The Emperor’s slip is showing.
Posted on May 31st, 2012

Ranjith Soysa

Mr Rankin the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka is not happy about the presence of SL armed forces in the North and their involvement and their assistance rendered in rebuilding the civil life. He has even gone to the extent of challenging the position taken by the President in relation to this issue. Rankin has discovered that there is no terrorism in Sri Lanka and he is reported to have stated that the LTTE is banned in many countries.

If Rankin has to be taken seriously about terrorism and good civil administration one needs to seek responses to a few questions about the official British approach to some of the issues discussed.

A)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Did the British Government help Sri Lanka to defeat the LTTE and curb financing, propaganda campaigns of the LTTE in the UK?

B)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  How did the LTTEƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s theoretician, spokesperson late Anton Balasingham arrive in the UK and continue to carry his duties on behalf of the proscribed organization?

C)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  DidnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t the LTTE have their international HQ in London?

D)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Why didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t the British take Adela Balasingham, a resident in the UK to the ICJ for recruiting and training child soldiers of the LTTE?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  (Some of them were given the expertise to be suicide bombers!). AB still lives in the UK.

E)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The British MPs speak in the Parliament and outside supporting the LTTE fronts and their actions and continue to do so while ignoring the peace and progress in Sri Lanka in the post war period. Why?

F)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Why did the former British Foreign Minister, David Millband travel to Sri Lanka when the Sri Lankan forces were fighting the LTTE terrorism?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Was it in keeping with the objectives of the international proscription of the LTTE?

G)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  To mark the defeat of their LTTE heroes the British Tamil Tiger fronts gathered in the Trafalgar Sq. recently eulogizing the terrorist leaders and exhibiting the LTTE flag.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Is this

In keeping with the British proscription or a covert policy formula to encourage their separatist / terrorist agenda for Sri Lanka?

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The unenviable human rights record of the UK in the 19th and 20th century is written in the history books of Americas, Africa and Australasia. One cannot forget the former British Prime Minister, Thatcher ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”s belligerence in the invasion of the Falkland islands and the misleading theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  UN and the world by former British Prime Minister Blair justifying the war in Iraq which ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ resultedƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  in the killing of tens of thousandsƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  civiliansƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  apart from the destruction brought about by the British actions. The story of Diego Garcia where a country was stolen from a nation is another British adventure set in motion behind the British democratic faƒÆ’†’ƒ”š‚§ade. Rankin should clarify the measurement used by him to judge Sri Lanka. Is it an absolute standard peculiar to Sri Lanka?

Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s achievements in the resettlement, rebuilding the war affected areas are remarkable and have been commented favourably by many international organizations and individuals. These results were mainly due the contributions made by the Sri Lankan Armed forces in demining, construction of roads, bridges, schools, houses and provision of medical facilities etc.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  If one were to paint SL armed forces as demons and under ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…”value their input in the task of efficient rebuilding of the North it can originate only owing to ulterior motives. The laudable efforts exerted by the men in uniforms can be verified by having a chat with the ordinary Tamil people in the North who suffered immensely under the yoke of the LTTE.

Before I concludeƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  my thoughts, I was wonderingƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  how the British will respond ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ if Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s High Commissioner in the UK were to go public and issue a statement challenging the British adventures or misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan .ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The British High Commissioner should seriously re-think of the role of a diplomat without attempting to interfere in the internal administration of Sri Lanka. The international community has provided appropriate forums to discuss issues of this nature at appropriate levels and the foreign representatives should be very selective in choosing what to say and how it should told in their host countries.

Ranjith Soysa

10 Responses to “The Emperor’s slip is showing.”

  1. dhane Says:

    After 70 add year ending 2nd war up to date still US Army is in Germany and Japan. What are they doing in those countries??. Is UK forces are only in London?? Why Sri Lanka cannot keep its forces any part of the country for the security and development of its own people?. Mr Rankin the British High Commissioner “mind your own business” or get ready pack your bags to go home same as earlier man G

  2. Vis8 Says:

    Got to feel for Mr. Rankin: he must be obliged to echo the rhetoric of his bosses: Obama and Hillary Clinton, the two that have been bought by Tamil tigers abroad. To me Mr. Rankin is just an “ambassador” carrying out his rulers’ orders. He obviously has seen how the North has been transformed, terrorists rehabilitated, and Jaffna happy and prosperous again.

    This bluff and bullying will not last for long. China and Russia have already taken over as superpowers. Western media is trying to hide this behind veil of “creating democracy over the world”.

    Sri Lanka is lucky to have China and Russia behind Her. No need to bow down to these Western hypocrites.

  3. Kit Athul Says:

    Ranjith, Thank you for the excellent challenge. This man Rankin MUST GO. GLP must not let him stay bercause if he satys all other former British colonies will stste the same story, including Australia.

  4. A. Sooriarachi Says:

    John Rankin is merely performing to an agenda the West has drawn up for SriLanka. We need to really blame the British foreign office for appointing him and also the Tiger terrorists for apparently controlling the British foreign office SriLankan desk. If we study the quality of ambassodors and High commissioners appointed to Colombo by Western Nation in the past two decades or so, especially the US, UK, EU and Norway, we could see one thing in common in most of them. Yes, they readily found fault with the SriLankan regime for anything and everything that happened, and kept mum on Tiger atrocities. Today, Charles Taylor of Liberia was found guilty by the ICC for aiding and abetting terorists in his neighbouring country. But those who are guilty of similar or worst crimes have today taken refuge in the West and are running around carrying the blood soaked flag of Prabakaran, which is no different to the Nazi flag of Hitler, and moving intimately with powerful politicians, union leaders, human rights NGOs etc. The western embassies in colombo helped many Tamil terrorists to escape to their countries and continue with their distructive propoganda and fund collection activities, knowing well that the Tigers could share their black money for favours. Well, we cant stop the western juggernaut chugging along, but the Govt of SriLanka could exercise sufficient vigilance to stop their bad eggs being posted to colombo. However, we should not send away Rankin, as it would only bring more trouble to a country yerning for peace and the right to be free of terrorists.

  5. Dilrook Says:

    British government will be held to ransom by Tamils and Middle Eastern sects in future as they now comprise a sizable proportion of British voting public. Britain should take charge of the situation.

    Rankin’s ranting is totally unacceptable.

    Looks like Britain still thinks Sri Lanka to be its colony. Gladstone, Miliband and now Rankin have behaved as if they still believe so.

  6. Sri Rohana Says:

    Ranjith, you gave a hard slap to Rankin. Why don’t they withdraw English military from Northern Ireland which is belongs to Republic of Ireland.
    What sort of lessons British give to world as in U.K two groups of the same religion cannot live together. The Protestant and the Catholics fight each since 1600. British occupied forces still violate the sovereignty of the Irish nation. Why can’t English troops close military camps and go back to England.
    Hence in Sri Lanka members of every religion live peacefully. Buddhists, Hindus, Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Methodist etc) Muslims, Parsis and Bahais, live equally and peacefully.

  7. May182009 Says:

    Maoists take cue from Tamil Tigers

    The Maoists are now using their women cadres to ‘trap’ security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region — a strategy earlier employed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka.

    Citing several instances encountered by security personnel recently, a senior officer said the latest strategy adopted by the Reds was aimed at ‘weakening’ the forces psychologically.

    The same tactics were employed by the LTTE against the Sri Lankan forces during insurgency. The police officer, requesting anonymity, narrated how a contingent of security personnel from the CRPF and district force of Chhattisgarh police had walked into the trap of the rebels at Risgaon in Kanker district when they ventured into the nearby forest after hearing cries of women.

    The troopers were soon greeted by intense firing by the Naxals, hiding in the jungle, leading to an encounter. Fortunately, the personnel somehow managed to escape unhurt.

    In another incident, two months ago security forces surrounded a Naxal hideout in Narayanpur district. But, the rebels then pushed the unarmed women cadres to the front, leaving the jawans in an ‘ethical’ dilemma as to whether to open fire on them. Amid the confusion, the Maoists, including the women cadres, managed to flee.

    http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/north/maoists-take-cue-tamil-tigers-458

  8. Kit Athul Says:

    Mr. Sooriarachi, sorry to say I disagree with you. What I read in your logical reasoning RANKIN should be allowed to INSULT the SL military. What RANKIN said was this “The army must be removed from Jaffna so that TAMILS can go about their normal day to day activities (CREATING AN EELAM) is not interrupted” RANKIN is the agent for the British Government. Now if GLP doesn’t kick the teeth of RANKIN then the message is not transmitted to the LONDON Government. If GLP does kick Rankin’s teeth in, it is same as kicking the teeth of the whole of British government. (Mr. Sooriarachi, can you follow my logica reasoning so far?). At least GLP has called RANKIN to his office, now if Rankin gets away with his statement, then the so called High Commissioners of CANADA, Australia, and New Zeland will say the same thing. It will not stop there, UN now has reason to call for sanctions against SL. Why this mess? Because Rajapakse administration went to sleep after the victory. The wake up call came when HILLARY CLINTON asked Navi Pillai to issue a arrest warrant to Mahinda Rajapakse.

    I will give you the followibg example! Why do TURKEY want to open an embassy in Colombo so fast? (I like SriRohana to take note of this) It is because when an uprising against Rajapakse administration starts, that is going to be the NATO head qaurters. At first they will distribute small arms to democratice freedom fighter terrorists. They will attack Poilce stations first, so that the army has to be moved to the south fast and leaving North wanarable for Tamil Nadu Navy attack. Remember PRAMADASE’s son said last monthe he will topple the government in three months, but he left out if I had the weapons I can do it in less time.

    Why is MR completely silent about 13A? It is because SUSAN RICE US ambassador to the UN threatend him, saying that if he nullify 13A. UN and NATO forces will attack, and captue Colombo, will replace with a UN appointed adminstrator, then NULLIFY the SL contitution, then create a municipality change the name to CEYLON wich will be adinstered from TAMIL NADU. later bring all the Tamils living in Countries like CANADA and Austarlia so that that the majority in SL be TAMILS. Mr. Sooriarachi, Please respond, after reading what Ranjith Soysa written!

  9. Sri Rohana Says:

    Dear Kit Athul
    You have a logical argument. That’s true. Turkey the NATO whip and what they did to Libya and now doing to Syria is same. We have to be careful of those Trojan horses.

  10. A. Sooriarachi Says:

    Mr Kit Athul, I agree totally that John Rankin the British High Commissioner had acted in a most undiplomatic fashion and under normal circumstances, I repeat, that under normal circumstances, he should have been sent off, like one of his predecessors was. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka hasn’t got the time and resources to tackle so many hostile attackes aimed at it from so many directions in such a short period after the defeat of the brutal LTTE terrorists. The country has to focus on development and reconciliation issues and also ensure the staging of a successful Commonwealth Conference due to be held in Colombo this year. With Canadiana and British leaders trying to find a way to sabotage it by sending low level delegates and also influence NZ, Australia and a few other nations to do the same, I have a feeling that John Rankin was trying to deliberately create an incident before this conference, to make it easier for their leaders to find an excuse to stay away from this conference and insult SriLanka.
    Sri Lanka has very good friends amongst British politicians, and maybe even the British Royalty, so why allow this man planted by a hostile British foreign ministry look important and let his comments, sour relations between the two contries at this juncture? Maybe after the conference, SriLanka could act decisively and request all diplomats posted to colombo to conduct themselves properly or leave the country.

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