Who or what made Navi Pillay conclude Sri Lanka is heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction ?
Posted on September 3rd, 2013
By Charles.S.Perera
ƒ”š‚ At her meeting with the pressƒ”š‚ before leaving Sri Lanka after visiting itƒ”š‚ with the ƒ”š‚ complete freedom of movement for seven days she said, ƒ¢¢”š¬…” I am deeply concerned that Sri Lanka, despite the opportunity provided by the end of the war to construct a new vibrant, all-embracing state, is showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
ƒ”š‚ That was a very strange statement from the United Nations High Commissionerƒ”š‚ for Human Rights, who came to the country in quest of the truth of ƒ”š‚ violations of human rights of which she had heard, without reliable evidence.ƒ”š‚ She had at the end decided to pass judgement, again ƒ”š‚ from what she had heard, ƒ”š‚ without attempting to separate facts from fiction, believing what see heard without ascertaining their reliability, or whether they are verifiable facts.
ƒ”š‚ She spoke at length on the media freedom, and governments repression of free speech, for which she had perhaps depended not on her own personal evaluations, but going on a petition handed over to herƒ”š‚ by the media organisations, namely, ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ ƒ”š‚ the Free Media Movement of Sri Lanka (FMM), the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA), the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union (FMETU), Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance (SLTMA), Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF), South Asian Free Media Association ƒ¢¢”š¬- Sri Lanka Chapter (SAFMA) and Media Movement for Democracy (MMD).ƒ¢¢”š¬‚.
ƒ”š‚ Some of these Media Movements are known for coming forward to make manifestation at every opportunity no matter whether they manifest for the correct issues or the wrong, mostly they manifest for the wrong issues , merely because ƒ”š‚ they discredit the government which is their principal motivation.
ƒ”š‚ It was reported, that they had made :
ƒ”š‚ ƒ¢¢”š¬…” a strong case for foregrounding media freedom, the right to free speech and the right to information among the priority areas in post-war Sri Lanka. ƒ”š‚ Though Sri Lanka guarantees the right to free speech in its Constitution and is a signatory to all relevant international covenants, the seven media organizations informed the UN delegation, these rights have been under severe threat since the past many years.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ƒ”š‚
ƒ”š‚ They had pointed out that, ƒ¢¢”š¬…”ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦.ƒ”š‚ 114 media practitioners and other citizens being killed since 1981, in retaliation for their exercise of the right to free speech. The trend has in fact been escalating, with 34 journalists being recorded as killed since 2005.
Had Navi Pillay accepted these accusations on the face value, or had she made any attempt to verify the truth , or the reasons behind such accusations ?
If not she should have examined into the petition before the ƒ”š‚ facts are accepted or see through them ƒ”š‚ through objectivity to find out whether they are exaggerations to discredit the government to fit into certain agendas of groups of persons, or countries?
Some of these allegations may have been investigated, or are in the course of being investigated by the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka. But they by themselves cannot be attributed to a Governmentƒ”š‚ ƒ¢¢”š¬…”showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ƒ”š‚
ƒ”š‚ A government has a right to control certain media reports when they are made deliberately ƒ”š‚ to incite people against the government, groups of people, religious institutions etc.
ƒ”š‚ A country specially a developing Country expects its local media to support the government in its development process without projecting a wrong image of the country to the outside world,ƒ”š‚ which is more ƒ”š‚ interest in itself, ratherƒ”š‚ than in the progress and development of ƒ”š‚ developing countries.
ƒ”š‚ In that respect theƒ”š‚ press in Sri Lanka lacks patriotic sentiments, more critical of the government than appreciative of its contribution to development and progress of the country.
ƒ”š‚ Many Journals of Sri Lanka are well known for ƒ¢¢”š¬…”slantingƒ¢¢”š¬‚ newsƒ”š‚ to suit their purpose political orƒ”š‚ otherwise.ƒ”š‚ One of the journalists whose house was burgled recently herselfƒ”š‚ speaks of false reporting by the media. The journalist Mandana Ismail Abeywickrama ƒ”š‚ says:ƒ”š‚
ƒ¢¢”š¬…”ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦The past week has been a nightmare. Apart from the trauma experienced by my family and myself due to the pre-dawn break in at our residence on Saturday (24), the biggest disappointment has been the actions of certain sections of the media and their false reportage of the incident.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
The Media Movements had added in their petition, ƒ¢¢”š¬…” With the climate of intimidation being pervasive, Sri Lanka’s journalists are compelled to adopt the survival strategies of exile or severe self-censorship.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ ƒ”š‚ ƒ”š‚ This is highly exaggerated as there is no climate of intimidation.ƒ”š‚
The Udayan paper for instance is inciting racism without hesitating to give false information to discredit the government and the Armed Forces. Such journals should not be tolerated even in a democracy, let alone in a Dictatorship.
The JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva pretending to be a patriotic politician, criticises the Government for political benefit to JVP without caring that such unfounded criticism allow the foreign enemies of Sri Lanka to findƒ”š‚ confirmation ofƒ”š‚ their prejudices against Sri Lanka.ƒ”š‚
He had said, that, ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦the international community has been interfering in Sri Lankan affairs in the recent past and the visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to Sri Lanka was part of that interferenceƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦..and that ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ the government, at the same time, is violating human rights in Sri Lanka ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ the government should protect human rights and democracy to prevent outside interference, and that ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ the JVP does not support either the government or Pillay.
Another person on whom Navi Pillai may have relied upon to make her uncalled for remark isƒ”š‚ ƒ”š‚ Veerasan Yogeswaran, a 60-year-old Jesuit priest who runs the Centre for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, who had told AFP from his home in Trincomalee,ƒ”š‚ that five or six plainclothes policemen visited him at midnight and before dawn, just hours after the meeting with Pillay.ƒ”š‚ He had added that ,ƒ”š‚ ƒ¢¢”š¬…”The concern is that they are going to homes at midnight and questioning people”.ƒ”š‚
That was just his statement without any verifiable evidence.
The other source of interest that ƒ”š‚ may have provoked ƒ”š‚ Navi Pillay’sƒ”š‚ comment about Sri Lanka headingƒ”š‚ in an increasingly authoritarian direction ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ in other terms ƒ¢¢”š¬…”a Dictatorshipƒ¢¢”š¬‚ is perhaps the result of her ƒ¢¢”š¬…”pow-wow ƒ¢¢”š¬…” with our erstwhile champion ofƒ”š‚ the ƒ¢¢”š¬…” Westƒ¢¢”š¬‚ Ranil Wickramasinghe, ƒ”š‚ being carried away ƒ”š‚ in a political flood water is trying to ƒ”š‚ hold onto any ƒ¢¢”š¬…” strawƒ¢¢”š¬‚ toƒ”š‚ escape into a safe haven.
ƒ”š‚ It was reportedƒ”š‚ that, the ƒ¢¢”š¬…”ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦.Discussions between UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay and the main Opposition last afternoon had focused essentially on post-war erosion of democracy.
ƒ”š‚ Ranil Wickramasinghe had also said, that the United National Partyƒ”š‚ has ƒ¢¢”š¬…”a draft bill to re-enact 17A (it)was ready and could be passed in Parliament as an urgent bill since it would be certain of obtaining the necessary support.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ƒ”š‚
ƒ”š‚ He had said to the reporters, that ƒ¢¢”š¬…”We spoke a lot about the freedom of the press,ƒ¢¢”š¬‚.ƒ”š‚ The UNP officials who participated in the discussions had said that they, ƒ¢¢”š¬…”raised recent incidents of attacks on the independent media, including the attack on the residence of a seniorƒ”š‚ Sundayƒ”š‚ Leader journalist and the blockade on the website Colombo Telegraph.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
ƒ”š‚ They said they had also focussed, on, ƒ¢¢”š¬…” the deterioration of democratic values, the breakdown of the rule of law and the increase in religious intolerance. The violence in Weliweriya also came up in the discussions.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
ƒ”š‚ The UNP Deputy Leade Karu Jaya suriya had told the reporters, ƒ¢¢”š¬…”the party had emphasised the need to re-establish democracy after the defeat of the LTTE. ƒ¢¢”š¬…”As the party that ushered independence to Sri Lanka, the UNP has every right to speak of the current democratic crisis in the countryƒ¢¢”š¬‚ The people of Sri Lanka specially those who vote UNP should see through the falsity of UNP as a National PoliticalParty and reject them at the next general elections.
ƒ”š‚ However, that was enough grist to the mill, and Navi Pillayƒ”š‚ perhaps made use ofƒ”š‚ UNP sounding of a democratic crisis to crown her prejudices by stating that ƒ¢¢”š¬…”ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦Sri Lanka, despite the opportunity provided by the end of the war to construct a new vibrant, all-embracing state, is showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction.ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
ƒ”š‚ However, in another development elsewhere with Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha meeting the US Ambassador Michele Sission (another Robert O’Blake), they had an hour long discussion on aƒ”š‚ 10-point proposal by the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) for reforms, including the abolition of the Executive Presidency.ƒ”š‚
ƒ”š‚ The 10 points have similarities to the discussions UNP had with Navineetham Pillay, and this too would have been reported toƒ”š‚ Navi Pillay for her overall conclusions after visit to Sri Lanka.
ƒ”š‚ Reading through Pillay’s report, ƒ”š‚ it appears that ƒ”š‚ she could have made itƒ”š‚ without any visit to Sri Lanka as she has apparently ƒ”š‚ learnt nothingƒ”š‚ from her visit that could have changed her pre-conceived ideas about Sri Lanka, except that she has developed a new notion of Sri Lanka heading towards a Dictatorship.
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Much remains to be done to ensure national reconciliation in Sri Lanka – Defence Secretary
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 03, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said today that speedy national reconciliation in Sri Lanka is not easy since for a very long period of time, most of the people in the North and parts of the East of the country lived under the total dominance of the Tamil Tiger terrorist group LTTE.
“Despite the success of the Welfare camps, despite the speed of resettlement, and despite the far-reaching nature of the rehabilitation and reintegration programme, it is not easy to ensure speedy reconciliation,” the Defence Secretary said.
Delivering the Keynote Address Today (03) as Guest of Honour at the third annual Defence Seminar 2013 organized by the Sri Lanka Army, Rajapaksa said at the same time, it has to be acknowledged that much remains to be done by all parties, including the Government, to ensure that national reconciliation is achieved.
Over 300 participants, comprising 66 foreign delegates, ambassadors and defence attachés participated in the Defence Seminar – 2013 themed ‘Post Conflict Sri Lanka; Challenges and Regional Stability’ Tuesday (3) at Colombo Galadari Hotel.
The top defence official of the government pointed out that the most essential task of the government in this regard is to ensure that all Sri Lankans have the same opportunities and unobstructed access to state services, and that they are empowered to seek better futures for themselves in a peaceful, stable and rapidly developing democracy.
He said that one of the most crucial steps towards the restoration of normalcy in the North and East was the revival of the democratic process through the restoration of elections and the return of political plurality.
Pointing out that the government is holding provincial council elections in the Northern Province later this month, the Defence Secretary said that the opposition parties including the main opposition UNP, Tamil party TNA and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, as well as ruling party SLFP are all freely contesting in this election shows that political plurality is firmly established in this region.
Speaking of post-war challenges the country is facing after the democracy have been accomplished, the defence official said Sri Lanka must swiftly move forward.
“We must evolve from being locked in a post-conflict mentality, and look to the future instead of forever grappling with the issues of the past. We must be willing to move forward as a nation, united by what we have in common instead of being divided by the differences we have between us,” Rajapaksa said.
He asked the main political parties in Sri Lanka to stop the politicization of divisive issues for their petty political gain since the main issues the nation is faced with cannot be solved overnight and will require time.
“In reality, these problems are fundamentally economic, and affect Sri Lankans in every part of the country irrespective of their race or religion. They are national issues that need to be faced together as a nation, rather than treated as divisive ethnic or religious issues confined to a region or a section of the community,” he said.
Rajapaksa stressed that the biggest challenge the country has is economic development, especially, unequal development between the cities and the rural areas.
He warned that if the problem of rural underdevelopment is not holistically addressed, it is conceivable that similar problems to what the country experienced in the past will once again arise.
The Defence Secretary, outlining the measures needed to meet the challenges of achieving national unity and meaningful economic development, said preventing the re-emergence of terrorism is essential.
Other measures include establishing effective methods to project Sri Lanka to the international community, suppressing the emergence of other extremist groups, preventing further ethnic divisions and communal violence, ensuring maritime security and border control, curtailing the growth of organized crime and addressing the new challenges in safeguarding a just and wholesome democracy.
Beyond the local challenges, there are significant international challenges Sri Lanka faces due to its strategic geographic position within the South Asian region, Rajapaksa noted.
As a result there are some “inter-linking of domestic issues” between Sri Lanka and India, he observed.
India is very sensitive to events in Sri Lanka because of the large Tamil population in its influential southern state of Tamil Nadu and therefore particularly during elections, Sri Lanka figures large in Indian power politics, he explained.
Also, Sri Lanka’s cordial relationship with China has sometimes become an issue for other countries because of misperceptions about the nature of China’s influence, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said adding that the power politics between key countries in the region, such as India and China, or India and Pakistan, are also important issues for Sri Lanka because of its relationships with these nations.
“Sri Lanka’s journey during the four years since the dawn of peace has seen the country transform itself from a nation at war to one of the most peaceful, stable and secure democracies in the world. How well the country navigates its present issues, including national security challenges and broader geo-political issues arising from its geographical position, will determine its destiny,” the Defence Secretary said concluding his speech.
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:13 pm
Immediately after the LTTE was defeated, President Mahinda Rajapaksa proclaimed that there are only TWO kinds of Sri Lankans: Those who LOVE Sri Lanka and those who DON’T.
That is still holds true today; there is no better definition of what separates a citizen who deserves an equal share of the bounty and benefits of citizenship in our beloved Motherland, and those who don’t.
In the PUBLIC SPHERE we care not what your race, religion, language, caste, sex or wealth is; We care only that you are a PATRIOTIC LAW-ABIDING citizen of Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, if you undermine or commit TREASON against Sri Lanka, identifying with foreign communities of whatever origin, you will be tarred, feathered and punished till the cows come home …. irrespective of your community affiliation. There is no refuge for TRAITORS in Sri Lanka: Disce’ Aut Discede’!
Therefore, we say to all potential miscreants: Spare yourself and JOIN THE PATRIOTS embracing ALL of your fellow citizens who love Mother Lanka as your very own … irrespective of community. Otherwise, depart for whatever part of the world will treat your better … with our heartfelt blessings and fervent relief!
………………………..
Sri Lanka Defence Secretary warns about increasing communalism among ethnic groups
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 03, Colombo: The increasing insularity amongst minority ethnic groups in Sri Lanka is leading to the emergence of hard line groups within the majority community which is causing further tension among other communities, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gothabhaya Rajapaksa warned today.
Addressing the third annual Defence Seminar at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo, the Defence Secretary said tensions within communities lead to fragmentation of the Sri Lankan identity and it is a critical challenge that the entire nation faces today.
He said the indication of increasing communalism amongst ethnic groups is cause for concern as the fragmentation of the Sri Lankan identity into ethno-religious identification is not only unfortunate in itself, but it can also lead to other problems in the long term.
He cited the allegiance of some in the Tamil community who identify more with the Tamil community of Tamil Nadu than with their fellow Sri Lankans and similarly, Sri Lankan Muslims identifying themselves more with the global Muslim community and reducing their integration with the rest of the population.
The Defence Secretary pointed out that law enforcement agencies and security forces in the country are concerned about the communalism and the possibility that extremist elements may try to promote Muslim extremism in Sri Lanka is a cause for concern.
September 4th, 2013 at 5:56 am
Random thoughts on comments above :
If some minority folk in Sri Lanka desire SEPARATISM, then they are better off going abroad to a country where they feel they truly belong. Those who FEEL they belong in Sri Lanka ought to stay on. It amounts to how INTEGRATED they are with mainstream living and how they empathise with the long standing problems of the vast numbers of indigenous local people.
Gota has said it right when he says that disparities between town and rural folk have to lessen. This was/is the REAL PROBLEM. There are really NO ethnic or religious problem in Sri Lanka. However, there are huge gaps in communication and income levels of/between town & rural folk. To remedy these problems, English must be taught as a strong link language and job creation paramount. Use LOCAL LABOR and treat them right. Do NOT import labor from Tamil Nadu, as done in the Colonial past and Colombo wealthy people/Catholic church. GoSL has to look at Army deserters as a LABOR ASSET – train them, and give them pride of place in Labor in Lanka. Or else others will ill use them.
Navi Pillai’s agenda does not suit Sri Lanka. Now that she has come and gone, we KNOW what she desires and what we desire, and that is poles apart. She is partisan & biased, and does not feel for Sri Lanka’s problems. She only sees ‘Tamil problems’, and that won’t suit even Tamil people ! She certainly has FAILED to touch our Hearts and that is saying volumes.
What has she achieved from her visit here ? Put salt in the past wounds ?
September 4th, 2013 at 7:03 am
Look at the kind of ‘righteous Authority’ the TNA (Navi Pillai’s band wagon), wished to get from a FALSE/trumped up charge against the Army :
“Wednesday, September 4, 2013 (All day)
Local
TNA attempt to blame army for rape incident backfires
An attempt by the TNA and the Tamil Diaspora to place the blame on the army for the alleged rape of a 47 year old Tamil woman on the eve of the arrival in the country of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay came a cropper.
Iit has now transpired that the alleged rapist was in fact an ex-LTTEer who was involved in the recruitment of child soldiers.
This strategy by the TNA coupled with their irresponsible remarks hurling baseless accusations against the army was a means of countering the party’s rapidly waning popularity in the Pooneryn area while at the same time driving a wedge between the Army and villagers who have been enjoying a cordial relationship.
This false allegation and misleading malicious media campaign to tarnish the image of the Army was led by TNA Parliamentarian Sridharan at political rallies. Later TNA Chief Ministerial Candidate C. V. Wigneswaran also joined in the campaign against the SL Army and even had a secret meeting with a top official of the Canadian Embassy and another person to apportion blame on the military.
However, the incident leading to this crime took a new turn with the discharge of victim Mrs. Thevarasa Punidarani from Kilinochchi Hospital on 30 August 2013. On her return she has revealed the details of the perpetrators identity.
She has revealed the details of the crime in front of her elder brother, and other officials and stated that a person known to her by the name of Kandasami Tharanigaran from Kowdarmunei and another person around 25 years of age who is unknown to her raped her.
When asked from her why she didn’t reveal these details earlier; her explanation was she was confused and under extreme mental agony that she couldn’t believe what happened to her. In addition she has revealed that Kandasami Tharanigaran came to see her twice to Kilinochchi Hospital and threaten her not to reveal his identity.
Kandasami Tharanigaran was a person who happened to be a fisherman, and his two siblings joined the LTTE and died during the fighting. Further he( Tharanigaran) was a person who used to have strong links with regional LTTE political leaders thus actively engaged in forcibly recruiting and kidnapping youngsters and others for the LTTE.
At present there are some persons living in Poonaryn who happened to be his victims during the LTTE occupation period. The villagers held Kandasami Tharanigaran in contempt due to his adverse track record and criminal behaviour.
There are justifiable reasons to believe that this was a staged crime to frame Army Troops and discredit the government. The involvement of TNA Politicians, their irresponsible remarks and baseless accusations proves the motive for the incident.
In a background where TNA is highly unpopular in Pooneryn this was an incident created to cause dissent among the civil population thus antagonising them away from the Sri Lanka Army personnel who maintain a cordial relationship with all the villagers.
Some reasonable doubts were also raised since this incident took place prior to the arrival of UN high Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethan Pillay suggesting that there is a conspiracy behind the incident with the intention of accusing the troops”.
September 4th, 2013 at 8:39 am
Above entry from the Daily News of 4 Sept 2013.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
It is just as we feared; Navi Pillai came to crucify Sri Lanka …. and she has done that in spades!
…………………….
Navi Pillay’s Sri Lanka report not the product of an open mind- Prof. G.L. Peiris tells media and think tanks in UK
Mea.Gov.lk
Sept 04 (MEA) External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris made a measured and point-by-point rebuttal of the major assertions and conjectures in UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navy Pillay’s departing report on Sri Lanka, at a news briefing at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London yesterday ( 02 September 2013).
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris made a measured and point-by-point rebuttal of the major assertions and conjectures in UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navy Pillay’s departing report on Sri Lanka, at a news briefing at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London yesterday ( 02 September 2013).
Prof. Peiris who was briefly in London to deliver the keynote address at a Cambridge symposium on economic crime, convincingly debunked the assertions including the claim that Sri Lanka was moving towards authoritarianism.
The minister said that the UN High Commissioner was invited by the Sri Lanka Government 2 1/2 years ago to come and see for herself the developments in Sri Lanka. This was because Sri Lanka had nothing to hide.
Yet the report she has just produced is indicative of a prejudiced mind and in no way shows the fairness and open-mindedness of an official undertaking such a mission, the longest she has spent in any one country.
Prof. Peiris said that even where Navi Pillay acknowledges progress and positive developments it is given so grudgingly and belatedly.
“What we find disturbing is the tone and substance of her report, the lack of fairness and balance.”
The government and people of Sri Lanka has had just four years since the end of the war to meet the challenges posed by nearly three decades of conflict.
Enumerating the steps taken by the government to settle 296,000 persons, provide them with infrastructure on which the government has spent a record $ 3billion, provide them with new lives in such a short time is an achievement that few countries have emulated.
But to dismiss these achievement as just physical reconstruction as Navi Pillay has done, is simply not the case.
“No discerning observer could say this,” the minister said adding that her continuous assertions were prejudicial judged by any fair standard.
Prof. Peiris was particularly hard on the Human Rights Commissioner for claiming that Sri Lanka was moving towards authoritarianism.
He said that was no empirical evidence to support this claim. On the contrary after 25 years the people of the north who lived under the LTTE had no suffrage. But now President’s Rajapaksa’s government has provided them with the opportunity of expressing themselves later this month.
During those 25 years the people of the rest of the country had elected four governments and had four presidents. Almost every six months some election is being held in the country allowing the people to express themselves.
Moreover at every election in recent years President Rajapaksa’s government has been increasingly endorsed by the public showing their confidence in the government.
He said it was the essence of democracy to allow the people to freely express their views.
But strangely enough the Human Rights Commissioner has ignored all this evidence before her and touted the claim that Sri Lanka was moving towards authoritarianism.
This rejection of empirical evidence was further proof of her bias and prejudice.
The prejudice and lack of fair-minded is further shown by her talk of numerous war crimes committed by the government. Previously Pillay mentioned allegations of war crimes. But now it is no longer allegations, but proven fact, according to her.
Navi Pillay refers to the intimidating presence of the military in the north and the fear of the people and women there.
Rejecting this out of hand, he said it is pity that the High Commissioner had not read the reports produced by UN officials in Colombo who belie this claim having themselves interviewed nearly 200 people, chosen by the UN itself, 90% of who said they were comfortable with living there.
“Why does she ignore this evidence produced by the UN itself. What is the justification for ignoring this? This is again a classic example of pre-judgment.” he said.
Answering other media questions, the minister said that he expected countries to be objective when viewing Sri Lanka and was critical of the voting patterns in the UN Human Rights Council which did not seem to be based on the merits of the case.
The minister said that he was not criticising the Human Rights Commissioner out of rancour but of deep sadness as he found that her report lacked the fairness, open-mindedness and balance that was expected of her.
Several journalists from the print and electronic media, news agencies and think tanks in the UK attended the briefing which was moderated by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom H.E. Dr Chris Nonis.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Here it comes …. the RE-MERGER of the North and East on the eve of the TNA seizng control of their Provincial Governments.
The call is for “Shared Sovereignty” …. on the way to Eelam!
All of our WARNINGS and PLEAS to the GOSL have fallen on DEAF YEARS. Even as Navi Pillai comes and offers UN support to encourage the Separatists towards a Unilateral Declaration of Independence in the future.
The FUTURE PATH of the Tiger Nominated Agents of the TNA is CRYSTAL CLEAR …. ACT NOW to STOP THEM from dividing and destroying our Motherland!
……………..
Sri Lanka Tamil party calls for a merged North and East in a federal structure
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in a manifesto released for the upcoming Northern Provincial Council election has called for power devolution in a merged North and East under a federal structure.
In its election manifesto, the TNA, once considered as a proxy for the terrorist group LTTE during the war, has called for devolution of power on the basis of shared sovereignty over land, law and order, socio-economic development including health and education, resources and fiscal powers.
“Power sharing arrangements must be established in a unit of a merged Northern and Eastern Provinces based on a Federal structure, in a manner also acceptable to the Tamil Speaking Muslim people,” the manifesto said.
The southern polity of the country says the demand to re-merge the two provinces is an LTTE separatist agenda and the Tamil party’s call for re-merger is aimed at establishing an Eelam state in the region.
In July 1987, the two provinces were merged as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord after the Indian government intervened to bring about a negotiated end to the island’s armed separatist conflict. The Supreme Court on October 2006 ruled that the 1987 order by the then President of Sri Lanka merging the two provinces was not in keeping with the country’s Constitution.
The TNA also sought to enforce the recommendations made by the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General and the Resolutions adopted at the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012 and March 2013.
The manifesto called for a meaningful demilitarization to return the north-east region to pre-war state existed before 1983.
The alliance reiterated its call for an international investigation into the allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws made against both the government and the LTTE during the last stages of the war to ascertain the truth and ensure justice and reparation to the victims.
The manifesto claimed that present constitutional arrangements for power sharing with the provinces are unsatisfactory since the government has overriding powers through the provincial governor.
“The TNA firmly believes that sovereignty lies with the People and not with the State. It is not the government in Colombo that holds the right to govern the Tamil People, but the People themselves,” the party said.
Addresing the land and police powers, the party said it believes that the most effective police force for the North-East would be those directed by the Provincial Council as currently there is no trust between the people and Police service in the Northern Province.
The statement stressed that no democratic government has the right to seize land without due process and therefore, the government will have to respect the rights of private property owners and restore such lands to the rightful owners.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
“Enumerating the steps taken by the government to settle 296,000 persons, provide them with infrastructure on which the government has spent a record $ 3billion, provide them with new lives in such a short time is an achievement that few countries have emulated.
But to dismiss these achievement as just physical reconstruction as Navi Pillay has done, is simply not the case.”
LOL!!
I can’t stop laughing.
Didn’t I say so?
This is how Tamils think. Not just this woman but almost ALL Tamils in SL.
Blooddy fools living in fools paradise think they can win Tamil hearts and minds. What a DAMN WASTE of money!
Ultimately Tamils get BILLIONS of dollars worth appeasement, PAID BY POOR FOOLISH Sinhalese, and war crimes will continue. Sinhalese lose, lose and lose. Tamils win money, make Sinhalese indebted and charge Sinhalese (NOT A SINGLE TAMIL) for war crimes.
What a country!
September 4th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
“The TNA firmly believes that sovereignty lies with the People and not with the State. It is not the government in Colombo that holds the right to govern the Tamil People, but the People themselves,” the party said.”
I agree.
That is why we should ask the people on 13 amendment.
Govt. has fooled Sinhala people to support 13 amendment but Tamils cannot be fooled. Tamils want Tamil Elam. Bitter truth.
What should we do now?
HOLD A REFERENDUM and scrap 13 amendment.
What more evidence do we need to SCRAP 13 amendment?
September 4th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
TNA attempt to blame army for rape incident backfires
DailyNews.lk
September 5, 2013
An attempt by the TNA and the Tamil Diaspora to place the blame on the army for the alleged rape of a 47 year old Tamil woman on the eve of the arrival in the country of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay came a cropper.
Iit has now transpired that the alleged rapist was in fact an ex-LTTEer who was involved in the recruitment of child soldiers.
This strategy by the TNA coupled with their irresponsible remarks hurling baseless accusations against the army was a means of countering the party’s rapidly waning popularity in the Pooneryn area while at the same time driving a wedge between the Army and villagers who have been enjoying a cordial relationship.
This false allegation and misleading malicious media campaign to tarnish the image of the Army was led by TNA Parliamentarian Sridharan at political rallies. Later TNA Chief Ministerial Candidate C. V. Wigneswaran also joined in the campaign against the SL Army and even had a secret meeting with a top official of the Canadian Embassy and another person to apportion blame on the military.
However, the incident leading to this crime took a new turn with the discharge of victim Mrs. Thevarasa Punidarani from Kilinochchi Hospital on 30 August 2013. On her return she has revealed the details of the perpetrators identity.
She has revealed the details of the crime in front of her elder brother, and other officials and stated that a person known to her by the name of Kandasami Tharanigaran from Kowdarmunei and another person around 25 years of age who is unknown to her raped her.
When asked from her why she didn’t reveal these details earlier; her explanation was she was confused and under extreme mental agony that she couldn’t believe what happened to her. In addition she has revealed that Kandasami Tharanigaran came to see her twice to Kilinochchi Hospital and threaten her not to reveal his identity.
Kandasami Tharanigaran was a person who happened to be a fisherman, and his two siblings joined the LTTE and died during the fighting. Further he( Tharanigaran) was a person who used to have strong links with regional LTTE political leaders thus actively engaged in forcibly recruiting and kidnapping youngsters and others for the LTTE.
At present there are some persons living in Poonaryn who happened to be his victims during the LTTE occupation period. The villagers held Kandasami Tharanigaran in contempt due to his adverse track record and criminal behaviour.
There are justifiable reasons to believe that this was a staged crime to frame Army Troops and discredit the government. The involvement of TNA Politicians, their irresponsible remarks and baseless accusations proves the motive for the incident.
In a background where TNA is highly unpopular in Pooneryn this was an incident created to cause dissent among the civil population thus antagonising them away from the Sri Lanka Army personnel who maintain a cordial relationship with all the villagers.
Some reasonable doubts were also raised since this incident took place prior to the arrival of UN high Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethan Pillay suggesting that there is a conspiracy behind the incident with the intention of accusing the troops.
September 4th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
GLP is one of the most foolish humans ever lived. I regret for defending him.
A commenter by the name GEETH is so correct about GLP.
Now call Vigneswaran, your excellency. That is “shared sovereignty”!!!!
IF 13 amendment is NOT scrapped soon, violence against Tamil Elamists is the ONLY OPTION available to save SL by resurrecting the “LTTE” who will avenge TNA for “agreeing” to contest PC elections instead of boycotting it and demanding outright Tamil Elam.
The govt. can shoot dead unarmed SINHALA civilians for asking for water but too chicken to TOUCH TAMIL terrorists who try to BREAK UP the country.
September 5th, 2013 at 5:50 am
Basically, Tamils are fighting their CASTE WARS in Sri Lanka. This ‘elephant in the sitting room’ is never addressed either by GoSL or any foreign representatives, including Navi Pillai.
Until the problem is stated as is, no solution can be found. All caste based problems must be found in Tamil Nadu itself as that is where the problem was born and nurtured to this day. What on earth can SRI LANKA do about CASTE/POVERTY in TAMIL NADU ?
It is like blaming the cat for the donkey’s dung !
Meantime, the Navi Pillai distractions could be put behind and the really dangerous issue of illegal migrants in Sri Lanka addressed in a meaningful manner. SAARC rules of freedom of entry must be re-examined in the context of SECURITY issues of Sri Lanka.
—————
Lorenzo,
I am again referring to the Weliweriya RIOTS (nothing to do with WATER) with the some 5,000 arrivals after the PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS WERE OVER AFTER TALKS WITH GOVT.
We ought to re-open dialogue the 1983 RIOTS and compare it with the Weliweriya incident. Both have characteristics which are similar. Both events ultimately serve the cause of Tamil Separatism, while distracting the rest of the country with RIOTS. All RIOTS in Sri Lanka lead to the same goal of Tamil Separatism plus control of Sri Lanka by external sources.
PEACEFUL demonstrations do not call for really tough action by the Army or Police. Rough, tough action happens from the law enforcement forces ONLY when RIOTING happens (as opposed to PEACEFUL demos). RIOTING happened at Weliweirya and called for tough action.
In 1983, JRJ was PREVENTED from allowing the law enforcement forces from acting to quell the RIOTS (which started near Kanatte Cemetery and could have been easily stopped at inception), by India via TAMIL Indian Envoy, J.N. Dixit. From the Indian Central govt. point of view, India was running with the Soviet Union then with JRJ going west, and “Lanka had to be checked”. We had enough of an Army & Police force then to stop the RIOTS from spreading, but was NOT allowed to do so. Even a curfew was NOT declared by JRJ (not allowed).
The curfew was imposed AFTER 3 days of burning, killing and looting which left 200 plus Tamils (all poor Hindus only) plus a few Sinhala Buddhists dead. If the RIOTS were stopped with tough action from Police & Army, then 1983 RIOTS WOULD NOT HAVE SPREAD &HAPPENED. As we all know, these 1983 RIOTS were the downfall of Sri Lanka, the TAMIL EXODUS TO THE WEST AND THE IMPOSING OF THE 13-A under DURESS. What a shameful record ! All because the Riots were not stopped at its (as JR wanted to do) inception. Lorenzo, we were there as adults to witness all this.
WATER problems must be sorted out through the Local & Central Governments. There is no other way, certainly not through RIOTS. Clean, pipe borne water for a small country like Sri Lanka is no huge problem.
As I suggested earlier, the useless PCs and even more useless Jnt Opposition can request the absolutely useless UNHRC & CHOGM (for Lanka), to help provide clean, pipe borne WATER to ALL of Lanka. This may be the only useful thing that all these organisations may do for Sri Lanka. They can get together with the Local & Central govt. authorities to bring this about.
September 5th, 2013 at 5:53 am
Read as : All SOLUTIONS to Caste based problems must be found in Tamil Nadu ….
September 5th, 2013 at 11:30 am
It seems to us that, over decades, some people are telling us to ‘hold still’ while they cut our jugular !
It also appears to us that Ms Navi Pillai is the equivalent of J.N.Dixit, both Tamils in high office.
Sri Lanka should come to terms and put to rest all the internal problems. The JVP & the Army Deserters must be approached and talks held to find out what ails them and meet/attempt to meet common ground with their practical requests, or else mischievous elements may misuse them.
Tamil people must try their best to integrate into mainstream life in Lanka, while keeping the positive/beautiful essences of their culture, religion and language, intact. Please, no animal sacrifices, anywhere in Lanka. Same for Muslim people.
September 5th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
May the Peoples Republic of China, committed to Peaceful Co-Existence, go from Strength to Strength.
I applaud the Underlying Principle of Nonaggression of China: “WILL NOT attack unless attacked; CERTAIN TO attack if attacked.”
This is in STARK CONTRAST to the “Only Superpower” in the world today, that fabricates pretexts to attack Sovereign nations to extend its hegemony, and remake the world in its own image.
…………………………….
China tells South Asian neighbors not to worry about its rise in Asia
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 05, Colombo: Despite the fears of a certain ‘China Threat’ theory appearing in international politics due to the country’s rise in Asia and its increasing international influence, China has not invaded any neighboring country yet, a senior Chinese military official said today.
Addressing the Sri Lankan Army-organized ‘Defence Seminar – 2013 in Colombo today, Senior Colonel Xu Hui, Director of the Teaching and Research Department at the College of Defence Studies at the National Defence University (NDU) in Beijing said China has seen the historical rise of Asia in the past three decades and the region is still far from destabilized by an ‘aggressive’ China as imagined by some people.
Speaking under the theme “A stable Sri Lanka and China’s rise in Asia; Regional Security Concerns”, Senior Colonel Xu said a certain ‘China Threat’ theory appeared in international politics still continues to go on enabling birth of many predictions about China.
“So far none of them has ever materialized and China’s political system still works, its economy is still growing and no neighboring country has been invaded by China,” he said.
Recognizing that the growth of China’s economy and its military strength have become a source of concern for some scholars, statesmen and media, the Chinese military official said China’s gradual move towards great power status and its increasing international influence have caused anxiety in some countries to the extent that ‘How to deal with a rising China’ has become the puzzle of the 21st century.
However, contrary to these expectations, China has always contributed to the regional development, stability and peace through its policies for a friendly, secure, and co-prosperous neighborhood, Senior Colonel Xu noted.
While maintaining stability within China, it has followed the five principles of peaceful co-existence and respect ‘Asian Way’ through which economic cooperation with all countrie
s is prioritized while contributing to regional peace, the Chinese military official assured.
“With our active defence policy, the Chinese way of deterrence is applied, that is ‘We are not going to attack unless we are attacked; we are certainly to counter-attack if we were attacked as Chairman Mao once said,” Senior Colonel Xu Hui said.
Speaking of historical relations with Sri Lanka, the Chinese official said the two countries have so many things in common – values of peaceful coexistence, opposing colonialism, hegemonies, foreign interference, and terrorism, etc.
He said the two countries can learn from each other as Sri Lanka keeps the momentum of comprehensive approach of reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding.
China is a steadfast supporter of Sri Lanka, always providing political as well as financial support and the ties between the two nations continue to grow stronger.
The three-day seminar ended today and 112 defence representatives from about 46 countries participated in the event.
September 5th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Dr. Swamy says this to us today, but will he say the same thing to the Communal Leaders of Tamil Nadu when he is trying to get their support to topple the Congress Party from power?
These guys sing different songs at different times depending on who is listening.
That is entirely consistent with the Indian Theory of Relativity:” It is ALL RELATIVE to the LISTENER”!!!
………………………..
India’s Janatha Party leader says Sri Lanka correctly addressed the problem of terrorism
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Sept 05, Colombo: India’s Janatha Party leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy said today member states in South Asian region should be grateful to Sri Lanka for eliminating terrorism as Sri Lanka has correctly addressed the problem of terrorism which affects many countries in the region.
He expressed these views while addressing the third annual Defence Seminar 2013 in Colombo organized by the Sri Lanka Army.
Dr. Swamy, President of the Janatha Party which recently merged with India’s opposition Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP), also called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning at the President’s Office.
President Rajapaksa and Dr. Swamy spoke about a number of issues, including the political climates of both countries and the issues faced by fishermen. President Rajapaksa said it is unfortunate that poorer fisher folk often have to face the consequences of plans that are put in place by their employers, owners of the boats that illegally cross territorial waters.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilaka Amunugama were also present during the discussion.
September 5th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
MOST Sri Lankan Tamil refugees are Accomplished LIARS … NOTHING they say is TRUE!
It is VERY LIKELY that Ranjini is a WAR CRIMINAL who has murdered innocents at will in Sri Lanka as a committed and dedicated follower of the SunGod Velu Pillai Prabhakaran!
Little by Little Australia is paying the price of its uncritical GULLIBILITY!
……………………….
Tamil refugee was child soldier trainer
TheAge.com
September 6, 2013
Tamil refugee Ranjini admitted to having trained child soldiers during Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war in a secret ASIO report used to justify her indefinite detention in Australia.
She also told immigration officials she rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the separatist Tamil Tigers and fought two battles in the late 1990s against Sri Lankan forces.
But the mother of three who arrived by boat in 2010 has never been charged with a crime and in the High Court she has challenged her incarceration without prospect of release.
ASIO also concedes it never sought answers about training children as fighters before making its assessment, despite interviewing her after she was judged to have legitimate claim as a refugee.
Advertisement
Ranjini has since insisted that after running away from home to join the Tigers as an 11-year-old she only led girls the same age as her.
The stunning claims – the first detail of why Ranjini has been judged a threat to Australian national security – emerged in court documents presented on Wednesday to the High Court.
Ranjini, 34, has no right to challenge the ASIO finding that she would continue to support the Tamil Tigers from Australia, even though in 2009 the militant group was crushed.
Lawyer David Manne said the High Court has been asked to rule whether the government’s decision to hold her in detention ”possibly forever” was lawful.
”She has never been charged, tried or convicted,” he said.
Ranjini is the most well-known of a group of 47 refugees held in immigration detention but not permitted a visa to live in Australia.
Ranjini insists she has given up the cause of Tamil independence in Sri Lanka and wants to focus on raising her children – including a boy born in January while in detention.
But a review of the case by retired federal court judge Margaret Stone, delivered in July but not made public until now, was scathing, finding Ranjini’s claims ”self-serving and implausible”.
The ASIO assessment of Ranjini’s honesty is completely redacted in the Stone report.
Ranjini did not seek to hide her Tigers’ membership from Australian immigration officials after fleeing Sri Lanka, where she feared persecution and possible rape.
She told officials her then husband – known as ”Akbar”, killed in a 2006 battle – was a bodyguard for feared Tigers commander Prabhakaran and led fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades.
She admitted to using machineguns and AK-47s, being trained in karate, but not in the use of bombs or explosives.
An extensive investigation of her refugee claims found she was ”heavily indoctrinated” into the Tigers and while her story included some discrepancies – such as initially claiming she fought in 2007-08 – she was ”forthright” and ”a generally credible witness”.
The Stone review also includes a similar mistake, stating Ranjini finished school in 2007. Asked on Thursday, Ms Stone’s office said 1997 was the correct date.
Ranjini was found to be a refugee as a ”widowed single mother … at risk of continued violence” and released in 2011, living in Melbourne where she married and became pregnant before being whisked back into detention in Sydney in April last year when ASIO made its finding.
A heavily censored copy of Ms Stone’s report said in a December 2011 interview that Ranjini gave ASIO officers ”a significant amount of information” about her 17 years with the Tigers.
ASIO officers assured Ranjini this would not affect her status as a refugee.
But the disclosures have counted against her prospect of living in Australia, with ASIO later deciding she ”remains strongly ideologically supportive” of the Tigers’ violent cause and ”likely to engage in acts prejudicial to Australia’s security”.
September 5th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
It is a MISTAKE for Sri Lanka to buy ANY military equipment from India.
When we need them urgently, Sri Lanka will be denied the parts to maintain such equipment, because of Tamil Nadu protests.
Don’t send our valuable money to unreliable allies/future enemies! Build them in Sri Lanka, or buy them from China and other RELIABLE suppliers! DIVERSIFY our supplier base!
………………
India to supply two naval warships to Sri Lanka
By PTI
September 5, 2013
India is planning to supply two naval warships to Sri Lanka to strengthen its capabilities to guard its maritime boundaries.India is planning to supply two naval warships to Sri Lanka to strengthen its capabilities to guard its maritime boundaries.
ET SPECIAL:
Get latest Dollar price updates on your mobile
NEW DELHI: India is planning to supply two naval warships to Sri Lanka to strengthen its capabilities to guard its maritime boundaries.
The two Offshore Patrol Vessels would be built by the Goa-based defence PSU Goa Shipyard Limited and they are expected to be delivered to the Island nation by 2017-18 timeframe, sources said here.
The development comes at a time when political parties in Tamil Nadu have been demanding ceasing of defence ties with that country.
Centre has been very sympathetic towards the demands made by them and have shifted the Sri Lankan defence personnel from training institutions in that state and also decided to hold exercises with them away from four south Indian states.
Defence Minister A K Antony has directed military and civilian officials to be sensitive towards these sentiments and emotions mostly flamed after the frequent alleged incidents of arrest of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy.
However, despite the objections from these political parties, the Government of India at the highest level has decided to continue close ties with the Sri Lankan armed forces.
September 5th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
NOTE that Vaiko OPPOSES the building of a Dam across the Cauvery River because it adversely affects Tamil Nadu. With Vaiko, it is ALWAYS what benefits Tamils … to hell with ALL other people!
More importantly, State Powers in India limit National Development Projects that cut across State borders.
This will happen CONTINUOUSLY in Sri Lanka, once the TNA assumes control of the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils. The TNA will OPPOSE every National Project that will benefit non-Tamils living in bordering Provinces.
Still think the PCs should have LAND Powers?
The People of Sri Lanka will RUE THE DAY when UNREPENTANT SEPARATISTS were allowed to ATTAIN in PEACE the RACIST GOALS they failed to WIN by an UNREMITTING RACIST WAR lasting 30 years!
…………..
Oust Lanka from commonwealth, says Vaiko
By Express News Service – VELLORE
September 5, 2013
Sri Lanka should be removed from the Commonwealth for its anti-Tamil activities, said Vaiko, president of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (MDMK) here on Wednesday. He was here in Vellore to participate in the preparatory meeting for the party’s 105th birth anniversary conference of Aringnar Anna, at Virudhunagar on September 15,
Vaiko said the Congress has betrayed the interests of people of TN and Tamils in Lanka. “Sri Lanka should be removed from the Commonwealth and the meet should not be held at Sri Lanka,” he said, adding, “I do not want India to boycott the meet; by doing so, the Congress would take advantage politically.” He said,“People had lost faith in the Congress-led UPA due to the bad economic policies leading to an economic disaster.”
On a dam across the Cauvery at Meghadathu, Vaiko said the project should be stopped as it was against the interest of people of TN.
September 5th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
The west sells to India their excess ‘goods’, and Sri Lanka buys India’s excess ‘goods’ ! what a world – money go round !
“Wadak nathi minissu, honda wada hoya ganna ona – maragena marena eka nawathwanna”.
“Gahuwoth gahanawa” is a good way to go, like the Chinese. Buddhist countries think alike.
September 5th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Fran,
I DISAGREE with you on the Weliweriya murders.
The government, the president, defence secretary, new ministry of law and order, the army, court marshal all agree with my assessment.
And they have ACTED upon it with those convictions to separate powers, SUSPEND wrongdoers and court marshal them. This is the reality. Actions speak louder than words.
September 5th, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Endia is panicking SL will move way from the dirt. These OPVs Endia plans to SELL to SL are JUNK.
We should REJECT them and buy from China.
September 5th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Lorenzo,
If JRJ stopped (was ALLOWED TO STOP) the RIOTS of 1983 as was done at Weliweriya, then we would not have had a TAMIL EXODUS or the 13-A imposed on us under DURESS.
That 3 civilians died is deeply regretted. It would not have happened if the RIOTERS DID NOT RIOT (some 5,000 – not a small number !). One person died of MISSILES hurled by the RIOTERS, not through Army fire. It was DARK TOO – RIOTS IN THE DARK, PURPOSELY DONE.
We thank the Army for their prompt action. They were called in by the IGP to help out.
Lorenzo, please give up. Nothing will convince me to think otherwise.
September 5th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Fran,
You should give up because all the FACTS are stacked against your theory. ACTIONS have spoken louder than words.
1. The govt. investigated the incident and as a result seperated the law and order ministry from MoD.
2. SUSPENDED the 4 wrong doers involved. You don’t suspend an army AREA COMMANDER for nothing!
3. A Court marshal has commenced to punish the wrong doers.
4. SL army is NOT the barbaric US army to JUSTIFY rioting behavior of its members. SL army is the MOST DISCIPLINED army in the world that ACCEPTS and CORRECTS ALL wrongdoings SWIFTLY.
IF JR managed to stop the July 1983 riot, there would have been an August 1983 riot. If not, a September 1983 riot, etc., etc. UNTIL Tamils could justify their DREAM of going to a GREENER PASTURE. The July 1983 riot was STARTED by Tamils to go to Canada, Europe, etc. You cannot stop a group of adults committing SELF HARM all the time. One day they will do it if that is the intention.
IF you gave them refuge, when they go to Canada they would say Fran ABDUCTED them and IMPRISONED them in her house, beat them, molested them, etc.
Look at the Tamil refugees to Australia. Their flow INCREASED AFTER the war!!! They WANT to go. No fool can stop them even if they give their entire wealth or part of the country or whatever to them. They will CREATE a reason and go.
Best approach is to USE their boats to BUST them mid sea.
September 6th, 2013 at 6:29 am
Lorenzo,
I don’t know of any Court Martial proceedings at present. There was an Army Inquiry. We have to await Magistrates & Police Inquiries to be completed.
We are paying dearly for Colonial actions of bringing into Lanka one and half MILLION TAMILS as Indentured Labor. You will agree with me that there were NO high casteTamil laborers brought into Lanka.
Re the low caste people : Their psychological problems are many. They want to get away from Tamil Nadu Caste Structure & poverty – far, far away as possible. Just about 50 yrs ago, even to cross SEA water was to lose caste ! Do you find any runaways who cross the Palk Sts to Lanka, ever want to go back to Tamil Nadu ? NO. if at all, they are FORCED to run away due to problems they face in Sri Lanka too. Re those Tamil people who are not wealthy, it is best that they are helped to INTEGRATE into society here, in the most kind and compassionate manner possible. Separatism should not be tolerated by anyone. All illegal migrants ought to be deported.
Re the Weliweriya Riot event: We have to ask ourselves who the some 5,000 Rioters were and what their REAL MOTIVE was. Also, is RIOTING allowed under any Human Rights rules anywhere in the world ? NO. Rioting is put down strongly in any Democracy, anywhere in the world.
If the Army did not act strong with these Rioters, then we would have ended up with another 1983 Riot. What would have been the end result of island wide rioting, this time around ? How many would have been killed this time ? How many shops & homes burnt, how many looted ? I repeat : I am personally very thankful to the Army. It is regretted that 3 civilians died, one by the MISSILES thrown by the Rioters. It is yet to be established that the Army deliberately killed 2 civilians – simply cannot believe they did so. No way would the Army of Lanka deliberately kill civilians.
The trick is to STOP ILLEGAL MIGRATION into Sri Lanka. SAARC rules of entry must be re-examined. All illegal migrants must be deported, same as in other Democracies all over the world. India is issuing fool proofed ID cards. We must do the same. New entrants into the UK are charged a whopping amount even to get a Visitors Visa. All illegals overstaying their visas in the UK are being deported, as in USA. All over the world, the doors are closing on illegal migrants. No country can afford them. I repeat, the SAARC rules of entry must be examined carefully. Security is paramount in Lanka, not Tamil wish for migration to greener pastures.
Lorenzo, you are preoccupied with getting Tamils across to greener pastures ! Instead, make Tamil Nadu pleasant for them.
Tamil Nadu must learn to handle her own problems and not make Sri Lanka the scapegoat for her ancient caste/poverty problems and dump her troubled people into Lanka.
September 6th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Fran,
There will be. Until then they are SUSPENDED.
Not just me ALL the Tamils in SL are preoccupied with going to greener pastures. I can tell you because I’m a Tamil.
This is STRONGER today than a decade ago. Now they KNOW how prosperous, healthy, luxurious, wealthy, etc. their cousins in Canada, etc. are and they want to follow them.
The real reason is Tamils DON’T BELONG to SL. They belong to TN but are willing to go ANYWHERE that benefits them.
“Tamil Nadu must learn to handle her own problems and not make Sri Lanka the scapegoat for her ancient caste/poverty problems and dump her troubled people into Lanka.”
So do you think they will? NO WAY!
I tell a drug dealer don’t deal in drugs and he tells me to F-OFF!
September 7th, 2013 at 5:54 am
Christie Says:
September 7th, 2013 at 3:49 am
I just got some news from a friend in the island nation. He tried to put a paid advertisement in the Daily News and the Island news papers. The DN Advertising manager refused to publish it even it was a paid advertisement. The Island took it and the money but later refused to publish it and offered to refund the money.
The ad was a 2 columns by 5 cm:
” Navi Pillai; Hon UNHRC You are an Indian colonial parasite from Africa Hence you should keep out of the affairs of the subjects of the Indian Empire”
The DN is a government run news paper and the Island’s owner Upali Wijeyawardana was blown off by the Indian colonial parasites of Malaysia, agents of the Indian Empire.
September 7th, 2013 at 9:25 am
Lorenzo,
You say : “There will be. Until then they are SUSPENDED”. The word “suspended” was not used by the Army. The words were that they are now at their base Centre.
You say : “Not just me ALL the Tamils in SL are preoccupied with going to greener pastures. I can tell you because I’m a Tamil”. That is well and good, Lorenzo, but not in illegal ways where the whole country suffers.
You say : “The real reason is Tamils DON’T BELONG to SL. They belong to TN but are willing to go ANYWHERE that benefits them”. Lanka Tamils have more RIGHTS than in Tamil Nadu. It is curious that they don’t get a sense of BELONGING IN LANKA. This is a crucial point. Do you know why ?
You say : “Tamil Nadu must learn to handle her own problems and not make Sri Lanka the scapegoat for her ancient caste/poverty problems and dump her troubled people into Lanka.” So do you think they will? NO WAY!
If Tamil Nadu does not solve her internal problems in a wise & practical manner, Tamil Nadu and her leaders will suffer greatly. It is the same for ANY sub-state of India, or Sri Lanka too.