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Sri Lanka
Statement:2011
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Date
Incidents
January - 14 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 14 said that he was ready to devolve powers and expressed his hope about the prospect of arriving at a solution in consensus with all political parties based on their proposals, reports Colombo Page. The President, however, ruled out the possibility
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 14 said that he was ready to devolve powers and expressed his hope about the prospect of arriving at a solution in consensus with all political parties based on their proposals, reports Colombo Page. The President, however, ruled out the possibility of devolving Police powers.
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February - 8 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister (PM) D. M. Jayaratne said on February 8 that the Tamil Diaspora and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sympathizers in Europe were trying to raise allegations of war crimes against the country, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratne said that the war crimes allegations again
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister (PM) D. M. Jayaratne said on February 8 that the Tamil Diaspora and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sympathizers in Europe were trying to raise allegations of war crimes against the country, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratne said that the war crimes allegations against Sri Lanka were to be raised at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva in March 2011. According to the PM, the Tamil groups were canvassing the support of politicians in Europe to get the resolution included in the agenda of the UNHRC sessions.
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February - 22 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on February 22 said that despite the nations physical war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants being over resulting in their elimination from the land, the warfare has not come to an end as the 'cyber war', the war on informat
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on February 22 said that despite the nations physical war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants being over resulting in their elimination from the land, the warfare has not come to an end as the 'cyber war', the war on information highway, is still continuing, Colombo Page reported. Delivering the keynote address at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo on "Strategic Dimensions of Cyber Warfare", at the 'Cyber Warfare Workshop - 2011,' the Army Commander said the Cyber Warfare was an emerging threat to the entire world. The General also warned of activities of anti-Sri Lankan forces and pro-LTTE activists around the world.
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February - 26 
President Mahinda Rajapakse on February 26 said that he would neither allow a repetition of violence nor a division of the country and urged all to stand united sans differences to take Sri Lanka towards economic and social prosperity. He said that although people belong to different religious and e
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President Mahinda Rajapakse on February 26 said that he would neither allow a repetition of violence nor a division of the country and urged all to stand united sans differences to take Sri Lanka towards economic and social prosperity. He said that although people belong to different religious and ethnic backgrounds they were all children of Mother Lanka. “If we allow divisions to dominate we will not realise our true potential. We have had 30 years of division and conflict. We must now secure peace and harmony for all Sri Lankans” he added.
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February - 28 
Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe while addressing the 16th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 28 said at present only a total of 12,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remain in three welfare villages functioning in Vavuniya and Jaffna, reports Daily News
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Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe while addressing the 16th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 28 said at present only a total of 12,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remain in three welfare villages functioning in Vavuniya and Jaffna, reports Daily News. They will be resettled in their places of origin no sooner the on-going de-mining operations are complete, the Minister added. He also said that the Government has sought the transfer of 676 ex-combatant detainees for rehabilitation and subsequent release. This reduction will make it possible to close one of two detention centres in the country. Additionally, the collection of unauthorized weaponry is an on-going process that began in the East and is continuing in the North. The High Security Zones are being progressively reduced in extent and land in these areas is available to be restored to its rightful owners, he said. Talking about the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) he said it has conducted several public hearings in Colombo and in the areas of the former theatre of conflict in the North and the East, with a view to obtaining views and accounts of people impacted by the conflict. LLRC hearings have also been held in places of detention, rehabilitation, and IDP welfare centres in the conflict affected areas, and have been recently concluded. Another significant milestone in the work of this Commission has been the establishment of the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (IAAC) under the chairmanship of the Attorney-General. The Commission has been able to use the mechanism of the IAAC to facilitate early implementation of its interim recommendations, the Minister said. He informed that the mandate of the Commission has been extended, given the larger number of persons seeking to testify before the LLRC. The Commission, appointed by the President Mahinda Rajapakse, commenced its work in August 2010 with an emphasis on restorative justice. Talking about the benefits of peace, he said the poverty rate which was 15.2 in 2006 during the conflict was halved and stood at 7.6 in 2009, after the end of the conflict.
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March - 1 
Government of Sri Lanka on its own must investigate the killing of thousands of civilians in the final months of its separatist war with theLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or else may risk an international probe into the alleged war crimes,said Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
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Government of Sri Lanka on its own must investigate the killing of thousands of civilians in the final months of its separatist war with theLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or else may risk an international probe into the alleged war crimes,said Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South, and Central Asian Affairs of the US State Department said in an interview to the AFP news agency, Colombo Page reported on March 1. While insisting that the United States is not holding Sri Lanka to any special standards, he said that a major issue for the US as well as for the international community is the question of accountability in Sri Lanka's war against the LTTE. "As you know, the UN has estimated that many thousands of civilians were killed at the end of, in the final few months of the war. Those need to be investigated, preferably by the Government of Sri Lanka and its own institutions," Blake said during the interview. The Assistant Secretary noting that there are still a number of important steps to be taken said the US would prefer to see Sri Lanka taking its own measures to handle those issues. "It's always best for a host nation to take responsibility for these sensitive issues. But I think also it's important to say that if Sri Lanka is not willing to meet international standards regarding these matters that there will be pressure to appoint some sort of international commission to look into these things," he cautioned. He noted that the Government has implemented some of the measures recommended by the country's own investigative body Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and appointed 350 Tamil-speaking police to serve in Jaffna. The LLRC is to submit its report the President Mahinda Rajapakse in May. He, however, stressed that Sri Lanka must achieve national reconciliation he said that the postponed third round of talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) can be rescheduled as soon as possible. Earlier, the third round of the talks scheduled for March 1 between the Sri Lankan Government and TNAwas postponed until after the forthcoming local Government electionson March 17. The TNA was to discuss several issues concerning the Northern and Eastern provinces and the people living in those areas at the talks. The TNA had also extended an invitation to the minor Tamil party People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) to join the discussions scheduled. Discussions between the TNA and the Government commenced in order to address issues related to the resettlement of people in the North, the troubles faced by Jaffna fishermen and finding a solution to the ethnic issue. The first round of talks between the Government and the TNA was held on January 10 and the second round of talks was held on February 3.
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March - 1 
Sri Lanka on March 1 with deep concern noted that remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international network continued its criminal activities and its secessionist agenda, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC), Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minist
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Sri Lanka on March 1 with deep concern noted that remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international network continued its criminal activities and its secessionist agenda, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC), Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries cautioned that in several countries the LTTE network has engaged in criminal activities such as extorting money from the Tamil Diaspora. "I would hasten to strike a note of caution against being lulled into a sense of complacency as we have learned that the unlawful activities of the group [LTTE] continue to this day," he said. Describing few incidents in some countries where the authorities have arrested the LTTE cadres engaging in unlawful activities, the Minister said the complete removal of Emergency Regulations in Sri Lanka must be considered cautiously. "Against this backdrop clarion calls for complete roll back of our emergency regulations must be considered," he said adding that the Sri Lanka has taken extensive measurements since the end of the conflict to repeal nearly 80 per cent of the provisions in the Emergency Regulations. The bare minimum that remains are required as safeguards against such ongoing unlawful activities of the LTTE, the Minister told the HRC. He said the Sri Lankan government is continuing to closely monitor the situation in order to repeal the remaining provisions of the Emergency Regulations in a manner that does not compromise national security. Sri Lankan authorities will be the best to make that judgment to conclude the Emergency Regulations in an appropriate and timely manner, he added. Speaking of reconciliation process, Minister Samarasinghe said the Government and the mainstream Tamil political parties are fully engaged in a dialogue. The Tamil Political Parties' Forum is continuing the dialogue with the Government on economic development and legal and constitutional reforms, the Minister said. Apprising the HRC of the situation in the North regarding the war-displaced, the Minister said there are about 12,000 displaced persons are remaining in three camps in Vavuniya and Jaffna and those will be resettled as soon as the demining of their home areas is completed. The Bureau of the Commissioner-General of Rehabilitation had been further strengthened with a full time Commissioner-General vested with the special mandate of rehabilitating and reintegrating 11,696 ex-combatants, including 594 child combatants, the Minister informed the Council.
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March - 2 
Sri Lanka Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe said that 106 rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were released on March 2, reports Colombo Page. The rehabilitated cadres were handed over to their families in Vavuniya. The released group
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Sri Lanka Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe said that 106 rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were released on March 2, reports Colombo Page. The rehabilitated cadres were handed over to their families in Vavuniya. The released group included 104 men and two women, said the Rehabilitation Commissioner General. He further stated that 4,500 similar ex-LTTE cadres are undergoing rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. Most of them are the cadres that surrendered to the Army following the defeat of LTTE. During the last stages of the war with the LTTE, the security forces detained 11,696 ex-LTTE cadres, including 594 child soldiers. The Government has so far reintegrated 5,764 ex-cadres who underwent an extensive rehabilitation program into the society.
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March - 4 
the Government on March 4 said that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by the President of Sri Lanka to probe the events and violations of humanitarian laws during the final stages of war has a wide ranging mandate including the capacity to consider any evidence indica
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the Government on March 4 said that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by the President of Sri Lanka to probe the events and violations of humanitarian laws during the final stages of war has a wide ranging mandate including the capacity to consider any evidence indicating violations of international humanitarian or human rights laws, the government said today. Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry in response to the United States Resolution S.RES.84 said in a statement issued said those who framed the text of the Resolution, have overlooked the capacity and strong track record of the LLRC as a domestic mechanism, to work for reconciliation and the further strengthening of national amity. Further, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) said the Government could overcome the accusations of human rights violations levelled against the country by providing a political solution to the ethnic issue.
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March - 9 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said in Parliament on March 9 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres are being trained in secret training camps in Tamil Nadu in India, reports The Hindu. The Prime Minister alleged that that there are three such LTTE secret training centres.
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said in Parliament on March 9 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres are being trained in secret training camps in Tamil Nadu in India, reports The Hindu. The Prime Minister alleged that that there are three such LTTE secret training centres. In one of the camps, cadres are given exclusive training on VIP assassinations.
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March - 11 
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne came under heavy criticism from the country's opposition parties for making a false statement before the parliament that the defeated militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was regrouping in India, Colombo Page reported on March 12. The mai
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Sri Lanka's Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne came under heavy criticism from the country's opposition parties for making a false statement before the parliament that the defeated militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was regrouping in India, Colombo Page reported on March 12. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister for misleading the parliament and the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said the premier should apologize to the parliament and the people for making a false statement.
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March - 13 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said on March 13 that the Government was still trying to use the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to win votes. He told a public rally that the Government in order to gain votes at the election was speaking of the LTT
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said on March 13 that the Government was still trying to use the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to win votes. He told a public rally that the Government in order to gain votes at the election was speaking of the LTTE and saying that the LTTE was forming camps in India. He alleged that that since the Government was unable to address the issues faced by the people, it was trying to use the threat about the LTTE camps in India to overcome those issues.
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March - 30 
Sri Lanka's Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said that it has concluded its public sittings, Colombo Page reported on March 30. LLRC Spokesperson Lakshman Wickremesinghe told the media that the LLRC public sittings were concluded with its visit to Ampara. The Commission will hand
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Sri Lanka's Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said that it has concluded its public sittings, Colombo Page reported on March 30. LLRC Spokesperson Lakshman Wickremesinghe told the media that the LLRC public sittings were concluded with its visit to Ampara. The Commission will hand over its report to President Mahinda Rajapakse in May when the term of the LLRC will come to an end.
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April - 5 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on April 5, said that Sri Lanka under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, direction and guidance succeeded in eliminating and defeating terrorism after nearly three decades of prolonged agony, reports Colombo Page. He made this observation while deliverin
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on April 5, said that Sri Lanka under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, direction and guidance succeeded in eliminating and defeating terrorism after nearly three decades of prolonged agony, reports Colombo Page. He made this observation while delivering the keynote address at the 9th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference, with the participation of SAARC Police Heads at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa also stressed the importance of proactive cooperation and sharing key information among the law enforcement authorities of SAARC member countries to counter terrorism.
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April - 6 
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert O. Blake (Jr.) said on April 6 that Sri Lanka's worrisome record on human rights, weakening democracy and the accountability during the final months of war had limited United States' ability to fully engage with Sri Lanka, accord
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Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert O. Blake (Jr.) said on April 6 that Sri Lanka's worrisome record on human rights, weakening democracy and the accountability during the final months of war had limited United States' ability to fully engage with Sri Lanka, according to Colombo Page. In his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Blake, the former Ambassador to Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka must take concrete steps for a true and lasting national reconciliation.
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April - 7 
Colombo Page reports that the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), on April 7, asked the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to deport a Sri Lankan Tamil migrant for his role in the human smuggling operation that brought hundreds of Tamil refugees to Canada aboard the Thai cargo ship MV Sun
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Colombo Page reports that the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), on April 7, asked the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to deport a Sri Lankan Tamil migrant for his role in the human smuggling operation that brought hundreds of Tamil refugees to Canada aboard the Thai cargo ship MV Sun Sea in August 2010. At a hearing before the IRB, Kenny Nicolaou, a lawyer for CBSA said that the Tamil migrant was one of the organizers of the human smuggling operation and asked the IRB to deport the person. The Tamil migrant, who is identified only by a number, was the first refugee claimant from the MV Sun Sea to face the IRB over allegations of human smuggling.
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April - 7 
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris called for his Government to be given “space'' to deal with the legacy of three decades of ethnic conflict and rejected allegations of “Triumphalism'' saying Colombo was engaged in rehabilitation and reconciliation, The Hindu reported on April 7. Denying crit
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Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris called for his Government to be given “space'' to deal with the legacy of three decades of ethnic conflict and rejected allegations of “Triumphalism'' saying Colombo was engaged in rehabilitation and reconciliation, The Hindu reported on April 7. Denying criticism that the government had been too slow to deal with the humanitarian crisis, he said “significant'' progress had been made in infrastructure development and in rehabilitating those affected by the conflict, including former cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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April - 7 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne informed Parliament on April 7 that over 6,000 former members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had been handed over to their families after rehabilitation, reports Colombo Page. Speaking during the debate on the extension of emergency regulation
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne informed Parliament on April 7 that over 6,000 former members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had been handed over to their families after rehabilitation, reports Colombo Page. Speaking during the debate on the extension of emergency regulations in the parliament, Jayaratne said that a few of the former LTTE members who were re-integrated into society had been arrested after receiving information about their alleged involvement in attempts to carry out terrorist activities.
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April - 8 
The 2010 Human Rights Report released by the United State Department of State on April 8, said that the Sri Lankan Government and its agents continued to be responsible for serious human rights problems in the country, according to Colombo Page. The report alleged that Lankan Security Forces (SFs) c
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The 2010 Human Rights Report released by the United State Department of State on April 8, said that the Sri Lankan Government and its agents continued to be responsible for serious human rights problems in the country, according to Colombo Page. The report alleged that Lankan Security Forces (SFs) committed arbitrary and unlawful killings and tortured and abused detainees and that the authorities arbitrarily arrested and detained citizens creating fear among minority populations. "In the east and the north, military intelligence and other Security Personnel, sometimes working with armed paramilitaries, carried out documented and undocumented detentions of civilians suspected of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) connections," the report observed.
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April - 10 
PTI reports that Sri Lankan Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, on April 10, said that the international network of the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) militants was still active and was looking for opportunities to revive the outfit. He said certain elements who wanted to challenge the na
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PTI reports that Sri Lankan Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, on April 10, said that the international network of the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) militants was still active and was looking for opportunities to revive the outfit. He said certain elements who wanted to challenge the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity were also backing these efforts.
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April - 10 
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by the Sri Lankan Government said that it has received over 370 written submissions at the March 27 hearings in Kalmunai, Colombo Page reported on April 11. LLRC media spokesperson Lakshman Wickremasinghe told the media that some of t
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by the Sri Lankan Government said that it has received over 370 written submissions at the March 27 hearings in Kalmunai, Colombo Page reported on April 11. LLRC media spokesperson Lakshman Wickremasinghe told the media that some of the submissions were about those gone missing since 1995.
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April - 12 
The Sri Lankan Government, on April 12 said that a majority of the displaced persons in the North and East have been resettled, reports Colombo Page. The Resettlement Ministry said that over 95 per cent of the displaced people in the North-East have been resettled in their hometowns. According to Go
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The Sri Lankan Government, on April 12 said that a majority of the displaced persons in the North and East have been resettled, reports Colombo Page. The Resettlement Ministry said that over 95 per cent of the displaced people in the North-East have been resettled in their hometowns. According to Government statistics, of the 280,000 internally displaced people, 252,000 had returned home under the government's National Resettlement Strategy.
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April - 13 
The Sri Lankan Government rejected the report that was handed over to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on April 12 by the Panel of Experts appointed by him to inquire into Sri Lanka’s accountability issues during the final phase of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
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The Sri Lankan Government rejected the report that was handed over to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on April 12 by the Panel of Experts appointed by him to inquire into Sri Lanka’s accountability issues during the final phase of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, Colombo Page reported on April 14. The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that it had received a copy of the report and that it was flawed and biased. The three-member Panel of Experts was appointed the by the UN Secretary-General on 2010 to inquire and advise him on the alleged violation of international laws during the final stages of the war.
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April - 14 
The United States, on April 14, said that Sri Lanka should use the expertise of the United Nations Panel of Experts to address the accountability issues during the later stages of the war between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, according to Colombo Page.
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The United States, on April 14, said that Sri Lanka should use the expertise of the United Nations Panel of Experts to address the accountability issues during the later stages of the war between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, according to Colombo Page. “We, obviously, have encouraged the Sri Lankan Government to engage in a process of accountability and to also use this panel of experts and their expertise, obviously, to address some of the questions," the Acting Deputy Department Spokesman Mark C. Toner said at the daily press briefing in response to a media question.
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April - 18 
Rehabilitation Commissioner General Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe stated that 480 former-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres will be released on April 23, according to Daily News. According to the Brigadier Ranasinghe over 7000 rehabilitated former-LTTE cadres have been released so far an
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Rehabilitation Commissioner General Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe stated that 480 former-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres will be released on April 23, according to Daily News. According to the Brigadier Ranasinghe over 7000 rehabilitated former-LTTE cadres have been released so far and some 4100 cadres are still in the rehabilitation centres.
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April - 18 
The United Nations will make the report of the Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka public this week following finalizing its review by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and his senior advisers, the United Nations (UN) spokesman for the Secretary-General said on April 18. Farhan Haq, the acting Deputy Spok
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The United Nations will make the report of the Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka public this week following finalizing its review by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and his senior advisers, the United Nations (UN) spokesman for the Secretary-General said on April 18. Farhan Haq, the acting Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General, said that the UN intends to release the report as soon as the agency has finalized its own review.
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April - 21 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris, on April 21 said that the Government strongly objected to the publication of the report of the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on accountability in Sri Lanka and to the taking of measures based on the recomm
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris, on April 21 said that the Government strongly objected to the publication of the report of the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on accountability in Sri Lanka and to the taking of measures based on the recommendations made by the said panel since the panel was not appointed by the UN system. He made this observation at a press conference held to express the Government’s stance in respect of the present situation springing from the report by the Advisory Committee appointed by the UN Secretary General to advise him on accountability issues in Sri Lanka.
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April - 22 
The opposition leader of India's Tamil Nadu Government and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha demanded the Indian government to take immediate measures to bring Sri Lankan President and his military to trial at the International Court for alleged war crimes, PTI reported on April 23.In a statement, Jayalal
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The opposition leader of India's Tamil Nadu Government and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha demanded the Indian government to take immediate measures to bring Sri Lankan President and his military to trial at the International Court for alleged war crimes, PTI reported on April 23.In a statement, Jayalalitha, quoting the leaked report of the UN Expert Panel, said that the report was very clear and listed out the war crimes of the Sri Lankan Government.
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April - 25 
A UN panel on April 25 said that though the Sri Lankan Army had killed most of the tens of thousands of civilian victims of a final offensive against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in 2009, both sides were guilty of war crimes, according to Times of India. UN Secretary General Ban
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A UN panel on April 25 said that though the Sri Lankan Army had killed most of the tens of thousands of civilian victims of a final offensive against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in 2009, both sides were guilty of war crimes, according to Times of India. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that though he could not order an international investigation into the deaths, UN would, nevertheless, hold an inquiry about the incidents in the final months of the war following criticism by the UN panel that more could have been done to save lives. The panel's report -- angrily opposed by the Sri Lankan Government -- painted a barbarous picture of the final offensive on the Tamil enclave in the north of the island that ended a three-decade war with the LTTE. The UN experts said there were "credible allegations" of serious violations of international law by Government forces and the LTTE "some of which would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity."
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April - 26 
The Hindu reports that following the UN panel report, which, on April 25 accused both the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) militants of committing war crimes and ordered Colombo to conduct a “genuine” inquiry into the alleged killing of innocent civilians U.N. c
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The Hindu reports that following the UN panel report, which, on April 25 accused both the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) militants of committing war crimes and ordered Colombo to conduct a “genuine” inquiry into the alleged killing of innocent civilians U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said on April 26 that he could not order an international probe into the killing of tens of thousands of civilians during Sri Lanka's final assault on Tamil separatists in 2009.Ban said he lacked the authority to order an investigation but that the United Nations would probe its own actions in the war's final months.
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April - 28 
Commenting upon the report of the UN Panel of Experts (also known as the Darusman report) which was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to investigate accountability issues during the later stages of the Sri Lanka's war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, Sri Lankan
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Commenting upon the report of the UN Panel of Experts (also known as the Darusman report) which was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to investigate accountability issues during the later stages of the Sri Lanka's war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, Sri Lankan Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said on April 28 that the Government would hold talks with all relevant local and foreign actors on the controversial report which had been rejected outright in Sri Lanka, according to Colombo Page. The Minister added that the Government had opposed the entire process, from the appointment of the panel, its functioning and finally the report. Rambukwella further maintained that the report was biased and blatantly one sided, was prepared on unfounded evidence that lacked credibility and seriously undermined the unity efforts those were being pursued to bring the communities together and also interfered with the Country’s development process.
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April - 29 
A Sri Lankan Government minister said on April 29 that former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international wing head and chief arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP could be used by the Government to respond to international allegations, according to Colombo Page. Cabinet Spokesperson
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A Sri Lankan Government minister said on April 29 that former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international wing head and chief arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP could be used by the Government to respond to international allegations, according to Colombo Page. Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella too told the media that the Government could use KP to counter the report by the Experts Panel of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
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April - 30 
Martin Nesirky, the Spokesperson for the UN chief said that the UN had not received any official response from the Government of Sri Lanka.
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Martin Nesirky, the Spokesperson for the UN chief said that the UN had not received any official response from the Government of Sri Lanka.
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April - 30 
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the member states to give serious consideration to the Expert Panel report on Sri Lanka (also known as Darusman report) and act accordingly, Colombo Page reported on April 30.
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The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the member states to give serious consideration to the Expert Panel report on Sri Lanka (also known as Darusman report) and act accordingly, Colombo Page reported on April 30.
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May - 3 
Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on May 3 said that in response to the report of the Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the Government would explain to the UN Secretary-General about the post war reconciliation and developm
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Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on May 3 said that in response to the report of the Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the Government would explain to the UN Secretary-General about the post war reconciliation and development work in North and East, reports Colombo Page. Commenting on the UN report, Peiris said, "What this report does is open old wounds that are healing after the war. It will only cause mistrust and hatred among the communities".
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May - 5 
Colombo Page reports that a group of legislators from the main opposition United National Party (UNP), on May 5 handed over a motion to Speaker calling for a parliamentary select committee to inquire and report on the former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international arms procurer Kumar
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Colombo Page reports that a group of legislators from the main opposition United National Party (UNP), on May 5 handed over a motion to Speaker calling for a parliamentary select committee to inquire and report on the former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) international arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanatahan alias KP. The legislators wanted the committee to find out the circumstances under which KP was being held in custody and whether the Government intended to file charges against him. They also asked for the committee to be given the mandate to find the locations of assets belonging to the LTTE.
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May - 8 
Sri Lankan authorities are planning to release more detained former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres to mark the 2600th Sambudda Jayanthi anniversary, Colombo Page reported on May 8. Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe has said that more LTTE cadres wil
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Sri Lankan authorities are planning to release more detained former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres to mark the 2600th Sambudda Jayanthi anniversary, Colombo Page reported on May 8. Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe has said that more LTTE cadres will be reintegrated into the society upon completion of their rehabilitation program to mark the significant religious event that celebrates the 2600th anniversary of Lord Buddha's enlightenment.
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May - 10 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 10 said the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) would be credible unlike the Darusman report (The report of panel of experts appointed by UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon). The President also said t
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 10 said the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) would be credible unlike the Darusman report (The report of panel of experts appointed by UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon). The President also said that the term of the Commission had been extended following a request made by it, as the Government was keen on ensuring the credibility of the LLRC report.
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May - 11 
Colombo Page reports that the members of the European parliament on May 11 called for a full, impartial, and transparent investigation into the allegations of human right violations cited in the United Nations Expert Panel report on Sri Lanka. In a plenary session of the European Parliament held in
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Colombo Page reports that the members of the European parliament on May 11 called for a full, impartial, and transparent investigation into the allegations of human right violations cited in the United Nations Expert Panel report on Sri Lanka. In a plenary session of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg, the EP urged the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations suggested by the UN panel of experts and conduct a genuine investigation.
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May - 13 
Erik Solheim, Norway's International Development Minister and one-time peace broker between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, defended the practice on the grounds that the Norwegian authorities were saving victims of persecution and were acting out of a humanitarian obligation.
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Erik Solheim, Norway's International Development Minister and one-time peace broker between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, defended the practice on the grounds that the Norwegian authorities were saving victims of persecution and were acting out of a humanitarian obligation.
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May - 14 
In response to an allegation made on the basis of a newspaper report that Norwegian authorities had been secretly assisting cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) out of the country, the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said the Norway had never indulged in such activities
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In response to an allegation made on the basis of a newspaper report that Norwegian authorities had been secretly assisting cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) out of the country, the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said the Norway had never indulged in such activities, reports Colombo Page. The Norwegian Embassy issuing a statement on May 14 said the local media had mistranslated the Norwegian newspaper article and represented the refugees as members of LTTE.
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May - 15 
Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem said on May 15 that the Government was looking into the delay in taking legal action against former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, two years after the war had ended, according to Colombo Page. Speaking at a Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) me
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Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem said on May 15 that the Government was looking into the delay in taking legal action against former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, two years after the war had ended, according to Colombo Page. Speaking at a Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) meeting held in Vavuniya, Hakeem said that several committees have been appointed to find out the reasons for the inability of authorities to take legal action against LTTE members.
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May - 17 
The Sri Lankan Government on May 17 affirmed its commitment to work towards a genuine national reconciliation and produce a devolution package based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to create the necessary conditions for such reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Sri Lanka's Minister of Ext
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The Sri Lankan Government on May 17 affirmed its commitment to work towards a genuine national reconciliation and produce a devolution package based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to create the necessary conditions for such reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs G L Peiris who is on a three-day official visit to India from May 15-17 has given this assurance when he met with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Sri Lankan Minister affirmed his Government's commitment to ensuring expeditious and concrete progress in the ongoing dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and representatives of Tamil parties to achieve true reconciliation.
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May - 24 
A top leader of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Kumaran Pathmanathan apologised to India for V. Prabakaran's (the slain LTTE chief) “mistake” of killing the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, PTI reported on May 24 In an interview to CNN—IBN Firstpost, Pathmanath
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A top leader of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Kumaran Pathmanathan apologised to India for V. Prabakaran's (the slain LTTE chief) “mistake” of killing the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, PTI reported on May 24 In an interview to CNN—IBN Firstpost, Pathmanathan, who was treasurer of LTTE and its chief arms procurer, said: “I want to say to the Indian people and especially to the Gandhi family...I want to apologise for Prabakaran's mistake. Please forgive us. We beg you... Sorry for all this. We know the feelings of the son of Rajiv Gandhi....How father and daughter are attached.” He said that Tamils in Sri Lanka should be helped to live as humans as “they had already paid a high price.
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May - 29 
Addressing the 17th Session of the United Nations Human Right Council in Geneva on May 29, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for an international mechanism to monitor Sri Lanka's own investigations into the accountability during the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam
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Addressing the 17th Session of the United Nations Human Right Council in Geneva on May 29, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for an international mechanism to monitor Sri Lanka's own investigations into the accountability during the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) militants, according to Colombo Page. Referring to the report of the UN Secretary-General's Panel of Experts on accountability in Sri Lanka during her address the High Commissioner reminded to the Council that there were credible allegations of a wide range of serious violations of international law committed by both the Sri Lankan Government forces and LTTE militants in the final stages of the conflict.
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May - 31 
Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on May 31 said that one key factor that assured the success of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants that ended in May 2009 was “the success in managing…international pressures”, particularly India. Recalling an instance
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Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on May 31 said that one key factor that assured the success of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants that ended in May 2009 was “the success in managing…international pressures”, particularly India. Recalling an instance when India had interfered to reverse gains made by the Army, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that in 1987, the enormously successful Vadamarachchi Operations had pushed the LTTE to the brink of defeat. “However, these operations could not be sustained because the Indian Government intervened. The primary problem in 1987 was that the relationship between the two countries had not been managed very effectively. But in the final phase of the war, President Mahinda Rajapaksa went out of his way” to keep New Delhi briefed about all the developments. He understood that while other countries could mount pressure on us through diplomatic channels or economic means, only India could influence the military campaign,” he said.
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June - 1 
Sri Lanka Army Commander said that the Army was not evading the issue of accountability during the war against the LTTE militants and it would investigate if specific allegations of crimes were brought to its notice.
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Sri Lanka Army Commander said that the Army was not evading the issue of accountability during the war against the LTTE militants and it would investigate if specific allegations of crimes were brought to its notice.
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June - 3 
Addressing the plenary session of the 17th session of United Nations Human Right Council on Protection and promotion of Women in Geneva on June 3, Sri Lanka's envoy Sugeeshwara Gunaratna said that the Sri Lankan Government had successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated ex-combatants of the defeated
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Addressing the plenary session of the 17th session of United Nations Human Right Council on Protection and promotion of Women in Geneva on June 3, Sri Lanka's envoy Sugeeshwara Gunaratna said that the Sri Lankan Government had successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated ex-combatants of the defeated terror organization, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page."All female ex-combatants who were beneficiaries of this program have now been released and are back with their families," he added.
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June - 9 
Dismissing the unanimous resolution of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that called upon the Government of India to impose economic sanctions against Sri Lanka and declare its President Mahinda Rajapaksa a war criminal, Sri Lanka Cabinet spokesperson and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said o
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Dismissing the unanimous resolution of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that called upon the Government of India to impose economic sanctions against Sri Lanka and declare its President Mahinda Rajapaksa a war criminal, Sri Lanka Cabinet spokesperson and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on June 9 that Sri Lanka dealt with India and not with individual States, reports The Hindu. “The negative statements made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and the passing of, what appears to be, an anti-Sri Lankan resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly this week will take centre stage during the talks between the government and a high-power Indian delegation due in Sri Lanka,” Rambukwella said.
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June - 14 
Following the broadcasting of a documentary on Sri Lanka's war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants on June 14 by the Channel 4 TV, the United Kingdom pressed Sri Lanka to investigate the alleged war crimes or face an international inquiry, Colombo Page reported. According to
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Following the broadcasting of a documentary on Sri Lanka's war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants on June 14 by the Channel 4 TV, the United Kingdom pressed Sri Lanka to investigate the alleged war crimes or face an international inquiry, Colombo Page reported. According to Channel 4, the one hour-documentary titled 'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields' showed a footage that was taken by some soldiers of the Sri Lankan Army using cell phones. It showed execution of naked bound men and women in close range by army uniform clad men. Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry, however, rejected the video footage saying it is fabricated to discredit the Army.
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June - 17 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa requested all communities of Sri Lanka to stand up against elements attempting to revive the remnants of the defeated militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who were involved in tarnishing the country’s image in the aftermath of the Government’s
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa requested all communities of Sri Lanka to stand up against elements attempting to revive the remnants of the defeated militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who were involved in tarnishing the country’s image in the aftermath of the Government’s victory over terrorism.
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June - 19 
Sri Lanka Rehabilitation Commissioner General, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe on June 19 said that 500 more rehabilitated ex-cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will be released by the end of June, reports Colombo Page. The rehabilitated cadres that are to be released are person
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Sri Lanka Rehabilitation Commissioner General, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe on June 19 said that 500 more rehabilitated ex-cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will be released by the end of June, reports Colombo Page. The rehabilitated cadres that are to be released are persons suffering from illnesses, the Rehabilitation Commissioner said.
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June - 20 
The Defence Ministry on June 20 said that Issipriya the lady who is alleged to have been a journalist and a news presenter in the Channel 4 documentary (which allegedly showed a footage of Sri Lankan soldiers massacring Tamil prisoners of war), was a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre, D
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The Defence Ministry on June 20 said that Issipriya the lady who is alleged to have been a journalist and a news presenter in the Channel 4 documentary (which allegedly showed a footage of Sri Lankan soldiers massacring Tamil prisoners of war), was a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre, Daily News reported. The Ministry also released a photograph of the identity card issued by the LTTE to Issipriya, in which she was clad in combat attire, confirming her military involvement with the LTTE. According to the reports Issipriya was born in 1982 in Jaffna and was subsequently recruited by the LTTE and underwent military training in the Vanni.
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June - 26 
The detained senior leader of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP said that he knew where the money of LTTE was kept after their defeat in May 2009 by the Sri Lankan Government, reports Colombo Page. “I know who is having the large sums of money belonging to the L
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The detained senior leader of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP said that he knew where the money of LTTE was kept after their defeat in May 2009 by the Sri Lankan Government, reports Colombo Page. “I know who is having the large sums of money belonging to the LTTE. I know this will be a difficult job but I will try to find that money in order to help Tamil people," a PTI report said quoting a statement made by KP to the BBC.
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June - 27 
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe said on June 27 that 108 former members of the LTTE are preparing to take the GCE Advanced Level examination in August this year. Ranasinghe has observed that all former LTTE members currently undergoing rehabili
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Commissioner General of Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe said on June 27 that 108 former members of the LTTE are preparing to take the GCE Advanced Level examination in August this year. Ranasinghe has observed that all former LTTE members currently undergoing rehabilitation will be re-integrated to society by the end of the year.
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June - 28 
The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced on June 28 that Government will hold provincial council elections in the war-torn Northern Province next year, reports Colombo Page. The President stressed the need to hold the NPC election to further democratize the process in the North. Northern
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The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced on June 28 that Government will hold provincial council elections in the war-torn Northern Province next year, reports Colombo Page. The President stressed the need to hold the NPC election to further democratize the process in the North. Northern Province includes Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts.
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June - 29 
Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on June 29 charged the Government with setting up military rule in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Addressing a press briefing in Colombo, JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the people of Northern Province had to take per
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Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on June 29 charged the Government with setting up military rule in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Addressing a press briefing in Colombo, JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the people of Northern Province had to take permission from the military to hold meetings.
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July - 1 
Another 1,200 people from 339 families from Ananda Coomaraswamy and Kadirgamar Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps were resettled, said Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon, reports Daily News. "So far 255,238 people have been resettled in the Northern Province and the rest will be resettle
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Another 1,200 people from 339 families from Ananda Coomaraswamy and Kadirgamar Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps were resettled, said Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon, reports Daily News. "So far 255,238 people have been resettled in the Northern Province and the rest will be resettled by year's end,” he said, adding, “President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the authorities to expedite the resettlement process.”
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July - 1 
The Commander of Sri Lanka Army Eastern Command Major General Boniface Perera in a discussion on July 1 warned the armed groups in the Eastern Province to suffer unless they surrender their weapons, according to Colombo Page. He said that military had identified the persons carrying weapons in the a
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The Commander of Sri Lanka Army Eastern Command Major General Boniface Perera in a discussion on July 1 warned the armed groups in the Eastern Province to suffer unless they surrender their weapons, according to Colombo Page. He said that military had identified the persons carrying weapons in the area and warned them to surrender cautioning that they would be followed otherwise. Paramilitary groups that surrendered their weapons earlier were called for this discussion participated by the senior defence officials of the area.
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July - 2 
Former international wing leader and chief arms procurer of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP said on July 2 that his main aim was to help the war affected Tamil community in the North and that an Eelam State was not the need of the hour. Pathmanathan said
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Former international wing leader and chief arms procurer of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP said on July 2 that his main aim was to help the war affected Tamil community in the North and that an Eelam State was not the need of the hour. Pathmanathan said that priority would be given to helping the war affected Tamils through his new humanitarian agency and that he would not discuss politics or think about it at present.
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July - 5 
The Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratna on July 5 said that some Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, who fled during the final stages of the war, are still at large and search operations are underway to locate them, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratna told the parliament that even though the war
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The Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratna on July 5 said that some Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, who fled during the final stages of the war, are still at large and search operations are underway to locate them, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratna told the parliament that even though the war against the LTTE was over there are attempts by some groups to revive the conflict once again. The Prime Minister also expressed fear that separatist groups may attempt to convince the rehabilitated ex-combatants to take up arms again.
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July - 6 
Rajiva Wijesinha, Member of Parliament and Adviser to the Sri Lankan President on Reconciliation, on July 6 accused the British media of conducting a hostile campaign against the Sri Lanka Government singling out The Times and Channel 4 for what he described as their attempts to falsify facts, repor
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Rajiva Wijesinha, Member of Parliament and Adviser to the Sri Lankan President on Reconciliation, on July 6 accused the British media of conducting a hostile campaign against the Sri Lanka Government singling out The Times and Channel 4 for what he described as their attempts to falsify facts, reports The Hindu.
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July - 7 
A Tamil Minister in the Sri Lankan Government said on July 7 that the political solution to the ethnic issue would be based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Minister Douglas Devananda told parliament that there would be dev
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A Tamil Minister in the Sri Lankan Government said on July 7 that the political solution to the ethnic issue would be based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Minister Douglas Devananda told parliament that there would be devolution of power under the 13th Amendment.
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July - 8 
Sri Lanka Ministry of Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation said that 302 former LTTE will sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in August from the places where they are detained now.
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Sri Lanka Ministry of Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation said that 302 former LTTE will sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in August from the places where they are detained now.
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July - 10 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on July 10 officially handed back land to 247 families in Thanankilappu area in Jaffana District on the Chavakachcheri-Pooneryn road after it was cleared of landmines by the Army, reports Daily News. The minister said that the Government gave top prio
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on July 10 officially handed back land to 247 families in Thanankilappu area in Jaffana District on the Chavakachcheri-Pooneryn road after it was cleared of landmines by the Army, reports Daily News. The minister said that the Government gave top priority to uplift the living conditions of the people who were badly affected by the 30 year war. “The displaced people have now been fully resettled in the Jaffna District. Once the mine clearing in certain places in Mullaitivu is completed, they too would be resettled soon,” he said.
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July - 10 
Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) leader, Ranil Wickremasinghe said on July 10 that his party would participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) proposed by the Government to find a solution to the ethnic issue, reports Colombo Page.
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Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) leader, Ranil Wickremasinghe said on July 10 that his party would participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) proposed by the Government to find a solution to the ethnic issue, reports Colombo Page.
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July - 12 
Chief Minister of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan said that the Northern and the Eastern Provinces should not be re-merged under any circumstance, Colombo Page reported on July 14. Chandrakanthan commented this during a visit to the Southern Provincial Counc
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Chief Minister of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan said that the Northern and the Eastern Provinces should not be re-merged under any circumstance, Colombo Page reported on July 14. Chandrakanthan commented this during a visit to the Southern Provincial Council on July 12. However, Provincial Councils should be vested with powers outlined in the 13th Amendment to Constitution.
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July - 15 
Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) accused the Government of using Security Forces personnel to carry out undemocratic activities in the North during the local Government election period. JVP Central Committee member Ramalingam Chandrasekar told a press conference in Jaffna D
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Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) accused the Government of using Security Forces personnel to carry out undemocratic activities in the North during the local Government election period. JVP Central Committee member Ramalingam Chandrasekar told a press conference in Jaffna District that the party activists who were engaged in election campaign work were constantly targeted and that they are unable to carry out their campaign work as a result.
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July - 19 
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is touring the conflict-affected Northern Province pledged on July 19 to rebuild everything the public in the North lost during the three-decade long war with the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTTE), reports Colombo Page. The President said
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Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is touring the conflict-affected Northern Province pledged on July 19 to rebuild everything the public in the North lost during the three-decade long war with the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTTE), reports Colombo Page. The President said he was ready to serve for everyone in the country as their President without any discrimination.
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July - 20 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said on July 20 that the party was working at building a political solution within the framework of a united and undivided country, reports Colombo Page. According to the TNA, such a political solution would enable Tamil people to live in security and dignity, fulf
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said on July 20 that the party was working at building a political solution within the framework of a united and undivided country, reports Colombo Page. According to the TNA, such a political solution would enable Tamil people to live in security and dignity, fulfilling their legitimate political, economic, social and cultural aspirations.
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July - 20 
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the United States was looking at some innovative and creative ideas to enable the Sri Lankan Tamils in camps to get back to their own homes. Secretary Clinton, who met the Chief Minister of Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Jeyaram Jayalalithaa, i
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United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the United States was looking at some innovative and creative ideas to enable the Sri Lankan Tamils in camps to get back to their own homes. Secretary Clinton, who met the Chief Minister of Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Jeyaram Jayalalithaa, in Chennai (Tamil Nadu, India) said that she shares the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister concern over the plight of internally-displaced Sri Lankan Tamils living in camps.
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July - 21 
Daily News reports that Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera on July 21 said that the Rehabilitation Authority has taken steps to integrate former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres into society with immediate effect. A number of rehabilitated cadres and those
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Daily News reports that Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera on July 21 said that the Rehabilitation Authority has taken steps to integrate former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres into society with immediate effect. A number of rehabilitated cadres and those who are ill have been released by now. Around 2,700 former cadres are being rehabilitated in six rehabilitation centres in the country. The ministry has taken steps to conduct this rehabilitation programme successfully, he said.
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July - 21 
Minister of Human Resources D.E.W. Gunasekera said that international groups looked at the situation in the country from the viewpoint of the LTTE, reports Colombo Page. He said that since the international groups view the situation in Sri Lanka like the LTTE, their viewpoints would be different fro
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Minister of Human Resources D.E.W. Gunasekera said that international groups looked at the situation in the country from the viewpoint of the LTTE, reports Colombo Page. He said that since the international groups view the situation in Sri Lanka like the LTTE, their viewpoints would be different from the real situation.
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July - 23 
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Media Spokesman Major General Ubhaya Medawela on July 23 denied media reports that the Army lost a training opportunity in an Indian military academy in Tamil Nadu due to protests of Tamil groups supporting Sri Lankan Tamils' issues, reports Colombo Page. The Army said a militar
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Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Media Spokesman Major General Ubhaya Medawela on July 23 denied media reports that the Army lost a training opportunity in an Indian military academy in Tamil Nadu due to protests of Tamil groups supporting Sri Lankan Tamils' issues, reports Colombo Page. The Army said a military delegation of trainee officers at Sapugaskanda Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) are currently visiting India on a 10-day long study tour as an integral part of their training curriculum. They are scheduled to visit Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia in addition to India.
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July - 24 
Former President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on July 24 said that although the war has been won, the country has not even begun to win the battle for peace, reports Colombo Page.
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Former President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on July 24 said that although the war has been won, the country has not even begun to win the battle for peace, reports Colombo Page.
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July - 26 
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), affiliated Socialist Youth Union (SYU) of Sri Lanka, said on July 26 that it would compile a list of Tamil youth who disappeared in the North and those who were arrested, reports Colombo Page. Head of the SYU Bimal Ratnayake told a press conference that the union
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The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), affiliated Socialist Youth Union (SYU) of Sri Lanka, said on July 26 that it would compile a list of Tamil youth who disappeared in the North and those who were arrested, reports Colombo Page. Head of the SYU Bimal Ratnayake told a press conference that the union would compile the list and release it to the parliament shortly through the party's parliamentarians.
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July - 27 
Former parliamentarian of Sri Lanka Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Bimal Ratnayake said at a media briefing on July 27 that the JVP would hold a protest demonstration in Colombo to demand the release of Tamil political prisoners, Colombo Page reported.
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Former parliamentarian of Sri Lanka Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Bimal Ratnayake said at a media briefing on July 27 that the JVP would hold a protest demonstration in Colombo to demand the release of Tamil political prisoners, Colombo Page reported.
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July - 27 
Radio Netherlands claimed on July 27 that Rehabilitated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres are ready to fight again if life doesn't improve reports Colombo Page. A Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) team who visited Sri Lanka recently interviewed a group of nine rehabilitated combatants,
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Radio Netherlands claimed on July 27 that Rehabilitated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres are ready to fight again if life doesn't improve reports Colombo Page. A Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) team who visited Sri Lanka recently interviewed a group of nine rehabilitated combatants, six men and three women, in a walled-compound of an unnamed NGO in the Eastern city of Batticaloa. The group complained to the RNW team about lack of freedom referring to many military checkpoints they have to go through in the North. The ex-fighters told that they have to sign a monthly 'good behavior report' and the Police are suspicious of them.
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July - 28 
The major Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on July 28 said the decision of the Elections Department to reduce the number of parliamentary seats allocated to the Jaffna District, from ten to six, was unfair, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premach
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The major Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on July 28 said the decision of the Elections Department to reduce the number of parliamentary seats allocated to the Jaffna District, from ten to six, was unfair, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran told the media that the decision to reduce the parliamentary seats was not a fair decision.
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July - 29 
Quoting the Attorney General's Department Colombo Page reported that the Sri Lankan Government had resettled over 11,000 families in Thelippalai just outside the Palali high security zone (HSZ) in the North. The Attorney General's Department has informed the Supreme Court that 11,879 families consis
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Quoting the Attorney General's Department Colombo Page reported that the Sri Lankan Government had resettled over 11,000 families in Thelippalai just outside the Palali high security zone (HSZ) in the North. The Attorney General's Department has informed the Supreme Court that 11,879 families consisting of 38,637 members have been re-settled in ValiKamam North, when only 6,928 families consisting of 25,114 members were to be re-settled there.
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August - 1 
Secretary of Sri Lanka Defence Ministry Gotabhaya Rajapaksa denied the allegation that the Sri Lanka Army killed LTTE cadres when they tried to surrender. Releasing the report titled "Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 - May 2009", Rajapaksa said the Government had no intention of kil
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Secretary of Sri Lanka Defence Ministry Gotabhaya Rajapaksa denied the allegation that the Sri Lanka Army killed LTTE cadres when they tried to surrender. Releasing the report titled "Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 - May 2009", Rajapaksa said the Government had no intention of killing LTTE leaders when they surrendered to the military since the Government directly looked after families of LTTE leaders.
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August - 6 
Sri Lanka's former Prime Minister and Senior Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake on August 6 said a political solution granted to the North should be a one that could be marketed in the South, reports Colombo Page. The Minister said that a solution to the ethnic issue should be acceptable to a majorit
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Sri Lanka's former Prime Minister and Senior Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake on August 6 said a political solution granted to the North should be a one that could be marketed in the South, reports Colombo Page. The Minister said that a solution to the ethnic issue should be acceptable to a majority in the North and the East and therefore a quick solution is not possible.
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August - 8 
An ally of the Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), called for the devolution of land and police powers to the provinces, reports Colombo Page. ACMC General Secretary Y.L.S. Hameed said that the Muslim community was concerned over the
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An ally of the Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), called for the devolution of land and police powers to the provinces, reports Colombo Page. ACMC General Secretary Y.L.S. Hameed said that the Muslim community was concerned over the Central Government handling all these subjects and the party was supportive of a joint commission to handle land and police powers.
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August - 8 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was playing politics at the expense of the Tamil community, reports Daily News. The minister said after terrorism, the people in the North and East are enjoying happiness, unity and the results of development.
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was playing politics at the expense of the Tamil community, reports Daily News. The minister said after terrorism, the people in the North and East are enjoying happiness, unity and the results of development.
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August - 9 
Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem said that the Muslim community should be included in the process to seek solutions to the ethnic issue, reports Colombo Page. Hakeem made these comments during a meeting with a group of diplomats from the British High Commission in Colombo on August 9. According to Hakee
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Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem said that the Muslim community should be included in the process to seek solutions to the ethnic issue, reports Colombo Page. Hakeem made these comments during a meeting with a group of diplomats from the British High Commission in Colombo on August 9. According to Hakeem, while the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) represents the aspirations of a majority of the Tamil people, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) represents the interests of the Muslim community.
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August - 9 
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka D.M. Jayaratne said on August 9 that the Government was considering abolishing the emergency regulations soon following consultations with the National Security Council, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratne said the proposals have already been made to the National Security Cou
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Prime Minister of Sri Lanka D.M. Jayaratne said on August 9 that the Government was considering abolishing the emergency regulations soon following consultations with the National Security Council, reports Colombo Page. Jayaratne said the proposals have already been made to the National Security Council and that they would be presented to parliament shortly. He added that since the end of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009, most of the clauses in the Public Security Ordinance have been abolished. However, he said a few of the clauses under the ordinance that were placed since August 2005 remained since the LTTE continues to be active overseas.
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August - 11 
Sri Lanka's main opposition, United National Party (UNP), said on August 11 that the party has no intention of forming alliances with other political parties to contest the remaining local Government bodies at the elections scheduled for October, reports Colombo Page. UNP General Secretary Tissa Att
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Sri Lanka's main opposition, United National Party (UNP), said on August 11 that the party has no intention of forming alliances with other political parties to contest the remaining local Government bodies at the elections scheduled for October, reports Colombo Page. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said that the UNP would contest on its own as it did in the previous local Government elections.
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August - 15 
Free Media Movement (FMM) and other media organizations of Sri Lanka are to hold a protest campaign in Jaffna on August 17, reports Colombo Page. A group of 40 journalists from Colombo left for Jaffna on August 15 to express their solidarity with embattled journalist community in Jaffna, said FMM se
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Free Media Movement (FMM) and other media organizations of Sri Lanka are to hold a protest campaign in Jaffna on August 17, reports Colombo Page. A group of 40 journalists from Colombo left for Jaffna on August 15 to express their solidarity with embattled journalist community in Jaffna, said FMM secretary Sunil Jayasekara.
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August - 15 
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha on August 15 said that India hoped that the vision and leadership that resulted in an end to armed conflict will now be employed in the quest for a genuine Political Settlement resulting in national reconciliation among all the communities of Sri
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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha on August 15 said that India hoped that the vision and leadership that resulted in an end to armed conflict will now be employed in the quest for a genuine Political Settlement resulting in national reconciliation among all the communities of Sri Lanka, reports The Hindu. Clearly calling upon the Sri Lankan leadership to accommodate the aspirations of the Tamils of the Northern Province, he pointed out that the key to the Indian unity is “its continuing commitment to democracy, pluralism and diversity of religion, language, race, ethnicity and culture”.
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August - 17 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa giving evidence before the Mount Lavinia District Judge MCBS Moraes on August 17 said that the Government succeeded in eradicating Terrorism in the Country due to the close co-operation between Sri Lanka and India, reports Daily News. The Defence Secretary said
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa giving evidence before the Mount Lavinia District Judge MCBS Moraes on August 17 said that the Government succeeded in eradicating Terrorism in the Country due to the close co-operation between Sri Lanka and India, reports Daily News. The Defence Secretary said that the Indian Government was regularly kept informed of what was happening in Sri Lanka during the humanitarian operation.
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August - 22 
Deputy Economic Development Minister of Sri Lanka Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said on August 22 that the Government created a conducive environment for the media to act freely and the true media in the country could not be silenced by any one.
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Deputy Economic Development Minister of Sri Lanka Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said on August 22 that the Government created a conducive environment for the media to act freely and the true media in the country could not be silenced by any one.
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August - 22 
Professor Rohan Gunaratne, a specialist in terrorism research while addressing the fifth annual symposium of the Sir John Kotalawela Defence University said that despite LTTE being wiped out in Sri Lanka, their international presence still posed a threat to the country, reports The Nation. He said t
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Professor Rohan Gunaratne, a specialist in terrorism research while addressing the fifth annual symposium of the Sir John Kotalawela Defence University said that despite LTTE being wiped out in Sri Lanka, their international presence still posed a threat to the country, reports The Nation. He said their threat was present in foreign political and diplomatic circles and emphasized the need to create special units in the External Affairs Ministry to challenge these global threats.
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August - 25 
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse on August 25 declared an end to strict wartime emergency regulations imposed in 2005, noting there was not any terror attacks since the end of war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009, reports Times of India. "To carry forward the day-to-
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Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse on August 25 declared an end to strict wartime emergency regulations imposed in 2005, noting there was not any terror attacks since the end of war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009, reports Times of India. "To carry forward the day-to-day activities in a democratic way, I propose there is no need of any emergency regulations anymore," Rajapakse told the Parliament. Emergency was imposed in the country on August 13, 2005 shortly after the killing of then Foreign Affairs Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, by a suspected LTTE sniper near his private residence on Bullers Lane in the heart of the capital Colombo.
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August - 28 
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Ravinatha Aryasinha on August 27 said that the EU was yet to respond to a request from Sri Lanka on listing Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) front organizations in Europe as terrorist entities, Colombo Page reported. According to reports, indi
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Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Ravinatha Aryasinha on August 27 said that the EU was yet to respond to a request from Sri Lanka on listing Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) front organizations in Europe as terrorist entities, Colombo Page reported. According to reports, individuals arrested by the European and other authorities in 2010 and 2011, had been found to be members of LTTE affiliated groups like the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC), the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO).The Sri Lankan Government had requested the EU in July 2011 to list these LTTE front organizations as terrorist entities. The LTTE itself was listed the as a terrorist organization by the EU in 2006.
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August - 29 
The Sri Lankan Government's proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) aimed at finding a permanent solution to resolve the ethnic issue is yet to be entered in the House Order Book and then tabled in parliament, Colombo Page reported. Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Kitulgoda said that the
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The Sri Lankan Government's proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) aimed at finding a permanent solution to resolve the ethnic issue is yet to be entered in the House Order Book and then tabled in parliament, Colombo Page reported. Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Kitulgoda said that the PSC would not be able to commence sittings for a few more weeks.
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August - 31 
About 1,200 alleged cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka will be released, with the end of emergency rule imposed 28 years ago to deal with the separatist movement, Daily News reported. The media quoted Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem as saying that the end of emergency ru
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About 1,200 alleged cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka will be released, with the end of emergency rule imposed 28 years ago to deal with the separatist movement, Daily News reported. The media quoted Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem as saying that the end of emergency rule, announced by President Mahinda Rajapakse last week, would lead to the immediate release of suspects detained under the regulations.
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September - 1 
Leader of Sri Lanka's National Freedom Front (NFF) and Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said on September 1 that it was the Government, and not the Tamil Diaspora or even some Tamil political parties that addressed the real needs of the war affected Tamil people, according to C
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Leader of Sri Lanka's National Freedom Front (NFF) and Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said on September 1 that it was the Government, and not the Tamil Diaspora or even some Tamil political parties that addressed the real needs of the war affected Tamil people, according to Colombo Page. The Minister alleged that that some parliamentarians from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) were not keen to resolve the issues faced by the Northern Tamil people, as they used the issues for their political survival.
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September - 1 
Sri Lankan Parliamentarian and Adviser on Reconciliation to the President Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha on September 1 denied a report from the Indian newschannel NDTV which said he had admitted that some army personnel might have been guilty of alleged war crimes during the last phase of the war with the
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Sri Lankan Parliamentarian and Adviser on Reconciliation to the President Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha on September 1 denied a report from the Indian newschannel NDTV which said he had admitted that some army personnel might have been guilty of alleged war crimes during the last phase of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, according to Colombo Page.
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September - 1 
The United States (US) said on September 1 that it was studying the implications of the new legislation that came into effect in Sri Lanka to handle the terrorism related issues as the emergency regulations existed for three decades in the country lapsed at the end of last month, Colombo Page report
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The United States (US) said on September 1 that it was studying the implications of the new legislation that came into effect in Sri Lanka to handle the terrorism related issues as the emergency regulations existed for three decades in the country lapsed at the end of last month, Colombo Page reported. The US welcomed the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's proposal to end the emergency rule in the country as a "significant step towards normalizing life for the people of Sri Lanka."
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September - 4 
Sri Lanka stood proud as a nation that eradicated terrorism from the country and in doing so made South Asia too safer from terrorism, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on September 4, Colombo Page reported. Addressing the Rotary South Asia Conference on 'Development and Cooperation' at th
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Sri Lanka stood proud as a nation that eradicated terrorism from the country and in doing so made South Asia too safer from terrorism, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on September 4, Colombo Page reported. Addressing the Rotary South Asia Conference on 'Development and Cooperation' at the Galadhari Hotel in Colombo, the President said Sri Lanka achieved this success with limited resources and without the economic and fire power other countries waging war against terrorism have at their disposal.
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September - 4 
The Sri Lankan Government was asked to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance by the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), Colombo Page reported. A report by the UN Working Group reportedly stated that the group
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The Sri Lankan Government was asked to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance by the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), Colombo Page reported. A report by the UN Working Group reportedly stated that the group would like to conduct a mission to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.
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September - 5 
Government reiterated its commitment to reply queries raised in any quarter in the international arena in respect of the humanitarian operation launched by the Security Forces to free over 300,000 people who were held hostage by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, Daily News repor
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Government reiterated its commitment to reply queries raised in any quarter in the international arena in respect of the humanitarian operation launched by the Security Forces to free over 300,000 people who were held hostage by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, Daily News reported. Commenting on the documentary “Lies Agreed Upon” which is to be screened before an esteemed audience, including UN officials in New York, Foreign Secretary Karunatilleke Amunugama said that many people in the world are either misinformed or disinformed over what actually happened in Sri Lanka.
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September - 5 
The Government said that Welfare camps in the Eastern and Northern provinces had been closed with over 95 percent of the quarter million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in them having returned to their homes, Daily News reported. Resettlement Ministry officials said on September 5 that the Gover
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The Government said that Welfare camps in the Eastern and Northern provinces had been closed with over 95 percent of the quarter million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in them having returned to their homes, Daily News reported. Resettlement Ministry officials said on September 5 that the Government was set to provide them with permanent houses. Besides, the Indian Government also promised funds to build 50,000 houses for displaced families in Jaffna, the sources said.
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September - 6 
The Sri Lankan Government said that 27,000 personnel from the three Armed Forces currently stationed in the North were assisting the de-mining work in the area, Colombo Page reported. Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Armed Forces personnel had to be present in t
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The Sri Lankan Government said that 27,000 personnel from the three Armed Forces currently stationed in the North were assisting the de-mining work in the area, Colombo Page reported. Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Armed Forces personnel had to be present in the North in order to ensure that lands in the North were safe for resettlement.
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September - 10 
The Sri Lankan Government on September 10 strongly condemned the international human rights group Amnesty International (AI) for prejudging the country's own investigative mechanism that looked into the last seven years of war against militants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Colombo
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The Sri Lankan Government on September 10 strongly condemned the international human rights group Amnesty International (AI) for prejudging the country's own investigative mechanism that looked into the last seven years of war against militants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Colombo Page reported. The Government said questioning the credibility of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), which was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2010 even before its final report that is to be released in November 15, 2011 was 'unacceptable and unwarranted’. Earlier the London-based human rights group in a report released on September 7 had condemned the LLRC saying that its investigation is 'flawed at every level'.
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September - 11 
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay said on September 11 that Sri Lanka was an example of a state that disregarded the human rights when adopting countermeasures to combat terrorism, Colombo Page reported. In her address to the 18th regular session of the Human Rights
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay said on September 11 that Sri Lanka was an example of a state that disregarded the human rights when adopting countermeasures to combat terrorism, Colombo Page reported. In her address to the 18th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva Pillay said that the counter-measures adopted by States to combat terrorism have frequently been designed with insufficient regard for human rights.
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September - 13 
The Sri Lankan Government recalled the Deputy Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland and Vatican, former Major General Jagath Dias who was under scrutiny for alleged war crimes, Colombo Page reported. A report from the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) in January, 2011 had accu
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The Sri Lankan Government recalled the Deputy Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland and Vatican, former Major General Jagath Dias who was under scrutiny for alleged war crimes, Colombo Page reported. A report from the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) in January, 2011 had accused Jagath Dias, who led the 57th division of the Sri Lankan army during the final stages of the war, of committing war crimes. The reports held that Dias personally responsible for ordering his troops to fire upon civilian and hospital targets during the army's final offensive against Tamil Tiger terrorists between 2008 and 2009. "According to several sources, it is possible that Jagath Dias was also involved in torturing and killing LTTE-leaders after they surrendered or were caught by Sri Lankan military forces," the report had noted.
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September - 14 
Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) officials said that six cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were among the 44 suspects who were arrested by the Navy in the Kalmunai high seas while attempting to leave Sri Lanka illegally for Australia during early Septemb
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Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) officials said that six cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were among the 44 suspects who were arrested by the Navy in the Kalmunai high seas while attempting to leave Sri Lanka illegally for Australia during early September, 2011 Colombo Page reported. The LTTE cadres were detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act at the Boossa Camp, the TID officers said.
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September - 16 
Sri Lankan Ambassador in the Netherlands, Buddhi Athauda said that the planned screening is unfair since the video is unauthentic.
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Sri Lankan Ambassador in the Netherlands, Buddhi Athauda said that the planned screening is unfair since the video is unauthentic.
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September - 20 
Head of a demining group said that post-war Sri Lanka will need another decade to clear the half million landmines which lie buried under swathes of agricultural and forest land and around villages in the north.
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Head of a demining group said that post-war Sri Lanka will need another decade to clear the half million landmines which lie buried under swathes of agricultural and forest land and around villages in the north.
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September - 20 
The Government is taking accelerated measures to close the last of the camps that housed over 200,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the conclusion of the civil war in May 2009, Colombo Page reported. The Government announced on September 20 that preparations were underway to construct a new
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The Government is taking accelerated measures to close the last of the camps that housed over 200,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the conclusion of the civil war in May 2009, Colombo Page reported. The Government announced on September 20 that preparations were underway to construct a new village of 600 acres in Kombavil of Mullaitivu District for the IDPs currently remaining in the Manik Farm relief village in Vavuniya. Accordingly, 7,394 IDPs of 2,097 families presently living in Manik Farm relief village will be resettled in the Kombavil village. The Government also pledged to provide each family with a 40-perch block of land and a semi-permanent house to restart their lives soon after the resettlement.
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September - 25 
Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris said that all but 3,000 of 11,500 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants who were either arrested or surrendered after end of war have been released from military-run rehabilitation camps and are reintegrating into society, reports The Times of India. He said
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Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris said that all but 3,000 of 11,500 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants who were either arrested or surrendered after end of war have been released from military-run rehabilitation camps and are reintegrating into society, reports The Times of India. He said that of those remaining, “less than 2,000”' hardcore cadres were expected to be indicted, and that court proceedings were likely to being next year.
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October - 12 
Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha, alleged that Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group were intent on pre-judging and discrediting the LLRC report even before it is released, Daily News reported.“This indecent hurry to
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Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha, alleged that Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group were intent on pre-judging and discrediting the LLRC report even before it is released, Daily News reported.“This indecent hurry to host such events and to call for international inquiries, is probably due to their fear that once the LLRC report comes out, they will be short of one further excuse, with which to continue their obsessive attack on the government of Sri Lanka,” he said. Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he intervened during a panel discussion that followed the screening of the film ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ held at the premises of the European Parliament on October 12. The screening was jointly organized by the three human rights organizations, and was also addressed by the Director/Producer of the film and several Members of the European Parliament. The Ambassador said the timing of the screening of the film ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ at the European Parliament on October 12 was particularly sinister, coming on the eve of the presentation of the LLRC Report .
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October - 17 
The United States (US) Government said on October 17 that the US will not have any kind of judgment on the report of Sri Lanka's Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) until its release that is expected to be in mid-November 2011, According to Colombo Page. Responding to a query on the U
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The United States (US) Government said on October 17 that the US will not have any kind of judgment on the report of Sri Lanka's Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) until its release that is expected to be in mid-November 2011, According to Colombo Page. Responding to a query on the U.S. State Department's opinion of the LLRC report, the State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner said the U.S. would wait until the report is released to view whether it as sufficient.
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October - 31 
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to study Sri Lanka's three-decade long war is getting ready to present its final report to the President during the second week of November, 2011, Colombo Page reported. The LLRC was initially scheduled
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to study Sri Lanka's three-decade long war is getting ready to present its final report to the President during the second week of November, 2011, Colombo Page reported. The LLRC was initially scheduled to hand over its report to the President on November 15th. "We are making arrangements for it to be presented to the President. Although we have no definite date, it is likely to be presented in the second week of November," LLRC Spokesperson Lakshman Wickremasinghe said.
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November - 3 
The Royal Norwegian Government has provided assistance to the International Organization for Migration to contribute to the Sri Lankan government's efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Colombo Page reported. The Norwegi
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The Royal Norwegian Government has provided assistance to the International Organization for Migration to contribute to the Sri Lankan government's efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former cadres of the militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Colombo Page reported. The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said on November 3 that it had contributed NOK 3 million to support the IOM programme that was assisting reintegration and reconciliation of former LTTE cadres into their own society.
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November - 8 
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said on November 8 that its final report will be ready by November 10 to be submitted to the President, Daily News reported. The Commission was established by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 15, 2010 to report on the lessons learnt from the
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said on November 8 that its final report will be ready by November 10 to be submitted to the President, Daily News reported. The Commission was established by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 15, 2010 to report on the lessons learnt from the incidents that took place from February 2000 to May 19, 2009, their causes and recommendations to avert such developments in the future. According to commission’s media consultant Lakshman Wickremesinghe, the Commission’s term of office will expire by November 15 and a skeleton staff will be employed at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute where the Commission office is located for a few months to preserve the documents received by the Commission. He said that the staff will undertake filing of these important documents to be sent to the archives where documents and reports of earlier presidential commissions are kept. Wickremesinghe added that the Commission has no legal right to make the final report public nor print it for public interest.
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November - 12 
Parliamentarian Prabha Ganeshan on November 12 claimed that Indian origin Tamils in Sri Lanka needed a bigger share of representation in a proposed solution, Colombo Page reported. Ganeshan said that he had written to the United States Embassy urging to also consult the Upcountry Tamil leaders in de
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Parliamentarian Prabha Ganeshan on November 12 claimed that Indian origin Tamils in Sri Lanka needed a bigger share of representation in a proposed solution, Colombo Page reported. Ganeshan said that he had written to the United States Embassy urging to also consult the Upcountry Tamil leaders in deliberations for a solution to ethnic problem.
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November - 14 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, while delivering the keynote address at the Galle Dialogue 2011, Sri Lanka's International Maritime Security Conference on November 14 called for a coordinated international effort to uphold maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and greater cooperation b
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, while delivering the keynote address at the Galle Dialogue 2011, Sri Lanka's International Maritime Security Conference on November 14 called for a coordinated international effort to uphold maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and greater cooperation between the maritime powers, Colombo Page reported. Rajapaksa, inter alia alluded to the threat posed by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean the smuggling of arms and ammunition earlier undertaken by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants.
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November - 23 
Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on November 23 said that Sri Lanka as a sovereign nation did not need external guidance to achieve post conflict reconciliation which would be achieved through an organic, local effort consistent with national values, and not based on exter
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Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on November 23 said that Sri Lanka as a sovereign nation did not need external guidance to achieve post conflict reconciliation which would be achieved through an organic, local effort consistent with national values, and not based on external ideals imposed by others, Daily News reported. “It is evident that cultural norms differ from country to country. People living in the United States of America, or Australia, or Canada, or the United Kingdom, or any other country, have no proper understanding of the ground situation in Sri Lanka nor do they understand our current cultural context. It is not for outsiders to impose their values or their judgments on Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans who suffered from the war for 30 years and who are now reaping the rewards of peace will find solutions to our national issues. But outsiders have no idea about the post war situation in Sri Lanka,” the Defence and Urban Development Secretary was quoted saying.
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December - 5 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says it would name representatives to the proposed parliamentary select committee (PSC) to find a political solution to the ethnic issue only after reaching an agreement with the Government. TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran told Colombo Page that the TNA would p
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says it would name representatives to the proposed parliamentary select committee (PSC) to find a political solution to the ethnic issue only after reaching an agreement with the Government. TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran told Colombo Page that the TNA would put forward names of party members to the PSC after reaching a consensus on a solution, which in turn would be presented to the PSC for further discussion. According to Sumanthiran, names of TNA members for the PSC would be delayed until the party reaches a consensus with the Government and the names would be given no sooner an agreement is reached. The party would reach an agreement on the solution with the Government during the bi-lateral discussions. The Government and the TNA has so far held two rounds of talks this month – December 1 and 3, and is scheduled to meet on December 6, 14 and 15.
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December - 8 
Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that Sri Lanka is not in a hurry to make the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) public and the report will be presented in the parliament after the President carefully reviews it. He said the LLRC compiled
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Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that Sri Lanka is not in a hurry to make the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) public and the report will be presented in the parliament after the President carefully reviews it. He said the LLRC compiled its report to serve the domestic requirement and not to appease the foreign elements. In another context, he informed that the Government has resettled nearly 300,000 displaced persons within 30 months and completed nearly 70 percent of demining.
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December - 8 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) asked the Government to reveal the list of ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres and supporters who are detained or in custody, according to Colombo Page. The TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said, "The government needs to give details about the
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) asked the Government to reveal the list of ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres and supporters who are detained or in custody, according to Colombo Page. The TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said, "The government needs to give details about the people being detained. The President needs to intervene and address this issue. The government needs to tell, whether it is going to take legal action against these people or if they will be released.” According to Premachandran, persons like Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP who were directly involved in the LTTE's decision making and fighting machinery are being entertained by the Government while the poor people who followed their orders are being detained since the end of the war. The Government has repeatedly said that during and immediately after the final phase of the war in May 2009, 11,664 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Government Security Forces. Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, Major General Chandana Rajaguru in November said currently there are 680 former LTTE members in the rehabilitation centers in the country.
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December - 8 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says it would further discuss three key issues of the 10-12 proposals presented by the party to resolve the ethnic issue with the Government, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian and Attorney M.A. Sumanthiran said that three issues related to the re-merger of t
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says it would further discuss three key issues of the 10-12 proposals presented by the party to resolve the ethnic issue with the Government, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentarian and Attorney M.A. Sumanthiran said that three issues related to the re-merger of the North and East Provinces, the implementation of the 13th Amendment and giving land and police powers to the provinces would be further discussed at the next round of talks scheduled to be held on December 14. He denied reports that the Government is rejecting three of the proposals presented by the TNA. "The government did not reject them; we were told that they could not be accepted in the manner in which it has been presented. However, there is room for discussion," he said. However, sources say the Government does not favor the TNA's proposal to re-merge the north and east provinces, which was demanded by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It is also not in favor of giving land and legislative powers to the provincial councils.
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December - 9 
Authorities expect to release all remaining former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by the middle of 2012 following the completion of their training program, according to Colombo Page. The last remaining group of 700 former LTTE cadres will be released by mid-2012 after providing them the ma
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Authorities expect to release all remaining former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by the middle of 2012 following the completion of their training program, according to Colombo Page. The last remaining group of 700 former LTTE cadres will be released by mid-2012 after providing them the mandatory 12 months training, Secretary for the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, A. Dissanayaka said on December 9. The official made this claim following the visit of 104 former LTTE female cadres to the Sri Lankan Parliament on December 9 before being reintegrated into society after their one year rehabilitation program. The rehabilitated female combatants visited the parliament during the committee stage debate of the Ministry of Prison and rehabilitation. They were the members of the last group of around 700 remaining ex terrorists. During and immediately after the final phase of the war 11,700 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the Government Security Forces. Sri Lanka has allocated LKR 750 million for the rehabilitation process for 2011. The Government says it has spent LKR 2.5 billion on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009.
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December - 9 
National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that persons who are fluent in the Tamil language would be employed to the Sri Lanka Police as constables to serve in the country's North and East. He said the Government was looking at employing 350 such constables to be
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National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that persons who are fluent in the Tamil language would be employed to the Sri Lanka Police as constables to serve in the country's North and East. He said the Government was looking at employing 350 such constables to be assigned to the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He noted that persons from any ethnic group could apply for the jobs as long as they could carry out their work in the Tamil language.
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December - 9 
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister and Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Douglas Devananda said the ethnic issue could be solved only if all Tamil political parties unite. He added that the Tamil political parties needed to participate in the proposed Parlia
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Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister and Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Douglas Devananda said the ethnic issue could be solved only if all Tamil political parties unite. He added that the Tamil political parties needed to participate in the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee to find a solution to the ethnic issue and all parties needed to put forward their proposals.
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December - 14 
Language policymakers and institutional leaders at state level are rapidly taking measures to elevate the status of bilingualism at public institutions, sequel to a call by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure 100 percent implementation of the country’s national language policy, Daily News reported
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Language policymakers and institutional leaders at state level are rapidly taking measures to elevate the status of bilingualism at public institutions, sequel to a call by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure 100 percent implementation of the country’s national language policy, Daily News reported. Rajapaksa had reportedly told officials involved in the implementation of the national language policy, that all Sri Lankans should be able to receive services from Government departments and institutions in the official language of their choice. The President emphasized that both Tamil and Sinhala speaking public should have equal status of language of work and respect within the public service, and steps must be taken to position services in both official languages, sources at National Language and Social Integration Ministry said. President Rajapaksa said that neither Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans nor Sinhala-speaking Tamils are to be discriminated against on language grounds within the public service. ”The ministry has about 750 teachers, of them 600 are Sinhalese who can teach Tamil and 150 are Tamil teachers who can teach Sinhala. Moves are under way to train more language teachers to promote bilingual education,” a ministry official said.
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December - 14 
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on December 14 stated in Parliament that Sri Lanka does not need an international Policeman to solve its internal matters, reports Daily News. He also stated that Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and can solve its internal issues on its own. The Minister opposing
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External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on December 14 stated in Parliament that Sri Lanka does not need an international Policeman to solve its internal matters, reports Daily News. He also stated that Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and can solve its internal issues on its own. The Minister opposing the suggestion by Tamil National Alliance (TNA), to have an international mechanism to probe human rights issues, said Sri Lanka will not allow such external interventions, adds Colombo Page.
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December - 16 
Leader of the House (Parliament) Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on December 16 said that investigations will be carried out and action will be taken against anyone who is found to have committed transgressions during the final stages of the war in 2009, reports Colombo Page. He added that anyone
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Leader of the House (Parliament) Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on December 16 said that investigations will be carried out and action will be taken against anyone who is found to have committed transgressions during the final stages of the war in 2009, reports Colombo Page. He added that anyone found guilty through investigations would be dealt with appropriately. He also denied any intention of changing the ratios of communities living in various parts of the country as alleged by some politicians.
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December - 16 
Leader of the House (Parliament) Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Government Security Forces will continue to be deployed throughout the island, including the Northern and Eastern Provinces, to provide security but they will be removed from all aspects of community life. The Minister s
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Leader of the House (Parliament) Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Government Security Forces will continue to be deployed throughout the island, including the Northern and Eastern Provinces, to provide security but they will be removed from all aspects of community life. The Minister said now that the normalcy has returned "it will be the deliberate policy of the government to ensure the withdrawal of Security Forces from all aspects of community life," and confine their role exclusively to security related matters. "Security Forces will disengage themselves from civil administration related activities and, in particular, from participation in any decision making in respect of land issues," the Minister said. He added that over 600 Tamil speaking Police officers have been recruited already to deal with the civil administration issues in the majority Tamil Provinces. The Government will strengthen the Police force with Tamil language capability to strengthen the police to deal with law and order functions. The Minister also emphasized the Government's resolution to end the possession of illegal fire arms by individuals in the country. "No one is more concerned than we are, as a government, with this phenomenon, because of its potential to stultify our central objectives," he said. The Government has a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal fire arms and raids will be conducted to apprehend the violators, the Minister asserted. De Silva made the statement when he presented the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), the commission appointed by the President to probe the war, to the Parliament on December 16.
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December - 18 
Colombo Page reports that TNA parliamentarian and Attorney M. A. Sumanthiran has said that the LLRC has severely contradicted itself in its report and has a shortcoming as well. He explained that the Commission has severely contradicted itself by concluding that civilians had not been deliberately t
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Colombo Page reports that TNA parliamentarian and Attorney M. A. Sumanthiran has said that the LLRC has severely contradicted itself in its report and has a shortcoming as well. He explained that the Commission has severely contradicted itself by concluding that civilians had not been deliberately targeted by the Security Forces in the final stages of the war and has commended the conduct of the armed forces after claiming the LLRC did not have a mandate to investigate into any incident. The LLRC in fact has recommended independent investigations into certain issues, but had concluded that civilians had not been deliberately targeted and has commended the conduct of the armed forces. "How can the LLRC come to such a conclusion without investigating into the matter?" Sumanthiran queried. He also noted another crucial factor in the LLRC report. "The government has announced that there were only 70,000 civilians in the conflict zone during the final stages of the war when official statistics at the time stated there was a population of over 400,000 civilians in the conflict zone at the time," he noted. According to Sumanthiran, it is an important issue that has not been dealt with in the LLRC report. He said the party is to give an official response to the report after closely studying it.
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December - 18 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he never hesitated in taking decisions for the good and well-being of the country, like he did when he took a firm decision to end the 30-year old war and protect the sovereignty of the nation, according to Daily News. “We had to decide if we are going to see this co
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he never hesitated in taking decisions for the good and well-being of the country, like he did when he took a firm decision to end the 30-year old war and protect the sovereignty of the nation, according to Daily News. “We had to decide if we are going to see this country divided or liberated from the clutches of murderous terrorists. The benefit of that decision is being reaped by the people today”.
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December - 18 
Ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena on December 18 emphasized that any final solution to the Tamil question will only be through the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) process, according to Daily News. Issuing a statement Vass Gunawardena said: “An
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Ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena on December 18 emphasized that any final solution to the Tamil question will only be through the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) process, according to Daily News. Issuing a statement Vass Gunawardena said: “Any final solution will only be through the PSC process, the Tamil national Alliance (TNA) should refrain from undermining this process and in the least respect the supremacy of Parliament and be genuine in participating in the process so as to reach the objectives of the PSC acceptable to all political parties represented in Parliament fulfilling the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka.” Gunawardena who is the Secretary of the committee appointed to have discussions with the TNA said there was no deadline agreed to or even discussed as to the committee proceedings.
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December - 19 
Colombo Page reports that the United States on December 19 urged the Sri Lankan Government not only to fulfill all of the recommendations made by the Lessons Learns and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) but also to address the accountability issues that the LLRC did not cover in its report. Deputy sp
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Colombo Page reports that the United States on December 19 urged the Sri Lankan Government not only to fulfill all of the recommendations made by the Lessons Learns and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) but also to address the accountability issues that the LLRC did not cover in its report. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Ms. Victoria Nuland said the US has concerns that the report prepared by the LLRC does not fully address all the allegations of serious human rights violations that occurred in the final phase of the conflict. "So this leaves questions about accountability and - for those allegations, and so we urge the Sri Lankan Government not only to fulfill all of the recommendations of the report as it stands, but also to address those issues that the report did not cover," the spokesperson said.
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December - 19 
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris stated in Parliament on December 19 that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report is prepared with transparency whereas the Darusman Report is not, according to Daily News. He also stated that the Darusman Report had many flaws but the LLRC
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External Affairs Minister G L Peiris stated in Parliament on December 19 that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report is prepared with transparency whereas the Darusman Report is not, according to Daily News. He also stated that the Darusman Report had many flaws but the LLRC report has been prepared with responsibility. The External Affairs Minister also said that there were factual discrepancies of the incidents that took place during the last phase of the humanitarian operation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Darusman Report and the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. The minister said that the LLRC report is transparent and the way that data was gathered had been outlined properly. However, the Darusman Report fails in mentioning the way it procured data for that report. This absence of methodology of gathering data alone makes it an irresponsible report. The LLRC report is impartial and acceptable to all those who need to know what really happened. Though the Darusman Report says it obtained data from people, it fails to mention who these people are, Peiris said. The evidence mentioned in the Darusman Report is not credible and authoritative when compared to the LLRC report. The LLRC report reveals so much facts that we must take into account. The LLRC report highlights the way the LTTE had fixed their artillery in areas inhabited by civilians. This made it very difficult for the advancing troops to separate them from the people. Apart from that the terrorists used people as a human shield by parking their vehicles in areas close to hospitals. They were not following any laws or principles but our troops were adhering to the laws of the country and international norms of engagement throughout their mission.
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December - 19 
The Government has completed the resettlement of 88,666 displaced families in the North to-date, according to Daily News. This was revealed by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiutheen and Northern Province Governor Major General G. A. Chandrasiri on December 19. Minister Bathiutheen said t
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The Government has completed the resettlement of 88,666 displaced families in the North to-date, according to Daily News. This was revealed by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiutheen and Northern Province Governor Major General G. A. Chandrasiri on December 19. Minister Bathiutheen said the number of families resettled district wise in the North is Mannar - 18,273, Mullaitivu - 4,373, Vavuniya - 11,291, Killinochchi - 4,859 and Jaffna 49,870.
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December - 20 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been requested to name their nominees for the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), which will be entrusted with formulating a solution to the grievances of communities, reports Daily News. However, the TNA has so far not ob
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been requested to name their nominees for the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), which will be entrusted with formulating a solution to the grievances of communities, reports Daily News. However, the TNA has so far not obliged. “They are proving to be as difficult as the LTTE in talks, adopting the same negative tactics,” President Rajapakse said on December 20. He further said that the Government has no problems with the TNA, but the TNA had a mindset problem. “They yet have a war mentality, this is getting in the way when talking to the Government. They must get out of this, which is entirely shaped by the past” he added. The President went on to say that the TNA is getting instructions from abroad and this was a considerable obstacle when it came to conducting fruitful negotiations with the Government. He also noted that an outstanding demand of the TNA for Police Powers to the North and East is not a practicable proposition. The President also noted that the government has recruited Tamil speaking citizens to the police. Interviews are presently being conducted to recruit another batch of Tamil citizens to the police service, Colombo Page adds.
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December - 20 
External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris said that the TNA has called for an international investigation into the issues raised by the conflict, according to Daily News. “The TNA is the only party to do so and it should be evident that this could pave way for international interference in Sri Lanka’s
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External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris said that the TNA has called for an international investigation into the issues raised by the conflict, according to Daily News. “The TNA is the only party to do so and it should be evident that this could pave way for international interference in Sri Lanka’s issues” he added. “That the TNA is calling for an international probe is a matter for profound regret” he added.
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December - 21 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Army camps set up at District level are of national importance, and these camps which have been established with the intention of promoting national security will not be removed, reports Daily News. He noted that this was a policy maintained by every Governm
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Army camps set up at District level are of national importance, and these camps which have been established with the intention of promoting national security will not be removed, reports Daily News. He noted that this was a policy maintained by every Government after achieving independence. He also asserted that those Army camps set up for the national security would not be removed.
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December - 22 
Cabinet spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on December 22 that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) should appoint members to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the issues of the Tamil community, reports Daily News. The opposition parties, inc
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Cabinet spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on December 22 that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) should appoint members to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the issues of the Tamil community, reports Daily News. The opposition parties, including TNA, so far have failed to appoint their members to this PSC even though the Government has already appointed its members.
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December - 22 
Cabinet spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, the Government presented the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report to Parliament earlier than expected to the surprise of many pessimists. HE said that these pessimists had earlier said that the
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Cabinet spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, the Government presented the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report to Parliament earlier than expected to the surprise of many pessimists. HE said that these pessimists had earlier said that the LLRC report would never be forwarded to Parliament. He noted that the LLRC report is being accepted by many impartial parties.
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December - 27 
An ally of Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the Sri Lanka Muslin Congress (SLMC) has opposed the Government's decision not to allocate land and Police powers to the Provinces, according to Colombo Page. SLMC Deputy Secretary Nizam Kariyappar observed that the Tamil spea
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An ally of Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the Sri Lanka Muslin Congress (SLMC) has opposed the Government's decision not to allocate land and Police powers to the Provinces, according to Colombo Page. SLMC Deputy Secretary Nizam Kariyappar observed that the Tamil speaking people in the North and East Provinces were hopeful of power being devolved to the Provinces as promised by President Mahinda Rajapakse at the All Party Representative meeting in 2006. He said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has promised to invite the SLMC for the next round of talks with the Government. The next round of talks between the Government and TNA are scheduled for January 17.
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December - 27 
Mahinda Rajapakse recently told a media meeting that the Government will not grant land and police powers to provincial councils as sought by the TNA in accordance with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan aka Karuna, who was a former Liberation Tigers
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Mahinda Rajapakse recently told a media meeting that the Government will not grant land and police powers to provincial councils as sought by the TNA in accordance with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan aka Karuna, who was a former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader, had said that devolution of Police powers to the provinces would cause security issues to the Government and in the event Police powers were devolved, maintaining law and order and rule of law in some provincial councils would be impossibility.
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