News
30th January 2009 Volume 02 Issue 03
President calls LTTE allow free movement of civilians
"Being acutely conscious of the welfare of the civilians forcibly being held in the conflict zone by the LTTE, we have declared a safe zone for civilians, the coordinates of which were announced by the Security Forces. This is to ensure that they stay out of harm’s way during engagements between Security Forces and armed LTTE cadres, and to assure the safety and security of civilians. It is unfortunate that the LTTE is exploiting this declared safe zone for civilians by placing their heavy artillery within the safe zone and using it as a launching pad to attack Security Forces and indiscriminately kill civilians. I urge the LTTE, within the next 48 hours to allow free movement of civilians to ensure their safety and security. For all those civilians, I assure a safe passage to a secure environment. I also assure all those living in the North and in conflict areas in particular, that vacating LTTE held areas will ensure their physical security and enable peace, freedom and rights for all citizens of this country" said the President in a release issued on 30/01. (Dept. of Government Information)
Impressed by conditions for IDPs says Akashi
We were impressed by the healthy conditions, with good sanitation and other facilities that meet the needs of IDP’s in North said Yasushi Akashi, Japans Special Envoy for Peace Building, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka at Media Briefing on 25/01. He was answering questions from the media about reports regarding the alleged inhumane conditions under which IDPs were being held in the north.(Dept. of Government Information)
Westerm Provincial Council Dissolved
The Governor of the Wesern Province, Alavi Maulana dissolved the Western Provincial Council on 29th January 2009. It is expected that the election date will be notified by the Election Commissioner soon. (Lankapuvath)
SL troops capture LTTE bunker line
Subsequent to the clashes which occurred between the Government troops and LTTE on 28/01, troops captured an LTTE bunker line in Vishwamadu, Mullaittivu. A luxury room and a conference hall were also found in the bunker premises.(Lankapuvath)
World Bank assistance to develop schools in the North
The World Bank is to develop the schools in recently liberated areas of the Northern region. The Sri Lanka government said that the World Bank has already granted US Dollars 10 million to commence the project shortly. The government is to commence the project soon after the liberation of the entire Northern region, including the yet to be liberated areas in the Mullaitivu District. According to the defence sources, most of the schools in the Northern region, especially in recently liberated areas have been completely destroyed as rebels have used the schools for their military activities.(Lankapuvath)
(C) Sri Lanka High Commission Singapore
Last updated on February 2009