The government-controlled Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) censored the BBC Sinhala and Tamil service programmes broadcast on November 27, five press freedom groups have said. Sections of the programme on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader V Prabhakaran’s "Hero’s Day" speech and a Defence Watch press conference were censored, making them inaudible to listeners.… Continue reading Lanka censors BBC Sinhala/Tamil programmes airing LTTE viewpoints on conflict
Category: News
Row erupts over suggestion to ban Tamil and Chinese schools
Minority groups in Malaysia have slammed a suggestion by former Premier Mahathir Mohamad’s son to dismantle Tamil and Chinese schools to forge racial unity. The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a component member of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, has urged the Attorney-General to institute action against Umno Youth chief aspirant Mukhriz Mahathir for… Continue reading Row erupts over suggestion to ban Tamil and Chinese schools
Monsoon floods affect 370,000 in Sri Lanka: UN
GENEVA (AFP) – Monsoon floods in the north of Sri Lanka have affected more than 370,000 people, with 71,000 being displaced, the United Nations said Tuesday. "The number of affected population has increased as some areas were previously inaccessible and new information is now being received," said Elisabeth Byrs of the UN Office for… Continue reading Monsoon floods affect 370,000 in Sri Lanka: UN
Immigrant boat intercepted off WA
The Federal Government has confirmed that a boat carrying 35 passengers and five crew has been intercepted off the coast of Western Australia. The boat was spotted by a surveillance plane yesterday afternoon near Ashmore Island, and then intercepted by the Border Protection Command. The Government says those on board will now be… Continue reading Immigrant boat intercepted off WA
India will try for a political solution in Sri Lanka: Manmohan
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India would do everything possible to find a political solution to the Sri Lankan Tamils’ issue in view of their sufferings due to the ongoing fight between the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He gave this assurance on Tuesday to an all-party… Continue reading India will try for a political solution in Sri Lanka: Manmohan
Sri Lanka says moving on Tiger political HQ
COLOMBO (AFP) — Sri Lanka's defence ministry on Wednesday reported renewed heavy fighting in the north of the island as its troops maintained their advance on the Tamil Tigers' political capital. The ministry had said last week that the fall of Kilinochchi, 330 kilometres (206 miles) north of Colombo, was imminent, but government troops have… Continue reading Sri Lanka says moving on Tiger political HQ
Quick IDP action averts carnage from Cluster bombs
Three bombs exploded first time. Second time, when the bomber returned after 5 minutes from the opposite direction, there were 3 more blasts. But, the third time, bombs exploded with a parachute effect, like an auto explosion,” said the head of the camp of the Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) that came under indiscriminate attack by… Continue reading Quick IDP action averts carnage from Cluster bombs
Flood-hit Sri Lankans ‘need help
Tens of thousands of people in flooded areas of northern Sri Lanka are without adequate shelter and need help now, the Human Rights Watch campaign group says. It has called on the government to immediately lift a ban imposed in September which stops humanitarian agencies from going to conflict areas. But… Continue reading Flood-hit Sri Lankans ‘need help
TN MPs to meet Manmohan, press for truce in Sri Lanka
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Monday asserted that the MPs from the state will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday to press for a ceasefire in the battle-ravaged northern parts of Sri Lanka. Speaking to reporters here, Karunanidhi said that all MPs would unanimously urge Manmohan Singh to ensure… Continue reading TN MPs to meet Manmohan, press for truce in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka resumes advance on rebel HQ
COLOMBO (AFP) — Sri Lankan security forces have resumed their offensive to capture the political capital of Tamil Tiger rebels after heavy monsoon rains began subsiding, the defence ministry said Sunday. "The air sorties were made in support of the advancing 57th division infantry battalions," the ministry said. Flooding had stalled the military push on… Continue reading Sri Lanka resumes advance on rebel HQ