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Sri Lanka
Statement:2012
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Date
Incidents
January - 1 
Sunday Observer quoted All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) Secretary General Y.L.S Hameed saying that ACMC will leave no room for another re-merger of the North and the East. He said one must understand the background in which the late Muslim leader M.H.M. Ashraff tabled the demand for a separate unit
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Sunday Observer quoted All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) Secretary General Y.L.S Hameed saying that ACMC will leave no room for another re-merger of the North and the East. He said one must understand the background in which the late Muslim leader M.H.M. Ashraff tabled the demand for a separate unit of devolution for the Muslims in the North and the East. According to Hameed, the merger of the two provinces took place without consulting the Muslims who formed one third of the population in the Eastern Province.
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January - 1 
the Government has allocated LKR 61,000 million to accelerate the implementation of many development projects in the Jaffna District to promote the livelihood of the people who suffered during the three-decade-long LTTE terrorism, Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri told the Su
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the Government has allocated LKR 61,000 million to accelerate the implementation of many development projects in the Jaffna District to promote the livelihood of the people who suffered during the three-decade-long LTTE terrorism, Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri told the Sunday Observer. Another LKR 5,000 million has been allocated to the Northern Provincial Council from the budget for development activities in the province, he said. The Government is focussing mainly on addressing the economic uplift of the Northern community considering that the economic disparity had been the major cause for all social problems in the past, he added.
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January - 3 
Daily News adds that Peiris urged the French Government to ensure that publications like the four stamps issued by La Poste of France, depicting images related to the LTTE, including its insignia, should not happen and their publication be cancelled .
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Daily News adds that Peiris urged the French Government to ensure that publications like the four stamps issued by La Poste of France, depicting images related to the LTTE, including its insignia, should not happen and their publication be cancelled .
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January - 3 
Loosening its stance against granting police and land powers to the provinces according to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the Government said on January 3 that it is ready to consider its scope provided the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) put forward its proposals at the talks with the Govern
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Loosening its stance against granting police and land powers to the provinces according to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the Government said on January 3 that it is ready to consider its scope provided the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) put forward its proposals at the talks with the Government, according to Colombo Page. The Government spokesman, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, "As a Government we are concerned about giving Police and Land powers to provinces. However, we are ready to consider giving those powers within certain scope if such a proposal is made by the TNA to the Government. For that the TNA should remain at talks with the Government." Minister Rambukwella told the Government Media Unit.
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January - 3 
Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris on January 3 called in the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Christine Robichon, to express Sri Lanka's concern over the issue of four stamps by the French mail service La Poste depicting images of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according
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Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris on January 3 called in the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Christine Robichon, to express Sri Lanka's concern over the issue of four stamps by the French mail service La Poste depicting images of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Colombo Page. Professor Peiris pointed out that when Governments, especially in the West allow the pro-LTTE groups to operate in such a manner, the Sri Lankan public will question those countries' bona-fides and the Sri Lankan Government has to consider the public opinion since the pro-LTTE groups overseas are still seeking to achieve their objectives through different means.
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January - 3 
the French Ambassador confirmed the publication of 360 stamps by La Poste. However, after the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed La Poste that LTTE is a terrorist group banned by the EU in 2006, the mail service has assured that no such stamps will be printed further.
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the French Ambassador confirmed the publication of 360 stamps by La Poste. However, after the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed La Poste that LTTE is a terrorist group banned by the EU in 2006, the mail service has assured that no such stamps will be printed further.
Read less...
January - 8 
The Sri Lanka Police Department will create opportunities for former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who are well educated to join the Police, Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon said, according to Sunday Observer. He said if the former LTTE cadres were willing to join the P
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The Sri Lanka Police Department will create opportunities for former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who are well educated to join the Police, Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon said, according to Sunday Observer. He said if the former LTTE cadres were willing to join the Police after fulfilling the requirements, the Department would recruit them. “They need to have the required educational qualifications and pass the physical fitness tests”, he said. The Police Chief said that the ex-LTTE cadres who wish to join the Police need to have clearance from the rehabilitation authorities about their conduct to consider their eligibility to recruit them to the police. The Government conducted rehabilitation programs for over 11,500 ex-LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Security Forces at the end of the war. After the successful completion of a one-year rehabilitation program most of them have been reintegrated into the society and some have been facilitated to find employment abroad. In another context, he said the Police Department had recruited over 600 Tamil Police officers and they are now serving in the North and the East. “Police officers who were not conversant in Tamil was the main obstacle to have a good relationship with the Tamils in the North and the East,” he added. “By the end of this month another 350 Tamils will join the Police Department and we will continue in the recruitment drive according to the demand”, he said adding that six Tamil Language teaching centres have been set up to teach 1,200 Police officers for six months.
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January - 8 
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development Minister Douglas Devananda said that all Tamil parties, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), must strengthen President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s hands to find a durable solution to the ethnic issue. “President Mahinda Rajapakse with his magn
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Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development Minister Douglas Devananda said that all Tamil parties, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), must strengthen President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s hands to find a durable solution to the ethnic issue. “President Mahinda Rajapakse with his magnanimous leadership successfully eliminated LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] terrorism and liberated the people who suffered atrocities of the LTTE for several decades. Thereafter, the President has turned his attention to solve the country’s burning ethnic issue by consulting all sections of the people to find a permanent durable solution and to bring peace, harmony and co-existence among all Sri Lankans,” he added. Devananda further said, “The only way to find a permanent political solution to the ethnic issue is through a Parliamentary Select Committee. This is the only opportunity for all Tamil political parties, including the TNA, to participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee and submit their proposals and argue their case.” Noting that the TNA is not the only representative of the Tamil people, he said, “There are several Tamil parties which represent Tamils in Parliament and in other elected bodies. Therefore, the TNA should realise the realities and think that they too are representing the Tamils along with others and nominate names of their members to the Select Committee. This will expedite the process of finding a political solution which can be accepted by all sections of the people.” Devananda observed that if the TNA does not participate in the Parliamentary Select Committee proceedings, it will be difficult to find a durable solution to the ethnic issue and there will be a stalemate which will continue to aggravate sufferings of the Tamil people.
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January - 9 
Around 74 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who have been rehabilitated on court orders, are to be released shortly on a decision by the Rehabilitation Department, reports Daily News. According to Rehabilitation Commissioner General Major General Chandana Rajaguru this group will be re
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Around 74 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who have been rehabilitated on court orders, are to be released shortly on a decision by the Rehabilitation Department, reports Daily News. According to Rehabilitation Commissioner General Major General Chandana Rajaguru this group will be released on January 22 at a ceremony in Batticaloa. He said that 11,375 out of around 12,000 former LTTE cadres had been rehabilitated and integrated into society to date, while another 750 are being rehabilitated and will be released in batches.
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January - 9 
Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake on January 9 said that all Tamil parties, particularly the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), should get actively involved in the deliberations of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the ethnic issue
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Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake on January 9 said that all Tamil parties, particularly the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), should get actively involved in the deliberations of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the ethnic issue
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January - 10 
Higher Education Ministry Secretary Sunil Jayantha Navarathna said that on the advice of LTTE supporters, a Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) faction led by Kumar Gunaratnam is engaged in hampering the university system. He said that the new JVP faction is behind the recent incidents in universities,
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Higher Education Ministry Secretary Sunil Jayantha Navarathna said that on the advice of LTTE supporters, a Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) faction led by Kumar Gunaratnam is engaged in hampering the university system. He said that the new JVP faction is behind the recent incidents in universities, including student demonstrations at the Sri Jayewardhanapura University. This JVP faction is staging various well-planned actions in universities under the guise of protecting free education and safeguarding students’ rights. Kumar Gunarathnam’s alleged to have connections with LTTE supporters and the faction receives LTTE funds in return for destroying and hampering the university system, he added. In addition to put into practice the hidden agenda of the LTTE, the JVP faction has planned to gain more political power in the universities over the old JVP activists. The Secretary requests all university students not to fall prey to extremist groups engaged in fulfilling the LTTE’s hidden agenda.
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January - 10 
Sri Lanka plans to strengthen security in the country to prevent any resurrection of the vanquished Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on January 10, according to Colombo Page. Denying accusations, leveled against the Government by some groups that th
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Sri Lanka plans to strengthen security in the country to prevent any resurrection of the vanquished Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on January 10, according to Colombo Page. Denying accusations, leveled against the Government by some groups that the country is being militarized, Rajapaksa said the Security Forces are being strengthened in order to establish lasting peace and harmony in the country. He observed that the LTTE, although defeated in the country, is still active overseas and groups sympathetic to the LTTE cause are attempting to revitalize their movement at international level. While assuring that the Government Security Forces are capable of bringing down terrorist elements within the country, said the Government will strengthen the intelligence unit to the fullest. He pointed out that pro-LTTE organizations have enormous amounts of funds at their disposal and these funds are now being used to destabilize the country. He noted that the Government has fully strengthened the democratic rule in the country now and it is planning measures to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to resolve the national issues. Daily News quoted him as saying that though many LTTE-friendly groups and individuals function overseas separately, they have one common objective of dismembering Sri Lanka and establishing a separate State. He said various LTTE-friendly organizations are raising funds by numerous illegal means and are conducting schools overseas for Tamil Diaspora youngsters to inculcate in them Tamil nationalist sentiments and hatred towards the Sinhalese. The Defence Secretary added that though the LTTE pretend that they are not resuming violence, the outfit has not changed their stripes, modus operandi and agenda to break-up Sri Lanka and resume the struggle for a separate State.
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January - 11 
Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadde said the powers demanded by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) would not address issues faced by the Tamil people in the country, according to Colombo Page. Karalliyadde said the TNA was seeking powers to the Northern Provincial Counci
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Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadde said the powers demanded by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) would not address issues faced by the Tamil people in the country, according to Colombo Page. Karalliyadde said the TNA was seeking powers to the Northern Provincial Council that have not been given to any other provincial council in the country. He noted that the TNA should understand the real needs of the Tamil people and work towards winning them. "There is no consensus in the talks because the TNA demands are not what the Tamil people need," Karalliyadde has emphasized. Some senior members of the Government say the TNA is making impossible demands to make it difficult for the Government to continue the talks but the Government is keeping options open to resolve the problems of the north and east by discussions. The two main demands of TNA, the re-merger of North and East and land and Police powers to the provinces, were also the demands of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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January - 11 
Minister of Lands and Land Development Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said that over 200,000 citizens in the country do not possess any land. Issuing a statement, the Lands Ministry said that 201,981 citizens do not own a land to construct even a house for themselves. Minister Tennakoon has said that the
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Minister of Lands and Land Development Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said that over 200,000 citizens in the country do not possess any land. Issuing a statement, the Lands Ministry said that 201,981 citizens do not own a land to construct even a house for themselves. Minister Tennakoon has said that the Ministry has provided lands to 100,000 families who did not own land by July 2009.
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January - 13 
Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on January 13 that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan’s statement that his party will take part in discussions in connection with finding a solution to the issues of the Tamil community is a positive sign, according t
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Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on January 13 that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan’s statement that his party will take part in discussions in connection with finding a solution to the issues of the Tamil community is a positive sign, according to Daily News. Minister Rambukwella said that whatever solution worked out through these discussions should be endorsed by Parliament. “It is the last step in any solution. When the process of finding a solution starts from Parliament it saves time,” he added. According to Minister Rambukwella the process of finding a solution to the Tamil issue was always dragged on by the TNA and other groups in the past starting from the ‘Thimpu Discussions’ and it is still dragging on. Minister Rambukwella pointed out that the Government has serious concerns about the distribution of Police and land powers. “The government can grant certain areas of police and land powers,” he added.
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January - 13 
Higher Education Ministry Secretary Jayantha Navaratne said the numerous student protests in local universities are the result of students falling victim to outside political elements. He said this on being asked to comment on the continued unrest in the universities of Colombo, Ruhuna, Jayawardenap
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Higher Education Ministry Secretary Jayantha Navaratne said the numerous student protests in local universities are the result of students falling victim to outside political elements. He said this on being asked to comment on the continued unrest in the universities of Colombo, Ruhuna, Jayawardenapura and Sabaragamuwa over the past week. He said, "A leader of a dissident JVP [Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna] group is responsible for the strikes that have erupted in the universities. According to Intelligence reports, the students are being used as tools by this JVP faction to achieve political mileage against the Government by causing major unrest in the education system." The JVP dissident faction is using tactics to lure students into their political game. We are also aware that they are being funded by external anti-Government elements, to cause major damage to the system of education, he said.
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January - 13 
The overseas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) groups trying to revive the vanquished terror group in Sri Lanka have used the personalized services offered by the postal authorities in Britain, France and Canada to make a mockery of those States where the terrorist group remains as a banned or
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The overseas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) groups trying to revive the vanquished terror group in Sri Lanka have used the personalized services offered by the postal authorities in Britain, France and Canada to make a mockery of those States where the terrorist group remains as a banned organization, reports Colombo Page. Britain's Royal Mail service has cancelled personalized stamps depicting the slain LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran printed by a pro-LTTE organization through the Government-owned postal authority's "Smiler Service" and apologized to Sri Lanka. "Upon receipt of Sri Lanka's concerns in this regard given that the LTTE is a proscribed organization in the UK, the Royal Mail has investigated the matter immediately and confirmed to us that they promptly cancelled an account set up by the individual," the High Commission said in a statement. Sri Lanka recently expressed strong reaction when the French postal service La Poste issued four stamps depicting images of LTTE. La Poste apologized to Sri Lanka for the error in-writing and also in person during a meeting between two of the postal service's officers and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in France. Meanwhile, the personalized stamp promoting the LTTE that was distributed in Canada has never been printed by Canada Post and it is a false representation, Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post Corporation has said.
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January - 15 
A massive recruitment program has been launched to enlist Tamil-speaking men and women from the Northern and Eastern provinces to foster a good relationship between diverse ethnic communities, Police media spokesman, Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer. 50 Tamil-speaking m
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A massive recruitment program has been launched to enlist Tamil-speaking men and women from the Northern and Eastern provinces to foster a good relationship between diverse ethnic communities, Police media spokesman, Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer. 50 Tamil-speaking males have been selected as Sub Inspectors of Police to undergo training at the Police Training School at Kalutara from January 25. On completion of training the Probationary Sub Inspectors of Police will be posted to Tamil- speaking areas of the Northern and Eastern provinces where they can attend to their work in their own language. This is the largest batch of Tamil-speaking Police Sub Inspectors to be selected since the setting up of the Police Department almost 146 years ago. The Police spokesman said that following the recruitment drive launched in 2011 the Police Department had received a large number of applications from Tamil- speaking individuals, men and women from the Northern and Eastern provinces who have expressed their willingness to join as Police constables. The prospective applicants are being interviewed by senior police officers to fill the cadre of 350 constables which had fallen vacant in Northern and Eastern provinces. “We hope to recruit these constables as early as possible and they will be posted to Tamil-speaking areas,” he added.
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January - 15 
Commenting on the ongoing talks between the Government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Presidential adviser for reconciliation and member of the Government delegation for the Government-TNA discussions, Rajiva Wijesinha told the Daily News that “there is an increasing perception that there ar
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Commenting on the ongoing talks between the Government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Presidential adviser for reconciliation and member of the Government delegation for the Government-TNA discussions, Rajiva Wijesinha told the Daily News that “there is an increasing perception that there are many common factors between us and there is a desire on both sides to have a positive solution”. “There are one or two issues which will obviously take a longer time, rather than trying to resolve the more difficult question first, resolving the easier issues first will be more productive. Because then you realize that the difficult problems are not so difficult” Wijesinha said. “On the merger of the Northern and the Eastern Provinces, frankly the Government’s position is very clear that it is not possible. The TNA also realizes that it is a bit of a hangover from the 1980s. However on land and police powers I think we can compromise if neither side is dogmatic. There are various other things where there is close possibilities of agreement, for example the Second Chamber etc”, he said. The next round of talks between the Government and the TNA is scheduled to begin on January 17.
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January - 15 
The We Are Sri Lankan (WASL) organization led by the dissidents of Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said the rehabilitated former LTTE members should be given equal rights and not be sidelined. WASL Convener, Udul Premaratne said that the Government was critical of organizations that s
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The We Are Sri Lankan (WASL) organization led by the dissidents of Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said the rehabilitated former LTTE members should be given equal rights and not be sidelined. WASL Convener, Udul Premaratne said that the Government was critical of organizations that stood and fought for ethnic harmony. He said that statement made by some Government ministers that their organization is backed by the LTTE was made with the intention of suppressing the movement in its struggle to get the authorities to address the needs of the society. "We have no such links and will not be involved in any separatist movement," he added. Premaratne particularly condemned the statement made by Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake on the January 11 at the Jaffna University that there were LTTE elements at the university. "If the Government continues to make such statements and sideline some members from society making false allegations it would justify the formation of another separatist movement at some point," he warned.
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January - 16 
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said that foreign forces are behind some of the protests held in the country. Jayaratne said that such foreign forces were behind the protests against the setting up of private universities. He observed that he has received affidavits stating such facts. According to th
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Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said that foreign forces are behind some of the protests held in the country. Jayaratne said that such foreign forces were behind the protests against the setting up of private universities. He observed that he has received affidavits stating such facts. According to the Prime Minister, certain foreign elements including the Tamil Diaspora were hopeful of resurrecting the LTTE organization. Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said the Police has to play a vital role in the country’s development, according to Daily News. The Government has given more strength and freedom to the Police to act independently, which is essential to protect peace and harmony in society to successfully realize its development objectives. “We defeated terrorism two and a half years ago. We now have to defeat other illegal activities such as underworld gangs, illicit drug dealers and robberies. The Police is meeting this challenge in a very successful manner,” the Defence Secretary added.
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January - 17 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 17 assured Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, who is an official tour to Sri Lanka, that he stood by his commitment to follow the “13th Amendment plus approach” to achieve a political solution to the Tamil question, The Hindu reports. “I discussed
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 17 assured Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, who is an official tour to Sri Lanka, that he stood by his commitment to follow the “13th Amendment plus approach” to achieve a political solution to the Tamil question, The Hindu reports. “I discussed this matter [political solution for Tamils] with His Excellency the President this morning. The President assured me that he stands by his commitment to pursuing the 13th Amendment [to the Sri Lankan Constitution] plus approach,” Krishna told presspersons after meeting the Sri Lankan President. “The Government of Sri Lanka has on many occasions conveyed to us its commitment to move towards a political settlement based on the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, and building on it, so as to achieve meaningful devolution of powers. We look forward to an expeditious and constructive approach to the dialogue process. We believe that continuation of the dialogue between the Government and the TNA [Tamil National Alliance] would pave the way for political settlement, including under the rubric of the Parliamentary Select Committee,” he added.
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January - 18 
Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on January 18 said that Government can overcome political extremism, reports Daily Excelsior. "Although a handful of bankrupt political extremists are trying to create a crisis in the country, the government has the strength to thwart such att
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Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on January 18 said that Government can overcome political extremism, reports Daily Excelsior. "Although a handful of bankrupt political extremists are trying to create a crisis in the country, the government has the strength to thwart such attempts and bring them under control within the next few days,” he stated. The Minister said that cropping up of minor problems is a natural feature when certain Government sectors tried to effect changes essential for the country's forward march. A certain extremist group was trying to exaggerate them as national problems to create a temporary uprising in the country putting the blame on the Government for it. Minister Rambukwella noted that certain trade unions as well as extremist groups failed to unite and act in a responsible manner beneficial to the country's progress as regards the problems in universities, GCE Advanced Level results, and issues relating to the use of crates in vegetable transport, private sector pensions and other issues. There is no big challenge that is insurmountable for the Government which had the strength to solve the terrorist problem and usher in peace for the countrymen. The Minister who described the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which operated a propaganda and fund raising network in nearly 230 countries as one of the richest terrorist organizations found in the world, said that even though the Government was able to defeat LTTE terrorists initially the Eelam dream had not been erased from the minds of Tamils living abroad and various local and foreign organizations due to the Tamil homeland concept propounded by the LTTE. Since their motives cropped up under different faces, the Government will understand the situation and provide the necessary solutions for that problem too.
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January - 18 
the TNA said on January 18 (today) that it looked forward to a new beginning in talks with the Government, following President Rajapaksa’s assurance on devolution and autonomy. “The President has spoken about going beyond the 13th Amendment. This is a new beginning and we will pursue the talks from
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the TNA said on January 18 (today) that it looked forward to a new beginning in talks with the Government, following President Rajapaksa’s assurance on devolution and autonomy. “The President has spoken about going beyond the 13th Amendment. This is a new beginning and we will pursue the talks from here,” TNA Member of Parliament Sumanthiran said, when asked about the progress of talks. Talks between the two sides were scheduled to begin on January 17 but the Government side did not turn up for the talks.
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January - 19 
Addressing a media briefing on January 19 the Government spokesman and Minister of Media & Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government expects to establish a Senate representing minority groups and academics as a "viable link between the Central Government and the provinces", reports Colomb
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Addressing a media briefing on January 19 the Government spokesman and Minister of Media & Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government expects to establish a Senate representing minority groups and academics as a "viable link between the Central Government and the provinces", reports Colombo Page. Explaining the government's initiative, the Minister said the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is already a part of the Constitution since 1987, and the establishment of the Senate, which will act as an advisory body to the legislature, is what meant by the 13 plus or 13 and beyond. Referring to the issue of giving land and Police powers to the provinces under the 13th Amendment, the Minister said the Government has concerns granting full powers but it is prepared to discuss the extent of these powers to be devolved. He pointed out that although the President has the executive powers to take unilateral decisions in this regard, he prefers a solution through consensus of all political parties and the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) would serve that purpose. The Minister told the media that the government wants to arrive at a consensus on a political solution with all parties represented in the parliament and appointed the PSC for that purpose. "It (PSC) is where we can arrive at a solution on this issue. That is why the Government insists the TNA [Tamil National Alliance] to nominate their representatives to the PSC," the Minister said, adding, "If the TNA wants a solution they should come in within the PSC."
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January - 20 
about 142 families who left their villages in 1999 due to terrorist activities were resettled in their own lands, said Resettlement Minister Gunarathna Weerakoon. These families have been settled in temporary shelters in Gajabapura and Monaraweva divisional secretariat divisions in Weli Oya. About 7
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about 142 families who left their villages in 1999 due to terrorist activities were resettled in their own lands, said Resettlement Minister Gunarathna Weerakoon. These families have been settled in temporary shelters in Gajabapura and Monaraweva divisional secretariat divisions in Weli Oya. About 75 families are living in Gajabapura and 67 families in Monaraweva, he added.
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January - 21 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Rasavarodhayam Sampanthan said on January 21 that the TNA will continue to hold talks with the Government delegation to reach consensus on an effective and workable solution to the grievances of people in the North and the East and would not q
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Rasavarodhayam Sampanthan said on January 21 that the TNA will continue to hold talks with the Government delegation to reach consensus on an effective and workable solution to the grievances of people in the North and the East and would not quit the talks under any circumstances, reports Sunday Observer. They had reached an agreement with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government delegation and this has been recorded in the minutes of the talks with regard to the appointment of their representatives to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC). It was mutually agreed that the TNA would appoint its representatives to the PSC only after it reached consensus with the Government delegation on the basic aspects of power devolution. The TNA is scrupulously observing the mutual agreement and cannot be blamed for not appointing representatives to the PSC, he said. The TNA is not averse to participating in the PSC and would take part in the talks at the right time. They prefer the devolution package going through the process of deliberation at the PSC, the TNA leader said. In another context he said that the TNA considered the Senate as complementary to an effective and meaningful devolution package and not as a component of it.
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January - 22 
leader of the House and Chief Negotiator in the TNA-Government talks Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva affirmed that they have not suspended or withdrawn from the ongoing negotiations to find a workable framework for the devolution of power. Responding to media reports that the Government has suspen
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leader of the House and Chief Negotiator in the TNA-Government talks Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva affirmed that they have not suspended or withdrawn from the ongoing negotiations to find a workable framework for the devolution of power. Responding to media reports that the Government has suspended talks, the Minister said they have called upon the TNA to appoint members to the proposed PSC for continuation of the talks. “It is not a difficult request for the TNA to fulfil,” he said adding that the Government hoped that the TNA would take note of the Cabinet decision and appoint members so that the talks can proceed as usual. De Silva noted that the TNA, UNP and the JVP are yet to nominate their members for the PSC.
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January - 22 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that even after the end of the war, LTTE elements were still trying to act from behind some political parties. Rajapaksa also said that the Government could not be held responsible for the persons who go missing due to terrorist activities.
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that even after the end of the war, LTTE elements were still trying to act from behind some political parties. Rajapaksa also said that the Government could not be held responsible for the persons who go missing due to terrorist activities.
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January - 24 
the Tamil national Alliance (TNA) said that President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Government has gone back on its agreement with the Indian Government. TNA spokesman and Jaffna District parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that the President after agreeing to provide a political solution to the e
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the Tamil national Alliance (TNA) said that President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Government has gone back on its agreement with the Indian Government. TNA spokesman and Jaffna District parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that the President after agreeing to provide a political solution to the ethnic issue that goes beyond the 13th Amendment has now backtracked. "The President has taken an undertaking during the discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna where he has said the solution would be beyond the 13th Amendment," he explained. The TNA legislator said that many Cabinet ministers including the head of the Government delegation that held discussions with the TNA have made open claims that the Police and land powers in the 13th Amendment would not be devolved. "They have stated that the solution would not be beyond the 13th Amendment," he noted. According to Premachandran, the TNA is yet to be officially informed of the reason for the stalling of the talks with the Government. "We have not been officially informed of the reason," he said. The talks between the Government and the TNA stalled last week when the discussions scheduled to take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th had to be cancelled due to the non-participation of the Government delegation.
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January - 25 
National Freedom Front leader and Construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa on January 25 said that a foreign spy service may be guiding the rebel group of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) which had always adopted a two pronged policy of democracy a
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National Freedom Front leader and Construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa on January 25 said that a foreign spy service may be guiding the rebel group of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) which had always adopted a two pronged policy of democracy and revolution, according to Daily News. He said the small rebel group is waiting for the dawn of the 'day of struggle' like the Benghazi rebels.
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January - 26 
Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that Sri Lanka needs a local model of decentralization of power invented by Sri Lankans. “Thirteen Plus is correct and accurate. The meaning of Thirteen Plus is establishing a Senate. The entire thirteenth amendment is a vast decentraliz
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Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that Sri Lanka needs a local model of decentralization of power invented by Sri Lankans. “Thirteen Plus is correct and accurate. The meaning of Thirteen Plus is establishing a Senate. The entire thirteenth amendment is a vast decentralization of powers. There is no big issue when it comes to decentralizing land powers, but, there is a serious issue on the system of devolving Police powers. Therefore, the question is what is wrong with discussing this single issue in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC),” he said. The Government has not decided a deadline for PSC activities because it has no intention to take a decision alone, stating that there are no participants in the PSC from other political parties. He also said that it is questionable whether the devolution of land and Police powers are actually wanted by the ordinary people living in the North and East or a few politicians. The most important fact is acting in the best interest of the country.
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January - 26 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that only politicians in the Northern and Eastern Provinces demand land and Police powers, not the. Minister Rajapaksa explained that the people in the North and East wanted land to cultivate and carry out their livelihoods and protection from terro
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that only politicians in the Northern and Eastern Provinces demand land and Police powers, not the. Minister Rajapaksa explained that the people in the North and East wanted land to cultivate and carry out their livelihoods and protection from terrorism and abductions. The Government, Rajapaksa has said, would provide these necessities of the people. However, he pointed out that the Government did not have any intention to devolve land and Police powers to the provinces. Deputy Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Weerakumara Dissanayake says that a political solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment needs to be thought out very carefully, Colombo Page reported. He told the media that the Government facing a great risk since the whole concept of 13th plus could spread like a germ. e noted that it could be used to obstruct the Government's development path. Therefore, he observed that the government in this scenario needs to work according to a proper legal framework. "We need to see whether the TNA [Tamil National Alliance] has given war or peace to the Tamil people in the country. The President has developed the North. The TNA has given only bunker to the Tamil people in the past few years," Dissanayake said.
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January - 26 
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on January 26 said that Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) implementation getting off to good start, according to Daily News. “The government has made a good start to implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commi
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External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on January 26 said that Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) implementation getting off to good start, according to Daily News. “The government has made a good start to implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). Within the next two months, the process of implementing the LLRC recommendations will get fully underway,” Peiris said. He said the Government will not present the LLRC report to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as it was a report commissioned by the President Mahinda Rajapakse to investigate internal issues.
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January - 27 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 27 suggested people to learn three languages: Tamil, Sinhalese, and English, reports Colombo Page. If Tamils were taught Sinhalese and Sinhalese were taught Tamil, Sri Lanka would have been in lesser problems. He also said that he is committed to safeguard the
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 27 suggested people to learn three languages: Tamil, Sinhalese, and English, reports Colombo Page. If Tamils were taught Sinhalese and Sinhalese were taught Tamil, Sri Lanka would have been in lesser problems. He also said that he is committed to safeguard the country's sovereignty and he will not hesitate to take any decision to protect the people and the country from any threat.
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January - 29 
Colombo Page reports that the main opposition UNP said the Government needs to inform parliament and the country if it was looking at a political solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said the Government needed to explain exactly wh
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Colombo Page reports that the main opposition UNP said the Government needs to inform parliament and the country if it was looking at a political solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said the Government needed to explain exactly what President Mahinda Rajapaksa has promised to Indian External Affairs Minister about the political solution. He said the UNP did not have any issue with the 13th Amendment since it was already in the Constitution. However, he observed that there needed to be a proper discussion if the Government was looking at a solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment.
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January - 29 
Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara told the Sunday Observer that while the Government pursues a ‘one nation policy’, the TNA is doing the opposite, by adopting a ‘two-nation policy’. The Government aims at uniting all communities under one banner, while develo
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Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara told the Sunday Observer that while the Government pursues a ‘one nation policy’, the TNA is doing the opposite, by adopting a ‘two-nation policy’. The Government aims at uniting all communities under one banner, while developing the linguistic, cultural and religious values of every community, under the 10-year national plan for Trilingual Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that it would help address all grievances of the minorities and offer them dignity and parity of status in all spheres. He, however, conceded that Sinhala hardline parties expect the minorities to live under their dominance, accepting whatever is offered by them, including the right to live. This attitude impedes the Government’s efforts to work out a devolution arrangement, the Minister added.
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January - 29 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 29 that in finding solutions to whatever issues the country faces, the Government would always look for home-grown methods, that meet the aspirations and needs of the people, reports Daily News. He said that solutions to country’s problems should come from
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 29 that in finding solutions to whatever issues the country faces, the Government would always look for home-grown methods, that meet the aspirations and needs of the people, reports Daily News. He said that solutions to country’s problems should come from within based on dialogue and understanding and stressed that he and the Government were always prepared to listen and were open for discussion to resolve any issues on behalf of the people.
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January - 29 
Presidential Envoy on Human Rights and leader of the delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Mahinda Samarasinghe told the Daily News that Sri Lanka will not be presenting the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report to the UNHRC as it was never the intention
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Presidential Envoy on Human Rights and leader of the delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Mahinda Samarasinghe told the Daily News that Sri Lanka will not be presenting the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report to the UNHRC as it was never the intention of the Government to do so. Minister Samarasinghe said that he anticipates that there will be references to the LLRC report and if that happens, the delegation will be prepared to present the government’s view with respect to the report that was presented to Parliament in December 2011.
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January - 29 
Tamil People's Liberation Tigers (TMVP) leader and Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) Chief Minister (CM) Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has demanded that Police and land powers be given to the Provincial Councils, according to Colombo Page. Local Sunday Times reported that the EPC led b
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Tamil People's Liberation Tigers (TMVP) leader and Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) Chief Minister (CM) Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has demanded that Police and land powers be given to the Provincial Councils, according to Colombo Page. Local Sunday Times reported that the EPC led by Pillayan has unanimously passed a resolution demanding Police and land powers for the council. A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Presidential Secretariat. A spokesman said that the CM will also discuss the issue with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan. "We are willing to work jointly with the TNA in winning these demands," the council spokesman was quoted as saying.
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January - 29 
The Government on January 29 said there was no logical reason in continuing talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue when the final solution would be decided by the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), Colombo Page reported. Governmen
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The Government on January 29 said there was no logical reason in continuing talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue when the final solution would be decided by the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), Colombo Page reported. Government Spokesperson and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the Government's stance was that the proposed PSC has to decide on the political solution to the ethnic issue. He said there was no logical reason to continue with talks with the TNA since matters discussed with the TNA would also have to be discussed and decided at the PSC. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged to implement the final decision put forward by the PSC. Referring to the President assurance to Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna of a solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment, Rambukwella said that it was just an offer and that the process of finding a solution would be through the PSC. The talks between the Government and the TNA were due to be held on January 17th, 18th and 19th but were cancelled after the Government decided not to participate. The government has urged all political parties including the TNA to name their representatives to the PSC. However, the opposition United National Party (UNP), Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and TNA have not heeded the government's request yet.
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January - 29 
TNA Member of Parliament Premachandran confirmed that the CM has written to the TNA expressing willingness for dialogue. He said that the party is ready to discuss with the ruling party of the EPC about the power devolution and the political solution to the ethnic problem. TMVP is a political party
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TNA Member of Parliament Premachandran confirmed that the CM has written to the TNA expressing willingness for dialogue. He said that the party is ready to discuss with the ruling party of the EPC about the power devolution and the political solution to the ethnic problem. TMVP is a political party formed by the former breakaway rebel group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). TMVP which won the 2008 Provincial Council election for which the TNA did not contest is the major party of the ruling coalition of the Eastern Province.
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January - 30 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 30 that the issues confronting normalization process in the country should be resolved democratically, through the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) process, reports Daily News. “Whether it be 13 plus or 13 minus, these and more issues should be sorted
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 30 that the issues confronting normalization process in the country should be resolved democratically, through the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) process, reports Daily News. “Whether it be 13 plus or 13 minus, these and more issues should be sorted out through the PSC mechanism. The Opposition must join in this effort as the problems at hand should be resolved democratically,” the President explained. It is the PSC which must clear-up all outstanding questions, he said. “Parliament’s decision on these matters is my decision,” the President emphasized. “I am willing to expedite the PSC process to search for solutions to these issues. There is absolutely no need for intermediaries. While it is the responsibility of all to come together to search for solutions to our issues collectively, some parties in the Opposition are not even nominating their personnel to the PSC. The TNA [Tamil National alliance] has, on occasion, acted like the LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eealm]. They have joined discussions only to leave them abruptly. All need to remember that a problem which raged for 30 years cannot be resolved in a hurry,” the President stated. “I will be asking all relevant political parties to come together in the PSC process in an effort to iron out differences of opinion among them with regard to the issues facing our communities and to speed- up the normalization process in the country. All these parties and other relevant sections are obliged to put the interests of Sri Lanka above their self-interest.”
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January - 31 
Commenting on the criticism by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Western countries of Sri Lanka, the Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs, Karunathilaka Amunugama said that “Sri Lanka is not going to make decisions to make NGOs and other countries happy and what is best for our
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Commenting on the criticism by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Western countries of Sri Lanka, the Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs, Karunathilaka Amunugama said that “Sri Lanka is not going to make decisions to make NGOs and other countries happy and what is best for our country and our people will be decided by the people of Sri Lanka”, reports Daily News. Criticizing the critics of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) he said that most of these groups and people have made their statement before LLRC was published. “We know that we can’t make them happy no matter what we do. We can’t help that,” he said.
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January - 31 
United National Party (UNP) called on the Government to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to show its commitment to finding a political solution to the ethnic issue and addresses the needs of the Tamil people, reports Colombo Page. UNP Gene
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United National Party (UNP) called on the Government to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to show its commitment to finding a political solution to the ethnic issue and addresses the needs of the Tamil people, reports Colombo Page. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake says the UNP was ready to participate in any discussion and support the Government in its endeavour to implement the LLRC recommendations. He says the President Mahinda Rajapakse after saying he would implement the recommendations made by the LLRC, was not doing so. Some the measures recommended by the LLRC included investigation of cases of disappearances and abductions, promotion of a trilingual policy, deployment of Tamil-speaking officers in all offices, curbing activities of illegal armed groups, reduction of high security zones, return of private lands by the military and demilitarization and restoration of civilian administration in the Northern Province.
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February - 1 
The Head of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM), an ally of Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera says that the Government should not hold discussions on finding a political solution with the major Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance
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The Head of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM), an ally of Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera says that the Government should not hold discussions on finding a political solution with the major Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) reports Colombo page. He blamed TNA for representing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideology of separatism and pushing for Tamil Eelam. He also demanded for the legal action against TNA as well as immediate action against the comments made by some of the government ministers who have defecting from the main opposition United National Party (UNP).
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February - 3 
In less than three years after the war, Sri Lanka has resettled 98 percent of the nearly 300,000 war-displaced people in the North, Sri Lanka's Minister of Resettlement Gunaratne Weerakoon said
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In less than three years after the war, Sri Lanka has resettled 98 percent of the nearly 300,000 war-displaced people in the North, Sri Lanka's Minister of Resettlement Gunaratne Weerakoon said
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February - 3 
Sri Lankan Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that nobody can say that the Government does not have a proposal to be presented to the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a solution to the ethnic issue. The Government’s proposal will be presented to the PSC. Presiden
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Sri Lankan Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that nobody can say that the Government does not have a proposal to be presented to the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a solution to the ethnic issue. The Government’s proposal will be presented to the PSC. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will abide by the final decision taken by the PSC. Further, he added that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has never stated to date that it will refrain from participating in the PSC.
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February - 5 
Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) parliamentarian KD Lal Kantha blamed Tamil National Alliance (TNA) of using the power devolution issues to achieve their political objectives. He said that devolving land and police powers to provinces under the 13th will never solve the national issue o
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Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) parliamentarian KD Lal Kantha blamed Tamil National Alliance (TNA) of using the power devolution issues to achieve their political objectives. He said that devolving land and police powers to provinces under the 13th will never solve the national issue of the country and no result can be expected from the measure. He further blamed the western colonial occupation for creating disunity among the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in order to achieve their political and economic objectives, has said the Tamil National Alliance, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), India and the Sinhala parties in the South prevented amity among the people.
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February - 5 
Opposition and United National Party (UNP) Leader of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the people to rally to safeguard democracy in the country reports Colombo Page. Government has failed to establish democracy, the opposition parties would work towards it together with the people. He
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Opposition and United National Party (UNP) Leader of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the people to rally to safeguard democracy in the country reports Colombo Page. Government has failed to establish democracy, the opposition parties would work towards it together with the people. He further stated that democracy; law and order have collapsed in the country while there was no independent police, public service, electoral system or free education and health services. He asserted that democracy plus is the need of hour, which will in turn help to find a solution to 13 plus policy.
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February - 5 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 5 said that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was the best forum to resolve the national question and asked all parties to participate in the PSC rather than relying on imported solutions and foreign influences reports Sunday Observer. The P
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 5 said that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was the best forum to resolve the national question and asked all parties to participate in the PSC rather than relying on imported solutions and foreign influences reports Sunday Observer. The President cautioned against conspiracies and propaganda of terrorists based overseas aimed at destabilizing the motherland. “They hope to achieve in Sri Lanka certain results similar to those in some other countries. The fuel for this struggle in Sri Lanka comes from separatism which is active in foreign lands.” He told the nation that the country would neither benefit by trying to please selfish groups, nor implementing the proposals of extremist groups. The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has said that all are responsible for this problem. Therefore, we have already started implementing what was in the Commission report. He also addressed various issues like economic and agricultural development along with future challenges and expectations.
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February - 6 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran on February 6 said that the Government is telling one thing to India and another thing to Sri Lanka regarding a solution to the ethnic problem and accused the Government of not finalizing a date for discussions with the TNA, reports Colo
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran on February 6 said that the Government is telling one thing to India and another thing to Sri Lanka regarding a solution to the ethnic problem and accused the Government of not finalizing a date for discussions with the TNA, reports Colombo Page. He restated that a fair political solution was a pre-condition for the reconciliation, equity and peace of the country and therefore, TNA is demanding self-Government. The statement came after the incident when Government Spokesman and Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella accused the TNA of dragging its feet without making a final commitment.
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February - 7 
Commenting on the charges by Tamil national Alliance (TNA) of heavy militarization in the north and insisting that the troops “are maintaining absolutely essential presence” and there would be sizeable military presence to ensure that the “past does not revisit,” the Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Raja
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Commenting on the charges by Tamil national Alliance (TNA) of heavy militarization in the north and insisting that the troops “are maintaining absolutely essential presence” and there would be sizeable military presence to ensure that the “past does not revisit,” the Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa completely rejected the charges as “unfair assessment".
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February - 9 
In a launching ceremony of a DVD- The RUTHLESS- LTTE’s Final Crimes Against Humanity, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle said that this video is not for the political gain, but to give a correct understanding about the experiences of the Tamil community of
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In a launching ceremony of a DVD- The RUTHLESS- LTTE’s Final Crimes Against Humanity, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle said that this video is not for the political gain, but to give a correct understanding about the experiences of the Tamil community of the North and East during the war period reports Daily News. Interestingly, this video is produced by the Defence Ministry, includes facts and evidence supplied by the Tamil people relating to the war along with the identity of the real perpetrators of atrocities against them.
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February - 9 
Sri Lankan opposition party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe says the country is in need of the establishment of democracy plus to address issues faced by it reports Colombo Page. He also announced series of protests to be held under the People's Movement against Lawlessness.
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Sri Lankan opposition party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe says the country is in need of the establishment of democracy plus to address issues faced by it reports Colombo Page. He also announced series of protests to be held under the People's Movement against Lawlessness.
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February - 14 
Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena showed his disagreement over United Sates (US) attempt to force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report, when the Government has alrea
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Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena showed his disagreement over United Sates (US) attempt to force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report, when the Government has already taken the necessary steps to do exactly that step by step. He blamed US’s failure to defeat the Taliban for nine years as the main reason behind their attitude as they are not willing to accept Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism.
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February - 14 
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the LLRC report contains constructive proposals for advancing reconciliation and reconstruction. He added that it is critical now to implement the recommendations of LLRC.
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Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the LLRC report contains constructive proposals for advancing reconciliation and reconstruction. He added that it is critical now to implement the recommendations of LLRC.
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February - 15 
The Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry K. Amunugama said that Sri Lanka is disappointed on the fact that US to support a resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva to be held between February 27-March 23.
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The Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry K. Amunugama said that Sri Lanka is disappointed on the fact that US to support a resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva to be held between February 27-March 23.
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February - 17 
Director General (DG) of the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Lakshman Hulugalle on February 17 said that the Human Rights Watch (HRW) is promoting pro-LTTE propaganda, reports Daily Mirror. In an attempt to defend announcement made by the army appointing a five-member Court of Inquiry (COI
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Director General (DG) of the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Lakshman Hulugalle on February 17 said that the Human Rights Watch (HRW) is promoting pro-LTTE propaganda, reports Daily Mirror. In an attempt to defend announcement made by the army appointing a five-member Court of Inquiry (COI) to investigate allegations that its forces had committed serious violations of the law of war, Lakshman Hulugalle criticized Human Rights Watch (HRW) for leveling COI to be an another Government delaying tactic in the face of mounting international pressure.
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February - 17 
Hulugalle, further, said that they have been against Sri Lankan from the beginning and the government is doing everything for the betterment of all Sri Lankans. “Even when the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was established to look in to these allegations, they had a negative app
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Hulugalle, further, said that they have been against Sri Lankan from the beginning and the government is doing everything for the betterment of all Sri Lankans. “Even when the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was established to look in to these allegations, they had a negative approach and criticized it,” Hulugalle said. Earlier, the HRW charged that the announcement made by the Army appointing a five-member Court of Inquiry to investigate allegations that its forces committed serious violations of the law of war appears to be another Government delaying tactic in the face of mounting international pressure.
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February - 20 
Sri Lankan Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that certain elements are trying to create unrest in the country using non-existent 'issues'. They are trying to incite people into violence as these elements are acting according to private and foreign agendas and trying their best to re
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Sri Lankan Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that certain elements are trying to create unrest in the country using non-existent 'issues'. They are trying to incite people into violence as these elements are acting according to private and foreign agendas and trying their best to realize the Diaspora's objectives; they are jealous of Sri Lanka and the Government for eradicating terrorism, achieving peace and developing the country reports Daily News. He appealed people to be far sighted and must participate in the development drive.
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February - 22 
The opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe on February 22 termed Government plan to propose National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva next week, without discussing it in the parliament as a violation of the Constitution.
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The opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe on February 22 termed Government plan to propose National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva next week, without discussing it in the parliament as a violation of the Constitution.
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February - 23 
A letter sent by the Sri Lankan mission to UNHRC member states and other sections of the world community says. “Sri Lanka categorically states that at no time has the Government or its mission in Geneva, ever worked with representatives of the United States on any Resolution whatsoever. It further s
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A letter sent by the Sri Lankan mission to UNHRC member states and other sections of the world community says. “Sri Lanka categorically states that at no time has the Government or its mission in Geneva, ever worked with representatives of the United States on any Resolution whatsoever. It further says, “It is incorrect and misleading to create such an impression that Sri Lanka was consulted, has cooperated or in any other manner been part of such a process”. The letter came in response to a purported email, which suggested Sri Lanka Government working collaboratively with US diplomat on the accountability issue and the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’s Report.
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February - 23 
Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has told the parliament that the Government was prepared to discuss the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission ( LLRC) report in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) and asked the United National Party (UNP) to propose names to the PSC.
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Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has told the parliament that the Government was prepared to discuss the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission ( LLRC) report in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) and asked the United National Party (UNP) to propose names to the PSC.
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February - 23 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on February 23 said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will have to answer for the human rights violations carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists, if it participates in the UN Human Rights Council's sessions in Geneva.
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on February 23 said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will have to answer for the human rights violations carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists, if it participates in the UN Human Rights Council's sessions in Geneva. He further said that the Government has received reports that relatives of Tamil politicians who were killed by the LTTE have already left for Geneva and the TNA which represented the LTTE will have to provide an answer to them.
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February - 24 
The Sri Lankan delegate, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L Peiris, to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva said that resolving the grievances of Sri Lanka’s communities after the conflict, is an exclusively internal matter and that the issue could be resolved by Sri La
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The Sri Lankan delegate, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L Peiris, to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva said that resolving the grievances of Sri Lanka’s communities after the conflict, is an exclusively internal matter and that the issue could be resolved by Sri Lanka independently reports Daily News. Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) is one of the steps adopted for a domestic approach to resolve this issue. The delegation explained that the LLRC process was opened to the public and that it represented the opinions of diverse population groups within the country.
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February - 26 
An unnamed senior Sri Lankan diplomat alleged that various LTTE front organizations scattered around the world are knitting themselves together in a 'human rights' shield. He made this allegation following a 'human rights' conference held in Brampton, Ontario on February 18-19 by the 'Centre for War
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An unnamed senior Sri Lankan diplomat alleged that various LTTE front organizations scattered around the world are knitting themselves together in a 'human rights' shield. He made this allegation following a 'human rights' conference held in Brampton, Ontario on February 18-19 by the 'Centre for War Victims and Human Rights of Canada' in collaboration with several organizations working together to further the LTTE ideology. He further said that this was an exercise to drum up support for anti-Sri Lanka effort, at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva, USD 25,000 was handed over to Fr. Emmanuel and USD 5,000 was allegedly set aside to pursue the case against Maj. Gen Shavendra Silva in the US.
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February - 26 
Brigadier Hettiarachchi also said that rehabilitation authorities are to implement a comprehensive post monitoring system to help cadres who had reintegrated into the mainstream society. “Under the new system the authorities will not only look into their activities but also into their problems. We h
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Brigadier Hettiarachchi also said that rehabilitation authorities are to implement a comprehensive post monitoring system to help cadres who had reintegrated into the mainstream society. “Under the new system the authorities will not only look into their activities but also into their problems. We have reports in some areas that their own people are still reluctant to welcome them into society”, he added.
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February - 26 
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Dharshana Hettiarachchi said that 931 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres undergoing rehabilitation would be reunited with their families before the end of this year, reports Sunday Observer. According to the Rehabilitation Ministry,
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Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Dharshana Hettiarachchi said that 931 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres undergoing rehabilitation would be reunited with their families before the end of this year, reports Sunday Observer. According to the Rehabilitation Ministry, of the 11,700 cadres who had surrendered, 10,375 have been reunited with their families after the completion of the rehabilitation process. Over LKR 750 million has been allocated for rehabilitation this year.
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February - 28 
Main opposition United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake claimed that Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe in his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva had agreed to implement the demands being made by the UNHRC and US; contradicting to Defence S
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Main opposition United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa Attanayake claimed that Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe in his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva had agreed to implement the demands being made by the UNHRC and US; contradicting to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's stand that the Government would not bow down to the UNHRC reports Colombo Page. Attanayake said the Government could have avoided all these issues had it implemented the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
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February - 28 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 28 said that the Protest in North and East along with other parts of country on February 27, irrespective of all differences, against a resolution before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against Sri Lanka proved that ruthless terrorism was defeated withou
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 28 said that the Protest in North and East along with other parts of country on February 27, irrespective of all differences, against a resolution before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against Sri Lanka proved that ruthless terrorism was defeated without rousing racist passions by the State, according to Daily News. The President also stated that the international community does not have a genuine desire to build unity among peoples of this country.
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March - 1 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya said that the Army is to scale down its presence in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Army is now completely ready for far-reaching reforms in its structural composition regarding ground realities, security and needs of island-wide ongoing de
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya said that the Army is to scale down its presence in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Army is now completely ready for far-reaching reforms in its structural composition regarding ground realities, security and needs of island-wide ongoing development projects, he added.
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March - 6 
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee leader T K Rangarajan stated that his party was against an international inquiry into alleged human rights allegations against the Sri Lankan Government during the offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily N
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The Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee leader T K Rangarajan stated that his party was against an international inquiry into alleged human rights allegations against the Sri Lankan Government during the offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily News. When asked whether the CPM had abandoned the principle of self-determination rights for nationalities, he said a decision should not be imposed on the Sri Lankan people from outside. It was for the people of the island to decide. When asked whether people's wish should be ascertained from a referendum, he rejected it.
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March - 8 
India's External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, responding to a letter sent by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said - India will carefully consider the overall ties with its neighbor and the sentiments in its own country before making a decision at the Uni
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India's External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, responding to a letter sent by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said - India will carefully consider the overall ties with its neighbor and the sentiments in its own country before making a decision at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on the resolution against Sri Lanka.
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March - 8 
Media spokesperson for Sri Lankan Australians in Melbourne, Nagesha Wickramasuriya said that separatist activists and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) supporters are attempting to lobby support from federal Parliamentarians in Australia into making a statement and to pressurize the United Nat
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Media spokesperson for Sri Lankan Australians in Melbourne, Nagesha Wickramasuriya said that separatist activists and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) supporters are attempting to lobby support from federal Parliamentarians in Australia into making a statement and to pressurize the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take action against Sri Lanka, reports Daily News. These activists are trying to mislead politicians across the globe and are posing as human rights activists. These elements have also started a fund raising campaign- One dollar per week. The amount of money they are collecting annually is staggering. "There is a misconception amongst some Sri Lankans that the LTTE have been finished. But internationally they are there in a big way. They have been defeated militarily but their activists are around the world so the terrorist problem is not over. They are active in American, Canada, France, and London and even in Australia," said Wickramasuriya.
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March - 8 
Sri Lanka's delegate to UNHRC Ms. Pruyanga Wickremasinghe said that Sri Lanka has rehabilitated nearly 600 child soldiers recruited by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group LTTE within one year, reports Colombo Page. All child soldiers were rehabilitated under a UNICEF-assisted program and returned to the
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Sri Lanka's delegate to UNHRC Ms. Pruyanga Wickremasinghe said that Sri Lanka has rehabilitated nearly 600 child soldiers recruited by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group LTTE within one year, reports Colombo Page. All child soldiers were rehabilitated under a UNICEF-assisted program and returned to their families; despite, their participation in terrorist activities and not a single combatant was prosecuted. The child soldiers have been given the opportunity and assistance to return to school to pursue their studies, she added.
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March - 8 
Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) points out that there is no difference in the contents of the resolution presented by the United States on the Sri Lankan Government to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and the stance expressed by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe in Geneva.
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Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) points out that there is no difference in the contents of the resolution presented by the United States on the Sri Lankan Government to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and the stance expressed by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe in Geneva. The US has called for the implementation of the LLRC recommendations while the Government has informed the UNHRC that it would implement the recommendations. He, further, said that the Government while admitting to adhere to the demands of the international community is trying to push for patriotism among the people.
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March - 8 
Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam said it will fight the resolution submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council by the United States against Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes "to the very last minute." "What, in fact, are the
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Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam said it will fight the resolution submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council by the United States against Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes "to the very last minute." "What, in fact, are the US trying to tell us with their draft resolution? They are not saying that our LLRC report is bad. They are not saying that there are gross and systematic violations of human rights in Sri Lanka. What they are saying is that they don't have confidence that we will implement the recommendations. They are judging our intentions, not the ground reality!" the Ambassador added.
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March - 9 
Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Germany, Sarath Kongahage, said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its sympathisers are fast fading in Germany, reports Daily News. Several attempts made by them to raise funds by holding campaigns have failed. They wanted to hold a mass protest on Sri Lan
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Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Germany, Sarath Kongahage, said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its sympathisers are fast fading in Germany, reports Daily News. Several attempts made by them to raise funds by holding campaigns have failed. They wanted to hold a mass protest on Sri Lanka’s Independence Day on February 4 and tarnish the image of Sri Lanka. However, their plans were an utter failure as only eight people turned out for the event, he added. The Sri Lankan community in Germany is around 60,000, of which around 8,000 are Tamils.
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March - 9 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran said the resolution presented by the United States on Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva only seeks the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations and was no
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran said the resolution presented by the United States on Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva only seeks the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations and was not against the country and noted that it was a belief that the resolution was against the country, reports Colombo Page. He pointed out that the international community was asking questions since the Government has failed to even implement minor recommendations.
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March - 10 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 10 pointed out that certain countries, which remained silent during the 30 years of unspeakable terror unleashed by the LTTE with suicide bombs and mass murders of civilians, are now trying to prosecute Sri Lanka for human rights violations after the Government e
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 10 pointed out that certain countries, which remained silent during the 30 years of unspeakable terror unleashed by the LTTE with suicide bombs and mass murders of civilians, are now trying to prosecute Sri Lanka for human rights violations after the Government eliminated the terror, according to Colombo Page. Noting that some members of the international community are thinking of human rights only when the killings no longer take place, the President said after defeat of terrorism killings of youth from all communities have stopped and the people are once again able to live freely in an undivided country that belongs to everyone.
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March - 12 
An Action Plan detailing how recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report could be implemented in the country’s North, will soon be handed over to the Ministry of Defense by Sri Lanka Army, reports Daily News. Acting Spokesman for the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Brigad
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An Action Plan detailing how recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report could be implemented in the country’s North, will soon be handed over to the Ministry of Defense by Sri Lanka Army, reports Daily News. Acting Spokesman for the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Brigadier G V Ravipriya on March 12 said, a board comprising senior officers of the SLA formulated the Action Plan on how to implement the recommendations stipulated in the LLRC report. Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya had appointed the board about a month ago to formulate the Action Plan, he said.
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March - 12 
The SLA is considering making a documentary film about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran’s death. Army Commander Jayasuriya told that a film would be made to explain to the international community how Prabhakaran died in the battlefield. Acting spokesman Ravipriy
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The SLA is considering making a documentary film about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran’s death. Army Commander Jayasuriya told that a film would be made to explain to the international community how Prabhakaran died in the battlefield. Acting spokesman Ravipriya said the movie would be made with a view to dispelling various doubts and falsehood that had manifested around his death. "The film will be made so that the real story of Prabhakaran's death is known to the international community. It will depict what really took place and happened," he added.
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March - 13 
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on March 13 stated that the international community does not have any legitimate right to involve itself in the national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, when the Sri Lankan Government itself is committed to it, reports Daily News. He said that the internatio
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External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on March 13 stated that the international community does not have any legitimate right to involve itself in the national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, when the Sri Lankan Government itself is committed to it, reports Daily News. He said that the international community submitted a resolution against Sri Lanka within a strikingly short period, while Sri Lanka needs ample time to resolve the issues which arose during the 30 year conflict. He added that out of the 297,000 displaced persons received by the Army, 97 per cent have been resettled and it was not just physical resettlement. He also added that the economic growth rate in the North and East is 22 percent while that of the entire country is 8 percent; clearly showing that Government is well on its way towards reconciliation and rehabilitation of the Tamil people.
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March - 13 
Special Presidential envoy Namal Rajapaksa on March 13 said that a large number of former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE) cadres rehabilitated by the Government have been reintegrated with their families, reports Daily News. Special assistance and schemes are being facilitated by the Govern
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Special Presidential envoy Namal Rajapaksa on March 13 said that a large number of former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE) cadres rehabilitated by the Government have been reintegrated with their families, reports Daily News. Special assistance and schemes are being facilitated by the Government for the rehabilitated youths and widows to find self employment, he added.
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March - 13 
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam said that the allegation of cold blooded killing of slain LTTE chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran’s 12-year son is another concoction by British Channel 4 TV. He emphasized that allegation is unsubstantiated, uncorroborated and not been checked by
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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam said that the allegation of cold blooded killing of slain LTTE chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran’s 12-year son is another concoction by British Channel 4 TV. He emphasized that allegation is unsubstantiated, uncorroborated and not been checked by any authority.
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March - 14 
Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena informed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told the Cabinet of ministers that no matter what happens in Geneva, Government has to speedily solve problems of the Tamil people and upgrade their living standards. Sri Lanka is ready to fa
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Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena informed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told the Cabinet of ministers that no matter what happens in Geneva, Government has to speedily solve problems of the Tamil people and upgrade their living standards. Sri Lanka is ready to face any situation arising in the future, reports Daily News. He also informed that over 99 per cent of IDPs have been resettled and a massive development drive is on in the North to provide infrastructure facilities to the Tamil people.
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March - 14 
UK’s Minister for South Asia Alistair Burt, after the broadcast of second video on Sri Lanka conflict by Britain's Channel 4, asked for “an independent, credible and thorough investigation" into the bloody conflict and urged the United nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to pass the resolution agai
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UK’s Minister for South Asia Alistair Burt, after the broadcast of second video on Sri Lanka conflict by Britain's Channel 4, asked for “an independent, credible and thorough investigation" into the bloody conflict and urged the United nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to pass the resolution against Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. He, further, said that Channel 4 has brought "important and disturbing evidence to support allegations of grave abuses" in Sri Lanka to international attention.
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March - 15 
Media Centre for National Security Director General (DG) Lakshman Hulugalle denied the wild allegations contained in the second video footage released by Channel 4 and termed it as another attempt aimed at tarnishing the country’s reputation. He stressed that video is biased, as it does not mention
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Media Centre for National Security Director General (DG) Lakshman Hulugalle denied the wild allegations contained in the second video footage released by Channel 4 and termed it as another attempt aimed at tarnishing the country’s reputation. He stressed that video is biased, as it does not mention Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as terrorist group or the fact that the LTTE forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to accompany them and that they killed civilians to prevent them from leaving. He also blamed Channel 4 News for relying largely upon sensationalist materials made available to it by anti-Government groups and individuals.
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March - 15 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka has the courage to face challenges posed by external forces and does not requires an imported solution to solve the country’s internal issues, as it is capable of solving its issues through peaceful dialogue with all parties concerned, reports Daily Ne
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka has the courage to face challenges posed by external forces and does not requires an imported solution to solve the country’s internal issues, as it is capable of solving its issues through peaceful dialogue with all parties concerned, reports Daily News. He further stressed that Sri Lanka has arrived at a stage where the country’s problems can be solved by the people itself and the time has come for them to shed petty differences and join hands for the sake of the country.
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March - 18 
Sri Lanka Army Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasekera has asked Channel 4 to present the allegations they make against Sri Lanka Army with evidence to the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) instead of dramatizing their old video clips taken from open sources of pro-LTTE websites.
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Sri Lanka Army Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasekera has asked Channel 4 to present the allegations they make against Sri Lanka Army with evidence to the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) instead of dramatizing their old video clips taken from open sources of pro-LTTE websites.
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March - 23 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that no external forces will be allowed to threaten the country's sovereignty and pledged to continue the Government's development and reconciliation programs, reports Colombo Page. He assured Sri Lankans that there will be no threat directed on the integr
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that no external forces will be allowed to threaten the country's sovereignty and pledged to continue the Government's development and reconciliation programs, reports Colombo Page. He assured Sri Lankans that there will be no threat directed on the integrity and sovereignty of the country by the UN resolution against Sri Lanka.
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March - 25 
Chief Minister of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan said that the people in the East would have to decide on whether or not to merge the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He noted that the East would not be able to develop, as it has in the past few years
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Chief Minister of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan said that the people in the East would have to decide on whether or not to merge the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He noted that the East would not be able to develop, as it has in the past few years, if the North and East were merged. He also said that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) cannot make any decision with regard to merging the North and East and they have not responded to a statement made by him expressing desire to discuss a political settlement with them.
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March - 26 
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris assured people that the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has no powers to impose economic sanctions, reports Colombo Page. He further said that Sri Lanka does not accept the UN Resolution and there will be no change in Sri Lanka's stance to bow
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External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris assured people that the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has no powers to impose economic sanctions, reports Colombo Page. He further said that Sri Lanka does not accept the UN Resolution and there will be no change in Sri Lanka's stance to bow down to any foreign pressure. "Our policy in respect of all matters will continue to be guided by the vital interests and wellbeing of the people of our country," G. L. Peiris said.
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March - 26 
The Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) of Sri Lanka Police reopened a case pertaining to a plane crash that happened 12 years ago. The Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana said the plane crash, earlier suspected as an accident, was a result of a missile attack by the Liberation Tigers of Tami
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The Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) of Sri Lanka Police reopened a case pertaining to a plane crash that happened 12 years ago. The Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana said the plane crash, earlier suspected as an accident, was a result of a missile attack by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). He said that two LTTE cadres arrested recently from Kilinochchi have confessed to firing missiles at the aircraft causing the AN-26 to crash. The suspects were produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate on March 26. The case will be heard again on April 23.
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March - 29 
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development Nihal Somaweera said that the Government had set aside 425 billion rupees for the reconstruction activities in the Northern and Eastern provinces from the year 2006 to 2011, reports Colombo Page. The Government has spent a large portion of
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Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development Nihal Somaweera said that the Government had set aside 425 billion rupees for the reconstruction activities in the Northern and Eastern provinces from the year 2006 to 2011, reports Colombo Page. The Government has spent a large portion of the money for resettlement, de-mining, reconstruction and welfare activities. He also claimed that 95 percent of the reconstruction activities in the two provinces have been completed.
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April - 2 
The Indian High Commission in Colombo on April 2 rejected a news report which claimed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were being trained in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, reports Colombo Page. It said in a statement, "The suggestion contained in the news item regarding the training o
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The Indian High Commission in Colombo on April 2 rejected a news report which claimed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were being trained in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, reports Colombo Page. It said in a statement, "The suggestion contained in the news item regarding the training of terrorists at three secret camps in Tamil Nadu, India is entirely erroneous and baseless. Relevant agencies of the two countries have ongoing cooperation and no such information has been brought to the notice of the Government of India." The Island newspaper titled "Tigers return from India on a destabilization mission - SL intelligence, three arrested, others at large", on April 1 had said that state intelligence services have received information that around 150 terrorists who underwent a special arms training at three secret camps in Tamil Nadu, have returned to Sri Lanka and are hiding in the North and the East to carry out a destabilization campaign. According to the report the information was revealed during an interrogation of three suspects arrested for the March 17 killing of an Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) member in Trincomalee District. The suspects, who have been former LTTE cadres have fled to India after the end of the war, have claimed that they have been trained in three camps located in Tamil Nadu and sent back to create disorder in the liberated areas, the report added. They have said that they returned to Sri Lanka under the guise of fishermen to conduct clandestine operations in the North and the East. Sri Lankan intelligence services believe the suspects have been involved in several unsolved murders in the North and East reported in the past.
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April - 2 
The United States (US) rejected media reports that said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been invited to Washington for a meeting with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement, the US Embassy in Colombo said, "While the United States seeks to engage with
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The United States (US) rejected media reports that said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been invited to Washington for a meeting with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement, the US Embassy in Colombo said, "While the United States seeks to engage with all political parties in Sri Lanka, there is no visit scheduled for the TNA, either before or after that meeting."
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April - 3 
Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon said that Sri Lanka needs at least six months to resettle the remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), according to Colombo Page. "Last month we completed 206 houses and we have begun constructing another 200 houses and that should be completed in thre
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Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon said that Sri Lanka needs at least six months to resettle the remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), according to Colombo Page. "Last month we completed 206 houses and we have begun constructing another 200 houses and that should be completed in three months," the Minister said.
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April - 4 
The US-sponsored resolution on the implementation of the recommendations stipulated in Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report is non-binding because bringing out the report was the State’s responsibility, Human Resources Senior Minister D E W Gunasekera told the Daily News on Apr
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The US-sponsored resolution on the implementation of the recommendations stipulated in Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report is non-binding because bringing out the report was the State’s responsibility, Human Resources Senior Minister D E W Gunasekera told the Daily News on April 4, adding that only Sri Lanka can resolve its ethnic question. "The US cannot resolve Sri Lanka's ethnic question," the minister said. He added, "The government will decide how it should go about implementing the LLRC report. The government will implement what it considers necessary and feasible in the LLRC report as a sovereign nation with zero tolerance against external interferences in its internal affairs. The LLRC report has recommendations that are acceptable and that can be implemented. Most have been implemented. There are other recommendations that are under consideration by the government. There are recommendations that cannot be implemented. The report is not without deficiencies. The report is our own concern and we will decide what is best as a sovereign nation." Asked about the stance taken by the Indian Government to vote against Sri Lanka at UNHRC in Geneva, Gunasekera said although India voted against Sri Lanka under pressure by the situation of their domestic politics in Tamil Nadu, they must be respected for the amendment they have moved in to the resolution that any assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights or visits of UN special procedures should be in consultation with the concurrence of the Sri Lankan Government. Explaining the Government's work towards national reconciliation, Gunasekera said: "The government has already resettled all those who have been displaced by the war. We have taken steps to rehabilitate thousands of LTTE cadres who were taken as prisoners by the Security Forces. We sent them home after rehabilitation to live normal lives."
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April - 4 
UK parliamentary group chairman Lord Naseby on April 4, disapproved of the UK Government’s support for the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva reports The Island. Over the past two to three weeks, Naseby has visited several parts of
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UK parliamentary group chairman Lord Naseby on April 4, disapproved of the UK Government’s support for the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva reports The Island. Over the past two to three weeks, Naseby has visited several parts of the country, including Jaffna, Hambantota and Galle, where he met both civilians and the civil society members. Naseby, quoting British High Commissioner told that none of the 400 Tamils of Sri Lankan origin, who had returned to Northern Province from the UK over the past 12 months, had any problem with the Government. He accused both Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and British Tamil Forum (BTF) of being obstacles to post-conflict reconciliation, categorizing them as huge problems. He, on April 5, met the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees. He also met the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiyutheen.
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April - 5 
Meanwhile, Police and the Security Forces have asked the members of the EPDP to be cautious in view of the recent killing of one of its members at Periyakulam, allegedly by the LTTE. Security forces have issued the instructions after receiving intelligence reports on a group of LTTE members attempti
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Meanwhile, Police and the Security Forces have asked the members of the EPDP to be cautious in view of the recent killing of one of its members at Periyakulam, allegedly by the LTTE. Security forces have issued the instructions after receiving intelligence reports on a group of LTTE members attempting to create trouble in the area.
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April - 6 
Meanwhile, Chairman of Patriotic National Movement (PNM), Gunadasa Amarasekera says that the Government must not implement the resolution passed at the United Nation Human Right Council (UNHRC) on Sri Lanka without a referendum, reports Colombo Page. He further said that the implementation of the UN
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Meanwhile, Chairman of Patriotic National Movement (PNM), Gunadasa Amarasekera says that the Government must not implement the resolution passed at the United Nation Human Right Council (UNHRC) on Sri Lanka without a referendum, reports Colombo Page. He further said that the implementation of the UNHRC resolution without a mandate would be a betrayal of the country.
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April - 6 
Meanwhile, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the 126th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union that Sri Lankan Government is taking unique and durable measures to expedite the reconciliation process at the end of a three decades ruthless war, reports Ne
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Meanwhile, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the 126th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union that Sri Lankan Government is taking unique and durable measures to expedite the reconciliation process at the end of a three decades ruthless war, reports News Ik. He also noted that Sri Lanka has achieved significant progress in the field of education and human resources development. The entire indexes in this regard show that Sri Lanka has gained a tremendous achievement in this respect. He urged the delegates not to be deceived by the incorrect and as well as ill-hated campaign against Sri Lanka by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Diaspora.
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April - 6 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on April 6 said that TNA is not opposed to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), but do not have much trust in it, reports Asian Tribune. He said “We have made our position very clearly. We have never been opposed to the Parliamentary Sele
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on April 6 said that TNA is not opposed to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), but do not have much trust in it, reports Asian Tribune. He said “We have made our position very clearly. We have never been opposed to the Parliamentary Select Committee, though we do not have much trust in it." He further told, “But our position is, if the President wants to have a PSC, we will not oppose it. But the clear understanding is that there must be some consensus, at least on some issues before and that consensus must be taken to the parliamentary select committee, before we go to the Parliamentary Select Committee." He also denied that TNA as a Party has not taken any decision on a third party mediation.
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April - 8 
Sri Lanka’s former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga said that Sri Lanka has a “marvelous opportunity” to heal and reconcile its twin populations after 25 years of civil war, reports Daily Mirror. However, she said that she is more than a little baffled at the slowness with which the Mahinda Rajapaks
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Sri Lanka’s former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga said that Sri Lanka has a “marvelous opportunity” to heal and reconcile its twin populations after 25 years of civil war, reports Daily Mirror. However, she said that she is more than a little baffled at the slowness with which the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government is building post-civil war “bridges.” “Such opportunities do not last forever,” she warned. She suggested that while the civil war has seen some repair work accomplished, still more needs to be done in terms of physical reconstruction and rehabilitation.
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April - 9 
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Treasurer and Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma asked Tamil National Alliance (TNA) not to act like agents of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and risk dividing society once again. He said it is now time for the TNA
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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Treasurer and Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma asked Tamil National Alliance (TNA) not to act like agents of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and risk dividing society once again. He said it is now time for the TNA to take a new turn and emerge from the grip of the LTTE that does not exist anymore. The minister noted President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s stand that there are no minorities in this country.
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April - 10 
UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy said that demining process in Sri Lanka’s war ravaged Northern and Eastern provinces has recorded satisfactory progress, reports Colombo Page. The country's North and the East were heavily mined by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) prior
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UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy said that demining process in Sri Lanka’s war ravaged Northern and Eastern provinces has recorded satisfactory progress, reports Colombo Page. The country's North and the East were heavily mined by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) prior to their defeat in May 2009. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified 10 Districts in the North and East -Ampara, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullativu, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, and Vavuniya- as areas contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Since 2009, 101,827 hectares of paddy land, 29,999 hectares of water bodies, 538 kilometers A class roads, over 1,500 kilometers of other roads and 263 kilometers of railway lines have been cleared of landmine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) contamination. An area of 124.7 sq kilometers is yet to be cleared in the North and East of buried death traps, landmines and other deadly explosives. A total area of 1,937 sq kilometers has been cleared up to the end of February 2012. Over 3,600 skilled and trained persons have been deployed to de-mine the area. Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit along with a Sri Lankan NGO Milinda Moragoda Institute for People's Empowerment and six foreign organizations are conducting the demining operations.
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April - 11 
President Mahinda Rajapakse on April 11 said that there will be no room to create ethnic disharmony among the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in the country although some quarters in the world attempt to tear up cohesion among ethnic groups and promote separatism, reports Colombo Page. The Pre
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President Mahinda Rajapakse on April 11 said that there will be no room to create ethnic disharmony among the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in the country although some quarters in the world attempt to tear up cohesion among ethnic groups and promote separatism, reports Colombo Page. The President noted the strong historic ties that existed between the Sinhala and Muslim communities and said the communities should not bow down to the negative elements that try to fracture the country.
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April - 12 
S. Sritharan, a Tamil MP from Sri Lanka said that there is serious violation of human rights against Sri Lankan Tamils, reports Asian Tribune. He appealed to the Indian MPs’ delegation arriving in Sri Lanka to visit Mullivaikkal and do a thorough investigation
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S. Sritharan, a Tamil MP from Sri Lanka said that there is serious violation of human rights against Sri Lankan Tamils, reports Asian Tribune. He appealed to the Indian MPs’ delegation arriving in Sri Lanka to visit Mullivaikkal and do a thorough investigation
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April - 15 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that identities of those arriving illegally in Australia and other countries, particularly in Europe, seeking political refuge are protected, reports Daily News. Thousands of Sri Lankans had received new identities and it therefore denies Sri Lanka an oppo
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that identities of those arriving illegally in Australia and other countries, particularly in Europe, seeking political refuge are protected, reports Daily News. Thousands of Sri Lankans had received new identities and it therefore denies Sri Lanka an opportunity to target organized criminal gangs responsible for sending people abroad. “Many listed missing during the war could have obtained new identities courtesy foreign Governments. Foreign Governments, including Australia, had refused to assist Sri Lanka in investigations aimed at locating missing persons now living overseas under new identities”. He said.
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April - 19 
According to Colombo Page, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena on April 19 reiterated Government stance that a clear solution to the power devolution issue could only be provided through a parliamentary select committee (PSC) and urged Tamil national Alliance (TNA) to join the process. “After
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According to Colombo Page, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena on April 19 reiterated Government stance that a clear solution to the power devolution issue could only be provided through a parliamentary select committee (PSC) and urged Tamil national Alliance (TNA) to join the process. “After discussion at the parliamentary select committee the decision should be approved in the parliament with two-third majority. Recommendations of all party conference could also be discussed at the parliamentary select committee," the Minister emphasized. The Minister stressed that it is compulsory to find a solution that can satisfy all stakeholders.
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April - 24 
Sri Lanka's opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Harin Fernando said that Government needs to make a clear statement about its stance on the 13th Amendment and the claim about going beyond the 13th Amendment. He referred to the latest incidence where President Mahinda Rajapaksa onc
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Sri Lanka's opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Harin Fernando said that Government needs to make a clear statement about its stance on the 13th Amendment and the claim about going beyond the 13th Amendment. He referred to the latest incidence where President Mahinda Rajapaksa once again assured the Indians of forming a political solution that goes beyond the 13th Amendment. He observed that the Government needs to tell the country if a 13 Plus political solution would be given to solve the North and East problem. He pointed out that the country cannot truly celebrate peace until the Government comes up with a national plan and policy together with all political parties, ethnic groups and religious leaders in the country.
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April - 26 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan said that there had been no favorable response from the Sri Lankan Government on the issue of local political solution to the national problem in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. He recalled that the present Government had been giving assurances sin
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan said that there had been no favorable response from the Sri Lankan Government on the issue of local political solution to the national problem in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. He recalled that the present Government had been giving assurances since 2006 but had failed to deliver them. He further said that the suggestion made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) for an accepted solution for the national issue with maximum devolution had also been thrown away by Mahindra Rajapaksa Government. He claimed that all their efforts to come to a deal with the respective Governments have failed and now they are forced to look for international assistance.
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April - 27 
According to Daily Mirror, the Sri Lanka Army on April 27 denied reports that security forces had used cluster bombs during the war and requested to provide any evidence so that an investigation can be launched. “I wish to reiterate that Sri Lanka Army, Navy or Air Force never used cluster bombs. We
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According to Daily Mirror, the Sri Lanka Army on April 27 denied reports that security forces had used cluster bombs during the war and requested to provide any evidence so that an investigation can be launched. “I wish to reiterate that Sri Lanka Army, Navy or Air Force never used cluster bombs. We request Allan Poston to provide us with any evidence he may be having so that we could investigate,” military spokesperson Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya said. The denial came after a report citing a top UN demining expert, Allan Poston, claimed that unexploded cluster bombs were discovered in the Puthukudyiruppu area in the north. The area known as PTK was a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) nerve centre during their decades old fight with the Government troops
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April - 29 
Eastern Province Chief Minister of Sri Lanka Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan said any decision to dissolve the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) this year [2012] would be made only after discussing about the matter. Chandrakanthan said that he has not yet received any official informatio
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Eastern Province Chief Minister of Sri Lanka Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan said any decision to dissolve the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) this year [2012] would be made only after discussing about the matter. Chandrakanthan said that he has not yet received any official information of a move to prematurely dissolve the EPC, against any speculation that the Council would be dissolved by this midyear.
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April - 29 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan told the Indian Parliamentary delegation that he is not in favour of the separation of Sri Lanka, but he wants a political resolution workable and durable through dialogue. In an interview to Asian tribune, he said, “I want to be an equal Sri Lankan
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan told the Indian Parliamentary delegation that he is not in favour of the separation of Sri Lanka, but he wants a political resolution workable and durable through dialogue. In an interview to Asian tribune, he said, “I want to be an equal Sri Lankan and thereby a proud Sri Lankan. What I meant is that the Tamils must be equal with the Sinhalese in a united Sri Lanka.” He asserted that he believed in the unity of the ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, never advocated for secession of the country.
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April - 30 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan sought President Mahindra Rajapaksa’s intervention to secure the release of several youth taken into custody during the recent search operations in the Eastern Province, particularly in the Trincomalee District, reports The Island.
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan sought President Mahindra Rajapaksa’s intervention to secure the release of several youth taken into custody during the recent search operations in the Eastern Province, particularly in the Trincomalee District, reports The Island.
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May - 1 
Commenting on the recent UK human rights report, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that the international community should ask the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rump to reveal the number of children killed and maimed while ‘in service’ with the group, reports The island. He said t
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Commenting on the recent UK human rights report, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that the international community should ask the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rump to reveal the number of children killed and maimed while ‘in service’ with the group, reports The island. He said that those seniors, who had managed to flee the Vanni during the final phase of the conflict and take refuge abroad, would be able to shed light on casualty figures as LTTE was known for maintaining battle-field records.
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May - 1 
President Mahindra Rajapaksa on May 1 said that anti-state conspiracies, uprisings or rebellions have no place in Sri Lanka, according to Daily Mirror. He said that people from foreign countries without name or address come to Sri Lanka to destabilize the country with their anti-national campaigns.
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President Mahindra Rajapaksa on May 1 said that anti-state conspiracies, uprisings or rebellions have no place in Sri Lanka, according to Daily Mirror. He said that people from foreign countries without name or address come to Sri Lanka to destabilize the country with their anti-national campaigns. Stating that some countries, unfortunately, assist them in the hope of a regime change, he stressed that a regime change would be possible only by the people for the people of this country through free and fair elections and not by conspiracies hatched with the assistance of foreign powers. “This Government commands the confidence of the people. Sri Lanka is one of the oldest democracies in Asia. Therefore, conspiracies, uprisings or rebellions have no place in this land; and this Government will never let them happen,” he asserted.
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May - 3 
Presidential spokesman Bandula Jayasekara said that the circumstances leading to ongoing operations in Northern and Eastern Provinces had been clearly explained and emphasized that the President was keen to further improve security in these Provinces, reports The Island. According to spokesman, a st
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Presidential spokesman Bandula Jayasekara said that the circumstances leading to ongoing operations in Northern and Eastern Provinces had been clearly explained and emphasized that the President was keen to further improve security in these Provinces, reports The Island. According to spokesman, a strong presence of security forces would be necessary to ensure stability. “MP Sampanthan, who had remained silent while the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) forcibly conscripted children to be used as cannon fodder, today criticized the police and armed forces, engaged in legitimate internal security operations,” the Presidential spokesman said. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament R. Sampanthan on May 1 had criticised such operations.
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May - 10 
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on May 10 stated that the Government has made arrangements to develop the war affected East as well as the North, reports Daily News. Minister Rajapaksa said the Government has initiated programmes to develop infrastructure, livelihood and the living env
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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on May 10 stated that the Government has made arrangements to develop the war affected East as well as the North, reports Daily News. Minister Rajapaksa said the Government has initiated programmes to develop infrastructure, livelihood and the living environment, along with several programmes to develop the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector and outsourcing of garments, food processing, etc has helped to build up a good SME sector in the East.
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May - 19 
Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka will not abandon its responsibilities to the Tamil community, reports Colombo Page. Marking the three-year anniversary, on May 19, of the military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the President said the Lessons Lear
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Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka will not abandon its responsibilities to the Tamil community, reports Colombo Page. Marking the three-year anniversary, on May 19, of the military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the President said the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), commission that investigated the war, was appointed to bring reconciliation among communities, not divisions. He further said that Government is already carrying out what it can agree to and can implement among the recommendations of the LLRC.
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May - 22 
The Tamil Nation Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan said that as many as 234 Tamil prisoners had been on a hunger strike since May 17 and their health condition had deteriorated, reports Daily Mirror. He requested for the release of all ‘Tamil political prisoners’. He said that, while appreciating
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The Tamil Nation Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan said that as many as 234 Tamil prisoners had been on a hunger strike since May 17 and their health condition had deteriorated, reports Daily Mirror. He requested for the release of all ‘Tamil political prisoners’. He said that, while appreciating the Government’s rehabilitation programme, there were hundreds of others still in prison to be rehabilitated.
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May - 26 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is yet to announce its official position regarding its participation in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC), reports Daily News. TNA MP Suresh Premachandra on May 27 said that their party has not decided about having talks with the Government on participating in the P
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is yet to announce its official position regarding its participation in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC), reports Daily News. TNA MP Suresh Premachandra on May 27 said that their party has not decided about having talks with the Government on participating in the PSC sessions.
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May - 28 
Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said it is not appropriate to view the North of the country as a predominantly Tamil area, reports Daily Mirror. "If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go and buy the properties from anywhere. I'm not talking about the forced settlements, I'm t
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Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said it is not appropriate to view the North of the country as a predominantly Tamil area, reports Daily Mirror. "If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go and buy the properties from anywhere. I'm not talking about the forced settlements, I'm talking about the freedom for a Sri Lankan to live anywhere in this country," stated Rajapaksa.
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May - 28 
Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said that military was gradually reducing its presence in Jaffna and are being replaced by the Police since civil administration had been established in Jaffna.
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Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said that military was gradually reducing its presence in Jaffna and are being replaced by the Police since civil administration had been established in Jaffna.
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May - 29 
Northern Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri said on May 29 that Government will complete the demining process in all land areas required to resettle the remaining IDPs in the North, by the end of July, reports Daily News. He also said there are only 6,031 IDPs in the only two remaining welfare c
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Northern Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri said on May 29 that Government will complete the demining process in all land areas required to resettle the remaining IDPs in the North, by the end of July, reports Daily News. He also said there are only 6,031 IDPs in the only two remaining welfare centres. There are only 2,562 IDPs in the Kadirgamar Welfare Centre and another 3,469 at Anandakumaraswamy Welfare Centre. The Governor stated their resettlement was delayed due to the delay in the demining process in their villages. The demining process of Shinanagar, Pudukuduirippu West, and Mullaitivu would be completed by May 31. The same process in Pudukuduirippu East, Ambalavan Poppanei, Mandavil, Mullaivaikkal West and Anuradhapura is scheduled to be completed by end of July.
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May - 29 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Suresh Premachandran reacting to a remarks made by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa- in which he said that North is not predominantly Tamil area- said that the statement was a prelude to changing the demographic patterns of the North, reports Daily Mirror. “The
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Suresh Premachandran reacting to a remarks made by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa- in which he said that North is not predominantly Tamil area- said that the statement was a prelude to changing the demographic patterns of the North, reports Daily Mirror. “The most recent census revealed that out of the 954,000 residents in the North, 900,000 are Tamils and 23,000 Sinhalese, so what is the Defence Secretary trying to say? Almost all the census carried out by the Governments, have revealed this demographic pattern. Is he saying that this is not true?” MP Premachandran asked.
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June - 4 
According to the Northern Governor Major General GA Chandrasiri, the Government is developing infrastructure in the Northern Province to set up massive Industrial Zones within a year, which will see the creation of hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities and bring development to the region
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According to the Northern Governor Major General GA Chandrasiri, the Government is developing infrastructure in the Northern Province to set up massive Industrial Zones within a year, which will see the creation of hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities and bring development to the region on an unprecedented scale, reports Daily News. The Governor said the development of infrastructure in a few Industrial Zones in Actchuveli, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya has begun
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June - 6 
Sri Lanka military on June 6 said that it had further reduced the number of military personnel deployed in the former war zone of Jaffna Peninsula in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. "The number of troops in the Jaffna Peninsula, at present has been further reduced to around 15,000, a re
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Sri Lanka military on June 6 said that it had further reduced the number of military personnel deployed in the former war zone of Jaffna Peninsula in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. "The number of troops in the Jaffna Peninsula, at present has been further reduced to around 15,000, a reduction of over 60 percent troops deployed at the beginning of the humanitarian operation," said Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya.
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June - 10 
Former Sri Lankan Army Chief Sarath Fonseka on June 10 said that his life is under threat and he needs to be provided with tighter security, reports Daily Mirror. Fonseka said he was not satisfied with the current security provided to him, and he needs more based on threats he faces.
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Former Sri Lankan Army Chief Sarath Fonseka on June 10 said that his life is under threat and he needs to be provided with tighter security, reports Daily Mirror. Fonseka said he was not satisfied with the current security provided to him, and he needs more based on threats he faces.
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June - 13 
According to Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, President Mahinda Rajapaksa ran the risk of being physically attacked by the UK-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activists during his recent visit to London, UK, reports The Island. “In spite of tight security provided to Presid
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According to Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, President Mahinda Rajapaksa ran the risk of being physically attacked by the UK-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activists during his recent visit to London, UK, reports The Island. “In spite of tight security provided to President Rajapaksa, two suspicious-looking strangers, believed to be members of protesting LTTE groups, had been sighted in the hotel, where the President and his entourage were staying.” Weeratunga said. The extraordinary security provided to President Rajapaksa was indicative of the British Government’s concern over threats the LTTE groups in London posed to the Sri Lankan leader, claimed Weeratunga. 3,000 Diaspora protesters and surrounded the Marlborough House as the Leader drove pass. However, except the LTTE activists, all others suspended their protests in compliance with a request by the British Police.
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June - 13 
Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka denied rumors of him joining the Government. He alleged that some members of the Government and opposition were responsible for circulating these rumors.
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Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka denied rumors of him joining the Government. He alleged that some members of the Government and opposition were responsible for circulating these rumors.
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June - 14 
Sri Lanka's former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka on June 14 said that he would continue to pursue his political ambitions amidst obstacles. Fonseka said he will topple the Government at the 2016 elections with the help of other opposition parties although he himself is barred from contesting in poli
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Sri Lanka's former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka on June 14 said that he would continue to pursue his political ambitions amidst obstacles. Fonseka said he will topple the Government at the 2016 elections with the help of other opposition parties although he himself is barred from contesting in politics for seven years. Observing that the country's law and order has deteriorated and the Executive Presidency had led to a dictatorship in the country, Fonseka said he stands for abolishing of the Executive Presidency.
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June - 14 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on June 14 blamed the translator, who has translated the constitution of the alliance's main constituent, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) that had called for a separate state for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. The TNA leaders told that a cert
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on June 14 blamed the translator, who has translated the constitution of the alliance's main constituent, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) that had called for a separate state for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. The TNA leaders told that a certified translator has made a "deliberate false translation" of the ITAK constitution, which was in Tamil, to English and the translated sworn affidavit filed in the Supreme Court has portrayed the ITAK as a party that stood for secession of the Tamil parts from Sri Lanka. They clarified that ITAK did not stand for a separate Tamil and a separate Muslim State in Sri Lanka.
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June - 17 
according to Northern Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri on June 17 said that state land will be provided to relocate troops who are currently occupying civilian property in the Jaffna peninsula within the next 2- 3 months. He said that 56 per cent of the private land occupied by troops had be
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according to Northern Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri on June 17 said that state land will be provided to relocate troops who are currently occupying civilian property in the Jaffna peninsula within the next 2- 3 months. He said that 56 per cent of the private land occupied by troops had been handed over already and at present troops were only occupying 400 private houses within the peninsula. He also said that the troop strength in the Jaffna peninsula has decreased by over 10,000 during the last two and a half years.
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June - 17 
the Belgium Government said that it would continue to remain vigilant against any activities by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on its soil, reports Daily Mirror. Sri Lankan Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the Belgian Government for th
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the Belgium Government said that it would continue to remain vigilant against any activities by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on its soil, reports Daily Mirror. Sri Lankan Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the Belgian Government for the continued vigilance maintained to prevent LTTE rump elements from using Belgian soil. He welcomed the recent conviction by the Criminal Court of Antwerp of a Belgian national of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, who was accused of being a member of the LTTE, on charges including human smuggling, money laundering and providing forged documents.
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June - 18 
Sri Lanka's Representative at the 20th session of the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera, said on June 18 that Sri Lanka remains committed to implement the recommendations of its Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation committee (LLRC), reports Colombo Page. Highlighti
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Sri Lanka's Representative at the 20th session of the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera, said on June 18 that Sri Lanka remains committed to implement the recommendations of its Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation committee (LLRC), reports Colombo Page. Highlighting the developments in the reconciliation process, Gunasekera said there are only 6,022 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remaining to be resettled from a 290,000 displaced by the war at the end in May 2009. 10,949 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) combatants have been rehabilitated and reintegrated, from approximately 12,000, while 629 are undergoing rehabilitation, and 403 are under legal procedure or remand. Among the reintegrated were 594 LTTE child soldiers, who were rehabilitated and returned to their families within one year. Among other measures implemented by the Government were the recruitment of 1,133 officials of Tamil ethnicity in the Sri Lanka Police Department and 436 of them in the North, and 377 in the East, and establishment of a database containing details of arrested suspects including detainees in order to facilitate their next of kin to obtain details.
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June - 19 
the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on June 19 said that it would protest if Sri Lanka deported registered asylum seekers and refugees living within its territory, reports Daily Mirror. UNHCR External Relations Associate Sulakshani Perera stated that the UNHCR had been receiving
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the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on June 19 said that it would protest if Sri Lanka deported registered asylum seekers and refugees living within its territory, reports Daily Mirror. UNHCR External Relations Associate Sulakshani Perera stated that the UNHCR had been receiving reports that refugees and asylum seekers, a majority of the 243 registered refugees and asylum seekers in the country, were receiving letters from the Department of Immigration and Emigration asking them to leave the country within 14 days or face deportation proceedings.
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June - 20 
Mavai Senathirajah, Secretary General of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK), on June 20 said that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to bring to the notice of the United Nations (UN) against the illegal acquisition and forceful occupation of lands in the Jaffna Peninsula. He said, “The S
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Mavai Senathirajah, Secretary General of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK), on June 20 said that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to bring to the notice of the United Nations (UN) against the illegal acquisition and forceful occupation of lands in the Jaffna Peninsula. He said, “The Sri Lankan Army which forcefully occupies the lands of the Tamils of this region should leave forthwith. Our non-violent struggle will continue until they vacate from our lands.” Earlier in the day, people from Valikamam North agitated in front of the Tellipalai Thurkkai Amman Temple urging that they may be allowed to occupy their lands; however, riot Police prevented peaceful agitation and forcefully dispersed them.
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June - 24 
The Sri Lankan Government strongly denied the allegations that Security Forces (SFs) in the North are forcibly taking over the land belonged to residents of the Vanni region, Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Earlier, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had accused the Sri Lankan SFs of forcibl
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The Sri Lankan Government strongly denied the allegations that Security Forces (SFs) in the North are forcibly taking over the land belonged to residents of the Vanni region, Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Earlier, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had accused the Sri Lankan SFs of forcibly occupying the lands belonging to civilians in the Northern Province. The TNA warned that it would write to the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the alleged land grab in the North by SFs and said they were in the process of gathering statistics on such lands. The TNA is to launch an agitation campaign on June 25 in Vanni demanding release of occupied lands.
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July - 2 
Government is to take measures to recruit another 5,000 former LTTE combatants to the country's Civil Defense Force. Director General of the Civil Defense Department Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris on July 2 said that steps will be taken to recruit 5,000 rehabilitated former LTTE cadres to the Department
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Government is to take measures to recruit another 5,000 former LTTE combatants to the country's Civil Defense Force. Director General of the Civil Defense Department Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris on July 2 said that steps will be taken to recruit 5,000 rehabilitated former LTTE cadres to the Department. The Government earlier recruited 1,500 former cadres, 300 each from the five districts in the Northern Province. Brigadier Peiris also has said that those LTTE cadres are now on active duty.
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July - 3 
The recent unrest in the Vavuniya Prison in Northern Sri Lanka is a well-planned conspiracy of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) international network, Prisons and Rehabilitation Minister, Chandrasiri Gajadeera said on July 3, Colombo Page reported. He noted that the LTTE suspects at the
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The recent unrest in the Vavuniya Prison in Northern Sri Lanka is a well-planned conspiracy of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) international network, Prisons and Rehabilitation Minister, Chandrasiri Gajadeera said on July 3, Colombo Page reported. He noted that the LTTE suspects at the prison have had in their possession satellite mobile phones and various communication equipment and added that some of the suspects transferred to Colombo following the incident were prepared to confess to that effect.
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July - 4 
A LTTE suspect who was transferred from the Vavuniya Prison to the Mahara after the unrest died in the morning of July 4, a prison spokesman said. The deceased has been identified as a 29 year old resident of Nelumkulama in Vavuniya.
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A LTTE suspect who was transferred from the Vavuniya Prison to the Mahara after the unrest died in the morning of July 4, a prison spokesman said. The deceased has been identified as a 29 year old resident of Nelumkulama in Vavuniya.
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July - 4 
Amarasinghe said, “We have suffered much during the past three decades due to the war and because of that we do not like to give a chance to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to create such a situation in Sri Lanka again. The TNA is looking forward to America and India to create a separate state by
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Amarasinghe said, “We have suffered much during the past three decades due to the war and because of that we do not like to give a chance to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to create such a situation in Sri Lanka again. The TNA is looking forward to America and India to create a separate state by combining the North and East and handing it over to the TNA. But we are not ready to allow the TNA to come to power in the Eastern province. The Chief Minister’s post in the Eastern province will not be given to the TNA because we need a peaceful and developed country for our future generation.”
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July - 4 
People’s Movement of the East for National Harmony coordinator S Amarasinghe on July 4 said many Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) and People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) activists of Eastern province have decided to support the United People’s Freedom Allianc
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People’s Movement of the East for National Harmony coordinator S Amarasinghe on July 4 said many Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) and People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) activists of Eastern province have decided to support the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) at the upcoming election. Around 15 members of Batticaloa, Ampara, Wawunathivu, Kalawanchikudi, Kokkadicholai and Wellawali Pradeshiya Sabhas and more than 600 chief organisers serving as active members of the EPRLF and PLOTE for a number of years will support the Government at the polls, he said.
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July - 5 
Senior Cabinet Minister and former chairman of the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) Prof Tissa Vitarana said that the lack of commitment by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leaders to make their participation in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a progressive solution to the na
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Senior Cabinet Minister and former chairman of the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) Prof Tissa Vitarana said that the lack of commitment by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leaders to make their participation in the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a progressive solution to the national question has raised various uncertainties in regard to where they stand as a political party, according to Daily News. He explained: "Their participation in PSC is paramount in reaching a political solution to the Tamil question. By abstaining from sitting on the PSC, they leave the Tamil public in a tight corner by delaying all the possibilities of finding a suitable solution to the national issue. I am sorry to say they have been abstaining from declaring their participation in the Committee for a month despite our repeated requests to do so for larger national interest and on behalf of the Tamil people represented by them. They do so by presenting several demands before the government saying that those demands must be met before they can sit in the Committee to discuss the Tamil question. They do so in spite of the fact that they can discuss once they sit in the PSC. The Committee was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to find acceptable and workable solutions to these issues. The TNA members stand in the way of this process by not committing their participation to the PSC, and thereby dragging and further complicating the problems of the Tamil public that they represent. This will slow down the government's reconciliation process in turn, much to the dismay of the public. It also challenges the national interest in the country to address the ethnic question by way of an acceptable political solution. The TNA's lack of commitment to participate in the PSC proceedings will have an adverse effect on the country's forward march. They themselves will be responsible for prolonging the problems of Tamil people if they continue to act like this." The PSC is mandated to find a political solution to the ethnic issue through its proceedings before the end of the year (2012).
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July - 7 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 7 said that despite the country having a concise foreign policy the threat of the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eealm (LTTE) Diaspora in the West remains to be a massive challenge and asked the country's diplomatic envoys to counter them, according to Colombo Pag
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 7 said that despite the country having a concise foreign policy the threat of the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eealm (LTTE) Diaspora in the West remains to be a massive challenge and asked the country's diplomatic envoys to counter them, according to Colombo Page. The President said the Sri Lankan diplomats in overseas missions, especially in countries where, the pro-LTTE Diaspora is active, to be aware of the relentless campaign carried out by them to discredit Sri Lanka. He noted that the Diaspora interact with policy makers, media and non-governmental organizations in those countries to carry out their misinformation campaigns and asked the diplomats to launch suitable campaigns to effectively counter the adverse publicity created by the LTTE elements against Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa noted that the aim of the government was to fortify national security both domestically and internationally while also achieving the required financial goals.
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July - 8 
Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa addressing a workshop for Sri Lankan diplomats in overseas missions at Diyatalawa Military Academy on July 8 said that opportunity will be given to North and East youth and also ex-cadres of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
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Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa addressing a workshop for Sri Lankan diplomats in overseas missions at Diyatalawa Military Academy on July 8 said that opportunity will be given to North and East youth and also ex-cadres of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during enlistment to man police stations which are being established, reports Daily News. He said that they could join hands with the Civil Security Force personnel in the development drive while doing a prestigious service and assist in the development of their areas. Speaking of the police, the Defence Secretary said that 11 new police stations have been established in the former LTTE-controlled areas and 1,214 Tamil policemen had been recruited to serve in those stations since 2009. Sri Lanka's Civil Defense Force recently called applications to recruit 1,500 rehabilitated former LTTE combatants, 300 each from the five districts of the Northern Province - Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar.
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July - 9 
Commander of Security Forces in Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe on July 9 said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has no plan to acquire civilians' lands in the Jaffna peninsula to establish Army camps, according to Colombo Page. He rejected the allegations of land grabbing as "media ex
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Commander of Security Forces in Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe on July 9 said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has no plan to acquire civilians' lands in the Jaffna peninsula to establish Army camps, according to Colombo Page. He rejected the allegations of land grabbing as "media exaggerations spread with hidden agenda." "Instead, Army has been continuously handing back houses occupied by the Army since the end of war to their legitimate owners," the Commander told the British High Commissioner John Rankin at the SF-J Headquarters in Jaffna. "Like any other parts of Sri Lanka, Army is essential in the sphere of national security and only required strength of troops will remain in Jaffna. Reduction of troops will further continue considering the security situation. However, Army is not ready to take a security risk as they faced in early 1980s," SF-J Commander asserted to the British diplomat. As a matter of national security, SF-J Headquarters will acquire a limited area to expand the Palaly Airport and the Kankasanthurei Harbor, which are in the process of rapid expansion, the Commander added.
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July - 9 
Further, the Defence Secretary acknowledged that Sri Lanka's rehabilitated former combatants of the LTTE in the North and East will have the opportunity in the future to get involved in the local politics. Not only former senior ex-LTTE leaders who are involved in national and provincial level polit
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Further, the Defence Secretary acknowledged that Sri Lanka's rehabilitated former combatants of the LTTE in the North and East will have the opportunity in the future to get involved in the local politics. Not only former senior ex-LTTE leaders who are involved in national and provincial level politics but there is chance for others to involve in local councils in the future, he said. "They could join hands with the Civil Security force in the development drive while doing a prestigious service and assist in the development of their areas," he noted.
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July - 10 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as saying that elections to Northern Provincial Council (NPC) will take just over a year from now. “We want to hold elections in September 2013. We are working towards it [the elections] in a systematic manner,” the President said. Rajapaksa said there were man
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as saying that elections to Northern Provincial Council (NPC) will take just over a year from now. “We want to hold elections in September 2013. We are working towards it [the elections] in a systematic manner,” the President said. Rajapaksa said there were many issues to be resolved ahead of holding of elections. The primary one related to the electoral rolls. People who fled when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were in power and during the war were still coming in and staking claim to their land and property after the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009. These people too had to be accommodated in the rolls. The last rolls were more than 30 years old and had no relation to the current eligible voters in the province. The second issue was the completion of the rehabilitation and resettlement process. This was on with international support and was expected to be completed soon. Livelihood issues too were being addressed. Insisting that his government had worked on all the promises that were delivered and was serious about fulfilling all undertakings that were given to the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2009, he said he had even said that he was willing to go beyond the 13th Amendment. Clarifying for the first time what the plus was, Rajapaksa said this was the creation of a Senate. “I said 13th Amendment plus. Then Shankar [Shiv Shankar Menon, Indian National Security Adviser] remarked if I meant the creation of a Senate, and I said yes.” Menon had met Rajapaksa on June 29 on post-Geneva issues. Rajapaksa made it clear that the creation of a Senate and the fleshing out of a solution needed to come from Parliament. “This is [where] the Parliamentary Select Committee is important,” he said
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July - 11 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on July 11 categorically denied the statement that there is an Army strength of one to five civilians in the Jaffna peninsula and stated that there was a population of half a million in Jaffna while the strength of the army was 10,000, according to
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on July 11 categorically denied the statement that there is an Army strength of one to five civilians in the Jaffna peninsula and stated that there was a population of half a million in Jaffna while the strength of the army was 10,000, according to Daily News. He added that the Army remaining in Jaffna is confined to barracks. He also stated that the Army will attend to the matters relating to reconciliation, reconstruction etc according to the needs of society.
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July - 15 
National Language Unit Director General Prasad Herath on July 15 said they have started Sinhala language courses for former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) combatants at the Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Center (PARC) in Welikanda in Polonnaruwa District, according to Daily New
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National Language Unit Director General Prasad Herath on July 15 said they have started Sinhala language courses for former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) combatants at the Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Center (PARC) in Welikanda in Polonnaruwa District, according to Daily News. He said 90 former militants are being given Sinhala language training at the rehabilitation centre. “We will soon introduce our language training programme to ex-LTTE cadres at rehabilitation camps in the Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Jaffna and Mullativu districts,” Herath said. The aim of this programme is to enable them to get along with the public anywhere in the country, to build confidence in them, paving the way for them to integrate with society on a firm footing, he explained. “We are also conducting language training programmes for public servants in Jaffna, so that they will be able to speak in Sinhala when they meet with Sinhala speaking people at their Divisional Secretariats of other institutions. Our objective is to absorb at least three to five public officers in each government institute that can speak both Tamil and Sinhala languages to provide services to the public,” he said. Tamil and Sinhala language skills have been made mandatory to public servants under the Official Languages Act.
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July - 17 
Police have gathered information that the recent unrest in the Vavuniya Prison was a conspiracy with links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) international network and it was the same evil forces that tried to mask the particular incident by Vavuniya prison inmates, as a humanitarian a
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Police have gathered information that the recent unrest in the Vavuniya Prison was a conspiracy with links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) international network and it was the same evil forces that tried to mask the particular incident by Vavuniya prison inmates, as a humanitarian act, Police Media spokesman SP Ajith Rohana in a special press release announced on July 17.
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July - 23 
Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as saying that the members of the Security Forces (SFs) have not been involved in any sexual assault in North and East. He said according to the statistics and revelations of a study conducted at hospital level no evidence was found
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Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as saying that the members of the Security Forces (SFs) have not been involved in any sexual assault in North and East. He said according to the statistics and revelations of a study conducted at hospital level no evidence was found that the personnel attached to the SFs were involved in sexual assaults in North and East. He also said that the objective of those who make these baseless allegations may be to justify their attempts to evict the SFs from the North and East. The Defence Secretary said that he initiated a study after a particular ambassador made a complaint quoting media that personnel attached to SFs were involved in sexual assaults in the North and East.
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July - 24 
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera on July 24 said low interest loans will be provided to the rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres to begin their livelihood, reports Daily News. He said over 1,200 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres reintegrated
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Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera on July 24 said low interest loans will be provided to the rehabilitated former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres to begin their livelihood, reports Daily News. He said over 1,200 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres reintegrated into mainstream society will receive the loans on July 30. The minister said the loans with a maximum limit of SLR 250,000 will be administered through Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank and National Savings Bank. It will have a four percent interest rate with a 10 year repayment period. Only the interest is required to be paid back during the first year, Gajadeera said. The loans will be provided to start self-employment, small industries, agricultural projects and other vocational training programmes.
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July - 27 
Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath said some 20 hardcore LTTE cadres who are alleged to have committed war crimes will be prosecuted within the next six months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations, thus bringing to a closure the uncertainty over the fate of th
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Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath said some 20 hardcore LTTE cadres who are alleged to have committed war crimes will be prosecuted within the next six months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations, thus bringing to a closure the uncertainty over the fate of the detainees. He said the remaining group was believed to have participated in LTTE military activities because they had no other option but to carry out the dictates of the LTTE under severe threat. He said the investigations were not easy or simple because many LTTE cadres maintained links with the LTTE network and refused to grab the opportunity offered by the government to be rehabilitated.
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July - 27 
Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga said the Sri Lankan government is to release the Sinhala and Tamil versions of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report next week. He said the LLRC report that was initially released in English last December has now been translated i
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Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga said the Sri Lankan government is to release the Sinhala and Tamil versions of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report next week. He said the LLRC report that was initially released in English last December has now been translated into Sinhala and Tamil and the Sinhala and Tamil versions would be released next week. He attributed the delay in releasing the report was to the delay in the Government Printer's Department. According to the Secretary, some of the recommendations will be implemented this year while the others may be implemented next year.
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July - 29 
Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on July 28, “The resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North will be accomplished 100 percent by mid-August this year. All welfare camps in the North will be shut down”, reports Daily News. The Defence Se
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Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on July 28, “The resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North will be accomplished 100 percent by mid-August this year. All welfare camps in the North will be shut down”, reports Daily News. The Defence Secretary explained how the government and the military took maximum effort to accommodate IDPs who fled to the then LTTE controlled areas, even with pressure from international organisations who gave a wrong impression of the well- organised and easy to live welfare camps, stating the government was permanently accommodating IDPs in camps. He said vast development projects have been initiated in the North and East including the A9, rail track, electrification, construction and developments in the irrigation systems and most of all a peaceful environment to live.
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July - 29 
Senior Minister of Scientific Affairs Prof Tissa Vitarana on July 29 said that TNA’s non- participation in the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) remains a major fetter to implement Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations even as the government’s National Actio
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Senior Minister of Scientific Affairs Prof Tissa Vitarana on July 29 said that TNA’s non- participation in the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) remains a major fetter to implement Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations even as the government’s National Action Plan to implement LLRC recommendations within a specific time frame is made known internationally. The TNA has been refusing to participate in the PSC upon various demands they have laid before the government. “For example, they demand that police powers be given to them in the North. There are some political parties in the government that do not like it. If we discuss we can come to a broader consensus how that sort of powers could be given in a selective context,” he said. “They have to be flexible and at the same time be of assistance to the government to find a lasting and workable solution to their problems, political or otherwise,” he added. “If TNA should persist with their known non-participation to the PSC, the government will be compelled to take action to resolve matters regardless of their “objections” to keep to the broader national view,” he pointed out.
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July - 29 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan and the leaders of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu (TN) leaders are gearing up to give life to the dead Eelam dream of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists, said Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka at a Jathika Hela U
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan and the leaders of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu (TN) leaders are gearing up to give life to the dead Eelam dream of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists, said Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka at a Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) convention in Maharagama in Colombo City on July 29, reports Daily Mirror. Addressing the gathering, Ranawaka said, “TNA Leader R. Sambandan is trying to start a second Eelam war, while Tamil racists are trying to revive Eelam racism through countries and towns such as New York, London, Australia, France and India. The Secretary General of the United Nations is also helping this movement with Suresh Surendran a spokesman of Global Tamil Forum (a British based LTTE front) and Tamil Nadu politicians such as Muthuvel Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa Jeyaram, Sumandiram who are having discussions to create the Tamil Eelam again.”
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August - 1 
With no incidents of terrorism or a threat of its resurgence within Sri Lanka, most counter terrorism activities undertaken by the government in 2011 targeted possible Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) overseas finances said United States State Department ‘Country Reports on Terrorism 2011’, a
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With no incidents of terrorism or a threat of its resurgence within Sri Lanka, most counter terrorism activities undertaken by the government in 2011 targeted possible Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) overseas finances said United States State Department ‘Country Reports on Terrorism 2011’, an annual report which reviewed the counter terrorism and released on July 30, reports Daily News. The report said despite the military defeat of the LTTE, the Sri Lankan government was concerned about continuing fund raising activities of certain LTTE sympathiser remnants overseas. Meanwhile, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and response division director John Ging on July 30 said Sri Lanka has achieved excellent results in its North – East rehabilitation and resettlement programme and post-conflict economic development drive. Ging said OCHA will provide assistance to resettle all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He said he has confidence that Sri Lanka can solve the IDPs’ problems soon. “I have travelled to many countries with similar problems. But I can say Sri Lanka’s progress after the end of the conflict is tremedous,” Ging said.
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August - 2 
Sri Lanka Police and Army will carry out a joint operation in the Eastern Province to disarm groups and people possessing unauthorized weapons ahead of the Eastern Provincial Council election in September, reports Colombo Page on August 2. A senior police officer from the Batticaloa Range has been
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Sri Lanka Police and Army will carry out a joint operation in the Eastern Province to disarm groups and people possessing unauthorized weapons ahead of the Eastern Provincial Council election in September, reports Colombo Page on August 2. A senior police officer from the Batticaloa Range has been quoted as saying, "We have received details from the police headquarters in Colombo to tighten security, in order to conduct the election in a free and fair manner. The Election Commissioner has written to the IGP asking him to disarm political groups or individuals carrying weapons. Likewise, we will be conducting an operation to disarm all groups to have a violence free election". He added that an order would be made for weapons to be handed over to the police stations in the East and that strict action would be taken if any person fails to hand over weapons.
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August - 2 
the United States welcomed the National Action Plan presented by the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations made by the post-war Lesson learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). The US Embassy in Colombo in a statement released on August 2 said, "We have long encouraged the full i
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the United States welcomed the National Action Plan presented by the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations made by the post-war Lesson learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). The US Embassy in Colombo in a statement released on August 2 said, "We have long encouraged the full implementation of the recommendations outlined by the LLRC. We believe that full implementation of the National Action Plan will benefit all citizens of Sri Lanka by furthering long-term reconciliation and lasting peace".
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August - 3 
A top UN official on August 3, praised the progress made by the Sri Lankan Government in resettling over 440,000 people since the end of the civil war three years ago, and called for continued donor support for the country, reports Daily Mirror. The Director of Operations of the UN Office for the Co
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A top UN official on August 3, praised the progress made by the Sri Lankan Government in resettling over 440,000 people since the end of the civil war three years ago, and called for continued donor support for the country, reports Daily Mirror. The Director of Operations of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), John Ging, who finished a three-day visit to the country, said “The scale of what Sri Lanka has accomplished over the past three years, the pace of resettlement and the development of infrastructure, is remarkable and very clearly visible”. Mr. Ging expressed his support for continued partnership with the authorities to jointly agree on and meet remaining humanitarian needs. He also welcomed the commitment of the Government to address peace and development issues through the country’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
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August - 6 
Sri Lanka Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Rajitha Senaratne said on August 6 that the Government does not need to protest the Tamil Eelam Solidarity Organization (TESO) conference to be held in Chennai, the capital of Indian state of Tamil Nadu on August 12 under the aegis by DMK leader
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Sri Lanka Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Rajitha Senaratne said on August 6 that the Government does not need to protest the Tamil Eelam Solidarity Organization (TESO) conference to be held in Chennai, the capital of Indian state of Tamil Nadu on August 12 under the aegis by DMK leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi. The Minister expressed his views in response to a statement by the Government coalition Sinhala Buddhist party Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) which says Sri Lanka Government needs to protest the conference. JHU spokesman Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said that the Tamil Nadu politicians are trying to revive the struggle to truncate Sri Lanka to establish a separate state of Eelam and the Sri Lankan Government that crushed the armed struggle for Eelam appears to be turning a blind eye to this ominous threat.
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August - 8 
External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris on August 8 (today) said Sri Lanka will send to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) a document outlining its performance in areas of international concern to be taken up at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) next month in Geneva, reports Daily Mirro
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External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris on August 8 (today) said Sri Lanka will send to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) a document outlining its performance in areas of international concern to be taken up at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) next month in Geneva, reports Daily Mirror. The UPR is a process of evaluating the human rights records of member countries once in four years. It provides an opportunity for all countries to report on the action taken by them to improve human rights and overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The UNHRC also adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka in March, urging the Sri Lankan government to address accountability issues during the last stages of the war and to implement recommendations by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). The government has already prepared a National Action Plan to implement these recommendations.
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August - 9 
External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on August 9 said Sri Lanka’s Universal Periodic Review (UPA) report that outlines the country’s latest progress on the Human Rights front becomes a UN document from August 10 (today), reports Daily News. The report was officially handed ove
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External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on August 9 said Sri Lanka’s Universal Periodic Review (UPA) report that outlines the country’s latest progress on the Human Rights front becomes a UN document from August 10 (today), reports Daily News. The report was officially handed over to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on August 9. The minister said the report could be accessed by any nation wishing to know the work any place in the UPR report that was sent to the UN Human Rights Council, Amunugama said carried out by Sri Lanka to improve its Human Rights conditions. Asked if the government’s National Action Plan on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations had they have included a link in a web page to find information about the LLRC Action Plan.
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August - 10 
Janatha Party president Dr. Subramanian Swamy said in Colombo on August 10 that India was a major beneficiary of Sri Lanka's decisive military victory that ended the three-decades long terrorism unleashed by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Pag
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Janatha Party president Dr. Subramanian Swamy said in Colombo on August 10 that India was a major beneficiary of Sri Lanka's decisive military victory that ended the three-decades long terrorism unleashed by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page.
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August - 12 
External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris on August 12 said it is incorrect to think that all challenges before the country ended with the defeat of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily News. He said knowing that the war is confined to the past, segments of the diaspora troubled by
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External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris on August 12 said it is incorrect to think that all challenges before the country ended with the defeat of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily News. He said knowing that the war is confined to the past, segments of the diaspora troubled by the defeat of terrorism, were trying to destabilise the Sri Lankan economy. Peiris noted these groups wanted to discourage tourists visiting Sri Lanka, diminish investment and reduce the volume of international trade with Sri Lanka. He said in contrast, some segments of the diaspora were very keen in investing in the North and East areas to uplift living standards of people in the post war scenario. The minister said the objectives of pro-LTTE groups among the diaspora are the same, even though their methods are different. He said these groups possess a mammoth wealth and possess a highly effective communication network with latest technology. The minister said their aim is to isolate Sri Lanka amidst the international community.
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August - 12 
The senior Minister of Good Governance & Infrastructure Facilities and former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake on August 12 said the government needed to arm the three armed forces with modern arms and increase the defense expenditure since the threat of dividing the country still prevails as
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The senior Minister of Good Governance & Infrastructure Facilities and former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake on August 12 said the government needed to arm the three armed forces with modern arms and increase the defense expenditure since the threat of dividing the country still prevails as the elements that obstruct the freedom of the country are active both locally and internationally, reports Colombo Page.
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August - 13 
Resettlement Minister H M Gunaratna Weerakoon on August 13 said hundreds of displaced families living in Manik Farm Welfare Village in Vavuniya District have left for their original homes to resettle in their homes of origin in the Kilinochchi District's Pudhikudiiruppu Divisional Secretariat area,
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Resettlement Minister H M Gunaratna Weerakoon on August 13 said hundreds of displaced families living in Manik Farm Welfare Village in Vavuniya District have left for their original homes to resettle in their homes of origin in the Kilinochchi District's Pudhikudiiruppu Divisional Secretariat area, reports Daily News. He said around 1,204 persons belonging to 380 families have moved away from Manik Farm to resettle in their homes of origin in Pudikudiiruppu east with the land-mines in the area being removed by the government's demining programmes. He said 206 families were resettled in the Pudikudirruppu Divisional Secretariat area in the District on August 10. Another 174 families were resettled in Mallikaithivu area in the Pudikudiirruppu east on August 13. The minister further said “We have already resettled 265,523 persons belonging to 73,498 families who were living in Manik Farm in their original homes
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August - 15 
former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Chief Arms Procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan on August 15 said a group of 22 members of the Tamil Diaspora from Canada, Australia and five European Countries had visited Sri Lanka last week and held talks with Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo
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former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Chief Arms Procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan on August 15 said a group of 22 members of the Tamil Diaspora from Canada, Australia and five European Countries had visited Sri Lanka last week and held talks with Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, reports Daily Mirror. Pathmanathan said that Rajapaksa had assured the delegation that the rehabilitation of ex-combatants would be expedited. “The defence secretary was very accommodative and granted many requests regarding the rehabilitation of former combatants and those affected by the war,” he said. He also said that the government was deeply concerned about the rehabilitation of ex-combatants, and that this was a rare phenomenon in a situation like this. The delegation had also visited rehabilitation centres in Poonthottam, Welikanda, Kaththankudi and Senapura to gather first-hand information on the situation prevailing there.
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August - 15 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 15 said that the Eelam project is still alive, reports Daily News. "The aim of the Eelamists is to break the unity and trust among us and reduce the feeling for the country and make us criticise the motherland", the President said, adding, no one should be allo
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 15 said that the Eelam project is still alive, reports Daily News. "The aim of the Eelamists is to break the unity and trust among us and reduce the feeling for the country and make us criticise the motherland", the President said, adding, no one should be allowed to tarnish the unblemished image of the country while in Sri Lanka or abroad, by the patriotic people of this country. President Rajapaksa said although Eelam is welcome elsewhere they don't want this to happen in their own country. The President said although Eelam could be established elsewhere, no country will want this to happen on their own soil. "On the other hand, patriotic Sri Lankans should not allow those criticising their motherland abroad or allow foreigners to criticise the country in their presence. We should not play into the hands of Eelamists," the President said.
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August - 15 
United Nation’s Resident Representative Subine Nandy on August 15 said, “Sri Lanka has achieved excellent results in the demining programme. The country can complete demining process soon in continuing the present institutional setup and machinery. The works carried out by the Ministry and the centr
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United Nation’s Resident Representative Subine Nandy on August 15 said, “Sri Lanka has achieved excellent results in the demining programme. The country can complete demining process soon in continuing the present institutional setup and machinery. The works carried out by the Ministry and the centre in this humanitarian movement is tremendous and now Sri Lanka can share its demining experience with other countries.”
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August - 17 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 17 said progress of academic activities and development projects in Sri Lanka's conflict-affected Wanni region is at a higher level when compared to the other districts of the country, reports Colombo Page. Presiding over the Wanni District Developmen
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 17 said progress of academic activities and development projects in Sri Lanka's conflict-affected Wanni region is at a higher level when compared to the other districts of the country, reports Colombo Page. Presiding over the Wanni District Development Committee meeting at the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat, the President discussed in depth on the progress of both the development projects which had been completed and which are already in progress in Vavuniya and Mannar Districts.
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August - 19 
The Sri Lankan Government to allocate funds in the 2013 budget to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), reports The Colombo Page on August 19. Head of the Presidential Task Force on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations, Presidential Secre
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The Sri Lankan Government to allocate funds in the 2013 budget to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), reports The Colombo Page on August 19. Head of the Presidential Task Force on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations, Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga said while releasing the National Action Plan to implement the LLRC recommendations said that funding was required for most ministries to carry out the implementation work. Treasury Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera said allocations required by ministries for the implementation of the LLRC recommendations would be made from next year onwards.
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August - 20 
External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on August 20 said the government of Sri Lanka will not accept any mediator or facilitator roles by foreign governments or organizations in finding solutions to its internal problems, reports Daily News. He said 'President Mahinda Rajapaksa'
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External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama on August 20 said the government of Sri Lanka will not accept any mediator or facilitator roles by foreign governments or organizations in finding solutions to its internal problems, reports Daily News. He said 'President Mahinda Rajapaksa's position was very clear in this regard right from the beginning of his office as the Presid’.
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August - 20 
The Minister of Resettlement Gunaratne Weerakoon on August 20 said that Sri Lank has begun the final stage of resettlement process to resettle the remaining internally displaced person (IDP) families in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Recently the government under the patronage of the M
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The Minister of Resettlement Gunaratne Weerakoon on August 20 said that Sri Lank has begun the final stage of resettlement process to resettle the remaining internally displaced person (IDP) families in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Recently the government under the patronage of the Minister has resettled 994 IDPs belonging to 300 families who had been living in Menik Farm Village in Puthukudiyiruppu West in Mullaitivu District which had been cleared of mines recently. According to the Ministry, 266,695 displaced persons who had taken shelter in the Menik Farm Welfare Village in Vavuniya had been resettled under the Northern Resettlement programme. The government provides the required infrastructure and other essential services to the resettled people after their resettlement. The resettled families have been provided with all their requirements including the resettlement allowance, cooked meals and dry rations, according to the Resettlement Ministry. The Ministry says it has spent nearly 2 billion rupees for the resettlement process.
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August - 22 
Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told parliament on August 22 that a solution to the national issue would have been finalized by now if the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a political solution was activated. He blamed the non-cooperation of TNA in constitut
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Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told parliament on August 22 that a solution to the national issue would have been finalized by now if the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to find a political solution was activated. He blamed the non-cooperation of TNA in constituting the PSC which in fact is delaying the process to find a solution to the national issue.
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August - 22 
Sri Lanka's major Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on August 22 said the Action Plan for the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations has been prepared without due consultations with parliament, reports Colombo Page. TNA parlia
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Sri Lanka's major Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on August 22 said the Action Plan for the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations has been prepared without due consultations with parliament, reports Colombo Page. TNA parliamentary group leader, R. Sampanthan made this comment during the adjournment motion debated in the parliament on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations and the Action Plan. He added that elected representatives of the people affected by the war have not been consulted as well.
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August - 23 
Cabinet approval was granted on August 23 to a proposal by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft amendments to the Convention on Suppression of Terrorist Financing Act No 25 of 2005, reports Daily News. Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the
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Cabinet approval was granted on August 23 to a proposal by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft amendments to the Convention on Suppression of Terrorist Financing Act No 25 of 2005, reports Daily News. Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Government Information Department Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said this is in keeping with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force of the G 7 countries to eliminate the remaining deficiencies in the law. Minister Rambukwella pointed out that primarily a legal framework is required to move forward to prevent financing terrorism. Only thereafter that action can be taken to suppress financing terrorists. The proposed amendments will cover all uncovered areas. This is the first step to move forward, he said.
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August - 29 
The leader of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan on August 29 said that the party will negotiate with other parties to forge an alliance to form the provincial government of the Eastern Provincial Council in case of loss of a majority, reports Colombo Page. He said that the party has focuse
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The leader of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan on August 29 said that the party will negotiate with other parties to forge an alliance to form the provincial government of the Eastern Provincial Council in case of loss of a majority, reports Colombo Page. He said that the party has focused mainly to form an alliance with the Tamil speaking Muslim political party Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) which is powerful in Ampara and Batticaloa Districts. TNA already has formed a relationship with the major opposition United National Party (UNP) in national politics. Eastern Provincial Council has 16 seats for which 16 political parties and 16 independent groups contest. It is ruled by the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party supported by the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
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August - 30 
Sri Lanka will continuously support multilateral efforts to prevent all forms of terrorism and to safeguard global peace and security said the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 30 addressing the 16th Heads of State Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the Iranian capital of Teh
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Sri Lanka will continuously support multilateral efforts to prevent all forms of terrorism and to safeguard global peace and security said the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 30 addressing the 16th Heads of State Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the Iranian capital of Teheran, reports Colombo Page. Speaking further, the President said the world is facing a threat of global terrorism and pointed out that Sri Lanka overcame the challenge of terrorism three years ago by acting on a clear stance. The President noted that a domestic mechanism similar to Sri Lanka that is based on the people of the country is required to thwart such a threat. International community should support countries that have faced threat of terrorism, he said stressing that there should be no double stance or policies favoring one side of the issue.
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September - 2 
Deputy Elections Commissioner M. M. Mohammed on September 2, said the situation of polling Districts in Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, is conducive to a free, fair and peaceful Provincial Council election.
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Deputy Elections Commissioner M. M. Mohammed on September 2, said the situation of polling Districts in Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, is conducive to a free, fair and peaceful Provincial Council election.
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September - 2 
Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon on September 2 said Sri Lanka Government will welcome more Tamil refugees who fled the country to India and want to return home after nearly three decades of war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He told "They have been returning from time to
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Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon on September 2 said Sri Lanka Government will welcome more Tamil refugees who fled the country to India and want to return home after nearly three decades of war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He told "They have been returning from time to time, in small groups. My ministry along with the defence ministry would jointly welcome them if more want to return. They could be resettled in their places of origin". According to statistics more than 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees are in Tamil Nadu, out of which some 68,000 are housed in 112 government-run camps. More than 5,000 Lankans have returned to the island nation under a UNHCR-facilitated voluntary repatriation scheme. They are the Tamils who fled fighting in the north and east during the separatist military campaign of LTTE.
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September - 2 
Senior DIG of Elections Gamini Navaratne on September 2, said that about 21,000 officers will be deployed for security duties, reports Colombo Page. The North Central, Eastern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces will hold election on September 8, 2012 to elect members for 108 Provincial Council seats in seve
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Senior DIG of Elections Gamini Navaratne on September 2, said that about 21,000 officers will be deployed for security duties, reports Colombo Page. The North Central, Eastern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces will hold election on September 8, 2012 to elect members for 108 Provincial Council seats in seven Districts of the three Provinces. According to Navaratne, security has been strengthened in transporting ballot boxes, at the voting centers and counting centers. The Police have received 76 complaints of election law violations but they are minor incidents and to the most part the election campaign has been peaceful, the Police official said.
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September - 7 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) lawmaker M.A. Sumanthiran on September 7 said that a victory in the Eastern Provincial Council would be a key step though the party wants more power to be devolved based on federalism, reports Times of India. Sumanthiran told that with Sri Lanka's human rights periodica
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) lawmaker M.A. Sumanthiran on September 7 said that a victory in the Eastern Provincial Council would be a key step though the party wants more power to be devolved based on federalism, reports Times of India. Sumanthiran told that with Sri Lanka's human rights periodical review at the United Nations approaching, the Government was trying to portray to the international community that the Tamil people are not seeking political rights but are satisfied with infrastructure development. He said "This is a God-given opportunity to defeat the government's scheme and we must use the election as a mandate to make the international community keep its pressure on the government until a meaningful devolution is given."
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September - 8 
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody on September 8 (today) said the parliamentarians attending the Commonwealth Parliamentarians' Association (CPA) 58th annual conference from September 7 – 15 could travel to the North during their visit to the country to see firsthand the human rights and law and or
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Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody on September 8 (today) said the parliamentarians attending the Commonwealth Parliamentarians' Association (CPA) 58th annual conference from September 7 – 15 could travel to the North during their visit to the country to see firsthand the human rights and law and order situation and the development in the post-conflict areas, reports Colombo Page. According to Weerakkody, the conference would give the country the opportunity to show its post-war achievements. He has pointed out that the delegates could use the visit to Sri Lanka to clear any doubts they may have had about the situation in the country.
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September - 10 
TNA which secured the second highest number of seats at the Eastern Provincial Council on September 10 said it would stake a claim to form the council with the support of the SLMC and the UNP. The TNA won 11 seats at the election, the UNP four and the SLMC four. Commenting on the outcome, TNA MP M.A
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TNA which secured the second highest number of seats at the Eastern Provincial Council on September 10 said it would stake a claim to form the council with the support of the SLMC and the UNP. The TNA won 11 seats at the election, the UNP four and the SLMC four. Commenting on the outcome, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran told that since all these parties which were opposed to the UPFA which had clinched the absolute majority, it was entitled to run the council. He said “The UPFA got 14 seats and its ally National Freedom Front won a single seat. Altogether, they have 15 members elected but the parties that are opposed to the UPFA exceed that. Therefore, we stake a claim for the formation of the council”. Mr. Sumanthiran said the TNA initiated a dialogue with these parties. ‘We will write to the Governor staking a claim to form the council,” he said.
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September - 11 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 11 invited the Commonwealth members to see for themselves the post-war development in the country, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the delegates of 54 Commonwealth nations at the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Colombo, the Presiden
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 11 invited the Commonwealth members to see for themselves the post-war development in the country, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the delegates of 54 Commonwealth nations at the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Colombo, the President said their presence in the country gives them a good opportunity to see for themselves the progress of democracy in Sri Lanka, after the major threat the country faced under terrorism. He added that the conference is extremely important to show the international community the manner democracy has been established in the country after defeating terrorism.
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September - 11 
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary and Minister Maithripala Sirisena said on September 11 that the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) would definitely form a coalition with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to govern the Eastern Province, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister also
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Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary and Minister Maithripala Sirisena said on September 11 that the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) would definitely form a coalition with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to govern the Eastern Province, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister also told in a lighter vein that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could also join the coalition as it had no other option left now.
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September - 11 
United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayantha on September 11 (today) said the governing party has not yet made a final decision on the chief ministerial appointments in the Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He said the
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United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayantha on September 11 (today) said the governing party has not yet made a final decision on the chief ministerial appointments in the Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He said the governing party is to decide this week on the appointments to be made to the chief ministerial posts. The appointment of chief ministers to the North Central and Eastern Provinces has now come under focus with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) demanding one of its representatives to be appointed as the Eastern province Chief Minister.
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September - 12 
Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on September 12 said that the work of the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue has been delayed by the major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA), reports Colombo Page. De Silva during a mee
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Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on September 12 said that the work of the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue has been delayed by the major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA), reports Colombo Page. De Silva during a meeting with visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O. Blake said the TNA's failure to name representatives to the PSC has delayed its work. De Silva however has explained to Secretary Blake that the PSC could commence its deliberations even now if the TNA nominates its representatives to the committee.
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September - 12 
United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayantha told on September 12 that the Alliance would decide on September 13 (today) on the appointment of chief ministers to the Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He said the decisi
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United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayantha told on September 12 that the Alliance would decide on September 13 (today) on the appointment of chief ministers to the Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page. He said the decision would be made after the Elections Department gazettes the names of elected candidates. Speaking on reaching an agreement with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Premajayantha said the governing party was hopeful of receiving a response from the SLMC.
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September - 13 
A United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) administration will be set up in the Eastern Provincial Council, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on September 13, reports Daily News. He said in accordance with the result of the recent Provincial Council election for the Easter
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A United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) administration will be set up in the Eastern Provincial Council, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on September 13, reports Daily News. He said in accordance with the result of the recent Provincial Council election for the Eastern Province, the UPFA obtained the majority returning 14 members. Therefore, the UPFA as the party, which obtained the majority, has the right to set up the administration in the Eastern Province. When the minister was asked whether the UPFA receives the support of the other parties to set up the administration, the Minister said that discussions are being held with several parties in a friendly manner for setting up administration.
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September - 13 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 13 said that Sri Lanka would not have eliminated the scourge of terrorism without the help and support of Pakistan, reports Colombo Page. The President told the Pakistani Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Nafisa Shah, Member of the National Assem
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 13 said that Sri Lanka would not have eliminated the scourge of terrorism without the help and support of Pakistan, reports Colombo Page. The President told the Pakistani Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Nafisa Shah, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and Chairperson of National Commission for Human Development when she paid a courtesy call on the President at Temple Trees in Colombo. The President noted that Pakistan extended unflinching support to Sri Lanka during the 3 decade internal conflict and immensely helped in the elimination of the menace of terrorism from the Sri Lankan soil.
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September - 15 
Sri Lanka's major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on September 15 says that five of the party's newly elected councilors of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) have fled to Colombo in fear of their lives, reports Colombo Page. He says that they have been promised perk
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Sri Lanka's major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on September 15 says that five of the party's newly elected councilors of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) have fled to Colombo in fear of their lives, reports Colombo Page. He says that they have been promised perks and privileges in return of their support. TNA won 11 seats in the Eastern Provincial Council and the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance won 14 seats of the 35-member Council. He said that the party was awaiting the response of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to form a coalition rule in the EPC. TNA has agreed to offer the Chief Minister position to the SLMC.
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