By R. Sampanthan –
R. Sampanthan
Non-alignment has been the cornerstone of our Foreign Policy. It may be that there were times when we deviated from this policy, but that has been rare and has had its own consequences.
Generally, we have been steadfast in our adherence to the policy of non-alignment. We have maintained an equidistance and I would, in that context, like to pose the question, what has been the policy of the present Government? Has this Government, for narrow parochial domestic considerations, sacrificed this policy of non- alignment with consequences which can be dire for the whole country?
This has happened, Sir, through activities in several areas: trade, economic co-operation to an unprecedented degree with one country, defence co-operation again with the same country and geostrategic co-operation including maritime co-operation with that same country. There are concerns in Sri Lanka.
In fact, over the huge projects being undertaken by China in Sri Lanka, which are somewhat lacking in transparency, and even without being explicitly requested by Sri Lanka on loans with high rates of interest, it is alleged that some projects are very lucrative to some individuals.
I want to read, Sir, certain comments that appeared in “The Sunday Times” newspaper recently. This is what it says. I quote:
“Contemporary bilateral ties between the two countries, ….”
that is Sri Lanka and China.
“…….however, are neither straightforward nor transparent and key elements of the relationship have caused serious worry across the Palk Strait. New Delhi has always been wary of China’s geostrategic interests in South Asia. But nothing has raised its hackles more in recent times than China’s aggressive expansion into Sri Lanka and Colombo’s unquestioning acceptance of it.”
In another paragraph it says, I quote:
“The domestic picture is also disquieting. The most alarming aspect of the Sino-Lanka alliance is that citizens are kept deliberately ignorant of what is really going on. This might work for China which operates on the principle that what its people do not know will not hurt them. But it is not what Sri Lanka, once an open and vibrant democracy, needs.”
So, Sir, the view is being expressed by a number of people that insofar as the China-Sri Lanka relationship is concerned, many things were happening secretly and without the public knowing about it. By acting in this way, is Sri Lanka preserving its sovereignty? Sri Lanka howls that its sovereignty is being breached by sections of the international community who merely call upon Sri Lanka to observe treaties and conventions to which Sri Lanka has voluntarily subscribed and which Sri Lanka is bound to honour.
It would be relevant, Sir, to look at the role played by China during the regime of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as compared with its role over a long period of time, including periods of Sri Lanka Freedom Party rule under Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the subsequent rule of the SLFP under President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
The total assistance extended by China to Sri Lanka during the period 1971 to 2012, around 41 years, was US Dollars 5,056 billion of which US Dollars 4,761 billion, approximately 94 per cent, was extended between 2005 and 2012, around seven years, that was during the term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The funding promised by China in the period 2012 to 2014 is said to be around US Dollars 2.18 billion, the majority as a loan; of the total funding in the period 2005 to 2013, only 2 per cent is grant while 98 per cent is loan. In contrast, I would like to look at Indian assistance to Sri Lanka. It is approximately US Dollars 1.3 billion, one-third of that amount is by way of grant.
Is this a clear indication of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s insensitivity to the concerns of neighbouring India, recognized as the regional power in South Asia, or is it the pursuit of a deliberate, pre-determined programme to undermine Indian interests and thereby isolate India so as to free itself from obligations and commitments made to India not only in the interests of reconciliation, peace and harmony within Sri Lanka but also in the region? No country has greater links with Sri Lanka politically, economically, socially and culturally than India. Are these actions intended to undermine all these linkages which have their roots in both geography and history?
Sir, I want to pose this question. Is a position sought to be created where India will not be able to play any role in Sri Lanka in keeping with India’s role over the past three decades and consistent with India’s historical, geographical and cultural links with Sri Lanka?
Does President Mahinda Rajapaksa think that China would be supportive of his pursuing a narrow political agenda in Sri Lanka? This is the question that is most worrisome from the point of view of people who are concerned about the future. There is also a great deal of concern that such a course of action would not be in the interests of Sri Lanka, India or the region.
Of course, there is also the possibility of the very large loans that have been given by China to Sri Lanka being converted into equity and it is a matter of grave concern to many Sri Lankans who are concerned` with protecting the country’s independence in every way.
Sri Lanka claims that it will have operational control over many projects executed by China. To what extent this will be possible is questionable. The extent of indebtedness of Sri Lanka to China would result in Sri Lanka being denied the opportunity to exercise any such operational control.
There is defence co-operation between Sri Lanka and China which in recent times has received prominence. There were reports mid this year of the establishment of a Maintenance Facility in Trincomalee by China. This proposal had Cabinet approval. This would have been in contravention of the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement.
A Chinese submarine along with a Chinese warship docked in the Colombo Port in September 2014. It docked again in the Colombo Port on its return. Though various assurances are given by Sri Lanka – when things that did not happen earlier happen now, they cause concern and raise the question of whether there is new thinking, whether it is sought to undermine and marginalize India by Chinese dominance – the million-dollar question being with what consequences eventually, both for India and Sri Lanka.
I want to raise, Sir, some other matters of concern, which are strategic in nature. Some of these matters reached some stage of finality when the Chinese President, Xi Jinping undertook a State Visit to Colombo on the 16th and 17th of September 2014. The first would be the Colombo Port and Harbour. As of now 70 per cent of the transshipment business in the Colombo Port is India-related. The South Container Terminal at the Colombo Port has been developed and for a period of 35 years will be operated by a consortium led by China and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It was here that the Chinese warship and submarine docked recently.
Hambantota Harbour and Port: For Phase I, China provided US 307 million, 85 per cent of the total cost of Phase I. Phase II would reportedly cost US 810 million. During President Xi’s visit in September 2014, a Supply-Operate- Transfer Agreement was signed, which will be valid for 35 years, and four out of the seven container berths would be used by a Chinese Company.
Colombo Port City Project: This is a mega project. It will result in the creation of a new city by reclaiming 233 hectares of land from the sea at a cost of US Dollars 1.4 billion. It was inaugurated by President Xi Jinping when he was in Colombo on 17th September 2014. Hundred and twenty five hectares would belong to Sri Lanka. Eighty eight hectares would be leased to China on a 99-year lease. Twenty hectares would be given o China on a freehold basis which means that almost half the land or a little less than half the land would eventually be under China’s control.
Maritime Cooperation: Sri Lanka supports China’s plan to build a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. A Joint Committee is being set up on Coastal and Marine Cooperation to cooperate in search for wreckage, ocean observation, marine and coastal zone management. All types of surveys can be carried out. What are the implications of all these steps? The position would result in China acquiring not merely influence, but dominance from the West to the South of Sri Lanka. That would be the real position, not merely in some little place. These facts have established, Sir, the firm grip that China has over Sri Lanka. Is it firstly in Sri Lankan interests or in the interests of the Sri Lankan people, is it in the interests of our neighbour, India, the regional power in South Asia? What would be consequences of these steps? This is the matter, Sir, that I consider my duty to raise in this House. In the context of such activities, can we be said to be genuinely following a policy of non-alignment? And are we not sacrificing our stature and respect on the world scene for narrow parochial domestic considerations. Is this not indicative of a shortsighted and myopic vision of Governance that could have disastrous consequences for the whole country?
Despite several commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government- these commitments have been given in very clear terms to various sections of the international community, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to India- to bring about constitutional arrangements for the country that would enable all the people to live in this country as equal citizens this Government has been dragging its feet in complying with those commitments. There is a view that the Sri Lankan Government is emboldened to do so because China is prepared to be supportive of Sri Lanka in whatever circumstances. This is not fair and not what the Sri Lankans expect from a great power like China. We submit that China should use its goodwill over Sri Lanka in a more reasonable way so as to bring about genuine reconciliation, peace and harmony between all the citizens in Sri Lanka and thereby enable all the citizens in Sri Lanka to live in peace and harmony.
Thank you.
*The speech made by R. Sampanthan in Parliament today
Manisekaran / November 14, 2014
Hon. Sampanthan Sir,
Please ignore, indian policy makers deserve this.
Mani
Chennai TN
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J.Muthu / November 14, 2014
Mani,
Rajapakse well look after the all indian policy makers….all corrupt.
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Sensible Thinking / November 15, 2014
Stateless people advising how to run a state is so hilarious!
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Rajash / November 15, 2014
Sensible Thinking “Stateless people advising how to run a state is so hilarious! “
It appears you cant think sensibly like the rest of the Sinhala modayas. Read the article carefully, I am sure you will not find it hilarious when you become stateless and helpless.
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Dr. Rajasingham Narendran / November 14, 2014
A succinct, precise and yet very informative expose of Chinese grip on Sri Lanka. A useless port and an airport , named after our president have been built with Chinese money . An unnecessary project off the Colombo Coast to be carried out on a Chinese loan is also in the works, of which 25 ha are pledged to China on a 99 year lease! Would the Sri Lankans then living, have to bargain with China to get this land back, like China had to do with Britain over Hong kong? A similar project is planned for Hambantota, a place that is being transformed into a ‘ Humbug’s Tota’, with many unnecessary ‘ White Elephant’ projects being carried to satisfy the ego and self glorification of one man- our president,
How will we pay for these loans? Is there a plan based on cost- return projections? Is this government mortgaging future generations of Sri Lankans as well, through its capricious and self-aggrandising projects?
,Mr. Sambanthan, thanks for speaking on behalf of all Sri Lankans, who have a stake in the welfare of our country- Sri Lanka.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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Sylvia Haik / November 14, 2014
These loans will still be hanging over the heads of our future Sri Lankans beyond the 99 years and it is more likely the lease would be extended forever more, if we have not all been destroyed before then by future President Extraordinaire Gnanasara Thera and the ruling party the BBS.
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Eusense / November 14, 2014
RN,
You have used words like “Chinese grip”, “useless”, “unnecessary project”, “Chinese loan”, “White Elephant’ projects” etc. etc. to describe displeasure of projects going on in Sri Lanka. When the LTTE was active didn’t you say “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”? Apply that here. What you consider useless is something valuable to others who think progressively. In this modern era SL has to move forward. From where do you think we can get money to build if we won’t take loans? Are you anticipating SL is going to hit gold in the future so that we can build with our own money. Or you want to wait another 20 years to build when expenditure rises to 100 times more?
For god’s sake the 30 year Tamil terrorism took the whole country 50 years backwards. Most of our revenue went to fund the anti-terror war. Now this Sambanthan guy and you are trying to tell us how we should manage our money? Your ancient way of thinking is the reason why some Tamils are debunk and never progress to the mainstream.
I would be glad to have SL mortgaged and given to the Chinese (who helped SL fight free of terrorism) than a bunch of Tamil terrorists.
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aratai / November 14, 2014
.
“I would be glad to have SL mortgaged and given to the Chinese (who helped SL fight free of terrorism) than a bunch of Tamil terrorists.”
I knew someone would say this…..
By the way FYI: It was China who sold arms to LTTE through North Korea,
Same as Israel armed and trained both LTTE and SL Military, at the same time.
:-)
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Eusense / November 14, 2014
arat,
Who cares who sold arms to the terror group LTTE. The important thing is the LTTE was annihilated with or without arms!
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
aratai
Nuisance writes:
“I would be glad to have SL mortgaged and given to the Chinese (who helped SL fight free of terrorism) than a bunch of Tamil terrorists.”
Yankee Dick JR would have mortgaged this land to the West, allowed Hindians to land and kill his own people. Now these Sinhala/Buddhists are queening up to mortgage this country to whoever passes by this island.
When Hindian IPKF landed on this island all those brave Sinhala/Buddhists soldiers were hiding behind their women folks. Rather than fighting the Hindians the Sinhala/Buddhist JVP was killing its own innocent people. In response to JVP atrocities the armed forces killed more civilians. It was like a competition between JVP and armed forces.
It appears the only patriot who had ever fought the foreigner in the past 200 years was VP the psychopath. Remember 200 years ago my ancestors fought the last war against the Sudda.
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Sellam / November 14, 2014
The 30 year war damaged more of the Tamils than your country, Who was the catalyst here Mr.Eusense. Who helped Sri Lanka to defeat the LTTE.Is it Inida or China.
Rajapaksa brought in the Chinese so that India will not be able to interfere in matters concerning the people of the North and East of Sri Lanka as is happening now or take them as its protectorate.
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Eusense / November 15, 2014
sellam,
Are you joking? Who raised arms against a legitimate country? That is how Tamils self destructed them. Who funded the terrorism? Tamils.
I am talking about China not India. Sampathnathan and NR is worried about China taking over. Sampathnathan and NR has suddenly become patriots of Sri Lanka.
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
Nuisance
“Who raised arms against a legitimate country?”
Sinhala/Buddhist JVP, not just ones but twice.
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Sellam / November 15, 2014
Eusense
100,000 Tamil people killed in this war, Women LTTE fighters who surrendered to the Army were raped and then shot and murdered is no joke if you are a human being. The majority Sinhalese instigated the Tamil youths to take up arms as there was no other alternative for them to achieve self determination or at least self respect. How long are you going to subjugate the Tamils. Of Course India helped Sri Lanka to win the war. Whether the war is right or wrong is not the matter. Definitely the war was wrong whether is Sri Lanka or anywhere in the world. Peace is vital for any country but when peace is not there anger grows.
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Eusense / November 16, 2014
sella,
Your statistics are unsubstantiated. No body has come forward other than asylum seekers and paid NGOs who won’t reveal their sources. But over 100,000 innocent civilian were suicide murdered by the LTTE and evidence was published after every occurence. Go back to any news publication since the eightees up to 2009. Sinhalese instigated is a farce. Only the brainless would raise arms under any circumstances. There is nor reason for any body to subjugate any Sri lankan. Every individual in this country has rights and these rights are for everybody. What rights don’t the Tamils have? By the way what advantage do you think the Sinhalese get by subjugating Tamils?
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Native Vedda / November 16, 2014
Sellam
Here is a report that gives an brief account of postwar violence on women:
Living with insecurity: Marginalization and sexual
violence against women in north and east Sri Lanka
By Minority Rights Group International
http://www.minorityrights.org/download.php@id=1297
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Native Vedda / November 16, 2014
Sellam
An In-depth Interview with former Supreme Court Judge CV Wigneswaran
Posted by Administrator on 15 December 2011
Excerpts:
Q: What exactly does the Tamil community want?
Simple. The Tamil-speaking people want to look after their affairs themselves. In legal terminology that is the right of self-determination. They want to be governed in the North and East in their language. They want to go back to the land of their forefathers from temporary living quarters provided by whomsoever. They want their security, law and order to be in the hands of their siblings and progeny not in the hands of outsiders.
They want their lands and properties to be administered by themselves; not by outsiders. They want to elect their own representatives without being dictated to by outside agencies, military power or financial power or administrative power. They need to preserve their language, culture, religions and their way of life without outsiders building statues and vihares in their midst with military might. They need to be freed from mercenaries amongst their midst who plunder and rob at the instigation of outside agencies.
All these are not rights which the Tamil speaking people have concocted for themselves. Any people who have certain identities of their own are entitled to ask for self-determination in terms of the international covenants.
My suggestion is that a federal constitution is the best for our country so that the individuality of each community, major or minor, with its distinguishing identities, could be allowed to grow side by side with each other under one flag. Separation is what Prabhakaran asked. Federalism is what the non-violent Chelvanayagam asked! If need be you need not use the word ‘federalism’ since already it had gathered the status of a dirty word. But the maximum devolution to the periphery without a structural opportunity for interference from the centre should appease the Tamils.
Of course the Indo-Lanka Accord could be a starting point. After all it was an international agreement. But fundamental changes in governance, constitutional process, judicial process, in public administration and local government need to be effected and most importantly reforms in the security sector need to be placed in position if this country is to progress democratically.
Unlike when we were young, many Sinhalese have forgotten or have been made to forget the fact that Tamils occupied this country even before the birth of the Sinhalese language. Their progeny in the North and East are therefore entitled to their unfettered individuality.
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/3248
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Eusense / November 17, 2014
Vedda,
Who cares about what Vigs say? He has to be realistic. After 30 years of terrorism, destruction and bringing the NE to stone age by a Tamil suicide terror group that is linked to TNA, he wants self determination by Tamils? You must be kidding me! What does he think the Gov. is stupid?
What is next? You want the gov. to give self determination to Muslims, Burghers, Malays, Christians, Gays and lesbians too?
Some advice for you; Don’t dwell on history, don’t forget mistake and do not dream of the future based on the past. Who lived where and when has no bearing for anything. History can’t be changed. What happened has happened only thing we can change is the future.
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Navin / November 15, 2014
Another Rajapaksa [Edited out]
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Navin / November 15, 2014
Nonsense Usense,
For most reasonable minded persons in Sri Lanka, the Meeharaka Rajapaksa Projects are “white elephants” and “useless”. But for the employers of shills and or cronies like you they are quite useful. Because by the time they are done looting the country the thieving Trinity of MaraGoraBara will be richest people on Earth having stashed away dollar billions in Seychelles, Mauritania, Belarus, the United States and China.
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Sellam / November 14, 2014
Whose country Dr.Narendran?. Mr.Sampanthan is representing whom in parliament? There are so many unanswered questions. This will go on until there is no one to lead the Tamils. Are you all aware that there are 25,000 or more people still languishing in camps, in relatives’ houses, difficult to survive without being resettled in their own lands to do their own work as cultivation and fishing in Vali North. Nine to 10 villages from Keerimalai,Kankesanturai, part of Maviddapuram, Oorany, Thyiddy, Myliddy North and South, Palaly, Vasavilan (70,000 acres) being occupied by the Army as high security zones and not allowing the owners to resettle. These people were chased out of their homes by Arial bombardment. This Army occupation tantamount to Crime against Humanity in UN Charter. Just speaking in parliament is not going to solve the problem. The purpose of acquiring these lands by the army is quite clear and Sambanthan knows it well and he is welcoming Gothabaya to a representative parliament.
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soma / November 15, 2014
Dear Dr RN
India can do the same as China-offer good technology cum financial packages. India financed the Nothern Railway rehabilitation project at USD 800 million which cannot be said to be an attractive package at all. I believe when MR said he offered the Hambantota port project twice to India.
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Burning Issue / November 15, 2014
Soma,
Hope I am not mistaken, whatever India does is total donation, and Sri lanka is not endebted to India. However, by contrast, whatever China does Sri lanka is endebted to China. Basically, Sri lanka is selling out to China.
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R. Varathan / November 15, 2014
For some years now, many Sinhalese – most of them consumed by an open and established anti-Indian bias – have been wishing a “patriortic” Buddhist Sinhala leader will emerge to “teach India a lesson” Mahind Rajapakse came along and fitted that role eminently well. The underlying cause is widely believed to be that historical and delusional fear of India; that Tamilnadu schemes to take over Sri Lanka and destroy the Sinhala race using the North-Eastern Tamil leadership as a willing tool . Nothing can be further from the truth, notably taking into consideration recent history.
But men like Anagarika Dharmapala, RG Senanayake, Wijeweera, Champika Ranawake and many others have stoked the fires of anti-Indian hatred. Much of the JVP venom against India – both during the 1971 insurrection and that in 1988/89 – resulting in the ugly attempt at former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi’s life by a naval rating originated from this baseless fear. There are many other examples of this palpable national prejudice today. The savvy Chinese in Beijing have been watching this carefully and have now made their move. In their own geo-political considerations they have plans to surround India – South, North, East and West in the growing struggle of both powers for this assymetric regional supremacy. The Chinese have somewhat succeeded in their objective through enthusiastic “collaborators” in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and militants in the Eastern hill regions of India. Indian Policy makers badly failed in otherwise surrendering their long-held sphere of influence in the Island. This began in the 1990s and has sharply worsened. The current Modi-Rajapakse equation can hardly be described as ideal. The relationship continues to be delicate and can flare up with the wrong moves by inexperienced men worming their way into political heights. Post-Independence from the British India was virtually the only other foreign power with influence in the Island. The changes in India from Congress-lead governments to those on the other side in the intervening decades played their part in this cooling of relations between the two neighbours.
It must be said Chinese have been good friends of ours for a long time and we must maintain this welcome relationship with a country that will very soon be, arguably, the world’s most important economic-political power. But it is left to us to see that we do not get caught in any form of regional or global realpolitik between the larger powers in the area. That is the real test of non-alignment with which this country is identified with for a long time. Both India and China have been our friends. We must continue this tradition without taking no sides or making enemies of former friends.
China can play a useful role in the stalemate between the regime and the TNA. She can contribute immensely to the successful search for peace and reconciliation between the two major communities. Recently, it was reported senior TNA MPs were attempting to bring closer understanding between the two sides. Sri Lanka, on the whole, stands to gain if this comes by in these times of unnecessary suspicion and tension.
R. Varathan
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Navin / November 15, 2014
I like to know whether any “patriotic” Sinhala Buddhist has the guts to contradict this. I saw the truth of this statement in 1963 when I entered Peradeniya University. I am not a Tamil.
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Pot Shot / November 14, 2014
China’s interest in Sri Lanka are disproportionate to what our country is capable of managing. The repayment terms are nothing but commercial and no goodwill which will drag this country down the tube in 5 years, By that time MR and his family would perhaps be the richest family in Asia and the Sri Lanka public would be the poorest in the region.
China knows quite well that the Hambantota port , Mattala airport were not viable investments for Sri Lanka and it would not yield the returns to pay their loans back. They have/will gradually take over the management of these assets including Norachadicholai. There only interests in SL is to ensure their strategy of the String of Pearls. They would have been equally benevolent to SL if the TNA or the LTTE was in power. So please don’t runaway with the thought that all this disproportionate development in the country is happening because they like MR or because of his initiative. They found a gullible in fool in our President to carry out their master plan For all I know they must be laughing their guts out behind MR’s back .
Look at all the African Inion states. Pakistan, Nepal and some south American countries (with the exception of India whom they are encircling) are all led by corrupt governments to carry who are in the pockets of the Chinese.
What foolish bloody people we are in Sri Lanka to tolerate this government.
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ajith / November 14, 2014
“By that time MR and his family would perhaps be the richest family in Asia and the Sri Lanka public would be the poorest in the region.”
Absolutely right. China is not interested about what happens to this island or this people. It is same that Mahinda and his family are not interested in this nation or its people. It is time for all citizens and those who would have an interest on people and the nation forget about differences, unite for the benefit of the nation and people, to save this nation from those evils and monsters who suck the blood of the people.
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Sensible Thinking / November 14, 2014
Stateless people advising how the run states!!
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Burning Issue / November 14, 2014
Is this your sensible thinking?
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Eusense / November 14, 2014
ST,
They are really not “stateless”. Tamil Nadu is there for them with open arms.
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Burning Issue / November 15, 2014
euse,
With that you have shown as to who you really are? Thank you. Please do not ever shed crocodile tears for the Tamils. You are every bit a chauvinist in the mould of Sumanasekera, Ela Kolla, Vbhish and the rest.
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Eusense / November 16, 2014
BI,
I think you misunderstood what I said. I was referring to separatist/terrorist Tamils. What I wanted to say was Tamil Nadu is good for them.
Others, Tamils/Sinhalese/Muslims/Burghers/Malays etc. etc. are all Sri Lankans and I have no reason to show animosity towards them.
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Sensible Thinking / November 15, 2014
That is correct. Tamil Nadu is the homeland of all Tamils. Tamil Nadu means Tamil home.
Tamils in Tamil Nadu are harassed by Hindi speaking Modi government.
Tamils lost their “appah” in 2009.
Tamils lost their “amma” in 2014.
Stateless advising how to run a state is hilarious!
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mechanic / November 14, 2014
I do understand the frustration building in the minds of Sampanthan like proxies of terrorist LTTE and Dr. Narendran like anti LTTE but pro LTTE-concept commentators. No true Sri Lanka should expect pro China opinion from those who now struggle for bantu land concept for it is primarily the Chinese who helped us eradicate LTTE and then defend bogus charges LTTE backers set upon Sri Lanka forces.
As I said many times earlier no-one helps anyone financially these days if there is no benefit for himself. If India gives one rupee to Sri Lanka as grants then they have some where manipulated to get back at least ten rupees from Sri Lanka. Besides it is India that caused this war to linger for 30 years.
Remember! how the US gave us flour AID in the fifties and sixties to hand out subsidized bread and free buns to school children. We have been paying till the last decade for that flour AID by the US. Naturally then we cannot expect China to be any different to the US. After all its their hard earned money. At least Chinese are giving us AID not to ‘feed our tummies’ for our children to pay but to build ‘Harbors and Airports’ and ‘Improve our Infrastructure’ that would help improve our lively hood and expand our business. Its up to Sri Lankan businessmen to capitalize the trade along the Chinese Maritime silk road and obvious worldwide tourism to make those ventures profitable. Only the stupid expect Chinese to invest in Sri Lanka for nothing.
Narendran should have watched the film, ‘Opium Wars’ to understand the background of the 99 year lease of Kowloon and the New territories to the British under duress by Quin dynasty. Is that the type of ‘free for all matters’ lease that Chinese company would get from Sri Lanka?
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Kettikaran / November 15, 2014
Mechanic comes out with good and sensible comments. However, I wish to disagree with him, and, those who share the misplaced view “Besides it is India that caused this war to linger for 30 years” This is the usual callous comment of blaming India for most of our problems. The reality is India has been patiently advising Sri Lanka, albeit behind the scenes, to accommodate the reasonable needs of its growing disenchanted Tamil population. This began sometime in the mid-1950s. That was the time majoritarianism was beginning to raise its head in the island. But this was insensitively and continuously ignored – by more than one Sinhala-majority regime until it turned into insurrectionary proportions. Many in the Sinhala side make the mistake of assuming India is entirely Sri-Lanka centred.
To put in different words India is pre-occupied with dividing and in other ways harming Sri Lanka. This, of course, is absolute trash. India has many other things to worry about and Sri Lanka comes very low in its priorities. The sooner we learn and accept this, the better for all of us.
Kettikaran
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Navin / November 14, 2014
Are you Mara’s official [Edited out]
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Navin / November 14, 2014
Mr Sambandan
I am sure you know the truth of what I saying below; but you are not saying it, because you cannot be not concerned with the prospect of a white van at your door. So I am saying it here for you.
Chinese Financing is a cash cow for the Sinhala politicians. Even if the current Hora (kallan) President is driven away, the next guy too will be looting Sri Lanka’s resources to his heart’s content.
The opposition politicians, including Ranil Wickremasinghe and the UNP leadership, except those from the JVP, have yet to tell the Sinhala Buddhist people, that if they come to power, they will haul the three Rajapakses, yes, including Mahinda Rajapakse, and their families, and their henchmen, their intermediaries, pimps and brokers etc etc before People’s Courts in the quest for accountabililty. Spell out the nature and severity of the punishment that will be meted out. Get the people excited. Let the blood boil. Mind you, these politicians know, this is the surest way to win the Presidential election. But they wont give the assurance of punishment, because they are already salivating at the prospect of continuing in the same corrupt vein.
There is no hope for Sri Lanka.
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
Navin
“Spell out the nature and severity of the punishment that will be meted out.”
Just before last presidential elections Fonseka warned something about herding the clan to Galle Face and treating them appropriately.
Would you go back in time and treat the previous Hora’s and war criminals even evenhandedly?
“Get the people excited. Let the blood boil.”
Basically you want to recruit lynch mob.
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Navin / November 15, 2014
Native Veddah,
I do not necessarily want the new government to act as a lynch mob. I am saying that what the opposition needs to do is to get the voters to open their eyes wide so that they will not be fooled anymore to voting for the current gang of marauding criminals.
By the way, what is wrong if the current gang leader who has given himself immunity from prosecution, and committed a million atrocities, is hauled before Peoples Courts, and hanged on Galle Face Green? Don’t you think that will a good lesson for any aspiring thief from today’s Opposition?
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
Navin
“is hauled before Peoples Courts, and hanged on Galle Face Green? “
Who is going to hang the last person?
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Eusense / November 15, 2014
Navin,
If there is no hope for Sri Lanka why do you think the separatist Tamil Diaspora is bothered about SL? Shouldn’t they establish a Elam some where in the west?
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Kettikaran / November 15, 2014
Tamils have no intention to take an inch of Sinhala land in the Island. In the same vein, they will not yield an inch of Tamil soil to others. Military terror, criminal demographic change, thuggery and thievery is not being resisted now. The Tamil race is a very ancient one and has seen much more savage changes of their fate in many a millenia – albeit temporarily. They believe in the ultimate victory of good over evil – if you know Tamil history, culture and beliefs.
Kettikaran
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Navin / November 15, 2014
Eusense, you are nothing but a Govt shill, paid to write what you write: to confuse and mislead. If you want to know about what the Tamil diaspora want, go ask them. I am concerned about patriotic Sri Lankans who have no allegiances to any other country, and have no other country to take residence, unlike Gora and Bara, your employers, who are US citizens; I am concerned about Sri Lankans who want a united country, where the rule of law prevails, and the safety and security of all its people is never jeopardized.
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Eusense / November 16, 2014
Navin,
I feel you are the confused here. Tamil terrorism/diaspora’s anti SL activities and MR corruption are two different things. What I see is the separatists Tamils/diaspora is trying to take advantage of MR corruption to destabilize and separate Sri Lanka. Getting rid of MR is in the majority’s (Sinhalese) hands. That is why I always write here that Tamils should support the opposition with the Sinhalese to get rid of MR. Not so smart people like Narendran (Dr.) who writes here thinks supporting TNA will get what Tamils need, though he won’t say what rights Tamil don’t have. I want Sri Lanka United and as one country more than you.
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Sunil Mohan / November 14, 2014
Please ask the kabaragoyya to prepare Generational Accounting Report on Chinese loans to Sri Lanka , and ask the auditor general to have a thorough audit
We could see the per capita loan liability of all citizens including the unborn
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Abhaya / November 14, 2014
Sambandan
nobody cares for your opinion other than a few diaspora morons . So zip it and throw it in the Sea .
Cheers
Abhaya
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
bla, bla bla-Abhaya
In case if you didn’t know the history of this island from 1977 to 1987 please do some home work, especially how Hindians caught JR by his b***s. Yankee Dick JR was pro western, yet Hindians not only violated all norms but forced landed a large contingent on this island.
Sam knows one or two thing about history. MR wants it repeated.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. – Evel Knievel
Watch out for Hindian Sukhoi Su-35 booming through sky. Keep an eye on Indian fishing boats/trawlers. Tag all those members of armed forces who return from their training in Hindia. Check all those Onion bags from Hindia the poster boy AKD might want to revolt. Don’t trust senior men in uniform, some of them may still be loyal to JVP.
I think Eelam spring is still over due.
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 15, 2014
Dear Native,
Isn’t ADK the Pin Up Boy of the Elite, Anglicans and the Vellalas and may become the Poster Boy of the UNP , TNA , Diaspora Alliance at the coming election.
The problem is what is going to happen to the JVP if the Election is for the Parliament?.
Will Ranil give the JVP , Green Shirts with the Aliya at the back and Keselwatta Kid in the front.
Surely JVP can’t go to the villages wearing Ranil’s foto on the chest…
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2014
K.A Sumanasekera
AKD is emerging as the poster boy of protestant Sinhala/Buddhists. His vote bank has already shrunk. As far as I know (of course according to my Elders) AKD is another Sinhala/Buddhist who would like to retain JVP’s outdated and racist core ideology while tinkering around the edges to make it attractive to the voters, hoping re-branding and repackaging the same old stale product would work. I know people are stupid however they can see through JVP’s charade.
The JVP was built on the false premise/belief that its ideology was and is Marx given panacea. JVP’s core ideology is all about centralizing tendency.
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Abhaya / November 16, 2014
Veddi clown
you and your uncle Sam can jump in to the deepest part of Trinco port together .
Cheers
Abhaya
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ramona therese fernando / November 14, 2014
And US has its hold on India (hence the bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka, courtesy of US – US is being nice, so far). Now the bows and arrows are being sharpened. Gosl needs to be humble.
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Rohan / November 15, 2014
In the madness of Sri Lankan politics, only Sampanthan and Sumanthiran speak like statesmen. Thanks guys.
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 15, 2014
Katunayaka Colombo Expressway, Matara Kottawa Super Highway, Mattala Airport, Hambantota Harbour,, Nelum Pokuna, Waters Edge , Torrington Square , Nugegoda and Marine Drive recreational facilities are not good for our inhabitants because these were built with Chinese money.
7.5 % non stop Growth since Nanthikadal which was facilitated by those Infrastructure is even worse for the inhabitants, according to the Rt Hon leader of the TNA Mr Sambnadan.
Our Govt shouldn’t have taken these loans from the Chinese,because we are non aligned.
So what are we supposed to do?..
Of course we should have asked Mr Cameron,and Mr Harper for 5 Billion Bucks,,, Right
May be India too,
But then the Hindian Inhabitants need more help than ours.
Still old Manmohan was kind enough to give us the Yarl Devi back.
But that is only replacement for the one we had,which was re engineered by Mr Sambandan’s “boys”. to build Bunkers.
Do you think Cameron and Harper at least would have obliged?..
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Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam / November 15, 2014
I think Sampanthan is showing unnecessary Sinophobia. The investment of China in major infrastructure projects in Africa and South Asia can be a win-win situation. Of course they are looking for a financial return on their investment, like any other nation – the fact is that Western ‘aid’ came with strings attached, too.
The sort of projects that the Chinese have been funding in Africa include important infrastructure – railways, ports, highways – that will make it easier for Chinese business interests to prosper, but that doesn’t have to be at the expense of Africans. Likewise their investment in Sri Lanka.
India has no grounds for objection to the Hambantota port the project was first offered to the Indians. China has also invested heavily in India – again, especially under the new political leadership there can be a win-win situation between India and China. Sampanthan seems to think that the rise of China needs to be at India’s expense, but it need not be so.
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ramona therese fernando / November 15, 2014
It’s not the China-India that is the worry; it’s the China-US geo-political rivalry that will upset the whole equation. It’s good that China helped Sri Lanka when she needed help in ending terrorism, but it went overboard after that. Gosl needn’t have gone this far. Maybe it’s not to late for forging Westward deals (even for current Gosl).
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 15, 2014
Mr Sambandan has done a lot of research on our new Harbour City,
Wonder this has something to do with their ally Diaspora’s investment arm.
Land there is already priced at USD 800,000 per 10 perch block.
And the demand is overwhelming according to the Port Boss.
Surely our inhabitants from the South wouldn’t have this sort of dosh . Would they?.
Apartments in Wellala Gardens which were selling for USD 100,000 soon after Nanthikadal are now going for USD 200,000 plus.
That is 100% hike in just five years.
And these are only 2BR digs.Just imagine the real estate in Harbour City when it is completed.
No wonder Mr Sambandan is waiting for a call from the Prez , with the Apprentice holding a clean slate..
In fact Diaspora investors will be happy that the Chinese are parking their Nuclear subs in Colombo even at least occasionally.
They wouldn’t want Indian trawlers with Vaiko mobs hoovering around their Multi Million Dollar investments.
When Mr Sambandan’s boys were driving boats , there was no Diaspora Investment Arm as such except the Prabakaran Investment Fund . Right…
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Mallaiyuran / November 15, 2014
If you win a lot in western countries you can take home only 1/3 of it. The account works like. Say you got 30 millions. You pay 10 Million to federal government as Gambling Tax. The 10 Million is interest payment promised. If you ask for cash you are not due for that interest payment. So you get only 10 millions.
China gives loan at extremely high percentage. Makes sure they are insured at the cost of Lanka. Then they are grabbing the land and the asset by hacking the defense department computers. Projects are double the price of European or American companies’s quote. Usage and management is leased to Chinese companies, so if there any income, that goes only to China. The they bring the material and part from China. Don’t make a mistake here. It is always second hand like Noorachcholai Power plant. (You know the brand new S12 Trains could not climb the mountains on KV lines. That was job 150 years ago British steam engines did.) After dumping the Parana metals, they bring the Chinese prisoners who committed crimes in their land to labor. (at the same time, Tamil youth are with out any reason, imprisoned as LTTErs, so no trouble of finding them jobs.) In total, labor and material cost more than the loan. To make these deal happen, the Lankan parrots waits at the Daladamaligawa. America paying its part of the loan as GSP+. India paying as Yarl Devi, that a project never in Lanka history something was so lucrative. All the Tamil bus owners selling the wife Thalikodies to settle the bus lease. (This is another damage India did for Tamils by paving path to Army, Sinhala and chinese workers to go to Jaffna)
What a western lotto is compared to this fortune for Chinese.
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Navin / November 15, 2014
Very interesting! Could have been better composed and presented. But admirable insights into the prevailing humongous corruption.
Recommend careful reading by all those who intend voting in the forthcoming Presidential election.
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lynx / November 15, 2014
What would MR.Sambandhan like as an alternative sign away the country to the USA/Europe/India like he intends doing to the North and East? TNA vocabulary is punctuated with names of foreign diplomats uttered with great veneration!!
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Ambedkhar Reborn / November 15, 2014
It is like reading Wikieleak. Sambandan has thrown light on not so open relationship between Mahinda Regime and SL ‘s God father or Demi God China.
But how about the roles played by Indians like Hindu Ram, Pranab Mukerji, members of South Block ?
If I am not mistaken Hindu Ram was honoured by GOSL.
Amrita Sen, Pranab Mukerji whose genes are related to many Aryan Sinhalese , wants to honour people like Anagarika Dharmapalar and revive Nalanda Uni.
Asoka conquered prosperous Kalinga and killed hundreds of hard working dark skinned Dravid ians to expand his empire.
As one Kerala Humanist envisaged the old British Empire is being replaced by Chinese Empire, Sambandan’ s prayers to Demi God China is timely.
Aryan from the North Hindia and mixed Aryan like Vijaya and later Dutugemunu sandwiched the dark skinned Dravid ians between between North Hindia and and South Srilanka. For Hindian dark skinned Dravid ians are low class / low cast . For Chinese and other East Asians they are superior than the Africans, South and other Asians and of course suprior to the white skinned Westerners.
What Sambandan should pray for is Gauthama Buddha to take a reincarnation as a Han Chinese in China. Kali Yuga needs a new Buddha to save the earth from destruction of humans and the environment. A new version of both Theravada and Mahanama for a better World / Earth
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Kirri Yakka / November 15, 2014
China dear Sambanthan is only intereted in robbing. The Sinhalese are quute willing to ve robbed if thier future.
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Piyadasa Yalagala / November 19, 2014
First most important thing is that TNA should self-reliance politically and national political Party base on People of Tamil and other communities our an Island.
As long as break out of her(TNA) politically Independence in their hand, which TNA slip out of mainstream of Sovereignty and Democracy of Sri Lanka, speak truly it will lost impact of opinion rise by TNA lost credibility of reconciliation in Globally.
China politics not ‘divided and rule’ by nation not acceptable to her International norms of politics. This which I read of PRC Global relationship with other countries.
Rise of China peacefully that way has been contribution to Development of Economically, Politically and Socially very key our change of Global politics. We as Sri lankn has taken into an account objective changes by across the world.
TNA that political mind set still in old world Order has been outdated.
The pursuing an objective path of portraying Sri lanka been rare by leaders of TNA.
The People Republic China is Socialist system was established 1949 by leadership of Mao Zedong and CPC.
TNA still need to be liberated from breaking dogmatist from West world thinking tank.
TNA should change self-serving narrow perspective politics which undermine our nation good relationship with CHINA.
TNA has to work long-term national interest of Sri lanka.
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