TNA sets out to win support of the masses

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) held a mass election rally in Nallur today, with several candidates addressing the crowds, and urging them to come out and vote. Front page of the TNA electoral publication See below for commentary from the event as it took place. TNA's Chief Minister candidate C.V.Wigneswaran,R.Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah being welcomed in Jaffna. #NPE pic.twitter.com/rpWvqXKK3E — DushiYanthini (@DushiYanthini) September 18, 2013 TNA, at Mannar rally, calls for diplomatic war to be launched to address Tamil issues pic.twitter.com/OexBSzGZPD — colombogazette (@colombogazette) September 18, 2013 Tamil nationalist rhetoric going strong at #TNA rally at #Mannar stadium #NPC pic.twitter.com/E5OQXs9cg6 — dharisha (@tingilye) September 18, 2013

SL military and MoD receive high corruption ratings

In a recent study conducted by the Transparency International UK’s Defence and Security Programme (TI-DSP) , Sri Lanka was placed amongst the 14 most likely countries that were likely to suffer from high level corruption in their Ministry of Defence and armed forces. The study which surveyed 82 countries, placed Sri Lanka in the ‘critical’ group along with Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivorie, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

ICP questions UN on impunity for SL peacekeepers

Questioning the UN's claim of 'zero tolerance' for sexual abuse, the Inner City Press (ICP), asked the UN whether it was denying the allegation of rape against Sri Lankan peacekeepers in Haiti.

Sri Lanka brought up again in UNHRC general debate

The rights situation in Sri Lanka was raised once again at the 24 th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today. Both the United States and Germany raised concerns about Sri Lanka in the general debate on countries that require attention of the Council. Calling on the Sri Lankan government to set dates and provide access to relevant Special Rapporteurs, the United States also expressed concern regarding the on-going rights abuses, stating , “We remain concerned by violence against religious minorities, excessive use of force by the military against peaceful...

Rajapaksa: 'army will never be withdrawn completely' from North

In an interview with the Hindustan Times, the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa answered a wide range of questions concerning the end of the armed conflict and the time that has passed since then. See here for full interview, extracts reproduced below. Asked about militarisation of the North-East and why a phased withdrawal was not possible, Rajapaksa commented: "I consider Sri Lanka one country. Whether the army is in southern Hambantota or in northern Jaffna, it is the same thing for me. So why are they so worried? Besides, the geographical boundaries and the sheer tenacity of the long...

SL collecting data for citizen identity cards

Sri Lanka’s Department of Registration of Persons will commence issuing new electronic National Identity Cards to all ‘citizens’ from November, reported Colombo Page. The identity cards, which incorporate biometric data such as fingerprints to meet the future needs of national security, are to be issued to people over the age of 15. A representative of the Department of Registration announced that the compiling of data for the identity cards which consist of photographs and family details were now underway.

Tamil TNA campaigner killed in Mullaitivu

A Tamil National Alliance (TNA) campaigner, Rasiah Kavithan, was killed by a group of supporters of the ruling party UPFA in Mullaitivu today, reports TamilNet . The Sri Lankan police force in the area handed over the dead body to the mortuary in Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital. Kavithan’s campaign for the TNA was in direct opposition to the UPFA efforts to campaign in Mullaitivu.

Sri Lankan Cricket preparations

Sri Lankan cricket players take part in a ceremony in preparation of the Champions League Twenty20, in Colombo.

SL court brings criminal charges against impeached chief justice

A Sri Lankan court brought criminal charges of corruption against the former chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake, who was impeached earlier this year, in a move that was condemned internationally. Speaking to AFP , the head of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Upul Jayasuriya, said: "This is a frivolous allegation. She is accused of not declaring bank accounts where she had a zero balance." Her passport was impounded, and the hearing scheduled for February. The case against her was filed by the anti-graft commission.

Rajapapksa: 'easy for the western countries to talk, to criticise'

In an interview to China's state TV, President Mahinda Rajapaksa scorned western criticism of his government, remarking " it's easy for the western countries to talk, to criticise ". He said: "The development of a country requires a stable government. A stable government is a powerful support to a country. A powerful government with full support by the people is the most important factor for us to push forward," "It's easy for the western countries to talk, to criticise. I'm sorry to say that the western countries criticise us without having a clear understanding," "Bilateral relations have...

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