Violence against women and girls continues unabated in every continent, country, and culture. It takes a devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole. Most societies prohibit such violence –yet the reality is that too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The Tamil Nadu delegation led by T. R Balu arrived in Colombo on Saturday afternoon on a five-day visit. It met representatives of the Tamil and Muslim political parties and exchanged views on the plight of the war displaced held in camps and the need for a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict with meaningful devolution.

AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalithaa on Saturday strongly criticised the composition of the MPs’ delegation that left for Sri Lanka, saying it was not an all-party delegation but a “ruling coalition delegation from Tamil Nadu.”

Deteriorating conditions, including a shortage of water, combined with the prospect of flooding during the imminent monsoon season, have led to rising tensions among camp residents and clashes with the military. "These incidents (recent clashes between camp residents and the military) should serve as a wake-up call for the government and donors," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "It's time for international donors to send a clear message to Colombo that continued and blatant disregard for international standards will come at a price," he urged.

Mass Rally in London from Embankment to Hyde Park on Saturday 17th October 2009 calling to end 150 days arbitrary detention in camps and for an international independent probe into war crimes.

It is now a forgone conclusion: President Rajapaksa’s ruling coalition will secure another victory at Saturday’s southern provincial council elections. While the UPFA focuses on securing maximum possible percentage of voters, the opposition UNP’s target is to reduce the winning margin.

The United States on Friday called on the Sri Lankan government to allow Tamil refugees displaced by recent fighting to move freely around the country.