Sri Lanka IV

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Thu, 2009-05-14 12:48

#52

thirusuj

Sri Lanka images 'prove damage'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8047376.stm

UN 'grave concern' over Sri Lanka

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8049261.stm

"Klerk risks repeating Netherland's criminality on Srebrenica genocide"
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29356

LTTE urges IC to save civilians in the name of humanity, SLA attacks kill 1700 in 48 hours
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29360

THOUSANDS FACE HUNGER AND DISEASE IN SRI LANKA VIOLENCE-LWR RESPONDS
http://www.lwr.org/news/news.asp?LWRnewsDate=5/13/2009#srilanka

Human Rights Groups Applaud Obama's Attention; Question Whether it is Too Little, Too Late
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2bIOoMe0ddlYo0ecBB4K3a4f5AA4d3cYd2cc2AmT2d434OX3a030Mm2e

Will Obama take full responsibility of Tamil homeland, ask Tamil circles
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29354

At UN, Sri Lankan Carnage Boiled Down to 9 Paragraph Press Statement, Starvation
http://www.innercitypress.com/un2may8srilanka051309.html

Tamils crowd downtown Toronto streets in latest protest
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/05/13/tamil-wednesday.html

On Sri Lanka, PM has a chance to lead

http://www.cfrb.com/node/927799

Tamils get in staid old city's face
http://www.thestar.com/article/634125

Tamil rally spills into streets
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/634115

Medics helpless amid Sri Lanka blitz
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/634132

Tamils deserve straight talk
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090514.COWENT14ART1950/TPStory/?query=lanka+or+tamil

Sri Lanka rejects ceasefire pleas
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090514/wl_asia_afp/srilankaunrest_20090514072319;_ylt=AgPCS3lXEL5h_sbHZU96_.jtOrgF

Tamils earn goodwill - then lose it
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090514.wtamils14art2259/BNStory/National/home

Security Council issues a press statement on SL
http://tamilnational.com/news-flash/1017-security-council-issues-press-statement.html

Families of dead Sri Lankan soldiers speak with WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/may2009/slwa-m14.shtml

Distant voices, desperate lives
http://www.johnpilger.com/page.asp?partid=533

Sri Lanka official denies claims of army shelling
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/05/200951404310113970

My Support of the Tamil Community in Canada - Explained
http://laforet.ca/2009/05/12/my-support-of-the-tamil-community-in-canada-explained/

PUCL calls for UN military intervention and war crimes trials of Sri Lankan leaders
http://pucl.org/Topics/International/2009/lanka_crisis.html

Sri Lanka warned on 'war crimes'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8050244.stm

Situation Report [May14]: Hospital defunct, photos talk

http://tamilnational.com/news-flash/1024-situation-report-may-14.html

Thu, 2009-05-14 13:01

#53

thanks

The UN Security Council statement is PATHETIC . It's a priority of the current UNGA President to reform the Security Council and even our Conservative MP agrees on this (it was the only thing we agreed on in a recent conversation, aside from stopping the Afghan 'mission' aggression, but i'd like that to stop now and he says 2011.) maybe he wants the UN Sec. Council to be reformed to give the US more power, which wouldn't be good either. Obviously it needs to get rid of veto powers and become democratic, and inclusive of the 192 countries in the UNGA.

Thu, 2009-05-14 18:35

#54

Sean in Ottawa

Other countries cannot go in and control what is on the ground. This is not a viable option as it would be extreme interference.

The Tigers themselves are well known to have committed atrocities of their own.

I don't find the statement "Tigers do value their cause to the point that their lives become nothing," encouraging.

If I accept the descriptions being broadcast about conditions, this looks like certain disaster while a surrender option looks like a potential peaceful solution. No, I would not compare the treatment Tamil civilians would recieve in an area where the Tigers are suspected to remain with a situation where the Tigers have ended the war.

It still looks to me that the losing side in a war in which they have also committed atrocities is prepared to use the plight of civilians to get our attention but then turn and say thei cause is greaer than the lives of their people. Bluntly, you can't have that both ways.

I recognize the passion of war and the distrust. However, this situation looks a lot more complicated than the Tigers want us to believe. There is good reason why Western countries need to be careful about getting involved. To be blunt, as long as there is a war there, it is almost inconcievable that any outside force is going to intervene. It is not clear that this would save lives as it might only prolong a war. With the laying down of arms by the Tigers, at least then we could advocate a United Nations peace keepign force. Without that we have the losing side in a horrible war manipulating public opinion using the plight of civilians without actually doing everything they can to secure their safety.

It is a fact that people believe wars can be worth fighting even though their is a human cost. But when both of the combattants continue to have more faith in war than willingness to attempt peace then the outside can do nothing. If the Tigers want widespread public sympathy for the Tamil people, they will need to end the fighting on their side. This would do far more to move people to want to help from outside than blocking streets.

I am incredibly sympathetic to the civilian Tamils but am yet to be convinced that the Tamil Tigers are more concerned about them than a losing war or that they can offer anything but more misery to the population. Your post supports that opinion in spite of yourself. If there is an ongoing slaughter already- what protection are the Tamils offering? Or is it the deaths of civilians that the Tigers are trying to use for protection?

And no, I was not thinking about Japan.

There coems a time when people need to put the lives of civilians above political causes and only when they do so can their appeal to the outside world be compelling. Sorry to be rough but this needed to be said. Any argument to the contrary looks like propaganda to me.

(By the way, I have had two Tamil friends decades apart who both confided that they were being harassed by Tiger supporters here to be involved in their cause here. This is not a unique allegation. It is time for peace and the Tigers are going to have to come to that realization as they are not going to win this war. How many people will die first?)

I am not excusing the governemtn and am not taking the side of the government against the people. I am taking the side of the people agaisnt the combattants on both sides.

Thu, 2009-05-14 18:46

#55

Sean in Ottawa

With the barrage of one-sided articles on the situation here is another point of view

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/04/20/f-tamil-tigers.html

Thu, 2009-05-14 18:51

#56

Sean in Ottawa

http://www.canada.com/news/Tamil+Tigers+reap+what+they+sown/1575719/stor...

Another one

I am not saying that one side is right and the other side is wrong but what we are lookign for is Babble being practically spammed with tens and tens of articles that are extremely selective.

That serves a purpose of war not one of peace.

Thu, 2009-05-14 18:53

#57

Sean in Ottawa

Many rebel fighters wear glass vials filled with cyanide around their necks and are under orders to commit suicide rather than allow themselves to be captured.

Last week, two prominent rebels — the group's former media spokesman, Velayutham Dayanithi, known as Daya Master, and an interpreter for its political wing, known only as George — also surrendered.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090426.wsrilankatam...

Thu, 2009-05-14 18:59

#58

Sean in Ottawa

read this editorial in the Guelph Mercury

http://news.guelphmercury.com/article/473550

No it is not clear what the truth is but it certainly is not as simple as some here want us to believe.

Fri, 2009-05-15 12:11

#59

thirusuj

Sean in Ottawa wrote:
I am not excusing the governemtn and am not taking the side of the government against the people. I am taking the side of the people agaisnt the combattants on both sides.

Then you consider both combattants to be resposible for the misery of the Tamil people which is understandable. Then why do you expect one side to give up and the other side to have absolute control over the lives of the Tamils?

You might argue that it would put an end to the killings. Think about it, the government is refusing to even allow access to the people in govenrment camps, are you expecting that they will give free access after the Tigers are finished?

If the Internatioanl community even at this moment can't tame Sri Lanka and can only release statement, what makes you think the Internatioal community will do something meaningful other then release empty statement after the Tigers surrender?

Is it right to ask the Tamil community to give up thier only mean of protection when no one else is willing to take up that responsiblity?

Fri, 2009-05-15 12:13

#60

thirusuj

Sean in Ottawa wrote:

With the barrage of one-sided articles on the situation here is another point of view

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/04/20/f-tamil-tigers.html

The CBC had another article about the Tamil Tigers before this one which was like a version of what the Sri Lankan government wanted to hear about the Tamil Tigers. I know this because I was one of many that sent letter to the editor to look into it and CBC eventually published a new one. I might not agree with some of the things that are said but it is better then the last one. Now talking about Tamil Tigers without highlighting the oppression faced by the Tamils before 70's is out of contents. You cannot explain about the Tigers in 1000 word article. The section where it talks about "In 1983, 13 Sinhalese soldiers........" does not give you a full view of the entire situation that lead up to the riot. During those times many state oppression were happening to the Tamil people and the Tigers were just bunch of 15+ boys (with rusty pistols that they couldn't afford for bullets) that the Tamil people were not ready to support in anyways. Why did they target the convoy that carried those Sinhalese soldiers in which 13 would end up getting killed? Less then a week before the exact 13 soldiers and other soldiers kidnapped a young Tamil women and gang raped her to death. The government actually encouraged these kinds of incidents in Tamil areas and justice is far from sight. These 15+ boys decided to deliver that justice and targeted the soldier's convoy and blasted them. The government officials warned the President not to bring the dead soldiers to the Capital for mass funeral as it will spark another riots (riots on Tamil is not a new phenomenon as they had many before that as well). Ignoring their advice the president brought the soldiers and the riot broke out as him and his ministers wanted. Army and police stood by and watched, the monks and mobs had voters list to target the Tamil people properties and so on. And when the London newspaper asked about the situation to the president this is what he had to say:

... I am not worried about the opinion of the Jaffna people now... Now we cannot think of them. Not about their lives or of their opinion about us... The more you put pressure in the north, the happier the Sinhala people will be here... really, if I starve the Tamils out, the Sinhala people will be happy...

-- from an interview with J.R. Jeyawardene by Ian Ward. London Daily Telegraph, 11 July 1983.

Source: http://www.blackjuly83.com/Quotes.htm

Fri, 2009-05-15 12:17

#61

thirusuj

Sean in Ottawa wrote:

http://www.canada.com/news/Tamil+Tigers+reap+what+they+sown/1575719/stor...

Another one

I am not saying that one side is right and the other side is wrong but what we are lookign for is Babble being practically spammed with tens and tens of articles that are extremely selective.

That serves a purpose of war not one of peace.

Neelan Thiruchelvam was no angel either, people who don't know the full story might seem like an angel, but most of the Tamils view him as an opportunist politician who was willing to compromise the Tamil peoples political aspirations. Yes, he was a moderate that didn't believe in violence, same type that existed before the Tigers or any other armed movements for the Tamil who plunged the Tamil people into useless souls and watched so many riots powerless to stop or even request the president or the prime minster to take action. He was discussing and drafting a solution with then president Chandrika Kumarathunga (which would have never passed in the parliament as her own party members openly declared that no devolution to the Tamils at any cost). She needed a Tamil to showcase to the world that she was working on a solution and Neelan Thiruchelvam was her perfect candidate. His proposals were less then what the Tamils expected and still gave the Sinhalese majority control over the lives of the minority Tamils. His assassination was never investigated and just directly blamed on the Tigers, which is of course the usual practice. Chandrika Kumarathunga father who was then the prime minster of Ceylon was assassinated by a Buddhist Monk because supposedly he was trying to devolve power to the Tamils (ironically the same prime minister who was responsible for the language act which would devastate the entire country and torn up an agreement with Tamil political leader because about 300 protesters requested him to right in front of his residence).

Fri, 2009-05-15 12:26

#62

thirusuj

Sean in Ottawa wrote:

read this editorial in the Guelph Mercury

http://news.guelphmercury.com/article/473550

No it is not clear what the truth is but it certainly is not as simple as some here want us to believe.

First, you need to question how much knowledge this person (GWYNNE DYER) has of the island when you read something like this:

"The prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is a nasty piece of work, and his brother Gotabaya, the defence secretary, is even nastier."

Mahinda Rajapaksa is the President of Sri Lanka. Does he even know that that Sri Lanka is a republic and the queen is no longer the head of state?

Fri, 2009-05-15 13:13

#63

thirusuj

Sean,

As a Tamil I can tell you this, when I lived in LTTE controlled area all my family had to worry about is the surprise drop of bombs by the Sri Lankan Air Force. When I lived in Colombo, my family didn't have to worry about Sri Lankan Air Force but we had to worry about who is going to get arrested by Sri Lankan Police, when my dad would sent money from Canada as no one was able to get a job, and I can keep on listing.....(pretty much everything else except for Sri lankan Air Force)

For the Tamils it's not about if the LTTE is good or not (Yes, we know the crimes they committed better then anyone else and they did not commit it because they thought it would be fun to do so), it is about living freely and making our own choice. Which means, no arrest because we are Tamils, no bombing, no sexual abuse, no disappearance, able to communicate in our language, and I can keep on listing this as well.......

Fri, 2009-05-15 13:14

#64

thirusuj

Sean in Ottawa wrote:

Many rebel fighters wear glass vials filled with cyanide around their necks and are under orders to commit suicide rather than allow themselves to be captured.

Last week, two prominent rebels — the group's former media spokesman, Velayutham Dayanithi, known as Daya Master, and an interpreter for its political wing, known only as George — also surrendered.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090426.wsrilankatam...

George is a paid interpreter of the political wing and never a part of the rebel movement. Daya Master, I don't have much information on him, but he is not part of the decision makers and another paid and retired civil servant of the LTTE's administration. Beside did any of the international media get to interview them? Only state controlled media interviewed them and the rest of the world published what the Sri Lankan government gives out as a handout on their press conference. This is where the lack of international media and monitors come into question? Why is Sri Lanka not allowing outside people to witness this war?

I have also posted articles from AP (including BHARATHA MALLAWARACHI), in my posts before.

Fri, 2009-05-15 15:22

#65

thirusuj

The last stand of Sri Lanka's Tamils - in Canada?
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0514/p06s01-woam.html

Protest backlash unearths racism
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/05/14/9451756-sun.html

CBC Interviews Phillip Koneswaran (ITR) - LTTE Sri Lanka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As2an4F1Y18

Tamils hunt for news of relatives
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8039621.stm

Sri Lanka army 'in final stage'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8051206.stm

NYT highlights satellite evidence of Sri Lanka's criminal culpability
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29367

British Tamil contests seat for European Parliament

http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29366

'Safety zone' in smoke, close-quarter fighting is on
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29368

In blood steeped
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13649343&fsrc=rss

Canadian urges end to Sri Lanka war
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/14/Canadian-urges-end-to-Sri-Lanka-war/UPI-73891242340997/

SRI LANKA: Intl Condemnation Mounts, Along With Body Count
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46847

IMF loan for Sri Lanka not appropriate right now: Clinton
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h5W4Joxu6Q_w1YTk4MloheT-GsEg

Due to the overwhelming response to the Sri Lankan issue, CNN has opened another forum on Sri Lanka. Please leave your comments. Please forward.
http://internationaldesk.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/14/leave-sri-lanka-commen...
http://internationaldesk.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/12/sri-lankan-windfall/

After loud protests and wide backlash, McGuinty finds right words on Tamils
http://www.thestar.com/article/634667

A race against time in Sri Lanka's camps
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/55987/2009/04/15-082135-1.htm

Sri Lanka vows to beat Tamil rebels within 48 hours
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090515/twl-sri-lanka-vows-to-beat-tamil-rebels-696b303.html

EU against Sri Lankan 'final assault' on Tamil rebels
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1242396121.37

UK "Appalled" Red Cross Blocked In Sri Lanka - Minister
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200905150633dowjonesdjonline000463&title=uk-appalled-red-cross-blocked-in-sri-lanka---minister

Sri Lankan president says civil war in 'final phase'

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/sri.lanka.fighting.president/index.html?eref=rss_latest

Over 4000 injured, many with burn injuries, desperate for evacuation - SLA use white phosphorous, chemical weapons
http://tamilnational.com/news-flash/1038-burn-injured-require-immediate-evacuation.html

Analysis: China arms may have secured Sri Lanka rout of Tigers
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6295258.ece

Post Indian elections: Life and or death for Eelam Tamils
http://www.tamilnational.com/worlds-view/tnn-ireport/1036-post-indian-elections.html

Sri Lankan army 'encircling' last refuge of Tamil rebels
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/15/sri-lanka-fighting-united-nations

Military press on despite Sri Lanka calls
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/military-press-on-despite-sri-lanka-calls-1685350.html

UN Human Rights chief calls for Sri Lanka inquiry
http://www.opendemocracy.net/terrorism/article/security_briefings/150509

‘Dying Without Treatment'
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/world/asia_pacific/aposdying+without+treatmentapos/3148257

Tamil Tigers fighting to bitter end
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/634767

Fri, 2009-05-15 15:53

#66

thirusuj

Sri Lanka, The UN's "Bloodbath" In Context
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/derek-flood/sri-lanka-the-uns-bloodba_b_203904.html

Sat, 2009-05-16 09:46

#67

thirusuj

Bloodbath will not resolve the conflict: Pathmanathan
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29375

Tigers will regroup with a vengeance' - FT
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29376

UN genocide expert wants ceasefire, UN investigators want war probes
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29377

Mano Ganeshan urges government to publicize details of Vanni detainees
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29380

LTTE takes heed to Obama's call: Pathmanathan
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29381

Sri Lanka to buy military helicopters from Russia
http://en.rian.ru/world/20090515/155021542.html

SRI LANKA: Trade Partners Considering Economic Pressure
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46870

Careless talk warning issued in Sri Lanka
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/15/sri-lank-channel-4

CNN's Errol Barnett talks with a Tamil man who is using the web to help his brother caught in fighting in Sri Lanka.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/ireports/2009/05/15/barnett.sri.lanka.irpt.cnn?iref=videosearch

Tamil protest becomes Yonge-Dundas sit-in
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/635387

Scarborough fire related to Sri Lankan conflict, monk says
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/635432

Sri Lanka military cuts off rebel sea escape
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/635433

Sri Lanka rebels 'are defeated'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8053542.stm

Sat, 2009-05-16 09:47

#68

thanks

thank you thirusuj for your helpful responses to questions. and i'm actually glad the questions were raised as it gave space for your excellent commentary, on the context and reality and how these get twisted by lazy and co-opted int'l 'media' (owned by corporations doing business with allies of the war criminals.)

here's a thought too that struck me after hearing a Care worker report on CBC yesterday, relating a story told her by an 8 year old Tamil refugee, that talked of getting bombed, but not by whom. if the LTTE is supposedly keeping Tamil civilians by force, why do we never hear stories of that from refugees, only from state mouthpieces? no doubt the overwhelming voice would be as we've already heard from the diaspora, putting themselves into concentration camps of starvation, disappearances, rape and torture would be worse.

even our professional public broadcaster can't find it in itself to ask good questions. so it's really good you've put the fightback in the context of a history of struggle where all peaceful avenues have been squashed viciously to date, where the people have had to resort to desperate measures in a sickening and overwhelmingly disgusting onslaught by overlords and the international community.

Shame on us all who allow this to go on.

Sat, 2009-05-16 14:51

#69

thirusuj

Sri Lanka soldiers fight Tamil Tigers, trapping civilians on beach
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6297234.ece

Sri Lanka faces 'unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe'
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6291323.ece

An exercise in cynicism
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article6297047.ece

Chinese support crucial to Sri Lankan victory over Tamils
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6297463.ece

GRAPHIC: Endgame for the Tigers
http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/pdfs/tigers_16052009.pdf

Sun, 2009-05-17 07:44

#70

thanks

Just now on CBC World Report 7 am, first up in the news is this Sri Lankan official, a doctor with a British accent, saying he's 'relieved' that 50,000 people have left the zone [been forcibly displaced from their homes facing a final total bombardment by the army, after months of cluster bombs, shelling, and white phosphorus] the movement of whom was their 'goal'. What a sick admission.

Are the people still left alive with their limbs intact, going to be allowed to go back to what's left of their homes? Will they get food and medical treatment? Or will they get left in concentration camps behind barbed wire for years ? What justice will be found in international courts so that the state is held to account for its war crimes?

I am completely outraged that Canadian media simply parrot the dictatorship's line, and not another word.

Harper's cuts are turning the screws even tighter on our journalists. And they don't even face disappearance and death as their courageous Tamil counterparts do.

Goose-stepping Canadian media.

This will not be the end of it.

We just need reporters with backbone.

I guess that's what rabble is for, and non-corporate controlled sources elsewhere.

Sun, 2009-05-17 09:57

#71

High Anxiety

Well, another point of view is that both sides wanted to fight. Reap what you sow.

Tigers concede as Sri Lanka's long war reaches climax

Reuters

May 17, 2009 at 8:36 AM EDT

The Tamil Tigers conceded defeat in Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war on Sunday, after launching waves of suicide attacks to repel a final assault by troops determined to annihilate them.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) the day before, even as combat raged in the island's northeast and the military said it was freeing the last of thousands of trapped civilians.

By midday Sunday, the military said troops had freed all the civilians being held by the LTTE inside an area that was less than a single square kilometre. A total of 72,000 had fled since Thursday, it said.

LTTE founder-leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran's fate remained a mystery, although military sources said a body believed to be his was recovered and its identity was being confirmed.

The LTTE, founded on a culture of suicide before surrender, had shown no sign of giving up. Suicide fighters blew themselves up on the front line on Sunday morning, and more than 70 were killed trying to flee overnight, the military said. But by afternoon the military said fighting had slowed, and the pro-rebel web site www.TamilNet.com released a statement from the LTTE's head of international relations saying: “This battle has reached its bitter end.” “We remain with one last choice – to remove the last weak excuse of the enemy for killing our people. We have decided to silence our guns,” Selvarajah Pathmanathan's statement said. The military had no immediate comment. Mr. Pathmanathan, who is wanted by Interpol and was for years the LTTE's chief weapons smuggler, said 3,000 people lay dead and 25,000 more were wounded. Getting an independent picture of events in the war zone is normally a difficult task, given both sides have repeatedly distorted accounts to suit their side of the story and outside observers are generally barred from it.

Sun, 2009-05-17 14:16

#72

thirusuj

Hail to the chief for his deft handling of the Tamil protests
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090516.BARBER16ART1756/TPStory/?query=lanka+or+tamil

Beyond the bullhorn
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090516.wxtamils16art1754/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090516.wxtamils16art1754

Brown warns Sri Lanka over conflict
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090516/tuk-brown-warns-sri-lanka-over-conflict-a7ad41d.html

Fears grow for safety of doctors who reported civilian slaughter
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/17/tamil-tigers-sri-lanka-doctors

Fears of mass suicide as Tamil Tigers face final defeat
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6301821.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

Protests won't end, activist promises

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/635579

Dignity and respect for our people is all we ask - Pathmanathan
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29389

25,000 civilians injured to death while IC watches: Soosai
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29390

Sri Lanka rebels 'call ceasefire'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8054169.stm

Tamil Tigers announce plan to surrender
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/17/tamil-tigers-surrender

Tigers concede as Sri Lanka's long war reaches climax
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090517.wsrilanka0517/BNStory/International/home

Tamil Tigers admit defeat
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/635639

Sri Lanka declares victory over Tigers
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/international_politics/sri+lanka+declares+victory+over+tigers/3149957

Tamil Tigers warn of mass suicide
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6301926.ece

'Responsibility now with US'
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29391

Taming of Tamil Tigers threatens to breed fiercer creatures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/17/sri-lanka-tamil-tigers-analysis

The crisis in Sri Lanka - a conflict without winners
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/17/sri-lanka-tamil-conflict

Mon, 2009-05-18 11:49

#73

Unionist

[url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVoaDFmbCYS-Usz9ACDRIe... Lanka says war over, rebel leader killed[/color][/url]

Quote:
Sri Lanka declared Monday it had crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels, killing their chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and ending his three-decade quest for an independent homeland for minority Tamils. [...]

Senior military officials said troops closed in on Prabhakaran and his final cadre early Monday.

He and his top deputies then drove an armor-plated van accompanied by a bus filled with rebel fighters toward approaching Sri Lankan forces, sparking a two-hour firefight, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Troops eventually fired a rocket at the van, ending the battle, they said. In addition to Prabhakaran, the attack also killed Soosai, the head of the rebels' naval wing, and Pottu Amman, the group's feared intelligence commander, the officials said. One of Prabhakaran's sons was also killed, the military said.

Mon, 2009-05-18 12:48

#74

thirusuj

As Sri Lanka Holds Doctors Incommunicado, UN Deaf and Dumb
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may2srilanka051609.html

In Sri Lanka, No Access to Carnage Until Victory Speech, UN Lowers Expectations
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may3srilanka051709.html

Sri Lanka stocks up on 'victory'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8054931.stm

Tamil temple forlorn as war ends
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Tamil+temple+forlorn+ends/1605479/story.html

Brussels calls for full UN access to Sri Lanka war zone
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1242636422.4

Effigy of David Miliband burnt on streets of Sri Lankan capital

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6310422.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

EU demands Sri Lanka war inquiry

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8054821.stm

Sri Lankan beach was 'unimaginable hell'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/18/2573001.htm

Tamil Tigers admit defeat after battle reaches 'bitter end'

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6305401.ece

Four senior Tamil Tigers 'dead'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8054826.stm

Sri Lankan rebel leader 'killed'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8055015.stm

Tigers finished as military force
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8055138.stm

Mahinda's accounts crime
http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29403

Colombo 'ended' the battle with a massacre
http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29402

DNA tests on body of Prabhakaran, Sri Lankan rebel leader

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6313072.ece

World Agenda: Victory over Tamil Tigers may radicalise a new generation

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/world_agenda/article6311896.ece

The Real Culprits behind Sri Lankan War
http://my.telegraph.co.uk/richarddixons/blog/2009/05/18/the_real_culprits_behind_sri_lankan_war

VANANGAMAN - Mercy mission to Vanni ship en route to Sri Lanka
http://tamilnational.com/news-flash/1061-mercy-mission-to-vanni-ship.html

Sri Lanka: What Kind of "Victory"?
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/3159/2009/04/17-200024-1.htm

Where are the images of horror from Sri Lanka?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6307730.ece

Rebels Routed in Sri Lanka After 25 Years of War
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/world/asia/18lanka.html?_r=1&em

Amid the confusion, it is clear there was carnage
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/amid-the-confusion-it-is-clear-there-was-carnage-20090518-bcpp.html

The Tamil Tigers' long fight explained

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/18/sri.lanka.conflict.explainer/

Sri Lanka declares 'final victory'
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/asia/2009/05/200951894411100908.html

An end to the war?
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13684069

The bitter end: Tamils lay down arms
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-bitter-end-tamils-lay-down-arms-1686767.html

Tamil Tigers failed to learn from tsunami tragedy
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090517.wsrilankafirstperson18/BNStory/Front

Disbelief, tears and prayer greet news of Tigers' defeat
http://www.thestar.com/Article/635797

Mon, 2009-05-18 15:00

#75

thanks

this item says there are 25,000 people still left in the conflict zone, and that the Sri Lankan army is "on a fierce attack to wipe them all" out.

http://www.tamilnational.com/indian-news/tamil-nadu/1070-dont-believe-fa...

meanwhile we get mainstream reports that ongoing bombing was from Tigers blowing themselves up. more of the blame game coverup. not that they didn't have a pact, but it was with cyanide.

Mon, 2009-05-18 15:06

#76

Papal Bull

Thirusuj, thank you so much for these articles. Your excellent grabs from the net have really helped me gain a deeper understanding of this conflict.

Mon, 2009-05-18 15:56

#77

thirusuj

This is a nice article from Rabble:

Sri Lanka: Finishing the work of the tsunami

http://rabble.ca/news/2009/05/sri-lanka-finishing-work-tsunami

Tue, 2009-05-19 11:17

#78

thirusuj

After the Tigers' defeat, the abuse of Tamils must stop
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/18/sri-lanka-war-tamil-tigers

Lessons of war from Tigers' defeat
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8057118.stm

Winning the peace in Sri Lanka

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8056734.stm

Sri Lanka leader hails 'victory'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8056752.stm

Velupillai Prabhakaran: Leader of the Tamil Tigers
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/velupillai-prabhakaran-leader-of-the-tamil-tigers-1687239.html

Obituary: Velupillai Prabhakaran
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/19/obituary-velupillai-parbhakaran-sri-lanka

The making of a militant leader
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/19/stories/2009051960070900.htm

The day I met Prabhakaran
http://news.rediff.com/column/2009/may/19/the-day-i-met-prabhakaran.htm

Peter Popham: Prabhakaran talked of peace. But the man I met was doomed to die in action
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/peter--popham-prabhakaran-talked-of-peace-but-the-man-i-met-was-doomed-to-die-in-action-1687198.html

Tamils protest against Sri Lanka 'genocide'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/19/2574396.htm

Sri Lankan community calls for calm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/19/2574336.htm

Tamil Canadians say they doubt rebel leader killed
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090518/Tamil_protest_090518/20090518?hub=TorontoNewHome

U.S. urges Sri Lanka to reach out to Tamils
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N18406359.htm

In Sri Lanka, Doctors Detained As UN's Ban to Visit with Press, Ethnic Aid
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may5srilanka051809.html

Sri Lanka's untold story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/19/tamil-cause-global-awareness

Tamil protest in London turns violent
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090519/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestworld_20090519092336

Don't ignore Tamil cry for self-government, Solheim tells Sri Lanka
http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20090519/198912.htm

Sri Lankan President Calls for Unity as Rebels Deny Leader Is Dead
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/world/asia/20lanka.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Sri Lanka, after the war
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/05/19/sri_lanka_after_the_war/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Editorial%2FOp-ed+pages

Sri Lankan military shows 'body of Tamil Tiger leader Prabhakaran' on TV

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6317354.ece

After Years of Fighting, Questions of Reconciliation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/19/AR2009051900220.html?wprss=rss_world/asia

Belief in Tamil Eelam will be harder for Sri Lanka to defeat
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6314979.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

Police hurt as UK Tamil protests turn violent
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6318871.ece

The Tigers are beaten but it isn't over yet
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6314769.ece

Sri Lankans celebrate end of conflict
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/19/sri-lanka-conflict-tamil-tigers

Sri Lanka: dead body of Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is shown by army
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/5348860/Sri-Lanka-dead-body-of-Tamil-Tiger-leader-Velupillai-Prabhakaran-is-shown-by-army.html

Bring Sri Lankan refugees to Canada, Ottawa urged
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090518.wTamilscanada19/BNStory/International/

New struggles emerge in a wounded Sri Lanka

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090518.wlankamain19/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090518.wlankamain19

Sri Lankan president makes victory address
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090519.wsrilanka0519/BNStory/International

Sri Lanka says photo shows rebel leader is dead
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/636135

Displaced Sri Lankans in need of food aid
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/636160

Jubilation makes Tamil minority uneasy
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/636065

Farah Mihlar: Neither side has any reason to celebrate
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/farah-mihlar-neither-side-has-any-reason-to-celebrate-1687197.html

Tue, 2009-05-19 12:39

#79

thirusuj

Sri Lanka lost confidence of Tamils: Pathmanathan

http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29408

War crime in the massacre of LTTE officials
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29409

Tue, 2009-05-19 13:10

#80

remind

Quote:
We wish to bring to the notice of the International Community the events of the last 24 hours in the so called safety zone in the war in Sri Lanka.

Subsequent to our announcement that the LTTE had decided to "silence the guns" in view of the unbearable civilian carnage at the hands of the Sri Lankan military and the heavy weaponry donated to it by third parties, we were informed by some member states of the International Community that arrangements had been made with the Sri Lankan military for discussions on an orderly end to the war.

We were instructed to make contact with the 58th Division of the Sri Lankan forces in the war zone, un-armed and carrying white flags. Head of our Political Wing, Mr. B. Nadesan and Mr. Puleedevan then proceeded to do so. They were un-armed and carrying white flags and were called on by the Officers of the 58th Division to come forward for discussions. When they complied they were both shot and killed. We vehemently condemn this action. The International Community needs to take this into account in its deliberations about charges of "Crimes against Humanity" against the members of the Sri Lanka Government and its military establishment. This act is even more unpalatable when one takes into account that the LTTE released as an act of goodwill, seven Sri Lankan Prisoners of War the day before totally unharmed.

We appeal to the International Community to act now to ensure the safety and basic needs of the displaced people who are suffering in the prison camps of the Sri Lankan military. The onus is now on the International Community to see that further war crimes and crimes against humanity are not committed on Tamils by the Sri Lankan state and to force the Sri Lankan state to yield in to the political aspirations of the Tamil people.

Tue, 2009-05-19 14:06

#81

Ghislaine

thirusuj wrote:

Sean in Ottawa wrote:
I am not excusing the governemtn and am not taking the side of the government against the people. I am taking the side of the people agaisnt the combattants on both sides.

Then you consider both combattants to be resposible for the misery of the Tamil people which is understandable. Then why do you expect one side to give up and the other side to have absolute control over the lives of the Tamils?

You might argue that it would put an end to the killings. Think about it, the government is refusing to even allow access to the people in govenrment camps, are you expecting that they will give free access after the Tigers are finished?

If the Internatioanl community even at this moment can't tame Sri Lanka and can only release statement, what makes you think the Internatioal community will do something meaningful other then release empty statement after the Tigers surrender?

Is it right to ask the Tamil community to give up thier only mean of protection when no one else is willing to take up that responsiblity?

What does the Tamil community expect Canada and the international community to do? This is the same international community that has accomplished zero in Rwanda, Sudan, the Congo, etc., etc. And the places where we have intervened have gone horribly. I would support economic sanctions, however I know that in other countries where this has been tried (Iraq), it has hurt innocent civilians even more and allowed for corruption and abuse. Once it is safe to enter the country, I support aid.

I would not support any armed intervention by Canadians and I would assume most babblers feel likewise.

What would your ideal response be thrisuj and thanks - and in your opinion what would be the ideal response by the Cdn Tamil community?

Tue, 2009-05-19 16:05

#82

thirusuj

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/402/FAAE/Reports/RP3895627/402_FAAE_Rpt05_PDF/402_FAAE_Rpt05-e.pdf

CANADA

From the Foreign Affairs Committee Report

List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Government of Canada should continue to call upon all parties in Sri Lanka to immediately cease fire and end hostilities.

Recommendation 2

The Government of Canada should redouble its efforts in cooperation with other states to meet the humanitarian needs of all civilians in northeastern Sri Lanka, including those still in the combat zone and those in IDP camps, by securing a sufficient humanitarian pause and through international supervision of assistance.

Recommendation 3

The Government of Canada should stand ready to increase Canadian assistance to Sri Lanka in collaboration with other partners, as on-the-ground assessments and capacity to absorb warrant, not only for relief purposes but also for development and reconstruction. In addition to ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most, the government should pursue a whole-of-government strategy to ensure that Canadian assistance of all sorts encourages longer-term reconciliation among communities in Sri Lanka

.
Recommendation 4

The Government of Canada should call on the United Nations Security Council to seriously engage itself in the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and to investigate the conduct of both parties during the conflict with respect to international law. The Government of Canada should also initiate a dialogue with the Government of Sri Lanka, in conjunction with the international community, aimed at laying the groundwork for a political reconciliation between the communities. If these efforts fail, the Government of Canada should consider financial and diplomatic sanctions, including, but not limited to, advocating for Sri Lanka's suspension from the Commonwealth, as well as incentives.

Tue, 2009-05-19 16:21

#83

remind

How do you feel about those recommendations?

Tue, 2009-05-19 16:42

#84

Webgear

Reference Post #81

It does not seem overly effective to me.

It seems like a whole lot of talk but not a lot of action.

Tue, 2009-05-19 17:39

#85

thirusuj

Ghislaine,

What I want are follow as I can think of from the back of my head:

-Canada pressure Sri Lanka to allow international media, monitors and international aid agencies (including the camps, Jaffna peninsula, the eastern province (basically all of Tamil Eelam) without any interference from the Sri Lankan state)
-Canada do its part to kick Sri Lanka out of the Commonwealth
-Demand for investigations of war crimes by all parties starting from independence from Britain (including discriminatory policies)
-Stop using my tax money to fund Sri Lanka directly or indirectly (economic and diplomatic sanctions)
-Canada pressure UN and support other countries to take action on Sri Lanka
-Remove the ban on the LTTE (also establish diplomatic ties so that Tamil Canadians and Canadian government can openly work with LTTE to effectively end the suffering of the Tamil people and reform the LTTE itself)
-Recognize the right to self-determination of the Tamil people internally or externally

What the Tamil community as a whole want are from the back of my head:

-Permanent ceasefire
-Get international media into the warzone including international aid agencies (including the camps)
-Diplomatic and economic sanctions
-Remove the ban on LTTE
-Recognize Tamil Eelam

What Canada has been doing so far:

-issuing empty statements
-criminalizing the Tamil people (especially through the conservative medias)
-listening to the Sri Lankan government only and ignoring the Tamil Canadians
-conservative party playing dirty politics using the Tamil issue

What I don't want Canada to do:

-Send in the Canadian armed forces unless it is part of the UN peace keeping mission (another country directly sending in its armed forces will make it even more complicated and as a Canadian our troops belong in the barracks unless Canada is in trouble)

Wed, 2009-05-20 10:38

#86

thirusuj

http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.aspx?lang=eng&publicat...

May 19, 2009 (1:45 p.m. EDT)
No. 135

Statement by Minister Cannon on Recent Developments in Sri Lanka

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement concerning recent developments in the conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam:

"Canadians are very concerned about the aftermath of the military action in Sri Lanka and the appalling effect it has had on civilians. This terrible, decades-long war has inflicted untold devastation and heartbreak on Sri Lankans. The Government of Canada wishes to express its concerns about civilian casualties, and to convey its condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and those around the world who have lost friends and family members in this horrific conflict.

"I spoke yesterday with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka. We agreed that there is a need for the international community to coordinate assistance and support to the people of Sri Lanka, and that it will be important to work with the international community in urging the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with these efforts.

"We will work together to support the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance. We call on the Government of Sri Lanka to give the United Nations and other international humanitarian agencies immediate access to internally displaced persons. Canada remains concerned about the fate of civilians.

"Canada urges the Government of Sri Lanka to begin to find a long-term political solution that responds to the legitimate aspirations of all the people of Sri Lanka. Canada is prepared to assist Sri Lankan efforts to find political reconciliation and a lasting peace."

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

Wed, 2009-05-20 12:15

#87

thirusuj

Senate Foreign Relations on Sri Lanka
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/05/senate_foreign.html

Tamil doubts over rebel leader's death

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8057637.stm

'Victory' holiday in Sri Lanka

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8058844.stm

Peace hopes grip Sri Lankans

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8056426.stm

Tamil-Canadian group says Ottawa's offer to help Sri Lanka needs strict conditions
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=cp_guvc9rdh333&show_article=1

Tamil rights must now be respected
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/sri-lanka-tamil-tigers-ltte-war

The fight for survival goes on in Sri Lanka amid reports of 15,000 killed
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/19/sri-lankan-war

In Sri Lanka, UN Spokesman Has Last Visa, Press In For 2 Days, Banned From Zone?
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may6srilanka051909.html

In Sri Lanka, UN's Ban Says He'll Visit Conflict Zone, Doctors Still in Custody
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may7srilanka051909.html

Rebel defeat: diplomatic dilemma
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6322415.ece

Sri Lanka on brink of catastrophe as UN aid blocked
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6322658.ece

Voices: Tamil diaspora in shock

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8056176.stm

Tamils' issue: India rushes NSA to Colombo
http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/may/20/ltte-tamils-issue-india-rushes-nsa-to-colombo.htm

War's End in Sri Lanka: Bloody Family Triumph
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/world/asia/20lanka.html?_r=1&em

Rage And Despair In Sri Lanka Tamil Diaspora Overseas
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200905200258dowjonesdjonline000341&title=rage-and-despair-in-sri-lanka-tamil-diaspora-overseas

Sri Lanka destroys evidence, prevents ICRC, UN access - Prof. Boyle
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29415

Colombo urged to free Tamil doctors
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/05/200952071228861776.html

UNHCR concerned about conditions in IDP sites in Sri Lanka
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/UNHCR/60bc601215cd026a157523c58a14e893.htm

Prabhakaran's myth dies with him, dreams of Eelam live on
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090520.wlanka20art0010/BNStory/International/home

Brothers led decisive victory over Tamil Tigers
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/636698

Will Tamils' 'Sun God' live on?
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/636696

Sri Lanka: activists call for release of missing doctors
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/sri-lanka-doctors

This Monday marks the beginning of the third phase of our struggle for independence - Vows Canadian Tamils
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2b24OXH4a32f5Ac04dcmOo0da0eA4BL34d3LTmA2e0dM0MmUce03cYdJ2cc4XlY4be

Sri Lanka war over but war of words continues
http://www.thestar.com/Article/636697

Thu, 2009-05-21 11:07

#88

thirusuj

Sri Lanka Triumphant At Last
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/sri-lanka-triumphant-at-l_b_204752.html

South Africa calls for investigations into violations of Geneva Conventions
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29427

How to Defeat Insurgencies: Sri Lanka's Bad Example
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1899762,00.html?imw=Y

Sinhala hoodlums harass Tamil civilians in the name of victory celebration

http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29421

US to block financial support until Sri Lanka addresses Rights situation

http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29426

Sri Lanka: over 250,000 displaced persons in urgent need of assistance
http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/sri-lanka-interview-200509

On Sri Lanka, of Human Rights, Victors and Doctors Still Detained, Ban to the Zone
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3may8srilanka052009.html

International Community Waits for Answers for Loss of Life in Sri Lanka's War Against Rebels
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-20-voa33.cfm?rss=asia

UN in plea for Tamil aid access

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8060232.stm

Tamil children 'being abducted'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8060564.stm

Sri Lanka's humanitarian challenge
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8058322.stm

Poll pledge for Sri Lanka Tamils
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8060718.stm

Jaya demands immediate rehabilitation of Tamils in Lanka
http://www.sakaaltimes.com/2009/05/21151420/Jaya-demands-immediate-rehabil.html

Australia - Tamils deserve safe haven: Opposition
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/5584680/tamils-deserve-safe-haven-opposition/

Eyewitness account of Sri Lankan detention camps
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/may2009/slcp-m21.shtml

India makes diplomatic push after Sri Lanka war ends
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINSP43104120090521?sp=true

Activist seized from lawyer's car in Sri Lanka
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/sri-lanka-activists-relief-abductions

Quarter of a million Sri Lankans face two years in camps
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/refugees-face-two-years-in-srilanka-camps

Sri Lanka 'in resettlement vow'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8061623.stm

Sri Lanka: Child Soldiers Coalition calls for UN Special Envoy to urgently
investigate abductions and other abuses of children

http://www.child-soldiers.org/Sri_Lanka_Special_Envoy_press_statement_20may09.pdf

The defeat of the Tigers is welcome, but the conduct of the war is not

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6329468.ece

Battle begins to establish UN Sri Lankan war crimes investigation

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6329717.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

A Tragic Misdiagnosis: The Continued Suffering of Civilians Amongst Victory Celebrations in Sri Lanka
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nimmi-gowrinathan/a-tragic-misdiagnosis-the_b_205487.html

Interned Tamil refugees face two-year wait to return home
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/interned-tamil-refugees-face-twoyear-wait-to-return-home-1688641.html

Why all the fuss over Tamil street protests?
http://www.thestar.com/article/637250

Aid groups raise alarm over Sri Lanka refugees
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/637306

Blood on our hands, but this too shall pass
http://news.rediff.com/column/2009/may/19/guest-blood-on-our-hands-but-this-too-shall-pass.htm

Paramilitaries 'abducting Tamil children from Sri Lanka camps'
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6332549.ece

Claims Of Abuse In Sri Lankan Refugee Camps
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Women-Raped-And-Men-Disappeared-In-Sri-Lanka-Refugee-Camps-Sky-News-Told/Article/200905315285938?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_5&lid=ARTICLE_15285938_Women_Raped_And_Men_Disappeared_In_Sri_Lan

Fri, 2009-05-22 02:52

#89

Rexdale_Punjabi Rexdale_Punjabi's picture

stay strong thirusuj I got a question for u b. The non-tamil ppl in the hood what kind of help can we be? I aint got money n I cant go downtown (dont know the way) what help can ppl be locally because u seen ppl are strugglin they cant put another's stuff ahead of their own cuz they wouldnt survive. A lot of ppl are at the protests cuz of family I respect that but u cant except ppl who aint tamil to come with that unfortunately is there a way to do something locally. Protest wouldnt work because nobody gives a shit if you blocc something in the hood. Majority of the ppl givin that moral support but that only goes so far what else can we do. Like also for the protest like thas yall thing to do like handle that they way Im seein it is that if others do come they wouldnt fully know what to do or communicate witha lot of ppl or w.e like u know what I mean what can others do in the baccground. Voting in other follyticians aint the solution cuz that too long term need something now if u got an idea tell it. I know that already it bein shown as a criminal thing so riotin n shit would only prove that so we need to think of another way. What if ppl stopped payin taxes?, refusal to work wouldnt be as effective because esp the current time there nuff ppl there to replace. Even tho they take a lot of taxes out already if we could hit the gov hard economically maybe they'll listen a bit more. Idk the whole organization part but mayb that'll work comment bacc brotha na mean idk u got any ideas? cuz the protests alone aint workin gotta add something to the mix

Fri, 2009-05-22 10:58

#90

thirusuj

US Congressional Rights Group urge investigation into Sri Lanka crimes
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29431

Eyewitness: 'They are all patients'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8062207.stm

Sri Lankan army deaths revealed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8062922.stm

Toronto Tamils warn protests could continue
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto-tamils-warn-of-more-protests/article1142263/

Sri Lanka: top UN official visits camps for uprooted civilians
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30883&Cr=sri+lanka&Cr1=

US presses Sri Lanka for access to refugees
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hT3RSzQ5lwq5XYMTtClJFuyOHd4g

On Sri Lanka, IMF Said Ready to Lend, Dodges Ethnic Cleansing, Where Are Obama, UK?
http://www.innercitypress.com/imf4srilanka052109.html

Tamil diaspora sceptical over 'win'
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/05/2009520421048664.html

Tamils in Britain and Canada vow to sustain Sri Lanka struggle
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0521/p06s12-woeu.html

Why the West ignored the Tamils' pleas

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/05/21/f-vp-stewart.html

In Sri Lanka the war is over but Tamil Tiger remnants suffer brutal revenge
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/21/sri-lanka-tamil-tigers-ltte-tamil-refugees-in-camp

Sri Lanka: Ban Visit Should Focus on Displaced
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/05/21/sri-lanka-ban-visit-should-focus-displaced

TAMIL CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS - TCHR/CTDH: Massacre of civilians and Peace Emissaries
http://www.tamilcanadian.com/page.php?cat=211&id=5756

Satellite images of Sri Lanka conflict used in war crimes inquiry
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6337805.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

UN official calls for Sri Lanka reconciliation
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/un-official-calls-for-sri-lanka-reconciliation-1689423.html

Statement by Ministers Cannon and Oda on the Situation in Sri Lanka: May 21, 2009
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=452459

As Sri Lanka Savors Victory, Challenges Loom
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104335.html?wprss=rss_world/asia

Families trapped in Sri Lanka camps fear for missing children

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/families-trapped-in-sri-lanka-camps-fear-for-missing-children-1689240.html

In Sri Lanka, NGOs Asked for All Information, Frustrated with UN's Quiet Diplomacy

http://www.innercitypress.com/mou1srilanka052209.html

Risk of UN's Ban Being Manipulated by Sri Lanka Admitted by UN Official
http://www.innercitypress.com/untrip1may1srilanka052209.html

UN backs Sri Lanka on refugee camps
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/638504

Colombo warning to Australia on Tamil refugees
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,25520161-2702,00.html?from=public_rss

''Sky News first-hand accounts of allegations Rapes and Kidnappings in Government refugee camps'' (VIDEO)
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2bIOoMe0dJlYy0ecLB443a4f5Ay4d3cYd3cc2AmT3d424OX3a030Mm2e

Fri, 2009-05-22 14:54

#91

thirusuj

Rexdale_Punjabi,

There are many letter, email campaigns etc that non-Tamils can participate. If you can talk about this issue (the political history, rise of LTTE etc...) to other non-Tamils and encourage others to do as well then it would be helpful as well. Another thing that I see that need to done by non-Tamils is commenting on articles, calling in on radio shows, sending email to writers who seem to be out of focus and don't have good knowledge on the Tamil people. I would say the limit for participation of non-Tamils has no end.

Money is not the issue for our community (we can raise good amount in a good period, we were so outraged when Canadian minister went to Sri Lanka announcing that she gave 3 million to the Si Lankan govermnet and announed further funding). I have a friend who grew up with his cousin and lived with his cousin and help raise his kid. Now he is in Canada doing very well. About 2 months ago he got a call from his cousin from the available satellite connection in the war zone to tell him that he is still alive and he might not get the chance to talk him again uless he is lucky. Then the phone was handed to the kid to talk and she asked if he can send some food. He was telling me this and couldn't control his tears. We have the money, what good is it when the government has food embargo? Now the people are in the camp or dead, what can we do when the government won't give access to these people and the camps (we are not going to give the money to the Sri Lankan goverment as our money will be used to sustain the military, beef up the economy and carry on this genocide)?

Fri, 2009-05-22 16:05

#92

Rexdale_Punjabi Rexdale_Punjabi's picture

thirusuj wrote:

Rexdale_Punjabi,

There are many letter, email campaigns etc that non-Tamils can participate. If you can talk about this issue (the political history, rise of LTTE etc...) to other non-Tamils and encourage others to do as well then it would be helpful as well. Another thing that I see that need to done by non-Tamils is commenting on articles, calling in on radio shows, sending email to writers who seem to be out of focus and don't have good knowledge on the Tamil people. I would say the limit for participation of non-Tamils has no end.

Money is not the issue for our community (we can raise good amount in a good period, we were so outraged when Canadian minister went to Sri Lanka announcing that she gave 3 million to the Si Lankan govermnet and announed further funding). I have a friend who grew up with his cousin and lived with his cousin and help raise his kid. Now he is in Canada doing very well. About 2 months ago he got a call from his cousin from the available satellite connection in the war zone to tell him that he is still alive and he might not get the chance to talk him again uless he is lucky. Then the phone was handed to the kid to talk and she asked if he can send some food. He was telling me this and couldn't control his tears. We have the money, what good is it when the government has food embargo? Now the people are in the camp or dead, what can we do when the government won't give access to these people and the camps (we are not going to give the money to the Sri Lankan goverment as our money will be used to sustain the military, beef up the economy and carry on this genocide)?

ye I know about the money part n that the most important but Steven harper is brain dead cant even say nothing on this still

Sun, 2009-05-24 15:00

#93

thirusuj

U.N. Leader Presses Sri Lanka on Speeding Relief to War Refugees in Camps
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/world/asia/24lanka.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

How Sri Lanka's military won
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8063409.stm

Tamil Tigers admit leader is dead
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8066129.stm

Agony in Sri Lanka's refugee camp
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8065594.stm

Sri Lanka's new chapter

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8064078.stm

UN chief in Sri Lanka access plea

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8064754.stm

Even in victory, secrecy and evasion prevail
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/24/sri-lanka-government-public-opinion

Tigers begged me to broker surrender
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6350563.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

United Nations "negotiator" on Sri Lanka payroll
http://puligal.blogspot.com/2009/05/united-nations-negotiator-on-sri-lanka.html

U.N. Chief Calls Sri Lanka War Zone 'Very Sobering'
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/23/AR2009052300782.html?hpid=topnews

Why Tamils are Canadians
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/05/24/9550996-sun.html

Let the healing begin in Sri Lanka
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/let-the-healing-begin-in-sri-lanka/article1147386/

As UN's Ban Leaves Sri Lanka, Questions Unanswered, Complicity in War Crimes?
http://www.innercitypress.com/untrip2may5srilanka052409.html

Can Tamils see a future on the other side of Adam's Bridge?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/can-tamils-see-a-future-on-the-other-side-of-adams-bridge/article1150053/

Some Tamils hold out hope that leader lives
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/some-tamils-hold-out-hope-that-leader-lives/article1150896/

UN chief flies into Sri Lanka as Tamils' tales of terror emerge
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/24/ban-ki-moon-sri-lanka

Sun, 2009-05-24 15:06

#94

Unionist

Any insight for us as to which of these contradictory stories are true, thirusuj?

Sun, 2009-05-24 15:29

#95

thirusuj

Unionist wrote:
Any insight for us as to which of these contradictory stories are true, thirusuj?

Honestly, none of us know what to say. He has effectively created a Tamil national consensus, united all the Tamils around the world and has effectively put the Tamil issue in front of the international stage.

With the LTTE officially confirming his death even the excuse of his existence that will be used to commit violence and deny the rights of the Tamils have been wiped out.

I personally see this as a strategic move.

Sun, 2009-05-24 23:56

#96

Rexdale_Punjabi Rexdale_Punjabi's picture

tru it gonan force the Sinhalese gov to ease bacc or hide it better. Fucc b fucc them str8 up

Mon, 2009-05-25 10:46

#97

thirusuj

Sri Lanka ignores calls for refugee access
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2009/05/23/sri_lanka_ignores_calls_for_refugee_access/

Imperialism and the Tamils
http://www.workers.org/2009/editorials/tamils_0528/

200,000 Tamil civilians imprisoned in Sri Lankan Manik Farm camp
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6355503.ece

30,000 civilians maimed in battle
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25530960-25837,00.html

Sri Lanka: child victims of the battle to end a bloody civil war
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/24/sri-lanka-children-civilian-casualties

Our leader Velupillai Prabakharan is dead, Tamil Tigers admit
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6355531.ece

Claims and scepticism sans evidence
http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29446

As Tamil MPs Are Rebuffed in Sri Lanka, UN's Ban in Denmark, No Answers

http://www.innercitypress.com/untrip2may6srilanka052509.html

Horror for civilians trapped in Sri Lanka's 'no-fire zone'

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6354888.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093

MPs join rally to condemn killing of civilians in Sri Lanka
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/25/nation/3975827&sec=nation

A place where kids can be kids
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/639186

Deep rift remains in Sri Lanka, expert warns
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/Deep_rift_remains_in_Sri_Lanka_expert_warns.html?siteSect=105&sid=10722880&rss=true&ty=st

Sri Lanka: Human Rights Council should demand immediate access and accountability
http://www.amnesty.nl/voor_de_pers_artikel/48612

Lion, Tiger and lies
http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?sectionName=Current+Events&contentId=5517792&programId=1073754900&pageTypeId=1073754893&contentType=EDITORIAL

War-ravaged Tamil population faces grim future
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/war-ravaged-tamil-population-faces-grim-future/article1149981/

Pictured: The ruined wasteland of Sri Lanka as 300,000 people are displaced after war with Tamil Tigers
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1187284/Pictured-The-r...

Mon, 2009-05-25 10:57

#98

remind

thirusuj wrote:
Unionist wrote:
Any insight for us as to which of these contradictory stories are true, thirusuj?

Honestly, none of us know what to say. He has effectively created a Tamil national consensus, united all the Tamils around the world and has effectively put the Tamil issue in front of the international stage.

With the LTTE officially confirming his death even the excuse of his existence that will be used to commit violence and deny the rights of the Tamils have been wiped out.

I personally see this as a strategic move.

Interesting, to see what happens now actually then.

Mon, 2009-05-25 11:19

#99

thirusuj

UN Watch disappointed over 'toothless' resolution on SL
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2bIOoMe0dnlYy0ecLB4S3a4f5Ao4d3cYd3cc2AmT3d434OX3a030Mm2e

No way for Devolution of Power - JVP
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2bIOoMe0dnlYy0ecLB4S3a4f5AU4d3cYd2cc2AmT3d434OX3a030Mm2e

Lies, deception, complicit of war crime and GENOCIDE
http://api.ning.com/files/2Yr3J58zqaLyl7aZeCuXYuh*mW5EG1DmTGnXxEpkqDpkkvpfkCYmAO6tkd*C16Sx3vlnOj-AC0EqqdqWPgnD6Xq7VrcUSfN*/LIESDECEPTIONCOMPLICITOFWARCRIMEandGENOCIDE.htm

UN's Holmes Expected His Comments on Tamils Would Not Be Reported, Access Conditioned on Air-Brushed Coverage?
http://www.innercitypress.com/sri1holmes052309.html

Mon, 2009-05-25 11:34

#100

Unionist

thirusuj wrote:

UN Watch disappointed over 'toothless' resolution on SL
http://lankasrinews.com/view.php?2bIOoMe0dnlYy0ecLB4S3a4f5Ao4d3cYd3cc2AmT3d434OX3a030Mm2e

UN Watch is a fanatic anti-UN pro-Israel organization. [url=http://www.unwatch.org/c.bdKKISNqEmG/b.1288071/siteapps/advocacy/ActionI... is an example[/color][/url] of where they stand on issues of international justice.

Anyone who quotes their views favourably (like Lankasrinews.com) should watch their back.

Mon, 2009-05-25 11:59

#101

remind

I guess that is why Harper is getting a human rights award then?

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