Human rights organisations from three different continents have released a statement to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances expressing solidarity with victims of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka and condemning threats and intimidation against relatives of the disappeared.

Ram Kumar Bhandari, Founder and President of the National Network of the Families of the Disappeared and Missing Nepal (NEFAD), People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) in the USA and the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice in the UK said this day “is felt in few places as acutely as Sri Lanka, where it is estimated that there are currently 60,000 to 100,000 unresolved cases of enforced disappearances – most of which were perpetrated by the state”.

The leaders of Sri Lanka and Myanmar have agreed to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries, the Sri Lankan President’s media division (PMD News) reports.

Sri Lankan intelligence officers have removed a banner that was erected at the Thileepan memorial in Jaffna, following a decision by the Jaffna Municipal Council to declare it a “holy site”.

The site, located in Nallur, Jaffna, had been destroyed by the Sri Lankan military. Earlier this year, the Jaffna Municipal Council decided that they would renovate it, with plans that the monument will be rebuilt to its former design, which originally included a 23-foot pillar.

Residents of Orrani-Kanagar in Pottuvil in Amparai continued their protest for the 15th day on Wednesday, calling for their land to be released from military occupation. 

Some of the villagers from Orrani-Kanagar in Pottuvil had been displaced as far back as 1990, as the Sri Lankan military took control of the area.

The Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena and the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi held discussions on the sidelines of a summit currently taking place in Nepal. 

Mr Modi reportedly stated his appreciation of the commitment made by Mr Sirisena towards reconciliation and sustainable peace whilst ensuring democracy and freedom in Sri Lanka. 

Both leaders are participating at the 4th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Kathmandu. 

Chairmanship of BIMSTEC will be transferred to Sri Lanka by the current chair, Nepal, at the end of the summit

Sri Lanka's prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that social media was becoming a disruptive force globally. 

“The new media including social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and other websites are becoming global disruptive forces. We have seen the potential of this new media to de-establish nations and affect series of changes,” he was quoted by Colombo papers as saying whilst speaking at the Colombo Defence Seminar, organised by the Sri Lankan military. 

Tamil families of the disappeared called for an international investigation as they marked International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances in Mannar today. 

Launching a protest in Mannar, families with missing loved ones from Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Vavuniya joined local families and civil society activists to demand answers. 

A 32 year old mother who was found dead yesterday in Kilinochchi was strangled by a rope, a post-mortem report by Jaffna hospital revealed. 

The body of Nithiyakala Karuppaiah was found inside the Iranaimadu irrigation canal by locals in the Pannangkandi area. 

The post-mortem reveals she was five months pregnant. 

A belt believed to be part of the Civil Security Department uniform was found nearby, along with pens, a set of motorcycle keys, an anklet and a sandal. 

Ms Karuppaiah, who was from Mullaitivu, is understood to have worked as a civil security officer at a garment factory in Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi.

Residents of Kappalthurai in Trincomalee protested yesterday outside the Government Agent's office, condemning the ongoing ban preventing the full use of their lands. 

The protest was held whilst the Trincomalee District Coordinating Committee meeting was underway.

Protestors also called for officials from the Ports Authority to stop, what they described as, thuggish behaviour.

Sri Lankan police have said ammunition was found in Kudavaththai in the Thunnalai area of Jaffna this week. 

Five motor shells were reportedly found on private land. 

Police say they discovered the shells on August 25th after receiving information from locals.