Tamils Need Help from International Community

Tamils in Sri Lanka Need Help from International Community

14 February 2007
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Assisting Development In Sri Lanka
[ VOA ][ Feb 10 17:52 GMT ]

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake says the United States “remains deeply committed to continue our assistance to Sri Lanka to enhance economic development, help recover from the [2004] tsunami, and work with Sri Lanka on a durable solution to the ethnic conflict that has held back progress” for more than two decades. Since 1956, the United States has provided nearly two billion dollars in development assistance to Sri Lanka, including one-hundred-thirty-four million dollars to help Sri Lankans recover from the devastating tsunami of December 2004. The U.S. is undertaking several reconstruction projects, including construction of a new bridge over Arugam Bay, the upgrade of three damaged fishing harbors, and the construction and rehabilitation of ten vocational education schools. [ full story | comments (2) ]

Military Gains In Sri Lanka No Cause For Euphoria
[ PR Inside ][ Feb 12 15:59 GMT ]

The report of the Expert Committee set up to find a solution to the ethnic problem has also come as an embarrassment to Mr. Rajapaksa, because it suggests an asymmetrical federation, moving away from the unitary state, substantial powers being devolved to regional unity, as well as, autonomy and re-merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces, annulled by the Supreme Court. He has shown no inclination to accept them, probably because federalism is unacceptable to two of his allies, the JVP and JHP, even though he now does not need their support to survive in Government. [ full story | comments (1) ]

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UK minister call for peace in Sri Lanka
[ LBO ][ Feb 12 11:53 GMT ]

"Today's British government has no greater wish for Sri Lanka than that it should find a peaceful solution to its conflict," Kim Howells, UK's Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said in a statement. " "Our experience tells us that a 'war for peace' approach inevitably means more war, rather than peace. And violence comes with too high a price. "It is the people who suffer, as human rights are eroded, the humanitarian situation deteriorates and mistrust between communities increases. This, in turn, damages Sri Lanka’s image in the eyes of the world," he said. [ full story | comments (7) ]

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Rajapaksa stamps his authority on cabinet
[ Hindustan Times ][ Feb 11 15:01 GMT ]

By sacking top line ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Anura Bandaranaike and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi on Friday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent out a clear warning that he will not tolerate the formation of any group in the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which owes allegiance to his main rival, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Samaraweera, Bandaranaike and Sooriyarachchi are closely identified with Kumaratunga, who Rajapaksa sees as a threat to the emerging order in the SLFP, though she no longer holds any political office and does not even reside in Sri Lanka.

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