Dilrook Kannangara

Australian Greens have called for a boycott of the Commonwealth summit in Colombo, independent investigations into alleged war excesses by Sri Lanka and to suspend Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth. This comes after Canada called to boycott the summit. Canada and Australia have many things in common, most importantly both countries were created upon the genocide of native populations, their rule and their values. What better way to deflect own atrocities than to blame others! It will not surprise anyone if Britain joins the bandwagon.

In the case of Australia, Greens should first campaign for an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-independent international investigationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ into the genocide of Aborigines including the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Stolen GenerationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ before pointing finger at others. If Australian Aborigines were allowed the freedom of association and a free hand in deciding what they want for their country, a free national movement cannot be ruled out. However, due to severe social and economic disadvantages cleverly brought upon them and due to strict police and military crack down on their associations, it is years from initiation. Anyway it is a good movement for other nations to contribute to. May be the Greens can take up this matter which will be much more popular and vote-winning than taking up the fancies of people smugglers and asylum seekers. Compared to Australia, Sri Lanka has a much better record in safeguarding Aborigines. May be it is a good move to allow Sri Lankan authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the plight of Real Australians.

Another worthwhile matter badly needing an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-independent international investigationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ is the merciless killing of civilians and rebels in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact many Australians are now getting worried of the needless war their army is fighting in Afghanistan. They want their troops home but not before an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-independent international investigationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ into the conduct of Australian Diggers widely accused of war crimes by the Afghan people of all ethnicities, the Afghan government, the clergy, society elders and even humanitarian organisations.

There is another reason for the strange conduct of Greens with their business sponsors behind. ItƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s all about business. Gold Coast, Australia and Hambantota, Sri Lanka are bidding for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Interest shown in the bidding process is intense.

http://www.thecgf.com/games/bid.asp

With wide support from most Commonwealth Countries, Hambantota poses a formidable challenge to Gold Coast.

The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games was a major tourism money spinner for Australia with over 150,000 foreign tourists. Domestic visitors were three times higher driving local business up. In addition, billions of people watched the games on the television worldwide. The 2003 Rugby World Cup attracted close to 100,000 international visitors to Australia. Although Commonwealth Games would not be so popular, it would still up international visitors by at least 50,000 and earn billions in TV rights. Recent floods and cyclones, and the resultant slump in economic activity in Queensland makes it all the more attractive to host an international sporting event in Gold Coast with massive business opportunities regionally and nationally. With bid elections less than two months away, unscrupulous Green senators are trying their best to use dirty tricks to win the bid. If Sri Lanka can be suspended from the Commonwealth, even momentarily, Australia wins the bid hands down! Greens are instigated by both political and business elements in Australia to advance their hidden agenda. Australian media and political groups made a similar hue and cry when the previous games were held in New Delhi, India calling facilities basic and ridiculing the host nation and its people. It was also an attempt to indicate that they are better suited to host the games than any other nation.

Not surprisingly, all these are dirty tricks to deny the due process in selecting the host city.

British Commonwealth is not an elitist group of members. It is a group of colonial colonies skimmed by the British Empire in every way possible to stuff colonial coffers. By 1800 Britain was severely indebted. It only managed to pay off the debts thanks to billions of pounds worth exploitation carried out in South Asia, especially Bengal. People are still suffering due to this crime against humanity. Therefore it is not a proud association to be a part of. The British Commonwealth is a shameful movement of colonialism. However, even such a sham must follow the due process to accept, retain and suspend members. Real Australians hold a different view on the British Commonwealth but their views are suppressed as always.

Boycotting the Commonwealth Summit, denying visa to Sri Lankan delegates and canvassing to suspend Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth will have an adverse impact on Australia. Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s criminals including credit card scammers, people smugglers, terrorists, drug dealers and murderers see Australia as a safe haven. They have started their lucrative industries in Australia. They migrate to Australia in boatloads with false claims. Their departure cleanses Sri Lanka at the expense of Australia. Non-cooperation on people smugglers has no adverse impact on Sri Lanka although it seriously affects Australia. It is in the best interests of Australia not to disrupt the understanding between the two nations.