Tigers hand over 16 SLA bodies

[TamilNet, Friday, 31 December 1999, 16:16 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers handed over today bodies of 16 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers killed in the north of the island, to the ICRC representative in Mallavi, the spokesman for the organisation in Colombo, Harsha Gunawardene said.
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Clash in Jaffna Lagoon

[TamilNet, Friday, 31 December 1999, 15:07 GMT]
A Sri Lankan Naval boat was sunk and three other boats were damaged in a sea battle between the Liberation Tigers and a commando unit of the Sri Lanka (SLN) in the Jaffna Lagoon, around 9.30 a.m. yesterday morning, the Tamil Eelam Vaanoli, the Commercial Service of the VoT radio said this evening.
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Fate of half Jaffna's missing unknown: NHRC

[TamilNet, Friday, 31 December 1999, 12:54 GMT]
The fate of about 50 percent of the 147 persons, who were reported missing to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the Jaffna Dsitrict, in 1999,are not known, according to human rights sources in the northern town.
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Jaffna to Trincomalee boat cancelled again

[TamilNet, Friday, 31 December 1999, 12:50 GMT]
Hundreds of Trincomalee bound passengers were disappointed yesterday for the second time when they were told at Kankesanthurai port that the cargo vessel Lanka Muditha would not leave as scheduled, civil sources said.
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50 Government troops killed -VoT

[TamilNet, Friday, 31 December 1999, 04:59 GMT]
More than 50 Government troops were killed and several others wounded in the fierce fighting in the north of the country, yesterday, the Voice of Tigers (VoT) said this morning.
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Civilians to resettle Tiger held areas

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 December 1999, 13:28 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers are making arrangements to resettle displaced civilians in the areas newly captured by them during their military operation "Unceasing waves-3" said reports from the Vanni.
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Investigate gangrape/murder of young mother: President

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 December 1999, 12:57 GMT]
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has told the Defence Secretary to conduct an investigation into rape and murder of a young mother, allegedly by the security forces, said sources in Colombo.
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Fighting erupts in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 December 1999, 10:40 GMT]
Heavy fighting has erupted again between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers, north of the strategic Elephant Pass base, from the early hours of the morning today said sources.
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Young mother gang-raped and murdered

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 December 1999, 04:53 GMT]
A young woman was gang-raped and murdered by unidentified gunmen near Kannakai Amman Temple in Punguduthivu, an islet off Jaffna peninsula, Tuesday night, residents said. Her body, covered with Palmyrah leaves, was found yesterday morning, about 100 metres from her house, they added.
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News in Brief:

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 December 1999, 04:51 GMT]
Villagers forced to stay home, SLA bans cremation at Kanapitty, SLA permits food lorries into Mannar, Court holds inquiry into rally explosion, Youth commits suicide.
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Two Naval personnel, 2 police officers killed

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 29 December 1999, 09:40 GMT]
Two Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel were killed and two wounded in a counter ambush by the Liberation Tigers at Gopalapuram in the Nilaveli area in Trincomalee, around 2 a.m. this morning said security sources.
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SLA fortifies Jaffna islands

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 December 1999, 12:34 GMT]
Sri Lankan Army (SLA) troops on the islands west of Jaffna peninsula, have been put on alert as the Liberation Tigers have intensified their attacks on the strategic SLA base at Elephant Pass, security sources in the northern town said today.
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EPDP cadre shot dead

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 December 1999, 12:28 GMT]
A member of a paramilitary group operating with the Sri Lanka Army was shot dead by unidentified armed men at Ninthavur in the south-eastern Ampara District, around 3.30 p.m. this evening said sources.
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Two shot by Razeek group

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 December 1999, 12:27 GMT]
A youth was shot dead and another wounded, when members of the Razeek group opened fire at them at Saththurukkondan, 5 k.m. north of Batticaloa, around 9.30 a.m. this morning. The Razeek group is a paramilitary unit operating as an auxiliary force of the Sri Lanka Army in the Batticaloa district.
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UNP will support steps to end war

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 18:48 GMT]
Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) today said it would extend its support to the President Chandrika Kumaratunge if she took firm and reasonable steps to end the island's protracted conflict.
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CID to study blast film

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 18:40 GMT]
Colombo Chief Magistrate D.G.Kulatileke ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to review the video film relating to the bomb blast at the last election campaign meeting of the People's Alliance at the Town Hall at which 24 people were killed and several others, including the President were wounded.
Full story >>

Umayalpuram SLA base captured - VoT

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 16:33 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said in its night news broadcast that the Liberation Tigers have overrun the large Sri Lanka Army camp at Umayalpuram, about 5 k.m. south of Elephant Pass Base.
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Umayaalpuram camp under siege - radio

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 14:16 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have overrun sections of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base at Umayaalpuram situated south of the main SLA base at Elephant Pass said the Tamileelam Vaanoli, the commercial service of the Voice of Tigers (VoT) this evening.
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Heavy fighting near Elephant Pass

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 12:08 GMT]
Heavy fighting erupted Sunday evening in the Elephant Pass area as the Liberation Tigers stepped up their attacks on the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) forward defence lines, north of Iyakkachchi SLA base said sources in Jaffna.
Full story >>

Five policemen killed

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 December 1999, 07:39 GMT]
Three military trained policemen were killed in a claymore mine attack around 10 a.m. today, at Vaarikuttiyoor, few miles off Poovarasankulam in the Vavuniya district, said sources.
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Jaffna fighting seen spreading

[TamilNet, Sunday, 26 December 1999, 15:33 GMT]
Fighting was taking place in the Elephant Pass area, as the Liberation Tigers continued their Operation 'Unceasing Waves-3', said the Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio today. Meanwhile, both the LTTE and the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) were reported to be moving reinforcements to the area.
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New Commander for Jaffna

[TamilNet, Sunday, 26 December 1999, 06:13 GMT]
Major General Nihal Jayakody is to assume duties as Security Forces Commander for Jaffna district from next week. He will be replacing Major General Sarath Munasinghe who is to retire next week, security sources said.
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Tigers name Iyakkachchi casualties

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 December 1999, 18:44 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers announced in the Vanni today that 12 of its fighters were killed in the confrontations with the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) that took place on Thursday, in the general area of Iyakkachchi in the Jaffna peninsula where heavy fighting was reported.
Full story >>

New Tamil group mooted

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 December 1999, 16:43 GMT]
A new political group comprising north, east and upcountry Tamils is likely to be formed, political circles said.
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Sunday Leader Editor sues Lake House

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 December 1999, 16:41 GMT]
Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga has claimed Two hundred million rupee damages from the Lake House Newspapers and Daily news Editor Geolf Wijisinghe for publishing articles defamatory of him.
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Tigers urge Elephant Pass surrender

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 December 1999, 09:33 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have asked Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers stationed in the bases at Elephant Pass area to surrender, according to the Sinhala language service of the Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio, residents in the Jaffna peninsula said today.
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Election observers make recommendations

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 December 1999, 08:41 GMT]
The International Observers Group which monitored Sri Lanka's Presidential election held last Tuesday, has submitted fifteen recommendations to the government to ensure a free and fair poll in future. The IOG tabled its report, at a press conference held Friday in Colombo's Hilton Hotel. Specific recommendations were made with regards to elections in Jaffna.
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Tiger advance near Iyakkachchi - radio

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 December 1999, 14:48 GMT]
The Thamileela Vaanoli radio, the commercial service of the Voice of Tigers (VoT) said today in its evening news broadcast that heavy fighting is continuing between the advancing fighting formations of the Liberation Tigers and the SLA at Sangathaar Vayal in the general area of Iyakkachchi.
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Sri Lanka denies Paranthan loss

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 December 1999, 11:22 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence (MoD) today denied the southern defences of its base complex at Elephant Pass had been overrun by the Liberation Tigers and said "the claim is part of the LTTE disinformation campaign to deceive the local and international community."
Full story >>

Heavy fighting near Iyakkachchi

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 December 1999, 07:41 GMT]
Heavy fighting erupted yesterday between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers in Sangaththaar Vayal and Koil Vayal, close to Iyakkachchi, north of the Elephant Pass base complex sources in Jaffna said.
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SLA launches operation towards Vetrilaikerni

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 December 1999, 07:25 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) began a two pronged operation towards Vetrilaikerni on Jaffna's south-eastern coast from the early hours of the morning today said security sources in the north.
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Bomb discovery forces evacuation

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 December 1999, 06:09 GMT]
A powerful bomb was disovered this morning around 10.30 in the Ceylinco Towers in downtown Colombo, Sri Lankan Police sources said. The building has been evacuated and it is being being searched by bomb squads, they said.
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Elections 'most fraudulent ever' - UNP

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 14:47 GMT]
Sri Lanka's Presidential elections held last Tuesday were the most fraudulent in the history of the country, declared Mr . Ranil Wickremasinghe, leader of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) today at a press conference.
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Artillery duel south of Trinco

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 14:40 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) have been exchanging artillery fire in the Muttur area, south of Trincomalee, for the second day, residents said today. The shelling is reported to be occurring in Kaddaiparichchan.
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'General' rigging in Jaffna claimed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 10:55 GMT]
The large number of votes garnered by fringe and extremist Sinhala political parties based in the south in the presidential polls held in Jaffna, indicated general rigging had been conducted, officials in the northern town said Wednesday.
Full story >>

Hartal over killings

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 10:53 GMT]
A hartal is being observed today in villages in Kalmunai south of the Ampara district, condemning the killings of a mother and her daughter, close relatives of the National Propaganda Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress A.L. Abdul Majeed, residents said.
Full story >>

Seven drown during ceremony

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 10:50 GMT]
Five students and a villager were drowned in sea at Karatheivu village in Ampara district Thursday morning, residents said. The bodies have not been recovered, they added, sources said.
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Relatives of SLMC official killed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 09:49 GMT]
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a mother and her daughter at Mallikaikadu in the south-eastern Ampara District, in the early hours of the morning Thursday police sources said. Residents said local politics were involved in this attack.
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Kumaratunge vows relentless battle against 'hatred'

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 December 1999, 15:52 GMT]
(NEWS FEATURE) Mrs Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, after being sworn in as Sri Lanka's fifth Executive President this afternoon at her official residence Temple Trees before the Chief Justice, vowed to "rid this land of death and destruction." Political commentators said it indicated her speech heralded a stronger effort to defeat the Liberation Tigers militarily.
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Tigers step up Elephant Pass assault

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 December 1999, 12:04 GMT]
Heavy fighting close to the southern defences of the Elephant Pass base complex was reported today as the Liberation Tigers pressed on with their assault on the northern garrison.
Full story >>

Kumaratunga declared President

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 December 1999, 07:57 GMT]
Chandrika Banadaranaike Kumaratunga was declared President by Sri Lanka's acting Commissioner of Elections D.M.P.B Dassanayaka this afternoon. The Commissioner made the declaration on the basis of the votes counted so far.
Full story >>

Election photographs

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 December 1999, 00:33 GMT]
Views of some of Sri Lanka's electorate casting their votes in the Presidential elections on December 21.
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Kandy voters intimidated, fail to vote

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 19:09 GMT]
Independent elections observers monitoring the Presidential polls today said that Tamils in Aniwatte and Mahaiyyawa in Kandy were threatened and prevented from voting today by supporters of the ruling People’s Alliance (PA) party.
Full story >>

Curfew imposed

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 17:22 GMT]
A curfew from 11 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m tomorrow morning was announced by the Sri Lankan government this evening as counting began in hundreds of centres across the island. Colombo imposes a curfew soon after polling at general and Presidential elections.
Full story >>

State radio claims polling very high

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 12:33 GMT]
The state run radio, the Sri Lanka broadcasting Co-operation (SLBC) said in its evening news bulletin that polling was 75 percent today. It said that this was unprecedented in Sri Lanka's election history. The office of the Commissioner of Elections, however, said that it was too early to say anything about the voter turn out today.
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Low voter turnout fuels malpractice in East

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 12:01 GMT]
Tamil voters living in the LTTE held areas of the eastern province have failed to show much interest in exercising their votes in today's presidential election TamilNet correspondents in the region said. As a result widespread impersonation is taking place in some areas, they say.
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Elephant Pass southern defence lines collapse -LTTE

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 11:39 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have begun a concerted artillery attack today on the Sri Lanka Army's (SLA) central base camp at the Elephant Pass after overrunning two more military bases in the area between Paranthan and Elephant Pass, the LTTE said in statement today.
Full story >>

PA intimidates opposition, voters in the hills

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 11:36 GMT]
The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), an independent polls observation group said this afternoon that it has received complaints that Lohan Ratwatte, the son of Sri Lanka's deputy minister for defence, General Anuruddha Ratwatte, was involved in intimidating and scaring away voters, threatening the polling agents of the other parties and rigging the polls in Wattegama and surrounding areas in the Patadumabra electorate in the central province.
Full story >>

Batticaloa voters seen favouring UNP

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 10:00 GMT]
As voting continues in the eastern Batticaloa district, TamilNet correspondents there say voters' sentiments favour Sri Lanka's opposition United National Party (UNP).
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Voting said smooth, sporadic incidents

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 09:02 GMT]
Polling this morning was reported to be trouble-free in most parts of the island where elections are being held, with independent monitors reporting isolated incidents of violence. According to Additional Commissioner of Elections a voter turn out of 40 percent had been recorded by noon today.
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Batticaloa voters cross defence lines

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 December 1999, 08:59 GMT]
Large number of people turned out for polling from morning in the Muslim areas of the Batticaloa district while polling was steady in the Tamil areas said TamilNet correspondents in the region.
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Amnesty condemns rally attacks

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 20:22 GMT]
Amnesty International, the London based human rights group Monday condemned last Saturday's attacks on two political rallies in and near Colombo in which at least 25 civilians were killed. The attacks, within hours of each other, took place at the rally of the ruling People’s Alliance (PA) and that of the opposition United National Party (UNP).
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One killed, 8 wounded in poll violence

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 16:10 GMT]
(Correction) A civilan was killed and 8 persons including six policemen were wounded when a group of policemen were fired at from the residence of a ruling party politician at Araichikadu in Chilaw, about 65 km. north of Colombo, around 7 p.m. his evening sources said.
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Prayers for President's recovery

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 15:55 GMT]
Three Deputy Inspector Generals (DIG) of police were among those wounded in the bomb blast at People's Alliance (PA) rally in Colombo on Saturday night in which 24 people were killed, police sources said. DIG, Colombo District, T.N.de Silva was killed in the blast. Meanwhile prayers were said for the recovery President Chandrika Kumaratunge, who was wounded in the blast.
Full story >>

Estate workers strike

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 13:54 GMT]
Nearly one thousand Tamil estate workers in Ragala in the hill town of Nuwara Eliya have launched a strike protesting at an attack on a Tamil Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Government) (Sabha) member allegedly by supporters of the ruling People's Alliance (PA), said sources there.
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Artillery duels rock Jaffna peninsula

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 12:44 GMT]
Heavy fighting is raging in the southern defence lines of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base at Elephant Pass, SLA sources in the Jaffna peninsula told TamilNet today. The Liberation Tigers are pounding the defence lines and camps in the area with artillery, they said.
Full story >>

SLA denies withdrawals

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 12:42 GMT]
A spokesman for the Sri Lankan military, Brigadier Sunil Tennekoon said at a press conference today that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has "rearranged" its defences at Vettilakerni only. He also said the attacks on both the People's Alliance and United National Party (UNP) rallies were caused by suicide bombers.
Full story >>

UNP MP says rigging planned

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 00:20 GMT]
The office of Ravi Karunanayake, an opposition parliamentarian of the United National Party (UNP), at Sri Jeyawardenepura was attacked allegedly by supporters of the ruling Peopleís Alliance around 8 p.m. Sunday evening, UNP sources said.
Full story >>

Separate commissions to investigate blasts

[TamilNet, Monday, 20 December 1999, 00:18 GMT]
The body of a woman who is believed to have caused the blast at the Peopleís Aliance (PA) rally in Colombo on Saturday has been identified as a junior employee of the Colombo Municipal Council, the police said Sunday.
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UNP blames PA for blast

[TamilNet, Sunday, 19 December 1999, 13:59 GMT]
Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party (UNP) today blamed the ruling People's Alliance for the bomb blast which killed Maj.Gen. Lucky Algama (ret) and 11 others at the UNP campaign meeting at Ja-Ela north of Colombo last night.
Full story >>

UNP office smashed

[TamilNet, Sunday, 19 December 1999, 12:22 GMT]
The UNP office at Eravur, 15 km. north of Batticaloa, was smashed by unidentified men around midnight yesterday said United National Party parliamentarian Alisagir Maulana.
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Attack on SLA in Thundy

[TamilNet, Sunday, 19 December 1999, 12:19 GMT]
Three Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and at least 10 wounded at Thundy in Jaffna, yesterday, in an artillery attack by the Liberation Tigers from Pooneryn, sources said.
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Troops, curfew in Colombo

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 18:11 GMT]
Troops of the Sri Lanka Army have been deployed on the streets of the countryÃs capital tonight after twin blasts at the final campaign rallies of the two main parties contesting Tuesday's presidential elections killed 23 people and seriously wounded several others. A curfew has also been imposed in Colombo and Gampaha districts "until further notice," security sources said.
Full story >>

10 killed at PA rally

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 17:30 GMT]
A bomb blast at an election meeting of Sri Lanka's ruling People's Alliance killed ten people and wounded several others, including three cabinet ministers , G.L.Peiris, Alavi Moulana and A.H.M.Fowzie today around 9.30 p.m.
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Blast kills 15 at UNP rally

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 17:18 GMT]
A bomb blast at an election meeting of Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party (UNP) killed fifteen people, including retired Major General Lucky Algama, today around 9 p.m. at Ja-Ela, sources said.
Full story >>

President wounded in Colombo blast

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 16:29 GMT]
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga was wounded in the blast at Town hall grounds this evening in Colombo initial reports said. She has been taken to Navaloka hospital reports said.
Full story >>

Bomb explodes at final PA meeting

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 15:41 GMT]
A bomb exploded at the venue of PA's last presidential campaign meeting tonight around 9.15 p.m.
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Rights cases increase during PA's tenure

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 13:13 GMT]
Since 1994 till now courts found police guilty in 196 fundamental rights violation cases. The Police Department paid Rs.80,33,875 as compensations to the complainants in these cases.
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Tigers release two more POWs

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 11:04 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said that they have released two Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers, arrested during their military operation in the Vadamaradchi East sector of the Jaffna peninsula.
Full story >>

Explosion wounds three

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 11:00 GMT]
Three persons were wounded when two bombs exploded at Thivulupittiya Bus Depot, in the Gampaha District around 1.30 a.m. this morning police said.
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Tigers advance on complex - radio

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 09:45 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers advancing on the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base at Elephant Pass are 3 km. from the centre of the complex, the Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio today. Hundreds of SLA soldiers have been killed as two bases in Paranthan were overrun, the radio said.
Full story >>

Government doctors call off strike

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 07:59 GMT]
The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has called off its six-day strike from noon today. Thousands of government doctors went on strike on 13 December, protesting at the Government's decision to bring medical services under the provincial health ministries.
Full story >>

Jaffna election booths relocated

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 December 1999, 07:44 GMT]
Number of polling stations in the Jaffna district have been relocated due to prevailing war situation in the peninsula, said the Assistant Commissioner of Elections S.Nadarajah.
Full story >>

Services hit hard by medical, railway strikes

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 19:53 GMT]
A number of essential services have been badly affected by widespread strikes launched by the Government Medical Officiers' Association and Sri Lankan railway workers.
Full story >>

Artistes protest PA assaults

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 19:39 GMT]
A group of Sinhala artistes demonstrated at Lipton Circus in Colombo today around noon, protesting against the alleged assault on some of them by supporters of the ruling People's Alliance, sources said.
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Bribery Commissioners assume office

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 19:29 GMT]
Newly appointed members of the Sri Lankan governments Bribery Commission assumed office today. The Chairman of the Commission is Mr.T.Anandacoomarasamy, retired Supreme Court Judge.
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Mi-24 aircrew named

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 17:29 GMT]
The names of the four Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel killed when their Mi-24 helicopter gunship was shot down by the Liberation Tigers today were named by the Sri Lankan military.
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SLMC-UNP violence in Kalmunai

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 17:24 GMT]
Violence erupted in Kalmunai town in the Ampara district this evening when a group of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) supporters destroyed the stage erected to hold an election rally of the United National Party. The meeting was scheduled to be held today evening at Kadatkara Pallivasal, Kalmunai.
Full story >>

Paranthan SLA camp captured - LTTE

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 11:54 GMT]
The Paranthan Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp has been captured by the Liberation Tigers, the LTTE said today in a statement from its London offices. The LTTE has also captured Sri Lanka Navy bases at Kerativu and Sangupitty in Chavakacheri sector, the statement said. 78 Liberation Tigers have died in the fighting in Jaffna since the LTTE began its offensive there, the statement said.
Full story >>

Tigers attack Paranthan, shoot down helicopter

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 1999, 06:29 GMT]
Heavy fighting broke out between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan army from last night at Paranthan sources in the north said. A large number of soldiers may have been wounded and killed in the attack they said.
Full story >>

Tiger manoeuvres trouble gateway garrison

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 18:53 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army has been expecting a head on attack on the main gateway to Jaffna since reports began emanating from the Vanni that the Liberation Tigers were raising a large conventional force for an unprecedented offensive. The Elephant Pass-Paranthan base complex was therefore heavily fortified and well trained infantry units were deployed there to face the anticipated assault. But the Tigers, however, have entered Jaffna through a strategic side gate to suit the manoeuvre warfare tactics of their Operation Unceasing Waves III.
Full story >>

Supreme Court frees SLRC official

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 18:50 GMT]
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court today ordered the release of Benedict Ronald Sri Kanth Administrative Officer of the Vavuniya Branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, who is presently under detention.
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EPRLF backs Kumaratunge

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 18:45 GMT]
The Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front led by Annamalai Varatharajaperumal, former chief minister of the North East Provincial Council has decided to extend its support to the ruling Peoples Alliance in the forthcoming presidential election, scheduled to be held on December 21.
Full story >>

Ranil says confident, keen on talks

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 15:01 GMT]
"Give me chance to talk with the Liberation Tigers" said Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party candidate for next Tuesday's presidential election, Ranil Wickremasinghe. He was addressing the last press conference, before the elections, this morning in Colombo.
Full story >>

Fighting continues in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 10:39 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers advanced further towards Iyakkachchi last night and have taken Mandalaai and Thiriyai sources in Vadamaradchi east said today. The Sri Lankan army was stationed in the environs of the Thiriyayi Amman temple. The LTTE units had advanced from Pullaveli the sources added.
Full story >>

EPDP cadres arrested

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 10:30 GMT]
Troops of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Jaffna arrested four cadres of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) who were pasting campaign posters of President Chandrika Kumaratunga at Nelliyadi last night.
Full story >>

Four more villages captured -VoT

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 04:54 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have captured 4 more villages in the Vadamaradchi East Division of the Jaffna peninsula, the Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said this morning.
Full story >>

LTTE to release 2 more POWs

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 04:42 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said this morning that two Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers, who surrendered during the 'Unceasing Waves 3' operation in the Vettrilaikerni area, are to be released.
Full story >>

Three bodies wash ashore

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 04:40 GMT]
Three unidentified male bodies with head injuries washed ashore at Pallimunai area, near the cemetery, yesterday afternoon. The bodies were brought to the Mannar hospital by the Police around 5 p.m. in the evening said sources.
Full story >>

Jaffna polling directions deemed appropriate

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 04:19 GMT]
Acting Commissioner of Election D. B. Dasanayaka has given relevant directions to the Jaffna District Returning Officer in order to ensure a free and fair Presidential Poll, Deputy Solicitor General Saleem Marsoof told the Court of Appeal on Wednesday.
Full story >>

Petition against Elections Commissioner refused

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 1999, 04:18 GMT]
The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, refused an application by a voter from Chunnakam, Jaffna, Balasubramaniam Vasanthan, seeking a declaration directing the Acting Elections Commissioner to conduct the Presidential Polls not prematurely on December 21 but on the due date specified in the Constitution.
Full story >>

Jaffna offensive continues - LTTE

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 1999, 17:12 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said today their offensive in the Jaffna peninsula was continuing as LTTE commando units tightened their grip around the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base complex at Elephant Pass. The LTTE said SLA claims of 500 Tigers being killed were baseless. So far, 60 Tigers have died in the five days of fighting, the LTTE said in a statement released in London tonight.
Full story >>

SLA denies Jaffna bases lost

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 1999, 17:10 GMT]
Major General Lionel Balagalla, the Sri Lanka Army's (SLA) chief of staff, speaking at a special press conference at the SLA Head Quarters in Colombo this afternoon denied a TamilNet report that the Liberation Tigers had captured SLA camps in Vettrilaikerny, Kaddikkadhu and Pullaveli.
Full story >>

UNP upbeat on interim council

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 1999, 17:07 GMT]
Ranil Wickremasinghe, Presidential Candidate of Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party today addressing election meetings in Trincomalee and Akkaraipattu in the eastern province said that if he's elected,he would form an interim administrative council for the North-East,with special arrangements to safeguard the interests of Sinhalese and Muslims.
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Shelling increases in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 1999, 12:54 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have stepped up their artillery and mortar attacks on the coastal areas of Jaffna town from 7.30 p.m. last evening said sources in the northern town today. The Sri Lanka Army has been firing back, the sources added.
Full story >>

Sinhala doctors transferred from Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 1999, 09:55 GMT]
Sinhala doctors who were working at the Jaffna teaching hospital were evacuated yesterday. They reached Colombo by plane on special arrangements by the Ministries of Defence and Health.
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Shell wounds toddler

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 23:52 GMT]
A three-year-old girl was injured in the Sri Lanka Army's retaliatory shelling from Kirumichchai camp, north of Valaichenai, this morning. The child, Jenitta.G, of Panichankerny, has been admitted at the Batticaloa hospital.
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Striking doctors not swayed by assurance

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 23:45 GMT]
Thousands of government doctors went on strike for the second day today despite President Chandrika Kumaratunga's assurance that she would bring the medical service under the central government, sources said.
Full story >>

Civilians cross into Vanni

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 16:58 GMT]
Sri Lankan government officials in Vavuniya said that 350 civilians who were stranded for over a month in Vavuniya after the closure of an access route to the Vanni areas held by the Liberation Tigers, were allowed to cross today.
Full story >>

Auxiliary units clear arms - VoT

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 15:27 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) said in its special news broadcast at noon today, that the Liberation Tigers were continuing t heir advancing into the areas controlled by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The radio said "auxiliary units" of the LTTE were engaged in removing arms, ammunition and other military hardware from recently captured areas.
Full story >>

PLOTE backs Kumaratunge

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 15:25 GMT]
The Peoples' Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) has decided to support the incumbent President Chandrika Kumaratunge at the forthcoming Presidential election scheduled to be held on next Tuesday, the organisation's leadership said today.
Full story >>

Schoolgirl raped

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 09:03 GMT]
A group of 5, including a Sri Lanka Army deserter, sexually assaulted a 13 year old school girl, in Mawanella about 55 km, east of Colombo on the Kandy road, said sources.
Full story >>

Shots fired at UNP member

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 08:13 GMT]
Unidentified gunmen fired at an opposition Provincial Council member's jeep at Sabugaskande, about 10 km. north of Colombo around 1 a.m. this morning police sources said.
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Tigers attack eastern SLA camp

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 December 1999, 04:56 GMT]
Three Sri Lanka army (SLA) soldiers were killed and nineteen wounded in the early hours of the morning today around 2 a.m. when the Liberation Tigers attacked the SLA camp at the state cadju plantation on the Valaichenai-Vaakarai road. The camp is situated about 22 km. north of Valaichenai at the Kirumichchai junction.
Full story >>

Court refuses Election Commissioner challenge

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 21:47 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Court of appeal today refused an application for a writ of certiorari to quash the appointment of an acting Commissioner of Elections by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
Full story >>

Rebel UNP MPs file case

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 21:44 GMT]
The Supreme Court today issued notice on Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party (UNP) Chairman Karu Jayasuriya and General Secretary Gamini Athukorala in respect of the application made by four Parliamentarians Sarath Amunugama Nantha Mathew, Wijepala Mendis and Susil Munasinghe challenging their expulsion from the Party.
Full story >>

Keep suspects in Jaffna - Magistrate

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 21:33 GMT]
The Jaffna Magistrate on Monday ordered the Police not to send the three suspects in a case filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), to the Anuradhapura remand.
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Maruthankerny camp captured -VoT

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 16:02 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said this evening that they have captured Maruthankerni Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp in the Vadamaradchi East sector of the Jaffna peninsula.
Full story >>

Bishop urges Tamils to vote

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 15:17 GMT]
The Rt.Rev.Rayappu Joseph has advised the people in his Diocese of Mannar that it is important to elect a leader who will lead the country with a vision and usher in permanent peace based on justice, and who will be capable of bringing an end to the unbearable burden that the people are given to bear in a statement issued on the Presidential election today.
Full story >>

LTTE offensive widens in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 11:29 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have extended their offensive into the Thenmaradchi region of the Jaffna peninsula, the LTTE said in a statement today. Hundreds of Sri Lanka Army troops have been killed and the SLA's .key Elephant Pass base complex was cut off, the statement said.
Full story >>

GMOA on strike

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 11:26 GMT]
Government Medical officers have gone on strike from this afternoon, protesting at the Government's decision to bring medical services under the provincial health ministries.
Full story >>

Tigers capture Vadamaradchi East villages

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 11:24 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have taken control of the villages of Aliavalai and Kodukkilai in the Vadamaradchi East Sector of the Jaffna peninsula after overrunning Sri Lanka Army (SLA) positions there and advancing further north towards Vadamaradchi, said sources.
Full story >>

680 incidents of election violence reported

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 10:44 GMT]
Six hundred and eighty incidents of violence relating to the Presidential elections have been reported to the Special Election Secretariat since the nominations were filed on 16 November, the Police said.
Full story >>

Jaffna civilians move to safe areas

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 10:40 GMT]
The majority of the residents living in the coastal suburbs of Jaffna have moved to safer areas as fierce fighting was reported in other parts of the Jaffna peninsula, said sources in the northern town today.
Full story >>

Tigers shell Thenmaradchi

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 1999, 08:06 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers launched artillery and mortar attacks on Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camps and police stations in the Chavakachcheri and Kodikamam area in the Thenmaradchi Division of the Jaffna District, sources said.
Full story >>

Tigers overrun Pullaaveli camp -radio

[TamilNet, Sunday, 12 December 1999, 15:55 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said this evening that the Tigers have overrun the Pullaaveli Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp, west of Vettrilaikerni.
Full story >>

Arson at UNP printers

[TamilNet, Sunday, 12 December 1999, 11:12 GMT]
Three printers in Colombo, which are used by the main opposition, United National Party (UNP), to print election campaign leaflets were set on fire by unidentified men around 1.30 a.m. this morning sources said.
Full story >>

Tigers capture key naval base - radio

[TamilNet, Sunday, 12 December 1999, 09:18 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers Radio (VoT) said today that the Liberation Tigers have captured the Sri Lanka Army camps at Vettrilaikerni and Kaddaiakaadu, east of Elephant Pass.
Full story >>

SLA flies casualties to Colombo

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 December 1999, 18:22 GMT]
Sri Lankan security sources in Jaffna today told TamilNet that over 150 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers have been killed in the heavy fighting with the Liberation Tigers around the SLA base complex at Elephant Pass. The bodies of 60 SLA soldiers have been flown to Colombo the sources said.
Full story >>

Elephant Pass "under seige"

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 December 1999, 15:40 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said tonight their forces were laying siege to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base complex at Elephant Pass, having launched a multi-pronged assault in the region. In a statement from its London offices, the LTTE denied SLA claims that 200 Tigers had been killed, and said it had lost 15 fighters so far.
Full story >>

SLA reinforces Elephant Pass

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 December 1999, 15:00 GMT]
Conflicting reports of heavy fighting in the Elephant Pass area continued to emanate today. The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) said it had repulsed a major assault by the Liberation Tigers on its defences there, but the Tamil Eelam Vanoli (radio) monitored in Jaffna reported LTTE forces advancing in the region. The LTTE has not commented on the reports.
Full story >>

Heavy fighting at Paranthan

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 December 1999, 08:01 GMT]
Heavy fighting has erupted between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) at Paranthan from the early hours of the morning today security sources said.
Full story >>

UNP's Counsel argues PA decision is correct

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 December 1999, 07:53 GMT]
President's Counsel K. N. Chokesy, appearing for the UNP Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremasinghe, told yesterday the Court of Appeal that the appointment of an Acting Commissioner of Elections by President Chandrika Kumaratunge was an the exercise of the powers vested on her by the Constitution. Therefore, he argued, it was in compliance with the Constitution that this appointment has been made.
Full story >>

Demonstrations mark Human Rights day

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 1999, 21:54 GMT]
A large number of people took participated in a demonstration march and a public meeting held at Vantharumoolai in the government controlled part of the Batticaloa district this morning to mark the Human Rights Day.
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Jaffna NGOs appeal to UN

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 1999, 21:42 GMT]
The Consortium of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Jaffna, Sri Lanka has appealed to the Secretary-General of United Nations to prevail on the warring parties to agree for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to initiate peace talks.
Full story >>

Food convoy to Vanni 13 December

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 1999, 21:40 GMT]
Food and other essential items are to be sent to the Vanni from Monday 13 December, said government sources in Vavuniya. A decision to this effect was taken in the top-level meeting held at the Vanni Security Forces Head Quarters today.
Full story >>

Mannar PLOTE organiser killed

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 1999, 18:31 GMT]
The District organiser of the PLOTE in Mannar and the private secretary to the group's leader, Antony Mariathas, 34, alias David was shot dead by unidentified gunmen around 8.15 p.m. today sources said.
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Two killed at UNP rally

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 December 1999, 04:53 GMT]
Two people were killed and 12 others wounded when unidentified armed men opened fire at a United National Party (UNP) rally in Bibille in the Badulla District last night police sources said.
Full story >>

Elections Commissioner post challenged

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 December 1999, 19:39 GMT]
The appointment of an acting Commissioner of Elections by the President has been challenged before the Supreme Court on grounds that it doesn't comply with the Provisions of the Presidential Elections Act, said Attorney at law Manohara De Silva.
Full story >>

New cameras for journalists

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 December 1999, 19:27 GMT]
Journalists whose equipment was smashed, allegedly by pro-government activists, during a rally on July 15 organised by the main opposition United National Party (UNP), received new cameras at a function held in Colombo today.
Full story >>

4 Tigers killed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 December 1999, 16:22 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) said in its afternoon news broadcast today that 4 Black Sea Tigers were killed in the attack against the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in the seas off the Mullaithivu coast yesterday.
Full story >>

Supply convoy crosses into Vanni

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 December 1999, 16:22 GMT]
A convoy of trucks carrying medicine, question papers, mail bags and non-food relief for the displaced people in Madhu, crossed into the Vanni areas held by the Liberation Tigers today, through the Pramanalankulam, Periya Thampanai and Periya Pandivirichchan route, said officials in Vavuniya.
Full story >>

Police post attacked

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 December 1999, 07:44 GMT]
Three military trained policemen, including a sub-inspector, were killed when the Liberation Tigers attacked a check point at Thoppur,5 km south of Muttur town in the Trincomalee district around 9 a.m., this morning said sources.
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Jaffna Rights officer transferred

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 19:18 GMT]
Mr.S.Sritharan, the Co-ordinating Officer of the Sri Lanka government funded Human Rights Commission (HRC) in Jaffna has been transferred out of the northern peninsula with immediate effect, sources said.
Full story >>

Two men shot dead

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 19:17 GMT]
The bodies of two people alleged by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to have been members of the Liberation Tigers were handed over to Vavuniya hospital on December 2 hospital sources said. The pair had been shot through the head, the sources said.
Full story >>

Released detainee found dead

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 15:15 GMT]
The body of Christy Jesuthsan,25, was found washed ashore at Pallimunai, a suburb of Mannar town, this afternoon said sources. He had been arrested by the Counter Subversive Unit (CSU) of the Police and later released by the Mannar Magistrate Mr.Ilancheliyan on October 14.
Full story >>

AG files indictment against Vavuniya Red Cross official

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 15:03 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Attorney General filed an indictment against the Vavuniya Red Cross Society (SLRC) Co-ordinating Secretary Sivananthan Kishore Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, State Counsel S.Hardy told Supreme Court today.
Full story >>

Supreme Court quashes Lalith inquiry findings

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 14:59 GMT]
The Supreme Court yesterday quashed findings against eight senior police officers from a Special Presidential Commission inquiry into the assassination of Lalith Athulathmudali.
Full story >>

Naval clash kills 4

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 12:50 GMT]
Naval units of the Liberation Tigers attacked a Dvora gun boat of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in the sea off Mullaithivu around 3.30 a.m. this morning. Four SLN personnel including a Sub-Lieutenant were killed and five others wounded, SLN sources said.
Full story >>

4 boys missing in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 December 1999, 12:47 GMT]
Four schoolboys have been reported 'missing' by their parents in the Thenmaradchi Division of the Jaffna Peninsula, said sources. The parents have informed the Human Rights Commission and the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) officials, the sources said.
Full story >>

MoD findings "do not inspire confidence" - Amnesty

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 December 1999, 19:12 GMT]
An independent commission was needed to investigate the "disappearance" of hundreds of people arrested by the Sri Lanka Army in Jaffna in 1996, Amnesty International, the human rights group said today, commenting on the Sri Lankan military's own investigations into the matter.
Full story >>

Demonstration by PA supporters

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 December 1999, 19:10 GMT]
Hundreds of supporters of the ruling People's Alliance (PA) demonstrated today at the Liptons Circus in Colombo and burnt the effigy of Ranil Wickremasinghe, the main opposition party candidate for the presidential election.
Full story >>

RPG attack kills two

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 December 1999, 12:02 GMT]
A Sri Lanka Army (SLA) officer and a Navy personnel were killed and another soldier wounded when the Liberation Tigers fired Rocket Propelled Grenade at a patrol boat in the Sathurukkonadan lagoon, this evening around 4 p.m said sources.
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UPF to support UNP

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 December 1999, 11:24 GMT]
The Up-Country People's Front (UPF), led by a deputy minister of the ruling People's Alliance (PA) has decided to support the main opposition party candidate, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in the presidential election due in two weeks.
Full story >>

Civil Affairs Officers appointed for Tamil areas

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 December 1999, 11:21 GMT]
Three Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Brigadiers, a Naval Commodore and a Senior Superintendent of Police have been appointed as Civil Affairs Officers to five administrative districts in the Tamil-dominated north-east province, government sources said.
Full story >>

Access route for civilians agreed

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 18:27 GMT]
An agreement to open an access route into the Vanni has been reached between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) through the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), aid workers said today. It is expected the food supply to the Vanni will resume very soon, they added.
Full story >>

Perumal suspended from EPRLF

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 14:45 GMT]
The EPRLF's general secretary Suresh Premachandran released a press statement today stating that the former-chief minister of the North-East Provincial Council, Annamalai Varatharajapperumal has been suspended from the organisation.
Full story >>

Expelled UNP MPs file case

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 14:43 GMT]
Four Parliamentarians Sarath Amunugama, Wijepala Mendis, Nantha Mathew, and Susil Moonesinghe have filed fundamental rights applications challenging their expulsion from the United National Party (UNP).
Full story >>

LTTE releases two POWs

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 14:40 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said today they two Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers, who were in their custody, were relased at Puthukkudiyiruppe in the Mullaithivu district at 9 a.m. this morning.
Full story >>

Wickremasinghe accused found guilty

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 14:36 GMT]
The sensational abduction and extortion trial of Colombo based Aitken and Spence firm director G. C. Wickremasinghe came to an end yesterday with the High Court trial Judge Nimal Dissanayake finding all thirteen accused guilty.
Full story >>

Chemmani report submitted to Court

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 12:36 GMT]
A seventy-five page report about the exhumations conducted at the Chemmani graves recently was submitted to the Jaffna Magistrate, Mr. M. Illancheliyan, this morning by State Counsel Yasantha Gothakoda. Thirty-three of the pages contained photographs of the skeletons exhumed from the site.
Full story >>

Ranil promises to resolve conflict

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 11:39 GMT]
The Presidential Candidate of the United National Party (UNP) and the Leader of the Opposition, Ranil Wickremasinghe, declared that if he is elected, he would stop the war. He also promised to restore the civil administration in the Northeast province, with the establishment of an Interim Council, which would include the representatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Wickremasinghe was addressing his first election rally in the Tamil dominated north-eastern province this morning at Batticaloa town.
Full story >>

Three SLA soldiers killed in ambush

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 10:10 GMT]
Three Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed when the Liberation Tigers ambushed a foot patrol, near the Navalady junction, along the Batticaloa-Colombo highway, around 9.30 a.m. this morning said sources.
Full story >>

Minister sues Asia Week

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 08:17 GMT]
Damages in a sum of twenty-five million US dollars have been claimed from the Hong Kong based internationally reputed magazine Asia Week by the Minister of Special Assignment, Nanada Mathew, for publishing an article in the November 19 issue of the magazine, defamatory of him.
Full story >>

Suspect in UNP attack bailed

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 08:16 GMT]
A suspect, Sumedha Jayampathy Perera of Ragama, involved in the attack on the UNP 'Sri Kotha' headquarters was released on bail of Rupees 5000 (Approximately 70 US D) by the Gangodaville Magistrate Sarath Chandrasiri Karunaratne.
Full story >>

Bail application by detainees

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 December 1999, 07:59 GMT]
Forty Eight Tamil women who are on remand under the Emergency Regulations, allegedly for travelling from India to Sri Lanka on an emergency passport, have made an application to Court to release them on bail. Colombo Additional Magistrate Nirupama Sannasgala has reserved making any order.
Full story >>

Over forty injured in train crash

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 December 1999, 19:12 GMT]
A passenger was killed and at least 42 wounded when a goods train crashed in to Badulla-Colombo mail train, at Rambukkana in the Kegalle district around 3.30 a.m. today.
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PLOTE meets President over Vanni, elections

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 December 1999, 17:41 GMT]
Siddarthan Tharmalingam, leader of the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) met with the Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunge today to discuss the situation in the Vanni, said sources.
Full story >>

"This matter is by no means settled"

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 December 1999, 16:21 GMT]
The Missing Persons Guardian Association (MPGA) and the Consortium of the Non Governmental Agencies (NGO) in Jaffna launched a hunger strike today, demanding the Sri Lankan government take prompt and concrete steps to trace those who went missing whilst in Sri Lankan military custody.
Full story >>

Trinco clash kills 11

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 17:46 GMT]
The Voice of Tigers (VoT) said in its night news bulletin today that 9 Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel and a Sri Lankan Policeman were killed, along with a Liberation Tiger, in the LTTE attack at Trincomalee early this morning.
Full story >>

TULF urges Tamils to shun UNP, PA

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 17:41 GMT]
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) has decided not support any of the two main parties in the forthcoming presidential elections, said party sources
Full story >>

Judgement reserved on rights case

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 14:21 GMT]
Supreme Court reserved the order on a fundamental rights application filed by Liverpool Navigation Ltd challenging the refusal of security clearance to sail their cargo ship from Colombo to the Northern coastal seas.
Full story >>

UNP organiser's house searched

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 13:25 GMT]
The house of Mr. M. A. (Myown) Mustapha, a leading citizen in Kalmunai and a local leader of the United National Party (UNP) was thoroughly searched by the Police this morning, relatives said.
Full story >>

O' Level papers and patients taken to Vanni

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 12:35 GMT]
GCE Ordinary Level Examination question papers were sent from Vavuniya to the Vanni areas held by the LTTE today, with the escort of the ICRC along with 13 patients who were treated in Vavuniya hospital, said Harsha Gunawardene, spokesman for the ICRC in Colombo.
Full story >>

Five SLN personnel killed

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 December 1999, 03:42 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers overran a security detachment at Thuvarankadu, 3 km. north of Trincomalee town in the early hours of the morning today security sources said.
Full story >>

EPDP cadres remove Jaffna voters register

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 December 1999, 17:36 GMT]
Posters appeared in the Vadamarachchi east area of Jaffna today urging the predominantly Tamil residents of the northern town either to boycott the presidential election or to reject the two main "chauvinistic" parties and to vote for a third party instead, said sources.
Full story >>

UNP leader to tour Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 December 1999, 17:28 GMT]
Sources close to the main Sri Lankan opposition United National Party (UNP) said party leader and presidential candidate Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe will tour the eastern district of Batticaloa on Monday, 6 December, for campaigning.
Full story >>

LTTE to release two POWs

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 December 1999, 17:20 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers said today that two more Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers who surrendered to them during their recent operation 'Unceasing waves 3' will be released on Sunday, as a "gesture of goodwill".
Full story >>

Censorship regulations before Court

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 December 1999, 12:42 GMT]
The Emergency Regulations relating to censorship of war news are ultra vires of the constitution, as they violate the right to know and the right of free expression, Senior Counsel R. K. W. Gunasekera told the Supreme Court today.
Full story >>

MPGA allege MoD cover-Up

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 20:26 GMT]
The Missing Persons Guardian Association (MPGA) in Jaffna have attacked a statement from the Ministry of Defence today concerning hundreds of Tamils reportedly 'missing' in the northern town.
Full story >>

Court examines Dasanayake appointment

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 20:18 GMT]
The appointment of D.P.S. Dasanayake as acting Commissioner of Elections by the President Kumaratunge is valid in law as it is consistent with the provisions of the constitution, Deputy Solicitor K.Sripavan told Court of Appeal today.
Full story >>

Athukorale lodges rights complaint

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 20:01 GMT]
Gamini Athukorale UNP General Secretary and Parliamentarian has complained to the Supreme Court that the transfer of his personal Security Officer, Inspector Chandrasiri was a denial of his fundamental rights.
Full story >>

"Main candidates lying" -Hisbullah

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 15:08 GMT]
A Deputy Minister in the People's Alliance (PA) government has categorically said that people could expect an East Timor type of situation in the island if the present war continued for another few months. He further stated that no one could stop the intervention of the United Nations to conduct a referendum to decide the fate of the country.
Full story >>

SLA deserters killed robbing bank

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 14:40 GMT]
A policeman and four Sri Lanka Army (SLA) deserters who attempted to rob a bank in Elpitiya around 11 a.m. this morning were killed in ensuing clashes, police sources said.
Full story >>

Report on Jaffna disappearances

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 11:43 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Government said today that in the final analysis regarding complaints of disappearances in the Jaffna peninsula, 16 people were ascertained as dead, 201 were found in prisons and there was no evidence at all in respect of 174, even to commence inquiries.
Full story >>

Mental patient shot dead

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 11:10 GMT]
A mentally ill man was shot dead by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers at Meeravodai, about 35 km. north-west of Batticaloa, Wednesday night, around 10 p.m. said sources.
Full story >>

Missing youth in EPDP office

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 11:07 GMT]
Yoagaratnam Puvitharan, 17, of Mirusuvil, who has been reported 'missing' since 17 November is reported to be detained at the EPDP office in Chavakachcheri in Jaffna, his father said.
Full story >>

277 Election violence reports

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 08:39 GMT]
Two hundred and seventy seven incidents of violence relating to the Presidential elections have been reported to the Special Election Secretariat during the period between 9 November and 1 December the Police said.
Full story >>

Police reports considered in case against editor

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 1999, 08:07 GMT]
Police reports of their investigations into the publications of articles and of the statements made by Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, allegedly defamatory of President, have been sent to the Attorney General for advice.
Full story >>

Tamil Judge sought for Mylanthanai Case

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 18:45 GMT]
A landmark murder trial involving 21 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers attached to the Punanai Army camp indicted for massacring 35 Tamil civilians, has been postponed until January 19, 2000 until a judge proficient in Tamil is appointed to try the case.
Full story >>

EPDP appointed Jaffna polling agent

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 18:37 GMT]
The ruling People's Alliance (PA) has appointed the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) as its polling agent in Jaffna, for the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for 21 December said sources.
Full story >>

Sarath case descends into farce

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 18:34 GMT]
A judge must not hear a case against him is a sacred maxim. It holds equally true that a judge must not nominate judges to hear the case against him, President's Counsel Ranjith Abeysuriya told the Supreme Court today.
Full story >>

Peythalai youths allege SLA mistreatment

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 18:22 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers cordoned off Peythalai, a hamlet in Valaichenai, 32 kilometres north of Batticaloa, and conducted a house to house operation today sources said.
Full story >>

UNP willing to talk peace

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 11:23 GMT]
Ranil Wickremasinghe, the opposition United National Party Presidential Candidate, has welcomed the statement by the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Mr V. Pirapaharan that he is prepared for talks to find a political solution.
Full story >>

Schools remember Madhu victims

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 December 1999, 10:37 GMT]
Students, teachers and principals in the North-Eastern Province attended schools today with black bands pinned on their dress, in remembrance of those killed in the Madhu Church artillery attack recently.
Full story >>