"This is a frivolous allegation. She is accused of not declaring bank accounts where she had a zero balance."

"The development of a country requires a stable government. A stable government is a powerful support to a country. A powerful government with full support by the people is the most important factor for us to push forward,"

Addressing a public rally in Mullaitivu, Mahinda Rajapaksa outlined that the government had taken expeditious measures to develop the war-battered Northern Province over the last 4 years.

Several Buddhist organisations are planning to take legal action against the Tamil National Alliance's 'manifesto' in the run up to the Northern Provincial Council elections.

"Post-2009, grave concerns still exist about military engagement in civilian activities in the north, including sexual abuse, the situation of detainees from the war, the impact of forcible disappearances, impunity, hatred and violence against religious minorities, the intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders, the weakening of democracy, growing authoritarianism, the erosion of the rule of law and the abduction and murder of journalists."

"I want our Prime Minister to show his commitment as an international citizen and as a serious defender of human rights by joining the Canadian Prime Minister in his boycott of the meeting."

Arizona Senator and former presidential hopeful John McCain has asked whether the US should be more active in condemning the ongoing serious human rights violations in Sri Lanka, reported Colombo Gazette.

Speaking at the confirmation hearing of Nisha Desai Biswal, President Obama’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, McCain said there continue to be reports from human rights organisations that there are still significant human rights abuses taking place against the Tamils which rise to a level that is “very disturbing”.