“It is still in existence five years after the end of the war, which the government claims was against terrorism. We demand that it be repealed immediately. It was the existence of such an act that made the detention of Ms. Jeyakumari and several others without charges possible."

“Given the fact that Washington has been so vocal about Sri Lanka’s clear lack of progress on accountability, human rights and the rule of law, why would Rajapaksa’s piece even be considered for publication? Does Washington view this piece as constructive engagement with an authoritarian regime.”

Three Tamil youths were injured in a sword attack in Alavetti on Sunday night, reports Uthayan.

Santhirasekaram Collins, 20, Thevarasa Jeganathan and Sinnarasa Jude Anthony both aged 23 and all from Mallakam were attacked on their way home from a sporting event by men on motorbikes.

They were admitted to Jaffna Teaching Hospital with serious injuries.

The Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council C. V. Wigneswaran condemned the heavy Sri Lankan military presence in the Tamil North-East of the island, stating that is was causing fear across the region.

Addressing the Northern Province Tourism development conference on Saturday, Wigneswaran highlighted the danger that women in particular faced from the Sri Lankan military, stating that there were 150,000 soldiers in the Northern Province.

Wigneswaran said the situation was getting worse, adding,

“The government is restricting our independence by considering North-East provinces as foreign regions that need to be under supervision, even after the war has ended.”