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JANUARY 2005
"I do not agree with a word of what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it”
- Joltaire
SSN 0266 - 44 88 Vol. XXV N0. 1 JANUARY 2005
Published by: TAMIL TIMES LTD PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 020 - 8644 0972 Fax: 020 - 824. 4557
Email: adminGltamiltimes.org editor(a)tamiltimes.org p.rajanayagamG2btconnect.com Website: http://www.tamiltimes.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
Facing Post-Tsunami
Challenge 03 Focus on reconstruction 04 News Review O6 A plea for responsible
reConstruction 16 Amid Sunami hell 17
Ground Zero for Sri Lanka 18 Tsunami- an experience 19
People and politics 25
Focus on Rights 27
News Track 29
Classified 37
COVER:
Depth of agony and grief of a woman having to bury the dead members of her family. Courtesy of AFP/BBC
Facing
It was nature's man's limited contri countries wrecking approximately 200,
Sri Lanka has be lnjusttwenty minut displaced, many oft having been swallo the Coastline from Batticaloa, Kalmuna and Galle in the sout Tamils and Muslims, men and women, m As the sheer Sca family came to be k. edented outpouring generosity digging C money and material of limitless generosi pledging billions dol EastAsia.
in Sri Lanka, in vived and living in a gently needed relie Sinhalese, Tamils al LT TE cadres came other to death. The rescued soldiers fro attempting to save T. tee Comprising gove nated the rescue a between the authori hopes for peace br nami.
Soon it became all pervasive, and r following a calamity about the exercise ( the grief-stricken, th whom Or where the influence over peo dispute as to who through and by whic tion was that in the Rehabilitation Orga and all relief suppli position was that th but not outside anc international comn affected people, the of the effort of dist There is no do regard to the rehat up elaborate plans already there are c Sri Lanka is a { that division. Ther being under the CC run. And since the has succeeded in this context it has cooperation of th( undertaken in tho Cannot undertake
 

TAMIL TIMES 3
Post-Tsunami Challenge
iry. Unannounced and without warning, A reminder of the
over nature. Tsunami struck the coastlines of many Asian elives, livelihoods and homes of millions of people. It left an 10 dead. Many thousands remain missing or unaccounted for. none of the worstaffected countries to be hit by the Tsunami. s, it left nearly 40,000 people dead and over a million people em destitute, their kith and kin and all their world possessions 'ed up or swept away by its giant powerful waves. All along adamarachchi in the north, Mullaitivu, Tricomalee, Muthur, Tirukovil and Ampara in the east, Hambantota, Tangall, Matara , the Tsunami left a trail of unimaginable destruction. Sinhalese, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, rich and poor, young and old, tary men or Tamil Tiger cadres, were all hit without distinction. e and sweep of the calamity that struck a section of the human own, the rest of humanity world over reacted with an unprecof spontaneous and genuine heartfelt concern and selfless 2ep into their pockets. They gave their heart out in the form of alued at hundreds of millions of dollars. Humbled by this display , the Governments of rich nations competed with each other in ars in humanitarian support to the devastated people of South
he initial stages after the tragedy, it was the people who surdjoining areas belonging to all communities who provided urf and assistance to the affected people without distinction. ld Muslims came to each others help. In the east, the army and to each others help ignoring the past when they fought each re have been reports of instances where LTTE cadres had m being drowned, and soldiers who sacrificed their lives while amils from being submerged inwater. In the east a joint commitrnment officials, LTTE area leaders and army personnel coordiind relief effort. It has been reported that the cooperation ties, the army and the Tamil Tigers were so striking that it raised baking out from the ashes of the devastation caused the Tsu
evident it was not to be. It has to be recognised that politics is escue and relief effort was not going to be an exception even of this magnitude that had visited upon the people. Politics is of power, control and influence over people. To the uncared for, e homeless, the unfed and the hungry, it would not matter from relief came from. But to those who want to exercise Control and ble it would and did matter. The result was an unseemly public controlled the velfare centres for the displaced people and m relief should be channelled and distributed. The LTTE's posiNortheast including the Government controlled areas, the Tamil nisation (TRO) should be in charge and run the welfare centres as should be channelled through the TRO. The Government's TRO could operate in thatmanner in the LTTE controlled areas put the military in charge of military welfare centres. When the unity has responded substantially to the plight of the Tsunami spectacle we witness in Sri Lanka is the shameless politicisation bution of relief to the affected people. bt that similar and more acrimonious dispute will emerge even in itation and reconstruction phases. The Government has drawn or rehabilitation and reconstruction of the devastated areas. But implaints of lack of consultation and over-centralisation. vided society and it is a fact. The Ceasefire Agreement reflects are substantial parts of the Northeast which are recognised as trol of the LTTE and where the writ of the Government does not easefire Agreement came into being in February 2002, the LTTE breading its influence over many more areas in the Northeast. In be recognised and accepted that without consultation with and LTTE no meaningful rehabilitation and reconstruction can be 2 areas. It also has to be recognised that the LTTE on its own is monumental task. It is therefore self-evident that the need of

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4 TAMIL TIMES
the hour is the establishment of a joint mechanism among all concerned and relevant parties, particularly by the Government and the LTTE, to formulate and undertake the urgent task of
rehabilitation.
In the days and weeks before the Tsunamistruck, the war drums were being heard and there was talk of the imminence of resumption of another bout of bloodletting. However tragic as it is, the Tsunami and the resulting devastation all round has made that prospect distant at least for the present. The message that comes from the latest round of talks between the high level Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Jan Peterson, the
NORWEGANS IN SRA
Talks focus on Post-ts
Relief and reconstruc
Jan 22 - LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran ended four weeks of speculation about his whereabouts by surfacing from his self-imposed seclusion to meet a Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Jan Petersen who told journalists, "I met with him. Obviously, he is alive.” Prabhakaran's failure to appear in public after the tsunami disaster had fuelled widespread speculation that he was either dead or missing.
Leaders of the LTTE have requested the visiting Norwegian delegation led by to ensure that the northeast region of the island received equitable proportion of the international aid Sri Lanka is expected to receive in the aftermath of tsunami disaster. In the Northeast region about seventy five thousand families have been affected and around 25,000 have lost their lives.
The high level Norwegian delegation led by Mr. Jan Petersen met with Mr.V.Pirapaharan, leader of the LTTE and held discussions for about two hours which centred mainly on foreign aid to be applied to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Tsunami hit coastal areas in the northeast.
Minister of International Development, Ms Hilde Frafjord Johnson, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr.Vidar Helgessen, Norwegian peace envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim, and Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Hans Brattskar accompanied Mr.Jan Petersen to the discussions. LTTE political strategist, Mr. Anton Balasingham, LTTE political head, Mr.S.P..Thamilchelvan, Special Commander of the Sea Tigers, Colonel Soosai, and Head of the Thamileelam Police, Mr.P.Nadesan, participated in the dis
cussion along with M Later Mr.Anton Mr.Thamilchelvanh at the headquarters ning Secretariat in K ern Sri Lanka.
Mr. Anton Balas leader Mr. Pirapahara notice of the Norweg the international aid try due to sympathy disaster is being misl ment of Sri Lanka ( has pointed out that t steps to purchase a cost of 50 million is considered as an balance of military p
"About seventy lies have been affect northeast and aroun their lives. This num communities Tamil, in the province. Hen community should e tribution of aid to and the areas. We a wegian government ternational commu province has suffere nami that hit the coas said Mr Balasinghar
"Our leader has wegian delegation in process in the midst and related relief and ures. The internatio has turned its whole nami disaster should structively to find a cal resolution to the that had devastates
 

JANUARY 2005
Government and the LTTE is that at present the urgent task is to concentrate on rehabilitation and reconstruction effort. The hope is that the extent to which the parties set about cooperating with each other in the task of rehabilitation and reconstruction will in due course produce a Conducive climate for the peace process to be resurrected and peace talks resumed towards a lasting political solution.
The international community has come forward in a substantial measure in Sri Lanka undertaking its urgent task of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The country and its people, the Government and the LTTE in particular, must rise up to this chal
lenge.
O
fr.Pirapaharan.
Balasingham and eld a press briefing of the LTTE Planillinochchi in north
ingham said: "Our n has brought to the gian delegation that coming to the counfollowing Tsunami used by the GovernGOSL). Our leader he GOSL has taken rms from Iran at a JS dollars. This act attempt to tilt the ower.” five thousand famied in Tsunami in the d 25,000 have lost per includes all three Sinhala and Muslim, ce the international nsure equitable dishe affected people ppealed to the Norto enlighten the innity that northeast d the worst in Tsualbelt of Sri Lanka,"
l. ppealed to the Norit to forget the peace of Tsunami disaster rehabilitation measnal community that attention on the Tsualso contribute conn acceptable politihree decade old war the northeast and
rendering hundreds of thousands displaced,” said Mr.Balasingham.
According to Mr Balasingham who spoke to journalists after the meeting with Norwegians, the Norwegians had said that there should be a common mechanism, acceptable two both the parties, that is government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, so that the assistance should directly reach the people without any bureaucracy or other hurdles. “The Government and the LTTE are engaged in preliminary discussions to formulate a mechanism to co-operate in relief work in the NorthEast. The discussions will be confined to humanitarian work and no political issues will be taken up," he said adding that the Norwegians underlined the need for a mechanism acceptable toboth parties, the Government and the LTTE to co-operate in relief work. The Norwegians had told the LTTE this mechanism should be worked out so that the International Aid Community could direct the assistance through such mechanism to ensure equal distribution.
Replying to a question, Mr Balasingham said that Mr. Pirapaharan had expressed his disillusionment that the government had not come forward with the positive confidence building measures to create mutual trust and understanding which was crucial for LTTE to cooperate with the government.
It would seem that although the need for confidence building measures was recognised by both parties, the issue of the peace process and the solution to the decades-long ethnic conflict "did not arise" during the discussions with the parties. "Do not mix the peace process and the solution with this. We are not discussing the peace process or the solution at this stage,' Mr. Balasingham told journalists.
Indicating that the subject of resuming peace talks for a political solution of the ethnic conflict, at least for now, is not on the present agenda, Mr Balasingham said, “This is a sudden intervention of nature, for which we have to give

Page 5
JANUARY 2005
total attention, leaving the political aspect aside," but adding "But that doesn't mean the tsunami waves have wiped out the political struggle." "We want to see this human tragedy... open up new perspectives ... so that we can work out a mutual solution to solve the ethnic problem," he said. "The political struggle will continue but we need to put that away now, Balasingham is quoted as saying by the AFP news agency. “The struggle will be there but now we are concentrating on the disaster made by nature."
Talks with the President
On arrival in Colombo on 21 January, Norway's Ministers of Foreign Af. fairs Mr. Jan Peterson and International Development Ms. Hilde F. Johnson met with Sri Lanka’s President Ms Kumaratunge at President’s House in Colombo and held discussions which covered mainly the post-tsunami relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction and the peace process that has remained stalled since April 2003.
A press release issued following discussions stated, "The two Norwegian Ministers conveyed their sincere condolences to the Government and People of Sri Lanka and expressed their deep sympathy to the victims of the tsunami tragedy. They assured the President of the continuous support and assistance of the Royal Norwegian Government in the rehabilitation efforts.
"The President thanked the visiting Ministers for the Norwegian assistance and briefed them on the steps taken by the Government with the support of local NGOs and the International Community to organize rescue and relief measures. Explaining the magnitude of the disaster she added that plans for the next phase of rebuilding has been completed in the shortest possible time as a basis for an inclusive and transparent discussion with all political parties, the LTTE, NGOs and civil society.
"The visitors viewed a presentation made by Mr. Mano Tittawella and Dr. Tara de Mel on statistics, plans, proposed implementation measures and rescue and relief efforts conducted under the aegis of respective Task Forces. The presentation revealed the needs-driven, non-discriminatory nature of the relief undertaken since the 26th of December and significant share of resources proposed for rebuilding in the North and East.
“Minister Hilde Johnson expressed her appreciation of the work done to
wards recovery. She ( for donor coordinati relate to Sri Lanka's eign Minister Peterso Sri Lanka being the Norwegian assistanc two countries. The said they proposed and the North East tsunami damage for
"Associated wi Ministers were Dep ter Vidar Helgessen. Brattskar, Special Ac and other officialso gian Government. PI cussion were Foreign Kadirgamar, Secreta WJS Karunaratne, S retariat Jayantha Dha retary H M G S Palih tion Ministry Secreta Public Security SecI raja and other senior
A Norwegian de Development Aid M eign Minister and S Lanka Eric Soleheir discussions with Fi Sarath Amunugama i cussed aid and aid d ing LTTE complain ment was not adequa to LTTE-controlled ugama who dismiss propaganda' saying observe the ongoing I selves and they can ment aid and reliefi. fected areas. In Tri NGO's, the LTTE is side the Governmen tees. These accusa NGO’s operating ir do not have a feel tion.”
A national disast Emphasizing of co-operation betwe rika Kumaratunga-le LTTE, visiting Min Development of N. Johnson said at a p lombo that the frust affected people wa result of their need authorities.
"I spoke to the in Hambantota in t itivu in the North. growing and the fi

TAMIL TIMES 5
nphasized the need n and for donors to ational plans. Forsaid Indonesia and two most affected will focus on these orwegian delegate to visit the South n order to see the hemselves. h the Norwegian ity Foreign MinisAmbassador Hans visor Erik Solheim the Royal Norweesent at today's disMinister Lakshman ry to the President G of the Peace Secnapala, Foreign Secakkara, Rehabilitaury M S Jayasinghe, etary Tilak Ranaviofficials.' legation, including inister, Deputy Forpecial Envoy to Sri n, also met and had nance Minister Dr n Colombo. “We disistribution” includts that the Governitely distributing aid areas,” said Amuned these claims as , “these envoys can elief operation themsee how the governreaching out all afncomalee, not only also working along : in disaster committions are from the Colombo and who of the ground situa
ro
the need for wider in President Chandi government and the ster of International irway, Ms. Hilde F. ress briefing in Coation of the tsunami growing high as a s not being met by
iffected people both
e South and MullaTheir impatience is
ustration is growing
even more. We all, the government of Sri Lanka, the LTTE and the international donor community should meet their expectations and focus on this urgent need before it could lead to tension," the Norwegian Minister told reporters at a brief. ing held at Colombo before winding up her visit to Sri Lanka.
The Norweians had urged the Government and the LTTE to view the tsunami as a “national disaster” and “Therefore, the two parties should work together to help the needy. People should not be the hostages of the situation. If this cooperation is improved, it can create a conducive environment for future peace talks."
Highlighting for practical approach for urgent co-operation between the government and the LTTE regarding the distribution of relief supply she said that the affected people "should not be held hostage' of the situation.
She said that the "risk of politicization' was one of the main concerns of the donor community and pointed out that one of the key challenges is to ensure that international assistance is conducive to build in a lasting peace in the country.
Having held lengthy discussions with the leaderships of both the government and the LTTE during his three-day visit, the Norwegian Minister said that the allocation of aid "should be on the basis of the need of the people and all in need should get help."
“One of the key challenges" for the donors "is to ensure that the assistance is conducive to building peace,” she said. She hoped there would be decentralisation" of the funding for relief efforts, but did not elaborate. Asked at the press conference of a possible joint mechanism between Colombo and the Tigers, she said: "I am not aware of any joint mechanism.” Answering a question whether the LTTE had wanted the foreign aid to be released to them directly, she said it was one of the main focuses during discussion with the LTTE leadership. “They also need international assistance and aid. That's why we urge for greater co-operation and practical approach between the government and the LTTE,” she said.
Expressing her willingness to revisit Sri Lanka at the earliest, she said the cochairs of the Tokyo donor conference for Sri Lanka was to meet soon to focus on "donor co-operation' in the background ofreviving the stalled peace process. O

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6 TAMIL TIMES
O President launches C recovery drive
Jan 20 - President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a ceremony launching the US$3.5 billion recov
ery drive from Siribopura in Hambantota said the tsunami tragedy should be a new beginning to rebuild our nation by joining hands irrespective of caste, creed or political affiliation in a massive united effort in overcoming this unprecedented catastrophe, the worst in our history.
She made it a point to thank all foreign governments, NGOs, political parties including the Opposition UNP in making a joint united effort to restore not only Hambantota but the entire country not only to normality but also to improve it.
President Kumaratunga said that people should make a determined effort to make new Sri Lanka a better and developed country joining hands to work in unison keeping and strengthening the unity which fias emerged in the country following the tsunami catastrophe.
President Kumaratunga also struck a controversial note when she in her speech said there would be no elections for the next five years, as the recovery plan from the tsunami disaster would take precedence over everything else. If an election was held tomorrow, votes should be marked before the country symbol shedding all party and individual politics to take the country - forward, she added. The President did not specify whether she was referring to a general election or the Presidential election. If she was referring to the parliamentary election, there cannot be any problem. However if the reference was to the Presidential election, then that would raise serious constitutional controversy. The Presidential election is due before December 2006, but the Opposition holds the view that it should be held by November 2005.
Launching the rebuilding programme from Siribopura, just 24 days after Sri Lanka faced its biggest ever catastrophe, President Kumaratunga said she was proud of the people of the country for their commitment towards rebuilding the country.
President Kumaratunga along with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and representatives from all political parties in the South launched this massive reconstruction project to rebuild the tsunami affected nation with the inauguration of a housing construction project for the displaced people in the Hambantota district.
"To strengthen the country, the people should get together keeping country before self to face this massive reconstruction process. We should not allow the unity of the country and also the strength of the people to be shattered over petty differences. We should work in unity and unison so that we could achieve the task of rebuilding the nation more effective," the President added.
President Kumaratunga said the Government alone cannot accomplish the task of reconstructing the country and added that people and political parties should work together to reach that goal. "We do not want to draw political advantage over this disaster. People should work together for at least five years and then they can work on their political agendas," the President said adding that the government would launch reconstruction programmes in other tsunami affected areas by the end of this month. She expressed her gratitude to the private sector, local and international NGOs and foreign countries for the support extended to Sri Lanka to rebuild the country. Prime Minister Rajapakse, Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardana, Hambantota District UNP MP Sajith Premadasa and JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa also spoke at the meeting O Action Plan for Rebuilding Nation
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga presented the Action Plan for Rebuilding the Nation encompassing detailed

2005 JANUARY ۔۔۔ ۔ ۔ ۔ ۔ ۔ ۔. ــــــہ
plans to construct 15 new townships in the tsunami af. fected Southern and Eastern coasts of the country with better and modern infrastructure.
President Kumaratunga presented the action plan for rebuilding the nation before the High Level Committee for Disaster Management comprising Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and heads of political parties represented in Parliament, at the Presidential Secretariat on 17 January.
The President had earlier announced that the reconstruction process would be inaugurated on January 19 at Hambantota after laying the foundation for the construction of housing schemes for the tsunami affected people in the district. The President had given specific instructions to start all projects within this month for rapid completion.
The Action Plan compiled by the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation with inputs by respective Ministries was explained to party leaders by the TAFREN Chairman and Presidential Advisor Mano Tittawella.
The action plan for rebuilding the nation envisages plans for the reconstruction and replanning of roads, rail tracks, bus transport, electricity, water supply and sanitation, telecom services, ports, education sector, health sector, social services, housing and township development, industrial sector, tourism, environment and judicial institutes.
The action plan will be implemented after taking into consideration the valuable suggestions and inputs of all stakeholders such as religious and political leaders, members of the civil society and NGOs.
Tittawella told the party leaders that the action plan will be implemented in three phases- emergency repairs, rehabilitation and reconstruction and improvement and modernisation. The implementation of the action plan in three phases is estimated to cost US $ 3,484 million, Tittawella told the party leaders. He pointed out that the existing projects to provide electricity, water and other infrastructure facilities with budgetary allocations can be re-planned for the tsunami affected areas without using funds set apart to rebuild the tsunami affected areas. He said 12 large towns, 20 medium towns and 30 small towns are to be reconstructed along the tsunami affected coastal belt.
The action plan also includes post tsunami assistance for the affected people such as a startup allowance of Rs.5000 per family on presenting the tsunami relief coupon to any People's Bank branch.
It also calls for the reconstruction of partly damaged houses if located in safe areas with government assistance, provision of free books, uniform materials and shoes for schoolchildren. Electricity, telephone, water bills will be written off for those affected by the tsunami.
The action plan also detailed plans to resuscitate the tourism industry by offering BOI concessions for totally destroyed tourist hotels and to provide concessions for cottage industries affected by the tsunami. President Kumaratunga invited all political parties to put forward their suggestions.
O India's massive assistance
Since December 26, 2004, the day the Tsunami struck the coast of Sri Lanka, to date (18 January), almost 500 MT of relief supplies have been provided by India to Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. Indian Air Force aircraft have flown 340 sorties to deliver relief material and rescuing the affected people. Fourteen (14) Indian Naval ships have brought relief supplies and disaster management personnel including medical specialists, doctors, paramedical staff, engineers and technicians to Sri Lanka. Indian Naval survey ship, INS Sutlej has completed surveys of Galle and

Page 7
JANUARY 2005
Colombo harbours at the request of the Sri Lankan authorities. An Indian Army Field Hospital with 145 personnel has been operational in Embilipitiya since January 01, 2005. Medical teams from this hospital have been working in affected areas of Southern Sri Lanka. Coastal disaster management teams have been operating in Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee areas to help restore communications and connected rehabilitation work. Indian medical doctors have also brought medical relief to tsunami victims in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. A 45-bed Indian Naval Hospital Ship, INS Jamuna is also anchored off Trincomalee to provide specialized medical assistance for the affected people.
India will extend her tsunami assistance by helping the Sri Lankan navy rebuild its defences on the Trincomalee coast. The fortifications which were part of the overall defences covering the strategic Trincomalee naval base were washed off in the recent Indian Ocean tsunami.
The military acknowledged that India's priority was to assist the civilian population in the tsunami-ravaged districts. "They are concentrating on the Trincomalee district," he said, adding that the Indian navy would also survey fisheries harbours that had been ravaged. Indian vessels are using Trincomalee, Galle, KKS and Colombo harbours to launch their relief and support operations. The navy acknowledged that it wouldn't have been possible to clear the Galle harbour without Indian help in such a short time.
India had assured Sri Lanka that the assistance would be on a long term basis. The military said that Indians played a pivotal role in restoring the Kuchchaveli government hospital. They were the first foreign personnel to reach Trincomalee to join hands with the SLN, the sources said, adding that an Indian medical team had been based at that hospital. The Indians had also brought with them adequate medicines and medical equipment. The military said that Indian volunteers cleared the debris at the hospital and also cleaned the wells in the area.
The LTTE and its sympathisers had been upset over the recent developments, particularly the unprecedented support given by the Indian armed forces. "Their commitment here astonishes us," a senior officer said. "We appreciate their help to re-build the Nilaveli SLN base and the positions along about 40 km sea stretch covered by the SLN," he said, adding that the Indians had been also engaged in clearing the Galle harbour. The military said that Indians, while focusing on humanitarian relief operations, had been helping the security forces re re-build positions devastated by the recent Tsunami.
The Galle harbour in southern Sri Lanka which was severely hit by the Tsunami is back in operation. It was cleared for work on Tuesday 4 January following a joint clearance operation undertaken by Sri Lankan and Indian navies. A senior Navy spokesman said the southern key port Galle was cleared after an extensive operation, which was one of the major tasks launched by both countries.
Several large ships, including "Weligowwa and a war ship belonging to the Sri Lanka navy were also damaged as they were drifted towards the coast by the Tsunami waves.
The spokesman also said soon after the renovation of the harbour, Indian navy ships 'Sarvekshak' and 'Sutlej entered and anchored in the harbour. By clearing the Galle harbour for work, the war ships from the United States and India, providing relief will be able to enter the harbour easily to carry out relief distribution.
Though the other affected ports including Colombo and Trincomalee have resumed operations, the navy said that the Kankesanturai and Point Pedro ports had not resumed functions, since they were badly damaged.
Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ms Nirupama Rao said on 5 January that India would provide 23 million US dollars for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of tsunami devastated areas in Sri Lanka. She stressed that this would be strictly on a government to government basis. She said that the Sri Lankan

TAMIL TIMES 7
government would decide what to do with the Indian assistance.
She dismissed reports that India had reservations about the deployment of US forces in Sri Lanka.
Asked whether the Indian Government would provide direct aid to the LTTE, she reiterated the Indian aid package would be on a government to government basis. She acknowledged that there had been no request from the LTTE. India wouldn't object to various organisations including the Indian Red Cross from coming to Lanka's assistance, she said.
Ms. Rao said India by virtue of her closeness to Sri Lanka geographically and the time tested friendship between the two countries responded spontaneously to Sri Lanka's call for assistance when disaster struck her with the Indian relief operation dubbed "Operation rainbow".
The High Commissioner praised the genuine effort in assisting in the relief and rescue operations in saving the life of an Indian boy who had lost his parents and the brother in the Yala national park in the Tsunamitragedy which claimed over 70 lives in Yala only. She also said that the Sri Lanka public was very cooperative with the Indian volunteers who came here to provide relief assistance.
She had visited most of the disaster stricken areas in the country and seen that the work went on well and all those affected were being looked after.
Ms Nirupama Rao visited northern town of Jaffna on January ll. She arrived in Palaly by a special aircraft. Thereafter she was taken in a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopter and showed the destruction in the coastal area in Manatkadu and Kudathanai, according to local sources. The High Commissioner later visited the Ramakrishna Ashram in Point Pedro under heavy security and handed over a consignment of relief materials brought by six lorries from Palaly to Swami Chitrupananda, Head of the institution. The consignment of relief materials was earlier brought to Palaly from Colombo in a special plane. Relief materials donated by Indian High Commissioner are to be distributed to Jaffna Tsunami victims through the Jaffna District Secretariat.
On 17 January, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva officially accepted 120 tonnes of relief material from Indian High Commissioner on board the "Samar” at the Colombo port. Samar, an Indian coastguard ship arrived at the Colombo port carrying the relief provisions which includes 80 tonnes of alum(used for water purifying), cooking utensils including kerosine stoves, hurricane lamps and clothing items for the people affected by tsunami. The consignment also includes children's books, painting books and children's school items.
Expressing appreciation for the donation made by India, Minister de Silva said India was Sri Lanka's closest friend." He also thanked the crew members of the ship for their devoted service and for arriving in Sri Lanka with the relief.
Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao said from the very outset of tsunami tragedy, the Indian Government has made all efforts to assist Sri Lanka which is its close friend and neighbour. "India is ever prepared to help Sri Lanka.” She said this donation has further demonstrated the solidarity and friendship of India towards Sri Lanka. While stressing that special focus should be made to help affected children, she said this consignment contained items useful for children.
On January 16, the High Commissioner of India visited Ampara in eastern Sri Lanka. Prior to arriving at Ampara, the High Commissioner undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas. She held discussions with the civil and military coordinating authorities of the area. The Government Agent of Ampara briefed the High Commissioner on various aspects of the relief operations.
The High Commissioner had a meeting with Mrs. Farial Ashraff, Minister of Housing and Construction Industry at which a Consultant Architect, Mr. P. R. Mehta, from the Indian NGO, "Architecture for All', which specializes in post-disaster reconstruction architecture was also present. The High commissioner

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8 TAM TIMES
visited the Welfare Centre at the Ramakrishna Boys School in Karaithivu and a coastal fishing village at Kurakada Palliaya and Kalmunai. She interacted with the locals and discussed relief ef. forts. The High Commissioner also handed over relief supplies comprising 24 portable generator sets; and about 30 tons of relief supplies that included 1,200 packets of ready-to-eat meal packages: dry provisions comprising rice, sugar, dhal and spices; 10,000 packets of cup noodles; 1.5 tons of biscuits, clothing and about 3,500 blankets for distribution to affected people in Ampara District. -
O Govt. needs S1,500 million for rehabilitation
The Government in an assessment report submitted to foreign governments and donor agencies in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster says that given resource constraints and the current balance of payments pressures it is only with donor support on highly concessional terms that this massive task of rehabilitation and reconstruction can be undertaken effectively.
The Government estimates that it will need US $ 1,500 million to carry out its immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction plan in the tsunami affected areas. It has identified thirteen areas which will come under the plan including development of roads, railways, telecommunication, water supply and sanitation, ports, electricity, housing and townships, fisheries, industrial development, tourism, wildlife resources, HRD and social services and private enterprise development.
The report prepared by the Department of National Planning of the Ministry of Finance and Planning says the government has decided to declare the damaged coastal belt as a development zone within which reconstruction and rehabilitation will be implemented in a well co-ordinated manner and wherever possible, this would be done through "active and effective participation of the private sector.”
To emphasise the need for external support, the report states that 2004 ended with BOP deficit of US $ 212 million primarily on account of the additional oil bill. It says the drought followed by floods and finally the tsunami disaster also affected the economy.
The official foreign reserves of the country depleted from US $ 2.3 billion to US $ 1.7 billion while the adverse impact of oil prices is likely to continue in 2005, it said. It is therefore critical for the country to receive urgent assistance to enable Sri Lanka to preserve its economic stability and continue with proposed rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes without dampening other development work, it added.
O World Bank funding for recovery
Jan 8 - Reserving over USD 100 million to Sri Lanka from the existing projects for immediate recovery work and to rebuild the devastated homes and spectrum of livelihood, visiting World Bank chief D. Wolfensohn hinted in Colombo that the post tsunami relief assistance of the Bank to rebuild the devastated region could well go up to the mammoth USD one billion mark. He said in addition to the already released USD 10 million to Sri Lanka, an emergency credit of not less than USD 75 million, of which 40 percent would be a grant, would be made available to enable the government to begin recovery work.
Speaking at a media briefing at Colombo Hilton at the end of his tsunami tour to Sri Lanka, he said that the Bank had been in discussion with Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama to explore "how the current portfolio (of the Bank) can be restructured to release more funds to the emergency work.'
Answering to a question whether the World Bank's fund would flow even into rebuilding the LTTE-held territories, he said that the Bank would adopt a "colour-blind approach' in reserving and distributing the relief fund, the Work Bank chief, and "are going to proceed on the assumption that it is a human tragedy and not going to see whether one is Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslim".
"We will support the government as it develops a fast, trans

JANUARY 2005
parent and effective way to convert the billions of dollars pledged all over the world into rupees in the hands of poor fishermen in Sri Lanka or for a community to rebuild its homes," he said.
Answering questions posed by reporters with regard to transparency and accountability in handling the outpouring international funds for rebuilding activities, he said that the Bank has the monitoring mechanism already in operation to battle any such corruption. "As planning and implementation got underway, it was also necessary to ensure the full involvement of local communities, civil society and key stake holders, and do so in ways that will support the peace process,” he said, adding that the advantage of getting greater local community involvement would be that they would know better as to who the crooks were.
OEquipment for LTTE areas
President Chandrika Kumaratunga responding to a request from the LTTE for relief and rehabilitation assistance to tsunami affected areas within LTTE controlled territory. Vehicles, generators and water pumps have been dispatched to the LTTE controlled areas in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mulativu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara, on a directive of the President in response to a request made by the LTTE, a media release from the President's Officesaid on 18 January.
The fleet of vehicles include 12 pick ups, 10 tractors with trailers, 20 two wheel tractors with trailers while the other equipment sent to the LTTE areas include 90 generators and 50 water pumps.
These were purchased by the Ministry of Rehabilitation the previous week. Quotations have been called for the hire of more vehicles to be used for debris clearing and reconstruction in the tsunami affected areas including the North and East in association with the UNDP, the releases said.
The press release added that in addition, the Rehabilitation Ministry had already purchased and dispatched a stock of pick up trucks, tractors, generators and water pumps to tsunami affected areas in the North East. As at 13th January the Ministry purchased and had dispatched the following vehicles and equipment to the affected areas in the North and East: "Jaffna received 07 Generators; * Killinochchi received 02 Pick-ups, 05 Tractors with Trailer, 10 two wheel tractors with trailer, 08 generators and 25 water pumps; * Mullaitivu received 02-Pick-ups, 05 Tractors with Trailers, 10 two wheel tractoss with trailer, 10 generators and 25 water pumps; * Trincomalee received 02 pick-ups and 15 generators; ' Batticaloa received 03 Pick-ups and 20 generators; "Ampara received 03 Pick-ups and 20 generators.
The Ministry in association with the UNDP has also placed newspaper advertisements calling for quotations to hire more heavy machinery and equipment. These too will be utilized for debris clearance and reconstruction in the affected areas, particularly in the North and East where such equipment is in short supply.
The despatch of the latest batch of equipment followed from the representations made by the Vanni Rehabilitation Minister, Rishard Badurudeen, to the President on behalf of the LTTE regarding urgently required assistance needed by tsunami victims in LTTE-held areas, particularly the Vanni.
The Minister said that he met with Sea Tiger chief Soosai in Mullaitivu, where they discussed ways and means of assisting the tsunami victims on a priority basis. Soosai had urged Badurudeen to take up the issue with the government and take immediate remedial measures.
According to Badurudeen, Soosai had requested for heavy earth moving machinery and assistance to the fishing community. The one-hour meeting with the Vanni Rehabilitation Minister had been Soosai's first with a ruling party minister. Soosai had emphasized that Badurudeen as the Minister in charge of Vanni Rehabilitation and Reconstruction would be responsible for looking after the interests of the people living in LTTE-held areas ravaged by

Page 9
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the recent Indian Ocean tsunami.
The minister had a separate meeting with Muhundan, believed to be the group's political leader in charge of Mullaitivu. Fielding questions, the minister said that TNA MP Kanagaratnam arranged the meeting with Soosai.
OTNA meeting with Canadian PM
Jan 17 - At the meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, leaders of the Tamil National Alliance, LTTE's proxy party in parliament, is reported to have lobbied him for securing "charitable status' for the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) in Canada where its bid for such status up to now has been unsuccessful. They also seem to have requested Canada's "proactive' participation in the peace process which has remained stalled for nearly two years now.
They had also urged increased monitoring of international aid distribution in the wake of the tunami disaster in Sri Lanka until a joint mechanism between the LTTE and the Government had been established. They appear to have contradicted the Canadian PM's belief that the Sri Lankan Government was acting without discrimination in the distribution of relief to affected areas in the Northeast and aid was flowing freely to the LTTEheld areas saying the flow of aid was being unilaterally decided by the Government and not fairly distributed.
According to a Canadian reporter R. Sampanthan, TNA's parliamentary leader, providing vigorous defence of the LTTE had said, "We don't think the LTTE is either terrorist or vicious." When Paul Martin had raised concerns about the issue of forced recruitment of child soldiers by the LTTE, the TNA had told him that the LTTE took care of destitute children orphaned by the civil war with the Government. “We told him that everyone is concerned about child soldiers now. But no one is concerned about children being blown to smithereens when they were bombed
 
 

TAMILMES 9
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from the air, when they were shelled from the seas, or when rockets were fired at them from the land,' Mr Samabanthan had said adding that the civil war had left many children homeless and poor, or their parents unable to feed them.
"In that type of situation it is possible that the LTTE lends a helping hand to some of these children. It could very well be that when such things happen, that is being described as child recruitment," he said." assume the Prime Minister will now be in a position to formulate different thoughts on some of these questions. We look forward to that," said Sampanthan.
However, before the Prime Minister left, he appears to have got a lesson in Sri Lanka's divisive history from the country's president, Chandrika Kumaratunga who reminded him that they in Sri Lanka understood the “bloody history' of the Tamil Tigers than anyone coming from outside.
On the question of distribution of relief supplies, the President told him that need, not politics, determined where tsunami aid was going. On resuming peace talks with the Tigers, "The President was quite frank in saying that they're in need of a reengagement. The ceasefire has held, but peace talks are not actively engaged at this moment.", said Martin's decision to meet the two denied visas was "troublesome.'
Conservative MP Jason Kenney, another MP on the trip said the Tamil Tigers were one of the world's most violent terror groups. "They make Al Qaeda look like amateurs." "Insofar as there's a peace process right now, I would hope we would keep open lines of communications with those who are engaged in a political solution to the problems here in Sri Lanka," he said. But Kenney said if the TNA politicians are directly involved in fundraising or logistical support for the LTTE, "then I think it crosses the bounds. We would not, I hope, meet with Hamas or Hezbollah or the IRA, and I’d hope we're not doing that with Tigers."

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In a press release issued after the meeting with the Canadian PM, the TNA said that they raised the following issues:
*A mechanism needs to be set-up in the Northeast to deal with the post Tsunami situation. Until such a mechanism is set up, TNA urged all international aid, including Canadian aid, to be channeled through international NGOs or, that such aid should be allocated for identified projects s that the Northeast will be assured of an equitable share of the international aid.
* There is also a need too fully involve the LTTE and the TRO in the activities related to the post Tsunami situation in the Northeast. The LTTE and the TRO have been engaged in delivering effective and efficient services to affected people in the Northeast during the period of the conflict, and from the moment the Tsunami occurred.
* The Prime Minister also inquired about the relationship between the TNA and the LTTE. It was explained to the Prime Minister that the TNA comprised of traditionally democratic political parties such as the TULF, the ITAK and the ACTC and others. Since the acceptance of international facilitation by both the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE, and the declaration of ceasefire, and the commencement of negotiations, there was an imperative need for the TNA and the LTTE to work together in the interest of the Tamil-speaking people.
* The Prime Minister inquired about the nature of the federal arrangement. The TNA responded that countries such as Canada, Australia and Switzerland offered models of federalism. The TNA further stated that the Tamil linguistic region in the Northeast which had been accepted as the areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking people should enjoy sovereign power within its area of competence.
* The Prime Minister also inquired about the problem relating to child-soldiers. Responding, the TNA stated that when Tamil villages were bombed from the air, shelled from the sea and land, and Tamil children rendered orphans and destitute, or when they were compelled to seek refuge under trees or in some public building, no concern was shown for them, by those who now talk loudly about child-soldiers.
The TNA disapproves of child-soldiers and have in fact taken up this matter with the LTTE. The LTTE had often stated that many parents were not in a position to look after their children, and that such destitute children often sought refuge with the LTTE. All such children should not be looked upon as child soldiers. The TNA further asserted that all such problems could be effectively brought to an end only when there was an acceptable negotiated political solution, and that it is the government which is unable to take the peace process forward.
O Military to coordinate relief in 12 districts
Jan 4 - Amidst widespread reports that aid distribution to millions of Tsunami victims was largely uncoordinated, if not chaotic, while some stocks were being mishandled robbed, and not reaching the intended recipients the armed forces took control of the whole distribution network on 4 January.
The military moved in as the death toll rose with more bodies being recovered and the fear of deadly epidemics grew as heavy rain in the worst affected eastern districts hampered relief and rehabilitation work.
Chief of Defence Staff and Navy commander Daya Sandagiri was appointed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga as the over
tory. In concurrence with the President who is also the Commander in Chief, Rear Admiral Sandagiri appointed 12 high ranking military officers to take command of relief operations in 12 districts.
The military coordinators appointed are: Rear Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda for Kalutara District, Rear Admiral Wasantha Tennakoon for Galle, Captain P. Jayawardane for Gampaha, Commodore S.R. Samaratunga for Hambantota, Major General Sharman Kulatunga for Matara, Major General Sumith

JANUARY 2005
Balasuriya for Trincomalee, Major General Parami Kulatunga for Vavuniya, Major General Sunil Tennakoon for Jaffna, Brigadier Vajira Wijegunawardane for Batticaloa, Brigadier P. Chandrawansha for Colombo, Col. Jagath Dias for Ampara and Col. Kamal Gunaratne for Puttalam.
Military sources said District Commanders moved into action fast and as a first step relocated victims from small centres to larger refugee centres in a bid to streamline aid distribution and prevent abuse, waste or dumping as often seen in the past few days.
Till the latest development, the aid distribution was coordinated by District Secretaries and gramasevaka officers who will continue to play an important role but under the command of the district military coordinators.
"Our people will not accept the directive issued by Sri Lanka's President to hand over the management of Tsunami welfare centres in the government controlled areas in the northeast to the Sri Lanka Army,” Colonel Soosai, Special Commander of the Sea Tigers, said at a conference on 6 January,
Colonel Soosai further said that Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and harbours in the south have sustained heavy damage in the Tsunami disaster. Troops from several countries have arrived in Sri Lanka. The government is interfering with the management of relief centres in order to distract the attention of the international community. There is no reason for our people to get alarmed over the decision of the government to hand over the management of the welfare centres to State armed forces, said Colonel Soosai.
Reportedly the LTTE has taken up the issue of the deployment of members of the military to assist in the distribution relief supplies with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). Army headquarters said that the security forces moved in support of civil administrators on a presidential directive. "This has nothing to do with the cease-fire agreement and there is absolutely no need to involve truce monitors,' an officer said. He also emphasized that the LTTE wouldn't be allowed to take control over the welfare camps operated by the government and the ongoing relief efforts in Government controlled areas of the Northeast. However he had said that there was no objection for Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) joining in relief work.
"Tsunami victims and Tamil politicians appreciate our role. But they are scared to voice their opinion for obvious reasons," he said accusing the Tigers of taking advantage of the calamity to enhance their influence in government-held areas.
Government sources dismissed claims that the armed forces had taken over welfare camps. The camps have been run by civilians and the military only helps in the distribution and coordination efforts.
O Avoid politicisation of relief efforts - EU
Jan 14 - Calling upon the government, all political parties and the LTTE to actively promote a fair distribution of relief assistance to the tsunami victims, Colombo-based Heads of Missions of the European Union cautioned that there should be no politicisation of relief efforts. The member countries of the EU have also urged all parties to refrain from any actions during the distribution of humanitarian aid that might have a potentially negative impact on the peace process.
According to a statement from the EU office in Colombo, these observations have been made at a high level meeting by the Colombo-based Heads of Missions (HoMs) of the European Union on 14 January in Colombo, amidst reports of allegations by the LTTE against mishandling of relief assistance and distribution followed by rejection of such allegations by the government.
*The EU HoMs call upon the Government, all political parties and the LTTE to actively promote a fair distribution of relief assistance to the victims of the Tsunami disaster, irrespective of their political affiliation, religious and ethnic background. It is essential that there will be no politicisation of relief efforts," the

Page 11
JANUARY 2005
statement said.
While recalling the overwhelming European support and sympathy for Sri Lanka to overcome the tragedy following the tsunami disaster, they have strongly urged all stakeholders to seize this opportunity for peace building and reconciliation. "The EU HoMs believe effective and appropriate decentralisation is necessary for a successful relief and reconstruction operation," the statement said.
They have assured that they would impress upon their partner organisations to ensure that relief and reconstruction aid "is allocated to all victims of the tsunami independent of their political, ethnic or religious background" The EU HoMs have also called for the establishment of an "independent and multi stakeholder monitoring mechanism to review proceedings that would further support the UN system in co-ordination and monitoring.
O New towns to be built in South and East
Sixty small and big towns by the Southern and the Eastern coast would be relocated closer to the new Colombo-Matara expressway and the proposed Ampara-Trincomalee highway under the tsunami reconstruction plan.
By-roads to connect these towns would also be constructed and twelve such roads have already been earmarked to connect new towns, Director-General of Urban Development Authority Prasanna Silva told the Sunday Observer.
UDA had made recommendation on construction for these areas even before the tsunami but were not carried out due to various reasons. People and politicians have now realised the danger of disturbing the coast and want to follow the UDA guidelines to avoid another calamity, he said.
Therefore, strict measures would be taken in implementing new development and reconstruction work in these areas, Silva said. One kilometre from the mean sea level has been declared as vulnerable area and this area has been divided into three strips to be developed for different purposes.
The first 100 metres is reserved for a green belt, recreational area and it would stand as a buffer area to mitigate adverse effects to the coast, he said.
The second strip of 200 metres would consist of trees, crops and construction of hotels and restaurants. The balance would be used to relocate activities removed from other areas. Settlement, construction specially towns and housing would be located preferably on high ground in this strip, he said.
Silva said that new construction work would not prevent any economic activity such as fishing and tourism. A new mechanism has to be used in the operation of tourism, fisheries and other economic activities.
Tourist operators can introduce new measures such as shuttle service to transport their guests to and from hotels and recreational areas.
Silva added that all ministries together with the Urban Development Ministry are working in consensus to make this new scheme a success and each ministry and its related institutions have been given respective tasks.
A new railway line is also on the boards along ColomboMatara expressway. Towns by the Eastern coast too would be relocated close to the proposed highway between Ampara and Trincomalee. UDA would strive to shift all towns and human settlements into the interior which would be a precautionary measure against any tidal waves in the future. That would also help protect environment and prevent sea pollution, he said.
OLTTE relief operations in the east
Jan 2 - "Our leader has instructed me to involve all our fighters, medical corps, vehicles, engineering units and other resources in relief and rescue operations in the Batticaloa- Amparai district. He has sent a large number of troops from the north with supplies for this work. The Malathy Infantry Regiment has also arrived

TAMIL TIMES 11
long with head of our women's wing, Ms. Thamilini, and deputy lead of political division for Jaffna, Mr. Semmanan, to help Tsuami affected people in this region and alleviate their suffering", aid Col. Bhanu, a senior military officer of the LTTE who is the overall commander for Batticaloa-Amparai District, in an excluive interview to TamilNet.
"We are not looking at this disaster in terms of Tamils, Musims or Sinhalese. Our concern is only with people hit by the Tsunami. We took our heavy vehicles to Kattankudy the day after the sea surge to repair and clear roads. We helped the Muslim people recover bodies of their dead in Kalmunai too".
He said that ten Sri Lanka army soldiers who were dragged by the surging sea far into the lagoon were rescued by the LTTE and some civilians. They were treated for their wounds and handed over to the SLA in Batticaloa town, according to him.
Col. Bhanu said several children had survived the disaster by clinging to logs and branches in waters that rushed into the lagoon as far as Kokkaddicholai. "Some children survived by holding on to ceiling fans, rafters and beams in their houses. But sadly two little children were killed in Thirukovil when there was a stampede caused by a false Tsunami warning three days ago. Four elderly persons were left with fractures", he said.
Speaking to TamilNet about the state of relief and rescue work in Batticaloa-Amparai, the LTTE commander said: "I see on TV aid arriving by planes from foreign countries. But nothing of this has come to Batticaloa or Amparai so far. We are depending on donations from our own people to provide relief to the refugees".
"We need more than sheer man power to clear fallen buildings and other heavy debris under which many bodies are trapped. The stench from such bodies is terrible. We urgently need heavy machinery and vehicles for this task-particularly before diseases break out.
“Several Non Governmental Organisations (NGO), community groups and some traders are also providing relief to refugees in Batticaloa and in some other areas. In some places they are giving cooked food too'.
"But no one is taking responsibility for moving the refugees to safer grounds where their health and sanitation can be ensured; where they can be protected from deceases. The places where they have found temporary refuge now are fast becoming serious threats to their health.
"We have to shift refugees to areas with clean water and healthy surroundings four or five kilometres inland soon - before there is an outbreak of epidemics. Many refugees are sheltered in places not far from the shore which were hit by the Tsunami where one finds salt water, debris, polluted water and decomposing bodies and carcasses of dead animals. Things have got worse with the heavy rains lashing on the fragile
"This is also a major task for the Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO)”
"I must say that the Special Task Force (STF) has been helpful to civilians in the Amparai district. They rescued several people hit by the Tsunami and helped retrieve bodies. Their work has been commendable in that region.
“We are able to solve problems in dealing with the crisis at a local level. The LTTE and the STF are able to discuss and coordinate several issues in order to facilitate assistance to the people. We try to resolve problems at the local level in the interests of the people.
"Relief supplies to the east are delayed at checkpoints by Sri Lankan armed forces personnel who harass the transporters. We take this up with the higher authorities. The Batticaloa Government Agent too has sought to resolve the problem by appointing his officials at main checkpoints to expedite the arrival of supply vehicles'.
O Joint action to ensure children safety
Jan 6 - The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), United Na

Page 12
12 TAMIL TIMES
tions Children Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children Sri Lanka (SCiSL) are working together to ensure safety for children who survived last week Tsunami disaster, from violence, exploitation and abuse, said in a joint press release issued by UNICEF and SCISL
The press release further said, "Many of the children who survived last week's lethal earthquake and tsunami were separated from their families and caregivers. The Government of Sri Lanka, UNICEF and Save the Children Sri Lanka (SCISL) are working together closely to ensure that these children remain in safe environments, protected from violence, exploitation and abuse.
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Dept of Probation and Childcare, UNICEF and SciSL have mobilised teams to identify and register all unaccompanied and separated children. Joint teams are identifying children living in temporary camps for the displaced as a priority. They will then be working with communities to identify and register all children who have been separated from their immediate families.
The agencies are asking communities to contact any of the above agencies at their local offices, with information on separated children within their communities.
The teams will be tracing the children's closest relatives, in order to reunify them as quickly as possible. If relatives cannot be found, Probation Officers will make comprehensive assessments to plan for the best possible care. Options include fostering, adoption or, as a last resort, a home for children. The agencies stress that children will not be considered for adoption during the emergency phase, and until every opportunity to locate family members is exhausted. Adoption is a lengthy process and takes many months; the relevant authority for this is the DPCC.
Family members or others who are caring for children who
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have lost their parents should register with the Divisional Secretary or the Department of Probation and Child Care (DPCC). Even if children are being cared for they should register the children so that tracing of their family can be activated for the child in the case of children whose parents have died other family members will be traced.
Parents and other family members who have lost children
should go to any of the following agencies to register details of their child: District Child Protection Committees, Department of Probation and Child Care, Save the Children Sri Lanka or UNICEF.'
O Thousands could have been saved
Jan 4-A Japanese government agency accused the Peradeniya University's Geology Department of not making use of expensive equipment given by Japan to monitor earthquakes and tsunami waves and thus possibly saving thousands of lives in the catastrophe of December 26.
A spokesman for the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA said the earthquake and Tsunamimonitoring equipment had been given to the University last year and a lecturer was trained in Japan to handle the equipment. Japan which is often hit by tsunamis is known to have one of the most advanced systems to monitor earthquakes and resultant tidal waves.
The JICA spokesman said the Peradeniya monitoring project had come to a halt due to a malfunctioning of equipment. "Since the machinery was not functioning there is no way of knowing if it had recorded the earthquake just off Sumatra. But when we donated the equipment the plan was to turn Sri Lanka into the South Asian hub to monitor earthquakes in the region. The plan was for Tsunamis to be detected in advance and be part of a
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warning system. If the equipment was utilized properly we might have detected the Tsunami in advance," the JICA spokesman said.
In the aftermath of the catastrophe JICA has asked the geology department to submit a report on the breakdown and has offered to repair the equipment so that it could function as an earthquake and tsunami warning system.
An official of the University's Geology Department denied the charge that the department could have saved lives by giving an early warning. "It is wrong to suggest that we could have warned the people of this catastrophe. It is impossible to expect a man to stay on duty 24 hours a day, especially since the government has stopped us recruiting any new staff.
"Once the computer readout is taken it has to be analyzed by an expert. Moreover, as it was a Sunday and a Poya day even if the equipment had been working there would not have been anyone on duty to assess the danger. We have requested other experts in the Universities to help us run this properly and we will be speedily repairing the apparatus," Geology Department Head L.K. Perera said.
O US military presence not to affect peace process
Jan 7 - Pledging USD 25 million for immediate relief and reconstruction of Sri Lanka, US Secretaryof State Colin Powell said in a press briefing held at the runway at the Bandaranayake Memorial Airport, Katunayake Colombo, that US military presence will not affect the ongoing peace process. Responding to a question about how long the US military would stay, he said, "I cannot tell you how long those units will be here. But in terms of recovery effort the principal agent responsible for the recovery effort is the Sri Lankan government and as long as it takes them to restore infrastructure and reconstruct their society the United States will be here with them.
they would remain long as it is required by the Sri lankan government and would ensure that the reconstruction and rehabilitation work is complete."
Mr Powell said that the U.S received request for help from Sri Lanka's President and Foreign Minister within 48 hours of the disaster. He added that U.S will continue to assess the situation throughout the tsunami affected region and react appropriately. Mr Powell toured tsunami ravaged Southern harbour city Galle where US marines are stationed. Of the 25 million $4m will be used for immediate humanitarian needs and a further $10m will be utilized for temporary housing. US has promised similar amounts for twelve other countries, Mr Powell said.
Asked about the role of the US in the island's peace process, Mr Powell said "As you know we have always tried to pay a helpful role working with our Norwegian colleagues. My deputy secretary Mr. Armitage has been deeply involved in the process. I don't think our military presence in anyway shapes or affects political situation. Ultimately the problem has to be solved between the parties concerned. United States military presence is strictly for humanitarian purposes and not in any way to influence political outcome one way or the other. We are hopeful however that if all Sri Lankans come together to deal with this common catastrophe, this common crisis, and work with each other and cooperate with each other and cooperate with each, then perhaps that spirit of cooperation can be elevated and extended into the political dialogue and find a way forward to a political solution to this long standing crisis between government and the LTTE.'
O Aid, not foreign armies: LTTE
Jan 17 - During a meeting with the United Nations Food
Programme (UNFP) at Kilinochchi on 16 January the LTTE's
Political Wing leader SPTamilselvan had said although the peo

TAML TIMES 13
ple in the North and the East needed aid, they did not need the assistance of foreign armies.
During discussions with UNFP Executive Director James Moris the LTTE's political chief had reportedly said that foreign armies were involved in relief work in the South as they had no sufficient manpower but in the Tiger-controlled areas LTTE members were able to perform the duties and help from foreign armies was not required.
He further said that the international community was helping the tsunami victims with more relief than what they had received from the government since the relationship between the government and his organization developed. He said there was better rapport between his organisation and the government's Peace Secretariat.
He charged that although the President had initially talked of a national programme for aid to tsunami victims in consultation with the LTTE, it was not acted upon.
When questioned about the visit of Norwegian Foreign Minister's visit, Mr. Thamilselvan said the Minister was coming not only to discuss political matters but to see the tsunami devastation too.
Executive Director James Moris said his organisation will offer US $ 256 million and 1,72,000 tonnes of food. He further said that the objective of his organisation was to supply food to the people in hunger in any part of the world and that the aid offered would be methodically distributed by agents in active service in Sri Lanka. Mr. Moris added that when food items were distributed more attention would be paid to children under fiveyears, lactating mothers and expectant mothers. OUS Marines to stay till needed
Jan 17 - Visiting Deputy Defence Secretary of the United States of America, Paul Wolfowitz said in Colombo on Monday morning that the US Marine troops would not stay in Sri Lanka any longer than they were wanted. "We don't want to stay any longer than we are needed, most certainly not longer than we are wanted," he told both foreign and local reporters at a press conference at Ceylon Continental Hotel before completing his short review visit to Sri Lanka.
Mr. Wolfowitz, who was accompanied by Admiral Thomas Fargo, Commander of the US Pacific Command, visited the tsunami-hit Galle district in the Southern Sri Lanka, where the US Marines are engaged in clearing the wrecked buildings to help rebuilding a sea wall.
Asked if he thought that in the aftermath of the tsunami tragedy in the Tamil areas of Sri Lanka and Aceh in Indonesia there was a greater possibility of peace in these two countries, Mr. Wolfowitz was cautious about seeing any similarities between Tamil rebels and the Acenese. Sri Lanka had witnessed a much more deep-seated insurgency, he said. However, he saw indications that the Tamil Tigers were at least cooperating with the government and facilitating relief efforts, and this was a positive sign. At the same time, he also expressed the hope that all sides would realise the benefits of being part of a larger community.
Wolfowitz was in Sri Lanka as part of a tour of countries stricken by the killer tsunami of December 26. US marines, besides aircraft and ships, are involved rescue, relief and restoration work.
Initial reports said that about 1,500 marines would be deployed in Sri Lanka, but Mr. Wolfowitz said there were about 700 personnel, most of them engineers. Two positioning ships with water purification capability were also brought to the island, but since normalcy was fast returning to Sri Lanka, the ships would be shifted to the Maldives, he said.
The Deputy Defence Secretary noted that Sri Lanka was crossing the relief and rescue stage and moving towards reconstruction

Page 14
14 TAMIL TIMES
and rehabilitation. The tsunami catastrophe had created an emergency of the sort that only the military could be deployed to tackle it. However, the ground situation had improved, and the need for continued deployment of military forces had diminished. He also pointed out that fourteen other countries had sent their military forces and equipment to Sri Lanka for rescue and relief work. India had sent the largest force, he said.
O More than 2,400 school children killed in NIE.
Jan 17 - More than 2400 school children in the North-East have been killed by the tsunami waves that ravaged the country's coastal belt on December 26. North-East Province Assistant Director of Education S.Vijayanandamurti told the press that according to the information updated by January 13, 1502 students had died in the Kalmunai Education Zone alone.
"So far 130 student deaths have been reported from Mullaitivu. This number might increase in the future. In the Batticalao Zone 235 deaths have been reported," he said.
Some 217 and 141 students had died in Muttur and Akkaraipattu respectively. The number of student deaths in the Trincomalee zone is 38.
Nine education zones out of a total 24 in the North-East have been affected by the tsunami tragedy.
Fifty four schools have been destroyed out and the estimated damage caused to the buildings of these schools is Rs. 436 million. The scale of damage to furniture is placed at Rs. 72.8 million while the damage to equipment like computers amounts to Rs. 49.1 million.
Damage estimated at Rs. 107.9 million has been caused to the buildings of 67 partly damaged schools. The damage caused to the furniture and equipment in these schools has been estimated at Rs. 74.4 and Rs. 25 million respectively.
The damage suffered by the Education Offices in the prov
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ince has been placed at Rs. 21.4 million. "Official quarters worth Rs. 3.4 million have been destroyed after the disaster. We need at least Rs. 28 million to prepare temporary sheds for the re-opening of schools for academic activities,' Mr. Vijayanandamurti said.
OUNHCR relief operations
Jan 14 - A statement issued by the UNHCR office in Colombo said that some 130,000 tsunami-displaced people have so far been supplied with UNHCR shelter and non-food relief items, such as plastic sheeting, mats, clothing mosquito nets and kitchen sets. Three airlifts from Copenhagen and Delhi have already brought in additional supplies for the displaced people while the fourth airlift of plastic sheeting from China is scheduled next week. "This weekend, UNHCR will airlift portable warehouses from Colombo to its offices in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. With a capacity of 1,000 cubic metres each, these warehouses will enable us to store more relief supplies from UNHCR and other UN agencies,” the statement said.
The government statistics said that there are still 425,620 people displaced by the tsunami, and the number of temporary accommodation centres had dropped to 444 with more people leaving the temporary accommodation centres either for home or to live with friends or relatives.
"But given that more than 130,000 houses have been destroyed by the tidal waves, there will be people who cannot go home in the near future. UNHCR is working with the government and international agencies on the planning of semi-permanent shelters, ensuring that they respect the basic rights of the displaced people to security, privacy, as well as sanitation and health facilities,” the UNHCR statement said, adding that the special needs of women and children must also be taken into consideration.
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Page 15
UANUARY 2005
The UNHCR said that it was also in the process of advising the local authorities on the need to ensure the land rights of people who could be affected by a draft law to create a 300-metre buffer zone from the sea.
O90 Govt institutions destroyed
A total of 90 local Government Institutions and regions under their purview in the Southern, Western and North East Provinces were completely destroyed in the tsunami tidal wave catastrophe.
Of the 311 Local Government bodies, 90 institutions and regions have been destroyed. Of the 42 Local Government institutions in the Southern Province, 17 have been destroyed causing over Rs.450 million damage, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon told the Daily News. The Ministry has taken a number of measures to restore the affected Local Government institutions to their normal functioning as soon as possible.
The Moratuwa University has assisted the Ministry to formulate and supervise all the township development programs for these cities destroyed by tsunami disaster.
Several countries have also pledged assistance to rebuild these cities, the Minister said. The tsunami devastation brought to a halt these functions in the Local Government institutions posing problems for the conduct of the local government activities in the tsunami affected areas.
The Southern Province Chief Minister alone has requested Rs. 31.5 million to pay the salaries of the employees in these 17 destroyed Local Government institutions in the Southern Province. This is because the salaries are paid to the employees of these Local Government institutions by income self generated by these institutions. Therefore the Ministry has taken steps to pay the salaries to these employees on January 20 as usual, the Minister said.
Tennakoon following a discussion with the Local Government Heads last week has also decided to set up a special fund at the Ministry to implement long-term development projects to rebuild the damaged Local Government institutions and develop the infrastructure facilities in affected areas, he said.
The Minister said as agreed at this discussion that Rs. 50,000 will be collected to this fund from each of the 311 Pradeshiya Sabhas, Municipal Councils and Urban Councils.
In addition, seven Provincial Councils will also contribute to this fund. A sum of Rs.60 million has already been provided for this fund solely by the Local Government institutions in the North Western Province. This money will be utilised to construct 700 houses destroyed in the Southern Province.
Meanwhile, the vehicles belonging to the Local Government institutions have been sent for clearing work in the areas destroyed by tidal waves, he said.
ODutch aid to renovate Galle and KKSports
An accelerated project to reconstruct and renovate Galle and Kankesanturai seaports damaged by the tsunami waves will get under way with aid from the Netherlands Government.
The proposed project is being implemented on a scheme prepared by Minister of Ports and Aviation Mangala Samaraweera, a senior Ministry official told the press.
It has been estimated that the Galle project would cost Rs. 1,740 million while Kankesanturai Rs. 2,300 million.
“The request by the Ministry of Ports and Aviation to The Netherlands Government to assist to renovate Galle and Kankesanturai has received immediate and a satisfactory response," the official added. However, one out of four berths of the Galle harbour is operating. "Two of the other berths have

TAMIL TIMES 15
been damaged while the remaining other berth is fully occupied due to a gas barge," he said.
The official said the tsunami had damage the Kankesanturai port as well. "The breakwater and existing piers were severely damaged while the depth of harbour basin has drastically reduced in most places," he added. Dredging of the basin and repairs to the breakwater and piers has to be done on an urgent basis. "It is believed that this breakwater is subject to more damages and destruction due to the monsoon if the repair work is delayed," the official said.
Repairs to bridge, roads, warehouses, construction of damaged buildings, workshops, breakwater and two berths south of the existing port will cost Rs. 1,665 million.
OTsunami wipes outfishing communities
Jan 14 - The tsunami that ravaged Sri Lanka's coastline may have wiped out more than 80 percent of the island's fishing fleet which may take years to rebuild, the United Nations said on 14 January.
"Preliminary figures show that so far close to 18,500 fishing vessels have been reported lost or damaged", said Miguel Bermeo, head of the UN in Sri Lanka, where more than 30,800 people lost their lives in the disaster.
"This will hit already poor families hard, because fishing is what supports people in coastal communities and what keeps them out of poverty," he said in a statement.
The UN will soon launch a programme to repair or replace boats, engines and fishing equipment so fishermen can get back to work, it said. The average price of a fishing vessel with fishing gear in Sri Lanka can range from about Rs. 120,000 for a seaworthy canoe to Rs. 4,500,000 for a larger boat with an inboard engine, it added. Over 7,500 fishermen were killed, 5,600 are still missing and more than 90,000 displaced by the tsunami waves, according to UN figures.
Support industries, such as cold storage facilities, ice makers, market places, harbours and anchorages were also lost. The few Sri Lankan fishermen who have returned to the seas have complained about diminishing demand due to rumours that fish were either carrying viruses or had nibbled on corpses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) however said fish was safe to eat.
OLaws to monitor work of NGOs
The Government plans to bring laws to monitor and scrutinise the work of Non Governmental Organisations, Minister of Women's Empowerment and Social Services Sumedha Jayasena told the press.
Many defunct NGOs got reactivated with the tsunami disaster. People have doubts about these moves to operate suddenly, she said. Minister Jayasena said "there were many NGOs rendering a yeomen service to the victims of tsunami and the country. They also did commendable social service during the drought and floods which hit the country frequently in the recent past. We really appreciate their work." But informed sources have revealed that certain NGOs were trying to fish in trouble waters and we should have a check on them, she added.
The Minister noted that a Bill has already been drafted and was with the Legal Draftman. "Very soon it will be tabled in the House', Minister Mrs. Jayasena added. She said many persons came suddenly to the Ministry to register new NGOs but the Ministry took a decision to delay of registering new NGOs at this juncture.
She said that reputed NGOs were really helping the tsunami victims working with the Ministry. Ministry had helped them to release their aid packages and hand over them to District Secretaries for the distribution among the victims. O

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16 TAMIL TIMES
AftertheTsunami: Apleafor Responsible Recons
Rajan Philips
Political bickering is causing unnecessary distraction from what should be an exclusively humanitarian focus on the immediate relief efforts. Equally, or even more, worrying is the possibility that medium and long term reconstruction ef. forts may be misdirected by wrongheaded priorities.
Engineering and environmental professionals and civil society activists are raising concerns about the government's national taskforce on redevelopment that includes only representatives from the finance, tourism and development sectors but no one from the affected areas or from the technical professions and scientists. Their fear is that Sri Lanka's reconstruction effort may be driven more by national economic and elitist considerations than by local community and environmental priorities.
At particular issue is the future of the fishing communities whose homes and livelihood have been uprooted by the tsunamis. The Coast Conservation Department has traditionally recommended a 300 metre setback from the shoreline for all coastal construction. This requirement was consistently ignored in the past by the tourism industry and its political supporters, and now only the fishing communities may have to conform to its new enforcement. The tourist hotels that were damaged by the tsunami are likely to be allowed redevelopment at their old locations, while the fishers' dwellings that were destroyed will be relocated interior. This will also clear the coast for beautifying the rural beaches and gentrifying the urban edges in the affected areas, which appears to be the elitist "visioning among the advocates ofa top-down Master Plan approach to reconstruction. Jayadeva Uyangoda, the political scientist, has criticised this approach as "antipoor" and "un-humanitarian'. According to him, government officials have already warned some fisher communities that they should not return to their coastal habitat and this has sent "shock waves among the poor, displaced communities". It is important to bear in mind the human, social and the environmental costs of the tsunami disaster. Generations of
families, long establi; ways of life, whole col logical systems have ated or seriously dami Lanka, in Thailand, Tamil Nadu and the is and Nicobar - the ty groups that have long the pristine forms ofh ied by anthropologis reconstruction efforts by the losses that are should be sensitive to survivors and the nee habilitation. The tsun be rehabilitated throl powerment. It would edy for them to be vic top-down Master Pla This is not to der role of the governme construction efforts o Master Plans, especi ing of the hard infra necessary to emphasi: ment and political le: up their traditional pa towards their own citi: ning and implementat grass root consultati ment. At a Peradeniy neering seminar, held nami disaster, one o proposed that while should spearhead the infrastructure, the aff should be empower their habitats and liv from professionals ar ganizations. Such an able localdesign solut local problems includ ing safe shoreline set Structures to accomn communities without ing them from their se This is also the appr Cameron Sinclair's A manity, a New York provides design servi affected by natural di The government v to exercise more cauti undertaking long term

JANUARY 2005
truction
shed but uninsured mmunities and ecobeen either obliteraged in Aceh, in Sri in parts of India's slands of Andaman wo isolated island preserved some of uman culture studits. The relief and should be humbled irrecoverable, and ) the trauma of the d for ecological reami victims should ugh their own embe a double trag:tims, yet again, of
S. ly or minimize the nt in relief and rer the usefulness of ally in the rebuildstructure, but it is ze that the governaders should give tron-client attitude zens, and that planion should involve on and empowera Faculty of Engisoon after the tsuf the participants the government task of rebuilding acted communities ed to re-establish elihood with help ld civil society orapproach will enions being found to ing that of providpacks and stronger nodate the fishing arbitrarily severa-based livelihood. oach preferred by rchitecture for Hubased group that es to communities
SasterS, vill be well advised on and less haste in reconstruction. In
many areas, the impacts of the waves are reported to have been so severe that their effects need to be properly assessed and properly mitigated. The reconstruction program should also be used to integrate the traditional coastal communities with their modern intruders, namely, large scale commercial fishing and the tourism industry. What the tsunamis did comprehensively to all three parties in a matter of minutes, commercial fishing and tourism have been doing incrementally to the traditional communities for over three decades. Their small boats were squeezed in the ocean by commercial trawlers sailing out offishery harbours, and they were squeezed on the land by the string of touristhotelsthat were often developed without assessment or mitigation of their community and environmental impacts. In most cases, there is very little by way of infrastructure integration between individual hotels and the adjacent community in a given area. In Sri Lanka, the garbage generated by tourist hotels became a serious problem with no one takingresponsibility for a managing it. The governments have a role in ensuring that infrastructure integration and environmental management are properly addressed in the reconstruction of the tourist areas. It is no secret that the government is a short term financial beneficiary of the tsunami disaster. With relatively smaller debt load (S9.6bn at S500 per capita, compared to Indonesia's $132bn at S5,500 per capita), Sri Lanka need not have accepted the freeze offer. But the government may not have had a choice given the state of its finances due to political instability and the moratorium on the peace process. No doubt, the government leaders will take undue credit as the economic indicators start showing an upward trend as aid moneys flow in and economic activities burst out after the tsunami disaster. It is a moot point whether, in the long run, the Sri Lankan government will be able to effectively absorb and utilise the new aid considering the low aid utilization rate (14%, lower than the international average of 20%) that Sri Lanka has traditionally been able to achieve. It is also no secret that low aid utilization in the past has been accompanied by a high corruption rate. What guarantees are there that these trends will not persist but be reversed as the country begins to absorb and use the tsunami aid money? The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, is said to (continued on next page)

Page 17
JANUARY 2005
Amid Tsunami he a glimpse of heav
Asad Latif
The words have all but become a signature line: Hell is other people. Spoken by a character in No Exit, a play by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, the line captures the claustrophobia and hopelessness of a banal world where people loathe one another from the shallow depths of their fickle beings and false words seduce communication. There is more to hellishness, of course. Hellish characters have peopled history and they lurk in the dark alleys of the present. From Nazis, fascists and perpetrators of genocide, to those who profit from slave labour, to intellectuals who rationalise injustice or are silent about it, hell is these people. Hell is ordinary people as well: corrupt bureaucrats, black marketeers who profit from food scarcity, the denizens of Third World high-rises who sleep peacefully while, in the slums below, children cry out in malarial delirium. Hell is anybody who glides through life, gracefully immune to the blighted reality of millions of other lives. But such is the destiny of man that if hell is other people, so is heaven. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a calamity to prove this truth. The year 2004 ended with a resounding reminder of the truth. Like the Greek Furies, the cataclysmic tsunami fell upon its victims with the pagan force of nature gone berserk. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, residents, foreigners, animals, trees, homes, shops, boats, cars - whatever stood in the way of the maddened waves was snatched up and swept along with manic abandon.
Everyone and everyth What mattered was h were, how far inland t they battered human tiring, clawing screa from life and land. The tsunami has left trail of death and des The dead are gone. It wail, powerless to giv to family and friends their lives and, someti Mankind stands remi powerful than him. N ture's hidden moods c ian rituals of life and But mankind refuses t to tyrant nature's de itself. Even though battered may have permaner Earth's rotation and a humans have reached the very midst of the ment. Heaven is such peopl Stories abound about People who lost alm selves offered clothe: esty of a couple whos off by the ferocity of There have been repo ing and theft, of cou long after the waters man nature to sink t denominator. But far more numero stories of human soli My colleague Ben N.
(continued from page 16) have suggested the creation of a web site to record the ins and outs of the tsunami cash. A necessary but insufficient condition, for transparency and efficiency can only be achieved in any significant measure by empowering local communities and transferring decision making powers to provincial and other local bodies.
To persist in political bickering is a betrayal of all tsunami victims. The survivors of the tsunami disaster deserve better than patronage handouts and topdown master plans from their government. The people of the world responded with extraordinary generosity to help the victims of the Asian tragedy. In every country, the citizens were a mil
lion bucks ahead of their generosity. Th governments to outthe global relief eff been raised as to ho ies pledged will actu the BBC's “Hard Ta Stocking of Oxfam, civil society organi, people power in flov ernments to honour What is equally im same power to make ent governments an not betray the vict waves and that they and the resources to lives.

AMIL TIMES 17
ll,
ing was dispensable. ow angry the waves ley invaded, how long habitation before rening innocents away
in its wake an epic truction.
falls on the living to e even decent burials who were torn out of mes, their very hands. nded: Nature is more ature is supreme. Naletermine the Darwindeath. o be humbled, to bow cree and give up on
by an earthquake that tly accelerated the Itered the global map, out to one another in cir collective punish
C,
them. ost everything themto protect the mode clothes were ripped
nature. rts of looting, pillag|rse. It does not take have subsided for huo its lowest common
ls have been uplifting darity. adarajan reports from
their governments in e people forced the pledge each other to ort. Questions have w much of the monially be delivered. In k'program, Barbara London, assured that zations will keep the v to force donor govtheir commitments. portant is to use the sure that the recipipolitical groups do ims of the tsunami are given the power reestablish their own
O
Sri Lanka about the head monk of a Buddhist temple on a hill. The monk had looked with disdain at the people pandering to the foreigners who lazed on the beach, played in the water, and gathered around the seafood and the nightlife. But since the calamity struck, the monk has turned host to about 1,000 of the same people, whether tourists or locals. The stricken have found a place to stay at three temples. Truly have houses of worship fulfilled their human mandate as well. Over in lran, where thousands were killed by an earthquake in Bam a year ago, an Associated Press report mentions struggling survivors thinking of the victims in this part of Asia. "Some school kids came to me and asked how they could help people in South-east Asia,' a primary school teacher said. Across the world, including in Singapore, the response to appeals for aid has been overwhelming. Looking at the outpouring of human solidarity, it is impossible not to think that heaven is other people. Heaven is other people working for the community, compassion and comradeship. These are the higher possibilities of the human condition. People are working for them. For me, the tsunami has brought about a rather strange conversion. Coarsened by the hellish suffering that has become commonplace around a six billionstrong globe, I have wondered for some time whether there are not too many humans around for their own good. Famine, pestilence, war, civil war, religious strife, inhumanity to the old, the infirm, children: these multiplying attacks on humanity are fuelled, after all, by the sheer numbers of people who are willing to kill, or are helpless to fight and are therefore ready to die. Perhaps a world of three billion would have fewer monsters and victims, I thought. The scale of human iniquity might go down even if the propensity towards violence did not, I thought. Then came the tsunami - and the heartbreaking images. And this old, calloused heart of mine stirred. I saw each death for what it was - one too
many. The ville idea that there are too many humans vanished. I looked more carefully for signs of life in the murderous epic. I found them in stories of humans holding hands and facing the ravages of chance. I realised: Hell might be other people, but so is heaven. And heaven is more powerful than hell.
Courtesy of "The Straits Times"

Page 18
18 TAMIL TIMES
For Sri Lanka,
a "ground zero
Robert Marquand
Telwatte, Sri lanka - A Small train station along Sri Lanka's southern belly - a sun-drenched, palmflanked stop called Telwatte - is becoming this country's psychological "ground zero"This is where the Dec. 26 tsunami wiped out a packed nine-car train and took most of its passengers, too.
Amid the scattered debris, and Army soldiers dragging the maroon wreckage away, many Sri Lankans - including relatives of the estimated 1,000 travelers who perished - are arriving to stare and ponder. They stand in silence. The only sound is the song of tropical birds and bulldozers. To some, the devastation brings to mind Pompeii, Italy, where residents were suddenly overwhelmed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. This whistlestop is emerging as Sri Lanka's locus of discussion, where deeper questions about the national disaster are being asked.
For some 200 yards, a classic symbol of civilization is strewn out across the landscape, cars askew in twisted right angles. The 80-ton engine, a silvery mastiff, was ripped from the tracks and flung dozens of yards away. Bodies were still being found and buried five days later.
On Dec. 26, the coastal train called “Queen of the Sea" left two minutes late from Colombo, arriving at the tiny Telwatte station at 9:20 a.m. - 2-1/2 hours after the earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
The cars and platform were packed with holiday goers, since Dec. 26 was a “full moon day" - a day that Lord Buddha was born and died, a time when Sri Lankan fisherman don't work and families travel. Telwatte is usually a momentary stop. But not this time. The conductor was waiting for the signal ahead to turn green. (Officials now say the green light never came because there were reports of waves down the coast.) When the first wall of water flooded in, "like a huge river,” one eyewitness recalls, the Queen of the Sea was fully exposed.
Thuresh Dharamadasa, a local woodcarver, was eating rice for breakfast in
his house, 40 yards awa screaming. He thoughts hit by the train, and ran the first wave of water at the wheels of the trai He rushed back and members of his family poured concrete roof o' trine - where they wat fold.
Karl Max Hantke, , house sits next to the ti of only three structures saw the tragedy unfold As the first wave a instead of climbing off ter drew more people water was waist high seemed solid. People cl some handing their chil platform, and some clim No one expected t Witnesses said it came 20 minutes later, and se sive new swell than a di it hit Telwatte with su entire train was ripped stantly - with such forc crete forms underneatl uprooted and turned down. The cars twisted filled with water. As scribes it, the scene wi ing followed by compl Officials at Telw don't know, or won' passengers perished. T mated between 800 and 30,000 deaths in Sri L. thorities say only 100 One of the most w survival in the countr Sathsara, a 4-year old After the first Sathsara's parents, wh worked to save their S( ond wave arrived the through a hatch in ther caught the attention o neer" who pulled him who no one has since kept the boy with him
 

JANUARY 2005
, when he heard meone had been outside. He saw already lapping
engine.
ushered the eight onto a "slab' - a er a concrete lached events un
German whose acks (and is one still intact), also from his roof. rrived, they say, the train, the wato the cars. The l, and the train ambered aboard, dren up from the bing on the roof. he second wave. between 10 and med more a masstinct wave. Still, ch force that the off the tracks ine that heavy conthe tracks were entirely upside and turned, and Mr. Hantke deis one of Screamote silence. Itte today either say, how many he figure is esti1,200 out of some Inka. Civilian aupeople survived. idely told tale of f is the rescue of
Doy.
wave struck, ) could not swim, n. Just as the Secpushed the boy of where his cries a "railroad engip. The “engineer." been able to find, s they were swept
away in the water. His aunt says that the boy remembered where his uncle worked in Colombo, and Sathsara was eventually delivered to their care.
Today, Telwatte is still a random landscape oftragedy: Asari isplasteredagainst a tree, a suitcase is spilled next to a train door, a muddy tennis racket made in China, scattered macaronion the ground, a pile of pocketbooks presumably emptied by scavengers. Teams of Air force and Army soldiers are making braces to pull the cars out. Most wear kerchiefs because the smell is overpowering, and not all corpses have been removed. A small dog, obviously nursing, runs back and forth, whining, looking for pups.
At the site, many survivors have left pictures of those who perished. Here and across the country the question that hangs in the air is "why"?
Thuresh, the woodcarver, says that his family has decided that nature, after 2,000 years, has made a statement.
O.G. Guruge, a senior politician in Sri Lanka's west coast district, told reporters on the scene that the tsunami was sent by "Lord Buddha." Mr. Guruge said the wave was Buddha's retribution for not taking care of the earth properly, and it was also a judgment on a Buddhist nation where "corrupt priests drive around in big cars and don't pray enough.”
In Sri Lankan churches, temples, and mosques, similar questions are raised. On Sunday, many of the newspapers here published commentary that tried to draw meaning and lessons from the Telwatte train tragedy and the tsunami.
A local philosopher, Ajith Samaranayake, asked in the Sri Lankan Sunday Observer whether or not the tsunami would jolt local people into a far more sober appraisal of their personal and national shortcomings than before. He noted that Sri Lanka was the first British colony to be granted universal suffrage, but that the country has not lived up to its promise.
On a kind of metaphysicaljeremiad, Mr. Samaranayake added that the tsunami may be a lesson in humility: “For a stark moment, man in the new millennium, armoured supposedly against all calamities by his rational technological outlook and advanced political philosophies, has been rendered helpless by nature... his cities ruined and laid low and all his grand inventions in disarray.”
- The Christian Science Monitor

Page 19
JANUARY 2005
The Asian Tsuna
a personal
Professor Ch Fellow American C Schlumberger Car
(Written in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. later)
At 9:30am local time (03:30 GMT) on Boxing Day. eating breakfast at the beachside Triton Hotel', Ahur previous week we had been touring Sri Lanka, endin Galle - places we hardly knew of before but images o about 150 staying at the Yala Safari Game Lodge, onl Heritage Site, a 16-17" century Portuguese/Dutch for three storey building, well designed by the famous S solidly constructed in 1981. As we finished breakfas hotel's swimming pool and a small wave gently rolled Mention of a high tide immediately seemed wrong - times and there was essentially no tide and the sea w earthquake in the Indian Ocean' but with no previou suffered 30 years of the English understatement, imm that worse might be to come and that it was importa back to its previous level and the hotel staff began to minutes or so and I began to realize that something below normal. Lillian again spoke to the hotel I megaphone advising people to leave the beach. Many curiosity. At 10:10am the big wave came, rising to perhaps 7m a near the stairs and escaped to the higher floors. A fi rooms and public spaces but were rescued by hotels the hotel lobby into the front gardens and survived c was devastated — all windows, doors, furniture, belon sea. Power, water and telephones were immediately was lost, although neighbouring fishing communities been able to see, in the distance, villagers coming dow would have been impossible to warn them as thingsh had been out taking his morning constitutional walk, by villagers, was walking back to the hotel and sur injuries - mainly cuts and bruises - but nothing life wave fared worst. In the aftermath of the big wave, sea level continued ti (the peaks were at approximately 09:30, 10:10 - the The 3" and 4" surges were larger than the 1" but now the oscillations had died away even though it was still an unknown risk of aftershocks. Amazingly, although and bottled water was rustled up by the hotel staff, a
http://asiatours.net/Srilanka/hotels/triton.html
http://archnet.org/library/parties/one-party.tcl?party id=73 http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site ide7313 In earlier drafts of this letter, I gave this figures as 10 m. Looking probably guilty of the usual exaggeration of wave heights. This fig
 
 

TAMIL TIMES 19
miin Sri Lanka: experience
is Chapman, Geophysical Union mbridge Research
The footnotes and appendum were added somewhat
December 26, Lillian, my wife, and I were sitting galla, Sri Lanka (about 30 km north of Galle). The g our trip travelling through Yala National Park and f which are now indelibly imprinted on the world (of y 11 survived; the centre of Galle, a UNESCO World t and port, is essentially gone). The Triton hotel is a ri Lankan architect Geoffrey Dawa and, thankfully, t, the sea slowly rose a few metres to the level of the
through the pool and hotel lobby. Lillian and I had been walking on the beach several as calm. I said to Lillian, “There must have been an s experience assumed it to be small. Lillian, having ediately went and spoke to the manager and warned nt to get people off the beach. Gently the sea went clean up. But it continued to retreat for the next 20 big was coming. The sea level was now perhaps 7m manager who immediately got his staff out with a people had begun to go down onto the beach out of
above normal. Most people in the hotel were already w were initially trapped on the ground floor in their taff. Girls at the hotel reception were swept through linging to palm trees. The ground floor of the hotel gings ... were gone, swept first inland and then out to cut, of course. No one from the hotel staff or guests cannot have been so lucky - before the wave we had yn to the beach to see the retreating sea. Tragically, it appened so fast. An elderly Austrian gentlemen who was swept off the rocks by the first wave and rescued vived clinging to a fence. A few people had minor threatening. Those people who were trapped by the
o oscillate for many hours
big one, 11:10, 11:50, 12:35, 12:55, etc. local time). seemed insignificant. By afternoon the amplitude of visible. Only a few people left the hotel as there was the kitchens had been destroyed, by lunch-time food and a local doctor attended the injured. As darkness
at my photographs more carefully, I have decided that I was ure, 7m, is probably more accurate,

Page 20
20. TAMIL TIMES
approached we knew that coaches had left Colombo blocked roads. Another meal appeared, I know not h comes by 7pm) with some candle light. But the buse the hotel providing us all with snack meals and drinks
Travelling along the darkened roads we were able to the true magnitude of the disaster (as was the whole route to avoid blocked roads. At 1:00am we arrived a on the outskirts of Colombo. Although incomplete, th the day the manager had procured 200 mattresses, sh had the only TV in the place showing the ubiquitol home. Over the next two days everyone moved on to of Wednesday 29" we were the final couple to leav confirmed our flight we did not try to alter it), havin (on behalf of the Foreign Office) at Heathrow airport. Could I have done more? With hindsight I could ha got everyone on to higher floors before the big wave. safety - I didn't realize how fast I can still run - an property on the ground floor, but might have caused time and distances, there was little we could have don Would an early warning system have helped? Of cou the recurrence rate is very low (there appear to be no their history more the 2000 years ago, although I ha longer than a generation, how would people have re behave in the most logical fashion); the distances anc some of the countries surrounding the Indian Ocean early warning system is technically relatively strai installed. Perhaps it can be used as a catalyst anc structures rather than just being imposed from outside Did the early, small precursor wave occur in all regio it in the media. I still don't fully understand what I ( surges. Is this a function of the earthquake mech: difficult to get my mind around Airy or Jeffreys pha deduced roughly the source of the tsunami - if only the Diffraction of Seismic Waves. Between each set ( debris, fast enough to roughen the water, south duri the waves were being diffracted around the southern had only been in the shadow of the island
We heard two interesting stories about animals. A Matara fled to high ground when an alarm about thi warning wave as we did). When he arrived, he was
there. Despite the utter devastation, no dead animals
'The recent review article by K. Satake, "Tsunamis", Internation Chapter 28,437-451, Academic Press, makes no mention of India Ocean.
Satake, ibid, does not mention this period. Barber, N.F., 1969, W 20 minutes; Bolt, B.A., 1978, Earthquakes: a primer, W.H. Freen 1975 tsunami (p. 79); Bullen, K.E. and Bolt, B.A., 1985, An Introl Press (p. 465) state “In some cases there are several great waves, separa waves is not always the greatest. Frequently, the first great wave which may commence several minutes or even half an hour befort longer period, presumably caused by the earthquake magnitude ar “Jeffreys, H. and Jeffreys, B.S., 1962, Methods of Mathematical i waves (Section 17.09- see equation (21)) but this does not predic arises from the large size of the earthquake.

JANUARY 2005
for us but were having difficulty getting through the ow, and we prepared to spend a long night (darkness s arrived at 10pm and the hotel was evacuated, again - where from?
see some of the devastation but were still unaware of orld), and anyway we had to take a circuitous inland t Water's Edge, a new golf sports-club/hotel complex e bar, sports-club and ballroom were open and during tets, pillows, towels. The sports-club was useful as it s CNN. For the next 3 nights the ballroom was our other hotels or to flights home, until on the morning e for our scheduled flight home (as we had already to endure a rather ponderous welcome by the police
ve been more emphatic about the impending risk and This would have saved the trauma of the final rush to d would have saved some minor injuries and loss of panic. But thankfully, no lives were lost. Given the e for the neighbouring villages. rse but the situation is very different from the Pacific: recent historical events - locals spoke of a tsunami in e been unable to check this". With a recurrence rate acted? We had 40 minutes warning and still did not hence warning times are less than in the Pacific; and have fragile infra-structures at best. But given that an ghtforward and inexpensive, of course it should be driving force for improvements to the local infra
ns? At the time of writing, I have heard no mention of :ould have learnt from the 40-45 minute period of the anism, or the propagation path? At the time, it was ses' and the like. Afterwards, I realized I could have I'd remembered my PhD thesis from 35 years ago on of waves there was considerable long-shore drift of the ng the ebb and north during the flood, indicating that coast of Sri Lanka from a source to the SE. And we
in Englishman living with a Sri Lankan family near approaching wave was raised (they must have had a surprised to find the cattle, which roam freely, already have been found in Yala National Park.
l Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology, 2002, Ocean tsunamis and the distribution map is only of the Pacific
ater Waves, Wykeham Publications (London) Ltd. mentions 10 or an and Company mentions a period of 15 min for the Hilo, Hawaii uction to the Theory of Seismology, 4" Ed., Cambridge University
ed by intervals of some minutes or more, and the first of these
preceded by an extraordinary recession of water from the shore hand.", an accurate description of our observations except for the
mechanism. hysics, Cambridge University Press describe the dispersion of water such long oscillations (see appendum). Presumably this period

Page 21
JANUARY 2005
In the West, we tend to think of the Internet as the t In countries like Sri Lanka, the revolution has been t the local level beyond belief. Memories? Of the extreme generosity and kindne tourists in no particular, immediate danger after the hotel staff came from local villages where their per rescue and care for us. When we arrived at Water mobile phone to anyone who had not contacted International Direct Dial lines nor Internet had y (unbeknown to us, Michael Thambynayagam, my already contacted her and the Catholic Bishop of Cc Lanka, Peter Perumal (of Walkers Tours"), despit preparing for his daughter's wedding on December Edge to check that everything was OK. At the loca well organized and generous people. Unfortunately the wider tragedy. As soon as the country has recon this beautiful country. We will again.
Appendum The basic theory for the propagation of tsunami ha 17.09) in an analysis of the dispersion of gravity wat a dimensionless frequency, Q = o(d/g)", where dis the angular frequency, and a dimensionless wave dispersion relationship for gravity water waves is Q’ = K tanh K. The dispersion curves for this function are shown in
Gravity water wave dispersion
- -
short wavelength c = (g/k)"
2
1
8
vF deldk
6
long wavelength c = (gd)"
AV''
12.4
0.
4
O 0.5 1 15 2 2.5
dimensionless wavenumber K = kc
Figure 1: The dispersion curve for gravity water waves, with the phase c and group v velocity from this curve.
http://w.walkerStours.coml
 
 
 

TAM TIMES 21
chnology revolution from the end of the 20" century. e mobile (cell) phone, which has altered organizing at
of the Sri Lanka people. Why should 200 foreign ain wave, be treated so well? Despite the fact that the onal losses were considerable, many stayed around to : Edge, the assistant manager immediately offered his home - the complex was new enough that neither t been installed. We gratefully rang our daughter manager at Schlumberger Cambridge Research had lombo to try to find us). Our guide on our tour of Sri 2 the less of colleagues and possibly relatives, and 8", went out of his way to find and visit us at Water's and individual level, the Sri Lankans are resourceful, , the infra-structure is fragile and unable to cope with tructed enough to cope, we would urge anyone to visit
is been given by Jeffreys and Jeffreys (1962, Section er waves in a flat ocean of constant depth. In terms of the water depth, g the gravitational acceleration and () number, K = kad, where k is the wavenumber, the
Figures 1 and 2.
short and long wavelength limits illustrated, and the derivation of the

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22 - TAM TIMES
Gravity water wave velocities
O.
9
O
8
s
phase velocity
O.
7
O.
6
海
O.
4
gτουρνειοαίty
O
5
O.
3.
02: OS 1 15 2 2.5
dimensionless vavenumber Ks kd
Figure 2: The phase and group velocities for gravity water waves show the long-wavelength approximations.
In fact for tsunami, we only need the long-waveleng can be approximated by the quadratic term, i.e. for diu C = c/(gd)"o = 1 — Ko/6
V = v/(gd)'°= 1 — K°/2, respectively. Then a wavenumber integral can be displacement in the form of the so-called Jeffreys pha
27. Ai Χ - T (T/2)" (T/2)"
where X = x/d is the dimensionless range and T=t(g 5 km and a range of x = 2000 km, this gives a velocit 220 m/s (C = V = 1) and an arrival time of t = 9000s are consistent with our observations. Each dimensior Jeffreys phase is illustrated in Figure 3.
Jeffreys phase for dimensionless range X =
g
1 hour
W
鱼 150 mins 血 300 350 400 45C
dimensionless time T = tgld)? Figure 3: The Jeffreys phase for X = 400.
 
 
 

ANUARY 2005
, derived from the dispersion curve in Figure . The dashed lines
th limit, K << 1, when the phase and group velocities mensionless velocities, these are
evaluated using the Airy function to give the wave se (Bullen and Bolt, 1985, p. 465).
(d)' the dimensionless time. For a water depth of d = y of c = w =
= 150 minor T = X = 400. These approximate values less time unit is 0.375 min or 1 hour - 160 units. The

Page 23
JANUARY 2005
The important features of the Jeffreys phase, caused wavenumber/frequency, i.e. C(0) = 0, are the slow de decay due to second-order dispersion only, i.e. o. geometrical spreading in two dimensions, the decay large initial wave and the slow amplitude decay and oscillation depend on the dispersion and are only a ful depending on the excitation. Taking the inverse of th agree with observation. The smaller precursor wave difference in the period of oscillations. In this figure, much shorter than our observations. The small precur higher-order term or phase shift in the wavenumber ir complex (large) source mechanism. Preliminary rupture models by Chen Ji', indicate tha 400 km (80 dimensionless units) with a speed of 2.0 k some 10 m. Normally when a source propagates to frequency (decreases the pulse width), e.g. for a tra signals in Sri Lanka will be higher frequency than in A respect to the tsunami velocity (2000 m/s compared w observer in Sri Lanka in the direction of the rupture pr rupture (the nearest point) first, and from the first p rupture velocity is so high (as it is in rock), about t rupture relative to the observation point is not very rupture always arrives first, and from the furthest last. all the rupture occurs instantaneously, i.e. an infinite interference of waves generated all along the rupture phase
27t X ー i x - T *āj《一*M房*
where w(x) is a weighting function indicating the sourc show that the resultant waveforms are very sensitive Trials have been made with triangular and boxcar we
narrow (a few dimensionless units) the wave shape With a greater width (say 20 units), the main chang slightly different frequencies (because the frequenc time), interfere and cause beats and a more rapid deca Jeffreys phase for boxcar 20 units wide
300 400 500 600
dimensionless time T ze t(gsd)''
Figure 4: The Jeffreys phase for a boxcar source 20 units wide. extended to 800 units (5 hours) compared with Figure 3.
-" http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic slav ff.html
 

TAMIL TIMES 23
by the stationarity of the velocity with respect to ay with range, X '', due to dispersion (this is the e-dimensional wave propagation. Including the ite would be increased to X"), the build up to a decreasing periods at later times. The periods of ction of time. The amplitude and sign are arbitrary s curve, the prolonged initial retreat and large wave is missing but the main disagreement is the large he periods of about 20 units correspond to 7.5 min, or wave could probably be modelled by including a egral, but the longer period will presumably need a
the rupture propagated north-westwards for nearly n/s and a maximum vertical surface displacement of wards the observer, the Doppler shift increases the in approaching or for seismic waveforms (seismic ustralia). But the rupture velocity is supersonic with th 220m/s), so the effect is different. Effectively an opagation, sees tsunami waves from the last point of int of rupture (the furthest point) last. In fact the en times the tsunami velocity, that the direction of important. The tsunami from the nearest point of
For simple numerical calculations, we assume that upture velocity. The pulse can be broadened by the . This can be simulated by integrating the Jeffreys
:e strength along the rupture. Numerical experiments : to the width and form of this weighting function. ights of various widths. If the weighting function is is close to the Jeffreys phase (Figure 3), of course. e is that waves from the two ends of the rupture of ies in the Jeffreys phase increase with propagation y - see Figure 4.
mmmmmmmm
Note the interference beats at later times and that the time axis is

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24 - TAM TIMES
For long source widths (40 units and greater), the weighting function with reduced later oscillations (f above integral looks more like a Dirac delta function)
Jeffreys phase for boxcar 40 units wide
300 400 500 600
dimensionless time T = t(g/d)?
Jeffreys phase for triangle 40 units wide
M
300 400 500 600
dimensionless time T = t(g/d)?
Figure 6: The Jeffreys phase for a triangular source 40 units wide. , later oscillations are much reduced due to the lack of waves from th
In reality, it is unlikely that the high-frequency oscillal to spatial variations of the source and ocean. If th remaining long period oscillations would begin to a numerical simulations are instructive, further nume pointless given the sensitivity of the final waveform complexity of such a large earthquake. The varying dispersion and focusing of energy. Full numerical performed' including all these effects.
Professor Chris Chapman has been a scientific ad years. Before that he was Professor of Geophysics at the Universities of Toronto and Alberta. His wife, theoretical seismology and he has just publish a g. Propagation with Cambridge University Press, which
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthenews/2004/usslav
 
 

JANUARY 2005
wave begins to have approximately the form of the or large integration lengths, the Airy function in the - see Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 5: The Jeffreys phase for a boxcar source 40 units wide. Compared with Figure 4, the initial pulse begins to approximate the source, and the later oscillations are reduced
o 800
mm 700 800
Again as in Figure 5, the initial pulse approximates the source. The estart and end of the source.
ions in Figure 5 would be propagated coherently due nese oscillations were removed from Figure 5, the bproximate the observations better. Although these rical experiments with such a simple model seem o the source weighting function, and the undoubted
water depth of the actual ocean will cause further simulations for realistic models have already been
isor at Schlumberger Cambridge Research for 14 Cambridge University, and Professor of Physics at Lillian, is Canadian. His research speciality is
raduate textbook Fundamentals of Seismic Wave
didn't even mention tsunamis!

Page 25
JANUARY 2005
O Dispute over Kofi Annan visit
Jan 8 - Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan visited the tsunami-wrecked districts of Hambabaintota and Galle in the South and Trincomalee in the East to witness by himself the unprecedented natural disaster in Sri Lanka on December 26. The Secretary General flew by helicopter over the Southern town of Galle town, which was completely devastated in tsunami before landing at another wave-hit Southern town of Hambantota, where he was received by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and World Bank chief, Wolfensohn.
Hundreds of people had gathered alongside the streets to greet him. According to reports he had assured to give maximum possible assistance to rebuild the devastated towns and houses.
Visiting eastern Trincomalee, Kofi Annan consoled Tsunami affected Tamil refugees at Alankerni Tamil School and Muslim victims sheltered in Kinniya Central College. UN officials cancelled the inspection of the Tsunami destroyed Kinniya government hospital site at last minute. In the company of UN officials he arrived in Kinniya Central College grounds by a special helicopter. Mr.Gamini Rodrigo, Trincomalee Government Agent received Mr. Kofi Annan when he stepped down from the helicopter. Later he was introduced to heads of UN agencies in the district.
Mr. Kofi Annan was taken in a motor convoy to Alankerni, a Tamil village, which is, located about five km from the site he landed. He chatted for a while with Tamil Tsunami victims. He then returned to Kinniya Central College where he met with Muslim refugees who are given shelter. Kinniya division in Trincomalee district topped the death toll more than 559 with few more reported missing due to Tsunami disaster.
The LTTE and the Tamil National Alliance accused the Government of biocking Annan's visit to the northern LTTEcontrolled areas, and this it did despite the requests by UN officials. A Reuters report filed from Hambantota quoted Annan as saying: "I am here on a humanitarian mission. I would like to visit all the areas, but as you know I am here as a guest of the government and they set the itinerary."
It is understood that the initial request to facilitate a visit by Annan was made by the LTTE's Legal Advisor, V. Rudrakumaran to Country Director, UNDP, Miguel Bermieo. On Friday 7 the
request was reitera Peace Secretariat, contacted his count Dr. Jayantha Dhana litical Wing Leader, in a request throu facilitators to urge c by Annan, a messag to senior officials in
Though the For lombo sought to dis by saying that Mr was arranged by t Colombo very few ernment, given its n vis the LTTE, playe ing his visit to LT* The Government's international dignit tary General of the of State Colin Powe areas would serve a macy to the Tamil "separatist' goal, a be used by the Ti purposes. President unga is reported tc she had "no second Dr. Annan not to V
The visiting Se United Nations, K. lombo that he was comeback and visi not just to visit bu adding that the UN show' and there w ple attached to the in parts of the c LTTE-held areas. very active. And I this country and th of the important tional community that we are trying are in it for the lon the donor to thin said.
Asked wheth
 

TAMIL TIMES 25
2d by Head, LTTE . Puleethevan who erpart in Colombo, bala. Also, their PoS. P. Tamilselvanput gh the Norwegian in their behalf a visit 2 that was conveyed Colombo. :ign Ministry in Comiss the accusation Annan's programme he UNDP office in doubt that the Govormal position vis-a- 2d a role in preventTE-controlled areas. view is that visits by aries like the SecreUN or US Secretary to LTTE controlled s giving more legitiTigers and to their nd such visits would gers for propaganda Chandrika Kumarathave told CNN that -thoughts' in asking sit LTTE-held areas. retary General of the fi Annan, said in Cohoping to be able to all parts of Sri Lanka, to celebrate peace,” was not a "one man re anumber ofpeoUN agencies working untry, including the The UN agencies are hink my presence in region on the scores JN and the internaattached to the crisis ) deal with here. We hall and encourage to in longer term,” he
he discussed the pro
longing issue of the fragile peace process, he said that he did raise the question of the peace process with the leaders of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), leaders of all political parties and President Kumaratunga and "insisted the need to intensify the peace efforts'.
He expressed optimism that his not visiting the LTTE-held Wanni areas would not affect the routine work of several UN agencies that are already working there.
“I think the UN has had very good relation with the people, the NGOs and with the government. I intend to keep it that way including with the LTTE," Annan said, adding that the natural disaster has transcended all the division that had remained in Sri Lanka for so long. "So the ordinary people of Sri Lanka have come together on an extraordinary scale to meet the necds created by the emergency. I fervently hope that their political leaders would do the same in joined hands," he said.
Representatives from ICRC, OXFAM, FORUT, Save The Children, Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA), Dr Kumar Rupasinghe from Civil Society Forum, Neela Marikkar president of Sri Lanka First (a group comprising of business leaders advocating negotiated settlement to ethnic conflict), and various representatives from ethnic organizations participated at a meeting on 9 January convened for a selected group of civil society bodies by the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan at Jai Hilton Hotel on 9 January.
The meeting focused on the impact of the tsunami disaster and the participation of the civil society in disaster response and in the long-term recovery operations. Mr Annan told the participants that it was critically important that all civil society organizations openly expressed their concerns so that an effective mechanism to conduct relief operations can evolve.
According to Tamilnet website, the Executive Director of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), Mr. K. P. Regi, submitted a letter to the Secretary General detailing how the TRO was leading the effort in the NorthEast to provide urgent and immediate relief
The Sri Lankan government has rejected the allegation that it was instrumental in preventingUN Secretary General Kofi Annan from visiting tsunami affected northern areas of Mullaitivu and Jaffna.

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26 TAMIL TIMES
Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry in a statement issued on 9 January said that the final itinerary was drawn only after the government authorities and UNDP's Resident Representative's Office reached an agreement in Colombo after it was known that the Secretary General was planning to visit Sri Lanka on his way from the Jakarta Conference on Tsunami Disaster, the UNDP office in Colombo in its official request dated January 3, for an itinerary, had proposed that Annan visit Hamban tota, Amparai and Trincomalee.
The Foreign Ministry statement added: "The government whilst agreeing to these proposals also offered that the Secretary General consider visiting Jaffna and Batticaloa as well,' the statement said. It said that following consultation with relevant line Agencies and "taking into account the security, programming and time considerations involved the UNDP office and the government authorities eventually agreed on an itinerary for the Secretary General that included an aerial survey of the affected coastline and on-site inspections at Hambantota and Trincomalee.'"The government also of fered access and air transport facilities to “any member of the Secretary General's delegation to any Tsunami affected areas in the country including the Mullaitivu, an area visited by UNICEF Executive Director, Ms. Carol Bellamy, a few days ago," it said. "The government, therefore, rejects any assertion by any quarter to politicise this essentially humanitarian Mission initiated by the Secretary General and gladly hosted by the government of Sri Lanka,' it said.
OPirapaharan alive and kicking
The Big Tiger is alive and kicking or should one say roaring. Pulithevan, head of the LTTE's peace secretariat, on 15 January scotched all previously circulating speculative news reports about the fate of LTTE leader V Pirapaharan by saying that the LTTE leader would be meeting Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen who is due to visit Sri Lanka beginning 20 January. "He (Pirapaharan) is going to meet the Norwegian foreign minister next week." Pulidevan had said adding, "I can assure you that our chief is alive and fit." Asked as to why he had not been seen in public, Puleedevan had replied, “Prabhakaran doesn't seek publicity. He is a statesman and not a mere leader" and adding that the Tiger chief had visited several camps but "without
publicity".
Pirapaharan's public in the aftern disasterand his failu tated areas for near raised doubts as to fact alive. Some rep that he and the LTTE Pottu Amman had b. the Tsunami waves northeastern coastlin where the LTTE's S cated. Mullaitivu anc line villages sufferec sands reported dead of children and many ians were displaced. It was also report LTTE cadres and m chored off the Mulli: washed away by the a though the Tamil Ti any statement about alties.
The first rumour leader had died insi coast on Boxing Day when its roof collap, gulfed by the tsunan that he was drowned bunkers. The rumour time to the point whe Lanka Broadcasting nounced in a radio bi ary that accordingto Staff and Navy Comr ral Daya Sandagirith of the LTTE leader w sibly missing or deac the SLBC retracted th it could not substan the fiasco resulted in missal of the station
Referring to the SLBC the LTTE in a that it "strongly pro mischievous act c Broadcasting Corp down to such low let news that are fabric parties." This is not mongering and malici LTTE press release si national catastrophe it is very much r responsible media c takes upon itself the rumours and specul create confusion in people,” the press rel protesting against th of the SLBC, the LTT

JANUARY 2005
on-appearance in ath of the tsunami e to visit the devasy three weeks had whether he was in rts even speculated 's intelligence chief en washed away by when they hit the areas of Mullaitivu ca Tiger base is loits adjoining coastheavily with thouincluding hundreds thousands of civil
2d that at least 1200 ny of its boats antivu coastline were ngry tsunami waves gers have not made their tsunami casu
was that the Tiger le a church by the with some children sed after being enni The second was in one of his many - mill worked overen the State-run Sri Corporation an'oadcast on 8 JanuChief of Defence mander Vice Admiat the whereabouts ere unknown, pos... Within 24 hours, e announcement as iate the story, but the summary diss News Director.
broadcast by the press release said tested against the f the Sri Lanka pration, stooping el of broadcasting ited by interested he time for gossip ius propaganda, the id. "At a time of a of this magnitude, grettable that a f the government job of spreading tion that tend to the minds of the ase said. Strongly mischievous act 3 pointed out that,
"The government has a moral responsibility to ensure that its media exercise extra caution in broadcasting news material that tend to create tension and confusion, especially at a time the people are in distress consequent to the natural disaster. This is not the time for gossip , mongering and malicious propaganda,”
Then on 17 January, disappointing those who indulged in wishful thinking as to the fate of the Tamil Tiger leader, the TamilNet website reported that Mr Pirapaharan met with disaster management planners who have been participating in relief and reconstruction planning and praised them for their services to the people of Northeast. It also published a photograph of the meeting with the Tiger leader presiding. The meeting took place in the Tiger heartland of Kilinochchi.
O Sangaree's open letter
Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) President V.Anandasangaree said that the 22 Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs have failed in their duty to help the tsunami affected Tamil people of the North and East to benefit from the huge humanitarian assistance being continuously provided by the international community.
Instead of bringing to the notice of the Government any shortcomings in the distribution of the relief assistance and ensuring remedial measures, they were only blaming the government for not channalling all the distribution of relief to the people only through the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) and the LTTE, he said in a letter addressed to TNA leader and MP for Trincomalee, R. Sampanthan.
"At this time of grave national crisis, they should remain in the affected areas to help the people, to give directions on their relief and rehabilitation and coordinate with the relevant authorities on the matter,' he said.
A majority of the Government Agents of the affected Tamil districts have said that adequate food and other humanitarian relief have arrived. The proper way for the TNA MPs to help the affected people is to work in coordination with GAs, their staff, the Provincial Council administration and other relevantauthorities instead of demanding that everything to be handled by the LTTE, he said.
Sangaree has also blamed Mr Sambanthan for not having said anything
(continued on next page)

Page 27
JANUARY 2005
Recruiting child soldiers
Jan 15 - The issue of recruitment of child soldiers in Northeast Sri Lanka has again hit the headlines with human rights and humanitarian organisations aleging that the LTTE has engaged in recruiting children in the wake of the tsunami disaster which had left thousands of children orphaned.
The New York based Human Rights Watch(HRW) has alleged that the LTTE is involved in forcibly recruiting Tamil children to replace their lost cadres in the tsunami disaster of 26 December, which reports suggest killed hundreds of its armed cadres.
Human Rights Watch alleged in a press statement released that the Tamil Tigers are preying on the must vulnerable by taking advantage of children who have been orphaned and displaced by the tsunami.
On 14 January, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which runs an Action Programme with the LTTE for the rehabilitation of child soldiers, reported three cases of children recruited from camps for tsunami survivors in Batticaloa and Ampara.
UNICEF chief in Sri Lanka Ted Chaiban told reporters that three children from two eastern districts had gone missing and had been recruited by the LTTE. “We have enough proof that these children had gone missing from the camps and are now with the LTTE. We will soon take up these cases with the LTTE." He said there were a few other cases of children recruited by the rebels but they were before the tsunamis. He did not specify how many such cases UNICEF was investigating.
Chaiban said child by the tsunamis, with without both parents : having lost one pare begining, priority has ing unaccompanied cl ing them with their pa tended family or home said.
UNICEF spokesm later said later that tw been reunited with the only one girl's fate it have information that Ampara district are w said Keele. “It is onl 15-year-old girl in Bat have issues.”
A survey conduct in collaboration with Protection Authority, ILO and Probation an ices confirmed that ne had lost their parents had lost at least one
Anneieke Kranen “Volkskrant' on 7 Ja ter having visited east this moment, the LTT soldiers in the camps. dren are especially vu
(continued from page 26)
at the meeting presided over by the President and attended by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on January 9 about want of adequate relief assistance to the tsunami affected people of North and the shortcomings, if any, in distribution of the relief. Mr Sambanthan attended this meeting and if there was partiality, that would have been the best forum to have brought this up.
"Tamils living abroad in response to the appeal of the TRO irrespective of their party affiliations are contributing liberally and the TRO must have collected several millions in foreign currency. People here and abroad wish to know the truth.
"Relief items had come from all
around the world. Sev over 150 plane loads ( varieties needed fort are flowing in everyd tries have promised ai best. Under such cil victims are not lool who is to be blamed' "Large stocks of number of medical equipment, helicopt been sent by foreig countries have evens visions of their arm relief work. One in showed his ignora against army units North. This type ofs anybody. The losers the tsunami,” Mr Sa
 

TAMIL TIMES 27
ren were worst hit nearly 1,000 left nd a further 3,200 t. "From the very been given to findildren and reunitents, siblings, excommunities,' he
an Geoffrey Keele o of the three had ir families, leaving doubt. "We now two girls from the ith their families,” y in respect of the ;icaloa that we now
ed by the UNICEF the National Child Save the Children, d Child Care Servarly 1000 children and 3,200 children parent.
berg, reporter from nuary reported aftern Sri Lanka, “At E is recruiting child The orphaned chillnerable. It is open
eral ship loads and frelief items, ofall he tsunami victims ay. About 50 counland are doing their cumstances, if the ed after properly,
medicines, a good specialists, heavy rs, tents etc. have countries. Some nt Engineering Dito get engaged in your team of MPs ce by protesting being sent to the eeche will not help are poor victims of garee said. O
hunting season for the Tigers. At some schools, where most of the refugees in this area are being housed, government army soldiers are keeping watch. Farther Miller, who has devoted himself to helping former child soldiers of the LTTE, nevertheless fears that little can be done to prevent young boys and girls from being recruited. "The LTTE is abusing this disaster in order to increase its influence in the east."
In its statement HRW has urged that "Every effort must be made to stop this unconscionable recruiting from families who have already suffered so much."
The press release dated 14 January issued by the HRW said, "The rebels Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil Tigers) are recruiting children af. fected by the tsunami for use as soldiers, Human Rights Watch said today.
"Human Rights Watch said that the Tamil Tigers, who were already recruiting large numbers of child soldiers, now may seek to replace forces lost to the tsunami with child recruits.
"The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on three cases of children recruited from camps for tsunami survivors in Batticaloa and Ampara, on Sri Lanka's eastern coast. Human Rights Watch has received additional information on LTTE recruitment of children in Trincomalee and Jaffna.
"The Tamil Tigers are preying on the most vulnerable by taking advantage of children who have been orphaned or displaced by the tsunami,” said Jo Becker, children's rights advocacy director for Human Rights Watch. "Every effort must be made to stop this unconscionable recruiting from families who have already suffered so much.'
"At a relief camp in Trincomalee, a 16-year old boy who had been recruited prior to the tsunami and later escaped told credible sources that he recently witnessed the LTTE recruit three girls from the camp. In Jaffna, independent human rights monitors documented LTTE recruitment of two 13-year old boys on January 3.
"The LTTE has a long history of recruiting children as soldiers. A Human Rights Watch report published in November 2004 documented LTTE recruitment of thousands of children since a ceasefire between the government and LTTE took effect in early 2002. Human Rights Watch found that the LTTE often used threats, intimidation and even abduction to bring children into its ranks. Prior to the cease(continued on page 29)

Page 28
28 AML. I IMES
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Page 29
JANUARY 2005
LTTE appeals for International Assistance:
Jan 26: The political wing of the Liberation Tigers appealed for in
ternational assistance in providing relief to the people affected by the tsunami waves Sunday. "We appeal to the international community to provide the wherewithal to meet with the exigencies and to avoid a humanitarian crisis. The human disaster and the tragedy the survivors face are unprecedented and need immediate and effective humanitarian intervention. We therefore solicit the support of the Donor nations, UN agencies and IINGOs to consolidate their efforts and ensure that the assistance reach the needy in time," the appeal said.
The appeal said, "This is an urgent appeal to the international community and the donor nations for immediate intervention in providing relief to the disaster-affected areas in the Northeast. Tens of thousands of people have been swallowed by the surge and thousands have suffered major injuries. The medical institutions in the Northeast are full of the injured. Tens of thousands of people whose dwellings and entire belongings have been swept away by the sudden tidal surge, are now displaced and seeking refuge inpublic buildings in safer places. It is ironical that this tragedy had befallen on a people who suffered the brutality of a war for two decades and are continuing to exist without realizing the basic dividends of peace, normalcy.” Large number killed said to be children: Jan 27 - A large number of children were killed by Tsunami waves in Sri Lankais
(continued from page 27) fire, children were routinely used in combat, and often deployed on suicide missions. 'Various sources estimate that the LTTE lost between 700 and 2000 soldiers during the tsunami, including nearly 400 women and girls who were washed away from an LTTE training camp in Mullaitivu. Sri Lankan government sources have reported that the LTTE navy suffered major losses. "As the LTTE seeks to rebuild its forces after the tsunami, children are at enormous risk,' said Becker. "Children have always been targeted, but children who have lost their homes or families from the tsunami now are even more susceptible to LTTE recruitment.'
The LTTE is reportedly pressuring many camps for tsunami victims to relocate from government-held areas to LTTEheld territory. Human Rights Watch expressed strong concern that such relocation will put children at greater risk of recruit
ment.
Human Rights Watch called for intensive international monitoring of camps for tsunami victims, with special attention to vulnerable children. It urged international governments providing aid to affected areas in Sri Lanka to publicly condemn the LTTE's recruitment of children and call on the LTTE to release the children in its ranks. The organization welcomed UNICEF's efforts to register all orphaned and separated children and monitorunder-age recruitment cases.
LTTE denies: In denying the accusations, the Tigers have blamed the UNICEF for rushing to the press without consult. ing them first. Their political wing Leader S. PTamilselvan saic that the LTTE was aggrieved that the UNICEF sought to make a statement saying that the LTTE was recruiting children from Tsunami refugee camps"without consulting it first. They shoulc have asked us first without rushing to make a statement,” ht said. “We are not recruiting children from camps' he said. .

TAMIL TIMES 29
northeast, rescue workers and local journalists said. Thousands of children have been wounded in the floods and are still without access to first aid, they said. Lack of transport and roads destroyed by the monster waves are slowing rescue work in Mullaithivu, Mutur, Batticaloa and Amparai, according to aid workers.
"In some places here there aren't people to identify many bodies because whole families have been killed by the waves. In several areas we found the bodies of both parents and children killed by the waves," according to an aid worker in Batticaloa. He said that Navalady and Thiruchendoor, two coastal suburbs of Batticaloa town, were completely devastated by the Tsunami. Rescue work has been further hampered by a curfew imposed on the eastern town by the Sri Lankan armed forces, according to aid workers.
Mullaithivu, the main coastal town of the Vanni region has been completely destroyed by the Tsunami. Liberation Tigers and local rescue workers are continuing to search for bodies of people killed along this coast. "There is nothing left standing along the entire stretch from Mullaithivu to Vadamaradchi east. The devastation is total on the coast and its hinterland from 800 metres to 1.2 kilometres from the shore. Boats and fishing gear of the thousands of families that rely on the sea for their livelihood are gone", said Mr. Sudar, an official of the LTTE Peace Secretariat who was in the area.
"All the roads along the coastline have been ripped up and washed away by the tidal wave. This is impeding relief and rescue work in these areas', he said. "We have been able to recover only about 635 bodies, 1600 are dead in Mullaitivu," said Col. Soosai, commander of the Sea Tigers who was in the area assisting relief operations.
LTTE sets up Disaster Management Task Force: Dec 27Mr.S.P..Thamilchelvan, Head of the LTTE Political Wing in an urgent meeting with the International NGOs, District Secretaries, TRO officials and local NGOs requested to set up a NorthEast Disaster Management Steering Committee and Special Task Force Units consisting of the District Secretaries, INGO’s, TRO, local NGO's and representatives of the Planning and Development Secretariat of the LTTE. Similar mechanisms for the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Amparai have also been planned and details would be worked out in the respective districts soon, an LTTE news release said.
Harim Peiris, UPFA Minister visit Jaffna: Dec 29 - Mr.Harim Peiris, Presidential Advisor, accompanied by Mr. D.E.W. Gunasekara, Constitutional Affairs and National Integration Minister in the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government, arrived in Jaffna to see the devastation of the Jaffna peninsula after Tsunami. Mr. Gunasekara visited government controlled areas from Valvettithurai to Manatkadu accompanied by the Government Agent of Jaffna and other officials.
Mr.Harim Peiris later visited LTTE controlled areas from Thalaiyadi to Maruthankerni and held discussions with the LTTE activists stationed there. They addressed a press briefing at the Jaffna district secretariat. Minister Mr.Gunasekara said no discrimination would be shown in assisting the affected Tamil areas. Priority would be given to Tamil areas in rehabilitation. A

Page 30
30 TAMIL TIMES
master plan would be prepared to rehabilitate destroyed areas without any differences, said Mr.Gunasekara.
President asks LTTE to join national effort: Dec 29-Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge on 29 December sent an urgent message through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) to the Liberation Tigers ofTamil Eelam (LTTE) to join the National level Rehabilitation Bureau headed by her to reconstruct and rehabilitate Tsunami destroyed coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The message is to be delivered by the SLMM head Major General (retd) Trond Furuhovde to the LTTE politii calhead Mr.S.PThamilchelvan, disclosed Mr.Harim Peiris, Presidential Advisor at a press briefing held at Jaffna district secretariat.
Thamilchelvan stresses urgent needs: Dec 30 - Mr. Thamilchelvan, Head of the LTTE Political Wing, met with representatives of more than 60 international and UN aid agencies in Kilinochchi. The urgent needs of the NorthEast, caused by the tsunami which struck the coast on Sunday, were explained to the representatives. He stated both the immediate needs of those affected by the tsunami and their more intermediate needs. He explained that whatever little infrastructure has been built up was damaged or destroyed by the tsunami, sources in Kilinochchi told TamilNet.
US Military advance planning teams arrive: Dec 30 - Advance teams for the US Military's disaster relief response arrived in Colombo to begin assessment efforts and plan humanitarian aid operations to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. According to a statement from the US Embassy, the Disaster Response
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Assessment Team (DRAT), Commanded by Colonel Thomas Collins, will work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Maldives to begin to determine the most immediate reliefneeds and start planning the US Department of Defense's (DoD) relief efforts in coordination with the US Embassy in Colombo. "The 30-person team is comprised of U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy personnel,” the statement said.
Cut red tape to deliver urgent aid- LTTE: Dec 30 - The Liberation Tigers said that red tape should not impede or delay delivery of urgent international aid to the Tsunami hit areas of the northeast. Addressing representatives of international aid agencies and donor community in Kilinochchi, Mr. Thamilchelvan emphasised that the international community has a "moral responsibility" to ensure that humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka is "equitably distributed to the North-East". LTTE's Political Head stated clearly that the immediate relief measures would be best undertaken by the Task Force mechanism already set up at district level by the LTTE in coordination with the Government Agents of the affected districts.
Muslims in southeast coast suffer heavily: Dec 31 - Muslims who live in densely populated villages along the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka suffered heavy casualties in Sunday's Tsunami, with at least ten thousand killed. Rescue and relief efforts in Muslim towns and villages on the southeastern coast are hampered by lack of coordination and heavy rains. Seventy two Muslim schools were completely washed off and eighty five mosques were severely damaged, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Mr. Hassan Ali told TamilNet Thursday,
Meanwhile, Assistant Government Agent (AGA), A.L.M. Phaleel said the family of each person killed by the Tsunami in Kalmunai is being given 10,000 rupees and that each injured person is being granted 5000 rupees.
Mr. S. M Izzadeen, a member of the local monitoring mission for the Batticaloa district told TamilNet Thursday that although Tamils and Muslims are coordinating relief and rescue work in many parts of Amparai and Batticaloa, more volunteers in the remoter areas of the southeast coast are urgently required. He said that according to latest figures at least ten thousand Muslims died in the Tsunami.
Fifth Indian relief ship arrives: Dec 31 - A tanker from the Indian Navy fleet, INS Aditya, arrived in Colombo harbour on 31 December with reliefsupplies, medical teams and other provisions. This is the fifth Indian naval war ship to arrive in Sri Lanka aftermath of the Sunday's tsunami disaster on immediate rescue and relief operation. Two Russian-built IL-76 transport planes from the Indian Air Force, each consisting full-fledged field hospital each with 70-member medical team and medical supplies, arrived in Colombo today.
Six MI-17 Indian Air Force helicopters are also in Sri Lanka helping the Sri Lankan air force in carrying provisions, medicines and drinking water to remote areas and bringing back stranded persons from these areas to safety areas. According to the defence sources, INS Sandhayak and INS Sukanya are in Trincomalee, while INS Sharda and INS Sutlej are stationed in Galle assisting the Sri Lankan authorities in reliefsupply and rescue operation. Theseshipshave broughtmedicalandgeneral reliefitems, divingteamsand inflatable boats. One naval helicopteroneachoftheshipsis beinguised for search and rescue operations.

Page 31
JANUARY 2005
President briefs diplomats: Dec 31 - President Kumaratunga Friday met Colombo based diplomats and members of the International Agencies to brief them on the crises faced by Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Sunday's disaster. Commenting on the long term needs of the country she has said that the country "would welcome the assistance of all friendly nations", adding that the damaged road network would be given the first priority followed by telecom, hospitals, schools, housing.
Claiming that the UN would send a special team to make an assessment of the damage to infrastructure, President Kumaratunga has conceded that the country was not at all prepared to face such an enormous natural disaster.
"We were not prepared to face such a calamity. In the first 48 hours coordination was poor. However it is now functioning smoothly with in organized manner,' a statement from the President's office said. Explaining them on the special task force, which operates from the President's Office, she has said that a National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) has been put in place already to rebuild damaged infrastructure.
She also has said that all political parties in Parliament, except the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), have accepted her invitation. The president denied media reports about the neglect in delivering reliefsupply to Northeast. Such reporting is the work of"LTTE's propaganda mechanism", she said.
The envoys representing India, Bangladesh, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Norway, Italy, and the heads of the UNDP, World Bank, ICRC, ADB, IMF expressed their views in the meeting. The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Secretary to the President W.J.S. Karunaratne, head of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala, the Service Commanders and the Police Chief.
Relief stalls due to flood waters: Jan 1 - Relief supply to hundreds of thousands of Tsunami victims in the districts of Amparai and Batticaloa has been hampered due to flood caused by torrential rain during the last two days. Several hundreds of victims have been evacuated from camps now under flood to safer areas. Heavy monsoon rain lashing in the province has added more sufferings to the Tsunami victims sheltered in makeshift camps and damaged schools. Relief workers are battling to recover bodies still trapped under the collapsed building and debris in the midst of rain. Several hundred families in Irrakamam and Amparai have been evacuated to safer places, social service sources said. Victims in shelters suffer due to flood at a time when they are still not provided with basic facilities such mats, bedsheets, lanterns, candlelight, good drinking water and kitchen utensils, volunteers said.
Lorries transporting relief materials to these districts are unable to proceed to their destinations as main roads are under flood at several places. Relief supply to Amparai district by government agencies and humanitarian organizations has been completely cut off, District Secretariat sources said. Social Service department officials and volunteers have made urgent appeals to the authorities concerned to provide assistance to airlift urgent relief materials to victims.
Sri Lanka mourns: Jan 1 - Sri Lanka observed Friday 31 December as a national mourning day to express shock and grief to the deaths due to Sunday's Tsunami that hit the coastal areas in the northeast and the south killing about 30,000 and rendering around one million homeless. Sri Lanka's National Flag was flown

TAM TIMES 31
half-mast on government buildings and Thamileelam National Flag was flown half-maston all political secretariat offices of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the North East.
Mourning day was observed in the northeast at the request of the LTTE. All activities came to a standstill sharp at 12 noon Friday to observe ten-minute silence to mourn the deaths of several thousands in the Tsunami disaster White flags were flown in private buildings and business establishments in Sinhalese areas and black flags in Tamil areas. President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge, Opposition Leader Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe and leaders of other political parties participated in a prayer meeting held Friday evening at the Henry Pedris Park in Colombo. Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe and other party leaders carrying lighted candles pledging to work for the reconciliation and rebuilding of Sri Lanka, rising above all differences.
1500 U.S Marines to arrive: Jan - U.S Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Lunstead, U.S Commander of U.S Disaster Response Assessment Team (DRAT), Colonel Thomas Collins, and a USAID representative said at a press conference held in Colombo that 300 U.S Marines are to arrive in Colombo in a U.S Wasp class amphibious assault ship, USS Bon Homme Richard, equipped with a helipad and supporting five helicopters on board.
The Aircraft Carrier, USS Bon Homme Richard, which is to support full fledged U.S rescue operations in Galle, Amparai, Trincomalee and Jaffna coasts is also equipped with five small scale hovercrafts, the officials said in the press conference. The hovercrafts will engage in point to point rescue operations along the coasts, the officials added. A C-130 cargo carrier aircraft will also be supporting the rescue effort, the Ambassasdor said during the press conference.
Ambassador Lunstead added that the death toll in Sri Lanka due to Tsunami waves was nearly nine times the total US suf. fered in the 9/11 incident. He said that initially the operation would begin in worst-hit Amparai, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Galle districts and the US Marine and the Joint Task Forces (JTF) would engage in "point to point distribution" using the Hovercrafts and Marine Helicopters to carry the relief items to the needy areas. He said that the number of the Marines in Sri Lanka may go up or down depending on the requirements and the cooperation they get from the Sri Lankan armed forces on the ground.
Asked whether US relief operation would cover the areas controlled by the LTTE, Ambassador said that the US Embassy "will make sure that the relief items reach all tsunami affected areas including the North-East'. "It is not about the ethnic conflict, but a urgent humanitarian assistance. We will serve all who had been affected,” he said, indicating that the US humanitarian relief items would flow into the LTTE-held areas as well. Bush administration has already allocated US$350 million as tsunami relief to the South-East Asian region.
UNICEF Official visits Mullaitivu: Jan 3-Ms Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), arrived in Killinochchi on January 3, met with and consoled the 38 children who escaped death in the Tsunami which wiped out the Senthalir Illam with 1 13 children in Mullaitivu. Senthalir Illam is run by the Women Rehabilitation Organization (WRO).
Thereafter she went to Mullaitivu town and witnessed the

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32 TAMIL TIMES
destruction. She later told local journalists that most of the victims of the previous week Tsunami that hit the coastal areas of South Asian countries were children. "Irreparable damages had been caused to children and women. UNICEF would assist all affected areas,' she told the local press. She commended that the rehabilitation work and the management of refugee camps in the northeast areas were being carried efficiently. UNICEF would also contribute its part with the Task Force in the government and LTTE controlled areas. She inspected the refugee camp located at Mulliyawallai Vidiyanantha College and the office of the Task Force.
UK naval ship also arrives: Jan 3 - A naval ship of the British naval fleet, HMS Chatham, has arrived in Colombo harbour with a group a sailors and two light helicopters. The ship has been sent to Sri Lanka following a request made by the government of Sri Lanka. The arrival the UK ship has come a couple of days after the arrival of a top UK defence team to explore how best British assistance could be utilised for tsunami hit Sri Lanka. The UK the second foreign country to have sent its naval ships to Sri Lanka followed by neighbouring India, while the US Marines ship and two Pakistan ships are also scheduled to arrive with men and material before the end of this week.
LTTE receives Italian relief: Jan 4 - Italian Foreign Ministry handed over a consignment of medical equipments, medicines and tents for temporary shelters to Mr. S. P. Thamilchelvan to be distributed through the rescue and relief mechanism that have been set up in Tamil areas. Thanking the Italian government and the Italian people for the kind gesture of humanitarian at a time
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of distress, Thamilchelvan explained to the officials how the rescue and relief operations were being conducted.
Mr. Stefan Zanini, Counselor, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ale Ssandro Rubino, Medical Doctor, Department of Civil protection, Government of Italy, Massimo Darchini, First Secretary, Italian Embassy in Colombo expressed their condolence to the Tamil People who have suffered immensely during the two decades of war and now again subject to the tsunami devastation, said a news release from the LTTE's Peace Secretariat.
Task Forces for Rescue and Rebuild: Jan 5 - President of Sri Lanka has announced the setting up of three Task Forces for Rescue and Relief-TAFRER, to Rebuild the Nation - TAFREN and for the Logistics and to ensure Law & Order - TAFLOL.
The TreasurySecretary and the Foreign Secretary will handle matters relating finance and donations from overseas. Accepted fiscal procedures and foreign policy will be followed in all instances. According to a press release of the Presidential secretariat the "Authority for Rebuilding the Nation' will be established under an urgent Parliamentary Act. The press release further adds that the empathy displayed by the world community and our own citizens from all walks of life has been magnanimous. Assistance both solicited and unsolicited continues to pour in to help Sri Lanka's 26/12 disaster victims.
The Presidential Secretariat pointed out that the task now before the nation is to rebuild a shattered society and to restore the destroyed infrastructure. It is also imperative to continue the development activities planned for in other areas, largely unaffected by the disaster in order to sustain the country in the next three to five years. Therefore the press release emphasised: "On Monday 3rd January President Chandrika Kumaratunga in consultation with other political parties instituted three apex bodies made up of both state and private sector professionals to oversee all aspects of restoration. The three professional groups are tasked with accelerating Rescue and Relief, Rebuilding, and Logistics and to ensure Law & Order. The three Task Forces will be accountable to the President via the Secretary to the President."
Papal delegate visits affected coastal villages: Jan 5 - Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Mario Zenari, Papal Delegate in Sri Lanka Tuesday paid a visit to Jaffna district and witnessed the destruction caused to coastal villages in the district due to Tsunami and shared the shock and grief with the victims, according to local sources.
Accompanied by Jaffna Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr.Thomas Soundaranayagam, the Papal Delegate toured all the affected coastal areas and met with the victims and offered the sympathies of the Pope. Papal delegate witnessed the destruction caused to the St Xavier Church in Sakkotai, Kudaththanai St.Peter's Church and Manatkadu St. Antony's Church in the Jaffna district. Papal Delegate also visited welfare centres where Tsunami victims have been given shelter. Papal delegate also toured LTTE controlled Vadamaradchchi east division and Mullaitivu district on 5 January.
Ranil welcomes foreign troops: Jan 5 - Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe, former Prime Minister and the leader of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) paid a visit to Jaffna and witnessed the destruction caused to several coastal villages in the last year Tsunami. He held discussion with local leaders at

Page 33
JANUARY 2005
the office of the Tsunami Disaster Rehabilitation Task Force in Vadamaradchchi division. Talking to presspersons later, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe said he would discuss with the government the question of providing provisions needed for one month to all victims and thereafter the assistance in regard to the rehabilitation of them.
Arrival of foreign troops would not undermine the sovereignty of the country or the ceasefire agreement currently in force, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe said in reply to a question at the press briefing. Wickremasinghe talking to press, later, said he would discuss with the government the question of providing provisions needed for one month to all victims and thereafter the assistance in regard to the rehabilitation of them. Wickremasinghe accompanied by UNP parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene toured the coastal areas affected by Tsunamis escorted by army officials.
Galle port cleared for operations: Jan 5 - The Galle harbour in southern Sri Lanka which was severely hit by the Tsunami is back in operation. It was cleared for work on Tuesday 4 January following a joint clearance operation undertaken by Sri Lankan and Indian navies. A senior Navy spokesman said the southern
key port Galle was cleared after an extensive operation, which was one of the major tasks launched by both countries.
Several large ships, including "Weligowwa and a warship belonging to the Sri Lankanavy were also damaged as they were drifted towards the coast by the Tsunami waves.
The spokesman also said soon after the renovation of the harbour, Indian navy ships "Sarvekshak' and 'Sutle' entered and anchored in the harbour. By clearing the Galleharbour for work, the warships from the United States and India, providing relief will be able to enter the harbour easily to carry out relief distribution.
Though the other affected ports including Colombo and Trincomalee have resumed operations, the navy said that the Kankesanturai and Point Pedro ports had not resumed functions, since they were badly damaged. Meanwhile, British war ship HMS Chatham, which anchored off the Sri Lankan coast on 5 January made its first aerial survey of Sri Lanka's coast, af. fected by the Tsunami waves.
Docs on round the clock duty at B'caloa:Jan 6- The Batticaloa branch union of the Government Medical Officers Association said it had taken preventive and curative measures in all internally displaced camps of Tsunami survivors. Branch Union Secretary, of the GMOA Dr. Manivannan said that they had taken action as soon as the tidal waves hit the shores Batticaloa.
According to the Batticaloa Government Aagent, V. Shanmugam, by January 6the number of missing had risen from 750 to 1,081. The recorded number of deaths were around 2,731, the number of families in the 66 IDP camps were around 18,148. Another 9,399 are presently living with friends and relations.
The Secretary pointed out that the GMOA branch union had stepped into assistin the aftermath of the December 26 tidal waves. Preventive and curative measures were taken in every IDP camp from Vakarai to Kalmunai. He pointed out that their quick action had enabled the GMOA branch union to minimise the morbidity and mortality rates. “We would like to thank all those including the international and local NGOs, nurses, pharmacists and volunteers for the assistance they rendered,' Manivannan said.
The Baticaloa GMOA with the assistance of the Batticaloa

TAMIL TIMES 33
Medical Association opened an account at the Bank of Ceylon BMA Disaster Relief Fund - 0012988."D3 They urged the public to contribute generously for the rehabilitation of the affected people in Batticaloa. Those who want to provide medical help in the Batticaloa district can contact the branch union on 0652222931 or Dr. Navalogithan on 065-2222054. The Secretary pointed out that those who needed medical assistance too could contact the above mentioned number.
Second Japanese medical team: Jan 6 - The second Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) medical team to replace the first JDR medical team which had been providing medical services in the welfare camp set up at Al Hilal pre-school at Sainthamaruthu in the Ampara district since December 30, arrived in Sri Lanka on 5 January.
The 23 member team comprising one team leader, four doctors, seven nurses, one pharmacist and 10 logistics staff, plans to carry out medical services at the temporary clinic till January 16. The team has a capacity to take care of about 200 patients per day. The first team has been treating more than a hundred patients every day.
Tsunami affects 169 schools: Jan 6 - The tsunami waves have left 169 schools islandwide damaged or destroyed bringing to a halt the schooling of thousands of students. According to the latest data available, 59 schools have been completely damaged and a further 100 schools are partially damaged.
A total of 3,304 teachers and 80,354 children from these schools are affected. The largest number is from Ampara where 14 schools are completely damaged and 24 schools are partially damaged. In Batticaloa, 15 schools are completely damaged and 18 schools partially damaged. In Trincomalee, seven schools are completely damaged and 20 schools partially damaged. The Ministry is making arrangements to use the schools that are not damaged or not used as refugees camps, for common academic activities. The Education Ministry has estimated that the rebuilding and restoration of these 169 schools will cost approximately Rs. 1,164 million. Several foreign Governments, local and international NGOs as well as individuals have made offers to reconstruct all schools affected by the tsunami.
Death toll of academics and students: Jan 6 - The Inter University Student Federation (IUSF) said in an announcement that 21 female students and five lecturers had died in the December 26 tidal waves. The Federation pointed out that 215 students were missing. The numbers of the missing students from the universities are: Ruhuna University 12, Peradeniya University 4, Colombo University 28, Moratuwa University 7, Eastern University 3, Buddhist and Pali University 10, Kelaniya University 13, Jayawardanapura University 10, Sabaragamuwa University 6, Open University 121, Sri Pali University 1. The IUSF also said that three lecturers and two non-academics too were missing following the tidal waves.
Three die in grenade attack on Batticaloa: Jan 9 - Three persons were killed and thirty eight persons were injured in a grenade attack on a tsunami funeral house in Vahaneri, a village 38km northwest of Batticaloa town. The incident took place on 8 January around 9 PM when several people were gathered to attend a funeral of tsunami victims. An eight year old boy was among the three people who were killed, sources said.
The three persons who were killed were: Mr. P. Nahenthiran

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(38), Mr. T. Tirusan (8), and Mr. N. Ananthan (24). Thirty five persons with injuries were admitted to Valaichenai Hospital and 3 persons with injuries were admitted to Batticaloa Hospital, Police sources said. The attackers came in a 3-wheeler and threw two handgrenades at the funeral house and the reason for the attack is not known, Police sources said.
USS Duluth arrives in Sri Lanka: Jan 10 - The United States Ship"Duluth' arrived off the coast of Galle on 9 January carrying equipment and personnel to aid in the U.S. government's humanitarian relief operations in the tsunami-affected areas of the island.
Bonhomme Richards, a wasp class battleship with more relief assist hardware and supported by up to 1000 U.S marines, which was to be sent to Sri Lanka, was later diverted to Sumatra where it was considered that more help was required. The Duluth, whose home port is San Diego, California, belongs to the Amphibious Transport Dock class of ships, designed to transport landing forces for a variety of missions, including humanitarian aid. The Duluth is carrying three CH-46E Sea Knight Helicopters, engineering and earthmoving equipment and over one hundred Marine personnel. The ship is also carrying a landing craft capable of carrying 180 tons of equipment, which will be used in supporting the aid mission. The Duluth will lay off the coast of Galle for approximately one week before continuing on its course. An Austin-class ship, the Duluth is 173.4 meters long, and was commissioned on December 18, 1966. The Duluth is part of the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-Five.
Seven abducted children rescued: Jan 11 - Seven tsunami children survivors in age ranging from 6 to 12 years were found in a house in Karuveppankerni, 2 km north of Batticaloa, Police said. Police investigations have disclosed that the children have been in the custody at the house since list of January. One suspect believed to be the owner of the house was arrested and accused of allegedly kidnapping the children in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster. Head Quarter Inspector of the Batticaloa Police, Harischandra Bandara, is conducting the investigations.
SLBC News Director removed: Jan 12 - Mr. Raja Katukampola, News Director of the Government owned Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has been removed from his post and he is being replaced by Mr. Somapala Perara. SLBC ran a story on 8 January, Saturday morning, quoting Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri as the source person, saying that the leader of the LTTE and the Intelligence Chief of the organisation, Pottu Amman, were among the dead or reported missing consequent to the Tsunami tidal wave attack.
HRC to monitor aid distribution: Jan 12 - The Human Right Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has decided to set up ; Special Task Force to monitor all relief and rehabilitation work to Tsunami victims in the country to ensure equal distribution t all affected parties. A decision to this effect was taken at top level meeting held at the headquarters of the HRCSL preside by its Chairperson Ms Radhika Cumaraswamy. The HRCS)
WWWarmaSSOCiateS.CO.uk -u
 
 

JANUARY 2005
Special task Force would monitor the flow of foreign aid to the country and disbursement of such aid to the people.
The HRCSL has also empowered its regional offices in the country to entertain complaints from people who are deprived of their relief and other assistance in the Tsunami disaster and forward them to the Colombo headquarters for further action.
World Bank, ADB officials meet Thamilchelvan: Jan 13 - Worldbank Country Director, Peter Harold, in a meeting with Head of LTTE Political Wing, S.P..Thamilchelvan, in Kilinochchi, expressed his condolences to people over the loss of their loved ones and added, "the institutions we represent, would continue extending solidarity in the reconstruction efforts,” said the LTTE's peace secretariat website.
Associated with Mr Harold in the meeting was Alessandro Pio, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Brian Smith, Post Conflict Specialist, ADB, Jeremy Carter, Sr. Resident Representative IMF, Tomoyuki Kimura, Director, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Ueshima Takumi, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mitsuo Kawaguchi Counsellor, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Naresha Duraiswamy of the World Bank.
Thamilchelvan briefed the bank officials on the current status ofon-going reliefand rehabilitation programmes for the displaced people in the welfare centres and stressed the importance of a coordinated effort at the district level. He also added that the international community had a moral responsibility to take stock of the situation in the context of the devastation already caused by two decades of war and the cease-fire having failed to deliver normalcy. This Thamilchelvan said, necessitates innovative modalities to ensure that the affected people get the benefits according to their local needs and reconstruction plans formulated at the local level, the website said
Army search for buried weapons: Jan 14 - The government security establishment has deployed its men to salvage weapons buried in the coastal areas of Vadamaradchchi east from Manatkadu to Kudathanai when the Tsunami deadly waves destroyed its naval and army bases last month, according LTTE SOCCS.
The salvaging operation has been going in a big way along the coast of Potpathi area in Manatkadu village and Kudathanai where big naval and army bases were functioning till Tsunami hit the coastal areas on December 26, sources said. but not the arms and ammunitions stored in those bases. The areas where naval and army bases were functioning till December 26 are still under seawater, they said.
Indian medical team in the east: Jan 14 - A fifty member medical team of the Indian Navy took charge of the Kuchchaveli government hospital located about thirty km north of east Trincomalee to serve the people of the area affected by Tsunami disaster, health authority sources said. The medical team comprising Indian doctors, nurses and other workers who arrived in Trincomalee harbour in an Indian Navy vessel with adequate medicines and medical equipments, was sent to Kuchchaveli
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hospital. Indian volunteers cleared the debris surrounding the hospital and cleaned the wells in the area and started providing assistance to the affected people. Annan's Special Envoy visits Mullaithivu: Jan 15-Margareta Wahlstrom, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Relief Operations, met with the Head of the LTTE's Political Wing, Mr. S. P. Thamilchelvan and expressed condolences and solidarity to the Tamil people affected by the tsunami on behalf of the UNSecretary General.
A report in the TamilNet wesite, Mr. Thamilchelvan, urging the UN not to allow political considerations to deter its participation in the rebuilding efforts in the Tamil homeland, told UN Envoy that the Sri Lanka government had "acted in bad faith" by bringing the military into the humanitarian equation.
Ms Wahlstrom expressed regret that Kofi Annan "could not personally visit these areas for reasons beyond UN's control" said LTTE Peace Secretariat website. “UN with its experience in working jointly with local structures would definitely take the initiative and extend its fullest cooperation in the efforts undertaken by the LTTE' the website of the LTTE Peace Secretariat quoted Mr. Miguel Bermeo, Country Director UNDP, who was associated with the special representative, as saying. Colonel Soosai escorted the UN team to the badly affected areas in the Mullaitivu district and showed them the nature of relief operations taking place there. Col. Soosai explained to the team the plans for rebuilding the fishing villages in Mullaithivu. UN Envoy Wahlstrom visits Jaffna: Jan 16 - Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy visited the Jaffna district. Accompanied by Ms. Miguel Bermieo, UNDP Country Director UN and representatives of Fisheries
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TAMIL TIMES 35
Co-operative Societies she visited Tsunami destroyed coastal areas from Point Pedro to Valvettithurai.
Ms Wahlstrom held discussions with representatives offishing communities from Thondamannaru to Kudathanai and officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Point Pedro. Ms Wahlstrom agreed to waive loans provided by the UNDP for the development of fisheries industry as the entire coastal areas have been destroyed by Tsunami on an appeal by the representatives. They requested the UN special envoy to help modernize fisheries industry when rebuilding it after Tsunami. She said she would be forwarding a comprehensive report to the UN headquarters shortly. However before implementing a long-term plan to rebuild the devastated the fisheries industry, action should be taken to provide temporary relief to the fisher folk, she added. She told the fisheries representatives that action would be taken to establish a modern boatyard in Jaffna district. Pirapaharan meets disaster management planners: Jan 17 - Leader of the LTTE, Mr. V. Pirapaharan, met with disaster management planners who are currently participating in relief and reconstruction planning and praised them for their services to the people of Northeast. Pirapaharan told the planners that all resources available have to be utilized to ensure a swift and sustained recovery from the tsunami disaster that has brought destruction and grief to the community. The meeting took place in Kilinochchi on Monday, 17 January.
TamilNet quoted the Tiger leader as saying, "Although our people have suffered through severe hardships, we are shocked by the scale of destruction and loss of lives tsunami inflicted on our community within a short period of time. Our people were displaced several times and suffered losses to their property by the actions of the Sri Lanka Army during the past several years. While this period where the destruction to the Tamil homeland was inflicted silently without the knowledge of the international community can be called tsunami-1, December 26th disaster, tsunami-2, has brought additional destruction. 22 Mullaitivu schools used as Welfare Centres: Jan 18 - Out of the twenty three welfare centres in Mullaitivu district, all except one are located in schools in areas unaffected by the tsunmai, and there is an urgent need to relocate these centres to allow schools to function normally, said Emelda Sukumar, Government Agent of Mullaitivu district, the TamilNet website quoted her as saying.
"A total of 3314 families consisting of 11,993 individuals are being looked after in the welfare centers, and a further 2507 families with 10,576 individuals are stying with friends and relatives who also need additional support and help. An additional 186 families with 936 members have lost their means of livlihood making up a total of 6007 families that require urgent help in Mullaitivu district,' the GA said.
"With the assistance of the TRO we have been able to attend to health issues, food, drinking water and clothing adequately to the people affected, but relocating the affected to other welfare centres remain our immediate pressing challenge,” she added. US medical team in Point Pedro: Jan 18 - Twenty - member US medical team has commenced its services at Point Pedro government base hospital in Jaffna district. Dr. Ton Davis, Head of the US medical team addressing a press briefing said his team would be in Jaffna for two weeks adding that the Government of Sri Lanka and the USA Embassy in Colombo would decide on the question of extending the period of stay in Jaffna. He said his medical team would provide treatment for fracture and other

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ailments. Surgery would also be undertaken. A consignment of urgently needed medical equipments has been handed over to the Point Pedro Hospital, he said.
At present US medical team has been allowed to conduct medical camp from the Point Pedro base hospital although the team is interested to visit welfare centres where Tsunami victims are sheltered, he said in reply to a question by a journalist. The possibility of providing medical services to the people of LTTE controlled area is solely depending on the decision of the Sri Lankan US embassy, he said. “Lanka has a very capable Govt-Wolfowitz
Jan 17 - Sri Lanka has a very capable government and the health system is very strong, said visiting US Deputy Secretary of Defence, Paul Wolfowitz. He said the tsunamicrisis has proved that Sri Lanka is a very capable country and has responded very well during the crisis after meeting and having discussions with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. The US Deputy Secretary said that the government and the people have positively responded during the tsunami crisis. "Sri Lanka is now in the recovery stages and a great deal of effort has gone in to it. Sri Lanka is now moving very rapidly in reconstruction,” he said.
Wolfowitz who toured the tsunami affected Galle said the LTTE was responding positively and this is a good sign for the country. There have been moves by the LTTE in the positive direction. "The LTTE is now cooperating in relief efforts as well," he said. He said unlike in the conflict in Indonesia, the Sri Lankan scenario has been more violent. "When one analyses the tsunami crisis one would have felt that people have been fighting for trivial things.”
The attitude of the US marines too is very positive and they are committed to their rebuilding work in the South. The marines are also happy with the response they are receiving. "There are over 700 US marines and engineers in Sri Lanka and they would be in Sri Lanka until they are needed,” he said. "I asked some children in a school which is being re-built by the US marines as to what they think on the presence of the US marines and the smiles I received showed that they were very happy." He said that US first had their experience of disaster management after September 11, 2001 and learnt many lessons from it. Official death toll soars to 38,195: Jan 17 - The officially confirmed death toll in Sri Lanka's tsunami catastrophe soared to 38, 195 by 17 January and a top official warned that the eventual figure could exceed 40,000 as more dead bodies were being recovered daily.
Essential Services Commissioner General and Public Security Ministry Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja gave the new figures at a news conference though the coordinating centre in the President's office still maintained the death toll was 30,925. Mr. Ranaviraja who is also Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on logistics, law and order said the government had decided to introduce a ration card scheme from this week for the tsunami victims. Each person with a ration card would be able to obtain essential items to the value of Rs. 375 a week. TNA meets ADB chief on relief to N-E: Jan 16 - A Tamil National Alliance (TNA), delegation told the chief of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the Northeast with its long coastline had two-thirds of the casualties and destruction to property and said that it was imperative to ensure that the distribution of international aid was proportionate to the damage caused in different areas.
The delegation comprising Parliamentary group leader R.

JANUARY 2005
Sampanthan, Joseph Pararajasingham and Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam met ADB President Tadao Chino who was accompanied by Chief Advisor Y. Kanzaki, Director General, South Asian Department, K. Senga and Country Director Alessandro Pio.
The TNA delegation impressed upon the ADB President that, despite a three-year cease-fire, thousands in the NorthEast had been rendered refugees by a two-decade-long war and had not been resettled and rehabilitated when the tsunami disaster struck them. The delegation said that those most victimized were from the fishing community whose occupational freedom was severely restricted during the conflict and even during the cease-fire.
They also said that based upon their past experiences, they had every reason to be sceptical and requested the international community in general and the ADB in particular, to ensure that international aid was equitably distributed.
They expressed dismay that there was an increasing tendency on the part of the Government to centralize all activities pertaining to relief, reconstruction, resettlement and development and that there was hardly any local participation in the processes related to decision-making and implementation. They alleged that the present activities also lacked transparency and proper accountability and pointed out that the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) and the LTTE had during the conflict, and from the time of the tsunami disaster, actively worked amongst the people providing relief. They pointed out that over a period of time, both the TRO and the LTTE had evolved mechanisms to cope with such situations and that there was an urgent need to actively involve the LTTE and the TRO in the activities related to the tsunami disaster. Failure to do so would be tantamount to a refusal to come to grips with reality, they emphasized. Japan gives biggest single nation aid: Jan 17 - The Government of Japan has given Sri Lanka 8 billion rupees, which is equal to 80 million US Dollars. This is the biggest tsunami relief aidyet by any single nation. Japanese Premier Yunichiro Koisumi personally intervened to grant this quantum of aid within 10 days as a special gesture of help, Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.
The Japanese aid could be utilised to purchase essential material and goods to implement the relief and rehabilitation programme of the government. Accordingly these funds will be invested in reviving and improving the fisheries, housing, health, transport, power, education and social welfare sectors on immediate as well as medium term such projects, he said. In addition to the financial aid Japan has also contributed relief material as tents, blankets, power generators, water tanks etc worth 290,000 US Dollars as immediate relief to affected areas, he said Jaffna civilians flock to US marines: Jan 18 - Hundreds of tsunami -affected civilians in Point Pedro in northern Jaffna came to the Manthikai hospital to seek treatment from four US doctors and other medical personnel who were part of the marine contingent deployed in Sri Lanka, a military official said. He said the LTTE had told civilians not to seek treatment or cooperate with the US marines but hundreds of civilians came. He said the marines first cleaned the hospital before beginning work and there was no time frame for the stay of the marines who would remain in Jaffna as long as they were needed. Some organizations have criticized the role of the US troops and alleged they were in Jaffna to gather intelligence information about the LTTE and its activities. O

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as a ჯ.აჯარაჯაბXXX&Y-
Mahadeva, Kamalam beloved wife of (late) Mr. P. V.Mahadeva, daughter of (late)Mr. & Mrs Mohandiram Rasanayagam, loving mother of (late) Saratha, Rabi (NZ), Raji (Aust), Shantha, Yaso & Prem (all of UK), mother-in-law of KumaraSingham (UK), Marie (NZ), Anna (Aust), Thiruchelvam, Ramana and Yoga (all of UK), Sister of (late) Thananjayan, (late) Kanagaratnam, (late) Thanapalan, (late) Thanaluxmi, Leelawathy(UK) and Shanmugapalan (Sri Lanka); beloved
grandmother of Ramesh (NZ), Rebekha & Rachel (Aust), Kumaran, Sridevi, Murugan, Eason, Uma, Krishika and Rishi (all of UK) passed away in UK on 16th December 2004. The funeral took place On 23rd December in Kent. 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 several ways during the period of great Sor.
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TAMIL TIMES 37
passed away peacefully in Wimbledon on the 19th of December 2004. He is the beloved husband of Parameswary, loving father of Arunthathy, Yogendran, Nalayini (both of Colombo), Gnanendran and Balendran, fatherin-law of Srikantharajah, Manjula, Ravendran (both of Colombo), Geetha and Nilanthi; grandfather of Lakshmi, Mukunthan, Pavithra, Nivetha, Sarves, Janarthanan, Laxshiya, Nitharshan, Nirupa, Ragavan and Prashanthan.
Friends , relatives and members of the Tamil Com
munity paid their last respects to him, at Lola Jones Hall, Tooting on the 29th of Decemberand thereafter the cremation took place at the Lambeth Crematorium, London SW17. His family wish to thank all those who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes and messages of Condolence. The family would also like to thank all those who helped them in numerous ways during the period of grief
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IN MEMORIAMS
Third Year Remembrance
In loving memory of Mr. Rasiah Kandiah, Retired Princi. pal, Kokuvil Ramakrishna Saiva Vidyalayam and Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam who passed away on 21st January 2002.
A true man should not strive to be good Nor should he aspire to try his best. One should strive to be great And should aspire to be the best.
A man who lived his whole life on a quest to better himself, His achievements and legacy will endure.
Beloved husband of retired teacher Sornamma, a loving
fatherandfather-in-law, a great and wise grandfatherand a noble friend of many.
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Fifth Year Remembrance of
.3 جی۔ In loving memory of Mrs Sivapackiam
Muthukumarasamy who passed away on 8th January 2000.
Life is the most precious gift that we are given, A wonderful miracle, a breeze, too swift. To truly live we must heartily embrace this gift For every moment is a dream yet to be dreamt, And every sunrise, a blessing. A wonderful woman who truly lived her life, she is now and forever missed and remembered by her loving husband Mr. Muthukumarasamy, children, grandchildren and in-law.S.
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Fifth Year Remembrance
In ever loving memory of Mr. Gregory Joseph, formerly of
Cement Corporation (Kankesanthurai and Puttalam) and
of Nigeria on the fifth anniversary of his passing away on
January 18, 2000.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife
Erin, children Dr. Eugene, Enakshi and Hyacinthe, daugh
ter-in-law Dr. Sharmini; son-in-law Paul Wood and daughter-in-law Noeline.
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First Year Remembrance
In everloving memory Mr. Sithamparanathan Vadivetpillai of 45 Chetty Street, Nallur, Jaffna on the first anniversary of his passing away on 6th January 2004.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving children Satchithananthan, Sithamparanathan and Damayanthi, Sister Kamaladevy, Sons-in-law Elango and Kuheswaran, daughters-in-law Kesari and Uthaya, brotherin-law Kandiah, and grandchildren Sutharshini and Sujeevan
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Tenth Anniversary Remembrance
21 June 1931 to 6 February 1995
Nagaretnam Shanmuganathan of Karampan West, Kayts, Jaffna loving husband, father, retired teacher is fondly remembered on the tenth anniversary of his passing away on 6th February 1995 by his wife, Varathaledchumy (Malar); children Sutha, Ambalanath, Priya and Rupa daughter-in-law Kathy, sons-in-law Greg and Clive and his grandchildren Jasmine, Brianna, Nathan, Trent and Krishnan. We remember the guideline with which he led his life and the legacy he left us by quoting: It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it. He lives in uS all.
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JANUARY 2005
Anniversary Remembrance
in loving memory of Mrs Ganeswary Tharmalingam of Kondavil East, Jaffna on the twelfth anniversary of her passing away on 21st January 1993. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Tharmalingam, children Brabalini, Bremjit and Ranjit; son-in-law Dr. W.N.Linganandhan, daughters-in-lawDr. Vani Bremjit and Shamini Ranjit, grandchildren Abhirami, Sathya, Praneeta, Prasheeda, Prashoban, Praveen and Anjana.
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FORTHCOMINGS EVENTS
10 Feast of St. Sclolastica 11 Sathurthi, Feast of Our
Lady of Lourdes February 13 ShaShfi 2 Feast of the Presentation of 15 Karthigai Lord Jesus Christ 19 Sukkla EekathaSi 5Krishna Eekathasi; Feast of 21 Pirathosam, Feast of St. Agatha St.Peter Damian 6 PirathOSan 23 Fullmoon, Masi Maham;
8 Amavasai; Feast of St. Jerome Emiliani
Feast of St. Polycarp 27 Sankadakara Sathurthi
Australian NeWSletter
Eelam Tamil Sangam's Muthamil Vizha is an annual event in Melbourne and the most remarkable performance On the Occasion was from none other than the winners of the annual oratory and vocal competitions. Muthamil Vizha competitions are held for children living in Australia and competition in short story writing and poetry are open to participants from all over the World.
A fund raiser musical night in aid of the Kunrathu Kumaran Kovil was held in Melbourne. Bharathy Academy in Victoria, an independent educational network pioneered by Mavai Nithiananthan celebrated its tenth anniversary in a grandiose style. Dr A Kandiah's two literary works were ceremoniously launched in Perth.
Alan Carpenter, West Australia's Minister for Education launched "Tannil
Community in Aust herine Jackson lau es in Australia”. Ta ship Society cele Drama & Literatu day, Tamil Rehab together with Eel Melbourne, linbath Radio in Sydney nine hour fundrais the Pre-School Pt East Sydney Tam celebrated a cultu Pilayar Katha bavai WaS Observ ples across Aust CeremonieS. Hom Mt Druit Tamil St. and Glen Waverle bourne Conducte No doubt, the hensible destruct Sent Shock WaV. amils in AStra
WWSria
 
 

TAM TIMES 39
My Home, the Divine Pendant
Skirted by ocean, cogent and clear Proudly stands Sri Lanka dear,
In verdant green under sunny shimmer
Hills, valleys, fields in elegant flair.
My land is not an Indian tear, Nor a hanging luscious pear, Neither 'twas a beastly lair In fables told eons unclear.
Abode of ancestors far and near, Many a faith they did savour, Diverse richneSS their lot to revere But unity, in all they did ensure.
Evil times came upon to bare My land to terrible times of fear Bigoted politics ripped us in tear Nature too had its tragic Share.
One day, my folks will surely hear The voice of reason and justice fair My prayers today for my God's ear: "Hear me Lord, for my land so dear."
My land is not an Indian tear Nor a hanging luscious pear. But a divine pendant that adorns a wear On the Himalayan range heavens afar.
- Victor Karunairajan
alia”, while Mayor Katnched “Hindu Templmil Australian FriendOrated the Tamil Art, e. On the Christmas litation Organization im Tamil Sangam in ani Oli 24hour lani! Organised mammoth ing on radio in aid of ject in the North and Catholic Association all evening. i as well as Thiruvemld in most of the tenalia with apt religious bush Study Centre & dy Centre in Sydney / Tamil School in Meltheir annual dinner. death and incomprein caused by Tsunami s around the globe. a like their brethren
elsewhere were particularly at pains to learn the devastation caused in the North and East of Sri Lanka, a region that endured enormous sufferings during the last Several decades as a result of hostilities and more recently due to downpour and floods. Tamil Rehabilitation Organization together with Tamil Coordinating Committee and Tamil Community Groups are gearing up a massive fundraising campaign across Australia in support of Tsunami victims in North and East. Cloths, Consumables etc. are also being organised for distribution in the affected areas. People gathered around Australia to Commemorate the victims of Tsunami and the tributes were overwhelming. Kokila Mahendran, an eminent literary personality was touring Australia and while addressing a gathering in Melbourne she painfully described the psychological predicament of ordinary people in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Sivasupramaniam Sitsabesan
nkan S.CO.UK

Page 40
40 TAMIL TIMES
Shri Kadirgama Kanda Kuravanji
On the 30th October 2004, a unique dance drama - Kadirgama Kanda Kuravanji - by the late Yalpanam Brahma-Sri N Veeramani lyer was staged at the Logan Hall, London to a packed audience, who were captivated by the beauty and elegance of his composition portrayed in dance form by the Bharatanatyam students of Guru Prakash Yadagudde of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. This dance drama is one of many composed by the great Veeramani lyer. Colourful imagination, rhythmic lyrics and brilliant story-telling are highlights of all his compositions. In this composition, we are taken to Kadirgamam, a holy place in Sri Lanka, where an ancient temple of Lord Kanda (or Muruga), reputed to have been built some 2500 years ago, is situated. The story depicts the grace of Lord Muruga and the fortunes of Atmavalli, the princess of the forest, whose boundless devotion and love for Lord Muruga initially set her in the path of anguish, despair and ridicule but finally joy and marriage.
The curtain opened to a pushpanjali of soothing music competing with beautiful abhinaya and aduvus of many styles. The formations of the dance were exceptionally smooth and well executed as they changed regularly. The dancers numbering eight were so graceful in their movements blending in beautifully with the music. Even after the piece was completed, the unforgettable melody and rhythm seemed to be still lingering on your mind. The stage transformed without curtain, as it did throughout the drama, to give usan introduction to Lord Muruga. The dancers vividly described the story of his birth - how Lord Siva emitted six sparks from his third eye, which after falling in a lake became six babies. When Goddess Parvati gathered these six babies into her arms, their bodies merged into one powerful and attractive god we refer to as Lord Muruga. The dancers co-ordinated very skilfully with each other and took advantage of the length and breadth of the large stage. The formation at the end of this piece was particularly elegant. The dancers progressively worked into Single file and then instantly transformed to different poses to portray Lord Muruga holding different objects in his arms, representing different virtues.
The setting changed effortlessly for us to meet Atmavalli, the princess of the forest. She asks, "Who is the handsome one with attractive eyes riding on the peacock?"the one who has captured her heart. She becomes embarrassed by being teased by her friends. This sequence was packed with capti. vating abhinaya. We see Atmavalliplaying a ball game with he friends where she displays great skills. While throwing it to each other they suddenly lose the ball, and as they go search ing in different directions, Atmavalli suddenly stops, spotting Lord Muruga watching them play from one corner. The bril liance of the choreography is so convincing that you actually imagine the ball being there, and the friends playing with i watched over by Lord Muruga. ،ܗܝ
 

JANUARY 2005
The stage transforms, we now seem to be travelling through a realistic forest, where we see peacocks dancing in one spot, deers jumping and joyfully playing around and a snake Slithering across the floor towards a different part of the forest. The snake dance was especially amazing as it was full of cartwheels, the splits, back flips and other spectacular moves. The colourful costumes enhanced greatly the postures displayed by dancers as birds and the animals. Moving on through the forest, we find Atmavallitelling her sakhis about the sweet dreams about Lord Muruga. Her friends continue to tease her and question how the mighty Lord Muruga who was a teacherto his father could be a match for her. Her friends taunt how his mother transforms into ferocious Kali; his father performs vigorous dance raising one leg and travelling on a bull; his brother has a big belly and cannot walk properly, his uncle Lord Krishna, the one who steals butter from Gopis. Is this the kind of family you want to be married into?-they ask. The lyrics were harmonious, the scene was very enjoyable and the dancers'expressions were outstanding. A solo performance by Atmavalli follows, in which she expresses the feelings of her inner most heart. The absence from Lord Muruga has led her to depression. She is angry with the moon, birds and animals because they are not helpful in her cause of finding Lord Muruga. The creativity displayed in the choreography gave an immense boost to this scene. The abhinaya expressed by the dancer was so persuasive that our hearts almost touched the feeling of Atmavalli. A contrasting scene followed announcing the arrival of kuration gypsy, one who will tell yourfortune and then ask for money. Kuratti was portrayed as a cheerful character, who seemed to start laughter with her variable attitudes and moves. She comes to Atmavalli to read her palm and tells her good things about her fate and that she would be with Lord Muruga. Atmavali was overwhelmed and Showers kuratti with necklaces and bangles. The Kuratti dance was excellent to watch, which added some light-heartedness to the drama.
The split stage at the back made way for a procession of Lord Muruga and his entourage, and was followed by the Kavadi dance, where the devotees carry apole mounted shrine decorated with palm leaves, peacock feathers and flowers. This symbolic and ecstatic trance-inducing dance ritual, where the devotees endure physical hardship and pain to seek forgiveness and mercy, contained many complex movements of the knees and feet. The final item was the Tillana portraying the marriage of Lord Muruga and Atmavalli. The music gathered momentum and the dancers kept up their unrelenting display of dazzling poses and scintilating footwork. The dance reached the climax and ended with a beautiful tableau of Lord Muruga and Atmavalli with animals of the forest, and all the people praying with overwhelming devotion. It was a magnificent sight.
The music was composed by Rajkumar Bharati, the greatgrandson of Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharatiar, a Creative Writer, philosopher and a great prophet of immense sharpness. Bharatiar was also one of the most prominent leaders of the India independence movement in South India. The success of this dance-drama can be attributed to many elements that fused together on the day. The story-line, close to the heart of many people was colourfully composed and delivered with soothing music and outstanding choreography. Although music for the dance was pre-recorded, the stage never lacked liveliness. The dancers achieved near perfection in their display of foot rhythm, sculptural poses and graceful movements of arms and body. The costumes were lively and blended well with each character. The stage decoras well as the lighting was just apt to suit the theme. To conclude, it was a memorable evening, I really enjoyed the performance, and have greatly benefited by being present.
By Lakshmi Kuhendran (Age 14) Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 41
JANUARY 2005
M.S. Subbulakshmi passes away, aged 88
India mourns the exit of a legend, their doyen of Carnatic Music We regret to announce the passing away of Bharata Ratna M. S. Subbulakshmi, legendry Carnatic musician in Chennai on 17 December 2004. She was 88.and merges into the music of eternity.
She was a nightingale of Carnatic Music, an angel without parallel , epitome of bhakti expressing with the grandeur of the music, her humility, her simplicity, her humane nature and other numerous tributes that she was not merely a musician but a devotee ordained by divine decree. Her mesmerising music flowed into the hearts, senses and minds of millions of rasikas from the age of 10. Queen of music, a musical
Queen of music, a musical genius, songbird of spring time, a divine being were the emotional outpourings of devoted raSikas.
Over seven decades, three generations of music lovers have experienced the same exaltation in Madurai Shanmugavadivu. Subbulakshmi popularly known as M.S.'s vocal music. They have seen her Goddess incarnate. She always reached out instead of sinking into the elitist classicism of the purists. She sang in ten languages and was a stickler for perfect enunciation, always checking and re-checking the diction before taking the stage. Her art was beautiful, sublime, Serene, aesthetic, humorous, full of bhava and her music always reflected a myriad of moods - joy, contemplation, anguish, acquiescence but mostly surrender to his almighty. Her repertoire was prodigious, full of songs of every genre high classical, devotional folk music, bhajans in Hindi, abhangs in Marathi verses and many more.
She was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu on September 16, 1916 to Subramaniya lyar and Shanmugavadivu, her brother Sakthivel and sister Vadivambal grew up in an environment of classical music. Her mother was an established veena player, her brother played the mridangam and the grandmother was a well-known violinist. The nadaswaram players on the temple procession stopped by Shanmugavadivu's house and played their carnatic music.
In 1930 Madras (Chennai) became the capital of carnatic music. Shanmugavadivu shifted quarters living in a garage in Georgetown trying to establish M.S.'s musical
career. In 1940 she married Thyagaraja Sathasivam a well-known S. Indian freedom fighter of the Gandhi-Nehru era. It was the meeting of the minds. Her father was a lawyer living in an adjacent street and was exceedingly fond of his Rajatippa (princess). She was made to ride with him in the open carriage bearing the portrait of Lord Rama through the streets on the day he offered bhajanai to the deity. It is he who gave Kunjamma, as M.S was called by those close to her, the serene features and made her see that bhakthi was everything. Her father had shown her the ardour of devotional singing.
M.S was initiated into music by her mother Shanmugavadivu and appeared on stage at the age of 13. She cut her first disc at the age of 10 and was regarded as a child prodigy. In a career spanning more than six decades M.S accomplished more than anyone in her generation to enrich and popularise India's music tradition. She was the only carnatic musician who was liked and widely admired in North India as well where Hindustani music displaying Arabic and
 

TAMIL TIMES 41
Iranian influences is practised.
Wherever there is music, melody and modulation she will live on, said Balamurali Krishna, the famed vocalist. D K Pattamal and M L Vasanthakumari of the famous trio of her time who made inroads into the essentially male dominated Carnatic music became close friends of her at that time and D.K.P mourned the loss of a towering fellow musician.
M.S sang in ten languages but never one word without internalising its meaning. She strode like a colossus in the world of Indian classical music and for 80 of her 88 years it had been sadhana with music. And her repertoire spanned pure classical music, light music, soulful bhajans and slokas from the scriptures. How does one describe her music - sublime, Serene, harmonious, mellifluous, impressive. None of these superlatives would adequately portray or do justice to her singing that helped a rasika enjoy the bliss of communion with the Lord. The benefit of guidance from a Guru of the distinction of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyar must have been due to the divine favour bestowed on her by the Lord of wisdom and learning. It should be emphasised that she had no parallel in the firmament of carnatic music in terms of achievement, monumental popularity, charisma and as a saviour of noble courses. Her revered Guru taking her into deep raga and kriti realised her to be the best to revive the forgotten 72 melragamalika which demands a hair's breath swara preciSion. A life long learner until the last concert she acquired compositions in several languages from a host of well known musicians and composers including Piano Vydyanathan who Set to music Vaishnava Janato and Hari Conn Haro for Gandhi. Siddeswari Devi who spent six months with M.S in Kalgi gardens, taught her tumri, bhajan and even Chota Kayal. Rousing nationalist songs were part of her repertoire. Both M.S and SathaSivan remained close to the national leaders from the Gandhi - Nerhu era.
Semnangudi Srinivas lyer sharing his thoughts with Gowri Narayanan, writer, in 1986: "Shanmugavadivu M.S.'s mother a good veena player gave concerts with M.S accompanying her in vocal. The voice and veena made an agreeable blend. M.S was 12 to 13 years old at that time. M.S became popular after cutting records with HMV. At that time there was N.C. Vasanthakokilam another vocalist who had a similar voice to M.S. People often mistook one for the other. It was difficult to weigh them on scales to determine which voice was better, N.C. Vasanthakokilam died young. However M.S had a good voice with clarity, sharpness, sruti alignment and the rare attribute sounding strong and clear at any distance. M.S is a gnanavasti (Cognoscenti) who relishes what she sings. Later She went into the Bakhti tract. This is what her husband wanted and whole world wanted but now as then she is capable of high serious classicism. Technically said her guru among the women of her times she was the best tanam exponent. Naturally isn't her a Vainika Vamsham (veena heritage). Mind you tanam is not easy for women. lt needs strong powerful enunciation which she had. Her chauka kala (slow) niraval is excellent. She has the unusual reach in her vaksuddam (pure diction) which is rare among musicians. It is not acquired through effort but is a gift from Devi.
One has to listen to her songs in the film Sakuntali. Her duet with G.N. Balasubramanian another master vocalist was delightful. So is her "Bavayami Gopalabalam" in Yamamkalyani. It can move you. So is her "Krishna nee beggane". Subbulakshmi's voice merges into the sruthi inseparably. All reflect continuity of thought and form. It is true Sathasivam, her husband controlled her in everyway and control is not easy on creativity. He was an intelligent man and ensured M.S. reached the peak and stayed there.
Timeless and priceless of M.S's music would always remain in the chapter of Indian music. The Lord most certainly has lived in the sanctum sanctorium of Sangitha Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi's heart.
Bibliography: 1. The Hindu 2. The Frontline Siva Sivanantham

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42 TAML TIMES
 

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