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Civilians wounded in navy fire[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 April 2002, 23:41 GMT]Two Tamil civilians were wounded in gunfire blamed on Sri Lanka Navy personnel lying in ambush in Nilaveli in the Trincomalee district, at 9.30 p.m. Monday night. Complaints have been lodged with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), in the eastern town. The Norwegian head of the SLMM in Trincomalee, Ms Victoria Lund, told TamilNet that steps have been taken to investigate into the complaint. Full story >> Tigers object to COMNORTH declaration[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 April 2002, 05:45 GMT]The Liberation Tigers have objected to the Northern Navy Commander declaring the islands off the Jaffna peninsula as military zones. The LTTE has sent its objection in writing to the Sri Lanka Peace Monitoring Mission's (SLMM) office in Kilinochchi, sources in the Vanni said Tuesday. Full story >> UNP captures power in central province[TamilNet, Monday, 29 April 2002, 19:10 GMT]President Chandrika Kumaratunga's People's Alliance Monday agreed to hand over the administration of the Central Provincial Council (CPC) to the United National Party which defeated the PA's budget in the council and demanded control of the CPC. Full story >> Tigers open political office in VVT[TamilNet, Monday, 29 April 2002, 18:40 GMT]"The interim administration is a necessary condition for restoring normal life in our homeland that has been destroyed by more than eighteen years of war waged on us by the Sri Lankan state. Therefore it is also an absolutely necessary condition for sustaining our people's faith in this peace process, said Mr. M. K Sivajilingam, Tamil National Alliance MP for Jaffna, addressing the function at the opening of the political office of the Liberation Tigers for the Vadamaradchi division of the northern peninsula Monday morning. Full story >> Soldiers-Tamil youths clash in Trincomalee[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 April 2002, 21:22 GMT]A clash between Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers and Tamil youths in Trincomalee town Sunday evening left three soldiers and a police constable in hospital and four youths under arrest. One of the arrested Tamil youths was later admitted to Trincomalee base hospital, with injuries sustained after a severe assault whilst in police custody according to sources. Full story >> SLA re-imposes fishing restriction in Manalkadu[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 April 2002, 11:33 GMT]The Sri Lanka army Sunday barred fifty fishermen of Manalkaadu, on the southeastern coast of Jaffna, from setting out to sea for fishing in the early hours of the morning. The fishermen's national identity cards were sized by the military. They were then taken to the SLA camp at Kudathanai. Full story >> PM meets prelates[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 April 2002, 16:02 GMT]The Prime Minister Saturday told the prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters in Kandy that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cannot open political offices outside the North-east province. "It will be a violation of the cease-fire agreement signed by the government and the LTTE if the latter decided to open its offices in other parts of the country," Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe said in reply to Mahanayake Theras when they questioned him about the news reports that LTTE is to open its office in Wellawatte, Colombo on Monday. Full story >> SLMC condemns Ashraff over ‘collaboration’[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 April 2002, 02:19 GMT]A section of Sri Lanka’s largest Muslim party Friday condemned the leader of a breakaway faction for siding with Sinhala chauvinists by speaking at an anti-peace rally organised to condemn the indefinite ceasefire between the government and the Liberation Tigers, press reports said. The Eravur sections of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) criticised Mrs Farial Ashraff, the widow of its former leader, for siding with Sinhala chauvinists and addressing the event in Colombo in her capacity as leader of the National United Alliance. Full story >> Navy commander declares islands ‘military zones’[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 April 2002, 02:01 GMT]The Sri Lanka Navy is defending its denial of access to the Liberation Tigers’ political cadres from the islets around the Jaffna peninsula, press reports said Saturday. In a letter to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), a senior SLN commander declared the islets, which are home to many Tamil civilians, as military zones and hence off limits to the LTTE’s political cadres, the Virakesari newspaper reported. Full story >> 'Thanthai Chelva' remembered[TamilNet, Friday, 26 April 2002, 18:56 GMT]The twenty fifth-death anniversary of the late Tamil leader 'Thanthai' Chelvanayakam was observed throughout the Northeast province Friday with religious observances and memorial meetings. In Trincomalee, a the statue of 'Thanthai Chelva' at Sivankoviladi veethi was garlanded Friday morning by a leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Mr.K.Thurairetnasingham. Sivankoviladi Development Association organised the event. Full story >> Indians bid for Trincomalee oil storage facility[TamilNet, Friday, 26 April 2002, 18:53 GMT]Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has submitted a bid to acquire oil storage facilities at Chinabay in the eastern port town of Trincomalee, Mr.Arjun Mahendran, Chairman of the Sri Lanka's Board of Investment (BoI) said Friday. The Public Enterprises Reform Commission (PERC) is now in the process of structuring the deal, he added. Full story >> Sinhala nationalists plan more protests[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 April 2002, 14:21 GMT](News Feature) Efforts by Sinhala nationalists to mobilise public opposition to the Norwegian peace initiative are continuing with three opposition parties planning a joint protest campaign against Oslo's efforts and the division of the country, press reports said Thursday. Full story >> Jaffna SLMM discusses complaints over military action[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 April 2002, 13:26 GMT]The head of the international peace-monitoring mission promised Wednesday to bring the tension prevailing in the islets around Jaffna to the attention of the Sri Lankan government, press reports in the northern peninsula said Thursday. Norwegian General (Retd) Trond Fuhrhovde made his comments at a meeting of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) officials in Jaffna, the Uthayan reported. Full story >> JVP anti-peace protests kick off[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 April 2002, 19:18 GMT]The Marxist Janata Vimukti Peramuna (JVP) held a demonstration at Lipton Square in down town Colombo Tuesday afternoon against the government's peace move. An estimated five-thousand JVP members and activists participated in the protest, led by the Sinhala nationalist party's general secretary, Mr.Tilvin Silva, which later travelled in a procession and ended with a protest meeting at Hyde Park. Full story >> War not over until normalcy returns - JCC[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 April 2002, 19:03 GMT]In the view of the people on the peninsula, the war is not over, the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce (JCC) told a group of Colombo businessmen Tuesday. The JCC stressed that until life returned to normal for Jaffna civilians, entrepreneurs from other parts of the island should not rush to exploit the lack of facilities on the peninsula. Full story >> Monks protest against peace deal[TamilNet, Monday, 22 April 2002, 19:29 GMT]Hundreds of Buddhist monks protested against peace talks between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government and the Liberation Tigers in downtown Colombo Monday. "The interim administration is a ploy to hand over the northeast to the Tigers. The United National Front government is betraying the Sinhalese", said a spokes person for the protesting monks. Full story >> Peace march to Jaffna[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 April 2002, 23:17 GMT]Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated a peace march from Kataragama to Jaffna, which set off Sunday afternoon. The 20-day, 560 km peace march began after religious ceremonies at a Buddhist temple in Kataragama, a pilgrim town in the deep south, about 160 km south-east of Colombo. The twenty-day peace march is taking the pinnacle to the newly built Chaithiya at a Buddhist temple in Jaffna. Full story >> Peace efforts “moving faster than expected” - Helgessen[TamilNet, Saturday, 20 April 2002, 18:49 GMT]Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vidar Helgessen said Saturday that efforts to end the conflict in Sri Lanka are moving more quickly than expected. The state run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Saturday quoted Mr. Helgessen as saying that he was upbeat about his meetings with the Prime Minister, President and the LTTE leader aimed at setting an agenda for the peace talks expected to take place in mid-June in Thailand. Full story >> SLMC leader optimistic over peace prospects[TamilNet, Saturday, 20 April 2002, 18:30 GMT]The leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Mr.Rauff Hakeem Saturday said that his talks with the leader of the Liberation Tigers, Mr.V.Pirapaharan would certainly facilitate the peace process. "My party would commit itself to help to take the peace process forward," Mr. Hakeem said in an interview to the state run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Full story >> Norwegians discuss LTTE ban with Kumaratunga[TamilNet, Friday, 19 April 2002, 23:43 GMT](News Feature) The Norwegian peace delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Vidar Helgessen, Friday met Sri Lanka's President Chandrika Kumaratunga and discussed at length matters related to Oslo's peace initiative, including the ban on the Liberation Tigers. President Kumaratunga, an opponent of lifting the proscription of the LTTE appeared to soften her stance earlier this week, but insisted on a time frame for talks in exchange, which the Tigers have in the past refused to accept. Full story >> Nainativu residents protest military restrictions[TamilNet, Friday, 19 April 2002, 22:57 GMT]Residents of Nainativu, an islet in the Jaffna peninsula, are struggling without a bus service as the Sri Lanka Navy has banned any vehicle movement along the main road where the Naga Vihare Buddhist temple is situated. A bus delivered to Nainativu has been parked unused for over a month due to this ban, residents said. Full story >> Troops bar MPs from village[TamilNet, Friday, 19 April 2002, 22:55 GMT]Two Tamil National Alliance parliamentarians, Mr.Selvam Adaikalanathan and Mr.M.K.Sivajilingam were refused permission by the Sri Lanka Army Thursday evening to enter Kudathanai village in Vadamarachchi East area in Jaffna district. Full story >> Buddhist monk opens Annai Poopathi hall[TamilNet, Friday, 19 April 2002, 22:45 GMT]At an event attended by more than twenty five thousand people, Venerable Kurunagala Maha Galkadavela Punniyasara Thera Friday afternoon declared open the Annai Poopathi Memorial Hall constructed at Navalady in Batticaloa. Four other Buddhist monks from Kurunagala also participated at the fourteenth anniversary memorial services of Annai Poopathi held in the eastern town Friday. Full story >> Occupation of schools and temples violates cease-fire agreement -TNA[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 April 2002, 22:37 GMT]The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Thursday brought to the notice of the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Vidar Helgessen, that the Sri Lanka Army has not vacated temples and schools they occupy in the eastern province and has not completely removed ban on transport of items allowed to LTTE held areas in the eastern province as stipulated in the cease-fire agreement signed between the United National Front Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on February 23. Full story >> Muslims hail SLMC-LTTE agreement[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 22:31 GMT](News Feature) Sri Lanka’s Muslim community this week welcomed the landmark agreement signed between the largest Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the Liberation Tigers. Mr Vellupillai Pirapaharan, leader of the LTTE, met with Mr Rauf Hakeem, leader of the SLMC last weekend and the two leaders agreed to cooperate closely on affairs related to Sri Lanka's Muslim community. Full story >> Massive 'Pongu Thamil' rally in Jaffna[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 14:55 GMT]Over sixty thousand people attended 'Pongu Thamil' (Upsurge) rally held at Jaffna University medical faculty grounds Wednesday afternoon, journalists in the northern peninsula said. Processions from Nallur Kandasamy Temple premises, Kokuvil Hindu College premises and Saththiram junction commenced around 2 p.m. and reached the venue of the rally around four p.m. Most of the roads in the Jaffna peninsula were gaily decorated with red and yellow flags. Full story >> Thailand talks after truce implemented[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 14:49 GMT]Direct talks between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan government could take place in Thailand in the middle of June following the implementation of the terms and conditions of indefinite cease-fire agreement signed by the two sides in February, LTTE sources said Wednesday. This was suggested in discussions between an LTTE delegation led by the movement's leader, Vellupillai Pirapaharan and a Norwegian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen. Full story >> Kalutara prison hunger strike suspended[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 14:44 GMT]The Tamil political prisoners at Kalutara prison Wednesday afternoon suspended their one-week-old hunger strike on the assurance their demands would be considered that was given by a team of Justice Ministry officials. The Additional Solicitor General Mr.Rienzie Aresakularatne and Justice Ministry Secretary Ms Thahara Wijetilake Wednesday visited Kalutara prison and held three hour long discussions with the Tamil political prisoners who had been on hunger strike. Full story >> Kumaratunga softens opposition to lifting ban[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 14:26 GMT]Bowing to international pressure not to impede the Norwegian peace initiative in Sri Lanka, President Chandrika Kumaratunga Wednesday tempered her long-standing opposition to the de-proscription of the Liberation Tigers, saying careful consideration should be given to it. Full story >> Koneswaram boat festival held after twenty years[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 14:20 GMT]After a period of twenty years, the annual festival of historic Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple concluded Tuesday night with a 'Theppathiruvilzah' (boat festival). The ceremonies were witnessed by more than twenty thousand devotees from all over the eastern district. The 'Theppathiruvilzah' has not been held since the anti-Tamil riots in Colombo and other parts of the island in 1983 July. Full story >> Batticaloa detainees go on hunger strike[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 April 2002, 06:35 GMT]Thirty-one Tamil political prisoners held under the Prevention of terrorism Act (PTA) in the Batticaloa prison, began a hunger strike Wednesday. The detainees are demanding that the authorities either expedite legal action against them or release them. Full story >> SLA urged to reopen Nagarkovil main road[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 April 2002, 19:13 GMT]The Divisional Secretary (DS) of Point Pedro and education officials in the Vadamaradchi area in Jaffna district have appealed to the Sri Lanka Army to reopen the main road from Point Pedro through Nagar Kovil to Aliyawallai to enable smooth functioning of schools and to allow free movement of resettled families. Full story >> Special committee to dispose PTA cases[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 April 2002, 18:30 GMT]The Attorney General Tuesday appointed a three-member committee comprising senior legal officers to expedite the disposal of hundreds of cases filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in various high courts in the country. Full story >> Thenmaradchi residents demand SLA vacate their houses[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 22:03 GMT]Hundreds of residents of Thenmaradchi area in Jaffna district demonstrated Monday morning, demanding the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to vacate all houses they use as camps and checkpoints in the area. Several people who returned to their own villages to resettle following the cease-fire have found their houses are still being occupied by the SLA. Full story >> A-9 barred for PTA suspects' transport[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 22:01 GMT]The Sri Lanka Army and the Police have refused permission for the Prison officials to transport suspects who are detained under the Prevention of terrorism Act (PTA) to Vavuniya High Court through A-9 highway from Jaffna. Full story >> LTTE opens Jaffna district political office[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 18:01 GMT]The Government Agent, Mr.N.Shanmuganthan Monday declared open the Jaffna District Political Secretariat of the Liberation Tigers at Potpathi Road in Kokuvil. Hundreds of people participated in the opening ceremony, sources said. Full story >> Tamil political prisoners on hunger strike[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 17:49 GMT]More detainees held under the Prevention of terrorism Act (PTA) in the Kalutara prison, south of Colombo Monday joined in a hunger strike launched by one hundred forty seven Tamil suspects this weekend. The Tamil detainees begun this hunger strike Sunday demanding that the cases against them should be expedited or they be transferred to prisons closer to their home villages, prison sources said. Full story >> General Ratwatte remanded for the sixth time[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 17:45 GMT]The former Deputy Defence Minister and MP for Kandy district General Anurudhha Ratwatte was remanded for the sixth time by the Teldeniya Magistrate Ms Inoka Ranasinghe Monday in connection with the Udathalawinne massacre in which ten Muslims were gunned down on the general election day, December 5 last year. However, the Magistrate instructed the police to expedite the investigation and serve charge sheets against suspects who have prima facie cases. Full story >> Norway-Sri Lanka exchange views on Thailand talks[TamilNet, Monday, 15 April 2002, 17:41 GMT]The Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe and Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vidar Helgessen Monday afternoon exchanged views on the agenda for peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which is scheduled to take place in Thailand in May or June, sources said. Full story >> CWC supports self-determination demand -Thondaman[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 April 2002, 14:42 GMT]"The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) have come to an understanding to work together for the resolution of the Tamil national question", said Mr.Arumugam Thondaman, a UNF government minister Sunday. Mr.Thondaman, CWC leader met reporters at the Katunayake International Airport lounge Sunday afternoon on his return from LTTE held town of Killinochchi in the Vanni region. Full story >> Large crowd at Koneswaram temple water-cutting festival[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 April 2002, 14:13 GMT]The water-cutting ('Theertha Thiruvilah') festival of the historic Koneswaram Temple in the eastern port town of Trincomalee was held Sunday - the Tamil new year day- at the holy well 'Papanasachunai' (spring of evil destruction) which is in the custody of the Sri Lanka Army's Gajaba Regiment stationed in the Fort Frederick. The Sri Lanka Army, however, allowed devotees to use the holy well Sunday. Full story >> More road accidents during festive season[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 April 2002, 14:00 GMT]During the Sinhala and Tamil New year festival season more than one thousand people, injured in road accidents and other violent incidents, have been admitted to the hospitals in the south of the island, medical sources said. The Police have set up several roadblocks in the Colombo town to minimise road accidents during festive season. Full story >> SLMC, LTTE sign agreement, plan more meetings[TamilNet, Saturday, 13 April 2002, 19:26 GMT](News Feature) Muslim leaders and the Liberation Tigers have signed an agreement to cooperate on affairs related to Sri Lanka's Muslim community, the head of the largest Muslim party told a press conference Saturday. Mr. Rauf Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and a delegation from his party flew to the LTTE-held town of Kilinochchi on Saturday morning for discussions with an LTTE delegation headed by the movement's leader, Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan. Full story >> "LTTE-TNA decide to work united"-Sampanthan[TamilNet, Saturday, 13 April 2002, 18:47 GMT]"The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have accepted the need to work unitedly,"said Mr.R.Sampanthan, leader of the TNA parliamentary group Saturday evening in a statement on his return to Colombo from Vanni. Mr.Sampanthan told Tamilnet that the three and a half hour meeting with the LTTE leader was a historic event. Full story >> Norwegian Deputy FM arrives Colombo[TamilNet, Saturday, 13 April 2002, 09:47 GMT]Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr.Vidar Helgesen arrived Colombo Saturday to hold crucial talks with the Sri Lanka government and LTTE's leadership. Mr.Helgessen is expected to meet the Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe on 15th April Monday to take forward the peace process, ruling party sources said. Mr.Helgesen will meet the LTTE leader Mr.V.Pirapaharan on April 17 in the northern Vanni. Full story >> US welcomes Pirapaharan's comments[TamilNet, Friday, 12 April 2002, 22:36 GMT]In a statement issued by its embassy in Colombo Friday, the United States welcomed comments by the Liberation Tigers' leader Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan expressing his support for the Norwegian peace initiative. Mr. Pirapaharan made his comments at a press conference held Wednesday in Kilinochchi. Full story >> Batticaloa accord rousing welcome to LTTE political group[TamilNet, Friday, 12 April 2002, 18:20 GMT]Large numbers gathered to accord a rousing welcome to the eleven-member political group of the Liberation Tigers who entered Batticaloa town in the eastern province Friday. The LTTE group, led by Mr Visu, Mr.Visu, Batticaloa-Ampara district Political Secretary, entered the Sri Lanka Army held town through the Paddiruppu bridge. Mr.Wimalasena, Assistant Superintendent of Police of the Special Task Force (STF) was present at the scene, sources said Full story >> Best hope for permanent peace ever -Ranil[TamilNet, Friday, 12 April 2002, 18:19 GMT]The chances for peace are better than ever, said Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Friday. "The hope for permanent peace has been built which is not witnessed before in this country," said the Prime Minister, addressing a conference at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall designed to educate the newly elected heads of local government institutions in the south. Full story >> Sri Lanka, Norway welcome Pirapaharan's comments[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 April 2002, 11:18 GMT]Welcoming remarks made by Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers, that he was satisfied with the progress of the Norwegian peace process, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said his government would favourably consider the LTTE's demand for deproscription. The Norwegian government also Thursday welcomed Mr. Pirapaharan's comments. Full story >> Pirapaharan commits to peace, self determination[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 April 2002, 09:30 GMT](News Feature) It was reportedly the largest media event ever held in the island. The scale of the international and local media interest reflected the impact Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan has on Sri Lanka’s politics. His first press conference in over a decade - announced just a week in advance - drew almost six hundred reporters, photographers and cameramen from around the world to the war devastated town of Kilinochchi. Full story >> LTTE political group arrives Trincomalee[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 April 2002, 15:40 GMT]Four members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam arrived east port town of Trincomalee, Tuesday around noon by sea from Mutur. The LTTE members led by Trincomalee district political administrative secretary Mr.Iynkaran were given an emotional welcome when they landed at the town civilian jetty. Full story >> Tumultuous welcome in Jaffna for Tigers[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 April 2002, 11:58 GMT](News Feature) Residents in Jaffna gave the Liberation Tigers who entered the northern town Monday a tumultuous welcome, press reports in the northern peninsula said Tuesday. Over fifty thousand people thronged the Sri Lanka Army held northern side of the Muhamalai crossing point to meet the fifteen cadres from the LTTE’s political section, the Uthayan reported. Violence broke out as troops blocked the crowds from reaching the crossing point, the paper, Jaffna’s largest circulating daily said in a front page report Tuesday. Full story >> LTTE invites CWC, UPF leaders for talks[TamilNet, Monday, 08 April 2002, 19:03 GMT]The hill country Tamil political leaders have been invited by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for talks on the peace process. The talks will be held on April 14 in the northern Vanni region, political sources said. Full story >> "NE neglected in educational development"-Sampanthan[TamilNet, Monday, 08 April 2002, 19:00 GMT]"Educational development projects which have been funded by the World Bank and other countries are being implemented only in Sinhala areas. No foreign funded educational development program has been implemented in Tamil areas. This is a shameful situation. It is a blatant and disgraceful discrimination of Tamil medium schools and Tamil medium education in this country," said Mr.R.Sampanthan, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group leader speaking at the committee stage debate on the votes of Ministry of Education in parliament Monday. Full story >> A9 to Jaffna reopens[TamilNet, Monday, 08 April 2002, 13:22 GMT]The last closed section of the A9 highway running from Kilinochchi to Jaffna was reopened Monday in a joint ceremony by senior officers from the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers. Following the opening of the highway at Muhamalai, fifteen cadres from the LTTE's political section entered Army-controlled territory to travel to Jaffna where they are to begin work under the terms of the indefinite ceasefire signed between both sides on February 22. However, the Army prevented hundreds of civilians on both sides from crossing. Full story >> LTTE ban to be lifted on May 1 - minister[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 April 2002, 22:17 GMT]The proscription of the Liberation Tigers, imposed in 1998 by the former People’s Alliance regime, will be lifted on May 1, according to a minister of Sri Lanka’s United National Front government. Mr. T. Maheswaran, Minister for Hindu Religious Affairs, declared the government’s intent whilst speaking at a conference for Divisional Secretaries at the Jaffna District Secretariat Sunday afternoon. Full story >> Hakeem urges Muslims to support peace process[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 April 2002, 18:18 GMT]"We should give no room for the accusation that the Muslim sabotaged the peace talks. We should not let this opportune moment for peace be scuttled," said Mr.Rauff Hakeem the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and a Minister in the United National Front (UNF) government, addressing a seminar Sunday at Trincomalee Zahira Maha Vidiyalyam. Full story >> Norway's Ambassador visits Vanni[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 April 2002, 17:45 GMT]The Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Jon Westborg, and the leader of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Mr.Trond Furuhoved arrived in Kilinochchi in the northern Vanni region, Saturday morning, in a Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter, 'Thamil Eelam Vanoli', the commercial service of the Voice of Tigers said in its news broadcast this evening. Full story >> Shortcomings in Vanni schools to be addressed[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 April 2002, 17:42 GMT]"During the past last ten years no school development work had taken place in Vanni region. No permanent buildings have been provided to majority of the schools. Many schools in the region are understaffed, and acute shortage for furniture prevails in these schools," said Provincial Director of Education Mr.I.M.Issadeen who returned after a four-day visit to the Vanni region, Friday. Full story >> INGOs' concern for Vanni children said hypocrisy laced[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 April 2002, 00:07 GMT](News Feature) A flag week to promote awareness about malnutrition among children in the Vanni is currently being observed in the northern region, sources said. Awareness seminars for the public on mother-child nutrition will be held in all parts of the Vanni region during the week, a spokesperson for the largest NGO in the north, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), said. Full story >> SLA opens road to Trinco's southern interior[TamilNet, Friday, 05 April 2002, 19:34 GMT]The Sri Lanka Army reopened the main road linking the LTTE held southeastern interior of the Trincomalee district Friday following protests by the public. The main road, which runs close to Mahindapura army camp, was closed down for several years by the Sri Lanka Army. The reopening of this main road now enables thousands of Tamils living in more than ten villages in Eachilampathu area, southeast of Mutur to travel without getting down at Mahindapura army checkpoint from buses and other vehicles and walk through along a muddy track, Mutur sources said. Full story >> NE election postponement to be challenged in court[TamilNet, Friday, 05 April 2002, 18:50 GMT]The Marxist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the third largest political party in the parliament Friday announced that it has decided to file case contesting the postponement of local government elections in the northeast province. "Even though the Commissioner of Elections has the authority to postpone the elections he has to state the reasons for such postponement," said Mr. Sunil Yattawella, Legal Advisor of the JVP Friday. Full story >> Curfew clamped on Muslim town, two killed[TamilNet, Friday, 05 April 2002, 18:29 GMT]At least two Muslim youth were shot dead and several were wounded when Police opened fire Friday afternoon around 3 to quell clashes between Muslims and Sinhalese in the predominantly Muslim coastal town of Beruwela, about 55 km south of Colombo. The town has been placed under dusk to dawn curfew and the army has been called in, police sources said. Full story >> Pirapaharan to meet Muslim leaders[TamilNet, Friday, 05 April 2002, 08:29 GMT]Mr Velupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) assisted by Mr Anton Balasingham, the organisation’s political strategist and advisor will meet the Muslim leaders soon in Vanni to discuss various issues affecting the Muslim community in the northeast. Full story >> TNA parliamentarians to meet Thamilchelvan[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 April 2002, 11:49 GMT]All Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarians have been invited by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for a top-level discussion on the on going peace process . Mr.S.P.Thamilchelvan, the head of the LTTE's political wing has sent invitations to the TNA parliamentarians. Full story >> Pirapaharan to hold international press conference[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 April 2002, 16:19 GMT]Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), assisted by Mr. Anton Balasingham, the LTTE's chief negotiator and political advisor, will be conducting a press conference on April 10 to discuss current political developments and associated issues, the movement, said in a press release Wednesday. Full story >> Buddhist priest lights lamp at LTTE function[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 April 2002, 12:27 GMT]Mr. Poovannan, the head of the LTTE's Civil Administration Division, raised the Tiger flag and Rev. Siyambalagaswewa Thero, the chief monk of the Vavuniya's Buddhist temple, lit the ceremonial lamp at the opening of the political office of the Liberation Tigers in the northern border town Wednesday morning. Everyone who was gathered at the function observed two minutes of silence for the LTTE's war dead when the function commenced at 10.30 a.m. Full story >> PTA accused freed after four-year detention[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 April 2002, 12:25 GMT]The Anuradhapura High Court Judge Wednesday discharged an accused indicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act when the defence proved that the Police did not give enough time to the accused to make up his mind before making a confession. The accused who had been in prison for four years and six months since his arrest was later released. Full story >> Norway minister in Vanni on 17 April – VoT[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 April 2002, 08:24 GMT]The Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway Mr.Vidar Helgesen will visit the Vanni on 17 April to meet the leader of the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Pirapaharan, the Voice of Tigers radio said. He will hold discussions and arrive at decisions on direct negotiations between the LTTE and Colombo, according to the radio. The Norwegian ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Jon Westborg and an embassy official flew to Puthukkudiyiruppu in the district of Mullaithivu in a Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter Tuesday morning to discuss the arrangements regarding the meeting between the Norwegian minister and the leader of the Liberation Tigers. Full story >> Crowd confronts SLA for delaying LTTE arrival[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 April 2002, 05:30 GMT]The arrival of the Liberation Tigers in the Sri Lanka army controlled part of the Mannar district under the terms of the cease-fire agreement signed by Colombo and the LTTE in February was delayed Tuesday over the list of names sent to the army by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). The large crowd comprising community leaders, traders, civil society activists etc., from Mannar who were waiting at the SLA's Uyilankulam entry point to welcome the LTTE from 8.30 in the morning got into a heated altercation with the military over the delay in letting the Tigers pass through. A section of the public then came to blows with soldiers who trying to video film the crowd and attempted to grab the SLA's camera. Full story >> Indian HC visits Trincomalee oil tank farm[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 April 2002, 17:38 GMT]The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Mr.Gopalkrishna Gandhi Monday evening visited the hundred oil tanks farm at Chinabay, accompanied by his Economic and Commercial Counselor Mr.V.Ashok. The tank farm in the strategic eastern port was built by the British. Indian High Commission sources in Colombo said that the Indian government is interested in renting out about ten of the unused oil tanks for the Indian Petroleum Corporation. The Indian HC's visit comes amid media reports and speculation that the US military is looking for basing facilities in Sri Lanka. Full story >> President's security chief arrested[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 April 2002, 10:41 GMT]President's security division chief Mr.Nihal Karunaratne was arrested Tuesday evening at Colombo's leading private hospital, Navaloka by a team of criminal investigation department officials (CID) amidst tight security. Mr.Karunaratne is to be produced in Kandy magistrate's court Wednesday, CID sources said. Full story >> Four SLA women soldiers remanded[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 April 2002, 10:38 GMT]Four Sri Lanka Army (SLA) women soldiers in Jaffna were remanded by the Chavakachcheri Magistrate A.Premashankar Monday in connection with the death of a fellow woman soldier. The Magistrate further ordered cash and surety bail for another six women SLA soldiers in this connection. Full story >> Gen. Ratwatte transferred to Bogambara prison[TamilNet, Monday, 01 April 2002, 16:13 GMT]The Teldeniya Magistrate Monday ordered the transfer of former Deputy Defence Minister General Anurudhha Ratwatte from Colombo National Hospital where he had been kept in remand custody to Kandy Bogambara prisons. General Ratwatte was taken to Teldeniya by prison vehicle from Colombo Monday. He is the 35th suspect in the Udathalawinne murder case in which ten Muslim youths were brutally gunned down on the general election day in December last year. Full story >> Tigers arrive in Vavuniya, address meeting[TamilNet, Monday, 01 April 2002, 11:34 GMT]
Full story >>
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