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http://english.globaltamilnews.net/rss.php Global Tamil News - RSS for English News en-us admin@globaltamilnews.net (Admin) admin@globaltamilnews.net (Admin) http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27857 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27857 The Sri Lankan government has strengthened the macro economic fundamentals to face any eventualities positively and has taken several measures to deal with the loss of European Union’s tariff concession, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) plus facility from next month.   Addressing media, the Government spokesman Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the government under no circumstances will betray the country, no bow down to the internal or external pressures but will make every action to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country.   “Presently we have a foreign exchange reserve of USD 6.2 Billion sufficient to meet the import needs for more than six months and we are optimistic of increasing it to around USD 7.5 billion at the end of the third quarter,” the Minister informed.   Explaining further the Minister said the reserves are sufficient to bring down the dollar exchange rate to about Rs. 105 but the government is maintaining it at current level to help the exporters and it is one of the measures taken by the government to counteract the losses from GSP+ and help the exporters, encourage their production activities and make them competitive in the international market.   According to Minister Rambukwella, Sri Lanka’s exports to EU countries constituted about 50 percent of total apparel exports in 2009 and of those only about 60 percent benefited from the GSP+ scheme.   The Central Bank of Sri Lanka estimates on a net basis the total value of the losses as a result of the withdrawal of the concession to be about USD 102 million a year.   The European Commission (EC) on February 15th this year decided to suspend the GSP+ trade facility to Sri Lanka following an investigation by the European Commission that said the country fell short in implementing three UN human rights conventions relevant for benefits under the scheme.   The Commission gave six months time to rectify the concerns and set specific demands to satisfy their requirements.   The government last month said the conditions set by the EC to extend the GSP+ tariff facility are so “unacceptably intrusive” and intervene in the affairs of the country and it felt the need to inform the Sri Lankan public of the implications of accepting those conditions for a limited‐time benefit.   The government says in preparation for the withdrawal of the GSP concession effective from August 15, the government, the Central Bank as well as many Sri Lankan exporters to the EU have already taken many measures to deal with this risk.   Some of the measures taken by the government to handle the losses include improving the business environment in the country by ending the conflict and stabilizing and improving almost all macro‐economic fundamentals.   Low inflation, lower rates of interest, high foreign reserves, stable rupee exchange rates, political stability in the country and removal of Sri Lanka from the list of high war risk countries are some of the measures, the spokesman pointed out.   (CP) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:50:23 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27856 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27856 Sri Lankan government said the Higher Security Zones extended during the war cannot be removed completely overnight although some High Security Zones have already been narrowed as the government has to ensure safety of all citizens in the country.   Addressing a group of journalists from North and East who visited Colombo, Director General of Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle said the government will never compromise on national security despite the war is being over.   Hulugalle welcoming the group of journalists said that although the armed struggle was eliminated, the former combatants may be using the weapons in their possession in robberies and other crimes.   The security forces are daily recovering hauls of weapons hidden or abandoned by terrorists, Hulugalle said, adding that the government will solve this problem to ensure the safety of the people.   Military Spokesman Major General Ubaya Madewela, said High Security Zones in Kokavil, Muhamalei, Tilappom on Jaffna ‐ Kankasanthurai road have been removed and former residents have been resettled. The Security Forces have provided them with facilities including foods.   Hulugalle requested the visiting journalists to be responsible in their media roles and not to distort the facts and be genuine and honest to strengthen inter communal unity and help national bridge � building.   (CP) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:49:35 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27855 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27855 The government yesterday said LTTE’s main arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP who is now under military custody, had made a contribution in getting money from the Tamil Diaspora for investment in the war affected areas. Addressing the weekly Cabinet news conference, Government Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the government invited the Diaspora to play a role in the economic development of the North. In this respect, he said, KP had a say as the person who collected money earlier from the pro‐LTTE Diaspora to procure arms and other war‐related material for the organization.   “We cannot say the entire Diaspora is against the government. Certain sections of it responded to our request positively. Earlier, KP was the main figure in soliciting money from the Diaspora to be used in replenishing the LTTE’s arsenal. Now, there is the opportunity to use such money for a worthy cause. Earlier, those monies were used to buy weapons, war ships and explosives,” the Minister said.   The Minister was responding to a question by the media in this regard. The media queried how the government   could use a persons accused of terrorist activities for such political ends.   However, the Minister replied that the government weighed the pros and cons and took decisions in the greater interest of the country.   “We take decisions according to the need of the hour. We do not hesitate to do it,” he said.   He also said the government could use KP as a government witness in cases involving allegations against human rights abuses.   “We take decisions according to the need of the hour. We do not hesitate to do it,” he said.   (DM) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:48:56 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27854 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27854 The government yesterday said it would not oppose the decision by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to send a special envoy to Sri Lanka on a fact finding mission on the situation in the Northern Province.   Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told a news conference the Indian Prime Minister had taken this decision following a request made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.   “TNA leader R. Sampanthan made a request to Mr. Karunanidhi regarding this. Above all, President Mahinda Rajapaksa asked all these Tamil Nadu politicians to come and see for themselves the situation in Sri Lanka.   It was an open request,” he said reiterating that India was Sri Lanka’s ‘best friend’.   (DM) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:48:05 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27853 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27853 A senior Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry official and ten Chinese army officers are now visiting the North and East to advice the Government on de‐mining, the Ministry of Economic Development said yesterday.   A ministry source said Zhang Ze ‐ Deputy Director of the Department of treaty of and Law of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of China ‐ this week arrived in the country with a number of high ranking senior colonels, lieutenant colonels and majors. “The Chinese officials are currently visiting several areas in the North and East including Kilinochchi, Mannar and Mullaitivu,” a source said. He said they arrived in the country to advise on how to use de‐mining equipment and to provide knowledge on how to enforce the task of de‐mining.  “Most of our de‐mining equipment is made in China. Therefore it is useful to have their expert advice and support,” the source said adding that the team would be in the country till the end of the month.   (DM) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:47:05 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27852 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27852 A recent report by the Department of Transport and Logistics Management of the University of Moratuwa stated that Greater Colombo areas contributed to a loss of at least 32 billion rupees a year due to traffic congestion.   University of Moratuwa civil engineering Professor Amal .S.Kumarage told the congestion was mainly due to no proper system to control vehicular traffic in the Greater Colombo areas.   “The main reason for congestion the poor city plan wing , inappropriate public transportation facilities and insufficient traffic system, which leads to waste of time, fuel and wear and tear of vehicles,” he said  Professor Kumarage highlighted that the country was losing  1.5% of the GDP due to traffic congestion   He  said the flyovers  and highways would provide little solution to the prevailing conditions of traffic in the city. He said it would only create more congestion in the city.  For example he said Baseline road in Dematagoda which had two lanes before was made into six  lanes to reduce traffic.    “Traffic at the Baseline road has increased after being made in to six lanes more than what it was with two lanes due to more vehicles on the road and no proper traffic plan,” Professor Kumarage said.   He said congestion could not be reduced in one day, but a good city plan, friendly public transport facilities and a sufficient operational traffic system was the only way to resolve the current congestion in the city.   (DM) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:46:28 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27851 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27851 A Japanese delegation including the Mayor of Ginan city of Japan Hideyasu Matsubara met Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Kandy Thursday.   The 14‐member Japanese delegation, accompanied by Dr. Lal Thilakarathne, President, Japan‐Lanka Friendship Association and Ven. Hanwelle Dhammaloka thero, the patron of Lal Thilakarathna Foundation, and two Japanese municipal councilors is on a 7‐day visit to Sri Lanka.   The Foundation on Monday donated an ambulance and three fire engines worth Rs. 124 million for use of the Army.   The Japanese delegation plans to donate books and spectacles to students at Sigiriya schools and visit places of religious and cultural importance in Dambulla, Kandy, and Sigiriya.   (CP) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:44:48 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27850 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27850 The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) called on the President to stop the vandalism that was going on against sites that are revered by Buddhists as was the case when the Sambodhi Viharaya in Arugambay was demolished to build a hotel, they alleged.   JHU leader Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera in a letter addressed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa had alleged that the Viharaya had been demolished to build a hotel and that the demolition work had been carried out by the police. He had stated that it was hard for Buddhists to resolve such controversial situations all the time. In this aspect the Ven. Thera had recalled the controversy surrounding the demolition of the Digavapi Chaithya, which was also resolved with great difficulty.   (DM) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:44:03 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27833 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27833 “Tamil Diaspora ready to work with President” “Special Bank AC opened to raise funds”   Prabhakaran’s successor, T. S. Pathmanathan or simply ‘KP’ as he is better known has thrown his weight behind Sri Lanka’s post‐LTTE efforts to restore peace in the Northern and Eastern provinces.   In an exclusive interview with The Island in Colombo yesterday, Pathmanathan, former confidant of the slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the outfit’s main arms procurer, discussed a wide range of issues, including his capture last August, breakdown of various attempts to negotiate peace and a desperate bid to thwart annihilation of the LTTE‘s military leadership in May 2009.   Pathmanathan, in a light brown kurta, black slacks and matching shoes could have easily walked the streets of the city without being identified as one of the key LTTE leaders, who had helped build the organisation as a ruthlessly efficient terrorist group over the past three decades. He sat on a couch asking the writer to fire away in what turned out to be a three‐hour interview in which he spelt out his plans in support of on‐going rebuilding efforts of the government.   The onetime most elusive man from Jaffna said he was confident that a group of likeminded Tamils based in various parts of the world would support the initiative for the benefit of Sri Lankan Tamils.   Fielding questions with a smile, KP said what he expected of the Tamil Diaspora and what the Diaspora expected of him was to step up the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement programmes now underway.   Born on April 6, 1955, KP had played different roles before succeeding Velupillai Prabhakaran after the latter’s death at the hands of the Sri Lanka Army on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May last year.   Excerpts of the interview:       Q: Are you confident that the Tamil Diaspora could work with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government?   A: President Rajapaksa is genuine in his efforts to settle differences among communities and help re‐build war devastated regions in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Within a year of the conclusion of the war, the majority of the people displaced by the conflict are back at their villages and ex‐combatants of the LTTE are undergoing rehabilitation and the international community, too, is supportive of Sri Lanka’s efforts. None of these would have been possible without the political leadership given by President Rajapaksa.   KP said it was essential for the Tamil Diaspora to realise the ground reality in a post‐LTTE era and review its strategy to meet the new challenges. He said he had stepped in as he felt there was a leadership vacuum to be filled. Emphasising his determination to go ahead with what he called a tangible action plan, the LTTE veteran said everybody should have come forward and assist in the rebuilding efforts without trying to live in the past. The media should play a positive role in the post‐LTTE period and strengthen the ongoing reconciliation efforts. Nothing could be as bad as negative reporting, though no one would dispute the right of the media to cover any issue the way it deemed fit, KP said. However, he said their focus should be on development and peace building efforts such as rebuilding, speedy resettlement of the war displaced and rehabilitation of ex‐combatants.       Q: You recently set up an NGO to collect money from the Tamil Diaspora to help the re‐building process. Would the Diaspora respond to your move as there were others who claimed to represent the interests of the LTTE?   A: The North‐East Rehabilitation and Development Organisation (NERDO) is ready to play a key role in the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement processes. With its main office situated at No 10, 1st Lane, Kathiresu Road, Vairavaputiyankulam, Vavuniya, NERDO is engaged in various activities in support of the Tami speaking people. We are only concerned about the welfare of the people, particularly children, though some seek fresh funding to cause mayhem. People are fed up with war and every effort should be made to alleviate the suffering of the people without playing politics with a purely humanitarian issue. We are appealing for funds ‐ ‐$1 from each Tamil living abroad on a monthly basis. To facilitate fund raising activity, we recently opened an account at the Vavuniya branch of the Commercial Bank bearing 1610046482 (Code CCEYLKLX). Our e‐mail is info@nerdo.lk/www.nerdo.lk.       Q: What was the turning point in the eelam war IV?   A: Multi‐pronged Al‐Qaeda 9/11 attack on the US changed it all. Within 24 hours, the international community led by Western powers moved against all armed groups causing immense damage to our operations. There are many other factors, but the primary reason is nothing but the rapid rise of Al‐Qaeda, which prompted the West to change its attitude. This brought about a drastic change in the attitude of political leaders in the other parts of the world. Circumstances made propagation of separatist sentiments extremely difficult in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, an influential section of the LTTE, including its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran did not realize the urgent need to change its strategy. Had he done that the situation would have been different today. There is a New World Order today, which does not tolerate armed campaigns and that is the hard reality.       Q: Are you satisfied with the progress in resettlement and reconstruction following the conclusion of war in May last year?   A: The situation is much better than I expected. Although, there is lot to be done by way of confidence building, we should appreciate what the government has done since the conclusion of the war. The Tamil community should not solely depend on the government, UN agencies and NGOs for their needs. We have a duty by the people to act swiftly and decisively to bring immediate relief to war affected people. During a recent visit to the North, we had an opportunity to provide immediate assistance to several hundreds of GCE (Advanced Level) students sitting for the forthcoming examination. No one would have believed a common programme involving the Tamil Diaspora and the government was possible, but today we are cooperating with the government and working for the people. We are already receiving requests for assistance from the Tamil community, a case in point being that two school principals recently obtained financial assistance for students who needed to pay for examination papers at term tests.   Now that the war is over, we can go flat out to implement development programmes. Recently, we donated Rs. 500,000 for the provision of buns and tea for the Advanced Level students at the Sundaralingham Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Vavuniya, sitting for examination in August.       Q: When did you first hear of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s death on the Vanni front? Where were you at the time of the final battle?   A: I was abroad when I first heard of Prabhakaran’s death on May 19. The international press reported the final confrontation, though some continued to dispute the fact. I was Prabhakaran’s best friend and felt sad about the loss of his life. Had he listened to me and reached an agreement with the government before it was too late, the final battle could have been avoided. The LTTE suffered a massive setback on May 10 on the Vanni (east) front, where some 400 experienced cadres perished while trying to break the army lines. Following that tragedy, I discussed with the then political chief Nadesan a way out of the quagmire. But unfortunately they believed the army could be somehow forced to stop the offensive and a deal worked out through a third party. We also talked to various people and organizations, including the UN in a bid to work out some arrangement but nothing happened due to the failure on the part of Prabhakaran to make his move earlier.       Q: When did you first leave Sri Lanka? When did you last visit Sri Lanka before being taken in abroad shortly after the end of war?   A: I fled to India with Prabhakaran in 1980. The military searched for me and arrested me forcing me to think of my future. Intensified military activity demoralized the community. When the pressure was mounting, we took a boat from Valvettiturai and sought refuge in India. At that time crossing the Indo‐Lanka maritime boundary was no problem. The then TULF leader A. Amirthalingham introduced me to Prabhakaran in mid 70s, most probably in 1976 and since then we worked together. At that time TELO and the LTTE were the dominant militant groups and they worked with the Jaffna‐based political leadership for the eelam project. I studied at Mahajana College, Jaffna but gave up University education to fight for our rights, which we believed were violated by successive governments. But today we are in a unique position to bring about a permanent peace in not only Northern and Eastern Provinces but the entire country.   Following the then Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah’s killing by Prabhakaran, the decision makers of the politico‐militant movement at that time had removed Prabhakaran from the outfit. When he came to me, I was just an Advanced Level student, though I had to accommodate him in my room. There had been moves to kill him by some individuals, including the then TELO leader Thangadurai.   Part II tomorrow (KP meets Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa)   (Island) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:10:27 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27832 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27832 A Sri Lankan court issued notices to 20 witnesses to provide evidence to the “white flag” case involving the former Army Commander and current Democratic National Alliance (DNA) parliamentarian retired General Sarath Fonseka.   Colombo High Court today issued the summons to the witnesses when it heard the controversial “white flag” case against General Fonseka. Daily hearings from witnesses are to begin from September 27.   General Fonseka was brought to the Colombo High Court escorted by prison and army guards for the hearing of the case.   The ex‐military chief has been accused of making a controversial statement to a weekly newspaper during the last Presidential election campaign where he had allegedly said that the security forces had received orders to shoot white flags carrying LTTE leaders who tried to surrender during the final stages of the war.   The case was initially heard at the Colombo Magistrate courts and after recording of the statements Fonseka is now being indicted at the High Court.   (CP) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:09:25 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27831 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27831 A Sri Lankan Tamil demonstrator who went on hunger strike outside London’s Houses of Parliament accepted damages Thursday from British newspapers who accused him of eating burgers during the action.   Parameswaran Subramanyam will receive nearly £80,000(95,000 euros, 125,000 dollars) from the Daily Mail and the Sun, his lawyer said.   Subramanyam spent 23 days last year fasting as part of a protest by thousands of British Tamils about the treatment of their people in Sri Lanka. He later spent five days in hospital recovering.   The two newspapers falsely alleged that the 29‐year‐old had secretly eaten burgers from McDonalds during his hunger strike.   Parameswaran sued them for libel at the High Court in London and the newspapers have now apologised, withdrawn the allegations and agreed to pay damages totalling nearly £80,000.   “The claimant did not consume any food at all throughout his hunger strike,” judge David Eady said in his ruling.   “The articles strike at the heart of the claimant’s integrity, undermining the single achievement for which he became known and respected.”   Eady said Parameswaran had been “ostracised” by Tamils after the untrue stories were published because they believed he had “betrayed” them and “undermined the Tamil struggle globally”.   Parameswaran said he had thought about committing suicide after the newspapers published their stories because of the criticism he faced from other Tamils.   “I had death threats through mobile and text and all over the Tamil community they were spreading texts like ‘kill Parameswaran’ and ‘bastard’,” he told AFP.   (DM) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:08:25 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27830 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27830 The Elections Secretariat has decided to omit from the 2010 electoral register, the names of voters in the Jaffna district who have left the country during the conflict period. Elections authorities are currently enumerating the voters to prepare the electoral list for 2010.   According to the 2008 electoral register  there had been 722,000 registered voters in the Jaffna district.   In the 2009 register this had increased to 816,000.  However, many of them now live outside the country.   The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), said yesterday that the actual number of voters staying in Jaffna could be placed roughly at 400,000.   PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told that the election authorities would come up with the exact figures very soon.  Besides, he said that there is a lack of enthusiasm among people in the North to be registered as voters.“People are not keen on this. The political parties also do not play a proactive role in this case,” he said.   Mr. Hettiarachchi said that the voter registration in the North would continue for another few months due to such practical problems.   “People also do not like to be registered as voters in their new areas fearing that they will lose their previous residential lands. Anyway, people are not interested in the electoral process,” he said.   (DM) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:07:10 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27829 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27829 It is reported that Thaksin Shinawatra,theThai billionaire business man who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was deposed in a military coup, spent nearly 10 hours in Sri Lanka on the 25th of this month. He had arrived in a special flight and had stayed in a five star hotel. According to hotel sources Shinawatra has had secret discussions with top men in the government.  Thaksin was found guilty in a Thai court of corruption and sentenced in absentia for two years imprisonment. However, he did not serve the sentence and a Thai court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Thaksin on terrorism charges. Earlier too Thaksin had arrived in a special flight to Sri Lanka and had had secret talks with top people in the government. It is also reported that diplomatic sector is concerned regarding the move of the government to have dealings with Thaksin Shinawatra who is considered as a No. 1 fraudster in the world and one who has been accused of various crimes and rackets.   (LT) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:05:48 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27828 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27828 Sri Lanka’s former army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka was brought before the Colombo High Court on Thursday to answer charges of provoking violence.   Fonseka, who already faces two courts martial and two more criminal cases, was taken before a three‐member “trial‐at‐bar” for the first time and charged, his attorney said.   “The main charge is inciting people to violence,” lawyer Nalin Laduwahetti said. Some 20 witnesses will be called during the next hearing, on September 27.   The trial‐at‐bar dispenses with the normal practice of trial by jury, and is normally used by the state to fast‐track legal proceedings in high‐profile cases. If convicted, Fonseka could be jailed for five to 20 years.   Fonseka was charged under tough emergency laws in relation to accusations he incited violence by commenting to a newspaper that surrendering rebel leaders were executed during the country’s civil war, which ended in May 2009.   Fonseka maintained that the published comments ‐‐ which suggested defence secretary Gotabhaya Rakapakse, the younger brother of the president, had ordered the executions ‐‐ were in fact misquotes. Rajapakse has denied the charge.   A retired four‐star general, Fonseka led the Sri Lankan army to a spectacular victory against Tamil Tiger rebels in May last year, ending the island’s 37‐year separatist conflict.   But he has since fallen out with the government and says the legal cases against him are politically motivated.   Fonseka made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Rajapakse at elections in January, but went on to win a seat at April parliamentary polls.   He is currently in military custody, facing two courts martial for allegedly dabbling in politics while in uniform and illegally awarding contracts to a company in which his son‐in‐law had an interest.Fonseka’s party has said the cases against him are fabricated and form part of a political vendetta.   (AFP) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:04:48 -0500 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27773 http://english.globaltamilnews.net/english_news.php?nid=27773 The Sri Lankan government is to oppose the re‐election of Ban Ki‐moon as the UN Secretary General and will also seek the support of several other countries for this move, a senior government minister told on condition of anonymity.   The cabinet minister said that Sri Lanka would seek the support of countries such as India, Russia, Brazil, China and various developing countries and launch campaigns in these countries soon, to oppose the reappointment of Mr. Ban to the post of UN Secretary General.“Sri Lanka will not vote him in after his latest decision to appoint his expert panel. Sri Lanka will also discourage other countries in the region from voting for him,” the minister said.   “The government will begin the campaigns soon after discussions with the respective governments,” he added.   The term of Ban Ki‐moon as UN Secretary General will expire on December 31, 2011, and he is eligible for reappointment for a second term.   Mr. Ban Ki‐moon and the Sri Lankan government have been at loggerheads after his decision to appoint an expert panel to advise him on accountability issues relating to Sri Lanka.   Despite repeated calls by the Sri Lankan government to the effect that such a panel was ‘unwarranted’ and ‘uncalled for,’ Mr. Ban has maintained that his panel would remain and would submit a report to him within a period of four months.   (DM) Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:27:03 -0500