28 March, 2024

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Sri Lanka Has No Capacity To Hold Any Credible Investigation

By M.A. Sumanthiran –

M.A. Sumanthiran MP

I count it a privilege and an honour to have been invited to address this assembly this afternoon.

It is said that Truth is the first casualty of war. I want to say today that Truth is also the first step in reconciliation. It is in recognition of this principle that after the struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa, the process that united the country was called the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”.

In Sri Lanka too, many Truths about the war were hidden and continue to remain hidden. It is time for us in Sri Lanka to uncover the truth, face up to it, and move forward towards reconciliation. The end of the war in May 2009 provided us with a great opportunity for that. Unfortunately, triumphalism and narrow, parochial self interest has prevailed for the last four years resulting in more damage being done to the social fabric and the institutional safeguards in our country than what they suffered even during the years of war. Violations of human rights were rife, as can be expected, whilst the war raged. But sadly, the end of the war did not turn things around. The government, without being magnanimous in victory, continues to behave as though the State is still under siege. The natural popularity that was gained for having brought the fighting to an end is being used to further erode democratic values and to entrench a family-rule. For the people too the line between expressing gratitude and permitting an authoritarian take-over remained thin, with the result, the only constitutional safe-guard protecting the independence of democratic institutions was dismantled within six months of the new Parliament convening in 2010. The 18th amendment to the Constitution not only abolished the Constitutional Council responsible for appointment to independent offices and institutions, but also removed the two term limit on the very powerful Executive Presidency.

The recent impeachment of the Chief Justice through a process that was declared to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court demonstrates the extent to which rule of law has broken down in Sri Lanka. The apparent disregard to democratic ideals and to the values and principles of the Commonwealth as regards Latimar House principles, which Sri Lanka is bound by, clearly demonstrates the authoritarian and dictatorial nature of the present regime. The purported appointment of the advisor to the government as the Chief Justice, again lays bare the government’s mindset. The fact that the Chief Justice was impeached hot on the heels of several devolution-friendly determinations that angered the government, again demonstrates its lack of sincerity in actually implementing the 13th amendment to the Constitution, let alone going beyond it to achieve meaningful devolution to which the government paid lip service until the independence day speech of the President earlier this month.

The government continued with the state of emergency for over two years after the end of the war, and allowed it to lapse only in order to face up to the UN Human Rights Council sessions in Setember 2011. However, just a day before the state of emergency lapsed, a set of new regulations was introduced under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. The most obnoxious of these is the regulation that enables the security establishment to incacerate any person under the guise of ‘rehabilitation’ without even producing him/her before a court of law, on the pretext that such person had ‘surrendered’. Many are being so incarcerated now: about 40 from Jaffna, another dozen or so from Trincomalee and a few more from Batticaloa. Four University students who were also among those arrested in Jaffna have been released. The manner in which the President ordered the release of two of them while he was visiting Jaffna demonstrates the height of arbitrariness of these arrests and detentions and removes any doubt as to the illegality of the continuing detention of the others. In addition, there are close to a thousand others who continue to be detained under the PTA, some for longer than 15 years, without proper charges or trial. One glaring example is that of an Irish national who was arrested in 2007. The state claimed that he was an international arms smuggler and kept getting more and more time before the Supreme Court where he had challeged his arrest and detention. After five long years, they indicted him for failure to give information to the Police, the most innocuous of offences under the PTA. He pleaded guilty on legal advice, since he had spent longer than the maximum sentence for this offense and was sentenced to a token term of one month. But on the day of his release, just a few days ago, on the 12th of February, he was remanded again on the application of the State which claimed that they plan to indict him again for another offence!

The Human Rights situation in the North and the East, and indeed in all parts of the country continues to deteriorate. Not holding anyone accountable for the grave crimes committed during the last stages of the war, has its heavy price. Similar incidents are bound to recur and that is what is happening, particularly in the North and East of the country at present. Recently 109 very young Tamil girls were said to have been recruited to the Army from the Districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. No formal procedures were followed and some of them have managed to escape and return home. 16 others were said to have suddenly gone down with ‘mass hysteria’ and admitted to the Kilinochchi hospital one day and no one was allowed to meet them. All this raises grave suspicions as to the actual status of these girls in the Army. My colleague, Hon. Shritharan raised the matter in Parliament and he was promptly subjected to a Criminal Investigation Department inquiry in breach of Parliamentary privilege. Since he raised the question of privilege, now the Terrorist Investigation Division has raided his office in Kilinochchi, claims to have recovered some explosives and astonishingly, condoms and pornographic material! They have also arrested two of his staff and are holding them under the PTA. Handbills were distributed in Kilinochchi with pictures of the alleged pornography saying ‘This is your MP who speaks about young women being abused by the army’. He was also summoned to the TID office and subjected to a three hour inquiry just last week. Human Rights Watch has released a 141 page report two days ago on the sexual abuse of Tamil detainees. The 150,000 strong army presence in the Northern Province – one soldier to every five civilians – says more of what goes on in the open in the Tamil areas. This sense of impunity has been brought about solely due to the fact that no one has had to answer yet for the serious allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the last stages of the war. The UN Panel of Experts recommended an independent investigation into this with international supervision.

The TNA, as the elected representatives of the Tamil people, welcomed the Panel of Experts’ finding that “credible allegations, which if proven, indicate that a wide range of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law were committed both by the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, some of which would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Indeed, the conduct of the war represented a grave assault on the entire regime of international law designed to protect individual dignity during both war and peace.” The official position of the TNA is that the truth must be ascertained through an independent international investigation, which should also inquire into the on-going acts of persecution against the Tamil People even four years after the end of the war. Sadly, locally, the country has no capacity to hold any credible investigation, particularly now, with the breakdown of the independence of the judiciary. The government has also now plainly demonstrated what they are in fact capable of. A military tribunal established to inquire into these violations has concluded – hold your breath – that no violations occurred, and worse, that no person has disappeared in Sri Lanka! The LLRC itself has reported that from persons who braved to come and give evidence before it alone, over 3,000 had disappeared and out of this 1018 had disappeared after surrendering to the security forces at the end of the war.

The government-appointed Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) too recommended that the Channel 4 video footage that was first released should be investigated to ascertain their authenticity. Since then there have been two more releases of such footage. The government of Sri Lanka has challenged the authenticity of this footage as well. This too then must be subject to thorough investigation. Both the charges and the counter-charges that have been made are too serious to be allowed to remain without inquiry.

At the begining of this conference Peter Kellner gave us a sobering thought. I was more encouraged when Suren called it wise words. Option 1 as outlined by him must be pursued before the other options are resorted to. It is true that time is short, but it is important to get the GOSL to deliver.

The TNA today is calling upon the government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with any UNHRC resolution which seeks the implementation of the LLRC recommendations and seeks credible measures to ascertain the Truths that have been hidden. Contesting a reasonable resolution and having it voted on will only result in Sri Lanka losing the vote and facing international embarrassment.

Sri Lanka must now work with the United Nations to ascertain the Truth. It is the Truth that will lead to reconciliation and enable the Tamil People, together with all the Peoples in Sri Lanka to live with equality, dignity and self-respect.

* The speech made by MA Sumanthiran MP at the GTF 3rd Anniversary Conference London.

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Latest comments

  • 0
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    Excellent Mr Sumanthiran.

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      I have no idea what a man of your stature is doing with racial politics of TNA.

      Why not serve all Sri Lankans Mr. Sumanthiran? Leave TNA. Join Sri Lankans.

      Sri Lanka needs talented politicians of moniroty background who can win majority community’s hearts and minds.

      Justice to all our minorities will be automatic when enough from the majority are on board to overwhelm the racists among us. Whether Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim.

      • 0
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        Ben Hurling, your comments are hurting 2nd class citizens. Sumanthiran is a 2nd class citizen, isn’t he? If he “joins Sri Lankans,” can he ever become President? Can he ever become Prime Minister? can he ever become Defense Minister? can he ever become Speaker?

        You should know how Mahinda played the race card when Kadirgamar was tipped to become Prime Minister………??!!!!!!

        Can you please stop Hurting 2nd class citizens?

        • 0
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          We will have no 2nd class citizens in Sri Lanka.

          If there is such thing we must fight it and dismantle it. My duty and your duty too.

          I will have no problem voting for Mr. Sumanthiran, if I agree with him politically. I am a Sinhalese Buddhist. Supposed to be one anyway by birth.

          I regret so much Kadirgamar never became Sri Lanka’s first Tamil PM. Many millions of Sri Lankans feel the same way. Sri Lankans knew well Kadir was a Tamil. But, they trusted. People were excited by his no nonsense brand of patriotism. People knew Kadir loved his country and all people in it. Not just his ethnic group.

          That is why Sumanthiran msut shake racist TNA off his back.

          In Kadirgamar Sri Lanka had a rare national opportunity. We wasted it as ususal. Personally, I wanted him as our President. Not just PM.

          I don’t think MR played a race card against Kadir. Despite all MR’s short-comings he admired Kadirgamar too. But, I guess MR won the dirty political power game. Kadirgamar was not after the PM post at any cost. He was a Gentleman.

          We must now move on. I am waiting for the next Kadirgamar to emerge from our among our Tamil citizens. Take Sri Lanka by storm. And take our country to the next level.

          • 0
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            Ben Hurling

            Sumanthiran is basically asking for what decent nations such as UK, Canada, US, India etc embrace – a federal governance. Why do you think this is racism?

            Scottish cherish and promote their culture in their homeland in Scotland, so do Sikhs, so do Wessh, so do Irish – why do you say this is racism?

            I respect you a born Sinhala Budhist, so are the Tamil speaking people in the Northeast. They want to live in their homeland given to them by their ancesters and these people want to cherish and promote their way of living in their homeland; they wish to govern themselves in the same way the Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Sikhs, etc do.

            Are you saying Scottish are racists because they govern themselves….??? You need to do a great deal of thinking Ben Hurling without hurting the 2nd class citizens…..!!!

            • 0
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              Real Peace

              I support genuine devolution to all provinces.

              As long as there are water tight safeguards. To make sure devolution will not be used by the cunning, extremely ethno-nationalsitic, LTTE rump. As a stepping stone to a new wave of sepearatism on the this beautiful Island.

              Well, if you wish to call yourself 2nd Class. Be my guest. It is your choice. You are a free man. I respect it. I don’t recommend it though. But, some folks believe inferiority is “sexy”. I can’t help solve that problem.

          • 0
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            Ben Hurling

            It rings a bell

          • 0
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            Ben Hurling

            “That is why Sumanthiran msut shake racist TNA off his back.”

            Why don’t you demand both racists Tamils and Sinhala/Buddhists to shake off their racism simultaneously?

            “I don’t think MR played a race card against Kadir.”

            It was the powerful section of the Sinhala/Buddhist racist within SLFP who opposed the move and MR was happy to be part of the SLFP body politic

            • 0
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              Vedda

              Indeed all tribal politicians be they Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim are a problem. Not just racist TNA, but SLMC, Chmapuka’s JHU and “Balu Sena” are all primitive and problematic.

              Well, you may have insider info about how MR beat Kadirgamar to become the PM. I am not interested in defending MR anyway. MR never shy away from power grabbing. Even if it is highly respected Kadir. MR is no Gentleman.

      • 0
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        Oh Yes….., did we win ur hearts in 1958,1975, 1977, 1983 (so Called “Roits”) ,2009, Yah you monsters? “Justice to all our minorities will be automatic when enough from the majority are on board to overwhelm the racists among us. Whether Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim” Yo want justice support a International War crime inquiry? that is the only way to get justice for 146,000 Victims and Families, and We will……a Gentle Reminder: Tamils are Majority in our home land.

    • 0
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      TNA has No capacity to reprecent Sri Lankan Tamils

      • 0
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        Dear Mr jaliya,
        you dont decide we tamils deicde who we want us to govern…thats what we are fighting for.

        • 0
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          R.KOVIAN

          You have a choice,MR, MR, MR, MR………………..

          You can chose any one of the above.

      • 0
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        Have you forgetton they were elected by Tamils of N&E.?

  • 0
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    All this is the handiwork of the SOD. The draconian PTA is used to harrass opponents of the govt while criminals and racist are allowed to walk free and carry on with their crimes. Sri Lankan military which made so much sacrifice for the country is being ruined and given a bad reputation due to the inhuman policies of the govt. Ultimately the rankers will be punished while the big fish go free.

  • 0
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    Thank you sir.

  • 0
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    MAS it a pity you have to sit in the Sri Lankan parliament. Just watch the comments for your article. They will be as good as Sri Lanka parliament.

  • 0
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    Mr Sumanthiran’s portrayal of the situation in the Tamil-majority areas in the NEP is totally at variance with that painted by Minister
    Samarasinghe in Geneve currently that tells the world the story is
    nothing but “development, reconciliation, investment” and that everything there is hunky dory. The Minister wants the gathering in the UNHRC to believe the Army has absolutely nothing to do with Civilian administration. With 3 years and more in their hands, the regime pleads through Mr Samarasinghe it needs more time to proceed with the good work it is engaged in ushering in unity, reconciliation and economic prosperity to the Tamil Nation. To claim nothing has been done will be equally mendacious as there has been visible but unduly slow and, admittedly, inadequate progress and performance. The couner- argument is much of the road-work, bridge building/repairs, new houses etc are more to benefit the excessive army presence that is designed more, with the passage of years, to change the demographic pattern in the North – as it has been successively achieved, from the Sinhala State’s point of view that is, in the once Tamil-majority Eastern Province.

    From all appearances, prior to the UNHRC meeting of the regime’s preparation, it was obvious they knew their goose is cooked. One of the indicators to this is the appointment of a Committee by the Army to look into the many allegations of 5/09 – a weak effort to plead in Geneve the State is already working in the matter. It may have helped if the regime had earned the confidence of the world community for commitment and objectivity. But its record in this regard is unfortunately one that is entirely unenviable.

    It is not too late for the Rajapakse Family, now, arguably, the voice of the entire Sinhala race, to come to its senses and accomplish reconciliation with the Tamils in a process based on history, reason
    and justice. Sensing our own inability to do so for over 50 years, friends of the country have come around to help us achieve this. As Indian External Minister Salman Khurshid says “the formulae via the 13th amendment which successive Sri Lankan Govts have preferred” should be the basis of the path towards early unity and reconciliation.

    Senguttuvan

  • 0
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    Some misguided but well meaning Sri Lankans have suggested that Sri Lanka investigate alleged ‘war crimes’ alleged by none other than the separatist terrorist diaspora tiger lobby and their partners in crime Channel4, HRW, Amnesty International and some politicians in western countries.

    However these allegations are all false based in hearsay and innuendo and no real evidence whatsoever. They are in effect made up stories to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka and to ensure that Sri Lanka is sanctioned at the current sessions of the UNHRC.

    As someone who has until recently lived a long time in the west I can say with confidence that these separatist terrorist diaspora tiger lobby spreads many lies against Sri Lanka on a regular basis now for well over thirty years.

    Their real agenda is definitely to partition Sri Lanka and finally create an Eelam that could not be achieved so far using the LTTEs violence, massacres, mass terrorism and bombings. The diaspora tiger lobby if they even remotely care about human rights should first and foremost apologise for the thousands of sinhala, tamil and muslim civilians who were massacred by the LTTE terrorist leadership and their tacit support of such. Then they should apologise for the civilians massacred by the LTTE using countless bomb blasts. Afterwards they should apologise for the ethnic cleansing of the north carried out by the tigers. Then they should apologise for all the prisoners of war massacred by the tigers. Then they should apologise for the child soldier recruitment. There are too many gross violations of human rights committed by the tigers to list here but they should apologise for all of them unreservedly since they tacitly supported such atrocities without question.

    It is very clear that human rights are the furthest from the minds of the diaspora separatist tiger lobby. Additionally what has this lobby done to make the lives of the people in the north better? Nothing. The people of the north are much better off without them trying to use them as pawns in their dubious schemes and plans. The diaspora tiger lobby are actually trying to destabilise Sri Lanka.

    Sri Lanka should not waste any of its precious time or precious resources investigating gross lies spread by this tiger lobby. Instead Sri Lanka must tell the UNHRC that

    (i) do not waste Sri Lanka’s time demanding Sri Lanka investigate made up stories

    (ii) Sri Lanka has a massive task ahead in terms of development and peace

    (iii) Sri Lanka is doing well and has achieved normalcy during the last four years and is forging ahead with peace and development restored

    (iv) point out that the so called accusers i.e. the tiger separatist lobby were not so long ago supporters of a terrorist criminal gang

    (iv) if any of these groups want to engage with Sri Lanka they should do so directly and bilaterally and that Sri Lanka does not under any circumstances entertain the idea of investigating unsubstantiated stories, video tapes etc. and that Sri Lanka has better things to do like running a country and taking care of over 20 million people.

    Sri Lanka should be very firm and forthright in this reply. Sri Lanka should point out that all these ‘accusers can discuss any issues they have directly and bilaterally with the Sri Lankan Government and that that is it.

    • 0
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      Have you watched the c4 documentaries in their entirity? I am no ltte supporter (although I frequently find that empathy for the innocent people who died as though they never lived – as their deaths apparently never took place in the numbers that they did, somehow results in being banded as a ltte supporter), never was, never will be but we watched the (now possibly) unadulterated version and we were thrown aback at the brutal reality of it. You may be surprised to know that the ltte and their supporters have little to do with all this pressure you are talking about. If as you say it is lies – then why not prove it eh? You might need to rewrite your advisory notes to the UNHCR!
      PS. Are you on MR’s payroll?

  • 0
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    Yes MAS……….What do you think? They have credibility to entertain LTTE proxies in Parliament.

  • 0
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    K.P./Karuna/Pelliyan have all extended the excuses Kuttiliya seeks and
    they have been placed in “golden cages” until an independent inquiry
    commences.
    The diaspora is duty bound to provide for its community and if and
    when an International Inquiry begins, more and more evidence will be
    forthcoming, specially from the Army, who have not been given that
    opportunity hitherto. Some of them have sold their photographic evidence already at a larger price than when the rush is to begin.!

  • 0
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    Dicky Bird –

    Who do you refer to as “LTTE proxy”? such terms sound so terribly like the Rhetoric of the Govt which brands and attempts to discredit any and every dissenting voice as co-conspirators with the filthy NGOs/Americans/LTTE/The “west” etc etc..

    Honestly Dicky Bird, Is it sheer paranoia,stupidity or insolence that labels all who hold opposing or even different views, claiming that they are part of this major conspiracy or are “LTTE Proxies” or have a neo-colonialist agenda? Can no srilankan be thought of as intelligent enough to have an independent opinion based on her/his own values of justice truth right and wrong? Read this, read this with your heart Man and not just with your brain and see if it sounds like the voice of a terrorist or a man of justice trying to mediate for the best outcome?:

    ” It is true that time is short, but it is important to get the GOSL to deliver…Contesting a reasonable resolution and having it voted on will only result in Sri Lanka losing the vote and facing international embarrassment.

    Sri Lanka must now work with the United Nations to ascertain the Truth. It is the Truth that will lead to reconciliation and enable the Tamil People, together with all the Peoples in Sri Lanka to live with equality, dignity and self-respect”

    What ever his party I think he is playing a very important role here, a role the Government rather than the opposition should be playing.

  • 0
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    Sumanthiran says:
    “The government, without being magnanimous in victory, continues to behave as though the State is still under siege.”

    He also says:

    “The official position of the TNA is that the truth must be ascertained through an independent international investigation, which should also inquire into the on-going acts of persecution against the Tamil People even four years after the end of the war.”

    Sumanthiran should know that the reason for the siege mentality is the continued activities of pro-LTTE Tamil diaspora to whom he has now become a darling. Sumanthiran who creeped in through the back door as a TNA nominated MP with the backing of the church leaders is instrumental in taking TNA on the anti-MR road. Because of his personal relationship with Shirani Bandaranaike, he unnecessarily got TNA to vote against the impeachment motion and further angered MR. He is among those in the TNA who are making any raproachment with MR impossible.

    In any war in the recent past, no country has permitted international investigations into war crimes. Did the United States which invaded Iraq and committed barbaric crimes against the Iraqi civilians allowed any international investigations? Did it permit any international intrusions into its role in Afghanistan including drone attacks in Pakistan? Did Britain permit any international investigations into its war crimes in the Falkland War? Will France permit any international investigations into its action in its present role in Mali? Will India permit any investigations into IPKF’s role in Sri Lanka or the actions of its troops in Kashmir? Never mind the international humanitarian laws, the reality is that victors will not tolerate any outside role in investigating on what happened during the war or after the war.

    Then how UNHRC and the United States, Britain, France et al can call for international investigations into war crimes alleged to have been committed in Sri Lanka in a war that brought an end to a terrorist group?

    Sumanthiran admits that both the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE can be blamed for war crimes. Most of the important LTTE leaders are all dead and there is no way to bring them to book. Unless the Sri Lankan government permits there is no way under the present international criminal law procedures to charge any SL military personnel responsible for the war crimes. One cannot expect MR to permit war crime charges bought against his own military personnel who ended a terrorist meanace. Like in Bangladesh this may not happen now but may be a possibibility in the distant future.

    What is important now is not retribution but reconciliation. This is where Sumanthiran and TNA are making a mistake. Taking MR or Gothabaya or other SL military leaders to ICC will not bring about a settlement of the Tamil problem. SL military will continue to remain in North East as long as the pro-LTTE Tamil diaspora continue to rouse up the Tamil Nadu tamils and insist on separation as the only solution to the SL Tamil problem. Those abuses Sumanthiran has listed in his speech will continue until such time there is true reconciliation.

    MR has been asking TNA to join the Select Committee he wants to constitute to arrive at a settlement of the Tamil problem. Instead of insisting on pre-conditions they should agree and test once more whether MR is sincere. True there are broken promises. But that is no reason not to try again. TNA will lose nothing by participating in the proposed select committee deliberations.

  • 1
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    Naga:
    To quote just ONE of the fabrications in your b.s., “Most of the important LTTE leaders are all dead and there is no way to bring them to book.”
    How would you describe the two “Masters,” then Pillayan, “Col.” Karuna and then K.P.? I TAKE IT YOU DON’T CONSIDER THEM HIGH-PROFILE TIGERS?
    Why don’t you slink away to the shelter of those you stooge to and stop insulting us with your nonsense?

  • 0
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    Sumanthiran again displays his anti Sri Lankan and anti national agenda. We know his politics (and of TNA) cannot reconcile with Sri Lankan national interests and therefore we are not surprised.

    However there is a propaganda campaign carried out by some to depict Sumanthiran as a national asset etc etc. This is a well planned conspiracy that well meaning people of all communities should be alive to. All those who love this country will defend it’s sovereignity from any for of forced interference, diplomatic or otherwise. Sumanthiran & others will learn that lesson in due course as they seem to have not understood as to why the defenders have sacrificed so much during the last 30 years of separatist menace. In fact Sumanthiran should not be allowed to masquerade as a peoples rep any more.

  • 0
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    Naga,
    Thanks for your comprehensive comment. The TNA and Sumanthiran are making a grievous mistake by participating in events organised by the likes of the GTF. The Tamil politicians have always given undue importance to short term tactics over long term strategy. I have always advised the TNA should participate in the PSC, to at least understand what the government contemplates and bring the resulting discussions into the open.

    Further, I have my doubts about the ability of the other Tamil political and political cum paramilitary formations, to participate effectively in the PSC. Only the EPDP is represented in parliament and it is not only impotent, but also a part of the problems facing the Tamils. I also feel, as I have expressed before that the north and east re-merger is a nonstarter now and if made an issue ,may draw attention from other critical issues. I also think it would be sensible to move away from communally oriented devolution to a more ‘ effective governance’ oriented devolution, even if this involves some redrawing of provincial boundaries or reducing the number of provinces.

    I have been advocating that digging up the dirt on the last war, will not help set in motion the much needed reconciliation. Reconciliation must precede, given our circumstances, any investigations into war crimes. Passions have to cool, to bring about a bipartisan approach. What is happening now is to make reconciliation almost impossible. We have forgotten the truth that time heals. What we are trying to do is to make slowly healing wounds, bleed again and make them into ‘ Beggars wounds’. The government is also contributing to this process through its actions I have listed elsewhere in CT.

    Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

  • 0
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    The Sri Lankan issue reeks with the stench of extremism on all sides: be it the government,military, the TNA or the Wester lobby backed by the diaspora.
    Firstly the government and the military were utterly foolish in their stance of “zero casualties” post war. It was the perfect spark the west needed to crucify SL.
    The main problem with the TNA is that it only seems to be worried about the Tamil community; not even the Tamil speaking people of SL. If the TNA is to be a meaningful political force (and it does have the potential with principled men like mr sumanthiran) it has to “give a damn” about the rest of SL too.
    Compromise is the order of the day. the state needs to compromise and allow an “independent panel” carry out an inquiry into the final stages of the war.Undoubtedly their reluctance is due to a closet full of skeletons. The TNA needs to compromise and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the gov sl. Their inflexibility in the bipartisan talks was sad since it was a brilliant opportunity to engage constructively with the government.

  • 0
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    An excellent briefing and based on truth
    Bensen

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    Mr. Sumanthiran,

    No investigation of the kind you seek, irrespective of whether it is internal or external, would provide the answers you seek. Unless the people of Sri Lanka- all- desire such an investigation, the attempt to force one,will prove devisive. The time for that has not come yet in this country, which is yet emerging out of the shadows of a brutal and long war. She has not yet emerged from the shadows that precipitated the war. Attempts to force the investigations you demand will only give sustenance to and deepen the predisposing shadows. You or the TNA should not be seen anywhere near the likes of the GTF. The perceptions in this country are such, the GTF or the BTF will be viewed with suspicion bordering on mostly paranoia. Patronage or support lent to the GTF by the British political establishment will rather than mitigating suspicions will only serve to enhance suspicious. You will be playing only into the hands of extreme elements- a vociferous and power wielding minority- in this country.

    Work towards seeking solutions within. What we need is to find a way to establish our rights and legitimate position within the larger Sri Lankan nation. The reasonable, which most in this country are,will not grudge this. They have to be empowered by our approach, arguments, sanity and reason. However, the case must be made to the reasonable Sinhalese, Muslims and others. There is no case to be made to theTamils. But in order to seek Tamil votes do not jeopardise the case you have to make to the others. No one can play the Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde roles , which are incompatible, simultaneously, for long. You have shown an inclination to seek a more conciliatory and inclusive path on several occasions. I think this is your natural inclination and propensity. Please follow your instincts. You may not succeed in your life time, but you will leave the right legacy for others to follow.

    Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

  • 0
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    Mr.Sumanthiran !! I suggest that you better learn to say ”Hello/ Vanakkam” to your fellow Tamils who work the in UNHRC. Of course we are aware that you are a nominated candidate, even then, people to come to you and address you ”SIR”, this is not Vanni !! This is Geneva. Don’t display the dirty Tamil politics of 70s. You seemed very proud to be in the company of the representatives of AI and HRW but not at all bothered to think about your fellow Tamils. Shame on you Mr.Nominated.

  • 0
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    I thought Sumanthiran was more affable than the reticent VR.

    Senguttuvan

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    TNA denied that…….National Politics of following reasons.
    1 Sri lanka Not a soveregnity nation, because Majority People are Sinhalese
    2 Politically not recognize Sri Lanka- territorial Intergrity, because they seek Eelam state for Tamils in north and east.
    3 Did not agree on independence since 1948,of Sri Lanka as nation because Tamils under the rule by Sinhalese State.
    4 Principally opposed electoral democracy being practice 1948 ,Tamils cannot control central state power by majority Parliament rule and govern by majority community of Island.
    5 Tamils leaders do not want power share or Co-habitation with because that state of Sinhalese Ruling class in power an island.
    6 TNA and their other proxies seek that support outside country established own rule in some form by Gun politics,Foreign Intervention
    or undemocratic methods of terrorism to be RULE Tamil people in NORTH-EAST by hook or crook.
    TNA always delegitimize people elected mandate of majority population chambers an island by the slogan of ” Human Rights” “War crime”, “Discrimination of Tamils” and “Equal Rights of dignity of Tamils”.
    This was very inception political agenda of that, Tamil political class and parties modus operandi since 1948. By that time which engage to undermine Nation Development of Capitalism and its democracy last 65 years by All Ceylon Tamil Congress(ACTC),Federal Party (FP),Tamil United Liberation Front(TULF) and Tamil National Alliance(TNA).
    By and large since Tamil political class 1976 declared seperated of Eealm for Tamils by TULF.
    Political agenda and policies are same as EEALM as of major Tamil Party leadership;but form of struggle are different,that LTTE used methods of Terrorism against Majority people to destroy Parliamentary -democracy with support of hegemony of Western and Indian regional-power.
    Since 1948 Democracy and Independence throughout history challenge by evil forces Eealm have experienced come to critical moments of our nation.The reckoning where they have been forced to radically change course Capitalist development meet a NEW future face prospect of progress of political order end of war 2009 May.
    The prospect of freeing up the all races from drudgery of securing of its economic,political and social survival long been dream of political democracy of Our soil.Granting the human moral spirit to soar and roam the vast unexplored political and social frontier of our land, in the age-old spiritual quest to realized the meaning of human existence;and our an Island in the grand scheme of things is most precious gift bestowed on ever man and women being born into Sri Lanka.

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    Ask ourselves the question. What do all Sri Lankans need? We need peace, prosperity, justice, dignity, freedom with responsibility, food, shelter, clothing, health, transport, employment… If we continue to debate ‘Who did what to whom’ and encourage mass paranoia on Sinhalese,Tamils, Moslems and all minority groups which make up our beloved Sri Lanka we can be assured that we will reap what we sow.
    Put yourself for once in the other’s shoes. Honourable Sumanthiran is not responsible for the LTTE or other terrorist atrocities. He is a current member of the house. By becoming an MP he has chosen a difficult and un-enviable option. In these comments column some do not even want to reveal their identity. Imagine and empathise with the risks he has taken. His love for the people of all communities is displayed when he stands up for all significant issues facing Sri Lankans and not just those affecting Tamils.
    I reiterate Honourable Sumanthiran is a national asset. He has taken the trouble to build bridges between the communities. His courage is not based on military power. Be assured (those of the ilk of Hela etc) that I for one have not met with anyone or conspired to support Honourable Sumanthiran.
    When many middle and upper class Sri Lankans have opted to live in exile, those of the likes of Honourable Sumanthiran herald hope in the darkness in which we grope to find answers to our problems. Such people should be honoured and respected regardless of ethnicity. What better way can you suggest that a Tamil voice his or her opinion on National issues affecting its people?
    If we want to wallow in the past, create mass paranoia, defame and inflame various extremists, we have played into the hands of political opportunists and paid with the lives of our people. The choice and opportunity is now. Miss it and we will have hell. Grab it and secure a future for generations!

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