Reconciliation, Rights & Freedom: Four years after the end of war in SRi Lanka
18 May, 2013 Ruki Colombo, Features, Human Rights, Jaffna, Peace and Conflict, Politics and Governance

Image courtesy The Telegraph

It is now 4 years after the end of the war. The way we Sri Lankans will remember the end of the war is likely to demonstrate once again how divided we are, as North and South, as Sinhalese and Tamils.

Some Tamil friends in the North told me that they will try to have some events to remember the large numbers who were killed and disappeared, despite the past threats and intimidations. “We will try to have it quietly and low profile way” was what one friend told me. It is unlikely that families of those killed, disappeared, injured, those whose land has been occupied by the military after the war, will be in the mood to celebrate. This of course should not be confused with the fact that they are indeed relieved the war is over – that they don’t need to be in bunkers, duck shells, bombs and shooting, run over dead bodies to save their own lives, try to hide from forced recruitments etc.

On the other hand, the government has announced grand celebrations in Colombo, with the annual “Victory Day Parade”. Based on last three years experiences, there is unlike to be any mourning, grieving or even remembering of Tamil civilians killed, injured through government action – although it’s possible that those killed and who suffered at the hands of the LTTE may be remembered. .

By Zsombor Peter and Aun Pheap - May 16, 2013


BROMA VILLAGE, Kratie Province – In a barren field dotted with the odd corn shoot, the grave of Heng Chantha lies beneath a small, metal roof.

The 14-year-old girl, the seventh of 10 children born to a family of rice and cassava farmers, was shot dead by security forces who raided her village on May 16, 2012—one year ago today.

The government claims it had to dislodge an armed and dangerous band of rebels bent on severing the remote village from state control. Human rights groups, and some of the villagers, say they were merely trying to protect their farms from a rubber plantation. Hundreds were evicted. A few were arrested, and independent radio station owner Mam Sonando, who had never visited the area, was convicted of encouraging a secessionist movement.

Suy Heimkhemra, VOA Khmer

18 May 2013
PHNOM PENH - Following official approval by the National Election Committee on Thursday, the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party will now take “big steps” toward contesting elections in July, a party spokesman said Friday.

That includes a large role for Sam Rainsy, the president of the party, who remains in exile and ineligible to run for office, but who will continue to contribute to the campaign, the spokesman, Yim Sovann, told VOA Khmer.

Sam Rainsy, who faces at least 10 years in prison if he returns, on charges he says are politically motivated, was officially removed from the list of candidates during the registration period.

But he continues to have discussions with party leaders and will continue to engage with the public via video conferencing, Yim Sovann said.

Cambodian soldiers move debris after a factory collapsed in Kampong Speu province on May 16, 2013.

'After more than a decade of monitoring, labor activists are still reporting systemic efforts to block independent unionization, while workers continue working excessive overtime hours,'

Cambodian soldiers move debris after a factory collapsed in Kampong Speu province on May 16, 2013.

'After more than a decade of monitoring, labor activists are still reporting systemic efforts to block independent unionization, while workers continue working excessive overtime hours,'