The Sri Lankan government is preparing to purchase 60 new BTR-82A eight wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to transport personnel and equipment, Defence Ministry sources said.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP, M.A. Sumanthiran PC, says that he will support the faction represented by former minister Mangala Samaraweera at the next presidential election.

Since there is no firm commitment from the Sri Lanka Government on implementing the 13th Amendment and devolution of power to the North and the East, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay has initiated a mission of reconciliation and restoration of democracy in the provinces.

The Sri Lankan Coalition Against Torture says in the first two months of this year alone, the organisation received thirteen complaints of police torture in several southern provinces.