime Minister said the provisions of the PTA were required to deal with the discovery of weapon hauls hidden by the LTTE. He said the PTA was needed to take action with regard to LTTE suspects who did not surrender after the war ended in 2009.
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May - 10 
Gunasundaram Jeyasundaram, a childhood friend and close mate of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, while making a statement before the Colombo Supreme Court on May 10 deplored the acts of his one time leader and expressed his desire to undergo a rehabilitation pro
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Gunasundaram Jeyasundaram, a childhood friend and close mate of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, while making a statement before the Colombo Supreme Court on May 10 deplored the acts of his one time leader and expressed his desire to undergo a rehabilitation programme conducted by the Sri Lanka Army, reports Daily News. In his statement before the Supreme Court, Jeyasundaram said he was profoundly disturbed by the role of the LTTE and condemned its aggressive and violent methods, urging his onetime fellow sympathisers of the outfit to follow suit. Gunasundaram also asserts that factions of the LTTE scattered across the globe should immediately cease their actions as they continue to inflict more harm on the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
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May - 13 
Vanni Security Forces Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Displaced Persons in the Northern Province Major General Boniface Perera said, “Not a single civilian had gone missing in the Vanni District after the end of the war”, reports Daily News. He said, "If anyone says someone has gone missing afte
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Vanni Security Forces Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Displaced Persons in the Northern Province Major General Boniface Perera said, “Not a single civilian had gone missing in the Vanni District after the end of the war”, reports Daily News. He said, "If anyone says someone has gone missing after the end of terrorism and if they are ready to give information on who had gone missing etc, and when and where, I am ready to debate with any person at any international forum on behalf of the Government."
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May - 15 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on May 15 provided legal assistance to over 1,400 land owners in Jaffna District to file the cases in court challenging the Government's occupation of land for security purposes, reports Colombo Page. The TNA in a statement said 1,474 land owners in Jaffna District file
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on May 15 provided legal assistance to over 1,400 land owners in Jaffna District to file the cases in court challenging the Government's occupation of land for security purposes, reports Colombo Page. The TNA in a statement said 1,474 land owners in Jaffna District filed the court cases. The TNA has appealed to people to file at least 5,000 cases in various courts. According to the party, the petition challenges the Section 2 notices issued under the Land Acquisition Act which specifies that 6,381 acres and 38.97 perches are to be acquired. TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran says the military has acquired the private lands in the North to settle families of military personnel in North.
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May - 15 
While opposing the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) election, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on May 15 said it would only pave the way to separatism, reports Daily Mirror. The JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, “The provincial council system in the 13th Amendment is not devolution of power
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While opposing the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) election, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on May 15 said it would only pave the way to separatism, reports Daily Mirror. The JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, “The provincial council system in the 13th Amendment is not devolution of power; it will only extend the power of councils pressuring the people especially in the north if the Provincial Council election was held. Therefore it is essential to establish a new constitution that would treat all ethnic groups equally, safeguarding their rights and culture.” He further said, “The Government is performing arbitrary activities in the north. Northern people think the Colombo Government is invading and looting their lands with military power.”
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May - 17 
Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayaka of main opposition party, United National Party (UNP), said on May 17 that the UNP turned down a request from former LTTE ‘media spokesman’ Velayutham Dayanithi alias Daya Master to contest the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections under the party ticket. He s
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Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayaka of main opposition party, United National Party (UNP), said on May 17 that the UNP turned down a request from former LTTE ‘media spokesman’ Velayutham Dayanithi alias Daya Master to contest the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections under the party ticket. He said that Daya Master had requested from the UNP to offer him a ticket to contest the NPC election. Daya Master had earlier told local media that he would contest the election for the NPC under the ruling party, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket. Daya Master, a former English teacher, joined the LTTE and became the ‘media spokesman’ of the outfit. He surrendered to the Sri Lanka Army on April 22, 2009, during the final stage of the war, with another prominent LTTE leader, George Master, in the Putumatalam area of Mullaitivu inside the No-Fire Zone. A Sri Lankan court subsequently released them on bail.
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May - 18 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) defied the government's ban on commemorating the terrorists who died in the war and held a remembrance in Vavuniya for those who died in the final battle which also killed Velupillai Prabhakaran and his entire top leadership. "We had a meeting to commemorate all tho
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) defied the government's ban on commemorating the terrorists who died in the war and held a remembrance in Vavuniya for those who died in the final battle which also killed Velupillai Prabhakaran and his entire top leadership. "We had a meeting to commemorate all those who died in the conflict," TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said. The TNA held its function peacefully amid heavy presence of Police.
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May - 18 
Vanni Commander Major General Boniface Perera while celebrating Victory Day in Vavuniya District on May 18 (today) said that “Any organisation or individual will not be allowed to venerate a terrorist organisation. Anyone participating in a commemoration ceremony for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
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Vanni Commander Major General Boniface Perera while celebrating Victory Day in Vavuniya District on May 18 (today) said that “Any organisation or individual will not be allowed to venerate a terrorist organisation. Anyone participating in a commemoration ceremony for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres will be arrested. There is only one military in a country. Any citizen has the right to commemorate their loved ones but no one can commemorate terrorists who were disloyal to the Government.” He further said, “We have information that the Commemoration Day in Vavuniya is not a day to commemorate the dead. They are planning to commemorate LTTE cadres who died during the war. I will never allow any individual or organisation to commemorate a terrorist organisation. If any individual or organisation organizes ceremonies to remember the LTTE, they will be arrested.”
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May - 19 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya criticized the foreign representatives expressing different opinions about maintaining army camps in the North, Colombo Page reported on May 19. "Foreigners have no right to decide where the army camps of this country should be maintained," he said
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya criticized the foreign representatives expressing different opinions about maintaining army camps in the North, Colombo Page reported on May 19. "Foreigners have no right to decide where the army camps of this country should be maintained," he said. The Army Commander noted that there are only three Army camps in the Jaffna peninsula at present, although there were sixteen army camps at the end of the war in May 2009. Speaking of the de-mining operations, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya said the demining of the remaining 96 square kilometers will be completed before the end of this year. He added that a special programme is being implemented under the mediation of the Ministry of Economic Development to provide welfare facilities to the people who are being resettled.
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May - 20 
Commenting on an article in Udayan newspaper, Dharmapuram Citizen Committee Chairman Wanni Murugesu claimed that the newspaper never spoke of conditions during the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Daily News reported on May 20. He stated, “The Udayan is now talking about three conditions for
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Commenting on an article in Udayan newspaper, Dharmapuram Citizen Committee Chairman Wanni Murugesu claimed that the newspaper never spoke of conditions during the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Daily News reported on May 20. He stated, “The Udayan is now talking about three conditions for holding the Northern Provincial Council Election, while conveniently forgetting the past. They must remember that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the person who eradicated the terrorism in Sri Lanka through a humanitarian operation and created a peaceful country. The Udayan states that the Northern Province Governor should be a civilian. Whether civilian or not is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is the person who is appointed should work with dedication for the public in boosting Northern development. Such baseless statements made to overcome the narrow minded political objectives are subject to the aversion of the Tamil people in the Northern Province.” The Udayan newspaper recently commenting on conditions related to the Northern Provincial Councils election in its editorial states that holding the Northern Provincial Council Election is not conducive, Colombo Page reported on May 20. It said that the government should establish Independent Commissions before holding an election in the Northern Province. The newspaper calls for the appointment of a Governor before the election and Commonwealth observers be deployed to monitor the election. The newspaper stressed that the authorities should follow the above conditions in order for a free and fair election to be held.
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May - 22 
Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa on May 22 stated that the Government has not taken any decision to amend the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Daily News. “We are aware that the Tamil National Alliance [TNA] is not in favour of the proposed amendment to the 13th Ame
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Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa on May 22 stated that the Government has not taken any decision to amend the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Daily News. “We are aware that the Tamil National Alliance [TNA] is not in favour of the proposed amendment to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. We assure that whatever change is decided by the [Parliamentary] Select Committee will be adhered to by the government,” the Minister asserted. He recalled that the Provincial Council system was introduced to the country as a result of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed by the United National Party (UNP). “Right from the inception, there were a number political parties which opposed the introduction of the Provincial Council system to the country” as “certain provision included in the Provincial Council system did not suit a country like Sri Lanka”. “We are a small country,” Yapa noted. Minister Yapa also said the elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) would be held in September 2013 as decided by the government earlier, and this would not change. “The North is a part of our country. The Northern Provincial Council is a similar administrative unit to the Provincials Councils operational in the country elsewhere right now,” the minister added. “We are not concerned who would win the election. We are keen to hold elections under the provisions of the Constitution,” the Minister said.
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May - 24 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya told The Divaina that only three camps would be kept in the Jaffna peninsula and the rest of the camps would be withdrawn, Colombo Page reported on May 25. The lands where the camps are presently established would be returned to the legal owners, t
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya told The Divaina that only three camps would be kept in the Jaffna peninsula and the rest of the camps would be withdrawn, Colombo Page reported on May 25. The lands where the camps are presently established would be returned to the legal owners, the Army Commander said. He also said that the withdrawn camps are to be relocated in the Army colony. Plans are afoot to set up a new Army colony in Jaffna peninsula. The new Army colony will be established in the Palaly area where the defense forces headquarters and the airport is situated. The Kankasanthurai naval harbor will also be established in the colony. The government has decided to acquire 6,381 hectares of the land in Jaffna that is now being used as High Security Zones (HSZs) permanently and to pay compensation to the owners of the land. The government has allocated SLR 400 million to pay the land owners. According to the government, the lands in the HSZs of Weligamam North in the Palaly and Kankasanthurai (KKS) areas are to be acquired for the expansion of the Palaly airport and the KKS harbor. The Army Commander further said that the maintenance of law and order in relation to civil administration of the areas released for civilian activity would be the sole responsibility of the Police.
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May - 24 
The Government on May 24 stressed that the US embassy as any other foreign mission based in Colombo should get prior approval to engage with local government authorities. According to External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilake Amunugama, foreign missions should either inform or get prior appr
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The Government on May 24 stressed that the US embassy as any other foreign mission based in Colombo should get prior approval to engage with local government authorities. According to External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilake Amunugama, foreign missions should either inform or get prior approval to implement any project in agreement with the local government authorities. “This is an international norm,” he said. The Secretary’s comments came in the wake of the US embassy move to set up a public information and activity centre known as the American Corner in agreement with the Trincomalee Urban Council. The Agreement with regard to the establishment of this centre was signed by officials of the US embassy in Colombo and the Trincomalee Urban Council on May 22, without the knowledge of External Affairs Ministry. US embassy spokesman and Director Press Cultural and Educational Affairs Christopher Teal told the Daily News that the embassy has put up these information centers in Kandy and Jaffna without any prior approval from the External Affairs Ministry. He said that the same process was adopted for the establishment of the American Corner at the Trincomalee Public library. “The purpose of setting up of these information centres are to provide vital information to the people particularly the student population in the East”, he said, adding, the mission is contemplating setting up such a Centre in the south soon.
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May - 29 
Vanni Security Forces Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Displaced Persons Major General Boniface Perera has said that civilians living in the Northern Province do not want the Army to be removed from the Northern Province, Daily News reported on May 30. “The people do not want the Army to be remove
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Vanni Security Forces Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Displaced Persons Major General Boniface Perera has said that civilians living in the Northern Province do not want the Army to be removed from the Northern Province, Daily News reported on May 30. “The people do not want the Army to be removed from the Northern Province as they think they will have to face another appalling situation similar to what they experienced during the war period,” he added. The civilians are dealing with the Army in a very friendly manner. The Sri Lanka Army has already become one of the main contributors of the development process in the Northern Province. Civilians in the North want to assist development by joining with the Army, Major General Perera said. The government has already resettled war affected persons in the Northern Province and it has given priority to the Northern Province development projects. In such a situation, certain elements such as the Udayan newspaper and other organizations are trying to divide Sri Lanka again. “They are working according to an agenda of the Tamil Diaspora. People who failed to win the Eelam war through terrorism are now trying to win it by dividing Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims by publishing such articles which arouse communal hatred,” Major General Perera said. Major General Perera was reacting to an article published in Udayan on May 26 in which the newspaper questioned why the government acquires public lands privately if 14 army camps out of 17 in Jaffna are to be shifted to the Palali High Security Zone. Commenting specifically on this report, Perera said: “When we look at these facts we can clearly see that these allegations are baseless. We have never acquired any land in the Northern Province after 2009. If anyone says someone has acquired public lands in the Northern Province after defeating terrorism and if they are ready to give information on who had done it and when and where, we are ready investigate into the incident,” he said.
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June - 2 
Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Badulla District of Uva Province on June 2 said that recalling atrocities perpetrated by LTTE terrorists in the past was not intended to sow seeds of hatred in society, but to ensure that such a gruesome period will not be repeated in the future, reports Dai
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Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Badulla District of Uva Province on June 2 said that recalling atrocities perpetrated by LTTE terrorists in the past was not intended to sow seeds of hatred in society, but to ensure that such a gruesome period will not be repeated in the future, reports Daily News. He said “We should tell the younger generation that the country faced such a gruesome period in the past in order to avert such situations in the future through forging closer and amicable ties between communities.”
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June - 9 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on June 9 said that it would be useless to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) after amending the 13th Amendment and reducing powers vested with the provinces, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said, "The current Presiden
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on June 9 said that it would be useless to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) after amending the 13th Amendment and reducing powers vested with the provinces, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said, "The current President and the Government are going against this (implementing the 13th Amendment and going beyond)." He further said, "We want to go beyond the 13th Amendment. Provincial Councils need more powers on land, police and taxation. There are also issues in relation to the Governor. It is important to go beyond the current system. Only then can people in each province look after themselves. We are not satisfied with the current system and we must go beyond."
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June - 10 
Separately, the Catholic Bishops of Sri Lanka in a statement at Catholic Bishops' Conference in Colombo on June 10 requested the Government not to proceed with amending the 13th Amendment or totally repeal it but to discuss with all relevant parties on drawing up a totally new Constitution which is
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Separately, the Catholic Bishops of Sri Lanka in a statement at Catholic Bishops' Conference in Colombo on June 10 requested the Government not to proceed with amending the 13th Amendment or totally repeal it but to discuss with all relevant parties on drawing up a totally new Constitution which is fair by all communities. "The 13th Amendment of the National Constitution is a system that by large allows the greater participation of the people in the matter of governance," the statement signed by the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on behalf of the organization said. It said that although the 13th Amendment may not be perfect, pondering on this constitutional provision may lead to over centralization of authority and to international meddling in the internal affairs of this country at a time when Sri Lanka is striving to make permanent the hard won peace. The bishops advised the Government to discuss the 13th Amendment through a PSC and consider a totally new Constitution which would guarantee "justice, peace and prosperity for all citizens of the country regardless of their ethnic, religious or social differences."
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June - 16 
Meanwhile, Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on June 16 announced that it would bring a political package to replace the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The party led a bloody campaign against the 13th amendment and the Provincial Councils in 1987-90 period and
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Meanwhile, Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on June 16 announced that it would bring a political package to replace the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The party led a bloody campaign against the 13th amendment and the Provincial Councils in 1987-90 period and many people died as a result. Politburo member of the JVP, Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that solutions for the problems of the Tamil people are needed to be provided concurrently with the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. JVP proposes solutions to the problems of the Tamil people in their package while proposing to abolish the 13th Amendment completely, Dissanayaka says. JVP package is based on constitutional recognition of state as a multinational state and acceptance of freedom of all nationalities. The package will be launched within two weeks, the JVP MP said.
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June - 17 
Prime Minister and Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Jayaratne at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo on June 17 said giving Police and Land powers to Provincial Councils will create needless issues in a small country like Sri Lanka, reports Daily News. He said the 13th Amendment to th
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Prime Minister and Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Jayaratne at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo on June 17 said giving Police and Land powers to Provincial Councils will create needless issues in a small country like Sri Lanka, reports Daily News. He said the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has opened up a dialogue in the media and the public space. It is a characteristic of democracy. Some say the 13th Amendment is needed; some say it is not required. However, Police powers and Land powers referenced in the Amendment are not required at this juncture. He further said “Equity is the main feature of a society. When creating an equal society, the differences among nationalities, races, castes and religions should be eliminated.”
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June - 21 
Separately, Chief Opposition Whip of United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament (MP) John Amaratunga said in Parliament on June 21 that the party will nominate its members to the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to study the revisions to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution only
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Separately, Chief Opposition Whip of United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament (MP) John Amaratunga said in Parliament on June 21 that the party will nominate its members to the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to study the revisions to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution only if the Government agrees to conditions set by the party on June 19, reports Colombo Page.
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July - 9 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during a discussion with India’s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, in Colombo on July 9 said the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is the best forum to reach a consensus on the implementation of the 13th Amendment, reports Daily News. It is a top priority o
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during a discussion with India’s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, in Colombo on July 9 said the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is the best forum to reach a consensus on the implementation of the 13th Amendment, reports Daily News. It is a top priority of the government to reach a consensus on the 13th Amendment, President Rajapaksa said. The President agreed with Menon that the participation of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the PSC is important. The President also urged India to encourage the TNA to participate in the PSC and stated that the government is committed to taking the process forward despite any obstacles. President Rajapaksa explained to Menon the practical problems involved in devolving land and police powers to the provinces in a small country such as Sri Lanka -- and stressed that the structure that is implemented ‘should apply and be acceptable to all parts of the country.’ Shivshankar Menon, meanwhile, emphasised the need for Colombo to fulfil its commitment to India and the international community regarding a political settlement that would go beyond the 13th Amendment of the country’s Constitution, adds The Hindu. “We have made our views clear on how we would like to see much more positive and forward movement towards reconciliation and a political resolution of the various issues which have led to ethnic politics being so polarised and fragmented in Sri Lanka in the past. They told me their plans … and as friends and very close neighbours we exchanged opinions. It is our hope of course that they are successful in building a Sri Lanka in which every community feels at home, feels master of their own destiny and feels that they have strong stake in the success of society and country as a whole. And we will continue to work with all our friends in Sri Lanka to that end,” Menon said. Menon was in Colombo for two days – July 8 and 9.
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July - 18 
Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris told a visiting European Union (EU) delegation on July 18 that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) front organizations continue to raise funds in foreign countries and therefore, sustained vigilance over such activities is necessary, reports Col
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Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris told a visiting European Union (EU) delegation on July 18 that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) front organizations continue to raise funds in foreign countries and therefore, sustained vigilance over such activities is necessary, reports Colombo Page. He reiterated this when he met the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with South Asia at the Ministry in Colombo.
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July - 22 
The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) on July 22 said that over 85,000 voters in the Northern Province do not have national identity (ID) cards, reports Colombo Page. CaFFE Executive Director, Keerthi Tennakoon said that out of the 85,000 persons in the North without ID cards, according t
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The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) on July 22 said that over 85,000 voters in the Northern Province do not have national identity (ID) cards, reports Colombo Page. CaFFE Executive Director, Keerthi Tennakoon said that out of the 85,000 persons in the North without ID cards, according to the 2012 voter register, 45,000 were in the Jaffna District alone.
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July - 24 
The Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya on July 24 said that Army is planning to further reduce the number of troops it has stationed in the Jaffna peninsula, reports Colombo Page. The Army has taken a decision to move troops from 13 small military camps located in the Walikamam sector of J
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The Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya on July 24 said that Army is planning to further reduce the number of troops it has stationed in the Jaffna peninsula, reports Colombo Page. The Army has taken a decision to move troops from 13 small military camps located in the Walikamam sector of Jaffna District to the Palaly Cantonment in northern edge of the peninsula. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on July 12 had asked the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya to reduce the military presence in northern Sri Lanka prior to the upcoming provincial council polls.
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July - 30 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 30 said his stance on the issue of distribution of Police and land powers to Provincial Councils has not changed and reiterated that the powers will remain with the Federal Government, reports Colombo Page. The President said Police and land powers were not implem
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 30 said his stance on the issue of distribution of Police and land powers to Provincial Councils has not changed and reiterated that the powers will remain with the Federal Government, reports Colombo Page. The President said Police and land powers were not implemented since the introduction of the Provincial Council system to the country and he doesn't consider that the issue should be given special attention now.
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August - 3 
Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Security Forces’ Commander of Jaffna rejected a claim made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on the troop strength in the peninsula, Colombo Page reports on August 4. Major General Hathurusinghe, responding to the allegation by the TNA Spokesperson and Jaffna
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Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Security Forces’ Commander of Jaffna rejected a claim made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on the troop strength in the peninsula, Colombo Page reports on August 4. Major General Hathurusinghe, responding to the allegation by the TNA Spokesperson and Jaffna District Parliamentarian, Suresh Premachandran, that 150,000 Security Forces are present in Jaffna, said even during the peak time of the war in 2008, there were only 43,000 security personnel in Jaffna. The troops have been gradually transferred out from Jaffna and at present there are only 13,150 security service personnel in Jaffna, the Commander said. According to the Jaffna Commander, 77 houses and 20 blocks of land have been given back to their original owners through the Jaffna District Secretary Office. He said that steps have been taken to hand over 90 percent of the private lands and houses occupied by the security forces in Jaffna to their legitimate owners. The Commander said that some owners living overseas have requested the Army not to vacate their properties while others have indicated that the security provided by the Army is needed to maintain peace. Premachandran had said, "Jaffna is only a part of the entire Northern Province, where one million people live. However, there are 150,000 Security Forces personnel present in Jaffna. But, the government says there are only 13,000 troops stationed in Jaffna."
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August - 26 
Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya on August 26 said that several army camps in the Jaffna peninsula of Northern Province were closed down, further reducing the presence of troops in the area, reports Daily Mirror. He said “Approximately 30 acres of lands and 10 houses in Thenmarachc
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Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya on August 26 said that several army camps in the Jaffna peninsula of Northern Province were closed down, further reducing the presence of troops in the area, reports Daily Mirror. He said “Approximately 30 acres of lands and 10 houses in Thenmarachchi area were handed over to the civil authorities for them to hand over the properties to the original owners. This will further reduce the presence of troops in the area as part of a larger program launched by the security forces to locate troops in main camps where possible.”
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August - 29 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Suresh Premachandran at the maiden election rally of the TNA for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) poll held in Mannar District on August 29 said that Tamil people can begin talks on a federal solution only if 'we have weapons', reports Dai
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Suresh Premachandran at the maiden election rally of the TNA for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) poll held in Mannar District on August 29 said that Tamil people can begin talks on a federal solution only if 'we have weapons', reports Daily News. He added “We can talk going even beyond that. If we don't have weapons we will get nothing." TNA MP P. Ariyanendran addressing the gathering also said "The armed conflict was continued by leader Prabhakaran. But today, we live on without anything. It is your duty to vote for the TNA and ensure its victory to fight for Tamils' rights as well as to get what we want. Vote for us and we will be able to get what we require.”
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August - 30 
Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda speaking at a training programme for the officer bearers of the party in Kathmandu on August 30 revealed that his party had ties with Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), during the decade-long
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Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda speaking at a training programme for the officer bearers of the party in Kathmandu on August 30 revealed that his party had ties with Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), during the decade-long armed conflict in Nepal, reports The Himalayan Times. According to him, it was the first time that he was making public the ties between the LTTE and his party. Saying that the LTTE was also fighting for ethnic liberation, Dahal tried to justify the relationship with the LTTE. The insurgency in Nepal was a "movement for national liberation", he added. He further revealed that LTTE had also sought help from the Maoist side.
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August - 30 
United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay acknowledged the post-war progress when a meeting between the UN official and the President Mahinda Rajapaksa took place on August 30 at the Temple Trees in Colombo, reports Colombo Page. Pillay said "This is a visit long overdue, bu
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United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay acknowledged the post-war progress when a meeting between the UN official and the President Mahinda Rajapaksa took place on August 30 at the Temple Trees in Colombo, reports Colombo Page. Pillay said "This is a visit long overdue, but I felt that it's much better that I come so that I'll be in a position to report on the very many achievements that have been made. Firstly, it was very visible to me in the North how much you have invested in reconstruction." Discussing the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations, the High Commissioner said she was very pleased about the establishment of a commission to look into war-time disappearances.
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August - 31 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an exclusive interview with The Australian in his Colombo office on August 31 accused pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) networks of using money to bribe politicians in key Western nations, in order to get them to agitate against the Sri Lankan Government on H
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an exclusive interview with The Australian in his Colombo office on August 31 accused pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) networks of using money to bribe politicians in key Western nations, in order to get them to agitate against the Sri Lankan Government on Human Rights issues, reports Daily News. He also said that international networks sympathetic to the LTTE play a big role in the people-smuggling trade to Australia. He said "The LTTE (Tamil Tigers) sympathiser networks have been in this business for a long time. It was their big money-raiser. They are still doing it today." He described the leader of the LTTE, Prabrakaran, who died in the final conflict of 2009, as "a psychopath who took a delight in killing."
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September - 2 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran on September 2 said the Government should either apologize to the families of missing persons or accept that such crimes have happened and ensure that will not happen again in future, reports Colombo Page. Premachandran asked, “If th
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran on September 2 said the Government should either apologize to the families of missing persons or accept that such crimes have happened and ensure that will not happen again in future, reports Colombo Page. Premachandran asked, “If the government is adamant that what they did was correct and is not willing to accept their mistakes, how can there be reconciliation in this country?" He explained that there are thousands of people still missing (or killed) and there could not be reconciliation without the truth being asserted.
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September - 3 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa delivering the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour at the third annual Defence Seminar 2013 in Colombo on September 3 said "Despite the success of the Welfare camps, despite the speed of resettlement, and despite the far-reaching nature of the rehabilitation and
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa delivering the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour at the third annual Defence Seminar 2013 in Colombo on September 3 said "Despite the success of the Welfare camps, despite the speed of resettlement, and despite the far-reaching nature of the rehabilitation and reintegration programme, it is not easy to ensure speedy reconciliation," reports Colombo Page. He further said that speedy national reconciliation is not easy since for a very long period of time, most of the people in the North and parts of the East of the country lived under the total dominance of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Over 300 participants, comprising 66 foreign delegates, ambassadors and defense attachés participated in the Defence Seminar - 2013 themed 'Post Conflict Sri Lanka; Challenges and Regional Stability'.
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September - 4 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa observed on September 4 that in the present era, the country is witnessing a revival of religious activity among all faiths following the end of the 30 year long conflict, reports Daily News. He stressed that his Government at all times was committed to protect the rights
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa observed on September 4 that in the present era, the country is witnessing a revival of religious activity among all faiths following the end of the 30 year long conflict, reports Daily News. He stressed that his Government at all times was committed to protect the rights of all religions in the country and also treat them on an equal footing.
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September - 8 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa addressing a rally in Jaffna city of Jaffna District on September 8 said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is trying to mislead the people in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. He said the TNA has prepared a manifesto to satisfy the expect
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa addressing a rally in Jaffna city of Jaffna District on September 8 said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is trying to mislead the people in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. He said the TNA has prepared a manifesto to satisfy the expectations of the Diaspora to pave a path for another chaotic situation in the country. Speaking of military, Minister Rajapaksa further said that it is the President who holds the power to reduce the presence of security forces in the North and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province does not wield such an authority as the TNA has claimed.
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September - 8 
The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Major General Jagath Wijethilake in Colombo on September 8 said that 107 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who have successfully completed the rehabilitation program at the Maradamadu and Poonthottam rehabilitation centers in Vavuniya D
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The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Major General Jagath Wijethilake in Colombo on September 8 said that 107 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who have successfully completed the rehabilitation program at the Maradamadu and Poonthottam rehabilitation centers in Vavuniya District will be released September 9 (today), reports Colombo Page. When the three-decade long war with the Tamil Tiger terrorists ended in May 2009, around 11,800 ex-LTTE cadres surrendered to the Security Forces (SFs). The former LTTE cadres undergoing rehabilitation receive vocational training during their rehabilitation program to learn skills that could find them employment once they are reintegrated into the society. The Government has introduced a scheme through a State Bank to provide loans up to a maximum of Rs.250, 000 to the 10,375 rehabilitated cadres for self-employment purposes.
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September - 9 
Sri Lanka Lawyers' Guild on September 9 said that they will file a case in the Supreme Court against the election manifesto of the TNA, reports Colombo Page. Kapila Gamage, the convener of the Sri Lanka Lawyers' Guild said the TNA manifesto was against the Constitution of the country. He said that t
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Sri Lanka Lawyers' Guild on September 9 said that they will file a case in the Supreme Court against the election manifesto of the TNA, reports Colombo Page. Kapila Gamage, the convener of the Sri Lanka Lawyers' Guild said the TNA manifesto was against the Constitution of the country. He said that the proclamation of self-rule in the manifesto is a violation of the Sri Lanka Constitution. He reminded that it is compulsory for any elected member of an election to any institution to take oaths confirming that he or she will safeguard the constitution of the country.
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September - 10 
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva on September 10 (today) said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) with its election manifesto has not addressed the issues faced by the Tamil people, but has instead provided the Mahinda Rajapaksa government another topic to be used du
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Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva on September 10 (today) said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) with its election manifesto has not addressed the issues faced by the Tamil people, but has instead provided the Mahinda Rajapaksa government another topic to be used during its election campaign, reports Colombo Page. The JVP General Secretary added, "We believe the present government uses communalism, encourages it and sponsors groups that spread communalism and religious differences to maintain its power and undermine the opposition. We therefore don't believe that the present government would or could ever solve the national question. Also, the TNA's attempt doesn't also do anything to solve the national question but instead strengthens communalism and helps the government to take advantage to use its communalism."
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September - 10 
Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma on September 10 said that the manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is a ‘cyanide capsule’ to innocent Tamil youth freed by the present leadership of the country, reports Daily News. “The manifesto of the Tamil National Allia
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Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma on September 10 said that the manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is a ‘cyanide capsule’ to innocent Tamil youth freed by the present leadership of the country, reports Daily News. “The manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is a cyanide capsule that is given once more to the innocent Tamil youth who were freed by the present leadership of the country,” he stated. He claimed that it is a strategic document that is designed to prevent Tamil and Sinhalese communities forging cordial relations in the aftermath of the defeat of terrorism that kept the two communities away from each other for three decades. The minister also said one should not forget that though the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is eliminated from Sri Lankan soil, the separatist ideology still lurks outside the country.
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September - 11 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran on September 11 said that the party's election manifesto for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) election is prepared to uphold the right of self-determination of the Tamils in the country, reports Colombo Page. He said "The manifesto
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran on September 11 said that the party's election manifesto for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) election is prepared to uphold the right of self-determination of the Tamils in the country, reports Colombo Page. He said "The manifesto emphasizes the political aspirations of the Tamils, while upholding the integrity of the country. The manifesto does not contain anything new and they are the outcome of the past political struggle of the Tamils in the country.” He explained that the TNA's manifesto highlighted the party's political aspirations within the framework of the Constitution of the country. He added that nothing has been mentioned about the division of the country or anything against the Constitution of the country.
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September - 12 
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the United States had given its fullest support to destroy LTTE’s floating armouries in the deep sea between 2006 and 2008, reports Daily Mirror on September 13 (today). Rajapaksa said "Between 2006 and 2008 we destroyed 12 of these floating armouries.
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Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the United States had given its fullest support to destroy LTTE’s floating armouries in the deep sea between 2006 and 2008, reports Daily Mirror on September 13 (today). Rajapaksa said "Between 2006 and 2008 we destroyed 12 of these floating armouries. The Americans were very, very helpful. Most of the locations of these ships were given to us by the American."
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September - 12 
The Government on September 12 said that it cannot accept the election manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), reports Colombo Page. In its election manifesto, the TNA, once considered as a proxy for the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eel
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The Government on September 12 said that it cannot accept the election manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), reports Colombo Page. In its election manifesto, the TNA, once considered as a proxy for the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the war, has called for establishing power sharing arrangements in a unit of a merged Northern and Eastern Provinces based on a Federal structure.
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September - 13 
leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) and Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister, Douglas Devananda on September 13 (today) said that the TNA has betrayed the people in the North to the dollars, euros and pounds of the Diaspora, reports Colombo Page. The Mini
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leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) and Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister, Douglas Devananda on September 13 (today) said that the TNA has betrayed the people in the North to the dollars, euros and pounds of the Diaspora, reports Colombo Page. The Minister noted that a majority of the TNA leaders visit the North only during election time. He added that these leaders would return to their luxurious homes in Colombo once the election is concluded. According to Devananda, the TNA leaders travelled around the world with fabricated stories in order to earn dollars and sterling pounds for their own benefit.
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September - 15 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on September 15 said that the TNA is attempting to push Tamils in the North to vote for the by spreading racism and separatism, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister said that it is crystal clear with the TNA manifesto that it is playing the racist card to
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on September 15 said that the TNA is attempting to push Tamils in the North to vote for the by spreading racism and separatism, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister said that it is crystal clear with the TNA manifesto that it is playing the racist card to win the Northern Provincial Council election. He said that the pledges made by the TNA in their election manifesto could not be fulfilled through a Provincial Council administration. Hence, the Minister said, the TNA is only playing the racist card to mislead the Northern voters.
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September - 15 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 15 appealed to the people in the North not to get misled by the false propaganda of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), reports Colombo Page. The President pointed out that the TNA is misleading the people by promising self-Government and independence but not
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 15 appealed to the people in the North not to get misled by the false propaganda of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), reports Colombo Page. The President pointed out that the TNA is misleading the people by promising self-Government and independence but not in a position to uplift the people's lives or provide the basic facilities they need. He noted that the Presidential, Parliamentary and Pradeshiya Sabha elections were held and democracy has been established in the region following the war. Holding an election in the north that was subjugated to terrorism for 30 years is a great accomplishment he added.
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September - 15 
TNA on September 15 rejected the allegation that its election manifesto demanded a separate state of Tamil Eelam, reports Colombo Page. The leader of the TNA, R. Sampanthan said "We have never asked to divide the country. We have very clearly said, without any attempts to hide, that a solution shoul
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TNA on September 15 rejected the allegation that its election manifesto demanded a separate state of Tamil Eelam, reports Colombo Page. The leader of the TNA, R. Sampanthan said "We have never asked to divide the country. We have very clearly said, without any attempts to hide, that a solution should be found within the country." He further said the party will ask for whatever necessary to find a solution and the party is ready to discuss and negotiate with the Government in future to achieve such a solution.
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September - 16 
Commander of the Army in the Jaffna peninsula, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said there was a possibility of about 4,000 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) combatants, who are still at large regrouping, with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) glorifying the slain LTTE leader Velupill
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Commander of the Army in the Jaffna peninsula, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said there was a possibility of about 4,000 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) combatants, who are still at large regrouping, with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) glorifying the slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in its campaign for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections, reports Daily News on September 17 (today).
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September - 16 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an interview said that he will not allow any country to act against the interests of India from Sri Lankan soil, reports Daily Mirror on September 17 (today). Rajapaksa made the comment after ascertaining New Delhi's concern about China's presence in Sri Lanka. When as
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an interview said that he will not allow any country to act against the interests of India from Sri Lankan soil, reports Daily Mirror on September 17 (today). Rajapaksa made the comment after ascertaining New Delhi's concern about China's presence in Sri Lanka. When asked about the deteriorating ties between the two countries due to coalition pressures on New Delhi from partners in Tamil Nadu, he conveyed his worries about "the message of separatism" still emanating from Tamil Nadu. He tried to empathise with the Indian government and said that he understood the compulsions of Indian politicians and was ready to them a "wide margin".
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September - 18 
Claiming that the election manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had stronger demands than the Wadukkodai Resolution and was harmful for the country, former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP on September 18 accused the TNA of obstructing the
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Claiming that the election manifesto of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had stronger demands than the Wadukkodai Resolution and was harmful for the country, former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP on September 18 accused the TNA of obstructing the immediate release of most of the LTTE suspects in custody, reports Daily Mirror. Pathmanathan told a packed media conference held at the Sencholai Children’s Home in Kilinochchi District “They (TNA) demand of the authorities not to release those senior ex-LTTE members in government custody fearing they would not be able to engage in politics openly.” Pathmanthan also accused the TNA Chief Ministerial candidate for the Northern Provincial Council elections C.V. Wigneswaran of giving maximum punishment to LTTE suspects who were found guilty, while he was the presiding judge.
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September - 19 
The Chief Ministerial candidate of TNA former Supreme Court judge C. V. Wigneswaran compared a national hero to the slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, reports Colombo Page on September 20. "Prabhakaran was a freedom fighter. He may have been brutal, but so is the government," he has said in a
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The Chief Ministerial candidate of TNA former Supreme Court judge C. V. Wigneswaran compared a national hero to the slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, reports Colombo Page on September 20. "Prabhakaran was a freedom fighter. He may have been brutal, but so is the government," he has said in an exclusive interview to Times of India when asked about the allegations that he has glorified the LTTE and its leader as a 'Maveeran' in his election campaign.
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September - 19 
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on September 19 said “The forthcoming provincial elections in Sri Lanka, especially in the Northern Province are an important opportunity for reconciliation in the country”, reports Colombo Page. The Secretary-General welcomed the provincial elections, wh
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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on September 19 said “The forthcoming provincial elections in Sri Lanka, especially in the Northern Province are an important opportunity for reconciliation in the country”, reports Colombo Page. The Secretary-General welcomed the provincial elections, which are scheduled for 21 September, particularly in the Northern Province, which has not had provincial elections since 1987. He also called on all parties "to participate peacefully in the elections and to work together in the period following the elections to address the national and post-war agenda constructively and collaboratively."
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September - 21 
After the voting ended the Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya on September 21 said the provincial council elections held for the Northern, Central and North Western provinces are by and large free and fair except for some minor incidents, reports Colombo Page. Over 60 percent of registered vot
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After the voting ended the Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya on September 21 said the provincial council elections held for the Northern, Central and North Western provinces are by and large free and fair except for some minor incidents, reports Colombo Page. Over 60 percent of registered voters have cast their ballots in the Central and Northern Provinces while in North Western Province voter turnout was 55 percent.
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September - 21 
The Government on September 21 said the Chief Ministerial candidate of the TNA violated election rules on the eve of election by engaging in election propaganda, reports Colombo Page. The government charged the Chief Ministerial candidate, former Supreme Court Judge C.V Vigneswaran has given an inte
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The Government on September 21 said the Chief Ministerial candidate of the TNA violated election rules on the eve of election by engaging in election propaganda, reports Colombo Page. The government charged the Chief Ministerial candidate, former Supreme Court Judge C.V Vigneswaran has given an interview for about one hour to the Tamil TV Channel "Thanthi" on September 20 and has indulged in his election propaganda activities making extremist views to mislead the Tamil people.
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September - 22 
Addressing a media briefing in Jaffna District following the party's landslide victory, the TNA leader R. Sampanthan on September 22 said that his party is ready to assist the Government to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and is ready to participate in the Parliament Select Co
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Addressing a media briefing in Jaffna District following the party's landslide victory, the TNA leader R. Sampanthan on September 22 said that his party is ready to assist the Government to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and is ready to participate in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) appointed to resolve the national issue if the Government agrees to a meaningful measure to devolve power, reports Colombo Page.
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September - 22 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 22 said that holding an election to provide the people in the North, who were under terrorist control for three decades, the right to elect their own administration is a victory for the Government, reports Colombo Page. He said the provincial council election
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 22 said that holding an election to provide the people in the North, who were under terrorist control for three decades, the right to elect their own administration is a victory for the Government, reports Colombo Page. He said the provincial council election held on September 21 is a unique event that strengthened Sri Lanka's political democracy. Pointing out that the political parties in the North that were under terrorist control for so long are now enjoying freedom and happiness thanks to the thousands of youth in the Security Forces (SFs) who sacrificed their lives to obtain that freedom, the President said those heroes should be remembered at this moment for establishing a lasting peace in the country.
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September - 26 
Supreme Court in a ruling on September 26 stated that the land powers in Sri Lanka were vested with the Central Government and not with the Provincial Councils (PCs), reports Colombo Page. Despite the three-judge bench delivering independent decisions on the case, the bench agreed that according to
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Supreme Court in a ruling on September 26 stated that the land powers in Sri Lanka were vested with the Central Government and not with the Provincial Councils (PCs), reports Colombo Page. Despite the three-judge bench delivering independent decisions on the case, the bench agreed that according to the 13th Amendment the land powers were vested with the Central Government. A three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, Justice Eva Wanasundera and Justice Sri Pavan gave the ruling when an appeal filed by the Minister of Plantation Industries was taken up.
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September - 27 
Campaign for a Free and Fair Election (CaFFE), the local election monitoring group issued a statement saying that "frequency and gravity" of post-election violence have increased in the last few days, reports Colombo Page on September 28 (today). The monitoring group said that the highest number of
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Campaign for a Free and Fair Election (CaFFE), the local election monitoring group issued a statement saying that "frequency and gravity" of post-election violence have increased in the last few days, reports Colombo Page on September 28 (today). The monitoring group said that the highest number of incidents have been recorded from the Kurunegala District in North Western Province. According to CaFFE five incidents have been reported from the Kurunegala District of which four incidents involved supporters of governing party members Dayasiri Jayasekara and Johan Fernando. CaFFE said there were reports of intimidation and violence against Jayasekara's supporters from Fernando's supporters in several areas. The election monitors called on the law enforcement authorities and leaders of political parties to take the necessary steps to prevent the incidents of violence.
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September - 29 
Chief Minister- elect of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), C.V. Vigneswaran on September 29 said that it plans to hold discussions with the Government to obtain the land and Police powers rightfully given to the provinces in the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Vigneswaran further said that the
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Chief Minister- elect of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), C.V. Vigneswaran on September 29 said that it plans to hold discussions with the Government to obtain the land and Police powers rightfully given to the provinces in the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Vigneswaran further said that the party will demand the Government to immediately remove the military from the lands that belonged to the Tamil people and are currently occupied by the military. He said the party will find solutions to the grievances of the thousands of the Tamil people displaced from their lands and homes as well as to find answers to the missing and disappeared.
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October - 2 
Meanwhile, Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), a Tamil ally of the governing party on October 2 called on the Government to allocate powers meant for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), reports Colombo Page. EPDP said the Government should assign powers meant for the NPC without heeding to ra
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Meanwhile, Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), a Tamil ally of the governing party on October 2 called on the Government to allocate powers meant for the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), reports Colombo Page. EPDP said the Government should assign powers meant for the NPC without heeding to racial and religious extremists. EPDP organizer for Vadamarachchi in Jaffna District A. Sri Rangeswaran warned that the people in the North would commence a protest campaign if the Government fails to vest the rightful powers of the NPC with the Council. He has said there have been many sacrifices and losses on the part of the people in the North to finally achieve the power in the NPC. According to Rangeswaran, separatists in the South are propagating communal and religious disharmony through various forms of propaganda to achieve their political agenda.
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October - 4 
Meanwhile, Lord Rogan of the United Kingdom, a Member of the House of Lords while meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo on October 4 said “The military presence in the North is substantially less than what has been often portrayed," reports Daily News. Hev said "During my vi
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Meanwhile, Lord Rogan of the United Kingdom, a Member of the House of Lords while meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo on October 4 said “The military presence in the North is substantially less than what has been often portrayed," reports Daily News. Hev said "During my visit to all parts of the country, North, East, South, and West I was able to speak freely and openly with Ministers, Government officials, religious leaders, and most importantly ordinary citizens from all sections and walks of life. What struck me particularly was that the military presence in the North was substantially less than what has been often portrayed."
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October - 5 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Mavai S. Senathiraja from Jaffna District in an interview to The Hindu on October 6 said that the first priority for the new Government should be to ensure that lands destroyed in the war be reclaimed and livelihood programmes for the people in
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Mavai S. Senathiraja from Jaffna District in an interview to The Hindu on October 6 said that the first priority for the new Government should be to ensure that lands destroyed in the war be reclaimed and livelihood programmes for the people introduced, reports The Hindu. He said the international community has to put pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to rebuild the devastated areas. The second priority should be to pass laws to bring in money for the development of provincial councils. The local bodies, at present, were unable to access necessary funds for development, he said. The third thing, Mr. Senathiraja said, should be to give the people the right to self-rule, for which India’s support was necessary.
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October - 8 
Meanwhile, the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid during his visit to Jaffna District on October 8 said "India remains committed to uplifting the lives of the people of the Northern Province through its efforts to restore the social, educational, economic and cultural infrastr
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Meanwhile, the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid during his visit to Jaffna District on October 8 said "India remains committed to uplifting the lives of the people of the Northern Province through its efforts to restore the social, educational, economic and cultural infrastructure, which were devastated by the armed conflict", reports Colombo Page. He said India's assistance to Sri Lanka with a timely and phased approach has taken into account the ground situation and the immediate needs of the people at any given time. He further said the Housing Project in Sri Lanka is the largest grant assistance project undertaken by the Government of India in any part of the world. The project has completed 1,000 houses under the Pilot Phase and nearly 16,000 houses are under various stages of construction in the 2nd Phase of the project. The Minister said the target of completion of all 50,000 houses will be reached before the end of 2015.
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October - 8 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing his view to Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid when the latter called on him at President’s House in Colombo on October 8 said Parliament is the best forum to address the issue of implementation of the 13th Amendment, reports Daily News. He added
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing his view to Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid when the latter called on him at President’s House in Colombo on October 8 said Parliament is the best forum to address the issue of implementation of the 13th Amendment, reports Daily News. He added that Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) members should engage in dialogue and come up with a solution that is in line with ‘what the people want’. A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting with the underlying objective of developing strategies for the two countries to coordinate more closely towards further strengthening relations.
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October - 18 
The Military on October 18 strongly denied the allegations made by a right group that its troops are responsible for insecurity experienced by the women in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya speaking to media said "In a majority of
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The Military on October 18 strongly denied the allegations made by a right group that its troops are responsible for insecurity experienced by the women in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya speaking to media said "In a majority of cases, the perpetrators had been close relatives or neighbors of the victim and had been of Tamil ethnicity," the spokesman told media. The spokesman vehemently denied a recent report released by the London-based Minority Rights Group (MRG) that the militarization of the north and east from 2009 has contributed to continued insecurity for minority women. The MRG recently released a report titled "Living with insecurity: Marginalization and sexual violence against women in north and east Sri Lanka". In its report the group says that Tamil and Muslim women in the North and East of Sri Lanka are increasingly marginalized and face chronic insecurity due to presence of security forces and government actions.
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October - 26 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on October 26 decided to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo from November 15 to 17, reports Colombo Page. Mavai Senathirajah, a senior TNA legislator said "We will not take part in CHOGM. But our staying away does not mean
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on October 26 decided to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo from November 15 to 17, reports Colombo Page. Mavai Senathirajah, a senior TNA legislator said "We will not take part in CHOGM. But our staying away does not mean we are protesting against the participating nations. We will be eager to meet them."
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October - 29 
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma issuing the report of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Northern Provincial Council Elections (NPC), held on September 21, 2013, described the election as an historic election for Sri Lanka and found the conduct of Election Day itself to be impressiv
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Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma issuing the report of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Northern Provincial Council Elections (NPC), held on September 21, 2013, described the election as an historic election for Sri Lanka and found the conduct of Election Day itself to be impressive, Colombo Page reported on October 30. "Voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise, and electoral officials conducted polling with dedication and diligence," he said. "The post-results environment was also peaceful and for this, we commend the leadership of participating political parties," Sharma said in a statement released by the Commonwealth Secretariat on October 29.
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October - 29 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Sri John Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) in Colombo on October 29 stressed that the demands for removal of army camps from the North made by some elements will never be a reality, reports Colombo Page. Rajapaksa said "T
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Sri John Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) in Colombo on October 29 stressed that the demands for removal of army camps from the North made by some elements will never be a reality, reports Colombo Page. Rajapaksa said "There are demands that we remove the troops from the north. This is not a practical thing to do and it will not be done." The President, pointing out that the Government has implemented a massive development drive throughout the island as a measure to eliminate all root causes of terrorism, requested the peace loving public to support the Government to defeat the conspiring elements at the very outset.
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October - 30 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which has formed the Government in the Northern Province, said the party will boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo next month, but would meet the foreign dignitaries who will be visiting the country during the period, reports Colo
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which has formed the Government in the Northern Province, said the party will boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo next month, but would meet the foreign dignitaries who will be visiting the country during the period, reports Colombo Page on October 31. TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran has said the party will meet with foreign dignitaries to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka. The Chief Minister of Northern Province, however, told a local radio station that he would take a decision with regard to the participation in the CHOGM if an invitation is extended to the TNA.
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October - 31 
Australian and Indian Foreign Ministers on October 31 said that they will not follow Canada in boycotting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka due to concerns over the country's human rights issues, reports Daily Mirror. Speaking at a press conference with her Indian counterpart
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Australian and Indian Foreign Ministers on October 31 said that they will not follow Canada in boycotting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka due to concerns over the country's human rights issues, reports Daily Mirror. Speaking at a press conference with her Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid in Perth, Julie Bishop said it was important to engage with Sri Lanka as it rebuilt itself in the aftermath of 30-year civil conflict. Ms Bishop said "It's our view that Commonwealth countries should work with Sri Lanka to meet the challenges that they face and we certainly will be encouraging countries to do that."
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October - 31 
Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on October 31 said that 37 Heads of Government have already confirmed their participation at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. He further said despite heavy lobbying by ce
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Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on October 31 said that 37 Heads of Government have already confirmed their participation at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. He further said despite heavy lobbying by certain quarters not to hold the summit in Sri Lanka the attendance will exceed that of the previous summit in Perth, Australia which stood at 32.
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November - 5 
The Jaffna Tamil Buddhist Association has said that Sinhalese who wish to live in the Jaffna peninsula should be allowed to do so, Colombo Page reported on November 6. It said Sinhalese should not be prevented from living in Jaffna. President of the Association, Ravi Kumar issuing a statement said t
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The Jaffna Tamil Buddhist Association has said that Sinhalese who wish to live in the Jaffna peninsula should be allowed to do so, Colombo Page reported on November 6. It said Sinhalese should not be prevented from living in Jaffna. President of the Association, Ravi Kumar issuing a statement said that Sinhalese and Tamils in the North should be encouraged to live in harmony without any differences. He pointed out that Tamils live peacefully with Sinhalese in certain areas in the South. He made this comment in reference to statements made by some Tamil National Alliance (TNA) members against Sinhalese settling down in the North.
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November - 8 
leader of Western People's Front (WPF), Mano Ganeshan on November 8 said that the visits planned by several heads of states to the Northern Province indicates the interest shown by the international community in the post war situation in the North, reports Colombo Page. He said the planned visits by
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leader of Western People's Front (WPF), Mano Ganeshan on November 8 said that the visits planned by several heads of states to the Northern Province indicates the interest shown by the international community in the post war situation in the North, reports Colombo Page. He said the planned visits by the heads of state to North are a slap in the face of the Sri Lankan Government. He explained that the visits would show the international community's focus on the North and the Sri Lankan Government will be unable to ignore the issues over the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. According to Ganeshan, the Government will not be able to amend or repeal the 13th Amendment that devolves power to the provinces.
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November - 9 
External Affairs Ministry Additional Secretary Rodney Perera said international participation at CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka at summit level will be no less in comparison to the level of participation at any previously held CHOGM summits, reports Daily News on November 9 (today). Perera said "The partic
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External Affairs Ministry Additional Secretary Rodney Perera said international participation at CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka at summit level will be no less in comparison to the level of participation at any previously held CHOGM summits, reports Daily News on November 9 (today). Perera said "The participation at CHOGM 2013 will be no different from any other previously held summit. Who will want to be isolated and who will not be, by not participating is a matter to be discerned later. As of today, confirmed international participation at the summit is 3,000. More than 1,600 delegates have confirmed participation from the Commonwealth countries, including Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers. More than 1,800 business leaders have confirmed participation at the summit's Business Forum and 500 for the People's Forum so far. Over 850 journalists, including Channel Four director of controversial "Sri Lanka Killing Fields" will cover the summit.”
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November - 9 
The Commonwealth Secretariat will assist Sri Lanka in setting up a National Inquiry on Torture, its Secretary-General Mr. Kamalesh Sharma said in an interview to The Hindu at the Secretariat headquarters at Marlborough House in London on the eve of his departure to Colombo to attend the Commonwealth
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The Commonwealth Secretariat will assist Sri Lanka in setting up a National Inquiry on Torture, its Secretary-General Mr. Kamalesh Sharma said in an interview to The Hindu at the Secretariat headquarters at Marlborough House in London on the eve of his departure to Colombo to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), reports The Hindu on November 9 (today). To be set up under the aegis of the Sri Lanka National Human Rights Commission and to be assisted and monitored by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the inquiry will investigate all allegations of torture committed by Government agencies or arms of the state from 2009 (the final stages of the civil war) to the present, he said. The inquiry would take 18 months to complete its work, Mr. Sharma said.
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November - 10 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa while addressing the Ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum under the theme ‘Inclusive Development – Stronger Together’ after its inauguration in Hambantota town of Hambantota District on November 10 said terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for nearly three decades deprived the yout
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa while addressing the Ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum under the theme ‘Inclusive Development – Stronger Together’ after its inauguration in Hambantota town of Hambantota District on November 10 said terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for nearly three decades deprived the youth of many valuable opportunities, reports Daily News. The President also “It gives me immense happiness to see at this forum, among other participants, an ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) combatant, a representative from the indigenous community of our country and representatives of disabled young people included in the Sri Lankan delegation. It is noteworthy that we abide by the Commonwealth principles of restoring human dignity and equality among human beings in the Commonwealth.”
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November - 11 
affirming his participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka this week, the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on November 11 said the most important civil right is the right to live without the threat of death or violence through a civil war, reports Colombo P
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affirming his participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka this week, the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on November 11 said the most important civil right is the right to live without the threat of death or violence through a civil war, reports Colombo Page. The Australian PM said it is getting better in Sri Lanka for the war-affected Tamil people in the North and ordinary civil society is resuming in the Tamil parts of Sri Lanka. However, he said he will be urging the Sri Lankan Government to respect everyone's rights when he visits the island to attend the Commonwealth summit beginning on November 15.
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November - 11 
External Affairs Minister GL Peiris on November 11 said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decision not to attend the CHOGM summit here was not a setback and it is understood the domestic political compulsions behind the move, reports Times of India. Peiris said "The Indian Prime Minister w
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External Affairs Minister GL Peiris on November 11 said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decision not to attend the CHOGM summit here was not a setback and it is understood the domestic political compulsions behind the move, reports Times of India. Peiris said "The Indian Prime Minister was invited. Sri Lankans would have been happier if he came." Peiris further said Sri Lanka understands the domestic political compulsions which had forced the Indian PM to take such a decision.
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November - 18 
China on November 18 asked Sri Lanka to "make efforts to protect and promote human rights", backing calls by India, Britain and other countries at the CHOGM summit in Colombo to address allegations of rights abuses against the country's minority Tamils, reports Daily Mirror. "Due to the differences
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China on November 18 asked Sri Lanka to "make efforts to protect and promote human rights", backing calls by India, Britain and other countries at the CHOGM summit in Colombo to address allegations of rights abuses against the country's minority Tamils, reports Daily Mirror. "Due to the differences in the economic and social development of different countries, there could be differences on human rights protection," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a media briefing in Beijing. "So what is important is that the relevant country should make efforts to protect and promote human rights while other countries in the world should provide constructive assistance," he said.
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November - 22 
Ally of Sri Lanka's Governing party, the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) says that the unresolved land issues of the people in Jaffna will be resolved, reported Colombo Page on November 23. Deputy Chairman of Parliamentary Committees, parliamentarian Murugesu Chandrakumar has said that people
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Ally of Sri Lanka's Governing party, the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) says that the unresolved land issues of the people in Jaffna will be resolved, reported Colombo Page on November 23. Deputy Chairman of Parliamentary Committees, parliamentarian Murugesu Chandrakumar has said that people in Jaffna who are in need of deeds for their lands will receive them without any issue. Addressing a gathering in Kandawalai, Punnaineeravi in the North he said that people in some areas in the North do not have any documents for their lands and are unable to show ownership of their lands. He explained that many civilians without proper deeds to their lands have faced problems following the end of the war. However, Chandrakumar said that people in the North who do not have deeds to their lands will be provided with documents for the lands occupied by them. The government has taken measures to provide documents for state lands without any issue, but other measures are being taken with regard to private lands.
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November - 24 
Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran addressing a gathering at the Chavakachcheri Pradeshiya Sabha in Jaffna District said that the Government will be pressured to find a solution to the Tamil problem, reports Colombo Page. He said the Government will not be able to continue with a m
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Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran addressing a gathering at the Chavakachcheri Pradeshiya Sabha in Jaffna District said that the Government will be pressured to find a solution to the Tamil problem, reports Colombo Page. He said the Government will not be able to continue with a military style of governance in the North since the Northern Provincial Council was established by the people. He noted that the people in the Northern Province have clearly given their verdict indicating their desire for self-rule within the Provincial Council system. "However, certain Tamil and Muslim ministers in the government are trying to prevent the government from collaborating with the NPC," Wigneswaran charged.
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November - 24 
Main opposition United National Party (UNP) on November 24 said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Chairman of the Commonwealth has agreed in policy to take the country before an international human rights court in the official declaration signed by the heads of states following the Commonwealt
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Main opposition United National Party (UNP) on November 24 said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Chairman of the Commonwealth has agreed in policy to take the country before an international human rights court in the official declaration signed by the heads of states following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo, reports Colombo Page. The UNP issued a special statement expressing concern over the 39th sentence of the declaration signed by the Commonwealth leaders at the 2013 CHOGM that all heads of the Commonwealth nations would adhere to the Vienna Plus 20 action plan and all areas under the Vienna Declaration, thereby working towards strengthening international human rights mechanisms including universal periodic reviews. According to the UNP, the President in order to take over the Chairmanship of the Commonwealth has put the nation at risk of being taken before an international human rights court.
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November - 25 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa while addressing the international maritime security conference in Galle city of Galle District on November 25 said that genuine cooperation among nations is needed to fight terrorism in a systematic and coordinated manner, reports The Hindu. He said “Fight agai
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa while addressing the international maritime security conference in Galle city of Galle District on November 25 said that genuine cooperation among nations is needed to fight terrorism in a systematic and coordinated manner, reports The Hindu. He said “Fight against terrorism is a global task; nations should support each other’s efforts whole heartedly. Genuine cooperation among nations at highest levels is needed for this to happen in a systematic and coordinated fashion.” Mr. Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka had begun operating stringently regulated and secure floating armouries to fulfill this requirement including providing training for sea marshals.
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December - 1 
The Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran speaking during an event in Mullaitivu Dsitrict on December 1 said that the military presence in the North has posed an obstacle for democracy, reports Colombo Page. Wigneswaran pointed out that people in the North are leaving their region and
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The Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran speaking during an event in Mullaitivu Dsitrict on December 1 said that the military presence in the North has posed an obstacle for democracy, reports Colombo Page. Wigneswaran pointed out that people in the North are leaving their region and even the country since they have lost their lands to the forceful acquisition of lands by the military. He explained that there were four reasons for people in the North and East to try and leave for Down Under even risking their lives. "First reason is the heavy military presence in the North and East. Second - unlawful settlements of outsiders from the South in the North. Third - Our people do not have the security, Fourth - No job opportunities," Wigneswaran has said at the event.
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December - 3 
Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran on December 3 informed United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for Internally Displaced Persons Dr. Chaloka Beyani that military is acquiring civilian lands in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Chief Minister also gave details of land and the ac
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Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran on December 3 informed United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for Internally Displaced Persons Dr. Chaloka Beyani that military is acquiring civilian lands in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Chief Minister also gave details of land and the acreage acquired by the military in the Kilinochchi District as well. Wigneswaran also told the UN envoy that the livelihood of residents in the North has been seriously affected since the military has taken over all avenues of employment available to the people and the people have to take loans for their day to day living.
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December - 10 
The European Union (EU), on December 10, acknowledged that there have been significant improvements in Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict, particularly on resettlement and physical reconstruction, while challenges remain in several areas, reports Colombo Page. In a statement issued to commemora
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The European Union (EU), on December 10, acknowledged that there have been significant improvements in Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict, particularly on resettlement and physical reconstruction, while challenges remain in several areas, reports Colombo Page. In a statement issued to commemorate the World Human Rights Day, the EU Delegation in Colombo said the funding from EU and its Member States has supported progress on de-mining and the construction of new houses, helping the people displaced at the end of the war to return to their homes. "Further challenges also remain in upholding the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and the rule of law, strengthening freedom of expression, taking effective action to end religious intolerance and preventing sexual abuse of women and children," the EU statement said.
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December - 30 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on December 30 reiterated that he will not allow any power to divide the country or hand over power to any authority that would lead to the division, reports Colombo Page. The President said the provincial councils and the Government should work together in the best inter
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on December 30 reiterated that he will not allow any power to divide the country or hand over power to any authority that would lead to the division, reports Colombo Page. The President said the provincial councils and the Government should work together in the best interests of the people and all must act as one nation since the victory of freedom was achieved with great difficulty and sacrifice. He said although there are different opinions regarding the provincial council system both the provincial council and the central Government need to act in cooperation within a single country by respecting the state policy.
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December - 31 
Cuba, a key ally of Sri Lanka, on December 31 pledged its support to defeat a possible resolution at the March session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reports Daily Mirror. Cuban Ambassador Indira Lopez Arguelles in an interview told Daily Mirror that Cuba, as a matter of princip
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Cuba, a key ally of Sri Lanka, on December 31 pledged its support to defeat a possible resolution at the March session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reports Daily Mirror. Cuban Ambassador Indira Lopez Arguelles in an interview told Daily Mirror that Cuba, as a matter of principle was opposed to any country-specific resolutions because such resolutions were against the spirit of international law. “When a country is singled out in this manner, it is not co-operative. It is an infringement of the country’s sovereignty and an unnecessary interference of its internal affairs. It creates unnecessary pressure on a country is contrary to the spirit of international law,” she said. Ms. Lopez said the two previous resolutions on Sri Lanka were unfair by the country and had confused the situation. She said Cuba could play a role in helping Sri Lanka to gain economic and political access to Latin America though however Cuba was unable to expand trade activities with Sri Lanka given the economic blockade imposed by the United States.
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December - 31 
The Indian Government has built 10,000 houses this year for Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern provinces and 33,000 more will be constructed in the next two years, reports The Hindu. The housing project funded by New Delhi made significant progress during 2013, t
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The Indian Government has built 10,000 houses this year for Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern provinces and 33,000 more will be constructed in the next two years, reports The Hindu. The housing project funded by New Delhi made significant progress during 2013, the Indian High Commission in Colombo on December 31. “The second phase of the Indian Housing Project, involving the construction of 43,000 housing units for IDPs in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which is being implemented in consultation with... the Government of Sri Lanka, has made significant progress by attaining the target of completing 10,000 new houses during 2013,” a statement said. It said 16,000 more houses are expected to be completed during 2014, and the remaining 17,000 houses will be built in 2015. In the east, the housing project was launched in May and 66 houses have been completed so far while 400 more are nearing completion. The construction of 43,000 houses for resettling and rehabilitating people displaced during the ethnic war in Sri Lanka is part of India’s overall commitment to build 50,000 houses, which was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June 2010. The third phase of the housing project, involving the construction of 4,000 houses for Indian-origin estate workers of Central and Uva Provinces, will be taken up by April 2014. The fourth phase will be launched in the northern and eastern provinces for the most vulnerable conflict displaced people next year. The project is being implemented with full grant assistance from India, with the total outlay of Rs 1,372 crore making it one of the largest grant assistance projects undertaken by the Government in any country, the High Commission said.
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