People are being displaced following armed conflicts in the north-east. 4,50,000 people have been displaced during the last few months and they live in camps with friends or with relatives.

Former Minister Sripathy Sooriyarachchi attends the sittings of the Parliament from prison. He is on remand over an allegation of the abuse of government vehicles. We don’t intend to go into that issue, since the matter is before a court of law. It is sub-judice to make any remarks over that matter.

Amnesty international has charged that the UN has not acted with responsibility in regard to the human rights violations in Sri Lanka. The present plight of the people in Sri Lanka as a result of human rights violations has angered, Madam Irni Kahn, the Secretary General of the London based Amnesty International.

British Premier Blair who has expressed his willingness to extend his support to resolve the Lankan national conflict has stressed that peace talks must be renewed under the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement with Norway facilitation.

It is the bounden duty of all sections of society to stop attacks on highly populated areas. A large number of people are displaced following military offensive. They live as refugees in temporary huts without basic amenities of life. They are denied adequate food provisions and even water to drink.

Tamil journalist S.Parameswary working for Mawbima Sinhala news paper was released on Mar 22nd after having been detained for 4 months under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. At the height of power, justice is denied and morality decays. This is true not only for individuals but also for countries. In the case of countries, not only do the people of that country suffer, but also the people of the world suffer.

Media gets a bashing amidst political turmoil Soothsayer in Rakawana predicts meteoric rise for Ranil after mid-April Mangala Sripathi removed from SLFP organiser posts Kohona at odds with Foreign Service personnel The media and its role in the Sri Lankan society came into focus during the past week with regard to statements made by both the government and the opposition.

On 2 January 2007, Sri Lanka’s army chief, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, met with the Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter in Kandy. Fonseka stated that “after eradicating the Tigers from the East, full strength will be used to liberate the North.”

Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, has urged that the Ceasefire Agreement of 2002 must be fully implemented in order to pursue the peace efforts. He expressed these views in response to the question raised on the floor of the House of Commons. He has also assured that Britain could offer assistance for the resolution of the problems.

The cabinet has approved a proposal by Mrs.Sumatha Jayasena, Minister of Women Affairs, to ban mothers of children under the age of 5 going abroad foe employment. Another proposal by Minister Jayasenen is that in the case of mothers of children beyond the age of 5, they should give documents guaranteeing that the children would be looked after safely by their nominees.

There have been human rights violations such as abductions, extortions, disappearances and killings on a large scale in Sri Lanka in general and in government controlled areas in particular.

Following shell attacks by security forces targeting LTTE controlled areas, 35,000 families comprising 127,000 persons have been displaced in the eastern province. There are reports that the Batticola district secretariat is unable to handle the problem of providing basic facilities to the displaced people, who are in such large numbers.

A report was published recently regarding the present plight of the media in Sri Lanka. This report was prepared by fifteen international organizations championing the cause of international press freedom and media development in collaboration with five of Sri Lanka media institutions.