BY R. K. RADHAKRISHNAN / The Hindu –
At the end of a short-lived war waged through the media by a few diplomats, the Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday said that it had transferred its Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Tamara Kunanayakam, and appointed “team player” Ravinatha Aryasinha as the new Ambassador.
Mr. Aryasinha, is now the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. Ms. Kunanayakam, a Tamil, has been posted to Cuba.
Ravinatha Aryasinha
The media war began soon after the U.N. Human Rights Council passed in March a resolution calling on Sri Lanka to investigate alleged human rights violations.
Ms. Kunanayakam told the media that her transfer may get misinterpreted. Insiders in the Ministry say that this had infuriated the Foreign Minister, G.L.Peiris. The issue was discussed at the highest level before Prof.Peiris sent in the letter, transferring her back to Cuba.
One official close to the developments said that Sri Lanka needed a team player in Geneva. “When you are a public servant you cannot launch a media campaign for your post. Diplomats have to be put in place. They have to follow what the government says,” said the official.
The move is expected to create new tensions between the government and the Tamil diaspora.
Donald Gnanakone / May 9, 2012
The Singhala Buddhist racist-chauvinist in Colombo finally won. Tamara anyway was appointed Ambassador to Geneva and Havana because of her “Private friendship” with the former MP in 1989-1990 in Geneva who happens to be current President. She never had any support at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or any other politicians in Colombo.
Anyway nobody is indispensable as a diplomat, and Tamara was no super diplomat. Of Course she was much better than all the political appointments as diplomats to world capitals including Dayan Jayatileke her predecessor.
Geneva to Havana after 9 months is certainly a huge insult and demotion.
Tamara, has to remember that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. In this case it was the “willow” and not the sword. She had a good ride, and now sent to hibernate with full Swiss Pay in Havana. I am certain if she remains quiet she will be rewarded by her friend The President.
Knowing Tamara’s nature, I doubt she will go quietly to Cuba. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. We all have to bid her farewell and wait and see. Certainly, she has not been treated well. The condom theory applies to her as well. She is not that useful as she was in 1989 as the young MP then is the all powerful President now.
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Kapila / May 10, 2012
Tamara should resign and stop working for a despicable regime if she has any honor!
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Roshan / May 9, 2012
I feel sorry for Tamara but I have a small “kalakanni preethiya” too. She should have known.
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Sabes / May 9, 2012
The people are nicer and the weather is good in Havana!
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Vasu / May 9, 2012
At least now Tamara understands something about Sinhala Buddhist Chuvinism and why we fought for equal rights for the last 40 years
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gamini / May 10, 2012
This person Ravinath Ariyasinghe first appeared as a TV moderator under Premadasa. What are his credentials to hold such office? I find all those who bumsucked under Premadasa have now aligned to MR for position and perks.
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Kandiah / May 10, 2012
Sorry Gamini,
It is wrong to ask what credentials Ravinath Ariyasinghe has got to be the UN Ambassador.
Don’t you known that he is a Sinhala Buddhist! Is it not enough?
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Anu / May 10, 2012
He was cantankerous and aggressive. The govt. thinks he will do the same thing in Geneva.
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French citizen / May 10, 2012
Omar Mukhtar, Libyan freedom fighter once said, “we have seen enough Italian governers and military leaders, they come and go but we continue our task and win”.
Wellcome, Ravinatha Aryasinha!
Bruxelles in Belgium and Geneva in Switzerland are two different cities in numerous way!
Warm welcome!
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French citizen / May 10, 2012
H.E. Tamara Kunanayakam,
Albert Einstein said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”
Anyway today you have learned something new which we learned long ago!
According to the media, we all are well aware that Luxman Kathirgamar was killed by the LTTE. But many have forgotten that he was supposed to be the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and WHO prevented his appointment.
They will use any popular Tamil name for their glory!
Sooner or later all those paramilitary leaders will learn the same.
Good bye Good luck
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Anu / May 10, 2012
Luxman Kadirgamar killed by LTTE? Then why did the govt. stop the Presidential commission investigating into his killing half way?
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French Citizen / May 10, 2012
Sir learn to read carefully before you make a comment!!
“ACCORDING TO THE MEDIA, we all are well aware that Luxman Kathirgamar was killed by the LTTE”.
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French citizen / May 10, 2012
H.E.Ravinatha Aryasinha!
Omar Mukhtar, Libyan freedom fighter once said, “we have seen enough Italian governers and military leaders, they come and go but we continue our task and win”.
Wellcome,
Bruxelles in Belgium and Geneva in Switzerland are two different cities in numerous way!
Warm welcome!
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