The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a minor partner in the UNP-led coalition (United National Front for Good Governance), laid out a five-point plan for the country to put behind it’s bloody past at least with respect to the thorny issues of war-crimes and move ahead into the future.
Champika, the JHU leader
Addressing a media conference, co-leader of the JHU, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that various opinions have been expressed regarding the issue, pointing out that some want the law to be applied equally to all while others want it selectively applied.
He said that if the law were to be applied equally across the board, then most of the 12,000 LTTE cadres released after a short and cursory period of rehabilitation would have to be apprehended and charged in court, but added that this would not be practical.
‘They were all part of a terrorist organization and many surrendered along with arms,’ he said, pointing out that known LTTE cadres such as ‘KP’, Ram and Nagulan are roaming freely despite their role in terrorism.
On the other hand, Ranawaka took issue with those who are opposed to any legal action against any ‘war hero’. He argued that whereas action in the heat of the battle and in pursuit of a military victory was one thing, abduction, rape, murder and any other infringement prompted by personal objectives are very different.
‘Similarly there are some Tamil politicians both here and abroad who want ex-LTTE cadres left alone and investigations to focus only on members of the security forces,’ he said.
Insisting that the lack of clarity in terms of policy has brought about an impasse, the JHU proposed the following:
A classification/categorization of crimes by LTTE, military and para military groups currently in custody in terms of whether they were related to the conflict and whether they were in the pursuit of personal matters.
All military person currently in custody in relation to war-related incidents should be give a general amnesty.
Similarly, the approximately 60 former LTTE cadres currently in custody should be released immediately on a general amnesty.
Charge immediately those who have been arrested on account of rape, abduction, murder etc.
Once all this is done, we should not return to this particular issue or aspect of the conflict.
‘There is no point in letting this wound fester any longer,’ Ranawaka said, observing that almost a decade has passed since the conflict ended.
He also pointed out that there was an unofficial amnesty that was accorded to all those engaged in violence in the late eighties, both rebels and security forces.
‘Even in South Africa and most recently in Columbia, such processes have served to bring to a close unending haggling over war-related issues.’
Champa / September 19, 2018
Continuation ………..2/2
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This proposal to grant amnesty may be a reason for coming to a dead end in terms of war crimes allegations against the Army. This could also be seen as an attempt to release unrehabilitated LTTE cadre before the next presidential election to obtain Tamil votes.
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Sri Lankans have started moving on 10 years ago. The end of the war in 2009 also saw to the end of resentment and mistrust between Sinhalese and Tamils. However, this government gave life to forgotten resentments by accusing our Army for war crimes and jailing selected Army Intelligence Officials to appease Tamil Diaspora and the TNA.
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This Minister who was also a Minister in the former government has conveniently forgotten that the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa reintegrated thousands of LTTE cadre by rehabilitating them. The process could have continued had he not been ousted by traitors.
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If the slave government wants to bring back “MAHINDA’S COUNTRY’ where well integrated harmonious coexistence prevailed among all ethnicities post-war, they should FIRST withdraw the treacherous Geneva Resolution and then make Tamil Diaspora and the FCID withdraw all unsubstantiated allegations against our Army and the political opponents.
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On a separate matter, why can’t the President ‘commute’ (waive) Venerable Gnanasara Thero’s 6-year RI, if the government can “go out of the way” to grant amnesty to hard core terrorists???
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Mallaiyuran / September 19, 2018
Champawathi,
S.B. Dissnayake too was minister in the previous Chaitanya government. Wimal said in the Parliament that 42 thugs of previous government were listed as war criminals in OISL report which America forced the UNHRC to give up. Now SB is accepting this gamaralaya guy’s “White Flag” murders are true. America saved Old King in March 2015 by retrieving back that OISL report. Now it has told Old King to go to Washington. Most probably he will be meeting Jalia in Washington.
If Tamils are not getting their judgement, I guarantee you, this is the last time Chinese Prime Minister is stepping on Lankawe soil. The sovereignty you surrendered to China in hope of buying veto in UN is going with the wind in vain. The door for the Kahu Mathaya is going to be closed. So do you want a compromise on the justice to Tamils and become a Singapore -an ally of America and a friend of China & India or you wants to become an Israel, a dedicated alley of America?
You keep writing your thesis that UN agree only on preventive attack but not on war excessive or Self Determination, but when Old King get off from America this time, he will have given his answer given to the question of America or China
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Champa / September 19, 2018
Mallaiyuran
SB’ has no evidence to prove his lie. I challenge him to disclose his source.
Why did SB wait until this moment to say that?
It’s obvious that he was asked to make this statement in support of the President who is scheduled to address the UNGA, may be to frame SF, for a reward such as a slot in the national list of the SLFP at the upcoming general elections.
OISL was established by UNHRC itself which only covered the period from February, 2002 to November, 2011 with an aim to target Mahinda and war heroes.
Who is this “old king” you say visiting America?
As of the question whether to choose US or China, “the answer should be China.”
US has a bleak future with the ever-rising power of Latin Americans. Not only that the world will team up against America! By analyzing the goings on, I believe that after Trump, who is America’s version of Gorbachev, the second or the third American President will be a Latino. The American Federal State will collapse and the migrant Latin Americans, who will become more powerful in number and strength will demand self-rule in States where their population is heavily concentrated, followed by other States.
America’s downfall started after their conspiracy against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. All the international actors who were behind his ousting are no more in Office while he is loved by people, now, more than when he was in Office. John Kerry is nowhere to be seen. David Cameron fell on his sword startling the world who was then disgraced by Panama Paper-scandal. Obama is frequently seen loitering. Sri Lanka is a blessed country protected by Buddhism and the unforeseen forces of our ancestors. Country will proper when it gets back to its rightful owner.
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Mallaiyuran / September 20, 2018
Here we go……….. you ate too much of the Meethotamulla feeding and throwing up almost all of them. Lankawe telecom was channeling all the cellphone calls though America and they recorded all the important calls. Why do you think Jalia defected to enemy’s camp, while SB still hiding inside the sarong of Old and New Kings, one after other? Wouldn’t he be at least an edge above you, say 79.0000001? Because, the poor guy didn’t know it was CIA paying for the telephone company the balance for the guy to call all the Lankawe bosses and relatives at 75% discount. He is doomed now in Washington DC with pizza while you all lucky ones are eating Biriyani in Lankawe! Why Old Brother Prince is refusing to apply for US citizenship release but riding on an Afghani Donkey, it continuously braying all over in Geneva, but nobody listening), including SB)? Norwegian Envoy Solheim, Journalist Mary Colvin, Old Brother Prince, New King are people negotiated the White flag surrender under guidance of Ex. Ambassador Blake. Do you know what role Blake was playing in that? Just pressing the “record button” whenever Lankawe guys spoke to each other. Because, to set up their own Nuremberg on Old brother Prince, they will come inside the Island and pick him up with the foundation of Temple Tree House if that mule stands in election and become EP.
You have no idea of who and who and who called SB in 2009. But SB checks it out with the American telephone company when he wants to have applied for the reimbursement of his calls from Chitanta or Yahapalanaya Appe Aanduwas.
I tell you, throw up all the Meethodamulla badu you ate and keep your mouth and gut clean, when Nuremburg of Lankawe ends, you are going to be forced another round of Kiribath while watching fire crackers and the UN electric Chair.
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Champa / September 20, 2018
Mallaiyuran
You are talking about trash and recycled items about which I am not interested.
Recording somebody’s conversation without the other person’s knowledge is illegal. Therefore, your rubbish has no legal validity.
SB is a known turncoat. Therefore, no explanation is necessary about his conduct.
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Mallaiyuran / September 20, 2018
” SB is a known turncoat.” Don’t attempt to sound like big talker Champathie. You all are only that. The foundation of Aappa Diplomacy is based on not just be to a turncoat, but on cow skin clad lion actions too. That game teaches how to turn the 150,000 into zero in a matter of mille-second.
Leader Pirapaharan brought the victory in 2005 election for Hambantota Help fame Old King. He fooled the Sinhalese with abolishing the EP when he wins. Even in 2015 he told he will change the constitution. Now he is going to America to save him from UN electric Chair while pretending to Modaya he is the Hennedige Francisco Fernando ( when you dub it in Sinhala, it is “Puran Appu”. Unfortunately Appu is only a Tamil word).
” Recording somebody’s conversation without the other person’s knowledge is illegal.” A Crime is crime is crime. FBI and CIA catches almost all fraud by sting operations, set up in private circumstances. You cannot hide a man & kill and claim nobody had permission to video graph your private activities. Only Champika has license to hit with a car when he is drunk, but nobody can ask him.
Other than self-incrimination, all other evidences will be accepted in criminal circumstances. In war crimes, all kind of recoding are going to be counted as acceptable form of evidences.
May be in other countries in the World a private man cannot record another man’s activities. But in Lankawe, under PTA, you hang a police victim upside down in the 4th floor, and set the fire underneath, apply chili power on private parts and make the victim to read what police wanted to say. Then is 100% perfectly approved confession in Lankawe court.
(You have no idea why Old Royals have been telephone tapping; check up with them why did they do? Even Ranil, Chandrika all complained about it)
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Champa / September 21, 2018
Mallaiyuran
Another garbage comment.
Video-graphing and audio taping have two different laws.
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Anslem Colombage / September 19, 2018
I have a brilliant 5 point plan.
1. Executive President Should be a Burgher.
2. Prime Minister a Malay
3. Defence Minister a Muslim
4. CDS a Tamil
5. Chief Justice a Borah or Memon
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Desmond Rodrigo / September 19, 2018
6. Attorney General. – Malayalee
7. IGP – A Gujrati
8. Navy Commander- A Ŕohingya
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Real Revolutionist / September 19, 2018
Desmond Rodrigo
Somebody with Anslem’s blood?
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Native Vedda / September 19, 2018
Desmond Rodrigo
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Sure.
The list above from 1 to 8 gives detailed analysis of the origin of converted Sinhala/Buddhists.
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Ŕohingya are supposed to be Bengalis. It’s a good choice for Navy Commander, the descendant of Vijaya.
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Real Revolutionist / September 19, 2018
Anslem Colombage
Wow! such a fantastic dream.
Anslem’s (probably stupid) unimpressive 5 point plan, sorry brother, that’s how we have to call it.
Need not say that they can try with the available democracy & equality as citizens..
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Freeda Selvanayagam / September 19, 2018
The Sinkhala Buddhists want to see bloodshed all the time, violence, cutting, chopping, raping are all the hallmarks.
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Champa / September 21, 2018
Freeda Selvanayagam
When were you born? After 2009? It was a Sinhalese Buddhist leader who stopped 34 year barbaric era of Prabhakaran unifying the country. The only similar period in Sri Lanka’s history was invader Kalinga Magha’s 21 year terror period.
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Rajash / September 21, 2018
Champa
doesn’t matter when you were born…because you have not developed in to an adult yet.
it was Sinhala racism since independence that gave birth to Prabaharans of the past and probably of the future ….if people like you still persist
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Champa / September 21, 2018
Rajash
Bulls….. Prabhakaran first started his struggle against Vellalar caste as a protest to social injustices that prevailed in Jaffna. He was also someone who was deprived of education due to his caste. He wanted a separate land to be ruled by low caste Tamils. Give me one good reason why did he kill almost all elite Vellalar Tamil political leaders?
Then later on Vellalar Tamils shrewdly turned his struggle against Sinhalese in order fulfill their political ambitions.
There will never be another Prabhakaran as long as Sri Lanka exists. If there is any attempt, even before Sinhalese, Tamils themselves will rise against it and put an end to it.
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Rajash / September 21, 2018
“He (Prabakaran)was also someone who was deprived of education due to his caste”….
..I understand that the head of Sri Lankan defence forces are in admiration of Prabakaran’s sheer intelligence in building up a liberation army consisting of a Naval force a air force and army .
Education is not necessary…look at you for example with all the education your brain is still retarded?
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Champa / September 21, 2018
Rajash
What I meant was it was the social injustices (such as depriving of education) based on the caste system which made Prabhakaran go against Vellalar Tamils.
About building a guerrilla army against a sovereign state, his success was purely based on the weakness in organizational decision making ability of successive leaders who were from different political parties.
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Rohan Gunaratne / September 19, 2018
NV
How about GR as President
Wimal sakkili karuppan as PM
Gommanpila as Defence Secreatry
Sarath weerasekera as defence minister
NR as minister of womens affairs.
Venduruwawe upali as Mahanayaka of Asgiriya.
Kamal gunaratna as tri forces commander
Sounds good ya
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Native Vedda / September 20, 2018
Rohan Gunaratne
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Excellent choice.
I love it.
Thanks, we must support your brilliant choice as this will ensure a great number of people leaving the island, the greatest exodus of this country never experienced.
Well that is what I have always wanted.
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What are you going to do with Champa?
Will you kindly drop her at Sangili Karuppan’s ancestral home somewhere in South India?
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K.Pillai / September 19, 2018
From the comments here it is clear Champika possesses attributes necessary to be President of SL. In fact he will outstrip the other potential candidates.
Good luck Champy.
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Good Sense / September 20, 2018
The principle that a sad past be put behind is acceptable but how? Clearly no amnesty can be given for murder, rape etc. I observe that a soldier, after many years, was sentenced to death for murder. The real issue is evidence for the crime. General statements are made that such and such a group committed serious crimes. As long as general statements are made the issue is kept alive. While justice must be done it also noted that keeping the issue alive has other strategic advantages for some outside the country. We tend to be strict on persons wearing government clothing. Don’t forget that mass murders were committed by non-government actors perhaps starting from the mass or multiple murders of Buddhist priests in Arantalawa, close to Ampara. Even groups of Tamil speaking people were butchered by the LTTE for “insubordination”.
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Lanka Nitizen / September 21, 2018
Sri Lanka
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Looses millions by the hour
due to Smuggling , under valuing Invoices , irregular Tender procedures , pilferages of the funds received as aids for development and Funds borrowed ,then Tax avation by defrauds and of cause the losses and wastages in government organisation
All these will keep adding up to the already debt ridden Country.
Today The rupee depreciation has nothing to do with international Trump Man child decisions .
It is because of the bankruptcy of the treasury .
No matter who rules ,no matter who becomes leader in 2020.
As long as the system with loopholes to Rob the nation remains in another 5 to 15 years it will all baloon up and even if we keep getting investments ,it will be like pouring water to a bottomless pit .
If this system continues ,we will have such a bad crash ,we all will be on the Streets .
Faras you need to focus on this in your next News Line .and question the politicians. Waiting to take over in 2020 to detail how they intend to end the smuggling ,the irregular tender procedures etc .
Thank you
Citizen
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Colombege lmao / September 22, 2018
Colombege WTF ,This is s& b nation ,just get lost
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