Donors knew of shelling civilians

04 September, 2011

Donors knew of shelling civilians

'They (Japan, Norway) argued that a critical public statement now might set back Basil's efforts to provide more food' International donors were aware of artillery attacks on Tamil civilians by the Sri Lanka military in the last stages of the war against Tamil Tigers, according to recent Wikileaks revelations. However, donor nations have stopped short of making their knowledge public. The international co-chairs in a meeting held on 05 March 2009 was told by the then US Ambassador in Colombo, Robert O' Blake, that he raised the issue with Basil Rajapaksa, senior advisor to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Full Story>>> ============================================ Civilians will be dealt under PTA - army 04 September, 2011 By Saroj Pathirana More than 120 people have been arrested in Jaffna for vigilante attacks Those who attack military and police installations are "terrorists" and will be charged with country's anti-terror regulations, says Sri Lanka military. Military spokesman Brig Nihal Hapuarachchi told BBC Sandeshaya that over 120 people were recently arrested in Jaffna as they came to attack a military camp. "They attacked a joint army-police camp. It is a terrorist act," he said. "It is wrong for civilians to attack an army camp or police station. Those who do that are terrorists. We will take action against them under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)," added Brig Hapuarachchi. At a recent meeting with Muslim imams, Sri Lanka’s defence secretary said that, just as the army defeated “terrorists”, it would act against anyone making trouble.   Full Story>>>