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17070 Soldiers, 653 Sailors, 409 Airmen, 2003 Policemen and 417 STF Personnel have sacrificed their lives to Free Sri Lanka from LTTE Terrorism.04th of February 2009, we all Sri Lankan Celebrate the 61st Independent Day. Soldiers Sacrificed their Today for Our Tomorrow.
Sri Lanka 61st Independence Day 2009
uploaded by Sri Lanka Army news January 30, 2009 at 03:02 am
2053 views | 55 comments | 9 recommendations
2053 views | 55 comments | 9 recommendations
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Title: Sri Lanka 61st Independence Day 2009
File Size: 533 × 347 – 42.65 KB
Created: Fri, 01/30/2009 - 3:02am
Modified: Fri, 01/30/2009 - 3:06am
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at 00:05 on January 31st, 2009
More than half the poplulation of tamil civilians have been massacrated by the Sri Lankan army.
So it's not really a war against LTTE terrorism but attacks on the tamil race.
at 04:29 on February 3rd, 2009
Thats not true. Sri Lankan army has bombed tens of thousands of Tamils, but not half the population. The waorld wouldn't stand by and watch. But it better do something before your claim does become true. about 8% of the Tamils population are stuck in that area with a high chance of not making it the way things are going at the moment
at 06:39 on February 5th, 2009
Let it be known that the war the Sri Lankan government is waging is against the LTTE terrorists, it has nothing to do with tamil people. Everybody knows this, so your claims are absolutely ridiculous.
The reason this war started was because of all the friction that was between the Sinhalese and Tamils over 25 years ago. It is obvious Prabhakaran's motives for still fighting has since changed. It has nothing to do with Sinhalese killing Tamil's or unfair treatment of Tamil's anymore... he is still fighting because he CAN'T end it... they are all knee deep in this and if they stop, they are going to be prosecuted and punished for all the crimes the LTTE committed against not only the Sinhalese... but also the Tamils, the Muslims and internationally.
How can you call yourself freedom fighters for the Tamil people when the people you're killing are Tamil themselves? High profile, well educated, peace loving Tamils were murdered one by one by the LTTE.
The Tamil's living in the warzones have had enough, they know as long as the LTTE's struggle continues, the Tamil people won't have peace, won't have a life that would be worth living... how could they with the bombings, and the gunfire going off all around them. Not having a permanent home because they have to run away everytime one attacks the other. The new revelations show clearly what the reality is: The LTTE claim that the Tamils still stuck in their controlled area of a mere 200km^2 are there by choice... but the 800 Tamils that managed to escape into army controlled territory stated (and it is on video) that the LTTE are holding civilians by force... they are ordered/used to build bunkers for the constantly retreating LTTE, and if they refuse, they are sent forward to the frontlines to build those bunkers where they are most likely to die caught in the middle of gunfire.
It is the LTTE supporters living abroad, in the safety of their luxurious London homes, driving their Beamers and their MB's, still funding the LTTE (forced or by choice) that are still supportive of this absolutely pathetic war. Why would they care when they don't even know what our Tamil & Sinhalese brothers & sisters are going through in the war zone. Absolutely pathetic.
I am a Sinhalese, my best friend is a Tamil... engaged to a Sinhalese girl. His sister is married to a Sinhalese guy, who's sister is married to a Tamil dude... there is no reason what-so-ever why we can't get along anymore. From both sides, our ancestors with their ethnic pride and lack of education treated each other with disrespect... there is no reason why WE should do the same. The new generations know better... The people of the world have a new common enemy, these are not other ethnicities... this is global warming and other natural disasters caused by OUR misconduct. We all have to unite for our survival and THAT is how the world should be.
Mistakes have been made in the past... I'm not saying lets forget them... but lets consider what is required for the moment and forever... what is 'important' now and forever... and this is unity. If the African Americans waged war on the white Americans for enslaving them, what would America be right now... do you really think they would be the most 'powerful' country in the world?
Come on guys... We all know what we need to do. Lets pray peace comes to Lanka soon, and lets rebuild this country together, let that be a start and take it from there.
at 08:50 on February 5th, 2009
@ Isuru Thilakaratne >
I agree with you. One request - Please join NowPublic permanently and spread some peace.
@ the rest >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdc_8-hY2iA&feature=channel_page
Please get this translated thru somebody, I don't want to translate it 'cas the last time I tried, I was accused of propaganda.
at 20:05 on March 7th, 2009
Hi,
making friends, marriage are all personal things. the govt cannot have much to do with that. but what about the atrocities thats happening now? if you think that only our fore fathers were not educated and committed mistakes, whats rajapakshe doing now?
why not a single sinhalese raised voice against him?
http://www.lankasrinews.com/view.php?2b34OX34a32V5AUe4d4YOo6ca0ac4BP34d2BTmA3e0dA0Mmyce03cYdJ0cc2vlYAde
If there is a limit to brutality, what that can be?
Now will you tell that in any war, it is inevitable that civilians suffer?
are nt we cognizant that these atrocities are intentionally committed against the tamils?bcos absolutely there is no single creature in the world who can listen to these people's pains?
why should the medical aid be stopped to wounded civilians?
why should the civilians in refugee camp be attacked, burnt handcuffed?
why should there be a shelling of bombs in the "safety belt" area?
I would rather feel that these people would have felt more secure in the hands of taliban, if not an exaggeration.. they would have had to lose the religion, but who cares? they already lost strength, lost their chastities, lost their rights,lost their hopes, lost their voice , lost the courage to raise a voice.
the only reason a tamil family lives there is bcos there is her son or her daughter or elderly parent who has to be overlooked...
like a deer would strive to save its calf from lion..
but as the lions would still find their prey, the sri lankan army finds their prey daily, every minute, every second...
Tilararatne, do you atleast accept the fact that the politicians atleast want to uproot the whole tamils if not you and other sinhali gentlemen?
can you , by touching your heart tell that sinhalese law doesnt show a discrimination that deprives the rights of a tamil as an ethnic community and right for equal education, employment, and political power?
Pls answer this, I would be interested to know an answer from a forward thinking guy like you ..
at 08:24 on February 6th, 2009
Shanthi..(well, a sanskrit name ...:) )
Is there nay proof ?
Agent.
at 04:42 on January 31st, 2009
Source: my.nowpublic.com
Poi solla waana Thangatchi!
can you tell me How many Tamils are living in SL and How many Lived before they were massacrated?? and howmany Tamils lived under Ltte in 2006 and Howmany Tamils are living in Ltte controlled areas Today?
Please dont forget to count Vezzu Pizzhai Parayaharan and Nadesung.
Ellam Poi
at 03:46 on February 3rd, 2009
This is greate indipendent day.Because Army is going to clear out LTTE forever from my motherland. They have cleared 99% of the north. LTTE are terrorest not a tamils represantatives. Sinhalise are waiting to welcome all the tamils into one nation SRI LANKANS
at 03:56 on February 3rd, 2009
Hi Dont tell lise.Ltte are terroist. They are not allowing to tamil peoples to come goverment ruled ares. When civilians are coming Ltte had attcted. Civilians are like to come but LTTE not allowing them to come. Now prabhakaran are trying to escape from country. Most of tamils are living in goverment ruled areas. Nearly 120000 are in the Ltte ruled areas. They are also will come very quickly to goverment ruled areas
at 04:26 on February 3rd, 2009
If you claim that ltte are not allowing civlians to leave, as has the government claimed in the past, Gotabaya rajapakse has now made a statement telling the civilians to leave the area and that he cannot guarantee their safety, it kind of contradicts does it not?? It's as if he agrees that civlians are staying in their own will. If, as he says, civilians are held against their will, he is willing to risk 250,000 lives for the sake of winning the war, and lets not forget, contributing to the genocide. And his statement about the hospital being a legitamite target and that it should not be operating in the area???? What kind of evil moron would make such a statement. The injured cannot even be looked after?!?! I simply cannot believe some people continue to support someone so evilminded!
at 06:53 on February 5th, 2009
Tiana... more importantly, it is the Tamils that actually managed to escape from the LTTE and come to the IDPs are claiming that the LTTE are not allowing civilians to leave. In one of my responses I wrote the obvious: the LTTE are holding civilians by force... they are ordered/used to build bunkers for the constantly retreating LTTE, and if they refuse, they are sent forward to the frontlines to build those bunkers where they would most likely be killed caught in the middle of gunfire.
If the army is shelling hospitals 'knowing' that they are hospitals that are treating civilians, that is definitely wrong... but is the following anymore justified: LTTE moving their artillery into hospital premises and to the 'no fire zone'? They know very well, as soon as their positions are identified, they 'will' be counter attacked, and that is not only going to kill them but also the innocent civilians that the LTTE themselves put in jeopardy... so I ask you again... is that anymore justified?... And aren't these the people that YOU are supporting?
Cheers.
at 07:23 on February 5th, 2009
I personally think that what you are saying is half true, but the other truth is that civilians are scared to come into the hands of the army. There are reportedly civilian deaths in the hands of the army, especially the youths. In reality, the army has no definite way of distinguishing the ltte from the civilians. Hence, they might be firing at the innocent civilians who do escape, in the name of war on terrorism. The LTTE could well be keeping some civilians to forcefully fight with them etc. We don't know the truth. The people who escape will say what the government wants them to say, but I'm not dismissing that they might be telling th truth. But unless the worldwide media is allowed in, I won't believe any claims except that of the UN/ICRC. However, I do believe that the civlian death count is a lot higher than the official counting. I fear it exceeds 1000.
Also, the UN has not confirmed that the ltte is firing/occupying hospital premises. So I do not believe that. If it is true, it is absolutely disgusting. Neither forces are justified in behaving such atrocious manner, disregarding the safety of innocent civlians. Like I mentioned in another post, international media must be allowed in to reveal the truth as to whether the ltte is holding civlians or whether the civilians are scared to come to the army. Did you know that the civilians who are taken to Vavuniya hospital are not allowed to have their family members who accompanied them with them (sources say)? These include children aged 10 or so? They are under the watchful eye of the security forces. For what reason, I do wonder. Could it be that several truths might be revealed? P.s. I cannot confirm 100% whether this is true but it is reported to be.
at 08:21 on February 5th, 2009
Tiana, I agree with you for the most part:
It is indeed going to be very hard for the army to distinguish the LTTE from the civilians. Just stating the obvious: with the way the war is going, a lot of LTTE members would try to escape into government controlled areas disguised as civilians, you are very right. It is very important to understand though, that the very ruthless Sri Lankan army that 'was' over 5 years ago has been converted... to take care when firing, to watch out for civilians, and even if they are LTTE cadres, those that surrender are not shot upon. So considering all this, what do you reckon would be the civilians' best bet?
1. Stay in Tiger territory when the army come attacking (which will make it even harder for the army to recognise whether they're a terrorist or a civilian.)
2. Move into the 'no firing zone' which will eventually be surrounded by the army and from which only the obvious individual terrorists will be picked out and eliminated or forced to surrender... or try and get over to the government controlled area, where if they don't have a weapon they won't be fired upon but they will be rehabilitated and will be in the safety of the army.
For the past few days, the army had been 'waiting' ceasing fire for refugees come into government controlled areas, all this to minimise the civilian casualties.
As for allowing the international media in to the war zone. I was watching an interview with the Sri Lankan embassador to the UN about why international media is not allowed into the war zone. He stated that this decision was made with past experience where the media got caught in the middle of fire resulting in the deaths of journalists. Apparently the army just doesn't have the capacity nor the training to go into war with journalists by their side. As soon as the areas are cleared and consolidated though, media are allowed in, and they have been recently reporting from Mullathivu and recently consolidated areas.
If it is only the claims of the UN and ICRC that you will believe... would you believe the UN when they say that the army was falsely accused by the LTTE of using cluster bombs to bomb the controversial hospital that apparently killed a lot of civilians. The UN infact confirmed that the Sri Lankan army don't even have cluster bombs. Would you believe the ICRC when they claim that the 12 ambulances and trucks they tried to take into Tiger controlled territory to bring back the injured and to serve the hungry were turned back by the Tigers without allowing them to even start their humanitarian missions. Would you believe the UN's claims when they say that two thrid's of the relief (food, medicine and such) that does go through to the Tiger territory are snatched by the LTTE for their fighters and seniors, and only the third that is left over goes to the innocent civilians who actually deserve it?
Think about this... the UN and the ICRC and other un-biased humanitarian services are there every step of the way in cleared government areas. The sooner the terrorists are removed, the sooner these organisations can get to work to help the civilians that very much deserve it.
at 09:50 on February 5th, 2009
Isuru
In areas where the UN and ICRC are in a position to make comments (such as number of deaths, no. of people trapped in the area, whether ltte is holding the civilians as shields) I will accept what they have to say as they are our only unbiased medium. However, for the UN to make a statement that the SLA do not possess cluster bombs, that is outside their scope of knowledge. They can't possibly know details of every single artillary/weapons that the SLA possesses. It would have made more sense for them to say that they do not believe the SLA possesses cluster bombs as opposed to a downright no. The fact is, I don't know whether they do or not. If the UN has confirmed that the ltte is in fact holding the civilians and taking their aid into their own possession, I will believe them and think that is absolutely disgusting. However, I also feel that the civilians are scared to go into army territory as well (stemming rom the past history).
Allowing international media, during a period of temporary ceasefire to free the civilians would enable the world to see the truth, from the beginning of leading the civilians to safety to settlement of the civilians away from the army. The government made a mistake not allowing the media in during the 48 hour ultimatum.
at 11:00 on February 5th, 2009
Firstly, I agree with you... maybe the government should have allowed the media to the front lines during the 48 hour cease-fire, but they didn't. It is obvious that the army is trying to rebuild its public relations with the Tamil people, and wherever possible they portray themselves well to the local and international community. I (call me biased) believe this is a different army from what we saw 5 years ago. Their priorities have changed for the better and their mission is crystal clear. With this in mind, I would think that the army had every reason 'to' allow the international media in those 48 hours. Therefore, they must have had a good enough reason not to have done so. It is very well known, the Tigers have always used cease-fires and peace talks in their favour: secretly increasing their military capabilities, enlarging their army with the conscription of child soldiers and such... and when they are ready, what happens? Screw the ceasefire and the peace-talks, 'they' break them restarting the war. In my opinion, I think the army must have been expecting some sort of backlash from the LTTE during those 48 hours. Use it to their advantage as they have always done in the past... I'm just saying, this could have been a reason for them to still keep the media out.
As for the cluster-bombs... As much as a humanitarian aid agency, the UN has a bit more power than some people would think. Countries that are bound by the "UN Convention" (which includes Sri Lanka) have laws placed by the UN on what weapons they can use in the battlefield... and cluster-bombs are banned by the UN. So... with respect to that, the weapons that the Sri Lankan army possess are 'very much' inside UN's scope of knowledge, since breaking these laws can get a state into a lot of trouble. With all the criticism the Sri Lankan government have to deal with, that would be the last thing they would want... However (interestingly)... The LTTE gets their weapons off the black-market, nothing they acquire are bound by any laws nor monitored by any agencies. Infact, recently the army came across lethal thermobaric weapons in recently caught areas... if you're not sure what a thermobaric weapon is, its a weapon that produces more explosive energy for a given size than other conventional explosives do... quite like cluster-bombs may I add. I'm sure you know what I'm trying to get at...
at 09:44 on February 6th, 2009
Tiana, I was wondering if you watched the video recorded by the Sri Lankan air-force reconnaissance aircraft... it showed the so called 'bombed puthukudduyiruppu hospital' still in one peace and un-harmed. So who do you think are making these false claims...? I hope this is a step forward in making people like you put a little more faith in the Sri Lankan government and our military.
at 10:21 on February 6th, 2009
Just logged on and saw the video. I honestly don't know what to believe anymore... All that I care about is the safety and wellbeing of civilians. They don't deserve this.... So why is the hospital not operating now? Or so we're told...
at 15:51 on February 7th, 2009
After these claims had been made against the army (of attacking the hospital), the government had decided to move the whole hospital including the doctors and the patients into a safer area further north. There is a major offensive going on in Puthukkudiyiruppu at the moment. As far as my knowledge goes, that is the stronghold of the Tigers at the moment. The hospital with its patients are still operating... only in a safer area, where they are out of the line of fire and where false claims against the army can't be made.
at 04:31 on February 3rd, 2009
Is it independence for the 250,000 Tamils whose safety the government cannot guarantee??? Whohave lost parts of their body and will need lifelong support??? That old lady without a foot? That gentleman without both legs?? (from the pictures)
at 07:23 on February 5th, 2009
This is the independence that 'Sri Lanka' received... and that includes the Sri Lankan Tamils, the Sinhalese, the Sri Lankan Muslims, the Burghers and every other ethnicity represented by Sri Lanka... This is the only independence that should ever be celebrated.
No, not the independence of a Tamil Eelam, that has now put 250,000 (your claim) Tamils' life in danger... not the independence of a Tamil Eelam for which a large number of brain-washed Tamils have committed suicide killing other innocent civilians both Sinhalese and Tamil... not the independence of a Tamil Eelam for which any peace loving, terrorism opposing Tamil has been brutally murdered by the LTTE, not the independence of a Tamil Eelam that has cost many Tamil and Sinhalese victims of terrorism their legs, their arms or anything else that god gave them... and no, 'definitely' not the independence of a Tamil Eelam that has claimed over 70,000 lives of Tamils and Sinhalese alike!
at 09:53 on February 5th, 2009
Yes it is official independence, yet not true independence as the current problems stemmed from the day of independence.
at 04:36 on February 3rd, 2009
People accuse the tamils from the western countries of promoting war which is completely rridiculous. We have the freedom to shout while the tamils in Vanni don't. We are speaking for them. We do not want a violent war. We just want everyone to live peacefully without any fear. There needs to be a solution which the entire tamil population agrees with and not by forceful nature. Do you think those protests are in support of the war???? No goddamn way is that true. Those protests are to save the civilians. Certain individuals need to stop making accusations at us.
at 14:36 on February 3rd, 2009
People are trying to communicate to the world to not let your pathetic terror leader Rajapakse bomb 250000 lives. Thats what all this is about first of all. Then come to a political solution for the root of the conflict.
Cannot believe how many Singhalese on here are racists.. For your information you stupid idiot, the opinions of those not born in SL do count.
at 21:26 on February 3rd, 2009
This discssion is hilarious and a waste of time, it is based on hated from from race to another which is more than obvious. One has to be in ones shoes to understand what one is going through, rather than areguing unnecessarily. Srilanka, we must be honest is thriving on evil and corruption and the governmment is using terrorism to benefit their interest and make money. It will be better to be in hands of Europe or America. Obama is a good, honest, respectful and decent president, we need people like him to lead our natiion not rotters who stumble over their own words and deeds. Why are people migrating, they want a better life, so isn't it obvious that the nation is fighting a lost cause.
at 02:32 on February 4th, 2009
Disppointed in the way civilzed citizens address each other, let's not waste our time and breath arguing over a lost cause. This country will never be reformed as long as we have crooks leading it
at 03:51 on February 4th, 2009
The protest is to save the civilians who are at risk of being bombed. There should be protests in colombo as well to save these civilians by all races, not just Tamils. It seems like many don't give a damn about saving the civilians (apart from you sathyajith and the majority of the Tamils ;) ) And those who are trying to raise awareness to save the civilians are immediately labelled ltte supporters. Do you even care that thousands of lives are at risk of death and injury??
Throughout the 25/26 years, whenever the Sri Lankan army has targeted and bombed innocent civilians, thats acceptable behaviour isn't it. And it is still happening.
at 04:46 on February 4th, 2009
Tiana Thangachchi,
Get your murderer Prabakaran to release civilians,then they will be safe. SLA will hunt him very soon .
at 20:26 on March 7th, 2009
do you think killing prabhakaran will solve the issue?
how did prabhakaran emerge? what made him to become a terrorist?
Come on man, if Sri lanka is not going to recognize tamils and give equal rights, the problem is never going to end.
Atleast prabakara is without mask , people know him as a terrorist, but what about gotabaya and rajapakshe? are these the lions and tigers with the mask of a cow?
remember men, for all the atrocities that you are doing now and still supporting it with untruthful excuses that civilians are held by LTTEs (I saw a video which I realized that people are threatened by SLA to tell that they are captives of LTTEs),
you go on spreading the lies that LTTEs hide shells, bombs in Hospitals,
that Civilians are captured and forced by LTTE to accomplish their Goals
that civilians are safe with Govt and Army
(while the fact is that pity girls not even big women are raped, gang raped by Army men and STF personel)..
what an injustice world is this?
you sri lankan men and army will face your judgement day...
at 04:51 on February 4th, 2009
Yeah get him. Like I give a hoot. Then try Gotabaya for mass murders
at 04:53 on February 4th, 2009
We need peace and harmony and don't care which country rules Srilanka as long as we citizens live well, happy and affordable lives. Why are people migrating???? They are looking for safety for their children and do not intend risking it! Mind your language, it just shows the type of citizens we have, full of anger and hatred. With this mentality there will never be peace again and it is better to leave the country before it is too late and we are become victims. Honestly Srilanka would have been in a better position under the British ruling.