Archive for November 2009
Gen. Fonseka announces bid for president under ‘swan’ symbol
Retired Gen. Sarath Fonseka, at a media briefing in Colombo today (Nov. 29), formally announced that he would run for president at elections early next year under the ‘Swan’ symbol. Presenting his policies before a packed audience of journalists, Gen. Fonseka said he would differentiate between the good and the bad just like “a swan separates milk from the water.”
The former Army commander, who retired as chief of defence staff last month ago said he would contest the January 26 polls under a newly registered political party.
He said he would keep the promises he was giving today, as he did while leading the Army to defeat the LTTE. Gen. Fonseka reiterated that he would seek a mandate to abolish the executive presidency within six months, establish the constitutional council, implement the 17th amendment and ensure good governance.
“I will win,” he said confidently, adding that he was coming forward to save the country from dictatorship.Speaking further, he acknowledged the political leadership played a key role in the victory against terrorism.
Rejecting claims his son-in-law was involved in underhand dealings in military procurements, Gen. Fonseka said he was not against a war crimes investigation, adding that the charges should be backed by evidence.
Azad Sally sacked from Executive Committee
The UNP decided to sack Azad Sally from the Executive Committee membership while Party Chairman Gamini Jayawickrema Perera was appointed as the Kurunegala district Organizer.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has sent a letter to Azad sally stating that his services as a member of the UNP Executive Committee is not needed.
Although proposals can be made to the Executive Committee , the members shall adhere to the final decisions arrived at by the membership of the Committee. The letter had further pointed out that no pardon can be granted to Azad Sally who had trespassed on the Committee rules criticizing the Executive Committee over the television channels.
Meanwhile , in another letter , the Opposition leader has appointed Party Chairman Gamini Jayawickrema Perera as Kurunegala District Organizer because Johnston Fernando had made a request to relieve him of those responsibilities.
UNP
I wish all our Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid Mubarak.
The spirit of unity, symbolized by Hajj should prevail throughout their lives and shared with the faithful of other religions in the larger interest of brotherhood of man, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Hajj message. Following is the Hajj message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa I am pleased to send this message of greetings on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-ul-Alha, the festival of Hajj by the world Islamic community, including that of Sri Lanka.
This festival which culminates in the Hajj pilgrimage, the embodiment of sacrifice, is the greatest annual event of the Islamic world, with nearly four million Muslims from the world over including around 5,000 from Sri Lanka, gather at the Holy City of Mecca to perform Hajj. Hajj also symbolises the spirit of unity when millions of pilgrims speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures proclaim the same mission – divinity, unity and greatness of God.
This spirit of unity should prevail throughout their lives and shared with the faithful of other religions in the larger interest of brotherhood of man. The Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and for the happiness of all our people. Throughout history they have lived in harmony with the other communities in our country, and continue to do so.
With the end to three decades of terrorism, the Muslims of the North and East are now able to live without fear with new opportunities for progress. Due to speedy resettlements in the North, the Muslims there are able to return to their homes to renew life in peace and harmony. The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards peace, with dignity for all.
I wish all our Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid Mubarak.
Hajj greeting from the Prime Minister
Muslim devotees the world over flock to Mecca, Saudi Arabia every year to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. They have no differences as to their educational and financial background. They flock to perform Hajj. What we need today is also co-operation and co-existence among communities. We suffered greatly for many years due to the disruption of such co-operation and co-existence.
Terrorism raised its head in Sri Lanka because the germ of suspicious had replaced peace, happiness and tranquillity resultantly. The country lost many useful youthful lives. We have now been able to reverse the tide and foster peace in the country.
The greatest challenge before us today is to strengthen the economy of this country devastated by war. The time has now come for us to overcome this challenge by joining hands in unity, leaving aside all differences.
At this moment when Muslims the world over are celebrating Hajj I call upon all Sri Lankan Muslims to join the effort to rebuild our Motherland.
I extend my sincere greetings to Muslim devotees celebrating the first Hajj festival in a reunited and peaceful Sri Lanka after ending terrorism and their Muslim compatriots celebrating this occasion the world over.
Hajj Message from the Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe
The object of the Hajj Festival is to emphasize the importance of sacrifice for the good of mankind and for the enhancement of true physical and mental values. It is the spirit of Hajj Festival based on the teachings of Islam that social inequities are eliminated and unity is promoted among mankind. The Muslims in large numbers congregate in the holy place of Mecca for performing Hajj and invoke blessings on the pilgrims and the world. The prime purpose of Hajj is to earn blessings for their future and the entire world. A pure heart is the foundation of peace and harmony. Let us take advantage of the spirit and purpose of Hajj, and try to restore the peace and harmony that has moved away from us, and light a new dawn to the whole world.Message of the Leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe for ‘Hajj’ festival
Today (28th) is the Hajji Festival venerated by Muslim devotees all over the world. They engage in special religious observances on this day. Today is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at Allah’s request. Muslim devotees also believe that Beloved Nabee decided today to be a day of unique donations. This event too is celebrated today.Hajj message from General Sarath Fonseka to all Muslims
I am still saddened to note that nearly 20 years from the day that they were evicted from their homes, many Muslims are still languishing in Internally Displaced Camps
It is my great pleasure to warmly convey my best wishes to all Muslims celebrating Hajj this year – a celebration of great importance in the Islamic world. The ritual of Hajj is celebrated to commemorate the Abrahamic roots and the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim nearly five thousand years ago. The Hajj Pilgrimage epitomises peace, brotherhood and equality among the masses and serves as an example to all peoples of the world.
This year’s Hajj Festival has special significance for all, as it will be the first Hajj Festival celebrated as free Sri Lankan’s after the scourge of terrorism has been removed from our island. I remember a time when devout Hajj Pilgrims in the East were brutally murdered by the eastern terrorist forces. I am especially happy that this year our Muslim brothers in the North and the East will celebrate this most religious festival without any danger or trepidation, due to the actions of our heroic armed forces. We must capitalise on the window of peace that is now available for us so that we can build a lasting peace.
I am still saddened to note that nearly 20 years from the day that they were evicted from their homes, many Muslims are still languishing in Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) in the North and East. I believe that by the next Hajj celebrations all those who are currently displaced would celebrate their faith in a place where they can call home in safety and in peace. I promise to work tirelessly to this end.
I believe that the Muslim faith will play an integral role in healing the wounds of the past and brining together all communities in Sri Lanka.I hope that by the will of Allah the All Mighty the hopes of all Muslim devotees will materialise.
I wish a happy and safe Id-Ul-Adha Festival to all Muslims in Sri Lanka and around the world.
Eid of Sacrifice, wishes
Ever memorable and never forgettable painful memory of Jaffna Muslims: M.Shamil mohamed
20 years back Muslims in Jaffna lived a satisfactory life in terms of peace of mind ,wealth, they were well-off in running business and were self sufficient , they were 10 % in Jaffna city limits dominating MC -municipal council sometime as mayor and sometime deputy mayor of Jaffna municipality , According to department of Muslim religious and cultural affairs there were 17 mosques in Jaffna but according to prominent Muslim scholar there were 21 mosques, Muslims were 5% in the Northern Province. They were engaged in trade, teaching and skilled trades like tailoring, etc. The Jaffna Muslims were lived four densely populated wards of the Jaffna Municipality. Moor streets, and New moor streets (Bommaively) ,Town mosque street ( here streets are not justa a street but name of densely populated wards) and bhora place were their areas.
Former civil servant and Zahira Principal AMA Azeez, Supreme Court Judge Andul Cader, Appeal Court Judge MM Jameel. Education Director Munsoor etc being some leading lights of the Jaffna Muslims. There were deputy – mayor , Municipal Councillors and Abusalai hajiyar, MMC Basheer , sulthan ,and were mayor , deputy – mayor and acting mayor of Jaffna. after Ethnic Cleansing of Jaffna Muslims in October 1990 They were reduced to begging Total population of Jaffna Muslims were evicted out of northern Sri Lanka when the LTTE widely started ethnic cleansing of Muslims in north and east of Sri Lanka in 1990, killing scores of Muslims, looting their homes, taking over their farmlands and attacking places of worship Read the rest of this entry »
The Muslims of the East should see the reality of contemporary
By Noor Nizam
The announcement made by Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa that there is no room for a re-merger of the North and East provinces as a political geographical land mass entity and human settlement in Sri Lanka is a reality of contemporary politics in Sri Lanka . The president said this to editors N Vithiyatharan of Sudar Oli and Devaraj of Virakesari at a breakfast meeting with the heads of media institutions on the 25th., of November, in Colombo this week.
Rajapaksa ruled out north-east re-merger and said the merger of the two provinces had been a demand of the LTTE and there was no question of entertaining it now.
The President Rajapaksa was echoing the same political stand he took while attending the special cabinet meeting at Temple Trees on September 1997 that was called by then president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunghe to discuss the devolution of power proposals.more…
Muslim Media Forum strongly condemned the management of Thinakkural
Muslim Media Forum strongly condemned the management of Thinakkural Publication (Pvt.) for publishing an article insulting the Sri Lankan Muslims and the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) in the Thinakkural issue of yesterday 24.11.2009 The General Secretary of Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum B.M. Murshideen said He Farther said that the Forum was to take this matter up with the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka and also invited all five media organisations in sri lanka and the International Federation of Journalists – Australia to release a statement condemning this action.
A webnotice
Two arrested for rape of minor
A 11-year-old girl was gang raped by three persons at a household at Palavy in the Puttalam police area late last night. Police said the suspects had had forcibly broken into the girl’s home around midnight and repeatedly raped the minor after they had gagged and tied up the father and grandmother who were in the house at that time. Neigbours had later surrounded the house on hearing the girl’s screams and apprehended two of the suspects, while the third had fled the area, police said. The suspects were later tied on to trees and kept the entire night and turned over to the police early this morning. The victim’s mother is currently employed over seas.
Puttalam police are conducting further investigations.
sundaytimes
Dengue has affected 75 percent of Colombo’s children
Nadira Gunatilleke
The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has discovered that 75 percent of the children below the age of 12 living in Colombo city limits have been infected with the dengue virus and there is a possibility of those with weak immune systems, being vulnerable to the disease, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said. He said it was discovered during a recent study by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry. The dengue fever can spread again with the monsoon rains. Therefore the public should be vigilant. The public and provincial authorities should take steps to destroy mosquito breeding places on a regular basis to prevent another dengue outbreak. According to the spokesman the same study had shown that in 2009 the number of dengue cases increased up to 30,000 and 280 deaths due to the epigenetic changes of the Dengue Genotype 01. The other main factors which contributed to the outbreak were the negligence of the public and haphazard system of solid waste management of the local government bodies. In 2004 the dengue outbreak was limited to main cities but this year it hit all areas including outstations. This condition is very similar to the situation faced by Singapore.
dailynews
A call to the Muslims of Sri Lanka
By Noor Nizam
Now that there is a presidential election declared, who will win is the question in the minds of the electorate of Sri Lanka , be it the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and or all others who have the right of franchise in Sri Lanka , the right to vote. Respecting the political trend and analysing the build-up of all political/governance issues facing the Nation since the presidential elections of 2005, what ever may come, Mahinda Rajapaksa will win again. Mahinda Rajapaksa has proven himself as a statesman who can withstand and overcome any challenges both nationally and internationally, even in adverse situation and polarize the trust of the people and the Nation. The pity of Sri Lankan politics in the present scenario is just petty selfishness and greed of some of the national politicians, to be dreaming to sit in the chair of President, PM or Executive PM who have now grouped themselves to lead an opposition. They are not the least bothered about the progress and prosperity of the nation at large and the people in general, be they Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burgers or others.More..
Sky Network to provide latest Wimax wireless broadband services
Sky Network is a subsidiary of SLT, with SLT being the major shareholder of the company. The venture is a complementary business to SLT. Sky Network will be providing the Wimax services to parts of the country where ADSL services are not offered by SLT. The venture will commence operations in March 2010 and will provide services to Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts in Phase 1. Herath stated that the venture expects to have a customer base of 11000 Wimax customers under Phase 1.
Survey on oil exploration off Mannar
A indepth survey will be explored to locate possibility of oil reserves in the sea bed off the Mannar coastal belt.
Sarath Fonseka Must be Told This Land Belongs to All- Mano Ganesan
By Thava Sajitharan
Democratic Peoples Front leader Mano Ganeshan first wanted to leave the recently formed United National Front (UNF) if they were going to nominate General Sarath Fonseka as the presidential candidate of the UNF. But, later Ganeshan decided to support him.
Excerpts of the interview are as follows:
You have reportedly expressed a willingness to support Gen. Sarath Fonseka in the event the latter is placed as the presidential candidate by the United National Alliance (UNA) of which your party is an ally. It would mean that you are supporting the very same person who led the war which you spoke highly critical of a few months ago. What is the rationale behind your stance…?
My party, DPF is a component of UNF. Neither DPF nor the UNF have made any official announcements. Fonseka has just submitted papers for retirement. Has he officially said that he is contesting? We are only looking at all available options. Fonseka would be also an option. Anyway, I as the leader of my party commenced some discussion with Sarath Fonseka. We have discussions with Tamil and Muslim parties. We are discussing with the parties within UNF. I think this is the sign of a functioning party within the democratic radius.
Some of the minority parties are said to be of the view that support could be offered to Gen Fonseka on the condition that he should abolish the executive presidency. Nonetheless, all the Presidents in the past two decades promised to do away with the existing system but none of them did it in reality. Besides, Gen Fonseka in September 2008 reportedly said `I strongly believe that this country belongs to the Sinhalese’. He also reportedly said that ‘minorities must not demand undue things’. What makes you think that he would act differently or that he would heed to the minority parties?
Minority parties, you mean the Tamil and Muslim parties? More than the Tamil and Muslim parties, today UNP, SLFP (M) and JVP are asking for the abolishment of the Executive Presidency. Until recently minorities thought that the Executive Presidency is advantageous to the minority interests. Today Parliament has been weakened very much and the real government is run from the Presidential palace. There is a new class of ‘President’s men’ who has arrived in this country today. Pathetic are the cabinet Ministers within the Parliament. It is because they are not in the know of the running of the government. Now within the UNF our party and SLMC have also come to the position for abolishment. I think we as minorities can never go to Presidential palace but only to the Parliament.
Therefore, we cannot just be idle when our Parliament is slowly becoming a mere talk show assembly. Yes, CBK and the incumbent President agreed for the abolishment but did not adhere to the agreements. We need two third numbers in the Parliament and a friendly President who agrees for abolishment. So we are trying all the available avenues. What is the democratic alternative for us? If all the democratic avenues are unsuccessful then it will be an invitation to revolt. People may take to streets. Last part of your question refers to Sarath Fonseka’s comments made in 2008. We can never accept that stand. This country belongs to all of us. Let Sarath Fonseka be told.
But, these types of comments have been made by many in the major parties. If you ask me, I will tell you that a sizable number of politicians harbor such ideas within themselves. Not only in JHU and NFF but there are such persons in SLFP, UNP and JVP. There are Sinhala politicians while in government had said worst things. Some had gone to the level of eating the Tamil flesh. On other hand there had been Tamil counterparts too. Certain Tamil politicians wanted to swim in the Sinhala blood. It is the pathetic reality of our common motherland. We need to rebuild our common motherland for the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims and Buddhists, Hindus, Islamists and Christians. Please let me tell you loudly that the Common motherland is more important than a common candidate. We have to work through to achieve. If you have an alternative tell me. The pundits who criticize never come out with any successful alternatives.
A few weeks ago, you stated that you had communicated with a representative of Gen. Fonseka. Is it confirmed that he will be nominated by the UNA as their Presidential candidate?
A representative of Fonseka met me in Colombo. I said that some time before.
It has not been countered. So you know it is correct information. It is not only UNF in the scene but also JVP. This is on one hand. And Tamil and Muslim parties on the other hand. Let the announcement for the Presidential elections come. There will be more surprises for the government. I cannot comment further.
How do you interpret the letter sent to the President by Gen. Fonseka. Does it indicate that he would contest the Presidential elections?
Sarath Fonseka has already removed his uniform unofficially. I think it has a political meaning. He means business. Isn’t he? This is my guess.
The TNA has not ruled out the possibility of fielding a Tamil Presidential candidate. In that event who would you support?
Yes, it is one of the options. Not only the TNA but we as DPF have too pronounced this. President Mahinda, Common Opposition candidate, Common Tamil candidate and boycott are the four options we have. Last time Tamils in the North and East were told to boycott by LTTE. Today it is history. Boycott is the worst. It is against democratic engagement. And also we cannot simply leave it to the people’s private decisions. All Tamil and Muslim parties are to give leadership directions to our peoples.
The government has said that it would allow the opposition Parliamentarians to visit the IDP camps in the future? What is your comment about this new development? Are you planning to visit the IDPs?
Why the sudden announcements after six months? Is it GSP phobia? It is coming after allowing Indian MPs. Yes, we will visit independently. Visiting the camps is just one element of our struggle. We want our people to go home. Their rights to their ancestral land are supreme.
As a human rights campaigner, what are your observations about the resettlement process which is said to have been expedited..?
More than the conditions of the camps, the violation of the rights is my concern. They are being kept there against their will. The barbed wire and military security surrounding the camps are not for the protection against any external invasion. They are to prevent people from going out.
The people should have been given the right to stay with their relatives and friends of their choice long before. In the name of demining and screening, you can’t keep the women, children, sick and aged for months behind barbed wire. Government is expediting the process due to our pressures. Anyway this is what is expected out of a government. They can’t demand credit for this. We legislators have to visit and make our own independent assessment.
We need to know the total numbers of people arrived since May and settled and the numbers that remain. They can’t put them into another transit camp and call it resettlement. The people need to go to their very own villages. Until then this is going be the top priority for us.
COURTESY:LAKBIMA NEWS
Study centre in Puttlam for Open university of Sri lanka
President Mahinda Rajapakse is visiting Puttalam today to declare open a study centre in Puttlam for Open university of Sri lanka in Colombo puttlam road close proximity to the Puttalam town and other two educational institutions .
‘Historic’ meeting for Sri Lankan Miniority
The meeting, at the initiative of Tamil dispora groups, is being attended by several political parties representing almost all shades of Tamil and Muslim political opinion.
This is the first of such meeting in the recent past, aiming for political consensus on issues concerning Sri Lanka’s Tamil and Muslim minorities.
The Tamil National Alliance , seen as parliamentary proxies of the LTTE during the conflict, are also attending the meet, along with their erstwhile Tamil adversaries who are with the Government.
Muslims and Indian Tamils
The political parties representing the Tamils of Indian Origin are also attending the meet. During the war, the Tamil polity was fractured on pro and anti LTTE lines. Political parties representing Muslims, who are mainly Tamil speakers, also were taking a different line to safeguard the Muslim interests.
Sri Lankan Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda , who heads the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party(EPDP), speaking to BBC Tamil Service from Zurich, said the aim of the meeting was to arrive at a “common ground” on issues affecting minorities in the island nation to negotiate with the government.
There was no fixed agenda for the meeting , he said , adding that each party brought forward its own agenda points.
His party wanted to discuss the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) , the devolution of power to provinces and granting of amnesty to political detainees and former militants who surrendered during the war.
The minister said the parties would hopefully arrive at some consensus at the end of the meeting.
BBC
President’s birthday celebrated in Palestine
President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s birthday was celebrated in Palestine on November 18 by offering food to the children of a boys Rehabilitation Home in Betunia, Ramallah.Betunia Mayor Arafat Khalaf and Social Affairs Ministry Director Genera Amin Inabi along with the Boys Home Director and its directors received Sri Lanka representative in Palestine Dr T. Jayasinghe, when he arrived at the Home to offer meals.Mayor Khalaf spoke about the closeness of President Rajapaksa to the Palestinian cause and wished him a happy birthday.
Courtesy: DailyNews
Minister Rishard Bathiutheen admitted in the Apollo Hospital
Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Management Rishard Bathiutheen met with an accident on Monday November 16th and now admitted in the Apollo hospital, in Colombo for treatment.
Minister Rishard Bathiutheen vehicle met with an accident at Rambawa, located near Madawadchiya, while travelling from Mannar on his way to Menik Farm. It is said that the accident had taken place when the driver of the vehicle tried to avoid a collision with cyclist and vehicle skid off the road into the culvert in the road.
The vehicle was badly managed and driver sustained minor injuries. In the meantime Minister Rishard Bathiutheen also sustained bruises and is now being treated in the Apolo hospital in Colombo.
Ali Zahir Maulana expected to return
Former UNP MP Ali Zahir Maulana, who brought Minister Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman in a secret manner to Colombo in 2004 following his defection from the LTTE, is expected to arrive in the country soon.
Mr. Maulana came increasingly under threat from the LTTE as a result of his facilitation of Mr. Muralitharan who was the organization’s eastern commander. After the fall of the UNP government at the 2004 general election, Mr. Maulana switched allegiance to the UPFA.
After the 2005 Presidential Election, President Rajapaksa posted him to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington.
Dailymirror
President to inform election date to cabinet tonight?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to inform Cabinet tonight he has decided to conduct a Presidential election early next year and is also likely to announce the date for the poll during the Cabinet meeting, highly placed government sources told Daily Mirror online
Daily Mirror online
Citizens’ Commission to investigate expulsion of Northern Muslims
Jaffna Osmaniya muslim boys college
The Law and Society Trust (LST) together with the Community Trust Fund (CTF), the People’s Secretariat (PS) and the Rural Development Foundation (RDF) has set up a Citizens’ Commission to investigate the expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province by the LTTE in October 1990.
The LTTE expulsion of Muslims from five Northern districts in October 1990 has not been adequately integrated into any mainstream historical narrative in Sri Lanka. Most commentators routinely get the date of the expulsion wrong and few give the event the status of a highly significant historical event that it warrants.
Northern Muslim civil society leadership has worked hard to highlight the issue and have had to face numerous obstacles including the disinterest of the larger civil society community in Sri Lanka. The Law and Society Trust in partnership with three Northern Muslim organizations and an advisory group of prominent Muslim civil society actors have been exploring the possibility of conducting a truth seeking initiative in the form of a Citizens’ Commission. The objective of the exercise is to produce authoritative documentation of the expulsion and its consequences that is sanctioned by the community, and to list the community’s grievances through a document endorsed by a Commission consisting of eminent local civil society actors. The Commission’s broadly defined terms of reference will look at the history of the expulsion, the experience of two decades of displacement and expectations and in some cases the experiences of resettlement.
The Commissioners are eminent persons from civil society who are outside the Northern Muslim community. At this moment the Commissioners number nine persons; they are Dr. Devanesan Nesiah, Dr. M.S.M Anes, Dr. Catherin Brun, Dr.Gameela Samarasinghe, Dr. E Santhirasegaram, Dr. Nimalka Fernando, Prof. M. Nuhman, Mr. Javid Yusuf, and Mr. Abdul Majeed. The final commission report will be a document that is endorsed by this group of eminent persons.
The Advisory Group which has agreed to assist with the project consists of Ms. Shireen Saroor, Ms. Faizun Zackariah, Dr. Hasbullah, Ms. Juwairiya and Mr. M. Nihmath. Dr. Farzana Haniffa was working with the LST as a consultant on this project and would oversee its implementation.
The Commission commenced its activities in August 2009 and plans to present its findings by October 2010. The commission process consists of eight commission visits to Puttalam and other places where there are large concentrations of Northern Muslims and a testimony collection exercise by researchers working in the field. The testimony collection exercise has been in operation since July 2009 and eight field researchers are in the process of taping transcribing and translating testimonies for the perusal of the Commissioners.The report will be produced by October 2010 and will include recommendations to the State as well as to the UN and non-governmental bodies.
Northern Muslims interested in making representations before the commission are welcome to contact the Law and Society Trust. For further information please contact Ms. Kaneeza Faris at the LST on the following numbers
courtesy dailymirror Monday, November 16, 2009
Non-existence of operational standard for Muslim IDPs who had to undergo living in camps for 20 years
by M. Shamil Mohamed
Ethnic cleansing culminated on October 30, 1990 when the LTTE forcibly expelled the entire Muslim population of jaffna. The LTTE announced early in a morning . that all Muslims in Jaffna were to assemble to Osmania college’s play ground where they were to be ordered by the LTTE leader Anjaneyar or elamparuthy. men and women , Childers and disabled were gathered. Anjaneyar ordered all of them to evacuate the city within two hours. They were only allowed to carry 50 rupees each , and take with them only the clothes and slippers they were wearing on. The LTTE looted almost all possessions in the Muslim houses. Many houses were stripped off tiles, wooden frames, doors, windows, etc.
within two hours over 15 thousand Jaffna muslims Forcibly Evicted from Jaffna , now they are camping in Puttlam they feel they are not IDP Internally displaced persons but they are FEP ‘Forcibly evicted people’ . More than One hundred thousand muslims from northern sri lanka Forcibly Evicted from five districts, Jaffna ,manner, vavuniya , kilinochi , mulitivu by the LTTE in 1990.
the resettlement process is already started for Tamil IDPs but for muslims in mannar , vavuniya the resettlement process is in slow progress for the Jaffna and kilinochi muslims still in road they are not on the way home , the Forcibly evicted Jaffna and kilinochi muslims have being abandoned in camps who are still living in an uncertain life many of Jaffna and kilinochi muslims express that they feel favoritism in resettlement process the government did not make yet an active initiative to lead a task force in overcoming especialay muslim IDPs problems, The negligence and the inattention in handling Muslim IDPs problems is caused by the non-existence of special political decision as law that can be used as guidelines in handling Muslim IDPs.
The non-existence of operational standard for Muslim IDPs also main reason for negligence and the many form of discrimination in Muslim IDPs who they are still living in an uncertain life. People who had to undergo living in camps for 20 years still with uncertainty, and disappointment.
