Over 200,000 people have been displaced by the recent spate of violence in the north and east of the country.

So much for Australia’s obligations under the refugee convention.

Amid growing acrimony within the Sri Lankan government over the LTTE mortar attack Tuesday on military helicopters carrying foreign ambassadors and UN officials to Batticaloa district, the American ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert O’Blake, contradicted Colombo’s assertion that the Tigers had tried to assassinate the diplomats.

Sri Lankan security forces are involved in abductions of civilians for ransom, the country’s Police Chief admitted Monday, saying a ‘large number’ of officers and troops had been arrested on charges of abduction and extortion. However Police Inspector General Victor Perera also asserted that “organised groups” were conducting abductions and killings “to embarrass the government.”

Australia will undermine international agreements to protect refugees if it sends a group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers, all Tamils, who were sailing for Australia back to Indonesia – their last port of call before leaving for Christmas Island – critics warned.

An Australian naval ship intercepted the 83 Sri Lankans and 2 Indonesians in international waters last week heading for Australia.

Sri Lanka’s armed forces are massing troops and weapons for further ground offensives.

A strategic and astute ploy designed to exploit the fundamental weakness of the Colombo regime.

For the most part, the Sri Lankan media establishment has lined up behind Rajapakse´s war.

The international community abandoned the ceasefire.

Summary of incidents – apart from major clashes – since February 05

Summary of incidents – apart from major clashes – since 12 February

Summary of incidents – apart from major clashes – since 19 February

Amid changing political and military dynamics, the former LTTE commander contends with his backers´ dislliusionment.

International humanitarian agencies have expressed serious concerns over the presence of Army-backed paramilitary groups in the east with one leading German charity organization, GTZ, temporarily suspending its operations in Batticaloa, press reports said.