19 March, 2024

Blog

Call For Immediate War Crimes Trials & Trade Embargoes Against Sri Lanka

By S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole

Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole

The position of our government is that no war crimes were committed by our forces at the end of the war. Contradicting that, last week (23 Nov.) I wrote of how we committed horrendous crimes on the battlefield in May 2009 and of how Australia has approached its own charges of war crimes. I commended its example for our government beginning trials, asking for forgiveness, and rescinding the medallions, promotions, and high offices given to our accused war criminals in uniform. There are mountains of evidence available against them. 

Subsequently today’s news is that Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera on taking oaths as Minister of Public Security has committed himself to protecting all peoples of Sri Lanka. If that is sincere and true, then to protect Tamils he must embark on punishing all war criminals – for example those from the Navy who killed the Trinco 5. So long as he fails to do that the killers in uniform will be in our midst in high positions as they already are. Chilling! 

Yesterday (27.11) it was reported that those mourning their dead, who had not opened their shops to remember their murdered loved ones, were forced by the army presumably including these alleged killers to open their shops closed to commemorate their dead. Given this, it would appear that by “all communities” Dr. Weerasekera meant only the Sinhalese to whom he would offer protection. From abjuration of any responsibility to commitments on prosecuting war crimes, the government is totally mendacious.

Consider! When battles ended in May 2009, then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa issued statements that no war crime was committed and that his troops went into battle with human rights conventions in one hand and the gun in the other. Sinhalese drunk-with-hate might be expected to make and believe these claims.  But Tamils have difficulties understanding why Tamils, an MP in particular, would endorse such unbelievable claims. Subsequently, the government trotted out so-called IT experts from the Sinhalese community from Moratuwa University and in high positions abroad to say that, based on their scientific examination, the graphics in the UK’s Channel 4 documentary showing cold-blooded execution of LTTE-ers was doctored – i.e., photo-shopped). Most Sinhalese seemed to believe it. They do not realize that no one kills his baby to Fake a movie. (To see the photo click here)

In the course of time, Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Paranagama reported in 2015 as part of his government-appointed Commission’s findings that the charge that government troops engaged in war crimes was credible. The government did not like what the Paranagama Commission was finding so it restricted its funding. The Commission collapsed. 

As our demagogic Sri Lankan state thereby manipulates Sinhalese, the world sees us as naked like “The Emperor without Clothes.” Only we do not see our nudity and the incredulity with which the world watches us.

The commitments and scientific findings from the Sri Lankan state are just plumb incredible. The people forget all the untruths in which the government has been caught again and again. The government misleads a gullible population that forgets the past, and continues to vote to delay justice. What is sad is that even Tamils have poor memory. We vote for and celebrate alleged killers among us. We give them high offices in our political parties without an inquiry into the heinous accusations against them. But we insist on war crimes trials against Sinhalese. When a major Tamil party voted to deprive hill-country Tamils of their citizenship, many Tamils continued to vote for it. When that party had an internal fissure and one faction brought out how the main faction housed CID personnel in its Jaffna office this year helping them to monitor Tamils, that did not weaken the party’s support base. These people now fight each other to demonstrate who lights more candles on Maaveerar Day. Many people seem taken in.

Whatever Sinhalese communalists and their Tamils supporters may say for holding on to power and state office, it is a certainty that large scale killings of civilians by our armed forces occurred in the last 5 months leading up to May 2009. What is uncertain is whether it was 40,000 as in the UN Report or well over 100,000 as estimated by many (vide my article last week). As noted in the article, the military confirmed that LTTE cadres had surrendered to the army and a Sri Lankan Army Court of Inquiry acknowledged that the military captured LTTE cadres and that 11,800 cadres had surrendered to the military. The BBC cites video evidence on the surrender it calls compelling. In a comical denouement to an RTI request, the Information Officer of the Sri Lanka Military, Brigadier Sumith Atapattu, stated, “LTTE members have not surrendered themselves to the Sri Lanka military during the last stages of the war and they have handed themselves over to the Sri Lankan government.” The world laughs at us, thanks to our government’s and people’s ignorance of how nude we are. To continue to delude ourselves like this, knowing that others know we are lying, is shameless. Our courts toss out one after the other the findings of previous cases. One, two – all right. But it is now almost every finding by the judiciary against members of the government and its supporters. By so reversing so many decisions, the courts are shooting themselves in the foot and proving the need for external oversight in war-crimes tribunals under UNHRC 30/1. Where the courts found persons, military personnel, and violent monks guilty, the President has pardoned the convicted criminals. This even makes the case for an outside agency to take over the process so that those convicted cannot be pardoned and are held in outside prisons.

There is an ancient Greek saying, “Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first strike mad.” Is this what is happening to our people?  We have withdrawn from our own commitment to the UNHRC. We are going back on our commitment to human rights based on which stopped GSP duty preferences were restored. Like the people of Hamelin, we are dancing to our destruction following our Pied Piper – our government.

 We may be blind fools but not the rest of the world. Only Mangala Samaraeera has publicly expressed the dangers of the foolish course of lying to the world that we have embarked on. Our government seems unconcerned about the dangers from the folly of its ways. Since the world understands how crazy and harmful our government is, its lies seem directed at gullible Sinhalese to sustain itself in power.

The Buddha spoke up for nonviolence. The post-Sangam Epic Period of the Tamils (Third to Fifth Centuries AD when Manimekalai was authored by the Tamil Buddhist monk Kulavaṇikan Seethalai Sataṉar), was a high multi-cultural time for Tamils with evidence for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and Christianity being practised. That highlighted the liberal ethos where Devanambiya Theesan converted to Buddhism from Hinduism. Asoka’s missionaries implanted this ethos, giving us vegetarianism based on nonviolence, hospitals, travelers’ rests, environmental consciousness with trees being planted, animal hospitals, etc.. The Buddhist ruins of Kandarodai in Chunnakam testify to our liberalism. 

 Despite that heritage, the governments since 1972 have sought to ram Buddhism down Tamil and Muslim throats by making it the state religion even in the twenty-first century, unaware of the human rights consciousness that has overtaken the globe. It would seem, to use V.S. Naipal’s phrase,  we Sri Lankans came out of our villages into the twenty-first century with a democratic state, but the village has not left us. We remain savages.

 Ask a Tamil what images are conjured in his head by Buddhism, which has given us so much good. The answer would be war crimes, communal riots, lawlessness, murderous Buddhist monks, the use of ethnic cleansing to take over our homes and lands, Buddhist temples coming up where there are few to no Buddhists, and military rule. Claiming that this is a Buddhist country, every state-paid feast at once has dishes of mutton, chicken, beef, fish, and prawns. Even the sparse vegetable curries have sprats. Sri Lanka’s Buddhists, it seems, cannot eat meals embodying nonviolence, but I have had educated Buddhists arguing with me that vegetarianism is not Buddhist. The lust for meat is inveterate. Even a tourist with goodwill having a Buddha tattoo on her body was sentenced by our nationalist police and judiciary. A religion that Sri Lankans do not believe in, is being foisted on others as means of demonstrating power. This is evident from the introduction of this pernicious clause into our constitution with no one asking by Colvin R. de Silva, a Marxist and therefore  godless by definition. He was giving opium to the Sinhalese in the form of Buddhism to secure his support base.

Persons of goodwill, whether Sinhalese or Tamil, are now willy-nilly placed in the position of safeguarding the constitution and recovering the once untarnished name of the Buddhist religion. Our governments themselves are responsible for the assault on Buddhism and the lawlessness in our midst.

Sri Lankans of sound minds have tried all they can and have failed. Now we must look for outside help from democratic countries. In this endeavour, Tamils must keep in mind that the UN report faulted both the government and the LTTE for war crimes. We cannot push for one part of the report while tossing out the other against the LTTE. Doing that, we condemn ourselves as the same delusional racists that the government is said to consist of. 

Maveerar Day, 27 Nov., translates as “Big Heroes Day.” It is set for the day after V Prabhakaran’s Birthday, 26 Nov. It makes clear that we are unprepared to jettison our misplaced LTTE sympathies, and shows us to be as racially-prejudiced as the Sinhalese. However, many of the people killed were civilians forced into the Mullaitivu area and shot by the LTTE in the back when they tried to flee Sri Lankan bombings. It is indeed appropriate to remember them and celebrate their lives. I suggest changing the day to a day in May when most of the butchery occurred, and renaming it as Tami Massacre Day, and enlisting foreign help to ensure there is accountability. It is the only way to convince the world that we truly and sincerely ask for justice. It is then that outside nations will join us in quenching our thirst for justice and addressing our cry for freedom. The time is opportune as the UK has initiated inquiries against mercenaries that helped Sri Lanka in the war.

We now need to ask openly for the full implementation of UNHRC Resolution 30/1, and trade embargoes against Sri Lanka including elimination of GSP preferential duties. Our MPs must ask for these in Parliament and we through supportive news outlets to reach free-thinking Sinhalese. We must seek to be heard. As things are, no one asks for these out of fear of a repressive state and judicial machinery, so the world thinks we are happy with allowing the crimes against humanity to go unpunished. The Sinhalese will understand that this is not racism but expressing what many of them are fearful of saying. 

This is a good time. Joe Biden, a human rights advocate, is President-Elect of USA. In 1983, the assault on Tamils under J.R. Jayawardene was at its height especially after his open admission of Sinhalese racism to The Daily Telegraph (11 July 1983): “Really if I starve the Tamils out, the Sinhala people will be happy.” It was a time we rightly feared for our future, and even Sri Lanka’s future. An uncle of mine in Delaware was a medical practitioner where Biden is one of its two Senators. He got us an appointment and we met Joe Biden. A cousin’s aged mother-in-law (a US Citizen) had been raped by Sinhalese thugs in Colombo. My uncle readout a petition. Biden was attentive when I told him of the rape. He was sympathetic and I expect he still is after far worse things have happened.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, like his uncle, had given excuses for not keeping his promises to the UN.  Like SWRD Bandaranaike, agreements mean nothing to the Sinhalese-State as it now ponders the removal of Provincial Councils violating agreements with India. The world realizes that solemn promises by Sri Lanka are worthless and made only to buy time till Sri Lanka is an ethno-state.

We and the world must act together before it is too late. This is not against Sri Lanka but for it. As David Cameron, British PM, stated upon the passage of 30/1, “The UNHRC decision on Sri Lanka is a victory for its people.”

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Latest comments

  • 32
    16

    It’s time to hand over the rapists and murderers in the armed forces who are responsible for the countless rapes and 40,000+ murderer. Drag these moda sinhala buddhist murderers and rapists on their faces and hand them over to the International Criminal Court.
    .
    And if these moda sinhala buddhists don’t comply, then the next time they come begging for money as they eventually will as that is their beggar entitled lazy mentality they have then you can humiliateband refuse.
    .
    Also I hope these welcomed better-late-than-never sanctions don’t affect minorities as we are not responsible for what these moda sinhala buddhists do and the murderers and rapists they have elected into office.

    • 10
      28

      Sri Lanka should rearrest the the 12,000+ surrendered terrorists by Mahinda Rajapaksa without any parliamentary approval locally or UNHRC assent internationally.
      Obviously there is no need for this rearrest until UNHRC declares a date for the initiation of the war crimes trial.
      .
      Present TNA leadership cannot escape the charge of aiding and abbeting terrorism in the process.

      Any reconciliation process should halt until war crimes investigations are concluded and accused duly punished.

      Soma

      • 15
        4

        soman

        “Any reconciliation process should halt until war crimes investigations are concluded and accused duly punished.”

        I agree with you completely except I do not remember any reconciliation process taking place in this island. True you should start war crimes investigations and accused should be duly punished. If you are seriously considering this I will help you.

        Have the Strongman Gota, his goons, his thugs, … under arrest, keep them in custody. Lets gather people with credibility to investigate their crimes.

        Its simple.
        Please feel free to say something stupid?

    • 18
      20

      Siterep24

      There seems to be so much pent up hatred in what you write that I am inclined to think that you pose a serious threat to the well being of the majority community of Sri Lanka . Seeking professional help might be an option.

      • 10
        28

        Mr. Pundit,
        .
        People like sitrep24, Ad, Thiha and leelagemalli are paid agents of GR/MR movement.
        They are getting paid handsomely to post most stupidest and hate full comments to keep Singhalese on edge.

        • 23
          5

          SCP
          “They are getting paid handsomely to post most stupidest and hate full comments to keep Singhalese on edge.”
          Ever heard that story about the pot and the kettle?

          • 18
            6

            OC,

            Ms SCP does not seem to know from what he is speaking. This bugger was not seen on CT for the last few days. Now he is silent about the magical powers of his masters on flattening the COVID infection curve. May be the bugger is busy with cleaning the overflowing toilet pits at Medamulana Cave.
            :
            I have never read him coming with proper arguments. Was his alma mater that worst ?

        • 17
          4

          SCP,
          why should I bother with a man who then worked as a petrol shed assistant. Not even my dog would ever want to look at him on the TV screens. We predicted it well bugger would only push the poor folks from frying pan to the fire. Now you guys are experiencing it.

          Wait and see, how the DIVIINE forces teach them a lession soon. That Namal Bastard boy would not have time to play around… no doubt, we will have the chance to see them all in drains to the same manner Tripoli s men fated it. Jaya niyathiyi.. Ms SCP….. you need to find safer grounds. :::: ::: DAYS are counted:

      • 17
        8

        Dear pun,
        .
        I don’t think I said anything ambiguous, I’m not a coward much like the sinhala extremist buddhists; who pretends to care about minorities only to buy time to implement their sinhala extremist buddhist ideology. I make it open and clear my hatred of racist ideologies that teach people they’re superior to others because of the race they were born in. As I do make it known my hatred of people who claim such racist claims.
        .
        Of course moda sinhala extremist buddhists would see me as a threat; anyone who speaks the truth is seen as an enemy to the murderers, rapists, racists and every other type of degenerate the moda sinhala buddhists have voted into power. Don’t you see how the rabid dogs in power are killing innocent human beings only because they spoke the truth and saught to establish justice in the land ?
        .
        I am eagerly wait for the day the moda sinhalayo realise that the devils they voted in to power are not really buddhists.

      • 8
        9

        Never any Tamils, Including, specifically, Leader Piraphahran, have been a threat to Sinhalese. Recently, when relatives of fallen heroes were prevented from their anniversary obeisance, TGTE wrote in a statement “They were fighting against the oppression, not fighting to oppress any one”. Nobody a Tamil in CT shows any interest to rule Sinhalese, but to leave the oppressive Lankawe and live alone in thier ancestral land North East. That is what the talk of all Tamils; nothing else. There is reason for all Tamils’ sharp reactions. For the last 72 years they are deprived of all human needs by Sinhala Buddhist Intellectual and Rapist Army. Don’t attempt to establish that you because majority have a right to even be hurt by a talk so minorities should keep their mouth shut and take all torture, murder, deprivation. It is you like Sinhala Intellectuals destroyed the beautiful Island Ceylon, made lower level Sinhala Buddhist as weapons in your war against minorities and made rendered the country as Wild Life Sanctuary, SinhaLE, Lankawe.

      • 1
        0

        Sitrep,
        .
        It is possible that Pundit was being quite sincere. You appear unwilling to see that errors were made by both sides.
        .
        Give this more thought.

        • 2
          0

          Dear Sinhala_Man
          “The LTTE did not come into being or grow into a world-class terror outfit in a vacuum. Without the Sinhala Only, the Tiger may have remained unborn. Without the Black July, the Tiger may not have grown exponentially. If the B-C Pact and the D-C Pact did not miscarry (thanks to the midwifery of Sinhala extremism), the LTTE, even if it was born, would have remained a fringe group.” Tisaranee Gunasekara

          • 0
            0

            Dear Anpu,
            .
            Of course, I agree, that the faults may lie more with the Sinhalese.
            .
            What I’m saying is that we now need to pick up the lives of those who are still living, and do something to improve them.
            .
            If you can, why don’t you locate the two fine Parliamentary speeches by Gajendran Ponnambalam and that young M.P. for Batticaloa with a name like Rasaminickam? I was very impressed by the sincerity of both.
            .
            To get anywhere we must understand the problems that both sides have. We may have to settle for a solution that nobody feels is absolutely fair.

    • 7
      14

      sitrep24,
      Sinhala Buddhists did a ‘MODA’ thing by not allowing Portuguese to finish the project they started.
      ====
      “sanctions don’t affect minorities”

      If foreign countries impose sanctions against Sri Lanka, Sinhalayo will impose sanctions against Tamils and Muslims by boycotting their shops and products. Sinhalayo do not depend on Tamils or Muslims but Tamils and Muslims depend on Sinhalayo. Muslim traders were crying after Easter Sunday terrorist attack by Wahhabi Muslims.

      • 11
        6

        Hahahaha aren’t you the sinhalayo who told me that the moda sinhala buddhists are angry with the Muslims because they’re converting all the buddhist women !?!? 😂😂
        .
        Since you don’t live in reality let me give you some facts; the majority of the sinhala buddhist people don’t have much spending power. The spending power of the minorities as compared to the sinhala buddhists are equal if not more in favour of the minorities. The simple reason for this is that moda sinhala buddhists have been taught this beggar mentality; much like what you find where the + 2 million cattle monks are fed with tax monies that could be used to develop the country.
        .
        So no, your calls to boycott minority businesses will only backfire with the moda sinhala buddhists taking on losses.
        .
        I am glad the international community will sanction and punish the moda sinhala buddhist people. The time for action is now.

  • 13
    3

    The yellow catalyst was the cause for people like Rajapakshes to reach unexpected successes by deception. No9thing lasts long. There will be a day when answers will have to be given shamefully.

    • 3
      3

      Everyone wants to part of the problem. SL is not going anywhere like this. Sinhalese will not stop committing war crimes against Tamils and Tamils will not stop committing war crimes against Sinhalese. This is the reality of SL since 205BC.

      The only solution is 2 or 3 mono ethnic nations in the island created equitably. Sinhala Only Elam, Tamil Elam and Muslim Elam (unless Muslims want to be part of Sinhala and Muslim Only Elam). Relocate all people into their respective nation and close the borders. Only 10% of the people need to be relocated which is easy. Permanent and lasting solution with dignity for all. Greed is the only thing standing in the way. No one ethnic group can have the entire island. It is a fact. Accept it. Tamils leave Sinhala Elam and Sinhalese leave Tamil Elam. Close the borders.

  • 19
    9

    The Sinhalese lost their respect for human life and decency some time ago. Egged on by politicians desperate to win and a steady influx of lower class ignorant buffoons and thugs into politics. While that has been going on there has also been a similar situation developing among the Buddhist clergy. To gain access into the universities and eventually to gain power and money the clergy have degenerated into greedy power hungry demons who will stop at nothing to get their way. The like minded politicians and the clergy have formed an alliance beneficial to each other. Violence has perpetuated violence in an ever increasing spiral that has gone out of control. Now we have lost democracy which was never appreciated by these thugs to begin with. Tamil extremism followed by megalomania and genocide by the LTTE vastly contributed to the decline of the Sinhalese. It also silenced thru murder the voices of moderation. Not sure what a foreign leader no matter how well intensioned he maybe can do at this point.

    • 3
      2

      Tamils also lost it at the very latest in 1978 with the bombing of a passenger plane in Ratmalana.

  • 9
    23

    The title of this article is the most stupid thing I have ever heard!

    • 23
      8

      Dear Champa,
      .
      Please read the content of the article. Dont judge it being bound to the title. I thought you would have learnt a lot, but sometimes, you mix it up .. may be being unable to see it right. We are all srilankens, be us sinhala, tamil, burgher or muslims. We belong to the same species – HOME SAPIENS. although, I cant stop thinking, that Rajaakshes belong Homo neanderthalensis going by their racial behaviours, also from their SECOND generations.
      :
      We salute Prof. HOOLE. Just becausue he is tamil origin, you guys must not put him down the manner Rajapakshes have been upto. We ARE ALL srilankens. We know how Mr HOOLE then fought against LTTE terror acts. To that time, our STUPID sinhala leaders praised him, now to treat him as if Mr HOOLE is a traitor is beyond bearing.

      • 8
        24

        Mr. eLM (eternal Loose Motion),
        .
        It’s nice to read that you “”salute Prof. HOOLE. Just becausue he is tamil origin””. (Correct spelling is because)
        We don’t salute anyone JUST BESAUSE HE IS A TAMIL

        • 13
          9

          SC Pukka, you don’t like Hoole because he is a Tamil and you are low class racist loser.

        • 10
          5

          Ms SCP,

          Can you EVER compare it with us ? Is it at all right ? Not even my dogs would give you consent nods.
          :
          Besides, we have never worked as asskissers to Rajaakshes. But evidently, you have nothing better to do than doing so. Right.

          Mr Hoole over to you, what I meant is we salute all srilanken equally. We dont belong to the racists groups within sinhala community.

        • 14
          7

          S. C. Passqual

          “We don’t salute anyone JUST BESAUSE HE IS A TAMIL”

          True, instead you beat them up, rape them, kill them, loot them, burn them, burn their shops, houses, vehicles, ……… How civil and tolerant.

          • 4
            1

            NV, don’t judge the plight of all Tamils based on your unfortunate experience.

            • 2
              1

              GATAM

              Don’t worry about my fortunate experience or otherwise, as far as I am concerned I worry only about my stolen ancestral land, depletion of natural resources and degradation of environment.

              Descendants of Kallathonoie converts like you cannot understand the issues related to land because you never matured the land.

              Sooner you lot leave better for the island.

    • 0
      0

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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    • 2
      1

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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      • 10
        5

        Nperera, another backlicker of Rajapakshes.
        :
        Thanks for making it short.

    • 9
      6

      Chimpa, you are the stupidest the most vile racist I have ever seen here. So go and figure that out.

  • 6
    1

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

    For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

    • 6
      4

      Thanks for making it short.
      :
      You please try to start with the kindergarten. Tomorrow is too late.
      ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ ☺️

  • 10
    20

    Trinco 5: the case is very similar to many Sinhala youth who were abducted and murdered in the South during 1989-89 period. Independent of the role of military in the matter, one important question is why the parents of these students allowed them to hangout near the beach in the evening during those troubled times? This is not the kind of behavior one expects from responsible parents and they only have themselves to blame for the tragedy. Had the assailants dragged the students from home or on their way to school/work it would be a different matter.

    “However, many of the people killed were civilians forced into the Mullaitivu area and shot by the LTTE in the back when they tried to flee Sri Lankan bombings. It is indeed appropriate to remember them and celebrate their lives.”… how kind of you. What about all the Sinhalese killed by Tamil terrorists during 30 years of war? Shouldn’t Tamils remember/ask for forgiveness for them?

    “Subsequently, the government trotted out so-called IT experts from the Sinhalese community from Moratuwa University.” The man has absolutely no professional curtesy. Are to only to recognize his IT expertise? These experts are his own colleagues. To say that they would lie on behalf of the government is just abhorrent.

    • 11
      6

      noname, SL Army is the official army of the SL elected government………………LTTE is a terrorist outfit which successive GOSL created. Are you comparing an official army to a terrorist outfit? if yes, then you have given legitimacy to the LTTE!!! Go to a corner in your hut, sit there and think what I said before giving a rebuttal. Don’t come here spewing racist rubbish. Grow up and write like an adult.

      • 5
        9

        Tamil from the north: GOSL did many things but GOSL did not create LTTE. Tamils created, financed, supported, maintained LTTE to kill Sinhalese. You do not get to shake off your sins that easily.

        • 15
          3

          noname, sad for you!! What you said only applies to a LTTE supporter, which I am not. Do you really think the LTTE sprouted out of nowhere and for no reason. Where was the LTTE when the 57/58/77 riots took place, my family was greatly affected and almost lost their lives. Where were they when the Tamils were discriminated against by the insecure majority and brought in standardization? Where was the LTTE when innocent Tamil travelers who were on buses and trains to Colombo from Jaffna and back, as they were pulled out of these transports and shot or burnt in the jungles? Where was the LTTE when drunken cops and two rowdies calling themselves government ministers by the names Gamini Dissanayake and Cyril Matthew burnt down our library and the entire Jaffna town? Where was the LTTE when a conference was held in Jaffna where Tamil scholars from Germany and all over the world were discussing Tamil studies were dispersed with tear gas and 9 people died in the stampede as they ran for cover when the cops attacked this conference back in the 70s? While I am not a supporter of the LTTE, these are the fellows who taught hooligans among the majority a lesson. When the Sinhala civilians were being murdered, thousands of Tamil civilians have already been murdered by your cowardly armed forces.

        • 4
          3

          Noname, true. Both sides have done crimes. Only fools fail to see their own crimes. If Tamils were innocent and the government bombed them the world would not have let that happen. The world let it happen because both parties were at fault. Sinhalese won. Tamils lost.

    • 10
      2

      noname
      An inquiry need not be international but has to be genuine and unbiased. It has thus to be done by people whose credibility and competence are beyond question, and the team that inquires should be represented by all affected communities. Consensus rather than majority opinion is crucial as its purpose is to identify all war crimes regardless of who committed the crimes.
      The circumstances can be recognized in evaluating the gravity of the offence.
      But the central purpose is to make sure that such things do not ever recur.

      • 4
        10

        SJ:

        Will the LTTE rump come before such a commission and atone for their crimes? Not going to happen. Forget about LTTE rump, will the TNA “genuinely” apologize to the Sinhalese community for the crimes committed by LTTE? Hasn’t happened so far. Forget about apologizing, will the TNA purge the LTTEers like M. K. Shivajilingam from its membership? Not a chance.

        Assume there was a political settlement in 2009. Will those demanding justice today also demand that Prabakaran be tried for his crimes and hanged? That’ll be the day!

        Those shouting for justice do not want reconciliation. These are the same people who arranged civilians as a human shield to protect LTTE. If they didn’t care about the civilians when they were alive why should they care about them when they are dead! UNHRC project is a continuation of LTTE’s mission through other means. LTTE used brute force and they were defeated through even more brute force. This time Sinhalese are being attacked through cunning political maneuvering and we will have to defended ourselves using the same. I don’t see any role for truth and justice in this.

        • 8
          2

          noname, you said: Will the LTTE rump come before such a commission and atone for their crimes?

          TFN: until the Sinhala Buddhist racist rump promote racism, the LTTE rump will also be active. You want peace, start criticizing the Sinhala thugs from promoting racism. Otherwise just shut up!! We are all not living in SriLanka in stone age, we are doing quite well abroad and we have the internet. We can thrash you fellows as good as we get. So keep it coming and we have an endless supply of ammunition to assault you racists.

          • 1
            4

            LOL.

        • 4
          1

          noname
          I am not talking about anybody’s willingness.
          Every offence and offender should be brought to light– no exceptions.

      • 2
        2

        SJ, never say never. If SL faces terrorism again, the same template must be applied.

    • 9
      3

      No Name,

      You are trying to divert attention from the fact that it was well known that Kotakadeniya sent out an order to terrorize the Tamil youths, by blaming the kids for hanging out near their homes.

      As for the Moratuwa “experts,” I didn’t see anything seriously proving the pictures were doctored. For the sake or argument, let us assume one or two pictures might have been doctored. But to claim all of the pictures that have come out since the war were doctored is rank dishonesty. If the experts have spoken about against SLA atrocities where it was all clear, then their reactions to cases that may be exaggerations would be considered credible. Instead, what we saw was the knee-jerk defense of what the GoSL and SLA did, much like what the hardcore LTTE supporters do.

      • 1
        5

        Agnos:
        “Subsequently, the government trotted out so-called IT experts from the Sinhalese community from Moratuwa University”
        Experts from university of Moratuwa analyzed the video and gave their professional opinion. There is no need call them “so-called IT experts” for they are experts in their field and Hoole knows that damn well. Not only that he is casting doubt on their opinion because they are Sinhalese. Which is RACIST. Scientists can analyze the video and give their expert opinion one way or the other. That is scientific process. Just because the video was sourced by Channel 4 doesn’t make it any more credible.
        Hoole writes “Eyewitnesses will say anything in Sri Lanka driven by communal passion or to suck up to authority.” This is because some Sinhalese mob gave false evidence against him during a traffic incident. Is it just Sinhalese eyewitnesses who will say anything driven by communal passion? What of the many Tamil eyewitnesses giving evidence against the Sinhalese army? No, not for Hoole.

        • 3
          1

          no name
          Do not say that you are ignorant of the going price tag on ‘expert opinion’ to match one’s preferences.

          • 2
            1

            Regardless of how the opinion was obtained, a scientific opinion should be countered through scientific argument. That is the accepted process in science. Not through mud slinging and racist slurs. No exceptions for “so called” human rights defenders.

            • 1
              2

              Not when it is an opinion that has been obtained under political pressure.
              *
              You know that sugar lobby had its scientific experts as did the saccharin lobby.
              Now we have the pro and anti coconut lobbies.
              Experts are like pipers who play the tune that they are paid for.
              The Moratuwa team did not explain the criteria based on which they concluded that the videos were faked.
              It is a forensic job for which the experts at Moratuwa were not fit.
              If the GOSL was so confident of the Moratuwa expert opinion they could have confronted Channel 4 with it, or persuaded the British government to take action against Channel 4.
              Much more photographic and video evidence has emerged since and the GOSL has done nothing to challenge any.
              They could have asked more friendly governments like Russia or Japan to check whether the tapes were doctored. But they dared not.
              Rotten things have happened, and it is important to know the truth– not to extract the ‘pound of flesh’, but to know what went wrong and why. Offenders have to live with their guilt behind a shield of denials. This applies to all parties.

              • 2
                1

                From what I recall government reasoning was based on timing between recoil of limbs after the gun shot and audio track. People can disagree and provide counter arguments. There is no need to engage in slander or worst with racist connotations as Hoole has done here. It’s easy to film a video framing Sinhalese soldiers in another country.

                [edited out]

              • 2
                0

                SJ.
                Talking about SriLankan scientific opinion, isn’t it interesting that no sooner the govt banned palm oil imports, the GMOA discovered that it not only causes cancer, but also that it’s an ingredient in imported milk powder?
                I don’t think we need to hold our breath waiting for more discoveries re imported onions, turmeric, etc.

              • 0
                0

                This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

                For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

      • 3
        2

        Why investigate only a few days or weeks of the war? Why not the whole 34 years of war? We all know Tamils lost and Sinhalese won. So if you only investigate the winning moment, obviously the winner would be disadvantaged. That is not fair and such an investigation is a non-starter. If you want an investigation, agree for the whole thing or nothing.

        • 5
          0

          Why has the Government not called for a comprehensive inquiry at any time?

      • 1
        3

        Agnos:
        You are trying to divert attention from the fact that it was well known that Kotakadeniya sent out an order to terrorize the Tamil youths, by blaming the kids for hanging out near their homes.

        Not at all. Responsible parents in the South during 88-89 period made sure their children, especially those who were young adults were back home before dark and did not engage in any form of anti-government activity or activity that could be suspected of being anti-government. It wasn’t enough for many were still dragged from their homes and shot dead. For people who lived through such times, it is actually quite surprising why people let their kids hangout like this during an insurgency. What good is court action after the child is killed?

        • 2
          1

          Noname,

          What you are trying to say is that since Sinhalese let the arbitrary SLA killings of innocent Sinhalese youths during the JVP era go unpunished, Tamils should also do so; also, they should never mind that there was the added element of racism in the case of SLA murdering innocent Tamil youths.

          • 1
            2

            Agnos: Is it more bearable to the Tamils when LTTE abducts your children to make them into child soldiers compared to when SLA abducts them since there is no racism involved in the former? I said people in their right mind will not let their kids hangout in the dark in the beach during troubled times.

  • 17
    3

    The behavior of government amply demonstrates the command responsibility.

    The command responsibility extends to the political leadership and to those at the top of the security forces hierarchy at that time.

    The leaders might try to pass the blame done the line to the lowest.

    It is not the ordinary soldiers who should be punished but the leaders who made the orders.

  • 10
    23

    Tamils/LTTE killed Sinhalese seeking justice/vengeance for Tamils killed by government. Having done that what justice are you seeking now?

    Tamils were silent when LTTE killed, Killed and KILLED Sinhalese over decades. There is not a place in the South that LTTE had not attacked… villages, towns, temples, hotels, ports, airports, train stations, bus stations, trains, buses, planes etc. The killings were intentionally directed towards civilians, to maximize civilian causalities and sometimes to make sure none survived. Women, children, infants, pregnant mothers, devotees, commuters… no one was spared. Killing the injured from the first attack was not beneath Tamils. That’s the kind of inhumane monsters they were/are. There is no dissociation from that by putting it all on LTTE. LTTE were financed, staffed, supported, created and maintained by Tamils for Tamils. Therefore, Tamils have no moral right to ask for justice for Tamils killed during the war. Especially having used Tamil civilians as a human shield to save LTTE as a last resort.

    However many Tamils died during the war, be it 40,000 or 100,000 or 500,000 and many others who were widowed/orphaned/maimed it is gods wrath on Tamils for crimes of LTTE and their support for LTTE.

    • 16
      6

      noname, where were you when the Tamils were massacred by an official army of democratically elected governments of Sri Lanka. Did you shout and holler when that happened in the 70s/80s? Who created the damn LTTE? Your governments did!!! End of story!!!!

      • 7
        11

        Tamil from the north: As I wrote in the first sentence, I thought that is why you kept pumping money into LTTE for 30 years, to kill, Kill and KILL even more people. Isn’t all that blood enough for you? Don’t worry gods are not done with you yet. Be careful, tomorrow you may wake up and find that you have pancreatic cancer like as it happened to Anton Balansigham.

        • 8
          2

          noname you are a complete mutt and lack understanding of the English language you fool. Did you even read what I wrote about my dislike of the LTTE? Read again you mutt, then come back here and holler. Tell me something that I support! You are a racist, that’s why you keep talking about the LTTE when I have clearly stated that I cannot stand the LTTE. Take your nose out of your a**hole and smell some fresh air.

      • 3
        2

        So who won? Who lost?

    • 9
      4

      noname

      What is your problem?

      Have you ever heard of a tried and tested reconciliation process called Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa) ?

      Please go away find out about the process.
      No truth no reconciliation.
      Accountability, owning up crimes, …. are necessary for the country.
      War criminals are running the country, rapists murderers are being freed to do what they want to do.
      I am nor sure if you noticed the increase in violence and incidents of rape and murder immediately after the end of the war.

      You should pull your head from wherever it is now if you really want to address the issues.

      • 5
        8

        NV
        I am telling you for the umpteenth time.
        Accountability is the very antithesis of reconciliation.
        Choose between the two.

        Soma

        • 6
          7

          And seeking accountability in respect of one side of a conflict says that you approve of crimes committed by that side.

          Soma

          • 5
            3

            soman

            You have been sleep typing in these forums.

            You should do some catching up to do.
            Go read up on
            Official Truth and Reconciliation Commission Website
            https://www.justice.gov.za/trc/

            I know you are a smart ass patriot, hence you are going to say something stupid.

          • 2
            0

            soma,
            .
            That’s a good point that you make.
            .
            Please spell out how we should hold the LTTE “accountable”. Most of those who planned all the mayhem are dead.
            .
            Others “double-crossed”. Turned traitor and helped the government defeat the LTTE. The government promised (at least implicitly) to reward these “traitors”. We arrive at an obvious dilemma.
            .
            How to solve? I don’t know.
            .
            However, we must at least avoid getting into any further situations of this sort.

        • 5
          4

          Somoooo, now you have picked up a few words in the English language and trying to use here completely out of context. Use these words in context first. For that you need to read newspapers, not Chandramama.

    • 5
      4

      “Tamils/LTTE killed Sinhalese seeking justice/vengeance for Tamils killed by government.
      Noname, you call it with whatever the name you like, but we want to go wherever Old King went with stolen documents, in 1989, to seek remedy for the atrocities JVP faced on the hand of UNP.
      “Tamils were silent when LTTE killed, Killed and KILLED Sinhalese over decades. “ Are you looking for justice from Tamil? You can see whether Tamils will provide justice or not only after you implement the current constitution and allow North East province to have its jurisdictional authority and you file a case under their court system.

    • 4
      3

      Recently, Rear Admirable told that Old King cheated the countries that came to save the trapped innocent Tamils because prevention of the innocents’ death was not the priority of them, but they looked for the wipe out of LTTE, ensuring Leader Pirapaharan too were dead. Can you tell me if this is not confession of war crime, what else will be? Then why don’t you send Old King and Rear Admirable to Hague to answer further more on that stipulation?
      Ponny War said investigation is needed and because he was not in the war crime commitments, his name need to be cleared, so he can move to English speaking US to live with his family. Hero Field Marshal needed war crime investigation on Lankawe him migrate to USA? Come on man!

      • 4
        7

        Tamil civilians could have been easily saved by Tamil diaspora if they wanted to. It was their beast that kept them hostage and they held its strings!

        • 2
          1

          noname,

          How many JVPyers were served by the Sex shop workers of Western Towns?

          You could not stop creating LTTE before you start disenfranchising Tamils or passing standardization or Sinhala Only or 1958, 1961, 1977, 1983…. burning the library or shooting in Tamil Arachi Mahanadu?

          Why do you bring diasporas here?

          What did you do with your brain? Pawn it to Royals for Arrack & Biriyani?

        • 4
          2

          no name
          no brain
          no b***s

          “It was their beast that kept them hostage and they held its strings!”

          It was the strongman’s clan which bribed the other psychopath to hold them captives since 2005, a convenient cowardice position, a position which helped Shavendra/Kamal to commit large scale massacre, or possible genocide and left them both to brag about how they fought and won LTTE even 11 years after the end of the war.

          Both inapt Gota’s goons should be sacked from their current position and send them to retirement home. Look even Trump doesn’t want them to visit his country.

      • 3
        1

        Innocent? LOL!

    • 11
      3

      naname, though the LTTE proclaimed that they were the sole representatives of the Tamil people, they were not put there by the people. The SL armed forces are an official military of the elected governments of SL and you have to hold them to a higher standard. If there were two countries and the armed forces of the NE attacked the civilians of the south, that is a different story. Majority of Sinhalese are fantastic people, but they are the silent majority, but the filth among the Sinhalese are the minority and they are the loud ones. For the transgressions of the filthy minority, the entire nation suffered for 30 odd years.

  • 11
    22

    Long before Balachandra was shot dead, so many Sinhalese children even younger, many infants had their heads chopped by Tamils using blunt weapons into pulp in border villages. As if by poetic justice, Prabakaran had a similar gash on his face at the end. It is these kinds of people that TNA so boldly proclaimed as sole representatives of Tamils! Today Sumanthiran is talking justice, law and human rights representing TNA. What empty rhetoric.

  • 21
    2

    PART 1.
    Very good thoughts and ideas of a gentleman, except my feeling that outside help will not solve problems. May be that is debateable.
    …………..David Cameron British PM, stated upon the passage of 30/1, “The UNHRC decision on Sri Lanka is a victory for its people.” But words alone do not bring solace. Whatever he said (that was in 2014) – has it brought victory to the people – both Tamils and Sinhalese.? Still the differences and acrimony remain.
    Not words but at least now, time is for real action to sort things out. Let us say : “Yes we can”.
    ……………“ We now need to ask openly for the full implementation of UNHRC Resolution 30/1, and trade embargoes against Sri Lanka including elimination of GSP preferential duties.”
    With the usual rhetoric of “foreign intervention” being anathema to a large extent of the population, I wonder whether the above will really work or a become an acerbation and harden attitudes.
    But there is hope ahead because :
    “Sri Lankans of sound minds have tried all they can and have failed. Now we must look for outside help from democratic countries. In this endeavour, Tamils must keep in mind that the UN report faulted BOTH the government and the LTTE for war crimes. WE CANNOT PUSH FOR ONE PART of the report while tossing out the other against the LTTE.

  • 19
    2

    PART 2,
    Still I feel in your saying ………….“Now we must look for outside help from democratic countries”………. will not bridge that gap that divides the country – of course outright military intervention excluded. Did India’s interventions directly pushing the 13A help anyone but only sown more areas of dissension to argue incessantly and left us the heavy financial burden of Provincial Councils. So let us get ourselves a homegrowm settlement of the these difference which we have spoken about for seven decades.
    This is a good starting point for a Truth Commission as in South Africa –may be the only way ahead.
    But truth commissions are most effective when they attempt to transform a society rather than focus primarily on the needs of victims and perpetrators and TOO MUCH ON PAST ACTIONS.
    TRC in SA was a success because it healed the nation of South Africa while simultaneously healing individuals. It did this by providing a forum through which people could proactively address the past in order to move forward. This process helped meet the needs of the victims, offenders, and the nation. OH for a Mandela or Rev Desmond Tutu to be Sri Lankans.
    Wish everyone and the country a good future devoid of acrimony and hurling abuse at each other, in this time of Christmas good cheer.

    • 5
      7

      This is a good starting point for a Truth Commission as in South Africa –may be the only way ahead.

      Is that much different from the one suggested in R 30/1? May I know why Old King canceled the Tissa Vitharana’ all party solution, that was long before any foreign involvement for a solution (2015)?
      India came in after 1977 and 1983 pogroms. JR openly said he was staring Tamils because that only can please Sinhalese. India started with aids dropping for Sinhala Rapist Army victims in North.
      You appear to be circling in the same roundabout to make “Tamils confess for starting war”. Otherwise will some Sinhala leadership come to your TRO and explain that what was the reason for Sinhala Majority refusing a minister post like Ramanathan brothers like world famous political figures in 1933 State Council? You are never willing to suggest something considering all circumstances, including Britain putting Tamils under jackboot of Sinhala Buddhists, while safely separating Muslims from Hindu India. I can understand if you want to be Sinhala Buddhist, but I am really trying to understand your interests in keeping the Tamils under the jackboot of Sinhala Buddhists.
      Are you theoretically against UN keeping a peace-cop and sending them to control internal problems?

    • 3
      5

      This is a good starting pointfor a Truth Commission as in South Africa –may be the only way ahead. “
      Which one you mean? Can you go in detail, please?
      Are you avoiding to suggest “This is the time”.

    • 4
      6

      ” This process helped meet the needs of the victims, offenders, and the nation. OH for a Mandela or Rev Desmond Tutu to be Sri Lankans. “

      How do you identify a bat from crow, they both are black? Bat hangs upside down, while crow sit straight on the branch; not a solution a square nut for round bolt.
      Would suggest a TRO for Israel & Palestine as solution for their differences?

      South Africa was democratic country but only for White minority; majority Blacks was oppressed. Lankawe is dictatorship country from 1948, majority oppresses minority. Whites, who were ruling them with democratic principle, understood the reality is that keeping majority vote less will not work for long, while America was threatening with sanctions.
      President Nelson & Bishop agreed to accept the confessions under majority black rule, only after a solution was brought in with international blessing.

      • 13
        2

        My comment on the Mahara incident is the 7th one at present. Sorry to disappoint you.
        Secondly I feel no obligation to respond to your long harangues, rushing in far too often with questions and ramblings on extraneous matters like Israel/PLO or happenings long past, but of no real value to the discussion proper, possibly only to give vent to your pent up emotions. However……..
        Thirdly, I have said “truth commissions are most effective when they attempt to transform a society rather than focus primarily on the needs of victims and perpetrators and TOO MUCH ON PAST ACTIONS.”
        Fourthly, …………“I am really trying to understand your interests in keeping the Tamils under the jackboot of Sinhala Buddhists”…….
        I do not think you ever will, because I do not have, nor ever have had, such an interest. This idea is your own creation and you go round and round like trying to catch a shadow. My only interest is how to build a bridge or close the gap between the racial and religious divides.
        So let us look to the future and not spend TOO MUCH time on the past, which cannot be undone now, however much one regrets or keep on talking or ranting about it.
        Peace lover.

        • 1
          6

          Ferryman,
          “Secondly I feel no obligation to respond to your long harangues “ You shouldn’t; This is a public site, just only comments; not a court of law to be forced to answer back. Please, just ignore and leave it to readers to judge whether am I a Harang or are you Hypo.

          ” rushing in far too often with questions and ramblings on extraneous matters like Israel/PLO “ (Labelling my comments will help only CT, you benefit nothing out of it. Please look for the question marks in my comments carefully, but after missing that, don’t blame I said “venomous” when it was dictionary had the synonym for your word usage.)
          Sorry man, I didn’t expect you get hurt by a pertinent comparison. Israel is accused in UNGA & UNHRC as committed war crimes. America and other Western nation agree that two states is the appropriate solution to their problem. Why couldn’t see these similarities in Tamils Sinhala Problem? It seems it is too hard for you to understand that we only call for implementation of all the four fundamental pillars agreed by Lankawe in the transitional Justice part of the R 30/1

          • 11
            0

            Leaving aside the irrelevant ramblings, your bringing in the Israel/PLO conflict to show the SL problem is analogous to each other, is faulty in 2 respects.
            1. Israel has a population of 8.8M while Palestine/PLO has control over population of 5.8M. So it is roughly a matter between 60% Vs. 40%. Sri Lanka demography is roughly 80% Sinhala (all religions) with 20% ALL others including Tamil and Muslim communities. The Israeli and Palestine people are concentrated in each others territory, but how many Tamil and Muslim persons live outside their claimed territory.
            2. Israel was carved out and created artificially in 1948 to find a place and a home for displaced Jews from Europe. That is why the USA and UK are always behind Israel, being their baby.
            ……So you see that these are two different demographic patterns. It is not an internal conflict like in South Africa which was compared by me for similarity here.
            PS: ……….” I didn’t expect you get hurt by a pertinent comparison”………
            1. I am not hurt – may be on your side – because I have no personal interest but only in the conflict of ideas, and to narrow the gap in the two sides – impersonally.
            2. You may have heard of :
            Sticks and stones will hurt me,
            But words never will,
            As they pass by me as the idle wind.
            Cheers

            • 9
              0

              F
              The US & UK backing Israel is driven by deeper selfish motives.
              The UK & France during the Suez War of 1956 had Israel on their side to oppose Egypt. The US was neutral because it saw that siding with the aggressors in Suez would only benefit the USSR which at that time was gaining a foothold in the ME.
              By 1966, the US saw in Israel a force to do its dirty work to protect its oil interests in the ME and control over N. Africa.
              *
              As for Tamil nationalists:
              Since the failure of the Satyagraha in 1961, Tamil nationalists have been persuaded by interested parties to warm up to Israel and make Israel the role model for achieving federation if not separation (a tiny minority’s desire). This flirtation was unchallenged until after Bangladesh and some Indian influence besides the Left’s campaign for Palestine in the 1970’s. Some major Tamil youth movements like the PLOTE openly sided with the PLO against Israel. They sought and received training in PLO camps. This went on until India decided to bring all Tamil militants under its wings, particularly after 1983.
              The LTTE was, however, emotionally close to Israel all along, and interestingly in the mid-late 1980s the LTTE and SLAF received military training in Israel not very far from each other.

              • 7
                0

                Thanks for the detailed notes on Israel and its nexus with some others over here.

                • 0
                  6

                  Sorry Ferryman,

                  I don’t write Tamil Nationalism just “because or not because” of my family has a private rivalry with Sampanthan Aiyya’s family. So I am proud of Tamil Nationalism and hope to continue as much as I can.

              • 3
                3

                Dear SJ

                Thank you.

                I keep asking myself are these commenters from Sri Lanka?

                I realise how little people we have become…deprived of facts…..talk S***.

                I hate to be the Head of State of SL when the folks I had to empower are in a different planet? why???? I really want to know?? please help.

                This is not about political preferences but more about making a case from real facts?? I am good with different view points……….but concerned the mannerism in which non facts are factored into a action list/arguments/case making etc??

                • 4
                  1

                  TV,
                  You don’t believe that the LTTE and SL forces both received training in Israel?

                  • 3
                    0

                    OC

                    I heard this happened in India. Now I here Israel too. I do not differenciate for the discussion purposes.

                    What I was trying to say is having been taken for ride and lost all we had we are not looking at all what has transpired in our life in a lessons learned way?…..we are still making all kind if divisive talk is what I meant. Nothing constructive to help whoever elected to govern and take our Nation forward?

                    I do not have party politics but want to see someone set some ground rules for us the unruly bunch so we will not become self destructive anymore.

                    • 2
                      0

                      TV
                      Do you not recognize the significance of the sources that organizations, including governments, approach for guidance and support?

            • 0
              5

              Ferryman,
              Your convoluted statistics will enlighten the readers the real reason that why are you writing this. So I don’t have to contest your concocted numbers for readers. Because, though my contest may bring out the correct numbers, but that will obstruct & distract the readers’ attention from the necessary part for their understanding of your purpose.
              Ceylon was compared to Swiss at the time of freedom, san Swiss federal structure. Singapore, from the beginning, a unitary country, which’s leader said he is copying Ceylon’s example. Please don’t teach me that Tamils’ call for self-determination is only destroying the Sinhala Buddhists’ Wildlife Sanctuary, SinhaLE.
              You style of presenting your arguments suggest that you are well worth to be a politicians with in the 55% of the Lankawe parliamentarians who didn’t go to high school. I don’t have to reply to your feeble attempt to dislodge me away from my example. I still hold that my example, Israel/Palestine, is a very eloquent one to tell the story.
              It appears you are in the correct spot (country), Which a one Ex US Ambassador to UN, Nikki Hayley described as cesspool, to vent your anti American & Anti UK feelings. Keep wallowing in until your thirst is quenched, with the neo-Stalins.
              See you!

              • 9
                0

                Heaven, Help me.
                There is a limit even to nonsense, one can bear.

                • 3
                  0

                  You would have seen hereabouts that some do not just put up with but even cheer any nonsense that it is inline with their prejudices.
                  *
                  One learns the hard way not to indulge in arguments with crazy canines?

                  • 0
                    3

                    Ferryman should read in CT the 4 or 5 Essays discussing about how Dr. Thiyagalingam, because he is a diaspora from America, shunted out of Jaffna university violation to the mailing laws in place Lankawe, US and UK. He should know the with lion teeth people shouting in those meeting like wild wolves. After that, many Western qualified are employed in UOJ.
                    I was never sent out of America or UK. I have no reason to have grudge against America or UK.

                  • 4
                    0

                    I know. I agree. But then the fun drives me on !!

                  • 4
                    0

                    SJ
                    I know. I agree. Should have. But then the fun drives me on !!

                    • 2
                      0

                      F
                      That is why the Lord’s Prayer says “lead us not into temptation”

                    • 0
                      1

                      Do you know, not just Marx, but Lord also said do not pray me because I am also a substance sold at Deva’s Kottle?

                    • 4
                      0

                      “lead us not to temptation” Yes to the cardinal sins.
                      Ah but I like to be the matador to an enraged bull – just for kicks.

                    • 0
                      0

                      Ferryman,

                      Whatever in the pot comes on the ladle. If it is not meal time kitty like to play “Police & Thief” game with the poor mouse, otherwise with the same mouse “Cat & the Mouse ” game. . Isn’t it.

                • 0
                  3

                  ” Heaven, Help me. “
                  I begged you so often not to bring your religious fanaticism in political discussion. Please see, at least, if you can avoid it in the discussion with me.
                  Thank you in advance.
                  (My one in the heaven knows I am many times honest than other hypocrites. But I don’t call him because I like to talk face to face of what I think) )

                  • 5
                    0

                    It defies logic to think that you take an expression like ‘Heaven help me’ so literally and think it is a matter of religion, and engage in a discussion on CT. Have you heard or read about ‘ Heaven forbid! ‘ – to emphasize that you very much hope that something will not happen. Neither has any religious connotations.

                    • 0
                      4

                      MyView,

                      I know Ferryman didn’t mean that God would come to his side and help him, because he can be that chaff to really believe that God help people him like this way, but the problem is he doesn’t even mean when he says that he wants Tamils need to reconcile their grievances with his Sinhala Buddhist. The matter in his minds seems to be different; the Tamils are being pesky to Sinhala Buddhists. When, I try to poke on that bigot thinking is only he being flared up crying to God. If he has something explainable, he better can do it without pretending as he exasperated and trying buying sympathy from the feeble minded like you or try to call Neo Stalins to his side. Everybody writing in this site knows Neo Stalins are extreme anti-Tamils. if you are proposing a solutions to Tamils Why would you call Stlins to your side, not calling Tamils elected Kumar , CV, Sam Ayya…..You, his advocate, need know before trying creating sympathy for him, “Heaven Help ” in not any point in any kind arguments other than trying to creating an opinion that the debater is alone in a just course, and being waylaid & humiliated. Using that kind of technique is ridiculously dishonest.

        • 1
          6

          Lankawe, before pulling out in 2020, agreed to UNSG to investigate on responsibility & accountability in May 2009, in Colombo. In UNHRC, Geneva, Thero De Silva used India to negotiate time to do that, again in May 2009. Lankawe agreed with UNHRC in 2012 resolution. Then next time in 2013 agreed for a resolution. Then it refused to in 2014 so the March 2015, the 42 War Criminal were to be named with OISL report. Lankawe asked time. Then in September 2015, Lankawe signed R 30/1. Then in 2017, Lankawe signed R 34/1 asking more time. Then 2019 it signed 40/1 asking more time. Then in March it returned to its 1931, position that it owns the Lankawe so it can do anything to Tamils. Further, in between, it did many oral presentations in UNHRC showing how it will do the implementation of R 30/1

          1). First is OMP and immediate reparation for victims. 2) Second “Internal” investigation to establish Accountability and Responsibility with Commonwealth Lawyers and Judges participating in that. 3). A solution for Tamils based on the Crime committed-(it is genocide- so acceptance of Tamils Self-determination.) 4). A TRO, similar to SA.
          Pushing in TRO first is putting cart before the horse to save some Rapist Sinhala Buddhists.

  • 17
    2

    Not that I have any special affinity for Ratnajeevan Hoole, I am worried for him. Why is he knocking his head against a brick wall. Look at where former DIG Shani Abeysekara is. And, he is not even a Tamil. If truth would deliver justice would not he be free today. Is the life of Jeevan more valuable than that of Shani’s, to the government.

    • 3
      8

      His apparent show of fearlessness is a reflection of the tolerence of our Sinhala Buddhist society.
      Any Tamil say anything.
      You only can’t set up bombs.

      Soma

      • 4
        1

        Is that why, Somu, you are 174, out of 179 countries for Media-men safety?

  • 16
    3

    It takes a lot of courage to write like this under the circumstances prevailing. there are bitter pills, in this write-up, for both the Sinhalese the Tamils to swallow. it has to be swallowed for the sake integrity of the country.

    • 4
      8

      His apparent show of fearlessness is a reflection of the tolerence of our Sinhala Buddhist society.
      Any one can say anything.
      You only can’t set up bombs.

      Soma

      • 7
        2

        soma, how lovely……………..1957/58/77/83/2009. Do these mean anything to you?

        • 10
          2

          Tamil from the north

          soman has developed selective amnesia in order to fit in with his mates, Ampitiye Sumanarathana, Elle, Gnana, Udhaya, Wimal, Mahinda, Sarath Fonseka, Sarath Weerasekere, Anuradha Yahampath, Diana Gamage, ……………………………. and suffers from lack of adventurous activities such as good profitable riots, opportunity to burn down public library, business premises, homes, … looting, …..

          • 6
            2

            NV, nice to see your comment friend. Buddha was for peace and calmness, these are not monks, they are simply low life hoodlums. Why can’t the people of SL see each other as humans as opposed to a brand?

      • 3
        0

        We should not ‘tolerate’ truth. we should see it and accept it.
        we should not practice tolerance only when we see that the world wouldn’t tolerate us doing otherwise anymore.
        that would be a marking of a gracious civilization.
        the flood-lights have been triggered now by the past incidents. no one likes to steal in the day light. I am not discounting what atrocities the Tamil groups have done especially to their own. but right now it pales in comparison to what has been done to them.

  • 12
    3

    People should be punished not to have thoght twice. Good riddence to bad rubbish. This people would never see it right. Falling from frying pan to fire is in making. Silent Buddhist clergy should take the responsibility because majority of people are born stupid. They only enjoy looking at the stupidest health minister of the nation sippt ” pani beema” born meeharak, with uni experts continue in their long slumber. Myths rule this nat every time medamulana meeharak are back to power. Innocent masses are fallen in all untold stories. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 27
    6

    Men like Professor Hoole must be admired and respected for their courage honesty and idealism in fearlessly uttering the unpalatable truth from which cowards shrink. The fearless defiance of such men in the face of evil, is only explicable in terms of their spiritual power as they cry out with the Psalmist ” In God I trust; I shall not be afraid what man can do to me” (Ps.56). We live in a foul degenerate society reeking in the hypocricy and humbug of false religion, where millions in their folly selfishness and blind prejudice silently aquiesce with evil when they are not actively voting for it. One is reminded of the words used by the prophet Isaiah around 700 BC to describe his own rotten society where “Justice is turned back,and righteousness stands far off; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter” (Is.59.14). In such a decadent age characterised by feudal subservience, men like Professor Hoole are great role model who are worth their weight in gold.

    • 14
      2

      Dear Prof. Ekanayaka,

      Today, they dont care the little about the facts. If their biased media would create the public perception in favour of any idiots, people just line up to support them. That is how current leaders became popular apart from the blatant lies spread across the nation in favour of Rajapakshe politics. Not they themselves, but heroic forces fought the war to the end, but some media displays paved the way MR to grab the ” full cake” not let it be shared with the all who deserve.

      You may talk to various groups of people coming from various walks of life down there, you will get to know that people INDIFFERENCE behaviour is growing in that part of the world. I am not living in that hell today, so I cant feel the way anyone live there, however, I collect my info by myself whenever I am back in that country ( 2-3 times a year until COVID hit the world).

    • 5
      9

      His apparent show of fearlessness is a reflection of the tolerence of our Sinhala Buddhist society.
      Any one can say anything.
      You only can’t set up bombs.

      Soma

      • 7
        2

        soman

        “His apparent show of fearlessness is a reflection of the tolerence of our Sinhala Buddhist society.”

        You becoming clever by the second.
        What has tolerance and Buddhist society got to do with morons like you?

        When did Sinhala/Buddhists exercise tolerance the last time. The last time I guess ever tolerance exercised was just before the advent of the public racist Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala.

        You ought to see a hypnotist to recover your lost memory, just like your lost morality.

    • 16
      3

      Dear Professor ANI Ekanayaka,
      .
      How there could be so many dislikes on such comment is beyond me. I suspect you used to many big words that flew right over the heads of some moda people who were attempting to understand your comment and in that frustration they have resorted to the dislike button. #sad

    • 11
      2

      Professor ANI Ekanayaka Thank you.

    • 8
      1

      Thank you Prof. Hoole and Prof. Ekanayaka for standing up for truth and justice.

  • 17
    4

    A war crimes tribunal with external judges and lawyers is a must: Sri Lanka cannot be trusted including its governments and its judiciary.

    Will the Sinhalese state, armed forces and Sinhalese people resort to violence and massacres of the minorities in the event a tribunal is set up?

    • 8
      2

      Thiru, spot on. How can anybody trust this country when the main accused of the country is the President? Review the 20th amendment and you will see why he updated the 19th amendment.

  • 12
    4

    Now Wandibattayas and all other backkissers of Rajaapkshes would go on hunting this good Prof. harming his life. We perfectly know for what Rajaakshes are talented at most. They aer born criminals. Their medamulan cave never guided them to be real hearted srilankens. Speculations are there, that bastard son Namal Baby called gathering amounting to few hundreds in Kandy area going by his own plans, being unncessarily empowered as already shown also during that 52 day fake govt, this time, too, this bastard son has harmed the nation deliberately, Kandy areas were free from COVID AND now it has spread like a cancer all over the country, curse go to ballige puthas born to Madamulan cave. These men should be punished by Karama no sooner, so that people could breath in well. There are also speculations, Mahinda Rajakashes s health is worsening, That is a good news for the people who have been fallen into the suppression mood only because ballige putha did not want to go his retirement.
    Today the situation in the country is thousand times worst than the last days of previous govt, even if WE put the blame on that POLONNARUWA donkey. Donkey to be accountable for the mess, but he was somewhat better with the decision than former petrol shed assistant, Gotabaya.

    • 7
      3

      Folks, now you know even if a DOWN syndrome patient could become a leader of a nation, if local medias would make the public perception that HE OR SHE is sent by god. Myths rule this nation than any other foreign forces. A woman, who is said tobe empowered by invisible strengths keep on saying that a leader would be born to protect the nation. ha ha… what protection is achieved as of today.
      What happened to that colombo shanty dweller PASQUAL… he should have sealed off his both ends as of today with all most everything is worsening in terms of flattening the curve. God bless srilanka. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 10
    3

    Seeking justice from a Sinhala Bauda Govt is a joke that not funny, karma is a bitch the war criminals irrespective of race or religion will pay one war or other. If they don’t their children or grand children will have to pay with interest.
    Look at Fonseka Tamils had to do nothing. His own Sinhala Bauda including the military dragged him like a dog, dressed him in a prison jumper and made him sleep on the cement floor. He had to cry like a pig to get a mattress and he has still not learnt a lesson.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5H0HAdCDFI

    • 5
      2

      Burt

      Have you had time to read the comments below the youtube clip.
      Read them quite interesting.
      Anthropologist worth one’s salt should have studied the bigotry, stupidity, racism, …. expressed in the typing.

      Here is what bigoted Sarath Fonseka ranted to a Canadian journalist in 2008:
      Excerpt:
      “I strongly believe that this country belongs to the Sinhalese but there are minority communities and we treat them like our people,” he says.
      “We being the majority of the country, 75%, we will never give in and we have the right to protect this country.
      “We are also a strong nation … They can live in this country with us. But they must not try to, under the pretext of being a minority, demand undue things.”

      Stewart Bell, National Post · Sept. 23, 2008
      http://www.nationalpost.com/inside+lanka+part+life+given+over/832374/story.html


      If the war criminal strongly believes the country belongs to the Sinhalese what the hell the descendant of Kallathonie convert doing in this island. When Sirimao the weeping widow sent hard working poor Tamils back to India, people should have stopped them leaving this island, instead force every bigoted converts to leave this island.

  • 15
    5

    This is great writing; balanced, substantiated, and setting the conflicts in this country within today’s greater world. It is a model of restraint.
    .
    When the responses start coming on let me hope that they are not such as will shame us further by throwing denials and obscenities at readers. There are so many developments that underline for us the interdependence of the various countries of the world.
    .
    In so many countries today, minority persons who have demonstrated their commitment to working with the rest of their country have been accorded honoured places, even been allowed to lead their countries. Let me hope that we will see current issues being addressed by readers, without our seeing absurd claims like “all Tamils were brought here in Colonial Times.” I say that because such comments have become too common recently on CT. Let us, on the contrary, acknowledge the contributions made by all communities to the fabric of our country.

    • 12
      0

      An YES, to your comments.
      I was thinking of commenting on similar lines when I saw yours. There is wishful thinking of many possibilities like war crimes tribunals etc. and there is much railing to the govt. as is usual. Calls for Internation intervention. There is an idea of trade embargoes. I wonder of the practicality of some of these ideas.
      In the current time, even with such action, North Korea has survived. Myanmar is still practising its own brand of democracy and surviving. Even in Africa, many countries survive after atrocities. With Sri Lanka’s geographic importance, the West will be circumspect in pushing too far and only nudge enough to get diaspora votes. I am sure such action will only drive the country for more dependence to China and Russia, for economic survival in the worst scenario.
      After all, is it not in everyone’s interest to sort these matters out, most preferably by ourselves?
      The days when errant children were caned and punished are gone. Now it is remedial therapy for why some act as they do and find solutions.
      So in this context, may be my earlier suggestion of a Truth Commission can find a home grown solution after tempers cool and the heat of words die down.

      • 1
        3

        Ferryman,
        ” The days when errant children were caned and punished are gone. Now it is remedial therapy for why some act as they do and find solutions. Is that the belief prevented you from commenting anything on Mahara Massacre, so far in CT? Or is that your argument that Mahara Massacre has nothing to do with Appeh Aanduwa?

        Does your method of scientific education of children rhyming with Aanduwah’s standardization, which in practice, pushed out hardworking kids and promoted rowdy kids until to reach presidency? In all democratic Western worlds, well studying kids put in gifted classes and charter schools, while ill-mannered ones sent to boot camps. No blind mixing. Sinhala Buddhists has to go on their path; Tamils should go on their path.

        Ferryman, you really have some deficiency of understanding what a child is and who a war criminal is. So you mix up your Sinhala Buddhist theories into governmental matter, which founder fathers of America completely dissected into two. Why is that you like to mix up religious believes into politics, unable to differentiate what is what?
        Is your “practicality” means, Sinhala Buddhist oppressing Tamils is easier rather than UN and IC providing a just solution to Tamils? When America left UNHRC, US ambassador said that she expected Lankawe to continue on the R 30/1 and provide answers to accountability and responsibility for 2009.

        • 7
          0

          No where in my above comment have I mentioned Sinhala, Tamil, Buddhist, or any other religion. Not once. Not a word. So you create own story and shadow box?
          So sad to say your ….”So you mix up your Sinhala Buddhist theories into governmental matter, ………… Why is that you like to mix up religious believes into politics, unable to differentiate what is what?”………….
          This should be directed at those who really do this and I find fault with. Some (no names as is my wont), who use terms like ALL Sinhala Buddhists into every subject and name-call with added word modaya, taking a holier than thou attitude.
          But after saying above you then comment…………”So you mix up your Sinhala Buddhist theories .”…..So you do not see the mote in thine own eye.?
          I only find fault when a whole segment of people are classed as one and denigrated, just to correct the picture – not to hold a brief for anyone. No one is without blame in one way or another, especially those with blinkered eyes.
          BTW you might admit that now you have missed my comment on the Mahara incident.

      • 3
        0

        Dear Ferryman,
        .
        At least four comments on this article by you already; this is only my second, and is placed here as an acknowledgement that all of us who desire peace in this country should join forces and press ahead now.
        .
        You have said that you agree with me. These sagacious words written by Professor Hoole may come to usher in a new era for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Not every day do we have a disquisition on CT that can be described as “great writing”.
        .
        This could well grow into the major initiative for Peace, and it could be what discloses a sea-change for the life of our battered nation whose future seemed to be so very bleak. Not only have the responses to this article been more numerous than we could have expected, but also quality-wise these comments are way more constructive than what we could have anticipated when we first read this great essay.
        .
        Our duty is to be objective, not crave recognition ourselves, but humbly do all that we can to drive forward this initiative. We are sure to be making many more comments in the next six days.

        • 5
          0

          Dear SM,
          Replying you at length, might appear to some as there is “back patting” between us – so I will only say that few of my comments need reflection and consideration.
          The others, if any, were just wasting my time being distracted from the real issue, in response to extraneous matters not connected with the article and not really contributing anything of value.
          ……..” but also quality-wise these comments are way more constructive than what we could have anticipated when we first read this great essay…………………
          Yes in some comments, there is name calling and abuse, sometimes nauseatingly repeated phrases, (may be release of pent up emotions only), but no real contribution to anything.
          It is the CT moderator who can decide on the level of commenting standards.
          In this month of peace and good will, I wish ALL creatures, big and small, PEACE in capitals.

  • 5
    3

    Folks, now you know even if a DOWN syndrome patient could become a leader of a nation, if local medias would make the public perception that HE OR SHE is sent by god. Myths rule this nation than any other foreign forces. A woman, who is said tobe empowered by invisible strengths keep on saying that a leader would be born to protect the nation. ha ha… what protection is achieved as of today.
    What happened to that colombo shanty dweller PASQUAL… he should have sealed off his both ends as of today with all most everything is worsening in terms of flattening the curve. God bless srilanka. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 6
    19

    To the Editor,
    The message encapsulated in this essay is neither consistent nor worthy of a person who has been in high office where critical constitutional authority resided. The least one would expect is loyalty to Sri Lanka.

    • 11
      2

      People should have loyalty to the truth first, then the country. In the face of a government and a military that are simply evil, the loyalty to the truth and the task of fighting evil for all the peoples in the country take precedence over other things.

      • 2
        4

        Hello Agnos,
        Presenting and elaborating upon conclusions based on evidence is speaking the truth and any rational person would support it. My comment is not about speaking the truth but about advocating the imposition of trade embargoes, which constitutes disloyalty to the country that nurtured us through the University. I had great respect for Prof Hoole for presenting a different view at the Election Commission, although I question his loyalties now.
        A person can be truthful and also loyal to Sri Lanka.

        • 6
          1

          Prof. Hoole is living in SL and will himself be affected, along with others in SL, from trade embargoes. Why do you think he still calls for it?

          I think it is because there has been no movement on any justice for war crimes, or any solution to their long standing problems that led to the war in the first place, and the Tamil people are highly disappointed and frustrated as the majority simply dismisses it and elects regimes that are even more autocratic than before.
          The Sinhalese must fight for an overarching SL identity, with justice and fair play, if they want the Tamils to believe that they have a fair shot in Sri Lanka and the system –the courts, law enforcement, etc.–will produce justice. Until that happens, though, Tamils will have to search for any leverage they can find for justice, including pressuring the regime through embargoes.

          Personally, I am not a fan of embargoes/sanctions. The U.S. sanctions on Iraq and Iran largely affected the people, but their regimes survived. Instead, there must be some other way of applying pressure on the regime and the elements of the military that seek to hide their crimes.

          • 5
            0

            Hello Agnos,
            Thanks for the response.
            You have noted a number of issues that underpin your perspective of the current situation in Sri Lanka and I appreciate your sincerity.
            I would like to present my perspective but it cannot be accomplished within a 200-word limit.
            Without attempting to provide a possible explanation as to how we got to where we are, I would ask you to consider what course of action would achieve the desired outcome.
            Would confrontation or would a persistent and a genuine dialogue lead to a common understanding? Do you seriously think that a confrontational approach (with international sanctions) would lead the present Sri Lankan government to yield?

            • 2
              0

              SA,

              It is a situation where nether cooperation nor confrontation has yielded results and injustices continue.

              So people will try out different things based on the national and international realities. Some people will want India to intervene. Others may look to the West. Still others may hope against hope that the Sinhalese polity will somehow change without external pressure. Tamils are not a homogeneous group to have a single opinion on what the best path forward is.
              But all forms of non-violent resistance to tyranny are legitimate; that the current regime in Colombo is tyrannical and intent on denying Tamils their place in SL is something on which Tamils have universal agreement.

              • 0
                0

                Agnos,
                I struggle to see how any changes would take place without a national conversation. The current campaign runs the risk of hardening the approach of the Sinhalese leading to the formation of a government where its composition reflects the hardened approach. My fear is that Tamil youth (young blood) will toy with the idea of armed struggle leading to yet another tragedy. Tamil leadership will need to step up and Prof Hoole’s call for trade embargoes is one example that torpedoes a national conversation. Frankly, I was rattled by his call.

      • 1
        0

        Dear Agnos and Sunil Abeyratne,
        .
        That’s a healthy exchange between the two of you.
        .
        With every such sensible exchange, we further the cause of humanitarianism. We don’t control how the future is going to unfold. We will do well to regard Hoole’s fine piece of writing as his best effort to bring this country to its senses.
        .
        I know that as an old man my own days on this planet are numbered. I’d have liked to look back on greater successes in life, but let us do what we can to now ensure something better for future generations.
        .
        I, too, am in Sri Lanka, and none of us will want sanctions that will further lower our standards of living. As old codger sometimes reminds us, we must acknowledge that we are, in some senses, better off than our grandparents. On the other, there already are too many people living on this island, degrading the natural habitat for us all. Saw this just now:
        .
        https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/dec/07/spice-of-life-how-turmeric-became-the-new-gold-for-sri-lanka-villagers
        .
        I don’t know whom we should thank, but there is some good that has got done.
        .

  • 7
    14

    If the Tamils have a problem with the Srilankan state, then you must take it up with them, not attack the Sinhalese. War crimes or not, the right of the Sinhalese people to this island is irrevocable. This is the homeland of the Sinhalese. The Sinhalese became a people and a nation in this island. Tamils are a relatively recent diaspora of Tamilnadu. What the UN needs to do is to request India to grant the Tamils the right to return to Tamilnadu. India even denied the Plantation Tamils’ their right to return. Now these Plantation Tamils too want self-determination in a federal state centred around Nuwara Eliya, encompassing several districts. Surely we can’t be giving sections of our island to all these different immigrant groups to put up separate states. According to internationals law none of the Tamil groups fulfil the criteria for self-determination here. Since you Tamils obviously have a wish to break up this island into several states, you must get this issue tried in the International Court of Justice. You are not doing that, because you Tamils do not have a chance in the world to get the ICJ to rule in your favour.

    • 5
      13

      …. “recovering the once untarnished name of the Buddhist religion”
      You Tamils need to not worry about Buddhism, a religion you Tamils have done everything possible to destroy. What happened to the Buddhists of Jaffna? The whole Jaffna and the north and east is strewn with Sinhalese Buddhist archaeological remains. But today, the area is almost devoid of Sinhalese and Buddhists.
       
      In 1544, when Sankili the Tamil ruler ethnically cleansed the Buddhists from Jaffna, all the Buddhists were Sinhalese. This ethnically cleansing of the Buddhists from Jaffna is narrated in the Tamil document Yalpana Vaipava Malai and corroborated by Portuguese documents:
       
      After the massacre of the Christians Sankili’s insane fury longed for more victims and he fell upon the Buddhists of Jaffna who were all Sinhalese. He expelled them beyond the limits of the country and destroyed their numerous places of worship. Most of them betook themselves to the Vannis and the Kandyan territories.
       
      What were these numerous Buddhist places of worship Tamils destroyed in 1544 when they ethnic-cleansed the Sinhalese?
      Kadurugoda (now Kantarrodai), Vaelipura (now Vallipuram), Nagadipa, Dambakola-patuna etc. Today all Tamilized into unrecognisable Tamil names.

    • 8
      2

      Punchi Point
      Punchi Brain
      Punchi Willi

      “If the Tamils have a problem with the Srilankan state, then you must take it up with them, not attack the Sinhalese. “

      It is not just the Tamils who have problem with Srilankan state, the Sinhalese, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, …… you name it every Tom Dick and Harry also have problem with failed Sri Lankan state.

      By now you would have known why.

      “In 1544, when Sankili the Tamil ruler ethnically cleansed the Buddhists from Jaffna, all the Buddhists were Sinhalese.”

      Lets have some evidence.

    • 9
      2

      Punchi Point,

      This is not Tamils Vs Sri Lanka or Tamils Vs Sinhalese. It is Human Rights Vs Sri Lanka.

      Human Rights is a universal right,

      It transcends national borders. Whose homeland Sri Lanka is, could be debated in another forum.

      Patriotic Sri Lankans will never allow their beloved country tarnished with human rights violations.

      • 2
        9

        Tamil human rights obviously clash with human decency. Celebrating one of the most ruthless and murderous terrorist leaders who ever lived, is hardly a human right.

        • 9
          2

          PP,
          So Rohana Wijeweera was not a terrorist?

          • 8
            2

            PP,
            Your Mahavamsa says that non-Buddhists are not human. You could use that as justification in Geneva.

        • 4
          1

          PP, the Lankan government is a terrorist outfit equally bad as the LTTE.

    • 11
      1

      PP,
      “If the Tamils have a problem with the Srilankan state, then you must take it up with them, not attack the Sinhalese”
      The Sri Lankan state IS Sinhalese. The armed forces and police are over 90% Sinhala. Sinhala Buddhism is virtually the state religion. Even govt employees are mostly Sinhalese.
      What are you talking about?

      • 8
        1

        old codger

        How and where do they produce things such as Punchi Point, Eagle Eye, N Perera, soma, S C Passcal ……. ?

        • 3
          0

          Native,
          “How and where do they produce……”
          I hear someone called Ravana has a factory full of monkeys to do the job.

          • 2
            1

            old codger

            “I hear someone called Ravana has a factory full of monkeys to do the job.”

            You mean the Godfather Ittakande Saddhatissa of Ravana Balaya?

  • 7
    0

    Even the last regime did not do it so very unlikely this regime will.

  • 5
    3

    its high time that the respectable world takes notes of the arrogant rajpuaks’s who seem to be conducting themselves in an autocratic draconian manner not giving two hoots about the rest of the owrld.

  • 4
    9

    What for war criminal charges? Millions of innocent unarmed Vietnamese killed by American forces? We called people who living in Madras are Madrascals This is the name given by the British who ruled India a long time ago

    • 9
      2

      N. Perera

      “Millions of innocent unarmed Vietnamese killed by American forces?”

      Let Ratnajeevan H. Hoole deal with our own war criminals about 400,000, we beg you to deal with American forces.

      “This is the name given by the British who ruled India a long time ago”

      Did the Brits rule Madras. Its a news to me.
      Could you cite some evidences.

  • 3
    9

    There are two sides to the story. One faction says there were more than 40,000 civilian deaths caused by security forces and other says it was less than 10,000. All sorts of crimes by the LTTE is mostly forgotten. During the eleven years after the war was over, harping on this matter has not gained or lost anything. People like Dr Hoole, TNA and a few diaspora agencies enjoy living on this. By punishing the members of the forces or the LTTE now, will not give any benefit to any Sri Lankan (Tamil or Sinhala). Let bygones be bygones and work towards making a prosperous Sri Lanka.

    • 5
      1

      Hello Eratne ,
      What is your side of the story. I wish to hear that first.
      Once I hear that from you, I will give you an earful.

  • 1
    1

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  • 1
    1

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    1

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  • 6
    1

    Eagle Blind Eye

    You are better at typing now.
    Thanks for saying a lot.

    Soman says Sinhala/Buddhists are tolerant society, you have just proved it.

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