Members of Bangladesh Soldiers of Islam, the children wing of Youth Jamiyat, hold the Quran during an anti-U.S. protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, June 3, 2005. The group was demonstrating against the alleged desecration of the Quran by U.S. soldiers in Guantanamo Bay


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U.S. Confirms Gitmo Soldier Kicked Quran

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon on Friday released new details about mishandling of the Quran at the Guantanamo Bay prison for terror suspects, confirming that a soldier deliberately kicked the Muslim holy book and that an interrogator stepped on a Quran and was later fired for "a pattern of unacceptable behavior." In other confirmed incidents, a guard's urine came through an air vent and splashed on a detainee and his Quran; water balloons thrown by prison guards caused an unspecified number of Qurans to get wet; and in a confirmed but ambiguous case, a two-word obscenity was written in English on the inside cover of a Quran. The findings, released after normal business hours Friday evening, are among the results of an investigation last month by Brig. Gen. Jay Hood, the commander of the detention center in Cuba, that was triggered by a Newsweek magazine report — later retracted — that a U.S. soldier had flushed one Guantanamo Bay detainee's Quran down a toilet.

The story stirred worldwide controversy and the Bush administration blamed it for deadly demonstrations in Afghanistan. Hood said in a written statement released Friday evening, along with the new details, that his investigation "revealed a consistent, documented policy of respectful handling of the Quran dating back almost 2 1/2 years." A spokesman for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Lawrence Di Rita, did not address the confirmed incidents of mishandling the Muslim holy book. Reached while traveling with Rumsfeld in Asia, Di Rita said that U.S. Southern Command policy calls for "serious, respectful and appropriate" handling of the Quran. "The Hood inquiry would appear to affirm that policy," Di Rita said. Hood said that of nine mishandling cases that were studied in detail by reviewing thousands of pages of written records, five were confirmed to have happened. He could not determine conclusively whether the four others took place. In one of those four unconfirmed cases, a detainee in April 2003 complained to FBI and other interrogators that guards "constantly defile the Quran." The detainee alleged that in one instance a female military guard threw a Quran into a bag of wet towels to anger another detainee, and he also alleged that another guard said the Quran belonged in the toilet and that guards were ordered to do these things. Hood said he found no other record of this detainee mentioning any Quran mishandling. The detainee has since been released. In the most recent confirmed case, Hood said a detainee complained on March 25, 2005, of urine splashing on him and his Quran. An unidentified guard admitted at the time that "he was at fault," the Hood report said, although it did not say whether the act was deliberate. The guard's supervisor reprimanded him and assigned him to gate guard duty, where he had no contact with detainees for the remainder of his assignment at Guantanamo Bay.

As described in the Hood report, the guard had left his observation post and went outside to urinate. He urinated near an air vent and the wind blew his urine through the vent into the cell block. The incident was not further explained. In another of the confirmed cases, a contract interrogator stepped on a detainee's Quran in July 2003 and then apologized. "The interrogator was later terminated for a pattern of unacceptable behavior, an inability to follow direct guidance and poor leadership," the Hood report said. Hood also said his investigation found 15 cases of detainees mishandling their own Qurans. "These included using a Quran as a pillow, ripping pages out of the Quran, attempting to flush a Quran down the toilet and urinating on the Quran," Hood's report said. It offered no possible explanation for those alleged abuses. In the most recent of those 15 cases, a detainee on Feb. 18, 2005, allegedly ripped up his Quran and handed it to a guard, stating that he had given up on being a Muslim. Several of the guards witnessed this, Hood reported. Last week, Hood disclosed that he had confirmed five cases of mishandling of the Quran, but he refused to provide details. Allegations of Quran desecration at Guantanamo Bay have led to anti-American passions in many Muslim nations, although Pentagon officials have insisted that the problems were relatively minor and that U.S. commanders have gone to great lengths to enable detainees to practice their religion in captivity.

Hood said last week that he found no credible evidence that a Quran was ever flushed down a toilet. He said a prisoner who was reported to have complained to an FBI agent in 2002 that a military guard threw a Quran in the toilet has since told Hood's investigators that he never witnessed any form of Quran desecration. Other prisoners who were returned to their home countries after serving time at Guantanamo Bay as terror suspects have alleged Quran desecration by U.S. guards, and some have said a Quran was placed in a toilet. There are about 540 detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Some have been there more than three years without being charged with a crime. Most were captured on the battlefields of Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002 and were sent to Guantanamo Bay in hope of extracting useful intelligence about the al-Qaida terrorist network. Both President Bush and Rumsfeld have denounced an Amnesty International report that called the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay "the gulag of our time."

The president told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that the report by the human-rights group was "absurd." On Wednesday, Rumsfeld called the characterization "reprehensible" and said the U.S. military had taken care to ensure that detainees were free to practice their religion. However, he also acknowledged that some detainees had been mistreated, even "grievously" at times.

Austrians to build 2000 houses for Lanka's Tsunami victims

Austrian organisations working in Sri Lanka will build around 2000 houses at a cost of approximately Rs. 600 million for tsunami victims who lost homes. Those organisations and the Austrian public have already donated 50 million Euro to Sri Lanka for the welfare of tsunami victims, Consul for Austria Senaka D. Amerasinghe said.

Addressing the media at the Colombo Plaza yesterday, Amerasinghe said Austria is very happy about the way Sri Lankans handled the reconstruction of railway tracks destroyed by the tsunami. Two hundred houses in the Galle district have already been constructed and handed over to victims. Construction of more houses are being carried out by Austrian organisations, he added.

Amerasinghe said the Vice Chancellor of the Austrian Government will visit Sri Lanka next week.

Sri Lanka's Coordinator of Institute for Integrative Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding, Christopher Temt said rebuilding tsunami affected villages is not just reconstructing houses but is building peace. This is Austria's contribution for a peaceful Sri Lanka.

Site Project Manager, Waagner - Biro Brueckenbau AG, Colombo Office, Ernie Jimenez said three villages: 250 houses and a hospital in Nintavur, 200 houses in Vattavan and 100 houses in Samuduragama will be constructed. The number of houses expected to be built in the North-East is around 550 and the number of houses expected to built in the South is 450.

Several other representatives from different Austrian organisations also spoke. According to them, they maintain close contacts with the inhabitants of the houses while building them.

A group from the Austrian Army visited Sri Lanka and assisted in debris clearing soon after the tsunami.

Water purification plants, 21 buses and six pick up trucks (from Austrian Federal Railway) are among the six donations received from Austrian organisations.

The Austrian Organisations (Red Cross) also assisted community service in Ratnapura. Seva Lanka and Sarvodaya are among the local organisations which worked with the Austrian organisations.

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India, Sri Lanka express concern over cease-fire violations by Tamil Tiger rebels Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Friday won India's crucial backing for an aid deal with Tamil Tiger rebels, but both sides expressed concern over cease-fire violations and the alleged acquisition of aircraft by the militants.

After meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other officials, Kumaratunga thanked India for the prompt help after the devastating Dec. 26 tsunami, and briefed them on developments in the peace process with the rebels as well as work done in the tsunami-affected areas.

New Delhi announced a grant of 1 billion rupees (US$22 million; euro18 million) for Colombo's tsunami reconstruction efforts and a three-year moratorium on debt payments, according to an Indian foreign ministry statement.

One of the main purposes of Kumaratunga's visit was to get India's support for her efforts to establish a Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure, an aid coalition involving the rebels. The alliance would for the first time make the rebels a partner in distributing foreign aid, something that has been slammed by Kumaratunga's main coalition partner.

``The Prime Minister expressed understanding of and support for these ongoing efforts,'' the statement said.

On Friday, Kumaratunga also met Sonia Gandhi, head of the Congress party that leads India's ruling coalition. Gandhi's husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, was assassinated by a Tamil Tiger suicide bomber in 1991.

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 for a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils in the north and east of the country, claiming discrimination by the majority Sinhalese. The conflict killed nearly 65,000 people before the cease-fire, which has largely held despite sporadic violations and the breakdown in peace talks in 2003.

``In their discussions on the peace process, concern was expressed over cease-fire violations. Particular concern was expressed over the illegal acquisition of air capability,'' the joint statement said.

Sri Lankan media reports say the rebels have acquired two aircraft, but the Tigers have only admitted to having an airstrip in the rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu.

The statement added that India and Sri Lanka ``emphasized the need for the early resumption of negotiations in the peace process that will lead to a durable political solution that maintains the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.''

India and Sri Lanka have close cultural links. India's southern state of Tamil Nadu is home to 56 million ethnic Tamils, who have traditional links with Sri Lanka's minority of 3.2 million Tamils.

India was among the first countries to help Sri Lanka tackle the damage caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami which killed 31,000 people and affected 1 million others in the island nation. But residents in Tamil-majority areas controlled by the Tigers have complained that aid has been slow to reach them.

Singh ``reiterated that India remains committed to assist Sri Lanka's remarkable efforts to recover from the tragedy of the tsunami,'' the statement said.

Kumaratunga returns home Saturday.

Eds: Associated Press Writer Shimali Senanayake in Colombo, Sri Lanka contributed to this report.

Tamil-majority northeast shuts down, demanding withdrawal of Sri Lankan troops

Grenade attacks wounded at least eight people in northeastern Sri Lanka on Friday, as schools and businesses closed to demand the withdrawal of government troops from a restive city after clashes between ethnic Tamils and Sinhalese, officials and residents said.

About 2,000 extra military personnel and police were deployed in the eastern port town of Trincomalee following the last month's ethnic violence over the construction of a Buddha statue in the heart of the multi-religious town.

Trincomalee has been volatile, with many residents demanding that the security forces leave.

Six people were slightly wounded when unidentified attackers lobbed a grenade into a vegetable market near Trincomalee, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) northeast of the capital, Colombo, said police officer Neville Wijesinghe.

Separately, two suspected Tamil Tiger rebels threw a grenade at air force troops at a security checkpoint in Trincomalee, said military spokesman Brig. Daya Ratnayake.

The grenade didn't explode, but the two men were shot when the air force personnel fired in self-defense, and both were hospitalized, Ratnayake said.

Also Friday, suspected Tamil Tigers hurled another grenade at an army vehicle in the same region but it exploded prematurely and caused no damage, the spokesman said.

Area residents wanted the extra security forces out.

``We only want these additional troops withdrawn as promised. They are blocking normal life,'' said lawmaker Kanagalingam Sivajilingam of the Tamil National Alliance, a political party backed by the Tamil Tigers.

Sri Lanka's government had promised to withdraw the extra security forces immediately in return for the postponement of a strike by Tamils, Sivajilingam said. There was no immediate comment from the government.

About 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 19 million people are Sinhalese Buddhists. Minority Tamils are mostly Hindu.

However, Trincomalee _ where Sri Lanka's navy has a base _ has roughly equal numbers of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.

Tamils opposed the construction of the Buddha statue in the city, and held a five-day protest strike in Trincomalee last month. Violence broke out and a grenade, thrown by an unidentified attacker, left one person dead.

The Tamil Tiger rebels began an armed insurrection in 1983, demanding a separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka's northeast. More than 65,000 people were killed in the conflict before a 2002 Norway-brokered cease-fire was signed. Peace talks have been suspended since 2003 due to disagreements over power-sharing.

Tamils have longed claimed to have suffered from discrimination by the Sinhalese.

News in brief

Fire destroys 20 line rooms
TWENTY line rooms were destroyed in a fire which broke out in New Peacock Estate N.P. division in the Pussellawa Police area on Wednesday night.
An electrical short circuit is believed to have caused the fire, said Inspector T.S. Meedin, OIC Pussellawa Police station.
Nearly 100 persons belonging to 20 families were occupying the line rooms but there were no casualties among them. Pussellawa Police is investigating.

Fathima needs help
FATHIMA Rikasha, three and a half-year-old daughter of A. S. Gafoor, a resident of 64/4, St. Joseph's Street, Grandpass, Colombo 14 is suffering from Leukaemia and has been treated at the Meenakshi Hospital, Madurai, India. She needs to undergo further treatment at the same hospital. Dr. V. W. Rajasekaran has recommended further treatment to save the child's life and the cost is estimated at Rs. 200,000. The child's parents have requested public donations for this purpose saying they are unable to bear the total cost. Those wishing to help could remit their contributions to Account No. 046-040661-7 S/A at the Hatton national Bank, Grandpass Branch, Colombo 14.

She needs help
WALGAMPALAGE Julanji Dithmi Perera, two years and eight months, has a cavity in the heart which has to be treated immediately. The heart surgery to cure her is estimated to cost Rs. 235,000, according to a medical report certified by Dr. Aruna Kapuruge, Consultant Cardio Thoracic Surgeon of Sri Jayewardenapura General Hospital, Nugegoda.
The child's parents are unable to meet this expenditure. Financial contributions to meet the medical expenses can be remitted to the child's mother D. Mallika, C/o W. Aloysius Wickremasinghe Perera, No. 3/F/2, Jayatilaka Watta, Melegama, Wadduwa.

Best Tamil Journalist of the year
Wisu Karunanidhi of the Thinakaran has won the award for best journalist of the year (Tamil) in the journalism award for excellence 2004 organised by Editors Guild of Sri Lanka.
Karunanidhi from Ratnapura and old boy of Ratnapura St. Luke's and Ratnapura Tamil Maha Vidyalaya is also interested in radio play writing, poem and short story writing.
A recipient of Diploma in Journalism from the Colombo University Karunanidhi underwent a training program at The Hindu Newspaper at Chennai last year which was organise by the High Commission of India.

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TNA to lead a hartal in the East today

The Tamil National Alliance is to lead a hartal in the eastern province tomorrow. TNA sources said they would lead the hartal today led by some of their parliamentarians from the eastern province. However, TNA leader R. Sambandan will be in Colombo today.

International donors cancel aid meeting with Tamil Tigers after top military officer slain
International donors have called off a key meeting with Tamil Tiger rebels to protest the assassination of a senior military officer, officials said Thursday.
Chief representatives of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, U.N. Development Program and the International Monetary Fund in Colombo, were to fly Friday to the rebel-held town of Kilinochchi to meet with the head of the Tigers' political wing, S.P. Thamilselvan.
The meeting has been put off indefinitely as the murder this week of Maj. Nizam Muthalif made it inappropriate to hold the talks, senior officials said on condition of anonymity.
Muthalif was killed by gunmen as he sat in his car in Colombo. The government suspects rebels in the attack.
Residents in Tamil-majority areas controlled by the Tigers have complained that international aid has been slow to reach them since the devastating earthquake and tsunami of Dec. 26 killed more than 31,000 people in the country and affected 1 million others.
International donors, who pledged nearly US$3 billion (euro2.37 billion) to Sri Lanka, have been reluctant to give any funds directly to the guerrillas, who are listed as terrorists by the United States, Britain and India.
But the talks Friday were to discuss a proposed deal between the government and the rebels that will make them partners in distributing aid to the Tamil-dominated north and east.
The Tamil Tigers began fighting in 1983 for a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils in the north and east of the country, claiming discrimination by the majority Sinhalese.
The conflict killed nearly 65,000 people before the cease-fire, which has largely held despite sporadic violations and a breakdown in peace talks in 2003.
Muthalif was the highest ranking intelligence officer to be killed in the 20-year-civil war. His body was riddled with bullets and he died before doctors could operate on him.

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Tigers Snarl At Muslim Business

The LTTE today prevented two Muslim Businessmen entering un-cleared areas at Poonagar, army sources said. Though the LTTE prevents Muslims from entering LTTE controlled areas, businessmen from LTTE areas are allowed to enter Muslim villages for trade and other visits.
Meanwhile, two LTTE cadres assaulted and injured a Muslim fisherman last week while the victim was on his way to Gennai beach area in Muttur. The victim, K Lareef was on his way for fishing with three others when he was obstructed by LTTE cadres who demanded them to vacate the area.

We Will Never Agree to the Joint Mechanism - JVP

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna stated today that they will never agree to the proposed joint mechanism between the LTTE and the government. The JVP is reported to have submitted proposals to President Kumaratunga on how to provide assistance to everyone affected by the Tsunami, covering 659 Grama Sevaka divisions. According to the JVP there is room for all democratic representatives in their proposals. JVP also stated that "The challenge before us is not to use the tsunami to give power to separatist terrorists and give them recognition but, for all democratic forces to unite, How could we let a group of separatists rebuild the north when they are already using tsunami aid to strengthen their defence capabilities." The JVP further more urged the government to withdraw the proposal immediately.

Four die in van-container collision

Four persons were killed on the spot when the van they were travelling in collided with a container lorry in Periyamulla, Negombo in the early hours of yesterday. Five others in critical condition were admitted to Negombo Hospital. A 7-year-old boy who was among the injured was transferred to the ICU of the Colombo National Hospital.
Negombo ASP Mahanama Karunaratne told the Daily News yesterday that the accident occurred around 3.30am along the Colombo-Chilaw highway when a passenger van travelling at high speed collided head on with the container moving towards Chilaw. The van had turned turtle following the accident, the ASP said.
Preliminary Police investigations had revealed that the victims in the van were returning from a funeral in Rajanganaya.
The lorry driver was taken into custody and was produced before the Negombo Magistrate. Negombo Police Traffic Branch is conducting further investigations.

Int'l community has endorsed Govt's tsunami reconstruction program - President

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday reiterated that she was ready to take forward the process regarding the Joint Aid Distribution Mechanism 'carefully' without making any 'mistake' if the people's blessings are for the process.
The President said there was no time to hear the voice of the 'extremists' against the move as it represents only five per cent of the population.
Addressing a public rally at Polonnaruwa Royal Central College Ground of the concluding ceremony of 'Pulathisi Daruwo' Educational Exhibition, the President said that the strongest ever foundation to take the country towards a bright future has been laid through this move.
"We have already constructed the first storey of the building of a developed country. We need to construct 10 more storeys of the building, no one should obstruct this path by dragging their feet, the President added.
President Kumaratunga pointed out that the People's Alliance Government laid the first and permanent foundation towards solving the North East problem with a clear vision.
"We have taken this process forward step by step to develop the trust between the Sinhalese and Tamils", she pointed out adding it may take a long time for this to happen.
She said the international community and world leaders have already endorsed the Government's programme for tsunami reconstruction at the Kandy Development Forum.
President Kumaratunga pointed out that her Government has laid a strong foundation to develop the country, first through developing the infrastructure and education in the country.
She said it was useless to have all these development programmes if a country has no permanent peace.
She said the Tamil people too have the right to fight for their rights in the same manner that the doctors and nurses demand for their rights.
"This situation has been created as the J.R. Jayewardene regime tried to respond to the Tamil people's demands through killings and violence", she added.
The President admitted that the Tamil people were deprived of their rights for the past five decades.
"No major development programmes have been implemented in the North and East," she added.
The President said more than ninety per cent of population are against dragging the country back to war though some extremists are making a huge hue and cry against the move based on their ideologies.
"They should take decisions practically without basing them on their ideologies," the President pointed out.
"We have no time to hear the extremists voice against the move as country has got its best chance to progress towards a bright future," the President added.
The President said her Government has given topmost priority to education.
River Basin Development and Rajarata Development Minister Maitripala Sirisena, Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake also spoke.

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Former US President Bill Clinton on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday.

Clinton arrives, visits Kalmunai today

FORMER US President Bill Clinton who arrived here last night, making his first trip to Sri Lanka as the UN Special envoy for tsunami reconstruction, was received by Finance Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

He will travel to Kalmunai this morning to inspect the reconstruction activities in progress there.

He will meet Eastern Muslim leaders during his tour of this worst affected part of the Eastern Province, in the December 26 tsunami which devastated one third of the country's coastline killing nearly 40,000.

The visit made as part of a lightening tour of four tsunami affected countries in the Indian Ocean rim, the Special Envoy will also meet representatives of the donor community based in Colombo and civil society leaders this afternoon.

He will be hosted to lunch by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga at her residence today prior to which she will brief him on the post tsunami reconstruction program of the Government.

After hosting a media conference in Colombo at 4.30 pm, Clinton will leave for the Maldives. He started his tour from Chennai and will end it visiting Aceh province.

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Security tight as Clinton visits Sri Lanka to review tsunami reconstruction Anti-terrorist commandoes in armored vehicles joined policemen to ring the perimeter of a soccer field where Bill Clinton's helicopter was set to land in a Muslim-majority Sri Lankan town, as the former U.S. president toured tsunami-hit areas to make sure aid is being distributed properly. Clinton arrived in Sri Lanka - Friday evening on his second visit to this Indian Ocean island since Dec. 26, when massive waves smashed one-third of the country's coast, killing at least 31,000 people and displacing another 1 million.

Kalmunai is in one of the hardest-hit areas.

During his tour, Clinton hopes to promote ``transparency and accountability'' measures to ensure aid resources are used fairly, ``while retaining the engagement of the millions of investors in this operation,'' according to a statement released before his arrival.

``He is committed to keeping the world's attention focused on the tsunami recovery,'' said Jehane Sedky-Lavandero, the press officer for the Office of the Special Envoy of Tsunami Recovery.

Sri Lanka - says it has received more than US$3 billion (euro2.39 billion) in pledges and commitments for post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction. But the government is far behind schedule in providing permanent homes for the displaced.

The government-run Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency says the number of homeless has fallen from 900,000 immediately after the disaster to 40,000 now but that is mainly because people have moved in with relatives to escape miserable conditions at relief centers.

The government says it has signed agreements with donor agencies to build 27,000 houses, and has pledges for 90,000 in total. But only 119 have been completed, and work to build 5,000 more has just begun.

Clinton traveled to Sri Lanka - from southern India, where he met with tsunami survivors in the hard-hit district of Nagapattinam.

After his Sri Lanka - tour, he will head to the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, where the tsunami killed 82 people. He will end his trip with a visit to Indonesia, the worst-hit country.

Clinton last visited Sri Lanka - in February with another former U.S. president, George H.W. Bush.

Singapore ex-convicts to help tsunami victims in Sri Lanka , report says

A group ex-convicts from Singapore left for Sri Lanka - to provide humanitarian support to tsunami victims, news reports said Saturday. ``This program is proving to be effective,'' said the leaders of one of the two teams to Sri Lanka - , Assistant-Superintendent Mark Galistan. The first team left on Friday while the other is due to depart on June 6. Calls to prison officials rang unanswered Saturday.

LTTE Uses Terrorism to achieve its Political Goals - President Bush

U.S. President George W. Bush says the United States and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close relations based on common support for the values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and free trade. Sri Lanka has faced great challenges since its independence in 1948, most significantly a separatist conflict with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which uses terrorism to achieve its political goals. He said " No political objectives can justify the use of terror against innocent civilians. A solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement. He said ". The United States supports Sri Lanka's peace process and a solution that respects Sri Lanka's unity and sovereignty. The cease-fire

signed in 2002 opened the possibility of peaceful settlement of Sri Lanka's conflict. Unfortunately that process has stalled. The United States urges all parties in Sri Lanka to reengage with the peace process and reach a final settlement."

He made this observation in remarks exchanged at the formal ceremony where Sri Lanka's newly appointed Ambassador to the US, Bernard A.B. Goonetilleke, presented his Letter of Credence at the Oval Office of the White House, on Thursday. The President also said "Sri Lanka over the years has achieved commendable success in quality of life despite terrorism and the challenges of development" and that " if peace is achieved, Sri Lanka has the potential to end poverty and expand economic opportunity. Sri Lanka's highly educated

population, if mobilized, could expand trade and create new industries in the technology sector. Sri Lanka's highly educated population, if mobilized, could expand trade and create new industries in the technology sector. Completing the task of economic reform has the potential to turn Sri Lanka into a regional trade hub, one that could transform Sri Lanka and provide for all Sri Lankans a secure and prosperous future. Sri Lanka had only begun the long road of recovery from decades of warfare and terrorism when it was struck by the tsunami of December 26, 2004. Americans are a caring people, and all Americans were touched by this tragedy. The United States has joined the international community in a commitment to help rebuild after this disaster. I recently signed into law legislation providing funds for this recovery effort. However, beyond the United States Government contribution to reconstruction are contributions from thousands of private Americans."

Thanking the US President Ambassador Goonetilleke said "For nearly two decades, Sri Lanka had to endure the devastating effects of terrorism silently and alone. In recent years, terrorism has become a global phenomenon compelling the attention of the entire international community. Whether terrorism strikes in Colombo, New York, Madrid or Beslan, as we have witnessed in the recent past, victims of terrorism are by and large innocent civilians and perpetrators are ruthless individuals or groups, who wish to impose their will on others with no regard for human life and democratic

rights of people. We remain steadfast in our support in the battle against global terrorism and are confident that the strong support the United States is giving to bring an end to terrorism in Sri Lanka will be continued." He also said "Sri Lanka is happy to be recognized as a "good partner of the

United States", on the basis of the policies followed in promoting good governance, investing in people, promoting economic freedom and democracy. These attributes have enabled Sri Lanka to be among the first 16 countries selected for funding under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) for FY

2004. We are further encouraged by our subsequent eligibility for MCA assistance in FY 2005." "The close relations we enjoy are also reflected in the development assistance we receive from the USA, which has contributed considerably in improving the lives of our people. Similarly, we are appreciative of the ongoing cooperation in the defence field." added Goonetillke

The ANCL building lit up with Vesak illuminations. and One of the exhibits for the ANCL Vesak lantern contest.

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Tension grips Trinco again as TNA predicts repercussions..

The atmosphere of tension deepened earlier today in a sequel to a magisterial order to the UDA stipulating that action against all unauthorized religious and other constructions be dealt with under the provisions of the law. The decision came shortly after North-East Governor sped off to Trincomalee for last minute reconciliatory attempts to douse the rising tension in the area which has made Trincomalee a potential catalyst for a religious /political clash of huge proportions.

The law provides for the demolition of all unauthorised constructions. Hitherto, unauthorized commercial structures and domestic dwellings in other part of the country have been bulldozed with out notice by the urban development authorities of other provinces.

TNA Parliamentarian Kanagendran Eelaventhan warned of "severe repercussions" if the controversial Buddha statue in Trincomalee town was "not removed by tonight."

The spokesman for the TNA which is the Colombo political arm of the LTTE, said " we view the erection of the new Buddha statue as an act symbolising state sponsored colonization of Trincomalee".

Meanwhile, DIG Eastern Province, Neville Wijesinghe told lankamuslims.com that the court today ordered the town council to take legal action against all illegal constructions in the Trincomalee area.

He said that there were no immediate signs of antagonistic actions in the area "though in the last 72 hours tension has been high in the area."

The new replacement statue erected by the North East Sinhala Organization.(NESO) a few days ago, triggered the LTTE sponsored harthal that had crippled Trincomalee town for several days before Vesak Celebrations

News Today

Trinco Tension - Government Express Concern Without Naming the LTTE - Forces Say LTTE Behind Unrest

The government has expressed its concern on the continuing tension in Trincomalee without directly naming the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the unrest in the port city. However the Security Forces have gone on record placing the blame on the LTTE for the unrest created in the city. A member of the Security Forces said they had complained to the SLMM before Vesak that it was the LTTE that was inciting violence in the area.

A statement from the government states that it's concerned about the situation caused by a small group of residents in Trincomalee with the assistance of several outside forces. The statement said that the security of the residents of Trincomalee has been strengthened and the President held discussions with the leader of the Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan to seek ways of resolving the problem in a durable manner and a Citizens committee was formed for the district of Trincomalee. The President also had sent a team of representatives to Trinco led by Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Defence Secretary Asoka Jayawardane.

108 families in Galle occupy World Vision-built transitional shelters

A total of 108 families, once resident along the southern coast of the tsunami-devastated district of Galle moved out of displaced camps and into new transitional shelters built for them by World Vision Lanka.

The occupation of houses took place at three points in Galle District - 50 families in Rejjupura, 34 in Nagaragalawatte and another 24 families in Janandanaramaya. Each cluster of houses was situated in the Hikkaduwa division of Galle and benefited families whose homes had been completely destroyed by the tsunami December last year.

Each cluster of transitional houses occupied by displaced people has been built well within the Government stipulated boundaries away from the beach.

The Commissioner General of Essential Services, Tilak Ranaviraja, present at the occasion said that the Government of Sri Lanka would take the responsibility of providing water and electricity to the new residents of the 108 transitional shelters. He also promised the residents that the Government would pay their water and electricity bills at this time of difficulty.

Many of the new residents said that transitional shelters provided by World Vision was timely. The rain season has set in, in most parts of the country.

It is hoped that the more permanent nature of transitional shelter and the organized placement of units will allow for more privacy to families and protect children from health hazards during the rainy season like dengue and malaria.

Skynet News

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Over 200 Tamils slain in apparent political attacks in Sri Lanka since 2002

Up to 200 Tamils have been slain in apparent political violence that has undermined Sri Lanka's peace since the 2002 halt in its civil war, and the government hasn't done enough to investigate the attacks, a human rights monitor said Tuesday.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch suggested most of the killings were the result of a split in the ranks of the Tamil Tigers in 2004, and called for an independent commission to investigate the violence and recommend ways to end it.

``In a country where Tamil grievances have been the primary cause of a protracted and complicated civil war, the failure by the government to pursue these killings is particularly troubling and raises serious questions about its stated commitment to take Tamil human rights concerns seriously,'' the group said.

Sri Lankan police denied that they were closing their eyes to the killings.

``When a killing takes place in areas under (the rebels') control, we cannot investigate,'' police spokesman Rienzie Perera said of large swathe of land in the northeast where the Tamil Tigers run a parallel administration.

And sometimes, when killings occur in areas under government control, witnesses have refused to give evidence out of fear of retribution, Perera said.

Since the 2002 cease-fire, ``an estimated 200 Tamils have been killed for apparently political reasons,'' Human Rights Watch said in its statement.

The April 28 slaying of well-known Tamil journalist Dharmeratnam Sivaram by ``unknown assailants is only one of a long line of assassinations of outspoken members of the Tamil community,'' the group said.

Sivaram, a founding member of the pro-rebel TamilNet Web site and a columnist for the English language Daily Mirror, was killed after being abducted in Colombo.

``We have yet to see the government seriously investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for politically motivated killings of Tamils,'' said Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch.

The rights group linked much of the violence to a split in the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam in March 2004, when a commander broke off from the mainstream rebel organization. ``A number of the victims were persons deemed to be supporters of one faction or the other,'' it said.

``The evidence available places responsibility for many of the killings on the Tamil Tigers,'' the group said. ``In many cases there is circumstantial evidence of LTTE involvement, such as threats from LTTE members or agents prior to a killing.''

Other killings have been linked to the breakaway faction, the group said.

Adams said that the cease-fire has been a welcome development for Sri Lanka ``but some are using it as an opportunity to kill their opponents.''

A Bhakthi Gee recital was held at the President’s House on Sunday as a prelude to Vesak celebrations on Full Moon Vesak Poya Day. Here President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga along with Ministers watch students and artistes singing Bhakthi Gee.

News in Brief

Trinco quiet after deadly violence but still simmering The Trincomalee vicinity was relatively calm today while tension still prevailed between the North East Sinhalese Organization and the LTTE sponsored Tamil People’s Organization, according to sources from the East.

Meanwhile, senior military officials held a meeting at the Trincomalee Naval Base yesterday with the presence of Secretary Defence, Three Forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police and senior government officials to curb the spread of violence, according to army sources.

Army Spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake told lankamuslims.com that the army is providing maximum security to prevent clashes. He added that the Sinhalese and Muslim shops remain opened today while some of the Tamil shops were closed.

Meanwhile, three LTTE cadres who entered the Kumara Business centre and exploded a grenade inside the shop were cornered and attacked by anngered public. LTTE cadres Sakthivel Yasotharan, Tharmalingam Pirabaharan and Nathan were injured during this incident and have been admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital, sources claim.

Trincomalee Magistrate and Additional District Judge M.Ganesharaja last Wednesday instructed police to initiate a dialogue between all concerned parties to find a peaceful resolution to the Buddha statue crisis in Trincomalee. However, no amicable resolution was reached between the parties. No further news was available on the other unauthorized religious places of worship erected in UDA territory

LTTE cadres allegedly shot the former Mayor of Trincomalee, Periya Adi Sooriyamoorthi while he was standing in front of his house last Wednesday night. The former Mayor had played a prominent role to reconcile differences between ethnic groups in Trincomalee in the past few weeks after LTTE called for protest campaigns that led to a chain of violent acts. His conditions remain critical according to hospital sources.

The new replacement statue erected by the North East Sinhala Organization.(NESO) a few days ago, triggered the LTTE sponsored harthal that crippled Trincomalee town for the last several days.

The Trincomalee vicinity is relatively calm today while the tension still prevails between the North East Sinhalese Organization and the LTTE sponsored Tamil People's Organization, according to sources from the East.

Meanwhile, senior military officials held a meeting at the Trincomalee Naval Base yesterday with the presence of Secretary Defence, Three Forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police and senior government officials to curb the spread of violence, according to army sources.

Army Spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake told lankamuslims.com that the army is providing maximum security to prevent clashes. He also added that the Sinhalese and Muslim shops remain open today while some of the Tamil shops were closed.

Meanwhile, three LTTE cadres who entered the Kumara Business centre and exploded a grenade inside the shop were cornered and attacked by an angered public. LTTE cadres Sakthivel Yasotharan, Tharmalingam Pirabaharan and Nathan were injured during this incident and have been admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital, sources claim.

Trincomalee Magistrate and Additional District Judge M.Ganesharaja last Wednesday instructed the Police to initiate a dialogue between all concerned parties to find a peaceful resolution to the Buddha statue crisis in Trincomalee.

However, no amicable resolution is reached between the parties so far and the controversial Buddha statue still remains No further news is heard about the other unauthorized religious places of worship erected in UDA territory.

Alleged LTTE cadres shot the former Mayor of Trincomalee, Periya Adi Sooriyamoorthi
while he was standing in front of his house last Wednesday night.

The former Mayor had played a prominent role to reconcile differences between ethnic groups in Trincomalee during past several days after LTTE called for protest campaigns that led to a chain of violent acts. His conditions remain critical according to hospital sources.

The new replacement statue erected by the North East Sinhala Organization.(NESO) a few days ago, triggered the LTTE sponsored harthal that had crippled Trincomalee town for the last several days.

LTTE office in Batticaloa attacked.

The LTTE office in Periyakallaru, Batticaloa was attacked last Saturday evening by unidentified men causing death to an elderly lady who was residing in a neighbourhood house. No LTTE cadres were present at the time of the attack, according to sources.

Army Spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake said that this attack may have been carried out by the Karuna faction at the same time he said that it maybe a way of the LTTE putting the blame on the Karuna faction.

The LTTE political office in Samapanthurai, Amparai was also attacked by an unknown group last Friday causing injuries to three LTTE cadres. The person in charge of the office, Yarlavan was slightly injured while the other two were badly injured, according to sources from Batticaloa.

Eastern Sri Lanka had turned into a hotbed of violence after the Eastern LTTE command broke away from the mainstream group demanding regional autonomy. The factional war for supremacy in the East had destroyed hundreds of lives inboth factions.

Minor tidal waves today and tomorrow likely in Galle – but no need for panic.

Geological and Met Department Chiefs positively ruled out any cause for panic or anxiety following the very minor tidal wave that swept a little inward in Galle early yesterday morning. But inordinately strong winds could whip up very minor tidal waves such as yesterday's" he said, ruling out any cause for fear or panic.

Geological and Mines Bureau Chairman Professor P.G.R. Dharmaratne said after the coastline being cleared of all wind-breakers ( buildings etc) strong winds such as yesterday's abnormal 40kmph force wind could whip up a minor though not threatening tidal wave. Normal winds are not more than 14 kmph, he said.

Director-General of the Geological Department Dr. G.H.T.Dharmaratne said the occurrence was not due to any specific geological activity. "It was combination of a very slightly higher water level that's normal during a full moon , vast acres of beachfront swept flat by last year's Tsunami and an extremely powerful wind of slightly over 40 kmph blowing inward." He said.

Continuing winds also had sea levels about a half of a meter higher than normal mid-morning today with signs of it remaining at normally high full-moon day levels today as well as tomorrow.. Powerful winds today and tomorrow can see a repetition of small tidal waves but they will not be powerful enough to drive further inland or cause any damage, he said.

The tidal wave monitoring unit at the Met.Department predicted sea levels to rise over .65 meters this evening and tomorrow evening - slightly higher than normal predictions. It is believed that in general there has been a slightly higher post-tsunami sea level caused by a significant change in ocean depths and topography caused by the December 26^th. Sea bed earthquakes that rocked the entire Indian ocean and abutting sea and land areas.

Professor Dharmaratne said they had been also monitoring yesterday's Sumatra 6.2 earthquake and ruled out any connection between that quake and the mild tidal wave at Galle yesterday.

Khalid

News Today

Vesak lull in Trinco turmoil

Defence Secretary Major Asoka Jayawardena said yesterday that a speedy solution would be found to bring normalcy in Trincomalee town. He led a high level team to assess the ground situation on the instructions of President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Major Asoka Jayawardena, Chief of Defence Staff Daya Sandagiri, Army Chief Major General Shantha Kottegoda, Air Chief Air Marshall G.D. Perera, IGP Chandra Fernando and Eastern Province DIG Neville Wijesinghe had separate meetings with the Tamil People's Alliance and Buddhist monks yesterday. They said that they would submit a report to the President on the situation.

Trincomalee remained a ghost town for the fifth day yesterday as the hartal called by the Tamil People's Alliance (TPA) protesting the erection of a Buddha statue at Trincomalee junction and calling for its removal continued. Although several shops had been opened in the morning, they were later closed on the orders of the TPA.

TPA President V. Vigneswaran said that they had decided to suspend the hartal for three days from today to honour the Vesak festival.

Vigneswaran said Vesak holidays could be used to bring an understanding between the sides. If no solution was found before Wednesday the hartal would be observed in the entire North East, he said.

Another meeting with Buddhist monks, arranged by the Police, was held at Jayasumanaramaya yesterday. Ven. Dehiowita Piyatissa Thera requested the high level team to take necessary steps to protect Sinhala villages and temples. According to police only two minor incidents were reported yesterday and security had been beefed up in several areas.

The Buddha statue jointly erected by Buddhist monks and Trincomalee Three-wheeler Drivers' Association was unveiled on May 15. An unidentified group threw a hand grenade at the Buddha statue on Monday night.

The TPA organised a hartal on Tuesday protesting the erection of the statue and one youth was killed and four of the same family were injured on Tuesday at the Marathaddi junction. Since then there were sporadic acts of violence causing tension.

readers a happy Vesak

Hopes rise as the moon waxes: The scene on Friday night when the illumined pinnacle of the Ruwanmeliseya in Anuradhapura, a beacon aglow, drawing vast crowds to ponder on the Dhamma this Vesak season.

News in brief

Apology to Minister Mangala Samaraweera

WE sincerely apologise to Ports, Aviation and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera for the publication of a Letter to the Editor on page 3 of yesterday's Daily News under his name.

The letter was in fact sent by Mr. Mangala Samarasekara of Colombo. We are inquiring into this mischievous act.

Amunugama to deliver lecture

FINANCE Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama will deliver the Sarath Muttetuwegama commemoration lecture at the Ratnapura Town Hall on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The subject of his lecture will be 'The Way Forward for the People's Alliance - The Theory and Practice'. This lecture commemorates Communist Party MP Muttetuwegama who died in a motor accident about 19 years ago.

Dr. Amunugama is expected to align the economic theories guiding the People's Alliance with the successful experiments made in the economies of India, China and Vietnam.

He will argue that the true inheritors of these innovative economic models are the constituent parties of the People's Alliance and not free marketers or closed economy advocates.

Proposed amendments to Teachers Service Act approved

THE proposed amendments to the Teachers Service Act to streamline promotions in the service and fresh absorptions to the cadre was approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Education Ministry will in the future be able to effect all promotions satisfactorily without a delay, an Education Ministry spokesperson said.

Due to shortcomings in the Act, introduced in 1994 hoping to elevate the standard of teachers' service with a 50 per cent immediate salary increase, teachers have not been able to enjoy its full benefits.

The President who proposed amendments to the Act following irregularities and heeding to the voices of Teacher Trade Unions presented it before the Cabinet in January this year.

Following Cabinet approval, it was submitted to the PSC in February and the green light was given on Wednesday. The spokesperson said the ministry has issued a corresponding circular to provincial education authorities with the amendments to promotion and absorption clauses that would assure their effective implementation.

Khalid

Today Top Story

Vesak is always a special time for children. Amazing pandals, beautiful lanterns and colourful illuminations, Vesak is a time of wonderment for young minds. These two children lend a hand to put the finishing touches to a couple of lanterns which will adorn their home on Vesak Day.

News Today

President Clinton to visit Sri Lanka on the 27th.

Former US President Bill Clinton will be in Sri Lanka from 27 to 28 of this month. President Clinton will be visiting Sri Lanka primarily in his capacity as the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery. His deputy and former chief of staff Erskine Bowles was here as his representative attending the Development Forum in Kandy. A special taped video message from Clinton was screened at the conference. Clinton's first visit to Sri Lanka along with George Bush (snr) was as a Special Representative of US President George Bush early this year.

Tamil Tiger rebels have recruited 137 children since the December tsunami; nine from relief camps, UNICEF says

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have recruited 137 children into their ranks since the Indian Ocean tsunami, nine of whom were taken directly from relief camps, the U.N. children's agency said Friday.

Geoffrey Keel, UNICEF spokesman in Colombo, said however the rate of child recruitment by the rebels, accused of enlisting youngsters throughout their two-decade insurgency, appeared to be falling.

``But any recruit is one too many,'' he said, adding the children who have joined Tiger ranks in recent weeks were between 14 and 18 years of age.

``There have been 137 cases of child recruitment since the December tsunami,'' he said, adding that nine of the youths had been taken from tsunami relief camps in Sri Lanka's Tamil-majority north and east, parts of which are under guerrilla control.

There was no immediate response from the rebels, though the Tigers have repeatedly denied actively recruiting children to bolster their ranks. They say any minors who volunteer to join them because of poverty or the loss of parents are sent back home.

Sri Lanka's civil war has killed 65,000 people since 1983, but government troops and the rebels have been observing a cease-fire since February 2002.

In 2003, the rebels agreed with both UNICEF and the Sri Lankan government to discharge all child fighters to rehabilitation centers, where they could receive care and counseling to help them rejoin society.

But the U.N. agency has accused the insurgents of reneging on their promise and says that since the agreement the rebels have recruited more than 1,500 children.

Keel said the latest figures indicate recruitment of children is waning.

``It's a positive sign,'' he said. ``We are happy to see the downward trend and hope it will continue.''

Children accounted for a staggering 40 percent, or 12,000, of Sri Lanka's tsunami death toll of at least 31,000. Nearly 1 million people have been left homeless.

Hambantota Port project to start soon

THE Government is determined to go ahead with the Hambantota Port project despite tangible pressure from various international forces that oppose the setting up of a port at this strategic location, Ports and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera declared yesterday.

"We are determined to complete this all-new port regardless of whoever opposes it," Minister Samaraweera told the media at a special briefing in Colombo.

The Minister observed that there were forces within and outside Sri Lanka who did not want to see a port at Hambantota, which will facilitate shipping lines using one of the busiest sea lanes in the world.

Construction is due to begin soon on the port, which many experts have contended would affect a number of regional ports.

"There are international forces who don't want that to happen. There are forces within our institutions who don't want to see a port at Hambantota," the Minister alleged.

The first phase of the project will be a bunkering system (four pipelines ) and a 10-tank farm, estimated to cost US$ 80 million. An agreement in this regard was signed in April with China's Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Corporation and funding for the project will be on a Government to Government basis. The construction of the tank farm is scheduled for next month.

The Hambantota Port will eventually evolve from a ship bunkering port to a fully-fledged container port.

The Minister also disclosed that plans were underway to start the Colombo South Port Project soon. "The Colombo Port in its present form will reach saturation point in 2008. A new port is thus urgently required. We must begin construction of the new port in 2006," he said.

The proposed port will house four terminals (12 berths) and will handle the new generation of mega ships. The breakwater of the port will be developed at a cost of US$ 300 million. The Asian Development bank will contribute US$ 200 million, while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will contribute the rest.

It has also been suggested that the Port be managed on a Private Public Partnership basis, with a private company managing the venture under the ownership of the SLPA.

The Minister also disclosed plans for the development of the Galle Port from 2006 at a cost of US$ 200 million. The port, placed farther out from the present location, is estimated to cost US$ 140 million.

Construction will be funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The existing port at Galle will be converted to a yacht marina.

The Trincomalee Port will also be developed, as part of an overall plan to upgrade the city's tourist facilities. The Oluvil Port will be constructed with Danish help.

The Dutch Government has agreed to grant US$ 33 million for urgent repairs of the KKS harbour.

Several mega shipping lines have confirmed that they would start new services to Colombo, officials said.

Khalid

News Today

Tsunami relief idling at Colombo Port

While the International Community continues to send essential items and other necessities for the tsunami victims, our own Colombo Port authorities and Finance Ministry allegedly treat essential relief consignments sent by foreign Governments, organizations, etc, with callous indifference, informed sources claimed.

In one such incident, the Saudi Government and other Saudi officials reportedly at their own expense dispatched 46 container loads of essential items to Sri Lankan tsunami victims during the first week of April, had suffered neglect at the hands of Port authorities.

The clearance of this consignment of humanitarian relief was inordinate by delay when certain officials of the Colombo Port and the e Ministry refused to release them. So far only some 15 of these containers have been released, and this too after the Saudi benefactors offered to pay customs clearing charges. Meanwhile, the consignee had to pay demurrage charges brought about by the roadblocks erected by the Air Force personnel who are deployed by authorities to ensure 100% percent checking of all relief containers

According to the sources, delaying tactics were employed by the authorities although the Saudi Embassy Officials in Colombo completed the stipulated procedures for clearance of the shipment. The Embassy had also made repeated requests for clearance from the Finance Ministry. But on April 22, a letter from the by the Director General, Fiscal Policy of the Finance Ministry notified that the shipment concerned was not DPL Cargo, and would hence was subject to routine clearance procedure.

“It’s a tragic situation. Still 30 containers are at the Port awaiting clearance, even after many weeks, since the consignment arrived,” sources pointed out.

Trinco still tense as Buddha statue crisis simmers - partial Harthal continues

Trincomalee town remained tense, though eased in comparison with yesterday's crisis level, with the LTTE sponsored Harthal only partially in force. The controversial Buddha statue remained in place while Sinhalese shops re-opened with heavy armed patrols visible on the streets.

Trincomalee Magistrate and Additional District Judge M.Ganesharaja yesterday instructed the Police to initiate a dialogue between all concerned parties to find a peaceful resolution to the Buddha statue crisis in Trincomalee , a court official said.

In court for the hearing were UC Special Commissioner S.Arumainayagam, UC Secretary S.Vipulanandan ,TDTPF President V.Vigneswaran, Trincomalee Head Quarters Inspector and ASP Priyantha.The Secretary of the Three Wheelers' Association was absent during the hearing.

ASP Priyantha submitted to the court that if Buddha statues were to be removed then the question regarding two unauthorized Kovils in the same vicinity would arise. However, there had not been any complaints so far against Kovils or other unauthorized religious monuments and statues. The Magistrate directed the Police to work in co-operation with the UDA and Urban Council to deal with such matters towards a peaceful resolution, should any complaints against the Kovils be received.

The situation was far from normalcy with Tamil shops keeping shutters closed for the third consecutive day, Army spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake said.

In Colombo, officials in both the Buddha Sasana Ministry and the Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, had no comment when contacted.