By Colombo Telegraph –
“The assumption so far is that these remains are of persons who were arrested as suspects of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna during the period of its second uprising, known usually as the second insurrection. The period was between 1987 and 1991. According to the reports of the commissions of inquiry into involuntary disappearances there were complaints to these commissions of disappearances of persons numbering around 30,000. ” says Asian Human Rights Commission.
Issuing a statement AHRC says; “Now that it has come to the notice of the authorities of the discovery of these remains in what may be called a mass grave it is the duty of the state to conduct thorough inquiries into the circumstances under which these persons have suffered the injuries which are evidenced by their remains and to ensure a credible course of action leading to the discovery of all the details relating to the alleged crimes.”
We publish below the statement in full;
The need for the preservation and proper inquiries into the remains of about 200 bodies found in the mass grave at Matale
Mass Grave At Matale
The question of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka has been a matter of concern for so many years now. The particular issue that the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to highlight in this statement is the finding of the remains of around 200 bodies at Matale which is under investigation by the Sri Lankan authorities. According to forensic experts who have so far done the preliminary work the remains of the bodies indicate injuries and therefore the site containing these remains is now regarded by the experts as a crime scene.
The assumption so far is that these remains are of persons who were arrested as suspects of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna during the period of its second uprising, known usually as the second insurrection. The period was between 1987 and 1991. According to the reports of the commissions of inquiry into involuntary disappearances there were complaints to these commissions of disappearances of persons numbering around 30,000.
Now that it has come to the notice of the authorities of the discovery of these remains in what may be called a mass grave it is the duty of the state to conduct thorough inquiries into the circumstances under which these persons have suffered the injuries which are evidenced by their remains and to ensure a credible course of action leading to the discovery of all the details relating to the alleged crimes.
An inquiry must be able to ascertain the identity of the persons whose remains have been found; where they were arrested if these persons were disposed of after arrest, what is the nature of the injuries indicated on the remains and what the historical circumstances that led to their treatment that in turn led to these injuries. Such information should finally lead to the identity of those who caused these injuries which led to the death of these persons. Once such factual details are established it would be possible to decide the course of action needed to ensure justice.
However, there are serious concerns about the manner in which the remains are being preserved and also the manner in which the inquiries are being conducted. There are detailed processes and techniques essential for the scientific investigation of atrocity crimes. These include methods for the location, evaluation, excavation, recovery, and recording of mass graves and the analysis of human remains and other evidence in order to establish the identity of victims and the cause and manner of their deaths.
The AHRC suggests that the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances should, through their experts, study the situation of the conduct of inquiries relating to the remains of the 200 or more persons found in Matale, Sri Lanka and assist the Sri Lankan government to ensure that these inquiries will meet the international standards required for such inquiries. The Asian Legal Resource Centre also suggests that the international community should assist the Sri Lankan government with expertise, equipment and the necessary financial resources for the proper conduct of investigations as well as the preservation of these remains under ideal conditions which are required for such purposes.
The AHRC is concerned that if such international cooperation is not extended there is the possibility of the neglect of these remains which may lead to their destruction as a whole or in part and also that if the remains are not preserved under proper conditions their evidentiary value may progressively degenerate.
Gerard Thurai / February 8, 2013
The people who did this and those who gave the orders are walking amongst us today!
The people who continue to offer them protection are the rulers of the country today!
It may well be that the JVP (like the LTTE) was bent on destroying democracy and needed to be suppressed. However, this can never be used to justify the extra-judicial killings of innocents.
It is simply astonishing that the majority of people of Sri Lanka appear to be complacent about this and are content to let these crimes continue to be brushed under the rug.
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Native Vedda / February 8, 2013
Gerard Thurai
Well they have been walking among us since 5th April 1971.
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Mango / February 8, 2013
Gerald,
“It may well be that the JVP (like the LTTE) was bent on destroying democracy and needed to be suppressed. However, this can never be used to justify the extra-judicial killings of innocents.”
I hate to break bad news to you, but that’s exactly how (using extra-judicial killings) the 2nd JVP insurgency was quelled.
You’ll recall the JVP’s monumental blunder in threatening to kill the families of soldiers and policemen unless they deserted? The security forces, in turn, unleashed their own death squads on the JVP/DJV until they were (mostly) wiped out.
I’m just surprised that they buried these bodies in hospital grounds instead of the usual practice of cremation, tyre pyres and dumping their bodies in the rivers or the sea.
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Native Vedda / February 8, 2013
Mango
So there is a slim chance you might find some skeletons from 2009 in Gota’s cupboard.
I was told Gota’s men wiped clean the crime scene just after the war had ended.
I am also aware that there is no such thing as perfect crime.
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Mango / February 8, 2013
NV,
Which ‘crime scene’ in 2009? If you mean the fortuitous deaths of the LTTE’s top leadership, we all knew that was going to happen. It was as likely as Bin Laden being captured alive.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2013
Mango Man
Please refer to Damian Perera – February 8, 2013
7:41 pm.
Would you support an investigation into war crimes committed from 5 April 1971 to date?
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Mango / February 9, 2013
NV, I support internal investigations into these crimes and not just for 1971, but also for Black July, whose perpetrators and enablers escaped without any punishment whatsoever. But the moment you internationalise it, forget it. No govt will want to place itself in the hands of ‘international justice’.
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Lawyer / February 9, 2013
Extra judiial kiliings = lawlessness
Someday you could be the victim of lawlessness which you so ardently support
Please think about that
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Mango / February 9, 2013
@ lawyer: I fully support the return to the rule of law. SL’s continuing tragedy is that the impunity and lawlessness unleashed since 1971 (and even earlier) has still not been reined in. The current mob, instead of lowering the temperature and calming things down, is making things worse.
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Native Vedda / February 10, 2013
Mango
“I support internal investigations into these crimes and not just for 1971, but also for Black July,”
Internal investigation, you must be joking.
Let us see who will be sitting on the commission.
Gota, Mohan Peris, Fonseka, Weearawansa, Mervyn, Kudu, Karuna, Pillayan, Douglas,……….Basil, ……Jegath, Svendra, ….David Blacker, Rajiva, Dayan..former election commissioner, Malinda, etc
Commission will be chaired by MR.
Recent Armys internal investigation into missing persons came up with truly good report, for the armed forces.
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David Blacker / February 11, 2013
Thanks for your faith in me, Jungle Boy, but if the people of SL want an external investigation, they must ask for it. If they do not, no one can force it on them.
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Mango / February 11, 2013
NV,
I’m merely pointing out that current ‘best practice’ in the field of internal investigations into own forces’ excesses is around thirty (30) years after the event. That’s what our ex-colonial masters practice (e.g. the Bloody Sunday Inquiry) and if it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for us.
What usually happens is that the government of the day, after the enquiry has concluded, apologises for excessive actions of its predecessors. As I’ve said before, Sri Lankan officialdom has an institutional aversion to saying ‘sorry’, but it’s never too late to start.
If you want a dispassionate and objective assessment of the last stages of Eelam War 4, Sri Lanka’s own Marga Institute has produced an excellent report called “Truth and Accountability : The Last Stages of the War in Sri Lanka”
http://transcurrents.com/files/Truth_Accountability_GG.pdf
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Safa / February 8, 2013
This is definitely a mass killing and since the evidence is intact it would be possible to trace the culprits. However there does not seem to be any concerted effort to get to the bottom of this. We dont hear of any high profile investigation or concern about this.
Even the public are comotose and no one is demanding a serious investigation. It seems to be business as usual in this wonder of asia. Finding 200 dead bodies in our backyard is run of the mill for us, nothing unusual. DIMBY syndrome – Dead bodies in my backyard.
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Native Vedda / February 8, 2013
Safa
“DIMBY syndrome – Dead bodies in my backyard.”
As long as it is NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome its fine.
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kuma / February 8, 2013
Hope the JVP and nationalist forces will understand the importance of international standards. It is time for the JVP to note that the international standards are set by UN and other world bodies. It is time to be frank that when you are at the receiving end, you need the protections and human rights will then be useful for each one of you.
Kumar
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Native Vedda / February 8, 2013
kuma
Is there any one who could contact David Blacker? Blacker demanded proof here is the proof. What more does he want?
Please ask him and other war crimes deniers to read this war crime news. If this is not war crime then what is?
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David Blacker / February 11, 2013
Where did I ask for proof of extra-judicial killings during the JVP wars? As usual you’ve been sucking on beehives instead of paying attention.
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Karunniyam / February 8, 2013
Everyone blames JVP for the violence in Sri Lanka. If we are to really examine, on the contrary, the JVP’s defensive violence was conditioned by state violence and denial of justice. JVP feared Police brutality more than army violence until 1971 insurrection.
If then District Coordinating Officer of Gajaba Regiment Gota and his partners-in-crime Shavendra Silva, Jagath Dias and Sumedha Perera et al in Matale had been stopped in 1989, there could not have been such humanitarian disaster of such degree in Mullivaikaal. The Sri Lankan military lost its purpose and its role for the nation when they fought its own very patriotic people. There is no moral dignity and patriotism but cold blooded killing spree was the order of the day. Its routine day in and day out fuelled by tit-for-tat killing. People should demand to exhume all the mass graves where PRRA operated between 1987-1989 like Koskele in Kurunegala, Eliyakanda in Matara, Suriyakanda in Embilipitiya and Batalanda in Kelaniya under an independant commission supported and supervised by UN, affording a realistic witness protection scheme in palce.
However, the killings and crimes against humanity had started among Sri Lankan security forces since they started to repress non-violent satyagrahi’s among Tamil community. Without any provocation and physical violence of the conscious and committed satyagrahis, the army pounced on the defenceless fellow citizens and wreaked havoc in the Tamil areas. This was when the “Army of Ceylon” was under British Dominian permanently settled in outposts like Jaffna and Batticaloa. Let the Tamils who go behind the British for political solution, be informed.
The state violence of Sri Lanka had been repressive and cannot be tolerated any longer. For a state like Sri Lanka, the military is headed by executive presidency that with the paranoia of the people’s revolt and xenophobia, the military is deadly liability. It has to be done away with. The final nail on the coffin of good governance was driven when the chief justice was ridiculed by criminals and impeached against Supreme Court decision. The military commander-in chief, the president, continues to subjugate judiciary and legislature and heading the army of the failed state. In these circumstances, we need to seriously think what we are destroying to our nation. When there is no external enemy or an internal threat exists, we need no such brutal and inhumane force to be in place. Our people will continue to pay a high price with our lives if the impending terror is unleashed on the people. People should not be naïve and tolerate such threats to linger on absorbing the tax payers money, denying growth of our nation and filling the coffers of the rulers.
Sri Lanka may be an island but still it is answerable to the humanity of the world. Sri Lanka may be a sovereign country but they are answerable not only for the Tamil lives but everyone in Sri Lanka and outside Sri Lanka. Mass graves are not the issue of individuals but the issue of international community when its own government turn on its people. UN cannot turn blind eye but exhume other graves whether they belong to the Tamils or Sinhalese. It is time, the decent man and women, Sinhalese or Tamils, victims or not join hands to eradicate this grave culture from the island of Lanka.
But in Mullivaikaal the bodies were simply incinerated. They were collected and taken to Padaviya direction to be incinerated. Even the top soil had been removed. Heaps and heaps were removed by caterpillars of blood stains, shrapnel, loose limbs and joints and all incriminating evidences by Rajapakse-loyal soldiers and officers. All evidences of war crimes whatsoever had been carefully eliminated without the presence of the people but not without eyes from the sky. Hereafter, Sinhala brethren will see no more bones. Only short memory.
When the Tamils were attacked, Late senator Nadesan admonished the state, …The elementary duty of a Government is to afford protection to its subjects, and the duty of the citizens is to be loyal to that Government. The moment that Government fails to afford protection, it forfeits its right to that loyalty and affection. This Government has forfeited that right.”…
May these souls rest in peace.
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mahela / February 14, 2013
Truth will come out from horses mouths…………pretty soon.
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Damian Perera / February 8, 2013
The SL government won’t dream of conducting a thorough investigation into these killings, because if they do they will also have to investigate the killings of the thousands of Tamils in the ‘No Fire Zone.’…and not forgetting the thousands of abductions and disappearances during the course of the war.
Here is an interesting link to what happened to Tamil civilians in the recent past.
http://youtu.be/poYN8ikai60
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CW / February 9, 2013
Did you see where these charges are coming from? and for what purpose? Let alone Gota, this is another attempt to tarnish the image of our valiant forces. SL lovers, please be careful.
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PresiDunce Bean / February 10, 2013
@CW
You can love your country without loving the government in power and it’s supporters and henchmen. In the event of an impartial investigation, it will be the top brass and politicians who gave the orders who will be found guilty and not the ‘valiant forces’ as you state.
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official.”
~Theodore Roosevelt
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Native Vedda / February 10, 2013
PresiDunce Bean
When country and presidency are one and the same what do you do? Leave the country?
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David Blacker / February 13, 2013
Just don’t try to leave by swimming, Shehan ;)
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Lester / February 10, 2013
There are mass graves all over the country. Many of the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) army camps in former LTTE areas, are probably built on top of the mass graves. It looks like the CH4 tape was correct, as was the Darusman Report.
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David Blacker / February 11, 2013
“Looks like, “probably”, etc. So because you can find no evidence of war crimes in the NE, you’re hoping that a war crime from another war will be just as good. How pathetic. But then, you guys are very good at counting your chickens early.
As I’ve said before, the only regret is that a few of the JVPers escaped to reestablish that Commie foolishness that still persists today.
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Native Vedda / February 11, 2013
David Blacker
“Thanks for your faith in me, Jungle Boy,”
Thanks for reminding me of my roots otherwise I will transformed into one of you. Please do remind me of my origin which which keep my reality in check.
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
Clearly your roots aren’t very strong if you need me to remind you of them and prevent you evolving and developing from your Neanderthal state.
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Native Vedda / February 12, 2013
David Blacker
“Neanderthal state”
You have discovered something new or just name dropping.
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David Blacker / February 14, 2013
In relation to you, neither.
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srilal / February 11, 2013
Hey Blacker ,
How come you keep disappearing every now and then? Without your invaluable, provoking comments, CT is like a funeral house, need some fire works man , start praising and white washing , at the moment we ‘ve got only poor lady Leela and K.A sumanasekara .
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
Whenever I comment, you get upset and start whining and crying, no, Srilal? It’s boring arguing with a kindergarten child, so obviously I find better things to do. When you grow up and are capable of adult debate, give me a shout.
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srilal / February 12, 2013
Blacker , yes you are right i am a kindergarten type person , very much akin to” Little John ” you know that little john has a very sharp eye and often bang on the target where it hurts more .
How is the laundry business of yours , not much profit nowadays?
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Lester / February 12, 2013
Laundry business? I thought he was in the “laughing corpse” business. :D
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David Blacker / February 13, 2013
Perhaps you should stick to your storybooks, Little Srilal.
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Native Vedda / February 12, 2013
David Blacker
“It’s boring arguing with a kindergarten child, so obviously I find better things to do.”
Yet we always responded to your comments.
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David Blacker / February 13, 2013
Clearly you are more easily entertained than I am.
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Lester / February 11, 2013
Mass graves have already been found in the North. Some date from the IPKF time (attributable to the IPKF) while the others, such as the Chemmani mass graves, are attributable to the Sri Lankan Army (SLA). Of course there are also mass graves dating to the last stages of the war, in which the SLA is known to have gone on a major killing spree. Gothabaya did an ingenious job of covering everything up (to the extent that Ban-Ki Moon flew over the graves in a helicopter on his way to visit an IDP camp), but like the Matale graves, the truth will come out eventually.
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
If war crimes attributable to the IPKF have been uncovered, why have you not initiated legal action against India via the various vaunted international bodies? As for the Chemani “mass graves”, only 15 bodies were found in them when the area was excavated with international observers (including Amnesty International) present. No other bodies were found, and there was no sign of any grave tampering. Hardly the evidence you talk about, is it?
The rest of your comment is pure speculation, and it’s rather pointless discussing that.
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Lester / February 12, 2013
What fantasy world do you live in, Blacker?
The Sri Lankan Army is overwhelmingly (99% according to the UN*) Sinhalese. Although the Sri Lankan government announced it had ‘liberated’ the Jaffna Tamils, and claimed that its troops were winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the populace, the reality is quite different.
Tamils – in particular youths – began disappearing almost immediately after the Army took control (in 1996). The bodies of people arrested by the military were regularly found dumped by sides of the area’s roads. Many of those arrested were tortured. Many of the females were raped in custody.
But the disappearances were the most widespread. People arrested by the military simply vanished.
Amnesty International says that it believes up to 600 Jaffna Tamils who disappeared in Sri Lankan military custody were “either tortured to death or deliberately killed”. Amnesty also says that the disappearances are continuing to date.
What had happened to the bodies of the disappeared remained a mystery until July 1998, when one of the Sri Lankan soldiers on trial for the rape and murder of a Jaffna schoolgirl, and the murder of her brother, mother and neighbour, claimed that up to 400 bodies were buried near a military checkpoint in Chemmani.
The soldier said he had personally been involved in the burial of Tamil civilians murdered by other Sri Lankan troops and said bodies had been brought to the area every night.
600 Tamil youths disappeared in 1996 when the SLA recaptured Jaffna, one of the accused in the Krishanthy murder case alleges a mass grave containing 400 bodies at Chemmani… and we should entertain your rubbish motion that only 15 people disappeared?
The soldier said he had personally been involved in the burial of Tamil civilians murdered by other Sri Lankan troops and said bodies had been brought to the area every night.
So a convicted SLA murderer claims to have buried bodies every night for months and months. Still believe there were only 15 victims?
What happened to the rest of the bodies?
When concerns were raised that the evidence at Chemmani might be destroyed by those wishing to prevent an investigation, the Sri Lankan government ordered its Jaffna military to seal off the area (in late July 1998). Ironically, the very troops responsible for the war crimes had been placed in charge of the evidence!
Since then, residents in nearby locations say that there has been heavy activity by the Army in the Chemmani area. At night, the lights of Army lorries moving around the area can be seen, they say. More ominously, during the days, smoke can be seen rising from where the graves are reported to be located.
They were either burned or moved.
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David Blacker / February 13, 2013
“alleges a mass grave containing 400 bodies at Chemmani… and we should entertain your rubbish motion that only 15 people disappeared?”
Oh dear, Lester. You should stick to bad comedy one liners instead of attempting what you are ignorant of. So you have proven that there are allegations of hundreds missing. No one argues that there are allegations. But where are the mass graves you speak of? ONLY 15 BODIES WERE FOUND AT CHEMMANI. So there was no mass grave that you claimed.
“So a convicted SLA murderer claims to have buried bodies every night for months and months. Still believe there were only 15 victims?”
It doesn’t matter what you believe or who says what. WHERE is the mass grave you speak of; where are the bodies?
“They were either burned or moved.”
Lol, so now you can’t find these mass graves that you claim exist? :D
“Local and foreign experts investigating into the alleged mass graves at Chemmani in Jaffna have reached a unanimous decision that there are no such graves as originally alleged by the convicted prisoner Somaratne Rajapakse and others convicted of the Krishanthy Kumaraswamy rape and murder case. The team also stated that there was no evidence of grave tampering, thereby eliminating the possibility of interested parties having removed skeletal remains prior to the commencement of the investigations.
A team of forensic pathological scientists headed by Professor C. Niriella, observed by a team of internationally recognised forensic expert observers tendered a comprehensive report outlining the findings of the forensic investigations to the Attorney General’s representative Mr. Illanchelian on December 6th said the Ministry of Defence.”
So you disagree with Amnesty International and the other foreign observers?
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Lester / February 13, 2013
Oh dear, Lester. You should stick to bad comedy one liners instead of attempting what you are ignorant of. So you have proven that there are allegations of hundreds missing. No one argues that there are allegations. But where are the mass graves you speak of? ONLY 15 BODIES WERE FOUND AT CHEMMANI. So there was no mass grave that you claimed.
These aren’t “allegations,” these are facts. Only 15 bodies were found because the graves were tampered with.
It doesn’t matter what you believe or who says what. WHERE is the mass grave you speak of; where are the bodies?
Why would Lt. Colonel Somaratne Rajapske lie? It’s your word against his.
“They were either burned or moved.”
So you disagree with Amnesty International and the other foreign observers?
Amnesty International and other foreign observers never claimed there had been no grave tampering. You should do a better job when quoting from government news reports .
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Lester / February 14, 2013
Nice try Blacker, but facts are facts. After Somaratne Rajapakse made the allegations about Chemmani, it took more than a year for GOSL to investigate the site. Meanwhile, the sight of the alleged mass graves was “guarded” by the suspects themselves.
Amnesty and others never said there was no grave tampering. That is the claim of GOSL.
Rev. Father A. Bernard, Rector of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna and Chairman
of Justice and Peace Mission of the Jaffna Catholic Church, on his visit to
the alleged grave site commented in an exclusive interview with The Weekend
Express that, “this is the first step that has been taken after a lapse of
four and a half years. And we have no idea about the conditions of these
spots”.
“There have been rumours that heavy vehicles are moving in these areas. This
has led to suspicion that this area is being tampered with. I haven’t seen
this myself but the people of the neighborhood have complained of such
incidents. If the evidence in the graveyard is tampered with, I wonder to
what extent the identification of the convict would be of use. Perhaps there
would be some spots that have not yet been identified.”
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cjesa/message/1629
Like I said, the bodies were burned or removed. Not only that, Somaratne Rajapakse mentioned the site of 18 possible mass graves in Chemmani and elsewhere, but only 1 was excavated.
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Native Vedda / February 13, 2013
David Blacker
“If war crimes attributable to the IPKF have been uncovered, why have you not initiated legal action against India via the various vaunted international bodies?”
You should ask the Sri Lankan state and rulers who are proud to claim sovereignty over the island yet failed to take the Indians to task.
If Sri Lanka is a responsible sovereign state it should take Indians to ICC, its not too late.
Mahinda used to be a champion of human rights, it appears he failed to mention atrocities committed by IPKF in his brief to UNHRC in Geneva.
Thanks for the double standard and a lot of hypocrisy.
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David Blacker / February 14, 2013
“These aren’t “allegations,” these are facts. Only 15 bodies were found because the graves were tampered with.”
That is an allegation, not a fact. Surely you know what those words mean? Where is the evidence of tampering? The absence of evidence is only the evidence of absence. The ONLY fact we have is that there were 15 bodies, and no more.
“Why would Lt. Colonel Somaratne Rajapske lie? It’s your word against his.”
There is no Lieutenant Colonel Somaratne Rajapakse, you uneducated dimwit. At least do yourself a favour and read up on the case instead of spouting nonsense. The convicted rapist and murderer was a lance corporal. And if you want to take the word of such a criminal, that’s up to you. It is not my word against his, because I am not giving my word on anything, nor making any claims. All I am asking is for you to prove what you claim.
“Amnesty International and other foreign observers never claimed there had been no grave tampering. You should do a better job when quoting from government news reports .”
Well, the GoSL has quoted AI and the other international observers as saying so. Have these people countered the GoSL claim or counterclaimed that the graves had been tampered with? Why have there been no calls for a continued investigation?
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David Blacker / February 14, 2013
“You should ask the Sri Lankan state and rulers who are proud to claim sovereignty over the island yet failed to take the Indians to task.”
Why should I? Is the Sri Lankan state and rulers claiming that there are mass graves and accusing the Indians of war crimes? I am asking those who are making these claims why they are not acting on the existing evidence instead of talking about non-existant evidence.
“If Sri Lanka is a responsible sovereign state it should take Indians to ICC, its not too late.”
So why don’t you put the viewpoint to the GoSL?
“Thanks for the double standard and a lot of hypocrisy.”
I think you are mistaking your own double standards and hypocrisy for mine.
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
“Amnesty and others never said there was no grave tampering. That is the claim of GOSL.”
AI has never disagreed with the GoSL on this matter, nor claimed that there was in fact tampering, so there is no evidence of tampering. THAT is a fact.
“Rev. Father A. Bernard, Rector of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna and Chairman
of Justice and Peace Mission of the Jaffna Catholic Church, on his visit to
the alleged grave site commented in an exclusive interview with The Weekend
Express that, “this is the first step that has been taken after a lapse of
four and a half years. And we have no idea about the conditions of these
spots”.”
How is this evidence of hundreds of bodies, or of tampering?
““There have been rumours that heavy vehicles are moving in these areas. This
has led to suspicion that this area is being tampered with. I haven’t seen
this myself but the people of the neighborhood have complained of such
incidents. If the evidence in the graveyard is tampered with, I wonder to
what extent the identification of the convict would be of use. Perhaps there
would be some spots that have not yet been identified.””
So even in Father Bernard’s words, this is all nothing more than rumour? Great job, Lester :D
“Like I said, the bodies were burned or removed.”
And yet you can provide no evidence of either :D
“Not only that, Somaratne Rajapakse mentioned the site of 18 possible mass graves in Chemmani and elsewhere, but only 1 was excavated.”
Really? Do link to any documentation of this.
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
As for your whining about a year having passed between the allegation and the investigation, the common practice in most democracies is, as mango pointed out, to wait between one and a half years (Mai Lai massacre by the US) to 25 years (Bloody Sunday massacre by the UK) before bothering to investigate. In addition, those convicted of crimes such as murder and rape are given appropriate convictions such as the death penalty or life imprisonment, unlike US war criminals who get slaps on the wrist in the form of largely symbolic prison terms of between a year to ten years maximum. Many, like Lt William Calley, the war criminal of Mai Lai, are simply pardoned or let off with nothing but a demotion.
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Native Vedda / February 11, 2013
David Blacker
Good to hear from you.
You are back in the business, but how long?
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
Until I get bored with your nonsensical opinions.
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Samson / February 14, 2013
but why not this time with your photo on display ?
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
Aren’t there more important things in life than my picture? :D Try and focus on the matter being discussed instead of concerning yourself with my looks.
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Senguttuvan / February 11, 2013
“Because you can find no evidence of war crimes in the NE…” is
taking sycophancy to dizzy levels. If this was meant merely to raise
some sort of demented laugh, my apologies.
Senguttuvan
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
Well, I urge you to present any evidence you have instead of worrying about sycophancy and other words you don’t understand. Proof of the pudding and all that ;)
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David Blacker / February 12, 2013
Just to clarify, I’m talking about the sort of large scale war crimes that come under the purview of IHL — such as was committed to and by the JVP — and not the odd murder or rape which are present in all wars.
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Native Vedda / February 12, 2013
David Blacker
What is International Humanitarian Law?
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David Blacker / February 13, 2013
Unless that’s a rhetorical question: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_humanitarian_law
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Native Vedda / February 13, 2013
David Blacker
Sorry how do I access wikipedia?
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David Blacker / February 14, 2013
We already know you’re a very sorry individual.
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srilal / February 14, 2013
Blacker whho is the sorry individual ?
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srilal / February 14, 2013
Blacker me again , can’t get enough of you though ,
“We already know you’re a very sorry individual”
what do you mean by ” We” , you and who ?
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srilal / February 14, 2013
Blacker ,
“Perhaps you should stick to your storybooks, Little Srilal.”
how could i ? storybooks can never replace the excitement and amusement which you provide on these columns , have not you noticed that you have quite number of enthusiastic fans queuing up asking more and more , Blacker pl note , your fan base is having exponential growth due to your sheer brilliance .
ps . pl don’t let us down , we are eagerly waiting for your priceless comments.
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
As I said, you are very easily entertained :D
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srilal / February 13, 2013
Blacker ,
i’m just wondering are you still with that hilarious notion of ” world’s biggest humanitarian operation ” nonsense ? or have you changed your mind ?
then what about that outrageous ” zero civilian casualty ” policy of your masters and yours, are you still going by the same mantara ?
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David Blacker / February 14, 2013
Do quote me as having ever said either, but don’t forget to take your morning medication so that your delusions and fantasies don’t get in the way :D
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srilal / February 14, 2013
look Blacker ,i ‘ve seen numerous occasions you were backing those notions (especially in ground views ), for strange reasons you seem to distance yourself, i wonder why ? tell me blacker , do you agree on those narratives , if not why ?
ps .Blacker yes i had my morning after pill !
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
Well, can you link or quote to even ONE of these “numerous occasions” that I have supported either of the two points you mention. Surely you must be able to find one :D
And really, you think with you sexual organs? I’m not surprised.
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Senguttuvan / February 14, 2013
I missed this page for a few days. I hope ex-Corporal Blacker will kindly spare me some teaching from his enormous Johnsonian knowledge of what “sycophancy and other words” is. As to evidence of the mass killings and genocide of 5/09 be assured the international community to piling this up, most appropriately, for due and early presentation. Why do you think the Big Boss was risking the wrath of the toxic Sinhala chauvinists and the priests to venture to pay in a Hindu temple in India – despised so much by the Ranawake/Booruwansa and BBS types?
Stay within the confines of the advertising industry – where conning, boot-licking and white-washing are considered creative habits – with due respect to the many decent men and women in the industry.
G’day
Senguttuvan
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
So you can’t find any evidence? :D That’s what I thought. Don’t worry your tiny head about kovils and gossip and advertising. All I asked you was for the evidence of the crimes you claim occurred.
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Lester / February 14, 2013
David Blacker should explain why Somaratne Rajapakse (one of the prime accused in the Krishanthy murder case) was threatened with death by the Sri Lankan Army if there were no mass graves. This is the letter sent to Rajapakse’s family by some members of the Army.
A subsequent letter, dated 26 May 1999 says:
“This letter is to all members of the Rajapakse family. You are hereby informed that you should make him withdraw the statement he made in the High Court following his conviction in the Krishanthy Case. Even though he was repeatedly asked to do so he continued to issue statements regarding this matter to Human Rights Organisations. Be that as it may, it appears that an inquiry is to be held during the sixth month [sic] and if he shows them the “places” please note that all the members of the family will be murdered. Please take this as the first and the last warning. If you inform the Police about this [letter] you will also be murdered. You must ensure that Rajapakse does not show the places. The relevant positions [persons] have already been arranged to be ready to murder all of you if he shows the places. With good intentions we are giving you adequate notice. Sgd. [Illegible]”
http://www-secure.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA37/016/1999/en/2fddc08c-e109-11dd-b0b0-b705f60696a0/asa370161999en.html
What places is the letter asking about? Could it be the MASS GRAVES? Perhaps we’ll find bits and pieces of Blacker’s lost brain cells there as well.
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David Blacker / February 15, 2013
How do you know that that letter was from a member of the Armed Forces? Even the signature is illegible. And under what logic does a threat prove guilt when thee is no evidence of guilt?
I note that you are unable to answer my questions regarding AI not calling for an investigation, nor of there being no evidence of grave tampering, nor any evidence of any further bodies.
Before you worry about my brain cells in a mass grave, do tell us how 15 bodies make a mass grave :D
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Lester / February 15, 2013
Keep denying, Blacker. Do you also deny this?
In August 1998, Somaratne Rajapakse was hospitalized after being beaten up by prison guards at Welikade prison, Colombo, apparently for refusing to sign a written statement saying that his original statement about the mass graves had been untrue.
So basically, Rajapakse makes statements about mass graves, gets beaten up by guards in prison, gets death threats from the SLA, and we should believe Rajapakse is a liar (using David Blacker logic) because only 15 bodies were found at one site?
And if we employ more David Blacker logic, we should believe there was no tampering with graves, despite a four year delay in beginning any investigation because only 15 bodies were found at one site?
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David Blacker / February 18, 2013
“Keep denying, Blacker”
Denying what? :D For me to deny, you must first present. You have been unable to present anything beyond rumour and suspicion.
“So basically, Rajapakse makes statements about mass graves, gets beaten up by guards in prison, gets death threats from the SLA, and we should believe Rajapakse is a liar (using David Blacker logic) because only 15 bodies were found at one site?”
I never said Rajapakse was a liar. I asked you for the evidence that he was telling the truth about the hundreds of bodies he claimed were buried. Rajapakse named several servicemen as responsible for the burying of bodies, and several of these individuals were charged. Therefore it is most likely that the death threats came from these individuals and/or their accomplices or friends. It is also probable that he was assaulted for selling out his former comrades. How does any of this prove that there were more bodies than those found, or that there was tampering of the graves?
Logic isn’t your strong point, clearly, so please don’t try to ridicule what you don’t understand :D
“And if we employ more David Blacker logic, we should believe there was no tampering with graves, despite a four year delay in beginning any investigation because only 15 bodies were found at one site?”
Before you try to employ my logic, you should first understand the concept. No one is asking you to believe anything. It is you that is asking us to believe Rajapakse and various other rumours you have quoted. All I am asking you for is even the tiniest bit of evidence. Where is it?
And there was no four years delay to the investigation, as you deceitfully claim; the investigation was undertaken a year after Rajapakse’s claim. How could there be an investigation before an accusation was made? :D Again, this is an area where logic could be useful to you.
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David Blacker / February 18, 2013
I also asked you to provide evidence of AI or other international observers of the excavation claiming that the site had been tampered with. Can’t find any such claim? ;) Hmm I wonder why.
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Lester / February 18, 2013
You still haven’t explained why, if there were no mass graves, Somaratne Rajapakse and his family were threatened with death. We all know it was your army buddies who made the threat. Unless you want to claim it was the LTTE. As for the 600 youth who disappeared, let’s just pretend they all joined the LTTE and Rajapakse and the rest of your army buddies were digging for sea-shells at 3 in the morning. :D
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David Blacker / February 19, 2013
“You still haven’t explained why, if there were no mass graves, Somaratne Rajapakse and his family were threatened with death.”
Clearly even the modicum of comprehension you possess is deserting you; I had already answered this question, but I will do so again, and highlight it, so that perhaps finally the penny will drop:
Rajapakse named several servicemen as responsible for the burying of bodies, and several of these individuals were charged. Therefore it is most likely that the death threats came from these individuals and/or their accomplices or friends. It is also probable that he was assaulted for selling out his former comrades. How does any of this prove that there were more bodies than those found, or that there was tampering of the graves?
“We all know it was your army buddies who made the threat.”
I wouldn’t be surprised, but what has that to do with the fact that there were only 15 bodies in your so-called “mass grave”, and no sign that there had been any more?
“As for the 600 youth who disappeared, let’s just pretend they all joined the LTTE and Rajapakse and the rest of your army buddies were digging for sea-shells at 3 in the morning.”
Since there is no evidence of any such digging, they might as well have been digging for your lost brain cells :D
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Lester / February 19, 2013
Therefore it is most likely that the death threats came from these individuals and/or their accomplices or friends.
But why would someone make a death threat unless they had something to hide? :D
Since there is no evidence of any such digging
Except for the 15 bodies found at Chemmani, which corroborates Rajapakses original confession.
that there were only 15 bodies in your so-called “mass grave”
Because the Sri Lankan Army destroyed evidence.
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David Blacker / February 20, 2013
“But why would someone make a death threat unless they had something to hide? “
Of course they had something to hide, dimwit — the 15 bodies. You seem unable to stay focused, Lester :D
“Except for the 15 bodies found at Chemmani, which corroborates Rajapakses original confession.”
His ONLY confession. And how do these 15 bodies prove that there was any grave tampering? That was my question to you. Do stay awake.
“Because the Sri Lankan Army destroyed evidence.”
Not according to the evidence and the international observers who overlooked the excavation. Repeating bullshit won’t make it true, Lester :D
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Lester / February 20, 2013
Of course they had something to hide, dimwit — the 15 bodies.
How do you know it was only 15 bodies? Did you talk to them personally?
His ONLY confession.
Corroborated by 5 others indicted in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case. :D
Not according to the evidence and the international observers who overlooked the excavation
Hahaha, foreigners only observed, they didn’t supervise the whole operation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-jCJC0bv7s
^^Heavy earth-moving equipment around the Chemmani area at 2:12. “Tamils suspect evidence has already been removed.” Clear evidence of grave tampering. Perhaps if you had completed 6th grade, rather than running off to join a criminal organization, you’d understand.
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Mango / February 21, 2013
Allah be praised!. The old “6th grade” insult. It’s definitely, unequivocally, unmistakably, Heshan/Nihal/Observer (previously banned). No ifs ands or buts about it! :) :)
Here’s a picture of you arguing about whether Rommel was the greatest Wehrmacht general. For the record, it was Von Manstein. http://tinyurl.com/9wpczrw
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Lester / February 25, 2013
Amateurish photoshop (or should I say, “Windows Paint”) skills of a year 6 Sinhala-Buddhist dropout, now living on the UK dole. No ifs ands or buts about it! :):)
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David Blacker / March 8, 2013
You mean you’ve been photoshopped into that pic? Whatever’s next, a pic of VP jr in an Army bunker? :D
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David Blacker / February 21, 2013
“How do you know it was only 15 bodies? Did you talk to them personally?”
Because only 15 bodies were found, dimwit Heshan. :D
“Corroborated by 5 others indicted in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case”
Yes, corroborated as his ONLY confession, dimwit Heshan :D
“Hahaha, foreigners only observed, they didn’t supervise the whole operation.”
So are you suggesting that the international observers somehow missed hundreds of bodies and only saw 15? :D
And really, a Youtube clip of a bulldozer and a Tamil suspicion is now “clear evidence”? :D C’mon Heshan, you did better than that when you posted about how Muslims must be driven out of SL and praised Hitler for killing Jews.
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Lester / February 23, 2013
Because only 15 bodies were found, dimwit Heshan.
How did the soldiers who threatened Rajapakse know exactly 15 bodies would be found in 1 grave? That’s what you’re implying, Blacker.
Yes, corroborated as his ONLY confession, dimwit Heshan
Try finishing your GCSE’s, Blacker. Multiple mass murderers on death row all agreed that mass graves of hundreds of Tamils could be found in Chemmani.
And really, a Youtube clip of a bulldozer and a Tamil suspicion is now “clear evidence”?
Mass graves are not dug up with bulldozers. :) Plus, you still haven’t explained why residents saw the same bulldozers late at night in Chemmani, 1 year before there was an investigation .
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David Blacker / March 7, 2013
“How did the soldiers who threatened Rajapakse know exactly 15 bodies would be found in 1 grave? That’s what you’re implying, Blacker.”
Where have implied that, dimwit Heshan? Your question which I was answering was how I knew that there were 15 bodies.
“Multiple mass murderers on death row all agreed that mass graves of hundreds of Tamils could be found in Chemmani.”
Try learning simple English, dimwit Heshan. I asked you weeks ago to link to any such claim.
“Mass graves are not dug up with bulldozers.”
My point exactly, dimwit Heshan. How long did it take you to get that?
“Plus, you still haven’t explained why residents saw the same bulldozers late at night in Chemmani”
Which same bulldozers? There’s no claim that a particular vehicle was seen more than once, or that ANY vehicles were seen to be doing anything with graves.
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Lester / February 23, 2013
Mass graves are not dug up with bulldozers.
Unless of course one is trying to get rid of evidence.
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David Blacker / March 7, 2013
“Mass graves are not dug up with bulldozers.
Unless of course one is trying to get rid of evidence.”
Why does one require bulldozers to get rid of evidence, where do we have evidence of bulldozers digging up mass graves, and where are these alleged mass graves? :D No answers, Klosturmfuhrer Heshan?
Maybe you can find the answers in the same place you found that Hitler won WW2, the US won the Vietnam War, and that Ranil W never won a general election, all of which you have claimed :D
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