The perpetrators of the killing of journalists in Sri Lanka “need to be brought to justice” said the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, adding that the United Nations is aware of an ITJP report on-going torture and sexual violence by Sri Lanka’s security forces.

Responding to a question from Inner City Press, Stéphane Dujarric told a press briefing,

“You know, obviously, unsolved cases of harassment and killings of journalists need to be solved and the perpetrators need to be brought to justice”.

Mr Dujarric also confirmed that “I know our human rights colleagues are aware of the reports put forward by the NGOs that you'd mentioned,” referring to a recently released report by the International Truth and Justice Project, detailing ongoing torture in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan government cancelled a deal to buy Pakistani fighter jets after a “diplomatic missive” from India, reports The Indian Express.

New Delhi reportedly told Sri Lanka that its current defence requirements meant it did not need the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, whilst also sending a negative technical assessment of the aircraft.

The message was reportedly delivered via a non-paper - a white sheet of paper without a letterhead or signature —“at the highest levels” says The Indian Express.

The Sri Lankan military ceremoniously declared opened a new accommodation block for troops in Jaffna on New Year’s Day.

The new construction at the Sri Lankan Headquarters Security Force Jaffna (SF-J) was declared open by Major General Nandana Udawatta and will be able to house 80 soldiers in the block.