LLRC Report Released to President
The Chairman of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), C.R. De Silva, handed over the commission's much-anticipated report to President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Nov. 20).
The 400 page document which contains testimonials of victims and families of victims affected by the LTTE war includes the commission’s recommendations to the Sri Lankan government. Details have not been released as yet.
The LLRC held 57 public sessions and undertook 12 field visits at over 40 locations to talk to the people in the north and east and in other war affected areas of the country.
The 400 page document which contains testimonials of victims and families of victims affected by the LTTE war includes the commission’s recommendations to the Sri Lankan government. Details have not been released as yet.
The LLRC held 57 public sessions and undertook 12 field visits at over 40 locations to talk to the people in the north and east and in other war affected areas of the country.
Sri Lankan Films Focus of San Francisco Film Fest
Sri Lankan film director Asoka Handagama with festival directors Anuj
Vaidya and Ivan Jaigirdir at the Castro Theater.
Photo by Melati Kaye.
Sri Lanka was the focus of San Francisco 3rd i South Asian Film Festival, running November 9-13 at the Little Roxie Theater and the Castro Theater. Through collaboration with various organizations including UNESCO, 3rd i presented four films from Sri Lanka: Flying Fish, a romance set in the background of the LTTE war; What is Time, a documentary look at a country struggling with the effect of the 2005 Tsunami; A Letter of Fire (Aksharaya), an oedipal drama, banned in Sri Lanka, about a family of judges and magistrates; and Gamperaliya, a 1964 family drama directed by the father of Sri Lankan Independent cinema, Lester James Peries, on the shockingly small budget of $1500.
Photo by Melati Kaye.
Sri Lanka was the focus of San Francisco 3rd i South Asian Film Festival, running November 9-13 at the Little Roxie Theater and the Castro Theater. Through collaboration with various organizations including UNESCO, 3rd i presented four films from Sri Lanka: Flying Fish, a romance set in the background of the LTTE war; What is Time, a documentary look at a country struggling with the effect of the 2005 Tsunami; A Letter of Fire (Aksharaya), an oedipal drama, banned in Sri Lanka, about a family of judges and magistrates; and Gamperaliya, a 1964 family drama directed by the father of Sri Lankan Independent cinema, Lester James Peries, on the shockingly small budget of $1500.
Fury as Tamil Film 'Bodi Dharma' Distorts History
'Bodi' Producer U. Stalin
A big-ticket Tamil movie about Bodhi Dharma, a Buddhist monk who went to China on an evangelical mission, has stirred up a hornet's nest and many outfits have taken up the cudgels against the film's narrative.
The fact that many politically-connected people are involved in the project has added to the frayed nerves.
7am Arivu, the latest Surya starrer, is the Tamil debut for Shruti Hassan, daughter of versatile actor Kamal Hassan. For the second time, after the box office hit Ghajini, Surya is working with filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss. Adding to the might of the Surya-Murugadoss combo is producer M. K. Udayanidhi Stalin, who is the grandson of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi.
Read more
The fact that many politically-connected people are involved in the project has added to the frayed nerves.
7am Arivu, the latest Surya starrer, is the Tamil debut for Shruti Hassan, daughter of versatile actor Kamal Hassan. For the second time, after the box office hit Ghajini, Surya is working with filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss. Adding to the might of the Surya-Murugadoss combo is producer M. K. Udayanidhi Stalin, who is the grandson of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi.
Read more
Beauty of Asian Buying Power
Liu Wen
Chinese model Liu Wen was the most booked non-white looking model at the last New York Fashion Week. It’s part of a new fashion trend seen in ad campaigns, runways and on beauty magazine covers. But some say it’s only because the fashion and beauty world is interested in Asia’s buying power — and not because they’re acknowledging that Asians are, in fact, beautiful.
ABC’s “Nightline” ran a segment called “New Face of Fashion: Asian Models” that called Asian supermodels “the hottest new stars of haute couture.” “China is going to overtake the U.S. in becoming the #1 luxury market any day now,” said Disgrasian’s Jen Wang in the segment. “The fashion industry is starting to take note and starting to put people who represent that market in to their pages.” Source: Colorlines.com
ABC’s “Nightline” ran a segment called “New Face of Fashion: Asian Models” that called Asian supermodels “the hottest new stars of haute couture.” “China is going to overtake the U.S. in becoming the #1 luxury market any day now,” said Disgrasian’s Jen Wang in the segment. “The fashion industry is starting to take note and starting to put people who represent that market in to their pages.” Source: Colorlines.com
Swiss Court Upholds Tamil Asylum Seekers' Repatriation
Pro-LTTE Rally in Berne 2006
UPDATE: SL-USA
The Swiss Federal Administrative Court has upheld a decision made early this year by the Swiss Federal Office For Migration that it is safe to repatriate Tamil asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka.
The court said the general security situation in Sri Lanka has improved and stabilized since the end of the war in 2009, with the exception of the Wanni, the former stronghold of the Tamil Tigers where landmines and the extensive of devastation has slowed rebuilding. Read More
The Swiss Federal Administrative Court has upheld a decision made early this year by the Swiss Federal Office For Migration that it is safe to repatriate Tamil asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka.
The court said the general security situation in Sri Lanka has improved and stabilized since the end of the war in 2009, with the exception of the Wanni, the former stronghold of the Tamil Tigers where landmines and the extensive of devastation has slowed rebuilding. Read More
State Dept. Dismisses TNA Visit as 'just another meeting'
Wendy Sherman
By Hassina Leelarathna
The US State Department was dismissive of a recent meeting with members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), characterizing it as nothing more than the 30-45 minutes dialogue its officials routinely have with visiting foreign delegations.
“The State Department holds these types of meetings with a variety of interlocutors from around the world, including members of political parties and legislators,” said Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the Department told this writer.
Read More
Proposed Norwegian Law Harms Rights of Indigenous People
Sami Woman
A United Nations expert urged Norway today to strongly reject the proposal by one of its parties to repeal key laws and policies designed to protect indigenous groups, saying its approval would represent an “enormous setback for the recognition and protection of human rights in the country.”
Read More
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Pongu Thamil - Utter Flop
Pongu Thamil shopping bag
Less than 3000 people attended pongu Thamizh (Tamil Upsurge)event staged by the pro-LTTE Nediyavan faction in Toronto Oct 29, a dismal showing compared to the crowds of 35000 that attended the event in 2004.
The event was organized by the National council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT) & the so-called Transnational Tamil Eelam Govt (TGTE), reported to be under the overall leadership of Perinpanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyavan based in Norway.
Source: DBS Jeyaraj.com
The event was organized by the National council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT) & the so-called Transnational Tamil Eelam Govt (TGTE), reported to be under the overall leadership of Perinpanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyavan based in Norway.
Source: DBS Jeyaraj.com
CHOGM 2013: Lanka has Support of all Countries - Australian Envoy
Justin Brown
UPDATE: SL-USA
The Australian High Commissioner to Canada has echoed his nation’s endorsement of Colombo hosting the next Commonwealth summit in 2013 and indicated that there’s general support for Sri Lanka.
In an interview with the Canada-based Embassy Online, the Australian High Commissioner to Canada Justin Brown commenting on Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statement that he would boycott the summit if the Sri Lankan government does not improve human rights said: "That decision has already been taken," Australian High Commissioner to Canada Justin Brown said of the Sri Lankan summit. "The mood I sense is that all countries want Sri Lanka to be a success."
Read More
The Australian High Commissioner to Canada has echoed his nation’s endorsement of Colombo hosting the next Commonwealth summit in 2013 and indicated that there’s general support for Sri Lanka.
In an interview with the Canada-based Embassy Online, the Australian High Commissioner to Canada Justin Brown commenting on Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statement that he would boycott the summit if the Sri Lankan government does not improve human rights said: "That decision has already been taken," Australian High Commissioner to Canada Justin Brown said of the Sri Lankan summit. "The mood I sense is that all countries want Sri Lanka to be a success."
Read More
ABC TV's Star Witness against Rajapaksa an LTTE Operative!
Meena Krishnamoorthy
UPDATE: SL-USA
The state-run Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV network is taking the lead in the media feeding frenzy against President Rajapaksa. ABC TV in a sloppy and one-sided broadcast on the issue (October 18 in its '7:30 Report' by Sarah Dingle) holds up a Tamil woman named Meena Krishnamoorthy as being crucial to the war crimes case against the Sri Lankan military. "She is one of just three Australians who were in the conflict until the end.” ABC clearly has not done its homework: Krishnamoorthy's tales are far-fetched and convenient, as is to be expected of a defeated hardcore LTTE operative. The Sri Lankan government has presented convincing and well-documented evidence to prove Krishnamoorthy's role as a member of the terrorist group.
Links provided below to the ABC '7:30 Report' and the Sri Lankan response.
ABC 7:30 Report' by Sarah Dingle
Australian Based LTTE Network Exposed
The state-run Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV network is taking the lead in the media feeding frenzy against President Rajapaksa. ABC TV in a sloppy and one-sided broadcast on the issue (October 18 in its '7:30 Report' by Sarah Dingle) holds up a Tamil woman named Meena Krishnamoorthy as being crucial to the war crimes case against the Sri Lankan military. "She is one of just three Australians who were in the conflict until the end.” ABC clearly has not done its homework: Krishnamoorthy's tales are far-fetched and convenient, as is to be expected of a defeated hardcore LTTE operative. The Sri Lankan government has presented convincing and well-documented evidence to prove Krishnamoorthy's role as a member of the terrorist group.
Links provided below to the ABC '7:30 Report' and the Sri Lankan response.
ABC 7:30 Report' by Sarah Dingle
Australian Based LTTE Network Exposed
Rajapaksa has Bilateral Talks with Gillard
President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Perth October 26. External Affairs Minister Prof.G.L. Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin De Vas Gunawardane, Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Governor of Central Bank, Ajith Nivad Cabral and High Commissioner, Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe were also present at the bilateral meeting between the two heads of States. (Pic: Sudath Silva)
AG Disallows 'Lawfare' Suit
President Rajapaksa
Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has refused to allow a war crimes case against the Sri Lankan president to proceed in Australia.
Retired engineer Jegan Waran, 63, has filed charges in the Melbourne Magistrates Court against Mahinda Rajapaksa, claiming civilian targets were bombed in 2009 during Sri Lanka's civil war.
The president has arrived in Perth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Read More
Retired engineer Jegan Waran, 63, has filed charges in the Melbourne Magistrates Court against Mahinda Rajapaksa, claiming civilian targets were bombed in 2009 during Sri Lanka's civil war.
The president has arrived in Perth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Read More
Another 'Lawfare' Suit
Aussie media at full throttle
Jegatheeswaran
The Australian media gave wide publicity to a lawsuit filed by a an Australian Tamil against President Rajapaksa accusing him of ‘war crimes.’ Arunachalam Jegatheeswaran is the latest diaspora Tamil to join the LTTE rump in waging 'lawfare.'
Read More
Click here for more on LTTE Lawfare
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Click here for more on LTTE Lawfare
Billboard that Greets Visitors to the US!
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is posting the above ad ("Welcome to America, home to 5% of the world's people & 25% of the world's prisoners. Let's build a better America together.") in major airports to highlight the need for prison reform in the US. The United States has an estimated 2.3 million criminals behind bars, more than any other nation, according to data maintained by the International Center for Prison Studies at King's College London. China, which is four times more populous than the United States has about 1.6 million people in prison.
Robert Brooks, director of the NAACP's criminal-justice program, said the billboard would be appropriate for first-time visitors to the city because:
"We are a country that locks up more people than any other country in the world, and if I was traveling somewhere, I would want to know that when I get there."
However, several airports are refusing to exhibit it. The NAACP together with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is now suing the City of Philadelphia and Clear Channel for refusing exhibit the sign saying the defendants are violating the constitution by refusing to post the ad. African-Americans and Latinos comprise the highest prison populations. According to a Pew Research Center Study, one in nine Black men between the ages of 20-34 are incarcerated compared to one in 30 other men of the same age. Like the overall adult ratio, one in 100 Black women in their mid-to-late 30s is imprisoned.
Robert Brooks, director of the NAACP's criminal-justice program, said the billboard would be appropriate for first-time visitors to the city because:
"We are a country that locks up more people than any other country in the world, and if I was traveling somewhere, I would want to know that when I get there."
However, several airports are refusing to exhibit it. The NAACP together with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is now suing the City of Philadelphia and Clear Channel for refusing exhibit the sign saying the defendants are violating the constitution by refusing to post the ad. African-Americans and Latinos comprise the highest prison populations. According to a Pew Research Center Study, one in nine Black men between the ages of 20-34 are incarcerated compared to one in 30 other men of the same age. Like the overall adult ratio, one in 100 Black women in their mid-to-late 30s is imprisoned.
Some Sri Lankans in U.S. Struggle Below Poverty Line
Hassina Leelarathna
Sri Lankans have contributed to a phenomenal explosion in the Asian population in the United States in the past decade, enjoying incomes that are higher than those of older established immigrant communities such as the Japanese and Chinese. But the American dream remains just that for a significant number of Sri Lankans and other Asian immigrants who are grappling with language barriers and struggling below the poverty line, a new study just released said. Read More
Sri Lankans have contributed to a phenomenal explosion in the Asian population in the United States in the past decade, enjoying incomes that are higher than those of older established immigrant communities such as the Japanese and Chinese. But the American dream remains just that for a significant number of Sri Lankans and other Asian immigrants who are grappling with language barriers and struggling below the poverty line, a new study just released said. Read More
Aussie Media's 'Tamil Refugee' Story All Wrong!
Dayaratna Jayasekera
UPDATE: SL-USA
Australia’s state-run ABC TV network as well as other agencies with strong ties to the LTTE rump went to town with the story about the suicide of a ‘Tamil refugee’ from Sri Lanka while in detention at the Villawood Immigration Center in Sydney, Australia. The death on October 26 of a man identified as ‘Shooty’ who had already been approved for asylum but was being held awaiting security clearance at Villawood drew intense media publicity, cited as yet another example of the desperation of Tamil refugees. ABC and other media reported that the man was distressed after authorities turned down his request to attend Deepavali celebrations at a friend’s home outside the detention center.
Turns out the man was not a Tamil after all.
Australian authorities have sought the assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra to trace the next of kin of Dayaratna Jayasekara, a 26-year old Sinhalese who apparently posed as a Tamil in order to get asylum. The Sri Lankan Ministry of External Affairs in turn is asking the public to help trace Jayasekera’s family.
ABC TV which rushed reporters to Villawood on October 26 to take photos of the ambulance taking the body away and ran several stories on the incident is silent.
Australia’s state-run ABC TV network as well as other agencies with strong ties to the LTTE rump went to town with the story about the suicide of a ‘Tamil refugee’ from Sri Lanka while in detention at the Villawood Immigration Center in Sydney, Australia. The death on October 26 of a man identified as ‘Shooty’ who had already been approved for asylum but was being held awaiting security clearance at Villawood drew intense media publicity, cited as yet another example of the desperation of Tamil refugees. ABC and other media reported that the man was distressed after authorities turned down his request to attend Deepavali celebrations at a friend’s home outside the detention center.
Turns out the man was not a Tamil after all.
Australian authorities have sought the assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra to trace the next of kin of Dayaratna Jayasekara, a 26-year old Sinhalese who apparently posed as a Tamil in order to get asylum. The Sri Lankan Ministry of External Affairs in turn is asking the public to help trace Jayasekera’s family.
ABC TV which rushed reporters to Villawood on October 26 to take photos of the ambulance taking the body away and ran several stories on the incident is silent.
Rajaratnam Ordered to Pay $92.8m: SEC Woes Continue
UPDATE: SL-USA
A New York federal judge today (November 8) ordered Raj Rajaratnam, the Galleon Group hedge fund founder sentenced to 11 years in prison for insider trading, to pay a hefty $92.8 million penalty in a related Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) civil case.
Read More
A New York federal judge today (November 8) ordered Raj Rajaratnam, the Galleon Group hedge fund founder sentenced to 11 years in prison for insider trading, to pay a hefty $92.8 million penalty in a related Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) civil case.
Read More
Europe Keeps LTTE Alive
"The tolerance that is shown by Europe’s ‘liberal’ Governments and courts towards those who front for terrorist organisations, be it the LTTE or the LeT, the Taliban or Al Qaeda, only serves to underscore Europe’s duplicity. While mouthing clichés on the need to fight terrorism, it allows bogus concern for human rights to ride roughshod over genuine concerns in countries (like India and Sri Lanka) which have to deal with terrorists."
Read Full Article
Read Full Article
Tamil Nadu LTTE Politician Denied Entry at NY Airport
S. Seeman
UPDATE: SL-USA
The leader of the extremist ‘We Are Tamil Party’ (Naam Tamilar Katchi), Sebastian Seeman was denied entry into the US when he arrived at the New York Airport on Saturday morning. Members of his party were quoted by Indian media as saying that US immigration officials cited his LTTE leanings, which in their view was a ‘threat to national security.’ Read More
The leader of the extremist ‘We Are Tamil Party’ (Naam Tamilar Katchi), Sebastian Seeman was denied entry into the US when he arrived at the New York Airport on Saturday morning. Members of his party were quoted by Indian media as saying that US immigration officials cited his LTTE leanings, which in their view was a ‘threat to national security.’ Read More
Global Fund's Grants Mismanaged
Rock star Bono
UPDATE: SL-USA
Mismanagement, fraud, and misspending plague the handling of grants made by a global health fund which was set up as an alternative to the cumbersome UN bureaucracy, to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in several African and Asian countries, including Sri Lanka.
Read More
Mismanagement, fraud, and misspending plague the handling of grants made by a global health fund which was set up as an alternative to the cumbersome UN bureaucracy, to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in several African and Asian countries, including Sri Lanka.
Read More
College in Georgia Adopts 'Christians Only' Hiring Policy
Don Dowless
UPDATE: SL-USA
Shorter University, a Christian college in Rome, Georgia, is forcing employees to sign a “Personal Lifestyle Statement” that affirms they are not gay and which requires them to refrain from committing adultery and having premarital sex.
All new hires will be forced to sign the document and current staffers will also be required to sign it when their current contracts are up for renewal. “Failure to adhere to this statement may result in disciplinary action against me, up to and including immediate termination,” the document reads.
According to the Daily Mail, university president Don Dowless has defended the controversial new policy, saying, “We have a right to hire only Christians.”
Shorter University, a Christian college in Rome, Georgia, is forcing employees to sign a “Personal Lifestyle Statement” that affirms they are not gay and which requires them to refrain from committing adultery and having premarital sex.
All new hires will be forced to sign the document and current staffers will also be required to sign it when their current contracts are up for renewal. “Failure to adhere to this statement may result in disciplinary action against me, up to and including immediate termination,” the document reads.
According to the Daily Mail, university president Don Dowless has defended the controversial new policy, saying, “We have a right to hire only Christians.”
E-Verify Puts the Squeeze on Undocumented Workers
UPDATE: SL-USA
Undocumented immigrants in California will have a harder time finding employment as the number of public and private employers using E-Verify to check immigration status is rapidly increasing.
The number of California job sites using E-Verify to scrutinize their workers -- usually on the first few days on the job -- increased by 37 percent to more than 90,000 from a year ago, according to government records. The state has more job sites using the electronic verification system than any other. More than 26,000 employers in the state have signed up for the federal E-Verify program that checks the immigration status of employees.
In addition to corporate giants like Apple, retailers like Target even Chevron stations, traditional employment sources for undocumented immigrants from South Asia, are running their employees through the database to avoid immigration raids and stiff penalties.
Undocumented immigrants in California will have a harder time finding employment as the number of public and private employers using E-Verify to check immigration status is rapidly increasing.
The number of California job sites using E-Verify to scrutinize their workers -- usually on the first few days on the job -- increased by 37 percent to more than 90,000 from a year ago, according to government records. The state has more job sites using the electronic verification system than any other. More than 26,000 employers in the state have signed up for the federal E-Verify program that checks the immigration status of employees.
In addition to corporate giants like Apple, retailers like Target even Chevron stations, traditional employment sources for undocumented immigrants from South Asia, are running their employees through the database to avoid immigration raids and stiff penalties.
Don't Honk if You're a New York Cabbie!
UPDATE: -SL-USA
NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission chief David Yassky last week sent a message to his fleet of 13,000 drivers informing them of their new "neighborly" duties. The message said: “Drivers, remember that honking is against the law except when warning of imminent danger. Be a good neighbor and save yourself a $350 summons -- honk ONLY in an emergency!"
The timing of this move is rather interesting. Is the Commission trying to shhhhh support to the Occupy Wall Street movement whose signs urge motorists to ‘Honk if you’re the 99%?’
NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission chief David Yassky last week sent a message to his fleet of 13,000 drivers informing them of their new "neighborly" duties. The message said: “Drivers, remember that honking is against the law except when warning of imminent danger. Be a good neighbor and save yourself a $350 summons -- honk ONLY in an emergency!"
The timing of this move is rather interesting. Is the Commission trying to shhhhh support to the Occupy Wall Street movement whose signs urge motorists to ‘Honk if you’re the 99%?’
France Bans Vegetarianism in School Cafeterias
UPDATE: SL-USA
France has introduced a law that effectively imposes meat consumption on six million schoolchildren.
Under legislation introduced earlier this month, schools have to provide meals which include a protein element with accompaniment, such as rice or vegetables, a dairy product (for example cheese or yoghurt)
Brigitte Gothière of the vegetarian association L214 says they make it clear that the state believes all sources of protein should come from animal, not vegetable, products. In a statement protesting against the decree, L214 says: "The government has brought the law into school catering, imposing a model based on a high consumption of animal products and banning vegetarianism.”
France has introduced a law that effectively imposes meat consumption on six million schoolchildren.
Under legislation introduced earlier this month, schools have to provide meals which include a protein element with accompaniment, such as rice or vegetables, a dairy product (for example cheese or yoghurt)
Brigitte Gothière of the vegetarian association L214 says they make it clear that the state believes all sources of protein should come from animal, not vegetable, products. In a statement protesting against the decree, L214 says: "The government has brought the law into school catering, imposing a model based on a high consumption of animal products and banning vegetarianism.”
'LTTE funding war crimes campaign' - ABC TV Interview
“This is the well-oiled propaganda machinery of the LTTE rump,”
spokesman Bandula Jayasekera told the ABC news network, responding to the Australian media's heightened publicity of was crimes allegations against Sri Lanka. More
US to Seize Assets of Corrupt African Minister
Teodoro Nguema
UUPDATE: SL-USA
WASHINGTON – The U.S. is taking legal action (Oct.25) to seize $70.8 million in assets of an Equatorial Guinea government minister who used wealth he plundered from the poverty-stricken African nation to acquire more than $1.8 million worth of Michael Jackson memorabilia, a $38.5 million Gulfstream G-V jet, a $30 million house in Malibu, Calif., and a 2011 Ferrari automobile valued at more than $530,000. Read More
WASHINGTON – The U.S. is taking legal action (Oct.25) to seize $70.8 million in assets of an Equatorial Guinea government minister who used wealth he plundered from the poverty-stricken African nation to acquire more than $1.8 million worth of Michael Jackson memorabilia, a $38.5 million Gulfstream G-V jet, a $30 million house in Malibu, Calif., and a 2011 Ferrari automobile valued at more than $530,000. Read More
Justice Dept. Proposes Lying to the Public?
The Justice Department has proposed the change as part of a large revision of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules for federal agencies. Specifically, the rule would direct government agencies who are denying a request under an established FOIA exemption to “respond to the request as if the excluded records did not exist,” rather than citing the relevant exemption.
The proposed rule has alarmed government transparency advocates across the political spectrum, who’ve called it “Orwellian” and say it will “twist” public access to government.
In a public comment regarding the rule change, the ACLU, along with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and OpenTheGovernment.org, said the move “will dramatically undermine government integrity by allowing a law designed to provide public access to government information to be twisted to permit federal law enforcement agencies to actively lie to the American people.”
The news is “not surprising, coming from the Obama administration,” said Christopher J. Farrell, director of investigations and research at the conservative think tank, Judicial Watch. (Source: Daily Caller)
The proposed rule has alarmed government transparency advocates across the political spectrum, who’ve called it “Orwellian” and say it will “twist” public access to government.
In a public comment regarding the rule change, the ACLU, along with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and OpenTheGovernment.org, said the move “will dramatically undermine government integrity by allowing a law designed to provide public access to government information to be twisted to permit federal law enforcement agencies to actively lie to the American people.”
The news is “not surprising, coming from the Obama administration,” said Christopher J. Farrell, director of investigations and research at the conservative think tank, Judicial Watch. (Source: Daily Caller)
238 Deported
18,000 Arrived
2,036 Got Greencards
UPDATE: SL-USA
Anti-immigration sign in Arizona
Recent statistics released by the Department of
Homeland Security reveal that in 2010 a total of 238 Sri Lankans were deported
from the US, 81 of them for involvement in some form of criminal
activity.
The stats also show that 18,432 Sri Lankans came to the United States in 2010 on non-immigrant visas, 12364 as tourists or business visas, 2652 students, 1549 temporary workers (including H1-B), 884 as diplomats and ‘other representatives, the rest classified as ‘Other’ and ‘Unknown.’ During this period, 2,036 Sri Lankans became permanent residents, 880 of them were new arrivals and the rest were adjusting status.
Of those getting permanent residency, 645 were immediate relatives of US citizens, 530 were in the Employment-based preferences category, 394 were 'Greencard Lottery' winners, 258 were refugees, and 14 not classified.
1421 Sri Lankans became US citizens.
The stats also show that 18,432 Sri Lankans came to the United States in 2010 on non-immigrant visas, 12364 as tourists or business visas, 2652 students, 1549 temporary workers (including H1-B), 884 as diplomats and ‘other representatives, the rest classified as ‘Other’ and ‘Unknown.’ During this period, 2,036 Sri Lankans became permanent residents, 880 of them were new arrivals and the rest were adjusting status.
Of those getting permanent residency, 645 were immediate relatives of US citizens, 530 were in the Employment-based preferences category, 394 were 'Greencard Lottery' winners, 258 were refugees, and 14 not classified.
1421 Sri Lankans became US citizens.
LTTE Terrorist Cells Active in Mumbai
Mumbai hotel attack
UPDATE: SL-USA
Indian Intelligence has alerted authorities in Maharashtra and the Mumbai police to the presence of LTTE cadres – both sleeper cells and militants – in and around Mumbai, especially in a Navi Mumbai area.
A report in the Indian Daily News Analysis (DNA) website states the alert that came earlier this month warning the police about specific footprints of LTTE cadre observed in Navi Mumbai. This warning is part of a confidential report stating the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is using LTTE cadre and Sikh militants to infiltrate into India to carry out terror activities. While the LeT-LTTE, and LeT-Babbar Khalsa links have been known for sometime, an incident in Ambala, where a Tata Indica car laden with explosives on its way to New Delhi was intercepted, has indicated that they have become active.
Indian Intelligence has alerted authorities in Maharashtra and the Mumbai police to the presence of LTTE cadres – both sleeper cells and militants – in and around Mumbai, especially in a Navi Mumbai area.
A report in the Indian Daily News Analysis (DNA) website states the alert that came earlier this month warning the police about specific footprints of LTTE cadre observed in Navi Mumbai. This warning is part of a confidential report stating the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is using LTTE cadre and Sikh militants to infiltrate into India to carry out terror activities. While the LeT-LTTE, and LeT-Babbar Khalsa links have been known for sometime, an incident in Ambala, where a Tata Indica car laden with explosives on its way to New Delhi was intercepted, has indicated that they have become active.
New HC in London Presents Credentials to Queen
Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner to Great Britain Dr Chris Nonis recently presented his credentials to the Queen Elizabeth II. A doctor by profession, Dr Nonis was the Chairman of the Mackwoods Group of Companies at the time of accepting the post of High Commissioner.
Dr Nonis who went to Buckingham Palace with four other Sri Lankan diplomats by traditional horse and carriage provided by the Palace had a lengthy and very cordial discussion with Her Majesty the Queen. At the outset Dr Nonis presented the compliments of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Queen and mentioned that Sri Lanka is looking forward to welcoming Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in the year 2013.
Dr Nonis who went to Buckingham Palace with four other Sri Lankan diplomats by traditional horse and carriage provided by the Palace had a lengthy and very cordial discussion with Her Majesty the Queen. At the outset Dr Nonis presented the compliments of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Queen and mentioned that Sri Lanka is looking forward to welcoming Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in the year 2013.
Asian-Ams' Clout Rising - 1st Elected Asian SF Mayor
Mayor Ed Lee
UPDATE: SL-USA
Edwin Mah Lee has become the first Asian to win a San Francisco mayoral race. Lee, who was appointed interim mayor in January after the resignation of Gavin Newsom received 61.21% of the votes cast in the November election. Lee whose parents migrated from Guangdong Province in China in the 1930’s is a lawyer by profession.
Lee’s election is a reflection of the burgeoning Asian American population in the United States, which grew faster than any other racial group over the past decade according to a report released earlier this month by the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Growing 46 percent between 2000 and 2010, the Asian American population nationwide now numbers more than 17 million and is poised to influence next year's Presidential election.
Edwin Mah Lee has become the first Asian to win a San Francisco mayoral race. Lee, who was appointed interim mayor in January after the resignation of Gavin Newsom received 61.21% of the votes cast in the November election. Lee whose parents migrated from Guangdong Province in China in the 1930’s is a lawyer by profession.
Lee’s election is a reflection of the burgeoning Asian American population in the United States, which grew faster than any other racial group over the past decade according to a report released earlier this month by the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Growing 46 percent between 2000 and 2010, the Asian American population nationwide now numbers more than 17 million and is poised to influence next year's Presidential election.
Lanka an Emerging Tourist Market - Report Says
UPDATE: SL-USA
Sri Lanka is named by the travel and tourism industry as one of five emerging countries behind the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), according to the World Travel Market 2011 Industry Report.
The country's re-emergence after the war, investment in infrastructure, and beauty of destination are highlighted as the main factors making Sri Lanka an attractive tourist venue and a market the industry should be eying.
The report published Tuesday says global economic worries are impacting the tourist industry worldwide. A survey of UK consumers revealed that fewer people are able to take a vacation -- 38% did not take a holiday seven nights away either oversees or in the UK. Last year's increase in Air Passenger Duty is also having an adverse effect, the report said.
On the plus side, the report cites the London 2012 Olympics and the emerging tourism potential of the BRICS as providing opportunities for travel and tourism products. The report highlights China as the most important of the BRICS markets.
Sri Lanka is named by the travel and tourism industry as one of five emerging countries behind the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), according to the World Travel Market 2011 Industry Report.
The country's re-emergence after the war, investment in infrastructure, and beauty of destination are highlighted as the main factors making Sri Lanka an attractive tourist venue and a market the industry should be eying.
The report published Tuesday says global economic worries are impacting the tourist industry worldwide. A survey of UK consumers revealed that fewer people are able to take a vacation -- 38% did not take a holiday seven nights away either oversees or in the UK. Last year's increase in Air Passenger Duty is also having an adverse effect, the report said.
On the plus side, the report cites the London 2012 Olympics and the emerging tourism potential of the BRICS as providing opportunities for travel and tourism products. The report highlights China as the most important of the BRICS markets.
Robert Blake to Attend SAARC Summit
UPDATE: SL-USA
The US will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. at the SAARC Summit in the Maldives slated November 8-13.
Mr. Blake will be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Nepal and lead U.S. official accredited to SAARC Scott H. DeLisi, and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Patricia Butenis at the summit in Addu City. While in the Maldives, Assistant Secretary Blake will also hold bilateral meetings with a broad cross-section of government officials from South Asia and fellow observer nations, the State Department said in a press release.
“The theme of the 2011 SAARC Summit, “Building Bridges,” reflects the opportunity for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to engaging with South Asia on our shared interests and challenges, including regional economic cooperation and integration along the New Silk Road, breaking down barriers to trade and travel, and improving people-to-people linkages,” it said.
The United States has enjoyed observer nation status at SAARC since 2007.
The US will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. at the SAARC Summit in the Maldives slated November 8-13.
Mr. Blake will be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Nepal and lead U.S. official accredited to SAARC Scott H. DeLisi, and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Patricia Butenis at the summit in Addu City. While in the Maldives, Assistant Secretary Blake will also hold bilateral meetings with a broad cross-section of government officials from South Asia and fellow observer nations, the State Department said in a press release.
“The theme of the 2011 SAARC Summit, “Building Bridges,” reflects the opportunity for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to engaging with South Asia on our shared interests and challenges, including regional economic cooperation and integration along the New Silk Road, breaking down barriers to trade and travel, and improving people-to-people linkages,” it said.
The United States has enjoyed observer nation status at SAARC since 2007.
Letter Urges Judge to Dismiss Shavendra Silva Case
Ambassador Silva
UPDATE: SL-USA
Invoking the Vienna Convention as well as United States law that give diplomats 'absolute immunity,' attorneys for Ambassador Shavendra Silva, Deputy Sri Lanka Permanent Representative at the UN, have moved for a dismissal of the civil action brought against the former brigadier general by two Sri Lankans, one of whom is the wife of a Tamil Tiger 'colonel' killed during the last days of the offensive by Sri Lankan forces against the terrorist group. Read More
Invoking the Vienna Convention as well as United States law that give diplomats 'absolute immunity,' attorneys for Ambassador Shavendra Silva, Deputy Sri Lanka Permanent Representative at the UN, have moved for a dismissal of the civil action brought against the former brigadier general by two Sri Lankans, one of whom is the wife of a Tamil Tiger 'colonel' killed during the last days of the offensive by Sri Lankan forces against the terrorist group. Read More
NATO War Crimes to be Probed?
Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo
Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, told the United Nations yesterday that Nato troops would be investigated alongside rebel soldiers and regime forces for alleged breaches of the laws of war during the battle to overthrow Col Muammar Gaddafi.
Read More
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Palestine Admitted to UNESCO; US Cuts Funding
UPDATE: SL-USA
UNESCO today voted 117-14 to admit Palestine as a full member, a move that will cost the cultural agency millions of dollars in funding it receives from the US.
Reuter's photo shows Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, left, and Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO Elias Sanbar at a press conference Monday.
“Today’s vote by the member states of UNESCO to admit Palestine as a member is regrettable, premature, and undermines our shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a statement, adding that the US will not make a scheduled $60 million payment to UNESCO in November.
Israel, the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany voted against the resoluton, Japan and Britain abstained, and almost all Arab, African, Latin American and Asian nations, including China and India voted in favor.
Sri Lanka welcomed the move, calling it a bold step that would give Palestinians some basic educational and cultural advantages.
UNESCO today voted 117-14 to admit Palestine as a full member, a move that will cost the cultural agency millions of dollars in funding it receives from the US.
Reuter's photo shows Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, left, and Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO Elias Sanbar at a press conference Monday.
“Today’s vote by the member states of UNESCO to admit Palestine as a member is regrettable, premature, and undermines our shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a statement, adding that the US will not make a scheduled $60 million payment to UNESCO in November.
Israel, the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany voted against the resoluton, Japan and Britain abstained, and almost all Arab, African, Latin American and Asian nations, including China and India voted in favor.
Sri Lanka welcomed the move, calling it a bold step that would give Palestinians some basic educational and cultural advantages.
US Officials in Boston to Greet Injured Libyan Fighters
Libyan Fighters
UPDATE: SL-USA
Injured Libyan fighters who helped to topple Muammer Gaddafi are set to get a welcome not given to wounded American military personnel returning home.
The U.S. Department of State said Thursday that 30 seriously wounded Libyan fighters will arrive Oct 28 to receive U.S. medical care.
“Just as the United States and the international community stood with the Libyan people during the revolution, we continue to work with Libya to address urgent humanitarian needs,” the statement from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
State Department officials will be joining local officials at Boston’s Logan airport to welcome them, according to the statement. The injured will be treated at Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore, one of the region’s leading rehab facilities.
Injured Libyan fighters who helped to topple Muammer Gaddafi are set to get a welcome not given to wounded American military personnel returning home.
The U.S. Department of State said Thursday that 30 seriously wounded Libyan fighters will arrive Oct 28 to receive U.S. medical care.
“Just as the United States and the international community stood with the Libyan people during the revolution, we continue to work with Libya to address urgent humanitarian needs,” the statement from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
State Department officials will be joining local officials at Boston’s Logan airport to welcome them, according to the statement. The injured will be treated at Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore, one of the region’s leading rehab facilities.
US Grant to Preserve Galle Dutch Fort
UPDATE: SL-USA
The US is awarding a grant of $100,000 to preserve the Galle Dutch Fort. In a press release, the US Embassy in Colombo said the grant will be made through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and will support the work led by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to document the historic buildings within the Fort, create a strategy for long-term preservation of its architectural characteristics and to formulate a master plan to guide the development within the historic area.
Since its creation over a decade ago by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial support to more than 640 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries.
The US is awarding a grant of $100,000 to preserve the Galle Dutch Fort. In a press release, the US Embassy in Colombo said the grant will be made through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and will support the work led by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to document the historic buildings within the Fort, create a strategy for long-term preservation of its architectural characteristics and to formulate a master plan to guide the development within the historic area.
Since its creation over a decade ago by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial support to more than 640 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries.
Buddhist Perspective on the Death Penalty
Troy Davis
By Losang Tendrol
On Sept. 28, the state of Florida executed Manuel Valle after he spent 33 years on death row. On Sept. 21, the state of Georgia took Troy Davis’s life, despite a lack of evidence proving his guilt. On the same day, the white supremacist Lawrence Brewer was killed by lethal injection by the state of Texas, despite the a request by the victim’s family that the district attorney not seek the death penalty. Read More
On Sept. 28, the state of Florida executed Manuel Valle after he spent 33 years on death row. On Sept. 21, the state of Georgia took Troy Davis’s life, despite a lack of evidence proving his guilt. On the same day, the white supremacist Lawrence Brewer was killed by lethal injection by the state of Texas, despite the a request by the victim’s family that the district attorney not seek the death penalty. Read More
Proposed Immigration Bills Boon to Foreign Grads, Investors
Zoe Lofgren
Two legislative measures currently under review will open up new avenues for legal immigration to the U.S.
The House Judiciary Committee subpanel on immigration recently discussed a bill to grant legal residency to international students who earn a graduate degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field from a U.S. institution. The measure was introduced in June by Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren from California. Read More
The House Judiciary Committee subpanel on immigration recently discussed a bill to grant legal residency to international students who earn a graduate degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field from a U.S. institution. The measure was introduced in June by Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren from California. Read More
Lawyers Demand Protection for Saif from NATO Assassination
Saif Gaddafi
Muslims Want Swiss Flag Changed
An immigrant group based in Bern has called for the emblematic white cross to be removed from the Swiss national flag because as a Christian symbol it “no longer corresponds to today’s multicultural Switzerland.” Ivica Petrusic, the vice president of Second@s Plus, a lobbying group that represents mostly Muslim second-generation foreigners in Switzerland (who colloquially are known as secondos) says the group will launch a nationwide campaign in October to ask Swiss citizens to consider adopting a flag that is less offensive to Muslim immigrants. Read More
Dutch Court Jails LTTE Supporters
Tamils in Netherlands - Photo: Richard Walker
The court was packed with Tamil supporters as the three judges read out the verdict. Family members left the courtroom crying. Prosecutors had accused the five men, all of whom now have Dutch citizenship, of raising funds for the separatist group LTTE (Tamil Tigers) by extorting money from the Sri Lankan disapora in the Netherlands by blackmail and under threat. Other charges?
Prosecutors also alleged money laundering and incitement to violence. The men were charged of overseeing an international criminal and terrorist organisation involved in arson, bombings and murder, and prosecutors had demanded sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Read More
Related: European police warn Sri Lanka about increasing LTTE activities
Prosecutors also alleged money laundering and incitement to violence. The men were charged of overseeing an international criminal and terrorist organisation involved in arson, bombings and murder, and prosecutors had demanded sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Read More
Related: European police warn Sri Lanka about increasing LTTE activities
