News 14.05.09

Sri Lankan migrants intercepted off Indonesia

May 14 (AFP) Fifty-five Sri Lankan migrants were intercepted Thursday off the coast of western Indonesia as they tried to reach Australia to look for work, police said. Fishermen found the migrants, men aged from 25 to 30, aboard a damaged wooden boat two kilometres (just over a mile) from the coast of Aceh province, Sumatra island, police said. "They were actually trying to reach Australia to find jobs," more..

Govt condemns statements made by Ranil in Belgium and London

May 14 (AT) "The Sri Lanka Government vehemently condemns the statements made by Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe in Belgium and London regarding Sri Lanka. It is nothing short of political treachery". This was stated by Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. "The Sri Lanka Government is conducting military operations against the LTTE terrorists in such a manner that they do not inflict any harm on innocent civilians held hostage by the LTTE. more..

Tamils earn goodwill - then lose it

May 14 (G&M) Yesterday afternoon, Tamil protesters were handing out cards reading "Sorry for the trouble, understand our struggle." By evening, the streets of downtown Toronto were clogged, streetcars backed up, and unimpressed onlookers said any goodwill earned during the day was likely quashed by the protest march passing before them. "They're certainly not making many friends when they disrupt the downtown core," said Marie Johnston, who spent 20 minutes waiting for more..

Passion can't be denied

May 14 (CN) Wave after wave kept arriving yesterday, thousands of Tamil Canadians spilling forth from cars, buses and subways to converge on Queen's Park in yet another protest to demand government action against the brutal Sri Lankan offensive killing their relatives back home. Slam the inconvenience; decry their methods. But you can only stand in awe of their passion and ability to mobilize for a cause they so deeply believe in. more..

Killers surrender to UK cops after hiding with Tamil Tigers

May 14 (ELA) Two killers who fled abroad five years ago after murdering a man in his home in East London have been jailed for life today—after being tracked down in ‘Tamil Tiger’ territory in Sri Lanka. They finally faced the music at the Old Bailey after being traced to a village occupied by the Tamil rebels in a joint operation between Scotland Yard and Sri Lankan police. They were arrested at Heathrow Airport after being flown back to Britain. more..