An anonymous letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police has alleged that attempts are being made to undermine the investigation of the murder of former Red Cross worker holidaying in Tangalle.

Russia has welcomed the release of the LLRC report and the ‘great contribution’ it would make to reconciliation, ignoring widespread criticism of it.

A statement, released by Alexander Lukashevich, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, ignores the serious flaws in the report, highlighted by many human rights organisation and various governments.

Full text of statement:

The JHU's (Jathika Hela Urumaya) legal advisor, MP Udaya Gammanpila, criticised India's statement, made 25th December on the LLRC report, as "incorrect", reasserting the Sri Lankan government's refusal to devolve land and police powers to the North-East. 

Gammanpila said,

Slamming the LLRC report as "one-sided", the secretary of the JHU, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka condemned the report for only recommending investigations in the Sri Lankan army and navy, whilst criticising the report for going "beyond its mandate".

Ranawaka reportedly said, 

“There are no recommendations to conduct investigations against the LTTE atrocities but the army and navy”.

“The report discusses political matters beyond its mandate”.

As foreign investors sold their shares in the Colombo Stock Exchange Tuesday, the Central Bank stepped in to preserve the value of the rupee.

By selling SLR 788 million in stock, foreign investors were heavy net sellers as Sri Lanka’s stock exchange resumed trading Tuesday after the Christmas holidays. Despite the foreign disinvestment, the main All Share Price Index gained 0.54 percent (32.51 points) to 6,015.09 as local investors (mainly government institutions) stepped in to buy.

A close associate of the Rajapakse clan has been arrested in connection with the murder of a British tourist and the suspected rape of his Russian girlfriend.

Kuram Shaikah Zaman, who was 27 years old was killed on Christmas eve after intervening in a dispute between locals in Tangalle.

The Sri Lankan army, having been whale-watching, sold vegetables and run hotels, are now trying their luck with herding cattle.

Stray cattle in the Vanni have been herded and are being returned to civilians according to military officials.

Lt. Col. P.A. Dayananda, also known as the military's chief coordinator of civil affairs, stated that of the 10,000 stray cattle identified, 2500 have been returned to their "rightful oweners".

Speaking in Tamil during parliament on 21/12/11, TNA MP, Mavai Senathirajah, stated the TNA will never succomb to the Sri Lankan state's oppression.

See video for speech in full, extracts translated below.

Crimes by former and current members of the Sri Lankan security forces are on the increase, the Sunday times reports.

The paper details in its article several crimes committed, including the killing of MP Bharatha Lakshman and grease devil attacks in the Tamil homeland.

Extracts from the report:

"Investigations into recent crimes, have revealed a disturbing trend of the involvement of members of the armed forces who have deserted as well as those still serving.