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Afghanistan
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Sri Lanka
Report:2017
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 2 
Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faizer Mustapha on January 2 refused to accept the report of the Delimitation Committee reviewing the demarcation of electoral boundaries in local Government wards, reports Colombo Page. The Chairman of the Appeals Committee on the Demarcation of
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Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faizer Mustapha on January 2 refused to accept the report of the Delimitation Committee reviewing the demarcation of electoral boundaries in local Government wards, reports Colombo Page. The Chairman of the Appeals Committee on the Demarcation of boundaries of Local Government Institutions, Asoka Peiris was to hand over its much-awaited report to the Minister at a media briefing in Colombo but the Minister focusing on the legal status of the report has refused to accept it since only three members of the five-member committee has signed the much-delayed report.
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January - 2 
Mullaitivu District Court on January 2 asked the Army to submit the list of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who surrendered to the security forces during the final phase of the war with the LTTE in 2009, reports Colombo Page. District Judge M.S.M. Samsudeen ordered the Army to submit
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Mullaitivu District Court on January 2 asked the Army to submit the list of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who surrendered to the security forces during the final phase of the war with the LTTE in 2009, reports Colombo Page. District Judge M.S.M. Samsudeen ordered the Army to submit the list by January 30 when he heard a case related to individuals who allegedly disappeared after surrendering to the security forces.
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January - 3 
Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms appointed by the Prime Minister on January 26, 2016 has handed over its complete report to the Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera on January 3, reports Colombo Page. In its report the Task Force has recommended including at least one international ju
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Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms appointed by the Prime Minister on January 26, 2016 has handed over its complete report to the Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera on January 3, reports Colombo Page. In its report the Task Force has recommended including at least one international judge in the judicial process seeking accountability for the war time abuses during the last phase of the country's decades-long civil war.
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January - 4 
Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein has welcomed the report published by the Consultations Task Force (CTF) on Reconciliation Mechanisms, reports Colombo Page on January 5. The UN High Commissioner welcomed the recommendations in the report especially the recomm
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Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein has welcomed the report published by the Consultations Task Force (CTF) on Reconciliation Mechanisms, reports Colombo Page on January 5. The UN High Commissioner welcomed the recommendations in the report especially the recommendation backing the implementation of a hybrid court with local and foreign judges to seek accountability for the war time abuses during the last phase of the country's decades-long civil war.
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January - 16 
An alleged fundraiser for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has lost his battle to stay in Canada as Federal Court upheld deportation order, reports Colombo Page on January 17. The Federal Court upheld the deportation of Manickavasagam Suresh on the grounds he was a member of a terrorist organ
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An alleged fundraiser for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has lost his battle to stay in Canada as Federal Court upheld deportation order, reports Colombo Page on January 17. The Federal Court upheld the deportation of Manickavasagam Suresh on the grounds he was a member of a terrorist organization and that he was complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The evidence "adequately supported" the Immigration and Refugee Board's finding that Suresh was a member of the LTTE, Justice Richard Mosley wrote in his ruling.In 1990, Suresh was allegedly sent to Toronto by the LTTE to help run the group's front organization, a Toronto-based non-profit organization called the World Tamil Movement (WTM), serving as its coordinator. But he was arrested in 1995 as a security risk. Since his arrest in Toronto in 1995, Suresh has appealed court's ruling to stop his deportation.
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January - 17 
Delimitation Review Committee reviewing the demarcation of electoral boundaries in local Government wards handed over its muchawaited final report to the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faizer Mustapha on January 17, reports Colombo Page. The Ministry of Local Government appoint
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Delimitation Review Committee reviewing the demarcation of electoral boundaries in local Government wards handed over its muchawaited final report to the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faizer Mustapha on January 17, reports Colombo Page. The Ministry of Local Government appointed the fivemember committee on December 1, 2015, to look into discrepancies regarding demarcation of boundaries and shortcomings of the report submitted by the National Delimitation Commission (NDC). It was entrusted to carryout demarcation activities after reviewing the appeals made with regard to demarcation of 206 out of 336 local Government areas.
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January - 25 
Government at a function held in Mullaitivu District on January 25 handed over another 243 acres of land held by Army to the people in the North, reports Colombo Page. At the function land entitlement deeds were presented to 1,352 families and subsistence to the tune of 100,000 rupees were giv
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Government at a function held in Mullaitivu District on January 25 handed over another 243 acres of land held by Army to the people in the North, reports Colombo Page. At the function land entitlement deeds were presented to 1,352 families and subsistence to the tune of 100,000 rupees were given to 300 low income families of the District.
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February - 7 
Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran said that Police saying there is a threat to Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Sumanthiran's life is a ploy to station the Army permanently, reports Daily Mirror on February 7. He said "The Police had told Courts that those arrested had d
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Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran said that Police saying there is a threat to Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Sumanthiran's life is a ploy to station the Army permanently, reports Daily Mirror on February 7. He said "The Police had told Courts that those arrested had drugs in their possession. However they had not notified Courts about the death threat. If there were any truth in the allegation, they should have notified so. We have to find out to what extent it is true. Following the Police investigations something will be said. One thing we must remember is that from time to time there were death threats or some tensions were created. They did this in the case of Kilinochchi Jeyakumari as well. I wonder whether the circulation of this kind of rumour is a ruse to station the army permanently
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February - 13 
Kingdom (UK) representative at the organizational meeting for the 34th session of the Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva on February 13 communicated that it is planning to sponsor a new consensus resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC at its upcoming 34th regular session in Geneva fro
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Kingdom (UK) representative at the organizational meeting for the 34th session of the Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva on February 13 communicated that it is planning to sponsor a new consensus resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC at its upcoming 34th regular session in Geneva from February 27 to March 24, reports Colombo Page. He said the Britain is discussing the contents of a follow-up resolution in partnership with the government of Sri Lanka, which will be negotiated in line with standard Council practice .The resolution will look to give Sri Lanka time to address the accountability issue on the war.
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February - 15 
Coordinator to the United Nations (UN) Una Makoli and Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Toolai Margue during a meeting with the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C. V. Wigneswaran on their tour of Jaffna on February 15 pledged their cooperation to promote reconciliation between all communi
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Coordinator to the United Nations (UN) Una Makoli and Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Toolai Margue during a meeting with the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C. V. Wigneswaran on their tour of Jaffna on February 15 pledged their cooperation to promote reconciliation between all communities in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. The visiting delegates had a lengthy discussion with the Chief Minister on the present political situation of Sri Lanka and also the affairs of the Northern Provincial Council. Among the matters that had been discussed was the necessity of a power sharing through the new constitution and also the additional powers the Northern Provincial council would be vested with.
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February - 22 
Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Atigalla, on February 22, ordered that a former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre and three others be remanded till March 1, 2017, reports ceylontoday.lk. The Police had arrested the suspects on charges of violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act, whe
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Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Atigalla, on February 22, ordered that a former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre and three others be remanded till March 1, 2017, reports ceylontoday.lk. The Police had arrested the suspects on charges of violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act, when they were attempting to send a cap embossed with the official emblem of the LTTE, from the Bandaranaike International Airport to London.
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February - 27 
Meanwhile, eight Parliamentarians of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have written to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) chief requesting him not to give more time to the Sri Lankan Government to address the accountability issue, reports Daily News on February 28. The TNA in the letter
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Meanwhile, eight Parliamentarians of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have written to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) chief requesting him not to give more time to the Sri Lankan Government to address the accountability issue, reports Daily News on February 28. The TNA in the letter has said that already the UNHRC has given the Government ample time to address the accountability issue and has added that giving more time will set a bad precedent. The letter has been signed by TNA Parliamentarians S. Sritharan, S.Yogeswaran, C. Nirmalan, S. Adaikalanadan, K. Kodishwaram, S. Siddharathan, S. Viyalendran and S. Anandan. However, TNA leader R. Sampanthan and eight other MPs have not signed the letter.
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March - 7 
Government on March 7 presented a Bill to ratify and implement the 'International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance', reports Daily Mirror. Sri Lanka became a signatory of this Convention in December 10, 2015. The Bill was presented to Parliament by Lea
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Government on March 7 presented a Bill to ratify and implement the 'International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance', reports Daily Mirror. Sri Lanka became a signatory of this Convention in December 10, 2015. The Bill was presented to Parliament by Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella. The Bill seeks to ensure the right to Justice and reparation for victims of enforced disappearances.
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March - 10 
Londonbased Tamil Diaspora organization, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF), welcoming United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Sri Lanka has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to adopt a new resolution to closely monitor Sri Lanka'
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Londonbased Tamil Diaspora organization, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF), welcoming United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Sri Lanka has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to adopt a new resolution to closely monitor Sri Lanka's compliance in the resolution HRC 301 adopted by the council in October 2015, reports Colombo Page on March 10 (today). The GTF while requesting the UNHRC to extend the timeline as Sri Lanka requested by another 24 months to fulfill the recommendations of the resolution HCR301 called upon the Government to make every effort to implement all of the recommendations presented in the High Commissioner's report.
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March - 15 
Meanwhile, former members of Consultation Task Force (CTF) on Reconciliation Mechanisms appointed by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 15 urged the Government to consider their recommendations and not to ignore the final report, reports Daily News. The Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesin
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Meanwhile, former members of Consultation Task Force (CTF) on Reconciliation Mechanisms appointed by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 15 urged the Government to consider their recommendations and not to ignore the final report, reports Daily News. The Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed the 11-member Task Force on January 26, 2016 to consult the public on the processes and mechanisms for reconciliation in Sri Lanka to seek truth and justice, ensure accountability for human rights violations and provide measures for redress. The CTF submitted its final report on the consultation process to the government on January 3. In its final report, the CTF has recommended including at least one international judge in the judicial process seeking accountability for the war time abuses during the last phase of the country's decades-long civil war.
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March - 15 
States (U.S.) on March 15 commended Sri Lanka for its continuing efforts to promote reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement on the draft resolution on Sri Lanka presented to the Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 13 by the U.S. and other members of the Friends of Sri Lan
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States (U.S.) on March 15 commended Sri Lanka for its continuing efforts to promote reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement on the draft resolution on Sri Lanka presented to the Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 13 by the U.S. and other members of the Friends of Sri Lanka Core Group, the U.S. State Department said the resolution reflects the States' enduring commitment to lasting peace and justice for all the people of Sri Lanka. "The States is pleased that Sri Lanka has agreed once again to cosponsor the resolution, and invites likeminded UN members to demonstrate support for reconciliation and peace in Sri Lanka by adding their names to the list of cosponsors. The States applauds the administration of President Sirisena for its continuing efforts to promote reconciliation," it said.
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March - 16 
Separately, National Peace Council (NPC), an independent and nonpartisan organization working towards peace in Sri Lanka, urged the Government to set a timeline to fulfill those obligations to strengthen its credibility, reports Colombo Page on March 17. The NPC said it believes that it is necessary
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Separately, National Peace Council (NPC), an independent and nonpartisan organization working towards peace in Sri Lanka, urged the Government to set a timeline to fulfill those obligations to strengthen its credibility, reports Colombo Page on March 17. The NPC said it believes that it is necessary to give the Government the additional time it seeks to fulfill all the obligations in the consensual resolution HRC 301 adopted by the UNHRC in October 2015.
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March - 17 
Northern Provincial Council has passed a resolution calling for the ratification of the Rome Statute, so that Sri Lanka could be hauled up before the International Criminal Court (ICC) if crimes were committed in future, reports Daily Mirror on March 18. Currently, Sri Lanka is not a signatory to th
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Northern Provincial Council has passed a resolution calling for the ratification of the Rome Statute, so that Sri Lanka could be hauled up before the International Criminal Court (ICC) if crimes were committed in future, reports Daily Mirror on March 18. Currently, Sri Lanka is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, and therefore anyone here could not be tried before the ICC. In the resolution that was adopted, the Northern Provincial Council resolves that the Government had not taken adequate measures to fully implement the Resolution 301 that it cosponsored at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Session in September 2015, especially with regard to the accountability, establishment of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation; non–recurrence of oppression, return of lands to its rightful civilian owners and an office of reparation.
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March - 27 
Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan said that his ministry has constructed over 11,000 houses in war affected areas, reports Colombo Page on March 28. According to the Minister, 11,253 houses in war affected areas in Northern and Eastern
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Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan said that his ministry has constructed over 11,000 houses in war affected areas, reports Colombo Page on March 28. According to the Minister, 11,253 houses in war affected areas in Northern and Eastern Provinces and in border villages in Puttalam, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa Districts have been constructed in 2016. In addition, the Ministry has renovated 2,170 partly damaged houses, 171 roads, 41 pre-schools, 29 schools, and 23 hospitals. It has also granted provisions for 104 free domestic electricity connections, 3,371 water supply connections, 47 RO water purification plants and livelihood facilities for 12,050 families providing Rs.100,000 for each family. About 7,598 toilets, 1,202 common wells, and 29 community water projects have also been constructed for the affected people by the Ministry, he added.
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April - 2 
A latest opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a leading public policy research and advocacy think tank in Sri Lanka reveals that a majority believed the Government needs to show better results and the Government has been unsuccessful in informing people about the const
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A latest opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a leading public policy research and advocacy think tank in Sri Lanka reveals that a majority believed the Government needs to show better results and the Government has been unsuccessful in informing people about the constitutional reform process, reports Colombo Page on April 3. The CPA's latest survey on constitutional reforms reveals that only 1.1 percent of Sri Lankans believe that the Government's performance since January 2015 has been excellent and does not need any improvements while 42.3 percent said that the performance has been good but the Government needs to show better results. Another 23 percent believe that the Government's performance has been bad but that it should be given more time to deliver results. 16.5 percent thought the Government's performance has been very bad and it should be voted out as soon as possible.
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April - 7 
A study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden has shown that psychosocial programs for children in war-torn Sri Lanka have shown beneficial results, reports Colombo Page on April 8. Kumari Thoradeniya, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg for her thesis study, has compared thre
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A study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden has shown that psychosocial programs for children in war-torn Sri Lanka have shown beneficial results, reports Colombo Page on April 8. Kumari Thoradeniya, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg for her thesis study, has compared three different psychosocial rehabilitation programs for war-affected children in war-torn Sri Lanka. Field studies for the thesis were undertaken in 2005, in which Kumari used interviews, questionnaires and observations to gather data. The programs were also compared with a group of children who had not been subject to any rehabilitation at all. "The impact levels of each of the programs were different because of their differences in objectives, approaches and methodologies, as well as varying levels of human and material resources. However, when comparing the rehabilitated children with those who had not gone through any rehabilitation, there was a remarkable difference. The rehabilitated children showed a much higher possibility of becoming normal citizens compared to those who had not undergone any rehabilitation," explains Kumari.
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May - 1 
Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) leader Mavai Senathirajah at a May Day rally held in Alayadivembu Dharmasangari playground in Ampara District on May1 said ITAK is willing to absorb the rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres into mainstream politics, reports Daily Mirror. Mr.
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Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) leader Mavai Senathirajah at a May Day rally held in Alayadivembu Dharmasangari playground in Ampara District on May1 said ITAK is willing to absorb the rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres into mainstream politics, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Senathirajah said that the former militants had collectively formed a new party and since they had been rehabilitated, the ITAK wished to absorb them into democratic politics.
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May - 1 
President Maithripala Sirisena honoring the working people on the International Workers' Day, on May 1 (today) called on the country's working class to play a major role in the struggle to establish reconciliation and achieve economic prosperity for the people, reports Colombo Page. The Pres
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President Maithripala Sirisena honoring the working people on the International Workers' Day, on May 1 (today) called on the country's working class to play a major role in the struggle to establish reconciliation and achieve economic prosperity for the people, reports Colombo Page. The President reminded that the working class that has become a powerful force over the years through struggles has played a major critical role in the recent campaign to win back democracy in Sri Lanka.
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May - 3 
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila on May 3 said the Constitutional draft which is being made is sugarcoated poison and no one should fall for it, reports Daily Mirror. Commenting on a recent interim report of the Constitutional Assembly’s Steering Committee, he sa
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Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila on May 3 said the Constitutional draft which is being made is sugarcoated poison and no one should fall for it, reports Daily Mirror. Commenting on a recent interim report of the Constitutional Assembly’s Steering Committee, he said “The interim report had been submitted to the Constitutional Assembly by the Prime Minister as the Constitutional Assembly’s Steering Committee Head. The reforms are only unitary in name but federal in function. Therefore, we should make people aware of this danger to nip it in the bud,” he said.
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May - 4 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA)on May 4 said it is 'perturbed' by the proposed Counter-Terrorism Act, reports Colombo Page. The TNA said in a statement they were ‘shocked’ by the extent to which the draft framework "curtails civil liberties, erodes judicial control over the st
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA)on May 4 said it is 'perturbed' by the proposed Counter-Terrorism Act, reports Colombo Page. The TNA said in a statement they were ‘shocked’ by the extent to which the draft framework "curtails civil liberties, erodes judicial control over the state security apparatus and the staggering potential for abuse and torture." However, the TNA said the party is "unequivocally committed" to supporting a legal framework to prevent and punish terrorism. "We are unequivocally committed to supporting a legal framework that would prevent and punish acts of terrorism in a manner that is lawful, in compliance with fundamental rights and the rule of law. To this end, we have engaged constructively in Parliament. We are therefore deeply perturbed by the turn the government's latest draft has taken," the TNA said.
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May - 15 
President Maithripala Sirisena addressing a meeting at the Kaduruwela Muslim Madya Maha Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa District on May 15 said that communalist elements cannot form Government in Sri Lanka, reports Daily News. He said that it is only a political movement that ensures social justice to all
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President Maithripala Sirisena addressing a meeting at the Kaduruwela Muslim Madya Maha Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa District on May 15 said that communalist elements cannot form Government in Sri Lanka, reports Daily News. He said that it is only a political movement that ensures social justice to all communities including Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims which can form Governments in the country in future.
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May - 16 
Meanwhile, a special discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat on May 16 under the patronage of Secretary to the President P. B. Abeykoon to look into the issues of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the resettled IDPs in the Mannar District, reports Colombo Page. A group of Musli
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Meanwhile, a special discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat on May 16 under the patronage of Secretary to the President P. B. Abeykoon to look into the issues of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the resettled IDPs in the Mannar District, reports Colombo Page. A group of Muslim representatives and the officials of the Department of Forest Conservation including Secretary to the Ministry of Environment participated in the meeting. The issues faced by the people in the area, and ways to resolve their issues were discussed in detail at the meeting. A special gazette notification signed by President Maithripala Sirisena in March on declaring four forests near Wilpattu North Sanctuary as conservation forests has caused serious concern among Muslims and seen as an attempt to prevent Muslims from returning to their lands. During the meeting it was decided to appoint a Special Committee under the guidance of the President to resolve the issues and decided that the Committee report should be submitted to the President within a month.
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May - 17 
National Peace Council (NPC), an independent and nonpartisan organization working towards peace in Sri Lanka, has held a one-week training program on conflict transformation for peace workers in Colombo under its Religions to Reconcile project, reports Colombo Page on May 18. The 26-month project, s
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National Peace Council (NPC), an independent and nonpartisan organization working towards peace in Sri Lanka, has held a one-week training program on conflict transformation for peace workers in Colombo under its Religions to Reconcile project, reports Colombo Page on May 18. The 26-month project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented with a Jordan-based partner organization, Generations For Peace, began in October 2016, targeting the Districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Puttalam, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara and Ampara. The project is based on strengthening inter religious people-to-people community engagement for reconciliation and social cohesion in Sri Lanka. During the workshop the participants were trained on conflict, peace and peace building, conflict analysis, theory of change, sports and arts for peace, and facilitation roles, techniques and methodologies.
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May - 19 
Meanwhile, Army on May 19 launched a Tamil website concurrent to its English and Sinhala website, reports Daily News. The launch was made to facilitate Tamil readership across the country and the world. The website was conceptualized by Army Commander Lieutenant General Crisanthe De Silva and was im
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Meanwhile, Army on May 19 launched a Tamil website concurrent to its English and Sinhala website, reports Daily News. The launch was made to facilitate Tamil readership across the country and the world. The website was conceptualized by Army Commander Lieutenant General Crisanthe De Silva and was implemented jointly by the Army Directorate of Media and Directorate of Information Technology.
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May - 19 
Separately, President Maithripala Sirisena on May 19 paid glowing tribute to fallen war heroes at the National War Heroes Memorial Ceremony 2017 at the Parliament Grounds, reports Daily Mirror.Addressing the nation, President Sirisena said “There was smooth running of the country sans any sign
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Separately, President Maithripala Sirisena on May 19 paid glowing tribute to fallen war heroes at the National War Heroes Memorial Ceremony 2017 at the Parliament Grounds, reports Daily Mirror.Addressing the nation, President Sirisena said “There was smooth running of the country sans any significant economic or national security hiccups until 1970 after gaining independence in 1948. Though there were occasional failures and setbacks, our armed forces, the Police and Civil Defence Force fought the separatist war bravely and with utmost dedication and resolve until the final victory. Even about 100,000 Indian soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force were not able to contain the LTTE terrorists. However, the sons and daughters of the three armed forces and the Police of the motherland were able to annihilate the separatist terrorism from its soil forever by using their experience in the war, strategies and knowledge combined with technological acumen.”
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May - 19 
Several Police officers attached to the Kilinochchi Police, escaped unhurt when their vehicle was shot at by an unidentified gunman, while driving along the road bordering a forest area in Kilinochchi District on May 19, reports Daily Mirror. They said the suspect had escaped after shooting at the o
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Several Police officers attached to the Kilinochchi Police, escaped unhurt when their vehicle was shot at by an unidentified gunman, while driving along the road bordering a forest area in Kilinochchi District on May 19, reports Daily Mirror. They said the suspect had escaped after shooting at the officers. The Army and Police officers have launched a search operation in the area to track down the suspect, they said.
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May - 23 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at a function held at the Temple Trees in Colombo on May 23 called on youth to play greater role in reconciliation for country's development, reports Colombo Page. "When looking at the path of involving youth in the development process, we must p
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at a function held at the Temple Trees in Colombo on May 23 called on youth to play greater role in reconciliation for country's development, reports Colombo Page. "When looking at the path of involving youth in the development process, we must pay particular attention to ensuring them with a bright future through the creation jobs and a steady source of income. It is only through uplifting our youth that the country will be uplifted. And that is where our attention is focused," the Premier said.
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June - 1 
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), in a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena, expressing grave concern over the acts of violence and aggression targeting the Muslim community, urged the President to direct law enforcement authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrato
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), in a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena, expressing grave concern over the acts of violence and aggression targeting the Muslim community, urged the President to direct law enforcement authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators of hate crimes, reports Colombo Page on June 2. HRCSL requested the President to give urgent directions to Ministry of Law and Order and the Inspector General of Police to take all necessary action against the instigators and perpetrators of violence and hate speech targeting the Muslim community as well as other religious minorities in the country.
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June - 4 
A workshop held by the National Peace Council (NPC) in Colombo on June 4 discussed diverse topics on Transitional Justice Mechanisms, the New Constitution and the Referendum, reports Colombo Page. 32 participants from 16 Districts, including lawyers, doctors, principals, teachers and young entrepren
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A workshop held by the National Peace Council (NPC) in Colombo on June 4 discussed diverse topics on Transitional Justice Mechanisms, the New Constitution and the Referendum, reports Colombo Page. 32 participants from 16 Districts, including lawyers, doctors, principals, teachers and young entrepreneurs, attended the workshop. The workshop was held under NPC's project Initiating Multi Level Partnership Action for Conflict Transformation (IMPACT) in District where NPC had set up District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs).
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June - 8 
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to President Maithripala Sirisena asking him to ensure the right of families to engage in memorialization activities to mourn those who died in the three-decade long armed conflict regardless of their beliefs, reports Colombo Page on June
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to President Maithripala Sirisena asking him to ensure the right of families to engage in memorialization activities to mourn those who died in the three-decade long armed conflict regardless of their beliefs, reports Colombo Page on June 9. The HRCSL in a letter to the President said that the Commission is of the view that allowing families the space to do so would enable them to feel they too have, and are able to exercise their rights as citizens of Sri Lanka, and are part of a common journey towards reconciliation. The Commission has written to the President in response to a complaint received from Rev. Fr. Elil Rajendran of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) Mullaitivu. Fr. Elil has been summoned numerous times by the Police to be interrogated in relation to a memorialization activity he had organized to remember those who lost their lives during the latter stages of the armed conflict.
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June - 12 
President Maithripala Sirisena met with the families of disappeared persons in Jaffna District on June 12 and assured them that he will issue relevant directives to address the demands of the families, reports Colombo Page. The President, who was in Jaffna to attend the Development Committee meeting
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President Maithripala Sirisena met with the families of disappeared persons in Jaffna District on June 12 and assured them that he will issue relevant directives to address the demands of the families, reports Colombo Page. The President, who was in Jaffna to attend the Development Committee meeting, held a discussion with the families of the missing persons at the Northern Province Governor's Office in Jaffna. President Sirisena meeting with the families of the disappeared promised that he would issue directives to the National Security Council to release lists of persons who surrendered to the Armed forces in final phase of the war, detainees, and political prisoners.
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June - 13 
Cabinet of Ministers has directed the law enforcement authorities and the Attorney General to take immediate action against instigators and perpetrators of violence and hate crimes against religious and ethnic groups, reports Colombo Page on June 14. Issuing a statement the Cabinet of Ministers said
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Cabinet of Ministers has directed the law enforcement authorities and the Attorney General to take immediate action against instigators and perpetrators of violence and hate crimes against religious and ethnic groups, reports Colombo Page on June 14. Issuing a statement the Cabinet of Ministers said they are deeply concerned by the recent incidents of violence targeting places of religious worship, shops and business enterprises, and houses and denounced such acts aimed at inciting violence against the different ethnic and religious communities in the country.
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June - 13 
The proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to form District level committees and to establish a national reconciliation committee to resolve ethnic and religious issues was approved by Cabinet Ministers, reports Daily News on June 14. In his proposal, President Sirisena as the National Inte
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The proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to form District level committees and to establish a national reconciliation committee to resolve ethnic and religious issues was approved by Cabinet Ministers, reports Daily News on June 14. In his proposal, President Sirisena as the National Integration and Reconciliation Minister suggested to appoint District Secretaries as conveners in the District level committees.
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June - 20 
Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's proposal to appoint a Ministerial Committee chaired by him to coordinate the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recommendations made in the consensus resolution adopted in October 20
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Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's proposal to appoint a Ministerial Committee chaired by him to coordinate the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recommendations made in the consensus resolution adopted in October 2015, reports Colombo Page on June 21. The UNHRC at its 34th session in March 2017 allowed two more years for Sri Lanka to fully implement the recommendations agreed in October 2015 resolution.
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June - 25 
Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan authorities to immediately implement the much delayed Office on Missing Persons (OMP), reports Colombo Page. "It is encouraging that both the President and the Prime Minister have reached out to families of the disappeared over recent days. But
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Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan authorities to immediately implement the much delayed Office on Missing Persons (OMP), reports Colombo Page. "It is encouraging that both the President and the Prime Minister have reached out to families of the disappeared over recent days. But soothing words must be followed by decisive action. Only justice can heal the wounds of Sri Lankans. The people of Sri Lanka cannot wait any longer. Tens of thousands of families, from all communities, have waited far too long already. The Office on Missing Persons must be established as soon as possible," said Biraj Patnaik, Amnesty International's South Asia Director.
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July - 4 
Colombo High Court on July 4 sentenced a woman for harboring a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) female suicide bomber who staged a suicide attack on the then Minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services and current President Maithripala Sirisena in 2008 at Boralesgamuwa, reports
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Colombo High Court on July 4 sentenced a woman for harboring a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) female suicide bomber who staged a suicide attack on the then Minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services and current President Maithripala Sirisena in 2008 at Boralesgamuwa, reports Colombo Page. The 62-year-old defendant Selvakumar Welamani pleaded guilty to the charge of providing accommodation to a LTTE woman suicide bomber who targeted President Sirisena.
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July - 4 
Earlier, responding positively to the concerns of the public and local politicians in the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka military on July released 54 acres of lands and a fishery harbor in Jaffna to the original owners, reports Colombo Page. Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) released a land
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Earlier, responding positively to the concerns of the public and local politicians in the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka military on July released 54 acres of lands and a fishery harbor in Jaffna to the original owners, reports Colombo Page. Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) released a land patch of 54 acres along the coastal belt in Thaididi Grama Niladari Division, including the Myladi Fisheries Harbor that borders the Palaly Army Cantonment to their legal owners. Accordingly, 187 families, who are still residing as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), either in relief centers or mostly with their next of kin, are able to return to their original lands and resume their fishing livelihood after absence of nearly 30 years, the Army media unit said.
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July - 8 
Sri Lankan Minister Mangala Samaraweera said 'political ghosts with double-standards' are opposing steps to prevent enforced disappearances in the future, reports Colombo Page on July 9. The Minister said in a statement that some sections divided over politics have opposed the Bill on Preven
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Sri Lankan Minister Mangala Samaraweera said 'political ghosts with double-standards' are opposing steps to prevent enforced disappearances in the future, reports Colombo Page on July 9. The Minister said in a statement that some sections divided over politics have opposed the Bill on Prevention of Disappearances, which is aimed at preventing forcible abduction, disappearance or imprisonment of citizens in future. "However, those political ghosts who introduced the white van culture to our country are now engaged in the process of misleading the people as usual. We vehemently condemn such shameful efforts by power-hungry forces to socialize such lies." The Minister clarified that the draft bill only affects the future and has no impact on the past events and the bill will ensure that the future generations will not be fall victim to enforced disappearances as in the past. "We like to ask whether eliminating the white van culture is a problem for anyone knowing the smell of humanity," the Minister asked. He questioned whether those who oppose the bill are indirectly saying that enforced disappearances should continue to provide the unfortunate opportunity to destroy the youth of this country in the future.Sri Lanka signed the International Covenant on Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on December 10, 2015, and the Government ratified it on May 25, 2016. In order to give legal validity to this, the relevant draft bill was gazetted on May 9, 2017 and submitted to Parliament for approval. It was due to be debated on July 5, 2017, together with the Bribery and Corruption Act. Since there were number of speakers to debate both bills, considering its importance a timely decision was taken to debate the bill on enforced disappearances on a later date. This draft bill ensures the human right of every citizen in a justice, free and civilized society. The purpose of this Act was to establish the freedom of life for every citizen born in Sri Lanka without fear of forcible abduction, disappearance and imprisonment.
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July - 13 
Elsewhere, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Ben Emmerson on July 13 visited Vavuniya in the Northern Province and met Tamil political prisoners arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), reports Colombo Page. The Special Rapporteur arrived i
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Elsewhere, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Ben Emmerson on July 13 visited Vavuniya in the Northern Province and met Tamil political prisoners arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), reports Colombo Page. The Special Rapporteur arrived in Sri Lanka on July 10 for a five-day official visit at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government. His visit is aimed at gathering first-hand information on initiatives in the area of counter-terrorism and assessing how they affect the promotion and protection of human rights. Sri Lanka Government is in the process of formulating the Counter Terrorism Act, a new anti-terrorism bill to repeal and replace the draconian PTA, which was enacted in 1979 to deal with the emerging Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism.
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July - 13 
Separately, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) for Jaffna District, M.A. Sumanthiran, on July 13 filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court against a Government project to build 65,000 pre-fabricated steel houses for the Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the Nor
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Separately, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) for Jaffna District, M.A. Sumanthiran, on July 13 filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court against a Government project to build 65,000 pre-fabricated steel houses for the Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. Minister for Resettlement and Rehabilitation D.M. Swaminathan, the foreign contractor, Arcelor Mittal Construction France, and the Attorney General have been named as respondents to the petition. MP Sumanthiran in his petition states that civil society representatives and the community leaders in those areas have pointed out the expenditure, wastage and drawbacks of such houses and he has informed the Parliament about the matter. He said that the proposed houses are not suitable from a variety of points of view, and that the award of the tender to Arcelor Mittal Construction France, was flawed. The petitioner says that with the expenses to build the pre-fabricated houses, more brick and cement houses can be made,
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July - 19 
Army, in keeping with the Government's policy to release more security forces-held lands to the civilians, on July 19 released 189 acresto original residents in Mullaitivu District, reports Colombo Page. Brigadier General Staff, Security Force Headquarters - Mullaitivu (SFHQ-MLT) delivered the f
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Army, in keeping with the Government's policy to release more security forces-held lands to the civilians, on July 19 released 189 acresto original residents in Mullaitivu District, reports Colombo Page. Brigadier General Staff, Security Force Headquarters - Mullaitivu (SFHQ-MLT) delivered the formal document officially handing over the 189 acres of land at Keppapilaw to the Maritimepatthu Divisional Secretary in the presence of District Secretary for Mullaitivu Mrs R. Kethiswaran.
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July - 19 
Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Sri Lanka on July 19 for a three-day visit to review the progress of peace building process, reports Colombo Page. From July19-21, the Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs will meet with Government officia
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Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Sri Lanka on July 19 for a three-day visit to review the progress of peace building process, reports Colombo Page. From July19-21, the Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs will meet with Government officials and leadership of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). He will also meet the representatives of the diplomatic community, civil society and religious leadership.
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July - 20 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on July 20 signed the Office on Missing Persons Act, paving the way to set up an office to trace around 20,000 people still missing, eight years after the end of the nearly three-decade-long civil war, reports The New Indian Express. A bill to establish the
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on July 20 signed the Office on Missing Persons Act, paving the way to set up an office to trace around 20,000 people still missing, eight years after the end of the nearly three-decade-long civil war, reports The New Indian Express. A bill to establish the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) was introduced on May 22 and gazetted on May 27 last year (2016). On June 21, the bill, presented by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, was passed unanimously in Parliament. Sirisena said in a tweet: "I signed the Office of Missing Persons Act today. This marks another step forward in Sri Lanka's path to sustained peace". The office will help several thousands of families of missing persons to discover the fate of their loved ones and to bring a closure for these families.
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July - 20 
The Government of Japan on July 20 extended a grant assistance of US$ 611,000 to Sri Lanka for de-mining activities in Northern Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. The agreement for the grant assistance was signed at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo. The grant assistance from Japan aims to accelerate th
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The Government of Japan on July 20 extended a grant assistance of US$ 611,000 to Sri Lanka for de-mining activities in Northern Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. The agreement for the grant assistance was signed at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo. The grant assistance from Japan aims to accelerate the Sri Lankan Government's program to provide livelihood assistance to the resettled people in the North. The mine clearance project for livelihood development in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is being implemented with the assistance of Japan. Over US $ 30 million has been offered under the program to de-mining since 2003. Over the past three years, Japanese assistance has helped to clear over 100,000 landmines in the North and East.
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July - 26 
Meanwhile, the European Court of Justice in Brussels on July 26 removed LTTE from its terrorism blacklist, reports Colombo Page. In 2006, the Council of the European Union placed on the list the LTTE, a movement which opposed the Government of Sri Lanka in a violent confrontation that resulted in th
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Meanwhile, the European Court of Justice in Brussels on July 26 removed LTTE from its terrorism blacklist, reports Colombo Page. In 2006, the Council of the European Union placed on the list the LTTE, a movement which opposed the Government of Sri Lanka in a violent confrontation that resulted in the LTTE's defeat in 2009. The Council has maintained the LTTE on the list ever since. By the judgment the Court of Justice reaffirming its case-law, said the European Union had not provided any evidence showing that the LTTE was a risk after their military defeat in 2009.
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July - 26 
Vavuniya High Court on July 26 sentenced K. Dasan, a former cadre of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for abducting and recruiting children to fight during the war, to life imprisonment, reports Colombo Page. In 2008, complaints have been lodged with the Police that the suspect had abducted c
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Vavuniya High Court on July 26 sentenced K. Dasan, a former cadre of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for abducting and recruiting children to fight during the war, to life imprisonment, reports Colombo Page. In 2008, complaints have been lodged with the Police that the suspect had abducted children on several occasions. However, the Police at the time were not able to arrest him since he was with the terrorist organization. After the end of the war, the suspect has surrendered to the security forces and was rehabilitated. Following his return to his home in Kilinochchi, the Police had taken him into custody on a complaint made by his family and produced him in court for trial.
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July - 28 
Earlier, the International Crisis Group in a report released on July 28 said that eight years after the end of Sri Lanka's armed conflict, Tamil women in the war-torn north and east are still seeking justice and truth for wartime violations, reports Colombo Page. The report says the promises by
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Earlier, the International Crisis Group in a report released on July 28 said that eight years after the end of Sri Lanka's armed conflict, Tamil women in the war-torn north and east are still seeking justice and truth for wartime violations, reports Colombo Page. The report says the promises by the Government to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2015 have failed to materialize and the urgent economic and psychosocial needs of all conflict-affected groups remain unmet. Despite their agenda-setting activism, women have been given little role in shaping transitional justice policies, says the report.
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July - 29 
Meanwhile, Delimitation Commission (DC) annual performance report for the year 2016 has revealed that the 1978 Constitution, as amended to date, is not clear about the appointment of a DC or to specify a mandate for such a commission, reports Daily Mirror on July 30. The report said the constitution
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Meanwhile, Delimitation Commission (DC) annual performance report for the year 2016 has revealed that the 1978 Constitution, as amended to date, is not clear about the appointment of a DC or to specify a mandate for such a commission, reports Daily Mirror on July 30. The report said the constitutions of Sri Lanka up to the first Republican Constitution of 1972 provided a clear mandate and rationale for DCs based on population and land characteristics.
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August - 8 
A top level regional conference on counter terrorism and international crime prevention in South and South Asian countries started in Colombo on August 8, reports Colombo Page. The conference organized by the International Police (INTERPOL) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police (SLP) was inaugu
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A top level regional conference on counter terrorism and international crime prevention in South and South Asian countries started in Colombo on August 8, reports Colombo Page. The conference organized by the International Police (INTERPOL) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police (SLP) was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake with Inspector General (IG) of Police Pujith Jayasundara. Sri Lanka Police is hosting the three day conference which started from August 8 to August 10 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The conference aims to initiate a common strategy to curb transnational crime and terrorist activities in the South and South East Asia and develop the regional cooperation in countering terrorism and crimes as well as share experiences of each other to gain more knowledge. Senior officers from the respective Police forces of seven countries in the South and Southeast Asian region including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia and Philippines will take part in the conference.
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August - 10 
Earlier, leader of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Opposition R. Sampanthan on August 10 urged the United States to hold the Government of Sri Lanka accountable for the commitments it made to the international community, particularly with regard to the full implementation of the Co-sponsored U
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Earlier, leader of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Opposition R. Sampanthan on August 10 urged the United States to hold the Government of Sri Lanka accountable for the commitments it made to the international community, particularly with regard to the full implementation of the Co-sponsored UNHRC resolution, reports Colombo Page. Mr. Sampanthan and Jaffna District Parliamentarian and TNA Spokesman Mr. Sumanthiran met with the visiting U.S. delegation comprising Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas in Colombo. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap was also present.
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August - 15 
Security Forces, in keeping with the Government's policy to release more Security Forces-held lands, on August 15 handed over five land plots extending to 2,332.25 acres and 25.2 perches that were used by Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) and other units to the Government, rep
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Security Forces, in keeping with the Government's policy to release more Security Forces-held lands, on August 15 handed over five land plots extending to 2,332.25 acres and 25.2 perches that were used by Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) and other units to the Government, reports Colombo Page. Accordingly, a plot of land extending to 2,290.75 acres and 17.6 perches was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oddusudan in the Mullaitivu District. Another land plot of 2.25 acres and 17.6 perches was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Kilinochchi. Two land plots extending to 38.25 acres and 5 perches were handed over to Divisional Secretary of Kandaweli to be handed over to the civilian owners. The remaining plot extending to 0.75 acres and 25 perches was handed over to Divisional Secretary of Karachi.
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August - 20 
Three ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) carders held in remand at the Anuradhapura Prison had commenced a hunger strike since August 20 morning urging authorities to expedite their court case, reports Daily Mirror. “The three detainees had refused to take breakfast and urge the author
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Three ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) carders held in remand at the Anuradhapura Prison had commenced a hunger strike since August 20 morning urging authorities to expedite their court case, reports Daily Mirror. “The three detainees had refused to take breakfast and urge the authorities expedite their court cases filed in the Vavuniya Court to be taken for hearing,” an official said. He said at least 20 LTTE members were held in remand at the Anuradhapura Prison. It was reported that the remaining LTTEs would also to join the hunger strike.
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August - 23 
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution introducing a new electoral system is presented in Parliament on August 23, reports Colombo Page. The Amendment seeks to change the Provincial Council electoral system and holds elections to all nine Provincial Councils on a single day. According to the amendme
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The 20th Amendment to the Constitution introducing a new electoral system is presented in Parliament on August 23, reports Colombo Page. The Amendment seeks to change the Provincial Council electoral system and holds elections to all nine Provincial Councils on a single day. According to the amendment, the date for the dissolution of Provincial Councils will be decided by Parliament and it should be noted that if the term of any Provincial Council winds up before the due date, it will be extended up to the day of election. The 20th amendment to the constitution was published in the Government Gazette on July 28, 2017.
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August - 25 
Parliament on August 25 passed the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill with amendments, reports Colombo Page. When the Division was taken at the Third Reading 120 voted in favor and 44 abstained while no votes were cast against the bill. The Joint Opposition MPs abstained from voting on the
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Parliament on August 25 passed the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill with amendments, reports Colombo Page. When the Division was taken at the Third Reading 120 voted in favor and 44 abstained while no votes were cast against the bill. The Joint Opposition MPs abstained from voting on the bill. The Bill is to make the necessary legal amendments to hold the long overdue Local Government Elections under the new electoral system. The Local Authorities Elections Act No. 22 of 2012 was presented to Parliament on June 20 by Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faizer Mustapha.
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August - 28 
People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), an election monitoring body in Sri Lanka, has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court (SC) against the draft bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The 20th Amendment to the Constituti
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People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), an election monitoring body in Sri Lanka, has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court (SC) against the draft bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution introducing a new electoral system was presented in parliament on August 23. The Amendment seeks to change the provincial council electoral system and holds elections to all nine provincial councils on a single day. The petitioner states that the Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister has continuously postponed and delayed the local government election which were to be held in 2015 and 2016 and by postponing the elections, the Minister has denied or restricted the sovereignty of the people of the country. The petitioner states that through 20th Amendment the Government can postpone the Provincial Council Election to 2019. The petitioner states that therefore, the continuous and uncertain delay of holding local authorities election by the respondents’ amount to a violation of Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution. PAFFREL therefore requested the SC to issue an interpretation calling for the draft bill to be established through a public referendum.
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August - 29 
Police on August 29 recovered several posters left behind by intelligence unit of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the roadside close to Kurumankadu in Vavuniya District, reports Daily Mirror. The posters titled ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ contained several statements sa
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Police on August 29 recovered several posters left behind by intelligence unit of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the roadside close to Kurumankadu in Vavuniya District, reports Daily Mirror. The posters titled ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ contained several statements saying it would keep an eye on the behavior of Tamil women attached to the LTTE intelligence units. The posters also said Tamil women should not interact with Sinhala men and added that they should be of good behavior. It said stern action would be taken against any of the women who had violated these orders.
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August - 30 
Meanwhile, Government on August 30 dismissed the war crime allegations raised by an international human rights group against former commander of Sri Lanka Army General Jagath Jayasuriya, reports Colombo Page. Military Spokesman, Brigadier Roshan Senevirathne said the allegations against the former A
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Meanwhile, Government on August 30 dismissed the war crime allegations raised by an international human rights group against former commander of Sri Lanka Army General Jagath Jayasuriya, reports Colombo Page. Military Spokesman, Brigadier Roshan Senevirathne said the allegations against the former Army Commander were baseless. The International Truth and Justice Project had filed war crimes charges in Brazil and Colombia against Jayasuriya, who was the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Brazil. The Spokesperson stated that the war heroes in Sri Lanka have been subjected to similar allegations before but the charges are baseless and the Army rejects the allegations.
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September - 2 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during a function at Malkaduwawa in the Kurunegala District on September 2 said Government will hold elections to the nine provincial councils before the end of 2018 by re-wording the 20th Amendment which was rejected by several provincial councils, reports D
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during a function at Malkaduwawa in the Kurunegala District on September 2 said Government will hold elections to the nine provincial councils before the end of 2018 by re-wording the 20th Amendment which was rejected by several provincial councils, reports Daily Mirror. He said “We are ready to introduce a fresh clause to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution compelling the government to hold the provincial council elections before the end of next year. The 20th Amendment was prepared to ensure that elections to the nine PCs will be held under the mixed electoral system on a single day prior to the end of 2018."
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September - 3 
President Maithripala Sirisena on September 3 vowed not to let any foreign entity to try island nation's war heroes who fought against terrorism, reports Colombo Page. He said "I will not allow anyone in the world to touch General Jagath Jayasuriya or any other Sri Lankan war hero. I s
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President Maithripala Sirisena on September 3 vowed not to let any foreign entity to try island nation's war heroes who fought against terrorism, reports Colombo Page. He said "I will not allow anyone in the world to touch General Jagath Jayasuriya or any other Sri Lankan war hero. I saw an issue regarding former Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya. It's not a problem in this country. It's an issue over the sea. By the way, I'm not ready to dance to the tunes of NGOs. I work with the non-governmental organizations that love this country." International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has accused the former commander General Jagath Jayasuriya, who was Ambassador to Brazil and few other South American countries until last week, of committing war crimes and has filed a case against him in Brazil and Colombia.Meanwhile, Regional Development Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka claimed he has evidence that his successor General Jagath Jayasuriya has committed war crimes, reports Colombo Page on September 1. Field Marshal Fonseka made these remarks in response to the statement made to the media by General Jayasuriya that the then Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was in charge of military operations at that time.
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September - 4 
Sri Lanka Army on September 4 handed over a school in Jaffna which was occupied by the Security Forces (SFs) during the war and held afterwards to the civil authorities, reports Colombo Page. Commander SFs (Jaffna) Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi handed over the building of Urani Kanista Vidyal
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Sri Lanka Army on September 4 handed over a school in Jaffna which was occupied by the Security Forces (SFs) during the war and held afterwards to the civil authorities, reports Colombo Page. Commander SFs (Jaffna) Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi handed over the building of Urani Kanista Vidyalaya and the surrounding land in Urani (Northern Province) to the Additional District Secretary Jaffna by, on 4 September in view of facilitating the education of children in the area.
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September - 4 
Vision 2025 to build a strong economy through reconciliation and democracy was launched at a ceremony held on September 4 in Colombo under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, reports Colombo Page. The ceremony was organized by the Media M
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Vision 2025 to build a strong economy through reconciliation and democracy was launched at a ceremony held on September 4 in Colombo under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, reports Colombo Page. The ceremony was organized by the Media Ministry under the directions of Minister of Finance and Mass Media Mangala Samaraweera. The Vision 2025 has proposed to build a strong economy through reconciliation and democracy ushering in a change in political culture escaping from the dark shadows of the past. Following the presentation of the program, the President and the Prime Minister participated in a discussion outlining the vision instead of normal traditional speeches. Several young men and women participated in the discussion had the opportunity to ask questions relating to the program from the President and the Prime Minister for the benefit of the audience.
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September - 6 
The representatives of the Association of Families Searching Disappeared Relatives met with the President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on September 6, reports Colombo Page. The meeting took place as an agitation conducted by the members of association in Kilinochchi and Vavun
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The representatives of the Association of Families Searching Disappeared Relatives met with the President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on September 6, reports Colombo Page. The meeting took place as an agitation conducted by the members of association in Kilinochchi and Vavuniya entered its 200th day. The officials, including Secretary to the President Austin Fernando and Secretary to the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation participated on the meeting.
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September - 12 
President Maithripala Sirisena on September 12 signed the Gazette Notification to operationalise the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) to help several thousands of families of missing persons across Sri Lanka to discover the fate of their loved ones, reports Colombo Page. The OMP Act No. 14 of 2016 an
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President Maithripala Sirisena on September 12 signed the Gazette Notification to operationalise the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) to help several thousands of families of missing persons across Sri Lanka to discover the fate of their loved ones, reports Colombo Page. The OMP Act No. 14 of 2016 and amended by Act No. 9 of 2017 comes into implementation and operation with effect from September 15 as the President has placed his signature for the Gazette Notification. Accordingly, the OMP will be established and its functions, duties, and mandate will come into operation with effect from September 15.
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September - 14 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on September 14 (today) called on United Nations (UN) member countries to press Sri Lanka to promptly meet the targets of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)'s October 2015 resolution for transitional justice, reports Colombo Page. "Governments at
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) on September 14 (today) called on United Nations (UN) member countries to press Sri Lanka to promptly meet the targets of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)'s October 2015 resolution for transitional justice, reports Colombo Page. "Governments at the Human Rights Council should be clear with Sri Lanka that setting up various reconciliation offices and talking of progress is not the same as implementing the 2015 resolution. Long-suffering Sri Lankans need to see the resolution fully carried out, and they need to see evidence that justice is being achieved," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director at HRW.
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September - 18 
No Rohingya refugees from Myanmar are in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs affirmed on September 18, reports Colombo Page. The Ministry said the Rohingya refugees, who had come to Sri Lanka earlier in three occasions earlier, had left the country a
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No Rohingya refugees from Myanmar are in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs affirmed on September 18, reports Colombo Page. The Ministry said the Rohingya refugees, who had come to Sri Lanka earlier in three occasions earlier, had left the country after they were handed over to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office.
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October - 1 
Separately, the Interim Report on Constitutional Reforms submitted to the Constitutional Assembly (CA) by the Steering Committee on September 21 has proposed to change the composition of Constitutional Council (CC) to increase civil society representatives, reports Daily News on October 2. The Inter
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Separately, the Interim Report on Constitutional Reforms submitted to the Constitutional Assembly (CA) by the Steering Committee on September 21 has proposed to change the composition of Constitutional Council (CC) to increase civil society representatives, reports Daily News on October 2. The Interim Report has suggested the CC should be constituted of three ex-officio MPs and seven non-MPs. The CC is now comprised of seven Members of Parliament and three civil society representatives. The ten-member CC, is an apex decision making body that makes recommendations with regard to the appointment of high ranking public and judicial officials such as the IGP, Attorney General, Auditor General, Secretary General of Parliament, Chief Justice and Judges of superior courts and members and chairmen of the independent commissions.
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October - 5 
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) presenting its observations on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances Bill has requested the President Maithripala Sirisena to endure the bill is enacted, reports Colombo Page on October 6. The Comm
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) presenting its observations on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances Bill has requested the President Maithripala Sirisena to endure the bill is enacted, reports Colombo Page on October 6. The Commission presenting its observations on the bill in writing to the President said the proposed legislation is a positive step towards addressing the long history of disappearances in Sri Lanka and stemming impunity for gross violations of human rights. The HRCSL said the devastating impact of the enforced disappearances that have taken place in the Northern and Eastern as well as the Southern parts on the families cannot be denied.
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October - 13 
A Hartal (General Strike) campaign was launched in the Northern Province on October 13 demanding the release of Tamil prisoners, reports Colombo Page. All regular daily activities have been hampered by the staging of the Hartal by the business community in the North and the Tamil civil organizations
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A Hartal (General Strike) campaign was launched in the Northern Province on October 13 demanding the release of Tamil prisoners, reports Colombo Page. All regular daily activities have been hampered by the staging of the Hartal by the business community in the North and the Tamil civil organizations. All traders in Northern Province have closed their shops to support the Hartal. Education activities in all the Tamil schools in the North were crippled, and schools in Jaffna were closed. All transport services have come to a halt and only buses plying out of Northern Province are in operation. The Tamil People's Council (TPC) led by the Northern Province Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran and the convener of the National Movement for Release Political Prisoners Fr. M. Shakthivale have organized the Hartal. They demand the Government to release the prisoners being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) without any court cases.
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October - 19 
A group of protesters including the Northern Provincial councilor K. Shivajilingam held a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena on October 19 at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the Tamil prisoners, reports Colombo Page. The group including councilor K. Shivajilingam staged a protest
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A group of protesters including the Northern Provincial councilor K. Shivajilingam held a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena on October 19 at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the Tamil prisoners, reports Colombo Page. The group including councilor K. Shivajilingam staged a protest demonstration carrying black flags when President Sirisena was visiting Jaffna on October 14. A small group of people demanding the transfer of three Tamil prisoners who have been sent from the Vavuniya Prison to the Anuradhapura Prison, back to Vavuniya Prison staged a protest along the road waving black flags. The President asked the demonstrators to visit Colombo and discuss any problems with him to find ways and means to settle them.
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October - 21 
On the concluding ceremony of the Nila Mehewara - President's People Service- National Programme-2017 held at Saivapragasa Ladies' College in Vavuniya District, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 21 visited Vavuniya District in the North to reso
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On the concluding ceremony of the Nila Mehewara - President's People Service- National Programme-2017 held at Saivapragasa Ladies' College in Vavuniya District, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 21 visited Vavuniya District in the North to resolve the problems of the public, reports Colombo Page. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP MA Sumanthiran, TNA Vanni District MPs and provincial councilors were also present at the reception to welcome the President and the Prime Minister. Nearly 5,000 people in Vavuniya were present at the event. At the event, the President symbolically handed over 5000, land deeds to the people of the North. The Nila Mehewara - President's People Service- National Programme-2017 was launched in Vavuniya in March. For over six months Ministers and Secretaries from time to time visited Vavuniya under the program to provide solutions to the unresolved problems of the people.
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October - 24 
The Government to operationalise the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) has called for applications to appoint members to the OMP, reports Colombo Page. Applications have been called from persons with previous experience in; fact finding or investigation, human rights law, international humanitarian la
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The Government to operationalise the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) has called for applications to appoint members to the OMP, reports Colombo Page. Applications have been called from persons with previous experience in; fact finding or investigation, human rights law, international humanitarian law, humanitarian response, or possess other qualifications relevant to the carrying out the functions of the OMP. The applications should be sent along with the curriculum vitae to reach Acting Secretary General of the Constitutional Council, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte on or before November 6, 2017. The OMP, which became operational on September 15, is one of Sri Lanka's four transitional justice mechanisms. The others are Office to handle reparations, a truth and reconciliation commission and a judicial mechanism to address allegations of wartime abuses.
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October - 30 
The debate on the interim report of the Constitutional Steering Committee began on October 30 (today) in Parliament, reports Daily Mirror. The three-day debate will be concluded on November 1.
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The debate on the interim report of the Constitutional Steering Committee began on October 30 (today) in Parliament, reports Daily Mirror. The three-day debate will be concluded on November 1.
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November - 1 
Colombo High Court on November 1 sentenced Sellathurai Kirubakaran, a suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre to life imprisonment for the assassination of the Head of the Colombo-Dehiwala Police Intelligence Unit Inspector Sunil Thabrew on July 23, 2003, reports Colombo Page. I
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Colombo High Court on November 1 sentenced Sellathurai Kirubakaran, a suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre to life imprisonment for the assassination of the Head of the Colombo-Dehiwala Police Intelligence Unit Inspector Sunil Thabrew on July 23, 2003, reports Colombo Page. It was reported at the time that suspect followed the Police officer when he returned to his barracks after visiting the Dehiwala police station and shot him. However, the counsel representing the accused requested the court to be lenient on his sentence since he was in remand for nearly 15 years.
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November - 8 
Colombo High Court on November 8 sentenced a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre for life imprisonment for conspiring and abetting to explode a claymore mine targeting a commuter bus at the Piliyandala bus stand in 2008, which killed 26 people and injured scores, reports Colombo Page.
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Colombo High Court on November 8 sentenced a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre for life imprisonment for conspiring and abetting to explode a claymore mine targeting a commuter bus at the Piliyandala bus stand in 2008, which killed 26 people and injured scores, reports Colombo Page. The accused S. Ananda Sudahar alias Lorence David Raja had been charged on 94 counts under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
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November - 8 
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, on November 8 responding to an Associated Press (AP) report which alleged that dozens of Tamil men were raped and tortured by the government, stressed that the Government of Sri Lanka does not condone or tolerate any form of torture, reports Colombo Page. In a letter to th
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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, on November 8 responding to an Associated Press (AP) report which alleged that dozens of Tamil men were raped and tortured by the government, stressed that the Government of Sri Lanka does not condone or tolerate any form of torture, reports Colombo Page. In a letter to the Editor of New York Times, which published the AP article titled 'Dozens of Men Describe Rape, Torture by Sri Lanka Government', Sri Lanka's Foreign Secretary Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam said the National Unity Government (NUG) is firmly committed to uphold the rule of law.
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November - 9 
Sri Lanka's human rights record will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)'s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the third time in a meeting that will be webcast live, reports Colombo Page on November 10. The review will take place on November
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Sri Lanka's human rights record will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)'s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the third time in a meeting that will be webcast live, reports Colombo Page on November 10. The review will take place on November15 from 2:30 - 6:00 p.m. (Geneva Time) in Room 20 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Sri Lanka is one of the 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session taking place from November 6-17. Sri Lanka's first and second UPR reviews took place in May 2008 and November 2012, respectively. The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations and civil society groups. The UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member States have been reviewed twice within the first and second UPR cycles. During the third UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow-up on, as well as to highlight recent human rights developments in the country.
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November - 15 
Jaffna High Court on November 15 summoned Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake to appear in Court on January 18, 2018, over the disappearance of 24 Tamils since their arrest in 1996 by security forces during the internal conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), repor
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Jaffna High Court on November 15 summoned Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake to appear in Court on January 18, 2018, over the disappearance of 24 Tamils since their arrest in 1996 by security forces during the internal conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page. Jaffna High Court Judge M. Illancheliyan issued the order when he considered a petition filed by parents and relatives of the 24 missing persons on November 15. The petitioners have alleged that the youths arrested by the then Commandant of the Nawakkuliya Army camp in Jaffna in September 1996 had disappeared. The Army Commander, the Attorney General and the then Commandant of the Nawakkuliya Army camp have been cited as respondents in the petition. The magistrate ordered all three respondents to appear in Court on January18, 2018.
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November - 21 
Meanwhile, Verite Research, Head of Media Research Deepanjali Abeywardena, at a discussion on the constitutional Reforms and Interim Report of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly, organized jointly by Internews and the Law and Society Trust, which was held at the auditorium of the
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Meanwhile, Verite Research, Head of Media Research Deepanjali Abeywardena, at a discussion on the constitutional Reforms and Interim Report of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly, organized jointly by Internews and the Law and Society Trust, which was held at the auditorium of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies said that momentum will be lost if a referendum on reforms to the constitution is not held within the next three months, reports Daily News on November 22. Member of Parliament and member of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly of Sri Lanka Dr. Jayampathy Wickremarathne, Law and Society Trust Director Dinushika Dissanayaike, Internews Director Sam de Silva and a select gathering including journalists were invited for the discussion.
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November - 26 
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has ordered an inquiry in to the reports that Kilinochchi Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian S. Sritharan has allocated SLR 4 million of his decentralized budget to rebuild the cemeteries for dead LTTE fighters, reports Colombo Page on Novemb
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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has ordered an inquiry in to the reports that Kilinochchi Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian S. Sritharan has allocated SLR 4 million of his decentralized budget to rebuild the cemeteries for dead LTTE fighters, reports Colombo Page on November 27. State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Niroshan Perera reportedly said that an investigation into the matter has been ordered. The Prime Minister has instructed the State Minister to order the Kilinochchi Pradeshiya Sabha to stop the work immediately if reconstruction has started. The Minister has said that if the funds from the decentralized budget have been used for the renovation work of the LTTE mausoleum in Kilinochchi then the work will be stopped immediately since certain guidelines have to be followed for using funds from the decentralized budget.
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November - 28 
A three-member delegation from the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention will carry out an official visit to Sri Lanka from December 4-15 to assess the country' situation regarding the deprivation of liberty, reports Colombo Page on November 29. José Antonio Guevara Ber
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A three-member delegation from the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention will carry out an official visit to Sri Lanka from December 4-15 to assess the country' situation regarding the deprivation of liberty, reports Colombo Page on November 29. José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, Leigh Toomey and Elina Steinerte will visit a variety of places where people are held, including prisons, Police Stations and institutions for juveniles, migrants and people with psychosocial disabilities, to gather first-hand information which will form part of their overall assessment. The delegation will visit Colombo as well as western, north-central, northern, eastern, southern and central provinces, where they will meet Government officials, civil society groups and other relevant stakeholders. The Working Group will present its final report on the visit to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in September 2018.
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November - 29 
Kingdom (UK) has reiterated its continued support to Sri Lanka to fully implement the consensus Nations (UN) resolution adopted in October 2015 to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page on November 30. Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at
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Kingdom (UK) has reiterated its continued support to Sri Lanka to fully implement the consensus Nations (UN) resolution adopted in October 2015 to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page on November 30. Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office MP Mark Field said "During my visit in early October 2017 to Colombo and Jaffna, I raised with Foreign Minister Marapana the importance of the Sri Lankan government implementing in full its commitments under UN Human Rights Council Resolution 34/1, which rolled over the commitments made under 30/1. These commitments include the return of all military-held private land, the operationalization of the Office of Missing Persons, and the development of new counter-terrorism legislation in line with international human rights standards."
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November - 30 
Army accommodating the concerns of the public and local politicians in the area released another 29 acres of land to the public in the North on November 30, reports Colombo Page. Commander Security Forces (Jaffna) Major General Dharshana Hettiarachchi handed over the land to the Jaffna District
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Army accommodating the concerns of the public and local politicians in the area released another 29 acres of land to the public in the North on November 30, reports Colombo Page. Commander Security Forces (Jaffna) Major General Dharshana Hettiarachchi handed over the land to the Jaffna District Secretary, N. Vethanayahan at a ceremony at Ottampalam, Vasuvillan in Jaffna District.
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December - 4 
The Court of Appeal has dismissed a Writ Petition filed by the Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) seeking an order to arrest and prosecute former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP, reports Colombo Page on December 5. Pr
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The Court of Appeal has dismissed a Writ Petition filed by the Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) seeking an order to arrest and prosecute former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP, reports Colombo Page on December 5. President of the Court of Appeal Justice L. T. B. Dehideniya and Justice Shiran Gunaratne decided to dismiss the writ petition citing that there is no legal basis to proceed with the petition while refusing to issue notices to the respondents. This petition was filed by the Information Secretary of the JVP, parliamentarian Vijith Herath. The petitioner said Mr. Kumaran Pathmanathan is involved in the large scale criminal activities and arms purchases carried out by the LTTE.
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December - 5 
In what appeared to a further split of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) on December 5 decided to leave it to join hands with other Tamil parties to contest the Local Government elections, reports Daily Mirror. The TELO’s politburo that met in Va
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In what appeared to a further split of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) on December 5 decided to leave it to join hands with other Tamil parties to contest the Local Government elections, reports Daily Mirror. The TELO’s politburo that met in Vavuniya District took this decision. The 21member presidium council of TELO concluded that, TELO could not be any more ‘a co-traveller’ with the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) in the TNA.
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December - 7 
The Constitutional Council (CC) has submitted the names of seven nominees for Office for Missing Persons (OMP) to President Maithripala Sirisena, reports Daily Mirror on December 8. A source said there were more than 100 applicants seeking to be members of the OMP from whom the seven were selected,
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The Constitutional Council (CC) has submitted the names of seven nominees for Office for Missing Persons (OMP) to President Maithripala Sirisena, reports Daily Mirror on December 8. A source said there were more than 100 applicants seeking to be members of the OMP from whom the seven were selected, and their names had been sent to the President for approval. The OMP, instituted under a Parliamentary Act has fulfilled the assurance given to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the Sri Lankan Government.
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December - 13 
Sri Lanka on December 13 became the 163rd country to accede to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or Ottawa Convention fulfilling the pledge made to join the international community in supporting the ongoing landmine clearance program, reports Colombo Page. Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission to t
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Sri Lanka on December 13 became the 163rd country to accede to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or Ottawa Convention fulfilling the pledge made to join the international community in supporting the ongoing landmine clearance program, reports Colombo Page. Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York deposited the Instrument of Accession to the Convention of the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Treaty) at the Treaty Section of the UN in New York.
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December - 15 
The three-member United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on December 15 urged the Government to introduce urgent reforms to the 'outdated' legal framework to end arbitrary detention in the country, reports Daily Mirror. The delegation comprised of Working Group Members Jos&e
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The three-member United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on December 15 urged the Government to introduce urgent reforms to the 'outdated' legal framework to end arbitrary detention in the country, reports Daily Mirror. The delegation comprised of Working Group Members José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, Leigh Toomey and Elina Steinerte visited Sri Lanka from December 4 to 15 to assess the country' situation regarding the deprivation of liberty, has identified significant challenges to the enjoyment of the right to personal liberty in Sri Lanka, resulting in arbitrary detention across the country.
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December - 19 
The Cabinet approved to put up “Channel of Reconciliation”, a television studio complex in Northern Province to launch a television channel to promote reconciliation, reports Daily Mirror on December 20. It was decided to obtain a land plot of 100 perches for this purpose from the Meesal
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The Cabinet approved to put up “Channel of Reconciliation”, a television studio complex in Northern Province to launch a television channel to promote reconciliation, reports Daily Mirror on December 20. It was decided to obtain a land plot of 100 perches for this purpose from the Meesalei Weerasingham Central College premises in Jaffna. Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation will be entrusted to carry out this project according to a Cabinet paper submitted by Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
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December - 21 
Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) through its Gender and Youth Promotion Initiative has allocated US$ 2.4 million for two projects in Sri Lanka that will promote gender-responsive and youth-inclusive peace-building, reports Colombo Page on December 22. The UNPBF has released US$ 2 million to the I
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Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) through its Gender and Youth Promotion Initiative has allocated US$ 2.4 million for two projects in Sri Lanka that will promote gender-responsive and youth-inclusive peace-building, reports Colombo Page on December 22. The UNPBF has released US$ 2 million to the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to implement the project titled "Empower: Building peace through the economic empowerment of women in Northern Sri Lanka." A project proposed by the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka is the recipient of the second award. The project "Empowering and mentoring youth volunteers to engage with transitional justice to promote reconciliation," will receive US$ 454,000.
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December - 28 
Army, in keeping with the new Government's policy to release more security forces-held lands to the civilians, on December 28 released another 133 acres in Mullaitivu District used by armed forces for security requirements, reports Colombo Page. Out of the total of 133.34 acres released, 1
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Army, in keeping with the new Government's policy to release more security forces-held lands to the civilians, on December 28 released another 133 acres in Mullaitivu District used by armed forces for security requirements, reports Colombo Page. Out of the total of 133.34 acres released, 111.05 acres in Keppapilavu were released to 68 land owners and the remaining 21.84 acres were given to 17 land owners in Seeniyamottai village to whom the land was belonging. Army commenced the gradual release of private property used by the Armed Forces after the conclusion of humanitarian operations in 2009. As of December 1, 2017, the Army has released a total of 55,510.58 acres of private and state land in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya in the Northern Province, in addition to the 133.34 acres released on December 28 in Keppapilavu.
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