What happened in Geneva?
Posted on March 29th, 2012
By Gunadasa Amarasekera-Courtesy The Island
On 2nd March 1815, we ceded our sovereignty to the – greatest empire at the time-The British Empire- of which it was said ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”the sun never setƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢.
On 22nd March 2012 we were intimidated into taking the first step to cede our sovereignty to the most powerful empire of todayƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚the US.
Though separated by 200 years, these two events have many similarities, except for one. At that earlier event, the enemy was there in person, while at the latter it was only his hand that was visible. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee that he will not be there in person when the occasion demands. Except for this single dissimilarity there are many similarities between these two events.
When we handed over our sovereignty to the British, we did so willingly on our own initiative. It was not forced on us. The Kandyan chieftains, who signed on behalf of us, did so as equal partners to the Convention. It was made out that it was being done for our well-being in the name of liberty and equality. It was these very sentiments that were expressed in Geneva. We were asked to agree to that resolution in the name of liberty, equality and fair play for all. Further it should be noted that, the resolution was not ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”made in USAƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢. The core of it was manufactured by us, by our LLRC pundits. Uncle Sam using his usual ingenuity only improved on it, and made some ambiguous garbled additions, which appeared rather innocuous at first glance. How could anyone object to such a resolution, which only asked us to implement what we ourselves had formulated? (It was a good example of that ingenious method, described by that pithy Sinhala sayingƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚urage malu urage pita thiyala kapanawa. No (English) translation can convey what it means.
In addition we were given one year to comply with it. And they were prepared to give any advice or assistance we needed. Our big brother, may be to ease his conscience, added a rider that such advice and assistance must be given with our concurrence.
I could not help seeing the similarity between these two events. But is this comparison justifiable? Is it realistic? Is it based on a verifiable reality, or is it just a figment of my fictional mind? And we know too well how fiction can invest reality where it is non-existent. I had my own doubts. I was in that mood when a document circulated by the global research unit reached me through a friend of mine in Australia with the marginal comment- they are getting ready for a third World War-make no mistake.
This document of the global research unit is edited by Brandon Turbeville-one of the researchers. I have read some of his writings earlier.
The title given to the document is Police state; New Obama Executive Order seizes US infra structureƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ and Citizens for military preparedness.
It reads as follows: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”In a stunning move on March 16th 2012, Barrack Obama signed an executive order stating that the President and his specifically designated Secretaries now have the authority to commandeer all domestic US resources including food and water. The EO also states that the President and his Secretaries have the authority to seize all transportation, energy and infrastructure inside the United States as well as forcibly induct American citizens into the Military”
After a detailed analysis of the Executive Order, TurvbevilleƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ admits that he is unable to come to a definite conclusion as to the motive behind this action. He ventures to suggest that it could possibly be in preparation for a third World War. These are his words. “Nevertheless some have no doubt begun to wonder why the President has signed such an order. Not only that but why did he sign the order now?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Is it because of the looming war with Iran or the third World War that will likely result from such a conflict? Is there a coming natural disaster of which we are unaware? Are there plans for Martial law?”
He ends up his summing up on a prophetic note. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”Whatever the reason for the recent Obama order, there is one thing we know for sure- It wouldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t happen hereƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ has been the swan song of almost every victim of domicide of modern human historyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢.
I felt vindicated after reading this epistle by the Global Research Unit. I felt that my comparison of the two events, though a product of my fictional imagination, was more than justified. If the thesis advanced by this document ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…”that it is to place the US on a war footing-isnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t that resolution passed on the 22nd a part of that very same- diabolical plan?
One is free to draw oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s own conclusions!
Leaving aside these speculations of mine I would like to now touch upon the role played by US and India to vilify and incriminate us at Geneva.
The two roles though aimed at achieving the same objective emphasise two different aspects which complement one another in a symbiotic relationship without overtly displaying it.
The resolution presented by Eileen Chamberlain on behalf of the US was as follows; “Given the lack of action to implement the recommendations of The Sri Lankan GovernmentƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s own LLRC, and the need for additional steps to address accountability issues, not covered in the LLRC reports it is appropriate that the UN HRC consider and adopt this moderate and balanced resolution. It is a resolution that encourages Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of its own LLRC, and to make concerted efforts at achieving the kind of meaningful accountability upon which lasting reconciliation efforts can be built.”
As one can see, there is no mention of devolution of power or the implementation of the 13th Amendment.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ All the emphasis is on accountability and reconciliation suggesting that no reconciliation is possible without accountability, without accounting for the violation of human rights.
On the other hand, the Indian emphasis has been entirely on the devolution of power and the implementation of the 13th Amendment. This is exemplified by Manmohan SinghƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s statement soon after the Resolution. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”India which has already welcomed the recommendations made by the LLRC has once again drawn attention to the need for a political solution to the simmering ethnic problem in the Island nation. New Delhi also wants the Mahinda Rajapaksa government to press ahead with devolution of powers and implementation of the 13th amendment. We hope Sri Lanka will usher in genuine political reconciliation in a credible and time bound manner.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢
As can be seen the emphasis is entirely on a political solution suggesting that reconciliation has to be based on the devolution of power and implementation of the 13th amendment.
How ingeniously the two partners have divided the task between them! Without treading on one anotherƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s toes.
Going further the Indian press,-The Times of India and The Hindu- have come out to warn us of the dire consequences awaiting us. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”RajapksaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s feet should be held to the fire, to push him to implement political reforms. India should use everything it has to push Colombo to take political steps . What Rajapaksa cannot see now, butƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ what we should show him is that a few years down the line he could be looking atƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ LTTE 2.0″
If I remember right, it was Robert O Blake who came out with this prophecy a few days ago-that the LTTE will be there in power. It looks that India has not only lost its identity but also its own voice, and has to resort to ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”His MasterƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s VoiceƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢.
March 29th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
The best answer by Lankans should be to completely avoid Indian rubbish, including 13A.
Some modapundits say it is not India it is Tamilnaddo. Rubbish. Avoid Indian – not Tamilnadu.
March 29th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
This is a very good article by our veteran annalist/writer Mr. Amarasekara. He always was ahead of time. No one could see what was happening in Sri Lanka when he original annualized it as far back as 1987 establishing ‘Chinthana Parshadaya with Nalin.
Anyway, the Global Research is a nonprofit organization based in Canada completely depending on contributions of their well-wishers and readers like you and me. None of the giant corporations, US institutions or members of neo-liberal cabal fund this organization like they do in the case of typical NGOs. Instead western institutions funding other NGOs are dead against with Global Research.
Global research, as a researching institution on globalization, has exposed enormous amount of covert operations of western globalization sphere headed by multi-national corporations. GR has generated knowledge as well as they have established a research oriented data base for anyone to use about effects, human and environmental cost and entire conspiracy of globalization- and they are doing this for many years. Following is the website address of it. So dear friends, please bookmark it and read it religiously every day. Link for the website is…
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=home
Following is the link for the article by Brandon Turbeville that Mr. Amarasekara mentions.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=29835
Having said it, I also must say that I glad to see that many Sri Lankans can view our national issue through global perspective today. But it was quite different when I wanted to link our national issue with ongoing western strategy of globalization and its concomitant effort of empire building as early as 2008. At that time I wrote under the name Keerthi Godayaya. These articles are still preserved on Lanka web under the following link.
http://lankaweb.com/news/godayaya.html
Then lately I wrote under my real name stressing the same argument of linking western globalization strategy with LTTE terror. Following are the links for those articles. I think the contents of these articles are still valid and perhaps properly explain the current situation.
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/category/geethanjana-kudaligamage/page/2/
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/category/geethanjana-kudaligamage/
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not trying to glorify my own efforts but honestly trying to reach out wider readership to share these ideas and critical points that are certainly need in depth discussion.
To conclude, let me say this out loud. Our entire problem is nothing but economics. Our enemies desire control, the economical subjugation of entire region and its beyond. To achieve this, they need this strategic location of Indian Ocean. Tamils are only pawns expendable at any given time.
March 29th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
If you google and see, US has OKed peace time Martial Law.
With respect to Sri Lanka, Outside will not be happy what ever the GOSL implement. They are looking for something else. It is not the win-wn situation for Tamils who lost the war. What India did was very wrong. Probably, US was calculating every thing happening in India and chose the right moment. Even Sri Lanka was in a bit of a difficult moment with IMF giving orders.
I feel one day, because of this LLRC situation, only escape for Sri Lanka will be some situation that appeared between Cuba and the US.
March 30th, 2012 at 12:23 am
Great article. Yes, we may encounter LTTE 2.0 in future. Only few weeks ago Mr.Blake uttered that terrorism could reignite in Sri Lanka. ( may not be exact words). GOSL must bring mandatory death penalty for terrorism, separatism and commercial drug trafficking. This could spare our next generation of enormous pain.
March 30th, 2012 at 6:28 am
Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka are guided by Tamil leaders of Tamil Nadu. There is no independent thinking. Tamil leaders of Tamil Nadu are bound by their Caste System, 3,000 yrs old that has stifled growth for a large sector of their society. Even the Empires of Akbar & Asoka did not touch the Tamil areas, and these areas have remained an evolutionary cul e sac due to the Caste System. Delhi govt. appears to have lost control over Jayalalitha’s Tamil Nadu. She herself is caught in the caste/poverty troubles. In the future, only hundreds of years of education, understanding and clear thinking by leaders will release Tamil Nadu from the caste bind. Acquiring parts of Sri Lanka is not the solution, when the problem itself keeps on being perpetuated in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has some 5 to 10 Million Tamils of low caste/Dalit origin.
Many hundreds of thousands of Tamil illegal migrants have come to Sri Lanka mainly via the Mannar route. They are easily managed by the Tamil leaders here i.e. Tamil Nadu control. In the end, it is Tamil Nadu calling the shots re Lanka via Tamil leaders of Lanka. The rest of India appears to have lost control. Interference by various foreign sources has brought the “Tamil problem” into sharp focus.
Tamil problems are human problems, as for the rest of society in Lanka, the only difference is the Caste System problems. In Sri Lanka, Caste problems have been given a new name as Human Rights Violations, leading to Separatism. Identify the Problem and the Solutions are at hand. There are no quick fixes for a 3,000 yrs old caste problem.
Some solutions :
* Identify and send back all Tamil illegal migrants at least for the last 10 yrs, that is the only way.
* Next, remove the 13-A. India has ‘cut us loose’ at the UNHRC to do our own actions to safeguard the nation. Let us do our own thing, at least now. Delhi govt. has lost control over Jayalalitha’s caste bound Tamil Nadu. This another reason why the 13-A should never be implemented in full – it spells separatism and loss of control at the centre.
* Bring back the death penalty for murderers and drug smugglers.
* Make sure Tamil people of Lanka live among others and not in caste bound enclaves. Their caste wars always end up as Human
Rights violations and the finger is always pointed at the GoSL and the Sinhalas and others. Break this cycle. Do everything to Help true born Lanka Tamils to integrate into Lankan society.
* Teach the higher teachings of the the Hindu religion to the Tamil people. i.e. the Four Yogas, particularly the Raj Yoga which the Yoga of Meditation. Revive the RamaKrishna Missions to do this. Hindu poosaris do not teach Meditation.
Let’s not look for who is to be blamed. Let’s look for Solutions to the problem together with the Tamils, so that all may live in peace together.
March 30th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
“Teach the higher teachings of the the Hindu religion to the Tamil people. i.e. the Four Yogas, particularly the Raj Yoga which the Yoga of Meditation. Revive the RamaKrishna Missions to do this. Hindu poosaris do not teach Meditation. ”
TEach Higher teachings of Hinduism ! How baout higher teachings of Christianity , Islam etc ?
March 30th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
If the country is to be united…the Sinhalese need to be united and focused.
Our weakness as Buddhists has been a drawback in that we are always giving a chance to even our enemy thinking they might not be as bad as they are. Sadly these enemies are far worse than what they were initially. India being the best example.
A move to say NO to Indian goods/services is certainly a need and that must be done with all patriotic movements getting together to spread the word amongst the masses.
This will help the Govt too in their decision making since they are reluctant to take a solid position. Which means they are still not aware of what the country wants.
What the country wants is not what only a handful ot LTTE remnants are now asking for led by the TNA….the Govt should not need much intelligence to understand this…where are the advisors.
March 30th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Shenali,
It has nothing to do with Buddhist value system. It is the greed of our politician that got us so far. It is the generocity of our sons and daughters got rid of the enemy. This is the real Buddhism. Buddhism is teaches “Aarakkaha Sampada”, which should be applied always, as Buddhists- not to sleep and relax. If you so not understand the real Buddhism please don’t blame Buddhism.
I agree with you avoiding Indian goods is a simple thing we can do to help.
Remember GREED was the root cause, is the root cause, will be the root cause.
Our modern politicians never pracice generocity.
March 30th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
We have been arguing here unremittingly that 13A should be abolished.
But see what Dayan had said of late. In his official capacity as an ambassador of Sri Lanka, he declares that Sri Lanka should follow Myanmar. What does he mean? In my opinion, he gives the impression to the world that Sri Lanka is run by a military junta and it prevents popularly elected party assume power. Or, does he want Sri Lanka to appoint neo-colonialists as advisers just as RanilW did in 2001-3. Whatever it is, I am sure Dayan has again started to use his office to publicize his own politicking as before.
Dayan deliberately forgets that the government that appointed him as an ambassador has policy guidelines. As many other patriots, I too had my doubts of his loyalty. And I conveyed to him about it through open letters and comments to his write-ups. Dayan has proved that he is a snake. When we have snakes as ambassadors we need not have enemies. Sooner he is recalled the better.
Leela
March 30th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Myanmar now seems to align with China, not US. Ofourse it has opened up as well.
There is nothing else to learn from Myanmar than now openly support China.
May be let Ponnaseka out ?
March 31st, 2012 at 7:31 am
Dham,
I am saying to teach the higher teachings of the Hindu religion to Tamil people, because there is lack of it among the Tamils masses. It is mostly the Tamil masses who are led to divide the country and cause problems in society. Please allow me to expand further.
As things are in Lanka, there is a large population of Tamils in Sri Lanka who are illegal migrants. They come via Mannar and very likely end up soon as ‘Up country Tamils’ which is the safe zone for Tamils, with the “Indian Tamil” tag on. In truth, they are Indian Tamils of low caste origin, who want to get out of Tamil Nadu. This is how a large number of ‘upcountry tamils’ ended up in the ltte controlled areas. A lot of Tamils in the human shield were composed of such people. They are ready for conversions too, as seen by the over hundred Catholic churches built in the North areas.
It is the lack of understanding of the higher teachings of Hinduism that has caused a lot of trouble among the so called Hindu Tamils. They are generally encouraged to stick with useless rituals. Rituals do not allow the Consciousness to grow.
Growth & Awareness is the natural direction human beings are intended to take. Without this Growth & Awareness, frustration sets in bringing in violence and destruction. The higher teachings of Hinduism is akin to Buddhist Teachings. There is a lot of common ground between the two religions. In Raja Yoga, Meditation puts a person in touch with his/her inner being, the root place within us, which brings calm and happiness, independent of the outside. Each of us can control this, and not depend so much on other people for happiness. There are many books by Swami Vivekananada on this topic.
For more clarity on this topic, any interested person can check up website wopg.org (see under free webcasts).
As for Christians & Muslims, though no emphasis is laid on Meditation, that is the way for true human happiness. Jesus Christ said many things to his disciples to point to this truism. He said “the Kingdom of Heaven is within You”, “be Still and though shalt know Me”, “he leads me beside the Still Waters”, etc. Islam means Peace.
This is for inner happiness.
————–
The Economy is for outer needs. The existing System on the Economy is heavily biased in favor of developed countries. We have to find ways to meet our needs locally as much as possible. It is a great pity Tamil Nadu has spoilt our relationship with India.
March 31st, 2012 at 10:00 am
New developments :
Ada Derana of Mar 31, 2012, headline says:
AFTER SRI LANKA NOW INDIA IN TROUBLE, UN ASKS TO REPEAL AFSPA – REPORTMarch 31, 2012 03:20 pm It seems that after Sri Lanka, now India has fallen in the hawk eyes of United Nations and the country (India) may face similar kind of situation like Sri Lanka if it does not follow the instruction given by the UN.
Emphasising on the democracy prevailing in the nation, the UN on Saturday, Mar 31 asked India to repeal the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which empowers Indian military and soldiers to tackle militants with massive power in the terror dominated region in the country especially in Kashmir and in the North-East states of India.
“Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has become a ‘symbol of excessive state power’ and ‘has no role to play in a democracy’,” said Christof Heyns, UN’s Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial.
Heyns, stating about his experience in Kashmir, said, “During my visit to Kashmir, AFSPA was described to me as ‘hated’ and ‘draconian’. It clearly violates International Law. A number of UN treaty bodies have pronounced it to be in violation of International Law as well.”
“The main finding in my report is that despite constitutional guarantees and robust human rights jurisprudence, extrajudicial killings continue in India and it is a matter of serious concern,” Heyns continued as informing about his report.
“India also should ratify a number of international treaties, including the Convention Against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All persons from Enforced Disappearance,” the official added.
However, it seems that finally Irom Sharmila’s voice reached UN. Sharmila had her last voluntary meal on Nov 4, 2000. She started her agitation to repeal the AFSPA which which gives power and rights to Indian soldiers and military to arrest suspected militants without a warrant and to shoot anyone suspected of being a rebel.
Citing the current situation of India, Sri Lanka might be overwhelmed as India recently cast its vote against Sri Lanka over a US moved UN resolution.
India is one among the 24 nations who cast vote to pressurise Sri Lanka to start investigations over alleged war crimes during the 26-year-old war. – OneIndia News
March 31st, 2012 at 6:37 pm
If you can spare the time please watch this important video. It is a talk on “Peace and Well being” at the European Parliament.You can skip the first 13 minutes because there is a translation going on and the dialogue is not clear..
http://tprf.org/en/news/videos
April 1st, 2012 at 7:26 am
There has to be a balance between the Inner & Material growth. We can see the imbalances in countries where the Material exceeds the Inner Growth, and the resultant wars, through Fear & Greed. Poor countries have to curtail Population Growth. Free Birth Control material should be distributed by governments.
If money spent on warfare is turned into life supportive and practical purposes so that some Balance is maintained in huge populations, then sanity might prevail in the world.