A protest against landgrabs by the Sri Lankan military, organised by the Tamil National People’s Front and the All Ceylon Tamil Congress, concluded earlier today in Kilinochchi, despite the detention of the party’s regional coordinator last week by the Sri Lankan army.

Protestors called for the release of Thangavel Jegatheeswaran, who was arrested after defying threats by army officials, who demanded that this demonstration be cancelled.

The Sri Lankan Army made 22 applications for land acquisitions in the Jaffna district, said Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran according to Uthayan.

Speaking at the Jaffna District Coordination Committee meeting, Wigneswaran said he had rejected all applications, which were in relation to land acquisitions to build army camps.

TNA MP Suresh Premachandran said that the land acquisition notices are posted as ordered by the Land Development Ministry of the Sri Lankan government.

A young male was discovered dead in a Vavuniya pond this morning, reported Uthayan.

Investigations are being carried out by Vavuniya police.

Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh told reporters at a press conference, 

"In his meeting with the Sri Lankan  president, the Prime Minister noted that India valued its relations with the country. He requested the Sri Lankan Government to expedite the process of national reconciliation in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka."

"Early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond would contribute to this process."