28 March, 2024

Blog

Tyranny Dares To Plot And Democracy Fears To Preempt

By S. Sivathasan

S. Sivathasan

S. Sivathasan

Who Helps When State is Paralysed?

The caption is a tragic commentary on the events likely to unfold in Sri Lanka in just three weeks. May not, is a distant possibility; but if they do what is the response of the International Community, the government and the people? When Tamils faced mayhem, there were certainly good and noble deeds at all times from the better ones. From 1977 to 2009 against the Tamils and in 2014 against Muslims, when pogroms were unleashed, the state apparatus stood idle struck by rigor mortis. Worse still paralysis was induced by the government itself. Blood-letting went unrestrained. Can these calamities of 37 years be allowed to recur?

Even after such harrowing experience should we have more of the same?

Electoral reaction however was continued applause and sustained endorsement. Successive governments had confirmation that evil found acceptance. Yet today even with impeding reservations, impelling sentiments seek a rare togetherness to see despotism out of their way. It may be noted that the entities are affected in different ways, but the target and the resolve are same. In the next 22 days they have to be strengthened resolutely.

Churchill’s Warnings

JVPFar sightedness is rare. Decisiveness is rarer. They were manifest in Europe particularly in the thirties. As early as in October 1930, Churchill warned that Hitler will seize the first opportunity to resort to armed force. Even as Hitler rearmed other European countries disarmed. Chamberlain joined Hitler to dismember Czechoslovakia. Then he prated about “Peace for our time”. Churchill had foresight and spent impatient years. “Decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all powerful to be impotent”. So blurted out Churchill in 1930s, after witnessing for long, continued inaction of the British and their lack of preparedness for war with Germany. In July 1939, he warned of a Russo-German Alliance. A Pact was signed soon after and Poland was invaded on 1st September 1939.

Need of the Hour is Preemption

In Sri Lanka are not parallels foreseen of impending mayhem? It may seem to the world some turmoil in a tea cup. But to the more percipient citizens, loss of both tea and cup is sighted. More unsettling is that under the aegis of the state and spearheaded by security forces, violence will be unleashed. They are sensed more and more by all entities and most by the minorities. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Armed with what? Unblocked communications, assembly without fear, movement without restraint and fortitude to stand against the state’s evil – both intentions as well as actions.

The International community must know that the following are true and without exaggeration.

1. Sri Lanka is as much a Police State as was Philippines under Marcos.

2. Media freedom is as much suppressed as in Shah’s Iran.

3. Tamils in North Sri Lanka are chaperoned by the military at One per Five adults.

4. Tamils are as free as North Koreans under the current dictatorship.

5. Military governors for the Northern Province and the Eastern Province.

6. Devolution made a caricature of in the Tamil dominated North and Tamil speaking East.

7. Para military marauders are on the rampage in the North and East for full 9 years.

8. Rampant corruption of the ruling family on par with that of Gaddafi.

9. ONE TRILLION rupees of military expenditure in the last FIVE years. Rs 300 Billion savable in peace.

10. Subordination of the Judiciary to the Executive

11. Ruin of nation’s Foreign Service with increasing military dominance.

12. Ruin of administration by subordinating public service to the military.

The above and a myriad more have made nonsense of governance. The Executive President, the CEO to the Social Contract has violated all terms and norms. The people are straining at the leash for change.

A Warning from an Analyst

“As I’ve predicted several times before, The God-Father of the Mafia-regime will openly violate election-laws to provoke democratic-forces in the country into street battles with state-forces, while he happily touts a bogus-victory on 09 January. He’ll use state-media to tell the people of Sri Lanka that imperialists are trying to destabilise the country. He will impose curfew as a stepping-stone for a naked dictatorship. I always thought a military-rule would be the logical conclusion of Sinhala-racism which relentlessly got worse since Independence. I can see that happening before my eyes today….

The most powerful defence Sri Lankan masses will have in this inevitable confrontation is the power of the working class to bring the entire country to a standstill – on a much bigger scale than the 1953 ‘Harthal’ (general strike). Keeping this highly probable scenario in mind, all left-parties, including the JVP, along with Tamil and Muslim leaders and trade unionists, should unambiguously appeal to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim masses to rally-round the ‘Common Candidate’ at this unique juncture.”

Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution – 18 November 1989, in Prague

A smooth, orderly, non-violent, half a million strong demonstration that heralded the Revolution. Men, women and students, together with workers striking for only two hours, swelled the massive ranks.

Presidential Election January 8, 2015

When the people revolt and chafe, an election to replace a failed President is their right. A free and fair election is the democratic process to realise it. At this juncture the President intervenes to make nonsense of the constitution and to secure a third term. A kept judiciary abets. Yet the people will have none of it. They are opting for the Opposition Common candidate and the derelict incumbent contemplates extra parliamentary means to continue with his despotism.

It is here that a mortal combat is anticipated. Already a Buddhist monk and a politician have thrown a challenge of siege and forcible removal of a ruler who wants to overstay his welcome. Will the world of democracy assist Sri Lanka to bypass blood and mayhem? Will Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, Burgher and others join in the noble enterprise?

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 13
    2

    The mere fact that MR wants to keep the power and allow his large family to rule this country and reap the benefits of massive commissions, corruption, and act like they own this country, shows just how much we have become a dictatorship. Not even the President of the United States will be given a third term. Our banana republic is a joke. The president is able to manipulate the system, and get a third term, simply shows we are not following the tenets of democracy. This is one greedy family trying to extract all it can for their personal gain, at the expense of the Sri Lankan people. The Rajapaksa family have overstayed their welcome, and fleeced our nation far too long. Time for the people to vote them out of power, toy helicopters and all.

    • 9
      1

      During 2004 Tsunami, couple of guys in Unawatuna saved a drowning girl. Then they kept her for few days and raped her multiple times. MR is doing the same thing. He Saved the country from LTTE terrorism, and now raping the country.

    • 7
      2

      Shiro

      Never will he get a third term. As of today the margin is approaching an encouraging 10%.

    • 2
      1

      S. Sivathasan –

      RE: Tyranny Dares To Plot And Democracy Fears To Preempt

      “Electoral reaction however was continued applause and sustained endorsement. Successive governments had confirmation that evil found acceptance. Yet today even with impeding reservations, impelling sentiments seek a rare togetherness to see despotism out of their way. It may be noted that the entities are affected in different ways, but the target and the resolve are same. In the next 22 days they have to be strengthened resolutely.” Churchill’s Warnings

      Promoters of Shill busters, Promoters of exposing Shills, ex posers of corruption, nepotism, buster of myths, promoter of Good Governance, democracy. promoter of accountability, promoter of law and order and all those that go with Egalitarianism..

      Here is Something for the Medamulana MaRas and their Shills to”Enjoy” on the 9th of January.2015 while reading The Common Sense Sri Lanka 2014

      The Sinhala Subtitles are the Modern MaRa version of MaRa going berserk after losing on January 9, 2015.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IKHJG5ztL68

      What Hitler said in 1945 in German,and what MaRa is expected to say in Sinhala and with English Subtitles is given below.

      Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Sinhala?

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YTePIi4arg

      If you have time, or your friends have time, a Tamil Subtitle and English Subtitle video should be produced and widely distributed.

      I have translated to English the Sinhala Subtitles. You do for Tamil and distribute. Enjoy!

      Hitler Speaks is in ” “
      All others are assistants speaking. Not in “ “

      The Assistant Speaks: Sir, the current election results are not in favor of us..
      There was no change even with the Fraudulent votes..
      Uva, West, North and Eastern Provinces have an unfavorable situation..

      The Hitler Says: “No need to Panic. My Hambantota People would have paid me respect … “

      The Assistant Speaks: Sir,.. Hambantota, We have lost Hambantota as well , Sir. The Results just came in..

      Hitler Says: ” Those who are here who have failed the 8th standard, G.C.E. O.L . all get out of here “
      ( The bulk leaves, leaving only 3)

      Hitler: ” Then all of them are fail” ‘” The Supervisor of Airplanes, my Brother in Law also failed GCE OL?”

      “Where, What have I Not done for this Election?”

      “Decreased the price of oil”

      “Pachavahini, TV lies, Ni T N , from morning till night lied”

      ” Because of your advice, also put “Jeyatissa” ( Shills?) people”

      “State buses were used to haul people, and…”

      The Assistant Speaks: You could have disclosed those Files..

      Hitler, ” I you your files. Yako, Do you want me to disclose that as well?”

      The Assistant Speaks: We don’t know if this was an international conspiracy, Sir.

      Hitler ” what balls, international conspiracy, F***”
      “Mothers clothes”

      ” Spent millions obtained from China. Using the boards that can be used to measure distance was used to put up cutouts”

      ” The war won by the armed forces was distributed and eaten”

      ” The gold obtained from the North was also distributed”

      ” With all that there was no profit even close to the Ass of a hair lice”

      ” Yako, if correct, with the racism and religious conflict, I should have got votes from both sides”

      “That 8-month old child when I carried, the child who could not say mother, cried, Jayaweva, Jayavewa, Victory, Victory”

      ” They gave the child to my hands, and gave the vote to the other side”

      ” To keep you, I paid millions of dollars”

      ” That was money I could have used to get my son to do night races, Yako”

      ” That was money my brothers earned by getting commissions”

      ” Now, I have to take my woman and children and get on the road”

      The Assistant Speaks: Don’t Cry Big Lady, at least the Ukku Baby’s (sucking baby’s) Moon is there

      “For 8 years, ate, ate unfortunate, only Wattalappam ( dessert)was left to be eaten..”

      ” Now everybody gets the noose”

      “Unfortunate, next month, Word Cup Final, got free ticket “

      “Aiyyo Money”

      ” If we became finalists, I invited the Australian Prime Minister ti watch the finals?

  • 12
    0

    Western Provincial Councillor – Udaya Prabhath Gammanpila who recently defected from the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) is to migrate to Australia with his family soon after the Presidential election, reports say. Reliable sources say that he has made necessary preparations, even purchasing the flight tickets. Therefore, Gammanpila has kindly declined the President’s offer to re-take up his Provincial ministerial portfolios again. Gammanpila is a PR holder in Australia. Therefore, his family can move to the country at any preferred time with no visa obstructions.

    Recently, the President had even succeeded in making Gammanpila’s wife and secretary – Dinesha Gammanpila, agree to his view. Gammanpila, who even drafted the MoU signed between the common candidate Maithripala Sirisena and the JHU, is pretending not to acknowledge such an agreement over the pressure he is facing from his wife, reports add.

    The biggest joke is, these are the people who scream at the top of their voice for Patriotism, Sinhala-Buddhist Nationalism, country before self, foremost place to Buddhism, Sinhala, etc, etc, and then migrate to Whiteman’s western countries that are predominantly Christian and use English.

    These are all good actors (fake Deshapremis of Sri Lanka) deceiving the poor Sinhala folks. What is even more amazing is MR going to the Hindu temples in South India to invoke blessings to win the election. He does not trust the Buddhist temples such as Dalada Maligawa, Anuradhapuraya, Kelaniya, etc. anymore but at the same time deceive the poor Sinhala-Buddhist folks saying that he is the champion of Buddhism.

    • 3
      1

      The Messenger, You are absolutely right. It is time this cruel and unscrupulous President is thrown out.

    • 3
      1

      Messenger politician’s are not the only fake patriots I have come across many Sri Lankans who keep talking about the White mans treachery while living the West. Some are well known LTTE sympathizer who still cant come to terms VP is dead and blame West for not helping LTTE. When its come to Sinhalese some are so full of it is pathetic to describe.Single prominent thing belies them they are so quite while they live in the West almost invisible only heroic talk is writing to Sri Lankan forums or when they get together during weekend’s who are in the same category.Fighting talk is in evidence after gulping few shots of cheep whiskey but sadly by Monday morning reality bites the back side of these fake heroic patriots who are superior to any other country men get back to daily chores to earn a living they so hated in White mans world.

      • 1
        0

        I fully agree with you except the remark “Cheap Whisky”.. We drink “cheap wines” now. ;-( I have heard so many people talked against BBS Gnanasara with closed friends.. There was opportunity to sign international petition against Gnanasara and I sent the link to more than 50 people, mostly Katubedda, Pera graduates who were in 50s. As I understand, none of them signed except for 3 people who happened to be Christian Sinhalese.

  • 3
    3

    Sivathasan,

    Accept a million thumbs up for your Article.

    Well stated, the truth.

    World Humanity, please help us Sri Lankans facing tyranny and eventually annihilation.

  • 4
    3

    Thanks Siva for reproducing an important quotation from my writings:

    “As I’ve predicted several times before, The God-Father of the Mafia-regime will openly violate election-laws to provoke democratic-forces in the country into street battles with state-forces, while he happily touts a bogus-victory on 09 January. He’ll use state-media to tell the people of Sri Lanka that imperialists are trying to destabilise the country. He will impose curfew as a stepping-stone for a naked dictatorship. I always thought a military-rule would be the logical conclusion of Sinhala-racism which relentlessly got worse since Independence. I can see that happening before my eyes today….

    The most powerful defence Sri Lankan masses will have in this inevitable confrontation is the power of the working class to bring the entire country to a standstill – on a much bigger scale than the 1953 ‘Harthal’ (general strike). Keeping this highly probable scenario in mind, all left-parties, including the JVP, along with Tamil and Muslim leaders and trade unionists, should unambiguously appeal to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim masses to rally-round the ‘Common Candidate’ at this unique juncture.”

    • 1
      3

      Vasantha Raja

      Thank you for the response. In the second para is a statement on a general strike to bring about a standstill. For the last one month I wanted to write on it. I could remember the fact but not the details. May be CzechoSlovakia. It has the closest parallel to what is probably cooking in SL and being planned to burst around 8/9.

      Most probably in the twenties and less in the thirties, in Europe there was a revolutionary situation. Power went a begging. Leftists were not resolute. A General seized it but couldn’t hold it. A General Strike put paid to plans and the General had to flee.

      I wonder whether you can get the details.

  • 2
    1

    Thanks Mr. Sivathasan for very clearly encapsulating the situation of the country at the moment.

  • 4
    2

    All the signs show that Sri Lanka’s democratic forces are developing in leaps. The waves of change taking place today seem historic which cannot be stopped by the Mafia-Regime’s propaganda gimmicks. With the help of secret opinion polls, the military intelligence may be keeping the God-Father informed about the fast rising tide against him. Even large-scale rigging may find it difficult to hide Maithri’s victory under the carpet.

    Would the Mafia-regime try a naked military dictatorship as the last resort? Judging from the ongoing preparations of the Rajapaksa-family, a military coup is more likely than not. But, that will only help trigger a nationwide uprising on a scale Sri Lanka has never seen before – a social upheaval I can truly be proud of my great country.

    In other words, this election will not be cricket. There many not be a regime-change peacefully, to say the least. Only a social-uprising, in my view, will bring down this Mafia-Regime. My instincts say, In Sri Lanka, Day of Judgement seem to be nearing faster than many think. But, that will not be on January 8. Sinhala/Tamil/Muslim masses will have to march together, hand in hand, to achieve their common-dream of political and economic justice. January 8 will only mark the starting point of that journey.

    • 1
      3

      Vasantha Raja

      Very clear understanding and an astute comment. Democratic forces developing in leaps; waves of change; and Day of Judgement…nearing faster than they think; are absolutely correct.

      The operative sentence is “Even large-scale rigging may find it difficult to hide Maithri’s victory”. I have been saying for at least a month “If the margin is wide…” Of late I have left out the caveat because the margin now 10, is going fast on 20. But none accepted.

  • 3
    1

    “When the people revolt and chafe, an election to replace a failed President is their right.”

    Not only filed president along with him a failed state.

    Hope for a change on a cataclysmic proportion , along the lines of extinction of dinosaurs is expected after this for the NATION to redirect itself from it’s Sinhala Supremacist Mind set and embrace multicultralism if not no redemption for the state.

  • 2
    1

    Despite the very painful memories and massive loss of life it is time for the Tamils and the Muslims to see the – Sinhalese in them : Blindness and callousness to the well being of other communities and seeking revenge for their murderous monstrosities.

    Nothing can be worse for the minorities and the no-communal Sinhalese than the continuation of the Sinhalese Prabakaran. It is only the LTTE fans who delight in the prospect of MR brutalizing his own folks real bad – just like Parabkaran – for the Sinhalese cause this time.

  • 1
    0

    My pet theory to agitate the ECs self-proclaimed rule that the Declaration of Assets
    will be his secret, as they are sealed for this reason and made available after the
    elections.

    What prohibits the 18 other candidates VOLUNTARILY publishing theirs immediately, allowing the incumbent to release his – which the Voters can decide on as a true and correct Declaration. Did he declare in the 1st & 2nd Terms – what are they? Will the 18 co-operate, in the interest of good governance?

    This simple and elementary tactic should be worth the while, I plead.

  • 0
    0

    It is rare nowadays to see an article written in excellent English elucidating the writher’s thoughts so well as Mr Sivathasan’s articles in this forum. His writings are informative and well reasoned. He is an asset to this forum.

    • 1
      1

      Piranha

      Thanks for your appreciation. When the young take to reading,they will inevitably be led to writing. More writing will lead to exactitude. Diction will follow.

      • 0
        0

        Mr Sivathasan

        “When the young take to reading, they will inevitably be led to writing”

        Please read my comment on sangam literature

        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/north-sri-lanka-growth-and-development/com=1729579#

        I think, great teachers inspire us to read, write and reflect on matters of their interest. I was in an era blessed by the teaching of Messrs Alex T, KKT, philosophy teacher (name forgotten), last but not the least the flamboyant Myl at SJC.

        As piranha mentioned, your articles are a delight to read and reflect on the current matters on local and world arena.

        Ken Robert

  • 1
    1

    Will Sira do to Srilanka what Gorbachev did to mother Russia ?….

  • 1
    1

    Never thought the JVP would support UNP, TNA and the TNGTE….

  • 3
    0

    Mr.Sivathasan:

    Tyranny Dares To Plot And Democracy Fears To Preempt.

    Win or lose Mahintha is all at sea. The International Community is well aware of what is happening in Sinhala Lanka and the catalyst to stern action against Sinhala Lanka will be the much anticipated UNHCR report in January.

    Let us look at both scenarios and how MR is going to get out of the Cul-de-sac he finds himself in. History is littered with the down fall of Tyrants like MR and he is not going to defy Gravity and he is on a downward spiral.

    Win:

    If MR wins and he is found Guilty by UNHCR which is a forgone conclusion the task of International Community to Punish Sinhala Lanka becomes that much easier. The educated and the affluent Sinhalese are well aware of the price they will be paying. But the rural Sinhalese who are vulnerable to MRs promise of Ethnic Cleansing and Bribes will no doubt stick with the King.
    When Sanctions are imposed and Hunger becomes the order of the day and the Nation grinds to a halt his subjects will reluctantly wave Goodbye as the Generals waved Goodbye to the Strong Man Milosevic.

    Lose:

    Despite all the rhetoric from MS to resist pressure from outside when economic realities hit home he will confer with his Generals and put MR on the plane to the HAGUE.

    Just one correction:

    Blood-letting went unrestrained. Can these calamities of 37 years be allowed to recur?

    According to my calculation the blood letting started in 1958 and I make these calamities of 56 years not 37 years. The Sinhalese hatred towards the Tamil minority is like Cancer which has now become metastasised and Terminal and only a new life without these cancerous cells will suffice and the treatment is a Gene Mutation of the Sinhala Gene a big ask.

    • 1
      1

      “like Cancer which has now become metastasised and Terminal and only a new life without these cancerous cells will suffice and the treatment is a Gene Mutation of the Sinhala Gene a big ask”

      Kali

      Genetic structure of Tamils and Sinhalese are similar. If the Sinhalese have terminal cancer, then one could argue that their Tamils brethren have carcinoma of unknown primary without cure!

      Your writing suggests you are familiar with medical literature. I am confident you will find this interesting.
      http://www.nature.com/jhg/journal/v59/n1/pdf/jhg2013112a.pdf.

      This study reaffirms what the Tamils always believed. Sinhalese and Tamils came from South India NOT from North India. Quite a revealing study!
      ken

      • 2
        2

        Ken Robert with all due respect I hate to disagree. I don’t know whether you are Sinhalese but the following facts speak for itself as to why we are different.

        Sinhabahu or (“Lion-arms”), was the son of a Vanga princess and a lion. He killed his father and became king of Vanga. His son Vijaya would emigrate to Lanka and become the progenitor of the Sinhala people.

        We have different origins and sometimes the truth hurts.

  • 1
    0

    i am afraid no dictator has ever given up power peacefully. It is very naive for the Common Candidate to expect this to happen. The problem is complicated because MR will certainly be tried for war crimes. I dont know if he is still the President whether he can be tried or whether he has some immunity. This is a matter for lawyers. So it is a matter of life or death for MR. So the Opposition should have a back up plan whether MR wins or loses the election since he is not allowing a free and fair election to be held. He is misusing State resources and setting fire to the stage of the rival.So even if he wins the Opposition should refuse to accept the result since he has failed to hold a free and fair election. What can the Opposition do? I think an enlightened man like Ranil should have such a plan. It must involve appealing to the UN to treat him as an imposter whether he wins or loses and to refuse to recognize him as lawfully elected. They must also demand sanctions against him and his family. In the last analysis the Western Countries can impose economic sanctions which of course will hurt the people. See what happened to Iran and is presently happening to Russia. In the case of Iran the USA refused Iranian government owned banks including the Central Bank access to SWIFT. It marked the end of Iran’s ability to sell oil which is traded for dollars. A similar sancion of Sri Lanka’s state owned banks will be the end of MR

  • 1
    0

    Raja Perera

    Clear perceptions and precise prescriptions.

    Back up Plans, wins or loses; Refusal to recognise; Sanctions. All 3 are practical, implementable, imperative and potent.

    Missing indispensable and immediate: Preemptive Strategy.

    Defeat of the incumbent is for sure.

    Riots orchestrated for military intervention to subvert succession is as certain.

    How to preempt?

    Immediate deployment by UN of Peace Keeping Forces to preempt governmental transgressions.

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.