11 December, 2024

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A Special Day To Remember Sugitharajah And Why He Was Murdered

By Johan Mikaelsson

Johan Mikaelsson

Johan Mikaelsson

Sri Lanka’s calendar is full of reminiscences from the bloody years. January is a month to remember the targeted killings of journalists under the previous government’s supervision. Impunity for these crimes against democracy prevails.

In February attention is on independence, which opened up the doors for ethnical strife, in May it’s the end of the war, in ‘Black July’ the race riots against Tamils, ​​and in November Tamil families remember their dead guerrillas.

January is the month that most clearly is associated with violence against journalists. January 8, 2009 Lasantha Wickrematunge, the Sunday Leader’s brave editor was killed. He lives on as an icon of the struggle for press freedom. He is and remains “unafraid and unbowed”, the newspaper’s motto.

Today, January 24, 2006, ten years ago Subramaniyam Sugitharajah was shot dead in Trincomalee. He was an ambitious and talented journalist for the Tamil daily Sudar Oli, and he also worked as a labourer at the port to support his family. Sugitharajah had gained popularity among the readership for his articles. Above all he was a 35 year-old married man and a father of two.

Sugitharajah

Sugitharajah

In 2005, the situation in Trincomalee constantly deteriorated. This culminated January 2, 2006, when five 20-year old Tamil students were shot dead by soldiers in the middle of the city. The military and state media tried, as usually at this time, to spread disinformation. The young men were falsely accused of having died of an explosion while they were preparing an attack against government soldiers.

Sugitharajah along with a young colleague was able to get into the morgue to photograph the dead boys, all with bullet wounds in the head. The portrait images published on the newspaper’s front page was not lying. It was a drastic editorial decision — according to the Sudar Oli Editor Nadesapillai Vithyatharan it was the only way to get the truth out.

The following Sunday Iqbal Athas had an in-depth description of the events in his Situation Report in The Sunday Times. The Sunday Leader also carried a story. Soon, even more detailed reports came out and the Toronto based Tamil journalist D.B.S Jeyaraj wrote lengthy articles with a thorough documentation of the chain of events. The military and the government media’s attempts to cover-up failed.

There had been too many witnesses. The entire area where it all took place was being sealed-off by the military. All lights were suddenly out, and the entire neighbourhood was pitch-black. The father of one of the boys had pleaded with the soldiers in vain to be let through. Hundreds of people could hear the young people’s cries for mercy, and then the fatal shots. Two young men miraculously survived. They, as well as family members can and still want to testify. The families opposed strongly when the army and the state media pointed to their sons as ‘LTTE terrorists’. The following days Trincomalee residents rallied behind them in mass protests.

Trinco5A cable sent from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo later came out through Wikileaks. It revealed that the Presidents’ brother and Economical advisor Basil Rajapaksa had said that he and the government knew that the soldiers from the Special Task Force (STF), a special force within police, had committed the deed. But the soldiers had used other automatic weapons than their ordinary ones and could therefore not be legally bound. It was of course a lame excuse for not going to the bottom.

Three weeks after the attack, January 24 2006 Sugitharajah became the victim of yet another lethal attack. The deed is typical of the premeditated murder of press freedom by the previous regime. Journalists were killed to hide even worse violations of human rights and to intimidate the media, individual journalists and all citizens to silence and submission.

‘Trinco 5’ could, despite efforts, not be hidden behind fog. But the leaders of that time has not to this day been held to account. They simply used another well-tested method — set up mock-up investigations and keep dragging on.

It all ended up in the shade during the final phase of the long war against the Tamil Eelam Liberation Tigers (LTTE) and the repression of the Tamils’ desire for separation in any form from the mainly Sinhalese central government.

The day before the murder of Sugitharajah Sudar Oli published what was to be his last article, dealing with the brutality used by EPDP paramilitaries in the city.

The murder took place at 6 AM. Sugitharajah waited for a bus at a bus stop outside the Governor’s office, when two men on a motorcycle stopped in front of him. One of the men lifted his arm and shot him with a gun. The LTTE political office, which was allowed to function in Trincomalee during the cease-fire, said that the assassination was carried out by paramilitary groups that collaborated with the Sri Lankan army.

The Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance (SLTMA) noted that suspected perpetrators in several similar murder cases have gone free, which opened up new murder. This murder was committed in an area with a high presence of soldiers, camps and sentry points. It was a clear signal to all: Those who oppose the armed forces are not safe anywhere. The targeted killing was condemned by the local Free Media Movement (FMM), Reporters Without Borders (RWB) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

There were suspects and motives, but the police investigation gave nothing, as expected. The government promised an investigation, which did not materialize. Journalists who have survived attacks testify in most cases point the fingers towards soldiers, military intelligence and paramilitaries affiliated with the security forces.

What, under the previous regime was a strategy, today is a lack of prioritization, and possibly political courage, though there is some progress in a couple of murder cases. Impunity still denigrates Sri Lanka’s reputation internationally. The real will to address and solve the crimes against democracy seems to be missing. The opposite — a credible handling of investigations — possibly through a commission — would show the world that this is a nation capable of lifting itself.

On my last two visits to the island in August and November 2015, the most obvious impression that people are enjoying the freedom of expression. The feeling was even stronger in November. In August, there were still some uncertainty — could Mahinda Rajapaksa come back to power as prime minister? Now he poses no imminent threat.

People are calmer. At the same time, they realize that not everything is resolved just because a new government is in power. Although it calls itself ‘Government for Good Governance’, new issues surface. Some of those who have previously been questioned for their exercise of power has been given a new chance in President Sirisena’s and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government, which celebrated its one-year anniversary a few weeks ago.

Those who are reasonably suspected of corruption could be detained pending trial. The question is what happens to those suspected of abuse and violence, which do not fall within what falls under accepted military actions.

In November, I visited the place in central Trincomalee where the five young men were executed, close to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and near the beach-front. Many I talked to remember the 20-year-olds and the gruesome night when they were killed. Sufficient facts have been provided. Although the soldiers have been remanded on suspicion of involvement in the killings, no one has been held accountable. Police Superintendent of the area, Kapila Jeyasekera, who had command responsibility over the STF has been described as the mastermind of the unlawful operation. He was promoted by the previous government in 2013 and still runs free.

Just as the families of the dead boys, Sugitharajahs widow and children have left their home town of Trincomalee.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe proclaimed at a session in Parliament on December 17 that the government will pay compensation to survivors of the 44 journalists and media workers who were killed after 2004. The violence against journalists and media organizations started to occur after Mahinda Rajapaksa took office as Prime Minister and the split within the LTTE by its’ commander in the east, Karuna.

Of the 44, there were four Sinhalese and a few Muslim Moors, all others were Tamils. Some twenty were linked to the LTTE media outlets. Many of the killed had distributed Tamil newspapers. In a majority of the deaths, motives and tracks points to the fact that government forces were responsible. In several cases LTTE was behind killings.

The new government should prioritize the targeted killings of journalists in the independent media organizations. In some cases, there are already suspects and evidence — Prageeth Ekneligodas’ disappearance in 2010 can get a solution and the murder of Dharmeratnam Sivaram in 2005 could well be cleared up.

Lasantha Wickrematunge was killed when he was on his way to his job in the morning traffic. The murderers, eight men on four motorcycles, stopped his car, smashed the windows and then his skull with a sharp iron rod. Former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa have told Lasanthas’ brother, Lal Wickrematunge, that General Sarath Fonseka was behind the murder. Fonseka, who was imprisoned for having challenged Rajapaksa in the presidential election in 2010, has been appointed Field Marshal of the new government. Journalists in Sri Lanka and in exile therefore see it as unlikely a fresh investigation will lead anywhere.

Those who carried out the targeted killings of Wickrematunge and Sugitharajah and numerous other journalists have one thing in common — they were only tools. Responsibility had been delegated. The killers were given free reign. More important are the ones who bear the main responsibility, those who gave the orders and those who not only accepted impunity but made it rule.

*Johan Mikaelsson – Freelance Journalist based in Sweden, author of “When They Kill Journalists” a non-fiction story about Sri Lanka, released in Sweden in 2015, English version in 2016.

Latest comments

  • 10
    32

    The background for the Trinco 5 killings was the LTTE instigated “Intifada”.

    During the 2002 CFA the LTTE began paying Rs 5,000 – 10,000 to civilians to throw grenades at army soldiers.

    The LTTE had already begun a war of attrition whilst taking advantage of access given to them in military held areas.

    Did Sugitharajah mention any of this? He would have left this out. This is typically how most pro-LTTE Tamil news outlets operates.

    The STF soldiers were on patrol that evening. A grenade was thrown. It may have been one from the Trinco 5 that hurled the grenade. However they are shot dead without any inquiry.

    On average 2-5 deaths a day would occur during that period. The deaths of Trinco-5 stands outs as special for some reason.

    • 14
      4

      There are none to take up the cases in almost all, except where one victims father happened to be a Medical practitioner in the area. He took it to the hilt (UN) and will not drop the matter until Justice is served Mr. Vibhu…..

      Lest you forget, read this list please:-
      “2004
      1. Aiyathurai A. Nadesan – Journalist / 31 May
      2. Kandaswamy Aiyer Balanadaraj – Writer / 16 August
      3. Lanka Jayasundera – Photo journalist / 11 December
      2005
      4. Dharmaratnam Sivaram – Editor / 28 April
      5. Kannamuttu Arsakumar – Media worker/ 29 June
      6. Relangee Selvarajah – Journalist / 12 August
      7. D. Selvaratnam – Media worker/ 29 August
      8. Yogakumar Krishnapillai – Media Worker / 30 September
      9. L. M. Faleel (Netpittimunai Faleel) – Writer / 02 December
      10. K. Navaratnam – Media worker / 22 December
      2006
      11. Subramaniam Suhirtharajan – Journalist / 24 January
      12. S. T. Gananathan – Patron, Tamil News and Info, / 01 February
      13. Bastian George Sagayathas – Media worker / 03 May
      14. Rajaratnam Ranjith Kumar – Media worker / 03 May
      15. Sampath Lakmal de Silva – Journalist / 02 July –killed by Army Int.
      16. Mariadasan Manojanraj – Media worker / 01 August
      17. Pathmanathan Vismananthan – Singer and musician / 02 August
      18. Sathasivam Baskaran – Media worker / 15 August
      19. Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah – Media owner / 20 August
      2007
      20. S. Raveendran – Media worker / 12 February
      21. Subramaniam Ramachandran – Media personnel / 15 February
      22. Chandrabose Suthakar – Journalist / 16 April
      23. Selvarasah Rajeevarman – Journalist / 29 April
      24. Sahadevan Neelakshan – Journalist / 01 August
      25. Anthonypillai Sherin Siththiranjan – Media worker / 05 November
      26. Vadivel Nimalarajah – Media worker / 17 November
      27. Isaivizhi Chempian (Subhajini) – Media worker / 27 November
      28. Suresh Limbiyo – Media Worker / 27 November
      29. T.Tharmalingam – Media Worker / 27 November
      2008
      30. Paranirupesingham Devakumar – Journalist / 28 May
      31. Rasmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October
      2009
      32. Lasantha Wickrematunga – Editor / 08 January
      33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February
      34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker / 06 March
      Permalink
      – See more at: http://blogs.channel4.com/miller-on-foreign-affairs/open-letter-sri-lankan-journalists/524#sthash.tYkkRfgD.dpuf

      Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/ Source: Tamil H.R. ( Paris)

      Shoba, O’liveechchu
      May 18 or 19, in Mullivaikkal, Sri Lanka
      Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, freelance
      February 12, 2009, in Mullaitheevu district, Sri Lanka
      Lasantha Wickramatunga, The Sunday Leader
      January 8, 2009, in an area outside Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Rashmi Mohamed, Sirasa TV
      October 6, 2008, in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
      Paranirupasingham Devakumar, News 1st
      May 28, 2008, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
      Suresh Linbiyo, Voice of Tigers
      November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
      T. Tharmalingam, Voice of Tigers
      November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
      Isaivizhi Chempiyan, Voice of Tigers
      November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
      Selvarajah Rajeewarnam, Uthayan
      April 29, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
      Subash Chandraboas, Nilam
      April 16, 2007, in an area near Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
      Subramaniyam Sugitharajah, Sudar Oli
      January 24, 2006, in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
      Relangi Selvarajah, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corp.
      August 12, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Dharmeratnam Sivaram, TamilNet and Daily Mirror
      April 29, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Lanka Jayasundara, Wijeya Publications
      December 11, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Bala Nadarajah Iyer, Thinamurasu and Thinakaran
      August 16, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Aiyathurai Nadesan, Virakesari
      May 31, 2004, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
      Mylvaganam Nimalarajan, BBC, Virakesari, Ravaya
      October 19, 2000, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
      Anura Priyantha, Independent Television Network
      December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Indika Pathinivasan, Maharaja Television Network
      December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka

      6 Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/Motive Unconfirmed
      http://www.cpj.org/killed/terminology.php
      Sahadevan Nilakshan, Chaalaram
      August 1, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
      Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah, Namathu Eelanadu
      August 20, 2006, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
      Sampath Lakmal, Sathdina
      July 1, 2006, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Vasthian Anthony Mariyadas, Freelancer
      December 31, 1999, in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
      Atputharajah Nadarajah, Thinamurusu
      November 2, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      Rohana Kumara, Satana
      September 7, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
      http://www.cpj.org/killed/terminology.php

      • 5
        13

        punchinilame
        First, How many of them were real journalists? How many of them were working for the terrorist group? Can you prove that they were working for peace in the country or throw fuel to instigate anger and violence??

        I would like to read their journalism if you can provide what they have written.

        • 2
          0

          Most of those listed were either card carrying LTTE propagandists or were killed by LTTE terrorists. We Thamizh never pass on an opportunity to score an own goal :D

      • 5
        12

        punchi
        You also need to prove that these people existed and was not killed by Parayabakaran and his terror group. I say this because before the end of war most Tamils were killed by the LTTE.
        http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Tamil_Politicians_Priests_Public_Officials_and_Academics_killed_by_the_LTTE_20131103_01

        • 8
          3

          Nuisance the racist from the south, you have quoted information from Defence.lk. What a dimwit. This is like a Tamil quoting information from LTTE websites as gospel truth. Hahahaha……………nuisance keep making a bloody fool out of yourself.

          • 7
            2

            Tamil from the north

            Sachooo chooo chooo and Nuisance are one and the same she-devil.

            Her purpose in this forum is to tire you down.

            Also remember both are stupid.

            Do you love the she devil?

        • 3
          2

          Eusense – ……. who ever they are, state sponsored killing is not the answer.

          • 2
            2

            LW,
            I like to say it as, the state is protecting its citizens from terrorists.

  • 6
    15

    It was called “makkal yutham” or people’s war.

    LTTE adopts a new combat strategy in north-eastern Sri Lanka in which its front organisations stage violent attacks on chosen targets.

    http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2301/stories/20060127002005400.htm

    • 10
      2

      Vibushana, these are somebody’s children. I realize you were not born to humans but to two wilder beasts. I hope one day if you have children they don’t turn out to be like you. Another point is these are kids who were heading to university, which you would have never even thought of with the dull brain you have…………getting admission to university that is.

    • 3
      4

      Vibhushana I feel sorry for you.
      You try your best to twist the facts but fail miserably.
      But you do have some Talents that I can utilise , listen , I have some funds to set up a wikkipidia of Tamil Struggle, I am happy to enrol you.
      Why not work for me . after all many Sinhala maids work for Tamils and many Sinhala men are working for Tamils ranging from coolie jobs jobs to management jobs in Tamil restaurants, shops, gas stations, IT companies, telecom companies all over the world

      so my offer is open to you

    • 1
      5

      Vibushana

      during the Makkal Yutham men and women aged 60 to 70 volunteered to walk up to the war front with walking sticks and beat up the Sri Lankan army with their walking stick.

      some even volunteered to become suicide bombers.

      How brave!

      So what is your point!

      what that reflects is the hatred they had for the Sri Lankan forces.

      keep burying your head in the Sinhala racist sand

      • 1
        0

        Heylo there,

        what that reflects is the hatred they had for the Sri Lankan forces.

        Thats ok…

        So Tamils peoples hated Sinhala peoples. And they created violence. In the end they paid for it isn’t it?

        So why run-around screaming for “justice” when Tamils created violence out of hatred and paid for it?

  • 1
    1

    It was Ranil who stated ib the parliament twice that Sarath Fonseka was behind the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge and now SF was given the membership of his party!

  • 9
    3

    Johan Mikaelsson

    RE: A Special Day To Remember Sugitharajah And Why He Was Murdered?

    Ask Who benefited? The answer is somewhere there.

    The Same question can be asked Why did the LTTE Tamils Ethnically Cleanse the Muslims, in 1990 form the Northern Province? It was a War Crime. VP Knew it and the Tamils knew it.

    Ask: Who benefited for the answer.

    Forgotten People – The Evicted and Displaced North Muslims of Sri Lanka (English)

    Published on Jun 1, 2013
    The Evicted and Displaced North Muslims of Sri Lanka. The expulsion of the Muslims and other nations from the Northern province was an act of ethnic cleansing carried out by the Tamil militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization in October 1990. In order to achieve their goal of creating a mono ethnic Tamil state in the North Sri Lanka, the LTTE forcibly expelled the 72,000 strong Muslim population from the Northern Province.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JV60McNQ9o

    • 10
      7

      Amarasiri,
      Once again you are not honest about ethnic cleansing in Srilanka as not only LTTE, but also Government, Sinhalese and Muslims are also guilty of similar or worse crimes.

      In 1956, the first act of ethnic cleansing took place in Amparai after the mini rioting following Satyagraha campaign against Sinhala only legislation, where Tamil farmers who were living for centuries around Kodavatuwan tank were driven out never to return.

      Subsequent riots of 1958, 1977, 1981 and 1983 also resulted in several areas of ethnic cleansing. Kantalai which was a Tamil majority town has been ethnically cleansed by Sinhalese. Also several villages in Trincomalee district had received the same fate.

      In 1984, Tamils in 36 villages in Manal aru AGA division were given 48 hours to vacate the area and after the left, Sinhala people have been settled in those lands and the name changed to Weli Oya.

      Since 1985, Muslims with the connivance of Security forces had been committing murder and ethnic cleansing of Tamils in Amparai district. In most of the lands Muslims have been settled and in some instances Hindu Temples have been demolished and Mosques built over them.

      After 2005, Muslims with the support of the government have committed murder and ethnic cleansing of Tamils in Batticaloa district mainly around around Valaichenai and Muslims have been settled.

      Please remember the worst act of ethnic cleansing in Srilanka is the deportation of Tamils of Indian origin who at the time of independence were citizens of the country, under Srima-shastri agreement.

      This proves that you are trying to hide the truth, attacking Tamils and turning a blind eye on atrocities committed by Sinhalese and Muslims on Tamils. If you want to maintain your credibility please be honest, giving the facts as they are.

      • 1
        0

        Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

        Thank you for the additional data,

        Amarasiri suggests that a web site that will expose ALL the ethnic Clensings in the Land of Native Veddah Arthho be disclosed and exposed.

        Otherwise, the ethnic cleansings will continue, unabated,

        So, exposure is the Key. especially internationally.

        Etching Cleansings in Sri Lanka through the Ages.

    • 5
      2

      Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

      “Amarasiri, Once again you are not honest about ethnic cleansing in Srilanka as not only LTTE, but also Government, Sinhalese and Muslims are also guilty of similar or worse crimes. “

      If the Ethnic cleansings are not complete, please report with the data.

      So, a master list can be made of Ethnic Cleansings in the Land of native Veddah Aethho.

      Let’s start with the Ethnic Cleansing of the Native Veddah Aethho People by the Paras, Para-Sinhala and Para-Tamils from India.

      The Vedda Tribe

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f89NuukY32U

      Tamil-speaking Veddas of Vaharai await war recovery support

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeFCuZwexRw

  • 10
    12

    John,
    unfortunately these are the consequences of carrying out a terrorist war against a country. If you consider your self as an intellectual you should realize that these are the collateral damage of terrorism. By the way, what were you doing when the same terrorists were suicide murdering innocent children, women and men all over the country? Why don’t you write a similar dramatic artcle on a single event where over 100,000 people have been suicide murdered?

    • 3
      2

      Eusense
      “collateral damage of terrorism”

      Collateral damage of not practicing Buddhism so called Buddhists.

      Past and present SL govts were/are fooling the world.

      • 4
        2

        anpu,
        You should tell the same to the US and UK.

        • 1
          0

          Eusense,

          We are discussing about Sri Lanka. Not US and UK

  • 5
    3

    Amarasiri.

    You are talking through your hat. Why did the LTTE ethnically chase the Muslims from Jaffna?

    You are on a bad wicket. The next question would be why are the Europeans going for the Muslims?

    • 0
      0

      Plato.

      “You are talking through your hat. Why did the LTTE ethnically chase the Muslims from Jaffna?”

      Going by the Data and observations.

      If you have a different take, with supporting data, please do so, so that the truth can be fished out.

      In is in the interest of BOTH Muslims and Tamils to know the truth behind the LTTE Ethnic cleansing of the Northern TAMIL SPEAKING Muslims, with credible support.

      It is very easy to convince Amarasiri… if you have credible data and support…

      Waiting for more data in support of various hypotheses…

  • 5
    9

    LTTE had a very good organization.Tamils were working for LTTE in every organization in the world. That included UN and various human right organizations, political organizations, Some found jobs in targeted companies like boat manufacturing companies looking for details.

    Why students had to hang near a STF camp during the evening during the war time ?

  • 4
    3

    How many ordinary folk of all ethnicity were ruthlessly killed during this times? And unless we are all ready to move on without returning to this era, like a dog that returns to its own vomit, we think foreign NGOs, media, and Western governments will thrive.

    Also, can you just consider where this nation will be if My3/RW did not have the guts to take on the MR machine?

  • 8
    3

    Mr. Mikaelsson,

    Thanks for keeping the need for justice for the Trinco-5 alive. In addition to the Wikileaks cables that showed Basil Rajapaksa implicating the STF and its Trinco commander Kapila Jeyasekara, the UTHR and other sources have revealed that the STF was given orders by one Kotakadeniya, a retired police officer (probably a DIG) who was a member of the Sinhalese extremist JHU at that time, who had become an advisor to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
    So from publicly available sources, it seems Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Kotakadeniya, and Kapila Jeyasekara, all had personal responsibility for the Trinco-5 killings.

  • 2
    8

    True, there are concerns about the state of democracy in Sri Lanka. The writer seems has no concerns of state of democrocy and racism in his own and surrounding countries. Most residents and refugees of colour in Sweden, France, Holland, Greece, UK and other European nations live in fear of their lives and squalor. In Middlesborough (according to a report) in UK, front doors refugee homes are painted red enabling white gangs to harass, intimidate helpless refugees. In Stockholme and Amsterdam it is common white gangs to attack African and Muslim refugees. Yet, Johan Mickelsson chooses to focus on human rights concerns in far away sri Lanka whilst racism is far more evident in his backyard. Why?

  • 4
    8

    What is interesting about these Scandinavians who write on Sri Lanka with a certain degree of self-awarded authority is that they portray the Sri Lankan Government and Security Forces as a school principle and the LTTE as petulant school children with whom no fault can be found.

    The Civil war in Sri Lanka gave the scandinavians a much needed influx of low cost menial labour in the form of several tamil asylum seekers.

    6 years after the last bullet was fired by the LTTE, these “champions of human rights” keep digging up past events, similar to trying to break the scab off a healing would.

    What we did was what we had to do to being peace to the Country….we did it with the JVP first and then the LTTE….It is not ethnically motivated….it was motivated by a desperate need to survive.

    • 2
      6

      DD
      Excellent well thought rebuttal.

      • 4
        2

        Excellent well thought rebuttal

        shows what a fing idiots you both are

    • 3
      1

      “it was motivated by a desperate need to survive.”

      Does desperate for survival also include raping and mutilating; summary executions; no-fire zone fiasco; killing surrendered women, children and the rest?

      The loved ones of the JVP suppressions are still moaning and desperate to know what had happened to them! If digital media was present on those days, things would have been different. Whether you like it or not, SL must investigate and punish those who committed war crimes.

      • 3
        3

        BI
        How many times I have to remind you the consequences of raising arms? Irrespective of their race (Sinhalese or Tamil). Hope the separatist Tamils learnt a lesson. The JVP Sinhalese learnt and changed their approach.

        • 0
          2

          eusense

          agree with you that violence begets violence.You should not have allowed the 58,77,81 and 83 riots.

          • 2
            0

            Shanker
            You are right! All those started because a few tamils started violence against the gov.

            • 1
              2

              eusense

              when did your few tamils start violence,before the riots or after?

              • 2
                1

                Killing Sinhalese villagers, bombing Buddhist shrines, killing soldiers without deceleration of war, civil disobedience, hartal etc. etc. are what? Acts of peace?

                • 1
                  2

                  before the riots or after the riots?Who started the violence first?

                  one day you may be ranting and raving over the acts of violence from the muslims conveniently forgeting the aluthgama riots.

                  you created prabhaharan by burning a hindu priest alive in the temple in panadura.In an interview with anita pratap he mentioned that as the turning point in his life when he was a small boy and listening to the elders talking about the atrocities done to tamils.

                  the sinhala chandiya is now talking about other peoples violence against him.He thinks violence is only his exclusive preserve.

                  If you follow the bhuddhas teachings then no violence in the country.

                  • 1
                    0

                    Shankar,
                    If you and the Tamils thought and think violence is the answer to whatever the problems you say you have with the government you need to be brave and bare the consequences. Stop complaining of collateral damage. Just srart your violence once again hoping it will work this time!
                    Good luck to you.

                    • 0
                      1

                      eusense

                      you still did not get it did you.it was you who thought that by violence you can bully and intimidate the tamils.Now you are thinking that you have got rid of the tamil war for 25 long years and now can start concentrating on the muslims.It is your violent nature that you have to change,thinking violence is the answer to everything.You can see it in the violence within your own community against each other.What you have to inculcate in your community is violence begets violence.

                      As for the collateral damage you mention,shelling civilians is considered a war crime,not collateral damage.keeping them after tha war in barbed wire fenced camps and raping the women and killing the men are war crimes.What you airily wave off as ‘collateral damage’ will not go away, and haunt the sinhalese for a long time with the consequences,which a typical dim bulb like you can’t foresee.

                      As the years progress even dim bulbs like you will start to understand the consequences of those unnecessary actions at the last part of the war.The war could have been over without all that ‘collateral’ damage.

                      “Just srart your violence once again hoping it will work this time!”

                      you know very well that the next war is going to start after 2025 and you will not suffer,but small kids and unborn children are going to suffer mauling each other in the future,so you can bravely say bring it on.All the, more than 25000 soldiers killed and the more than 50000 injured were not probably born when you rioted against the tamils and started this war.probably your children also did not join the armed forces while poor village kids joined.So you are hoping for another war.

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                      eusense

                      here is another one of your collateral damages.Shades of Seya again,this time in the north.Keep on defending and covering up these vermin.

                      https://redflag.org.au/article/six-year-old-tamil-boy-brutally-raped-and-killed-sri-lanka

    • 2
      2

      Diluk Desinghe

      “What is interesting about these Scandinavians who write on Sri Lanka with a certain degree of self-awarded authority is that they portray the Sri Lankan Government and Security Forces as a school principle and the LTTE as petulant school children with whom no fault can be found.”

      The Norwegians Funded LTTE.

      After its Defeat, They funded BBS, along with the Israelis and the Christian West.

      This was admitted by Eric Solheim.

      Any new of Arne Fjortof?

    • 6
      3

      “The Civil war in Sri Lanka gave the scandinavians a much needed influx of low cost menial labour in the form of several tamil asylum seekers.”

      Diluk Desinghe

      The fact is that many Tamil asylum seekers have progressed form menial workers to small time business men and women.

      and do you know who provide menial work for these small businesses ?
      Sinhala men and women.

      while the Tamils are emerging as small business entrepreneurs The Sinhala ladies still working as prostitutes in Middle East…and this is not a by product of civil war…

    • 0
      1

      It was more than the need to survive. That became evident during the conduct of the war if not to people like you but after the defeat of LTTE by killing tens of 1000s of innocent civilians. Denying food and medicine to those caught up within the so called safe zone and bombing hospitals and detaining of escapees within barbed wires after separating husbands and wives. Creation of thugs like saffron BBS Gnanasara Thero, military intelligence to wipe out political opponents and suspects from ethnic and religious minorities. The list of atrocities is much longer which is outside the scope of survival.

  • 2
    2

    Where are you Nagananda Kodituwakku ?
    What is your conscience say about this article by John Mickelsson ? You must speak up.

    Nagananda,are you keen to become a judge in the “war crime court” that will be set up ? Or rather if the GOSL offers such post will you accept it or not ?
    If you are accepting it what are the reasons ? If you will not accept also what are the reasons ?

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    3

    The savage, brutal and pre-meditated slaying of the Trinco 5 will remain
    an indelible black mark on the armed forces, the Police, the judiciary and the Rajapakse Govt. How long can one deny the bestiality when a father, a respected doctor, rushed upon getting a mobile call from his son that he fears for his life. The guards refused the father to go to his rescue only a few yards away – and then he heard the shots.
    This was nothing but summary execution by racially-motived armed cadres of the States security forces. Yet, the killers remain free in a country that hoarsely claims to be lawful and democratic.

    Kettikaran

    • 2
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      K
      So what you are saying is the son pulled the mobile phone just before the firing squad started shooting to call the farther??
      These stories are good for gullible foreign NGOs and people like Sooka and channel 4!

      • 4
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        Nuisance the she devil

        Whatever you type in this forum wouldn’t save you nor your beloved Sinhala/Buddhists.

        Don’t insult Buddhists or Sinhalese by your demeaning behaviour.

      • 5
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        eusense – do you own a mobile phone?

      • 4
        2

        Eusense,

        When the lights in the beach mysteriously went out and there suddenly appeared army men in vehicles Dr. Manoharan’s son and his four friends suspected something bad is likely to happen. This is when he phoned the father, who rushed to the scene. As to whether Sooka, Channel 4, NGOs are “gullible” or if you are a highly prejudiced imbecile trying to defend a murderous racial Sinhala army and extreme Sinhala Govt
        denying every killing of Tamils – is all too clear.

        Kettikaran

        • 2
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          ketti,
          You and your clan will come up with all kinds of sad stories. But what you have forgotten is that the Army was fighting a terrorist war with unidentifiable enemies. That is the reality on the battle ground. There is no time for the soldiers to figure out who’s who is the enemy. They have to die or they have to kill to save their lives. What would you do in such a situation? Answer me! Did the LTTE terrorists wear uniforms? NO, why? they wanted innocent civilians as human shields and wanted them to be killed.
          It is a waste of energy complaining. You need to blame the LTTE for all that happen. Even with innocent civilian deaths it is worth the freedom we achieved. Imagine the Army back tracked because of civilians. How many more thousands of civilians would have died by today since 2009?

          If you still think terrorism is the way to go, it is your prerogative but please keep in mind all consequences you, your family, neighbors, friends, and non violent innocent Tamil civilians will face.

      • 1
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        Eusense

        It is clear you are a racist. This is what you write refuting the poor father’s claim of receiving a call from his son of his impending danger. You do not have any feeling of the poor boy whose life was snatched at that tender age. You are sick and you need treatment. I think you will do well taking up politics unless you are already in the game. Rajapakse, Weerawansa, Vasudeva, GL Peiris will be glad to have you.

        • 2
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          Shri
          Fidiscriminate to learn the meaning of racist. I dont discriminate. Both jvp And ltte are both terror organizations. I am totally against their activities. Can I call you a racist because you dont talk sad stories of sinhalese children blown in to pieces by suicide bombings in buses, trains and on streets in the south?

          • 1
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            Eusense

            Responding to your comment,

            “Can I call you a racist because you dont talk sad stories of sinhalese children blown in to pieces by suicide bombings in buses, trains and on streets in the south?

            I think I did condemn all forms of violence either by the LTTE or by the military on innocent people. In my previous correspondence with you I did mention this as a starting statement. But now, I get on with the issue at hand without these decorative statements, and this time it was your rebuttal to Dr. Manoharan’s declaration how he got to know his son was in grave danger. We have to accept what he said and the fact is, his son died being shot by the Military and there is no denying obvious facts.

            OK lets assume as you have suggested Mr. Manoharan’s statement is a lie, but that does not any way change the story and the fact remains unshaken the military killed the students at point blank range.

            I don’t really mind if you call me a racist, possibly we all are racists to some extent. Rightly or wrongly many Tamils supported the LTTE; so did the Sinhalese supported the military, and Tamils did turn some blind eye on the wrongs LTTE committed and so did the Sinhalese like you did turn a blind eye to the military’s atrocities and excesses.

            Actually you make the news forum quite interesting. If everyone talks on one side then it would get really dull! I never accused you of murdering or physically torturing people (not yet!), so calling you a racist is only a small price to pay for your rants. This is my two cents from a racist to another racist!

            • 2
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              shri,
              I don’t know how his son died. It is possible that he was an innocent by stander who was shot by the Army. These are called collateral damages and consequences of raising arms against a country. Do you agree with me? But I have explained how this kind of thing happen in a battle field to Kittikaran above. Hope you read that post. If you want to discuss that I would be ready. You need to remember the Military is there to fight the enemy. That is what they did. I would say if the LTTE fought in uniforms none of these could have happened. This action of the LTTE, either on purpose or because of their stupidity, led to most innocent Tamil deaths. And you need to hold them responsible for all those deaths. Do you agree with me?
              I don’t care whether Mr. Manoharan’s statement is a lie or truth because there were so many other Tamils and Sinhalese who died because of the path LTTE took. How about the stories of fathers whose sons were blown in to pieces by the LTTE suicide bombings? Do you have any feelings for those fathers and mothers? To whom do these parents say their stories to? And to whom do they go for justice? Can I call you a racist because you don’t even care to mention, accept, leaving apart seeking justice, for the Sinhalese who were blown to pieces by the LTTE??

              • 0
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                Eusense

                The problem with you, you have not read my response and you reply accusing me I have never condemned the killings and maiming of innocent Sinhalese and felt sorry for them.

                Just read my first starting statement and I will repeat them here for your convenience:

                “I think I did condemn all forms of violence either by the LTTE or by the military on innocent people. In my previous correspondence with you I did mention this as a starting statement. But now, I get on with the issue at hand without these decorative statements,…”

                Calling me a racist or not is totally up to you. If you think I have said that is far beyond my limits then in your opinion I am a racist.

                For your information Dr. Manoharan’s son did not die in a cross fire and it is clearly not unavoidable collateral damage. The military knew who they were but wanted to cause agony and despair to the families concerned and they shot them in an execution style. If you want to see through a Nelsonian eye and deny obvious and clear facts then I cannot help and that is why all including me call you a racist.

                Only God will only know whether you are just pretending not to know the real facts or you are truly unaware of the grievous harm the military has inflicted. If so let God spare you but if you are merely pretending and covering up for the military then you are answerable to God and you are a truly a racist!

                My position is clear, I do not want harm anyone or give cover to criminals whoever they are Tamils or Sinhalese or any race for that matter. I do not condone any atrocities of the LTTE towards the Sinhalese. I have said it before and I say it again.

                • 2
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                  Shri,
                  You appear to repeat the same. I don’t know whether the Military killed knowingly or not. And you were not there so you are conveying some second hand information here. Any how his son is not the only victim here. There were many Tamils and Sinhalese who were killed intentionally or as collateral damage by both parties. If you are talking of justice you need to look for justice on both sides.
                  But what I am stressing is, raising arms against a gov. is not a wise thing to do. Negotiation has to be the way. It may take time but that is how it will be. Take the Blacks of USA. How much discrimination they went through and even now they are discriminated an every aspect of life. Did they raise arms? What ever rights they got they had to fight hard by negotiations. Compared to US Blacks Tamils in SL are way way better off. The SL gov. does not have a single law that discriminate Tamils. I have written in this forum so many times for Tamil readers to list their valid discriminatory problems. Until today none have given me a list except one person who said they can’t sing the National anthem in Tamil and University entrances. If you know your problems please give me a list. Many Tamil writers here say they resort to violence because of these discriminatory activities. I would really like to know what these discriminatory activities were.

                  • 0
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                    Dear Eusense

                    I will respond to your statement:
                    “Until today none have given me a list except one person who said they can’t sing the National anthem in Tamil and University entrances. If you know your problems please give me a list.”

                    The two main serious concerns of the Tamils were

                    1. State sponsored colonization (since 1950’s.)
                    2. MEDIAWISE standardization for University admissions introduced in 1970 (1969 Advanced Level exam).

                    1. Tamils opposed STATE SPONSORED colonization into the traditional Tamil areas of the North and East. You must realize we are minorities and we can be easily diluted and in our own areas and become a minority and lose our voice and power. We can lose our culture and tradition. But Tamils cannot dilute any Sinhala area posing any threat to their identity. Tamils are in no way opposing Sinhalese to settle in Tamils in their own vouluntary accord but not the sinister State sponsored scheme with a evil intention to destroy Tamil identity, culture and tradition in our own areas. Tamils too have a historical right to this land and we also need to preserve our land, identity and culture.

                    Tamils never came to the south on a State sponsored scheme but we came on our own steam. Further Tamils cannot dilute the Sinhalese to a minority (unless we bring a whole lot of Tamils from India) and so you cannot equally argue ‘if the Tamils can come to the South to live why cannot Sinhalese go to the North and East to live’. I told you the two main and serious differences on a ‘north migration to South’ and a ‘South migration to the North’.

                    2. The second issue is the MEDIAWISE Standardization for University admissions which was commenced by the SLFP Government in 1970. Do not confuse with district quota system which is another scheme took operational since 1974 admission. It is this which caused the youth unrest among the Tamils and which culminated in an armed struggle since late 70’s and the rest is history.

                    These are the two main issues which brought so much of bitterness and antagonism towards the majority Sinhalese. Please do not take these issues personally but I have to place them since you wanted to know. Do not try to justify, belittle or deny these issues and you will get no where, as these hurt the very hearts of the Tamils especially the youths of the 70’s.

                    I know it is a useless exercise and a waste of time telling all this to you as you are not going to accept.

                    • 1
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                      Shri,
                      I can’t believe you supported the actions of the LTTE that left more than 100,000 citizens dead and destroyed almost a generation of Tamils for the 2 concerns you list.
                      It is apparent that you have no idea how minorities are treated in other countries. The champion of democracy the US did not give rights for blacks to vote, educate or own land! They got all these rights without harming any of the country’s citizens. The two concerns you mention are peanuts compared to what they went through.
                      You are right. Though I don’t agree on those 2 concerns as anti-Tamil, they could have been easily negotiated and won with patience.
                      Let me tell you why I don’t agree on those 2 concerns. As SL is one country there are no areas exclusive to any racial group. Tamils can settle anywhere they want while the Sinhalese have the same right. If the gov. wants to cultivate or industrialize land in the north and if the manpower is lacking it should bring people from other areas. Tamils can’t oppose. In my case I want Sinhalese to be brought to the north for these enterprises. In fact in the 1950 if the gov. did it right I feel that there would have been no terrorism, as there would have been racial harmony with the new settlers. Tamils can’t expect a part of the country to be exclusively used for them. These oppositions shown by Tamils in the 1950s may have inflamed not only the then gov. but also the Sinhalese who consider Sri Lanka as one country. If you really want to separate the north as a Tamil nation and separate from Sri Lanka the only way you could do that is by either negotiations or by declaring war and fighting to win. I am sure negotiations will not help you because no country will give part of that country to a 10% of its population. Soon Muslim population will be higher than Tamils. Are you suggesting that they should also be given a separate country?

                      What ever standardization that happened during the seventies affected not only Tamils also Sinhalese of the major towns. Though I am from Kandy I supported it because the affected few cities including Jaffna had less than 30% of the countries population and the best educational facilities while the Universities had 90% of its students from these areas. Even in 1974 when I entered Peradeniya for a professional degree half my class was Tamil, all from the North. Let me tell you one of my observations when graduating; In my batch none of the Jaffna students had a class in any of the exams including the finals. It was the same with my senior classes. Then I wondered what happened to those bright Jaffna students who prior to 1970 gained over 80% of University admissions.

                    • 1
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                      Eusense,

                      “It is apparent that you have no idea how minorities are treated in other countries”

                      Here we are discussing about Sri Lanka. Not about other countries.

                      We are discussing about how so called Buddhists treat other human beings.

  • 2
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    Mikaelsson, [Edited out]

  • 0
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    Eusense

    “What ever standardization that happened during the seventies affected not only Tamils also Sinhalese of the major towns”
    This is an outright lie and a misleading statement.

    I told you do not confuse Media-wise standardization and District quota system of admissions. I think you are purposefully confusing even though you very well know they are not the same.

    Frist read what I have written I have already said “Do not confuse with district quota system which is another scheme took operational since 1974 admission.” and still you seem to speak both are the same.

    Remember MEDIAWISE Standardization came operational from 1970 admissions and District Quota System from 1974. Both are different schemes and NOT the same. MEDIAWISE standardization affected ONLY the Tamils but not the Sinhalese students but certainly District Quota system affected Sinhala and Tamil students from affluent Districts like Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna.

    As I told it is a waste of time discussing with blind and incorrigible people like you.

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