President’s spox tells @BBCNewshour SriLanka’s jailed army cmdr Fonseka must wait bit longer for pardon by rival, Rajapaksa: “not today”
Continue reading ‘tweets of the day: ‘Fonseka must wait bit longer’’ »
tweets of the day: ‘Fonseka must wait bit longer’
Govt LLRC implementation plans to be accessible to both Sri Lankans and those outside
Excerpts from US State Dept. Daily Press Briefing | Washington, DC
May 18, 2012
Foreign Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris meets with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at The Department of State in Washington, D.C., May 18, 2012
Victoria Nuland Spokesperson
QUESTION: Do you have a readout on Secretary’s meeting with the Sri Lankan foreign minister this morning?
MS. NULAND: I do. Secretary met this morning for about 45 minutes with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Peiris. The foreign minister presented a very serious and comprehensive approach to the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission’s implementation and the plans that the government has, including plans to make it more public and accessible both to Sri Lankans and to those outside Sri Lanka, what the government intends to do in the implementation realm.
Continue reading ‘Govt LLRC implementation plans to be accessible to both Sri Lankans and those outside’ »
Ensuring TNA participation at the parliamentary select committee
The political dialogue between the Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil National Alliance(TNA)that progressed in fits and starts has reached a state of impasse for several months. The current deadlock is due to rigid positions adopted by both sides on the key question of a Parliamentary Select Committee(PSC).
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Leader of Tamil National Alliance Mr. R. Sampanthan at Temple Trees on February 21-Pic by : Chandana Perera-news.lk
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is of the firm opinion that any negotiated political settlement or arrangement should be multi-lateral and worked out only through a Parliamentary Select Committee(PSC). He has appointed a 31 member PSC for the purpose comprising 19 Govt party representatives and 12 opposition party representatives. The TNA has been allocated three of the twelve opposition representatives. [ click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Ensuring TNA participation at the parliamentary select committee ]
We need freedom to create with and for everybody living in Sri Lanka
By Rasaiah Loganandan
Mr.Jeyasankar says that there has been a statement in the leaflets like this, distributed at the premier of the drama “Theatre needs no spoken language and it evolutes sans spoken language several decades ago” says the leaflet”
There are no such baseless lies in that leaflet. As the Tamil translator of it I can take the full responcibility of it. This is the section of the leaflet (in English) which Mr.Jayasankar pointing out: [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: We need freedom to create with and for everybody living in Sri Lanka]
A victorious army keeps busy despite the lack of an enemy
Jun 2nd 2011 | COLOMBO | THE ECONOMIST from the print edition
Let the army make it next time
IN THE run-up to Vesak, the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar, which this year coincided with the second anniversary of its victory against the Tamil Tiger rebels, Sri Lanka’s armed forces had plenty to do.
Sri Lanka’s army in bigger barracks
The throngs who clogged Colombo’s streets on May 18th for the festival of light marking the Buddha’s birthday were treated to an array of glimmering, white paper lanterns, each meticulously assembled by a soldier, sailor or airman.
Continue reading ‘A victorious army keeps busy despite the lack of an enemy’ »
Dayan and Tamara targeted by External Affairs Ministry cabal selling out the country to US
By Surendra Ajith Rupasinghe
The Summary dismissal of Ms. Tamara Kunanayagam from Geneva, along with a concerted attack being launched against Dr. Dayan Jayatileke and Tamara Kunanayagam accused for being responsible for the defeat over the US-led resolution, is part of a veritable coup d’état being hatched by crony upstarts in the Ministry of External Affairs.
It signifies a wholesale capitulation to US and Western Imperialism led by this cabal, backed by the Mahinda Rajapakse Regime, and the President himself.
Continue reading ‘Dayan and Tamara targeted by External Affairs Ministry cabal selling out the country to US’ »
Thousands missing three years after war ends
COLOMBO, 17 May 2012 (IRIN) – Three years after the government of Sri Lanka declared an end to decades of civil conflict with separatist rebels, thousands of people are still missing, according to the UN and Sri Lankan activists.
The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) of the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded 5,671 reported cases of wartime-related disappearance in Sri Lanka, not counting people who went missing in the final stages of fighting from 2008 to 2009.
Continue reading ‘Thousands missing three years after war ends’ »
“Dubbing Sri Lankan Conflict as ‘war without Witness’ is Simply not True”
Frances Harrison at the Frontline Club debate, London-May 16, 2012
By Frances Harrison
Today marks three years since the end of the fighting in Sri Lanka . I would like to mourn the dead but still I do not know how many. Estimates range from seven to 147,000. It is a shocking difference.
How is it possible in this world of satellites, rolling news and internet we have no idea how many human beings really perished, even rounded up to the nearest thousand?
It is because as journalists we have failed to get close to the truth. On one hand the Sri Lankan government says the 2009 war was a magnificent humanitarian rescue operation, while on the other many Tamils say it was a genocide. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: "Dubbing Sri Lankan Conflict as 'war without Witness' is Simply not True"]
Multi-party parliamentary select committee will consider constitutional amendments-G.L. Peiris at Capitol Hill
External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris attended a a series of Capitol Hill meetings on Wednesday, the second day of his four-day official visit to Washington.
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris meeting with Republican Senator. John McCain
He discussed, with members of the House of Representatives, Sri Lanka’s progress in post-conflict reconciliation and development, as well as reform measures that had been designed to ensure a lasting peace, a spokesman for SL embassy in Washington said.
Continue reading ‘Multi-party parliamentary select committee will consider constitutional amendments-G.L. Peiris at Capitol Hill’ »
Gen. Sarath Fonseka to be released over the weekend
Gen Sarath Fonseka
By Shamindra Ferdinando
General Sarath Fonseka, former commander of the Sri Lanka Army and defeated presidential candidate will be freed over the weekend, according to highly placed sources.
Tiran Alles MP
Sources close to President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night told The Island that the Cabinet had endorsed the President’s decision to release the four-star General consequent to an understanding with Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MP Tiran Alles.
Responding to a query, sources said they were confident that everything could be finalized over the weekend and Gen. Fonseka would be freed.
Continue reading ‘Gen. Sarath Fonseka to be released over the weekend’ »
Ranjini deemed genuine refugee earlier now detained as security risk
Ranjini's nightmare began last Thursday when she received a telephone call at her Melbourne home from immigration officials
by Michael Gordon
Ranjini was found to be a genuine refugee before ASIO decided last week she is a security risk for Australia. But the government won’t tell her why, and now she’s facing a life in detention.
IT SHOULD have been cause for unbridled joy. Having fled the trauma and tragedy of life in Sri Lanka, Ranjini had been found to be a refugee, married the man who would be a father to her two boys and begun a new life in suburban Melbourne. Now she was pregnant.
Continue reading ‘Ranjini deemed genuine refugee earlier now detained as security risk’ »
Sri Lankan Supreme Court petitioned to disqualify Tamil political parties under Sixth Constitutional Amendment
by R. K. Radhakrishnan
Most Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka could become things of the past if the Supreme Court acts on a petition that seeks disqualification of the parties for retaining the demand for a separate state in their party documents, called constitutions.
Long after the Tamil political parties dropped their demand for a separate state, their unamended party constitutions, in which the demand for a Tamil Eelam are stated, have come to haunt them.
pic courtesy of: Keerthi Tennakoon
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in August 1983, prohibits political parties from having as one of their aims the establishment of a separate State. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Sri Lankan Supreme Court petitioned to disqualify Tamil political parties under Sixth Constitutional Amendment]
Muslims’ peaceful response to vandalism at Dambulla Mosque
Western provincial council member Mujibur Rahman-The only Muslim politician who participated in the demonstration
By Latheef Farook
Muslim community’s overall response to vandalism at the Dambulla mosque by a mob led by Ven Inamaluwa Sumangala Thero on Friday 20 April 2012 has been “calm and dignified”.
In one voice their message to the mainstream peace loving Sinhalese was “restore communal harmony”. This was the spontaneous response of the community long before what people described as “so called politicians and so called religious scholars” came to the scene. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Muslims' peaceful response to vandalism at Dambulla Mosque]
Dambulla outrage: Manifestations of anti Muslim racism are going since 1975
By Izeth Hussain
There has been much comment on the so-called Dambulla incident, which might have more appropriately been called the Dambulla outrage, not incident. In this article I want to focus on aspects that have not been brought out adequately, or not at all.
The incident is not unusual as seems to be assumed, but is part of a pattern of anti-Muslim action that has been going on since 1975. In that year there took place the Puttalam mosque massacre, the result of the shifting of a bus stand which was clearly meant to provide advantages to Sinhalese traders at the expense of Muslim ones.
Continue reading ‘Dambulla outrage: Manifestations of anti Muslim racism are going since 1975’ »
Reconciliation in Sri Lanka: Three areas where swift action is needed
By Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP
Sri Lanka: Reconciliation and Justice – Frontline Club, London 16 May 2012
The following remarks had been prepared in the belief that speakers would have about 10 minutes each.
Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP
However, speakers were only given a few minutes for a few introductory remarks, the rest of the 45 minutes for the opening section being devoted to answering questions from the Moderator. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Reconciliation in Sri Lanka: Three areas where swift action is needed]
Sri Lanka’s Nationality Conflict: Contemporary Political Scenario
By Suresh Premachandran M.P.
Text of a paper presented at a symposium in Oslo, Norway
The root cause of the nationality conflict in Sri Lanka is based on two mythical believes masqueraded as history that is ‘Sinhalese are the son of the soil’ others are aliens. The island is blessed by Buddha thus, ‘the island is the land of Buddhism’. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Sri Lanka's Nationality Conflict: Contemporary Political Scenario]
Video: Frontline Club discussion on Channel 4 TV Films and Sri Lankan situation
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Frontline Club in Britain will host discussion on impact of channel 4 documentaries on Sri Lanka & current situation today May 16 2011 at 7 pm
The Frontline Club discussion on Sri Lanka & British Channel 4 TV films sounds interesting as it has an impressive panel of participants
Preventing ‘outsiders’ from entering domain will not allow Tamil Drama to grow beyond what it is today
by Parakrama Niriella
A Reply to S.Jeyasankar
“Kaliman Vandi and History of Sri Lankan Tamil Theatre” was the title given to the write up by Sivagnanam Jeyasankar of the Eastern University , on the Tamil adaptation of the Sankskrit drama “Mruchakateeham” assumed to be written by Chudrakha between 400 – 500 AD.
This was produced in Tamil with the participation of the students of Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University , Baticaloa. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Preventing 'outsiders' from entering domain will not allow Tamil Drama to grow beyond what it is today]
Video: Buddhist structures in the North: Co-existence or Colonization?
YATV Webcast
The emergence of new Buddhist structures in the North has raised concerns among local residents:
“Leaving Keerimalai, the road to Mathagal, leads to a sign board Dambakola pattuna; the port to which the sapling of the sacred Bo tree was brought to Sri Lanka by Maharath Sangamitha from India. Statues and structures depicting this event which took place over 2,000 years ago have been recently built.”
Continue reading ‘Video: Buddhist structures in the North: Co-existence or Colonization?’ »
Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga Flays India in the Presence of President and New Delhi Envoy
Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga on Monday asserted that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would have reacted differently if he had come under the same pressure as the late President J. R. Jayawardene. J. N. Dixit had been lucky that he had had to deal with JRJ and not President Rajapaksa, Weeratunga said.
Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga sepaking at the event - pic: Defence.lk
Weeratunga was speaking at the launch of The Island staffer C. A. Chandraprema’s book ‘Gota’s War’ at the Waters Edge in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Among the distinguished invitees were many diplomats, including Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha.
Continue reading ‘Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga Flays India in the Presence of President and New Delhi Envoy’ »
Denizens of the Ministry of External Affairs have no understanding at all of Foreign Policy
Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP
by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP
The more extreme elements in the Ministry of External Affairs have at last put their cards on the table in the form of an article by the wife of one of its rising stars. The same young lady kindly gave me an opportunity to engage in a strong critique of the viewpoints she represented, when she gratuitously attacked me some weeks back.
What is astonishing is that this article is based on the premise that countries like Cuba and Venezuela are anathema at present to Sri Lanka. I suspect it will be news to President Rajapaksa that Cuba is a failed state and that a positive view of Chavez ‘fundamentally undermines everything Sri Lanka has stood for since it inherited a liberal democracy post 1948’. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.con: Denizens of the Ministry of External Affairs have no understanding at all of Foreign Policy]
The significance of Sri Lanka’s success at the UNHRC in Geneva, May 2009
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka at UNHRC special session on Sri Lanka, in Geneva on May 26, 2009.-pic courtesy: Getty images
by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka
Reflections on the Third Anniversary of the Diplomatic Victory
May is the month of the diplomatic success of Sri Lanka and its friends at the Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in 2009. That battle and victory are now the target of criticism and historical revisionism.
It is alleged that Sri Lanka was brought onto the HRC agenda by our success, that the Sri Lankan team in Geneva at the time should have kept the resolution off the agenda as had our counterparts in New York, that the success of 2009 was the progenitor of an inevitable setback of March 2012 in the same arena, and that if we are in a hole today, we dug that hole in 2009. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: The significance of Sri Lanka's success at the UNHRC in Geneva, May 2009]
‘Gota’s war’ book launch function turns into an India bashing session
by R.K.Radhakrishnan
The Indian intelligence agencies had a big hand in planning and executing terrorist strikes in Colombo in the mid-eighties, the President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga said. Reading from a book, Gota’s War, at its launch here, he said the role India played in Sri Lanka needed “intensive discussion.” He described the events described in the book as “home truths.”
Lalith Weeratunga lighting the traditional lamp at the launch of 'Gota's War'
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was under intense pressure from India, United Kingdom and France to stop the Eelam War IV in April of 2009. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'Gota's war' book launch function turns into an India bashing session]
People in the North feel welfare measures by the Govt is due to Western pressure
by Jehan Perera
The first green shoots of new life are emerging after a long period of drought in the north of the country, parts of which were not under government control for close on three decades, and where a terrible war was fought to its bitter end three years ago.
David Hall, UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Team Leader for South Asia Department who visited Sri Lanka recently had an official visit to Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya from 23 – 25 January 2012-Pic courtesy of: UKInSriLanka
Visiting the Vanni after a year it was wonderful to see the new life beginning to bloom, not only in the fertile agricultural lands but also in the towns. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: People in the North feel welfare measures by the Govt is due to Western pressure]
Radhika Hails Capture of Senior Lords Resistance Army Commander in Uganda
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy at the opening of the photo exhibit "Ich krieg dich - children affected by war" 3 May 2012, German House New York-pic courtesy: GermanyUN
New York, 14 May – The Ugandan army last Saturday captured Caesar Acellam Otto, one of the top military leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army, in the Central African Republic.
Along with Joseph Kony and a handful of senior rebel commanders, he is responsible for the most egregious violations committed against children in the central African region.
Continue reading ‘Radhika Hails Capture of Senior Lords Resistance Army Commander in Uganda’ »
‘Respect India’ call made at non-violent Koodankulam protest similar to ‘Quit India’ call of freedom struggle against Britain
by People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy.
‘Respect India’ is a call similar to ‘Quit India’ fervently made by the ordinary citizens of India here at Idinthakarai on May 8, 2012.
‘Quit India’ was a civil disobedience movement launched in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Quit India’ speech delivered on August 8, 1942 at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay. Gandhiji’s call for determined, but passive resistance appeared in his appeal to “Do or Die.” [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'Respect India' call made at non-violent Koodankulam protest similar to 'Quit India' call of freedom struggle against Britain]
Koodankulam is an unsuitable site for setting up a nuclear plant
BY Prashant Bushan
I visited Koodankulam yesterday to meet the people fighting against the nuclear power plant to see for myself what is happening there.
It was very impressive and inspiring to see the discipline and determination of the thousands of people, particularly women and children who were sitting at the dharna site at Idinthakarai. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Koodankulam is an unstable site for setting up a nuclear plant]
Some quick notes on Mr. Jayasankar’s review on ‘Kaliman Vandi’
by Dr.Sunil Wijesiriwardena
I was puzzled and shocked by the extremely hostile review written by Mr. Jayasankar of the Tamil production of the Mirchakadikam,
I am forwarding here a quick and short response on one or two important issues rose in this article. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Some quick notes on Mr. Jayasankar’s review on 'Kaliman Vandi']
Three rehabilitated youths allegedly released last year are still missing – Mano Ganesan
Pic courtesy of AlJazeera-In Vanni-Aug2011
Three Tamil youths who had undergone rehabilitation and were to be released last year are yet to reunite with their families and are reportedly missing.
Mano Ganesan leader of Democratic Peoples Front and convenor of Civil Monitoring Commission has writtent to Chandrasiri Gajaderra,minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms on the matter.
Continue reading ‘Three rehabilitated youths allegedly released last year are still missing – Mano Ganesan’ »
People of the North must be allowed to remember and mourn the loss of their loved ones publicly
pic courtesy of AlJazeera-Aug 2011
by National Peace Council
The third anniversary of the end of the war will be celebrated in the coming week. In the past two years this has taken place with victory parades and with public commemorations of war heroes by the Government although many people would say it was not appropriate after a civil war when citizens of the country were killed in large numbers.
It is also necessary to remember that the government is being accused of war crimes and violations of humanitarian laws
Continue reading ‘People of the North must be allowed to remember and mourn the loss of their loved ones publicly’ »
Is GL or Sajin the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka?
Sajin Vass Gunawardena
By Our Diplomatic Editor
The names of Sajin Vass Gunawardena and G.L. Peiris were to cause some confusion at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, South Africa last Wednesday.
A Protocol Officer of President Jacob Zuma was running helter skelter trying to find out who was the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka.
It appeared that the confusion was whether it was Peiris or Gunawardena?
G. L. Peiris
It was at the state funeral of Radakrishnan (Roy) Padayatchie, Minister of Public Administration. A South African Tamil, he died whilst on an official visit to Ethiopia. The “director” at the funeral was Trevor Manuel, the longest serving Finance Minister of South Africa and now Minister in charge of the Planning Commission. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Is GL or Sajin the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka?]
Over 500 people on indefinite hunger strike since May 1st in protest against Koodankulam nuclear plant
Children protest against Koodankulam Nuclear Plant, Apr 26, 2012
By Sam Rajappa
THE manner in which the authorities have been trying to crush the agitation of the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, which is no longer a mere protest against generating electricity by using nuclear energy to boil water, is shocking. It is a life-and-death struggle for the very survival of government of the people, by the people and for the people.
About 500 people, an overwhelming majority of them women, have been on an indefinite peaceful fast since 1 May at Idinthakarai, a fishing hamlet next to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project. [click to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Over 500 people on indefinite hunger strike since May 1st in protest against Koodankulam nuclear plant]
Time for State -led Reconciliation Programmes for the building of relationships between and within communities
pic couresy: UKInSriLanka
by Salma Yusuf
As Sri Lanka makes its way from a phase of post-war to post-conflict, the potential, the challenges and the successes are worthy of reflection.
The time is fitting not only because it is exactly three years since the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) but also because considerable events and circumstances of significance have transpired for this nation in transition.
Continue reading ‘Time for State -led Reconciliation Programmes for the building of relationships between and within communities’ »
This is a country that does not honour the constitution – its supreme law
M. A. Sumanthiran speaking on Adjournement motion in Parliament-11th May, 2012
By M.A. Sumanthiran MP
Speech by M. A. Sumanthiran on Adjournment motion in Parliament (11th May, 2012
Thank you Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity given to me to speak on this Adjournment Motion moved by the Hon. Member for Kandy District. Before I get on to what I wish to state, I’d like to deal with some very interesting matters that the Hon. Acting Minister for Media just stated to this House. He said that this Motion and the Motion to implement the recommendations of the LLRC are nothing but the agenda of the Tamil Diaspora.
I wonder how kindly His Excellency will take this comment having appointed the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission? [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: This is a country that does not honour the constitution – its supreme law]
‘Tamil Tigress’ by Niromi de Soyza: An unfolding saga describing the Best and Worst of the Tigers
By Prof. V.Suryanarayan
TAMIL TIGRESS: MY STORY AS A CHILD SOLDIER IN SRI LANKA’S BLOODY CIVIL WAR. | Niromi de Soyza (Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2011), pp. 308, Price not mentioned.
Writing about his literary career, Robert Frost once wrote: “I have never started a poem yet whose end I know. Writing a poem is a discovery”. I was in the same predicament when I started reviewing Niromi de Soyza’s absorbing account as a Tamil Tigress. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'Tamil Tigress' by Niromi de Soyza: An unfolding saga describing the Best and Worst of the Tigers]
‘Grease Poodham’ in Navanthurai: Supreme Court Grants 51 Jaffna Tamil petitioners leave to proceed
pic courtesy of: Puthinappalakai
by Namini Wijedasa
The Supreme Court on Thursday granted leave to proceed with petitions filed by 51 Jaffna Tamils who allege that the military and police assaulted them in the aftermath of the ‘grease yaka’ (devils) incidents in the peninsula last year.
The petitioners also say that their fundamental and language rights were violated by the police forcing them to sign statements in Sinhala, which they do not understand. The first respondent in this case is Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Continue reading ‘‘Grease Poodham’ in Navanthurai: Supreme Court Grants 51 Jaffna Tamil petitioners leave to proceed’ »
Inadequate attention to accountability leads to abuse which is then difficult to correct
By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha MP
Speech of Prof Rajiva Wijesinha, MP in Parliament at the debate on the Report of the Committee On Public Enterprises – 8th May 2012
Mr Speaker,
It is an honour to speak in this debate on the report of the Committee on Public Enterprises, given how much it has accomplished.
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha MP during an interview with YATV-Mar 2012-courtesy: YATV
Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of its Chairman, the simple but brilliant idea of dividing into sub-committees given the amount of work, and the dedicated commitment of the three chairs of sub-committees, COPE last year was able to cover more ground than any previous Committee.
Continue reading ‘Inadequate attention to accountability leads to abuse which is then difficult to correct’ »
Ayodhya and Dambulla: The situation in SriLanka is entirely different from India
by Patali Champika Ranawaka
Was the JHU directly involved in the attempt to remove the Dambulla mosque?
This was the question posed to me by an Indian journalist who contacted me recently. I answered in the negative. His next question was whether the JHU would go in a procession and tear down the mosque in Dambulla in the same way that the Barathiya Janatha Party (BJP) tore down the Barbary Mosque in Ayodhya, which it claimed was the birthplace of God Rama.
I told him no. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Ayodhya and Dambulla: The situation in Sri Lanka is entirely different from India]
Those who are in charge of Defence establishment would be held responsible if any harm comes to Hirunika’s life and limb
Hirunika Premachandra
by Asela Premachandra
Six months after assassination of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra who was a former Parliamentarian, on an election day in Mullariyawa, now, one of the week-end newspapers in Sri Lanka has reported that “Contract” has been given to two under world gangs to assassinate Hirunika Premachandra who is the only daughter of Bharatha in order to stop her relentless pursuit of justice for her father’s and three of his political supporters’ brutal murders which were committed in the broad day light. [Click here to read in full: on dbsjeyaraj.com ~ Those who are in charge of Defence establishment would be held responsible if any harm comes to Hirunika's life and limb]
Our Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam was wiser and saw through the duplicity
Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam
by Gunadasa Amarasekera
If one is to go by the opinions expressed in the English press quite a number is for implementation of the 13th Amendment, contained in the Geneva Resolution either fully or partially.
Pieris who is sending out ‘a secret document’ to party leaders appears to be in the same frame of mind with a desire to implement the 13th amendment as far as possible.
Continue reading ‘Our Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam was wiser and saw through the duplicity’ »
Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajavarothyam Sampanthan break 30 year communal barrier
Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajavarothyam Sampanthan at May Day procession in Jaffna, May 1, 2012
by Gamini Weerakoon
National Unity receives the backing of one and all—saints, sinners, racist killers, communal lovers, fanatics, rationalists and of course all types of politicians including those of the UPFA and UNP.
During and after the ’War’ every person who climbed a public platform did not fail to call for national unity. But amidst all this cacophony for national unity we failed to see any advocate pushing for it. [Click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajavarothyam Sampanthan break 30 year communal barrier]
Selected information from Tamil Culture In Ceylon – A General Introduction by M.D. Raghavan
Compiled by Dr. Rajasingham Narendran
In his words Raghavan claims his book incorporates a number of cross-sectional studies of a number of Tamil societies in the different provinces and survey of the Northern Province, supplemented by a few incidental aspects in other provinces of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
Office of the Village Officer in Nallur-in Feb 2010-pic courtesy of/by Sellathurai Balakumar
Raghavan has referred to books and research antecedent to his studies in a thorough manner and has referenced them throughout his book. What I have done is to quote what he had said and what he quotes others to have said, with a name reference only. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Selected information from Tamil Culture In Ceylon – A General Introduction by M.D. Raghavan]
Nationalist Suppression of the Tamil Past to Create Dominant Self-Images: Individual and Collective
by S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole | UGC Coordinator for Engineering, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (Now with Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI)
Presented at Tamil Studies Conference Session 3F, University of Toronto, May 12, 2012
Who will come to the streets to stop Mahina betraying the heroic war of Sinhala chauvinism?
Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne
by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne
The leader of the opposition claimed that the Jaffna May Day rally and the protest was a grand success. Over ten thousand participated in the rally in spite of the campaigns of the government, jacked up by racist campaign of Premadasa.
The latter was exposed as the crowd he mobilized, with all such drama was not more than two thousand. His treachery cannot be concealed.
Continue reading ‘Who will come to the streets to stop Mahina betraying the heroic war of Sinhala chauvinism?’ »
Independent International Investigations required to look into allegations regarding serious violations of International Law
by M.A. Sumanthiran
Adjournment motion Speech made by Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran in the House on May 11th 2012:
Continue reading ‘Independent International Investigations required to look into allegations regarding serious violations of International Law’ »
Deadly Gap Between Hype and Reality is a Staple of Rajapaksa Governance
pic courtesy of AFP
“By Tisaranee Gunasekara
People who cannot find their way out of history are lost, and so are their nations”. – Elias Canetti (The Human Province)
May, according to the government, is the ‘Month of War-Heroes’.
May began with a soldier killing another soldier and turning the gun on himself. Days later a navy-man committed suicide after shooting a female colleague. The latest murder-suicide incident is the third in three months.
On Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Day, in Galle, a soldier on leave assaulted a Tamil youth for not calling him ‘sir’; that incident ended with nine Tamil houses being looted and burnt.
Continue reading ‘Deadly Gap Between Hype and Reality is a Staple of Rajapaksa Governance’ »
The death of Sri Lankan diplomacy by suicide took place in Geneva on March 22
by Jayantha Dhanapala
The death of Sri Lankan diplomacy by suicide took place in Geneva on 22 March. For 64 years, it had served the country well despite the size of its professional cadre and persistent political meddling by all regimes.
The link between suicidal diplomacy and political directions received from Colombo is becoming obvious after the adoption of the resolution with anti-US and anti-Indian statements and actions being leaked to the media. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: The death of Sri Lankan diplomacy by suicide took place in Geneva on March 22]
UNP has chosen a hazardous route by aligning itself with TNA
by Gomin Dayasri
Are we living in the Wonderland of Alice or in a sorry State called Alas?
Government blunders with self-inflicted gaffes and goofs to display its mounting incompetence – UNP reciprocates by keeing the government buoyant in promoting serially unpopular causes to alienate and annoy voters. We sure lead a life between phonies.
Continue reading ‘UNP has chosen a hazardous route by aligning itself with TNA’ »
President must intervene and scotch attempt to remove Tamara Kunanayakam from Geneva
Tamara Kunanayakam during a presentation
by Prolanka
Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s former Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Geneva, was compelled on to another posting, much against her wishes, and as far as is known without any valid grounds for such a move.
The President must intervene and scotch the attempt as Ms TK’s performance on behalf of Sri Lanka, at the UNHRC Sessions in Geneva, March 2012, was a performance par excellence and she outshone, in my view and surely in that of many others, all the other Ambassadors, Envoys, Representatives and who even else, gathered there and arrayed against our country.
Continue reading ‘President must intervene and scotch attempt to remove Tamara Kunanayakam from Geneva’ »
Professor Maunaguru: Icon of Indigenous Tamil Culture
Pic by: Laksiri Rukman
By Thulasi Muttulingam
There was a time in the not too distant history of this country when Tamil culture and arts were appreciated and explored in depth; Post 1983 and the intensification of the war however, all that came to a grinding halt in many parts of the country. As Tamils dispersed both within the country and abroad, the last thing on their minds was the preservation and / or promotion of their arts.
One man however, an acclaimed Tamil artiste and academic, kept on striving to keep preserving and promoting Tamil Indigenous Arts wherever he found himself – be it Colombo, Jaffna or Batticaloa, even during the darkest hours of the Tamils.
Continue reading ‘Professor Maunaguru: Icon of Indigenous Tamil Culture’ »
UNHRC Resolution: Justice and Responsibility Confront Sovereignty, Development and Diplomacy
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
by Jude Fernando
Part I
“Dangerous pride, hatred, and selfishness are enthroned in our lives; truth lies prostrate on the rugged hills of nameless cavalries; and men do reverence before false gods of nationalism and materialism. The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of a nonconforming minority.” Martin Luther King Jr.
The enthusiastic celebration of the Sri Lankan government’s determination to withstand international pressures to investigate the human rights abuses during the last phase of war is misplaced, and its refusal to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) is sadly self-destructive. The controversy over the UNHRC exposed the failure and limitations of both the government and the global human rights community to effectively address human rights issues and to bring those responsible for human rights abuses to justice. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: UNHCR Resolution: Justice and Responsibility Confront Sovereignty, Development and Diplomacy]
As Third Anniversary of Armed Conflict draws near Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa speaks out to ‘Business Today’ Magazine
pic courtesy: VikalpaSL
On May 19, 2012 Sri Lanka celebrates the third year anniversary of the end of the conflict that gripped this country for three decades. The LTTE – the most ruthless terrorist organisation was destroyed by our gallant Armed Forces under the guidance and direction of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
As we enjoy the peace, stability and freedom, which provided the enabling environment for economic development, many have forgotten the years of conflict that created fear and insecurity among us.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa reminds us of the dividends of peace, the great progress achieved during the last three years and the importance for the people to recognise their responsibility in ensuring that this hard won peace is not jeopardised for any reason. It is his plea that the people are not misled…it is a plea because he knows the devastation of war. [ click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: As Third Anniversary of Armed Conflict draws near Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa speaks out to 'Business Today' Magazine ]
Was There any Meaning in Sampanthan’s Act of Waving the national flag in Jaffna?
By S.L.Gunasekara
The UNP contested the elections for the Eastern Provincial Council under the name and symbol of the SLMC and under the leadership of Hakeem who has been a Minister in the Governments of Kumaratunga, Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa and is presently a Minister in his multitudinous cabinet.
Sri Lanka flag in Spring breeze at Rockefeller Center, NY, NY on Apr 2, 2012
Everyone knew full well that the purpose of the exercise was for the SLMC to `profit’ from the votes of UNP supporters and for the UNP to `profit’ from the votes of SLMC supporters – in short, that it was a mercenary political marriage rooted in expediency with principle and the betterment of the Country being as foreign to it as a `flying saucer’. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Was There any Meaning in Sampanthan's Act of Waving the national flag in Jaffna?]
Curfew declared as prelude for massive police crackdown on peaceful protest against Koodankulam Nuclear plant]
S.P. Udayakumar with an Associate
By Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy
Curfew orders have just been promulgated in our area once again right after our planning meetings with the youth, women, community elders and the Idinthakarai village committee on May 8, 2012. Thousands of police personnel are being posted in and around Koodankulam in haste.
We get reliable tips that the authorities are planning to clamp down our protest and arrest all of us, possibly tonight. Such a pre-dawn operation that the government usually does could be bloody as thousands of men, women and children from several villages are sleeping around the Church at Idinthakarai. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Curfew declared as prelude for massive police crackdown on peaceful protest against Koodankulam Nuclear plant]
The battle she fought in Geneva for the country should not be belittled
(This is the text of an Editorial titled “Targeting Tamara” which appeared in the “Daily Mirror” of May 7th 2012)
The latest turn of events to relocate Ms. Kunanayakam to a Latin American country, when Sri Lanka is heading for another crucial encounter in the UNHRC in August, signals a portentous threat to the country’s chances of surviving another blow.
Quite obviously, there are many reasons as to why Sri Lanka could not obtain the required number of votes to defeat the US sponsored resolution. In fact, it was a muddle created by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the government that brought Sri Lanka to its downfall.
Continue reading ‘The battle she fought in Geneva for the country should not be belittled’ »
Ambassador Kunanayakam unanimously re-elected as Chairperson/Rapporteur of the UN HRC Working Group on the Right to Development
Only one week after her return from the 13th Session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII) in Doha, where she was elected by acclamation as an Asian Vice-Chair of the Conference and member of the Bureau, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam, was unanimously re-elected, also by acclamation, and in the presence of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, for a second term as Chairperson/Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on the Right to Development.
Continue reading ‘Ambassador Kunanayakam unanimously re-elected as Chairperson/Rapporteur of the UN HRC Working Group on the Right to Development’ »
The lessons not learnt: The Geneva Debacle of March 2012
By Devanesan Nesiah
(This paper reflect the views of the author, Devanesan Nesiah, and not those of any of the institutions that he has been associated with.)
The outcome in Geneva last year (March 2011) of the voting on Sri Lanka’s conduct of the war and related human rights record was very clearly in favour of the Sri Lankan government.
The line-up in the voting and the scale of the majority were such that it appeared that this year too the outcome would be similar, despite some initial wavering by India. But the conduct of the Sri Lankan government in the meantime was so counter-productive that it precipitated the debacle of March 2012. We should have anticipated the disaster but it seems to have taken the Sri Lankan government by surprise.
Continue reading ‘The lessons not learnt: The Geneva Debacle of March 2012’ »
Sri Lanka: In need of a SRI LANKAN identity
By Deneth Karunarathne
Since the defeat of the LTTE Sri Lanka as a whole has been looking forward to marching forward. Slowly but swiftly things have started to fall into place. During the ceremonial opening of Parliament on May 19, 2009, President Mahinda Rajapakse declared that the LTTE had been militarily defeated. He further went in to say that “There are only two peoples in this country. One is the people that love this country.
The other comprises the small groups that have no love for the land of their birth”. Literally sound, but are the masses ready to accept this. That there are only two groups of people those who love and those who don’t?
Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka: In need of a SRI LANKAN identity’ »
Let the unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims be victorious
By Nimalka Fernando
(Translation of the address made by Dr. Nimalka Fernando on 1st May 2012, in Jaffna, at the UNP/TNA May Day event representing the Platform for Freedom)
We fully endorse the resolution passed on this May Day affirming the rights of migrant workers. As a woman, I am proud to state that the economy of this country is heavily dependent on female labour.
Women toil hard in the tea estates, free trade zones and in the gulf countries to bring in the much needed foreign remittance. This resolution speaks about the hundreds and thousands of such women who are working hard to bring in millions and millions of rupees into this country.
Continue reading ‘Let the unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims be victorious’ »
President Rajapaksa orders transfer of Tamara Kunanayakam from Geneva to Havana with effect from July 1st
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Tamara Manimekhalai Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka ’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva has been transferred out from her current station with effect from July 1st 2012.
Ambassador Kunanayakam was sent an official facsimile message from External Affairs Ministy secretary Mr.Karunatilake Amunugama dated May 7th 2012 which informed her that she was being given notice of transfer as Ambassador to Cuba and that she should take up duties in Havana with effect from July 1st 2012. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: President Rajapaksa orders transfer of Tamara Kunanayakam from Geneva to Havana with effect from July 1st]
People in the North have become inmates of an open air prison
By Dharmasiri Lankapeli
Speech made by Dharmasiri Lankapeli, member of the Politbureau of the Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP – Sri Lanka section of the Fourth International) at the joint opposition demonstration and rally on International Workers Day in Jaffna
Dharmasiri Lankapeli at the May Day Rally in Jaffna, May 1, 2012-pic courtesy: TamilWin
Firstly, at this historic rally I apologise to the people in the North for not being able to address them in the Tamil language, as well as for the inability to provide them my speech in Tamil translation.
I would like to mention that while this historic demonstration and rally of the joint opposition is taking place in Jaffna, leftist parties including the Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) and the Frontline Socialist Party (the breakaway wing of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna) are celebrating May Day in a grand scale at the Price Park in Colombo under some common slogans:
Continue reading ‘People in the North have become inmates of an open air prison’ »
Protesting people on hunger strike against Koodankulam Nuclear Plant: Appeal to Indian Civil Society and International Community
by S.P. Udayakumar
Let’s leave an Earth where our children and grandchildren can all play without worries.” – Yoko Kataoka, a retired baker from Japan.
The indefinite hunger strike has been going on for the past 7 days. Some 25 men have been on the fast since May 1 and 302 women and 10 more men have joined the strike on May 4, 2012.
More and more women are eager to join the indefinite hunger strike but because of logistical issues such as space, bedding and toilet facilities, we are not in a position to accommodate them all. [ click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Protesting people on hunger strike against Koodankulam Nuclear Plant: Appeal to Indian Civil Society and International Community ]
Storify: ‘Blessed Wesak to all in Sri Lanka’
Dehiwala Wesak Kalapaya
via twitter.com/Poomigal
Continue reading ‘Storify: ‘Blessed Wesak to all in Sri Lanka’’ »
13th Amendment Concluded Argument on Power Devolution Within a United Sri Lanka Without Revisiting Unitary State Concept
by N. Sathiya Moorthy
With hopes, if not indications, of an early revival of some form of consultative process on power-devolution in the air in Sri Lanka, there is an accompanying need for contextualising some of the well-entrenched political positions on arguments in the matter.
TNA leader R. Sampanthan with President Rajapaksa-file pic
Call it names, or call it by any name, the Thirteenth Amendment is in the statute book and will be the bench-mark for a future discourse, changes in perception and amendments to the Constitution. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 13th Amendment Concluded Argument on Power Devolution Within a United Sri Lanka Without Revisiting Unitary State Concept]
Only Mahinda Rajapaksa matters in his ‘hangers on’ govt of self-seeking ‘yes’ men
by S. L. Gunasekara
There was a time, not too long ago when even a relatively small increase in prices led to consternation among the public. Thus, an increase of even 10 cents in the price of a gallon [not litre] of petrol; or of 2 or 3 cents in the price of a cigarette made the people throw up their hands in collective horror and seek to cut down on purchases of such commodities.
President Rajapaksa at the opening of the sluice gates of the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project-May 6, 2012-pic by Sudath Silva-courtesy: Infolanka.com
Accordingly, an increase in the price of petrol led to there being fewer cars on the road, while an increase in the price of cigarettes led to smokers endeavouring, with some success at the start, to cut down on their smoking. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Only Mahinda Rajapaksa matters in his 'hangers on' govt of self-seeking 'yes' men ]
National unity cannot be imposed by National Security
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa-pic; Defence.lk
by Jehan Perera
The dominance of national security considerations in the actions of the government have been highlighted again in the hundreds of detentions that have taken place in recent days in the East, especially in the Trincomalee area.
It is reported that most of those detained have been released after being screened by the security forces. But the sudden search and detain operations have sent a wave of fear amongst the Tamil people living in those areas.
Continue reading ‘National unity cannot be imposed by National Security’ »
The message from the Jaffna May Day Rally from the TNA and for the TNA
by N. Sathiya Moorthy
There is a message from the Jaffna rally, both from the TNA and for the TNA. Sampanthan used the occasion once again, urging the Government to create conducive conditions for the TNA to join the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) mooted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, for resolving the ethnic issue through a nation-wide political consensus
Mr. R. Sampanthan at the May Day Rally in Jaffna, May 1, 2012-pic courtesy: TamilWin
By waving the national flag so very openly at the ‘May Day’ rally at Jaffna alongside UNP Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, TNA’S R. Sampanthan has taken the national discourse on the ‘national problem’ to a higher plane altogether.
Continue reading ‘The message from the Jaffna May Day Rally from the TNA and for the TNA’ »
Tamil Nadu leaders have to understand the changes that have taken place in the political firmament of Sri Lanka
By Col. R. Hariharan
May Day celebrations in Sri Lanka this year saw an unusual sight. R Sampanthan, the septuagenarian leader fighting for Sri Lanka Tamil rights and president of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), standing shoulder to shoulder with the United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, waved a Sri Lanka flag to the cheers of a massive crowd in Jaffna celebrating the May Day.
Jaffna May Day-2012-pic courtesy: TamilWin
A few years back Sampanthan would have paid with his life for this act of “indiscretion” when he had to kowtow Prabhakaran and dance to the tune of the leader of the LTTE.
Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu leaders have to understand the changes that have taken place in the political firmament of Sri Lanka’ »
Order the Armed Forces to stop their atrocious activities against the people
by Veerasingham Anandasangaree
Text of a letter sent by TULF Secretary-General and former Parliamentarian Veerasingham Anandasangaree to Pressident Mahind Rajapaksa over the recent mass arrests in Trincomalee district
Your Excellency
I refer to the recent incident in Trincomalee in which youth, young girls and elders were arbitrarily and unjustly arrested and a good number of them detained.
Mr. V. Anandasangaree at the Dinner in honour of the Indian Parliamentary delegation, April 17, 2012-pic by: High Commission of India, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Such arrests have been taking place on a smaller scale in other areas as well. Unfortunately, the events that brought misery to our people, especially the youth, are showing signs of a revival of the past. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Order the Armed Forces to stop their atrocious activates against the people]
In a country where both democracy and rule of law are in abeyance development is an impossibility
By Tisaranee Gunasekara
“….the shadow of a saviour can turn into a fiendish destroyer”. – Jung (Psychology and Literature)
In Sri Lanka, treasure-hunters are becoming as ubiquitous as white-van abductors, and as omnipotent.
President Rajapaksa at the opening of renovated Dahaata Wanguwa Road, in Ududumbara, May 6, 2012-pic: news.lk
Last week, as the country prepared to celebrate Vesak, treasure-hunters descended on Villachchiya in Anuradhapura. The residents claim that they heard the sound of mechanised digging throughout the night. In the morning they informed the police and ventured out in numbers to catch the nocturnal criminals.
Continue reading ‘In a country where both democracy and rule of law are in abeyance development is an impossibility’ »
Regime’s Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism is the main factor providing it mass support
by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunararatne
The economic consequences of the decisions made by the Mahinda regime, to satisfy the international money lenders, are becoming intolerable.
Apart from those who contribute to the Sinhala Buddhist ideology of the regime and those who are profiting by the regime’s excesses, the rest fight on a daily basis without much coordination, to cope with the rising cost of living.
Continue reading ‘Regime’s Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism is the main factor providing it mass support’ »
Camel’s Milk, Cow’s Milk…Lanka Goes the Milky Way!
by Namini Wijedasa
Not long ago, one of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s little geniuses suggested that Sri Lanka imports camels from the Middle East so that Sri Lankans could drink camel milk.
President Rajapaksa, you see, has a lot of veritable geniuses in his government to whom he delegates important work. Reports that only a few brothers get the good jobs are unequivocally false. These are the delirious ravings of envious UNP MPs who have no jobs.
Continue reading ‘Camel’s Milk, Cow’s Milk…Lanka Goes the Milky Way!’ »
UNP May Day rally in Jaffna was a small but useful step towards building up confidence of Tamil people
By Javid Yusuf
The UNPs decision to hold its May Day rally in Jaffna was the subject of a number of taunts from its critics. The SLFP rightly claimed that this was made possible by the Government’s achievement in defeating the LTTE.
pic courtesy: TamilWin
The UNP dissidents, in a ‘cutting-the-nose-to-spite-the-face’ type of exercise, attempted to undermine the event by efforts to elevate the Premadasa commemoration into a rival event which coincidentally falls on May Day, through distributing handbills in public places and other activities that would convert the usually simple remembrance of its former leader in to an event that would equal the scale of a May Day event.
Continue reading ‘UNP May Day rally in Jaffna was a small but useful step towards building up confidence of Tamil people’ »
‘People Want us to Unite and Form a UNP Administration as soon as Possible’-Karu Jayasuriya
by Rathindra Kuruwita
United National Party (UNP) Gampaha district MP Karu Jayasuriya spoke to LAKBIMAnEWS about his participation at the R. Premadasa memorial meeting on May 1, his attempts at maintaining party unity and the display of the LTTE flag during the UNP rally in Jaffna.
pic courtesy: The Sunday Leader
Question: You were the United National Party (UNP) deputy leader until a few months ago and one of the party’s most senior MPs. Why did you not attend the UNP May Day rally in Jaffna, and was this an attempt on your part to belittle an event organized by Ranil Wickremesinghe?
Answer: First of all I have to say that the Premadasa memorial was not an attempt to compete with the party’s May Day rally in Jaffna, nor was it a show of strength – as an attempt to say we can bring in a much larger crowd than that at the Jaffna rally.
Continue reading ‘‘People Want us to Unite and Form a UNP Administration as soon as Possible’-Karu Jayasuriya’ »
Sri Lanka plagued by problems and malaises sourced to familial nature of Rajapaksa rule
by Tisaranee Gunasekara
These are hard times, globally, and Sri Lanka is not immune to the general contagion. The country is struggling with a weak rupee, a falling rate of savings, a huge debt burden, high levels of youth unemployment and bulbous inequality. None of these are signs of a healthy economy or indications of popular wellbeing.
In addition, Sri Lanka is also plagued by policy problems and attitudinal malaises which are sourced in the familial nature, of Rajapaksa rule.
Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka plagued by problems and malaises sourced to familial nature of Rajapaksa rule’ »
‘I have not Resigned from my Post in Geneva nor is it my Intention to do so’-Tamara Kunanayakam
pic via UN multi-media
An Interview with Namini Wijedasa
On April 28, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris telephoned Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and instructed her to leave. She was told to choose between Brazil and Cuba for her next posting.
The development comes hot on the heels of the US-led resolution on Sri Lanka being passed at the UN Human Rights Council. In an unprecedented turn of events, Kunananayakam has refused to comply. In an interview with LAKBIMAnEWS she said she has no intention of leaving.
We are fighting to save the 2,300 year old Buddhist Heritage that is ours
Ven Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero-pic courtesy of: The Sunday Leader
Ven.Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero Interviewed by Niranjala Ariyawansha
Ven. Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero, the Chief Priest at the Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya was in the forefront in recent times leading a protest at Dambulla to relocate a mosque which was within the sacred Vihara land, disputed by the Muslim fraternity. The issue is yet on the boil and the government has not resolved this sensitive stand off. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'We are fighting to save the 2,300 year old Buddhist Heritage that is ours']
From 2012 Vesak onwards Sri Lankans must learn to live together in peace and harmony
by Tissa Jayatilaka
Two Veask Poyas have come and gone and three years have sped by since May 2009 when the prolonged war with the LTTE ended. And we Sri Lankans are yet trapped in post-war rhetoric and caught up in punches and counter-punches arising from different visions of what post-war Sri Lanka ought to be.
Debates on who is a patriot/nationalist and who is a traitor have raged. Some Sri Lankans, sadly, have tended to the viewpoint that saving face is more important than national self-preservation and self-respect.
Continue reading ‘From 2012 Vesak onwards Sri Lankans must learn to live together in peace and harmony’ »
Let us make Commitment to National Unity and Religious Co-existence During Wesak Season
by Mahinda Rajapaksa
Let us in this Vesak season pave the way to success in this world and the next, by a eschewing all disputes and divisions and making a commitment to national unity and religious co-existence through seeing the true light of Buddhist teaching, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa was presented with the 10-year programme of the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Committee by Malwathu Chapter Anunayaka Ven Niyangoda Vijitha Siri Thera at a ceremony to mark the completion of Sambuddhathva Jayanthi at Temple Trees, May 3, 2012. At this ceremony Malwathu Chapter Anunayaka Ven Niyangoda Vijitha Siri Thera delivered the Dhamma Deshana-pic: news.lk
“The teachings of the Buddha are the best way to lead a life that is free of confusion. These teachings show us the path to lead a life free of the four-fold evils and achieve success in this world and the next,’ President said in his message to mark the Vesak day.
Continue reading ‘Let us make Commitment to National Unity and Religious Co-existence During Wesak Season’ »
Vesak Full Moon Poya day: The saga of the Buddhahood
By Gamini Jayasinghe
Vesak full moon poya day is of special significance to Buddhists due to three main incidents taken place on this day. The last birth of the Bodhisattva took place on a Vesak full moon poya day.
He attained Buddha hood also on a Vesak full moon poya day. The Exalted One’s Parinibbana also took place on a day like this.
On the Vesak full moon poya day two thousand six hundred and one years ago the last birth of Bodhisattva took place at Lumbini Royal park.
Continue reading ‘Vesak Full Moon Poya day: The saga of the Buddhahood’ »
A Buddhist Monk and child abuse in London
In Dambulla, Apr 20, 2012
by Dushy Ranetunge in London
This is a personal journey, which has touched our lives deeply and thus I will not pretend that it is an unbiased account. I have changed the names of the persons involved to attempt to safeguard the little privacy that they have.
In 2004, we purchased a home in a private gated compound in Winchmore Hill, North London. Our neighbour two doors next, was uncle Jine and aunty Serina, both Sri Lankans who had emigrated to the UK many decades ago. [click here to read in full ~on dbsjeyaraj.com: A Buddhist Monk and child abuse in London]
Mobs, Monks and the Problems of Political-Buddhism
By Kalana Senaratne
It is always a curious and odd little matter, to witness how even Buddhists become so obsessively attached to ‘sacred’ lands and in protecting them, commit acts seemingly prompted by hatred, delusion and ill-will.
Ideally, lands should not become ‘sacred’ for simple reasons. The Buddha, in attacking the rigid and unethical caste-system during his time, placed great stress on the importance of deeds or action. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Mobs, Monks and the Problems of Political-Buddhism]
Thirty Sixth Birth Anniversary of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Hello Friends
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which determined the course of Sri Lankan politics for more than two decades is no more a functional entity today. The LTTE would have celebrated its 36th birth anniversary on May 5th if it was an active organization now.
Adverse developments on the war front in Northern Sri Lanka leading to the military debacle at Mullivaaikkaal in Mullaitheevu district in May 2009 have brought about an end to the tigers in Sri Lanka. This has caused bewilderment and disappointment to many supporters and sympathisers of the LTTE. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Thirty Sixth Birth Anniversary of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]
Mahinda has sold our Country to The New Imperialist of Global Capitalism
by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne
(Text of speech made by Comrade Bahu at the May day rally at Price park, Colombo that was organized by the NSSP itogether with other leftist parties from the Trotskyite and Stalinist traditions)
We have come together today to face the dictatorial Mahinda regime.
This regime has used all tactics of repression against the oppressed masses. Police arrests, court cases, abductions, disappearances and torture are used even against trade unions involved in demonstrations and strikes. Mahinda used all that to sabotage the united struggle of the left. Regime knew what it really means
Continue reading ‘Mahinda has sold our Country to The New Imperialist of Global Capitalism’ »
Is Thirteenth Amendment plus the best solution?
By Victor Ivan
Implementation of the 13th amendment to the constitution with its attendant powers is held to be the best solution for the ethnic problem of Sri Lanka, particularly by India, Western powers, Tamil leaders as well as various critics who are interested in the devolution of power as a measure of a political solution.
However, the ethnic problem being only one aspect of the minority issues, any solution proposed for this problem should be one that will preserve the respect of all ethnic groups falling within the classification of minorities. [click here to dbsjeyaraj.com: Is Thirteenth Amendment plus the best solution?]
‘Kalimann Vandi’ and history of Sri Lankan modern Tamil theatre
by Sivagnanam Jeyasankar
A Response to the leaflet issued before the beginning of the performance of Kalimann Vandi the Tamil language stage production of “Mettikaraththaya” and to the performance itself
The “Tamil language production of Mettikaraththaya” refers to Mirhchakadikam, a Sanskrit play written in B.C. 300-400 by Chudraka. It was produced in Tamil as ‘Kaliman Vandi’ translation of the Sinhala version of Mettikaraththaya at the Swami Vipulanda Institute of Aesthetics Studies, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: 'Kalimann Vandi' and history of Sri Lankan modern Tamil theatre]
Kurunegala Anglican Bishop Emeritus Andrew Kumarage–An Appreciation
Cathedral Church of Christ the King, Kandy Road, Kurunegala
by Rt.Rev Kumara Illangasinghe
It was with much sadness that we learnt of the passing on of our beloved Bishop Andrew Kumarage, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kurunagala, in the early hours of April 21, 2012. He was ailing for some time, but briefly and was a wonderful relief for some of us to know that he has ended his life on earth and being relieved from all pains, agony and suffering of this world.
Andrew Oliver Kumarage was born on January 16, 1934 as the eldest child of a family of five. The parents were devoted members of the Church of Ceylon and worked as lay ministers of the church. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Kurunegala Anglican Bishop Emeritus Andrew Kumarage – An Appreciation]
Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero, Rangiri cricket stadium and Thilanga Sumathipala
By Michael Roberts
The following article was written by Prof. Michael Roberts on July 10th 2007 and appeared in Cricinfo.com. under the heading “Rangiri Cricket Stadium &Its Tempestuous History.It is being reproduced here as it sheds some light on the commercial interests of Ven Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero who spearheaded the deplorable attack on the Mosque in Dambulla. I am inclined to wonder whether some sordid money making motive is behind the sudden move initiated by the saffron-clad entrepreneur to demolish the Mosque and Kovil-DBS Jeyaraj
In early June 2007 it was announced that at least one of the matches against the touring English side would be played at Rangiri Stadium, Dambulla. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero, Rangiri cricket stadium and Thilanga Sumathipala]
Muslim community is strongly opposed to demolition or relocation of Dambulla Mosque
Al Asna Mosque, Akurana- pic by: Asfur_foreveR courtesy of: Asfur_foreveR
By Ayesha Zuhair
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to summon a meeting shortly to discuss a matter of vital national importance.
This follows a discussion he had with Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem on Monday, during the course of which the President promised to resolve the dispute that has arisen over the Dambulla mosque, without harming the interests of the Muslim community. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Muslim community is strongly opposed to demolition or relocation of Dambulla Mosque]
UN Rep on Children and Armed Conflict tells AlJazeera children are being targeted in Syria
More than 34 children have allegedly been killed in Syria since the UN-brokered ceasefire between security forces and opposition fighters officially took hold last month.
“Since a truce was agreed on April 12 … and despite the deployment of United Nations ceasefire monitors, more than 34 children have allegedly been killed,” the UN special envoy for children and armed conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, said on Tuesday, May 2.
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LLRC Report recommended access to Information Law
by Patricia. A. Butenis
The 20th century American politician Thomas “Tip” O’Neill once famously said that “all politics is local.” That was often true of the news in the last century as well. With the advent of so many technological changes, however, the truism for information in the 21st century has become “all news is international.”
Ambassador Patricia Butenis announcing the grant to digitally preserve ‘Buruni Kamana Raivaru’, Oct 5, 2011- pic courtesy of: US Embassy, Sri Lanka
Local stories quickly become international and the citizen’s right to be informed spans the globe, whether events are happening in the Americas, Africa, Europe, or Asia.
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Catholic Bishops Conference wants govt to implement LLRC recommendations
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith
By Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Bishop Norbert M. Andradi
Much has been written and discussed since the publication of the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) wishes to look at the Report of the Commission mindful of this biblical imperative and invitation to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation in this post-war society of Sri Lanka.
Bishop Norbert M. Andradi
CBCSL acknowledges that every document formulated within given historical circumstances necessarily contains limitations. Hence, no document can meet all the expectations and answer the needs of everyone. However, the LLRC Report, particularly its recommendations, does contain much potential and hope for the future.
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Karunannidhi wants Sampanthan to demand an Eelam which Sri Lankan Tamils dont want
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi lies in a bed during a fast in Chennai, April 27, 2009-pic courtesy: Reuters
by M.S.M. Ayub
The visit by the Indian joint Parliament delegation to Sri Lanka was no doubt a novel experience not only for the members of the delegation but also for the Sri Lankan politicians as well as the general public.
It was novelty for the Sri Lankans since the delegation was led by the Opposition Leader of India and not by any government minister of that country
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Maldives: C’wealth ultimatum causes call for pull-out
by N. Sathiya Moorthy
With the People’s Majlis, or Parliament, confirming the nomination of Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Deen, an element of political continuity and consequent stability has been injected into the Maldivian polity for now.
Athiri Mathi by Egan Mohamed Badeeu, Oil on Canvas, 70 x 150 cm (3 panels), 2008-courtesy: artgallery.gov.mv
Yet, the visiting Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)’s ultimatum to the Government of President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik to recast the National Inquiry Commission (NIC), probing MDP predecessor Mohammed Nasheed’s charges relating to power-transfer, has thrown up a counter-call from Government leaders for Maldives to pull out of the Commonwealth – thus taking the focus away somewhat from domestic politics.
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Australian Immigration Minister Bowen Should Raise Concerns with Sri Lanka-Human Rights Watch
Hon Chris Bowen MP- pic courtesy: chrisbowen.net
Cooperation on People-Smuggling Risks Further Abuses
(Melbourne) – Australia’s immigration minister should raise concerns with Sri Lankan officials about alleged arbitrary arrest and torture of people who were refused asylum and sent back to Sri Lanka when he visits this week, the Human Rights Law Centre and Human Rights Watch said today.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from May 2 to 4, 2012, to discuss migration issues, including preventing people smuggling from Sri Lanka to Australia.
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Moves on to remove Tamara Kunanayakam as UN envoy in Geneva
Amb. Tamara Kunanayakam
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Sri Lanka ’s ministry of External Affairs has initiated moves targeting Tamara Kunanayakam, Sri Lanka’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva
Ms. Kunanayakam who returned to Geneva last week after participating at the UNCTAD conference in Doha, has been informed over the telephone that she should move out from Geneva at short notice and take up duties in a Latin American Country by June this year.
It is learnt that External Affairs minister Prof. Gamini Lakshman Peiris himself contacted Ms. Kunanayakam directly on the Telephone on Saturday April 28th 2012 and informed the Lankan envoy that she was to be transferred out from her station in Geneva to Brazil or Cuba in Latin America. [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: Moves on to remove Tamara Kunanayakam as UN envoy in Geneva]
President Rajapaksa a Buddhist married to a Catholic who worships at Hindu shrines has been a friend of Muslims
by Arjuna Hulugalle
Man, living in community will invariably have social and political problems. This applies to a tribal society, a nomadic society, a settled rural society or a highly structured civilization, whether Greek, Roman, European or Asian.
President Rajapaksa at at Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jan 2010-Pic by Sudath Silva-courtesy: InfoLanka
Minimizing problems and tensions depends on leadership and how well the leaders are able to keep the population on the path of reason. Wisdom is therefore all important in leadership [click here to read in full ~ on dbsjeyaraj.com: President Rajapaksa a Buddhist married to a Catholic who worships at Hindu shrines has been a friend of Muslims]
Ensuring peoples prosperity is the best tribute to working class-President
The best tribute we can pay on this International Workers’ Day to the former leaders of the working people and the sweat and tears of our workers is to ensure the prosperity of the people and the country, President MahindaRajapaksa said.
It is my wish that the support hitherto extended to the Government by the working people would continue to be given to overcome the challenges before us in achieving development and protecting national unity, President said in his message to mark the International Workers’ Day.
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Religious Extremism: The Post War Reality in SriLanka
by Rameez Aboobacker
There is a lot of debate and controversy in the public discourses over the last few days following the malicious attack on a Mosque in Dambulla by a group of extremist Buddhist led by monks in robes, hampering to perform Muslims’ Jummah prayers on Friday, 20th April 2012, and demanding the demolition of the mosque immediately since, what they regard, it is located in a Buddhist sacred area, but the Muslims, on the other hand, rebut the claim saying that the mosque is in existence over the last 60 years with a legal registration.
Sign in NYC, NY-Dec 2010
The mosque was also fire-bombed the night before, but fortunately no body was harmed.
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Why asking D E W Gunasekara to act as Minister of External Affairs was a brilliant idea
D E W Gunasekara
by Prof.Rajiva Wijesinha M.P.
When we were in Geneva in the dark days of March, I was surprised to read that Senior Minister D E W Gunasekara had been appointed Acting Minister of External Affairs.
It was only long after I got back to Colombo that I realized it was an excellent choice, and the Acting Minister’s clear vision and determination had avoided what might have contributed to further catastrophe.
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