By Dr.Levins T C Rajaratnam, Media Secretary to the Foreign Minister

Minister Rohitha Bogollagama addressed three meetings in Avissawela on Saturday, October 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Minister stressed on the need of education, housing, nutrition and sports , care for the elders and senior citizens, the encouragement and deveoplment of Temples and the participation in religious activities for a better understanding and living.

At the first meeting in the Thunnala area the residents complained about the controversial land dispute in the Thunnala area regarding the firing range and the demarcation of land and requested the Minister to help them.

The second and the thirds meetings were held in Diggana and the heart of Avissawella where the Minister addressed vital issues regarding education, development, better roads, improvements to schools, playgrounds and sports. In this regards several sports equipment such as volleyballs, nets, Cricket bats and wickets were donated together with bicycles to the residents of Avissawella. The main objective of the meetings were to hear the grievances of the people and to encourage the elders and youth with their daily lives to create a better society and to create a patriotic attitude amongst the people with the leasdership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Minister also stressed that he like the folks around had free education and acknnowledging CWW Kannangara for the concept of free education, he stressed he had an obligation by society to serve the nation as a gratitude with a patriotic attitude. He also stated that he was elected from the Kurunegala district but now the President had appointed him as the Chief organizer of the Kotte are which comes within the Colombo district which includes Avissawella and that he was particularly keen to develop the Avissawella area and encourage the residents both elders and the youth in every field to accelerate people’s participation with patriotic attitude to stregthen the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Minister Bogollagama attacked Ranil Wickremasinghe and Mangala Samaraweera for their unpatriotic statements and stated that Ranil Wickremasinghe showed his weakness by signing the ceasefire agreement with Velupillai Pirabaharan.

Minister Bogollagama ‘s meeting were atttended by hundred of people and he was given a warm welcome. He won the hearts of the people who acknowledge that he was the first Foreign Minister to visit these areas. The people were emotionally moved by his words and kind gesture.

Several SLFP and UPFA politicians weree present at the meetings held.

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Patriotism.

We cannot restore peace unless we can find some way to bring the nation close together. We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution apprehend and prosecute those who terrorize us by their actions and threats, then economic prosperity will follow suit. Our destiny lies in our hands. What is the need of the hour? …Patriotism!

What is required for the successful implementation of Patriotism? The necessity to enact “The Sri Lanka Patriot Act” like the USA Patriotic Act in the USA.

 USA PATRIOT ACT

The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the “Patriot Act”, is a statute enacted by the United States Government that President George W. Bush signed into law on October 26, 2001. The contrived acronym stands for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law Pub.L. 107-56).The Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mail communications, medical, financial, and other records; eases restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States; expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions, particularly those involving foreign individuals and entities; and enhances the discretion of law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts. The act also expands the definition of terrorism to include domestic terrorism, thus enlarging the number of activities to which the USA PATRIOT Act’s expanded law enforcement powers can be applied. The Act was passed by wide margins in both houses of Congress and was supported by members of both the Republican and Democratic parties. It has been criticized for weakening protections of civil liberties, as well as being overbroad in regard to its circumstances of application. In particular, opponents of the law have criticized its authorization of indefinite detentions of immigrants; searches through which law enforcement officers search a home or business without the owner’s or the occupant’s permission or knowledge; the expanded use of National Security Letters, which allows the FBI to search telephone, e-mail, and financial records without a court order; and the expanded access of law enforcement agencies to business records, including library and financial records. Since its passage, several legal challenges have been brought against the act, and Federal courts have ruled that a number of provisions are unconstitutional.

Domestic Security

Measures to enhance the ability of domestic security services to prevent terrorism. The title established a fund for counter-terrorist activities and increased funding for the Interlligence Technical Support Center. The military was authorized to provide assistance in some situations that involve weapons of mass destruction when so requested by the Attorney General. The National Electronic Crime Task Force should be  expanded, along with the President’s authority and abilities in cases of terrorism.

Surveillance procedures

All aspects of the surveillance of suspected terrorists, those suspected of engaging in computer fraud or abuse, and agents of a foreign power who are engaged in clandestine activities.

Anti-money-laundering to prevent terrorism

Laws against money laundering is intended to facilitate the prevention, detection and prosecution of international money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The Act also introduced criminal penalties for corrupt officialdom. An official or employee of the government who acts corruptly — as well as the person who induces the corrupt act — in the carrying out of their official duties will be fined by an amount that is not more than three times the monetary equivalent of the bribe in question. Alternatively they may be imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or they may be fined and imprisoned. Penalties apply to financial institutions who do not comply with an order to terminate any corresponding accounts within 10 days of being so ordered by the Attorney General or the Secretary of Treasury.

Border security

The Border Security around the island should be strengthened from the shores up to specific areas. According to Asurapuli Karunadasa (an SLFP activist and staunch supporter of President Mahinda Rajapaksa) a veteran Radiographer who has toiled in various hospitals for the past 40 years and who is now cultivating in Mirigama,  Border security should be tightened. The Security areas and camps should be within every 500 yards by the joint Military Forces.

Secret Service jurisdiction should be extended to investigate computer fraud, access device frauds, false identification documents or devices, or any fraudulent activities against Sri Lanka..

Terrorism criminal law

The definitions of terrorism should be amended to include” domestic terrorism” to broadly include mass destruction as well as assassination or kidnapping as a terrorist activity. The definition should encompasses activities that are “dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of Sri Lanka and are intended to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population,” “influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion,” or are undertaken “to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping” while in the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka. Terrorism should also be included in the definition of racketeering. Terms relating to cyber-terrorism should also be redefined, including the term “protected computer,” “damage,” “conviction,” “person,” and “loss.

New penalties should be created to convict those who attack mass transportation systems. If the offender committed such an attack while no passenger was on board, they are fined and imprisoned for a maximum of 20 years. However, if the activity was undertaken while the mass transportation vehicle or ferry was carrying a passenger at the time of the offense, or the offense resulted in the death of any person, then the punishment is a fine and life imprisonment. The title amends the biological weapons statute to define the use of a biological agent, toxin, or delivery system as a weapon, other than when it is used for “prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purposes.” Penalties for anyone who cannot prove reasonably that they are using a biological agent, toxin or delivery system for these purposes are 10 years imprisonment, a fine or both.

A number of measures were introduced in an attempt to prevent and penalize activities that are deemed to support terrorism. It was made a crime to harbor or conceal terrorists, and those who do are subject to a fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. U.S. forfeiture law was also amended to allow authorities to seize all foreign and domestic assets from any group or individual that is caught planning to commit acts of terrorism against the U.S. or U.S. citizens.

Assets may also be seized if they have been acquired or maintained by an individual or organization for the purposes of further terrorist activities. One section of the Act (section 805) prohibited “material support” for terrorists, and in particular included “expert advice or assistance.” This was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Federal Court after the Humanitarian Law Project filed a civil action against the U.S. government. The court found that it violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the United States Constitution and the provision was so vague it would cause a person of average intelligence to have to guess whether they were breaking the law, thus leading to a potential situation where a person was charged for an offense that they had no way of knowing was illegal. The court found that this could potentially have the effect of allowing arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement of the law, as well as possible chilling effects on First Amendment rights. Congress later improved the law by defining the definitions of the “material support or resources,” “training,” and “expert advise or resources.”

Cyberterrorism was dealt with in various ways. Penalties apply to those who either damage or gain unauthorized access to a protected computer and then commit a number of offenses. It directs the Attorney General to establish regional computer forensic laboratories that have the capability of performing forensic examinations of intercepted computer evidence relating to criminal activity and cyberterrorism, and that have the capability of training and educating Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel and prosecutors in computer crime, and to “facilitate and promote the sharing of Federal law enforcement expertise and information about the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of computer-related crime with State and local law enforcement personnel and prosecutors, including the use of multijurisdictional task forces

Improved Intelligence

The Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to establish requirements and priorities for foreign intelligence collected under FISA and to provide assistance to the United States Attorney General to ensure that information derived from electronic surveillance or physical searches is disseminated for efficient and effective foreign intelligence purposes. With the exception of information that might jeopardize an ongoing law enforcement investigation, it was made a requirement that the Attorney General, or the head of any other department or agency of the Federal Government with law enforcement responsibilities, disclose to the Director any foreign intelligence acquired by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Attorney General and Director of Central Intelligence were directed to develop procedures for the Attorney General to follow in order to inform the Director, in a timely manner, of any intention of investigating criminal activity of a foreign intelligence source or potential foreign intelligence source based on the intelligence tip-off of a member of the intelligence community. The Attorney General was also directed to develop procedures on how to best administer these matters. International terrorist activities were made to fall within the scope of foreign intelligence under the National Security Act.

A number of reports were commissioned relating to various intelligence-related government centers. One was commissioned into the best way of setting up the National Virtual Translation Center, with the goal of developing automated translation facilities to assist with the timely and accurate translation of foreign intelligence information for elements of the U.S. intelligence community. The USA PATRIOT Act required this to be provided on February 1, 2002, however the report, entitled “Director of Central Intelligence Report on the National Virtual Translation Center: A Concept Plan to Enhance the Intelligence Community’s Foreign Language Capabilities, April 29, 2002″ was received more than two months late, which the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence reported was “a delay which, in addition to contravening the explicit words of the statute, deprived the Committee of timely and valuable input into its efforts to craft this legislation.” Another report was commissioned on the feasibility and desirability of reconfiguring the Foreign Terrorist Asset Tracking Centre and the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury. It was due by February 1, 2002 however, it was never written. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence later complained that “[t]he Director of Central Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury failed to provide a report, this time in direct contravention of a section of the USA PATRIOT Act” and they further directed “that the statutorily-directed report be completed immediately, and that it should include a section describing the circumstances which led to the Director’s failure to comply with lawful reporting requirements.”

Other measures allowed certain reports on intelligence and intelligence-related matters to be deferred until either February 1, 2002 or a date after February 1, 2002 if the official involved certified that preparation and submission on February 1, 2002, would impede the work of officers or employees engaged in counterterrorism activities. Any such deferral required congressional notification before it was authorized. The Attorney General was charged with training officials in identifying and utilizing foreign intelligence information properly in the course of their duties. The government officials include those in the Federal Government who do not normally encounter or disseminate foreign intelligence in the performance of their duties, and State and local government officials who encounter, or potentially may encounter in the course of a terrorist event, foreign intelligence in the performance of their duties. A sense of Congress was expressed that officers and employees of the intelligence community should be encouraged to make every effort to establish and maintain intelligence relationships with any person, entity, or group while they conduct lawful intelligence activities.

Reauthorizations

The USA PATRIOT Act was reauthorized by two bills. The first, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005, was passed by both houses of Congress in July 2005. This bill reauthorized provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It created new provisions relating to the death penalty for terrorists, enhancing security at seaports, new measures to combat the financing of terrorism, new powers for the Secret Service, anti-Methamphetamine initiatives and a number of other miscellaneous provisions. The second reauthorization act, the USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act of 2006, amended the first and was passed in February 2006.

The first act reauthorized all but two of the provisions of Title II that would have expired. Two sections were changed to sunset on December 31, 2009: section 206 — the roving wiretap provision — and section 215, which allowed access to business records under FISA. Section 215 was amended further regardless so as to give greater judicial oversight and review. Such orders were also restricted to be authorized by only the FBI Director, the FBI Deputy Director, or the Executive Assistant Director for National Security, and minimization procedures were specified to limit the dissemination and collection of such information. Section 215 also had a “gag” provision, which was changed to allow the defendant to contact their Attorney. However, the change also meant that the defendant was also made to tell the FBI who they were disclosing the order to — this requirement was removed by the USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act.

As NSL provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act had been struck by the courts the reauthorization Act amended the law in an attempt to make them lawful. It provided for judicial review and the legal right of a recipient to challenge the validity of the letter. The reauthorization act still allowed NSLs to be closed and all evidence to be presented in camera and ex parte. Gag provisions were maintained, but were not automatic. They only occurred when the Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI or a Special Agent in Charge in a Bureau field office certified that disclosure would result in “a danger to the national security of the United States, interference with a criminal, counterterrorism, or counterintelligence investigation, interference with diplomatic relations, or danger to the life or physical safety of any person”. However, should there be no non-disclosure order, the defendant can disclose the fact of the NSL to anyone who can render them assistance in carrying out the letter, or to an attorney for legal advise. Again, however, the recipient was ordered to inform the FBI of such a disclosure. Due to the concern over the chilling effects of such a requirement, the Additional Reauthorization Amendments Act removed the requirement to inform the FBI that the recipient spoke about the NSL to their Attorney. Later, the Additional Reauthorization Amendments Act excluded libraries from receiving NSLs, except where they provide electronic communications services. The reauthorization Act also ordered the Attorney General submit a report semi-annually to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, the House and Senate Intelligence Committees and the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on all NSL requests made under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Changes were made to the roving wiretap provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. Applications and orders for such wiretaps must describe the specific target of the electronic surveillance if the identity of the target is not known. If the nature and location of each of the facilities or places targeted for surveillance is not known, then after 10 days the agency must provide notice to the court. The notice must include the nature and location of each new facility or place at which the electronic surveillance was directed. It must also describe the facts and circumstances relied upon by the applicant to justify the applicant’s belief that each new surveillance place or facility under surveillance is or was being used by the target of the surveillance. The applicant must also provide a statement detailing any proposed minimization procedures that differ from those contained in the original application or order, that may be necessitated by a change in the facility or place at which the electronic surveillance is directed. Applicants must detail the total number of electronic surveillances that have been or are being conducted under the authority of the order.

Let us look forward to the SRI LANKA PATRIOT ACT to be enacted by Parliament soon to protect our territorial integrity and dignity as a Nation.

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

He is both a historical figure and a legend—and it is sometimes difficult to separate the two. For the first time in the history of this country we have an efficient, meticulous, brilliant Secretary of Defence. As Sri Lankans we should be proud of this Patriot.As a Tamil and as a Citizen of Sri Lanka who owes allegiance to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the President, I consider it my duty to pay tribute to a worthy gentleman and hero of our times.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed duties as Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order on 25th November 2005.

Gotabaya joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1971, spent twenty years in service, and held the appointment of Deputy Commandant of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in 1991 and, as a Lieutenant Colonel was Coordinating Officer of Welioya area from 1990 to 1991. Prior to that, he was the Coordinating Officer of Matale District and the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Gajaba Regiment from 1989 to 1990. He has also held numerous other positions in the Sri Lanka Army such as Instructor, Adjutant, and Staff officer to the Operations Officer commanding contingents.

During his military career, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been awarded the President’s Commendation letter by former President J R Jayewardene and medals for valour in combat such as Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) – by former Presidents R Premadasa and D B Wijetunga. He has also received a commendation from the Commander of the Army for his bravery in action.

He has commanded many anti-terrorist operations in the North and East in different capacities. Among them was his Command of the 1st Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment in the important Vadamarachhci Operation in 1987 and Operation Thrividabalaya in 1990 respectively, to rescue Jaffna peninsula and the Jaffna Fort from terrorist control.

He completed his basic officer cadet training at prestigious Military Academy at Diyatalawa, and proceeded to Pakistan to complete the Young Officers’ Course at Rawalpindi and later the mid-carrier course at Quetta. He had advanced training in Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare at Assam, India. Later in his career, Gotabaya Rajapaksa graduated in advanced Infantry Training from Infantry School Fort Benning, USA.

As a staff officer, Mr. Rajapaksa completed his Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India in1983. He obtained his Masters degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras in 1983. He has also obtained a Postgraduate degree in Information Technology from the University of Colombo in 1992.

He is a revered figure in Sri Lanka for leading the military operation which drove out the opponents from the entire Eastern Province of the country.

It was during this time that I was instructed by Jeyaraj Fernandopulle to represent him in the Morning Show programs on SLBC and ITN on several occasions. I have poignant memories of Jeyaraj telling me that Gotabaya was an excellent and brilliant gentleman and that we ought to give him adequate publicity as Tamils to show our appreciation as Patriotic citizens.

Every citizen owes the duty of loyalty to the state where he is a Citizen. Allegiance is owed both to the Sovereign as a natural person and to the Sovereign in his or her political capacity. Loyalty requires affection also to the office of the sovereign, attachment to royalty, attachment to the law and to the Constitution of the realm and he who would by force or fraud endeavour to prostrate that law and Constitution, though he may retain his affection for its head, can boast but an imperfect and spurious species of loyalty.

As nature and religion teach moral obligations and prescribe to children dutiful conduct towards the parents, so nature and religion imposes on citizens certain obligations towards their country and its rulers. These obligations may be interpreted as patriotism and obedience. Patriotism requires that the citizen would have a reasonable esteem and love for his country. He should have a reasonable esteem and love for his country.

Article 2 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka states “The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State.”

Article 63 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka states: “Except for the purpose of electing the Speaker, no Member shall sit or vote in Parliament un and subscribed the following oath or made and subscribed the following affirmation, before Parliament:- ‘I ………………………………. do solemnly declare and affirm/ swear that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”’.

Article 81 illustrates in regard to the expulsion of Members and imposition of civic disability. The Sixth amendment to the Constitution (certified on August 8, 1983) the preamble states “Whereas Sri Lanka is a Free, Sovereign, Independent and Unitary State and it is the duty of the State to safeguard the independence, sovereignty, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and associations other parties political persons, ………AND WHEREAS it has become necessary to prohibit such activities and to provide punishments therefore:…”

By virtue of the Sixth amendment to the Constitution Article, 157A was added after Article 157 for ‘Prohibition against violation of territorial integrity of Sri Lanka’ , Article 11 was amended as well. The Seventh Schedule by virtue of the Sixth amendment to the Constitution is “ I………………………………..do solemnly declare and affirm / swear that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and that I will not, directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka”.

Alas, what is happening in the present Parliament? Members from the various Tamil political parties huddled and grouped as the TNA are desecrating the sanctity of Parliament and flagrantly violating the provisions of the Constitution. It is the duty of the Law enforcing authorities and the appropriate personnel to take action against this unruly conduct. Whilst paying lip service to the ‘Tamil cause’ they violate every conceivable norm of law. The silence on the part of the State has made a mockery of democracy whilst allowing the Terrorists and their henchmen to be solely responsible for the decline of the economic progress of the country and the disastrous consequences that follow. This is the time to stop it. This is the time to protect the millions of innocent civilians from the hands of these politicians and the Terrorist organizations that they represent and it is obvious that although they have a front to reveal conflict they are all interconnected for their own survival.

This has to stop. The JVP and the Hela Urumaya by their own right are correct that the Nation has to be saved from Tamil Terrorists and those that represent them. We have been paying lip service to Peace, whilst the Tamil Political parties have been making fun of the country, its nation and successive Governments. We have to protect our nation. We need our armed forces to be vigilant and eradicate the pillars of Terrorism and the very foundation which supports them.

Every citizen owes his or her allegiance to the Constitution and to the Head of State- the duly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. We don’t need people from the ‘international community’ to cast aspersions on our President and our Government. No one blames President Bush for the California fires, but if the same had occurred here then these Tamil Parties would have pointed at the President and the Government. People should be aware of what allegiance is and the concept of Patriotism. This is not only the duty of every citizen but the obligation in the best interests of the Nation.

Our nation has been torn apart by the evils of terrorism and natural disaster. We have all suffered – there is no answer – there is no justification for the pain. Freedom of choice alone does not guarantee justice. Equal rights are not defined only by political values. Social justice is a triad of freedom, an equation of liberty. Justice is political liberty. Justice is economic independence. Justice is social equality.

Due to our internal conflicts which we could have long resolved, external forces with vested interests have all sought to intervene some in the pretext of resolving the conflict but our experience has proved that the gap of resolution of conflict does not seem to be narrower now.

Those who finance terror, those who launder their money, those that cover their tracks are every bit as guilty as the fanatic who commits the final act.

We look for diplomacy. But there is no diplomacy with some of those opposed to us. We do not consider them opponents but they oppose every conceivable move we make to develop the country.

Sometimes, there is no compromise with such people, no meeting of minds – no point of understanding – so we would have a just choice -defeat it or be defeated by it.

We learnt that however much we strive for peace, we need a strong defence capability where a peaceful approach fails. Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far greater.

Laws will have to be changed not to deny the basic liberties but to prevent their abuse and protect the most basic liberty of all; freedom from terror. The people are terrorized by certain vested interests in their vile pursuits for power committing crimes and targeting a reflex scenario as if the Government was responsible.

We must always be on guard for those who will exploit and manipulate religion for their own narrow political ends who will distort the essence of pluralism and tolerance for their own extremist agendas.

People are being tainted by the reckless media. It is a national catastrophe for the nation. We must enact new laws amend the old.

We must work as a community to ensure that everyone not just a privileged few get the collective ability to further the individual’s interests.

The governing idea of modern social democracy is community founded on the principles of social justice. That people should rise according to merit not birth; that the test of any decent society is not the contentment of the wealthy and strong, but the commitment to the poor and weak.

But values aren’t enough. The mantle of leadership comes at a price; the courage to learn and change; to show how values that stand for all ages can be applied in a way relevant to each age.

We learnt that equality is about equal worth and not equal outcomes.

The standard of living is higher. The expectations of the people are higher. This is a consumer age. People don’t take what they are given. They demand more. The rising cost of living is because of Terrorism – not only the amount we spend on the war but the consequences that follow the false allegation by the Terrorists and their henchmen in Parliament who travel on diplomatic Passports , enjoy all the perks of the State, desecrate the sanctity of the House of Parliament and make false allegations to the world at large – these men and women will howl and cry but fear that they may not be elected to Parliament again. They neither love their own people they love themselves.

We are not alone in this. All round the world governments are struggling with the same problems. The program of reform is huge. We must have co-operation, determination and consensus.

We are a community of people, whose self interest and mutual interest at crucial points merge and that it is through a sense of justice that community is born and nurtured. This is the moment to bring the faiths closer together in understanding of our common values and heritage a source of unity and strength.

By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can alone. We must reach beyond our fears and our divisions to a new time of great and common purpose. Let us trace the roots of affirmative action. Let us determine what it is and what it isn’t. Let us see where it has worked and where it hasn’t and ask ourselves what we need to do now.

Private media freedom is running amok. The news that millions of people in this country including foreign correspondents who convey news overseas receive each night is determined by a handful of men responsible only their corporate employers. The State should have control not to permit abuse of the freedom of the Press.

We must not permit a contaminated moral environment. Let us not negotiate out of fear, But let us never fear to negotiate.

As a philosopher once remarked. “The water is clear pure and fresh – it is for all to drink. But some clever people began to bottle the water. Some in beautiful bottles. Some in ugly bottles -

with no regard to the water but with great care to its shape.”

It is time that affirmative action is taken so as not to eradicate the norms of democracy.

Resolution of conflict has its requirements. Parties to a dispute cannot threaten and violate the rights of innocent people or those who are performing their duties. If the conflict between the organized form of government and a force not popular on the norms of legality, it is then the duty of the Head of State to take such measures to safeguard the nation by whatever means to protect the nation.

There are individuals and groups who may be critical of the President for political gain, but the President has always taken affirmative action within the norms required of the President. No progress can be made unless a common ground is established. To endeavour to establish common ground certain specific responsibilities on the people and political leaders should be imposed. More of our people must set an example. People should be made conscious of their conduct. We must learn to discuss matters with those who are different from us. Not just people who agree with us but with somebody who is different.

Politicians must set an example to those among whom they work. After all, politics is a matter of serving the community which means that is morality in practice. We cannot restore peace unless we can find some way to bring the nation close together. There should be collective responsibility within groups or else the people will be confused.

We have had enough of terrorists paying lip service to democracy. It is trite learning that the intentions are questionable. Numerous Tamil militant groups have registered their respective groups as Political parties with a democratic fervor and flavour thus exploiting successive governments and flirting with the dominant terrorists from all parts of the globe. It is in this connection that the following measures should be taken in the best interests of the territorial integrity of the nation:

1. Scrutinize the legitimacy, operation and bona fides of all NGO’s, INGO’s and similar organizations.

2. Alert the Income Tax Department to scrutinize Property Developers of building high rise buildings and apartment complexes in Wellawatte, Kotahena, Dehiwela and other areas and the purchasers of these properties –as to how they suddenly get monies from some mysterious source. Income Tax Department should scrutinize every detail. Their conduct is questionable.

3. The UDA should scrutinize as most high rise buildings in Wellawatte are not approved by the UDA but all of a sudden the matter lies dormant without action.

4. All bank accounts should be monitored or the Banks should report any suspicious dealings.

5. All Communication centres and video parlours should be scrutinized.

6.All Tamil Political Parties should be closely watched as there could be wheels within wheels and inside dealings with a face lift of democracy. After all, the general notion is that the Tamils are sympathetic towards the major party to the conflict so in order to get the votes of the people, there could be insider dealings within these parties and they may be inter dependant. Lip service by Tamil Political parties cannot be trusted and checked, rechecked and counter checked inside out. Most of these Tamil Political Parties have spies groups, henchman throughout the globe. An Intelligence Report reveals that there are connections to the major player to the conflict.

We cannot let our Government to be exploited by traitors. We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution apprehend and prosecute those who terrorize us by their actions and threats, then economic prosperity will follow suit. Our destiny lies in our hands.

In conclusion, may I cite the great General George S.Patton, Jr., :Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to restrain this immoderate weather with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously harken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. AMEN.

Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

All over the world the pride of the Tamils in general has been hurt by the eradication of the LTTE whom they considered as their voice quite to their detriment. It is now time to make them understand that this was for their own good and that the LTTE was making use of the innocent Tamils as human shields, as sources of income to establish their empire. We have to make them understand that they too would have been treated the same way if ever there was an eelam.

The LTTE was the private limited liability company of Velupillai Pirabaharan and his companions some of whom have branched out and started their own private companies in different names and have been lucky to register them as political parties in Sri Lanka. It is contrary to reconciliation process to have the elections at a time like this when the recovery process takes time. Trust has to be built.

Even if there is an election who would be eligible to contest? Who are the Tamils contemplating on contesting the elections in the North? All of them at some point or the other have supported the LTTE or had secret pacts with the LTTE. Most of them have been guilty of heinous crimes of terror, abductions, extortion, assassinations, murders, rape and every conceivable offence in the Penal Code, Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Emergency Regulations. How many of them escaped from Prison and are enjoying their old deeds with ease and comfort? How did the Elections Commissioner recognize these political parties whose party constitutions and their track record, past and present performance has been a flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ? How come they are able to register and create Political Parties like wayside mushrooms? How many Tamil Political Parties exist today? What are their track records? The Tamils do not trust them. They rely on the Government to guide them, to lead them and to govern them not Tamil militant parasites. If there is Tamil administration in the North headed by Militant Political parties the Tamil Diaspora would turn against Sri Lanka ion the one hand whilst the militant Tamil parties will create a mini eelam and a phantom LTTE to continue the violent activities to develop their respective limited liability companies namely their political parties and strength.

Whilst an innocent Sinhala man is being convicted for stealing a loaf of bread to eat how the Tamil murderous terrorist can get instant amnesty? What is happening? Are we not heading towards disaster? We have repossessed the North but are we going to risk it by giving it to these Tamils who have a dark past and a suspicious present? Only time can tell. Fear psychosis has infiltrated the Tamils. They are afraid to speak against all the Tamil Political Parties. I have been listening to various Political Leaders in Colombo requesting the Sri Lankan living abroad to return to the country. I have received several responses from many professionals from all communities living overseas- their fear is whether it is safe to come when the mini model LTTE parties (Tamil Militant Political Parties)are roaming freely with absolute freedom more than the freedom of a common Sinhala, Muslim, Burgher or Tamil man.

The Tamils living overseas will not come to Colombo, if North will be under the Tamil Politicians with track records obviously they fear of being abducted and asked for ransom. None of these Tamil Militant Political Parties are Patriotic! They are all trying to conquer the North. I know them well. I have lost my father Late Justice T.W.Rajaratnam(SLFP National List (1989-1994) Member of Parliament who was killed, my cousin Dr.Neelan Tiruchelvam P.C.,M.P., who was assassinated and my uncle Lakshman Kadirgamar P.C., M.P., who was assassinated. My former Boss and friend Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated by the LTTE.

The Tamil Militant Groups in Colombo were uncomfortable by their presence that is why they aided and abetted with the LTTE. All these deaths were with the collusion, connivance and conspiracy of one or more Tamil Militant Groups. They will never let an educated Tamil intellectual to be involved in Politics. I live in fear of these militants because they strike anytime, anywhere but all the time. I have escaped many a time. It is the duty of the State to protect the Nation and either request the Army to administer the North under the supervision of the Special Task Force under the Chairmanship of Hon.Basil Rajapakse M.P., and Senior Advisor to the President whose skills of administration is world class and his patriotic ideals are the reasons behind the success of our Government. The Tamils are still in fear of the Tamil militant groups and their political parties. We cannot afford to lose the North again. The Tamil militants are parasites to development, democracy, decency and dignity. They are an abomination to society. The Tamil people fear the Tamil militants and Tamil Political Parties.

The North is the homeland of all Sri Lankans like the EAST, WEST and the SOUTH .It does not belong only to the Tamils. It belongs to all Sri Lankans. How come Tamils can live in Colombo-7, Wellawatte, Dehiwela, Bambalapitiya, Kandy, Matale, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya Tamils are engaged in business activities from 1st cross street to 5th Cross street, kotahena, Sea Street, would it not be worse by devolving power to the North solely to the Tamils? IT IS THE SINHALESE WHO HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED PREVENTING THEM FROM LIVING IN COLOMBO BY THE TAMILS OVERCROWDING AND PREVENTING SINHALA BUSINESSMEN TO DO BUSINESS FROM 1ST CROSS STREET TO 5TH CROSS STREET IN PETTAH, SEA STREET, KOTAHENA, ETC., ETC. ETC., Has the Sinhala common man enjoyed equality, he has been OVERLOOKED during our talks about peace. For thirty or more years and now people are talking of the rights of Tamils, then who speaks of the rights gradually taken away from the Sinhala common man? Why has he got to suffer? Take the Universities as well : to common knowledge there are several Universities. But do Sinhala students enter the Jaffna and Batticaloa Universities? But the Tamil students are eligible to enter all the Universities.

 The Sinhalese are wonderful, hospitable people by nature. The Tamil Militants have exploited them too. Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Muslims, Malays and Chinese have every right to settle in the North. There should be mixed administration. We should not segregate communities to territorial jurisdiction. Every citizen has a right to live anywhere. I salute the President for his courageous leadership. I have no doubt he will eradicate the remnants of the LTTE and all those Eelam militant Groups who have mischievously registered their militant Groups as Political Parties. They wear masks of democracy but they are all the same with militant ideologies.

Very soon these Tamil militant Groups and Political Party would create a phantom LTTE to fulfill their purposes and continue to roam and violence may stalk the land again. What do we do ? It is not wise to devolve power to the Tamils in the North. The President has to protect us from these Tamil Terrorists who are well based in Colombo. The Nation has to be saved. We must now, as citizens of this great country eradicate the menace of terrorism. The President is not only duty bound to protect the citizens from the Terrorists in the North but also those who have their Tamil Political Parties with the name “Eelam”-most of whom have still arms and they have the track record act of abductions, kidnapping, murders and extortion. These groups should be disarmed and should be stripped of their eelam identities. The militant eelam groups in Colombo committed many crimes.

All Tamil Political Parties with the name “eelam” should be banned forthwith. All Tamil Militant Groups should be disarmed and tried for their crimes against humanity Every citizen owes his or her allegiance to the Constitution and to the Head of State- the duly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Due to our internal conflicts which we could have long resolved, external forces with vested interests have all sought to intervene some in the pretext of resolving the conflict but our experience has proved that the gap of resolution of conflict does not seem to be narrower now. Laws will have to be changed not to deny the basic liberties but to prevent their abuse and protect the most basic liberty of all; freedom from terror.

The people are terrorized by certain vested interests in their vile pursuits for power committing crimes and targeting a reflex scenario as if the Government was responsible.. We are a community of people, whose self interest and mutual interest at crucial points merge and that it is through a sense of justice that community is born and nurtured. This is the moment to bring the faiths closer together in understanding of our common values and heritage a source of unity and strength. By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can alone. We must reach beyond our fears and our divisions to a new time of great and common purpose. Let us trace the roots of affirmative action. Let us determine what it is and what it isn’t. Let us see where it has worked and where it hasn’t and ask ourselves what we need to do now.

The intellectual Tamils will relax and be happy only if all Tamil Militant Groups have the same fate as Pirabaharan. They should be prosecuted for all crimes against humanity. I have been under duress. If devolution of power is given now, Tom Dick and Harry of the Tamil Militant Groups will commence their hooliganism and terrorism and eelam aspirations will be revisited. Firstly all Tamil militant Political Parties with the name Eelam should be banned; secondly all arms should be taken away from these Tamil bandits, thirdly, the Tamil militant politicians must declare their assets. Fourthly, army should continue to be in occupation in the North; It is better to have Army administration than Tamil militant bandits there.

All bearded longhaired bandits who belong to eelam parties should be carefully watched or be sent to some remote Island to be reformed. There are individuals and groups who may be critical of the President for political gain, but the President has always taken affirmative action within the norms required of the President. We cannot restore peace unless we can find some way to bring the nation close together. We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution apprehend and prosecute those who terrorize us by their actions and threats, then economic prosperity will follow suit. Our destiny lies in our hands.

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Peace and development remain the objectives of our era. Economic globalization is developing in depth, and science and technology are advancing by leaps and bounds. These developments have brought about new opportunities for all countries to develop their economies and improve the living standard of their people. The world is not yet a tranquil place. Terrorism continues to threaten the world despite global efforts to eliminate it.

We must take effective measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the developing nations and work towards a new international political and economic order that is fair and rational. In this connection, the international community. First, it is imperative to promote democracy in international relations. To respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all countries and resolve international conflicts through peaceful means is one of the major principles enshrined in The Charter of the United Nations. The affairs of each and every country should be left to its own people to decide. Global challenges should be tackled through international cooperation and coordination. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, should respect, consult and help one another. The developing countries should have full access to international affairs and enjoy equal decision-making power as their developed counterparts. All countries should foster a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation and fully respect the diversity of world civilizations, and should seek consensus through dialogue, cooperation through consultation and development through exchanges.

It is imperative to work towards stability and development of the developing nations. World peace hinges on stability of the developing nations, and global prosperity rests on growth of the developing nations. Complicated as they are, many of the issues today may have their roots found in development. Development should be the top priority of governments of all developing nations in their efforts to govern and build up their countries. It is imperative to ensure a full play of the UN’s important role in international affairs. As the most important inter-governmental organization in the world today, which represents the fundamental interests of all member countries and the aspirations of all peoples in the world, the United Nations has a lot to do and accomplish under the new situation. Therefore, it is our common responsibility and is in everyone’s vital interests to strengthen its role, safeguard its authority, increase its efficiency and promote its reform. To pursue unilateralism in international relations, abandon efforts for political solution and resort at will to the use or threat of force contravenes The Charter of the United Nations and goes against the historical trends. The fight against terrorism, a shared mission of the international community, should be fought with the United Nations playing the leading role. It is imperative to safeguard the solidarity of the developing nations. The developing nations are a big family. They cover vast land areas and abundant resources. They are an important force to safeguard peace and promote development. History tells us that solidarity means strength, progress and success. Peace, cooperation, development and progress are what the entire international community is hoping and striving for. The developing nations must continue to work closely together in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation and raise their voice and strengthen their position in international affairs if they are to secure their fundamental interests.

A Minister for Foreign Affairs or Foreign Minister is a Cabinet Minister who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign nation. The ministry for foreign affairs is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government (Prime minister or President); it is often granted to the Deputy Prime Minister in coalition governments. In some nations, the Foreign Minister is referred to as the Minister for External Affairs.

A Foreign Minister’s powers can vary from government to government. In a classic parliamentary system, a Foreign Minister can potentially exert significant influence in forming foreign policy but when the government is dominated by a strong Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister may be limited to playing a more marginal or subsidiary role in determining policy. Similarly, the political powers invested in the Foreign Minister are often more limited in presidential governments with a strong executive. Since the end of World War II, it has been common for both the Foreign minister and Defense Minister to be part of an inner cabinet (commonly known as a National Security Council) in order to coordinate defence and diplomatic policy. Although the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw many heads of government assume the Foreign Ministry, this practice has since become uncommon in most developed nations.

Along with their political roles, Foreign Ministers are also traditionally responsible for many diplomatic duties, such as hosting foreign world leaders and going on state visits to other countries. The Foreign Minister is generally the well travelled member of any cabinet.
In the United Kingdom, the Foreign Minister (who is also responsible for Britain’s Overseas Territories) is called the ‘Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs’ (or ‘Foreign Secretary’ for short). Before 1968, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs only handled relations with foreign, i.e. non-Commonwealth, countries: relations with Commonwealth countries and colonies were handled by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs. For the same reason, in Commonwealth countries other than the United Kingdom, the ministers responsible for handling relations with both Commonwealth and Non-commonwealth Counties were formerly usually designated ministers for ‘External Affairs’.
In the United States, the Foreign Minister is called the ‘Secretary of State’, and occupies the oldest cabinet post in the nation. Other common titles may include Minister of Foreign Relations. In many Spanish-Speaking Latin American countries, the foreign minister is called canciller (= chancellor).

Rohitha Bogollagama

Rohitha Bogollagama has been acknowledged both in Sri Lanka and overseas as the most dynamic charismatic, talented, eloquent Minister of Foreign Affairs in the history of Sri Lanka. He has been acknowledged as one of the best Minister of Foreign Affairs in the world. Rohitha Bogollagama, possessed with a dynamic personality is a kind gentleman with a humane disposition, polite and well mannered. He has been a strong supporter of President Mahinda Rajapakse both overseas and in Sri Lanka. Coupled with his rare combination of talents in advocacy, internal and international politics, he stands tall in the Cabinet and has been a loyal friend the President . Rohitha Bogollagama stands tall literally too – handsome and has a charming personality. He is admired for his unique style and choice of words which is very carefully and cleverly monitored by him before he utters them. Due to this charisma, Minister Bogollagama has often been an envy to other legislators around him which unfairly caught the attention of some sectors of the media. He is never disturbed by criticism as he is confident of himself, the President is confident of him and most of all the Nation has implicit trust in him, To add to his credibility the international community has acknowledged him as the most efficient and effective Minister of Foreign Affairs that Sri Lanka has ever had and that he is a Diplomat himself. But clarity and professionalism is what Rohitha Bogollagama demands. He is meticulous in his work and expects total work performance from those within his purview. Rohitha Bogollagama has been a Member of Parliament since 2000. He is a member of Several Parliamentary Committees. I have heard the dynamic speeches made by Rohitha Bogollagama in Parliament. He has the finesse, class and eloquence to convey the message to the listener. Born on 6th August 1954 in Kurunegala, Rohitha Bogollagama was educated at Ananda College and the Sri Lanka Law College. He was enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1976. He had held several Cabinet Portfolios as Minister of Industries (2001to 2004), Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion(2004-2005) Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (2005-2007) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2007 to date). As the legitimate representative of the Government overseas, he has engaged in defending the Government of Sri Lanka and convinced the international community of the present situation in the country which is in the best interests of the Nation.

Recently, Rohitha Bogollagama addressed the members of the European Parliament. Minister Bogollagama stressed on the present Military Operations and political settlement. He stated that the military efforts in the North of Sri Lanka now reaching its final phase. The military success against the Terrorists is a result of the clear sighted strategy embarked upon by President Mahinda Rajapakse in August 2006, which while seeking to address the political issues relating to the current conflict through negotiations, sought to defeat the terrorism militarily.

He stressed that Many Governments including those of EU member countries, international organizations and INGOs are involved in post-conflict development work in the East, but the EU is a noticeable absentee. The fearless outspoken Rohitha Bogollagama stated

“I urge that this be corrected, and that the EU joins in the development efforts, because it is crucial that economic development take place to strengthen the restoration of democracy. Whilst the GOSL believes that the ultimate solution to the present conflict is political, defeating the terrorists militarily will create an environment where a political solution can be implemented. While the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) is presently continuing its dialogue on evolving a comprehensive solution and is informally engaging with the UNP, defeating the terrorists militarily has provides the opportunity for the government to seek a serious and meaningful dialogue with a number of moderate Tamil politicians, devoid of their being under pressure from the LTTE, which would help in finding a mutually acceptable political settlement. President Rajapaksa is committed to move as quickly as possible to implement the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which followed the India-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987 and even to explore the possibility of going further than the existing provisions.”
“India, the US, Japan and the UK, are among the countries that have unambiguously acknowledged the success Sri Lanka has achieved against the LTTE terrorists, in a relatively short time with hardly any collateral damage. Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee  who visited Sri Lanka only yesterday is on record as having stated on the eve of the visit “We are for the fight against terrorists and all sorts of terrorism. Therefore, we have no sympathy for any terrorist activity indulged in by any organization, particularly LTTE (which) is a banned organization in India,” and India’s Foreign Secretary who met me last week re-iterated India’s request for extradition of LTTE leader Prabhakaran, who is convicted for the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The United States in a statement issued in the aftermath of the fall of Killonochchi on 6 January noted that it “does
not advocate that the Government of Sri Lanka negotiate with the LTTE”. Japanese special peace envoy Yasushi Akashi who also met with me in Colombo last Friday also expressed satisfaction that terrorism was being eliminated. The British government has also recognized the government of Sri Lanka’s need to root out terrorism and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband is on record stating “The LTTE is a proscribed terrorist organization with no democratic mandate to represent the Tamil people. It is responsible for a terrorist campaign that has targeted innocent civilians across all communities in Sri Lanka over the past three decades”. In my discussions here in Brussels I have asked that the EU add its voice to demand that the LTTE “let the people go”.

“Even as GOSL continues its military operations to defeat LTTE terrorism, it is acutely conscious of the need to cause minimal discomfort to the civilian population of this area. It is due to this reason that when launching the present operations in mid- 2008, the Ministry of Defence took swift measures to establish a “Safe Corridor” so that civilians in uncleared areas can escape to safe ground…..”,

“The GoSL, having ensured food security during the past two and a half years, is fully
committed to provide safety and relief assistance to the IDPs irrespective of any challenges
that may occur in the years to come. It is a fallacy that there are no independent bodies operating in the Wanni. The ICRC continues to remain in the operational areas to facilitate humanitarian assistance, while UN agencies, the WFP and INGOs accompany relief convoys.”

Rohitha Bogollagama also stressed on the GSP+. He stated that “EU, has emerged as the number one market for Sri Lanka’s exports. In 2007, the total value of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU reached an all time high of US $ 2,876.8 million, which accounts for 37.4% of the total exports of Sri Lanka, registering a 21% increase over 2006. The recent surge in Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU is mainly attributed to the tariff concessions enjoyed under the GSP + arrangement that became effective from mid 2005. Exports under the GSP+ scheme has provided direct and indirect employment to well over 1 million people and several aspects of socio-economic development in Sri Lanka has benefited from the EU GSP+ scheme. Sri Lanka can be considered a model among developing countries with regard to its ethical trading practices. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in Asia, where use of child labour has been banned through national legislation and where Marks and Spencer, the global apparel giant, opened its first ever world green apparel factory in April 2008, in recognition of our environment friendly policies. Sri Lanka welcomes the European Commission decision to give 16 developing countries including Sri Lanka the GSP+ facility, for a period of three years i.e. from 01 January 2009 to end 2011. Sri Lanka has always extended cooperation to the UN and ILO convention treaty monitoring bodies relevant to the GSP+ process and also through its continuous interaction with the European institutions. The Government of Sri Lanka has effectively implemented the three conventions highlighted by the EC and is willing to engage and continue a dialogue with the EU in this respect. We have nothing to hide and will provide any clarifications needed on issues of concern to the EC authorities.”

The Grund Norm of the Victory at War -The Activism of Rohitha Bogollagama – Convincing the International Community

Everywhere there were sounds of victory, celebrations, cheering and congratulatory messages from one end to another. Everyone acknowledged our Leader His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapakse which was very important, the Army that too was important, the Defence Secretary that too was very important and others who deserve recognition, but in the confusion one more important figure was forgotten. That person is Rohitha Bogollagama who fought with the International Community justifying the position of Sri Lanka as an independent country with the right to protect its territorial integrity and paved way for Sri Lanka to be victorious. It was the President who handpicked him to be the Foreign Minister as he was confident that Minister Bogollagama would fulfill his obligations and complete the task entrusted to him.

 Rohitha Bogollagama had to convince the International community from interfering lest we would not have been able to proceed with the was against terrorism. It was no easy task. His skills of advocacy was put to task together with the strength and determination of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapakse. So, President Mahinda Rajapakse, Hon.Basil Rajapakse M.P., Snr Advisor to the President, the dynamic Defence Secretary Mr.Gotabaya Rajapakse and Rohitha Bogollagama are the front liners to the Victory.

 I have watched over a couple of months, with awe, the unique style of Minister Bogollagama’s positive activism with sharp and carefully chosen words that hit back diplomatically the members of the international community thus enabling the Army to go ahead with their assertive, offensive and defensive action which led to the victory over the terrorists.

Minister Bogollagama has great humility and dignity but his stature and words expressed by him invites respect.

 Rohitha Bogollagama has been acknowledged both in Sri Lanka and overseas as the most dynamic charismatic, talented, eloquent Minister of Foreign Affairs in the history of Sri Lanka. He has been acknowledged as one of the best Minister of Foreign Affairs in the world. Rohitha Bogollagama, possessed with a dynamic personality is a kind gentleman with a humane disposition, polite and well mannered. He has been a strong supporter of President Mahinda Rajapakse both overseas and in Sri Lanka. Coupled with his rare combination of talents in advocacy, internal and international politics, he stands tall in the Cabinet and has been a loyal friend the President. Rohitha Bogollagama stands tall literally too – handsome and has a charming personality. He is admired for his unique style and choice of words which is very carefully and cleverly monitored by him before he utters them. Due to this charisma, Minister Bogollagama has often been an envy to other legislators around him which unfairly caught the attention of some sectors of the media.

 He is never disturbed by criticism as he is confident of himself, the President is confident of him and most of all the Nation has implicit trust in him, To add to his credibility the international community has acknowledged him as the most efficient and effective Minister of Foreign Affairs that Sri Lanka has ever had and that he is a diplomat himself. But clarity and professionalism is what Rohitha Bogollagama demands. He is meticulous in his work and expects total work performance from those within his purview. Rohitha Bogollagama has been a Member of Parliament since 2000. He is a member of Several Parliamentary Committees. I have heard the dynamic speeches made by Rohitha Bogollagama in Parliament. He has the finesse, class and eloquence to convey the message to the listener.

 As the legitimate representative of the Government overseas, he has engaged in defending the Government of Sri Lanka and convinced the international community of the present situation in the country which is in the best interests of the Nation.

 All countries should foster a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation and fully respect the diversity of world civilizations, and should seek consensus through dialogue, cooperation through consultation and development through exchanges.

 It is imperative to work towards stability and development of the developing nations. World peace hinges on stability of the developing nations, and global prosperity rests on growth of the developing nations. Complicated as they are, many of the issues today may have their roots found in development.

Development should be the top priority of governments of all developing nations in their efforts to govern and build up their countries. It is imperative to ensure a full play of the UN’s important role in international affairs. As the most important inter-governmental organization in the world today, which represents the fundamental interests of all member countries and the aspirations of all peoples in the world, the United Nations has a lot to do and accomplish under the new situation. Therefore, it is our common responsibility and is in everyone’s vital interests to strengthen its role, safeguard its authority, increase its efficiency and promote its reform.

 History tells us that solidarity means strength, progress and success. Peace, cooperation, development and progress are what the entire international community is hoping and striving for. The developing nations must continue to work closely together in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation and raise their voice and strengthen their position in international affairs if they are to secure their fundamental interests.

A Minister for Foreign Affairs or Foreign Minister is a Cabinet Minister who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign nation. The ministry for foreign affairs is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government (Prime minister or President);

 I  the good fortune of meeting his spouse Mdme.Deepthi Bogollagama who is well conversant in local and international politics. I at once realized that the proverb “Behind every successful man there is a woman”. She has the charm of Royalty and elegance of diplomacy, a Lawyer by profession, absolutely analytical in her speech and I wonder why she was not yet in Parliament.

 The Necessity of Diplomacy in crises

With the war against terrorism our nation has been more patriotic than ever before. As how the world look at us owing to the accusations made against us by vested interests has become futile. We have overcome the difficulties and convinced the world that we were justified in doing what we had to do.

 We must take effective measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the developing nations and work towards a new international political and economic order that is fair and rational. First, it is imperative to promote democracy in international relations. To respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all countries and resolve internal conflicts. The affairs of each and every country should be left to its own people to decide. Global challenges should be tackled through international cooperation and co-ordination.

 All countries should foster a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation and fully respect the diversity of world civilizations, and should seek consensus through dialogue, co-operation through consultation and development through exchanges. This is the time to be diplomatic with other Nations and the United Nations without losing grip of the ground situation and antagonizing others. A cool mind and a cool disposition is important for diplomatic victory.

It is imperative to work towards stability and development of the developing nations. World peace hinges on stability of the developing nations, and global prosperity rests, on growth of the developing nations. Complicated as they are, many of the issues today may have their roots found in development. Development should be the top priority of governments of all developing nations in their efforts to govern and build up their countries. It is imperative to ensure a full play of the UN’s important role in international affairs. As the most important inter-governmental organization in the world today, which represents the fundamental interests of all member countries and the aspirations of all peoples in the world, the United Nations has a lot to do and accomplish under the new situation. Therefore, it is our common responsibility and is in everyone’s vital interests to strengthen its role, safeguard its authority, increase its efficiency and promote its reform.

 History tells us that solidarity means strength, progress and success. Peace, co-operation, development and progress are what the entire international community is hoping and striving for.

The developing nations must continue to work closely together in the spirit of solidarity and co-operation and raise their voice and strengthen their position in international affairs if they are to secure their fundamental interests.

 One of the magnificent achievements of the UN has been the transformation that has taken place in global opinion on the relationship that should obtain between the governing and the governed, between the government and the citizen. It was on the basis of the moral authority of the General Assembly’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the determined endeavors of the Commission on Human Rights, that this transformation was achieved. The dignity of the individual has now, largely as a result of United Nations leadership in the field of human rights, been placed, as it should be, amongst the primary priorities of national and international attention.

 The Universal Declaration on Human Rights is not limited in scope to ensuring the observance of human rights by Governments alone. The Declaration has a far wider purpose: the observance of human rights by all governmental and non-governmental alike. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration, which requires that everyone has the right to life; and the provisions of article 30 of the Declaration prescribes that: “Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein”. An act of terrorism by a non-governmental entity against civilians is surely a violation of the human rights of its victims and, surely, a crime against humanity as well.

 We know the horrific consequences of terrorism: the horror; the thousands of unsuspecting innocent lives lost or maimed, the thousands of families then left to grieve; the countless personal tragedies that terrorism leaves. The horrors of Terrorism has devastated the country and have cast a heavy burden on successive Governments and the Nation including all of us and on humanity as a whole. There are also the larger disruptions of national stability and order as well: of the economy and the customary ways of life.

 We remember the bombing of the Central Bank, the adjacent Buildings, the Temple of the Tooth Relic and other Temples, the buses and trains in Sri Lanka where numerous people of all communities were killed, injured, the numerous innocent civilians who were killed and each of us would have a story to tell about the injuries sustained or the deaths of our loved ones. The assassination of President Premadasa, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Presidential Candidate Gamini Dissanayake, Cabinet Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Dr.Neelan Tiruchelvam and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar are some of the many victims.

 The Terrorism of the eleventh of September, in the USA gave rise to a “coming-together” of the people, in the finest traditions of humanity. On the twelfth of September, the Security Council and the General Assembly convened to express: their collective condolences; an unqualified condemnation of the terrorism: a determination that those responsible should not go unpunished; and firm concurrence that terrorism threatened the foundations of human society and order and would need to be, and must be, globally removed.

 We have to revive and resuscitate the morale of the people affected by the war, and their relatives all over. So, instead of talking about the unfortunate dead let us help the livings who are dying in the IDP camps. Let us get together and support them. The Government is doing everything possible to help them. Let us hope that such a deep sense of the “togetherness” of all of humanity will continue to be pervasive.

 Lakshman Kadirgamar is remembered to have said “A criminal organization – whether involved in rebellion against a State or not – must depend for its sustenance outside the law. For its massive operations and massive weaponry, massive collections of funds are continually required. As funds available for criminal activities within a State, especially a developing State, are Inevitably small, and the monitoring of their collection and disbursement relatively simple, fund collection for such activities is carried out abroad – through international criminal networks, of course – and also, as in all criminal enterprises, through knowing or unknowing front organizations or other entities that now proliferate in many forms, in many countries – often in the guise, sadly, of charitable groups or groups ostensibly concerned with human rights, ethnic cultural or social matters….. The many disparate forces for international terrorism do not come together in one monolithic whole. They are variously interconnected in numerous ways and their international networks are extensive. They are mutually supportive and communicate through the global underworld of crime when special missions are afoot. If international terrorism is to be ever removed from our midst, we must begin with the recognition that international terrorism is a form of global criminality. We must not let ourselves be deceived by the artfully crafted cloaks of false pretensions. It is the method of terrorism as in the murder of innocent civilians and the defiance of the sanctity of life – that defines terrorism.”

 We should therefore not be surprised that allegations of civilian casualty in the present times generates from certain corporate interests involved in international terrorism and their complex trade beneficiaries.

 Over thirty years or more we have not been able to solve this problem. We require a balance between the need to achieve a military victory and the needs of humanity. In this sense, necessity has been viewed as a limitation to unbridled barbarity. The application of the doctrine of military necessity makes use of the principle of proportionality as a mechanism for determining the positioning of a fulcrum between these competing poles. Using proportionality thus gives effect to the recognition that the choice of methods and means of conducting war or armed conflict are not unlimited.

 The means and methods of conducting war operate to achieve a particular military objective, which consequently assists in achieving a larger political objective.

 Military necessity admits of all direct destruction of life or limb of armed enemies, and of other persons whose destruction is incidentally unavoidable in the armed contests of the war; it allows of the capturing of every armed enemy, and every enemy of importance or of peculiar danger to the captor; it allows of all destruction of property, and obstruction of the ways and channels of traffic, travel, or communication, and of all withholding of sustenance or means of life from the enemy;

 The ‘principle of distinction’ is fundamental to humanitarian law, but its precise content varies according to the kind of conflict. In national liberation struggles – and international armed conflicts – the distinction is between ‘civilians’ and ‘combatants.’ Combatants have no right to life under humanitarian law. Every individual is classified as either a combatant or as a kind of protected person, such as a prisoner of war (a captured combatant) or a civilian. An individual’s rights change when his classification changes. A civilian has the right not to be targeted for attack and the right to receive some protection from attack. If the civilian joins the armed militants, he exchanges the rights of a civilian for the rights of a combatant. A combatant has the right to take part in hostilities.

 We look for diplomacy. But there is no diplomacy with some of those opposed to us. We do not consider them opponents but they oppose every conceivable move we make to develop the country. Sometimes, there is no compromise with such people, no meeting of minds – no point of understanding – so we would have a just choice -defeat it or be defeated by it. This is where there was a necessity for military intervention. We learnt that however much we strive for peace, we need a strong defence capability where a peaceful approach fails. Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far greater. Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. We cannot restore peace unless we can find some way to bring the nation close together. We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution apprehend and prosecute those who terrorize us by their actions and threats, then economic prosperity will follow suit. Our destiny lies in our hands.

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

A PATRIOTIC CITIZEN REQUIRES A UNITARY STATE.

THE IMMINENT NECESSITY FOR MILITARY ADMINISTRATION IN THE NORTH UNTIL THE IDP’S ARE SETTLED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE.

We have just liberated the North from the terrorists. How can we devolve power when other Tamil militants are stalking the land.? Have we eradicated Terrorism or the LTTE ? Why do we still live in fear ? Is it not because we have been made to fear the terror tactics of all Tamil militants ? Is one Tamil militant better than the other ? History has proved that they never changed. There is a lucid interval in every criminal Tamil Terrorist ? History has proved that Terrorists enjoy imputing fear into the minds of the people. To whom is power to be devolved ? To another set of Tamil criminals with Eelam identities ?

All over the world the pride of the Tamils in general has been hurt by the eradication of the LTTE whom they considered as their voice quite to their detriment. It is now time to make them understand that this was for their own good and that the LTTE was making use of the innocent Tamils as human shields, as sources of income to establish their empire. We have to make them understand that they too would have been treated the same way if ever there was an eelam. The LTTE was the private limited liability company of Velupillai Pirabaharan and his companions some of whom have branched out and started their own private companies in different names and have been lucky to register them as political parties in Sri Lanka.

It is contrary to reconciliation process to have the elections at a time like this when the recovery process takes time. Trust has to be built. Even if there is an election who would be eligible to contest? Who are the Tamils contemplating on contesting the elections in the North? All of them at some point or the other have supported the LTTE or had secret pacts with the LTTE. Most of them have been guilty of heinous crimes of terror, abductions, extortion, assassinations, murders, rape and every conceivable offence in the Penal Code, Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Emergency Regulations. How many of them escaped from Prison and are enjoying their old deeds with ease and comfort? How did the Elections Commissioner recognize these political parties whose party constitutions and their track record, past and present performance has been a flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ? How come they are able to register and create Political Parties like wayside mushrooms? How many Tamil Political Parties exist today? What are their track records? The Tamils do not trust them. They rely on the Government to guide them, to lead them and to govern them not Tamil militant parasites.

If there is Tamil administration in the North headed by Militant Political parties the Tamil Diaspora would turn against Sri Lanka ion the one hand whilst the militant Tamil parties will create a mini eelam and a phantom LTTE to continue the violent activities to develop their respective limited liability companies namely their political parties and strength.

Whilst an innocent Sinhala man is being convicted for stealing a loaf of bread to eat how the Tamil murderous terrorist can get instant amnesty? What is happening? Are we not heading towards disaster?

We have repossessed the North but are we going to risk it by giving it to these Tamils who have a dark past and a suspicious present? Only time can tell.

Fear psychosis has infiltrated the Tamils. They are afraid to speak against all the Tamil Political Parties.

I have been listening to various Political Leaders in Colombo requesting the Sri Lankan living abroad to return to the country. I have received several responses from many professionals from all communities living overseas- their fear is whether it is safe to come when the mini model LTTE parties (Tamil Militant Political Parties)are roaming freely with absolute freedom more than the freedom of a common Sinhala, Muslim, Burgher or Tamil man. The Tamils living overseas will not come to Colombo, if North will be under the Tamil Politicians with track records obviously they fear of being abducted and asked for ransom.

None of these Tamil Militant Political Parties are Patriotic! They are all trying to conquer the North. I know them well. I have lost my father Late Justice T.W.Rajaratnam(SLFP National List (1989-1994) Member of Parliament who was killed, my cousin Dr.Neelan Tiruchelvam P.C.,M.P., who was assassinated and my uncle Lakshman Kadirgamar P.C., M.P., who was assassinated. My former Boss and friend Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated by the LTTE. The Tamil Militant Groups in Colombo were uncomfortable by their presence that is why they aided and abetted with the LTTE. All these deaths were with the collusion, connivance and conspiracy of one or more Tamil Militant Groups. They will never let an educated Tamil intellectual to be involved in Politics. I live in fear of these militants because they strike anytime, anywhere but all the time. I have escaped many a time.

It is the duty of the State to protect the Nation and either request the Army to administer the North under the supervision of the Special Task Force under the Chairmanship of Hon.Basil Rajapakse M.P., and Senior Advisor to the President whose skills of administration is world class and his patriotic ideals are the reasons behind the success of our Government.

The Tamils are still in fear of the Tamil militant groups and their political parties. We cannot afford to lose the North again. The Tamil militants are parasites to development, democracy, decency and dignity. They are an abomination to society. The Tamil people fear the Tamil militants and Tamil Political Parties.

The North is the homeland of all Sri Lankans like the EAST, WEST and the SOUTH .It does not belong only to the Tamils. It belongs to all Sri Lankans. How come Tamils can live in Colombo-7, Wellawatte, Dehiwela, Bambalapitiya, Kandy, Matale, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya Tamils are engaged in business activities from 1st cross street to 5th Cross street, kotahena, Sea Street, would it not be worse by devolving power to the North solely to the Tamils?

IT IS THE SINHALESE WHO HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED PREVENTING THEM FROM LIVING IN COLOMBO BY THE TAMILS OVERCROWDING AND PREVENTING SINHALA BUSINESSMEN TO DO BUSINESS FROM 1ST CROSS STREET TO 5TH CROSS STREET IN PETTAH, SEA STREET, KOTAHENA, ETC., ETC. ETC.,

Has the Sinhala common man enjoyed equality, he has been OVERLOOKED during our talks about peace. For thirty or more years and now people are talking of the rights of Tamils, then who speaks of the rights gradually taken away from the Sinhala common man? Why has he got to suffer? Take the Universities as well : to common knowledge there are several Universities. But do Sinhala students enter the Jaffna and Batticaloa Universities? But the Tamil students are eligible to enter all the Universities.

The Sinhalese are wonderful, hospitable people by nature. The Tamil Militants have exploited them too.

Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Muslims, Malays and Chinese have every right to settle in the North. There should be mixed administration. We should not segregate communities to territorial jurisdiction. Every citizen has a right to live anywhere. I salute the President for his courageous leadership. I have no doubt he will eradicate the remnants of the LTTE and all those Eelam militant Groups who have mischievously registered their militant Groups as Political Parties. They wear masks of democracy but they are all the same with militant ideologies.

Very soon these Tamil militant Groups and Political Party would create a phantom LTTE to fulfill their purposes and continue to roam and violence may stalk the land again. What do we do ? It is not wise to devolve power to the Tamils in the North.

The President has to protect us from these Tamil Terrorists who are well based in Colombo. The Nation has to be saved. We must now, as citizens of this great country eradicate the menace of terrorism.

The President is not only duty bound to protect the citizens from the Terrorists in the North but also those who have their Tamil Political Parties with the name “Eelam”-most of whom have still arms and they have the track record act of abductions, kidnapping, murders and extortion. These groups should be disarmed and should be stripped of their eelam identities. The militant eelam groups in Colombo committed many crimes. All Tamil Political Parties with the name “eelam” should be banned forthwith. All Tamil Militant Groups should be disarmed and tried for their crimes against humanity

Every citizen owes his or her allegiance to the Constitution and to the Head of State- the duly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Due to our internal conflicts which we could have long resolved, external forces with vested interests have all sought to intervene some in the pretext of resolving the conflict but our experience has proved that the gap of resolution of conflict does not seem to be narrower now.

Laws will have to be changed not to deny the basic liberties but to prevent their abuse and protect the most basic liberty of all; freedom from terror. The people are terrorized by certain vested interests in their vile pursuits for power committing crimes and targeting a reflex scenario as if the Government was responsible..

We are a community of people, whose self interest and mutual interest at crucial points merge and that it is through a sense of justice that community is born and nurtured. This is the moment to bring the faiths closer together in understanding of our common values and heritage a source of unity and strength. By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can alone. We must reach beyond our fears and our divisions to a new time of great and common purpose. Let us trace the roots of affirmative action. Let us determine what it is and what it isn’t. Let us see where it has worked and where it hasn’t and ask ourselves what we need to do now.

The intellectual Tamils will relax and be happy only if all Tamil Militant Groups have the same fate as Pirabaharan. They should be prosecuted for all crimes against humanity. I have been under duress. If devolution of power is given now, Tom Dick and Harry of the Tamil Militant Groups will commence their hooliganism and terrorism and eelam aspirations will be revisited. Firstly all Tamil militant Political Parties with the name Eelam should be banned; secondly all arms should be taken away from these Tamil bandits, thirdly, the Tamil militant politicians must declare their assets. Fourthly, army should continue to be in occupation in the North; It is better to have Army administration than Tamil militant bandits there. All bearded longhaired bandits who belong to eelam parties should be carefully watched or be sent to some remote Island to be reformed.

There are individuals and groups who may be critical of the President for political gain, but the President has always taken affirmative action within the norms required of the President. We cannot restore peace unless we can find some way to bring the nation close together. We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution apprehend and prosecute those who terrorize us by their actions and threats, then economic prosperity will follow suit. Our destiny lies in our hands

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Sri Lanka enjoys freedom today because of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa! The Nation has been saved by Gotabhaya Rajapaksa!

Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty was protected by Gotabhaya Rajapaksa!

We live with human dignity today, because of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa!

The Greatest Defence Secretary in Sri Lanka – Gotabhaya!

The Only Defence Secretary in the World who eradicated Terrorism-Gotabhaya!

Wars might be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who leads that gain the victory.

For the first time in the history of this country we have an efficient, meticulous, brilliant Secretary of Defense. As Sri Lankans we should be proud of this Patriot. His position in the State is insufficient. He should be given a higher status as the Deputy Defence Minister as well and be made a Member of Parliament on the National List in the best interests of Sri Lanka.

s a Tamil and as a Citizen of Sri Lanka who owes allegiance to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the President, I consider it my duty to pay tribute to a worthy gentleman and hero of our times.

He is a revered figure in Sri Lanka for leading the military operation which drove out the opponents from the entire Eastern Province of the country. He is the only Defence Secretary in the World, who has proved his ability to win a war against terrorism

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa assumed duties as Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Public Security, Law & Order on 25th November 2005.

Gotabhaya joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1971, spent twenty years in service, and held the appointment of Deputy Commandant of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in 1991 and, as a Lieutenant Colonel was Coordinating Officer of Welioya area from 1990 to 1991. Prior to that, he was the Coordinating Officer of Matale District and the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Gajaba Regiment from 1989 to 1990. He has also held numerous other positions in the Sri Lanka Army such as Instructor, Adjutant, and Staff officer to the Operations Officer commanding contingents.

During his military career, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has been awarded the President’s Commendation letter by former President J R Jayewardene and medals for valour in combat such as Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) – by former Presidents R Premadasa and D B Wijetunga. He has also received a commendation from the Commander of the Army for his bravery in action.

He has commanded many anti-terrorist operations in the North and East in different capacities. Among them was his Command of the 1st Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment in the important Vadamarachhci Operation in 1987 and Operation Thrividabalaya in 1990 respectively, to rescue Jaffna peninsula and the Jaffna Fort from terrorist control.

He completed his basic officer cadet training at prestigious Military Academy at Diyatalawa, and proceeded to Pakistan to complete the Young Officers’ Course at Rawalpindi and later the mid-carrier course at Quetta. He had advanced training in Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare at Assam, India. Later in his career, Gotabaya Rajapaksa graduated in advanced Infantry Training from Infantry School Fort Benning, USA.

As a staff officer, Mr. Rajapaksa completed his Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India in1983. He obtained his Masters degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras in 1983. He has also obtained a Postgraduate degree in Information Technology from the University of Colombo in 1992.

It was during this time that I was instructed by Jeyaraj Fernandopulle to represent him in the Morning Show programs on SLBC and ITN on several occasions. I have poignant memories of Jeyaraj telling me that Gotabaya was an excellent and brilliant gentleman and that we ought to give him adequate publicity as Tamils to show our appreciation as Patriotic citizens.

Every citizen owes the duty of loyalty to the state where he is a Citizen. Allegiance is owed both to the Sovereign as a natural person and to the Sovereign in his or her political capacity. Loyalty requires affection also to the office of the sovereign, attachment to royalty, attachment to the law and to the Constitution of the realm and he who would by force or fraud endeavour to prostrate that law and Constitution, though he may retain his affection for its head, can boast but an imperfect and spurious species of loyalty.

As nature and religion teach moral obligations and prescribe to children dutiful conduct towards the parents, so nature and religion imposes on citizens certain obligations towards their country and its rulers. These obligations may be interpreted as patriotism and obedience. Patriotism requires that the citizen would have a reasonable esteem and love for his country. He should have a reasonable esteem and love for his country.

Every citizen owes his or her allegiance to the Constitution and to the Head of State- the duly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. People should be aware of what allegiance is and the concept of Patriotism. This is not only the duty of every citizen but the obligation in the best interests of the Nation.

In conclusion, may I cite the great General George S.Patton, Jr., :Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to restrain this immoderate weather with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously harken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. AMEN.

[(Dr. Levins T.C.Rajaratnam LL.B(SL).,LL.M(Lond).,Ph.D(Lond)., has practiced in the United Kingdom as a Solicitor of England & Wales, in Australia as Barrister and Solicitor, in US and Sri Lanka as Attorney at Law; He is the author of several publications, poems and has been a Lecturer in various Universities in Colombo and overseas. He was the Coordinating Secretary to the Chief Government Whip of Parliament, the Late Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. He is the author of “Selected Essays on President Mahinda Rajapakse”(Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha Publication May 2009). Member of the World Lawyers & Poets Society, USA; Chief Editor of Sri Lanka Patriot –newsline(www.srilankapatriot.org)]

tcrajaratnam@gmail.com

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

THE NATION’S LEADER, PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA WILL BE THE CHOICE OF THE PEOPLE EVEN AT THE NEXT ELECTION. THE ERADICATION OF THE LTTE HAS MADE HIM POPULAR NOT ONLY IN SRI LANKA BUT ALL OVER THE WORLD.

I read with much interest the Press Release published in the Government Official Information News Portal, www.news.lk. The said  PRESS RELEASE states as follows:

“The United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believes in the peoples’ mandate and the freedom of the voters’ franchise rights, and has no intention to be in power beyond the period mandated by the ballot, asserted  Minister of  Mass Media, Information and Enterprise Development, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa  today(21).The minister made these observations in response to a news report, in a Sunday Weekly today that the President was requested by some sections within the government to continue in office without holding a Presidential Election.He pointed out that the President was very popular and moreover a person who firmly believed, strongly upheld and placed his faith in  the system of democratic governance and norms.’Therefore, President would decide on the matter of re-election at the appropriate time stipulated by the procedures enshrined in the Constitution,’ Minister Yapa opined.According to the minister, the President can call a presidential election after November19, 2009 or after he completes his first term in office in 2011.He further  opined that the UPFA  and its main constituent, the SLFP, were political parties that firmly believed in democracy and recalled how the SLFP opposed the referendum to extend the life of parliament during President JR Jayewardene’s administration.’ We believe in people’s mandate and the democratic right of the ballot and this we have demonstrated many many times.The people have positively responded in large majorities to elect representatives to all bodies in a democratic manner’, Minister Yapa asserted. While acknowledging that there was indeed a popular call by the people for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to continue for a further period uncontested, the Minister emphasized that the wish of the President was to  seek re-election  following  democratic norms. ‘He is today a very popular President and the people will definitely respond positively in his favour at an election to express their gratitude to a leader who saved his  nation and his people from the clutches of cruel terrorism to make headway towards development”, Minister Yapa added.

To further emphasize on the same matter, I would like to state that President Mahinda Rajapakse is not only popular with the Sinhala people but also the Tamils, the Muslims, the Burghers,the Business community, the adults, the children and even foreigners who live here in Sri Lanka for professional and business reasons. One has to just listen to him or see him in person or in the Television and he could capture your heart, mind and soul. Such a vibrant personality; such charisma, such authoritative father like figure who makes even those elder to him to concede. The people will not allow him to retire soon. They will re elect him ten times over, but the Constitution provides the Executive President to serve only two full terms. Article 30(2) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka states “The President of the Republic shall be elected by the people and shall hold office for a term of six years.” Article 31(2) states, “No person who has been twice elected to the office of President by the People shall be qualified thereafter to be elected to such office by the People”.

Ceylon obtained independence from the British Rule in 1948 by smooth transition after India gained its independence. We honour our Patriots who contributed towards that endeavour. But the crucial factor is the independence gained by defeating terror by the Rajapakse Regime in the midst of so much interference from some countries with vested interests is far greater achievement in the history of this country. No patriotic citizen will forget the contribution made to Sri Lanka by the Patriotic Rajapaksa Family. Late D.A.Rajapaksa has made his contribution to humanity and the people of Sri Lanka, it is because of his silent unpublished meritorious service to humanity   that all his sons have been blessed by the Triple Gem to serve this country, save the Nation’s  dignity, and Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity. God has blessed this country and the Nation and as a Tamil I will vote hundred times over for the Rajapaksa family. My unstinted support will always be given. I remember my father[ Late T.W.Rajaratnam (Former Judge of the Supreme Court and Member of Parliament(SLFP National List 1989-1994)] telling me that SLFP can be revived and resuscitated only by Mahinda Rajapaksa when there was infighting within the Bandaranaike family. The same was told to me by my former boss and friend Late Jeyaraj Fernandopulle who said that the 2004 Parliamentary election was won because of Mahinda Rajapaksa. He could feel the pulse of the people, a great Leader who has eradicated terrorism, now we must support him to develop the country.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has served as a Minister in a rare combination of portfolios. He has been the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Fisheries. He has been the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

President Rajapakse has been a tower of strength to the poor, the homeless and the destitute people of Sri Lanka regardless of race or religion. He has a deep sense of responsibility and has performed his duty with commitment, determination and courage to bring about a lasting solution. It is his inherent duty to protect the Nation as a whole.

There was so much chaos and conspiracy to humiliate and persecute him but he has overcome all adversities and adversaries owing to the faith the Nation has of him.
The people have elected a leader to fulfill the promises and their aspirations. President Rajapaksa has fulfilled many promises. We must pave way for the process and progress of the mechanism.

We should not succumb to the dark impulses that lurk in the far regions of the soul. We must overcome them.

The President has the wisdom and will to act in the best interests of the Nation. He will take affirmative action in the best interests of the Nation.

President Rajapakse being the Saviour of the Nation, is ably advised by Basil Rajapakse the Vision and Guardian of the Nation, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse-the Defender of the Nation .We must be Patriotic. We must uphold and defend the Constitution and the Head of State-the President. We owe allegiance to the President and the Constitution as Citizens of Sri Lanka. We must uphold the norms of the Constitution.

As citizens of this great country we have a great future ahead of us. Come let us shed our differences and let the Father of the Nation lead us- it is our solemn duty to owe allegiance to the duly elected President of this country. He needs no canvassing at any elections, he is in the hearts of the people. May the Triple Gem bless him, his family and us.

[(Dr. Levins T.C.Rajaratnam LL.B(SL).,LL.M(Lond).,Ph.D(Lond)., has practiced in the United Kingdom as a Solicitor of England & Wales, in Australia as Barrister and Solicitor, in US and Sri Lanka as Attorney at Law; He is the author of several publications, poems and has been a Lecturer in various Universities in Colombo and overseas. He was the Co-Ordinating Secretary to the Chief Government Whip of Parliament, the Late Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. He is the author of “Selected Essays on President Mahinda Rajapakse”(Sarvodaya Viswa Lekha Publication May 2009). Member of the World Lawyers & Poets Society, USA; Chief Editor of Sri Lanka Patriot –newsline(www.srilankapatriot.org)]

tcrajaratnam@gmail.com

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Government of Sri Lanka Protects and Facilitates the Internally Displaced Persons more than any other in the world

Hon.Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament, Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for the Development of the North, whilst speaking at a meeting of the Task Force at the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat on June (15) said that the progress of the ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ programme was being discussed that while offering a political solution to the people of the North who have been liberated from the grip of terrorism, steps are being taken to develop the province according to home-grown strategy by the name of ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ (Northern Spring).

  Infrastructure development, electricity, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, irrigation, livestock development, inland fisheries, health, solid waste disposal, education, sports, cultural affairs and transportation are some of the areas that will be covered under this program.
 
Projects worth Rs. 1010 million are already underway in the district.  The total cost of developing the A-9 Highway with ADB assistance was said to be Rs. 710 million.   A total of Rs. 380 million will be spent on the Vavuniya-Horowpathana road and Rs. 360 million on the Medawachchiya-Mannar road. Meanwhile road construction in relief villages currently housing IDP’s is nearing completion at a cost of Rs. 150 million. Hon.Rajapaksa instructed officials to ensure that all electricity be provided to all houses in the Vavuniya District within the stipulated 180-day period.  At present, 62% of the households in the district have access to electricity, it was pointed out. He reiterated that the process of providing electricity to the remaining areas should commence immediately after they are cleared of landmines and that priority should be given to this.  He further instructed officials to expedite the work related to water supply and agricultural activities in order to facilitate the quick return to normalcy. He observed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had wanted to encourage the use of organic fertilizer in the North.  Since Vavuniya is a land-locked district, it has been decided to develop inland fisheries in the area and issues pertaining to this were also subject to discussion at the meeting.  With respect to livestock development, it was decided to launch a special programme to capture stray cattle and streamline milk production. Since there is a serious problem in transporting milk to other parts of the country, a programme will be launched to ensure that each child in the district gets a glass of milk. In addition to developing sectors such as education and health, steps have been taken to set up police stations, divisional secretariat offices, post officers etc in the area. He declared “The Northern Spring Programme is being implemented by officers from the area itself and they are fully aware of the needs, aspirations and sensibilities of the people.”
 
Hon.Rajapaksa is now acknowledged by the people of the North as the Saviour of the IDP’s and the rest of the people. The expertise, knowledge and implementation of strategic programs of Hon.Basil Rajapaksa is acknowledged over the years. He has taken good care and made special arrangements for the IDP’s to be given all facilities and protection until they are resettled.

It is a fallacy to consider that Sri Lanka has a high rate of IDP’s. What and who are IDP’s?    

A United Nations report, Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement uses the definition:

“internally displaced persons are persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized State border.”

While the above stresses two important elements of internal displacement (coercion and the domestic/internal movement) it is important to note that rather than a strict definition, the Guiding Principles offer “a descriptive identification of the category of persons whose needs are the concern of the Guiding Principles. The IDP concept should be defined even more narrowly, to be limited to persons displaced by violence. It is very difficult to get accurate figures for IDPs because populations are constantly fluctuating:

The largest IDP populations can be found in Colombia, the DRC, Iraq, Sudan and Turkey each with IDP populations of over one million. An updated country by country breakdown can be found at: IDMC Global Statistics It has been estimated that between 70 and 80% of all IDPs are women and children.

Countries with significant IDP populations

·                     Afghanistan has 132,000 – 200,000 IDPs, mostly in the south and west parts of the country, due to fighting between NATO and Taliban-allied fighters.

·                     Azerbaijan has over 580,000 IDPs due to the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh, Agdam and surrounding territories by Armenian forces since the early 1990s.

·                     MYANMAR ( Burma) has about 503,000 IDPs due to decades of a long Internal conflict in Myanmar as well as Cyclone Nargis.

·                     The Central African Republic has about 197,000 IDPs due to the 2003 coup d’etat and the subsequent civil war.

·                     Chad has about 178,000 IDPs due to the proximity to Darfur and the civil war in eastern Chad.

·                     Colombia has over 2 (possibly 3) million IDPs according to the UNHCR, due to the war between the government, the FARC, the AUC and other armed groups.

·                     The Democratic Republic of Congo has almost 1,5 million IDPs due to the Second Congo War, mostly in the eastern provinces.

·                     Cote d’Ivoire has about 709,000 IDPs due to the civil war, mostly in the western regions.

·                     Cyprus has about 210,000 IDPs due to the inter-communal troubles of 1964 and the 1974 Turkish invasion and their aftermaths.

·                     Ethiopia has about 200,000 IDPs due to natural disasters, the Ethiopian-Eritrean War and the Ogaden conflict.

·                     Georgia has 220,000 – 300,000 IDPs due to displacement of the ethnic Georgian population who have fled Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

·                     Iraq has over 2.5 million IDPs due to forced displacement during Saddam Hussein’s regime, and fighting between the Multi-National Force and Iraqi insurgent groups.

·                     India - 50 million people were internally displaced since 1950 due to haphazard industrial projects.

o                    About 600,000 Kashmiri Pandits from the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir have been internally displaced due to the ongoing violence.^[9]

·                     Indonesia has 200,000 – 350,000 IDPs due to fighting between the government and secessionist rebel movements.

·                     Israel has 150,000 – 420,000 Internally Displaced Palestinians and Bedouins, most of whom are Arab citizens of Israel.

o                    Gaza and the West Bank have almost 2 million IDPs due to the multiple Arab-Israeli conflicts, starting in 1948.

·                     Kenya has 250,000 – 400,000 IDPs due to the violence that rocked the country after the 2007 elections.

·                     The Philippines have about 300,000 IDPs due to fighting between the government and communist and islamic rebels.

·                     Somalia has over a million IDPs due to the civil war.

·                     Sri Lanka has about 406,000 IDPs due to the civil war between the government and the LTTE.

·                     Sudan has 5 – 6 million IDPs due to decades of civil war in the south and the Darfur conflict in the west.

·                     Turkey has over a million IDPs in its southeast provinces due to decades of conflict between the government and PKK rebels.

·                     Uganda has about 869,000 IDPs due to the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army.

·                     Zimbabwe has 560,000 – 960,000 IDPs due to political violence, major land reform and an economic collapse of the country.

·                     Pakistan has more than 400,000 IDPs at the end of 2008 due to ongoing conflicts in three regions of Pakistan. Currently one million people have displaced in NWFP province due to military operation.

The problem of protecting and assisting IDPs is not a new issue. In international law it is the responsibility of the government concerned to provide assistance and protection for the IDPs in their country.

The UNHCR was mandated by General Assembly Resolution 428 (V) of 14 December 1950 to “lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems….guided by the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.” The UNHCR has traditionally argued that it does not have a “general competence for IDPs” even though at least since 1972 it had relief and rehabilitation programs for those displaced within a country. However, in cases where there is a specific request by the UN Secretary General and with the consent of the State concerned it has been willing to respond by assisting IDPs in a given instance. In 2005 it was helping some 5.6 million IDPs (out of over 25 million), but only about 1.1 million in Africa. In 2005, the UNHCR signed an agreement with other humanitarian agencies. “Under this agreement, UNHCR will assume the lead responsibility for protection, emergency shelter and camp management for internally displaced people.”

[Dr. Levins T.C.Rajaratnam LL.B(SL).,LL.M(Lond).,PhD(Lond)., Author of “Selected Essays on President Mahinda Rajapakse”(Sarvodaya Viswa Lekha Publication May 2009).  Member of the World Lawyers & Poets Society, USA; Editor of Sri Lanka Patriot –online newline (www.srilankapatriot.org)]

By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam

Sri Lanka enjoys freedom today because of Gotabaya Rajapakse!
The Nation has been saved by Gotabaya Rajapakse!
Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty was protected by Gotabaya Rajapaksa!
We live with human dignity today, because of Gotabaya Rajapakse!

Happy Birthday Sir!

He is both a historical figure and a legend-and it is sometimes difficult to separate the two. For the first time in the history of this country we have an efficient, meticulous, brilliant Secretary of Defense. As Sri Lankans we should be proud of this Patriot.

As a Tamil and as a Citizen of Sri Lanka who owes allegiance to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the President, I consider it my duty to pay tribute to a worthy gentleman and hero of our times.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed duties as Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Public Security, Law & Order on 25th November 2005.

Gotabaya joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1971, spent twenty years in service, and held the appointment of Deputy Commandant of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in 1991 and, as a Lieutenant Colonel was Coordinating Officer of Welioya area from 1990 to 1991. Prior to that, he was the Coordinating Officer of Matale District and the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Gajaba Regiment from 1989 to 1990. He has also held numerous other positions in the Sri Lanka Army such as Instructor, Adjutant, and Staff officer to the Operations Officer commanding contingents.

During his military career, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been awarded the President’s Commendation letter by former President J R Jayewardene and medals for valour in combat such as Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) – by former Presidents R Premadasa and D B Wijetunga. He has also received a commendation from the Commander of the Army for his bravery in action.

He has commanded many anti-terrorist operations in the North and East in different capacities. Among them was his Command of the 1st Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment in the important Vadamarachhci Operation in 1987 and Operation Thrividabalaya in 1990 respectively, to rescue Jaffna peninsula and the Jaffna Fort from terrorist control.

He completed his basic officer cadet training at prestigious Military Academy at Diyatalawa, and proceeded to Pakistan to complete the Young Officers’ Course at Rawalpindi and later the mid-carrier course at Quetta. He had advanced training in Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare at Assam, India. Later in his career, Gotabaya Rajapaksa graduated in advanced Infantry Training from Infantry School Fort Benning, USA.

As a staff officer, Mr. Rajapaksa completed his Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India in1983. He obtained his Masters degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras in 1983. He has also obtained a Postgraduate degree in Information Technology from the University of Colombo in 1992.

He is a revered figure in Sri Lanka for leading the military operation which drove out the opponents from the entire Eastern Province of the country.

It was during this time that I was instructed by Jeyaraj Fernandopulle to represent him in the Morning Show programs on SLBC and ITN on several occasions. I have poignant memories of Jeyaraj telling me that Gotabaya was an excellent and brilliant gentleman and that we ought to give him adequate publicity as Tamils to show our appreciation as Patriotic citizens.

Every citizen owes the duty of loyalty to the state where he is a Citizen. Allegiance is owed both to the Sovereign as a natural person and to the Sovereign in his or her political capacity. Loyalty requires affection also to the office of the sovereign, attachment to royalty, attachment to the law and to the Constitution of the realm and he who would by force or fraud endeavour to prostrate that law and Constitution, though he may retain his affection for its head, can boast but an imperfect and spurious species of loyalty.

As nature and religion teach moral obligations and prescribe to children dutiful conduct towards the parents, so nature and religion imposes on citizens certain obligations towards their country and its rulers. These obligations may be interpreted as patriotism and obedience. Patriotism requires that the citizen would have a reasonable esteem and love for his country. He should have a reasonable esteem and love for his country.

Every citizen owes his or her allegiance to the Constitution and to the Head of State- the duly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. People should be aware of what allegiance is and the concept of Patriotism. This is not only the duty of every citizen but the obligation in the best interests of the Nation.

We are not alone in this. All round the world governments are struggling with the same problems. The program of reform is huge. We must have co-operation, determination and consensus.

By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can alone. We must reach beyond our fears and our divisions to a new time of great and common purpose. Let us trace the roots of affirmative action. Let us determine what it is and what it isn’t. Let us see where it has worked and where it hasn’t and ask ourselves what we need to do now.

We must not permit a contaminated moral environment. Let us not negotiate out of fear, But let us never fear to negotiate.

It is time that affirmative action is taken so as not to eradicate the norms of democracy.
Resolution of conflict has its requirements. Parties to a dispute cannot threaten and violate the rights of innocent people or those who are performing their duties. If the conflict between the organized form of government and a force not popular on the norms of legality, it is then the duty of the Head of State to take such measures to safeguard the nation by whatever means to protect the nation.

In conclusion, may I cite the great General George S.Patton, Jr., :Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to restrain this immoderate weather with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously harken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. AMEN.

[Dr. Levins T.C.Rajaratnam LL.B(SL).,LL.M(Lond).,PhD(Lond)., Author of "Selected Essays on President Mahinda Rajapakse"(Sarvodaya Viswa Lekha Publication May 2009). Member of the World Lawyers & Poets Society, USA; Editor of Sri Lanka Patriot -online newline (www.srilankapatriot.org)]