Sri Lanka - News and Discussion

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 31 May 2010 16:27

On a short visit a week ago, groans were being heard in the popular watering holes of Colombo as there are no tickets to be had at all for ordinary Lankans the big IIFA bash! Apparently,the entire lot has been scooped up by the Indian organisers for visiting Yindians and their chosen few.The prices too are expected to be stratospheric.Nevertheless,the Rajapakse regime is pulling out all stops for our glittering galacticos,who will be joind by the corporate czars too.Colombo is swinging despite recent floods and I can't wait to down some more arrack and ginger beer and watch the sun set at the Galle Face Hotel lawn where time has stood still.In the old days,before the local chatteratti and the army of expats discovered it and made it world famous,the Wadia was our haven,a well kept secret known only to the cognoscenti and avant garde.Sitting in a deck chair with your bottle of Lion lager buried in the sand,a plate of devilled prawns on your lap,watching life and the Lankan lasses go by on a balmy tropical evening was sheer bliss.So were the moonlight picnics too at the same stretch of beach in the company of nubile nymphets which were far more adventurous!

However,poor Yalpanam (Jaffna) has been inundated by a scourge of locusts,sorry tourists,from down south,who for decades couldn't visit this part of their country.Hundreds of private vans and other forms of transport choke the poor wartorn town,with a non-existant infrastructure,now bruised and battered by invasion of another kind.The poor residents are groaning under the weight of this new pestilence in a town where food and water are even scarcer now,appeal in vain for the southern army to retreat,now shooting at them with cameras instead of rifles ,but cry in vain. Opposition voices in the capital's watering holes grind and gnash their teeth at wretched Ranil,their listless leader ever the loser,the ruling Rajapakses and mutter indignantly under their arrack laden breath that "they're buying up the east now machaan!" So if any of you have ideas of buying a little patch of land by the sea for happy times,do it fast.Time,tourists and the first family (allegedly) are making such idyllic locales scarcer by the day!

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 31 May 2010 17:02

India chases the Dragon in Sri Lanka
By Sudha Ramachandran
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JG10Df03.html

How Beijing Won Sri Lanka’s Civil WarHow Beijing Won Sri Lanka’s Civil WarHow Beijing Won Sri Lanka’s Civil WarHow Beijing Won Sri Lanka’s Civil War

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/05/3 ... civil-war/

FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Sri Lanka
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSRISKLK20100531

THE NEED FOR AN ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBOURS OF INDIA -A RESPONSE TO INDIAN HEGAMONY
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2010 ... -hegamony/

For China's presence in Srilanka with a military camp in Mullaitheevu with F 16s it is close for Koodankulam and Kalpakkan to easily attack as they are unprotected nuclear powercentres. These will destroy half of TN, Kerala, Andra and also to some extent Sri lanka. Chinese are not bothered in the case of war even to kill half of Srilankan for the sake of killing Indians. But Lanka's strategy is going to be another Myanmar in lanka. Nehru's approach is not relevant today - as bhai bhai approach which was just cheated by the Chinese and Indira's appeasing is not good either - giving mullaitheevu to lanka - Policy needs a careful study. Pakistan-Bangladesh may be good if India is pushed to that extent. If lanka plays then India plays for her own safety and for her own interests. That is the right policy.

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 01 Jun 2010 07:36

IIFA comes at a critical moment for Sri Lanka: Jacqueline Fernandez (Interview)

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Sri Lanka is in a new era of peace after winning its long fought war against the Tamil Tigers, says actress Jacqueline Fernandez, elated that the IIFA Awards are being held in her home country this year and looking forward to playing the perfect host to her Bollywood colleagues.

“It’s one of the biggest events Sri Lanka has seen to date. I have quite a few roles to play at the IIFA this year,” Jacqueline told IANS in an interview.

“This is just not any award function for me because I am a Sri Lankan and everyone from the film fraternity is actually coming to Sri Lanka; so for me it’s like a chance to welcome the people who have welcomed me so warmly,” added the actress, who made her Bollywood debut with “Aladin”.

Film associations from southern India have also decided to boycott any actor who participates in the IIFA event this year.

“It’s sad, you know. It is a very critical moment for Sri Lanka. We are really hoping for support and cooperation from every one. We are in a new era. The war ended last year and we are trying to make our country as peaceful as possible to retain the peace. Some people want to ruin that. They should see the bigger picture and move on,” said Jacqueline, a former Miss Sri Lanka.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/ent ... 73027.html

Indian tourist arrivals up

Charumini de SILVA

The number of tourist arrivals from India have increased rapidly during the first quarter of this year.

There is over 75 percent increase on Indian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka during the first four months of this year, Colombo City, Hoteliers Association Vice President, Amal Gunathilake said at a press briefing yesterday.

She said that Sri Lanka has a great opportunity to attract more Indian visitors in the coming years through hosting the Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) awards. Colombo city hotels have given 20 percent of their luxury rooms for celebrities who will participate at the event as a compliment.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said Sri Lanka could expect an increase of 50 percent in the number of tourist arrivals by 2012. There is an opportunity to attract more tourists from all parts of the world.

The Deputy Minister said 97 percent of the participants have confirmed their participation at the IIFA event.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/06/01/bus03.asp

Tamils protest as Bollywood goes to Sri Lanka

By Phil Hazlewood (AFP) – 1 hour ago

MUMBAI — Bollywood goes to Sri Lanka later this week for its glitzy annual awards ceremony, but the decision to hold the event in the capital Colombo has sparked a backlash from minority Tamils in India.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), which has been held overseas every year since 2000, begins on Thursday and is designed to celebrate the popular Hindi-language film industry and win new audiences abroad.

The secretary to Sri Lanka's tourism ministry, George Michael, said the three-day festival was a "wonderful opportunity to showcase the unique and exotic aspects of Sri Lanka to the rest of the world".

IIFA says it will help "bridge boundaries" between the neighbouring countries, helping to promote discussion on economic and political issues in the wake of Sri Lanka's civil war that ended a year ago.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... uOhggCfc_Q

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 01 Jun 2010 19:39

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 02 Jun 2010 13:58

Tamil protests keep celebs away from IIFA
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/r ... fa_1390871

SIFCC to go ahead with boycott of actors participating in IIFA
Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx ... llywood&cp

Sri Lanka needs international probe: UN rights chief

(AFP) – 1 day ago

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... c1HFuPuxVA

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 03 Jun 2010 01:18

Organisers reject Sri Lanka Bollywood awards boycott

(AFP) – 6 hours ago

COLOMBO — The organisers of a glitzy Bollywood awards ceremony on Wednesday dismissed calls for a boycott by southern Indians angry that it is taking place in Sri Lanka.

The film industry in the state of Tamil Nadu, which shares close cultural and religious links with minority ethnic Tamils of Sri Lanka, are staying away from the Colombo awards on Saturday.

The Tamil Nadu lobby argues that holding the Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Sri Lanka amounts to an endorsement of President Mahinda Rajapakse's military strategy that crushed Tamil Tiger rebels last year.

"This is politics," Sabbas Joseph, the director of Wizcraft, which owns the IIFA brand, told reporters in Colombo.

"They (the protesters) are doing it for the media channels not for the real benefit of who they represent," Joseph said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... 9NgRwuoj-A

Bollywood rejects south's demand

IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, June 02, 2010]

Even as the Sri Lankan government is taking all efforts to make the India International film Academy (IIFA) awards a big success, the south Indian film industry on Tuesday reiterated its decision to boycott the event to be held in the island nation.

Meanwhile, leading Hindi film actors Vivek Oberoi, Boman Irani, Lara Dutta and Ritesh Deshmukh reached Sri Lanka on Tuesday to participate in the IIFA events. Tourism Board officials were quoted as saying that some more leading Hindi film actors and music artistes are to arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, along with hundreds of Indian tourists.

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tami ... 57466.html

More stars arrive for IIFA

Wednesday, 02 June 2010 20:55

Popular Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Diya Mirza and Anil Kapoor arrived in the country this evening to participate in the IIFA events which will begin in the country from tomorrow.

Other popular actors, Indian music artistes and India fashion designers who arrived in the country today are Sharman Joshi, Genelia D’Souza, Kailash Kher and Manish Malhotra.

The first IIFA event which will be a fashion show will be held at the BMICH tomorrow. The show will be hosted by popular Indian actor Vivek Oberoi who arrived in the country yesterday.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/new ... -iifa.html

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Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 03 Jun 2010 01:40

Indian businessess work on beating China at its game

Feizal Samath, Foreign Correspondent

Last Updated: June 02. 2010 10:39PM UAE / June 2. 2010 6:39PM GMT COLOMBO // As China’s influence in Sri Lanka grows, India is seeking to play bigger role in its southern neighbour and is putting pressure on Colombo to sign a trade agreement, diplomatic sources said.

“There is some concern by India that it doesn’t have the kind of role that China is playing in Sri Lanka in the military, political and economic context. That appears to be a source of concern for Indian authorities,” said an Asian diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll ... 29859/1002

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 03 Jun 2010 20:01

Sri Lanka skipper hails attending Bollywood stars

(AFP) COLOMBO — Sri Lanka's cricket captain Thursday applauded the "courage" of stars attending the annual Bollywood film awards being held this year in Sri Lanka despite a boycott call by the Tamil cinema industry.

Kumar Sangakkara said the Bollywood celebrities who have already arrived in Colombo for Saturday's glitzy Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) awards had refused to bow to outside pressure.

"I applaud you for your courage and commitment and standing by the ideals of IIFA," Sangakkara told reporters.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... OD1PmHoN7g

Post-LTTE era: Reasons for a bigger Navy

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says despite annihilation of the LTTE’s conventional military capacity, the Navy will have to be further strengthened to meet any eventuality. The Navy alongside the intelligence services, he says should be the first line of defence to thwart a fresh LTTE threat.

In a brief interview with The Island, the war veteran emphasized the pivotal importance of developing a cohesive approach as part of an overall strategy not only to tackle the LTTE, but enhance regional security as well.

http://www.island.lk/2010/06/03/news2.html

India-Sri Lanka economic pact likely

B. Muralidhar Reddy

The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Sri Lanka, which has been pending since 2008, will be discussed during the three-day visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa beginning on June 8. At a news conference here, Minister of Mass Media and Communication Keheliya Rambukwella, however, said an agreement might be clinched only towards the end of the year.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/internati ... 445840.ece

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 04 Jun 2010 14:07

Lanka seeks partnerships with India

Agencies

Posted: Jun 04, 2010 at 1256 hrs IST

Colombo Ahead of his visit to India next week, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said there was an immense scope to boost the 'irreversible' bilateral ties and sought partnerships in infrastructure, manufacturing and services sector between the two neighbours.
"The relationship between Sri Lanka and India has been anchored in a rich heritage and is irreversible...We are now adding new spice to our relations with India and the world, with new and varied business opportunities," Rajapaksa said inaugurating a business forum organised by the Indian and Sri Lankan Chambers of Commerce as part of the IIFA awards ceremony.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news ... ra/629492/

Sri Lanka government, Emirates finalize deal to buy back national carrier

June 04, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's government and Dubai's Emirates Arlines have finalized a deal to buy out its stake in the national carrier, its chairman Nishanta Wickremesinghe said.

"The deal has been finalized," Wickremesinghe said. "It is between the government and Emirates."

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/full ... 1606970997

India Journal: Sri Lanka Cinema Park Targets Bollywood

Reuters

Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a huge film fan and developing the film industry is high on his agenda.If Indian film superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Bipasha Basu get locked out of southern India’s cinemas and studios for showing up at the Indian International Film Academy awards in Colombo, they can just stay here and make a movie.

In March, Sri Lanka unveiled its answer to Bollywood, the Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele Cinema Park. It’s more than 200 acres of sets and studios aimed at revitalizing the Sri Lankan film and television industries as well as attracting business from abroad.

Sri Lanka has often had to depend on India to make its films. Without the right studios, technicians or equipment, local movie makers had to pop over to Chennai or Mumbai to get their films finished.

Now they have a new sprawling complex, with sets that vary from Portuguese colonial streets to village huts and rice paddies. Once the 1.2-billion Sri Lankan rupee project is finished in 2012, it will have an underwater studio, a railway track, a film library and a place for training Sri Lankan actors.

http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2010 ... india_main

Now, firms face pro-Tamils’ ire

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 04 Jun 2010 03:59:50 AM ISTLast Updated :

CHENNAI: Representatives of pro-Tamil groups in the state have announced that they will boycott those companies trading with Sri Lanka, during IIFA’s Global Business Forum scheduled for Friday.

All companies that sign trade deals with Sri Lanka will become targets of the pro-Tamil groups, which include Periyar Dravida Kazhagam , May 17 Movement, Save Tamils, Pudhiya Thamizhagam and Tamil Desiya Viduthalai Iyakkam. These groups have been opposing the choice of venue for the IIFA awards since late April.

Their first target, however, will be Bharti Airtel. They have accused Rajan Bharti Mittal, managing director of Bharti Enterprises, of retaining Sri Lanka as the venue of the festival, despite opposition, for the sake of Airtel’s commercial interests in the island country.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/n ... 78766.html

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 04 Jun 2010 14:42

India’s consulate diplomacy in Lanka

Jayanth Jacob, Hindustan Times

New Delhi, June 04, 2010

In a step that can irk its Tamil Nadu partners, the UPA government is moving towards balancing its approach between the Tamils and Sinhalese in Sri Lanka, aimed at addressing the view that New Delhi’s interests in the island nation are Tamil-centric. The China factor, too, has triggered this change in mindset.

New Delhi wants to delay the opening of its consulate in the Tamil-dominate Jaffna to coincide it with the inauguration of the consulate in the Sinhalese-majority Hambantota, 240 km south of capital Colombo.

While there is an Indian High Commission in Colombo, the only Indian consulate in Lanka is at Kandy — another Tamil-dominated area of plantations.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-c ... 52782.aspx

Pro-Eelam demo against Rajapakse's visit on June 8

STAFF WRITER 14:28 HRS IST

Chennai, Jun 4 (PTI) The Sri Lankan Tamils Movement, formed by several pro-Tamil parties, including MDMK and CPI, will stage a state-wide black flag demonstration to oppose Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's visit to India on June 8, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said here in a statement.

The demonstration will be held outside the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission here, he said.

Black flag demonstrations would be held in district headquarters across the state also to condemn the Indian government for "welcoming him", he said.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/691012_Pro- ... -on-June-8

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 04 Jun 2010 21:53

Sri Lanka a new hotspot for India Inc

Tushar Srivastava, Hindustan Times

Colombo, June 04, 2010

Sri Lanka is looking to be the next big investment destination for India Inc as the decades-long armed conflict is finally over in the island nation.

India, which is already the largest source of imports (nearly 17.8 per cent), ranks among the top five investors in Sri Lanka. It was the second highest donor country — with $209.2 million (Rs 978 crore) in loans and grants — next only to Japan last year.

“India’s exports to Sri Lanka in 2008-09 were $2.4 billion (Rs 11,232 crore) while imports were $356.6 million (Rs 1671 crore),” said Jyotsna Suri, chairperson and MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, who is leading a delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to Colombo for the FICCI-IFFA Global Business Forum 2010.

Suri is also talking to business associates here to look for opportunities to expand her group’s hospitality business in Colombo.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sri-Lanka ... 53182.aspx

Sri Lankan team knocks out Bollywood stars in charity matches

June 4th, 2010 - 11:06 pm ICT by IANS -

By Ruchika Kher

Colombo, June 4 (IANS) Sangakara XI, boasting of some Sri Lankan greats, knocked off two teams consisting of Bollywood stars to emerge the winner of a charity cricket match “series” played here Friday as part of the ongoing International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend.

Sangakara XI, consisting of the Sri Lankan captian-wicketkeeper himself, along with Muthiah Murlidharan, Upul Chandana and Aravinda de Silva, among others, first emerged victorious in a 10 over match against Suniel Shetty’s team.

The Suniel XI included Sonu Sood, Mahesh Manjrekar, Apoorva Lakhia, Sharman Joshi and Harman Baweja, among others. The team also had cricketers like Vinod Kambli and Mahela Jayawardena in its ranks but still could not win.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/wor ... 75252.html

Bollywood stars, Sri Lankan cricketers hit the pitch for charity

By Krishan Francis (CP) – 12 minutes ago

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Bollywood stars and Sri Lanka's cricketers hit the pitch for charity Friday to help rehabilitate child soldiers and build homes for families affected by the country's civil war.

India's Hindi language movie stars Sunil Shetty, Hrithik Roshan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Sri Lankan national team captain Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, batting great Aravinda de Silva and Upul Chandana were some of the members of the star-studded teams that played two cricket matches of 10 and 8 overs each.

Former Indian players Vinod Kambli and Ajay Jadeja, who has starred in Hindi movies, also participated.

"Being able to play with Sanga, Murali, Sanath and Aravinda I think is an absolute dream," said Shetty who showcased his batting ability with a six against Muralitharan, the world's leading wickettaker in his first match score of 26.

"A brilliant cause we are all here for."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadi ... FuuUo7OD0g

Anupam Kher to open acting school in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, right, and Bollywood actor Anupam Kher pose for photographs after Rajapakse presented an award to Kher at a business promotion meeting during the ongoing three-day International Indian Film Academy, or IIFA, festivities, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, June 4, 2009.

Colombo, Jun 4 (PTI):

Veteran actor Anupam Kher today said that the Sri Lankan government has requested him to open a branch of his acting school, 'An Actor Prepares' in the country.

The 55 year-old-actor, who was felicitated with the CNBC-IIFA global leadership award for his contribution to the field of art by President Mahinda Rajpaksha here at the IIFA Global Business Forum admitted, "he is in talks with the authorities on the modalities."

The acting school in it's fifth year now, has an alumni list that include stars like Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kunal Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

It has branches in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and UK.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/733 ... chool.html

Vice Premier of the State Council of China to visit Sri Lanka

Fri, Jun 4, 2010, 09:19 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Jun 04, Colombo: A current Vice Premier and a prominent leader of government of China, Zhang Dejiang is scheduled to visit to Sri Lanka from the 10th to 12th June 2010.

Issuing a statement yesterday Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry said Vice Premier Dejiang, during his visit will call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne, and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa.

The prominent leader of the Communist Party of China and a member of its Politburo will lead a delegation of 30 members to Sri Lanka.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/ ... 6558CH.php

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 06 Jun 2010 00:00

What Is India’s Game?

Jun 6th, 2010

What is India’s game, is the question on the lips of all Sri Lankans after they learned that India was seeking to establish consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota in addition to the Missions in Colombo and Kandy. In our understanding consulates are established by countries to look after their nationals. Kandy was understandable after the Sirima-Shastri Pact relating to persons of Indian origin. In the case of Hambantota and Jaffna there are no Indian nationals so what might be the reason?

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/06/0 ... %99s-game/

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 06 Jun 2010 00:58

In the case of Hambantota and Jaffna there are no Indian nationals so what might be the reason?

Of course to prop up LTTE.

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 06 Jun 2010 02:19

India and Lanka to sign 5 agreements during president’s visit

By S Venkat Narayan

Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, June 5: India and Sri Lanka will sign at least five agreements during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official visit to this country this week, informed sources told The Sunday Island here today.

In all, 11 agreements were being negotiated to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. They were to be signed during the presidential visit. But only five could be finalized so far. Negotiations are continuing on the remaining six agreements, which may be completed and signed later in the year.

The president arrives here on the evening of Tuesday June 8 , and will return home on Friday June 11. On Wednesday June 9, he will be given a ceremonial guard of honour in the forecourt of the regal Rashtrapati Bhavan here, and received by President Mrs Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his senior cabinet colleagues.

Rajapaksa will then go to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at the "samadhi" of the "Father of the Nation," as Indians fondly remember him.

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna will call on President Rajapaksa at the ITC Maurya, the hotel where the president and his delegation will stay.

The president will have talks with Indian Prime Minister Dr Singh at the Hyderabad House. The two leaders will be accompanied by their respective delegations.

A host of Indian dignitaries will call on the president on Wednesday afternoon. They include Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, among others.

Apart from his wife Shiranthi, Rajapaksa will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs G.L. Peiris and Sajin Vas Gunawardena, the president’s coordinating secretary and MP from the Galle district, and a few others.

A team comprising Foreign Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and a few other senior officials is arriving here on Sunday night for more talks with the Indians and to give finishing touches to the president’s programme.

The five agreements that will be signed on Wednesday are:

1. Agreement for cooperation to fight terrorism;

2. Agreement for transfer of sentenced prisoners;

3. Agreement for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters;

4. Agreement for cultural cooperation; and

5. Agreement on Indian assistance for small development projects in Sri Lanka.

The second agreement will enable Sri Lankans sentenced for offences committed in India and Indians imprisoned for crimes committed in Sri Lanka to serve their prison terms in their respective countries.

The agreement on ferry services connecting Talaimannar in Sri Lanka with Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and Kochi in Kerala will take a little more time to be finalized and signed.

It is ready from the Sri Lankan side, but the Indian Shipping Ministry is still in the process of obtaining mandatory no-objection certificates from a few concerned ministries.

http://www.island.lk/2010/06/06/news1.html

Why not signing the CEPA is inimical to the interests of Sri Lanka ?

BY Prof. Rohan Samarajiva

When the first bilateral agreement setting a legal framework for services trade, the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, went through, it became the main issue in a general election that saw Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, its principal proponent, win. When the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement went through in 1998 there was barely any public discussion. Both were not optimal in public-policy terms. Bilateral agreements, especially involving non-tariff barriers (NTBs), are important and deserve public debate. Unfortunately, the opponents of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India have ceased to debate on facts. They have descended to personal attack and half-truths. But to remain silent is to yield the public arena to the demagogues.

ccc

http://www.island.lk/2010/06/06/features7.html

Services under the CEPA

by R.M.B. Senanayake

It would seem that the opposition to the CEPA is less from those dealing in goods and more from those who are providers or suppliers of Services. This is a large category considering that 60% of our Gross Domestic Product consists of services. Among them the opposition is more from the professionals like accountants, engineers, the doctors, architects rather than from the suppliers of services like the Port Authority or the Sri Lanka Telecommunications.

http://www.island.lk/2010/06/06/business8.html

THE THREAT FROM INDIA LOOMS AGAIN

CONCERNS

India’s one and only concern——- CHINA.

The threat from China at some future date could affect her interests in the region and affect security in the Indian Ocean. China has today the second largest navy in the world.

REASON; China’s increases its influence in this country and counters India’s Influence.

Latest development –China moves to develop the port of Colombo in addition to the huge port development project in Hambantota

http://www.island.lk/2010/06/06/features9.html

Ranil consolidates his position

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was facing imminent ouster from the party leadership, a few weeks ago, due to strong pressures exerted by the rebel group, has now begun consolidating his position within the party. The main reason for this turnaround is that, no contender has come forward so far for the UNP leadership. Even Sajith Premadasa, who said he would confer on Hambantota the honour of producing both the party leadership and the country’s leadership, is not prepared to vie for the party leadership at this stage.

http://www.nation.lk/2010/06/06/politics.htm

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 06 Jun 2010 06:26

For China's presence in Srilanka with a military camp in Mullaitheevu with F 16s it is close for Koodankulam and Kalpakkan to easily attack

thusitha · Post by **thusitha** » 06 Jun 2010 10:29

http://www.hindustantimes.com/salman-ru ... 53060.aspx

Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA's brand ambassador, has given the extravaganza in Colombo a miss this year citing prior commitments. But Salman Khan is majorly upset with his absence.
Salman Khan, who is the brand ambassador of IIFA's charity initiative, feels that Bachchan and family should have been in Colombo for the event. Salman feels, Big B should have attended IIFA. He is after all the brand ambassador.
Salman also highlighted the fact that Sri Lankans need help and Mr. Bachchan's presence was important. The hunk further added, "Everyone belonging to the film industry should have attended IIFA. They could have come together to extend their help to Sri Lankans."
Though Big B cited work commitments to cover up for his absence from IIFA, the protests from South Indian film lobby is seen as a reason for his non-participation this year.

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Good on you Mr Khan. Really appreciate the people who turned up for the even.
In away, this shows that Indians cannot be trusted to work with us under mounting pressure from TamilNadu. I mean all, the top guys stayed away. What a shame.

thusitha · Post by **thusitha** » 06 Jun 2010 10:33

pgbhat
BRF Oldie
Quote:
In the case of Hambantota and Jaffna there are no Indian nationals so what might be the reason?
Of course to prop up LTTE.

As a Sri Lankan, this is bit worrying. If India wants to do this kind of stuff, they should do it slowly instead of such a fast pace. Need to build bit of trust between the two nations before this kind of things happen. To me, it looks like Sri Lanka is going to become another state of India (which might be the case in the long term)

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 06 Jun 2010 11:53

thusitha wrote:Good on you Mr Khan. Really appreciate the people who turned up for the even.

Agree. I am glad Kumar Sangakkara thanked them for their 'courage and conviction' (as he put it) to attend despite threats from the Tamil film industry.

In away, this shows that Indians cannot be trusted to work with us under mounting pressure from TamilNadu. I mean all, the top guys stayed away. What a shame.

A big overgeneralisation there but contains a kernal of truth. As I have mentioned many times before I think that as long as Tamil Nadu maintains leverage over the central government (and it will as it is a influential member of the Indian Union), Indo-Lankan relations will never reach what they could be.

Unlike India, China does not have such a pressure group affecting their policies towards Sri Lanka.

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 06 Jun 2010 12:30

CEPA: hush-hush not helping

By Namini Wijedasa

It is more than two years since Indian and Sri Lankan officials that negotiated the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last met. In 2008, Indian Premier Manmohan Singh came to Colombo for the SAARC summit hoping to witness a signing of the CEPA but went away empty-handed. For a while, it had seemed as if the deal was properly in cold storage.

Suddenly, however, the Indians have started pushing for the two countries to sign the document. The topic is on the agenda for discussion during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s forthcoming state visit to India during which the Indians are expected to intensify pressure on the Sri Lankans to activate the agreement.

......why are people who know nothing about it protesting against CEPA while some discerning Sri Lankans that are privy to the details-like Director General of Commerce Gomi Senadheera - support it as being vastly beneficial to the country? Senadheera, who declined to comment in detail about CEPA, felt strongly that it was “a fear of the unknown” that was fuelling protests.

LAKBIMAnEWS confidentially learns that the secretary to the ministry commerce has now applied for permission from the secretary to the cabinet to release the CEPA for public consumption. It is not known if this will be approved since the agreement is a bilateral document. As such, it must be bilaterally agreed upon between India and Sri Lanka to make the agreement public. Such negotiations are certainly not taking place at ministerial or official level and it is uncertain whether President Rajapaksa will broach the subject on his visit.

Whatever the decision of the two governments, it would serve the interests of CEPA to publicise its details because speculation is raging in Sri Lanka about yet another “invasion” by India.

http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm

“India gets concessions only in two sectors”

One thing is now clear in relation to the CEPA agreement: India is exceptionally eager to push it through. This keenness, coupled with India’s recent interest in increasing diplomatic presence here, is not surprisingly being interpreted as part of her desire to balance out Chinese involvement in Sri Lanka. Whichever the case, India has stirred up a furious debate here, not helped by the fact that the CEPA remains a classified document.

Asked why CEPA was not being released to the public, Indian diplomatic sources maintained last week that the document that was finalised in 2008 was a framework agreement which is usually the earliest form of such a deal.

“The details are in the schedules and annexures which are hammered out after you reach broad agreement on what to do,” a diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. His contention, therefore, was that the document was not final enough to release.

Questioned why the CEPA had become such a “monster” here, this diplomat replied: “I don’t think that categorisation reflects the breadth of Sri Lankan opinion. I, too, speak to a fair sample of Sri Lankan businesspersons and I am certain that a vast majority would not agree with your categorisation. This is a clear case of a vocal minority taking over.”

http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm

“We don’t want what we have”

Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, a leading Sri Lankan businessman whose posts include chairman and managing director of Master Divers Pvt Ltd and Managing Director of Pelwatte Sugar Industries Ltd, is among the local entrepreneurs opposing the CEPA. LAKBIMAnEWS sought his views on the subject last week:

“We don’t need any agreement to do business with India,” he said. “We didn’t have an agreement with India for 3000 odd years. They brought Buddhism here and we protected it. Whenever our kings wanted to get married, they went to India and brought a queen. Our relationship has been so close, unlike any two countries anywhere else in the world. It is like father and son. You don’t have agreements between father and son, only with outsiders.”

“Some irresponsible people are trying to push forward this agreement,” he said. “We don’t need an agreement when we buy everything from India even now. They didn’t have cars 20 years ago so we bought from Japan. Now that they have cars, we are importing from them. Our motorcycles are almost 100 per cent from India. It makes business sense because the freight is less than if you import from anywhere else. There is no commercial value in buying everything that is available in India from any other country. You don’t need CEPA or whatever. It is just commercially viable to buy from India.”

http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm

New vision for India-SL economic engagement needed — Ashok Kantha

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

India, with a strong commitment to bilateral efforts towards economic development in Sri Lanka, has used the IIFA platform as the ultimate opportunity to boost trade ties beyond recent expectations --- which would see greater potential in tourism, food processing IT, and the SME sector.

While the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are seen as the primary tools in the bilateral ties between the two nations, Sri Lankan exporters and professionals have lately opposed these instruments altogether, stating that the introduction of CEPA would be unfair, and suggesting total rejection of the Indian proposed CEPA, removal of “Non-tariff barriers”, and also proper implementation of the FTA between the two countries .

http://www.lakbimanews.lk/feb/feb1.htm

VikramS · Post by **VikramS** » 06 Jun 2010 23:33

thusitha wrote:
pgbhat
BRF Oldie
Quote:
In the case of Hambantota and Jaffna there are no Indian nationals so what might be the reason?
Of course to prop up LTTE.
As a Sri Lankan, this is bit worrying. If India wants to do this kind of stuff, they should do it slowly instead of such a fast pace. Need to build bit of trust between the two nations before this kind of things happen. To me, it looks like Sri Lanka is going to become another state of India (which might be the case in the long term)

Why would India prop up LTTE after letting it get decimated completely??
Did it ever occur to you that the action could be to encourage and support the moderate Tamils who can aid in reconciliation?
Also have the Sinhalese considered how much they have done to alleviate the sufferings and pains of the Tamils?

India went against the wishes of the Western powers and the strong Tamil constituency to allow the SLArmed Forces to get rid of the LTTE. There was a domestic cost, an international cost, and also a strategic cost (Chinese and TSP military relations) which India paid to facilitate that.

SL better follow-up the military action with an open-hearted reconciliation and reconstruction package which helps India (and Sri Lanka) address the concerns of the Tamils. India would also like a reduction in strategic relations with China and TSP.

Give and take has to be a two way street.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 06 Jun 2010 23:51

thusitha wrote:
pgbhat
BRF Oldie
Quote:
In the case of Hambantota and Jaffna there are no Indian nationals so what might be the reason?
Of course to prop up LTTE.
As a Sri Lankan, this is bit worrying. If India wants to do this kind of stuff, they should do it slowly instead of such a fast pace. Need to build bit of trust between the two nations before this kind of things happen. To me, it looks like Sri Lanka is going to become another state of India (which might be the case in the long term)

a consulate has other functions than just looking after its citizens, like facilitating trade etc. US has consulates in all major cities of India, the number of US citizens in most of these cities would be counted in hundreds. we are not going to become a state of the US anytime soon.
don't fall for paranoid garbage.

btw, you didn't get pgbhat's sarcasm either.

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 07 Jun 2010 00:07

Rahul M wrote:a consulate has other functions than just looking after its citizens, like facilitating trade etc. US has consulates in all major cities of India, the number of US citizens in most of these cities would be counted in hundreds. we are not going to become a state of the US anytime soon.
don't fall for paranoid garbage.

Oh, after this they will start whining about "Indian Hegemony" in "South Asia". Where have we heard this before?

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 07 Jun 2010 00:12

Tamil Nadu, its peoples and the state government, shall be deeply interested in GoI policies wrt SL, especially those that concern the well-being of the Tamils. GoI knows, understands and at times accedes to concerns of the legitimate elected representatives of Tamil Nadu, especially on matters that carry stakes on both sides of the palk strait. Let GoSL do what it can to obviate such concerns. If putting a petition with the South Block will help, I recommend that. If you insist on going to the North Block instead, I recommend stopping by one P. Chidambaram's office for help in these matters. Being a person far better tuned to legalese than me, he shall guide you on the intricacies of the federal character of the Indian Constitution.

Regarding SL becoming another state of India, SL is welcome to join the Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic of India at a time of its own choosing. I, for one, would like to see more of the "maama machan" tales from some of the esteemed posters on this thread.

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 07 Jun 2010 03:05

x-posting from TSP

Prem wrote: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/ ... 4209.shtml
Ex-major's Loyalties Embody Pakistan's Jihad Woes

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - A former major who trained fighters for war in Afghanistan and Kashmir keeps cropping up in terrorism investigations in Pakistan. But police say the gray-haired grandfather is shielded by his links to the army and powerful intelligence agencies.Speaking to The Associated Press in his first media interview, Haq seemed to embody the contradictions of this shadowy struggle. He said he sees nothing wrong with "jihad against infidels" but strongly denies being linked to terrorism. In 2007, he was detained for five months by the country's main spy agency, Inter Services Intelligence, but says he was "treated like a VIP" and never charged.The most recent allegations against him appear in a report by investigators of last year's ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the eastern city of Lahore. The document, obtained by The Associated Press, claims Haq gave logistical support to unspecified Taliban and other fighters. It says cell phones used by the attackers were traced to locations close to a large garment factory owned by Haq and his brother.One officer said ISI papers rank Haq as "white," meaning a militant or his handler who is or has served the agency's interests. "Gray" means someone under watch, and "black" is a militant, supporter or a handler gone rogue."The army and ISI people don't let others interrogate them," said Pervaiz Rathore, the outgoing police chief of Lahore. "The army is stronger than any other establishment in the country.The intelligence agencies' power and alleged links to militants were highlighted in a U.N. commission's report into the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It said almost all independent analysts it spoke to alleged that Pakistani security officers retain links to militant groups they once supported.
But the loyalties may be weakening, One ex-ISI member-turned-militant sympathizer, Khalid Khwaja, was killed in early May. Suspicion has fallen on a militant faction that has no loyalty to the older generation.

sunnyP · Post by **sunnyP** » 08 Jun 2010 02:38

Sri Lanka threatens to execute General Sarath Fonseka

The Sri Lankan government has threatened to execute Sarath Fonseka, the army commander who delivered victory over the Tamil Tigers, if he continues to suggest top officials may have ordered war crimes during the final hours of the Tamil war.

The threat, issued by Sri Lanka's powerful defence secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is the latest sign of a bitter and intensifying feud within the Sri Lankan political establishment, little more than a year after the end of the Tamil war.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/h ... 725899.stm

negi · Post by **negi** » 09 Jun 2010 19:18

Some positive development at last.

India, Lanka sign 7 pacts, discuss resettlement of Tamils

After the meeting, seven pacts were signed to boost bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, including security, power, railways and cultural exchange.

Two MoUs were inked on the transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters that aim at enhancing security cooperation between the two countries.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on interconnecting electricity grids of the two countries could mean supply of 1,000 MW of power that will go a long way in improving the situation in Sri Lanka which continues to suffer due to war-ravaged electricity infrastructure.

A pact on laying Talaimannar-Madhu rail link was also signed. Increased development cooperation was reflected across other pacts that included an MoU on special projects and setting up of a women's trade facilitation and community learning centre by SEWA, an Ahmadabad-based NGO.

Rajapaksa arrived in India on a four-day visit on Tuesday evening, his first trip after his sweeping electoral victories in January this year.

An estimated 70,000 displaced Tamils still continue to live in relief camps even after a year of Sri Lankan army crushing the insurgency led by LTTE.

Although it had promised to resettle all 300,000 war displaced within six months of defeating the LTTE, the deadline for closure of relief camps housing the refugees has been extended to August by the Rajapaksa government.

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 09 Jun 2010 20:20

VikramS wrote:India went against the wishes of the Western powers and the strong Tamil constituency to allow the SLArmed Forces to get rid of the LTTE. There was a domestic cost, an international cost, and also a strategic cost (Chinese and TSP military relations) which India paid to facilitate that.

India chose not to have a full defence relationship with Sri Lanka during the war. That is why China and Pakistan were and are in the picture. India's own policy decisions are to blame there. Sri Lanka did what it had to do to defeat the LTTE. India helped, but only in the latter stages when it looked like the LTTE was going to get defeated. If India did not reject Sri Lanka's offer for India to develop Hambantota the Chinese would not be there either. Even if India had wanted the war to stop in the last stages, it would not have been successful in doing so short of an invasion of the island.

Sri Lanka should not reduce any of it strategic relationships with China or Pakistan as long as the Tamil lobby is active in India. The current Indian government did not bend to Tamil extremism but who knows what future governments will do. Reducing any strategic relationship with China or Pakistan would be a liability for Sri Lanka. China has invested and continues to invest in Sri Lanka; it is a boon for Sri Lanka. It is not for India to tell Sri Lanka how to rehabilitate civlians or what sort of a political package is needed. That would be meddling in Sri Lanka's affairs - like arming, training and funding the LTTE. Suggestions should be welcomed though.

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 09 Jun 2010 20:37

India's Congress Party leader and Tamil Nadu MPs call on Sri Lanka's President

Jun 09, New Delhi: Chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance in the Lok Sabha and the leader of India's Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi called on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Maurya Hotel in New Delhi today.

A delegation of 21 Tamil Nadu parliamentarians of the Lok Sabha headed by DMK Parliamentary Party leader T.R. Baalu also met the President Rajapaksa at the same venue to discuss the resettlement of about 80,000 displaced Tamil civilians remaining in the camps.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/ ... 2796CH.php

Kashyap · Post by **Kashyap** » 09 Jun 2010 21:25

India's deals with Sri Lanka heighten stakes in 'Great Game' with Beijing

India and Sri Lanka signed a series of aid, economic and diplomatic deals today, the latest move in an increasingly intense struggle between New Delhi and Beijing for influence over the island nation.

The signing took place on the first day of a visit by the Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, to Delhi, his first since winning his presidential election in January and parliamentary poll in April. The deals range from loans for major infrastructure projects to agreements to share electricity and boost cultural exchanges.

Dubbed "the new Great Game", the battle between China and India for primacy in the Indian Ocean is set to be one of the major themes of the coming decades, according to analysts. Sri Lanka's geographic position is its main draw.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/ju ... great-game

India-Sri Lankan knowledge initiative launched

Posted On: 09-Jun-2010 22:05:01

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) India and Sri Lanka have agreed to start a knowledge initiative that will assist in making the island nation into a trilingual society and improving linkages between universities in the two countries.

http://www.mynews.in/News/India-Sri_Lan ... 60865.html

Rajapaksa assures Tamil MPs of resettling displaced civilians

2010-06-09 21:20:00

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa Wednesday assured a delegation of Tamil MPs that the displaced civilians living in refugee camps in the island-nation will be resettled by the year end.

A delegation of Tamil MPs from the DMK and the Congress met Rajapaksa, who is currently on a four-day visit to India. Rajapaksa arrived in India Tuesday evening.

http://sify.com/news/rajapaksa-assures- ... ihcci.html

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 09 Jun 2010 22:02

India helped, but only in the latter stages when it looked like the LTTE was going to get defeated.

Rubbish

The suggestion is without Indian help the LTTE could have been defeated.

Bullcr@p

even the SLA knows all the Chinese arms etc are good but what really turned the tide was Indian help which will go unrecorded for political reasons

Which I am ok with

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 09 Jun 2010 22:22

Surya wrote:
India helped, but only in the latter stages when it looked like the LTTE was going to get defeated.
Rubbish

The suggestion is without Indian help the LTTE could have been defeated.

Bullcr@p

even the SLA knows all the Chinese arms etc are good but what really turned the tide was Indian help which will go unrecorded for political reasons

Which I am ok with

You are very right saar.

Now we should finish the job finally by sorting out the Indian part of the LTTE from the south.

There is just one solution for vermin, from kashmir to kanyakumari. The lankans have shown the way.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 09 Jun 2010 22:24

Surya wrote:even the SLA knows all the Chinese arms etc are good but what really turned the tide was Indian help which will go unrecorded for political reasons

The Chinese arms are not really a new phenomena in the Island. Yet the process of defeat of LTTE only started a few years ago.

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 09 Jun 2010 22:39

Inspite of India's emotional relationship with Tamils in SL, India always helped SL in several ways to defeat LTTE. I disagree with this "new notion" that India only helped in the last couple of years. The problem was always with the "head-strong-paki-style" past leadership of SL. If SL co-operated during the IPKF times, LTTE would have been a past long time ago. Instead of helping IPKF, SL's "paki-style" Premadasa and co actually supplied the arms and ammunitions to LTTE. At that time for the SL leadership IPKF was a bigger enemy as compared to LTTE. They prolonged the conflict.

Several global affairs helped Rajapaksha along with a willing India to defeat their internal enemy.

If push comes to shove and if SL gets back to older style leadership, India will have several aces no matter what the world may think.

The good path is for SL to be in the foreign-affairs ring of India as opposed to extreme-independent approach that many non-pragmatic SL folks assume. Otherwise you will be in a 1000 year conflict like our western neighbor with no real human development.

The choice is SLs and India is ready for anything.

Becoming one of more states of India is ideal (though not practical) for all in terms of human development.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 09 Jun 2010 22:46

Muppalla wrote: I disagree with this "new notion" that India only helped in the last couple of years. .

Clarification, I was only saying that if Chinese arms are attributed to LTTE's defeat that has been there forever? So what changed in last years that their fortunes turned around dramtically?

I personally think India finally focused on Island, a long long time after tumultuous 90s we had the space and time to look south on a proactive basis. Which we did and the third eye did what it does.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 09 Jun 2010 22:53

Muppalla wrote: Becoming one of more states of India is ideal (though not practical) for all in terms of human development.

Perish the very thought saar.

Let it be still born.

We certainly do not need any such associations with these guys. Let it be strictly restricted to the usual normal trade and some security issues onlee.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 09 Jun 2010 23:41

chetak wrote:
Surya wrote:
Rubbish

The suggestion is without Indian help the LTTE could have been defeated.

Bullcr@p

even the SLA knows all the Chinese arms etc are good but what really turned the tide was Indian help which will go unrecorded for political reasons

Which I am ok with
You are very right saar.

<SNIP>

I second that. What India has done, may never come out in open. May be a snippet here or there in one of the autobiographies of ex-general or MEA big-wigs or politician.....

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 10 Jun 2010 03:57

The advent of MKN saw quite a few tidings in BD and SL, but after the event it is all too convenient to put the onus of victory on the chinis' dorky arms. Hello, wake up, bullshite has a limit of course.

GoI has shipped in soldiers into SL for a long time now, it happened many times in the post-48 phase. It happened quite overtly when the rebellion in the south took a pita phase for the GoSL. The JVP-idiots and Rohana Wijeweera chamchas got exterminated aplenty by Junius Jayewardene's troops (needless to say, as violently as the ltte thugs) when the Indian troops held the fort in the North and the East. It happened again during the ipkf mission. But even after the ipkf mission, there have been small shipments to SL. There was a saarc summit in 2008 in colombo, check out the "official" ramblings on matters related to that. There have been quite a few reports (already) on the IN helped track down ltte arms "boats". After all, licking the chini asses is not the strength of just the nepalis or the bangladeshis.

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 10 Jun 2010 09:03

Book explores roots of Sri Lanka conflict
http://links.org.au/node/1709

Probe war crimes in Sri Lanka
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/edito ... sri_lanka/

It is time for UN & US and EU to ignore regional powers and go ahead in setting up panels for War Crime!

Karan Dixit · Post by **Karan Dixit** » 10 Jun 2010 09:54

joshvajohn wrote:
It is time for UN & US and EU to ignore regional powers and go ahead in setting up panels for War Crime!

I think UN, US and EU are busy setting up panels for war crimes by China in Tibet. After that, they probably will have time for Sri Lanka. What do you think ?

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 10 Jun 2010 10:22

Karan
Thanks for the comment. I do not disagree with you. It is right wherever there is war crime the UN should consider setting up the panel. This will send the right signal that no one can hide around in the world of interdependency.
J