Judiciary Sans Independence: The Sri Lankan Chronicle

By Jasmine Joseph* -November 28, 2012

Chief Justice Bandaranayake

The future of a judge who would have been the longest serving Chief Justice of the nation is grim in Sri Lanka. Widely alleged as politically motivated, the current move by the President to impeach her gives an opportunity to analyze the soundness of constitutional principles relating to judiciary in general and impeachment of judges in particular.

The bedrock on which the judiciary in Sri Lanka is built like most constitutional democracies is found in the Constitution. Unlike many constitutions, it has detailed provisions spanning from 107 to 147 with myriad of amendments relating to judiciary.

The primary concern in the present context is the competence of the relevant constitutional provisions to safeguard the interests of the institution of judiciary in a democracy. The most fundamental value would be independence of judiciary.  The independence is not only an end in itself but is also a means. It is in the independence of the institution, the present and future of a democracy rests. Independence of judiciary is a prerequisite of a sound legal and governance system. The provisions relating to appointment, tenure, conditions of service and removal are the bulwarks of judicial independence. Provisions of Sri Lankan constitution are an anathema to the claim of independence.

In the context of the current attempt to impeach a judge, an assessment of the provisions and procedure of removal is taken up to test on the claim of judicial independence.

Removal of judge in Sri Lanka as per the constitutional scheme is virtually in the hands of the executive. This cuts at the very root of judicial independence. Though the legislature is involved, the requirement of the simple majority makes the ultimate decision at the sweet will of any government, which invariably will have majority in the parliament. Article 107 of the constitution of Sri Lanka provides that the President may remove a judge on proved misbehavior and incapacity. The process is established by the standing orders (see, Standing Orders 78A). The impeachment process is kick started by the parliamentarians with a notice of resolution signed by one third of the members. After the lapse of one month, the speaker shall appoint a select committee of not less than eleven members who investigates and submits a report within a stipulated timeframe, which is one month from the commencement of the sitting of the committee. On the report of the select committee a resolution shall be passed by the parliament and the same shall be presented to the President for the action of removal. In this scheme of events, the judiciary is entirely under the benignancy of the government in power. It therefore remains as the affair of the government in power.

The breaches of independence vis-à-vis removal in the above scheme could be best understood in contrast with the structure provided by India, a neighbouring nation. Removal of a judge in India is commenced on the recommendation by the judiciary. The proceedings are detailed in the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968. It has elaborate provisions about the process. The enquiry is conducted by a committee of three; two from judiciary and one a distinguished jurists. The report of the committee is so decisive that if it does not find alleged misbehavior or incapacity, the proceedings are dropped.   Only on an adverse finding that there will be any further proceedings in the House and the same shall be discussion and adoption of the motion to impeach with special majority.  This process if nothing else does not leave the judges at the mercy of the government in power.

This limited comparative exercise brings out the inadequacies of the Sri Lankan scheme of removal of a judge, which is a heavy setback on independence of the institution. Judicial independence has been accepted as a coveted virtue world over. The lack of it is a severe dent on the rule of law record, human rights protection and liberty quotient of the citizen in its relation to its own government.

* Jasmine Joseph is a professor of law at the National University of Juridical Sciences, India. 

Members of army intelligen​ce unit cause damages to my vehicle: MP Sarawanaba​wan

[ Wednesday, 28 November 2012, 02:34.01 PM GMT +05:30 ]

It was blamed army intelligence unit responsible for the attack carried out against the vehicle of Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian E.Sarawanabawan when he visited to solve the clash between Jaffna university students and military personals.

Speaking to media MP went on to say, I visited Jaffna University this morning to hold investigations on tense situation reported in the university premises. However I was not permitted to enter the university compound. Due to this have parked my vehicle nearby and enter to the university. Only the military and police personals were deployed in the site. When I returned back my vehicle was completely damaged and also added members of the army intelligence unit responsible for this activity, MP said. (2nd lead) Police together with army carried out brutal attacks against Jaffna University student’s stage peaceful protest for their basic rights and later on arrest 5 of them. Members of the army intelligence unit cause damages to my vehicle in front of the army and police personals. Security personals arrested student’s stage peaceful protest and fail to arrest suspects cause damages to my vehicle. This activity clearly proves military personals directly involved in the attack on my vehicle, said the TNA parliamentarian. MP made this statement during a special media briefing orgaisned at the Uthayan rest house in Jaffna this afternoon. Addressing the briefing MP went on to say, in the recent past government speak about the reconciliation activities in this country. Military personals continuously intervene into day today activities of Tamil people residing in the north and east parts of this country. If such situation continues it was unable to establish reconciliation for next five years in the North and East provinces. As a parliamentarian students requested me to intervene on this issue where they face threatening from security personals. Security personals fail to respect me. Military personals continuously treat Tamil people and University students as their enemies. Tamil National Alliance continuously stresses the government to grant political solution in this country. We have pay special attention on problems face by our people. Last evening military personals threw stones on me and cause damages to my vehicle. I have filed complaint at the Jaffna police station. We will inform ministry of Defence and parliament this regard.

China’s 18th launch of 2012 sees Long March 3B loft ChinaSat-12

November 27th, 2012 by Rui C. Barbosa

The Chinese have launched the ChinaSat-12 (Zhongxing-12) communications satellite into orbit via a Long March 3B/E (Chang Zheng-3B/E) on Tuesday – their 18th orbital launch of the year. The launch took place at 10:13 UTC from the LC2 launch pad at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

ChinaSat-12 Mission:

This bird was originally called Apstar-7B, a Spacebus-4000C2 platform geostationary communications satellite, with 24 C-band and 23 Ku-band high power beams. It was contracted to Thales Alenia Space of France for construction, on behalf of APT Satellites, in April of 2010.

Apstar-7B was a back up satellite, in event Apstar-7 failed to make it to orbit. However, the launch – carried out on March 31, 2012 – was a success, allowing Apstar 7B to be transferred to a secondary agreement between APT Satellites and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).

With the secondary agreement in place, the satellite was taken by China Satcom – a state-owned satellite operator in Beijing – and renamed Zhongxing-12 (or ChinaSat-12). Zhongxing-12′s role is to replace Zhongxing-5A (ChinaSat-5A) at 87.5 degrees East.

Zhongxing-12 had a lift-off mass of 5,054 kg and a design lifetime over 15 years. It uses a S400 propulsion system and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays.

Part of the satellite’s communications payload has been leased to Sri Lanka and is co-branded as SupremeSat-I. Recently, SupremeSat entered into a partnership agreement with CGWIC for the design, manufacturing and launching of the SupremeSat-III satellite and also to secure the marketing facilities of many other satellites owned and operated by CGWIC and the China Satellites Communications Corporation.

This satellite will be based on the DFH-4 platform and will be positioned at 50 degrees East Longitude after being launched by a CZ-3B/E launch vehicle. Supremesat-II will be launched in mid 2013 and will also lease capacity on the Zhongxing-11 (Chinasat-11) Chinese made communications satellite.

Zhongxing-12 will serve the demands of communication, satellite broadcasting, data transmission, digital broadband multimedia system and media streaming services in China, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and China Sea area, and the Indian Ocean region.

See Also

• Chinese Forum Section
• 65 Launch Vehicle Manuals (L2)
• Click here to Join L2

The Spacebus 4000-based medium-class telecommunication satellite has a successful flight heritage, and can easily accommodate a large range of payloads in every band (Ku, C, Ka, X, S, L) to satisfy customer needs.

The solar array power offered by the Spacebus 4000 is up to 15.8 kW with a payload power up to 11.6 kW, typically 80 to 100 active channels with medium RF power (105/110W in Ku band), standard equipment and system designs available in Ku/C and Ka frequency bands, while other frequency bands (X, S, L) can be proposed.

China’s 18th launch in 2012 was also the 173rd successful Chinese orbital launch, the 173rd launch of a Chang Zheng launch vehicle, the 9th launch from Xichang in 2012 and the 77th orbital launch from Xichang.

Developed from the Chang Zheng-3A, the Chang Zheng-3B is the most powerful launch vehicle on the Chinese space launch fleet. The Apstar-7 launch was the 23rd flight of CZ-3B and the 55th flight of CZ-3A series launch vehicles.

The CZ-3B features enlarged launch propellant tanks, improved computer systems, a larger 4.2 meter diameter payload fairing and the addition of four strap-on boosters in the core stage that provide additional help during the first phase of the launch.

The rocket is capable of launching a 11,200 kg satellite to a low Earth orbit or a 5,100 kg cargo to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The CZ-3B/E (Enhanced Version) launch vehicle was developed from the CZ-3B, increasing the GTO capacity up to 5,500kg. The CZ-3B/E has nearly the same configurations with CZ-3B bar its enlarged core stage and boosters.

On May 14, 2007, the first flight of CZ-3B/E was performed successfully, accurately sending the NigcomSat-1 into pre-determined orbit. With the GTO launch capability of 5,500kg, CZ-3B/E is dedicated for launching heavy GEO communications satellite.

The Xichang Satellite Launch Centre is situated in the Sichuan Province, south-western China and is the country’s launch site for geosynchronous orbital launches.

Equipped with two launch pads (LC2 and LC3), the centre has a dedicated railway and highway lead directly to the launch site. The Command and Control Centre is located seven kilometers south-west of the launch pad, providing flight and safety control during launch rehearsal and launch. The CZ-3B launch pad is located at 28.25 deg. N – 102.02 deg. E and at an elevation of 1,825 meters.

Other facilities on the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre are the Launch Control Centre, propellant fuelling systems, communications systems for launch command, telephone and data communications for users, and support equipment for meteorological monitoring and forecasting.

The first launch from Xichang took place at 12:25UTC on January 29, 1984, when the CZ-3 Chang Zheng-3 (CZ3-1) was launched the Shiyan Weixing (14670 1984-008A) communications satellite into orbit.

(Images via ChinaDaily.cn, Xinhua and weibo.com members at the location).

Lets Unite To Save Our Judiciary

November 21, 2012

CJ must resign-Athauda

WEDNESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2012 

A Senior Minister and several government MPs today called for the resignation of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranyake against whom an impeachment motion is being probed by a special select committee in Parliament.

Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne who was speaking during the committee stage debate on the budget in the House said the Chief Justice should resign if she respects ethics.

Minister Athauda Seneviratne charged that the structure of the judicial system that is prevailing in Sri Lanka today had helped the Chief Justice to practice tyranny.

He said the judiciary today is controlled by the Chief Justice. Mr. Seneviratne said the Chief Justice has the power even to control the Judicial Service Commission today.  He said the Chief Justice also had the power to appoint judges according to his or her whims and fancies.

The minister alleged that the present Chief Justice had directly influenced the judges who were hearing the case with regarding to the petition that had been filed against the impeachment motion. (Yohan Perera and Kelum Bandara)

The Clash Of Identities

By Kamaya Jayatissa -November 28, 2012 

Kamaya Jayatissa

“Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known.”– Chuck Palahniuk

My perspective is the one of a 25 year old who was born in Sri Lanka during the war and who came to France at the age of 1; one who is considered or seen as a French in her country of birth but who is expected to behave as a Sri Lankan; one who also happens to “belong” to both the ethnic and religiousmajority of the island.

In a country comprising mainly of Buddhists, one would think that Sri Lanka would be more tolerant, more understanding and open to other people’s beliefs and cultures -yet, though I may not know much about the ground reality, when I hear about anti-Muslim demonstrations, when I hear about discriminatory behavior and attitude towards Tamils, or when I do not hear at all about Burghers, I do not see much effort towards understanding and certainly not much tolerance in my country. Though this is not to be generalized, what I sometimes notice are various forms of marginalization, frustration, and sometimes even extremism from all sides. It seems to me that one of the main challenges in post-war Sri Lanka is therefore to resolve the current clash of identities.

While the recent post-war efforts of GoSL have been commendable –though it may not quite be “in every sense” as John Ging said- to build a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, much effort remains to be done in terms of ethnic reconciliation, in conjunction with both political and socio-economic reconciliation.

Ultra-nationalism, within both the Sinhalese and the Tamil communities led to frustrations on both sides; especially within the Diaspora(s). For minorities, this frustration was mainly built on ethno-religious stigmatization, social discrimination or sometimes even rejection; feelings that often exclude and marginalize communities even further. This led minorities to perceive, sometimes wrongly, the slightest change as a potential form of discrimination. Paradoxically, it gave a sense of somewhat auto-proclaimed superiority to the majority.

Maybe because I grew up away from the conflict, maybe because I was educated in France, maybe because I am naïve enough to believe in a better Sri Lanka, I never really made any ethnic distinction between Sri Lankans. On the contrary, I always considered myself, first and foremost, as a Sri Lankan. And yet, how many times was I asked –especially in France- whether I was a Sinhalese, a Muslim or a Tamil? Though I never really understood why, I realized that people gave a tremendous importance to this ONE question and I kept on wondering “…but aren’t we all Sri Lankans? Or does my Sinhalese and Buddhist legacy gives me a legitimacy that my Tamil, Muslim or Burgher friends do not seem to have? ” If so, I still wonder how.

Of course, we all have our own identity(ies). The very notion of identity itself will be defined differently depending on each individual/group, making its interpretation subjective to each individual/group. We are different from each other and at the same time we carry diversity within ourselves. Each of us is indeed a unique combination of various identifications that are not equally significant to us. Far from been static, this notion transforms itself throughout the different stages of our life. But can we build a collective identity based on what intrinsically defines us as an individual? How comes that in such a small island, people do not feel as if they belonged to one nation, to one Sri Lanka? How come that members of the Diaspora, especially the second and third generation are most of the time considered as non-Sri Lankan in their country of origin?

The LLRC Report itself, in its Section III on “Reconciliation”, says that “The development of a vision of a shared future requires the involvement of the whole of society. [...] A culture of respect for human rights and human diversity needs to be developed creating an environment where each citizen becomes an active participants in society and feels a sense of belonging, of being Sri Lankan.” Yet, in post-war Sri Lanka, the very concept of Sri Lankan-ness, or of Sri Lankan consciousness, a concept which is yet to materialize, is often seen as an idealistic vision. Few are those who actually believe in it. I for one believe that future generations, both in Sri Lanka and within the Diaspora, have the ability to build a more united country, one that will incorporate socio-economic disparities but also our religious beliefs, political affiliations, cultural similarities and differences; one that will give us a broader, therefore stronger sense of belonging –includingnational belonging- through solidarity and appreciation of cultural diversity; one that will ultimately include both our individual and collective identities. Mutual respect and understanding should therefore be our common denominators as Sri Lankans.

An idealistic yet feasible tentative approach to build a Sri Lankan identity would be to create and maintain an inclusive society. What I mean by that is that we should adopt a multi-dimensional approach that will ultimately promote both social integration and social cohesion. This means further participation in public affairs by all communities, including perhaps the Diaspora(s). This also means engaging in a process of reconciliation by maintaining the security of all individuals, but also respecting the Rule of Law, equality of rights, justice and equity in the distribution of wealth and resources; thereby achieving the realization of the legitimate rights of all citizens.

The role of education –not only in its broader sense but mainly the education received at school, the one that should place all children on an equal stage- is here predominant, not to say crucial. I believe that it is theinstrument that can provide the opportunity to learn values of respect and appreciation of diversity through the promotion of multiculturalism, pluralism, and ultimately respect for all forms of identities.

In a post-war situation, the restoration of trust among and within communities is also a prerequisite for reconciliation. But can there be a restoration of trust without forgiveness from both sides? Any discussion of accountability must recognize the need for mutual accountability. Yes, there was a war, and an extremely violent war which lasted for over three decades and which scars are still to be healed, but we have to go forward, we must go forward and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Sri Lanka did win the war but it still did not win the peace and the harmony that goes with it. With the end of the war, we now have a second chance to build a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka. This can only be done through mutual or common understanding, through dialogue and eventually trust between all communities. This requires forging a sense of belonging, a national unity amidst diversity and ultimately a culture of peace(to use the phrase of the former head of UNESCO, Frederico Mayor). Post-war Sri Lanka is the chance for the younger generation –both within Sri Lanka and among the Diasporas- to build a better Sri Lanka.

*Kamaya Jayatissa, President of What’s Next!, is a PhD student in International Law at the Sorbonne University, Paris.  She holds a Master Degree in International Law from the Sorbonne and a Diploma in International Governance and Sustainable Development from Sciences Po, Paris.

The event was organized by What’s Next!, an independent forum comprising of post-graduates and young professionals of Sri Lankan origin residing in France. What’s Next! seeks to promote a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka through intellectual exchange and multicultural dialogue.

Martyr’s day in Canada

[ Wednesday, 28 November 2012, 11:58.43 AM GMT +05:30 ] Year 2012 Martyr’s day held at the Manitoba city in Canada. In order to commemorate the death of Let. Conel. Shankar first lamp lighted at 6.45 am. Thousands of people were present at the site. Canadian national flag and the national flag of the Tamil Eelam were hoisted at this event. Later on people garland the photographs of our war heroes. Second session of the event commenced at 12 pm in the afternoon, third session commenced at 3.30 pm and the last event commenced at 7.00 pm. This event continued for 15 hours. People continuously paid their tribute towards war heroes. This event clearly proves migrated Canadian Tamil people are ready to fight for their rights in the future.

Resistance overpowers oppression in observing Heroes Day

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 27 November 2012, 04:13 GMT]
A new vigour and enthusiasm is noticed in the occupied country of Eezham Tamils this year in paying homage to the fallen heroes on the Heroes Day, despite full-scale efforts of intimidation by the occupying Sinhala military and its intelligence operatives, news sources in the island said. Contrary to the pretentions of genocidal Colombo that it is not obstructing the Kaarthikai festival of lights falling on the same day this time, the occupying SL military and its intelligence operatives were geared to top to engage in an open campaign of intimidation in the North and East, instructing temples and public not to light lamps, and not to toll bells. Public was told not to come out at all.

SL military went in person to major temples in Jaffna and Vanni and instructed the priests against lighting lamps, tolling bells and allowing people to gather at temple on Tuesday.

The same announcements were made on Monday by Sri Lanka Navy coming in loudspeaker-mounted vehicles to Moothoor, Champoor and Kooniththeevu in the Trincomalee district.

The temple priests in Trincomalee district were intimidated to relay the instructions of the SL Navy through temple loudspeakers. Priests who resisted were taken to the SL naval base and were beaten up. Complaints have been lodged in this regard.

SL military went in person to temples in Batticaloa to instruct not to observe the Kaarthikai festival of lights on Tuesday. The priests and temple managements were warned that there would be serious consequences for not obliging.

Fearing, temple managements made announcements in loudspeaker-mounted three wheelers that the Kaarthikai festival would not take place on Tuesday but would take place on Wednesday.

The genocidal SL military, allowed by the International Community of Establishments, has become so powerful like Choorapanman to the extent of even defying planets and constellations, temple circles commented.

In Batticaloa there is a prohibition order for any kind of public gathering, including school functions, from Sunday to Wednesday.

On Monday, the SL military arriving at the scene stopped the inauguration of a music function at Jayanthipuram in Batticaloa.

SL military commandos and police are deployed in large numbers everywhere in Batticaloa.

The SL military and intelligence units posted at Paduvaankarai, Kokkaddich-choalai and Ampalan-thu’rai threaten people passing by to give them information on any programme that may take place on the Heroes Day. People respond with silence but they feel humiliated and intimidated.

More than two people should not be seen together on Monday and Tuesday, warned the SL military posted at Paduvaankarai.

SL military posted in the villages of the East has started entering into houses to investigate about inmates.

Meanwhile, in the North, the usual full moon day cultural event conducted by the SL colonial governor Maj. Gen. Chandrasri was cancelled. The function for this month was scheduled to take place at the Nelliyadi High School.

The oppression has made people to feel new vigour and enthusiasm about observing the Heroes Day, news sources in Jaffna said.

People were happy that the Kaarthikai festival has given them a new lease to express themselves.

Eezham Tamils as a nation have a long experience in facing this kind of oppression. When the Portuguese and the Dutch destroyed their temples and prohibited their religion, people were worshiping tridents placed under trees in every backyard. That’s how we have numerous Vairavar temples in the country of Eezham Tamils, commented a social activist in Jaffna.

Observing the Heroes Day for the fourth year since the Mu’l’livaaykkaal genocide, people have become bolder now, news sources observed.

At Valveddith-thu'rai in Jaffna, observing Pirapaharan's birthday, sweets were distributed on Monday and a Tiger flag was hoisted on a 30-feet high tower at Theeruvil in Valveddith-thu'rai.

In the previous years there were only hand-written posters. But now there are posters printed in colour, widely seen both in the North as well as in the East.

The SL military and its intelligence operatives were engaged in removing them, but the posters re-appeared in no time.

Apart from the printed posters there were also a large number of hand-written posters evidencing genuine and spontaneous grassroot participation.

Lankan army controls Jaffna Uni hostel

[ Tuesday, 27 November 2012, 02:02.17 PM GMT +05:30 ]

Due to the fear on Mahweerar day commemoration Lankan army has entirely controlled the hostel of Jaffna University, our correspondent said.

Military personals entered to the male and female hostels had shut down the rooms of the students and ordered to remain in their respective rooms. Military personals, police and the members of the intelligence unit has deployed in the university compound since 5.00 pm this evening. (2nd lead) Jaffna university student’s lighted lamps to tribute the Tamil war hero’s sacrifices their lives for the freedom of their community. Students also distributed posters and hand bills on the birthday of LTTE leader V. Prabhakarana. They also garland flowers for the war heroes moniument this morning. However large amount of military personals, police were deployed at the university premissies. Students at the Balasingham and Anandakumarasuwamy hostel made preparations to light lamps for Mahaweerar (war heroes) 06.50 pm this afternoon. Military personals entered the hotel premises carried out brutal attack against students at the hostel premises. TNA parliamentarian R.Sarawanabawan and the journalist of the Uthayan newspaper rushed to the Balasingham hostel. However students at the Anandakumarasuwamy hostel lighted the lamps on correct. Military personals were anger over this activity and rushed to site. Member of the army intelligence unit carried out attack against photo journalist of the Uthayan newspaper and also took measures to take away the camera, they were unable to do so. Parliamentarian and other officials rescued the journalist, sources said. It was revealed during the time of military attack security personals of Jaffna university fail to rescue to the students, sources said.

Armed personals warns Vavuniya municipal council deputy mayor

Two armed personals in the civil dress has warned the deputy mayor near the Etchamkulam School and also take away the pooja equipments.

[Tuesday, 27 November 2012, 04:11.55 PM GMT +05:30 ]

Group of armed personals warned the Vavuniya Municipal Council deputy mayor M.M.Rathan arrive to light oil lam at the Tamil Heroes house (Mahweerar Thuyilumillam )at Etchankulam area today.

At present military personals have constructed camp for military 611 brigade in this site. All the evacuated tombs were dumped at the private land nearby.

The war no one watched

Shanoor Seervai : Tue Nov 27 2012

In early 2009, as the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE rebels came to a head, the United Nations did not hold a single formal meeting on Sri Lanka. In a conflict that killed 40,000 civilians in its final phase, according to one estimate in a UN report, the Security Council, unable to fit Sri Lanka on its agenda, held “informal interactive dialogue” meetings instead. The same report states there was a continued reluctance among local UN institutions to “stand up for the rights of the people they were mandated to assist”.

The UN has proven increasingly irrelevant in human rights crises from Rwanda to Serbia and more recently, Syria. But the internal review on Sri Lanka reveals a truth more disturbing than the ineffectiveness of the UN at the level of the SC, which is perpetually gridlocked over resolutions because of the infamous veto power of its permanent members. The field staff in Sri Lanka failed to accurately report on and monitor civilian casualties. As a result, member states and senior staff at headquarters and in Colombo remained blissfully uninformed of the situation’s gravity.

The UN’s inability to train its staff on their responsibility to protect civilians, at the very least by providing accurate information about a war that was off-limits to journalists, reveals a crisis of leadership that extends from the secretary general to the local institutions he oversees. The leadership in Colombo lacked the political experience in dealing with armed conflict to address the challenges of the war. Headquarters failed to recognise this. Somewhere along the chain of command, damning evidence was ignored and covered up.              ... contd.

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Tamil people hold peaceful war heroes day at Excel hall in London: Germany

[ Tuesday, 27 November 2012, 04:21.48 PM GMT +05:30 ]

Tamil Coordinating Committee organize National Tamil War Heroes day at the London Excel hall today. Thousands of people were presented at this event.

Event commenced at 10.30 am this morning. Member of the Coordinating Committee Kawshika hoisted the British national flag. Coordinator of the Tamil Coordinating Committee Mr.Danam hoisted the flag of Transitional Government of Tamil Eelam. Later on parents of Caption Hero Raj , Shanmugasundharam and Kamaladevi lighted the first lamp. Vaiko and Nedumaran delivered special speech through the video conference.