Leader of the UK’s main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn Friday expressed “deep concern” over the reports of ongoing torture of Tamils by the Sri Lanka security forces, and stressed that the UK’s foreign policy on Sri Lanka should be focused on accountability, not just promoting trade and investment.
Jeremy Corbyn
Referring to the recent report by the Johannesburg-based International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) titled “Unstopped: State torture & sexual violence in 2016/17 in Sri Lanka”, he said that the lack of accountability for the crimes of the past has enabled these horrific violations to continue in the island nation.
“I am deeply concerned about the evidence presented in this ITJP report about the ongoing torture of Tamils; it is the lack of accountability for the crimes of the past that has enabled these horrific violations to continue and we are all culpable if we don’t speak out loudly,” Corbyn said in a statement on Friday.
The ITJP’s latest report is based on detailed testimony from 57 Tamil victims of illegal detention and torture under the Sirisena-Ranil government – 24 of them tortured in 2016 or 2017.
Releasing the report in London last week, the ITJP said that the abduction and torture of Tamils by the Sri Lankan security forces “remain systematic because in 30 months the new Government has failed to dismantle the networks of the ‘deep state’”.
The ITJP said the ongoing torture “is not the conduct of a few “rotten apples” in the Sri Lankan security forces as it includes senior officers who themselves participate in the torture which is systematic and condoned”.
“On the basis of this report, the Home Office must immediately revise its country guidance on Sri Lanka – so that the risk categories match what’s clearly going on there rather than some wish believe view from London,” the Labour Party leader said.
“It’s time our foreign policy on Sri Lanka focused on accountability not just promoting trade and investment. I intend to call for an independent audit of DFID funding for training of the Sri Lankan
police – we need to know if this funding has helped diminish torture or just made the perpetrators better at covering it up,” Corbyn said in a hard-hitting statement.
Corbyn’s statement has come within a day after the outcome of the UN Special Rapporteur’s recent visit to Sri Lanka was raised in the House of Commons.
In response, Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom told the Members of the House of Commons that government MP representing the Cities of London and Westminster Mark Field has “registered our serious concern about the Special Rapporteur’s finding with Sri Lankan High Commissioner” for the UK.
The Leader of the House of Commons also assured the House Commons that the British Government would “continue to encourage the Sri Lankan government to deliver against all their UN Human Rights Council Commitments.
Burt / July 22, 2017
“The ITJP said the ongoing torture “is not the conduct of a few “rotten apples” in the Sri Lankan security forces as it includes senior officers who themselves participate in the torture which is systematic and condoned”.”
The current President is as complicit in these crimes as the powers to be of the last govt. MS was a part of the last govt and was in charge of defense in the absence of MR. During the dying days of the war when most of the crimes happened it was under MS’s watch. This is one reason he is against all investigations as he is complicit.
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Mama Sinhalam / July 22, 2017
We are going to hear the great pundits howl about the sovereignty that never was. No country that tortures its people can claim sovereignty and escape censure. China tries very hard but that is not the example to follow. The sanctimonious Sinhala Buddhist who sends his womenfolk to the Middle East to be sex slaves to the arabs and lend their young boys to European tourists on the Southern beaches should not talk too much about sovereignty. This is the modern world which does fight for basic human rights of all people. We must first begin by providing justice to the young Sinhalese who were killed during the JVP uprising. Then we must ask about the Tamils who were massacred, their missing and the continuation of torture. Hope the Mahanayakes will make a start. After all Buddhism demands that the those who suffer must be given assistance.
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J.Muthu / July 22, 2017
Bravo…respect hope u r a true Buddhist…not damn filthy sinhala Buddhist….
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Dear J. Muthu,
I once made the same mistake as you have. I assumed that “Mama Sinhalam” is a Sinhalese person. He ( I have the very definite feeling that this is a male), is a Tamil: a very nice guy who explained in good humour the circumstances in which a group of them played around with the phrase.
Actually, it had tragic undertones. It had arisen in Black July 1983 when a group of them had attempted to escape some ravaging mobs by claiming to be Sinhalese by saying this: “Mama Sinhalam” . They obviously said it very badly. I can’t remember what the consequences were, but he bore me no ill-will in recounting it.
The famous test, of course, was getting a Tamil to say “bucket” in Sinhala”: they almost invariably ended up saying “paldiya” instead of “baldiya”.
I am grateful that the said person had a sense of humour. It’s not a bad thing to cultivate in these difficult times.
However, it is with a sense of shame that I proffer this explanation.
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Mama Sinhalam / July 22, 2017
Thank You Sinhala Man.
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Jamis Muthu Banda the Tamil Speaking Sinhalam
Are you a Buddhist?
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Agnos / July 22, 2017
[Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.
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Agnos / July 22, 2017
CT,
Your 300 word policy is becoming absurd; you could automatically split posts if you want.
Anyway, I responded to Mama Sinhalam about why justice for war crimes against Tamil victims should be considered at the same time as the victims of the JVP era..
Tamil victims’ memories of war crimes are fresher, and there are more witnesses and international interest. And, as I suggested elsewhere, there should be a legal team composed of lawyers from all ethnic groups to assist the victims.
I also suggested some creative ways of addressing language issues in view of the recent cases of Tamil receiving summons and traffic tickets solely in Sinhala.
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ranjith / July 22, 2017
“”Your 300 word policy is becoming absurd; you could automatically split posts if you want””
Zombies are providing braines.!
Brain drain plul the flush it goes down the drain.
Catholic crusader from the north who started the race & religion crusade on order of imported SJVC- tathi you are marked because you will never come right again with all your kuddu money turned white by selling it to europeans in the west for guns.
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Agnos / July 22, 2017
On the language issue, I said rather than be provoked by racist elements among the Sinhalese, Tamils should come up with creative solutions.
1. Ask the govt/official languages ministry to create physically mobile translation units.
2. Develop Sinhala-English and Sinhala-Tamil translation software app for smart phones.
3. NGOs/Tamil political parties/Private sector companies can create a network of volunteers who know Sinhala for each Grama Sevaka division.
Retired government servants who know the language are especially useful.
subsistence wages or expenses can be paid via a public/private/NGO/expatriate partnership.
4. Use mobile phones in conference mode to provide translations in the event of a crisis or other need, such as arrest by the police.
5. Combined with legal assistance, language assistance can go a long way in assuaging fears among Tamils , and let them focus on educational, economic and cultural advancement.
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Thanks, Agnos.
We need more sane, practical suggestions of this sort.
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SJ / July 22, 2017
Agnos
I think that the general advise is most appropriate to these pages.
As for specific recommendations I have reservations of varying degrees about their feasibility.
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Agnos / July 23, 2017
SJ,
Back in the 1970’s through the early 1990’s, my late father volunteered to translate letters in Sinhala to our local villagers. In my childhood, there were sometimes 4 –5 visitors at a time at our home to get their letters translated. He had been a school teacher in the Tamil medium in the South, and had learned some Sinhala from some Bhikkus and taken it as a subject at the O’levels and done well.
It shouldn’t be hard for some NGO’s or the TNA to find such volunteers in every GS division, or at least a few per electoral district, who can provide assistance in person or via mobile phones in an organized way.
Older people and poor people may not have access to mobile phones, so in-person help via physically mobile translators will be needed. The Govt. should organize this.
These days, there is scanning software for mobile phones, and also Pdf to MS Word converters. So, documents in Sinhala can be translated, without even knowing the alphabet or keyboard entry in Sinhala. The ministry of official languages should work with technology people in universities and the industry, as well as the NPC&EPC, to come up with the right software for language translations. Even companies like Adobe and Google, which already have huge expertise in translations, will be willing to help for free if there is an official request from the GoSL.
I think some readers here can personally take this up with those close to the President, and have the GoSL make a request to Google for help. Even IT companies in India will help.
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ranjith / July 23, 2017
“”my late father volunteered to translate “
translate???
Father was a scholar said the fool
mother was a mare said the mule.
porriki terrorist league.
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Agnos
Why do you want to solve this problem in a long winded way whereas the faceless little person behind the desk should make a little more effort to draft the communication in Tamil in the first place. Is it too much to ask?
There is a deliberate policy of punishing those whose first/second/third language is not Sinhala still unofficially continues. In a parochially motivated way these faceless little functionaries derive pleasure out of the people. One cannot challenge them because in their fiefdom they are being protected by like minded bigots or the files may go walkies. The other excuse you often hear is “we don’t have enough staff knowledgeable in Tamil”.
There are other things which matters more in this context. We can discuss it some other time. However SJ believes all these happened because of Tamils.
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Agnos / July 23, 2017
NV,
My suggestion is for Tamils to find ways even in the face of a lot of adversity.
The technology programs I mentioned can help even the little functionary behind the desk who can write whatever he wants in Sinhala on his computer, put it through the translation software, and print out the results in English and Tamil, and send it.
The concerned ministries should be strict with employees about it. Those little functionaries with their own fiefdoms, are in fact cowards who will do what is required when clear orders come from above and their is proper supervision and audit.
These are solvable problems if there is a clear will among the rulers; and in the meantime, Tamils don’t need to get emotionally charged and lash out in the face of such adversities; instead they should will themselves to face adversities and still find ways, or workarounds, to grow and advance in life. That is why I made these suggestions.
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Agnos
“The technology programs I mentioned can help even the little functionary behind the desk who can write whatever he wants in Sinhala on his computer, put it through the translation software, and print out the results in English and Tamil, and send it”
The problem is not the lack of technology. It is the lack of will on the part of the faceless little man/woman behind the desks. He/she does want to make life easy for the non Sinhala speakers in addition to his/her usual lethargic attitude towards his/her work.
The bureaucracy can be effectively and efficiently run with 20% of the present number of staff. Then of course where would the politicians and department heads find jobs for their relatives, brats, friends, …………… relatives of their mistresses?
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Agnos / July 24, 2017
NV,
The problems with the bureaucracy exist even in the US civil service, which I am very familiar with. There are plenty of civil service people who simply idle and do nothing at all. It is not as bad here as in SL, but I wouldn’t certainly single out SL bureaucracy as uniformly the worst in that regard. There are many civic-minded Sinhalese in public service.
I think the UNP’s threat to privatize some services can be helpful in bringing some efficiency. and sense of duty. The official languages ministry should try out public/private/NGO partnerships to offer language services throughout the government.
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timbuttu / July 24, 2017
“” The official languages ministry should try out public/private/NGO partnerships to offer language services throughout the government.”2
Even more corruption as we see in the UK/US- more laws more flaws.
The Translators Association Autonomous body devoid of political affiliations (no member linked to politics should set foot – at IIT we do not encourage politics by students or profs so we succeed in the most difficult situations) It should fall under Freedom of Info act. This would easily get a 51% (world body )-49% (government) funding- minimum qualification graduates. I have given details on another thread as it is in the USA. No comprendo south americans love it.
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kurakkan? / July 24, 2017
Native Vanni Vaiko Vedda ?
?” Is it too much to ask?”
The NVVV troupe of donkeys wants to `bend the head` of Shit Bucket (SB) troupe donkeys `to drink water` while the SB donkeys have a world famous I_slam Humanity camel troupe full of Dope to sway the island in the path it follows aligned to carpetbaggers the blade runners of islands of the world.
If ever NVVV were called in to blend with the show NVVV can be no better than Thonda and Sella put together. Saying vadda marumagan sami kumbuddu.- belch and fart with all that community funds flowing from the west.
Know your weakness first. Better you learn patchwork and become a carpetbagger to go with the culture.
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SJ / July 24, 2017
Agnos
I do not reject your thoughts, it is simply thar the political and social realities do not show promise for them to be adequately effective.
People like your father are rare and getting rarer.
I do not share your faith in the TNA— that is out of my experience.
Politicising the public is the only way forward that I can think of.
People have succeeded whenever they courageously stood up.
There are now mass organisations at local level taking up issues. I hope that they catch up. I am being patient.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / July 23, 2017
It is not a case of feasibility, it is a case of willingness. Do you sincerely think that all these suggestions cannot be implemented. When majority of Sinhalese are not bothered, there is no chance of anything reasonable to succeed.
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Sinhala_Man / July 23, 2017
I agree, Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam and SJ.
The solution lies in a change of heart. Obviously technology can help, but it keeps changing, and much of it will not be necessary if there is good will on both sides.
And good will is something that Jeremy Corbyn has in abundance, but then we (I mean our entire country) don’t know how to respond to an Englishman. If only we could see all these people as just human beings!
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Agnos / July 23, 2017
Sinhala_Man,
Please see my response to NV above. My suggestions are about finding ways around the issue in the face of adversity.
Sinhalese politicians need to recognize that the language issue is solvable if there is a clear will, that it doesn’t have to lead to deadly conflict, that solving the issue will require only a minor fraction of the cost of the 30 -year war, and that it is a good investment in the long term interests of the country.
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Ela kolla / July 23, 2017
you never had a card after Rajiv imagine all that protest at london on hte day of nandikadal Obama would not have anything of it. in fact rajafucksa was not even prosecuted while at US on Obama’s instructions( Trinco 5)
Demalas are like Marcos familial with the media so Durante can kill at will.
Learn to bend and bend but you can never bend it like beckham or spin like murali. Yapene Gonnu!! Adu & Madu koli kuttu.
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timbuttu / July 24, 2017
You are an arts student not aware of the power of the web and how germany japan makes better cars than america.
Its the hub and spokes and that is exactly how the island too grew because of Dutch influence (where does the word panchayat come from?) Conceited Villager,
Cities spawned the villages not the other way round. the British with its tolerance let illegals get into cities and drive spikes in the works.
A central hub TA can receive all documents (dedicated transnet) in the island process it via TP and CAT then give it the human touch.- 99.99% accurate. it will be same day translation and even handwritten raster images would be read. The cheapest process like what a cucumber farmer would use to grade and yield 10 times more in japan than the bulky Americans. Look at their cars and understand their culture of obesity. You never understood life but read a few books here and there.
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Saro / July 22, 2017
The truth about torture of suspects and their prolonged detention without trail have come to light in Sri Lanka.
“I am deeply concerned about the evidence presented in this ITJP report about the ongoing torture of Tamils; it is the lack of accountability for the crimes of the past that has enabled these horrific violations to continue and we are all culpable if we don’t speak out loudly,” Corbyn said
The damning contents of this report was proved right by the “UN Special Rapporteur, Mr. Emmerson, who accused Sri Lanka of using torture against people detained under the Anti-terror Act and that its progress on human rights, reforms and justice remained woefully slow.
Instead of taking steps to stop such barbaric methods of torture of suspects 1.Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe criticized the UN official and 2. the president asked who allowed Mr Emmerson talk to LTTE detainees.
The UN envoy also said “70 suspects had been in detention without trial for over five years and 12 had been in detention without trial for over 10 years”.
The government is worried that the UN and UNHRC have come to know thetruth by durectly talking to the suspects in prison. The president and PM have been denying torture and ill treatment but the truth has come to light.
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Burt / July 22, 2017
“1.Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe criticized the UN official and 2. the president asked who allowed Mr Emmerson talk to LTTE detainees.”
President is angry at Dealdasa because he was too stingy to hire some actors and put them in a cell and present the to Mr. Emmerson as detained LTTE suspects.
I heard MS was looking for someone like Mr. Kadirgama who will be able to lie with a straight face and a Tamil last name for credibility.
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D.Nimal / July 22, 2017
The Torture is part and parcel of the political democracy of Westminster advocated by British Empire in enter into the its rise and fall colonial rule of governances many part of world over 200 years.
Newly set example by Labour Party of Tony Blair in Iraq 2003 by USA-and UK joint invading by killed and Torture hundred thousands of Iraqis .No reasonable grounds of millions of Iraqis are displaces in home land ,become refuges in all over the world and Torture raped killed children by Labour Party of Briton. was unaccountable .
Is that Dr Corbyn NOT willing to address recent past that crimes committed by Labour Party in Iraq ?
Why is that Dr Corbyn only interest of the address of Sri Lankan political issues of
so-called “Torture”? By and large Political Terrorism of LTTE -TNA and other outfits are main culprits of Torture line of politics against majority people of Island?
Is that Dr Corbyn of leader of Labour still think that Sri Lankan are your Colony? Days of Tamil-Terrorism has done irrapaple damages to an Island was unprecedented..
That has to be address by Dr Corbyn !@
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Anpu / July 22, 2017
SL is not a British colony.
But SL is a BUDDHIST country is not valid.
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Ralli Ameen / July 22, 2017
“Why is that Dr Corbyn only interest of the address of Sri Lankan political issues of
so-called “Torture”?” That is because UN cannot go beyond anything that is hidden “US secret agendas”. Take for instance US detention camps like in Guantanamo bay prison etc., can any of our official visit those places to get first hand information of prisoners? No. Can anyone raise the the murders, rapes and destruction caused in Middle-east and Afghanistan and for US and it’s allies to give an explanation? No. See the terrorist Israel now bend on creating problems regarding Al-Aqsa mosque in order to acquire or destroy Al-Aqsa mosque. If the US and it’s allies wants they can immediately make a stop to it by giving stern warning to Israel. They will not, they will allow UN to warn which will have no effect and you know why. For the last 50 years UN calling Israel to stop illegal colonizing and withdraw to 1967 border. So you know how effective is UN. THIS IS BECAUSE WE ARE BOUND BY WESTERN LAWS, MEDIA AND THEIR CREATIONS LIKE UN etc. All our politicians and politicians of other countries are on their chess board. All the politicians including leaders of majority of countries are interested only in safeguarding their wealth and power. The west have good point to make them winners.
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Kabaragoya / July 22, 2017
This is misleading. As regards Guantanamo Bay, there are a lot of US cases, where the Supreme Court reviewed the imprisonment of persons who were not US citizens. The UK courts have alas done this, holding that the practices of the UK army in Iraq were illegal. You must not readily condemn these states.
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Ralli Ameen / July 23, 2017
Okay, if Supreme Court reviewed the imprisonment of persons who are not US or UK citizens can you give the result? Did the court instructed to close the Guantanamo prison, or sending back all the prisoners to be tried with normal judicial procedures, how many human right activist allowed to visit prisoners to get first hand information?
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Ajith / July 22, 2017
Most Sinhalese proudly say that Buddhist Sinhala civilisation and culture in Srilanka had a history of over 2000 years in Srilanka. Do you think that you all have forgotten that culture? Torture is part of your 2000 years civilised culture? Don’t put the blame on colonisation of British before 200 years it is 2000 years culture of jungle culture.
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Raj / July 22, 2017
Nimal,
In SL, you may not be getting unbiased news on world politics, so for your information, Corbyn is not a ‘populist’ politician & even some of his own party members do not like his socialist views. He has been critical of Blair & was against the Iraqi war. The Conservative party has labeled him as an Islamic terrorist sympathizer for his critical views on British foreign policy in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly, concerning Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Iran & Israel. He does not believe in Royalty & true to his principles, refused to sing the British National anthem because it includes the words ‘God save the queen’, implying allegiance to the queen. As for British colonization, Corbyn has indicated that he is willing to discuss British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands & Gibraltar (a subject Conservative Britain has refused to discuss), knowing very well that it would not go well with the average British public, his main vote base. There is a lot Sri Lankan politicians can learn from Jeremy Corbyn, mainly, principles, which they don’t seem to have at all.
So, if there is truth in the allegations, it’s time we accepted it & move forward, instead of living in denial.
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Rajiv / July 23, 2017
Let’s see how principled Corbyn is if elected. All politicians have a conscious when in the opposition. Once in power, its a whole different story. Corbyn will be no different. He is just a savvy politician who knows how to appeal to the psyche of the voter. Time will tell but don’t hold your breath.
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Dear D. Nimal,
I think that you should read carefully what is said a little below your comment by: Raj / @ July 22, 2017 15:43.
We must strive to be accurate. To hear either Jeremy Corbyn or Maithripala Sirisena speaking is to immediately know that they are truly educated people. But not in the way many people understand the word “educated”.
Please study Corbyn’s Wikipedia description at least before you write. He has no Doctorate. Like him or dislike him, but find out about him before you start saying things about him. It is generally granted that he is very sincere in his beliefs. Congenetically rebellious, he did enter a University at one point but left without even a first degree.
He wouldn’t mind what you called him, I’m sure, but would rather you didn’t give him bogus qualifications and titles.
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K A Sumanasekera / July 22, 2017
Wonder whether Corbyn has any mates of Swiss Kumar, on his HR & Ethnic Affairs Advisory Board…?…..
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siripala / July 22, 2017
Nothing is permanent!
Big Fist, Small Fist every day is not X’mas for the masquerading hyenas on either side.
My interest like yours is to drive away the wallaws all 3 and araliya malla.(poof)
Then you can drink your vadi khata in peace once again with a new world.
So play to the gallery like in the Gladiators for there are no friends but interest.
Or more of your women will sell in the ME and Kuddu will flow from pokistan
You need change but not Obama markelle change-Tory BoJo of Olympic change.
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
A disgraceful comment!
Who except a knave would try to connect the (foolish? naive? -those are possible descriptions) Corbyn with Swiss Kumar?
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Jim softy / July 22, 2017
Corbyn Selling to the Tamil Gallery and Dalits are happy.
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janaka / July 22, 2017
Things could now change with an honest tough guy general in charge of our military who will not be cow towing to helping Hambantota filth.
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Native Vedda / July 22, 2017
janaka
“Things could now change with an honest tough guy general in charge of our military who will not be cow towing to helping Hambantota filth.”
Was he the one who was in charge of Joseph torture Camp in Vavunia? If true he must be a tough guy. I am told the camp masters were unusually innovative for Sri Lankan in their crafts. A word of caution do not bend in front of him.
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Raj / July 22, 2017
”honest tough guy general ”? Tough maybe but honesty is something I doubt very much.
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Chris / July 22, 2017
Some years ago there was a report about Tamils getting tortured in Sri Lanka. Later it turned out that they were not even from Sri Lanka but from Malaysia and India.
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Thanos / July 22, 2017
People, please understand that torture is not just an issue of the north or a particular minority. This is a country-wide epidemic. The southerners should take note that due to international spotlight on the north some police might hesitate to use torture in that region. But that does not apply in the south. All it takes is one false allegation for police to use torture to extract a confession and if you’re Sinhalese the international community won’t give a sh!t. Oh the irony. So all you southerners should pull your heads out of your rectum and understand torture is very real, it is endemic and it can happen to ANYONE ANYWHERE IN SRI LANKA.
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Rathne / July 22, 2017
Why any one torture Tamils now . They are freely protesting campaigning and au am not sure what he means.I fully appreciate the past incidents should be investigated and the justice should be done to victims.There are victims on both sides and not only Tsmils .Hope Corbyn is not trying to fatten his labour vote base by making Tamils happy in his dream to oust Theresa May.I have been supporting him all this time but if he is upto dirty politics that is going to change my friend.
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Rathne,
I don’t think that you should withdraw your support for Corbyn for the reason that you have given. So long as we Sinhalese refuse to allow at least investigation, and establishing the truth (or otherwise!) of allegations, we have to expect this sort of thing from “foreigners”. How much time can we expect them to spend on studying this subject in depth – when we ourselves want to avoid it?
I’ve been trying to understand the present situation of Tamils in the North. I’ll try to write about it in relation to some other comment. I’ve just begun to look at these.
Actually, I appreciate that you a person who wants investigation, so it may seem odd that I should be addressing YOU here, and not one of the rabid hate mongers!
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Rathne
“Why any one torture Tamils now . “
Sadists, psychopaths, control freaks, ……………. love to torture others.
“There are victims on both sides and not only Tsmils .”
Could we have a detailed list of other torture victims?
“Hope Corbyn is not trying to fatten his labour vote base by making Tamils happy in his dream to oust Theresa May.”
Are you telling us Tamils in the UK did not vote for Corbyn ?
“I have been supporting him all this time but if he is upto dirty politics that is going to change my friend.”
If you have been supporting him was it because he stood by underdogs or he was not supporting the Tamils? Basically why did you support him?
Please ignore me.
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SJ / July 22, 2017
Corbin is among those sincerely concerned about human rights violations. But the way the system operates is something else.
In any event we at home should get our act together to ensure that the national question is resolved in a just and lasting way. Any imposed solution is bound to fail. Moves to impose solutions can only be averted by our collective will to address the problem by ourselves.
I think that both Tamil and Sinhala emigre populations should conduct themselves more responsibly.
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jaming / July 22, 2017
Severely Jaundiced in the yellow SriMao commie cult.
“”Any imposed solution is bound to fail. “”
its just 100 miles from Chennai and takes off at mins per flight- F18’s on 5.0 acres of aircraft.
Commie thugs your days of looting the island are over.
the land does not belong to your pop or mom of servitude labour brought in by the portuguese from 1949-1970.
La Manca go back to mugabe with any offshore he loves you. kuppe thambi professor.
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Jonnya / July 22, 2017
i would like to know the religion that is practiced by the few who seem to blame everything in sri lanka on the sinhala buddhists. This is a blatant campaign to degrade a great religion of peace and proud race. I will bet that all of these are converts to other religions and paid for by NGO’s. People of this nation have been massacred by the portugese, the dutch and the british and even the tamil sinhala conflict was instigated by these hidden hands. You could spot the same traits in the middle east where the arabs have fallen pray to these evil forces. They only thrive in blood letting and nothing else. Very few of any other religions if any joined the forces to bring peace and sanity to this nation. The sinhala buddhists and the tamil hindus have lived amicably throughout time.
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John / July 22, 2017
Lies, Lies, more Lies!!!!!!!!!!! Just like former disgraced PM Camoran, Corbyn is after Tamil votes and their ill-gotten money.
–
Those dangerous terrorist invaders are not innocent Tamil coolies.
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It’s time Sri Lanka must have its own foreign policy, Sri Lankan government must Britain to punish pompous- uptight-posh Barbaric British politicians, give Gibraltar back to Spain, Falklands back to Argentina, prosecute Cameron and Blair for their ‘war crimes’, get rid of nuclear weapons, etc,etc,etc.
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John / July 22, 2017
Last week, Hon. Min. Wijedasa told off Bin Emerson the liar.
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Native Vedda / July 22, 2017
Johnny Baby
“Last week, Hon. Min. Wijedasa told off Bin Emerson the liar.”
What did Min. Wijedasa do behind closed door?
Held Emerson legs and pleaded for mercy.
That is what usually happens.
Very brave little islander.
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Ajith / July 22, 2017
“Corbyn said that the lack of accountability for the crimes of the past has enabled these horrific violations to continue in the island nation.”
Forget about Corbyn said, assume this is said by Punchi Banda or Kandasamy or Musthapa who is born to a Srilankan Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim. What happened to those who attacked, murdered hundreds of innocent Tamil people in 1958 (Riots), 1971(insurgency), 1977 (riots), 1983 (riots), 1989 (insurgency), 2014 (riots). None of the crimes are investigated and criminals are not brought under justice. Truth of the matter is that the state or state government always protected those criminals irrespective of race, color, or gender. Police , Judges, Civil servants were just followed the orders of the Politicians instead of what they are supposed to do. If our Presidents son rape a Sinhalese woman is it not a Crime? If our President ask the Immigration officers to issue a false passport to a criminal, is it not a crime, Is our President order to a military personal to abduct a parliamentarian or journalist and kill him is it not a crime? If your sister is raped by Presidents son, will you accept it and praise that President for raping your sister? Think and imagine that you are the victim of a crime and how would you react to that crime? I am sure you behave like a human!
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Jim Softy / July 22, 2017
We should give more money to Corbyn than terrorists Tamils so he will side with us. [Edited out]
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Lalindra Perera / July 22, 2017
I have been to Jaffna many times over the last 9 months and I must say the people are well occupied and carry on with work.It is external fiddling like this that causes people to complain and moan.The general tendency of any human is to to pick this up and make an issue. Jaffna is rich in people and money as most households have a family member in Europe/USA/UK having refugee status and they send home many $. Like in many parts of the world the police do use some force and may be some do get injured This happens in other parts of Sri Lanka as well..But it is not like we see on TV as happened in EU or nowhere like in US where innocents get killed
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Rohan / July 22, 2017
Good everything is wonderful , then we can send the occupying 300000 strong Sinhalese armed forces/police and all out of area illegal Sinhalese and Muslim settlers back to the south, as they are not needed and we Tamils need all our stolen and occupied lands back. You can also take your Budda statues back, as we do not need them here.
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Jonnya / July 22, 2017
What part of the world is Rohan from hiding behind a false name. Its you who has to hpget back to tamilnadu in india dpfrom where the british brought you to slave for them of not why not ho to england and be their slave again!
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Rohan / July 23, 2017
Rohan is my actual name and is Jonnya your real name? Looks like most Sinhalese racists it is you who is hiding behind a false name. I do not have to divulge my location to you. Did not ask for yours Sinhalese racist. Why are you going to send a hit squad or White van to abduct and torture me Sinhalese racist? Is that why you are so interested in my location you creature without any manners. As for going back to India it is not me but racist Sinhalese devils like you, who are largely descended from recently imported South Indian low castes. The rest a mixture of indigenous tribes , and ancient and medieval imports from Bengal/Orissa and Tamil Nadu/Kerala. Sinhalese DNA is 70% Indian Tamil. Return to your slum in Tamil Nadu Jonnya
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Lalindra Perera
So the the observation that Northerners open their mouth only to have their meal is not true.
“It is external fiddling like this that causes people to complain and moan.”
I was told the people moan and groan not out of pleasure but out of pain. Are you saying its not true.
When you saw the people well occupied and carry on with work you decided they are pain free and happy lot going about their life. However you didn’t care to stop them on the street and ask them about life, pain, and pathetic life and finally decided that external fiddling caused the pain and not the boots on the ground.
You must be a clever Anthropologist.
“But it is not like we see on TV as happened in EU or nowhere like in US where innocents get killed”
I take it that innocent people have never been killed by the state in the past 46 years. If that is the case I want to know as to why people are leaving this island in a raw irrespective of their race, region, religion, status, caste, creed, ……………….?
Any reason that you know of?
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D.Nimal / July 22, 2017
Mr Ajith comments….
Yes, all crime need punishments ,disregarding of their social roots and political power, what ever they had. We want all past political violation address by any organization to back more democratic accepts values society in Island . That is our will and turn into reality is not easy task time being under the current political party systems .
That world has yet born .In such democracy to be born but NOT by Imperialism -Capitalism led by USA and UK “Democracy” of politics of by house Windsor? Even not by Labor Party of Corbyan as leader of current British party of Labor.
It was established in 1917 October socialist Revolution led by Lenin and Stalin leadership of Bolsheviks Party of Marxist. Its was failure of after CPSU leadership upsurge by Krushevian politics of Modern Revision by anti-Marxist political leadership take over in Soviet Union state power since 1956.
Indeed 1991 Soviet Union collapse, it was great tragedy of Human Civilization. The Hardly won & build by revolution sacrifice of People of Soviet has disappear, relatively temporally . That failure is not an absolutely political phonnemona of Socialism of future world. The people of World will turn to socialism will revival and recover time to come. That is law of Dialectics though by Marx and Engels.
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justice / July 22, 2017
Corbyn is not aware of the past history of murders – not only torture – of Tamils in Sri Lanka by state personnel.
If this was known, there would be much more condemnation of this so-called “Buddhist country”.
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BJP / July 22, 2017
This fellow must be speaking about another country, perhaps, Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. Inadvertently he may have refer to Sri Lanka. Given his age it is a possibility. The other strong possibility is LTTE rump and cowards in the UK are using their enormous blood money, booty hidden and stashed away to good use to influence the politicians like Corbyn. Have we forgotten so soon that Miliband also use the same approach to appease LTTE rump in the UK.
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Lester / July 22, 2017
If British politics want to interfere with Sri lanka again.. They must do a fair an independed assessment of the status quo the island. Indeed, the SL is in a pathetic status. The prevailing culture of the Srilanka is evolved with the influnace of colonisation and it is not the original Sinhala Buddhis culture. Country is messed up now. If British is genuinely interested in SL it must with a good intention of easing up the irreparable damage they have done to SL..
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Dear Lester,
We seem to care so little about putting right all the things that are wrong in Sri Lanka. How much do you expect any foreigner to study the situation here before making a pronouncement on what happens in our country?
That said, I think that YOU have not taken the trouble to find out what sort of guy Corbyn is. Many are afraid of his politics because it is too left wing, because he is too much of a pacifist etc. Such criticisms can be honest, and, when expressed, can lead to intelligent discussion.
However, the point about Corbyn is that he is as far from being a colonialist as is possible for a Brit. He is close to Buddhism in practice: a vegetarian, and almost 100% teetotaller. And honest. He’s said that he takes the very occasional teeny weeny bit of alcohol.
It is we, through our stubbornness, who are doing “irreparable damage” to SL.
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anu / July 22, 2017
Dr Corbyn.. you have forgotten one thing when was the last time UK made a meaningful contribution or any aid to Sri Lanka ..We all know your country count every penny before they spent and they always thrive on others miseries . please remember we are not a Corbyn colony .
As far as we know all Sri Lankan are getting united and divisions are fading away and support each other and the country is progressing after getting rid of the ruthless terrorist activities we suffered long years .
Dr Corbyn is short of votes and funds, good weapon to attract tamil diaspora and keep continuing lies and sheer jealousy as UK is facing many challenges nowadays.
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arancha / July 22, 2017
“”Dr Corbyn is short of votes and funds, good weapon to attract tamil diaspora and keep continuing lies and sheer jealousy as UK is facing many challenges nowadays.””
Tamils and Muslims don’t count but the war is geopolitical lets say.
KUDDU!!
Checking servitude labour force,
ask Tsunami Hora how the British school kids pooled in. Lakshman K was on BBC at UK then we heard that your elk shot him unitedly.
Higannage Thuvale wage.!
Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry. Winston Churchill
55% of all Lankan exports are to US/UK Would you love to hug Mugabe kalu kelle??
the embargo SriMao ate jam and the rest did not have even ala battala.
When the opposition and government join hands it’s like Libya unlike Syria where the opp refused.
The merchant of venice:
If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh?
If you poison us do we not die?
And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
William Shakespeare
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Sinhala_Man / July 22, 2017
Another guy giving Jeremy Corbyn a Doctorate! I have entered a comment on this above, but it has yet to appear.
Awarding Doctorates appear to be a Sri Lankan disease!
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old codger / July 22, 2017
Dear Anu,
“Dr Corbyn.. you have forgotten one thing when was the last time UK made a meaningful contribution or any aid to Sri Lanka .”
You ought to check Google and see why the Victoria dam has that name.
Knee-jerk reactions are not arguments, my friend.
I am not a fan of the Brits, but give credit where it is due.
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SJ / July 22, 2017
OC
From Victoria Dam a late minister made massive ill gotten wealth and Britain enormous profit and Sri Lanka got severely indebted.
The benefit to cost ratio was poor.
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
SJ/OC
“The benefit to cost ratio was poor.”
It is all because the Tamils let the Brits to steal from this island and facilitated Dutta Gamani to hide his ill gotten wealth.
Blame the Tamils,
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SD / July 22, 2017
Look whose talking? The British colonised the Island, geared its economy to be part of British Empire,and stole the wealth of SL for decades. They imported impoverished Indian men and women to slave on their Tea plantations, like the Aficans who were taken to work in the cotton fields of US. The Brits then chose a Dispropotionate percentage of the Tamils to man the Islands public service, needless to say it was meant to divide and rule. The ethnic strife that persisted after Independence was born of the atrocities of the British rulers and their deplorable methods , whilst robbing the wealth of their victims. They left Sri Lanka with an economy hopelessly geared , to stand on its own .. A history teacher in the 1960’s. Compared this to man that supported his sons to adulthood (without any education) and passed away leaving his offspring to beg for a living. Got the message Jeromey ? So put your money where your mouth is and do something to rectify the injustices of your ancestors.
Got the message Jeromey? So, put your money where your mouth is and do something, to make good the
past injustices of your ancestors.
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arancha / July 22, 2017
SD,
Toady sitting on toad stool and drinking croak-ola says:
“Look whose talking? The British colonised the Island, geared its economy to be part of British Empire,and stole the wealth of SL for decades.”
no one lankan or his mom or pop owns the island.
Servitude labour brought into the island by the Portuguese from 1498-1970 – Archives of Portuguese ArchBishop of Goa.
English East India Company landed by sea to Surat Gujarat in 1600 bringing gold and silver for trade. Not the British Government. Queen Victoria the Empress of India never stepped into the sub-continent. The EEIC was led by men like Welsh Clive the Nabob a sociopath corporate raiders who captured the whole of Bharat inclusive the island in 1818- all treaties are archived at London – Treaties of London from the first London Treaty – Treaty with Spain after Gulliver in the land of Lilliputs – by Virgin Queen Elizabeth 1 Ruler of the world.
UK left the island prosperous and picturesque for the ambudes to mind their affairs like John Lewis of London (wholly owned by the workers)
The point here :
When the Brits wanted pirates there were enough and they glorified them too.
Now here is the present position in the Bay of Bengal. USA The Donald and Theresa may are doing the talking.- Lanka stayed away from voting at UN on Diego Garcia – the Pakis, China and India are very busy with heightened border conflicts.
22/7/2017 The F/A-18 super hornet fighter jets line up along the 4.5-acre flight deck of the 98,000-tonne displacement US navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Bay of Bengal.
The F/A-18 super hornet fighter jets line up along the 4.5-acre flight deck of the 98,000-tonne displacement US navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Bay of Bengal.
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raman / July 22, 2017
O wise SD,
“Look whose talking? The British colonised the Island, geared its economy to be part of British Empire,and stole the wealth of SL for decades. They imported impoverished Indian men and women to slave on their Tea plantations,”
What wealth? Gold? Silver? Oil? Cow dung? Hot air has no value ,dear.
Our wealth in 1948 came from the plantations which they set up and our leaders screwed up.
At least the “imported impoverished Indian men and women” did their jobs. But your well-fed wives and daughters want to be sex-slaves in Arab countries.
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garawi / July 22, 2017
Who are the british to preach us when they use proxy wars to kill in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Yemen.
Corbyn is talking to the tamil voter in the UK. But do not interfere in Sri Lanka. We are not a colony since 1948 !!
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daya weerasinghe / July 22, 2017
these are the same people who protects the war criminal Tony Blair…..while preaching crap to the rest of the world…!
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Native Vedda / July 22, 2017
daya weerasinghe
“these are the same people who protects the war criminal Tony Blair…..while preaching crap to the rest of the world…!”
This is about protecting our safety, security and sovereignty. Where is your dignity, white man is attempting once again to tell us how to run our own affairs. We will continue to abuse, kidnap, kill, torture, rob, treat our people inhumanely, it is our business and who do they think there are? Only 8 years ago we fought and won a war against “formidable” LTTE. The Brits are nothing compare to our brave soldier, we will fight them on the beaches, …………………When do you want to start your war against the Brits, I am ready any time be a man lets go for the Brits, I am right behind you, Gota, Wimal, …………….
daya weerasinghe if you are a honourable man give the Brits a good-hiding. You should be boiling in 150 years of colonial anger. Lets go, go, go, go………….
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K.Pillai / July 22, 2017
The political direction of SL is now on international radar. There must be something wrong if most leaders find us wanting in justice and fairness. British politicians are no exception. David Cameron used undiplomatic language at 2013CHOGM to describe the problem we have created for ourselves. The Miliband brothers and now Corbyn are from the other side.
Lots of commenters are attacking the messengers but do not wish to address the message.
The time has come for some lateral thinking – the past seventy years has only brought us misery but made a few filthy filthy filthy rich.
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Gos / July 22, 2017
Corbyn is a trash bucket who always harbours terrorist organisations for cheap political votes. Never a researcher or an ethical analyst he has been branded a ‘bully’ by his own party. Show him the door asap, Labour !
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Native Vedda / July 23, 2017
Gos
Corbyn defies doubters as Labour gains seats
Buoyant leader says party has changed face of British politics, with night’s unexpected successes shoring up his position
theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2017/jun/08
National popular vote | Vote share %
Con
42.4
Lab
39.9 (Increase of 9.5%)
Lib Dem
7.3
SNP
3.0
Ukip
1.8
Grn
1.6
The election took place in June 2017 and not 1987.
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tatcher / July 23, 2017
John Major ruled with 1 vote from Belfast. Corbyn is shedding his feathers with the days because no one wants the country to borrow anymore 98% debt .
More means more stupid wars and more fu**ed immigrants trying to crawl in.
Immigrants blacks muslims are barking too loud and the fires tell them you will be scattered with no block votes henceforth to spoil the quality of life.
Seriously talking about ID’s to stem the flow.
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Champa / July 23, 2017
The usual game has begun. Corbyn’s one-sided irrational statement against Sri Lanka is totally unacceptable.
Those who were mentioned as “Tamil victims” in Corbyn’s statement are not victims, but LTTE cadre who unleashed terror.
UK Parliamentarians, who pathetically lack logical thinking, are actually not interested in Tamils in Sri Lanka but in LTTE/Tamil diaspora voter base. They even go to the extreme extent to satisfy LTTE-diaspora by issuing statements based on UNVERIFIED, UNSUBSTANTIATED reports issued by NGOO and in their unholy urgency they even request Home Office to alter its foreign policy.
Otherwise, any responsible MP, or the Leader of the Opposition would think rational before issuing a bias statement based on impulsive, prejudice judgement over Sri Lanka’s security forces.
The report based on unsubstantiated allegations issued by ITJP doesn’t get legitimacy purely by getting the support of the Leader of the Opposition of UK. There is a procedure to follow before accepting the contents of a report issued by any private organization which has no responsibility towards anybody.
Accepting a report without checking for its veracity shows nothing but the immaturity of Corbyn. He has forgotten or never heard there is always another side of the story. Corbyn’s statement is an insult to Sri Lanka’s judiciary.
British Parliamentarians are a prime example of double standards. They are even ready to forgo human rights to eradicate terrorism in their country while denying the same rights to Sri Lanka.
UN Special Rapporteur Emmerson is bias, prejudice and a pathological liar who recorded statements from hardcore LTTE terrorists without the presence of any official from AG’s Department. Therefore, his one-sided Statement has no validity. Emmerson’s highhandedness only shows his desire to get the hardcore LTTE terrorists out of prison which is also in line with LTTE diaspora agenda.
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D.Nimal / July 23, 2017
Comment on Sinhala man……
I agreed Mr Corbyn has no Doctorate from by any Universities of England .In case of Mr Corbyn is concern that does not arise at all ,that to go to downgrade his cognition and vision of politics of the Labor party? And Mr Corbyn.
By and large awarded of doctored was initial by ground of educational merits of New research and newly invented field of Knowledge for an elites by Western Universities has lost that credibility and credential are that dead and gone for ever.?
The Currently all major leading Universities in Western countries and their western moribund civilization has advocating for offer Ph.D.’s by hundred thousand of USA dollars for cash thirsty business-oriented of major campuses in the world.
That is there! Recently Deking University offer Doctorate for Ranil Wicks,.. who had worst human record and right of violation in island since 1977 under UNP JRJ regime. He( Dr Ranil Wicks) has given Degree of Doctorate of an Economic performs by last 30 months of misrule and mismanagement of tiny Island an Economy are doldrums in Sri lanka.
The world certain individuals is now on game changing politics of instead of Democratic and knowledge values.
May be Mr Corbyn is not that ,but politics of Labor Party of Briton has working for under House of Windsor, House of Tudor, House, Steward, House of Hanover since 1603 and “Westminster” Democracy of that policies laid by even 300 years ago by Imperialists of Empire’s -Democracy.
I wonder withier Mr Corbyn has enough room to break and make New “Socialist” policies by within Party of Labor? In UK?
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Sinhala_Man / July 23, 2017
Thanks, Nimal..
I’m sure that you mean well. Let me tell you that I’m now an old man and find it difficult to follow what you are saying.
All my life I’ve been teaching English; I have stopped doing so now – it’s just too difficult! And I know how difficult a language English is to learn. Therefore, I don’t EVER ridicule a person for slips in English, but if, when you write, you don’t take the trouble to observe the Rules of Standard English, discussion becomes difficult.
At this point I have begun looking for spelling mistakes in what you have written – but can find few: so, where ever a word got underlined by the spell-check, you have been conscientious. British vs America spelling is a problem for me (old guy!). For you, proper nouns: Deakin University. House of Stuart. But Stewart is also a name, but not what you needed!
“Withier” is indeed a rarely used English word. It has got underlined, but the spell check doesn’t give the word you wanted: “whether”. I agree with that last sentence of yours, though, and and about Ranil Wickremasinghe. Why do you use that Honorary Doctorate for him though? It isn’t done in most countries.
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SJ / July 24, 2017
SM
I think that I may have said it before.
It takes effort to decipher quite a few writers. If they make a valid point it is worth the effort.
*
Then there are others whose writing makes little sense even when spelling, grammar and syntax are all right.
Most are best ignored, like one does a barking dog or a drunkad.
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Tsylana / July 24, 2017
fool you saying your pop was a scholar.!
low caste scum trying to climb the social by your mode of communication which is rightly known as ` one two tattu dimension`
do you understand the meaning of literature, illiterate communist buffoon?
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Tsylana / July 24, 2017
SJ try this for `tattu` ( building stories).
“”Then there are others whose writing makes little sense even when spelling, grammar and syntax are all right.””
Last morning rather pompously a very literate English woman informed me that she lives in an apartment. So I asked her why are they stuck together.
Senile one, do you feel that there is logic in the language??
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Sinhala_Man / July 23, 2017
Dear Nimal,
I posted something on your spelling. Stopped at a point because of the 300 word rule!
You’ve got very wide vocabulary. It shows that you read a lot – which is good. And I think that you probably understand what you read. However, when you write, I’m afraid that you are not able to combine all that in to anything that a reader can properly understand. Also, unnecessarily learned words like “cognition” get used. “Understanding” would be quite enough! I do hope that you don’t mind my saying all this.
I guess most people would say that you don’t conform to the Grammar of English. However, don’t start memorising all the Rules of Grammar – it just won’t help! You’ve got to use English. Reading and listening are easy enough, but how on earth can a person master the active skills of Speaking and Writing? Someone has to help you. How can the average person find such a “someone”?
Some current articles on CT protest about letters in Sinhala being written to Tamils. Please try to imagine the problems caused; and at the end of it all, we ask those persons to go back to Tamil Nadu! At least we can be gentle and understanding – as I feel you are in such matters.
This is essentially our problem with teaching English in Sri Lanka. Within certain social and family groups it is used well, but believe me, straightening out all your sentences will be a nerve-wracking exercise, and I won’t attempt it. This same problem arises with comments by Sirisena Yatawara, but I didn’t give him as explicit an explanation.
Both of you are honest, but both have ended up getting bitter when misunderstood.
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