Topic: Mahinda Rajapakse

EU human rights report could cost Sri Lanka $100 million

Sri Lanka could lose valuable EU trade concessions after an inquiry found severe human rights abuses against Tamils. The US released its own report of allegations of war crimes Thursday.

Sri Lanka under fire for lack of Tamil reconciliation

After defeating the Tamil Tigers this spring, the country has delayed the return of more than 250,000 displaced Tamils, citing concerns about mines and potential terrorists.

Journalist's 20-year sentence casts chill in Sri Lanka

Tamil columnist J.S. Tissainayagam, whom US President Barack Obama had recognized as an example of a persecuted journalist, was charged with fomenting communal disharmony and sentenced to hard labor.

In Sri Lankan polls, Tamils affirm desire for self-rule

In the first election in 11 years Saturday, a pro-rebel party won the most local-council seats in Vavuniya and came in second in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka's postwar resettlement stalls

Some 280,000 refugees remain detained, a month after fighting stopped. A national probe into war abuses was shut down this week.

Some Tamils wary of Sri Lankan leader's outreach

The president promised the ethnic minority 'equal rights' during a victory speech Tuesday.

Sri Lanka reveals evidence of rebel leader's death

President declares formal end to 26-year civil war and calls for unity.

Sri Lanka: Can Tamil Tigers go on without their leader?

The military said it shot dead Vellipulai Prabhakaran Monday, a day after the rebels admitted defeat in their 26-year war.

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers admit defeat

The militant group's chief of international relations announced Sunday that the war had reached its "bitter end."

Sri Lankan 'detention' camps swell with Tamils

Aid workers struggle to help war-weary refugees as concerns grow about conditions in the shelters as well as timetables for resettlement.

Sri Lankan civilians trapped by Tamil Tigers 'last stand'

As the fighting has shrunk to a three-square mile strip of rebel-held land, Sri Lanka's military has framed its offensive as the world's 'largest hostage rescue mission.'

Sri Lanka gives Tigers 24 hours to surrender

Tens of thousands of civilians fled Monday as the government breached rebels' defensive wall.

Sri Lankan rebels cornered in 'no-fire zone'

The Tamil Tigers left their stronghold and fled to an area where thousands of civilians are trapped.

How US 'war on terror' emboldened Sri Lanka's

The Army appears on verge of crushing Tiger rebels.

Gunmen attack Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan

At least six people were killed when militants ambushed the team's convoy.

In Sri Lanka, Tamil Tiger cease-fire gets cool reception

Just days after a defiant air attack, the LTTE has proposed a cease-fire in the where its fighters are boxed in by a military advance.

World

Thousands of civilians remain trapped in Sri Lankan war zone

The UN evacuated about 300 people Thursday but human rights groups say a humanitarian crisis is looming.

Fighting threatens Sri Lankan civilians

Humanitarian concerns are mounting as government forces bear down on rebel areas.

International news roundup

Gauging Sri Lanka's inroads in battle against Tigers

The Army seized another key town, Pallai, Thursday, and has squeezed the rebels from north and south.

World

World

World

Sri Lanka election called 'mandate' to defeat rebel Tamil Tigers

The island's first elections in two decades had been intended as a test of the peacemaking process with the breakaway fighters.