Eastern Provincial Council Elections - May 2008 - CMEV Press

Source : CMEV

Sri Lanka - CMEV Election Violence Map through Google Maps

Google Maps

Getting off with the wrong bag

Source : LankaDissent

We of the Centre for Social Democracy (CSD) take pleasure in responding to a posting in the official website of the “Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP)” in Sri Lanka on 08th May, 2008 captioned “CAFFE Anyone ? The link between Opposition Politicians and Human Rights Activists” under its Secretary General (SG), Prof Rajiva Wijesinha’s signature.

It seems the SG has lost his cool over the news report that our website www.lankadissent.com posted on 07th May titled “CAFFE rejects Media Minister’s allegation” and has rushed in not only to reply CAFFE and its Consultant Ms. Nimalka Fernando, a right if he so desires he could enjoy, but also to imply that our website fabricates or plants news by saying it is “capable of claiming that black is white, and the reverse, with no concern for reality.”
Unfortunately for the SG Prof Wijesinha, with his reference to the news report on Ms.Rama Mani to prove his point, he is not only giving us credit for breaking that news, but is also taking it as his right to speak on behalf of the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka. We stand by that news as factually correct while also taking this opportunity to stress that we are not bound to give our source and therefore Prof Wijesinha would have to find some other tangible proof, if he wants to prove us wrong.

That said, let us take the other issues that Prof Wijesinha as SG of the SCOPP is confused with. First, this was not a news report that SCOPP should have got involved in. It was about CAFFE and the Media Minister and we firmly believe, the Media Minister, a lawyer by profession himself, had all the competency and the right to answer, if he felt there was a need to do so. He surely needs no mouthpiece to talk loud in this issue.

Secondly, no where in our report on CAFFE denying the Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa’s allegation, have we taken any side. It was simple and plain reporting of the issue with quotes from the letter sent by CAFFE under Ms Fernando’s signature. What ever contradictions the SG Prof Wijesinha sees in those quotes, is not for the website editorial to comment or answer. That would be the responsibility of CAFFE and its Consultant Ms. Fernando.

Thus it would have been easy for any person with some common sense to understand that the editorial policy of this website is “neutrality in reporting news”. We therefore feel Prof Wijesinha has spoiled his eggs by dragging in our news website into his dilemma. He proves, he doesn’t know what editorial responsibility is and what that means when tagged with social ‘dissent’. And that perhaps is reason why, he stoops so low in trying to fix individuals as responsible for this website to suit his argument instead of challenging the editorial policy of our web site.

On our part, we wouldn’t ask what special affiliations or relationship the present Secretary General of the SCOPP has with HE the President to have been appointed to that position, but ask whether he conducts himself right in that position. On that let us say, Prof Wijesinha is proving he is no competent person “To develop confidence in the peace process and its potential benefits for all Sri Lankan citizens, whilst building up an institution that is equitable and acts in the national interest of all our people, and is accepted as such.” if one goes by the mission statement of the SCOPP. How could he, when he jumps over every where, not knowing what his responsibility is, as SG of the SCOPP ?
We therefore propose that Prof Wijesinha first reads the “Vision and Mission” Statements of the SCOPP along with its “Strategy”.

Centre for Social Democracy (CSD)

CAFFE Anyone ?

The link between Opposition Politicians and
Human Rights ‘Activists’

Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP)
08th May 2008

The Peace Secretariat has often noted that perhaps the most insidious threat to the efforts of the Sri Lankan government to promote peace through pluralism and democracy comes from political opponents who will say or do anything to promote their own agendas.

It is accordingly grateful to a few determined opponents of the government who masquerade as disinterested proponents of human rights and democracy for proving its point.

Thus the website Lanka Dissent, a project as it calls itself of the Centre for Social Democracy, has an article citing a letter from Nimalka Fernando, now wearing yet another hat as Consultant to the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE).

Lanka Dissent begins its article with the assertion that ‘The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections has rejected an allegation by Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa that the local poll monitoring body has UNP supporters as its members.’ In all fairness to Ms Fernando, it is unlikely that even she would have said that in her letter, since the article goes on to say ‘CAFFE has supporters of the UNP as well as of other parties, and your statement is either irresponsible or an attempt at distorting a fact, its letter to Minister Yapa says.’

If CAFFE does have supporters of the UNP, it would be odd to deny the allegation that it has UNP supporters as its members. But Lanka Dissent is capable of claiming that black is white, and the reverse, with no concern for reality. It was set up by Ruwan Ferdinands, whose political predilections are no secret, and it initially came to our attention when it was the first to publicize the Rama Mani issue and claimed that ‘the Indian HC has expressed concern and took it up with the IGP and the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs’. The Indian High Commissioner said that this was not true.

Between Lanka Dissent and Ms Fernando, there are a number of further inaccuracies. The article asserts that ‘As a multi-party effort, CAFFE has a membership with more than 20 years of experience in poll monitoring in the island, she says’. If it is true that that was what she said, she must have a strange way with language. Does she mean that the membership of CAFFE is multi-party in a political sense, or that it consists of different organizations? If the UNP is one of these parties or organizations, what are the others? Are there any parties or organizations which are not implacably opposed to the government?

The article, again doubtless quoting Ms Fernando, goes on to say ‘Unlike the so-called independent organizations, CAFFE believes in a consensus among persons with differing political leanings to ensure a free and fair election’. In condemning other organizations as merely ‘so-called independent’, does she claim that CAFFE is different in being totally independent, or in being unashamedly dependent? And, delightful as the thought is of a coy Nimalka Fernando, why does she not name these other organizations, in comparison to which she obviously believes CAFFE is a model of pure objectivity?

The article ends with the assertion that ‘Mrs. Fernando notes that CAFFE is similar in composition to the UPFA, which has many parties as its affiliates, including those from the UNP’. This is so preposterous, that it suggests that perhaps Mr Ferdinands is actually guying Mrs Fernando, to show that she does not understand the difference between a political party and what is supposed to be an election monitoring outfit. The idea that the UNP is amongst the affiliates of the UPFA may be part of this satire.

Underlying all this however is the fact that not only is the UNP part of CAFFE, it also seems to be its driving force. CAFFE first burst on the scene with Shiral Lakthileke, an avowed representative of the UNP, talking to a media conference as a ‘CAFFE Coordinating Committee Member’. There was no confession there that he was part of the UNP.

His title changed in another media appearance, on May 6th, to ‘Attorney-at-Law and an executive committee member of CAFFE, an election monitoring mission recognized by the Commissioner of Elections’. That appearance was in connection with a petition to the Supreme Court, alleging that amongst others the Commissioner of Elections was ‘conniving with the Pillaiyan Group’.

So we have the wonderful spectacle of the UNP hiding behind what is termed an election monitoring mission specially set up for the Eastern Province polls. Using this front they attack what they see as their principal opponent in the election.

All this would be laughable, were it not that soon doubtless it will be trumpeted abroad by the NGOs with which Ms Fernando works so effectively that the Eastern Province poll was totally unfair. And what will they cite as evidence? The pronouncements of CAFFE, dignified, if that is the right word, by Ms Fernando, with no hint that the UNP is behind all this.

Fortunately Ms Fernando’s letter, if it was as ridiculous as reported by Lanka Dissent, makes clear the symbiotic relations between her and the UNP. From the time when she and her mates in Geneva started saying the same things that Lakshman Kiriella was saying in Colombo, regarding the urgency of external monitoring for Human Rights in Sri Lanka, it seemed possible that this was not a coincidence, not merely a congruence of interests, but obviously a concerted plan.

Now that Ms Fernando, rushing in where angels would fear to tread, has shown herself Mr Lakthileke’s principal apologist, it will at least be more difficult to talk about apolitical activists altruistically concerned with Human Rights.

Prof Rajiva Wijesinha
Secretary General
Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process

Source : LankaDissent

Eastern Provincial Council Election 2008 - 10th May 2008 1st Release

Media Communiqué on Election-related Violence
Eastern Provincial Council Election - 2008
10th May 2008 - 2.00 am - Media Communiqué 1

Batticaloa District

Intimidation of voters in Padirippu
Armed TMVP cadres reportedly intimidated voters in a number of houses in Kaludawali Village, Padirippu, late evening l. The TMVP cadres had taken the polling cards of the voters.

CMEV contacted Kalawanchikudi Police Station who informed us that a complaint had been made and that mobile teams were investigating the incident. PLOTE Leader Sidharthan confirmed that the TMVP cadres had been involved in taking polling cards from Kaludaweli Villagers last evening.

Intimidation of SPO at Kalladi
A Senior Polling Officer from the Kalladi area informed CMEV that the TMVP had called him at midnight on the 8th and told him that no voters should be allowed into the polling station after twelve noon on polling day.

Intimidation in Valaichennai
The occupants of seven houses have been subject to intimidation from around 6.30 pm last evening. The occupants of the houses in Ottamavadi (2 houses), Meeravodini (3 houses) and Valaichennai (2 houses) were reportedly SLMC supporters who were threatened by thugs.

One of the houses that was attacked in Ottamavadi belonged to Mr S.M.L. Haniffa, former provincial council member. Mr Haniffa told CMEV that the thugs came in a white van at 7.50 p.m. with a police constable seated in front who did not get down, They threatened the Haniffa family members and told them not to vote. They broke some of the windows in the house. The thugs were dressed in black with black masks.

CMEV was also informed that Kalkuda F.M (96.1) is broadcasting propaganda for the UPFA. It is alleged that the radio operates from Minister Ameer Ali’s house.

Minister Ameer Ali contacted CMEV to make a complaint about being threatened on the phone. He claimed that the phone number from which the call was made is 071 491 0458. When CMEV tried this number, the phone was not connected. Minister Ameer Ali also denied that he was involved in any of the violence and stated that the radio station stopped broadcasting on the 8th night.

When contacted, the Valaichennai Police they said that there had been some minor incidents and complaints regarding the stoning of houses. Mobile Police teams had been directed to conduct investigations. Mr Haniffa, one of the victims who was threatened, informed CMEV that an A.S.P. had come to his house to conduct an inquiry. The OIC Valaichennai, I.P. Kodisinghe informed CMEV that the Police had requested the army to help maintain law and order.

Ampara District

Assault and Attack in Padiyatallawa
UNP supporter, Mr Dayaratne was attacked in his house in Kiriwana, Padiyatallawa last night and the windows of his house broken. He sustained injuries in the attack, but they are reported to not be of a serious nature. When contacted by CMEV, the Police in Padiyatallawa said that they have received a complaint and have visited the site of the incident. According to the Police, the victim claimed that he was unable to identify the assailants.

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition Against Political Violence as an independent and non-partisan organization to monitor the incidence of election related violence. It is currently constituted by CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre.

DR.PAIKIASOTHY SARAVANAMUTTU
CO - CONVENOR
CMEV

MR. UDAYA KALUPATHIRANA
CO - CONVENOR
CMEV

MS. SEETHA RANJANI
CO - CONVENOR
CMEV

Appeals : husband and wife held without charge

Source : AI

Vadivel Jasikaran (m), writer and publisher
Valarmathi Jasikaran (f), his wife

Writer and publisher Vadivel Jasikaran and his wife Valarmathi Jasikaran have been held without charge by the police Terrorist Investigation Division (TID), in the capital, Colombo, since 6 March. They are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. According to local sources Valarmathi Jasikaran has not received the regular medical attention she requires following a stomach operation.

Vadivel and Valarmathi Jasikaran were detained by the TID on 6 March. The TID reportedly issued their relatives with documents that stated that they had been arrested for “terrorist related activities”. However, no order has been issued for their detention, and they have not been brought before a court. Valarmathi Jasikaran had undergone a stomach operation some months before her arrest but was reportedly suffering complications just before her arrest, resulting in regular vomiting. According to eyewitnesses, she had to be carried into the TID van. While she has been in custody, she is thought to have only seen a doctor once. She is not receiving the regular medical attention she needs, including regular monitoring of her condition and tests to determine whether further treatment is needed.

Vadivel Jasikaran has sustained unexplained injuries to his hands and arms in TID detention in Colombo and there are fears that he has been ill-treated.

Vadivel and Valarmathi Jasikaran are possibly being held under the Emergency (Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism and Specified Terrorist Activities) Regulations No. 7 2006, which are incompatible with international human rights law and standards, and have been used to intimidate and harass political opponents.The Emergency Regulations, issued by the President, introduce broad-based and vaguely defined “terrorism” offences which, among other things, have been used to silence critical media and generally violate freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, including through detention without charge or trial, which could under these Regulations last up to 18 months. Such detention is clearly arbitrary, in violation of Article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Sri Lanka is a state party.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Amnesty International is alarmed by a number of recent attacks on and other violations of the human rights of media workers, which follow patterns outlined in its recent report ‘Sri Lanka: Silencing Dissent’ (AI Index: ASA 37/001/2008, February 2008). Journalists and other media workers have also been detained for long periods of time without charge on a number of recent occasions (see UA 88/08, ASA 37/016/2008, 4 April 2008). In October 2007, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Manfred Nowak, stated following a visit to Sri Lanka that, “Under the Emergency Regulations, most of the safeguards against torture… either do not apply or are simply disregarded, which leads to a situation in which torture becomes a routine practice in the context of counter-terrorism operations. The non-applicability of important legal safeguards in the context of counter-terrorism measures, as well as excessively prolonged police detention, opens the door for abuse.”

RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

• calling on the authorities to release Vadivel Jasikaran and his wife Valarmathi immediately, unless they are charged with a recognizably criminal offence and remanded by an independent court, as they are held without charge and without a detention order by the Terrorist Investigation Division in Colombo;
• expressing concern at reports that Valarmathi Jasikaran has not received required medical treatment for a stomach condition;
• calling on the authorities to ensure that Vadivel Jasikaran and his wife Valarmathi are not tortured or ill-treated, and that they are allowed immediate and unrestricted access to their family, a lawyer of their choice, an independent court and any specialist medical treatment they may require;
• urging the authorities to launch an independent investigation into reports that Vadivel Jasikaran has been ill-treated in police detention and ensure that if verified, the perpetrators are brought to justice;
• calling on the authorities to put an immediate end to all torture and other ill-treatment, and fully comply with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Sri Lanka is a state party.

APPEALS TO:
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo 1
Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 11 2446657
Salutation: Your Excellency

Hon. Sarath N. Silva
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
Superior Courts Complex
Colombo 12
Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 1 435446
Salutation: Dear Chief Justice

COPIES TO:
Mr. Victor Perera
Inspector General of Police
Sri Lanka Police
Headquarters
101/1 Kew Road
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka
E-mail: igp@police.lk, police@police.lk
Salutation: Dear Inspector General

and to diplomatic representatives of Sri Lanka accredited to your country.

Source :- hier ( amnesty international in asia & the pacific )

more Links :- Dialy Mirror

Global Voices Online

Stop the War against Journalists in Sri Lanka

Workshop with Mr.Lim Chor Ghee

Mr.Lim Chor Ghee is Training Professional from Malaysian.

Interview with Dr. Brian Seneviratna

Brian Senewiratne is a Consultant Physician in Brisbane, Australia. His degrees include - MA (Cantab), MBBChir (Cantab), MBBS (Lond), MD (Lond), FRCP( Lond), FRACP. He is a Sinhalese. For many decades, Brian Senewiratne has stood up for the Tamil cause and has given expression to his own anguish at the suffering of the Tamil people. He is cousin of former president of Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Clip 01 :-

Clip 02 :-

Clip 03 :-

Clip 04 :-

Clip 05 :-

Clip 06 :-

Interview with Ajith Cabraal HARDtalk

Ajith Cabraal is the governor of Sri Lanka’s central bank.

Is his country’s economy strong enough to withstand the capital and diplomatic costs of the civil war?

Clip 01 :-

Clip 02 :-

Journalist’s abduction highlights intimidation of media : Sri Lanka

The Murder of D. P. Sivaram (Taraki) :-