109 Comments Add your own

• 1. NF  |  February 4th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

  GET REAL WILL YOU!!

• 2. Bala Chennaiah  |  February 4th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

  Mano you’re lost and all over the place. You have failed to see the context of the reality Dayan talks about.

• 3. Ground Truth  |  February 5th, 2008 at 12:00 am

  Dayan Jalatilake is Subramaniam Swamy of Lanka. This guy suffers from amnesia or lives in moronic world or lives in fancies of hallucination. I commend and appreciates Mano Ganesan reply exposing this Subramaniam Swamy of Lanka.

• 4. stephen  |  February 5th, 2008 at 12:18 am

  Thank you Mr. Ganesan for a very intelligent article. Leave alone LTTE, the sinhala racisim is always going to be there with or without Prabhakaran. My insight and my observation is that this land is not for the Tamils to live. The sinhala hagemony is going to always haunt the tamil minorities. Its not a land worth the fight. The Tamils are only a 18% (its less now I guess). Let the sinhalese live and fight among themselves. Without bringing LTTE to the picture, if one would study the Tamil mentality..they are a very hard working people who are so family oriented and they always wanted prosperity and wanted to be successful in life. I think the Tamils should leave srilanka for good and live in India or other countries where merit is awarded for the hard work, where recognition is given to the deserved. Mr. Ganesan please think on these lines. Dont you think that this is a wise idea?

• 5. Danny  |  February 5th, 2008 at 12:34 am

  Mr. Ganesan,
  Thanks for standing up for disappearance in south. Did you prepared a list of killings, assassinations, abductions, enforced disappearances, extortions, sexual abuses, torture, forced mass evictions, arbitrary mass arrests, child soldiers etc..that happen in wanni. Oh sorry, first you have to go there…. and interview poor Tamil people. LTTE might give you some Body guards.. to do all that work like SL Government…

• 6. Chales Ryan  |  February 5th, 2008 at 2:25 am

  Dayan Jayatilake is a paid agent of the SriLankan govt,which has been accused by international human rights organizations .The accusations range from abduction,killing of opponents, murder of dissident journalists and political opponents especially of Tamil origin, colonization of the East,control of electoral procees by the use of paramilitaries,indiscriminate carpet bombing and genocide. But Dayan ignores all these aspects of virtual anarchy. He is only paid to criticize the LTTE and the Tamil diaspora. But he cannot fool the world. If he want s to decry violence and abuse let him do it properly by voicing his discontent against the LTTE and the govt of S.L without prejudice.We will certainly join him if he chooses to do it.

• 7. anura  |  February 5th, 2008 at 3:51 am

  R U IN USA. ? U COLLECTED YOUR HUMANITARIAN AWARD.

• 8. Dayan Jayatilleka  |  February 5th, 2008 at 4:02 am

  Dear Mano Ganesan,

  I’m afraid my memory is better than yours. You did not merely witness me at a distance. You were brought for an introduction to and discussion with me in 1988, by your then mentor and guru in politics and ideology, comrade P Muthulingam of Kandy, who quite rightly identified you as an up and coming young leader.

  Mano, it is not I, but a number of cecredible foreign scholars and sources, from prof Walter Laqueur to the FBI that had defined the LTTE as they have done. The German people couldn not defeat German fascism - that was done by the Soviet Red army and the Western allies. similarly the LTTE cannot be defeated primairly by the Tamil people. With what will they do it? If ever there was a time that could have been done it was in 1986-88, when the eelam Left ( my comrades) was strong militarily and politically. But it was not to be. Only the sri Lankan armed forces, with their international and their Tamil allies , can defeat Tiger fascism.

  Let us for a moment drop the term fascism, and limit ourselves to terrorism. In 1986-90, JVP terrorism was defeated by primiarily, but not exclusively, military means , by the sri Lankan armed forces and their democratic Soithern Left allies. So too, Tiger terrorism.

  Let us go further and drop both refrences, fascism and terrorism. Let us stick to separatism or secessionism. Please reflect on how the US defeated secessionism: through a Civil war led by Abraham Lincoln, which cost 650, 000 lives.

  I have not forgotten state terrorism, Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism etc etc. as you allege, but all these would have been of little consequence after 1987, had Prabhakaran not gone to war against the IPKF! All the suffering that the Tamils have undergone since then resulted from that decision, just as all the sufferings the tamils had undergone in the previous decades had borne fruit in the Indian initiative, the Indo-Lanka accord. true the JVP led a revolt agaist it, but he State and its Left allies fought acivil war against that JVP uprising and pushed through Provincial Council elections. That exercise in devolution was mainly thwarted by a full scale war waged against the peacekeeping force by the Tigers.

  If Sinhala chauvinism and state terrorism were responsible for all he Tamil sufferings, why did the LTTE murder Rajiv Gandhi, Nehru’s grandson, some years after the IPKF had left Sri Lanka?

  Mano, recognise the main obtsacle to the Tamils’ advancement and the main source of their suffering: Prabhakaran and the LTTE.

• 9. Chana  |  February 5th, 2008 at 4:05 am

  Everyone knows who is Mano Ganesan is. Let’s address his concerns after wiping out LTTE terrorists. Why aren’t these politicians saying the same when tigers bomb innocent civilans in the south.

• 10. wijey  |  February 5th, 2008 at 5:16 am

  This, “A brief response to Dayan Jayatilake’s ‘Fighting Absolute Enemy‘” does not have a sufficient base. I think this is just a personal opinion.

• 11. R.S.Ganeshan  |  February 5th, 2008 at 6:51 am

  Not many would have paused to consider the skilled duplicity resorted to by Dayan Jayatilake who had even fooled people like the late Ketheeswan Loganathan, Padmanaba or Varathraja Perumal who had all considered him a firend and ally.I will not be surprised if he is on the panel of the Mossad or Shin Beth as an adviser from his vantage point in Geneva.

• 12. Ratna  |  February 5th, 2008 at 7:33 am

  Well done Mano.
  You bowled out DJ with a doosra.

• 13. Subra S.Massey  |  February 5th, 2008 at 8:14 am

  Dr.Dayan Jayatilake by Sri Lankan standard is the greatest man they have ever seen. When you pitch him against some formidable people all over the world he is just a flea ridden puppy. He is an educated war monger who is bent on military solutions. Today the LTTE ihas transformed into
  ” Lifting Tamil Tide Everywhere”. The outcome of the war in Sri Lanka will be decided by the internet and by the rising power of Tamils worldwide.
  Please ready my article on, ” Is democracy ready for Sri Lanka” under federalidea.com. Dr.Dayan is a little child so we will educate him little by little.
  But he is quoting too many quotations, he has no ideas of his own. To him war is the only path, but there is a path Lord Buddha taught us. I am a Tamil by definition not by birth, I follow his teachings but Dr.Dayan defines him as a Singhalese Catholic, that itself is telling us he is religious fanatic and racial extremist. He grew up under such conditions so what can we expect?
  Sri Lankan Singhalese were misled for the last 60 years but they are beginning to realise that they have no food on the table so they are now rethinking as to what is going on. Dayan is living in Geneva, Mahinda’s son is in UK, Gothabaya’s bank account in USA is very active from the profits of arms purchases but the masses do not have food. It is time for the Singhalese people to rise up and join hands with the Tamils to defeat our common enemy, “POVERTY” Long live the class struggle. Lets build a great nation where there will be Peace, Prosperity and world class standard of living.
  If only the Singhalese will join us we will make Sri Lanka in par with Norway, Sweden and Canada in quality living. We want so the people of Sri Lanka the quality life that we enjoy. The tallest and biggest bank will be ieither in Colombo or Jaffna. Guaranteed. Please, we appeal to the Singhalese to join us in the struggle to eliminate Poverty. The so called terrorism is the manifesa\tation of “LACK” otherwise called POVERTY. Poverty is our common enemy not the Tamils ot LTTE, but then LTTE has transformed into huge business enterprise, unstoppable! Forgive me if I make any spelling or grammatical mistakes. I have only another 38 years left in my life so I have to hurry up!

• 14. Kail  |  February 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am

  Bala Chennaiah - This certainly is not a Tamil name, sounds fake.

  Mano Ganesan has to be careful - GOSL has a history of bumping-off articulate English Speaking writers to prevent interaction with the International Community.
  Good Analysis of Dayan Jayatilake’s Pompus pronouncements. Thank you Mano.

• 15. Krish  |  February 5th, 2008 at 8:31 am

  Thank you Ganeson.You have expose the weekness of the UN.how can they choose this man to head one of the activities of UN.Shame on UN and Sri-Lanka.BE AROUND do not go back to Sri-Lanka the sinhalese will shamelessely assasinate you and blame it on LTTE.we nee you after we liberate Tamil Eeelam.

• 16. Janaka  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:18 am

  Mr. Mano, not only you but also VP, during his last speech, were of the view that GOSL, Indian policy makers and IC are wrong. Everybody else except LTTE seems to be wrong. I don’t know whether the whole Tamil community believes like this. This “others are wrong” will bring only the destruction. Need a change..

• 17. Jackson  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:20 am

  Expect a response from DJ quoting from Putin, CLinton, Marx and possibly even Jerry Springer ..

  But he will skirt the crux of the issue ..

• 18. Thamilan  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:33 am

  Dayan Jayatilake is a classical example of a Sinhalese extremist. They have one aim in their heart and talks as if they understands the view of the world.

• 19. Sam Thambipillai  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:33 am

  Whatever level to which any Sinhalese rises up, be it in politics or in any profession, what he learnt under “Sinhala Mahathmayas” can never be undone even by the best of education in a place like Oxford University. SWRD Bandaranayake was such a classic example. The same appears to be true with Dayan Jayatilake from what he wrote in his article.

  Ruthless state terror in Sri Lanka is given the name “war against terrorism” in Sri Lanka. Mano Ganeshan is right. The government uses its soldiers to carry out extra judicial killings, assassinations, abductions, enforced disappearances, extortions, sexual abuses, torture, forced mass evictions, arbitrary mass arrests, child soldiers and indiscriminate bombardments and calls it “war on terrorism”. In real sense it is the killing of Tamils by the Sinhalese organised as a state.

  When Dayan Jayatilake was justifying the war he was justifying such gross human rights violations in the North East. Shame on humanity for haveing such a person as a vice president of UNHRC.

  Therefore, Dayan Jayatilaka must fight the “absolute enemy ” inside of him before he starts to search for the real enemy.

• 20. Thamilan  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am

  Mano Ganesan,

  Don’t waste your time responding to Dayan Jayatilake, he talks and little does he realize that he is contributing immensely toward Tamil Elam.

  I praise Prabaharan’s mother for giving birth to him. If he had talked like all the other political leaders, the Tamil people would have been wiped off the island by now. His action has saved us and keeps us as an undefeatable force in the battlefield forcing the Sinhalese intellectuals to see the solution to the problem cannot be reached by physical strength.

  I praise your mother as well. You have served your people well in the political arena in accordance with the mandate in which you were elected. What I admire you more is the service you provided in the arena of Human Rights; a place in the hearts of the Tamils spread across the globe originating from Ceylon is guaranteed and even among the Sinhalese who accepts the right to self-determination.

• 21. s. bala  |  February 5th, 2008 at 11:22 am

  one of the best answer given to Dayan Jayatilake so far. but there is no use of it because he is not going to listen to anything rational. he whole heartly know what he is writing, telling or talking is totally opposite to truth. but he will continue this in the name of analysing the truth which is his way of propaganda. He hasn’t grown through the mill. while he was going through it, he found out its hard and found an easy way which eventually put him in genewa. what we should do is expose him to the world, particularly UN. we can expose his racism, enmity towards tamils, justifing the crime against tamils as fighting terrorism, etc from his writing.

• 22. TK  |  February 5th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

  Tamil diaspora wants to be Jews, and ‘Sinhalease’ Sri Lankans, at least the ones outside the country and who comments on blogs etc. wants be Putins, Americans, the EUs etc etc. Am surprised the way Ambassador DJ has taken route to blogs to take on issues…he sees the ‘influence’ of ‘bloggersphere’ as a powerful medium.

  Well done on that aspect.

  May be he could become the new ‘King Asoka’ that Sri Lanka needs. Time for you to enter politics and be that Change agent like Barack!!

• 23. Bala  |  February 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

  Dear Mano,
  Thank You. May GOD bless you and save you from GOSL Goons. I am forwarding your article and Dayans article to my member of Parliament in Canada. As Kail mentioned you must be extra vigilant. I’ll bring my concern for your life in SL to my Canadian MP.

• 24. C.S Bandaranayake  |  February 5th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

  this is not about “What Dayan Jayatilake fails to understand” it is About “What Mano Ganasan Not able to understand” this is the biggest PROBLEM with you and the LTTE supportes

• 25. Suresh M  |  February 5th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

  Thank you Mano Ganeshan for your article.

  Dayan Jayatilleka’s reply shows that he really represents Rajapakese brothers’ mission that promotes ‘Human Rights’ in Geneva.

  He also didn’t appreciate that “LTTE murder Rajiv Gandhi, Nehru’s grandson” even though his former Sinhala Government under JR tried unsuccessfully on Rajiv’s life.

  Dayan, I really don’t know who stops the Sinhala regiem to put forward a viable option to end the separate state demand. You seem to be the right fit for Rajapakse brothers’

• 26. Dr K C  |  February 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

  Dear Dayan Jayatilake

  You quite rightly criticise the LTTE for their blunders & HR violations. That means you know what is wrong/right. But when it comes to the excesses of the GOSL you completely turn a blind eye.

  As long as people with your mindset hold high positions in the SL institution, this island will never prosper.

  As Mano Ganeshan put it, your greediness for war will only bring: “Mind it, in Sri Lankan context it means extra judicial killings, assassinations, abductions, enforced disappearances, extortions, sexual abuses, torture, forced mass evictions, arbitrary mass arrests, child soldiers, indiscriminate bombardments, culture of impunity. And also the failed disgraced Human Rights institutions, Commissions and Committees, barefaced refusals to strengthen the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s office in Colombo and the establishment of International Independent Human Rights Mission.”

  In the name decency you must have the guts to say that both Praba and Percy are destroying this island. I very much doubt you are such a gentleman.

• 27. ernest macintyre  |  February 5th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

  I read this “Absolute ” article but did not think of the Swedish vodka with similar spelling. Instead IKEA ,the mass production Swedish home products company came to mind, where you take its packaged parts, fix them all together and imagine you have created something original.

  I knew his father; he arrived at conclusions on his own, and would have approved Oscar Wilde’s quotation meant to end all quotations -

  ” Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone elses opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”

• 28. Indian Tamil  |  February 5th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

  Dayan#8,is absolutely right.Rajiv’s murder changed srilankan tamil freedom struggle into terrorism.Whole of India was alienated by Ltte.Now ,everyone followed India by banning them.Even IPKF withdrawal unceremoniously didnot create much issue then.we identified indian army’s role everywhere in kashmir,northeastern states with complicated terms of references thereby it is obvious to have more casualities.But what hurt the most was Rajiv’s murder which every true indian will never forgive and forget.Ltte maynot understand but they suffer due to this gruesome act.

• 29. Oru Manithan  |  February 5th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

  Dayan Jayatilike’s agenda is clearly undermine What LTTE stand for which is the Basic equal Human rights in a Racist Sinhalese Chauvinistic governments which exploits the masses by creating ethnic divide for them to cling on to power and loot the country from average men and women.
  The Ethnic crises started soon after the Independence from British. Tamils tried all the democratic methods to gain equal rights as Sinhalas, but met with violence, riots, ethnic cleansing, forced at gun point, Sinhala colonizations in Tamils areas by evicting Tamils from their livelihood.

  The Problem here is Sinhalas are afraid of Minorities
  and made to think that their sufferings are caused by minorities. This deep misunderstanding with politicians exploitation made us where we are now.

  LTTE is refection of the true Fascist GOSL ( UNP & SLFP) policies and the treatment of minorities.

  The Sinhala only law is a good example of the true fascist. It is a shame the Sinhala Government went so low to make this country a failed state, Dayan is part of the collaboraters who only worry about the self interest
  such as making wealth, fame etc.

  LTTE is only a puzzle of the Picture of the failed Sri Lanka. If someone thinks eliminating LTTE would bring
  any betterment to their lives in SL, only fooling themselves.

  The Main crooks ( rogue politicians and its collaborators) who exploit the masses has to be defeated including people like Dyan.

  Dear Mano Ganesan, Great Job as always.

• 30. Oru Manithan  |  February 6th, 2008 at 12:31 am

  just because you have read the books of the western world and quote from them does not mean that you are a scholler .you are are mearly are a parrot ,let me have some original thughts please.please dont pander to mr with your high flown english which a village fool cannot understand
  mathew

• 31. Oru Manithan  |  February 6th, 2008 at 12:36 am

  correction spelling mistakes not very fluent with the key board

• 32. Oru Manithan  |  February 6th, 2008 at 12:38 am

  mr dayan jayatilaka are you a Josephien because you look familiar
  Mathew

• 33. Dr K C  |  February 6th, 2008 at 2:52 am

  Dear Mano Ganeshan

  You have written a few words about the Indian policy makers. I am sorry to say I do not agree with your position on this issue. As far as I am concerned the LTTE should have handed over the suspects in RG case to the Indian authorities as soon as they were charged to plead guilty/innocence at the trial.

  I urge you to ask the LTTE to surrender those people to India to face their charges for a deal for SL Tamils. Unless and until this issue is resolved the Tamils can expect no future in SL.

  I know you have stated that this issue can be resolved at a different forum but I feel this case should have been resolved many, many years ago. This exercise will only give strength to those people in India who campaign for a political solution in SL.

• 34. Sinhalese  |  February 6th, 2008 at 7:40 am

  It is time for the Singhalese people to rise up and join hands with the Tamils to defeat our common enemy, “POVERTY” Long live the class struggle. –

  Dear Massy - Unfortuantely I was once on that path beleiving Self Determination of Tamils and defeating Corrupt Sinhala politicians with the help of Tamil Brothers waging war agaist JRJ’s chauvinsiti brutaly robber baron’s capitalist state. However that struggle was betrayed by your boss Prabhakaran who single handedly eliminated all the progressive voices of the north and severing connection betwen Tamils and Sinhalese. Sinhala nationalist side do not like any body speaking for Tamils, and LTTE do not like any Tamils speaking on behalf of Sinhalese. So what you are suggesting ia an old apple. We tried it. Until and Unless LTTE given a body blow this racist Tamil comments from these boards and funding terror from west will not stop. I wonder poor Tamil Mothers and fathers whose kids kidnapped for war would do for you when they meet you in person. (No under LTTE gun but free. They would simply kill you for sending money to this outfit to kidnap their children.)
  I can see how you are calling us. Sinhala Modayas, Sinhala idiots ets. Most of you studied free in Sri Lanka and coughing for West. You will not defeat us Sinhala Modays. Until the last one. Youa re the oone lost here with your Tamil nationalism.
  Try us Sinhala Modayas. We will deliver what you are asking for. We will avenge all the deaths.

• 35. Bradley  |  February 6th, 2008 at 8:19 am

  Indian Tamil,

  India is a impotent power anyway.
  Was it able to
  1) stop the 1 million Indian Tamils from getting disenfranchised
  2) stop the 1958 riots where more than a thousand Tamils were killed.
  3) stop the unilateral hijacking of the Constitution by the SInhala Chavunists in 1972
  4) the 1977 riots etc.. I can carry on.

  Sri Lanka does not care about India. India had some leverage with the Tamils .. That is sadly no longer the case thanks to IPKF/Rajiv Gandhi.

  Right now, even SL Tamils not aligned to LTTE expect the west (as in UK, USA or EU) to intervene and not India.

• 36. Subra S.Massey  |  February 6th, 2008 at 8:28 am

  Can any one please let me know where Dr.Dayan did his Ph.D.? I want to see if there is any evidence to see if we can charge him for doing research on how eliminate a race. Mein Kamph by Hitler. Give to me and we will put him away forever.
  We should investigate his education may be he was doing research on how to eliminate a race.

  Please some one give me some info.

• 37. Thamilan  |  February 6th, 2008 at 10:11 am

  Comment # 28,

  LTTE is an accused; the case against LTTE is not proven. You also forget how a naval personnel targeted Rajiv Ghandi, and the video is on a circulation on you tube. There is a huge possibility of this being done by JVP (the naval personal who attacked was believed to be a member of the JVP) or GoSL who could have easily used a Tamil to complete this mission.

  http://youtube.com/watch?v=JeYTVHb9l_o

  Anyone could have set this up and simply blame it on LTTE. Until LTTE is proven guilty, India just assuming such accusation is immaturity.

• 38. Naga UK  |  February 6th, 2008 at 11:31 am

  I have always held that Dayan is not altogether a lost cause. He might still have it. What he says about LTTE could be right. But what he says about the present context of the ethnic problem is absolutely wrong - and he knows it. Notwithstanding, I have to say Mano had the guts to vocalize Tamil grievances at the right time putting his neck out on the chopping block which takes a lot of courage and a bit of foolishness (out of sincerity?) which is more than what I could say about our respected scholar Dr.DJ.

  DJ could have been better off just teaching- a profession he chose after being a radical once ( not knowing what he should do) and becoming a teacher of sort. Everybody had been at crossroads at least once in their lifetime! Now that he is trying to compete with people like Dr. mevyn silva for the kind of cheap and short-lived popularity who can hep him?

  It will not be long before the history of Sri Lanka is not going to be written in a different language and tone and where VP, MR, DJ, DD, GR,BR (not to mention their cronies and advisors) etc would become clear. After all the primary cause of “death” is “Birth”. We are all mortals and one cannot speculate as to why the majority of the people do not remember this salient fact!”

• 39. Devinda Fernando  |  February 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

  Dear Mano Ganeshan,

  You consistently sit on the fence when it comes to the LTTE,…. don’t get me wrong, this is quite understandable, I bet they would probably give you a solid ‘Panel Beating’ like they did to good old DBS for criticizing them.

  But then you sit there criticizing the Buddhist Extremism…? Exactly what are you referring to? Can anything that is ‘Buddhist Extremism’ ever hold a candle to what the LTTE have done or continue to do? The difference between Buddhist Extremists (if such a label is even valid) is that they are the minority in Sri Lanka… how many seats does the JHU (I presume you are referring to the JHU when you speak of Extremism…? ) have in Parliament? 12 right? or is it less? So this minority is now the reason for you to equate Sri Lanka’s Human rights violations to the LTTE Terrorism, and even though I don’t pretend that the GoSL does not behave badly - the two are not even in the same ballpark. Your Tamil Extremists control the Tamil Population, FULL STOP. Lets have some perspective here? Every ethnic group in the world will have Extremists, the difference is Sri Lankan Tamil Extremists are the majority of the population, but Buddhist Extremists are a small minority of Sinhalese. You are case in point of this…. You know what the LTTE does to Tamils who do not tow the line and parrot their agenda… So don’t sit there and complain when you know full well the reality of the situation we are in.

  The problem is you have no end game figured out here, like many Tamil Nationalists and Rights Advocates you are simply parroting grievances because you fail to see the big picture here, the LTTE have to be removed from the equation for any of these grievances of Tamils to be addressed. While they hold all the guns and the Donkey Diaspora continue to bray their praises while funding them from their western homes then you cannot remove the LTTE politically. Sorry, can’t be done! Without Eelam, a political solution is a Death Warrant for the LTTE. They saw through the last attempt to do that by Ranil Wickramasinghe and look where we are now? Prabharkaran’s agenda is Eelam by ANY MEANS NECESSARY, … Do you realistically see that happening? What Sri Lankan Politician or Leader will ever get elected when they plan to give away a third of the island? There is no other solution than a Military one. If you don’t see this then you are blind, mad, or secretly supporting their agenda…. Unfortunately military action means casualties, but what is worse? Where is hope for Tamils when people like you try to perpetuate a STALEMATE? If you want to be a true leader step up and have the balls to help rid the country of the LTTE. Pick a side, then after the dust settles concentrate on fixing the discrimination and other Tamil town-council type injustices you harp on about. You’d be surprised at how many Sinhalese will side with you on that once the LTTE are gone…

• 40. Indian Tamil  |  February 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

  #33
  Dr.KC’s remarks are unerring,on target and fact based always &everytime.Nobody seems to understand that Rajiv’s killing is the rootcause of Srilankan tamil’s plight.You keep eulogizing the killers the more you alienate Indian tamils and India as a whole.Indian tamils have no moral right to demand active indian intervention,otherthan few passing remarks/requests to central govt.Remember,we were with you even after IPKF withdrawal.Karuna refused to receive IPKF.Failed to build on that ,instead chose to kill Rajiv after almost 2 years of getting marching orders to exit srilanka.LTTE put the lives of millions of tamils living in north india in jeopardy.Thank god some sense prevailed with the northeners ,they didnot react .thing of past.
  Now,Mano ganesan ,will he understand what Dr.KC suggests.Intellect enough to carry forward or postponing for resolving at different forum.waste of time.I for one donot expect any action from him because srilankan tamil leaders are sparse,under supply and thin on ground.

• 41. Argonot  |  February 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

  I do not like D.J’s arrogant and boastful nature about his qualifications. For a small sum of money you can buy enough fake qualifications, who knows how he got it.

  However, I do congragulate him on his article to which so many bloggers have responded. This is good, talking is better than fighting, please contibute more articles, at least that will help likes of me to understand the mind set of the ruling elite in Sri Lanka.

• 42. Indian Tamil  |  February 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

  Bradley,
  Only meaningful solution was brought in by India in the form of Indo-lanka accord.It is history now,both warring parties placed their ego above the welfare of people.Is it a sign of impotency.
  SL sought early exit of IPKF before completing the job.LTTE was not holding ground ,they were holedup in the jungle.Elections were held .Still SL ensured exit of IPKF.who is impotent here.
  your above points on disenfranchisement and riots only made India to intervene on the tamils side.Still many moderates will agree on the positives of the agreement.sign of impotency?
  After Rajiv’s killing India banned LTTE.Every major democracy in the world has banned them thereafter.Is this leadership against terrorism is a sign of impotency…
  IL-76 drop and roar of Mirage 2000 then,was it considered impotency…
  Today SL president longs for Dr.Manmohan’s presence as chief guest in independence day celebrations.you invite impotent people to grace occasions.strange…
  you donot understand APRC proposals issued a shortwhile ago is meant to please India.why bother about impotent power.
  I didnot suggest for Indian intervention but substantiating Dayan’s observation.You may go anywhere to west for their intervention.India welcomes that.

• 43. Indian Tamil  |  February 6th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

  #37
  Desattin Kural Mr.Bala went on record in admitting that tragic event,which was promptly altered by Mr.Tamilselvan.well.It has been 20 years how long Ltte will fool the world.
  Immaturity is on your side ,I believe.
  Accused are still at large,why do not they present themselves to Indian judiciary to negate this accusation

• 44. Subra S.Massey  |  February 6th, 2008 at 7:12 pm

  To.Mr.Singhalese,
  Sir with all respect to you I am trying to bring forth the fact that this rift between Singhalese and Tamils are due to one and only common enemy, called LACK or POVERTY.
  Why are you dragging race into it?. When I am asking you to be my friend you turn around and slap on my face. Sir you know what capitalism is? Economic salvation for all people. If I become a billionaire and if you become half a billionaire you think it is inequality.
  Sir once you have certain amount of money beyond that any money you have becomes finance. Means the money is invested and when it is invested people get jobs so the trickle effort raises the quality of living for everybody.
  Let me take a challange from you, hand over the Sri Lanka economy to me, I will pay off the debt in 10 years and in the next ten years i will put every Sri Lankan in a home, car in the drive way, good schools, health facilities and so on. Don’t fool around with me, we settled all your refugees in Toronto, promoted business development and raised the standard of living of 90% of your refugees.
  Stop your nonsense, I am not your ordinary person. We made history. Do you have any problem if we improve the standard of living of Singhalese? Looks like you are the worst enemy of the Singhalese.
  From you and others I infer that if some thing happens to Tamils you guys will be killing each other.
  Tell me what have you done to your people and your nation? You guys ruined the life so many thousand singhalese. I hope Lord Buddha reincarnate to salvage you people.

  Oh by the way if and when LTTE is finished in Sri Lanka, you must send you military to Canada, USA, UK, France. Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand etc to take care of the Tamils living. Get yourself a life.
  No wonder they call you xxxxxxxx.

• 45. Thamilan  |  February 7th, 2008 at 8:51 am

  Comment # 43,

  Would you like to quote what MR. Bala said in regards to this matter?

• 46. Indian Tamil  |  February 7th, 2008 at 10:47 am

  #44
  Srilanka will be receiving huge investments from India.The central government here have been preaching Ambani’s,TATAs to invest gradually in Srilanka.Even Indian software giant INFOSYS scouting for opportunities and opening BPOs.Kingfisher and deccan airlines are already puttingup infra structure.
  India extends all financial assistance too interms of grants and loans to prop up the economy.Latest is Indian textile industries from Tirupur to Gujarat mills seeking SL skilled labours.
  India extends all assistance financial,job market,investment,moral support ,diplomatic lobbying globally against LTTE except supply of offensive weapons.
  India will always be there on the side of Srilanka and prop up their economy as long as they do not hurt tamil civilians.Whether SL understands or not,India feels morally responsible to take them out of the mess created and supported by none other than we indian tamils.

• 47. Indian Tamil  |  February 7th, 2008 at 11:31 am

  #45

  After the endorsement of the entire investigation by three eminent judges of the Supreme Court of India, the highest court of the largest democracy in the world, I do not want any further endorsement from anyone, much less from the LTTE.
  Let us not challenge that.Srilankans were fortunate they missed the target while Rajiv reviewing guard of honour.But as usual we tamils are unfortunate lot.we never miss the target.

• 48. Thilee  |  February 7th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  Hats off to Mano for his continued servics.

  on #46 / Indian Tamil

  During the 2002 when CFA is signed, VP gave a news interview with Indian/International journalist. In that VP said in Tamil that ‘thunbiyal sambavam’. It meand it was a tragic/sad event. Indians didn’t want to take that word. I do not know why.

  India has their right to define their foreign policy. But badly it goes against Tamils most of the time. India cannot raised to the occation because they do not have a long term plan or vision on SL issue.

  India had a reasonable good foreign policy which kept other countries out of south east Asia. After Indra Gandhi, this reagion changed so much and things went out of control and most of them went against Indian interest, because of US/Japan/others influence.

  Lately under Manmohan,
  India want to influence the world with ecconomical power. In SL also India want to have a control over ecconomy. Which India thinks as a long term goal. But a country like SL, it is not going to work, even in long term.

  For e.g. suppose if Indian Oil or a indian software giant have a control in SL ecconomy as India thinks it cannot control the politics in SL. But it might take a reverse turn if India want to pressure. The current situation is the example. SL might chase Indian Oil / a big Indian company in a very short period and welcome Pak/China company to coverup.

  On the other hand India do not want to let SL down because they do not want to help LTTE ultimately.

  But India need to understand that strengthening SL ecconomy/militery will allow not going to help India or South Asia. But it will have more negative feed back. As India thinks and SL says, if LTTE is not there in few years, India will loose the hold on SL issue. Which Indra realized and the current governments do not want to understand.
  India missed the target on VP more than once. But soon after they will loose whole SL and some unwanted consequences.

• 49. Subra S.Massey  |  February 8th, 2008 at 6:44 am

  Mr.Thilee,
  India is a benign country. Look at the Indian people they are not enterprising. They are “Mind” people. In the word of an English man, he said you show something to a China Man he will take to heart and do it. You tell an Indian he will think about it, it is not in his mind to express it outwardly. You tell that to a man of the Mohamadian land he will become fanatic.
  The Tamils in Sri Lanka are entrepreneurs, who is an entrepreneur? Some one who fulfils a need. Such a samll population of people exerting so much influence in the world economy is unheard. This is just begiining!
  India needs a Winston Churchill to drive the people foward. There is simply too much of socail feudalism.
  The current boom is because of “Export Markets” No economy is stable without internal consumption. You will see it soon with the turn down in USA. Somebody has to buy your product, that should primarily be your local people. Export is to import other products from other countries, Foreign exchange surplus means nothing but just a computer entry. People cannot touch, eat, smell and taste paper or computer entries.
  People say USA is in trouble, NO, the conutries who exported are in trouble they do not want to import from USA. USA they know exactly what they are doing, they are giving the world a chance you import their products.
  Indian culture, religion, social structure, land ownership does not permi easy development.
  We also need Mao tse Tung to berak up the social barriers.

• 50. Subra S.Massey  |  February 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am

  Mr.IndianTamil,
  All of India’s reserves are in either Dollars or Euros not in Indian Rupee. IIndian rupee is not an international currency. So Sri Lanka can ONLY import and export to India. Get an education in International finance. But then Sri Lanka is full of thugs and drug dealers. May be they can do business with Afganistan importing drugs for the leaders. Afganistan accepts Indian rupee!
  I think they are all on drugs.
  This morning bloomberg news the Government is accusing rebels of psychological war. They are losing the war in Sri Lanka so looking for an excuse. India should take one side that is the side of his residual people in Sri Lanka. You don’t have to be a genius to make this choice. They simply don’t have the political know how.

• 51. Mano Ganesan  |  February 8th, 2008 at 7:30 am

  Dear Dayan,

  I wish to be brief as possible as I am traveling now.

  Yes, your memory is fine. Comrade Muthu of Kandy made the introductions. Well, now don’t blame good old Muthu for all my sins! I believe in your memory. I must have spoken to you in English because I did not speak Sinhala then. I learned Sinhala after my second parliamentary term started in year 2004.

  You miss the very crucial subject matter I brought to this discussion instead you are pinning elsewhere.

  I talked about a ‘Peoples forum’ of Tamil people who still believe in a United Lanka. I have earlier occasions told of my dream of a United Lanka where the numerically smaller nationalities and minorities find places to live as sovereign stake holders.

  Raviraj, Maheswaran and me are the few Sinhala speaking Tamil Parliamentarians. We tried to explain the issues and aspirations of the Tamils to the Sinhalese people and establishment in their own beautiful language. Ravi did not speak Sinhala in parliament. But he spoke Sinhala at various other occasions. So am I. My parliamentary speeches are mostly in Sinhala. Not that I distrust the house translators. They are great at their job. But I wanted to go directly to the Sinhala hearts. Tamil people are done now and need no more explanations. There is not much of use in talking the same issues again and again to them. Even if something is needed to be told there are hundreds of ‘Tamil only’ politicians and Tamil media to do the job.

  Why, Ravi, me (and to some extent Maheswaran) spoke in Sinhala at public forums? Please kindly do some thinking. It is the solid indication of the urge and inborn desire for living together in one country. If separation is the goal we need not to speak in Sinhala. I can limit to Tamil only and gain more number of garlands, applauses and votes at the elections.

  Even before the assassination of Maheswaran my situation was bad. This kill made it worst. Amidst security warnings, I went and paid my last respects to Maheswaran at the Borella, Kanatte. I remember what I spoke in Sinhala at the farewell meeting. ‘We speak Sinhala. Is that the reason why you kill us one by one? Don’t you understand our desire, idiots?’ I asked in Sinhala at that meeting. I continued with my now famous argument. ‘I am not a part of Lankan government but am a part of Lankan state. My personal protection, protection of my people and our political aspirations all I seek within this state. Now, are you pushing me towards a separate state, idiots?’ I asked loudly in Sinhala.

  What is the use? Deaf don’t hear. Blind don’t see. Don’t learn and understand. I begin to wonder, now.

  You can turn around and say that LTTE has very good reason to kill this ‘desire for living together in one country’. There is logic if you put this argument. But let us drop LTTE factor for the moment.

  But what you do at this juncture? The Sinhala state is very much hunting to kill this ‘desire’. It is because this ‘desire for living together’ is not according to the scale and radius drawn up by the Sinhala hegemonic state. You are bringing conditions such as Provincial councils, No merger, 13th amendment not even the concept of ‘linguistic states’, similar to what is available in India. Therefore my dear old friend, what you are proposing is not a ’solution’ but an ‘imposition’. You propose that Tamils and Muslims who desire to live in one country should unquestioningly accept Sinhala Buddhist hegemony and live as secondary citizens.

  That is why you are ignoring the Tamil people’s forum. You contribute nothing in anyway to this. You are contributing to the state terror and even shamelessly inviting us also to join your war alliance. You imagine Tamil or Muslim with self respect would join this alliance where the prime movers are JVP and JHU.

  You pathetically brought in the issue of violent ‘rise and fall’ of JVP as an example. JVP has no immediate historical justification for it’s armed insurgency at least in 1971. (You chose to call JVP militancy as ‘insurgency’ and Tamil militancy as ‘terrorism’). The historical period of peaceful Tamil struggle and it’s failure from 1940s to early 1980s saw the emergence of LTTE. On the other hand the basic difference between these two uprisings is the ethnic element you fail to note.

  In the war you propose to kill and maim the Tamils in the north and east. And also systematically chase most of them away to the west. (Sizable numbers of Tamils are willingly taking this offer while our type of people stay back and face the fire) The Tamils of recent Indian origin are to go to India. The balance remaining will be a number which could be sustainable. This is your game plan. I do not know what is in store for the Muslims and Christians. But it is not going to be any surprise.

  Dayan, wherever I had used the words ‘you’ and ‘your’ above do not necessarily meant to you personally.

  I am contactable at ganesan@eureka.lk and/or mano1712@yahoo.com

• 52. Thamilan  |  February 8th, 2008 at 8:40 am

  Comment #47,

  You sound so arrogant. If India is to follow the arrogant attitude of the US because of the strength of the military, economy and population it would be a tragedy especially in the Asian region.

  “After the endorsement of the entire investigation by three eminent judges of the Supreme Court of India, the highest court of the largest democracy in the world, I do not want any further endorsement from anyone, much less from the LTTE.”

  Please read what you just typed and get others to read and see what they say about it. As far as I am concerned this was a one way judegement.

  “Let us not challenge that.”

  Wow, can you get any more arrogant! You expect your supreme court to say what ever they want and you expect others to accept it.

  “Srilankans were fortunate they missed the target while Rajiv reviewing guard of honour.”

  What did India do or what can India do to Sri Lanka? One of the reason LTTE was against Indian intervention was that Rajiv was immature to understand the soverinty of another nation and the politics of JRJ. Another reason was that India was at that time impotent. The Accord was illegal by law and morale as the document was signed by India (it should have been signed by LTTE and India should have implemented the accord), which can be dismissied in the future saying that India forced it on Sri Lanka (that’s what happened later on).

  One of the major reason was Thileepan’s fast to death.
  His demand were:

  All Tamils detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act should be released.

  The colonisation of Sinhalese in Tamil areas under the guise of rehabilitation should be stopped.

  All such rehabilitation should be stopped until an interim government is formed.

  The Sri Lankan government should stop opening new Police stations and camps in the Northeastern province.

  The Sri Lankan Army and Police should withdraw from schools in Tamil villages and the weapons given by the Sri Lankan government to ‘homeguards’ should be withdrawn under the supervision of the Indian army.

  The failure to effectively implement the promises in the Accord.

  The delay in setting up and interim administration for the North and East.

  India could not even meet the demands that were already part of the accord. Tamils and LTTE questioned if India was able to safeguard this accord when they can’t even implement it.

  The implication of RAW in rearming groups against LTTE was even brought to the attention of the Indian government; India was at that time was powerless to even stop their own orgnaizations from doing what they wanted.

  Then there was also appendix to the orginal accord, which clearly spells out why India intervined.

  “But as usual we tamils are unfortunate lot.we never miss the target.”

  Again, it’s never proven.

• 53. Dr K C  |  February 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am

  Dear Thilee

  The people wanted in India in RG’s case can have only one option: giving themselves up to the Indian authorities and pleading innocence/guilty so that the justice can take its course.

  I am indeed posting this comment with a very heavy heart. We are fighting for justice for Tamils in SL and we can not be seen as obstructing justice in RG’s case. Furthermore, young men and women in their tender age are sacrificing their lives in large numbers to ’shield’ these people and this is extremely unfair.

  Of course, once RG’s case is resolved we have to seek compassion and compensation from the govt of India for those civilians who were killed during the IPKF military operations.

  Without resolving RG’s case the LTTE will only go on fighting, sacrificing another 5000 of our children but in the end achieve nothing.

  Please read the news about Kanimozhi - Sonia Ghandhi meeting in Veerakesari on 7 Feb 2008. If the LTTE is not acceptable to people like Kanimozhi how on earth the current LTTE leadership can liberate the Tamils in Sri Lanka? There are fine people like Soosai, Yogi, Bhanu who can give a ‘fresh’ leadership to the LTTE.

  Unless India gets involved the conflict in SL will never be solved and unless RG’s case is resolved we can never expect India to get involved.

• 54. dayan jayatilleka  |  February 8th, 2008 at 9:46 am

  dear readers,

  going through this correspondence i can now realise how an educated minority, the Tamils of Ceylon, with 50 million coethnics (kinsmen) next door, and another 30 million throughout the world, has wound up in the pathetic and tragic state of decline it is in.

  the answer is erroneous thinking, fantasy, prejudice , a misplaced superiority complex and a large dose of racism, all combining to produce blindness to the reality of a small island with a large majority from which separation and within which domination are both equally impossible.

  the tamil Diaspora will continue to live in this never-never land, this virtual Eelam, for another generation, while on the ground, a genuinely realistic leader like douglas devananda, will take a leaf out of the book of thondaman senior, and secure the best possible reformist deal for the advancement of his community.

• 55. Argonot  |  February 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pm

  Hi Indian Tamil,
  Could you please enlighten me as to what was the mess Indian Tamils created and supported!!

• 56. Vije  |  February 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm

  Comment 44
  Oh No. Mr Subra Massey does it again. Now he wants to be Sri Lankan president or finance minister.
  America the country he idealizes is going into recession and may need advice from Mr Subra. Making them great full by his extraordinary input he could request them to intervene in Srilanka. They can move in first militarily and stop all warring parties then open a Wal-Mart store. Every one will be happy shopping. Sri Lankan problem solved.

• 57. Indian Tamil  |  February 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

  on #48,Thilee,
  The memory of shattered body of Sh.Rajiv Gandhi in our own Tamil Nadu will remain for eternity in every Indian’s mind for generations to come.When you get hurt the most,you will know why we Indians disapproved those words. You may refer to latest comment on LTTE by MK.
  Courtesy Srilankan Tamils India has implemented “Gujral Doctrine”after losing our most charismatic and greatest leader.Gujral doctrine is simply minding our own business,Zero tolerance to terrorism and strengthening neighbouring countries in South Asia.Even PAK is granted Most Favoured Nation & trade is booming.We negotiate on Kashmir.India stands for strong,united,sovereign srilanka.Noone can find fault with this foreign policy which far outweighs any flaws you may observe.
  Indira was right at that time.She was insecure,surrounded by enemies &poverty and ended up over protective in her policies.She didnot permit any power to influence southasia.Now US,JAPAN are welcome.India just concluded huge naval exercise Malabar with them.Srilanka is free to lease the harbours to anyone.You may also note the recent unprecedented deployment of Army,Airforce and Navy in southern India is to counter all threats from srilanka,be it LTTE or PAK/CHINA attacking from srilankan facilities.India is investing very heavily on defence.
  In a open economy competition will be there.What you fail to understand is against Indian Oil,China Oil may capture the market based on efficiency,pricing etc…we cannot blame lankans for that.What is important is lanka benefitting by investments made by Indian companies interms of infrastructure,jobs,economic prosperity,trade etc.India is not aiming to dominate or monopolise lankan economy.Look at India every big&small player is investing and noone dominating our economy.Last week Hyundai opened their world’s largest car factory at Sriperumpudur.We are sure they are not going to dominate us,instead going to give thousands of jobs to us.well,not a bad deal.India strengthening SL economy is mutually beneficial.If we cannot offer good product/service then face ejection by competition from china/pak.
  India does not want any hold on srilanka.They are free to take any desicion on their affairs.They can strategically choose anything that deemed fit to govern themselves.India making occasional suggestions on peace process is to calm us down in TN.India feels morally to help lankans in developing their economy and mutually benefit .It is upto them to take,no strings attached.But we do want them to succeed in their struggle,so that peace returns and economic activities commence.
  Yes.you are word-perfect,India will never help LTTE.We are not aware of India missing target on VP.Please give some input.Also please elaborate on unwanted consequences,is it a veiled threat to India.

• 58. Indian Tamil  |  February 9th, 2008 at 2:16 am

  Comment #49 & 50

  Mr.Subra Massey,

  I think you are still in winston churchill & mao se tung era.I request you to come down to our Manmohan & Chidambaram era and checkout the following to find how enterprising Indians are.We think and act too.Mittal,Ambanis,Azim premji are 4 wealthiest CEOs in top 10,as declared by FORBES.
  Self explanatory.Need not have a degree in Finance or International Business.Your ignorant comments about Indian enterpreunership reveals that you definitely need some current affairs programme .

  This is just the beginning.Please enlighten me how these CEOs will be failing if they establish their business in Srilanka.Please donot mention about Indian currency stuff,maybe disregarded for discussion.

  http://www.livemint.com/2008/01/29151927/Mittal-Ambanis-among-world8.html

• 59. Indian Tamil  |  February 9th, 2008 at 2:26 am

  comment # 52

  Thamilan,

  “It is never proven”.

  you sound more arrogant than me.

• 60. Bradley  |  February 9th, 2008 at 3:31 am

  KC,

  Are you serious? SHall we give some compassion and compensation to Rajiv Gandhi’s family/supporters? Would that be justice?

  If not .. how could compensation to our relatives who died brutally under IPKF be considered justice?

  Think before you write. India has put all its resources including the Navy and Intelligence under Sri Lankan Command in this conflict. By this, India has lost the morality to act as a neutral party.

  Now we should strive for United Nations or the IC to intervene. Not India.

• 61. Bradley  |  February 9th, 2008 at 3:39 am

  Dayan,

  The world does not revolve around Douglas or Rajapakse. By instigating riots and ethnic cleansing, do not expect to achieve your Racist Sinhala Nation.

  Tamil achievements in the last 20 years are there for everyone to see. We are still in a privileged position to dictate to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans.

  We built the modern Ceylon State and we will always have a dominant say. Otherwise expect the conflict to continue.

• 62. Dr K C  |  February 9th, 2008 at 6:51 am

  Dear Indian Tamil

  I can very well understand your anger. Rajiv Gandhi engineered the most favourable opportunity in the form of Indo Lanka Accord over 2 decades ago. I strongly believe this is the only viable mechanism that can bring peace and prosperity in the NE. Even though RG was a young politician then, he came up with the most promising ILA; I bow my head to him for his political vision & wisdom. 20 years on Mahinda has no option other than taking refuge in the shade of the ILA when he was cornered!! (But I will never trust him to implement the even the 13 amendment in good faith).

  If only the LTTE had corporated with India the NE would have been a completely different territory. Furthermore, over 25,000 of our children, in their tender age, would not have perished in vain as the LTTE leadership pursued a barmy strategy.

  My plea to people like: please do not let down Tamil & Muslim people in SL. The SL regime will never offer or implement a decent or viable solution to this conflict. On the hand India has every right to bring justice to the family of RG.

  By bringing peace to this island nation Sonia Gandhi will go down in the history as the most generous and courageous peace maker of the century and I have no doubt the next available Noble Peace Prize will be hers.

• 63. Subra S.Massey  |  February 9th, 2008 at 8:33 am

  Vije,
  What can I do with your ignorance? USA going through recession! So if we go through recession you are going to go through depression. If we don’t buy your out put you will be out of business. I am pretty sure you don’t live in north America, If you do, you must be living in some run down inner city.
  Why I don’t I give my address and I pay for your expenses and I will give you crash course in economics.
  I had my regular brealfast this morning, my bank balance was up by 2%, no recession. Recession you will see at your dinning table not in the news.
  Viji get a job and then get a life.

• 64. Subra S.Massey  |  February 9th, 2008 at 8:44 am

  Oh Vije,
  I forgot one thing. Yes, I do want to be the either the President or Minister of Economic Development. Some body got to do the job why not I. I have a heart and a mind and I can hire brains like you. There are plenty of them. I will hire lots of people like you and let them compete with each other. How does my idea sound to you? I am a businessman, who produce results day in day out, otherwise I will be at the welfare office or working for bosses like you, who lick our sweat and drink our blood. My associates are like my family to me, I will give my life for them at least once , because they give their life for me day in day out. Compris Mister.
  Vije you are taliking to the wrong guy we made history in North America.
  I get emotional when I see stupidity and finger pointing.

• 65. Subra S.Massey  |  February 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am

  Dr.Jayatilake,
  What did you eat for your breakfast this morning and who paid for it?. UN? That is our sweat and blood. Think about it, before you write next time. Why don’t you get a degree in economics and all the problems in Sri Lanka will become crystal clear to you. Doctor, man came out of the cave and wandered in the jungle. Man fighting man stopped at the end of the jungle border. Today we live in a modern society, everything is done by negotiation and dialogue not with guns and bullets and at expense fo innocent lives.
  Doctor are you still living in the jungle mindset?
  Dayan, What is your take on the killing at Moneragala, Thanamalvilla and Dambulla?

• 66. N  |  February 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

  Indian Tamil I disagree that Rajiv Gandhi was India’s greatest leader, this title belongs to the original Gandhi, who brought south Asia independence through non violent means. India’s policy in Sri Lanka in the past was wrong; the arming and training of Tamil militants, and todays current policy of turning a blind eye to the human rights violations while give economic and military aid is also flawed. I have always wondered why the Indian government armed Tamil militants if they were not going to support independence of the NE, what game were they playing? Can you please answer this question?

• 67. Dr K C  |  February 10th, 2008 at 4:13 am

  Dear N

  I think I can respond to some of your questions and hope Indian Tamil would permit me to do so.

  The current ceasefire failed mainly due to 3 drawbacks in the agreement:

  1. Presence of 99.99% Sinhala army on the streets of NE
  2. Absence of armed neutral peace keeping force
  3. Unhindered access to arms by the LTTE.

  When Ind0 Lanka Accord was engineered by RG, he was a very young politician but he had predicted all these issues in hindsight (over 21 yrs ago) and incorporated all these safety clauses into the ILA: The SL army was confined to barracks in the NE, IPKF was deployed to main law & order and the LTTE was expected to hand over the weapons to the IPKF. The ILA collapsed because the LTTE could not give up its ‘fighting mindset’. THOUGH NOT A SINGLE INNOCENT TAMIL CIVILIAN WAS KILLED, NOT A SINGLE WOMAN WAS RAPED - the LTTE still went and attacked the IPKF fatally and commenced the war. You must remember on the 2nd conflict day the IPKF killed 27 Indian soldiers near Jaffna University Campus and put their half and full naked bodies on a public display. The media were permitted take pictures of these war crimes and beamed all over the world. I saw these pictures in the Time magazine and UK daily papers. By this single act the LTTE issued a death sentence on the well being and future of SL Tamils. Civilian deaths were reported in Jaffna only after this cruelly provocative act. I am sorry for writing all these sad events now because we have to examine where the LTTE made blunders and unless these blunders are not rectified the LTTE will go on harming our interests.

  You are asking as to why India armed the Tamil militants. I think you should ask VP this question. You have to ask VP as to why he fled to India the same day after Thuraiappah was killed. You have to ask to him why he did not stay in the NE and continue the fight. If VP had not taken refuge in India to escape from the SL army, who knows SLA would have finished off the LTTE leadership many, many years ago and India wound not have been sucked into our conflict and Rajiv Gandhi would have been alive now.

  People of India, particularly in TN were shaken by the ferocity of 83 holocausts despite India’s plea to the GOSL to contain the violence. Only then India realised that there was some justification in giving limited support to armed resistance by Tamil militants to force the GOSL for a negotiated political solution. The people of TN were fuming in anger to see the pathetic plight of their brethren in the NE. There were self-immolations almost daily basis on the streets of TN in support of SL Tamils. It is very sad you have forgotten all these unforgettable events.

  If you have any contacts with the LTTE ask them to hand over the wanted people in RG’s case so that justice can take its course. This might enable India to de-proscribe the LTTE and India can again play a mediation role to bring this carnage to an early end.

• 68. Dr K C  |  February 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am

  Please see the amended version below; I pressed the wrong button on the keyboard before completed the correction!

  Dear N

  I think I can respond to some of your questions and hope Indian Tamil would permit me to do so.
  The current ceasefire failed mainly due to 3 drawbacks in the agreement:
  1. Presence of 99.99% Sinhala army on the streets of NE
  2. Absence of armed neutral peace keeping force
  3. Unhindered access to arms by the LTTE.
  When Indo Lanka Accord was engineered by RG, he was a very young politician but he had predicted all these issues in hindsight (over 21 yrs ago) and incorporated all these safety clauses into the ILA: The SL army was confined to barracks in the NE, IPKF was deployed to main law & order and the LTTE was bound to hand over the weapons to the IPKF. I therefore feel RG is a great political strategist. The ILA collapsed because the LTTE could not give up its ‘fighting mindset’. THOUGH NOT A SINGLE INNOCENT TAMIL CIVILIAN WAS KILLED, NOT A SINGLE WOMAN WAS RAPED BY THE IPKF - the LTTE still went and attacked the IPKF fatally and commenced the war. You must remember on the 2nd conflict day the LTTE killed 27 Indian soldiers near Jaffna University Campus and put their half and full naked bodies on a public display. The media were permitted take pictures of these war crimes and beam all over the world. I saw these pictures in the Time magazine and UK daily papers. By this single act the LTTE effectively issued a death sentence on the well being and future of SL Tamils. Civilian deaths were reported in Jaffna only after this cruelly provocative act. I am sorry for writing all these sad events now because we have to examine where the LTTE made blunders and unless these blunders are rectified the LTTE will go on harming our interests.
  You are asking as to why India armed the Tamil militants. I think you should ask VP this question. You have to ask VP as to why he fled from Sri Lanka the same day after Thuraiappah was killed and took refuge in India. You have to ask to him why he did not stay in the NE and continue the fight. If VP had not taken refuge in India to escape from the SL army, who knows SLA might have finished off the LTTE leadership many, many years ago and India wound not have been sucked into our conflict and Rajiv Gandhi would have been alive now.
  People of India, particularly in TN were shaken by the ferocity of 83 holocausts despite India’s plea to the GOSL to contain the violence. Only then India realised that there was some justification in giving limited support to armed resistance by Tamil militants to force the GOSL for a negotiated political solution. The people of TN were fuming in anger to see the pathetic plight of their brethren in the NE. There were self-immolations almost on daily basis on the streets of TN in support of SL Tamils. It is very sad you have forgotten all these unforgettable events.
  Now you want the India to get involved to sort out out the mess but you have to understand that India’s arms are tied from the legal point of view by virtue of RG’s case. Indian PM can not contact the LTTE whose two leaders are convicted murderers by the Indian courts. If you have any contacts with the LTTE ask them to hand over the wanted people in RG’s case so that justice can take its course. This might enable India to de-proscribe the LTTE and India can again play a mediation role to bring this carnage to an early end. Do you think the LTTE will exhibit political maturity and sacrifice and rise to this challenge?

  The lesson we should have learnt is this: unless India gets involved this carnage will never come to an end and the LTTE will go fighting for ever sacrificing many thousands of our children in thousands but achieving nothing in the end.

• 69. ganga  |  February 10th, 2008 at 9:58 am

  Dear Mr Indian Tamil,

  sir, you are taking this discussion to unnecssarry heights. Why? All of us, Lankan Tamils do love India. There is no arguement on that. All of us Tamils and Sinhalese belong to one land mass, There are others too. The biggest part is called India today. One small part is called Lanka. Ancestors of you, Ambanis, and Tata’s stayed or happened to be in the bigger part. I and VP’s ancestors are not.

  In the issue of Lankan ethnicity, please do not play too innocent and put all the blame on VP and Lankan Tamils. And also do not try to project RG as an avadar. Today I read, a article written by a famous Tamil cine poet in a popular Tamil weekly magazine. There are some interesting points.

  It brings a scene from Tamil epic, Manimehalai. The scene of Chera Mahadevi, crying over the dead body of her son. She was asked if she is crying over the body or for his soul/life? If the body she is crying for, it is there. She need not to cry. If the cry is for the soul/life, she should cry for thousands of others killed too,

  So i am telling you if you are crying for the soul/life, please cry for the thousands of Tamil men, women, children, young and old killed by the Indian forces along with RG. Cry for our Tamil women raped by the baraberic IPKF soldiers. All at the orders of Rajiv Gandhi.

  Do not be emotional. We are facing the deadliest war. We have no time for song and dance.
  We still love India. We wish for a strong India. Great India, But not at the cost of our liberation. Try to understand this.

• 70. N  |  February 10th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

  Dr K C I have not forgotten the past and and I do not support any party that advocates war because I’m not a solider and I currently do not have any relatives fighting in this conflict, but I’m of SL origin and that is why I’m concerned that if this war escalates anymore into this year there will be a major humanitarian crisis and the brunt of this crisis will be felt by the NE Tamils. You say that India armed Tamil militants because it felt a responsibility to help tamils in their time of need, but was this a wise decision? What is the result of this decision; decades of war and suffering. It is foolish even after all these wars to point the finger solely on the LTTE. The LTTE is merely a symptom of the constitutional illness SL has faced since independence. Instead of arming Tamil militants, why didn’t India support peaceful Tamil initiatives? After all that is the method they used to free themselves from the British Raj. If you want to defeat the LTTE then offer SL Tamils an alternative in which real results can be achieved instead of shoving the ancient 13 amendment down their throats. Even if the India does get directly involved the LTTE will not disappear until a federal solution is given to the Tamils in which they are able to rule themselves. But as you know southern parties have been able to use Sinhalese nationalism to blind the masses and extend this unwinnable war. But another question also arises, if Sri Lanka is democratic why not have a UN monitored referendum on the status of the NE instead of changing the constitution to ban any thoughts of separation, which is supposedly another form of federation in the south?

• 71. Indian Tamil  |  February 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am

  Comment # 68,

  Dr.KC sir,

  You are a conscientious writer.We hardly can find such thoughtful,noble man in this part of the world anymore. Let your refined analyses bring in the evolution of absorption and awareness in Srilankan tamil people.

• 72. Indian Tamil  |  February 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am

  Comment # 69,

  Dear Ganga sir,

  My apologies for hijacking this forum and diluting the core issue.Tried to eradicate some misconception on India.By being Indiacentric,I never intended to be bragging about India’s might and display a conceited,swanky attitude.

  I happened to accidentally get into this august website forum analysing the longstanding Srilankan tamil issue.Mainly captivated by DBSJ’s enchanting analysis,became a regular visitor.Being an Indian and a tamil,having travelled across the whole country,considered sharing some of the reflections on the issue from Indian point of view.

  When LTTE killed Mr.Rajiv Gandhi,aspirations and dreams of billion strong India was also killed.Whereas LTTE was in goodshape then.your VP is verymuch alive.IPKF left your shores 2 years before the assasination.1500 IPKF soldiers killed,maimed and majority of them from the grenades thrown by kids,pregnant ladies etc…LTTE ,provoked and took shelter behind civilians.(refer rajan hoole martin ennal award speech).Now you say Srilankan tamils love India.Words and actions donot match.

  I donot intend to participate anymore.Before I sign off,request donot side with VP.India has isolated LTTE internationally.India is an impotent power and immature democracy,hence left your shores on getting instructions to leave.Also didnot attack and go for VP,s blood after the assasination.But India is resolute and committed to Srilanka’s unity and integrity.This unswerving Gandhigiri attitude of India is sufficient for your everlasting struggle to bring in misery to the people.Upto you all to decide.

  After all this,LTTE tries to gain sympathy and disturb peace in TN /India.you must go all alone without riding piggyback on Indian tamils.we want everlasting peace in TN and ensure a good future for our children.we donot take pride in our children holding guns for some egoistic thugs.Am I too selfish ?Long live YOUR liberation struggle.

  Iamnot emotional.Yes,we do love our song,dance&music.We love united Srilanka too.

• 73. Dr K C  |  February 11th, 2008 at 1:49 am

  Dear N

  Thanks for your response. You expect India to do more at this stage but unfortunately there is no public agitation in India to urge the Indian govt to solve the ethnic crisis in SL. Even in TN only a very minority of people publicly agitate for a settlement. Therefore I feel the LTTE need to walk the extra mile to win the hearts and minds of the people of India. That’s why I feel the LTTE should be seen to be recognising the past mistakes/blunders and appealing to India in good faith to help us to resolve the issue. It is my conviction now; unless and until justice takes its course in RG’s case India will not be able to do anything in SL. I therefore I urge the LTTE to make a huge political sacrifice.

  You question about India arming the Tamil militants. Though it is a valid question you need to understand that there was a full blown military oppression in the NE and everyday people were being killed and thousands of refugees started arriving in TN. Nevertheless Indian policy did work and prompted the most promising peace agreement. ILA was meant to be a dynamic political process. NEPC could have evolved into a self governing region of Indian Protectorate if the GOSL had been adamantly evasive about devolving powers.

  Before ILA was signed 400 Tamil militants had a supreme sacrifice now over 25,000 cadres have martyred but - has the LTTE achieved anything?

  The GOSL is exploiting the current situation and hell bent on wiping out our young generation and this hurts me enormously.

  You talk about UN referendum etc…… but you need to remember that the LTTE has been banned in USA, Canada, EU and India. How on earth we can mobilise internation support to get the UN approval for a referendum. The bottom line is that the LTTE should undergo thorough reforming and that should start with the RG’s case.

• 74. Vije  |  February 11th, 2008 at 9:54 am

  Subra Massey
  Your ignorance speaks for it self. First you think you are the only one successful and not others. Second you do not understand a proper line of reasoning in English. Thirdly your economics is limited to what you see around you only.

  I said US is going through recession, not Canada. The comment #58 by Indian Tamil puts is correctly. This is what most other intelligent and knowledgeable commenter in this forum has observed about you. Ignorance in politics, economics; but self-indulgence on your personal glory.

• 75. Vije  |  February 11th, 2008 at 11:04 am

  Mr Massey
  Your ignorence is evident in your writing.
  It is you who needs a lesson on economics, both macro and micro. A successful entrepreneur, which you claim you are- may not be an economist to understand the world events. The history, politics and economics you write are level one which is discussed in North American magazines and picked up by so called business men to discuss in cocktail parties.

  Recession in US will not affect other countries as it used to be due to following reasons.
  -Due to open economy lots of countries have become large consumers and are capable of trading within them.
  -US products are no more in demand in the world market, except for military items.
  -With communication boom information is available for any country to access information and create their own industry.

  Take Canada as an example, the country so linked to US economy has seen only little impacted by the recession in the US. Read what Indian finance minister Chidambaram said recently that Indian economy will sustain despite the recession in US.
  US has bog down with the war in Middle East and may not recover. Rest of the world are improving and ignoring US. There is serious possibility the Euro might replace American $ as trading currency. South America with the money from Venezuela is forming a union to breakaway from IMF and World Bank for loans.
  You may be a successful entrepreneur within your family circle or selected community members who you may even bribe to select your self as a community leader.

  I agree with what said in comment 58 by Indian Tamil. You need to be educated.
  Do not feel shy to learn even at this prime age of yours.

• 76. Dr K C  |  February 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

  Dear N

  Contd…

  I agree with you that the LTTE has nothing to do with the birth of the Sinhala chauvinistic politics - the LTTE cadres were not even born when the Sinhala chauvinistic political leaders went on the racist political rampage.

  But you have to remember that the LTTE claim that they have been the ’sole representatives’ of the SL Tamils, therefore they have to take the ’sole responsibility’ for the mess we are in now: political & military stalemate, near-international isolation, calamity and catastrophe in the NE….and the painful list goes on….

  Incidentally, today I came across a sensible editorial in the Times of India. This editorial by a main stream Indian daily is nothing but music to my ears - I have not seen such an appealing editorial in an Indian daily during the last 17 years. Click the link below to view the editorial:

  Dear N

  Contd…

  I agree with you that the LTTE has nothing to do with the birth of the Sinhala chauvinistic politics - the LTTE cadres were not even born when the Sinhala chauvinistic political leaders went on the racist political rampage.

  But you have to remember that the LTTE claim that they have been the ’sole representatives’ of the SL Tamils, therefore they have to take the ’sole responsibility’ for the mess we are in now: political & military stalemate, near-international isolation, calamity and catastrophe in the NE….and the painful list goes on….

  Incidentally, today ( 11 Feb) I came across a sensible editorial in the Times of India. This editorial by a main stream Indian daily is nothing but music to my ears - I have not seen such an appealing editorial in an Indian daily during the last 17 years. Click the link below to view the editorial:

  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2771796,prtpage-1.cms

• 77. Subra S.Massey  |  February 11th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

  Mr. Vije,
  Do not get emtional with yourself. You will get sick!
  You want to win an argument go for it. I concede.
  I go by what I acheived. I don’t have to prove to any one about my capacity and capability. You seem to point out people’s mistakes but don’t see any of the good. I am pretty sure you are a man from South East Asia. It is not your fault. It is a regional thinking. When you study books after books all you know are what is in the books. I am trying to help you that is all. I acheived more than I need and the rest of my life is to help people. I hope you do the same. By the way lets not get off the track, our purpose is to release our people in Sri Lanka. So keep your focus on it, not on those making mistakes. I cheked the dictionary for spelling mistakes. I didn’t have any formal education.

• 78. N  |  February 11th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

  Dr K C
  In my opinion Tamils made a major mistake by resorting to arms, the SL army was merciless but this armed rebellion has not produced sustainable results. But when civil disobedience is used to confront a powerful common enemy the world listens. For example, in Burma the plight of the people resulted in mass protests that has resulted in UN intervention and the military junta has declared elections to be held in 2010. I may not completely blame the LTTE for SL’s problems but I do not support this costly war either. Why should a referendum on the NE be effected by the LTTE. The LTTE would have no choice but to adhere to UN monitors if such a referendum takes place. And after all I’m only asking for the legitimate democratic rights of the Tamil people. The government is playing games with a wounded tiger as we speak, thinking that this time victory is definite but they are destined to meet a stalemate just as in the past and the tigers through all the sacrifices have been unable to materialize on the idea of Tamil Eelam. SL has been unable to find a solution for 60 years, the only effective solution would be an impartial UN enforced resolution where the people of the NE are able to decide their own fate. This may be a bit too idealistic but at one time so was freedom from the British Empire.

• 79. ACT  |  February 12th, 2008 at 12:27 am

  I am so sick and tired of hearing learned men like Dayan Jayathilake conduct war from the comforts of their living rooms.
  As long as there are girls who are raped by the national security forces (paradoxical isn’t it?) and men and boys who are abused because they speak a different tongue or live in a different area there will be people who join together to form groups who resort to the worst terror activities in the hope of gaining some understanding.
  As long as there are orphans with no hope in life there will be child recruits to fight in these groups.
  As long as there are families who are displaced and live like beggars in their own country there will be sympathy for these groups.
  As long as we ignore the fact that the LTTE is not the malady but a terrible symptom we will continue to proscribe groups as terrorists.
  As long as we have people like Dayan (who not only have the power to make a difference but also the intelligence to make it a lasting and positive one) say that the solution is to wipe out the LTTE Sri Lanka will continue to die slowly

• 80. Vije  |  February 12th, 2008 at 9:04 am

  Yes Mr. Massey.
  My purpose is also for freedom for all oppressed which includes Tamils.
  What I disagree is with your thinking that your success in an economically and socially advanced country should be the model for the countries which have long traditions and agrarian in culture and economy.
  Further you use this forum to write about yourself and would like to know who and what others are. Read what other contributors have said and point out if any one has spoken about themselves except you. That does not mean they were not achievers. They are well learned, academics, professionals, intellectuals and may be big businessmen like you. Because they have value in their writings they do not speak about themselves

  Let us keep this forum to political, economical and historical facts only. Let me use a quotation from Thru Kural. It is immaterial from whom the knowledge is coming from. It is for the wise to search for the truth and gain from those knowledge.

  The language I have used is much softer than what you have used to criticize others

• 81. Subra S.Massey  |  February 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

  Mr.Act,
  You said it correctly. Till Dr Dayan’s wife , mother, sister or daughter gets raped and abused he will never realise the attrocities. I want to ask Dayan how will he feel about it?

  But Mr.Act, their minds are all clouded with Racism. Racism is a disease and when you have that disease your heart and mind cannot function properly. Now the doctors say every symptom is a reflection of a disease.
  Hitler when unleasehed arrtocities against the jews he was indifferent to it. Even animals do not get close to a female animals once it had love with a male animal, but human beings will gang rape a female.
  This animal called man should be kept under good control. We all know it, then why do leaders like Mahinda and Dayan allowing this kind of attrocities to take place. They are the people who encourage this kind of behaviour. These people come from narrow minded, obliquely educated dysfunctional families.
  Even today Dayan is talking about defeating LTTE.
  It is not in his mind to comprehend the attrocities of war.
  How can we put into their minds our sufferings?
  I have been trying since 1965 with Singhalese people and they seem to understand it, but then these leaders some or other get these same people to commit these attrocities. What the Tamils have ot do is to become another Isreal.
  My advice is to become an invincible force so that when an enemy becomes offensive we have the ultimate power to stop them.
  We have got a lot of work to do!

• 82. Thilee  |  February 14th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

  As KC is saying, if RG’s ILA is the best solution why it has been failed and dead? As you are saying LTTE is the reason, why RG couldn’t have plan for it.

  Also you are proved wrong on how war between LTTE and IPKF started.
  Fights started after Diktshit denied to meet LTTE’s basic demand (release 12 ltte members) and peaceful fasting person Thileepan died after hunger strike. 12 of the LTTE leaders died by suicide when they were transferred to Colombo.

  Can you please explain why all these happened? In my opinion, RG had a big mistake by trapped on JR’s plans. The mistake worsened when the issues have been handled badly, as usual an ‘Asian way’.

  Basically ILA have been signed between India and SL government. No tamil representation was there. That means, suppose even if that ILA has been implemented successfully. At any point of time India / SL can scrape the accord. Like North and east divided by a simple court rule by the current SL govt. We need a permanent solution in SL issue where the power share should be basically ‘permanent’. That is why LTTE is calling international mediators.

  ‘Sole representative issue’:
  suppose if there are many parties/groups fighting for Tamils, the current situation would have been there even. Now the situation tied internationally. Main reason the current mess not because of LTTE. It is mainly because of India. Does India accepts LTTE is the sole representatives of SL tamils? If not, why India could not help the mess in SL? Because India gave money/training etc. to many tamil groups, including LTTE. So, India have a responsibility to answer for what they have started.

  IC was away from SL issues then (because of India). JR Jeyawardana planned the same India to handle the issue and he achieved almost what he wanted. India then let the issue itself with no answers to the people.

  KC wanted India to come back help Tamils and solve the issue. India never wanted to help Tamils unless there is a gain. Any government in the world would do that. Then in 80’s India were showing that they are superpower in Asia. They used the SL issue to control SL and also get Tamil votes in TN. Now if India support Tamils in SL, they will loose lots of congress supporters votes in all over India other than TN. But the problem is that India cannot support a solution in SL. That is the weak of their foreign policy.

  In RG’s killing CIA’s hand and Mozart’s hand were widly talked. LTTE was used as an instrument to handle it.

  US banned Hamas and Abbas was a terrorist in 2005. Now he shakes hands with Bush. US bombed Japan in 2nd world war, but when the war is done, they are totally friends. Vietnam killed thousands of US troops in 70’s but they are friendly countries now.

  This is not trying to justify RG’s killing or IPKF’s killing of tamils. But what the reality is, as a country, India need to move towards a firm decision. That is why US also asked India last year and said India need to take a firm decision on SL issue.

  India is totally happy or even a hand in scraping CFA (now you can realise the reason of Times of India article). This tells the world that SL issue is not belong to IC. Norway’s mediation helped bring normalcy in SL and Nepal. That is because India was not pro-active. Even after CFA (after 2002) India would have been a active partner in Norway’s mediation. A strong signal to LTTE and SL govt from India would have bring a long lasting solution to SL issue.

  But India kept quite because of the foreign policy maker’s mentality. They don’t see Tamils in SL, they see it as VP who killed RG. Southern Indian advisers and leaders (who involved in major policy making) wanted to show their loyal to northern leaders on SL issue. Decisions were too conservative. Mostly they kept quite unless pressure comes to center. They even went to make dramas to support their decisions (like showing LTTE captured TN fisherman and arrest of people in TN saying LTTE supporters).

  Now India wanted to involve more only after SL move towards Pak/Iran/China. Now India have no option other than supporting SL govt directly on economy and militarily. India feel they can pressure SL govt like that way. But I think it is totally a wrong thinking and the SL issue have slipped too much from Indian hands. It is a failure as Indian foreign policy cannot achieve anything ‘in this region’ during post cold-war or post 9/11 era.

  If a western government want to destroy SL they can simply provide few air target missiles to ltte and few mbrls.
  SL govt. is blindly doing the war without the support from the world. India can help them destroy VP, but what is the point? LTTE grown up even
  if half of the leaders not there. Defeating LTTE militarily is a dream. It will be possible only by a long lasting solution. That is what US is doing in
  Palastine.

  Now countries like Japan/German/part of EU wanted to play hands in SL after CFA. It is totally against Indian interest. But India will left over if they take upper hands like Norway did.

  US started the dirty war to kill Sadam, which they would have finished by a few bullets. It is a second major failure for them after Vietnam. But you can see next year US will move forward and make their next plans. I am not going argue that they will do correct. But they will have a different policy (definitely after next president election). But India does not have firm policy in the region where they CAN have a strong say. It is like the cat close the eyes and drinking milk.

• 83. Indian Tamil  |  February 15th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  #82

  India perceives LTTE and supporters of VP as a major threat than pak & china.Terrorism has that inherent cruelty that puts even conventional wars to shame .Blame it on India’s illiteracy or emotions ,as long as killers of Mr.Rajiv are alive and dictating terms,all south,east,west,north Indians (not only the policy makers) less nedu,vaiko,thiruma,kolathur mani…wholeheartedly support our countries policy.

  To offer a just solution for Srilankan tamils India intervened.Yes.we agree that vietnam killed US troops but didnot step in US and killed their president.If LTTE is supported even after the murder of Mr.Rajiv,Indians too have the right to reciprocate exactly in a similar manner .Until then do not expect any Indian help in this conflict.

  India is not helping Srilanka militarily,but has the right to issue defensive equipments.Srilanka issue slipping out of India’s hand is admissible for present policy makers because Srilankans have the right to choose their strategic partners.India has isolated LTTE internationally.India is for united,sovereign srilanka.India is for economic upkeep and cooperation.India is for peaceful solution.India is doing all these to prevent tamil nationalism spreading to her shores.India will do anything to protect her interests.Srilankan tamils have lost India ,you have to come to terms with this reality.

• 84. N  |  February 15th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

  Indian Tamil you seem to have a vengeance against SL tamils not only the LTTE. You constantly talk of RJ’s death but you fail to see the suffering of thousands of people due to the violence later perpetrated against tamils in the NE by the IPKF. RJ’s assassination was not the correct course of action for the LTTE and its implications are felt even today but what about the injustice done to SL tamils by the Indian SL policy. There is no point constantly talking about defeating terrorism, that boat has sailed, the real issues are the grievances of SL tamils which have been systematically denied by successive SL governments. Addressing the core constitutional questions should be the main focus, once you have done that the LTTE will wither away with diminishing support, yet India still supports SL’s current actions with economic and military aid. You should now that the LTTE cannot be defeated by military means alone, the IPKF inability to completely defeat them is evident of this. What was India’s main goal behind arming and training tamil militants? And do not answer with statements like India wanted to help SL tamils, if that was the purpose they would not be supporting SL military objectives today and RG would not have allowed the confrontation between the IPKF and LTTE..

• 85. Dr K C  |  February 15th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

  Thilee

  If you go and say outsiders that we could not originally get on well with the GOSL & the SLA and then we fell out with the GOI & the IPKF, furthermore we are now a banned organisation in India, US, UK and Canada - the outsiders might think we have some serious problems with our brains. They might even think we are some sort of psychopaths.

  Those 12 LTTE cadres should not have crossed the Palk Strait on their own; they should have asked the Indian Navy to escort them. Thileepan hunger strike was staged at the inappropriate time (merely 2 months after the arrival of the IPKF), with inappropriate demands, with inappropriate tactic (fasting unto death) and with inappropriate dead-line to India (the LTTE demanded reply from India within 24 hours).

  Tamils are going through hell now because of the brutality and barbarity of Mahinda regime and barmy strategy of the LTTE leadership. The LTTE leadership hijacked our freedom struggle by the mere number of guns they possessed and now have brought us to dead end.

  I suggest that you read ‘Broken Palmyra’, and you’ll find answers to your questions. You can access ‘Broken Palmyra’ via Google.

  Also, switch on your TV and watch how Kosovo freedom fighters have embraced a powerful nation (USA) as their shield to take on Serbia. It is very unfortunate that VP’s brain is too small to understand all this cunning and screwed international diplomacy.

• 86. Indian Tamil  |  February 16th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

  #84

  Irrespective of the party belongings,we Indians view Srilanka issue thru Mr.Rajiv’s murder.Such is the impact on us that we keep talking about that gruesome incident and our policies are formed out of that.This should help you to form your own to counter India.
  If SL tamils link and justify IPKF atrocities with Rajiv’s murder ,we will continue to be at loggerheads.LTTE killed ,maimed 1500 troops and displayed to international audience.what forced you to stepin after almost 2 years and brutally murder Mr.Rajiv.India is now after VP and pottu.If SL tamils support and justify Rajiv murder,we justify India’s policy which ever party comes to power.
  All SL tamil scholars agree that ,accord was the best solution .Egoistic VP refused to accept India’s ability then.As regards IPKF inability ,following extracts will clarify.Anton Bala had the following to say,published in Tamil nation in Jul 2000.

  DH: “In 1989-90 when you entered into an understanding with President Premadasa, you said it was an internal problem of Sri Lanka and India had no role to play and it culminated in the withdrawal of the IPKF. Why do you look to India now?

  AB: When we entered into negotiations with President Premadasa, we were on the brink of destruction. The IPKF had taken over the entire north and east and the LTTE and Prabhakaran were fighting for survival. So we entered into an understanding with Premadasa to escape from total annihilation.

  Now the situation is totally different. For the past ten years, India has practically abandoned the Tamils. But now there seems to be renewed interest in the wake of the escalation of the violence. We are willing to accept India’s role.”

  It is because of Srilanka ,India didnot complete the task.NOT inability of IPKF.

  VP rushed to India and sought help from MGR.He is the right person to answer ,why India provided help.?
  India armed and trained militants to protect civilians in line with Mukti bahini of Bangladesh.But never promised another bangladesh to tamils.India’s objective was to create just solution to tamils by providing seperate state like TN ,ensure status of tamil language and help setup admin..By doing so India can monitor the trinco harbour.India too needs to advance some strategic objectives.

• 87. N  |  February 16th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

  Indian Tamil- “India too needs to advance some strategic objectives.”

  This is my point, India did not help tamils to better their situation, it was an attempt to gain popular vote in TN for the congress party, address Indian Tamil concerns and to contain trinco harbor in India’s sphere of influence. Thank you for proving my point and that India’s current SL policy amounts to collective punishment of SL tamils for the death of one man.

• 88. Indian Tamil  |  February 16th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

  #87

  What is wrong in advancing strategic objectives like control of Trinco harbour alongwith the main objective of bringing peace to SL tamils?Afterall,Srilanka used Trinco harbour on anti indian activities during Bangladesh liberation.Yes.Congress could have gained a lot in TN.Indian tamils were so obsessed with bringing peace to our SL brothers.

  As long as SL tamils identify themselves with the LTTE ,India’s policies willbe anti SL tamils.All your sufferings are to save one man,who is the head of an internationally banned terrorist organisation.

• 89. N  |  February 17th, 2008 at 12:11 am

  Indian Tamil I could care less about the fate of VP, he is not the collective consciousness of SL tamils. You talk about peace but why does your government support SL’s current war path? Defeating the LTTE is not going to bring SL tamils peace, the grievances of SL tamils are still being systematically denied, instead of justifying India’s SL policy, which amounts to collective punishment, and constantly bringing up the death of one man, why don’t you focus your energy on supporting the federal cause, which is currently the only viable solution to this over-extended conflict. It is quite obvious India had sinister motives behind arming tamils, can you explain why India supported Bangladesh independence from the beginning and not the independence of the NE?

• 90. Indian Tamil  |  February 17th, 2008 at 1:36 am

  #88,N

  Please understand the Indian psyche that,only after VP and Pottu are brought under Indian judiciary ,meaningful Indian participation will address SL tamil grievances.Until then our ONLY concern is to eliminate LTTE to prevent any terrorist activities in TN.India is unable to come to terms with death of one man,and so this policy of VP first and peace next.Indians barring few wholeheartedly agree to this policy.
  .
  East Pak seperated by thousands of miles from West Pak sought India’s help to thwart the genocidal west pak army.For India there was no option than liberating muslim Bangladesh.Also India expected pro indian Bangladesh would strategically be a viable option.

  From 1971 to 1987 many Indian concerns included illegal migration, support for rebels in the northeast, increasing Bangladeshi links with Pakistan’s ISI and terrorist acts in India, regular border skirmishes, and the general anti-India mood in Bangladesh precluded extending such Bonhomie to any freedom movement around India.Blame it on Ingratitude Bangladesh ,India didnot divide SL further and create two more enemies in the south.
  Hence the decision of uniting SL by providing peace solution to suffering tamils at the same time ensuring Trinco harbour within the admin control of tamils.This option wouldnot alienate singhalese from India either.

• 91. Dr K C  |  February 17th, 2008 at 4:07 am

  Dear N

  I again miss the point.

  During the last 60 yrs, only the Govt of India brought the most admirable political environment in the NE in the form of ILA to negotiate and end the conflict. Tamils could have negotiated from a position of strength with dignity to solve the conflict with India as our shield and safety net.

  After the arrival of the IPKF in the NE, the IPKF completely transformed the environment. The NE became a very peaceful place. Not a single Tamil civilian was murdered by Sinhalese or Sinhalese army. Even LTTE cadres were getting married in large numbers and IPKF commanders were invited as their guests. Even ordinary civilians started inviting IPKF commanders as guests for their big events at home in the communities. This must have sent shock waves through the LTTE leadership. They were worried that they were going to become unemployed. So they became hell bent on disrupting the ILA. The tool they employed to initiate this operation: Thileepan hunger strike. By its barmy strategy it was the LTTE leadership that brought immense destruction and deaths in thousands in the NE.

  I am not prepared to blame India for the position we are in. It is nothing but self inflicted pain by the VP & Co.

  Mind you whilst India was spending crores in the NE for the deployment of the IPKF, 500 schools in India did not have running water.

• 92. N  |  February 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

  When you say that India will not change its policy until VP and Pottu face justice, then you are simply accepting the LTTE as sole representatives of the tamils, after all India is punishing all tamils for the actions of the LTTE.

• 93. Indian Tamil  |  February 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

  #92
  We donot know whether LTTE is the sole representative of SL tamils,because they killed every peaceloving SL tamil leader .But we do know that they are the most reprehensible part of the SL tamils.

• 94. N  |  February 17th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

  Indian Tamil there is no point arguing that India had good intentions in arming Tamil militants because there were peaceful options available and these options which would have probably led to a peaceful federal state, but instead of supporting peaceful freedom initiatives like the ones adopted by the Indians themselves, they handed tamils guns. You can see the result of this course of action today. Well thank you for that gesture of either stupidity or one with sinister motives.

• 95. Indian Tamil  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:14 am

  #94

  VP started killing SL soldiers from 1983 onwards even before singhala riots.India cannot teach peace to these egoistic killers.Maybe due to the pressure from MGR ,arms training was imparted to protect civilians.Even this help was a mistake on India’s part.But you cannot blame India for not teaching them satyagragha.

  If he cares for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, he should surrender and face justice for killing Mr.Rajiv — we hope this justice is delivered by Indian hands, if not then preferably at the hands of his own people.

• 96. Dr K C  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:46 am

  Dear N

  You again and again miss the point.

  I do not feel comfortable about your your argument about RG. Any decent and civilised people will not feel comfortable about what happened to RG. The people who are wanted in RG’s case ought to give themselves up to face the charges. They can accept the verdict or claim innocent. It is up to the GOI to send them to the jail or give them amnesty. Unless and until this process is completed we will NOT get support and sympathy of the people of India. People of India will see SL Tamils as harbouring the wanted people and obstructing the course of justice.

  You are going down the wrong path. This is a very sensitive issue and when you debate on this subject please make sure you do not cause futher damages to the interests of SL Tamils

• 97. N  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

  Indian Tamil, there is no point arguing with you because you cannot properly rationalize the situation, you are still morning for RJ. If you are a Tamil, or even a human being, why don’t you morn for the thousands of people killed in this conflict instead of supporting India’s current policy which is serving to support the current war path.

• 98. Indian Tamil  |  February 18th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

  #95

  Quintessance of Indian policy on SL is Rajiv.Entire nation mourns his death ,even now.I reflected popular sentiment of Indians to chart your strategy to counter .Upto you to consider.

  We will continue to be at loggerheads,till then.I empathize with your frustration.

  Thanks for this brief exchange of views.

• 99. GANGA  |  February 18th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

  Dear Mr/Ms. Indian Tamil,

  I wish to state that you in your hastiness and thoughtlessness in defending ’some anger syndrome’ miss-represent the Lankan history. Statement in comment # 95, ‘ VP started killing SL soldiers from 1983 onwards even before Sinhala riots’ is not correct (it is painfully ridicules). Such a comment should be taken back because it is an unwarranted intrusion into the Lankan Tamil history. Sri Lankan soldiers and Sinhala racist goons started killing Tamils long before VP and his organisation were born. It fact this Sinhala killer tendency created VP and his organisation.

  My dear sir/madam, please kindly understand that we, Tamils in Lanka cannot start the history of Lankan ethnic issue after/from the birth of LTTE, i.e., 1983/1984 as expected by the Sinhala hegemonies. Similarly, we cannot start the history of ‘India’s Lankan policy blunder’ after/from the birth of Indo-Lanka pact and/or IPKF-LTTE clash as expected by you kind of arguers.

  My dear sir/madam, please do some thinking. You will learn. We are prepared to listen, learn and work towards change. What’s the problem with you sir/madam? All your comments seem to be very rigid and sitting on one single issue. However they are greatly considered by their set of people/followers, neither Rajiv Gandhi nor Velupillai Prabakaran (I repeat Velupillai Prabakaran), any equal to a nation/country/ society/hundreds of thousands of people, no matter they are Indian Tamil or Lankan Tamil or India or Sri Lanka or Eelam.

  God bless you.

• 100. Indian Tamil  |  February 19th, 2008 at 2:07 am

  Dear sir/mam Ganga,

  I do not have any problem.Your Intransigent attitude is the problem.You are word-perfect in your analysis about Indian stand.Indian policy is just rigidly sitting on that one single issue/watershed event.

  Please donot be emotional.If you donot accept ,you may disregard India altogether.What is stopping LTTE?.They may go ahead and declare independence like Kosovo.

• 101. GANGA  |  February 20th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

  Dear Mr/Ms. Indian Tamil,

  If you accept that you are RIGID and sitting rigidly on one single issue/event, Ok, that is your position.

  But that way you are surprising me. If you are rigid, why you engage in discussions? Why write to blogs? Why waste other’s times?

  I am not emotional. Come to think of it, it is you are emotional. Look at your comment on LTTE and Kosovo. We may or may not declare UDI.

  We are not rigid. We are willing to change. So we are discussing. We discuss with GoSL, EU, USA, UN and with INDIA. You cannot stop this just because you are rigid. It is your problem. And besides y