Category: Politics
Sri Lanka asked by US, EU to stop media suppression
July 2, 2012 (LBO) – The European Union and the United States has called upon Sri Lanka not to suppress media and limit freedom of expression, after the arrest of journalists working for two websites critical of the ruling administration. The two websites are linked to Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party. “The Heads […]
Sri Lanka senior opposition figure calls for end to arbitrary rule
July 01, 2012 (LBO) – Karu Jayasuriya, deputy leader of Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party has called for an end to arbitrary rule stemming from the current constitution, a report said. “As a member of the UNP, the country’s single largest political party, I believe that the time is right to call upon […]
Sri Lanka newspaper editor ouster worrying: media watchdogs
June 23, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lankan and international media freedom organizations had expressed expressed concern over the removal of an editor of Ceylon Today, a Sri Lankan broadsheet, and said it sought to find out the reasons. œThe dismissal of Lalith Allahakkoon by Ceylon Today is worrying, Reporters without Boraders a Paris based press […]
Sri Lanka frees ex-army chief from prison
May 21, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka former army chief Sarath Fonseka walked out of prison on Monday to a hero’s welcome, after President Mahinda Rajapakse ordered his release. Fonseka unsuccessfully tried to unseat Rajapakse in the January 2010 presidential election. The two fell-out as to who should take credit to crush the Tigers in […]
’s jailed ex-army chief smells freedom
May 20, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapakse has signed papers to pardon jailed ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka, his aide said Sunday, a day after the island marked three-years since defeating the Tamil Tigers. Rajapakse inked the papers on Friday evening and passed them to his chief-of-staff, his spokesman Bandula Jayasekera said. The […]
’s president rejects demands to rollback military camps
May 19, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s president on Saturday, rejected demands to remove military camps in the island’s north and urged international co-operation to modernise the country. We must ask if we in a position to remove the armed forces camps in the north and reduce our attention national security. That is not possible, […]
’s cabinet clear release of ex-army chief
May 17, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers on Thursday agreed to free jailed former army chief Sarath Fonseka, President Mahinda Rajapakse’s aide said, paving the way for the retired four star general’s imminent release. Fonseka lead troops in a spectacular military campaign against the Tamil Tiger rebels that ended the island’s decades […]
US official visits Sri Lanka on de-mining
May 02, 2012 (LBO) – A senior United States official in charge of security assistance programs and policy had visited Sri Lanka and for talks with defence officials and to see the progress on de-mining, the US embassy in Colombo said. He had also visited Kilinochchi and Vavuniya, where a 30-year civil war ended in […]
Sri Lanka economic sanctions ruled out by US
Mar 21, 2012 (LBO) – The United States will not push for economic sanctions on Sri Lanka despite calls for a probe into alleged war crimes, Robert Blake, a top US State Department official said in an exclusive interview. But the government needs to move faster on reconciliation between the island’s main communities after the […]
Sri Lanka business groups oppose UN war crimes resolution
Mar 20, 2012 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s business chambers have opposed a resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Council against alleged war crimes in the campaign that crushed Tamil Tiger separatists. “The joint Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka express concern over the resolution to be tabled at the UNHRC against Sri Lanka,” they […]
Sri Lanka might lose Indian support on war crimes issue: reports
Mar 19, 2012 (LBO) – India might vote against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council which is debating alleged war crimes in the island, news reports quoted Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh as saying. Tamil Nadu political parties have been urging the Indian government to take a strong stand on the atrocities […]
UK restricts skilled workers; allows servants, scientists
Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) – The United Kingdom has tightened immigration rules, ending automatic settlement for skilled workers but allowing scientists and those in low-paid jobs where there are worker shortages and limited stay for servants. œOur reforms of the immigration system will ensure we are more selective, not only about those who are allowed […]