News
Group representing N&E condemns GTF-led initiative, draws govt. attention to five issues
A number of Tamil political parties and organisations have condemned the GTF (Global Tamil Forum)-led initiative aimed at promoting post-war national reconciliation though the US has welcomed it.
Tamil civil society groups consisting of university students, families of the disappeared, religious groups, labour unions, academics, women groups et al jointly rejected the ‘Himalaya Declaration’ by an association called Sanga for better Sri Lanka (SBSL) and GTF. They alleged the ‘Himalaya Declaration’ didn’t address their grievances.
They alleged SBSL and GTF ignored the pain and suffering of Tamils during the conflict and post-war period.A delegation, led by the UK-based GTF spokesperson Suren Surendiran, was in Colombo recently to promote the latest reconciliation effort.
The move drew swift condemnation from TNPF MP Gajendrakumar Ponnanbalam and former TNA MP Suresh Premachandran (EPRLF) while the TNA distanced itself from the GTF effort.
The Tamil grouping drew the attention of the government and all other parties to the following issues:
1) Reduce armed forces presence in Tamil areas to the pre-war 1983 levels
2) Stop the destruction of Hindu temples, ancient Hindu sites and stop building Buddhist temples in Tamil areas
3) Stop government sponsored Sinhalese settlements in Tamil areas and stop land grab of Tamil lands by the government. Release all the civilian lands still occupied by the security forces.
4) As requested by the UN, refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC)
5) To prevent further bloodshed, hold an internationally conducted referendum to solve protracted Tamil conflict
The following were the signatories: A. Vijayakumar, President – Student Union, University of Jaffna, Y. Kanagaranjini, President – Association for relatives of the enforced Disappearances, North and East Provinces, Thavathiru Velan Swamigal, Sivaguru Aatheenam – Coordinator, Pottuvil to Polikandy Rally, (P2P), Fr. Joseph Marry (S J) – Batticaloa, T. Thangaraja, President – Employee’s Union, University of Jaffna, Vimaleswaran Srikantharuban, Women United Monitoring Society, North and East Provinces, Thavathiru Adikal, Thenkailai Aatheenam – Trincomalee, Fr. Jayanthan Pachchek OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Jaffna, Vigneswaren Gajaruban, Student Union, Faculty of Art and Culture, Eastern University, Mithilaichelvi Sripathmanathan, Working Women Society, Fr. Kandaiya Jegathas, Coordinator, Pottuvil to Polikandy Rally, (P2P) and S. Sivachandran, Centre for Women and Development.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
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