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Page 2
2 TAMILTIMES
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Page 3
15 FEBRUARY 2002
“I do not agree with a word of what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”
-Woltaire
ISSN 0266 - 44 88
Vol. XXI No. 2 15 FEBRUARY 2002
Published by: TAMIL TIMES LTD PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 020 - 8644 0972 Fax: 020 - 824. 4557
Email: prajanG)gn.apc.org editor(a)tamiltimes.org admin(a)tamiltimes.org
Website: http://www.tamilitimes.org
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Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork.
CONTENTS
Peace Process in Progress
News and Comment
'ews Track 11
is nation opinion or
Mauonal Consensus 22 Contours for a Ceasefire 23 Focus on Human Rights 26 Cassified 30
During the last few ing schedule of shuttle have normally expecte ment and the LTTE thr been positive and prod ess in Sri Lanka is proc optimism thata Memor tion Tigers of Tamil Eel What is more signit within Sri Lanka. Not mutual Cessation of ho Draconian restricti of the civilian populatic in enormous hardship Indian Peace Keeping between government f
The Government quired hereafter by Sri Sri Lanka will not requir Diplomat or anyone vis Tamil Eelam) will do s( obtaining its clearance Another major res' north where fishermen and carry Out attacks C fish using only non-me until 6.00 pm, along th Passengers using Point Pedro harbOur a Pedrojetty in Jaffnawi can be unloaded from
It is also reportedt to Jaffna for it to be use been cleared according WOuld be ready for trar ing simultaneously to large number of anti-p All these rather SW ensure the transport O whether they be undet mass of the ordinary p Casting a dark sh mark Over the entire p and conscription of ch cated and articulated v International, United N independent organisat the malevolent work C productive would be tc the ordinary Common since the cessation of peace in its true sense cause they may respe individuals, can live it wantonly violated.
One hopes, despi said to be in the finals to fruitfulnegotiations C peace returning for the
 
 

TAMILTIMES 3
weeks, the Norwegian special delegation has been engaged in a punishdiplomacy in peace making travelling, more frequently than one would d, between Colombo and London having discussions with the GovernOugh its chief negotiator, it would appear that these deliberations have UCtive. All the indications are that the Norwegian facilitated peace procressing fast and remarkably well. So much so, there is almost Universal andum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the Liberaam (LTTE) would be signed sooner than later, icant is the Sudden and Substantial transformation of the ground situation only have the guns gone silent and bombs are not exploding and the stilities declared by the Government and the LTTE is holding. Dns on travel and transportation of goods essential for the day today lives n of the war-torn areas have been removed. These restrictions resulting to the Common people have been in place since the departure of the Force at the end of March and the re-commencement of armed hostilities Drces and the LTTE in June 1990. has announced that no approval from the Ministry of Defence will be reLankan citizens travelling to Jaffna. Any Diplomatic Officials, stationed in e permission from MOD to travel to the North. Any Sri Lankan, Sri Lankan, siting uncleared areas (that are under the Control of Liberation Tigers of ) at his/her Own risk. The Ministry also has scrapped the requirement of to buy air tickets to travel to Jaffna. - triction to be removed is the ban on fishing within a security zone in the hitherto had no access on the ground that Tamil Tigers would infiltrate in security forces there. Now, fishermen of the north are to be allowed to chanised boats up to a half-a-kilometre from the beach daily from 4.30am e Coastal belt between Thondamanaru and Point Pedro, the ship between the north-eastern Trincomalee harbour to the northern reallowed to travel without any security clearance. The northern Point | Operate till 10 p.m. enabling an increase in the quantum of supplies that Ships. hat the army has Completed the de-mining of the A9 highway from Kandy ed by civilians when it is opened on 15 February. The road is said to have to the requirements of the International Committee of the Red Cross and sportation and use from the 15 February. The LTTE too have been workde-mine areas under their Control and are reported to have removed a erSOnnel mines. 'eeping and substantial measures taken within a relatively short time that goods and free movement of people in areas of the north of the island, the control of government forces or the LTTE, will and must benefit the eople who have been subjected to unbearable hardship all these years. adow over these positive developments and posing a serious question eace process is the widely reported allegations of abductions, extortion ldren attributed to the LTTE. In the face of these reports being authentiith Well documented details by reputed institutions such as the Amnesty ations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), BBC and other ions and journalists, it is futile and Counter-productive to dismiss them as f those who want to "scuttle the peace process." What is required and desist from Committing these grOSS violations of human rights, and allow people to enjoy the fruits of the positive developments that are unfolding hostilities between the government and the LTTE. In the ultimate analysis, : does not mean an absence of War between rival COmbatants, whatever Ctively represent, but a situation in which people, both as groups and as dignity without their fundamental human and democratic rights being
e the dark shadow to which reference has been made, the MoU which is ages of fine-tuning will be signed by the government and the LTTE leading n substantive political issues eventually fulfilling the universal expectation of first time in many years to this beleaguered island and its people,

Page 4
4 TAMITMES
By Colombo Correspondent
Removal of Restrictions
There is an unmistakable feeling of déjà vu in the current peace process, going back to what took place in 1994/95. Once again, the North and especially the Vanni gets more goods and Northern farmers are looking at ways of selling their produce in the South. But there is a much larger flow of goods and people to and from the North than the last time, and there are hopes of the main routes linking the peninsula to the mainland being opened too. No Ministry of Defence (MoD) permission is required for travel to the North. Anyone could go to the uncleared areas, at their own risk.
According to the MoD statement, no approval from Ministry of Defence will be required hereafter by Sri Lankan citizens travelling to Jaffna. Only non- Sri Lankans should seek permission from the MoD to visit the North. However, any non- Sri Lankan who is recommended in writing after scrutiny for travel to Jaffna by Sri Lankan Ambassador/High Commissionerabroad will be permitted access to the Jaffna without MoD approval. Any Diplomatic Officials, stationed in Sri Lanka will not require permission from MoD to travel to the North. However, any Sri Lankan, non-Sri Lankan, Diplomat or anyone visiting uncleared areas (that are under the control of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) will do so at his/her own risk. The ministry has also scrapped the requirement of obtaining its clearance to buy air tickets to travel to the government-held northern town of Jaffna.
Another major restriction due to be removed was a ban on fishing within a security zone in northern Sri Lanka where fishermen hitherto had no access. The Defence Ministry said it was allowing fishermen of the north to catch fish along the coastal belt between Thondamanaru and Point Pedro. Fishermen will be allowed to use only non-mechanised boats and catch fish up to a halfkilometre from the beach daily from 4.30 am until 6.00 pm. On Sundays they will be allowed up to one and halfkilometres from the beach. A considerable section of the population in northern Sri Lanka depend on fishing for their livelihood, but have been denied
access due to esc the past several y In addition, th cided to permit pa between the north bour of Trincomal Pedro harbour to curity clearance. follow cumberso security clearance related developme decided to opera Pedro jetty in Jaff an increase in the that can be unloac
The army is the de-mining of Kandy to Jaffna t road to be used b opened for such day. Military sp Sanath Karumarat being cleared acc ments of the Inter the Red Cross ar transportation an LTTE too are wol de-mine areas un reported to haver ofanti personnel in the Jaffna peni a statement said be cleared and re ruary 15.
Peace Process
All these sv been undertaker concerning the peace process whose special d Minister Mr. V been busy travi and London cor tiations among in Colombo LTTE’s adviso Anton Balasin, ing the Memor (MoU) to be government ar All this has of success in ti round, as the
 

15 FEBRUARY 2002
ited fighting during S. government has deengers using the ship castern port city harto the northern Point avel without any searlier civilians had to le procedures to get before travelling. In a it the government has e the northern Point a till 10 p.m. enabling quantum of supplies ed from ships. cheduled to complete che A9 highway from y 14 February for the y civilians when it is se from the following jokesman, Brigadier he said that the road is ording to the requirenational Committee of d would be ready for use from the 15". The king simultaneously to ler their control and are 2moved a large number mines also at Omanthai sula. The LTTE too in hat the highway would dy for opening on Feb
eping measures have umid optimistic reports rogress in the current cilitated by Norway egation led by Foreign ar Helgesen have has ing between Colombo ucting a flurry of negovernment personalities d the London-based nd chief negotiator Mr am in effort at finalisdum of Understanding ered into between the he LTTE.
to greater expectations beace process this time TE extended its unilat
eral ceasefire by one month and the Government reciprocated with a cessation of hostilities for the same period, ending February 24. It is also the date being touted by the media for signing of the MoU leading to a more formal mutually agreed ceasefire for at least one year, and with foreign monitors or observers of its implementation too. All things considered there appears to be too much optimism about the MoU being signed in February.
According to reliable reports much has been agreed to between the two parties, especially an open-ended mutually agreed ceasefire. Its monitoring is to be by a team of five including two representative each from the Government and LTTE, an one appointed by Norway, possibly from another Scandinavian country. The LTTE is believed to have agreed not to carry out any attacks on civilians or civilian targets during the period, while the Government has reportedly agreed to an LTTE request that its unarmed members be allowed to enter areas held by the security forces to carry out political work, a matter causing much concern among the Army & Police. The Government, under heavy pressure from the Navy and Air Force has so far not agreed to the LTTE's request that vessels suspected of carrying weapons or other materiel for military use should not be searched and attacked when necessary, on the high seas.
In a tactical move, the MoU is not expected to make any mention of the "traditional homeland of the Tamils" or refer to the LTTE's demand for a separate state. The MoU is limited to creating a durable cessation of hostilities aimed at starting peace talks, which some say could start by June, but is more likely to begin much later, if and when they do. It is also understood that the issue of lifting the proscription of the LTTE by Sri Lanka has been sidestepped for the time being.
New Problems
While there was much optimism af. ter this last visit of the Norwegians and their departure to London for what appeared to be final talks on the MoU, a new problem appears to have cropped up with reports that the LTTE was insisting that President Kumaratunga should also be a signatory to the MoU. It had been thought as leader of the newly elected government, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would sign the MoU on behalf of the government and Velupillai

Page 5
15 FEBRUARY 2002
Pirabaharan, would sign as leader of the LTTE. It is now said that if the President does not sign, then the LTTE leader too will not sign it, but authorize a person of lower rank to do so. The Norwegian facilitators are reportedly of the view that it would be best to have the signatures of both the President and Prime Minister and that of the LTTE leader, in order to make the MoU a more comprehensive and authoritative document. Talks on this aspect are in progress and there is cause to fear that this demand could lead to some delay and in the entire process.
While everyone waits with eager expectation for a more lasting ceasefire, there are some awkward issues being raised and problems being created that seem to delay the whole process. Orchestrated protests by fishermen in the North and East, apparently with LTTE support have been staged demanding unrestricted fishing rights, a demand that is strongly resisted by the Navy. While any ceasefire may hold on land, the Navy is stressing the need for it to search any vessel in the high seas that is suspected of carrying arms for the LTTE. The Air Force wants the rights to attack such vessels. This is one aspect not yet cleared in the draft MoU. The protests carried out by the fishermen in Jaffna prevented the Government Agent, Jaffna, from hoisting the National Flag at the Jaffna Secretariat on Independence Day - February 4. This provoked much criticism of LTTE tactics in the Sinhala press. The protest campaign was suspended on February ll.
Conscription and Extortion
Another problem that has come to figure prominently is the well documented reports of LTTE cadres indulging in abductions, extortion and conscripting children to its armed ranks, particularly in the east of island. These have provoked widespread coverage, concern and criticism in the media both locally and internationally. Muslims in the East have staged protest demonstrations against reported abduction of fishermen and extortion demands. Reports have come from local and foreign journalists and civic leaders of people in the Batticaloa District fleeing through the jungles to get to the Batticaloa town area held by Government troops to escape the LTTE's recruitment of children. The University Teachers Human Rights - Jaffna (UTHR-J) and Amnesty International have issued well-documented reports giving graphic details of these ac
tivities.
On 1 February, tl ent, Francis Harrisc people in the east ai anything publicly. B cal rebel commandel ing into government. recruitment. They al of the current ceased in Batticaloa district, demanding that the child to the moveme ers say the Tamil Tig scripting young boy fit enough to fight frc previously fled rebe to avoid such an eve "There are also re east of Sri Lanka of by the rebels, somet the equivalent of Sl say the rebels are n teachers and gover 12% of their salary as opposed to five pt one town in Trincor and offices closed in said was increased ex Tigers," the BBC rel Following repo ment from their field Colin Glennie, ofth ternational Childre (UNICEF) said, “W that children are still and even during the lot ofpressureis bei join the LTTE. Rep. psychological press while a few cases of were also reported. ing taken forcibly.” that Unicef was mak the LTTE directly ti mitment it made to th resentative, Olara O refrain from recruiti It appeared that the its pledge. He adde pledge, the LTTE posters claiming the recruitment, but th largely slogans and was continuing.
N. Raviraj, Jaffr Tamil National Alli Mayor of Jaffna, to litical parties shoul the LTTE to stop ab recruitment of Tami rupt the Norwegian ess, and that it was

TAM TIMES 5
le BBC correspondn reported: "Most e too scared to say ut it is clear the los have started comcontrolled areas for e taking advantage ire to move around visiting families and y give at least one it. Community leadersare forcibly conand girls who look om families who had | territory, precisely ntuality. ports throughout the increased extortion imes of sums up to ,000. Local people ow demanding that nment officials pay as an unofficial tax, rcent previously. In malee district, shops protest at what they tortion by the Tamil port said. its of child recruitworkers in the East, 2 United Nations Inn Emergency Fund e have had reports forcibly being taken ceasefire period, a ng put on children to Jrts indicate there is ure to join the LTTE physical abductions Older people are beGlennie further said ing representation to ) adhere to the come UN’s Special Reptunu in May 1998 to ng child combatants. LTTE was violating that after the 1998 put up banners and re would be no child ese appeared to be he abuse of children
a district MP of the ance and the former ld the BBC that poil publicly appeal to duction and forcible l youth as it may disprokered peace procnot in the interest of
the peace process and the confidence building measures if the Tamil Tigers were forcibly conscripting the children and youth from North-East.
A statement attributed to President Kumaratunga said, "The President of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned regarding reports that the LTTE is continuing the large-scale forcible recruitment of children.”
Bishop of Mannar, the Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph, stated that the Catholic Church vehemently condemned any attempt by the LTTE to recruit children below 16 years for military activities.
LTTE Rejects Allegations
The LTTE for its part angrily rejected the allegations and accused the originators and purveyors of these reports of attempting to "scuttle the peace process'. "Corrupts elements in the Sri Lanka army and paramilitary groups operating with it are making covert attempts in the east to scuttle the peace negotiations between the Tigers and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government', said Mr. Karikalan, the deputy leader of the political wing of the Liberation Tigers, addressing a press conference at Kokkaddicholai in the eastern district of Batticaloa.
"In this context the LTTE would like to underscore the fact that it was our military resistance that ultimately impelled the Sri Lankan State to begin peace talks with us. None one would have been talking about peace for the Tamil people today if we didn't have the military power to withstand the massive SLA operation against the LTTE in April last year" Karikalan said.
Asked about reports offorcible conscription of children, Karikalan said, "Although no one has complained recently to the ICRC or Sri Lanka's human rights commission that we have forcefully conscripted anybody, it is still our wish to see that we are not maligned further by reports and rumours that our organisation is forcing youth to join.' Questioned about the alleged harassment of Muslim people in the east Mr.Karikalan said that the LTTE wants to maintain friendly and harmonious relationship with the Muslim people, and the LTTE will fight for their political rights also.
Mr. Anton Balasingham from London rejected the accusation and said that President Kumaratunga was attempting create controversy and apprehensions with the intention of undermining the

Page 6
6 TAMILTIMES
ongoing Norwegian peace initiative. He accused President Kumaratunga of “deliberately distorting facts to slander the LTTE with the ultimate objective of scuttling the peace process.'
Mr. Balasingham said that the LTTE was now actively recruiting young men and women above seventeen years of age to expand the movement's political and administrative wings. He said that amid intense efforts by the Norwegian government to advance the peace process, the movement had to prepare for the inevitable political and administrative demands that it can expect to face.
Pointing out that the 100,000 strong Sri Lanka Army is also engaged in substantial recruitment efforts at present, along with the Navy and Air Force, Mr. Balasingham said that the LTTE's military section was also recruiting volunteers "to ensure the prevailing balance offorces is not altered disadvantageously."
“This recruitment by both sides at present does not in any way undermine the spirit of the unilateral cessations of hostilities being observed by the LTTE and the Sri Lanka armed forces," he said. A guarantee from the LTTE on safeguarding rights of Tamil civilians in northeast Sri Lanka is to be incorporated in a proposed ceasefire agreement. In answer to questions from journalists, Minister of Constitutional Affairs and cabinet spokesman, Prof. G.L. Peiris, said at a press conference on 7 February that the Government had conveyed to the LTTE through Norway, which is facilitating the peace process, its concern at reports of child conscription, extortion, abductions and killings by the group since the present truce began last Christmas. Mr. Peiris said this was one of the "priority issues" being discussed for incorporation into the final Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides. Another matter being discussed for the ceasefire was the security of members or sympathisers of non-LTTE Tamil groups, who have been constant targets of the LTTE, he said.
Rauff to Prabha
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem read out a letter he had sent LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to coincide with the Hindu festival of Thaipongal on January 14 where he complained that the Muslims living in the country's eastern province were subjected to fear and large-scale extortion at the hands of LTTE cadres. The letter
called for a public a LTTE's stand on th the east, and said oth would not be able t the siege mentality C som for survival”. H eastern province was land of the Muslims a
In his letter writt guage and addressi as "Brother Prabha Prabhakaran', the leader has urged hil abduction, the settin, in Muslim villages, c lim youth to the LT lims serving in gov also to recognise the of the Muslims, Prabhakaranto ente reach a political solu of the two commun same (Tamil) langua
Cohabitation
The President ha port for the Govern tive, which she desc tion of what she hac at the independenc where for the first ti ence in 1948, the elected Executive F of State as Chief Gu ister from a differer Parliament as Gue declared the same need to work hard f the new governme. steps to re-engage process, which was vious government provided a historic two major political now both in gove presidency and the systems of constru collective action f conflict,' she said. It was another ing of political “cc the Sri Lankan Sta by the will of the pears to be worki out its problems.
The travails of c.
Prime Minister has scotched all much talked abo President Kumar hour meeting wi

15 FEBRUARY 2002
ouncement of the vuslims living in wise "the Muslims break away from having to pay rankeem said that the as much the homeit is of the Tamils'. h in the Tamil lanthe LTTE leader ran' and Leader Auslim Congress to stop extortion, up of LTTE camps inscription of MusE, avenging Musrnment forces and SLMC as the voice Hakeem urged into a dialogue to ion to the problems ties "that speak the
ge.
s reiterated her supment’s peace initiaribed as a continua! begun. She said so e day celebrations, ime since independceremonies had an 'resident - the Head est and a Prime Minit party that controls st of Honour. Both entiments about the or peace. She praised t for quickly taking he LTTE in a peace initiated by "my pre... "The election has opportunity for the parties of Sri Lanka nment, through the abinet to evolve new ive cohabitation and the resolution of the
xample of the workhabitation” to which has been forced into people. So far it ap, although not with
abitation
nil Wickremesinghe leculation about the a move to impeach nga During a threethe President at the
President's House on 30 January, the
Prime Minister told her that neither he
nor his party had any intention to promote
such a move. Ministers Karu Jayasuriya
and KNChoksy were associated with the
PM at the discussions with the President.
The meeting took place reportedly to
iron out outstanding problems that were beginning to strain the two month old
UNF government forced to cohabit with
the President leading the opposition Peo
ples Alliance. The intention was to work
out a system of constructive cohabitation
between the government and the Presi
dent. It would appear that the PM's assurance on the impeachment issue was
given to the President when she directly asked PM as to what his position was in
the context of some UNF hardliners and influential media men being engaged in a campaign to oust the President. The President at the discussions also reportedly raised the sustained and continuous attacks on the Presidential Security Division (PSD) which provides security to the President. and alleged criminal charges against the head of the PSD, Mr.
Nihal Karunaratne, The PM denied any responsibility for these attacks and even agreed to look into the possibility of not pressing with the charges against Mr Karunaratne. However, on the latter the Attorney General when asked said the matter was already before the courts and nothing could be done. The PSD chief has since surrendered to court and is now enlarged on bail. Although the Prime Minister had this cordial discussion with the President, and sought to allay her worries, leading members of the UNF said the Government was aware that the President could dissolve Parliament at a time of her choosing after one-year elapses from December 5, 2001. Therefore, they would bring in a motion to impeach her shortly before this oneyear period ended. The catch is that if a motion of impeachment is before Parliament, the President loses her right to dissolve it, till after the entire proceedings on the motion are over, and this could take at least two years. So, it seems that although it appears that "co-habitation' is working well on the peace front, the President's Executive Powers are steadily being challenged successfully by the UNF. At least three of the five new Cabinet ministers being sworn in are strong advocates of the impeachment of the President. Also, the President has been reluctantly compelled to agree to swear in her arch foe, Minister S. B.

Page 7
15 FEBRUARY 2002
Dissanayake, as Minister in charge of the “Samurdhi' Welfare Movement. She refused to swear him for this subject on the first occasion when the Prime Minister presented his Cabinet in December last year, on grounds that there were allegations of bribery against him being investigated. Now that file has been closed and the President has no cause for refusal.
The Prime Minister's hopes of getting 15 to 20 members from the People's Alliance to cross over toits side in Parliament supporting the peace moves appear to have now dissolved. Seven new Cabinet Ministers, who are close to the Prime Minister, are to be sworn in from among those who have so far held ministerial positions of non-Cabinet rank, in the 63-member rank of ministers. Of this seven new Cabinet Ministries at least five were reserved for possible MPs from the PA who would cross over. The President appears to have convinced her ranks in Parliament that the Government's peace moves could be supported withoutgoing over to its side, and also that they could not be genuinely critical of moves that could be harmful to peace if they were in the government ranks.
Allaying fears
In the past few weeks Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has been at much pains to allay Sinhala fears of a sell out to the LTTE, with the mounting opposition of the JVP that is appealing to Sinhala nationalist feeling. The Prime Minister had to play a difficult role in showing he would not give into all LTTE demands, while not angering the LTTE in the process. When Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Sri Lanka's leading Buddhistprelates, the Most Ven. Agga Maha Pandita Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera of the Amarapura Sri Dhammarakshita Maha Nikaya at the Siri Vajiragnana Dharmayatanaya, Maharagama on 25 January to discuss the ethnic issue and receive their blessings, he was told by the prelates not to de-proscribe the LTTE and to continue the colonisation of Tamil areas in the north and
east.
Reflecting the hardline position of the prelates, Ven. Pannasiha handed over to the Prime Minister a memorandum regarding the proposed peace talks and deproscription of the LTTE. The memorandum stated that they could never approve a de-proscription of the LTTE as a precondition for talks as such a step would lead to a grave national and international
crisis, and that they LTTE's concept of covering the northe inces which was a "h tion'.
The Prime Min “We have never acc concept. Our stanc Tamils and Muslin North and East. Thi cluded even in the Therefore the hom never be accepted. N to the homeland col to us so far either. W expressed our stand
Regarding the b told the monks that in the world have e on the LTTE proscri not stand to lose any by entering peace ta sider this factor too to amend the regul ban. It will not mea regulations.” The Pi necessary steps wou cussions with the N parties.
To lift or not lift b
The LTTE has b proscription impose should be lifted as a between it and the L opposition it faces
the new governmen
on this issue. PropC sion of the proscrip the negotiations, an breakdown to re-im an understanding W move it as talks prog have been mooted a under consideration ever, the details ofth the parties the detail its way into the med rassment of the Ni stepped the issue.
In the meantim the LTTE remains sation have said tha not be affected by v Sri Lankan governi Sue. U.S. Ambas Ashley Wills said th its own yardstick r scription of the LT with a Colombo da sador said that the

TAMILTIMES 7
would not accept the a "Tamil homeland' rn and eastern provistorical misconcep
ister had responded cepted the homeland i is that Sinhalese, ns are living in the is stand has been inIndo-Lanka accord. eland concept will No request pertaining ncept has been made e have always clearly
on this issue." an, Wickremesinghe , "Various countries xpressed their views ption. Sri Lanka will thing internationally liks. We have to con... What we can do is ations, regarding the n a total lifting of the time Minister said all ld be taken after disMaha Sangha and all
an on LTTE
een insisting that the 2d on it by Sri Lanka precondition for talks TTE. Because of the from many quarters, it has been agonising sals like the suspention in the run-up to ld if the negotiations pose it, orto come to with the LTTE to regress to a certain stage and are thought to be by the parties. Howhe draft MoU between s of which have found lia to the utter embarorwegians has side
e, countries in which an outlawed organit their position would whatever decision the ment takes on the issador to Sri Lanka at the U.S. would use egarding the de-proTE. In an interview Lily, the U.S. ambas
Sri Lankan govern
ment was in a dilemma over the issue because of the possibility of a predetermined time to de-proscribe the LTTE may have a ripple effect on countries that have taken action to ban it as a foreign terrorist organization. He said that the government should be concerned over the issue as no sooner than the ban is lifted here as the LTTE rebels will demand the governments that have banned them to follow the example set by Sri Lanka itself. Regarding the U.S. attitude the ambassador said such a decision by the Sri Lankan government would be an internal matter and would not affect a U.S. decision. He said that any decision to de-proscribe LTTE would also be taken after an assessment similar to the one that was made when it was banned. He noted that a terrorist organization could get out of the banned list by a public renunciation of terrorismora public renunciation ofviolence altogether.
On the question of whether the ban on the LTTE should be lifted in Sri Lanka, Britain's High Commissioner in Colombo, Linda Duffield, said that it was a matter for the Sri Lankan government to decide on the local ban and such move will not directly affect the ban in Britain. “The decision to proscribe the LTTE in Britain was taken in accordance with the criteria set out in the Terrorism Act 2000. The proscription of organisations in Britain under that Act is a matter for the Home Secretary. Before reconsidering his decision to proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary would have to be satisfied that the organisation in question had demonstrated a complete and convincing renunciation of terrorism,” a statement issued by the High Commission said.
India made it clear that there was no change in its position on the banning of LTTE in the country. "There is no change in Government of India's position on the banning of the LTTE in India,” an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said on 22 January in response to a question on a statement made by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on the previous day in Colombo. She said the Government has seen the report of Wickremesinghe's statement in Sri Lankan Parliament touching upon the ban on the LTTE in the context of proposed negotiations between Colombo and the LTTE.
India and LTTE
The LTTE seemed undeterred by the lack of a favourable response from New

Page 8
8 TAMILTIMES
Delhi for its request made, on alleged humanitarian and logistics grounds, that initial negotiations between Sri Lanka and the LTTE be held in South India. Except for some minor parties, the proposal was completely turned down by the State Government of Tamilnadu and all major parties in India. However, the LTTE did not abandon the idea.
It arranged for the Norwegians to of ficially convey the request to the Indian Government. When this did not get the hoped for response, the LTTE took one of the most unusual moves in its history and fielded two of its top men to raise the stakes to a new level. According to the "EelamNation' website, "Senior leaders of the LTTE have urged the Indian Government to join forces with them in order to fight terrorism. India should not distance itself from Tamil community who live in Tamil Eelam.Tamils of Eelam have close linguistic, cultural, religious relationship with India for thousands of years and the Tamils of Tamil Eelam do not want to see historical links severed by some isolated events."
“The leader of political wing of the Liberation Tigers Thamilchelvan and the movement's intelligence chief Pottu Amman said last week that India and the LTTE should cooperate in many issues. India should not let the past dictate the present reality. Tamils of Eelam would have to lay criminal charges against India for the killings of thousands of people by the Indian Forces during 19871990 - the IPKF era. But they think that the past incidents should not harm the relationship with the mother India," the report said.
“The LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman said once Indian Government made a mistake without having consulted the LTTE. This distanced both in the past but it should not be prolonged. The region needed peace and stability and the LTTE would collaborate with the Governments in the region. He pointed out that once Indian Government made a blunder by sending Indian troops to fight the oppressed Tamils of Eelam. Occurrence of such incidents could have been avoided by communication. Misunderstandings were the primary cause why the clashes between the two parties occurred in the past. But it is paramount to keep good communication in order to prevent such incidents in the future," the report added.
The Tamil Guardian published from London said, “Whilst India's involve
ment in the island 1 proved controversial pily for all concernec venue for talks in the wegian peace initiati cant to the latter's S Delhi has consistent port for. A point of ol be raised domestically tion of the LTTE. B unresolved matters, r Lankan conflict. The considerable impact economic, geopoli concerns...(they) prov sons for the necessit ance in this regard.'
Given what hash including the role o subsequent assassina dhi for which India sponsible, if it is its that the LTTE is see the question is whet ership is adopting th raising the matter op high publicity. Some that the general tenc attributed these top l "sound quite condesc isingto a country oft They say that, req venue for talks on Int tarian grounds in res negotiators accompa possible criminal ch in respect of the rol Lanka sounds incom rather than delicate which is what is re really wants to beg prochement with In
A mini-General El Nominations ha elections to the loca amount to a mini-C Polls dates are Ma tively. The first date the North & East, tl & East. There ar islandwide, with th ing 71. The Tam (TNA) and LTTEh polls be held at th East as it may aff However, under the of law the Commis tions had no right where, so nominat the North-East toc ing polls to be he

15 FEBRUARY 2002
itters in the past nd ended unhapthe provision of a ontext of the Norwould be signifi:cess - something stressed its supposition that could Is India’s proscript that is based on it related to the Sri island's war has a in India's regional cal and security de compelling reaof India's assist
ppened in the past, the IPKF and the tion of Rajiv GanLolds the LTTE reelations with India ing to rehabilitate, er the LTTE leade right approach in enly and with such commentators feel r of the statements eaders of the LTTE ending and sermonhe stature of India'. lesting to afford a ian soil on humaniject of one of its key nied with threats of arges against India of the IPKF in Sri prehensibly arrogant liplomatic language uired if the LTTE n a process of raplia.
:ction e now closed for the authorities that will neral Election. The ch 20 & 25 respecs for areas other than latter for the North 309 local bodies North & East havNational Alliance ve demanded that no time in the Northt the peace process. frevailing provisions ner General of Elecpostpone polls anyns were accepted in Despite it not wantin these areas, the
TNA submitted nomination lists in the Jaffna and other areas of the North-East, as they did not want any others to come in uncontested. The LTTE has criticized the TNA strongly for this action. It is now learnt that the Government has given the TNA the assurance that although nominations have been received no polls will be held in the North-East. The Government is expected to bring in special legislation in Parliament soon to permit the minister in charge of local government or the Commissioner General of Elections to postpone an election, even after accepting nominations, depending on reports from the Returning Officers of the respective areas, thus enabling the elections in the North-East to be postponed.
Although the TNA and LTTE opposed holding elections in all of the North-East, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress decided to field lists in the Digamadulla District of the East, where it has considerable strength. The EPRLF wing led by Varatharaja Perumal won control of the Parativu Pradesheeya Sabha in the Batticaloa by default, as election officials rejected the lists of other parties. Similarly, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress too won the Eravur Pradesheeya Sabha, coming in uncontested.
It is reliably learnt that the LTTE has indicated it will re-enter the democratic process, and contest the local polls in the North-East if they are postponed for at least eight months. The move by the LTTE is seen by many as a tactic for it to be on the Interim Council to be able to administer the North-East promised by Ranil Wickremesinghe during the last election campaign. This would give the LTTE a much bigger say in the affairs of the North-East than having to risk facing the people at local polls, however much it may be endorsed by the TNA.
The ruling United National Front (UNF) of which the UNP is the major partner looks at the coming local polls as a mini-General Election, that will reinforce its victory over the People's Alliance (PA) at the December 5, 2001 General Election. The PA being both demoralized and weakened lacks financial and other resources to mount a major campaign against the Government. It also lacks any media clout with all the media in the country being supportive of the government. The PA is also weakened by the many allegations of corruption at high level that are being revealed, and the

Page 9
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fact that a large number of its activists, including area organisers and chairmen of Pradesheeya Sabhas are still held in remand custody on charges of pre-election violence during the December 2001 polls campaign.
The UNF is very eager to make almost a clean slate of the local polls that will be followed soon by the first budget of the UNF Government. One disadvantage it faces is the inability to make any serious dent in the cost of living so far. The prices of essential foodstuff remain as high or even higher than before the December General Election. The first Budget of the UNF is expected to bring in tough fiscal measures to recover the economic crises of the past two years, that led to the rate of growth of GDP being minus 0.7, a negative figure for the first time ever. Finance Minister Mr. N. K. Choksy in presenting the Vote on Account to tide overtill the budget is passed, condemned the economic and fiscal mismanagement of the last government, and said that the actual deficit in the last budget was as high as 10.5 of GDP.
The coming local polls will not only be an opportunity for the UNF and Prime Minister to show that the people are still
with them, but also a how much the peopl President Chandrika credible alternative t ter a short period fro elections will also b actual popularity of indicator the Gove badly, to assess how been able to arouse ings against the peac
Crises and new
The UNF is not w lems in facing this mi Its Nuwara Eliya Di Navin Dissanayake, ister, son of the late ( and son -in-law of Leader Karu Jayasu his position as distr views had been igno didates for the local Eliya District. Pri Wickremasinghe wa and said that anyon any post given to hi sign from all offices Cabinet rank office Dissanayake. Quick
 
 
 
 

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n opportunity to see e look at the PA and Kumaratunga as a o the UNIF, even afm its defeat. These 2 a major test of the the JVP. This is an rnment needs very much the JVP has Sinhala racist feel
e process.
faces 'ithout its own probni-General Election. strict organiser Mr. a non-Cabinet Minamini Dissanayake the UNP's Deputy iya, resigned from ct organiser, as his 'ed in selecting canpolls in the Nuwara me Minister Ranil s firm on the issue who resigns from m or her should reincluding the nonof Minister held by discussions between
young Dissanayake and the Prime Minister ended in Dissanayake deciding to withdraw his resignation.
But things were not so simple for the Prime Minister and UNP leader when Cabinet Minister Arumugam Thondaman (Minister of Housing & Plantation Infrastructure) and Mr. Muthu Sivalingam, a Deputy Minister in the UNF government, both from the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), submitted their resignations from office of Minister and Deputy Minister respectively, over a similar dispute about the selection of candidates for the local polls. The two of them withdrew their resignations only after the Prime Minister bent backwards and agreed to give slots to the CWC nominees who had been excluded from the UNF lists. He could not use the whip as on young Dissanayake. The Prime Minister has even ordered an inquiry into how the exclusions of CWC nominees did take place. It was the first major crisis that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe faced, since taking over office. It demonstrated the dependence of the UNF on the minority parties for survival in Parliament. The CWC will be contesting the local polls too under the Elephant sym

Page 10
10 TAMILTIMES
bol of the UNP, as it did in the last General Election.
The battle for Colombo
Meanwhile, in a surprise move the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress that is part of the UNF in Parliament, decided to field its own list of candidates for the Colombo Municipal Council, where the UNP traditionally gains a sizeable share of the Muslim vote. Obviously, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem is keen to test the strength of his party in Colombo. This seems a good move at bargaining with the UNP in the CMC.
In another move that the UNP cannot be happy with, Mr. Mano Ganeshan, UNF MP from the Colombo District, who has filed his own independent list of candidates for Colombo, as he was not satisfied with the manner in which his nominees were excluded from the official UNP list. Mr. Ganeshan, a member of the Democratic Workers Congress (DWC) contested Colombo District on the UNF ticket in the December polls and was returned to Parliament with 55,000 votes. In Colombo, both the UNF and PA field newcomers as possible mayoral candidates. The UNF nominee is Mr. | Pasanna Gunewardena, youngest son of the late Marxist leader Philip Gunewardena, and brother of Dinesh who leads the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) and Indika Gunewardena of the Community Party of Sri Lanka, both of whom are still with the PA and have been members of PA cabinets. The PA's own nominee for mayor is also a newcomer, Prof. Fazli Nizar, a senior gynaecologist, who enters politics for the first time. This shows that the PA is also targeting the Muslim vote in Colombo. In the last General Election too, Mr. A. H. M. Fowzie led the PA list in the Colombo District. Colombo city today has a majority from the Tamil and Muslim communities.
The PA in leadership struggle
President Chandrika Kumaratunga lost a major round in the emerging struggle for leadership of the SLFP and the PA. Much against her wishes she had o give in to grass roots demands from the SLFP organization, that Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse, senior vice-president of the SLFP, be selected Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The move showed some aspects of farce with mysterious fax messages coming to the Office of the
Speaker that for Ratnasiri Wickrem; office of Leader o resigned. Mr. Wick veniently away in
treatment when all the Presidents offi resigned. However Kumaratunga had from the SLFP MP appoint Mahinda R
It is no secrett ships between the P Rajapakse are not contender for the le and through it the campaigner who ha SLFP through its v a strong traditiona antota in the deep has the blessings o too. Rajapakse was tic supporter of Pre constitutional refor lution and rights to ever, it is now unde of the last general him that it will not ble to win power v the minorities. He the minorities and from the JVP that South, if he is to m lenge to Chandri leader of the SLFF may not be too far
Sri Lanka’s Boat
While the Sri duties to perform North due to the hostilities, it now on its hands. It trawlers that are grants from Sri La Tamils, to the pro earnings in Italy, pean countries th Last week, ones that had left from Devinuwara in t carrying over l Chilaw and Neg about 500 meters only five survivo of the area. Thes tercepted two n huge loads of ill the attractions of

15 FEBRUARY 2002
er Prime Minister ayake, who held the he Opposition, had emanayake was conangkok for medical his happened, with : denying that he had days later President oo bow to pressure and rank and file to japakse to the office.
at political relationesident and Mahinda he best. He is now a idership of the SLFP, A. He is a seasoned , always been with the orst periods, and has vote base in HambSouth. At present he f the Buddhist clergy not a very enthusiassident Kumaratunga's msgiving more devothe minorities. Howrstood that the results election have shown be easy or even possiwithout the support of has now to cultivate also distance himself is also strong in the ount a successful chalka Kumaratunga as . It is a challenge that away.
People
anka Navy has lesser in the high seas of the revailing cessation of has another major job s stopping the many carrying illegal emika, both Sinhalese and nise of better days and r to enter other Euroough Italy or Greece. ch overloaded trawler he fisheries harbour at e South at midnight, 5 persons from the ombo areas capsized from land. There were , rescued by fishermen me week the Navy inore trawlers carrying gal emigrants lured by taly. The interception
of such trawlers is becoming regular work for the navy.
The promise of a better life in the West, and the possibility ofgetting a passage there through Italy is being sold to unsuspecting people hopeful of making it good, by an organized group of business persons involved in the manpower export industry. The Government is being urged to take firm action to beak these rings of exploitation, but little seems to be done so far.
Justice by a journalist
In a landmark judgment by the High Court, Colombo, two Squadron Leaders of the Sri Lankan Air Force, were convicted to 7 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000 each, after being found guilty of breaking into the house ofjournalist Iqbal Aththas, and threatening him and his family with firearms in 1998. Mr. Aththas, a senior journalist and Defence Correspondent for the "Sunday Times', who has won an international award for fearless reporting, had to face this threat on him and his family, days after he had made some serious revelations in his weekly Defence Column in the "Sunday Times” about the activities of the then Air Force Commander in his official capacity. One of those convicted was the Head of the Personal Security detail of the then Air Force Commander.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga ordered an immediate and impartial inquiry into the incident. Former Media Ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Anura Yapa of the PA followed this up through the entire period of investigation. At one stage in 2000, the Committee to Protect Journalists (New York) complained to the Attorney General that the prosecution was dragging the case. The AG agreed to ensure the case would be expedited. The result was last week's conviction. This was the first time that any person has been punished for attacks or threats on journalists over the carrying out their profession. The High Court judge was strong in his comments that the attack on a journalist for what he writes is a gross violation of the right to free expression found in the Constitution. Mr. Aththas, who is also the CNN stringer here, did not fail to thank President Kumaratunga and the PA Ministers who ensured that the case was brought to trial and a successful conclusion.

Page 11
15 FEBRUARY 2002
OLift ban on LTTE: 20 Jan - The Tamil United National Front (TULF), main component of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) appealed to the Government to lift the ban imposed on the Liberation Tigers in Sri Lanka before the commencement of peace talks and not to hold elections to local authorities in the northeast province. "At the last general election the Tamil people have overwhelmingly endorsed the lifting of the ban on the LTTE in Sri Lanka prior to the commencement of peace talks. Furthermore the TULF urges the Government to postpone the holding of the local poll in northeast as the conduct of the election in the current situation could have the effect of retarding negotiations between the Government and the LTTE', said a press release issued by the TULF Secretary General of the TULF Mr. R. Sam-panthan.
O LTTE Releases 10 PoWs; 21 Jan - Mr. S. P.Thamilchelvan, the leader of the LTTE's political wing, addressing the ten prisoners of war who were released in Kilinochchi on 21 January said, “Our national leader directed that the 10 POWs be released as a goodwill gesture to further improve and strengthen the present peace environment and towards the peace initiatives of the present Sri Lankan government." Mr. Thamilchelvan further said. “We respect the reasonable feelings of the Sinhala people. We only want our people to live in their land with honour and freedom and to enjoy all their rights sans military restrictions and intimidation. We want our people to have the freedoms and rights, which the Sinhala people are able to enjoy now. I request you to clearly and openly convey this message from our national leader to the people in the south and I urge you to continue the work towards bringing about just and permanent peace to the country.”
OSri Lanka extends ceasefire: 21 Jan-The government has reciprocated the extension of a unilateral truce by the Tamil Tigers. The Norwegian government in a statement said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed it that Colombo was also extending its truce by another month till February 24. The move was to "provide Norway time to facilitate a mutually agreed ceasefire between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).”
O US position on LTTE Ban: 21 Jan - U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ashley Wills said that the U.S. would use its own yardstick regarding the de-proscription of the LTTE as the question had arisen again recently with the revival of the Norwegian-brokered
peace process in the view with the Daily N sador said that the Sr
was in a dilemma ove the possibility of a p de-proscribe the LTT effect on countries the ban it as a foreign terr said that the govern cerned over the issue
ban is lifted here as demand the governm them to follow the ex itself. Regarding the
bassador said such a Lankan government matter and would not: He said that any dec LTTE would also be ment similar to the o when it was banned. F ist organization could list by a public renunc a public renunciation c
O Navy pulls out o flotila: 22 Jan - Sri I back from a confronta Sea Tiger boats in til waters in the early h Government followed uncing an extension o February 24. The conf Navy and the LTTE midnight when a nava a flotilla of nine Sea Point Pedro, defence :
ONorway in further A delegation of the Nc met the LTTE's chief cal advisor, Mr. Antol January for another regarding the formul mutually acceptable c LTTE and the Sri Lank Solheim, special advi Foreign Ministry and official with the sam Balasingham at his re three hours. Mr. Solhe the Sri Lankan govern. a permanent ceasefir LTTE two weeks earli in London were to pri ther.
 

TAMLTIMES 11
country. ln an interews, the U.S. ambas
Lankan government :
the issue because of redetermined time to E may have a ripple thave taken action to brist organization. He ment should be conas no sooner than the he LTTE rebels will ints that have banned amples by Sri Lanka U.S. attitude the am
decision by the Sri would be an internal affect a U.S. decision. ision to de-proscribe aken after an assessne, which was made He noted that a terrorget out of the banned iation of terrorism or fviolence altogether.
f fight with LTTE anka's Navy pulled tion with a flotilla of he island's northern ours of today, as the | the LTTE in annof the current truce till rontation between the began shortly after missile boat spotted Tiger boats south of ources said.
discussions: 22 Jan - rwegian government negotiator and politiBalasingham, on 22 ound of discussions tion of a structured, easefire between the an armed forces. Erik or to the Norwegian Kjirste Tromsdal, an e Ministry, met Mr. idence in London for m had discussed with nent the proposals for
put forward by the ir and the discussions gress the matter fur
O No change on LTTE ban in India: 22 Jan - India today made it clear that there was no change in its position on the banning of LTTE in the country. “There is no change in Government of India’s position on the banning of the LTTE in India," an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said in response to a question on a statement made by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on the previous day in Colombo. She said the Government has seen the report of Wickremesinghe's statement in Sri Lankan Parliament touching upon the ban on the LTTE in the context of proposed negotiations between Colombo and the LTTE.
O LTTE welcomes Ranil's speech: 23 Jan - LTTE's chief negotiator, Mr. Anton Balasingham, welcomed the Sri Lankan government's decision to review its proscription of the LTTE so as to pave the way for future negotiations with the organisation. Mr. Balasingham said the de-proscription of the LTTE was a long-standing impediment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
He described Mr. Wickremesinghe's statement to the Sri Lankan Parliament on 2 l
January saying deep thought should be given to the ban on the LTTE, as "an encouraging sign of the new government's commitment" to end the ethnic conflict. "The de-proscription of the LTTE will be a recognition of the legitimacy of the Tamil people's struggle. It is not a concession by the government) but an acknowledgement of our position as the authentic representatives of the Tamil people,” he said. He praised Premier Wickremesinghe as "a realist and a man of vision genuinely committed to bringing peace and prosperity to the island which has been devastated by war.”
O Police free rebels who threatened suicide: 23 Jan - Sri Lankan police freed two Tamil Tiger rebels who had threatened to commit suicide if they were charged with carrying illegal weapons, the defence ministry said. Two members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were arrested by troops with a gun and a radio communication set and handed over to police in the eastern town of Batticaloa on 20 January, the ministry said. "These suspects threatened... they would commit suicide by swallowing cyanide capsules (carried by them) if any legal action was carried out,' the ministry said.
O Compensation for raped woman: 24 Jan - A bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Mark Fernando, C.V. Vigneswaran and Ameer Ismail, on 24 January, directed the State to pay one hundred and

Page 12
12 TAMILTIMES
fifty thousand rupees as compensation to Velu Arshadevi, a Tamil woman who was raped by three soldiers of the Sri Lanka army at a checkpoint in Maradana in Colombo on 24 June last year in a fundamental rights application filed by victim.
The woman in her application asked the Court to determine that her fundamental rights guaranteed under Article l l and 13 (1) of the Constitution had been violated by three soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army by committing rape on her on 24 June last year at the checkpoint. She stated in her application on the day of incident that she was taken to the said checkpoint of the army under the pretext of an inquiry where three soldiers had raped her.
After inquiry the SC held that the fundamental rights of the petitioner woman had been violated and awarded compensation.
Three soldiers and three police officers charged with raping the woman are presently on bail.
The London-based Amnesty International has hailed the Supreme Court's decision as unprecedented. "This is a landmark judgement. It is the first time that the court has awarded compensation to a rape victim, confirming that rape in custody constitutes torture," Amnesty International said in a statement on the ruling. "If it the case) were to go to trial, it would set another precedent, constituting the first prosecution of members of the security forces in relation to rape in custody."
O Lanka to introduce press reforms: 25 Jan - The government plans to abolish laws of criminal defamation, set up an independent Press Complaints Commission (PCC), and introduce a Freedom of Information Act, as part of a series of sweeping reforms to usher in media freedom. "We will introduce a series of reforms that will benefit and secure media freedom,” Constitutional Affairs Minister Gamini Peiris told reporters. He said the government would repeal the law of defamation, in existence since 1883, which provides a prison sentence for those convicted of criminal defamation.
O Buddhist monks oppose lifting LTTE ban: Jan 25 - When Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Sri Lanka'a leading Buddhist prelates, the Most Ven. Agga Maha Pandita Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera of the Amarapura Sri Dhammarakshita Maha Nikaya at the Siri Vajiragnana Dharmayatanaya, Maharagama on 25 January to discuss the ethnic issue and receive their blessings, he was told by the prelates not to de-proscribe the Liberation Tigers and to continue the colonisation of Tamil areas in the north and east.
Reflecting the hardline position of the prelates, Ven. Pannasiha handed over to the
Prime Minister a mer the proposed peace ta tion of the LTTE. The that they could never a tion of the LTTE as ap as such a step would le. and international crisis not accept the LTTE's homeland' covering th ernprovinces which v conception'.
The Prime Ministe have never accepted th Our stand is that Sir Muslims are living in This stand has been i Indo-Lanka accord. Th concept will never be pertaining to the homel made to us so far eith clearly expressed our
Regarding the ba told the monks that, " the world have express LTTE proscription. Sri to lose anything intern peace talks. We have t too. What we can do is tions, regarding the ba total lifting of the reg Minister said all nece: taken after discussi Sangha and all parties Ven. Pannasiha als Minister to create se jungle land in the Nort ple in them according tio after providingtub their water supply. Th he would look into th
O Security chief to i sistant Superintend Karunaratna, who is
dential Security Divi in connection with th Agriculture minister
ing the campaign foi in December last,
O Thondaman meet 27 - Mr. Arumugam for Housing and Est the United National discussions with th Sampur, a village he eastern port town January. Mr. Thon leader of the Ceylo powerful trade unio tion sector, is the fi government to visit province held by the met Mr. Lyngaran, litical wing in the Mutur east. With o

15 FEBRUARY 2002
andum regarding and de-proscripamorandum stated ove a de-proscripcondition for talks to a grave national nd that they would oncept of a 'Tamil northern and easts a “historical mis
had responded “We homeland concept. alese, Tamils and he North and East. cluded even in the refore the homeland ccepted. No request nd concept has been r. We have always land on this issue.” n, Wickremesinghe Various countries in ed their views on the Lanka will not stand ationally by entering ) consider this factor to amend the regulan. It will not mean a ulations.' The Prime ssary steps would be ons with the Maha
o requested the Prime tlements in selected h-East and settle peoto the communal rawells to ensure them e Prime Minister said S matter.
dicted: 25 Jan - Asnt of Police, Nihal he head of the Presiion, is to be indicted attempted murder of .B. Dissanayake durthe general elections
LTTE in Mutur:Jan hondaman, Minister e Infrastructure, a in 'ont government, had Liberation Tigers in by them south of the Trincomalee, on 27 man who is also the Workers Congress, a in the island’s plantaminister of the UNF area in the northeast TTE. Mr. Thondaman head of LTTE's poincomalee district in om he discussed the
hardships faced by the people of the region and the means of resolving their day-to-day problems with a view to restoring normalcy in Mutur east.
O Britain backs Colombo initiatives: 27 Jan - Britain has expressed that it will fully support the peace initiatives taken by the Sri Lankan government in a bid to bring the Tamil guerrillas back to the negotiating table, but says it will take its own decision regarding the ban on the organisation imposed by London. Britain's High Commissioner in Colombo Linda Duffield, in a statement issued here, said “we welcome all moves towards peace talks".
On the question of whether the ban on the LTTE should be lifted in Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner said that it was a matter for the Sri Lankan government to decide on the local ban and such move will not directly affect the ban in Britain. “The decision to proscribe the LTTE in Britain was taken in accordance with the criteria set out in the Terrorism Act 2000. The proscription of organisations in Britain under that Act is a matter for the Home Secretary. Before reconsidering his decision to proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary would have to be satisfied that the organisation in question had demonstrated a complete and convincing renunciation of terrorism,” a statement issued by the High Commission said.
O SLMC Leader's Letter to LTTE leader: 27 Jan - Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem read out a letter he had sent LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaranto coincide with the Hindu festival of Thaipongal on January 14 where he complained that the Muslims living in the country's eastern province were subjected to fear and largescale extortion at the hands of LTTE cadres. The letter called for a public announcement of the LTTE's stand on the Muslims living in the east, and said otherwise "the Muslims would not be able to break away from the siege mentality of having to pay ransom for survival'. Hakeem said that the eastern province was "as much the homeland of the Muslims as it is of the Tamils".
In his letter written in the Tamil language and addressing the LTTE leader as "Brother Prabhakaran' and "Leader Prabhakaran', the Muslim Congress leader has urged him to stop extortion, abduction, the setting up of LTTE camps in Muslim villages, conscription of Muslim youth to the LTTE, avenging Muslims serving in government forces and also to recognise the SLMC as the voice of the Muslims. Hakeem urged Prabhakaran to enter into a dialogue to reach a political solution to the problems of the two communities "that speak the same (Tamil) language.

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15 FEBRUARY 2002
O Optimism over permanent ceasefire: 28 Jan - After another meeting in London with a Norwegian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, which lasted three hours, LTTE's chief negotiator and political advisor, Mr Anton Balasingham, said that substantial progress has been made in the ongoing facilitatory efforts by the Norwegian government to formalise and finalise a stable and structured ceasefire. He also expressed optimism a mutually agreeable permanent ceasefire could be signed by both sides before February 24, when the present unilateral cessation of hostilities by both sides are due to expire. The Norwegian delegation also included Mr. Erik Solheim, Special Advisor to the Foreign Ministry, Kjirste Tromsdal, an official with the same Ministry and Mr. Jon Westborg, Oslo’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka.
OJVP steps up protests: Jan 29 - Hundreds of Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) members and activists demonstrated in Colombo on 29 January against government's proposal to negotiate with the Tamil Tigers with Norwegian facilitation, and against the grant of the LTTE's demand for the lifting of its proscription by the government. A selfstyled radical Marxist party that draws on Sinhala nationalist sentiments to augment its popularity, the JVP with sixteen MPs in parliament, says that it will oppose tooth and nail any solution to the ethnic conflict in the island based on regional autonomy or federalism, which it says would lead to the division of the country. The JVP pledged to escalate an island-wide mass protest if the United National Front government did not heed its demands
O Warrant for arrest of PSD Chief: 29 Jan -. A court warrant was issued today for police to arrest Nihal Karunaratne, Chief of the Presidential Security Division (PSD). Karunaratne is wanted for having threatened the Officer in Charge of the Hanguranketha police station, Gunaratne Bandara, with death on November 20, accusing Bandara of working in support of S. B. Dissanayake. Bandara hadimmediately reported the incident to his superior, the ASP of the area, and made a police entry recording the exact words Karunaratne had used which included slang.
O PTA Suspects to be released: 29 Jan - With the LTTE releasing ten prisoners last week and the clamour for a similar reciprocal measure from the government, Defence Minister Thilak Marapana took initial steps for speeding up the process of trial or release of the prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Mr Marapana told the press that he had instructed officials to urgently look into the cases of all suspects
held under PTA. Th department would the prosecute and whom t Minister said that or rested under the PTA, nite detention pendi there was a tendency A former Attorney Defence Minister sai in holding on to suspé fences like withholdin when they were pro guilty, they were only tences. The biggest g under the IPTA was
often pending for yea
O EPDP MP furthe The non-summary Naranthanai electio! menced 29 January b istrate Mr. R. T. Vikr including Mr. N. Mat People's Democratic have been charged of murder, attempted m ous hurt by assaultin porters of the Tamil N iron rods, weapons ar assembly in Naranth Kayts off Jaffna on N
Only two of the narajan and "Jeevan', were produced in cou 'Napolean', describec mander of the EPDP i was not produced in c. ing arrest.
The evidence of raja who is a support Liberation Organizat corded. The Magistral ing on the case for Jai cused were ordered fi
O Fishermen's prote a seven hundred fishe sit in front of the Jaf from 7.30 am on 30 Ja blocked government c the Jaffna district sec to continue the protest not take steps to lift th imposed by the Sri L on fishing in Jaffna.
The protest was ( eration of Fisheries S Fisheries Co-oper Vadamaradchi and V. several fisheries co-o lands of Kayts and K.
O Call for LTTE-Co 30 Jan - With the Tar expressing strong op to allow the LTTE to

TAMITMES 13
: Attorney General's n decide on whom to ) release. The Defence ce a suspect was arthere could be indefig investigations and to forget their plight. General himself, the i there was no magic cts held for minor of g information, as even secuted, on pleading given suspended senouse of suspects held that their cases were
S.
' remanded: 29 Jan - proceedings in the 1 murder case comefore the Jaffna Maglaraja. Three persons, hanarajan, the Eelam Party MP for Jaffna, 29 counts including urder, causing grievg candidates and suplational Alliance with ld clubs and unlawful anai in the island of ovember 28.
accused, Mr. Mathaa cadre of the EPDP, rt. The third accused, l as the military comn the island of Kayts, ourt as he is still evad
Kanakaretnam Nadaer of the Tamil Eelam ion (TELO) was ree put off further hearnuary 31. The two acurther remand.
st: 30 Jan - More than rmen began a protest na district secretariat nuary. The fishermen fficials from entering retariat. They vowed if the government did e ban and restrictions ankan security forces
Irganised by the Fedocieties of Jaffna, the tive Societies of damaradchi East and peratives from the isurainagar.
ombo talks in India: il Nadu Government position to any move hold peace talks with
the Sri Lankan Government in Chennai, speakers from pro-LTTE groups in the State rallied together in Chennai to urge India to assist the negotiations. The Eelam Tamils Supporters Coordination Committee (ETSCC) organized a conference on January 30 in Chennai on the subject "the Grief of Eelam Tamils and the Duty of India", where speakers asked the Indian Government to permit peace talks between the LTTE and Sri Lankan Government to be held in one of the cities of Southern India. Mr. Pazha Nedumaran, the convener of ETSCC and leader of Tamil Nationalist Movement, said India should not keep silent on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Tens of thousands of Tamils have already fallen victims in Sri Lanka and hundreds of thousands of people have been made homeless. The miseries of Eelam Tamils are still continuing, and will continue until constructive peace comes into effect in the war-torn Island. He said if anyone thinks that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam will be defeated militarily, it would never happen. Mr. V. Pirapaharan, the leader of LTTE, is a military and diplomatic prowess. Tamil Nadu or Indian Governments should not lay obstacles to the peace process initiated by the Norwegian Government in order to bring a peace and security to that Island, he said. P. Nedumaran, questioned the rationale of opposing the LTTE citing the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, asked: "Will you banish all Brahmins from the country because a Brahmin killed Mahatma Gandhi? Or deport Sikhs because a couple of them assassinated Indira Gandhi?”
OTigers should be absorbed in SL army: 30 Jan - Sri Lanka's Army Commander Lt Gen. Lionel Balagalle wants the government to seriously consider enlisting Tamil Tiger guerrillas in the security forces if the Norwegian backed peace process turns out to be a success. The army chief said that the proposal should be given immediate consideration and that the country should not await to be confronted with the problem. The army commander made the suggestion at a Unicef-sponsored two-day seminar on “Training of Sri Lanka Security Forces in the Protection of Captured Child Combatants while in Military Custody' which began in Colombo on 30 January. The army commander also said that consideration should also be given to the issue of child soldiers. However, under the country's laws persons under 18 cannot be employed and many of the child soldiers cannot be brought into the regular army. One of the main areas being dealt at the workshop was the issue of rehabilitating child soldiers.
O Muslims want place in peace talks: 31 Jan - The leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim

Page 14
14 TAM TIMES
Congress (SLMC), Rauff Hakeem, has called for the participation of his party in the forthcoming peace talks between the government and the LTTE. Hakeem, an important cabinet minister in the new government has asked for tripartite talks between the government-LTTE-and the Muslims represented by his party. The SLMC leader made this call when he met two Colombo-based High Commissioners, Linda Duffield of the UK and Ruth Archibald of Canada.
O No Peace in Lanka Without Indian blessings: 31 Jan - There cannot be peace in Sri Lanka without the support and the blessings of India, Foreign Minister Tyrone Fernando said. In an interview with BBC's Sinhala service, Sandeshaya, Mr. Fernando said that without the help of the country where the problem started by training Tamil Tigers, namely India, Sri Lanka could not achieve a long term solution to the national question.
Mr. Fernando, who was attending the commonwealth Ministerial meeting in London, further said that the United National Party led government would consider lifting the ban on the Tamil Tigers only if progress is made in peace talks. Opposition parties and Nationalist groups have voiced concerns about calls by LTTE to deproscribe
them before talks start Fernando, lifting the a major obstacle forth peace process. "Ther feat terrorism,” he sa either militarily or by ades of continuing peace cannot be achie the government and th were ready to negotia
O Muslims protest a Jan - Shops and office northeastern Sri Lank ary in protest against by Tamil Tigers, whi been intensifying des Public transport was
the town of Kinniy Trincomalee. Residen page was being obser the LTTE stepping up
O Tamil political pr Tamil political prison tion centres across SI test fast on 1 February be acquitted or be rel ing held for extendec legal proceedings be them in courts by th Department. Human r
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3ut according to Mr. n on Tigers was not Norwegian brokered are two ways to ded adding. 'It can be negotiation. As decar showed that the d by military means, people of Sri Lanka
3
gainst extortion: 31 in a Muslim town in i closed on 3 l Januextortion reportedly h residents said has ite an ongoing truce. lso off the streets in a in the district of Es said the work stopved in protest against :heir "tax' collection.
isoners fast: 1. Feb - ers injails and deteni Lanka began a prodemanding that they eased as they are beperiods without any ing instituted against e Attorney General's ights lawyers estimate
that more than 1800 Tamils arrested under the PTA are being held in the detention centres and prisons in various parts of the island. One of the protesting prisoners in the Batticaloa jail, Mr. Soysa Arunasalam of Mannampitti, said that four members of his family are also being held under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in other parts of the island, separated from him.
O Recuitment of teenagers reported: 1 Feb — BBC correspondent, Frances Harrison, from Colombostated that reports from eastern Sri Lanka say Tamil Tiger rebels there are taking advantage of the current ceasefire with the government to step up forced recruitment ofteenagers for their war effort. Local people also say there has been a marked increase in extortion and abduction for ransom by the rebels. The moves have raised tension and caused some families to consider moving out of the area to protect their children. Most people in the east are too scared to say anything publicly. But it is clear the local rebel commanders have started coming into government-controlled areas for recruitment. They are taking advantage of the current ceasefire to move around in Batticaloa district, visiting families and demanding that they give at least one child to the movement. Community leaders say the Tamil Tigers are forci
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Page 15
15 FEBRUARY 2002
bly conscripting young boys and girls who look fit enough to fight from families who had previously fled rebel territory, precisely to avoid such an eventuality.
There are also reports throughout the east of Sri Lanka of increased extortion by the rebels, sometimes of sums up to the equivalent of $1,000. Local people say the rebels are now demanding that teachers and government officials pay 12% of their salary as an unofficial tax, as opposed to five percent previously. In one town in Trincomalee district, shops and offices closed in protest at what they said was increased extortion by the Tamil Tigers.
What is not clear is whether the rebel leadership in the north of Sri Lanka is fully aware of what their cadres in the east are doing. The Catholic bishop of Mannar, in north-western Sri Lanka, says he informed the leader of the Tamil Tigers political wing, Mr S P Tamilselvan, last week about the increased conscription and extortion. It is his understanding that Mr Tamilselvan, who is currently involved in peace negotiations with the government, was surprised to hear what was going on.
The issue is a very serious one, as it threatens to undermine what the government says is the last chance for peace in Sri Lanka. And it is causing alarm among Tamil civilians who say they increasingly fear the rebels who claim to be their sole representatives.
O Lankan refugees in India to return: 1 Feb - Some 4,000 Sri Lankan families who fled to India in the wake of fierce fighting in the island are trying to return home. Deputy Fisheries Minister Mohideen Abdul Cader said Tamil refugees living in camps at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were ready to return to their homes in the north and east of the island because of the ceasefire, in its second consecutive month now, between government forces and the Tamil Tigers since Christmas Eve. An estimated 100,000 Sri Lankan Tamils have taken up residence in Tamil Nadu. The exodus began during widespread attacks by Sinhalese rioters on Tamils in Sri Lanka that began in July 1983. Since then, hundreds of Sri Lankans have sailed in small boats across the narrow Palk Strait which separates the two countries whenever fighting between the LTTE and the security forces grew intense.
O Lanka remains world's top tea exporter: 1 Feb - Sri Lanka has retained its position as the world's largest exporter of tea by selling a record 294 million kilograms (646.8 million pounds) last year. Exports grew by a modest 2.1 percent last year compared to the 287.9 million kilos of tea sold to overseas buyers in 2000, tea broking firm Forbes and Walker said. Tea trade officials said that
Sri Lanka's main co ported about 217 mi Despite Sri Lanka's h year and a 13.8 percent the foreign exchange ports last year fell mar the US dollar earnings Sri Lankan rupee depr percent against the gr Prices at the week tion, the world's larg to seven million kilos is set in local currency said the average price ped from 2.38 dollars lars last year.
The main buyer ol former Soviet Union destinations for Sri United Arab Emirate ain, Japan, Saudi Aral
O'New Opposition Le kaFreedom Party (SLF ent party of the opposit decided at meeting chaired by the party le drika Kumaratunga, t liamentarian Mahind Leader of the Oppos Ratnasiri Wickreman: resigned for medical Hailing from the dynasty of the Rajap ing as a lawyer, Mahi cal career in l970 t youngest Member of regarded as one of the brought the SLFP ba
after seventeen years c
One of the most senio rent parliament, Mr. R eral cabinet portfolios consecutive Peoples A ments. Before being a post, he functioned as Whip.
His father, D.A. then ruling United N with S.W.R.D. Band ther of President Kun SLFP in 1952. Com support from the rank SLFP branches throu reported have urged offer him the leaders party after its humilia cember 5 general ele
O LTTE Creates S. Feb - Tamil Tigers h; Special Task Force ( the personal guida Vellupilai Prabhakar, been created as an a LTTE’s Tamil Eelam

TAM TIMES 15
mpetitor Kenya exlion kilos last year. gher tea exports last increase in revenues, earned from tea exginally. Officials said dropped because the eciated by about l6.5 :enback last year.
ly Colombo tea aucst tea sale where six
of tea change hands,
7. Forbes and Walker of a kilo of tea dropin 2000 to 2.33 dol
Sri Lankan tea is the bloc. The other top Lankan tea are the , Turkey, Iran, Britpia and Tunisia.
ader: l Feb - Sri LanFP), the main constitution Peoples Alliance, held on 31 January ader, President Chano appoint senior para Rajapaksha as the tion, in place of Mr yake who reportedly
CaSOS,
well-known political akshas, after qualifynda started his politibeing elected as the the Parliament. He is main architects who ck to power in 1994, fpolitical wilderness. r members of the curajapaksha held a sevin the 1994 and 2000 Alliance (PA) governpointed to his present the Chief Opposition
Rajapaksha, left the Iational Party (UNP) aranaike, the slain falaratunga, to form the manding widespread and file of his party, ghout the country are the party hierarchy to hip to reorganise the iting defeat at the Dections.
pecial Task Force: 2 ave recently created a STF) in Vanni under nce of their leader, an, The STF unit has ffiliated squad to the police force and it has
already recruited one thousand cadres, Batticaloa correspondent, Shanthi Selvadurai, reported to the BBC's Sandeshaya service quoting Jaffna's Tamil daily Uthayan.
O UNICEF reacts against child-recruitment: 2 Feb - The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund(UNICEF) expressed deep concern over reports that the LTTE was continuing to the practice of recruiting child soldiers despite the ongoing ceasefine between government forces and the Tamil Tigers.
Confirming its concern, Unicef's Colombo chief Colin Glennie told reporters in Colombo on 1 February, "We have had reports that children are still forcibly being taken and even during the ceasefire period, a lot of pressure is being put on children to join the LTTE. Reports indicate there is psychological pressure to join the LTTE while a few cases of physical abductions were also reported. Older people are being taken forcibly.”
Glennie said that Unicef was making representation to the LTTE directly to adhere to the commitment it made to the UN's Special Representative, Olara Otunu in May 1998 to refrain from recruiting child combatants. It appeared that the LTTE was violating its pledge. He added that after the 1998 pledge, the LTTE put up banners and posters claiming there would be no child recruitment, but these appeared to be largely slogans and the abuse of children was continuing.
O Appeal LTTE to Stop Forced Conscription: 2 Feb - Political parties should publicly appeal to the LTTE to stop abduction and forcible recruitment of Tamil youths as it may disrupt the Norwegian brokered peace process, a leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said. N.Raviraj, Jaffna district MP and the former Mayor of Jaffna, said that although the party had not received
complains from the voters, it is not in the
interest of the peace process and the confidence building measures if the Tamil Tigers are forcibly conscripting the children and youth from North-East.
“We do not have direct contacts with the LTTE. But if our electorate complain, we would appeal, via the electorate, to the LTTE to stop those practices' Mr. Raviraj told BBC's Sandeshaya. When contacted by Sandeshaya, Batticaloa district MP, Joseph Pararajasingham, denied receiving any complaints of abduction, extortion of forced recruitment of child soldiers by the LTTE. He, however, promised to look into the matter.
O US support for peace process: 2 Feb - The United States has urged the Sri Lankan government and LTTE to engage in a produc

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16 TAMILTIMES
tive dialogue to resolve the conflict and said Washington's policy towards the rebels will not be affected by any move to remove the domestic ban on them. Receiving the Sri Lankan economic reform minister Milinda Moragoda in Washington, US acting Secretary of State Richard Armitage said that the US fully supported the peace efforts backed by Norway. On the question of possible deproscription of the LTTE, Armitage said that US policy would be unaffected should the government of Sri Lanka decide to remove its ban on the organisation. He also reiterated his country's support for the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
O Congress Opposed to LTTE request: 2 Feb - The Congress Party vehemently opposed the idea of India either hosting or facilitating talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Government. Responding to queries relating to the Tamil Tigers request for south Indian venue for the talks, the party spokesperson, Jaipal Reddy, asked "the LTTE is a banned organisation, how can the Government mediate between a banned organisation and the Lankan Government"? The party made it clear that it was also opposed to the idea of allowing Anton Balasingham to stay in Chennai. "The LTTE leader, V. Prabhakaran, was directly and personally involved in the murder of the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. We want him extradited. How can we allow his representative or his organisation to hold talks on Indian soil?” Mr. Reddy asked.
O Call for release of PTA suspects: 3 Feb - The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) appealed to President Chandrika Kumaratunge to exercise her wide power to release all Tamil political prisoners who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) under a general amnesty. "I bring to your notice that thousands of Tamil youths are languishing in jails in several parts of the country. All of them were arrested and detained during the People's Alliance government under the PTA. There is no evidence against majority of the Tamil political prisoners,” said Mr. M.Sivasithambaram, MP and the President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) which is the main constituent of the TNA in a letter to the President.
O Moves to scuttle peace in east: 3 Feb - "Corrupts elements in the Sri Lanka army and paramilitary groups operating with it are making covert attempts in the east to scuttle the peace negotiations between the Tigers and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe's government", said the deputy leader of the political wing of the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Karikalan, addressinga press conference in Kokkaddicholai, 14 kilometres
southwest of Batticaloi "In this context the underscore the fact tha resistance that ultimat Lankan State to begin None one would have peace for the Tamilpeo have the military pow massive SLA operatio in April last year” he s Asked about repo scription of children, though no one has cor the ICRC or Sri Lanka” mission that we have fo anybody, it is still our are not maligned furth mours that our organisa to join.”
Questioned about ment of Muslim p Mr.Karikalan said, tha maintain friendly and h ship with the Muslimp will fight for their poli
O Pottu Amman on m India: 3 Feb - Pottu A the intelligence wing o cused number two' in sassination case, has S; ligence agents had co Delhi's willingness to LTTE. Talking to a sp of the Tamil publicati Amman said while th wished that India wou with the LTTE’s politi such ideas to them di through the intelligenc to go into details of th gence contacts and wh LTTE's secret opera Sudar Oli, Pottu Amn devoted to the idea of bridges with India de the Tamil Tiger leader declared proclaimed c Gandhi murder case. mutual understanding and actions, that crea India and the LTTE, portunities to remove tering such understan
O Tamil Tigers Urge
3 Feb - Senior leade urged the Indian Gov with them in order to should not distance it munity who live in Ta Eelam have close lin gious relationship wi of years and the Tam not want to see histo some isolated events,

15 FEBRUARY 2002
LTTE would like to it was our military ly impelled the Sri eace talks with us. been talking about le todayifwe didn't *r to withstand the against the LTTE id. ts of forcible conKarkilan said, "Alplained recently to human rights comrcefully conscripted wish to see that we r by reports and rution is forcing youth
the alleged harass;ople in the east the LTTE wants to armonious relationeople, and the LTTE :ical rights also.
hending fences with Amman, the chief of if the LTTE and “acthe Rajiv Gandhi asaid that Indian intelnveyed to him New mend fences with the yecial correspondent on Sudar Oli, Pottu is was welcome, he ld establish contacts cal wing and convey 'ectly rather than go :e wings. He refused 2 India-LTTE intelliat the Indians told the tives. According to lan was passionately the LTTE's building pite the fact he and Pirabharan have been ffenders in the Rajiv "It was the lack of , rather than events ed conflicts between nd we still have opall bitterness by fosling,” Amman said
India to Join Forces: s of the LTTE have rnment to join forces fight terrorism. India elf from Tamil commil Eelam. Tamils of guistic, cultural, reli1 India for thousands Is of Tamil Eelam do ical links severed by he pro-LTTE Eelam
Nation website reported.
The leader of political wing of the Liberation Tigers Thamilchelvan and the movement’s intelligence chief Pottu Amman said last week that India and the LTTE should cooperate in many issues. India should not let the past dictate the present reality. Tamils of Eelam would have to lay criminal charges against India for the killings of thousands of people by the Indian Forces during 19871990. But they think that the past incidents should not harm the relationship with the mother India, the report said.
The LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman said once Indian Government made a mistake without having consulted the LTTE. This distanced both in the past but it should not be prolonged. The region needed peace and stability and the LTTE would collaborate with the Governments in the region. He pointed out that once Indian Government made a blunder by sending Indian troops to fight the oppressed Tamils of Eelam. Occurrence of such incidents could have been avoided by communication. Misunderstandings were the primary cause why the clashes between the two parties occurred in the past. But it is paramount to keep good communication in order to prevent such incidents in the future, the report added.
O Black flag for Independence Day: 4 Feb - Jaffna's Government Agent, Mr.K. Shanmuganathan, could not hoist the Sri Lankan national flag and hold the customary ceremony at the secretariat on 4 February to mark 54th anniversary of the island's independence from British rule because of protesting fishermen who were urging Colombo to lift the restrictions on fishing in the northern waters of the island. Instead black flags flew on the Jaffna District Secretariat. The secretary of the Federation of Vadamaradchi Fisheries Societies, Mr. S. Sooriyakumar, hoisted a black flag on the ceremonial flagpole at the Secretariat. More than 1500 fishermen wearing bands thronged the Jaffna secretariat for the protest.
O Road opens after a decade: 4 Feb - The Sri Lankan government re-opened the highway from Vavuniya to Trincomalee through Horawapotana on 4 February. A bus service along the road to Trincomalee was started on the same day. The army closed the road ten years ago. The highway is the shortest route - 96 kilometres - from Vavuniya to the eastern port town.
O Over 50 dead as trawler capsizes: 4 Feb - At east 50 Sri Lankan would-have-been illegal emigrants were feared dead or missing when a trawler carrying some 150 youths heading for Italy capsized on 3 February in the sea off Matara, about 160 kilometers south of capital Colombo. The trawler,

Page 17
15 FEBRUARY 2002
which started midnight on the previous day from Negombo on the west coast, some 30 kilometers north of Colombo, collided against a rock in the rough sea and capsized early on 3 February. Police said that 10 bodies had been recovered and 12 survivors had been brought to Matara hospital. Rescue operation was underway for the missing. Some of them might have swum to the shore and escaped, police said. The would-be emigrants are reported to have paid huge sums of money in an attempt to be smuggled out for employment in Italy. During the past several months, police had arrested over 350 Sri Lankan illegal emigrants who boarded trawlers heading for Italy.
O No plan to impeach Chandrika: 4 Feb - The new United National Front government has informed President Chandrika Kumaratunga that it has no plans to impeach her. The government's views on the rumour about possible impeachment against were conveyed to President Kumaratunga during a three-hour meeting at President's House this when she met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, ending two months of speculation.
O Muslims protest against extortion: 5 Feb - Thousands of Sri Lankan Muslims continued their protest against extortions, abduction of Muslim civilians allegedly by Tamil Tigers in the east of the country on 5 February. The Muslim civilians began their fast onto death protest campaign on 3 February at a suburb of Trincomalee City, some 300 kilometers northeast of capital Colombo, demanding the LTTE to stop their practice. A Muslim MP from leftist JVP or People's Liberation Front (JVP) joined the protest and extended her support to the protesters. In a statement she accused the government of turning deaf ear towards the LTTE atrocities and appealed the government to take immediate steps to arrest this situation.
O Hitch in signing of permanent truce: 5 Feb - Reports from Colombo indicate that moves to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a permanent truce has run into obstacles with LTTE demanding that permanent ceasefire be extended to sea with the government wanting it to be effective only on land and not the sea, as it wants the Navy to thwart any LTTE moves to unload arms. The Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Jon Westborg, who was in the four member Norwegian delegation that met with LTTE spokesman Dr. Anton Balasingham in London on January 28th came to Sri Lanka and briefed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and minister of constitutional Affairs Prof. G. L. Pieris on latest developments in this connection and
obtained their counter conveyed to Norwegi for a delegation from Balasingham for third in London scheduled f The LTTE had sta cient arms and that thi fective on land, sea a without any obstacles by the LTTE was that be allowed free moven South in cleared areas government wanted th cleared areas as they r cadres which has been it had sufficient cadre
O LTTE rejects childFeb - The LTTE deni Lanka's President Kl organisation is engago cruiting of children foi guise of ceasefire. LTT singham rejected the Kumaratunga was atte versy and apprehensic of undermining the peace initiative.
Ina statement issu Presidential Secretaria of Sri Lanka is deeply reports that the LTT large-scale forcible rec But Mr. Balasingh Kumaratunga of "de facts to slander the LT objective of scuttling Mr. Balasingham now actively recruit women above sevente pand the movement's istrative wings. He sa efforts by the Norwe advance the peace pri had to prepare for th and administrative de pect to face.
Pointing out that t Lanka Army is also e. recruitment efforts at p Navy and Air Force, N that the LTTE's mili recruiting volunteers' ing balance of forces vantageously.”
"This recruitme present does not in an spirit of the unilateral ties being observed b Sri Lanka armed forc
0 Maldives as venu Jan - The Sri Lankang to be considering the the venue for peace 1 reports from Colombo

TAMITMES 17
proposals which were an Foreign Ministry Norway to meet Mr. consecutive meeting or 4 February, ted that it had suffitruce should be efnd air every where The other proposal LTTE cadres should nent any where in the
during the truce and
e LTTE to stay out of may try to enlist new denied by LTTE that
in hand.
recruitment charge: 5 ed allegations by Sri maratunga that the ed in the forcible rewar effort under the TE's Mr. Anton Balaaccusation and said mpting create controins with the intention ongoing Norwegian
ed on 5 February, the tsaid, "The President concerned regarding E is continuing the ruitment of children." am accused President liberately distorting TE with the ultimate the peace process."
said that the LTTE is ing young men and en years of age to expolitical and adminid that amid intense gian government to ocess, the movement e inevitable political mands that it can ex
he 100,000 strong Sri ngaged in substantial resent, along with the Mr. Balasingham said tary section was also to ensure the prevailis not altered disad
nt by both sides at y way undermine the cessations of hostilily the LTTE and the es,” he said.
e for peace talks: 6 overnment is reported
Maldives Islands as alks with the LTTE, said. The LTTE ear
lier suggested South India as a venue but the Indian government responded negatively to the proposal. The LTTE has been requesting the venue for talks to be closed to Sri Lanka since the LTTE negotiating team would have to consult its leader Prabhakaran while the talks were taking place.
O 16 Muslims abducted, say Army: 6 Jan - Sri Lankan military officials accused LTTE of abducting 6 Muslims for ransom near the eastern town of Muttur. The accusation was the latest in a series of incidents blamed on the Tigers. “Fifteen farmers were abducted on Tuesday night and one fisherman this morning," one military official said. Muttur is in government-held territory, but the rebels have been accused in the past of raising funds and recruiting personnel in such towns.
OSLAF officers jailed: 7 Feb - The Colombo High Court found guilty two Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) officers who had threatened to kill Mr. Iqbal Athas, Consultant Editor of the Sunday Times in February 1998, and sentenced them to nine years rigorous imprisonment. Delivering his order the High Court Judge Mr.Sarath Ambepitiya said, “Media personnel have the freedom to criticise any member of any rank of the society. The accused had committed the offence to prevent the complainant from exposing corruption and malpractice of the Sri Lanka Air Force.'
The officers were also ordered to pay a fine of twenty thousand rupees each. In this case two Air Force Officers, Squadron Leader H.M.Rukman Herath and Squadron Leader D.S.P.Kannangara, had been indicted by the Attorney General for committing criminal trespass, intimidation and unlawful entry with weapons into Mr. Athas home on February 12, 1998. At the time of committing the offence, the first accused Rukman Herath was the bodyguard of a former Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshall Oliver Ranasinghe The second accused was the officer in charge of the Special Air Borne Force of the SLAF. According to the prosecution, both the accused had threatened, harassed and intimidated the complainant for exposing the corruption and malpractice in the Sunday Times weekly newspaper.
O Scandinavian monitors favoured: 7 Feb - The LTTE has indicated to Norway, which is facilitating the peace process in Sri Lanka, that it would like Scandinavian countries to be included in a committee to monitora proposed mutual ceasefire, an agreement which is under preparation. Government sources said the LTTE had suggested that Denmark and Sweden be included in a monitoring panel that would be set up to supervise the

Page 18
18 AMIL TIMES
ceasefire, adding that the matter was yet to be finalised.
O Tamil civilian rights to be guaranteed: 7 Feb - A guarantee from the LTTE on safeguarding rights of Tamil civilians in northeast Sri Lanka is to be incorporated in a proposed ceasefire agreement, cabinet spokesman Prof. G. L. Peiris said in Colombo. As a delegation from Norway led by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, arrived in Colombo and had discussions with the Government on the draft ceasefire agreement, The Minister G.L. Peiris, said at a press conference that the Government had conveyed to the LTTE through Norway, which is facilitating the peace process, its concern at reports of child conscription, extortion, abductions and killings by the group since the present truce began last Christmas. Mr. Peiris said this was one of the “priority issues' being discussed for incorporation into the final memorandum of understanding between the two sides. Another matter being discussed for the ceasefire was the security of members or sympathisers of non-LTTE Tamil groups, who have been constant targets of the LTTE. Reiterating that the Government was "very satisfied' with the progress on the ceasefire agreement, Mr. Peiris said what was important was that the agreement should be sound rather than quick.
O LTTE may give up homeland demand: 7 Feb - The "appeared to be willing” to give up their long-standing demand for a separate homeland following approaches from peace-broker Norway, the Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said in an interview broadcast on 7 February. The Prime Minister told the BBC he was optimistic of bringing the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to the peace-negotiating table by the middle cf this year. Bondevik said the "only realistic approach to any lasting peace agreement would be for the Tamil Tigers to give up their long-standing claim to the creation of a separate Tamil homeland'. He added: "This they appeared to be willing to do." Bondevik said the Sri Lankan government must in return do a "great deal of work” to achieve equal conditions for minority Tamils.
O PM to seek U.S. support for peace bid: 7 Feb - Sri Lankan Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit Washington to seek American guarantee of support for his accelerated bid to push peace by negotiating with the LTTE. Wickremesinghe will visit Singapore next week and head for Washington soon after. Reports from Colombo said.
"President Bush has urged the Sri Lanka government to relentlessly pursue the effort
to achieve peace regarc stacles, however formi U.S. president has also all possible assistance ti here in the event of th transigent or taking up abort the peace talks,'
Analysts see the U cal for the Wickremesir They said Wickremesir ing for a virtual underN process. Previous attem tions ended in failure a fare resuming between and the LTTE. The PM recently that this was peace” the war-torn isl Oslo peace bid had "ir as a safety net.”
O Discussion on politi Feb - The National Pe Lanka in a press release ments by government cate that the governme tive in the current peac the ceasefire going for While maintaining tha laudable objective, t Council is concerned focus might undermin in the longer term. The with the substantive underie the ethnic con go beyond simply stop ternational experience stability of the ceasefir of ceasefire needs to bi a longer-term process i solution would be neg "At present the go appear to be satisfied to discuss the political danger exists of the two ceasefire to continue addressing the difficul underlie the ethnic cond be prepared to acknow politicalissues andmal they are prepared to d that will lead to a poli “While the gap bet and LTTE on the politi wide to be bridged at ti Peace Council calls c take the first steps in t there have been repo ment and extortion by dreds of detainees co government prisons v suspects. There is a ne and LTTE to agree to mechanisms that will tions. "We welcome rable ceasefire agreem gap in the positions o

15 FEBRUARY. 2002
ess of possible obable they are. The promised to extend wipe out terrorism LTTE turning inoo rigid a stance to he report said. S. support as critighe administration. ghe would be lookriting of the peace pts to hold negotiand intensified wargovernment troops said in parliament the last chance for ind had and that the ternational opinion
cal issues urged: 8 ace Council of Sri states, "Pronouncespokespersons indint's primary objece process is to keep as long as possible, t the ceasefire is a he National Peace that such a narrow e the peace process re is a need to deal bolitical issues that flict as a whole, and bing the fighting. Insuggests that for the 2, this interim period explicitly linked to n which the political }tiated. vernment and LTTE lot to push too soon issues. However, the sides permitting the indefinitely without political issues that lict. The parties must edge the contentious ea commitment that :al with those issues ical solution. veen the government cal issues may be too is time, the National the two parties to is process. Recently ts of forced recruithe LTTE, while hunhtinue to be held in thout trial as LTTE d for the government strong human rights liminate such violale prospects of a du‘nt. It could make the the government and
LTTE more bridgeable in the years ahead. The prospect of resolving contentious political issues by safeguarding human rights and negotiating a durable and just political solution could become an important part of the motivation to maintain the ceasefire."
O Thondaman resigns and rejoins cabinet: 8 Feb - Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) Arumugam Thondaman today resigned from the government along with all his party members. Mr. Thondaman, who held Housing and Plantation Infrastructure portfolio in the United National Party (UNP) led government, resigned along with his party colleagues after he found out that the nomination list for the forthcominglocal government elections in Nuwara-Eliya district did not include CWC nominees as previously agreed."Names of our members were tippexed out in the papers,' Mr. Thondaman told newspapers accusing some regional leaders of the UNP of jeopardising the party's relationship with governing party. "We signed the nomination papers yesterday only after Prime Minister Wickremasinghe, UNP chairman Malik Samarawickrama and General Secretary Senarath Kapukotuwa agreed with our list of names. But when we went to the District Secretaries office this morning, our members names were missing.”
However, Thondaman was soon back in the cabinet having withdrawn his resignation after consultation with the Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. "Prime Minister promised to appoint CWC members, who were to contest, to the local government bodies after the elections' Minister Thondaman told the press. The Prime Minister has ordered an inquiry into as to how the CWC members came to be dropped from the nomination list, nearly causing the collapse of the two-moth-old government. Those found to be responsible are likely to face disciplinary action.
O Norwegians optimistic on peace talks: 9 Feb - Norwegian diplomats wrapped up two days of talks aimed at ironing out a Memorandum of Understanding that could pave the way for direct talks between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers. The diplomats, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Chandrika Kumaratunga, and opposition and minority leaders to discuss a draft agreement to formalise a ceasefire. Norway's team on 9 February briefed India on the state of their efforts with a meeting with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner Mohan Kumar.
O Ratwatte questioned: 9 Feb - The former Defence Minister, Anuruddha Ratwatte, was today questioned by police sleuths for his

Page 19
15 FEBRUARY 2002
alleged role in the violence that rocked the
central district of Kandy on the day of the 2001 general election last year. Mr Ratwatte was asked to present himself to the Criminal Investigation Department today or face arrest. One of the allegations against Mr Ratwatte and his two sons is that they were involved in the massacre of 10 supporters of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC). Arrest warrants have been issued against his sons by a Kandy magistrate. Muslims in the town near which the killings took place last Dec. 5 protested today against the perceived delay in bringing the alleged culprits to book by blocking roads with burning tyres.
It is learnt that Ratwatte, who was grilled by detectives for nearly nine hours, denied any knowledge about a massacre of the Muslims, and also denied allegations about misuse of army personnel for illegal election activities in the central Kandy district.
O Nimalarajan murder investigation: 10 Jan - The Attorney General (AG) has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police to expedite the investigations into the murders of Mr.Maylvaganam Nimalarajan, a Jaffna based Tamil journalist and Mr. Kumar Ponnambalam, leader of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress, legal sources said. The Attorney General would shortly review the progress of the investigations so far conducted by the CID in this regard, the sources said.
Human rights sources and several media institutions have criticized the way in which the investigations into these murders were conducted in the past.
Mr.Nimalarajan was gunned down by some unidentified persons in the Sri Lanka Army's high security zone in Jaffna on October 19, 2000. Mr.Nimalarajan fearlessly reported the intimidation, thuggery and election malpractice during October 2000 general elections in Jaffna.
Mr. Kumar Ponnambalam, ACTC leader was gunned down by some unidentified persons in the heart of Colomboin daytime on January 5, 2000. Tamil sources suspected the involvement of State security forces in Mr Ponnambalam's murder as he was fearlessly criticizing the government for human rights violation perpetrated on Tamil people. But no tangible progress has been made in the investigations to find the culprits behind these mystery killings so far even after two years have passed, Tamil sources said.
O Govt-LTTE truce hits new snag: 10 Feb - Reports from Colombo pointed to new Norway's attempts to broker a formal truce in Sri Lanka has hit new snags. The first one is that the LTTE wants the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) be
tween the government: the signature of Pi Kumaratunga as she is though it is the new Prime Minister Ranil has been negotiating MoU. “If Kumaratung leader Velupillai Prab sign it and relegate t deputy," said the pr Leader weekly, quoti The paper also said ti posed that both Kuma political rival, Pri Wickremesinghe, sig that the ceasefire wil ity.”
The newspaper als the vital aspects of a Norwegian embassy sa been presented yet. "I parts of a draft have t media, the Norwegial like to make it clearth so far has been present of Sri Lanka and the said in a one-paragrap
Another issue is action to the widespri tions, extortion and fo child soldiers, especi country, allegedly by ernment has raised thi wegians and suggest clause in the MoU bin engage in such activit
O A9 highway to op Feb - In a statement is
10 February, the polit
eration Tigers said tha the Uyilankulam road opened on Friday l; roads would be the o the LTTE held Vanni cessive government it harsh economic emb decade. The Vavuniya trict secretariat was r A9 on 15 February.
O LTTE Points to Feb - India has a m solve Sri Lanka's eth on New Delhi to put a in the peace process, already requested In wegian facilitators, tc permit their chief Balasingham to be Thamil Selvam, head cal wing said in Kilinc ent of the Times of Ir
Thamil Selvan sa gers were disappoint cal parties and the In

TAM TIMES 19
and the LTTE to carry 'esident Chandrika the real head of state, government led by Wickremesinghe that the contents of the a refuses, then LTTE hakaran will also not hat duty to a senior ivately run Sunday ng informed sources. nat Norway has proratunga and her arch me Minister Ranil In the agreement "so have greater valid
so discussed at length
draft MoU, but t the id no formal draft had n light of the fact that een circulated to the n government would at no formal proposal ced to the government LTTE,” the embassy h statement. the government's reead reports of abducorcible recruitment of lly in the east of the the LTTE. The govs matter with the Nored the inclusion of a ding the LTTE not to ies.
en as scheduled: ll sued in the Vanni on ical wing of the Libit the A9 highway and in Mannar would be 5 February. The two nly access arteries to region. on which sucColombo clamped a argo for more than a a GA said that the diseady for opening the
ndia obligation: ll oral obligation to renic problem. Calling side the past and help he said the LTTE has dia, through the Norhost peace talks and negotiator Anton housed in India, S P of the LTTE’s politichchito a correspond|dia.
id that the Tamil Tied with Indian politidian media for magni
fying their request out of proportion. Asked why should India get involved in the peace process having burnt her fingers once, Thamil Selvan said New Delhi must bear in mind that at that time their government did not handle the issue correctly, but now there is another government in place which should take a different stance. "India lost one of its leaders but we must not forget that several hundreds of LTTE cadres and several thousands of Tamil people were killed by the very same force that came here," he said when asked why should India help a group that was found responsible for killing one of its leaders.
"If we go on digging into the past we will not be able to resolve any thing," he noted.
The LTTE's number two in command refused to make a commitment on the organisation's stance over their demand for a separate state but insisted that there had been no softening of their stance. "If a sensible government can sit down and re-think its process and make the people believe it is quite possible that we could live together, or rather the aspirations of the Tamil people could be realised in such a way that a change of mind may take place, it is only then we can work on the nitty-gritties of the solution," he said implying that the LTTE is now willing to consider other options to separatism.
Thamil Selvan said he had confidence in the new Sri Lankan government because it had been elected to power on a peace mandate, but added that the LTTE did not trust President Chandrika Kumratunga's commitment to peace. However, she could not be an impediment to the process because of the public mandate for peace, the new government's commitment and international pressure, he added.
Thamil Selvan said the bans imposed against their group by Western nations would have little impact because the Tamil diaspora would always find ways of con
tributing to a cause they firmly believed in.
OUN team to checkillegalguns: 1 l JanA United Nations disarmament team is in Sri Lanka to study the feasibility of implementing a guns-for-money programme to round up illegal weapons in the areas of Sri Lanka outside the northeast conflict zone. The four-member delegation, led by Joao Bernardo Honwana, chief of the conventional arms branch of the U.N. Disarmament Department, arrived in Colombo on 10 January.
Official sources said the mission, which is here at the invitation of the Government, had no connection to the ongoing peace process between the Government and the Tamil Tigers. Its only concern is with the proliferation of illegal arms in Sri Lanka's

Page 20
20 TAMILTIMES
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non-conflict zones against the backdrop of increasing crime and violence with guns, which peaked during the last elections. Sri Lanka is grappling with an acute proliferation of small arms in non-conflict zones and so far, attempts by the Government to collect them have not been successful. A recent amnesty offered by the new Interior Ministry for turning in unauthorised weapons produced nothing, but it is estimated that there are at least 20,000 illegal small arms, including automatic weapons, in circulation in southern Sri Lanka. The number of firearms in unauthorised hands in southern Sri Lanka has grown in direct proportion to the escalation of the war in northeast Sri Lanka, and contributed to rising crime statistics. The problem has become more acute with nearly 30,000 deserters from the armed forces.
The U.N. mission will be in Sri Lanka for 10 days, during which it will investigate the feasibility of a weapons-collection programme that will offer an economic incentive to all those who volunteer to surrender unauthorised weapons in their possession, sources said.
O Sri Lanka lifts 15-year restrictions: l l Feb - The Government announced that no approval from the Ministry of Defence will be required hereafter by Sri Lankan citizens to travelling to Jaffna. "However their identities should be proved at the point of embarking when they travel by air or ship at security force/check points established by the Government', the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press statement released l l February. The statement further states:
"Following guidelines as regards the air and sea passage to the North are to be adhered to with immediate effect. Requirement to obtain permission to proceed to Jaffna has been relaxed. Accordingly, (a) No approval from Ministry of Defence will be required hereafter by Sri Lankan citizens travelling to Jaffna. However, their identities should be proved at the point of embarking when they travel by air or ship at any Security Force/ Police checkpoints established by the Government. (b) All non- Sri Lankans should seek permission from the MOD to visit North.
However, any non- Sri Lankan who is recommended in writing after scrutiny for travel to Jaffna by Sri Lankan Ambassadorf High Commissioner abroad will be permitted access to the Jaffna without MOD approval. (c) Any Diplomatic Officials, stationed in Sri Lanka will not require permission from MOD to travel to the North. (d) Any Sri Lankan, non-Sri Lankan, Diplomat or anyone visiting uncleared areas (that are under the control of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) will do so at his/her own risk.” The ministry also scrapped the requirement of obtaining its clearance to buy air tickets to travel to the government-held northern town of Jaffna.
Earlier, the defence ministry granted permission to cross frontlines only to a handful of diplomats and local residents after strict screening by security authorities. The restrictions had been in place from 1987.
Another major restriction due to be re
moved was a ban on fish zone in northern Sri La had no access because it Tigers were infiltrating tacks on security forces Ministry said it was al the north to catch fish a between Thondamana Fishermen will be alloy mechanised boats and c kilometre from the beac
until 6.00 pm. On Sun
lowed up to one and hal beach. A considerables tion in northern Sri Lan for their livelihood, but cess due to escalated fig few years.
In addition, the gov to permit passengers us the north eastern po Trincomalee to the nort bour to travel without at Earlier civilians had to procedures to get secu travelling. In a related c ernment has decided to Point Pedro jetty in Jai bling an increase in the that can be unloaded fr The government h sweeping measures am concerning the progres process facilitated by N
O Norwegian Team E Feb - Norwegian peace Deputy Foreign Ministe lowing its visit to Color cussions with governn London and completed: with the LTTE's chie Balasingham. It was ex discussions with Mr Ball finalising the Memoran ing (MoU) to be signé warring parties.
O Australia deports . grants: 12 Feb - In as terday, the Australian Colombo quoting Aus sources said that 39 S entered Australia illeg ported. The statement serve as a warning to C tempting to enter Aust: procedure.
Five Sri Lankan’s were detected last Chris iam authorities trying t country through the Co volved in the incident w ple smuggling, an offe 20 years imprisonment Australian dollars or bo
O De-mining of A9 hig pleted: 12 Feb - The A complete the de-mining from Kandy to Jaffna b. road to be used by civili for such use from the f

TAMILMES 21
ning within a security inka where fishermen was found that Tamil and carrying out at; there. The Defence lowing fishermen of long the coastal belt u and Point Pedro. ved to use only nonatch fish up to a half h daily from 4.30am lays they will be alfkilometres from the ection of the populaka depend on fishing have been denied achting during the past
ernment has decided ing the ship between rt city harbour of hern Point Pedro harly security clearance. follow cumbersome rity clearance before levelopment the govoperate the northern fna till 10 p.m. enaquantum of supplies pm ships. as announced these id optimistic reports s in the current peace orway.
Back in London: 12 delegation headed by * Vidar Helgesen, folnbo where it had disment leaders, visited another round of talks f negotiator, Anton pected that the team's lasingham centred on Adum of Understand2d separately by the
39 illegal SL immitatement issued yesHigh Commission in stralian government ri Lankans who had gally have been desaid that this would other Sri Lankans atralia bypassing legal
travelling in a boat stmas by the Australo illegally enter the co Islands. Those inere charged with peonce that carries upto or a fine of 220,000 th.
hway to Jaffna comArmy is scheduled to g of the A9 highway y 14 February for the ans when it is opened ollowing day.
Military spokesman, Brigadier Sanath Karunaratne, said the road would be opened as scheduled on Friday February 15. He said the army had not found any mines along the main entry points into Jaffna. He reiterated however that over 600 anti personnel mines and anti tank mines had been detected at Omanthai and were being removed by the Army. He added the road is being cleared according to the requirements of the International Committee of the Red Cross and would be ready for transportation and use from the 15". The LTTE too are working simultaneously to de-mine areas under their control and are reported to have renoved a large number of anti personnel mines also at Omanthai in the Jaffna peninsula. The LTTE too have in a statement have said that the highway would be cleared and ready for opening on February l5.
O Army deserters held for gang-raping: 13 Feb - Four Sri Lankan army deserters were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the reported gang rape of a British woman tourist eight days ago, police said. The men were taken into custody at the eastern town of Polonnaruwa where the woman was raped, police said. A locally made gun, cash and stolen goods were found with the suspects.
O Cabinet to be expanded: 13 Jan-The United National Front government is expected to expand its cabinet today after weeks of continuous pressure and political blackmail by some of the new ministers. The new recruits, who will be given full cabinet rank are Karunasena Kodituwakku (education), Rajitha Senaratne (lands), Mahinda Samarasinghe (employment), Ravi Karunanayake (consumer affairs), Imtiaz Bakker Markar (mass communications), P. Chandrasekera (estate infrastructure) and Milinda Moragaoda (economic reforms). With this additional intake, the cabinet will now swell to 30.
O Restrictions on medical supplies lifted: 13 Feb - The Defence Ministry announced today that it was lifting controls on the transportation of medicine and medical equipment to areas under the control of the LTTE. The Ministry said that no approval was necessary for the transportation such items. However the goods will be checked by military check points in the border areas.
O Muslims protest against abductions: 14 Feb - Thousands of enraged Muslims protested in eastern Sri Lanka today against a reported wave of abductions blamed on Tamil Tigers. The abductions, mostly for ransom, have cast a shadow over a Norwegianbrokered peace process that has brought the government and the LTTE to their first peace talks in seven years. Residents burnt tyres and shut down shops in the town of Muttur in protest after four Muslims were kidnapped on 13 February. “The four were found this morning severely beaten up,” a police officer said. Residents accuse the Tigers of at least 16 other abductions, all members of the Muslim minority in the east. O

Page 22
22 TAMILTIMES
International Op Or National Conse
Kethesh Loganathan
he policy statement by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made in parliament on recently is a forthright admission of the reality that the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE are under close scrutiny by the international community in how they work out a solution to the on-going war.
He says, "International opinion compels us in this direction. This compulsion is not only limited to the Government of Sri Lanka but is also compelling on the LTTE." He has pointed out that “the concern of India as well as donor countries has been drawn towards this problem today more than ever before. They steadfastly advocate a political solution to the war. In this context the centre of attention is international opinion. A solution to the North East problem will be through international opinion.'
If the Sri Lankan State and the LTTE have come under considerable international pressure, it is primarily because of the failure of our national polity and society in shaping a just and equitable solution to the Tamil question. Far too many opportunities were squandered and far too many wrong turns were taken at critical crossroads due to narrow partisan politics and rank chauvinism.
The LTTE also failed to subordinate its immediate organisational interests to the wider interests of the people that it represents. The protracted ethnic conflict had its ramifications across the Palk Strait and internationally in the form of refugees, and came to be reflected in an increasing international concern over violations of human rights and international humanitarian norms by both parties to the conflict. The international opinion and close scrutiny that soon came to prevail on the Sri Lankan State and the LTTE were, hence, inevitable. However, what is of concern to this writer is that an excessive sensitivity to international opinion
could manifest its and the Sri Lanka ing to the internati than addressing ea tive issues. The PI ment is totally sile tification of the c ethnic conflict. T to an ethnic questi erence to the Nor stalemate. To quo the LTTE in settir in the North East security forces has wise we have no completely elim through a military present status oft The war, how festation of a deep policy statement ( dication as regard of a political solu ment is prepared the North-East. A the “majority oft work towards a Sc lution of power d ing the territorial try and preservin tions of the peop
Perhaps, it present stage of get into substanti also be a legitim ess itself may g
Tani
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enclose a dona
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

15 FEBRUARY 2002
nion nsus?
fin both the LTTE Government playnal "gallery', rather :h other on substanmier’s policy statetregarding the idenuses that led to the ere is no reference n.There is only ref. h-East war and the e: "The objective of g up a separate State by chasing away the not succeeded. Likebeen successful in inating the LTTE solution. This is the he war'. ever, is only a mani-rooted problem. The loes not give any ins the broad contours ion that the Governto give the people of ll that it says is that le people’s wish is to lution through devo:mocratically, ensurintegrity of the coun, the rights of all sec
s premature at the he peace process to e issues. There could te fear that the procderailed by getting
into contentious areas. Yet, this writer is of the opinion that a policy statement should have given some indication of the recognition ofan unresolved Tamil question.
There is also a real danger that the peace process could end up as a contest between the Government and the LTTE for international support for their respective cause or project. In other words, the Government and the LTTE may well formulate a negotiating strategy aimed at exposing the bad faith of the "other' to ensure that it has international opinion on its side when talks collapse and fighting begins. This, in fact, has been the mindset of successive governments and the LTTE in the past when it comes to negotiations.
The Premier's policy statement could well be an unfortunate manifestation of the mindset of his advisors who may be confusing negotiations skills with outwitting the "other' and playing to the international gallery. Or, it could well be a brilliant move to mobilise domestic support for de-proscription and talks with the LTTE. Or, may be both.
But, in the final analysis, international opinion without a corresponding national consensus and reconciliation cannot be a basis for a durable solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. While the international community should continue to exert maximum pressure on the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to observe international humanitarian norms and human rights and arrive at a negotiated settlement to the ethnic question, the burden lies with forces within Sri Lanka in shaping the contours and content of such an agreement. Failing which, any solution may have to be imposed and guaranteed from the outside. It is for us to choose. (Courtesy: The Sunday Times, Colombo)
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for a Ceasefi
D.B.S. JEYARAU
S ignificant forward movement on the road to peace in Sri Lanka was recorded when Norwegian deputy foreign affairs minister Vidar Helgesen arrived in Colombo on February 7". He was leading a peace delegation consisting of special adviser to the foreign ministry Erik Solheim and ministry official Kjirste Tromsdal. The Norwegians engaged in a hectic brand of shuttle diplomacy between Europe and Asia had a tangible document in their hands when they arrived in Colombo this time. It was the draft Memorandum of Understanding outlining conditions and rules for a ceasefire that would hopefully be signed soon by both the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The primary purpose of this draft MOU was to bring about a permanent and durable ceasefire to replace the parallel ones in place now. Both the LTTE and Government are adhering to their respective unilaterally declared cessation of hostility separately. These are extended on a monthly basis. The ceasefires in force are applicable to land based activity alone. The Norwegian focus has been to harmonise the situation and evolve a structured and comprehensive ceasefire covering all types of land, sea and air based activity in addition to related issues.
Wide and intense Consultation
The draft was formulated after active consultation with both parties. Although the “form” belonged to Norway the “content' was that of the Sri Lankan government and LTTE. The Norwegians had dutifully incorporated all suggestions, proposals and amendments put forward by both sides in the document after of course intense debate and discussion. Proposals that emanated during discussions with President Kumaratunga and former Foreign Af
fairs minister Lak have also been reli The Norwegiai extensively from in ficials and diplom committed to a la Lanka. India in p regularly consulted progress of the pea would like to give inspired ceasefireb the month long sel fires by both side lapse. Yet there is undue haste to forc accordingly.So it r later.
The primary pu page draft MOU is and structured cea; of hindsight concel a number of factc collapses has been mum. The attitude c of both sides hav this. The initial id ceasefire for one ye Instead it would straints and be ope fire would not auto force the moment a definite date wol it to be activated il
Conditions and
Both sides are motion certain mea the day that the c operation. These m finalised complete obliged to fulfilso in 30 and others w ceasefire coming ir be on a reciprocal, one condition beir plementation of th
These conditic not expected to be
 

TAMILTIMES 23
hman Kadirgamar ed upon.
is have also drawn put provided by of ats from countries sting peace in Sri articular had been and informed of the ce process. Norway effect to this MOU efore Feb 24th when f-imposed ceases are scheduled to no rigid deadline or e the pace of events may be signed even
urpose of the seven s to ensure a stable sefire. The wisdom ning the past where irs led to ceasefire utilised to the maxifeautious optimism 2 helped greatly in ea of a time bound ar has been shelved. have no time conn ended. The ceasematically come into it is signed. Instead ld be stipulated for
practice.
deadlines
expected to set in sures from D-day or 2asefire comes into easures are yet to be y but both sides are me of the conditions ithin 60 days of the to force. This would staggered basis with gpredicated on ime other. ns and deadlines are problematic as both
sides have already commenced unilateral efforts in implementing some already. Two noteworthy examples being the requirement of lifting the economic embargo on the governmentside and the opening of the A - 9 highway or Jaffna -Kandy road by the LTTE. Much progress has been achieved in these already.
The ceasefire would be applicable to land, sea and airbased activity. This entails a number of provisions some of which are to be finalised. In a nutshell the armed forces cannot launch assault operations, shelling, aerial and naval bombardment, cordon and search operations, arbitrary arrests etc. The LTTE cannot conduct operations like frontal assaults, suicide strikes or explosive attacks in the entire Island inclusive of Colombo. They are debarred from activities like political assassinations too. Likewise the government cannot allow its deep penetration units known as "Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol's to target LTTE leaders.
The applicability of the ceasefire to the air and sea spheres would help the Tamil fisherfolk greatly. This un fortunate sector has been deprivedofits traditional livelihood for the given reason of protecting naval installations, vessels and also aircraft from sea based tiger attacks, With the ceasefire coming into force effectively the rationale for the fishing ban is expected to cease.The LTTE is specifically forbidden to conduct over or undersea strikes at marine or airborne targets. There is some opposition from naval circles to lifting the fishing ban entirely. The Tigers however demand a total removal.
Monitoring mechanism
A vital aspect of the draft MOU is the mechanism to monitor the ceasefire and more importantly prevent its hasty collapse. It would be known as the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) A crucial feature ofthis monitoring panel is the fact that it would also function as a dispute solving reconciliatory mechanism. The panel's emphasis would not be that of detecting violations, accepting violation complaints and reprimanding offenders. Instead the focus would be conflict resolution. If and when complaints are received or violations detected the committee will

Page 24
24 TAMITMES
delve into the matter and arrive at amicable settlements.
The Monitoring commission is mandated with authority to take prompt and "immediate action on complaints made by either party, to inquire into and assist in the settlement of any dispute'. The idea is to resolve prickly issues at the lowest possible level without allowing them to escalate. The goal of the Monitoring mission is to help sustain the ceasefire rather than be a destructive instrument.
In this respect it must be emphasised that it would not be possible for either party to take offence over an issue and break off from the ceasefire easily and quickly. A minimum of 14 days notice of such intention and reasons should be given to the panel. The monitors will inquire into the reasons andattemptas faras possible to address grievances thereby preventing a collapse It would not be possible for breakdowns over trivial issues as in the past. Thus the institution would be more of a ceasefire maintaining than monitoring mission.
The monitoring vided up into six sep units for functional units described as "a integrated and coord regulating committe report to the Norwe This person would the overall truce m have a support staff answerable to Oslo The committee will domestic representat national with extens experience of Sri La the head of the monit mission will have o and Mallavi in the T ritory.
District-wise mor The main theat North-Eastern Pro eight administrati Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitheevu in Trincomalee, Battic Digamadulla as it is
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anel would be dirate decentralised urposes. All the visory” would be nated by a central whose head will gian government. e responsible for nitoring and will He or she will be n the line of duty. have foreign and ves. A Norwegian ve knowledge and nka is tipped to be oring mission. The fices in Colombo ger controlled ter
itoring re of conflict the vince comprises ve districts with Mannar, Vavuniya, the North and :aloa, Amparai or known now in the
East. The ceasefire envisages these eight districts being reduced to six for monitoring purposes. In the East the Batticaloa and Amparai districts would be treated as one composite district. Geographic considerations have influenced this decision. Thus there would only be two districts in the East for this purpose namely the Trincomalee and Batticaloa-Amparai districts.
In the North the Mullaitheevu and Kilinochchi districts would be regarded as one unit. Both districts are under near total control of the LTTE thereby reducing scope for much friction. Thus the North would have four districts for purposes of ceasefire monitoring namely Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi-Mullaitheevu. Thus there will only be six "districts' in the NorthEast region as far as the monitoring mission is concerned. District monitoring advisory committees comprising domestic and foreign representatives will be set up to oversee the truce.
Each district panel will have two representatives each from the government and LTTE sides. These 24 per
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sons are expected to be eminent persons capable of discharging their duties without fear or favour. The ceasefire MOU will not decide on the government and LTTE representatives. Both sides are free to choose their nominees subject to approval by the other side. In addition there would be international representatives heading the committees. It is likely that there would be only a single foreign representative in most districts.
As far as the foreign component is concerned the representatives are likely to be from Scandinavian and Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and the autonomous territory of Greenland etc. The bulk of the representatives are likely to be from Norway and Sweden. The concerns of all parties concerned have been taken into account over the politically sensitive aspect of international representatives. The "neutral' choice of Scandinavian and Nordic nations seems acceptable to all including India.
Territorial control frozen
The ceasefire envisages clearly demarcated zones of controlby both parties. This would in effect freeze the current status quo ofterritorial control. The respective lines of control will be clearly demarcated and areas segregated. There would be a "buffer zone" of at least a 600 metres distance separating the respective forward defence lines. Movement of troops and cadres into this "no man's land' would be allowed up to a maximum of 100 metres from their respective lines of control. Both sides would be expected to exercise restraint even if and when this dividing line is crossed occasionally. However, both sides would retain the right to fire upon the other side if this violation was deemed serious enough to anticipate danger.
There is incidentally no demand by the LTTE to get security forces move back to earlier pre-war positions or withdraw from the Tamil areas under their control. The troops however will be required to relocate within spheres of control gradually to facilitate normalcy. Thus security personnel stationed in places of worship, schools, community centres and halls, manufacturing plants, government offices and
buildings etc will premises as civilia turns to normalilty cated to accredited not withdrawn frol The controls ex forces and LTTE o pected to be reduc tally as normal lif conduct for both be introduced to ma guards and rights debars both sides hostile acts agains lation. Some acts si intimidation, abdu harassment'. .
There will also anteeing freedom c res and troops fron other area of contri quirement is pric LTTE will allow ul sonnel free moven control. The Tigers the A-9 highway w ceasefire coming i. unarmed troops rig 60 days. This is ex for soldiers proce their homes on lea a major logisticalp. forces causing mu diers.
Similiarly LT vidual combatants, uniform are to b friends and relativ control of the other basis”. Unarmed ti visit "government purposes of politic ever is a contentio pressure to delete the present draft.
Recruitment and acquisition
There is also cruitment or acqui ther side in the pres ment allows both "exclusively for tl taining the forces as they were" befo The current paral into force from th: Lankan army is frc more personnel v

TAMILTIMES 25
lave to vacate these in life gradually re. They will be relomilitary venues but in the area. ercised by the armed ver civilians are exed ifnot relaxed toe returns. Codes of ides to follow will ximise civilian safeThe present draft from engaging in t the civilian popubecified are "torture, ction, extortion and
be regulations guarfmovement of cadeither side into the ol. An important reir permission. The narmed security perment in its sphere of are required to open fithin 30 days of the Into force and enable ht of passage within pected to be a boon 'eding to and from ve. At present this is roblem for the armed ch heartburn for sol
TE cadres “as indi, unarmed and out of e allowed to visit es living in areas of party on a restricted ger cadres can also controlled areas for all work'. This howus issue and there is the provision from
of arms no restriction on resition ofarms by eient draft. The agreesides to recruit for he purpose of mainstrength and status re Dec 24th last year. lel ceasefires came at date. Thus the Sri 'e to recruit and train hile the LTTE can
also do the same. The Tigers have stated that they will recruit volunteers over 17 years of age for administrative and political purposes. As far as arms acquisition is concerned there are two viewpoints. One is that the navy be allowed to engage in "defensive action "by being allowed to intercept suspicious vessels that could be transporting arms to the LTTE. The general provision in the draft about the Sri Lankan armed forces having the right to “perform their legitimate task of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Sri Lanka is invoked in this connection. Colombo is emphasising this and the need to restrict fishing rights. The LTTE naturally opposes this and wants for them unrestricted marine movement during the ceasefire.
This is another point that needs to be resolved before finalising a ceasefire. The crux of the matter is that with or without specific clauses both sides will be enhancing their arsenals. Attempting to dwell too much on this aspect can distort the chief objectives of the ceasefire into coast patrolling exercises. The hope is that both sides will be realistic enough to accept the inevitable. A stable ceasefire could alter the climate so drastically that such recourse to arms in the future may be negated. Besides the emphasis on reconstruction and development will affect priorities. It is unclear as to how both sides will reconcile their differences in the final MOU.
The details of the draft ceasefire were officially revealed to New Delhi when the Norwegian delegation briefed Acting High Commissioner Mohan Kumar in Colombo of the latest developments. One crucial aspect that remains unclear at this juncture concerns who the signatories to the ceasefire MOU will be. That however will become clear when the MOU reaches the final stage.
It must be noted that the ceasefire draft is subject to changes as more discussions with the parties concerned occur. The essence of it however is expected to remain unchanged. There are however several issues that have to be ironed out before a final document is formulated. In that context hopes of a permanent ceasefire materialising soon are quite high.

Page 26
26 TAMILTMES
O RAPE IN CUSTODY
The following are extracts from the report titled "Sri Lanka: Rape in Custody dated 28January 2002(ASA37/001/2002) by London-based human rights organisation, Amnesty International:
Rape - a common violation
In Sri Lanka, like in many other countries, incidents of rape in the context of armed conflict such as the above examples are reported on a regular basis. During 2001, Amnesty International has noted a marked rise in allegations of rape by police, army and navy personnel.
Among the victims of rape by the security forces are many internally displaced women, women who admit being or having been members of the LTTE and female relatives of members or suspected male members of the LTTE. Some reports of rape in custody concern children as young as 14.
Alarmed at the apparent rise in reports of rape, Amnesty International on 4 April 2001 wrote to the President of Sri Lanka urging her to take action to stop rape by security forces and bring perpetrators to justice. The appeal followed reports of rape by security forces in Mannar, Batticaloa, Negombo and Jaffna, including the rape of Sinnathamby Sivamany and Ehamparam Wijikala described below. To date, no response has been received to the appeal.
In March 2000, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women (hereafter the Special Rapporteur), who herself is a Sri Lankan national, expressed grave concern over the lack of serious investigation into allegations of gang rape and murder of women and girls. The Special Rapporteur expressed the hope that every effort would be made to prevent further violations through the investigation of alleged incidents and the prosecution of alleged perpetrators in a manner consistent with international human rights standards. In its response, the government provided details regarding the progress of investigations into two of four individual cases raised by the Special Rapporteur. It also stated that "every case of alleged criminal conduct committed by the armed forces and police has been investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted, although there may have been unavoidable legal delays". Contrary to the government's assertion, to Amnesty International's knowledge, not a single member of the security forces has been brought to trial in connection to incidents of rape in custody although one successful prosecution has been brought in a case where the victim of rape was also murdered. An analysis of the cases in which investigations were conducted and trial proceedings initiated suggests that the authorities are far more inclined to take action if there is a considerable amount of public pressure.
The crime of rape
Under internatior ted by government o litical groups during : tutes torture. Rape an assault have also lon breaches of internatio They are now recogniz when committed on large scale, a crime such, it is subject to u
In Sri Lanka, in l the Penal Code (Ame of 1995 and 29 of 199 nal Procedure (Amen 1998; the Judicature ( 27 of 1998 and the E vision) Act of 1999, th in place a legal frame ple should allow a me tion of alleged rapists Among the chan was the inclusion of tion 364(2)) recogniz rape in custody and stituting grave crime maximum punishme as a form of aggrav; and 20 years' impris In addition, Sri I UN Convention agai Cruel, Inhuman or D Punishment. It accec in 1994 and an Act ment in November l' Lanka's obligations The Act made torture onment for a term inc and not exceeding te As stated above, changes to the legal trators of rape in cu brought to justice. ture and rape, Amne cerned about the fa to bring to justice th curity forces suspec ble for torture, inclu The new gover ter Ranil Wickrem power after winning in early December 2 any policy announc sues described in th the election manife party in power, the
 

15 FEBRUARY 2002
m
al law, rape commitficials or armed pormed conflict constiother serious sexual been recognized as lal humanitarian law. ed as a war crime and, systematic basis or gainst humanity. As niversal jurisdiction. 95 and 1998, through ndment) Act Nos. 22 8, the Code of Crimiiment) Act, No. 28 of Amendment) Act, No. vidence (Special Prole government has put work which in principre effective prosecu
ges to the Penal Code a new provision (Secing the phenomena of gang rape as acts cons. The minimum and it for rape in custody ited rape is 10 years' }nment respectively. anka is a party to the nst Torture and Other grading Treatment or ed to the Convention was passed in parlia94 giving effect to Sri inder the Convention. punishable by imprisless than seven years years, and a fine. iespite these welcome framework, no perpetody have so far been relation to both tory Internationalisconure of the authorities se members of the seed of being responsiing rape, in custody. ment of Prime Minisinghe which came to arliamentary elections Ol has not so far made ments affecting the isdocument. However, ) of the main political Jnited National Party,
contains commitments to "enact laws relating to the Women's Charter to safeguard women's rights” and to "ensure that women's particular requirements and genderspecific concerns are recognized and prioritized in the formulation of state policies.”
Reason for failure of rape investigations
The most important reason for the lack of successful prosecutions of those allegedly responsible for rape in custody is that those responsible for the investigation (i.e. the police) are colleagues of the alleged perpetrators. As stated in the Amnesty International report Sri Lanka, Torture in custody (Al Index: ASA 37/10/99) of June 1999, "in order to eradicate torture... there remains a need to establish a simple procedure which allows torture by the police or other law enforcement personnel to be investigated by an independent authority with the necessary powers and expertise required to ensure prosecutions for torture can be successfully brought'. This is equally valid in relation to rape in custody.
There are many additional reasons why criminal investigations into complaints of rape are generally unsuccessful. Among them are:
- threats by the perpetrators against the victim and/or the witnesses; - inadequate medical evidence due to poor quality of initial medical examination (in itself sometimes caused by threats to the doctor) or due to delay in taking the victim to a doctor; - lack of independence of the investigating authority: police investigating police or members of the security forces; - slow action by the local authority (normally the police) to investigate; - political or other pressure brought to bear on the investigators; - the victim withdraws the complaint or stops her cooperation with the investigations, under pressure from her family or community in the context ofa traditional stigma associated with rape; - transfer of the case to a court a long distance away from the victim's home; - the police fears to act against alleged perpetrators belonging to the security forces. Below are some examples of how these issues have arisen over the last few years:
Ida Carmelita was a former member of the LTTE who had surrendered to the police about a month before she was gang raped and killed by five soldiers at Pallimunai, Mannar district on 12 July 1999. She had been shot through her vagina. In his report, the DMO in Mannar documented evidence of rape and sexual violence, including bites on her breasts and lips. Two of the suspects had been recognized by a neighbour and another by the brother of the

Page 27
15 FEBRUARY 2002
victim. A corporal and a soldier were identified at an identification parade by witnesses and taken into custody. However, after two key witnesses were threatened and subsequently fled to India, the case is no longer proceeding. The suspects have been released om bail.
The UN Special Rapporteur in March 2000 highlighted the case of Sarathambal Saravanbavananthakurukal, a 29-yearold Tamil woman who had been reportedly gang raped and then killed by navy soldiers on 28 December 1999 in Pungudutivu, near Jaffna. She observed that despite an order by the President of Sri Lanka to immediately investigate the events, it was reported that "very little was being done to pursue the matter'. Sarathambal Saravanbavananthakurukal had been abducted from her home, situated at about 500m from a navy camp. Her father and brother were tied up by four security officers dressed in black. Her dead body was found on barren land about 100m away from their home the next day. After public protest, her body was sent to Colombo for post-mortem by a senior JMO who indicated that the cause of death was "asphyxia due to gagging'; that her underpants had been stuffed inside her mouth; and that "forcible sexual intercourse' had taken place. The father and brother were allegedly threatened not to reveal the identity of the four men who came to the house. According to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, who had been instructed by the President of Sri Lanka to investigate the rape and murder, the brother had “not been able to identify any of the four persons who came to the house'.
The criminal investigations into the rape and murder of both Ida Carmelita and Sarathambal Saravanbavananthakurukal have not proceeded beyond the initial inquiry stage. No charges have been filed against the alleged perpetrators and it is unlikely that those responsible for the rape and murder of the two women will ever be brought to justice.
Seventy-year-old Poomani Saravanai, an internally displaced widow, was raped by two soldiers at Neervely, Jaffna district in front of her son on 31 May 2000. The next day, she courageously made a complaint at the Atchelu army camp. She was able to identify the two soldiers on that day. It is reported that they were sacked from the army. However, nothing further was done at this crucial initial stage. It was not until 5 and 6 June that Poomani Saravanai was taken to a DMO. By then no evidence of rape could be found. To Amnesty International's knowledge, the police did not initiate any action against the two soldiers,
The Case of Sivamany and Wijikala
Sinnathamby Sivamany (aged 24) and
Ehamparam Wijikala (aged 22), two
Tamil women internally displaced by the
ongoing armed conflict of Sri Lanka, were arre the navy in the coastal ( March 2001. They wer by navy personnel and cial Investigation Unit at the office of the Coul (CSU) ofthe police alo approximately 500 me town.
Wijikala's partner son of Sivamany were tody. They were all tak in a white van. Wijikal Supreme Court, alleges ner were taken inside partner was locked in into a separate room. T (OIC) was also there ir her to sit on the floor ar OIC then asked a male Rajah to bring a piece ( folded her with the pie told to remove her clo fused she was beaten forcibly removed by the of them held her hands got on top of her, soon by another one. She s her.
Sivamany has test Wijikala and her partne the CSU office, a nav the van and took awayh officer then climbed in folded her with a sock of the van. Then this moved her clothes a about 15 minutes he le after that she was take fice to the room in wh ing held and the secul present there beat her remove her clothes. W jah ordered Wijikalatc clothes. Both women naked in front of the made to sit in a crou hands and legs were t pole which was then tables so they were lef in this position for at were pinched and bea during that time.
The victims were ther torture unless the admitting they were eration Tigers of Tami women signed such st Sivamany and W the District Medical Mannar district on 22 why the police did this an attempt to pervert tions. Apparently du CSU officers taking the fact that the offic throughout the time both women refused t

TAMITIMES 27
in the north and east sted by members of sity of Mannar on 19 : subsequently raped members of the Spe(SIU) of the police ter-Subversive Unit ng Pallimunai Road, tres outside Mannar
and the 6-year-old also taken into cusen to the CSU office a, in a petition to the that she and herpartthe CSU office. Her cell, she was taken he Officer-in-Charge the room. He asked ld she complied. The police officer named of cloth. Rajah blindce of cloth. She was )thes. When she reund her clothes were :m. Then, while some and legs one person afterwards followed aid they both raped
ified that soon after :r had been taken into y personnel came to er son. Another navy to the van and blindaided by the driver
officer forcibly rend raped her. After ft the van. Some time n inside the CSU of ich Wijikala was beity forces personnel demanding that she hen she refused, Raremove Sivamany's were made to parade men. They were then ched position, their ed and attached to a placed between two hanging. They were bout 90 minutes and ten with a thick wire
threatened with fury signed a statement members of the LibEelam (LTTE). Both atementS. jikala were taken to Officer (DMO) of March. It is not clear but it may have been any future investigato threats from the hem to hospital and ers remained present n the DMO's office, o be examined. In his
medico-legal examination form of 22 March 2001, however, the DMO ticked the "no injuries' box instead of indicating that he in fact had not carried out any medical examination.
The two women were produced before the local magistrate at his bungalow on 27 March - eight days after their arrest. On the instructions of the magistrate and after the case had attracted a lot of publicity and nongovernmental organizations and church leaders raised concern, the women were once again taken to the DMO for a medical examination on 30 March. This time, the DMO found marks on their bodies, including semi-circular abrasions consistent with nail marks on the elbows, forearms and wrists of Wijikala. He concluded that she had been tortured and raped and that Sivamany was tortured and sexually assaulted. Rape could not be established. The magistrate later ordered an examination by a Judicial Medical Officer (JMO, senior to a DMO) in Colombo after the prison authorities informed him that the two women alleged they were raped. The JMO carried out his examination 18 days after the rape. He confirmed several injuries sustained due to the alleged torture inflicted on them and concluded that while "there were no positive findings to establish sexual intercourse", it "cannot be ruled out as the absence of positive findings may be due to the fact that they were married with children and that there had been a 18 day delay" from the time of the alleged rape to the time of the examinations.
Although the magistrate had ordered the police to investigate the allegations of rape and arrest the suspects, local police had not acted on his instructions. After widespread protests, and after the then Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee to Inquire into Undue Arrest and Harassment ordered the police to investigate and arrest the suspects, police finally took action.(This Committee, comprising five ministers and three MPs was set up in July 1998 by the President). Twelve police officers and two navy officers were arrested. They were identified by the women during an identification parade. At the time of writing, no charges had been filed and the preliminary trial proceedings had not started. All alleged perpetrators had been released on bail. It is feared that in this case, like many other similarones, those allegedly responsible for rape in custody will never be brought to justice.
Some recent cases of rape in custody
* Thambipillai Thanalakshmi, 42year-old Tamil woman from Meesalai, Jaffna district was reportedly dragged from her home at around 8.30pm on 7 July 2001 by soldiers allegedly attached to the Kachchai army camp. They took her to a nearby rice field where she was raped by at least three of them.
The victim's mother tried to intervene

Page 28
28 TAMMES
after hearing her daughter screaming, but was assaulted and hit with rifles by the soldiers. The victim and her mother had been displaced from their home and had returned to resettle, only two months before the incident.
On the next morning, they lodged a complaint at Kachchai army camp and at Kodikamam police station. Police from Kodikamam visited the scene and reportedly recovered parts of Thanalakshmi's clothing
from the rice field. Even though they had
gone to the army camp early in the morning, it was not until around 6.30pm on 8 July that Thanalakshmi was taken by the police to the Mantikai hospital for medical examination. Medical personnel there reportedly confirmed evidence of rape.
After an intervention by senior police in Colombo, three soldiers were arrested and produced before the magistrate on 13 July. At the time of writing, to Amnesty International's knowledge, no charges had been filed against them.
* Velu Arshadevi, a Tamil woman of Indian origin, who was living in a boarding house in Colombo, was allegedly raped by three policemen on 24 June 2001. She had been stopped at a checkpoint on the Maradana-Borella Road, Colombo on 23 June 2001 while she was returning from work with a friend. Her identity was checked by the security forces personnel on duty at the checkpoint.
The next day, at around 3am, two police personnel without weapons and an armed soldier attached to that checkpoint came to the lodgings where the victim was staying. They said they had come for a "routine checking'. After interrogating all the persons staying at that place, they returned to her room and told her that "since was a Tamil, she was not allowed to stay” there. She was told she had to go with them to the Maradanapolice station. The friend who had also been staying in the same place accompanied her for safety reasons.
While en route to the police station, they stopped at the Maradana - Borella Road checkpoint. Her friend was told to purchase some tea for the security forces and sent away. After he had gone, two police personnel took her to a staircase situated next to a bunker below road level. She was taken down there and made to lean against the wall and then raped.
Later that day, she made a complaint to the Maradana police station. The Officerin-Charge produced her before the JMO on the same day. In his medical report, the JMO confirmed that rape had taken place.
After an identification parade was held by police, three police officers and three soldiers were arrested in connection with this crime. They have since been released om bail. To Amnesty International's knowledge, no charges have been filed against the alleged perpetrators.
* Mahendiram N female from Kaluth abused by personne Force (STF, parami tached to the STF cam, admitted to the Batti tal. According to the pital, this matter w Kaluwanchikudy pol inquiries. It is allege. nel went to herhouse the intention of mole
* Vijayaratnar year-old Tamil wo sexually assaulted b personnel, on 20 Apr
According to th Amnesty Internationa LTTE boat returningf several Sri Lanka nav them. There was fier hours. Subashini and in the sea, after their and then she was take gunboats. Immediate gunboat, all her cloth was blindfolded and behind her back. Mc sonnel touched and and her genital area. T by one put their fing while she was scream lasted about two h reached Trincomalee to her. She is current or trial at Welikade lombo. To Amnesty edge, no investigatior allegation.
* Thangiah Vij old Tamil girl, was more than ten navy 2001 when she was t ing an LTTE operati also the above case ( shini).
Vijayalalithawa a navy gunboat and removed. When th comalee her clothes She is currently held at Welikade women
* Yogalingam V Tamil woman from She was allegedly to with a plantain tree approximately 8-inc tion in the Negombo 21 and 27 June 200(
According to the with poles on her kn lower abdomen. Sl boots on. She was and pins were insert fingers and toes. Sl ears. On another oc

15 FEBRUARY 2002
ngeswari, 37-year-old walai, was sexually
of the Special Task itary police unit) atp at Kaluthawalai, and caloa teaching hospipolice post at the hosas reported to the ce station for further | that the STF personand harassed her with sting her.
1 Subashini, an 19man, was reportedly 7 more than ten navy
2001.
reports received by l, Subashini was on an rom the open sea when y gunboats surrounded ce fighting for several many others jumped boats were damaged, an into one of the navy ly after she got in the es were removed, she her hands were tied pre than ten navy persqueezed her breasts, they allegedly also one sers inside her vagina, hing. The whole ordeal ours. When the boat her clothes were given ly held without charge women's prison, CoInternational's knowlhas been held into this
ayalalitha, a 14-yearsexually assaulted by personnel on 20 April aken into custody duron in the open sea (see bfVijayaratnam Suba
s reportedly taken into her skirt and bra were de boat reached Trinwere returned to her. without charge or trial s prison, Colombo.
"ijitha is a 27-year-old Kayts, Jaffna district. tured, including raped lower (hard cone-like, h long) while in detenpolice station, between
reports, she was beaten es, back, chest and the e was trampled with orced to lie on a table d under the nails of her e was slapped on her :asion all her clothing,
except her underwear, was removed and her face was covered with a polythenebag filled with chillipowder and petrol. Then she was asked to sign a statement written in Sinhalese, but when she refused, a plantain tree flower sprinkled with chillipowder was inserted into her vagina. After about 15 minutes, she fainted,
The victim claims she can identify at least one of the policemen who tortured her in the Negombo police station. She was produced in the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court, on 21 July 2000, and the magistrate ordered that she be examined by the JMO, Colombo North. The medical report confirmed that there had been vaginal penetration, that there "many scars on her limbs and torso' and that she was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and depression, all of which could have resulted from the torture inflicted on her as alleged.
A fundamental rights petition was filed in March 2001 and is awaiting judgement at the time of writing. In the meantime, Vijitha was unconditionally released on 26 April 2001.
Recommendations
Amnesty International has made several recommendations in its report, including that it should undertake a comprehensive review of the current legal and institutional framework relating to rape in custody to ensure a more effective investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders. The government should send a clear, public message to all security forces personnel emphasizing that rape and other serious sexual violence in custody always constitutes torture and that perpetrators of such offences will be brought to justice and face appropriate penalties, AI recommended,
O CONSCRIPTION
OF CHILD SOLDIERS The following are extracts from a section of the Information Bulletin No 28 dated 1 February 2002 titled "In the Name of "Peace': Terror Stalks the North-East', by the University Teachers for Human Rights (Jafna) (UTHR(J):
There is mounting incidence of reports from the East that read like something out of the notorious African slave trade. On the morning of 20 January some distraught parents rushed into Batticaloa from Vavunativu with reports of an LTTE round up to press gang children. The LTTE, these reports said, had appeared around the villages of Kannankudha, Karaikantivu and Thandiyady in the Vavunativu DS Division. A number of children were reported hiding in the undergrowth along the lagoon shore. The LTTE, it is said, subsequently left, taking anumber ofchildren along. Earlier, similar reports had come from Pattipalai, Vellavelly and Vaharai.
Such events would seem less a fantasy

Page 29
15 FEBRUARY 2002
if one faces the fact that since August 2001, during the election campaign and afterwards, the LTTE has gone on insisting that each family should contribute a child for its army. The stridency and degree of force have intensified after the cease-fire. In fact around 20 November 2001, the LTTE took about 35 children from the Petthalai area. Six days later, the parents went to Theelivattai across the lagoon from Santhiveli to talk to the LTTE. They were scolded and sent back.
More ironically, the demand that parents must give children to the LTTE has been aired by some TNA candidates during the election campaign. Among them were Wellimalai and Sathyananthan. After the elections, as part of its general campaign, the LTTE wanted Sathyananthan's son in his mid-teens, born to his wife in Kathiraveli, Vaharai. According to local sources, Sathyananthan took his son and went to stay with his second wife in Welikanda.
In the Kiran area the pressure on child recruitment intensified after the elections leading to families moving out of the area. The houses of those who left were broken into by the LTTE, looted and sometimes burnt. About 10 December 2001, the LTTE broke into the houses of the following in Kiran and removed the tilles, for their having quitted without giving a child: l. Manoharathas, Teacher; 2. Thillainathan, Overseer; 3. Pooranasingam, GM, Kiran Co-op; and 4. Paskaran, Headman (GS).
North of the Batticaloa District being a poor area, the days after the elections saw about 150 young adults joining the LTTE. This was the time there was a rising expectation that the new government would hand over the administration of the North-East to the LTTE, which meant jobs. It seemed that pressure on child recruitment might ease up. This expectation was short-lived. The Government and the LTTE agreed to a ceasefire on 24 December 2001, but for the people there was little to celebrate.
The LTTE moved into towns to freeload from Muslim shops and to extort from Tamils and Muslim civilians alike. In areas along the main road from Valaichenai to Kallar where the LTTE's movements were hitherto inhibited, the LTTE came in and started demanding children and money to set up offices. Where the children were extremely young, the LTTE often demanded a written declaration from the parents that they would give the first child that comes of age - reportedly 12 years. We note that many of the conscripts are in this age group.
Those with no childre When the people com and STF, they were to ernment would take of stop the LTTE's activ could do was to offer rity of their camps.
In the meantime sc eas were grinding to a threats and demands more vocal. Familie Batticaloa Town and C. ing their children athc be known (e.g. Periyal ents do not hand over ary when the cease-fire would forcibly remove In Kiran East, frol to date, at least 40 ho quit the area have been Further names of som Kovinthan, Manoha Perinpam, Subraman and Sinnathurai.
The following pe removed from their h their ages are given i Thevaranjini Selvaraja Kanthasamy (14); 3. M daram (12); 4. Miss. (13); 5. Mas. Kantha Mas. Kanthasamy Sutl Kanthasamy Kanap Kinnaiady
Priyadharshini frc pupil schooling in B. family had a tragic his vented her from visiti LTTE-controlled area elder brother Pararasal of the TELO when th murderous attack on escaped owing to the ofanother sister. Upor LTTE stabbed her to much-acclaimed r Priyadharshini made a On 19 January 2002, the LTTE.
Another matter of beginning to be tall number of the LTTE's hiding, some of whom mainland. The others to the villages, with t cretly taking food to ti in their own land. Sou Pandariaveli spoke of the area. The followir the LTTE for military
75047
EMERGENOYTRAVE
 

TAM TIMES 29
n had to pay money. plained to the Army ld that the new govfence if they tried to rities. The best they the people the secu
hools in the rural ara halt as the LTTE's on children became 's were quitting to olombo or were keep)me. The LTTE let it Kallar) that if the para child by 24° Januwas due to end, they : a child and pull out. m after the elections, uses of people vho burnt by the LTTE. he householders are: uran, Kantha samy, iam, Jeevarathinam
‘rsons were forcibly omes in Kiran East, in brackets: 1. Miss. h (28); 2. Miss. Kala Vliss. Dharshini SunSutha Kanagaratnam n Sinnavan (13); 6. haharan (14); 7. Mas. bathi pillai (15) of
om Vellavelly was a atticaloa Town. Her tory, which had preng her village in the for many years. Her n had been a member he LTTE launched a it in 1986. Pararasan clandestine exertions finding this out, the death. Following the ecent cease-fire, journey to Vellavelly. she was abducted by
deep concern is just Ked about. A large child deserters are in n have made it to the are in the wild close heir kith and kin sehe innocent fugitives |rces in the village of about 16 deserters in ng were abducted by service from Muna
ikkadu, but succeeded in escaping: 1) Mas. Pakiarajah Mithileswaran(16); 2) Mas. Subramanian (16); and 3) Mr.Kanagasabai Raguvaran (18).
The LTTE detained their parents as hostages and released them some days later in late January, apparently after recovering their children. On 23 January, about 40 children in uniform were brought to Kokkadichcholai by the LTTE. The parents were allowed to talk to them and give them sweetmeats bought from the local shop.
Child abduction in Mutur Area
A similar pattern of child conscription has been in evidence around Mutur in the Trincomalee District. Both in Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts the LTTE has been putting up its own checkpoints close to those of the security forces. Those going into LTTE controlled villages around Mutur are now required to surrender their identity card to the LTTE.
Here too the last few months have seen a high level of child conscription, but more by waylaying them on the streets. The control here is so strong that principals and teachers have been dragooned into giving pep talks to the children urging them to join the LTTE. The following cases, mainly from Senaiyoor and Sambur, during November and December 2001, illustrate the situation in the area. Dozens of children around 13 years old carrying guns can be readily seen in the villages:
Miss. Mythili (15), was caught by the LTTE while returning from school. Her parents who heard about it and rushed to the camp, found that her earrings and books had been taken away. They fought with the LTTE and brought her back home.
The following three were forcibly taken: Mas. Ramu Mathiyan (12), mother Vellai. The father works as a mason and labourer.
Mas. Lohithan (11), father a farmer. Mas. Sivan Thangan (l6), owneda bullock cart. Was forcibly taken while returning from work in his cart.
More recently, particularly after the cease-fire, nearly everyone has been forced to undergo military training. They have been told that they should be prepared to go to war anytime that they are ordered. The strictness with which this is enforced is illustrated in the case of Ramu (19) of Sambur, who had done his A. Levels. He has been forced to undergo training despite having an artificial leg.
LONLY)))) sRLANKA
676 360
-SOUTH INDIA -SINGAPORE

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30 TAM TIMES
CLASSIFIED ADS
First 20 words £10. each word 60p charger" Box No. 23. (Wat 17 1/2% extra). Prepayment essentia.
The Advertisement Manager, Tani Times Ltd, PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD Phone: 020 8644 0972 FAX: 0208241. 455. E-mail: adminigtamitimes.org
MATRMONAL
35 year old, UK born, Sri Lankan Tamil, Vintage Wine Merchant, house owner seeks partner, religion inmaterial. Please send details. M1281 C/o Tamil Times.
Jaffna Hindu uncle seeks professional partner for his niece, 25, 5'8", UK permanent resident, optometry graduate working with leading optician. Send horoscope, details. M1282 C/o Tanni Tinnes.
WEDDING BELLS
We congratulate the following couples on their recent weddings.
Parameswaran son of late Mr. & Mrs Sivasubramanian of 5 Amman Road & 65 Palaly Road, Kantharmadan, Jaffna (“Shanmugeswara Akam” 4, Clarendon Gardens, Stone, Dartford, Kent DA26EZ) and Dr. Kamalam daughter of Mr & Mrs Cheliah of 217, W.A.Silva Mawatha, Colombo 6 On 9th December 2001 at Samangodu Manika Pillaiyar Temple, 159, Galle Road, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4.
Thayaparan son of Mr. & Mrs. Paramanathan of 50, Konavalai Road, Koku vil East, Kokuvil, Jaffna and Vijitha daughter of Mr. & Mrs. ThirunaVukarasu Of Gnana Vaira var Veethy, Urumpirai East, Urumpirai, Jaffna on 20th January 2002 at Thurka Mani Mandap am, Nallur, Jaffna.
OBITUARIES
Dr. K. Kandiah O.B.E., former Scientist, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell; son of late Udayar Kathirgamathamby and wife Annalakshmy of Udayar Walawu, lmayanan, Uddulpiddy, beloved husband of Phyllis ( Oxford, UK), loving father of Peter (Cayman
Island) and Pav ( Auckland, New Zealand), brother of late Mrs Swannalakshmi Mailvaganam, Mrs Sawpackiyalakshmi Thirunavukkarasu (Sydney, Australia), late Mrs Thaiyalnayaki Thambiratnam, Mrs Sothilakshmi KumaraSamy (Colombo, Sri Lanka), Mahalakshmi Sivagnanan (Sydney, Australia), Mrs Vijayalakshmi Sivagurunathan (Colombo, Sri Lanka), Mrs Rajalakshmi Baskerasingam (Colombo, Sri Lanka) and Dr. (Mrs.) Jayalakshmi Thevarajah (Madras, lindia) passed away on 21st January 2002 in Oxford and the funeral was held on 30 January in Oxfordshire, UK
The members of the family Wish to thank all friends and relatives who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes and messages of sympathy and assisted them in various ways during the period of bereavement. Mrs P Kandiah, 13, Tullis Close, Sutton Courtenay, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4.BD.
Mr. Thanabalasingham Para
 
 
 

15 FEBRUARY 2002
rajasingham; retired Superintendent of Stores, lrrigation Department, Ratmalana, dearly beloved husband of late Sivagamasoundaram; dearest elder brother of late Kulothungam, late Mrs Vallinachchiar Sivarajah and of Mrs Manonmany Foot, brother-inaW Of late MS Mankayatkarasi Arunainayagam; loving father of Balasinghan, Balayohini, Varothayasingham and Srimalini; loving father-inlaw of Mahade van, Mahaluxumy and Girija, dearest grandfather of Mayurathy,
Jananie, Keerthi and Smuruthi; loving uncle of Sivakumaran, Shasikala,
Kothandapani and Shanthi, dearest great uncle of Narmatha, Krishna, Luxshman, Sanjeev and Anuslika and beloved great grandfather of Shivanya and Arun passed away peacefully on 20th January 2002 at the age of 91 years. His last rites were performed on 28 January 2002 by Swami Chaithanyanantha of Sri Rajarajeswari Peetham, Rochester, New York, USA followed by cremation at North East Surrey Crematorium, Morden.
His Children and families wish to thank all friends and relatives who shared in their grief in person and by
messages of condolence and helped in various ways.
In loving memory of Mrs Sivagamasoundaram Pararajasingham, on the fourth anniversary of her passing away on 5 February 1998, reunited with Aiyah on 20 January 2002. We are ever so grateful to the almighty for granting us the gift of your great love, affection and guidance for so long. Fondly remembered and deeply missed by children, in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. - 285 Malden Road, New
Malden, Surrey KT36AH. Tel: O2O3949 1944.
Mrs Annaratnam Subramaniam, daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Kanagasabai of Arally East beloved wife of the late C. Subramaniam (Orator); loving mother of Kanthaswamy, Gnanaranini, Pathmas ату, ChitSabesan and Dr. Vasanthan, mother-in-law of Malini, Dr. Puvanarajan, late Dr. Kandiah, Kumudini and Dr. Premila; dearest grandmother of Janani, Waani, Senthuran, Yaamini, Lohita, Praneeta, Dr. Thayalan, Dr. Anjali, Mahen, Mithran, Lakshman and Rishi and loving sister of late Pavalarmnah, late Rasapackiam and the late
Navaratnarajah passed away on 15.01.02 in Hartlepool, UK. The cremation took place on 20.01.02 in London.
The members of the family wish to thank all, who attended the funeral and send tributes.
Mr. C. Subramaniam (Orator),
Retired Principal, Skanda
Varodaya College.
On the eighth anniversary of your passing away and your reunion with Amma, we fondly recall Countless memories of the unparalleled love and affection, you both showered Of S.
Remembered by children, inlaws and grandchildren - 29 Mountston Close, Hartlepool, T526 OLF?.

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15 FEBRUARY 2002
(23.08.1913 - 21.01.2002) Mr. Rasiah Kandiah, Retired
Principal, Kokuvil Ramakrishna Saiva Vidyalayam and Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam, former President, All Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union and Gandhiya Seva Sangam; beloved husband of retired teacher Somamma; loving father of Ravindren (Sri Lanka), Umarani, Narendran, Sucindran (all of London), Nanthini (South Africa) and Kamalini (Canada); father-inlaw of Geetha, Nitkunan, Dushyanthini, Aruna, Mahesan and Kumeranthran, grandfather of Dr. Ananthahi, Dr. Arani, Dr. Tharani, SudharShana, Priyadharshana, Piranavan, Brintha, Mayuriga, Yalini, Mayurathan, Hariharan and Withiya passed away in Colombo on 21st January 2002 and was Crennated on 24th January at Kanata Cemetary in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The family wish to thank relatives and friends for their messages of sympathy and support during this period of grief. - K. Sucindran, 5 Lower Sand Hills, Long Ditton, Surrey KT66RR Tel: O2083906556.
Mr Paramalingam Ponnampalam, (Retired Education Department Examination Officer, Colombo), born 8.4. 1932, beloved husband of Allahildevi (retired teacher Uduvil Girls College, HFC Colombo, St. Mary's Lesotho & transkei), loving father of Wiranjan, Nithiya and Nimie
passed away and the funeral took place in Canada.
The family thank all relatives and friends for messages of
sympathy and support during
the period of great sorrowPonnampalam, 28 Frontier Pathway, Toronto, Canada M1B 4G4. Tel: 416-287-2092
Dr. John St. George, F.R.C.S., F.R.C.O.G. passed away in
Sadly refer Monti, Allan, Rasam Car ,
గా స్థ Var daughters-in-law Umasakth several grandchildren and g
Leasow, Walmley, Sutton Col
 
 
 
 
 

TAMILTIMES 31
Sydney on 9th December 2001 aged 76 years. Educated at St. Patrick's College, Jaffna and Colombo Medical College, he was Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician in Colombo and Jaffna, Sri Lanka; London, North Nigeria, Trinidad and Sydney. He is survived by his wife, ngrid Selvaranee, daughters Dr. Lourdes White, Geraldine St. George and Mrs Marian Emmanuel; sons Dr. S. Bernard and Nimal St. George; daughter-in-law Dr. Usha St. George; sons-in-law Spencer White and Dr. J. R. P. Emmanuel; four grandsons and four granddaughters. After a Requiem Holy Mass his remains were interned in Sydney, Australia on 12th December.
Fifth Death Anniversary Mohanadas. K. Samuel (18.1.35 - 42.97)
othing loved is ever lost Memories last for ever
missed and lovingly bered by wife Utaiwan, children Manee and Mike, son-in-law grandson Nicolas, mother anie, sister Chandra, brothers and Peter and their families.
Third Death Anniversary 10.02.2002 Mrs Regina Rajanayagam
missed and fondly mbered by her beloved and Rajanayagam, brothers am, Jesudasan, Anton James Prince, Sister Cecilia Lawrence, ers-in-law Dr.Arasaratnam and rajah, sisters-in-law Mrs Anula aratnam, Mrs Pararnes aratnam and Mrs Mahes 'oganathan, niece Shamini and ew Anton. — 13, Arbuthnot Lane, y, Kent DA5 1 EH
Anniversary
loving memory of Mrs laratanam Kandiah on the h anniversary of her passing yon 3rd February 1998.
dly remembered and sadly led by her only sister Mrs "malaratam Thirunavukarasu of aswami's Abode, Colombuai, Sri Lanka; children yogaratnam, Sivayoganathan, yogeswary, Sivayogais waran Sivayogan, sons-in-law atharajah and Sivathasan; , Sivayogi and Arnirthavalli; reat grandchildren. - 3, New ifield, Birmingham B76 IYL.
IN MEMORAM
ln ever-loving memory of Dr. Kandiah Nadesalingam (from Urumpirai and of "Arnbika Bhavan”, Palaly Road, Thirunelvely, Sri Lanka) on the 6th month of his passing away On 10.8.2001.
"You are my treasure and you are in my heart and thoughts always - Babiya' Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving Wife Babiya & family and his sisters and families. 28, Princes Avenue, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3SN.
Mr. Canagaratnam Balendra on the second anniversary of his
in loving memory of
passing away on 18th
February 2000. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his beloved wife Parameswari; loving daughters Balini, Anushia and Damayanthi; sons-in-law Chelvayogan, Balendran and Sivanohan; grandchildren Gonnathie, Meena, Afha van and Anjali - 4732 Scenic View Road, Lexington, Kentucky 405 f4, USA.
The third anniversary of the passing away of Mrs Sakthiamma Kanaganayagam, Wife of the late Senator S. R. Kanaganayagam falls on 27St Februaү2002.

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32 fAMILTIMES
love and affection by her Children, their families, nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends. - 12, Fitzwilliam Road, Vaucluse, N5W2030, Australia.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Mar 2 Sankadakara Sathuthi 6.45 p.m. Tamil Orphans Trust presents Vocal Concert, Bharatha Natyam & Dance Drama.
Tel 020 8908 1101/8204 316.3/8422 3943;
South London Tamil Welfare Group (SLTWG) Drop in.
Tel 020 85423285
Mar 4 Feast of St. Casimir
էին: Mar 8 Feast of St. John of
In loving memory of Mr. God Chelliah Sivasampu on the tenth anniversary of his passing away on 9 March
1992.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his two sons.
Sister Elizabeth Baker - Birth Centenary Tribute
Sister Baker, born on February 22, 1902 in the village of Thornton Le Dale in Yorkshire, UK was the youngest in a family of four girls and a boy. After her education at the local grammar and Methodist boarding schools, she was trained as a deaconess and was ordained in 1930.
She was trained in Manchester and Suffolk and in 1931 was attached to the missionary centre in Selly Oaks, Birmingham when she offered her services to work as a missionary overseas. She arrived in Ceylon on August 25, 1931 and was sent to Eastern Province to start her missionary career. Sister Baker spent three years in Kalmunai during which period, she was the acting Principal of the Kalmunai Girls Boarding school and afterwards, between 1934-36, was attached to the Deaconess Training School in Puttur in the peninsula. She returned to Eastern Province and after being there for 16 years she came back to Puttur in 1952 to take charge of Arokya Vasamo. While there she started 'Wilson Nursery, a home for children of TB afflicted mothers, organised Girl
Mar 9 Krishna Eekathasi; Feast of St. Francis of Rome
Mar 11 Pirathosam, Maha Sivaraththiri
Mar 13 Amavasai
Guides Companies East and an as: prevention of T rehabilitation wo victims in the East retirement after aln active service.
Sister Baker's r Methodist missional of her life of love people of Sri Lanka love our country a decided to adopt home. This decision of a new org “Navajeevanam” sacrifice. Togethel A.C.Thambyrajah Thambyrajah, Siste a new colonisation started Navajeevan
It was their drean reality by the Grac Bishop Kulendra Diocese of the Chu commented that thi of hope has not on refuge but also pr remakes most of t Wickramasinghe
Diocese of Kurunag as aventure of Fait
Sister Baker havin in Tamil areas bec: the language and cu She read, wrote, s Tamil at ease and in a white sarea comfortable and e. using fingers like a enjoyed drinking ra She enjoyed doin moved around th bicycle. She was the the children's cent counsellor for won
 
 
 
 

5 FEBRUARY 2002
Mar 16 SLTWG Drop In.
Tel 02085423285 Mar 17 Sathurthi, Feast of St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland Mart 8 Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalern Mar 19 Shashti; Karthigai; Feast of St. Joseph
Mar 23 Feast of St. Turibius
Mar 25 Sukkla Eekathasi, 11a.m. Colombuthurai Yoga Swamigal Abhisekham & Guru Poojah followed by Prasathan at Sree Ganapathy Temple, 123 Effra
Mar 30 SL7TWG In... Tel: 020 542 3285
Mar 31 Safhurihi
At Bhavan Centre, 4A Castletown Road, London W149HQ. Tel: O2O7381 3086/4608
Mar 12 730 p.m. Maha Shivaratri Celebrations with Abhishekam, Bhajans, traditional puja and prasad. All Welcone.
Mar 17 7 p.m. Bhinna
Road, London 5W19. All
Welcome;
FeaSt Of The Annunciation of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Mar 28 Full Moon; Pankuni
Uththiram
in the North and sociation for the B, assisted in 'k for the flood ern province before host thirty years of
'etirement as a ry was not the end and service to the . She had grown to nd our people and Sri Lanka as her brought the birth anisation called
for service and with late Rev.
and Mrs Arul r Baker moved into in Paranthan and
a.
which became a e of God. The late of the Jaftha rch of South India s source and centre ly been a home of bvides shelter and hem. Late Bishop of the Anglican ala characterised it h and Love.
lived and worked ume well versed in lture of the Tamils. poke and sang in vas always dressed . She was very joyed eating food by other Tamil. and sam from the plate.
g gardening and e village on her nursery teacher at e, English teacher, en, an emergency
Abhinna - Separate yet one
Mar 23 6.30 p.m. Holy Festival rejoiced with Music & Dances.
Website: www.bhavan.net E-mail: info@bhavam.net
midwife and was affectionately called 'white amma' or "cycle amma'. In recognition of her valuable services, she was honoured with an M.B.E. by Her Majesty, the Queen in 1974 and the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka travelled all the way to Murasumoddai and presented the award in the midst of a large number of villagers. In the mid 80's her health began to deteriorating and after ailing for some time she died peacefully on July 1, 1987 and had a very well attended funeral at Navajeevanam
Navajeevanam continued her work true to the spirit of its motto, "Ready for both service and sacrifice'. The civil war in Sri Lanka came unto the doors of Navajeevanam that accommodated hundreds of refugees and they had to be evacuated further interior to Tharmapuram. The entire buildings, equipments, fixtures were removed wholesale or damaged. This includes the Holy Carpenter Church. Since 1995, the place that was full of life has become a desert.
It is hoped that when the situation gets to normal, it would be possible to rebuild Navajeevanam at the original site. This is the best the Navajeevanam Family and the supporters can do when we commemorate the Birth Centenary of the founder Sister Elizabeth Baker.
Navajeevanam, Paranthan, Sri Lanka. (Email - premloshaw.ca)
Dr. John St. George An Appreciation
It gives us great pleasure to reminisce and recount the multifaceted qualities of Dr. John St. George, great in his own inimitable way and in the way of the speedily developing world. He was born on 2 December 1924, the third son of

Page 33
5 FEBRUARY 2002
Mr. & Mrs Samuel St. George, spent his early childhood in his mother's hometown, Atchuvely and started his early education there. In 1932, he entered St. Patrick's College, Jaffna, which was then under the tutelage of the famous Rev. Fathers Timothy Long and Charles Mathews, two stalwarts who had the inspiration, charisma and courage to mould the young minds of that period to aspire to great heights of academic excellence and manhood.
In his early years at St. Patrick's, he showed his brilliance in studies and sports - especially soccer. Needless to say, he was captain for Athletics and Sports. He obtained many distinctions in the college and national examinations and entered the Colombo Medical College in 1943. Here too, his outstanding ability in medical studies and his competence in the field of sports were evident. As captain, it was his proud privilege to lead the First University Soccer Team to participate in the Inter University Soccer Tournament held in India.
John graduated from the Medical College with Second Class Honours and distinctions in subjects related to those in which he specialised later. He passed the primary surgical examination and went to England on a three year scholarship to study Obstetrics and Gynaecology. After obtaining the F.R.C.O.G. and F.R.C.S., he was proud of being posted to his home province, Jaffna. His dedication and untiring rommitment to his work combined with compassion towards those with limited means, were appreciated by one and all. He was not only a good doctor but also a humanitarian who was prepared to dispense his services without any payment from his patients. He received in ample measure their gratitude and saw their faces lit up when he had alleviated their suffering and gave the welcome news of a healthy new born babe in their arms.
Later on, he worked in the northern provinces of Nigeria. His work here helped many women who had not received any specialised treatment earlier. In 1967, he was invited by the University of West Indies to set up the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. This was as a result of the valuable paper he had submitted in this field on improvements he had effected in operative techniques. He accepted this post in Trinidad and his work there brought out his administrative capabilities and was seen as a beacon light to attract many medical students from neighbouring areas. After a short second spell in Nigeria he moved to Australia and was Jirector of the Royal Women's Hospital in Brisbane, from where he went to Sydney, where he lived till his death.
noble
He established his several patients th When the politica Lanka deteriorated left the country ch safe haven. These p his extended fa immensely by spon them to begin a nev John was a true se held his hometown, in high respect and he was not living ardent devotee of S in Atchuvely an contributor financi, and maintenance.
Catholic not only in Masses regularly, b practised his religio May God, in His II Mercy give him E Heavenly Kingdom. Two good friends
Bishop B.
It was ten yea Diocese of J celebrated the Bishop B. Deog the 75th year ol year of priestho year of his Episco a golden era
Pastorship in th North and East.
His health has declining and mostly confined enriching the Ch bed of pain and p that have become to the Crucified I Bishop Deogupil love for the Tam especially for Catholic Litera and Nadagams, E and fostered unhampered, e works of thi contributions in been well reci national level.
He served with in the field of Diocese as Pril Reart College, Joseph’s Anu Henry's Ilavalai Teacher's Tra Colombagam, serving as the P. Anne's, Ilavalai, District Dean, h Auxiliary Trinco/Batticaba

TAMITES 33
rivate practice and onged his surgery. | situation in Sri many Tamils who ose Australia as a ersons and those of mily, he helped oring and assisting life in a new land. n of Atchuvely. He parents and family regard even though there. He was an it. Joseph's Church I was a regular ally for its upkeep He was a sincere attending Sunday ut also as one who
. finite Wisdom and Eternal Joy in his
from Londom
Deogupillai
rs ago that the affna joyously Triple Jubilee of pillai, observing f his birth, 50th bd and the 25th pate, thus ending
of his active e Church of the
been gradually presently he is to his bed. He is urch through his hysical sufferings his daily offering ord. lai inherited his il Language and the folklore of ture, Ammanais te, and developed these to grow 2ncouraging all s nature. His these fields have ognized at the
listinction mostly education in the cipal of Sacred Karaveddy, St. adhapura, St. and St. Joseph's ining College, Jaffna. While arish Priest of St. as well as the e was nominated Bishop of to H L Bishop
Ignetius Glenni S. J. Thereafter he took the reins of the Diocese of Jaffna on January 9, 1973 as the First Diocesan Bishop of Jaffna. During the period as chief shepherd there has been remarkable growth of the Church of the North in many fields. It was to his credit that the Diocese of Mannar became a reality and the Vicariate of Anuradhapura was created to be Diocese. The second decade of his twenty years as Bishop of Jaffna he faced the painful and turbulent years in many ways. He braved this period
with extraordinary courage, wisdom and tenacity. He founded the St. Francis
Xavier's Major Seminary out of dire necessity that arose from the ethnic conflict in the country, to safeguard the interest of the Church in the North. Now it has grown and developed into a well established Major Seminary comparable to any such institutions. He was thus able to promote the growth of the Diocesan Clergy nearly fulfilling the needs of the Diocese.
In order to encourage the Tamil Catholic writers and to reprint and re-edit ancient Catholic publications, he founded the Tamil Catholic Literature Society. Those who know him well and have been close to him will attest to the Grand Old Gentlemen that he is an amiable and remarkable personality and acclaim him as a leading light to the Northern Church.
May the God Lord bless him with peaceful retirement Glory to God alonel - By John Amaratunga - Minister of Interior
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Page 34
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