The Sri Lankan government says it has put aside Rs 300mn to offer to Internally Displaced People (IDPs), whose land was grabbed in Sampur by the military for a High Security Zone, reported BBC Tamil.

A case filed by the displaced, currently ongoing at the Sri Lankan Supreme Court, heard that the government will offer the IDPs alternate lands, and if they were not willing to accept this, they can take the money as compensation, the government attorney said.

The lawyer for the IDPs said it was illegal for the government to acquire private land without holding an inquiry into the need for the acquisition.

However Supreme Court Judge Mohan Peiris accepted the arguments of the government, and requested a report regarding those IDPs who wished to take up the government offer.

Commenting on the development, an attorney at law and lecturer in law at the University of Jaffna, Kumaravadivel Guruparan said the Supreme Court’s refusal to deal with the illegality of the land grab was consistent with its past record.

"This is not the first time that the Supreme Court has responded to petitions relating to land grab in this fashion," Mr. Guruparan told Tamil Guardian.

Updated 23:30 BST

The commander of the Sri Lankan army in Jaffna, General Udaya Perera warned student leaders and members of Jaffna University’s faculty that anyone involved in public commemoration of those who died in 2009 will be arrested, the Uthayan reported today.

A 70-year old woman was injured near Kaithadi, Jaffna, after being hit by a military vehicle, reported the Uthayan.

Pandari Naachchi was admitted to Jaffna hospital, after being hit while crossing the road. Saavakacheri Police is reported to be investigating the incident.

Photographs DailyMirror.lk

Over 4000 Buddhist monks held a special all-night prayer service invoking their blessings on the government and Sri Lanka.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa prays

Chanting the 'Jaya Pirith', the Buddhist monks prayed to celestial powers "to help the country's forward march, dispelling all challenges and setbacks posed to the nation", the Daily Mirror reported.

Four Buddhist monks, accused of insulting the Quran, were granted bail on Monday and warned by the court not to "indulge in such activities", reports AFP.

The monks, part of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), reportedly intruded n on a meeting of religious leaders and proceeded to make disrespectful remarks against the Quran.

"The four priests along with two laymen were summoned by court today and granted bail in the sum of 100,000 rupees ($770) each," police spokesperson Ajith Rohana told AFP.

Updated 17:28 BST

Students of the University of Jaffna have been told that the university will be closed from May 16 to May 20, covering May 18, which is marked by Tamils across the globe, in remembrance of those that died in the massacre in Mullivaikal and the rest of the conflict.

Meanwhile posters have appeared in Jaffna, accusing some students and academics of supporting a revival of the LTTE, saying that this was their last chance to cease those activities.

A notice issued by the registrar of the university, V Kandeepan, announced the closure and requested all students to vacate their hostels, without providing a reason for the closure.

A search operation by the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Police, targeting Tamil youths, was conducted in Verukal, Trincomalee this morning, reported BBC Tamil.

Military personnel questioned Tamil males over the age of 15 and detained several individuals.

The army claimed that they conducted the operation after a T56 rifle was found earlier, reported the BBC.

A woman in her early 20s has reported being raped by Sri Lankan military personnel in Vanni in early April. 

The incident has only just come to light after the victim, fearing further sexual attacks if she stayed, was able to flee the Vanni accompanied by her mother.

Jan Jananayagam, co-founder of Tamils Against Genocide (TAG), is amongst eight women recognised for their achievements by INSEAD, one of the world’s top business schools.

"Here at INSEAD, we are proud to highlight some of the women we admire for their ambition, drive and passion to change the world one step at a time," the school said on its website.