The General Secretary of Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) demanded an investigation into massacres committed by the British during colonial rule in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror.

Speaking at a press conference, BBS General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara also called for an investigation into violations of the 1815 Kandyan Convention and alleged crimes committed by the LTTE.

The Chinese government defended the practise of extending loans to Sri Lanka on Monday, stating that they were granted at the request of the Sri Lankan government.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also said the docking of Chinese submarines in Colombo was “normal and transparent”, noting that Sri Lanka “welcomes the docking of submarines from the friendly countries”.

The statement comes after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera concluded a visit to Beijing, where he reportedly raised “concerns” regarding Chinese loans. “The people of Sri Lanka raised many questions, about the interest rates especially, and in certain cases about the manner in which these loans were raised,” said Mr Samaraweera.

Ms Hua however defended the loan arrangements, telling reporters that "the loans are extended at the request of Sri Lanka and based on consensus through consultations." "The loan arrangements are for the whole nation and people and have played a positive role in the economic and social development of Sri Lanka," added Ms Hua.

A 16 year old girl died after being gang raped by at least 10 men in Vavuniya, reports the Uthayan.

Members of the Northern Provincial Council and the Tamil National Alliance visited the home of the teenager to pass on their condolences to her family.

The teenage girl was from the village of Kanagarayankulam, in the northern district of Vavuniya.

Sri Lanka will abolish the executive presidency only if unconditional support is extended by all parties, cabinet spokesperson and health minister, Rajitha Senaratne said.

Speaking to The Island, the minister said the government would submit its constitutional reform draft to parliament and intends to abolish the executive presidency by April.

Mr Senaratne said Sri Lanka was committed to the 100-day agenda but that it should not be forgotten that far-reaching constitutional changes cannot be made without the unconditional support of the opposition.

Sri Lanka's new President Maithripala Sirisena said some countries are attempting to "rule" the country, through attempts at signing various economic deals, Colombo Gazette reports.

Mr Sirisena noted that Sri Lanka has always played it safe since it gained independence in 1948 and will not allow itself to be ruled by a foreign country again, adding the country should be mindful of such attempts.

Photographs: Tamil Guardian

Protestors gathered for a fourth consecutive day in Trincomalee, rejecting the presidential commission probing disappearances.

The commission is currently sitting in the town on the eastern coast of the island, but has had very few people participate after the Tamil Civil Society Forum, who organised the protest, and the Welfare Organisation for the Forcibly Disappeared Persons said they would boycott the commission.