Sri Lanka

UN report faults Sri Lanka, Tamil Tigers over war conduct

A UN panel has found 'credible allegations' of war crimes committed by both sides as the long-running civil war drew to a close in May 2009.
Sri Lanka floods provide chance for government, Tamil reconciliation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has undertaken few reconciliation measures since defeating Tamil separatists. Current Sri Lanka floods provide a chance for him improve relations.
Sri Lankan president stung by British protests, WikiLeaks cables

After Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa was met with protests during a private visit in Britain on Thursday, his supporters rallied today outside the British mission in Colombo.
Scarred by Sri Lanka's war with Tamil Tigers, female ex-fighters build new lives

Many women fought for the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka's 26-year war. Critical gaps in education, psychological problems, and physical injuries make job opportunities tough to come by.
Fonseka convicted in Sri Lanka amid delayed inquiry over Tamil Tigers war

Former Sri Lanka Army chief Sarath Fonseka was convicted today of meddling in politics while on duty. Fonseka has said war crimes may have been committed during the civil war with the Tamil Tigers.
Why India embraces Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa in first postwar visit

Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa signed several deals with India during his visit this week, his first since quashing the Tamil Tiger rebels. He also faced protests from India’s sizable Tamil community over the wartime death of civilians.
Sri Lanka, UN duel over wartime investigations

A UN panel is set to monitor how Sri Lanka responds to allegations of violating human rights during the end of its civil war with the Tamil Tigers. But Sri Lanka has resisted this and other outside attempts at accountability.
Terrorism & Security
Rights groups say new evidence suggests Sri Lanka war crimes against Tamil Tigers

Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group have each released new evidence implicating the Sri Lanka government in war crimes during its offensive against the Tamil Tigers one year ago.
Sri Lanka elections buoy ruling party; Tamils sidelined

Voters in Thursday's Sri Lanka elections favored President Mahinda Rajapakse's ruling party, which prioritizes economic growth over reconciliation with the rebel Tamils after decades of civil war.
Sri Lanka: ambitious plan to rebuild 'ground zero' in war with Tamil Tigers

After 26 years of civil war, Sri Lanka has an ambitious $1 billion plan to revive the city of Jaffna, long isolated by the rebel Tamil Tigers.
Global News Blog
Restored library in Sri Lanka signals hope for Tamil minority

In the heartland of Sri Lanka’s minority, Jaffna’s newly restored Tamil library is a potent symbol of decades of ethnic strife.
Sri Lanka: Long-simmering suspicions led to Fonseka's arrest

The government grew concerned about the political ambitions of former Army chief Sarath Fonseka – who was arrested on Monday – long before he ran for president last month.
Sri Lanka opposition, in tight corner, rallies for Fonseka

Sri Lanka police fired tear gas Wednesday at protesters demanding the release of defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka. The factionalized opposition faces dim prospects in just-announced April elections.
Sri Lanka crackdown goes beyond arrest of Sarath Fonseka

The arrest of Sri Lanka’s former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, who challenged the president in recent elections, comes soon after the detention of former military members tied to him.
As Tamil refugees resettle, their well-being could determine Sri Lanka’s

Almost 200,000 Tamils have left Sri Lanka’s postwar refugee camps – some for tin-roof shelters or relatives' homes. Their resettlement is seen as key to national reconciliation after decades of war against Tamil rebels ended last May.
Sri Lanka president’s election win disappoints Tamil expats

The reelection of Sri Lanka’s president – whom influential Tamil expats had bitterly opposed during the long civil war – has revived questions of what role they should play in their homeland.
Sri Lanka’s president wins by big margin. Fonseka surrounded.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory bodes well for his party in parliamentary elections due by April. Challenger Sarath Fonseka, whose hotel remains surrounded by armed troops, has refused to accept the results.
Voting stays calm in tense Sri Lanka presidential election

Voting proceeded smoothly Tuesday in Sri Lanka's presidential election, though bomb attacks delayed early polling in the north, where challenger Sarath Fonseka is counting on support. Results for the tight race between him and incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa are expected Wednesday.
Sri Lanka elections: Former partners in war now battle in politics

President Mahindra Rajapaksa expected an easy win in Sri Lanka elections after his historic victory against Tamil Tiger rebels – until his Army chief Gen. Sarath Fonseka decided to run against him. Tuesday’s vote is expected to be close.
Tamils in Canada vote for independent homeland in Sri Lanka

In the latest such vote to be held by Tamils of Sri Lankan descent living abroad, members of the diaspora across Canada overwhelmingly voted “yes” on a referendum held Saturday calling for an independent homeland.
Sri Lanka Tamils: freed from camps, their votes may give them new clout

Sri Lanka Tamils may have been freed from camps because of the politics surrounding upcoming elections as much as international pressure.
Global News Blog
Sri Lanka Tamil camps: Why were they closed?

The Sri Lanka government will release 130,000 Tamil refugees from internment camps starting Dec. 1. Was the decision prompted by international pressure or domestic politics?
Rising tide of asylum-seekers: Will Australia let them in?

Australian Prime Minister Rudd faces twin crises as he weighs how to handle Sri Lankan Tamil refugees picked up at sea by Australian and Indonesian ships and taken to Indonesian ports. The "boat people" are refusing to disembark.
Sri Lanka to probe alleged wartime human rights abuses

Sri Lanka promised to conduct its own human rights inquiry after the EU and US released reports on abuse last week. But critics say the government may whitewash its findings.
Global News Blog
Sri Lanka boat people test Australia

The latest boat people are Sri Lankan refugees caught in Indonesia while fleeing to Australia highlights the tricky waters countries must navigate between offering asylum and stopping human traffickers.