Ban, Pillai discuss Lanka

UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon is in touch with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillai on the establishment of a Panel of Experts to advise him on accountability issues as they might apply to Sri Lanka, a UN spokesman said.

The Spokesperson said that the Secretary-General has not as yet appointed a Panel of Experts which would be asked to advise him on accountability issues on Sri Lanka as he is still to consider such a panel's terms of references.

The spokesman said that Ban ki-moon is in contact with his advisers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillai on the issue adding that so far names for the panel have also not been suggested.

“It is unlikely that such a panel will be actually established very soon,” the UN spokesperson further added.

DNA calls for protest on Fonseka

The DNA today requested people to stage protests in every town on March 16th when its Leader Gen. Sarath Fonseka is taken before a Court Martial.  The party also asked people to conduct Bodhi Poojas and other religious ceremonies on the day.

Addressing a press conference, DNA stalwart JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that there are only two main charges against Gen. Fonseka who is now in military custody. 

Of them, Mr. Dissanayake said, Gen. Fonseka had been charged for alleged irregularities in the procurement of two CCTV systems, VHS Direction Finders, 12 V Maintenance Free Batteries 50, and 250 Day Vision Binoculars.