The Sri Lankan army has been constructing concrete pillars around military bases located within a High Security Zone in Jaffna, with fears the camps could become permanently situated within the North-East.

The military was seen engaging in construction work around the border of the Valikaamam North High Security Zone. The military had recently released 201 acres of land in the area after 26 years of occupation.

However, a vast bordering region remains occupied by the military. Whilst temporary fences still exist across areas that have been released, the recent fixation of permanent concrete fences has increased fears the army will be a permanent presence in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a national development organisation which will include the military.

Co-Cabinet spokesperson Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said the knowledge and resources of the tri-forces could be used in nation building, the Daily Mirror reported.

A Sri Lankan military intelligence officer has been arrested over the murder of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramatunge.

The officer, identified as P Udalagama, is reportedly a sergeant attached to the military intelligence unit. He is due to be produced before an identity parade, reports Hiru News.

A 14 year old Tamil school child who was raped last month was beaten by Sri Lankan police officials as she tried to report the crime, reports Colombo Telegraph.

The girl, who was reportedly abducted and raped by her school bus driver on June 19th, attempted to report the crime to Haputale police on the 7th of July.

A woman police constable proceeded to beat the child, warning her not to reveal details of the rape to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO). If the child spoke, the constable “threatened to kill the victim’s parents and everyone else in the family,” according to reports.