Archive for May, 2006
Thursday, May 25th, 2006
Thursday, 25 May 2006
Democratic Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) leader Veerasingham Anandasangaree has written again. This time to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi urging a meeting between them to enlist the latter’s support for promoting the Indian model of power devolution in Sri Lanka.
Though the LTTE and its sympathisers laugh at the democratic TULF leader saying that Sangaree’s only job today is writing letters and issuing statements to the media they must sooner or later realise and begin to appreciate the efforts of Anandasangaree in a democratic process.
The TULF leader is among the few democratic Tamil politicians we have in this country today. Others have been killed, bought or their voices stilled by the LTTE.
Veerasingham Anandasangaree does not kill people, he does not harm or encourage others to kill or hate people. He does not abduct children and arm them to the teeth or tax his own people.
The only thing he does today is to take great pains to bring about a solution to the problems this country is faced with in a democratic manner. He follows the civilised way. He dreams of walking freely in Kilinochchi among schoolchildren and his village people.
He is trying to help President Mahinda Rajapaksa, another consensus builder, to bring about an agreement among all parties to find a just solution.
Sangaree wrote to Vellupillai Prabhakaran recently addressing him as ‘Thambi’ (younger brother). He requested the LTTE leader to lay down arms and to join hands with other political leaders and the people of Sri Lanka in finding a solution to the problem Sri Lanka is faced with.
The TULF leader told him that shedding blood would not help find a just solution. In his letter sent to Chief Minister Karunanidhi yesterday, the TULF leader says: “My proposal to the Government of Sri Lanka to adopt a constitution like the Indian model has received very wide support.”
We are of the view that the TULF leader has written to the Indian politician with a great sense of responsibility because the democratic TULF leader maintains cordial relations with all parties in the South including the JVP and the JHU and other parties such as the SLMC and other Tamil parties.
Because of his democratic ways other parties like to give a hearing to the TULF leader. In fact he has made many of them understand the problems facing the innocent
Tamils in Sri Lanka, including the ones living behind the ‘iron curtain’ in the uncleared areas.
Anandasangaree has even asked the international community and the Norwegian facilitators to ask the LTTE to take them behind the iron curtain to see the real plight of the Tamil people.
It is the way to get about. In fact it is the only way to find a solution to the problems we are faced with. The firearms and claymore mines would not talk.
It would only kill and silence people. It will not bring peace but pieces. So, let us listen to Sangaree and listen to the democratic voices of Sri Lanka.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/05/25/PrintPage.asp?REF=/2006/05/25/main_Editorial.asp
Posted in Statements | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006
Courtesy: The Island
TULF leader V. Anandasangaree appealed to the government and the clergy of all religions to use their influence to stop the killing in the North and East. “Hand grenade and claymore mine attacks aimed at service personnel without any regard for the safety of civilians should stop forthwith. Tamil people for their part should stop supporting politically motivated killing”, he said in a statement yesterday (23).
“The government should take serious action to bring an end to all killings. At the same time the LTTE, realizing that the killings in the past, of those who belonged to other groups, did not give them any benefit and members of groups like the TELO and the EPRLF are now helping them, must come forward to give up killing members of other groups,” he said.
Anandasangaree said members of the clergy who meet the LTTE often, without listening to them, should tell them that they also have a moral duty in the name of the religions they profess to stop their killings.
“The Tamils all over the world must realize that our soil, due to our own people is fast turning into a graveyard and the Tamils and Muslims of the North and East have nothing more left to lose,” he said.
http://www.island.lk/2006/05/23/news3.html
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Sunday, May 21st, 2006
21 May 2006
பத்திரிகை அறிக்கை
வடக்கு கிழக்கிலும் ஏனைய பகுதிகளிலும் தமிழ் மக்கள் மீதான கொலைகளை உடன் நிறுத்த தமிழ் அமைப்புக்கள் மட்டுமல்ல, அரசும் மதகுருமார்களும் தங்கள் செல்வாக்கை பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும். அப்பாவி பொது மக்களைப்பற்றி சிறிதும் கவலைப்படாது இராணுவத்தினரை இலக்கு வைத்து கைக்குண்டு எறிதல், கிளைமோர் கண்ணிவெடித் தாக்குதல் போன்றவையும் உடனடியாக நிறுத்தப்பட வேண்டும். அண்மை காலமாக அரசியற் காரணத்திற்காக தமிழ் மக்கள் கொல்லப்பட்டு வருவது வேதனைக்குரியதும், கண்டனத்துக்குரியதுமாகும். எவரது உயிரையும் எடுக்கும் உரிமை எவருக்கும் ஆண்டவனால் வழங்கப்படவில்லை.
அரச கட்டுப்பாட்டுப் பகுதியில் இடம்பெறும் கொலைகளை முடிவிற்கு கொண்டுவர அரசு கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். அதேவேளை விடுதலைப் புலிகள் சக அமைப்புக்களின் உறுப்பினர்களை முடிவற்று செய்யும் தொடர் கொலைகளை உடனடியாக நிறுத்த வேண்டும். கடந்த காலங்களில் மாற்று அமைப்பினர் என்ற ஒரே காரணத்தால் பலர் சுட்டுக் கொல்லப்பட்டபோதும், இன்று அவ் அமைப்புக்களின் பலர் ரெலோ, ஈ.பி.ஆர்.எல்.எப் ஆகியவை புலிகளிற்கு பயன்படுவதை கருத்திற்கொண்டாவது, கடந்தகால மாற்று இயக்க கொலைகளினால் பயன் இல்லை என்பதை விடுதலைப் புலிகள் இனியாவது உணர்ந்து கொலைகளை நிறுத்த முன்வர வேண்டும்.
புலிகளை சந்தித்துவரும் மதகுருமார்கள், புலிகள் சொல்வதை மட்டும் செவிமடுத்து வருவதை விட்டு புலிகளால் மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டுவரும் கொலைகளை நிறுத்துமாறு கேட்க, மதத்தின் பெயராலும்;, மக்கள் சேவையின் பெயராலும் கடமைப்பட்டுள்ளார்கள். தமிழ் மக்கள் கொலைகளை கட்சி அடிப்படையில் ஆதரிப்பதை விடுத்து பத்திரிகைகளும் வெளிநாட்டு தமிழர்களும், புலிகளின் அமைப்பை வலியுறுத்துவதோடு நடைமுறை மனமாற்றத்தை ஏற்படுத்த முயற்சி எடுக்க வேண்டும். எமது மண் இன்று எமது மக்களாலேயே ஒரு சுடுகாடாகி வருகின்றதென்ற உண்மையை உலகத் தமிழர்கள் உணர்ந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். இன்று வடக்கு கிழக்கில் உள்ள தமிழ், முஸ்லீம் மக்கள் இழப்பதற்கு எதுவுமற்றவர்கள் ஆகிவிட்டார்கள் என்பதையும்; உணர வேண்டும்.
தமிழ் மக்களிற்கு கௌரவமான தீர்வு:
தமிழ் மக்களிற்கு கௌரவமானதும் ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளக்கூடியதுமான தீர்வு ஒன்றை தென்னிலங்கை அரசியற் கட்சிகள் ஒருமுகமாக முன்வைக்க வேண்டும். அதற்கான ஆதரவை பிரதான எதிர்கட்சியான ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்கவின் தலைமையிலான ஐ.தே.க வழங்க முன்வர வேண்டும். தென்னிலங்கை கட்சிகளின் விரைவான இம்முயற்சியே இந்த மண்ணில் கொலைகளை நிறுத்தக்கூடிய சூழ்நிலையை விரைவுபடுத்தக்கூடிய ஒரேயொரு பாதையாகும். இல்லாவிடின் அதற்கான கூடிய விலையை இந்த நாடு கொடுக்க வேண்டிவரும். அநியாயமான மூவின மக்களினதும் உயிரிழப்பிற்கே அது வழிவகுக்கும். கௌரவமான தீர்விற்கும், கொலைகளை நிறுத்தவும், முதல்வர் டாக்டர் மு. கருணாநிதியும் இந்திய மத்திய அரசும் தமது செல்வாக்கை சம்பந்தப்பட்ட தரப்புகளிடம் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.
காலவரையறையுடன் பேச்சுக்களை மீள தொடங்குக.
ஒரு காலவரையறையுடன் அரசும் - புலிகளும் பேச்சுக்களை தொடங்குவதன் மூலமே தீர்வை காண்பதுடன் ஏனைய பல்வேறு பிரச்சினைகளையும் முடிவிற்கு கொண்டுவர முடியும். ஒரு காலவரையறை வகுத்து நிரந்தர அரசியல் தீர்வுக்கான பேச்சை ஆரம்பிக்க தவறியமையாலேயே இன்று இந்த சமாதான ஒப்பந்தம், அனைத்து தரப்புக்கும் கொலைகளை இலகுவாக செய்துவிட்டு தப்புவதற்கே வழிவகுத்து கொடுத்துள்ளது. இத்தனைக்கும் கொல்லப்பட்டு வருபவர்கள் அப்பாவி தமிழ் மக்களும் கட்சிகளினதும், புலிகள் உட்பட அனைத்து இயக்கங்களினதும் ஆதரவாளர்களே. ஒட்டு மொத்ததத்தில் தமிழ் சமூகம் தன்னைத்தானே அழித்துக் கொள்ள விரைவாக செயற்படுவதே உண்மை
காலவரையறையுடன் பேச்சுக்களை ஆரம்பமுதலே தொடங்காத காரணத்தினால்தான் இன்றும் இறுதி அரசியல் தீர்வு பற்றி பேசாமல் பேச்சுக்களில் ஆரம்பத்தில் புலிகள் சார்பிலேயே கலந்து கொண்ட கருணாவை பற்றி மட்டும் பேசிக்கொண்டு காலத்தை விரையம் செய்கின்றோம். தமிழ் மக்கள் கொல்லப்படுவதற்கே இந்த கால அவகாசம் “சமாதான காலம்” என்ற பெயரில் பயன்படுகின்றது என்பதே துரதிஷ்டமான உண்மை நிலை. எனவே காலவரையறையுடன் கூடிய “இறுதி அரசியல் அதிகாரத்தை பெறுவது பற்றிய” பேச்சுக்களை தொடங்க சர்வதேச சமூகம் அரசையும், புலிகளையும் நிர்ப்பந்திக்க வேண்டும். அதேவேளை, அவுஸ்திரேலியா, பிரிட்டன், கனடா போன்ற நாடுகள் மனித உரிமைகளை மேம்படுத்தும் விடயத்தில் பேச்சுவார்த்தை தரப்புகளிற்கு பங்களிப்பு வழங்க முடியும்.
அனுசரணையாளர்களினதும், கண்காணிப்பு குழுவினதும் மெத்தன போக்கு
அனுசரணையாளர்களாகவும், கண்காணிப்பாளர்களாகவும் செயற்பட்டு வருபவர்கள், சமாதான ஒப்பந்த ஆரம்பகாலத்திலேயே அரசியல் கொலைகள் தொடங்கியபோது பாராமுகமாக இருந்தது இன்று நிலைமைகளை மோசமடைய செய்துவிட்டது. மக்களால் தெரிவு செய்யப்பட்ட யாழ் மாநகரசபை உறுப்பினர் போன்ற மக்கள் சேவையாளர்களின் கொலைகளின் போதே விடுதலைப் புலிகளின் அரசியற் கொலைகளை கட்டுப்படுத்த முயற்சித்திருந்தால் இன்று கண்காணிப்பு குழுவினரே கடல் நீர்ப்பரப்பில் 710 போர் வீரர்களையும், மாலுமிகளையும் கொண்ட கப்பலை புலிகள் தாக்க வந்தபோது தங்கள் உயிருக்காக அடைக்கலம் தேடி ஓட வேண்டி வந்திருக்காது.
வீ. ஆனந்தசங்கரி,
தலைவர்,
தமிழர் விடுதலைக் கூட்டணி
Posted in Media, Statements, Tamil | No Comments »
Sunday, May 21st, 2006
Courtesy: Sunday Observer.lk
TULF leader V. Anandasangaree in an interview with Sunday Observer staffer Jayantha Sri Nissanka claimed that LTTE leader Prabhakaran was never interested in peace and Thamilselvan could never be a leader by exhibiting his 32 teeth.Anandasangaree noted that Sampanthan was a capable man but lamented that he (Sampanthan) was conducting ‘mock funerals’ in Parliament on behalf of the LTTE.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Q: People in Sri Lanka dream for peace. But due to the escalation of violence such dreams are shattered. In this backdrop, can the people hope for peace any more?
A: We can’t have peace through negotiations. Because, the LTTE is not genuine and honest to find a solution to the North and East crisis. They have proved it by giving lame excuses to avoid the second round of talks. They participated in the Geneva first round with diplomatic treatment. On their return, God only knows what they brought. The customs did a thorough check and taxed them heavily. That is why they demand a sea plane now.
Q: Despite all these bans by the International Community still the LTTE continues to stick to their agenda. How can we achieve peace with them?
A: Yes, there is no alternative, we should ask the Government to chase them to Wanni.
Q: Why is the LTTE demanding protection to transport cadres from the East to the North?
A: If they don’t have the facilities to transport cadres from the East to the North, it means they have lost control over the East. If they have the control, why do they want security? Even to board the sea plane, they want transport from land to the beach. They have taken us for a ride. It is obvious that they are not genuine to continue peace talks. If they are really honest, they can hold talks in Katunayake, Kilinochchi, Jaffna or any venue of their choice. I am convinced that they are not interested in peace talks.
Q: Is the Chopper issue a reasonable excuse for the LTTE?
A: In my letter to Prabhakaran I told him that the helicopter issue was not that serious to launch an assassination attempt on the Army Commander. That was unwarranted at a time when we were looking towards a solution.
Q: However they participated in the first round. Why do you think that they used the first round with ulterior motives?
A: They always use any opportunity for personal gain. Our Government was so sincere to bring the LTTE for talks. Why did they go one week ahead of talks? During that period LTTE fundraisers have given them millions of money organising dinner meetings. That is why even after talks they went to Norway. They had been to Norway a number of times.
Q: Do you think that LTTE leader Prabhakaran is not interested in peace?
A: Even if Prabhakaran wants peace, others who are enjoying power and luxury do not want peace. Prabhakaran may be wanting peace, because he may not be happy about underground life. But others who are enjoying, security, authority, power will not allow him to bring peace to the nation. If peace is there what is the future of Thamilselvan, Pulidevan and other frontliners? They have become heroes thanks to the plight of Tamil people. If Prabhakaran is interested in peace, he should order his cadres to lay down arms. Instead he sent a suicide bomber to kill the Commander of the Army. If he wants peace he should tell his cadres to halt operations. His landmines have not only killed servicemen but also ordinary people.
Q: Do you think Prabhakaran’s life is not safe from his own people?
A: Otherwise why should he live in hiding? He can’t trust the people around him. He cannot trust anybody for his survival.
Q: You are one of the most senior Tamil leaders in the country. How do you predict the future of the people in the North and East?
A: It is simple. I am pointing a finger at the then Government for messing up this whole issue. Until the Ceasefire Agreement was signed, everyone including me hoped that one day the forces will come and liberate Kilinochchi from the clutches of Tigers. I wanted to live in my house in Kilinochchi. All our hopes disappeared with the wind after the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement. I was one who welcomed it at that time hoping that the time has come for me to go back to my home and the LTTE is serious about peace. But what happened. They started asking the sun and the moon from the Government like they did in the past. The ISGA is the most idiotic proposal prepared by LTTE supporters. LTTE sympathisers in the South also promoted it. The ISGA is as good as asking for separation. People who have not studied the ISGA talk nonsense. The ISGA itself will divide Sri Lanka. Over the last four and half years, the LTTE is ruling with authority with the sanction of international community and the Government. Their illegal position was legitimised by the CFA.
Q: Do you say that the UNP put the country in jeopardy?
A: I should make this clear. The UNP trusted the LTTE so much and finally they deceived the UNP. I can’t blame the UNP today because I could not find fault with the UNP at that time. I myself genuinely thought that the LTTE was serious after 20 years of fighting and loss of life and property. So we welcomed it. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also thought the same way. Those who find fault now should have protested at that time. The CFA brought us under the LTTE’s permanent subjugation. I should have told this at that time. But if I said it at that time the people would label me as an anti-peace man.
Q: The international community seldom condemns LTTE killings. But when the Government starts limited air strikes on LTTE camps, they pressurise the Government to stop. Why are they so lenient towards LTTE actions?
A: My experience with the International Community is different. I have met a number of persons who are involved in the peace process. Everybody is disappointed with the LTTE. They don’t want to lose credibility by taking a firm stand. That is one way of looking at it. Why did the European Union impose only a travel ban on the LTTE? It was a warning to the LTTE. The message was equal to the Government too. They warned the Government not to try to eliminate the LTTE without a solution. What is the international community expecting from us? They know that everyone is committed towards a solution within a united Sri Lanka based on federalism. Sri Lankans should be happy to find a solution within a united Sri Lanka. We are not for separation. Everyone will be happy if the international community pressurises the LTTE to agree to live within a united Sri Lanka.
A solution should be based on federalism. It is the duty of the Government and people who are for a united Sri Lanka to pressurise the LTTE to agree to a federal solution.
Q: But will the political parties come to an agreement on this issue as they all have their own political agenda?
A: This is the first time after 50 years the two main parties came together for a common solution. Why can’t they spell it out to the international community? The JHU is now on accepting a Indian model federal solution. That is encouraging. I hope the JVP too will change their tough stand. Now the Government is under obligation to offer a solution based on federalism within a united Sri Lanka. If the Government feels the word Federalism and Unitary are allergic for some parties, forget about both words and without mentioning federal or unitary structure adopt the Indian model. Because of these two words this problem cannot be allowed to drag for many more years. A solution is knocking at our door. We should be sensible enough to open the door and adore it without committing the same mistake in the past like when Banda-Chelva Pact, J. R. Jayewardene marched to Kandy and Dudley-Chelva Pact somebody in the SLFP created trouble. Let us not make the same mistake now. The two major parties can jointly find a just solution.
Q: But if the LTTE reject such a proposal how can we bring peace?
A: Let them go to hell. The LTTE will reject every proposal. Why do you want to worry about the LTTE? Let the Government prepare a proposal based on the Indian model to show the international community. Ask the Co- chair members to study it. Other experts like Bob Rae, David Cameroon of Canada, Prof. Galthum can further study it and propose amendments. Once it is accepted, the International Community should tell the LTTE boys, look here this is all. But if the LTTE ask too much, we should say a firm NO. The LTTE will keep on rejecting every proposal even if it is a proposal recommended by the international community.
Q: Do you think that the LTTE will be tough with the international community on this issue?
A: Let the Government first offer a proposal. That is the moral duty of Government, whether LTTE accepts it or not. Don’t you think that it is a moral duty of the Government to come out with a proposal within united Sri Lanka? If it is going to be a united Sri Lanka, it will be a federal solution and minorities will accept it.
Q: During the past 50 years, politicians in the two main parties played politics on this issue. That is why we are in this position today. Do you think that two main parties will come together? When President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga wanted a new Constitution to devolve power, the UNP participated in all meetings but played politics at the last minute without supporting it. How do you view this situation?
A: That is five years ago. The latest stand of the UNP is a federal solution. Latest stand by the SLFP is also a federal solution. So this opportunity should be seized in the interest of the nation.
Q: Why are you stressing that the two main parties can bring this solution today?
A: If by any chance even others object, I am sure the UNP and SLFP will agree.
Q: The LTTE killed so many Tamil leaders. Now they are after you. How can they achieve liberation by eliminating leaders?
A: That is what they want. If they knock off all leaders only they can emerge. Otherwise how can Thamilselvan become a leader today? What are his qualifications and leadership qualities? He only knows how to exhibit his 32 teeth. So can you become a leader by showing your teeth?
Q: Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Government did so many things to bring peace to the country but failed. Now President Mahinda Rajapakse in power. How do you analyse the scenario?
A: I wrote to the President recently. I told him to table a draft solution at the next round of talks. If the talks do not take place, refer it to the people for a decision without any delay. Before doing so it is better to consult the Co-Chairs. India has a role to play at this juncture. It is true that they burnt their fingers trying to help us. India’s participation is indispensable in a final solution. India should be happy if we adopt their system.
Q: Every Government came to power to deal with the LTTE to find a solution. They are a decisive factor. As a result President Premadasa lost his life. President Kumaratunga narrowly escaped but became blind in one eye. Can we go on like this?
A: That is the biggest mistake every Government did. At least now they must realize the reality.
Q: Except you and a few others all TULF members today join in hands with the LTTE. Your party is divided. Today you are out of Parliament because of the LTTE. You are the only Tamil leader fearlessly challenging the LTTE. Are the other TULF members in Prabhakaran’s pocket?
A: That is because of fear. Sampanthan is a very capable man. It was he who should have led the team to Geneva. But, finally Thamilselvan led the team. If we rank people in Sri Lanka according to their capabilities, Thamilselvan will be the last man. The person who should have been on top is conducting ‘mock funerals’ in Parliament on behalf of the LTTE.
Q: What is the future of the East?
A: If the Government gives Karuna a little support, he can liberate the East. That is why LTTE asked for helicopter transport for fear to travel on roads as they can’t trust Karuna.
Q: Don’t you think that it is like setting up another ‘Hamas’?
A: Karuna has now become a moderate. He announced it. But Prabhakaran never announced that he is a moderate.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2006/05/21/
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Thursday, May 18th, 2006
Srilanka: Daily News .lk Thursday 18 May 2006
COLOMBO: Let the LTTE stop their killings whether it is by the pistol group or by claymore mines and hand-grenades. Then the killings will automatically stop in all parts of the country states Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) President V. Anandasangaree in a statement condemning the violence in the North and East.
The statement released by Anandasangaree:-
“I strongly condemn the brutal killings of men, women and children numbering 12 in Allaipiddy and Velanai. The Government should go all out to trace these cruel men who-have no place in the society and expose them to the world. Saturday May 13th was Vesak day which very holy to the Buddhists and also to the Hindus being Chitra Full Moon day.
The situation in the North and the East is deteriorating day by day. Without knowing the proper identity of the assailants I have no right to specifically accuse anybody but it is the Government’s duty to go all out to prevent such incidents taking place in the future, apart from identifying the culprits and bringing them to book.
Incidents of claymore mine attacks, the throwing of hand grenades at checkpoints and shooting or injuring soldiers are very frequent occurrences in the North and East and should be condemned as equally barbaric acts. Almost in all such incidents innocent civilians also either get killed or injured.
I strongly condemn the killing of six innocent students in Trincomalee as brutal. All of them were Tamils. On what basis the death of three innocent civilians and an auto-driver killed in a clay-more attack become justifiable. They are also Tamils. The T.N.A. Members of Parliament did not open their mouths in respect of these deaths.
Six Sinhalese youth for no fault of theirs were brutally killed at Komarankadawala. Whether it was a retaliatory act or not is not my question. Who did it and why did the T.N.A. Members remain silent? What is the so-called Peoples Front doing?. Why don’t they condemn every killing. Who are these killers and who gives them authority to kill?. Are they keeping silent because all these killings are done by the infuriated civilians as claimed by S.P. Tamilchelvam.
The Parliamentarians and the Peoples Front have proved beyond doubt that they are there only to carry out the orders of the L.T.T.E. I firmly say “let the L.T.T.E. stop their killings whether it is by the pistol group or by claymore mine and hand-grenades, killings will automatically stop in all parts of the country.”
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
Mr. V. Prabakaran
Leader,
LTTE,
Kilinochchi.
My Dear Thamby,
A Solution to the Ethnic Problem
Although you had not responded to any of my earlier letters, circumstances compel me to write to you again. Your failure to reply me makes me feel that my letters had not reached you, if you had taken my suggestions seriously the entire outlook of your organization would have changed and Peace achieved long ago. It is still not too late for you to take my advice seriously. Please rest assured that I am acting on my own and with good intentions. I can neither be influenced nor bought over. Our people and the country as a whole has suffered enough. Please cry halt to all your activities Allow the people to live in Peace and start negotiations without delay. (more…)
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
Mr. Somawansa Amarasinghe,
Mr. Tylvin Silva,
Mr. Wimal Weerawansa,
Dear Comrades,
It is with mixed feeling that I read your statement released on the eve of the Peace Talks in Genewa. I am pleased with the boldness with which you have expressed your views relating to the Dictatorial regime illegally established by the LTTE in parts of the Northern and Eastern Provinces but disappointed a little with some others. I am indeed happy about your conceding that the people who have suffered the most in the war have been those in the North and East. I am in full agreement with you that a large number of Tamils from these areas, ran away due to the erosion of democratic rights and settled either in other parts of Sri Lanka or migrated to foreign countries. To add to your views, interference with the fundamental rights of the people and large scale Human Rights violations can also be attributed for this exodus. I do not deny that those who settled within Sri Lanka are living peacefully with the other ethnic groups who have happily welcomed them in their midst, with sympathy and affection. It is evident that the country is gradually getting united and shunning communalism. (more…)
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Sunday, May 14th, 2006
Sunday Observer
DAYAN JAYATILLEKA
May 14, 2006
The war clouds are not devoid of a thin silver lining. Though he retains and exercises the capacity for tactical surprise, in that he decides when and where he strikes next, Velupillai Prabhakaran has lost that most vital resource, namely strategic surprise. No one will really be blindsided if he engages in a full-scale attack. Though he may have attacked the Pearl Cruise, he cannot achieve a Pearl Harbour, because the USA did not really expect a war of aggression by Japan.
Prabhakaran’s war of attrition has meant that the Sri Lankan forces are getting his measure. The attacks are not all one way, as two recent engagements prove. The first was when the navy repulsed an attack and helicopter gun-ships took out an LTTE heavy weapon mounted on a flat-bed truck on the shore. This showed significantly improved air-sea (combined arms) tactical coordination. The second engagement was the one on Wesak eve, which involved the troop carrier. So the Sri Lankan forces are no longer paralysed, and are giving battle. Every time they do so, and inflict casualties on the Tigers, it is an act of liberation, in the psychological sense (and here I obviously draw on Sorel, Fanon and Sartre).
The third feature of the present situation, which I characterise as part of the silver lining is that the LTTE’s escalatory tactics, its bellicosity towards the SLMM, its blatant claim of sovereignty over land and sea, and its refusal to be characterised as a non-state actor, constitute an alarm signal for the international community over what is really at stake here.
The Sea Tigers are a potential threat to Indian shipping lanes, especially with the Sethusamuduram project underway. Even without it, India has to weigh the dangers of permitting such a naval force on its southern defence perimeter. The Sea Tigers are also a potential threat to international shipping, in a vital zone of the world’s commercial sea-lanes. India and the USA therefore have decide on whether the Sea Tiger threat to the strategically vital Trincomalee harbour, and the LTTE’s claim to legitimacy for a pirate navy with suicide boats, can be tolerated.
If a terrorist movement resting on population base of a mere million plus, can suicide bomb its way to such recognition, then the example it sets other armed groups and restive ethnic/religious communities would be destabilising to the world system. The Tigers will be the model. This is more so when, according to the latest online issue of TIME, the ‘Tigers are the fathers of modern-day suicide bombing — not only masters at keeping up a fresh supply of new recruits, but also willing exporters of their expertise…. in February 2002, the Tigers accounted for around a third of all suicide attacks in the world. A Western diplomat based in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo describes the Tigers as “the most successful terrorist organization in the world.” ’ (Alex Perry, How Sri Lanka’s Rebels Build Suicide Bomber, TIME.com, May 12 2006; my italics- DJ.)
Sri Lanka is a functioning - if flawed- democracy, fighting a suicide bombing terrorist army, with a dangerous naval arm. It is a frontline state in the fight against global terrorism. True, the Tigers aren’t Islamic but if the ‘war on terror’ is not to be discredited as a codeword for an anti-Islamic Crusade, then the world community must help take down the Tigers, the premier non-Islamic terrorist group. If it does so, it may dent fanatical Islamic propaganda. If not, the Tigers would become a role model for all terrorists, Islamic or otherwise, throughout the world. After all, they already claim credit for inspiring the attack on the USS Cole in Aden harbour. (Sea Tiger boss Soosai’s interview given to Frances Harrison, BBC Asia Today, 11th Dec 2002).
The fourth factor that completes the silver lining in the present gloom is the successful attack by the Karuna resistance forces, on Tiger encampments in Sampur and Mutur, matching the LTTE’s own attack on the Karuna camps in the East. That the Karuna forces were able to launch a large scale raid away from their zone of operations in the Batticaloa-Ampara area, into Trincomalee, indicates that they have now begun to fulfil their claim of operating throughout the East, rather than only in and around their home base in the southern half of the Eastern province. The scale of the operation also shows that the Karuna guerrillas have moved beyond ‘sparrow unit’ tactics of individual hits and small scale ambushes, to large scale deep penetration raids.
If the LTTE’s aggressive attacks continue, the Sri Lankan state’s military planners should explore the possibilities of replicating with Karuna, the successful tactics of the US in Afghanistan (in contrast to the quagmire in Iraq), namely the combination of heavily armed militia of indigenous allies (the Northern alliance), backed by US Special Forces, Intelligence (CIA), air mobility and air strikes, and enhanced ground mobility (Humvees, motor cycles). So much for the wafer-thin silver lining.
ANANDASANGAREE’S HOUR
A New York Times journalist emailed me the other day with a question, “does the Sri Lankan government have a blueprint for devolution?” It was a question to which I must confess, I had no answer, and therefore had to direct to my old friend, former Georgetown alumni, and spokesperson for the joint Tamil delegation at the crucial closing session of the 1985 Thimpu talks, Kethesh Loganathan, who is currently the deputy head of the Peace Secretariat. Frankly, I don’t know whether he had an answer, or whether anyone does for that matter.
This is the Achilles heel of the democratic Sri Lankan state; the weakest link in the Sri Lankan case. It has to be rectified, and here’s how: President Rajapakse should appoint the TULF leader Mr Anandasangaree as special representative, assisted by SCOPP’s Kethesh Loganathan, to hammer out a devolution deal in consultation with the non-Tiger Tamil parties, the politicians of Tamil Nadu (known to Mr Sangaree), and New Delhi (where he will be welcome), as well as the Sri Lankan parties in Parliament.
Mr Anandasangaree belongs to the old Federal Party tradition, and therefore has longstanding Tamil nationalist credentials. He is also a veteran parliamentarian, and is untainted by association with any kind of violence, unlike the other non-Tiger Tamil groups. He has good relations with the JVP and JHU, who would shoot down his devolution proposals at the cost of exposing themselves as extremists.
Mr Anandasangaree’s relations with the Tamil Nadu politicians can bring them on board or neutralise them, thereby pre-empting Prabhakaran’s use of them post-election, and also relieving the pressure they are likely to bring to bear on New Delhi, against Colombo. Anandasangaree can dialogue easily with the UNP leadership. He can also convince the world community about the merits and adequacy of the devolution package.
He is a model of a moderate representative of any ethnic community anywhere in the world, and must surely be given the chance to serve his people and country in this dark hour. His time to play a role in history has come, if only we give him the chance.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2006/05/14/fea01.asp
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Tuesday, May 9th, 2006
Courtesy: Daily Mirror
FRONT PAGE
TULF President V. Anandasangaree yesterday appealed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to review the cases of the large number of Tamils who have been detained after being arrested and to take immediate steps to release the innocent.
Mr. Anandasangaree suggested that the detainees be handed over to “worthy guarantors” who come forward to take charge of them. He said the random arrests and the unjustifiable detention of innocent Tamils would only help the LTTE to escalate its anti-government propaganda.
“The international community too cannot be happy seeing innocent people being harassed and detained,” he said. In his letter to the President containing some acid comments on the LTTE, the TULF leader said, “Contrary to Mr. Thamilselvan’s claim that those who harm the Army, Navy, and Police personnel are the LTTE cadres and not the innocent civilians, they plant a claymore mine or throw a hand grenade and take to their heels and the soldiers penalise the innocent people on the road. They are arrested and detained.”
Mr. Anandasangaree said:
“Every one is only worried of the ceasefire agreement and its implementation. No one seems to bother about the sufferings of those people who undergo untold hardships under the LTTE rule with no hopes of redemption for many years. The CFA had given legitimacy to the LTTE to rule since February 22, 2002. One reason for the LTTE to drag on without taking the talks seriously is to solidify their position in the areas under its control.
“Apart from those who live behind the LTTE iron curtain, the provisions in the CFA enabled the LTTE to enter the areas under government control. You find them all over the country without any control or restrictions. That is the reason for the random killings of the civilians and forces. If the LTTE can’t honour the provisions of the CFA the most honorable thing for them to do is to withdraw from government controlled areas to its areas. If it does not do so on it should be told that killing people, planting claymore mines, throwing hand grenades and killing, and injuring soldiers and policemen is not politics because the LTTE is allowed into the government areas to do only political work and not to kill.
“Since the Tamils of the North and East have no proper representation and the TNA members only talk on behalf of the LTTE and not about the people I have to make representations to you being the one who came first in the Jaffna electoral district at the last free and fair election held in December, 2001 by obtaining 36,000 votes. The arrest and detention of large number of Tamils should be re-viewed Those who can provide worthy guarantors to take charge of them should be the person who undertakes to take charge of them.
“I know the pathetic plight of a person well known to me arrested the day before Thaipongal following a shooting incident. Hearing shots fired he rushed to the road to look for his children who had gone for tuition. He had been arrested and detained under a false charge and still detained.
The arrests at random and unjustifiable detentions will only help the LTTE to escalate its anti Government propaganda and strengthen their claim. The International Community too cannot be happy teeing innocent people harassed and detained. Hence please take immediate steps to screen those arrested and release the innocent ones immediately.”
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2006/05/09/front/5.asp
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Sunday, May 7th, 2006
We can’t expect the European Union to accept any solution under a Unitary system as a reasonable one.
His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse,
President of Sri Lanka,
Temple Trees,
Colombo
07-May-2006
Your Excellency,
While appreciating all the efforts you are taking to find a solution for the ethnic problem, the way things are moving I have my serious doubts of the Peace Process taking off the ground. Since the TNA Members of Parliament do not bother about the people whom they are supposed to represent and only speak on behalf of the LTTE. I have to take the responsibility to speak for the Tamils, having been their representative in Parliament for several years, representing the Kilinochchi Electorate and the Jaffna Electoral District, for 14 and four years respectively.
The International Community that had thrown its full weight to find a solution to our ethnic problems is gradually getting disgusted with the whole thing and it may not be a surprise if they give up their efforts totally. Each country has its own problem to bother about. The very frequent visits, of the Japanese Special envoy His Excellency Yasushi Akashi and the Swiss Government’s offer, without any hesitation to host the Peace talks in Geneva and many other good gestures displayed by various countries, clearly show that every country is prepared to do anything to make the talks a successes. It is the LTTE’s ignorance that prevents the LTTE to grab the golden opportunity made available to them. They should realise that the attitude of the International Community, the European Union in particular, will not remain the same through out. They should therefore give up making unreasonable demands, with the deliberate intention of dragging on the talks. The LTTE’s demand to have their cadre air-lifted by the Sri Lankan Helicopters is ridiculous and as silly as asking the Sri Lankan Airforce to help them to fight the Sri Lankan Army.
The European Union has in one way shown its resentment to the LTTE by imposing a travel ban on them and thereby given a signal that they are not going to tolerate their activities for ever. It was equally a signal to the Government, that unless the Government comes forward with a proposal, reasonable enough in their assessment, as one that could be recommended by them to the Tamil People or the LTTE, is not going to be hard on the LTTE.
We can’t expect the European Union to accept any solution under a Unitary system as a reasonable one. The International Community is committed under the Oslo Agreement to find a solution based on Federalism and for the satisfaction of all those opposed to a division of the country, under a United Sri Lanka. This is why I am insisting on the Indian Model, which is neither Unitary nor Federal and satisfies the requirements of the anti-Federal and anti Unitary forces.
Further more it appears to be acceptable to a large majority of the people whether they are Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims. The Budhist clergy too is only opposed to a division but agreeable for a solution of this nature.I recollect your saying after your victory at the Presidential Poll that all votes cast for the UNP cannot be considered as votes cast against you. True enough! The 49.7 % of the votes the UNP candidate obtained were votes cast for a Federal solution. The leftist parties had been supportive of a Federal Solution. Above all the at the annual convention of your party the Sri Lanka Freedom Party last year supported by your predecessor in office Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga and you as the then Prime Minister, unanimously resolved to offer Federalism as a solution to the Ethnic problem.
I am not unaware of the MOU you have signed with the JVP and the JHU. Both these parties are very patriotic. They do not want to see the citizens of this country dying everyday and with no hopes of stopping it. Therefore they will agree with you to change their stance, if they are convinced that by offering an acceptable solution to the Tamils and if the International Community is satisfied with the solution offered, even if the LTTE rejects it they can pressurise the LTTE to accept it. The European Union cannot be expected to do it unless they are satisfied that the solution proposed will be based at least on the Indian Model and within a United Sri Lanka. In any case, I am confident that if referred to the people at a referendum they will reaffirm the mandate given to you at the Presidential and Local Elections to solve the Ethnic problem.
Hence my request to you at this juncture is that you must without delay prepare a draft and have it ready for presentation at the next round of talks with the LTTE. If for any reasons, no further talks take place, refer it to the people for a decision without any delay, but before doing so please consult at least the co-chairs.
The Indian Government now has a roll to play. It is true that the Indian Government that burnt its fingers earlier, is reluctant to come into the scene. It cannot certainly forget the humiliation and insult it, suffered when the Government of Sri Lanka gave all support to the LTTE to fight the Peace Keeping Force. Inspite of all these, in view of the serious situation the country is facing today, India’s participation at this stage is indispensable.
It is generally believed that the numerical strength of the Members of Parliament of Tamil Naad and Pondicheri, who are the alliance partners of the Congress Government in Delhi, deters the Congress Government from taking a firm stand on Sri Lanka. But today with the brake away of the MDMK of Mr. Vaiko, the Tamil Members of Parliament in India will be too happy to see the Indian Government intervening to solve the Ethnic problem based on the Indian Model. Certainly the Tamil Naad Members of Parliament cannot expect the Sri Lankan Tamils to enjoy more powers than what they enjoy in their own country. I am personally of the view that seeking Indian assistance at this juncture will be very beneficial to all concerned, the Indian Government, the Tamil Naad Members of Parliament. Sri Lankan Government and also its people. The Tamil Naad Members will have the satisfaction of having made their contribution to solve the long standing Ethnic problem. The Indian Government will have the satisfaction of having done its duty. You will have the satisfaction of having solved the problem during your Presidentship and the International Community can claim the credit for the roll they played in finding a solution, which is fifty years old.
I am making this appeal to you, having done a lot of spade work in this connection. I have had several rounds of talkes with leaders of almost all Political parties except the TNA. I had discussions with many members of the Maha Sanghe and the Mahanayakes. Above all I met a number of expatriate Sri Lankans, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims in many countries in Europe Scandinavia and also in Canada and the USA. I have done my best for my country and my people with very limited resources I had at my disposal. It is now left to you to take it further and make Sri Lanka belong to the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burgers and other small groups who claim Sri Lanka as their land of birth. Make Sri Lanka a country where the Democratic and Fundamental Rights of the People are preserved and their Human Rights not violated.
Thanking You,
Your’s Sincerely
V. Anandasangaree
President
TULF
www.subidcham.de
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