Norway is a facilitator of the MOU and the peace talks between GOSL and LTTE. The status is definitely above that of a normal diplomatic mission. It may be therefore inappropriate to apply the customs laws of Sri Lanka and Vienna convention pertaining to the activity of normal diplomats. It will be important to have this aspect in mind before levelling accusation against Norway for its role on VOT transmitters.

The peace process in Sri Lanka is the best news for Lanks for 2003, and Peace, Security and Democracy for Tamils in North & East is my dream for 2003. I also wish that We stop becoming victims to manipulation by external forces. We as Sinhalese & Tamils adopt a democratic path for a Long term peace with sustainable development in Sri Lanka. All parties must become more tolerant to peoples views. Let's take a pledge to empower people, rebuild the economy and build our Nation.

Dear Friends,

My hearty wishes for SLMM & Peace process. I am really puzzled as to how the 20 year old conflict could come to a full stop without resuming normal life for the peoples of North & East of Lanka.

Resuming to normal life does not mean to have Army and other forces men for every 100 meters. It means no military presence in any civilian areas, Army & Navy must remain in only major barracks ie. Palaly, Mannar, Vavunya, etc.The So called Security zones to be

cleared from Army/ navy controls and given back to Tamils without anyfurther delays.

I encourage all Sri Lanka people in trying to establish a Swiss-like federalistic model for your "Paradise Island". Establish a set of laws and rules that give everyone the possibility to live in dignity and to start a business that allows to earn as much as is needed to survive. Here in Switzerland we have many refugees from Sri Lanka which I love for their friendly behaviour and their strong efforts in their daily work. Maybe a cooperation with refugees in Switzerland could help you speed up the re-establishment of tourism as an important economic branch for the future. - I pray for peace and hope to visit your country in the future. With Love Marcel Schaer

As someone who lives in Europe, it is amazing to see so many Sri Lankan Tamil people in all of the major european cities, carrying on businesses, employing other 'refugee' tamils. It apparent that the greater majority of these people are economic opportunists,

who have shamelessly landed on europe and Canada, under the guise of prosecution. Anyone who has been to Sri Lanka would not fail to notice that they live harmoniously with the majority population, albeit, take the guise of terrorists when it suits them to attack and kill off a few hundred people. These are the same people now attacking Europe's economies shamelessly with every conceivable fraud to include defrauding the social security, housing and other facilities/funds depriving bona fide and needy persons. It is an open secret how some of the so called 'refugees' are into big time credit card copying at petrol service stations and shops as well as running up heavy amounts on these and loans, then disappearing to Sri Lanka. The civil war is just a ruse to get these people over to europe under false pretences and then conducting systematic rape of the social and welfare facilities. The Sri Lankan Financial Services and the Police should give every assistance to Europe's Investigating Agencies to track these people and bring them to justice.

As an expatriate of Sri Lanka, I'm over whelmed by the inputs people have been posting on this forum. Except for Mr.George, I think he came to the wrong site.

In a federation, there is nothing wrong to have regional banks and regional traffic police, but there is no federeation, which has two navies andto infanteries. The LTTE hopes to send the singalese troops out of Jaffna and put its own tamil troops there. The policy must be that in a federationthe money, defence, army are under a central government, and that the army can be stationed anywhere in the federeation states. Therefore the call to disarm the LTTE is justified. If they are really interested inthe civilian resettlement, they should be willing to hand over their long range artillery.

I as a SriLankan support the peace process.

I cannot understand why the LTTE is keen for IDP's to return to HSZ's. Fact is that thousends have left the placeand live a good live in western countries, got citizenship there and have no intention at the moment to return at this stage. Others left for Colombo found a job there and are hassle free from LTTE extortion and abduction.So the remaining ones are mostly old parents, unable to cultivate the 100's of acres of land in this HSZ's.The main reason for the LTTE is just to weaken the presence of the SLA. Don't you see the danger coming along???

wonderful i wish to join the sri lanka web reply me by email

NOW or NEVER!

LTTE already puts up an administration to make it easier for seccession. And infliltration in the present Goverment adminsitration of the LTTE is increasing and dangerous. They are undermining the whole Jaffna penninsula for their own benefit. Therefore the MOUis getting dangerous if a permenant solution is not found quickly. Now 4 rounds of peace talks all the timespeaking about humanitarian issues. Now political issues have to be taken up. The LTTE has not shown any change in its attitude and is not willing to disarm or abolish the black tigers. They use the time to create facts on the ground.

Very good web site. However, regular update is recommended. Perhaps invite partners to submit what they do in supporting the peace process. As chief technical advisor to the INTEGRATED FOOD SCURITY PROGRAMME Trincomalee (IFSP) which is sponsored by the German Government through GTZ and the Sri Lankan Government through the Ministry of Eastern Development and NEPC I like you link to the IFSP web site www.ifsp-srilanka.org. You could do this by adding www.ifsp-srilanka.org at the end of the text on German Dev. Coop. or directly to IFSP in the text.

Best rgds,

The statement made by the President saying that she will remove PM if he is a threat to National Security. Well then, if that's the case, all what we are experincing in last few months as peaceful citizens will be ended and then we will get back to the same era of WAR WAR WAR. She couldn't do in her time and now trying to misuse the Executive President Power to eliminate the person who is fully finctional in this process. They have gone far and it's only few dialogues left. This must be continued and a result must come out.

to: Jason Edward

Jason, every nationality has their own rotten apples. Have look at your nationality for a moment. This forum is here for everyone who wants cheer for peace in Sri Lanka.

Many Tamils cannot accept critics. Tamil nationalism makes people blind. LTTE propaganda is misleading the Tamils in and out of Srilanka.Same thing happened many years back in Vietnam. People were working for the US and giving information to the Vietkong. For this reason US lost the war. Today many realized, that they supported the wrong side. In Sri Lanka it is the same. Many support the LTTE just for nationalistic reasons only later in their federation they will realize, that they supported the wrong side, but then it will be too late.

In an interview with Mr. Balasingham conducted by Lasantha Wickramatunge, Mr. Balasingham denied that the LTTE is still recruiting child soldiers. I personally know several people in the East whose children have been abducted. However, if he had stated they are investigating such claims or that the leadership had issued orders to stop then I would have been able to accept it as more diplomatic-speak. But a straight denial causes much concern. The LTTE needs to do a lot to help the people of the South understand their sincerity.

We have to congratulate Ranil & his Government , Prabaharan & also the Norwegian Govt. for acheiving what they have in terms of Peace for this country. One worry that is in most peoples mind is that the rise in cost of living including bread , Gas etc could be exploited by the forces working against peace. "Blessed are the Peace makers for they shall be called the son's of God".

"One Srilanka and One Tamileelam" or under new peace agreement it can be called "Ceylon Federation". (Srilanka +Tamileelam = CEYLON). So called "Srilanka" itself is named without any knowledge of the all the communities in the country with the concept of Sinhala only policy.

I have posted coments, which is never published. Mr. George comments were published regularly which were anti LTTE comments.

LTTE forced recruitement goes on. But with the abduction also the deserters are increasing. The LTTE is forcing the poor, who have no money to leave SriLanka to join their ranks, while in the west the support for LTTE is there because of their propaganda machine like TV stations TTN and Tamilradios.Is the liberation struggle the sacrifice of the poor meanless tamil people of Srilanka, while the rich are waiting for peace and then return and buy all the land of the poor. Modern slavery in Tamil-eelam? Let all the LTTE supporters return insted of sacrificing the poor tamil population.

Why is there no Tamil representative in the Government delegations to every round of talks? Is the Government making a statement that it is a Government of the Sinhala people? Elected by them and for them? I think the Government should seriously consider this if they are to project an image as a Sri Lankan governement and they should have a delegation that reflects ALL the peoples of this country.

we all should support the peace process so that sinhalese tamils and muslims can live with dignity and respect for each other.european nations have advanced by forging an economic union using english which is a world language for science and technology.civilized people of the world should learn to live in harmony in the global village.in the whole universe so far we have found life evolved only on the earth and we all should protect the environment and perpetuate life and civilizations around the world.when on looks at the people of srilanka and their culture they all blend with people of india.

What is the use of resettle tausends of displaced people and the go for the war option again?Therefore resettlement of IDP's, disarming LTTE and removing army camps should go hand in hand to bring peace. The buddist rally in Nugegoda, will send a sign to the LTTE to compromise, if they really want peace. New plot to remove EPDP from power by TNA and LTTE.The thirst of the LTTE for power and full controll of Jaffna has reached a new stage.The government with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) agreed not to extend the life term of local bodies in Jaffna district.

Peace is the urgent requirement of Sri Lanka. War is the need of handful of people who are benefitted by that. It is these guys who play various roles to abolish the current peace process. On the other hand in Sri Lanka JVP always plays and has stiil been playing a

disasterous role for crippling the entire country. They did it twice. Next will be the third. I do not have any word about other so called nationalisic parties who run numerous businesses to avert the peace. We voted the previous government with lot of hopes but ended up with nothing.

The terms used in the peace talks to define minority interest is unspecific, inappropriate, inadequate and likely to create problems and loopholes against the minority in the post-Peace Accord period. At national level the Government and the majority of people

have recognized the Tamil minority rights which might result in awarding self determination right to them. Their interests are going to be securely covered under special rights of equality ( for North and East) to be embodied in the new Constitution in the offing. Similarly the minority rights in the North and East should have special provision in the Constitution with reference to the racial and religious status. In the peace talks the minority in the North and East should be addressed to in terms of their race and religion. To attempt to cover the minority under 'all community rights is grossly unsatisfactory.

Having read the Royal Norwegian press releas, I am glad that the talks are going on smoothly. Iam glad that their is going to be an Accelerated Resettlement Programme for Jaffna but taking into account the plight of the Refugees and the Muslims. The members have, as I can see will work a schedule for discussion of Human Rights Issues which is positive If we continue along this path taking into account every ones concerns and dicussing them effectively, we are assured of lasting peace in our Country. I wish the talks every success.

The cutting of coconut trees in Jaffna is not only the fault of the SLA. If the LTTE did not attack army camps, then bunkers would not have been needed. New courts in Tricomalee, LTTE stays away from the ceremony. Why? because it is against their policy of Tamileelam courts. Tigers recruit 7,763 new cadres since cease-fire. The LTTE also received 6 arms shipments during the ceasefire. For war or peace? Attempts by the LTTE to obtain lists of account holders of banks in Jaffna for taxation. Already the LTTE is allegedly levying a tax on government servants in the Jaffna.

There are more than 64,000 people died and lot more have disabled in this Civil War. Most of these casualties were caused by bullets, landmines, bombs etc. But I don't think even a single bullet was ever manufactured in Sri Lanka.

Dear fellow Sri Lankans! Please wake up. There are some big boys out their making big money form the misery of both Tamils and Sinhalease. They even make suicide capsules and export them to countries like Sri Lanka. What sort of people would do such a business? Those are our real enemies.

Even though we have been fighting all these years, we are brothers, sons of Mother Sri Lanka. We both have done a lot of damage to each other due to some mistrust. It is time that we forget the past and build our country through trust and understanding. But we need to be vigilant since our real enemy is capable of doing anything to spoil the peace in Sri Lanka.

Now we had 4 rounds of Peace talks mostly centetered about the repatration of refugees. Now comes this headline. "LTTE wants repatriation from India put off." Why?

Because of the HSZ's issue. The LTTE wants the SLA to give up the HSZ's. But do they really think that all 64'000 refugees in India have their native place in the HSZ's? Or is it just another strategic move? Now comes the time where this peace-talk is on the brink. Neither side is willing to give in or give up. The LTTE has to give in, if the donor conference should be successfully held in Japan;

The peace process continues successfully, and all sides must be fully congratulated. May I make one comment, that except for the Gender committee, I do not see Sri Lankan women's names in the main negotiations and on the top committees. This would be a very critical ommission - I believe the old saying 'All conflict contains the seed of future conflict' is largely true because historically the world's women are excluded from making the peace (viz Versailles, and more recently Timor, Kosovo, Sierra Leone) and the elements for long-term success are overlooked because of women's absence.

With all due respects I wish to send my heartful new year wishes to our brillant and brave Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe . It's through his tireless efforts the peace has come to Sri Lanka.I hope sincerely that the year 2003 will be a prosperous and brightful year for each citizen of this Island. We thank our Prime Minister for his great contribution to bring peace and wish him a long life with sound health.

I hope the industrialized countries will give more economic aides to rebuild Sri lanka. without any delay.

I am very proud of the LTTE's achievement and salute their members who have given their life at no cost for the sake of other Tamils well being. At the same time I have a great respect for our prime minister Ranil and his members who have taken the bold move to solve this problem. If I know how, I will strongly recommend them for a Noble Peace Prize. As a nation lets forget the past and look for the bright future.

Rajapakse had requested a meeting with LTTE representatives as well but the Tigers had turned down his request. Only one party rule is compatible to Them. Crimes: 1. Mr. Samithamby Sellathurai a 38 has suffered LTTE crimes, extortion of 2.5 laks, robbed of the tractor and forced conscription of his 14 year old son by LTTE criminal Mr. Anbinian. Mr. Kumarasamy LTTE deserterter and fighter for peace focefully abducted again. LTTE criminals: Mr. Sinnaiah, Mr. Senathy. Still forced encription of childsoldiers. it is obvious, that MOU makes it easier for the LTTE to carry out their crimes in Government controlled areas.

The donor nations want to see results, like a timetimel for the LTTE to be disarmed, to be sure that the war will not break out again. Until then no one is interested to invest millions of $. Only humanitarian help. Mr. Akashi says the LTTE should focus on democracy and human rights, the process of devolving power would become only successful if parties other than the LTTE were allowed in politics in the NE. Where as the GOSL has almost nothing to say about happening in LTTE controlled NE, the LTTE is involved in Goverment controlled NE. Is this fair?

Everyone will understand my critics of the LTTE when reading the full report of the UTHR-J: "The LTTE's innate compulsions have already placed it irreversibly on a collision course with the Muslims and are furthering a climate of bitterness rather that of multi-ethnic harmony." New attempst by LTTE to dislocate SLA. People have complained that LTTE were forcing them, demanding the vacation of houses rented by the STF. But they were receiving a good monthly rent and they were not interested in taking back their houses. "The LTTE was involved in 313 cases childrecruitment, 89 abductions 41 harassment." Source SLMM.

i like to comin good sri lanka i am now in the sri lanka.

How can SLA dismantle HSZ's while LTTE increases its fighting forces during the ceasefire "by 10,000 cadre, mostly children by kidnapping for forcible recruitment. Disarm the LTTE and the HSZ's will be reduced immediately. LTTE has to find other means to bargain with the GOSL. Already they controll enough land to use as bargaining power.R. MOHAN BATHIKARAN MURTHI had been threatened with death by LTTE cadres. Two shops belonging to Muslims in VALACHCHENAI town were gutted by fire. The health condition of Anton Balasingam, could lead to an escalation. Prabakaran, could stop the negotiationand go for the war option again.

Is the HSZ episode drifting the tigers away from the table? The last peace talk in Thailand didn't bring expected results compared to previous talks. Now the next talk is being pruned to two days on an excuse of rebel negotiator's camouflaged health. It is time to sit back and examine the unwanted statements made by warmongers is very crucial to avoid future interruptions. Though PM is acting like statement, it is extremely essential to get the opposition on board to thwart any qualms. Nothing is ever accomplished by a reasonable man.

I wish to thank the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE for appointing 10 women as advisors to the Sub committee No. 1. As women bring awhole new perspective to the negotiating table we request the govenemnt to appoint women to the team of negotiators. thanks.

The peace negoziations started by the Norwegian Government and the efforts taken by the present Srilankan Government to make it a success was the most valuable and important thing that is happening.These two Governments must be nominated for the next Nobel Prize for peace.I wish success and good luck.

Is war nearer than peace? The forced recruitement especially in the E. LTTE rumour in Batticaloa: "We have no confidence in the talks, prepare for war, we have the weapons including MBRLs, we can take Batticaloa in three days, you must help us." LTTE Commander Karuna appealed for continued financial support of the Tamil expatriate

community to maintain their military strength.Their financial assistance will give LTTE strength and power. "We can achieve whatever we want in the battlefield. You do not have to worry about the battlefield. We have a lot of commandos waiting." For peace????