"Sri Lanka can stand out in this great gathering for our experience in battling and defeating terrorism against the efforts of many external forces outside Asia that sought to bring about an accommodation of terrorism in our land. We are always ready to share that experience with the world. Your presence here and what you will see in this country today are the fruits of that great success in protecting our State and our Nation, from the forces of terror."

A scheduled survey of private lands in Senthankulam, Matakal, by government officials on Friday was cancelled after residents and local politicians raised fierce opposition to it.

A mass grave was discovered on Thursday in Velanai, off the Jaffna Peninsula.

Sri Lanka’s energy minister has warned against transferring ownership of public ventures to foreigners, saying that this could pave the way for a change in regime on the island.

Science, Technology and Atomic Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said there were talks that the power plant in Norochcholai, which has been beset by breakdowns, may be handed over to China.

"The Norochcholai plant can fulfil 60 percent of the total energy requirements of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it should not end up in the hands of foreigners," he said.

(Picture: defence.lk)

The head of Sri Lanka’s navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera met with the Chief of Naval Operations of the US navy, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, during a visit to the US.

Perera is in the country to attend the 21st International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, which this year is being held under the theme of "Global Solutions to Common Maritime Challenges".

“A most troubling aspect of recent atrocities is the concern that they could have been prevented had the international community responded earlier and more appropriately.”

“Tens of thousands of lives could have been saved. The future of whole ethnic groups, states, societies, indeed the world, could have been transformed for the better.”

“Through reflection on those failures to act – Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, Sri Lanka, Syria – we appreciate the vital role that prevention plays in the promotion and protection of human rights.”