By Rajeewa Jayaweera –
Rajeewa Jayaweera
Dear Mr Prime Minister,
I join my compatriots in extending a warm welcome to you to Sri Lanka. Almost 28 years have passed since Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (RG) visited this island. As you are well aware, his visit was shrouded with some extremely complex and unpleasant issues during the periods immediately prior to, during and after his visit. It is hoped your visit will be a prelude to a new relationship based on friendship amongst equals and mutual respect.
The deterioration of relations between India and Sri Lanka commenced around 1980 when Indira Gandhi (IG) was elected Prime Minister for the second time. Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene’s (JRJ) pro-western foreign policy antagonized India immensely, prompting IG to adopt a hostile attitude and embark on a mission to punish JRJ. A virtually purpose created issue was at hand in the separatist movement by some young men in Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. Relations deteriorated from 1980 when India under the direction of IG and assisted by its intelligence arm RAW and Tamil Nadu state government started destabilizing Sri Lanka by way of providing a safe haven for separatist groups, training facilities, weapons training and funding for their activities and culminating with India repeatedly voting against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva from 2010 departing from its previous policy of not voting on country specific issues. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s (MR) ‘Look East’ policy by forging closer economic and military ties with China who have extended unconditional support to Sri Lanka over the years and the willingness by China and Pakistan to sell arms to GoSL when India was reluctant to provide weapons need to be mentioned in this context.
To reset relations, it is necessary for both countries to create an atmosphere of mutual trust. Notwithstanding the initiatives by the Sirisena government, there exists a massive trust deficit in our relations. The perception of double standards on India’s part prevails even in today. Your meeting with a TNA delegation in Delhi and National Security Advisor Ajith Doval meeting with Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka does not go down well in the light of cancellation of talks with Pakistan at Foreign Secretary Level on the grounds of Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Delhi having discussions with Hurriyat leaders stating “talk to them or talk to us”. Being involved in the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka and at the same time insisting on the exclusion of Pakistan in the Kashmir issue is a case in point. In response to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s (RW) comment during an interview last week that India should show the same magnanimity to Italian sailors currently held in India that they request for South Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, Indian Foreign Minister Ms Swaraj had supposedly informed RW that “these are two different issues. Issues of fishermen are a humanitarian issue. It is an issue of livelihood”. What Ms Swaraj and India need to understand is that it is a livelihood issue for our Northern fishermen as well. Further, India’s ‘humanitarian’ issue is for Sri Lanka a ‘humiliating’ issue. In a manner of speaking, it is a repetition of the 1987 episode – only this time not our airspace by IAF transporters and fighter jets but our maritime boundaries by South Indian fishermen.
It is in the interest of both Sri Lanka and India to reset our relations to a pre-1977 level when issues between the two countries were settled amicably with mutual respect. The Sirisena government has taken some initiatives to address one of India’s main concerns i.e. the Colombo Port City Project which has been temporarily suspended. Even if the suspension is lifted, re-negotiation of the clause giving part ownership to the Chinese to a 99 year lease is in the cards. On the other hand, India is yet to demonstrate with any tangible efforts, its desire to reset relations except by graciously receiving Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera initially and then President Maithripala Sirisena in Delhi. The issue of South Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters has received virtually no attention from India.
Leaving politicians and the bureaucrats aside, it is relevant to take into account the emotions, sentiments, dignity and self-respect of the majority of the citizens in this country. While not condoning the act, one of Sri Lanka’s sons displayed his emotions with the butt end of his rifle in 1987 during the guard of honour accorded to RG when he visited Colombo to sign the Indo – Sri Lanka accord. That accord to us Sri Lankans was a modern day surrender of our independence. Building houses, rail roads etc. contribute towards improving relations only marginally. Such action is akin to giving a pain killer for a body pain. It does not contribute towards treating the root cause. The fact is that the majority in this country still feel strongly of the manner in which India violated this country with impunity. At least some feel India continue to do so covertly.
The Sirisena government has decided to accord you the honour of addressing our Parliament, an honour India did not see fit to accord to President Sirisena during his recent visit to India. You will be the fourth Indian Prime Minister to do so after Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962, Indira Gandhi in 1973 and Moraji Desai in 1979. The Indian historian and author AG Noorani in a recent essay in India’s Frontline magazine wrote “India’s relations with Sri Lanka will heal only if there is a sincere realisation of past mistakes and of the grave damage that India inflicted on a hapless neighbour too small to retaliate”. This would be an ideal opportunity for you to set the record right. It would require but three sentences of admission of mistakes of the past, regret over them and an assurance of non-repetition. It can be appropriately worded maintaining India’s dignity. Such an act would help millions in this country to finally bury the ugly past and move on and also a good beginning for India to genuinely and constructively engage in resetting its relations with Sri Lanka and its people.
Native Vedda / March 12, 2015
Rajeewa Jayaweera
Should realise that if he doesn’t treat his wife and children well and continues to abuse them, strangers and especially his neighbours are ready and willing to replace him.
Not only they are happy to do whatever that may make his wife and children happy but they don’t mind extending their generosity to his mother, mother in law, sisters, sister in laws, nieces, aunts, grand mothers.
Rajeewa will do well to remember gamut of island’s post independence history, including Hindian contribution to this island in 1971, between 1987 and 1990, immediately after tsunami s trucked this island, and how Hindians helped Chandrika and MR win the war.
Being a small country it should know its place in the world as well as in the region, and stop inviting people from around the world to grope their bum.
When you are endowed with 21 Million stupid people groping by strangers or neighbours will not stop.
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Indra / March 12, 2015
Native,
Your note is a fantastic piece.
This Rajeewa Jayaweera has proved himself a stupid sob, a rude moron, trying to teach good manners to the Prime Minister of India.
He deserved your punishment. No doubt about that.
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madu / March 12, 2015
Shut your stinking gob, you treacherous Kotiya. Shame on [Edited out]
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Native Vedda / March 12, 2015
madu
“Shut your stinking gob, you treacherous Kotiya. Shame on [Edited out]”
Is Rajeewa Jayaweera a Kotiya?
Too bad.
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Kettikaran / March 12, 2015
Reader Rajeewa Jayaweera, it appears to me, is one of those many ducated Sinhalese,alas,confused with the many intricacies of our recent Indo-Lankan dispensation and yet who wishes to see good relations between the two neighbours. There are many like him who really believe India is totally at fault in all issues and tiny Sri Lanka is nothing but an innocent and bullied victim. His dignified comments and rhetoric – and, indeed concerns -sans prejudice – represent the many views I have heard from many Sinhala friends over the years. As someone deeply interested in seeing a robust relationship between our two countries and peoples – caught in the vortex of many confusions; some of a conspiratorial realpolitik nature – allow me to engage him in a friendly exchange.
—- “The deterioration of relations between India and Sri Lanka commenced around 1980 when Indira Gandhi (IG) was elected Prime Minister for the second time. Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene’s (JRJ) pro-western foreign policy antagonized India immensely, prompting IG to adopt a hostile attitude and embark on a mission to punish JRJ” —
Relations between the two countries hit lows before 1980. In fact, India was aghast when PM of the time DSS arbitrarily chose to de-franchise close to a million voting-Ceylonese citizens at that time merely because he “suspected” those of recent Indian origin, mainly working in the Plantation areas, “may” vote to the LSSP and the Communists in the late 1940s. The regime at that time brought in arbitrary legislation for them to leave the Island. Thus came the “Stateless” problem in our political agenda. The who issue lacked legality, wisdom and humanism. Sri Lanka was, subsequently, forced to restore the citizenship of 625,000 of those declared illegal immigrants during Mrs. B’s days. Later under JRJ’s UNP and the time of CBK and MR take back the residue of about 96,000 of them as well. What a tragic-comedy involving the lives and livelihood of a large number that took over 40 plus years to make amends to. Meanwhile, Delhi had to incur a lot of flak from the Tamilnadu government for this “adventure” on the part of several Lankan political parties at the expense of India.
As to JRJ’s pro-Western foreign policy “antagonising” Indira Gandhi and, the way you phrase the issue, is a matter of opinion. By the ill-timed and unnecessary Cow and Calf insult and latter developments where Indira G complained JRJ was treating her “like a little girl” it was clear JRJ had rubbed her on the wrong side, if you will allow me. The Indo-Russian Friendship agreement was then at its intensity and she was not going to allow Yankee Dicky to threaten India’s security interests. This was clear to any average political student at the time and yet JRJ and his Cabinet went on their merry way with one Senior Cabinet Minister even threatening “we will bring in the American Forces for R&R” – all to annoy the Indians.
My information is around that time, beginning from the early 1970s, India has been pleaded behind the scenes for Ceylon/Sri Lanka to take serious and effective steps to contain the fastly growing Tamil dis-satisfaction in the North-East. Sri Lanka simply dismissed this as they perceived the Tamil political leadership has no clout. The decision was later to cost dearly where we had to face a 30 year old fully blown-up war, that is by no means over, although the real fighting has. Indira may have taken a decision to arm a small number of Tamil militants to remind the Lankan side it is time to take matters more seriously.
Parrot-like blaming RAW and everyone else is, I believe, childish. After all, even that great anti-Indian, anti-Tamil Sinhala Buddhist nationalist Somawansa of the JVP eventually had to come to a clandestine arrangement with, of all people, the dreaded RAW to save his skin to reach the UK – smuggled through Indian seas by his friends in the RAW. This is only one example. There are dozens more of chicanery from the Sri Lankan side.
—- “One of Sri Lanka’s sons displayed his emotions with the butt end of his rifle in 1987 during the guard of honour accorded to RG when he visited Colombo to sign the Indo – Sri Lanka accord”—
This son, of whom you refer to in endearing terms, belonged to that savage JVP who fooled the Sinhala masses with their “patriotism” I have already indicated to you the double game of this irresponsible Buddhist Sinhala extremist group in the Somawansa Amarasinha sensational escapade. You know the history of that JVP firebrand Weerawansa and his wife who loves the good life. That is the nature of Sinhala patriotic politics.
As to that wild swing with the rifle by that misled young naval rating JRJ was to apologise, on behalf of the government and the people, to India and all its people for this barbarity with the expression Sri Lanka stands with its head bowed down. Years later, when
the Court released this naval rating the Indian High Commission said, in a one-line brief comment, they regretted the Court’s decision. That, good Sir, has its own interpretation – as you can imagine.
So if the Indian Govt and her people have a specific view of Sri Lanka and the attitude of its people towards India from the time of that trouble-maker Anagarika Dharmapala to now, let us not blame them. We made a mess of ourselves. Corrections have to come from our side.
I do not, however, dispute you in that India played its own games to undermine Sri Lanka in a way in the 1987 period. But, my friend, that JRJ Cabinet had men like Premadasa, Mathew, Lalith A, Gamani Jayasuriya, Gamini D and a host of others who would have arrived at a deal with the devil to harm India’s interests – as the Rajapakses openly did during the past 10 years. Surely, againstd all of this India is not going to remain still twiddling her thumb??
As to the fishermen’s issue, I am afraid our fisher-folk stand to lose – and I regret that. But what is the historical truth. The UN’s Law of the Seas is a recent happening whereas fishermen from both sides of the Straits have been fishing for millennia. As a former Indian HC told us “fish know nothing about the Law of the Seas” They swim hither and tither as they have done for centuries. By the way, cross-sea border infringements are not only between our two countries. They are with almost every country that has ocean boundaries they share with other countries. India is no exception to this.
—- “India was reluctant to provide weapons need to be mentioned in this context..” My reading of the matter, after my many years of close interaction with Indian diplomatic and academic interests is that India felt Sri Lanka needed less and less weapons and not more to overcome her pain. This is why they kept away, I believe, from arming Lankan forces or the militants. Of course, as both of us are aware, by 2009 with the LTTE becoming totally immune to reason, India had to veer away from her policy.
In your list of Indian PM’s who visited here, you seem to have missed Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao who came here briefly during President Premadasa’s time, although, admittedly, it was not a State Visit.
As to India hosting TNA and Tamil leaders, surely it was we who miscalculated the issue and forced the Tamil leadership to internationalise the issue. Many Sri Lankan leaders have openly admitted this. Look at the way Mahinda Rajapajkse and his government treated the Tamils after they overwhelmingly voted the TNA to power by over 80% of the popular vote. Rajapakse, the Army-man Governor and that Govt had absolutely no compunction in making Tamils feel as a subject people. How long do you think this charade can go on?
As far as I know, the Indian Govt and the people of India will reciprocate Sri Lanka’s hand of friendship – so long as it is warm and sincere. Senseless assurances and meaningless rhetoric like that of the Rajapakses of “deep friendship with India” and doing just the opposite will get us nowhere.
As matters stand, we have much to catch up in this regard. If you doubt me read Mangala Samaraweera, who has fast grown up to be a Statesmen – devoid of popular and prejudicial politics. But will Sinhala supremacism allow him to make peace with India?
Kettikaran
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Kettikaran
“But will Sinhala supremacism allow him to make peace with India?”
Sinhalese and Tamils are self destructive people. Hope your Tamil brethren had learnt the hard way now its time for your Sinhala brethren to learn lessons hard way.
I am not sure these two people are capable of learning and behaving wisely.
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Kettikaran / March 13, 2015
Dear friend NV,
The majority Sinhalese appear to be learning the hard way. Men like Sobitha Thero, some of the Mahanayakas, the JVP and even the
JHU extremists are beginning to openly admit Tamils have been wronged and that they should be accommodated. From the Tamil side, the TNA has openly given up the Separate State platform and now wait for “reasonable accommodation” – to start with.
Post-Jan 08th there are encouraging signs with mature and liberal leaders like Ranil, Mangala, CBK and, I like to think, President Sirisena warming to the Tamil side. These I welcome. I believe the majority of the Tamil Nation recognise this as well.
It is necessary for the TNA leadership to also understand and accommodate pressures on these leaders from the Sinhala supremacist side particularly at a time when a General Election is around the corner. After all, political victories and defeats here are more as a result of racial and religious groundings and rarely on rational or even upon a proper study of economic issues.
The country continues to be a sadly and hotly divided minefield.
While India advances economically, in agricultural production, in education, science and technology, health and many areas we, sadly, lag behind in all of these. The quality of life of our people will, therefore, continue to suffer. It is only a mature political leadership that can persuade India to allow our own economic future to be integrated with their own in the coming years. How, when, to what extent and by whom this can be achieved is the challenge before us. In this comparison you will note there is no presence of the religious element on the Indian side while ours is wholly influenced by this corrosive factor. I am not being anti-Buddhist, I insist. But I think a political system in Sri Lanka where the religious element does not play a role, minor or major, is a healthy feature.
Also, I regret the many acts of the printers devil in my earlier comment.
Kettikaran
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Uthungan / March 13, 2015
Kettikaran
You have said all what is necessary to respond to the author’s absurd article.
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Alahakoon / March 13, 2015
What a sad country?? 18th & 19th century Sudda did so many bad things to it, then West has been continued it, how bad was Scandinavian country, Norway, towards SL, then US.. what an evil.. now this Jayaweera writing his views as “facts” to show how evil is India towards SL??? How sad, every powerful country is doing evil things to SL, because they all afraid of SL potentials and miraculous powers, could there be any other reason?? ….
Jayaweera, Have you seen recent news on Nepalese man selling Heroin in SL? Couldn’t that be Nepalese Gov Intelligent services trying to destabilize SL? Please investigate and write your “facts” again.
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Vimuktha / March 14, 2015
This man Rajjeva should look at his own background since he comes from a racist background.Father Stanley and uncle Neville are utter racists.The racist manner in which he ran the SriLankan Airlines office in Paris even though he was a petty manager of sorts speaks volumes for his narrow views.
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Lasanda / March 12, 2015
Why waste money in welcoming this man who conspirated with US to over throw our president Rajapaksa??
Why have we suspended the port city for this man and loss millions per day ?
Just to see “Modaya and Modi” couple parading ????
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Pacs / March 12, 2015
Well said a timely article to derail any political solution between Tamils and Singhalese. What is done to the sri Lanka Tamils is cause for this fear. Emotions can end up in wrongs and consequences may be heavy. Irrespective of the political personalities Indians all over the world believe the butt incident is a calculated one and waiting for the right time to answer it. It sleeps in their sub conscious minds.
Remember over the thousand and thousand years kings in sri lanka obtained soldiers. training and all other helps from either Sera , chola or Pandia kingdoms. in that way traing tamils in Tamil nadu is nothing new and it is not abnormal. Ok singhala Kings also sent soldiers to Tamil nadu but not often. It is the Majority Lanka people to decide if they want to live in harmony with Tamils of Lana and Tamils of India and elsewhere. Once the Hindu paper, Jeya and Karuna is gone Tamil nadu kingdom will come under the Tamil rulers. Then history will repeat. India can’t afford to have tamil animosity at southern tip of India.
Hope there won’t be any insane soldiers in the Parade this time.
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Aia / March 12, 2015
This guy almost like threatening the Indian PM. When he says one of our sons hit last indian PM who visited here, I knew he is only fooling himself and degrading the majority. It showed the kind of discipline the forces have had even those days. To say correct the mistake, what is to expect from a neighbouring big bother when your sons,for some they none other than thugs, kills Tamils on the streets and their homes when other sons of yours with uniform turned a blind eyes. Can you pointed out a single person convicted of killing a Tamil so far in SL? You seem to have an issue with size, but within SL you have a sizeable majority but happy to treat them as nothing, even didn’t want to have a council of their own. You want indian to help you but don’t want them ask what is happening inside, if they did it was a interference in your sovereignty. Hippocratic? .
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Thiru / March 12, 2015
Aia ,
You are right,
Rajeewa Jayaweera is another one of the Sinhala Buddhist supremacist lot wriggling out of the woodwork.
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manisekaran / March 12, 2015
Like every other sinhala racists this stupid starts conveniently cherry picking and starts a suitable time? Why not talk about your super racists non-stop atrocities on Tamils prior to that? wont you think realizing your mistake and share of crime will lead to more harmony as exactly what you had advised your neighbor? Wash your back first prior to pointing at others back!
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madman / March 12, 2015
I salute you Rajeewa. At last a true patriot who has the guts to speak out. Enough is enough. I would add that India (PM) apologise to Sri Lankan people for all the humiliation and mayhem caused for no reason other than to show their might. Shame, Big brother attacking a hapless little country in order to control its resources. We should be paid compensation for loss of lives and damage to property and stopping all progress rather than India still trying to twist the hand of the current govt to engage in lucrative deals for ‘Big Brother’ India’s own gain.
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Lakshman / March 12, 2015
I hardly believe patriotism has anything to do with Mr.jayweera’s point of view.Whilst we can appreciate his personal sentiments vis a vis India what he has failed to realize is the actual geo political reality.
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Indra / March 12, 2015
Madman
You and your racist “hero” Rajeewa Jayaweera need to be warded at Angoda Mental.
If you both really wish to know how brutally, cruelly, and sadistically, India could have behaved towards Sri Lanka from 1948 to the present day, just cast a glance at what is happening between Russia and her Satellites, presently Ukraine. And the UN and so called friends of Sri Lanka would not have lifted a finger to help.
For Sri Lanka’s cowardly venomous snake in the grass behaviour, see Kettikaran’s note under Native Veddah comment 3.59.
India has shown she is far too civilized for that, and Sri Lankans should be grateful. But of course that is too much to ask.
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Raj.Jayadevan / March 12, 2015
Rajeewa Jayaweera
The anti-Tamil Standardisation Policy of the early 1970’s and the 1977 anti-Tamil racial violence precede Indian involvement after 1983.
Anti Tamil tempo of the 70’s was the breading ground for Tamil militancy. As a victim undergone the bitter experience, I am one of those who can assert the pain caused. 1983 anti-Tamil violence was the extension of the crusade of the state against the Tamils. There was no moderation at all to respect us in Sri Lanka.
Even Gamini Dissanayake demanded from JRJ to exterminate the entire Tamil population during the 1983 anti-Tamil violence.
The whole security machinery allowed the perpetrators of violence against the Tamils to continue without any check in 1958,1977 and 1983.
Has Sri Lanka created the mechanisms to robustly deal with any such future violence in Sri Lanka?
In Britain, soon after the street violence few years ago, the perpetrators were brought to justice within short time and victims duly compensated. The government was able to bring a closure. In Sri Lanka it does not happen.
How many of those involved in the violence against the Tamils were arrested and sent to prison in Sri Lanka. Even the well known perpetrators of violence against the Muslims during Rajapakse regime were not to brought to justice to-date.
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Jim softy / March 13, 2015
Sri lanka should get IC help to get all the LTTE financiers to prosecute in Sri lanka.
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Jim softy
“Sri lanka should get IC help to get all the LTTE financiers to prosecute in Sri lanka.”
You should start with MR for funding LTTE.
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Kettikaran / March 16, 2015
Among Gamini D’s great “achievements” was the one in which over two dozens of Tamils, who had taken refuge in a large bungalow in Nuwara Eliya were pounced upon and burnt alive in July ’83. While I cannot remember the name of the family, I know among those so slaughtered was an entire family – father, mother, daughters and sons – of a wealthy
“Indian” Tamil businessman of the area. This was done by Gamini’s goons. Perhaps some of those in the readership can enlighten us with clearer data. Our Hero Gamini D, after all, is the one who told Tamils in Nuwara Eliya then “it will take the Indian air force planes 45 minutes to come here from Bangalore. We can finish the entire Tamil population here in lesser time” he is said to have boasted. Of course, it is known he found the late Senior Thondaman an obstacle to his political ambitions. He, therefore, had a grouse against Thonda. But, what a way to settle scores and that by a younger politician who nursed Presidential ambitions with claims he was a friend of India and Indians.
Kettikaran
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Jim softy / March 12, 2015
Tribalist Tamils don’t like this kind of letters.
India is bullying Sri lanka. Indian Central govt is scared to the Tribal govt of Tamilnadu. So, the central govt is making the tribal Tamilnadu govt happy.
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Jim softy
“India is bullying Sri lanka. Indian Central govt is scared to the Tribal govt of Tamilnadu.”
Its Hindia’s tough motherly love.
Consider treating your wife and children well.
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Sinhala_voice / March 13, 2015
DO NOT CALL YOURSELF native Veda and insult the vedda people or our ancient sinhala people. Show your true self bhahen joth
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Sinhala_voice
“DO NOT CALL YOURSELF native Veda and insult the vedda people or our ancient sinhala people. Show your true self bhahen joth”
Please go, go away, if possible go back to your ancestral homeland in Thamil Nadu or to your mythical homeland in Bihar.
“ancient sinhala people”
What is it ancient about your Sinhala people? You should be ashamed of your various sham identities, Biharis, Ravana, Gujrati, Aryan (Hitlers relative) Hela (from Helsinki), Singaporean (from Sinhapura), ……………..
Make up your mind.
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Moorthy / March 12, 2015
Fishermen’s issue :
India made the MISTAKE of handing over Katchateevu to Sri Lanka. If not for that, there would be no fisherm’s problem.
May be it is time to rectify this lapse.
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Moorthy
“India made the MISTAKE of handing over Katchateevu to Sri Lanka. If not for that, there would be no fisherm’s problem.”
If Hindians believe Sri Lanka is a Sinhala state of Hindia. Does it matter whether a piece of inhospitable barren land is part of Hindia or Sri Lanka when the entire iland is part of Akhand Bharat?
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Rajash / March 13, 2015
Rajeewa Jeyaweera “Building houses, rail roads etc. contribute towards improving relations only marginally. Such action is akin to giving a pain killer for a body pain….. It does not contribute towards treating the root cause…. “
wow what a statement.
You are not talking about Mahinda regime carpeting roads in the NE and handing over a few houses to the Tamils ( the bulk to the Sinhala army)
You are right that will not resolve the root cause!!!
It’s obvious this guy [Edited out]
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Moorthy / March 13, 2015
Native Vedda
As a ‘vedda’, one can forgive your limited knowledge of the complicated working of international politics and laws.You speak of Katchathivu as ‘a piece of inhospitable barren land’. You do not know of international maritime boundaries or laws of the sea.
Be that as it may, what I cannot understand is the working of the brains of people like you. LTTE laid claims to a part of the country against which you fought a very devastating 30 year war at a considerable loss of Sinhalese and Tamil lives. But today, you are willing to ‘gift’ a part of this country, albeit reclaimed, to a foreign country. Even if you fight for 1000 years you cannot get them out of the country.
If a country is willing to invest USD1.5 Billion without even a rupee contribution from Sri Lanka, one needs to wonder why. Is it because they love you so much !! Have you guys not heard of the legendary “gift horse”
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Native Vedda / March 13, 2015
Moorthy
I am confused.
What exactly do you want out of a piece of inhospitable barren land?
Do you want Hindia to reclaim it from Sri Lanka or do you want Sri Lanka to retain it?
My opinion does not matter, however I have tried my best to state what Hindians think and how they behave.
“As a ‘vedda’, one can forgive your limited knowledge of the complicated working of international politics and laws.”
Don’t forgive me but take this opportunity to educate me and our fellow forum sharers, for example the “complicated working of international politics and laws”
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simon / March 13, 2015
India bashing small hapless neighbour? What about the indian immigrants now called Sinhalese bashing thier own minorities ? Also what about one if thei chandias bashing the prime minister of india durind gaurd of hounour ?
Now the Modayas want Modi to behave?
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kali / March 13, 2015
Rajeewa Jayaweera:
Your letter to the Prime Minister belongs in the waste bin and let me explain to you why. Point by point.
1) I join my compatriots in extending a warm welcome to you to Sri Lanka. Almost 28 years have passed since Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (RG) visited this island. As you are well aware, his visit was shrouded with some extremely complex and unpleasant issues during the periods immediately prior to, during and after his visit. It is hoped your visit will be a prelude to a new relationship based on friendship amongst equals and mutual respect.
*** To start with you can exclude the Policeman who tried kill Rajiv with the Gun.
2) The deterioration of relations between India and Sri Lanka commenced around 1980 when Indira Gandhi (IG) was elected Prime Minister for the second time. Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene’s (JRJ) pro-western foreign policy antagonized India immensely, prompting IG to adopt a hostile attitude and embark on a mission to punish JRJ. A virtually purpose created issue was at hand in the separatist movement by some young men in Sri Lanka’s Tamil community.
*** I dont know your qualifications or your background. But you sound a moron from your understanding of the reason why some young men took up arms. It was because of your brutality stretching 30 years and respecting the feelings of the Tamils in Tamilnadu IG aided the freedom fighters. The Indian Army ( IPKF) arrived after MGR persuaded Rajiv to intervene to save the Innocent Tamils. But Rajiv paid a price for reasons we all know.
3) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s (MR) ‘Look East’ policy by forging closer economic and military ties with China who have extended unconditional support to Sri Lanka over the years and the willingness by China and Pakistan to sell arms to GoSL when India was reluctant to provide weapons need to be mentioned in this context.
*** You are totally wrong and let me tell you that it was India under the Italian Witch who helped Sri Lanka to defeat the freedom fighters by suppying weapons including Chemical Weapons.
4) The perception of double standards on India’s part prevails even in today. Your meeting with a TNA delegation in Delhi and National Security Advisor Ajith Doval meeting with Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka does not go down well in the light of cancellation of talks with Pakistan at Foreign Secretary Level on the grounds of Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Delhi having discussions with Hurriyat leaders stating “talk to them or talk to us”. Being involved in the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka and at the same time insisting on the exclusion of Pakistan in the Kashmir issue is a case in point.
*** Kashmir is a thorny issue and the part under Indian control was given India ( Not for the same reasons) just like Alaska was given to America by Russia to create tension between America and Britain with Canada under British rule sandwitched in between. But dont forget there are more Muslims in India than anywhere else in the World holding high positions.
5) In response to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s (RW) comment during an interview last week that India should show the same magnanimity to Italian sailors currently held in India that they request for South Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, Indian Foreign Minister Ms Swaraj had supposedly informed RW that “these are two different issues. Issues of fishermen are a humanitarian issue. It is an issue of livelihood”.
*** My friend livelihood for who. Is it the Tamil fishermen of Eelam. Dont shed crocodile tears.
6) It is in the interest of both Sri Lanka and India to reset our relations to a pre-1977 level when issues between the two countries were settled amicably with mutual respect. The Sirisena government has taken some initiatives to address one of India’s main concerns i.e. the Colombo Port City Project which has been temporarily suspended.
*** Let me tell you it is in the best interest of Sinhala Lanka to settle the Tamil Issue once and for all.
As for the issue of the Colombo Port City Sri Lanka was forced to climb down. Sri Lankas Sovereignty is limited to Indias security.
7) Even if the suspension is lifted, re-negotiation of the clause giving part ownership to the Chinese to a 99 year lease is in the cards.
*** Are you out of your mind.
8) Leaving politicians and the bureaucrats aside, it is relevant to take into account the emotions, sentiments, dignity and self-respect of the majority of the citizens in this country.
*** It is always about how you the Majority feel. What about how we feel. Does it ever occur to you that we also have rights, emotions and dignity.
9) The Sirisena government has decided to accord you the honour of addressing our Parliament, an honour India did not see fit to accord to President Sirisena during his recent visit to India.
*** History repeats itself. JR was forced to invite IPKF.
10) It would require but three sentences of admission of mistakes of the past, regret over them and an assurance of non-repetition. It can be appropriately worded maintaining India’s dignity. Such an act would help millions in this country to finally bury the ugly past and move on and also a good beginning for India to genuinely and constructively engage in resetting its relations with Sri Lanka and its people.
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*** My friend the ball is in your court and repeat after me three times.
NO MORE TAMIL BLOOD
NO MORE TAMIL BLOOD
NO MORE TAMIL BLOOD
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sinkaran / March 13, 2015
Dear Mr.Jayaweera
Your unsolicited advice to Mody is very heart warming. You say 3 little words would set everything alright. I was wrecking my brain what those 3 little words would be.
I can think of several 2 little words commonly used but 3 little words ? If you can make it 4 little words, then of course I know several such words and you will understand their meaning too.
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Fernandopulle / March 13, 2015
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / March 14, 2015
This man states all the reasons why Tamils should be inflexible in their demands and reflects the thinking of the average Sinhalese which makes compromises impossible. The Sinhalese unfortunately need to stew in their Mahawamsa cesspit for a long while more before they can emerge into modernity. Poor sods.
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moorthy / March 15, 2015
Educating Native Vedda:
Lets see. For a beginning, it is INDIANS and not Hindians. If only you slightly push, you can get out from beneath the rocks.
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Native Vedda / March 15, 2015
moorthy
“For a beginning, it is INDIANS and not Hindians.”
I suppose you are not familiar with Hindians, a condition consistent with age, due to lack of coolness, unable to chillax, afraid of neologasm, alienated from awesome youth.
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