Sri Lanka Tamil News - Tiruchelvam vindicated by Balasingham ---- Two High School Students were Forced to Join LTTE

Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 20:23:56 GMT
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Tiruchelvam vindicated by Balasingham=20
"The new constitution that is in the process of being drafted will =
contain an elaborate chapter on devolution. We are convinced that a =
substantial degree of devolution represents the key to the most vexed =
problem confronting the Sri Lankan nation at this time" =20
- Prof. G.L. Peiris=20
"The package for the devolution of power submitted to the people by the =
government of Sri Lanka on August 3, 1995 may be considered more as a =
pre-constitutional document than as a statement of government =
policy............ It appears that this document represents the nation's =
alternative to Eelam................ The document contains in substance =
a balance between what any government in Sri Lanka could concede to the =
Tamil people while at the same time maintaining its political legitimacy =
in the eyes of the majority Sinhala people"=20
- Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe=20
"The proposals of August 3, 1995, represented the boldest attempt to =
redress the imbalance in the relationship between the different ethnic =
groups through devolution of power to the regions"=20
- Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam=20
The Sunday Leader - 30.03.2003 - By D.B.S. Jeyaraj - Anton Stanislaus =
Balasingham described nowadays in chaste Tamil as "mathiyurainjar" =
(advisor) of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) made a =
startling disclosure about the devolution package formulated by the late =
Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam at a press conference on March 12, in =
Kilinochchi.=20
The Jaffna based Tamil daily Uthayan of March 13 carried extensive =
details of what the Tiger Chief Negotiator had to say. Speaking within =
the context of the long search for a negotiated settlement, Balasingham =
made explicit reference to Tiruchelvam. This is what he purportedly =
stated:=20
Neelan Tiruchelvam presented in 1995 a draft amending the constitution. =
That was a correct draft. That was acceptable. But later in 2000 =
Chandrika submitted an amended version based on that draft. This one was =
only a half-baked version of the earlier draft by Neelan Tiruchelvam.=20
My immediate reaction on reading Balasingham's comments was a mixture of =
emotions - disbelief, anger, sadness, agony, frustration, etc. After =
vilifying Neelan as a traitor and the August 3rd 1995 devolution package =
as an act of treachery for years the LTTE was now acknowledging the =
merits of Neelan's draft.=20
His ruthless assassination was supposedly for this but now the Tigers =
were saying something different. I have been closely associated with =
Neelan from 1977 and regarded him as friend, philosopher and guide in =
many respects. Although in Canada now I was one of the last people to =
speak to him. I was talking to him on the phone from 7:50 a.m. to 8:40 =
a.m. on that fateful July 29, 1999 morning. I will always remember that =
final conversation.=20
He died at 9:10 a.m. when a suicide bomber exploded against his vehicle =
at the Kynsey Road junction while on his way to office. These memories =
came back vividly as I read what Balasingham was saying now.=20
These comments were not to be taken lightly as the LTTE theoretician was =
confident enough to assert in the press conference of April 10, last =
year that "Prabhakaran and I speak with one voice. We are one and the =
same."=20
Silent on killing=20
Several months ago in a telephone conversation with Balasingham I had =
raised the issue of Neelan's killing with him. He listened to me =
patiently but avoided a pointed reply saying nothing except "appadiyo" =
(is that so) placatingly in Tamil. At least three other prominent =
personalities close to the LTTE hierarchy were also evasively silent =
when I had raised the same issue before.=20
The LTTE has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Neelan's =
killing. The modus operandi however bore the Tiger stamp conclusively. =
Tiger propagandists and LTTE fellow travellers had been blatantly =
transparent in their criticism of Neelan before and after his death. In =
fact I was forced to engage in an acrimonious exchange with the late =
Kumar Ponnambalam in the columns of another newspaper in the process of =
defending Neelan.=20
The LTTE led and inspired propaganda against Neelan prior to his death =
was that he had 'betrayed' the Tamils by formulating along with Prof. =
G.L. Peiris the set of devolution proposals known then as the "package." =
The process of depicting Neelan as a 'traitor' continued up to his death =
and even continued for a while afterwards in a bid to justify that =
despicable murder.=20
The basis of all this hate mongering was the devolution proposals of =
August 4, 1995. Neelan as co-architect was accused of having caused =
great harm to the Tamil cause through that. As is customary in many =
matters of this nature the 'green light' for the barrage of anti-package =
propaganda among Tamils was given by the LTTE itself.=20
Barely a week after the draft proposals were released on August 4, 1995, =
the LTTE held a press conference in Chundikuli, Jaffna.=20
Balasingham and Political Wing Head S.P. Thamilchelvan rejected the =
proposed package outright even though it had not been formally submitted =
to them. It was criticised as an act of treachery. Now the very same =
Balasingham is praising Neelan's draft.=20
Thereafter the LTTE began a vicious campaign against Neelan spearheaded =
by its self-styled poet laureate Puthuvai Ratnadurai alias Tiyaasan. =
Discredited Tamil politicians hoping to gain political office by =
pandering to the LTTE also began maligning Neelan. Sadly, his party the =
Tamil United Liberation Front (TUFL) did not rally to Neelan's defence =
just as the Federal Party of old let down Neelan's father Murugesu =
Tiruchelvam when opposition jackals started howling.=20
Neelan with characteristic modesty and disdain for hogging the limelight =
played down his involvement in the August 4 proposals known as the =
"GL-Neelan" package. In private and in fora that mattered, Neelan =
defended the package. He would often lament that much of the mud slung =
at him in Tamil circles was "ill-informed" and without any grasp of what =
the package was all about.=20
He was very proud of it but accepted that it had its shortcomings from a =
Tamil point of view. What he felt was that the package was the best =
possible as a starting point. A particular source of satisfaction was =
the change of the unitary state into a union of regions. He felt that if =
there was a Tamil consensus around it and the LTTE itself lent its =
bargaining clout the package could be enhanced further. That was not to =
be and the LTTE campaign sought to undermine the package as a complete =
sell-out.=20
With the LTTE taking up cudgels against the package and the war =
intensifying, the Chandrika Kumaratunga government too altered its =
approach. The new strategy was to conduct a war to weaken the LTTE =
militarily and isolate it politically through building up a consensus =
around the package.=20
Revisions=20
This led to a situation where the devolution proposals drafted =
originally with higher ideals being utilised as an important component =
in the so-called "war for peace" effort. Naturally, Neelan was placed in =
an unenviable position while his critics became increasingly strident. =
On the other hand, the original package itself underwent a series of =
revisions. The end result of all this was the systematic whittling down =
of the original package to which Neelan had contributed immensely.=20
The August 3 package lost much of its lustre when presented formally as =
government proposals on January 16, 1996. The parliamentary select =
committee proceedings saw the devolution proposals being diluted further =
when tabled as a white paper on October 24, 1997.=20
With the war intensifying and Chandrika Kumaratunga becoming =
increasingly enthralled with visions of becoming a latter day =
Viharamahadevi, relations with the TULF began to sour. At one point =
Kumaratunga bluntly told the TULF not to bother her about the devolution =
exercise until her uncle, the reincarnation of Sapumal Kumara finished =
the job in the north.=20
Unfortunately for the devolution proponents, Prof. Peiris himself was =
now being replaced as close confidant of the President by Lakshman =
Kadirgamar. While Neelan worked in his usual behind the scenes manner =
and helped spotlight the violation of human rights in the north east, =
internationally publicity-seeking persons were playing to the Tamil =
gallery by indulging in bombastic rhetoric.=20
Unfair criticism=20
The positive and constructive endeavours of Neelan remained unknown to =
the Tamil world while the abrasive yet negative play-acting of others =
received undeserved praise. The widespread grief and condemnation =
expressed by a spectrum of human rights organisations at his killing =
demonstrated the extent of his contacts and was a tribute to his =
untiring yet unpublicised efforts on behalf of the Tamil people.=20
The unfair criticism and allegations against Neelan continued in the =
Tamil world. One of the worst instances of false allegations was the =
charge in sections of the Tamil media about Neelan undertaking a sudden =
trip to the USA to poison Washington against the LTTE, whereas he had =
only gone to be with his brother at a time of deep sorrow due to a =
bereavement in the family.=20
In this climate of hate where every act of Neelan was being distorted in =
negative portrayals those close to him were able to persuade him to say =
"au revoir" if not "adieu" to Sri Lankan politics. This was a very =
reluctant decision as his involvement in politics was motivated by a =
missionary zeal.=20
Although a citizen of the world in every sense Neelan also felt deeply =
about the plight of "our people" as he would refer to the Tamils in =
talking to me. It was this concern about the Tamil predicament and the =
yearning to do something meaningful about it that drew me closer to him. =
At the same time Neelan was not ethno-centric and realised fully that =
ultimately a solution acceptable to all sections of the people had to be =
found.=20
Neelan became chairman of the much respected UK based Minority Rights =
Group for a four year term. He consoled himself by saying that he would =
spend the next few years fighting for minority rights globally and focus =
on his own country later when the need for his role arose.=20
He was also scheduled to lecture at Harvard University for the fall term =
in 1999. He was quite excited about it and went to Italy for a month to =
prepare for it. He was planning to resign his parliamentary seat and =
formally suspend his political role prior to his departure to Harvard in =
September. The LTTE had other ideas and struck him down before those =
plans materialised.=20
After Neelan's death, the devolution package he conceptualised in its =
original form was further eroded. In the short-lived honeymoon period =
between the PA and UNP the devolution proposals got reduced in scope and =
scale further. Choksy was responsible for much of that. With Neelan's =
demise there was no one from the Tamil side to contribute positively to =
this exercise. Ultimately a caricatured version of the original Neelan =
package came to parliament but even the TULF would not support it now.=20
Draft "acceptable"=20
Kumaratunga in her address to parliament lavished her gratitude to =
Choksy but omitted to even mention Neelan's name despite his having paid =
the supreme sacrifice.=20
Now the wheel has turned full cycle. After condemning the "GL-Neelan" =
package, the LTTE is now praising it. There was a time when Tiger =
apologists explained that the package was unacceptable because the LTTE =
was not consulted in the preparatory phase. Balasingham, however, now =
says that Neelan's draft was "correct" and "acceptable" now.=20
This makes me wonder. What will all those Tamils who branded Neelan a =
traitor and the August 3 package a betrayal do now? I do not for a =
moment say that Balasingham is the final arbitrator of whether Neelan's =
draft was correct or incorrect, acceptable or unacceptable. The crux of =
the matter is that the package was a sound one regardless of LTTE =
approval or disapproval.=20
Nevertheless, those Tamils who blindly echoed the LTTE then could do =
some soul searching now. Neelan is no more but Balasingham and Neelan's =
former associate G.L. Peiris are now co-chairmen of a sub-committee =
assigned the task of exploring federalism. Let us wait and see whether =
these new partners can deliver the goods.=20
Will this partnership help achieve federalism, a cause close to Neelan's =
heart? Much as I would like this search for a federal goal to succeed, I =
have nothing to be optimistic about given what is happening now. =
Moreover, the opponents of federalism are now closing ranks and have =
commenced firing opening salvos.=20
I am unable to visualise Balasingham providing the strength and support =
Neelan gave G.L. in the earlier exercise. The LTTE is now praising =
Neelan's draft. After years of slandering and maligning Neelan in life =
and death, it is now being truthful. The singer was killed because his =
song was faulted. Now the song is being praised. The creator was killed =
for the creation but now the creator is being lauded.=20
Irreplaceable loss=20
Despite the belated recognition by the LTTE of the intrinsic merits of =
Neelan's original package, a noble soul is no more due to murder most =
foul. Balasingham praising Neelan's draft now is not akin to cheering =
from the ranks of Tuscany.=20
Even though Neelan has been vindicated in a way, the man is no more and =
nothing can bring him back. The loss to his family, friends, colleagues =
and associates is irreplaceable. So too is the loss to his community, =
country, humanity at large and the intellectual realm. Nothing can fill =
this void.=20
When replying to his critics in the aftermath of Neelan's assassination =
I wrote that with the passage of time his positive contribution would be =
acknowledged by the Tamils. I did not imagine then that the LTTE's =
Political Advisor would - for whatever reason - sing praises of Neelan =
Tiruchelvam's "varaipu." This does not mean that the LTTE can be =
absolved of Neelan's murder. This admission by Balasingham has only =
placed the LTTE more firmly in the dock.=20
Neelan's vindication is in every way a condemnation of the Tigers. If =
Neelan's draft was indeed correct and acceptable then what was the 'sin' =
he committed to deserve horrible assassination? If his draft was all =
right then why did the LTTE orchestrate a campaign calling him a traitor =
and describing the August 3, 1995 package a betrayal?=20
These are questions that Neelan's party the TULF should raise. Given the =
fact that the TULF did not even utter a word of protest at Neelan's =
killing, one cannot expect that party to do this even now. Since I have =
no communication channel with Bala-singham now, I too am unable to seek =
answers directly. This does not mean that these questions will ever go =
away. They will continue to linger and be a constant indictment of the =
LTTE.=20
The heinous crime of killing Neelan Tiruchelvam has acquired a monstrous =
intensity in the aftermath of Anton Balasingham's revelations in =
Kilinochchi.=20
=20
TULF leader won't bow to LTTE orders
Challenges LTTE's claim to be the sole representative of Tamil people
The Sunday Times - 30.03.2003 - By Shelani Perera
TULF President V. Anandasangaree, at serious odds with the LTTE over the =
past few months, yesterday challenged the LTTE's position as the sole =
representative of the Tamil people.
In a hard-hitting interview, the TULF leader said he was not ready to be =
a yes man of the LTTE though he fully supported the peace process and =
hoped it would bring justice to the Tamil people.
Mr. Anandasangaree said he was not alone in the party in holding such a =
view for the TULF to play an independent role. He revealed that he met =
about 250 party members who supported his views. Amidst reports of a =
serious rift in both the TULF and the TNA regarding the links with the =
LTTE, Mr. Anandasangaree said he was ready to carry out reasonable =
requests from the LTTE, but would not bow to any orders from it. =
Excerpts from the interview:
You have been quoted as saying that the LTTE is not the sole =
representative of the Tamil people. If so would not that be a =
significant change in the TULF's stand?
We have no right to say that the LTTE is the sole representative of the =
Tamil people, because there are several Tamil political parties, which =
are strongly opposed to the LTTE. So how can we talk of anyone being the =
sole representative? We can say that ourselves but we cannot speak for =
other parties.=20
But the TNA has declared that the LTTE is the sole representative of the =
Tamil people? There was a proposal by one of the parties to make such a =
declaration in the agreement we reached before the elections. The TULF =
said we had no mandate to make such a declaration. Perhaps, some members =
of the TNA had acknowledged the LTTE as the sole representative but that =
was probably to win votes. The TULF never subscribed to that view.=20
But your former party chief M. Sivasithambaram also referred to the LTTE =
as the sole representative? It may have been his personal view at that =
time. His view cannot be taken as the party policy. Mr. Sivasithamparam =
was not in the country when we signed the agreement with other Tamil =
parties. May be he thought we agreed on declaring the LTTE as the sole =
representative of the Tamil people. The main clauses in the TNA =
agreement were for an end to the war, lifting of the ban on the LTTE and =
starting peace talks. We said talks should be held with the LTTE as we =
believed that peace could not be achieved by talking to parties other =
than the LTTE. That is the position, they maybe our representatives but =
we cannot call them the sole representatives of the Tamil people. As for =
voicing the views of the LTTE in parliament, we are ready to take up =
various issues as an equal partner.=20
But reports say the LTTE has been dictating terms to the TNA? They =
cannot force us. If proposals made by the LTTE are reasonable, we will =
bring them up in parliament. Whatever we do or don't do, we won't =
obstruct the peace process.=20
What are the reasons for your sudden change of position? That is the =
stand I have been taking all along. There is no sudden change. I have =
always held this position.
Why were you not present at the recent meeting between the TNA and LTTE =
leaders? I did not attend some meetings, as I was not happy about the =
way we were being described as just the mouthpiece for the LTTE.=20
Is India bringing any pressure on the TULF regarding ties with the LTTE?
A: No. India does not interfere like that. I met the Indian High =
Commissioner recently and told him his country should treat us as an =
independent party.=20
Was the relationship between India and the TULF affected by the =
formation of the TNA? I think so. Some members of the TNA went on =
describing the LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamil people and I =
believe India was not happy with that because of what the LTTE had done =
in India. New Delhi may have thought we are trying to justify the =
actions of the LTTE. We were not doing any such thing. But only seeking =
justice and peace for our people.=20
Are you the only TULF member coming out so strongly or are there others =
with you?
I am not alone. Last week, I met more than 250 party supporters who are =
with me. R. Sampanthan and I are today most senior members of the party, =
we know the full background and we know how things work. I have a moral =
duty to keep the TULF flag flying. If I fail in this duty, I would be =
failing those who worked so hard and even died for the party.=20
Do you feel that the TULF could function effectively as a separate =
entity?
Of course. Not only that. I feel such an independent stance would help =
the LTTE more than just being its "yes men". See what is happening now. =
Earlier, foreign dignitaries and others held talks with the TULF or the =
TNA regarding problems of the Tamils. Now those dignitaries are =
bypassing us and going straight to Kilinochchi for talks with LTTE =
leaders. I hope and believe the peace talks would succeed. But in a =
worst case scenario, if the talks fail, what would happen then? To whom =
would the foreign representatives talk? I must make it clear I am not =
rising against the LTTE. It was we who campaigned hard for the lifting =
of the ban and for talks with the LTTE.=20
You were in the centre of controversy over the abortive opening of the =
Jaffna Library. What happened? I can't understand how this became such a =
big issue. The mayor informed me that they wanted me to open the Jaffna =
Library. The building was 99% completed. The reasons given by those who =
stood against the opening are unacceptable. Some people said that there =
were no furniture and books and that more time was needed to complete =
the library. Now they are saying that the Library should have been =
retained in the ruined form to show the world what happened. That is =
nonsense after spending more than 200 million rupees. If they wanted to =
keep it as a monument, they should have kept it that way. But who are =
these people who are talking now? Some of them don't even know where the =
library was.=20
What is the real cause of the rift within the TNA regarding links with =
the LTTE?
The dispute started when a spokesman for the LTTE said that the TNA had =
no role to play except to just carry out the LTTE orders. After my =
protest, they reversed it.
Another dispute arose recently, when the LTTE did not allow a ceremony =
to commemorate the slain TULF leader A. Amirthalingam.=20
Do you feel that the LTTE is trying to totally control the TNA? One =
report said the LTTE wanted the TNA to consult it before voting on any =
bill in parliament.
We have never consulted the LTTE so far on parliamentary matters. It =
would be ideal if they treat us as an advisory body; that is what I =
want. We will carry out LTTE requests but not its orders. n How do you =
assess the progress of the peace process?
It is going on but I am wondering why it is taking so long. Delay is =
detrimen=20
=20
Ceremony to donate books to Jaffna Library
The Sunday Times - 30.03.2003=20
The reconstructed Jaffna Public Library
=20
Indian HC hopes commitment at peace talks would be translated into =
deeds. Indian High Commissoner in Sri Lanka Nirupan Sen this week said =
that he hopes that the commitment to democracy, pluralism and human =
rights emanating from the peace talks at the Japan meeting would be =
translated into action.
Mr. Sen was speaking at a ceremony held at the Indian Cultural Centre, =
to donate books to the Jaffna Library. Nearly 1400 books were donated of =
which around 800 books are in English and a little more than 500 in =
Tamil.He said that it is self-evident that problems become easier to =
solve if ordinary people everywhere have confidence that there is =
respect for different opinions and freedom to express these through both =
the written word and by political parties.
TULF Vice President V.Aandasangaree and former Jaffna Mayor Sellan =
Kandiayan who played a major role in collecting books for the rebuilt =
Jaffna Library received the book donation. " In this connection, I am =
specially pleased at the presence of the TULF president and Mr. =
Kandaiyan and his fellow municipal councillors.
These are men of courage and principle and I am sure the Tamil community =
and the country would benefit from having them in public life', Mr. Sen =
said. He said that the Jaffna library was well known and ranked with =
famous libraries like those at Saraswati Mahal of Thanjavur and those of =
Chennai and Pune.
'Seeds grow into trees and trees into forest and we hope that seeds such =
as these as well as those from other benefactors will see the burgeoning =
of a new Jaffna Library. Through the use of information technology, the =
library can in time acquire rare books which libraries in India and =
elsewhere have stored electronically and in CDs', he said.
He said that books cover a vast range of subjects including mythology, =
epics, poetry, drama, biographies, history, politics, economic analysis, =
education, art, culture, music, international relations, medicine, =
mathematics, natural science, botany, agriculture and contain some of =
the latest research in frontier areas of medicine and technology, =
including bio-technology.
'Incidentally, there are also books on the Indian Constitution. I know =
that committees of very young people from the north-east are travelling =
to Europe in search of constitutional knowledge.
In this context, it is worth recalling Thomas Jefferson's letter of =
August 10, 1787 to his nephew. Jefferson had said that for the young =
knowledge does not come from travelling because first there has to be a =
foundation of experience and wisdom grounded in repeated and just =
observations at home', he said.
'It is from books and life among one's own people that one learns. =
Jefferson therefore said that it is only those of sober age who can =
travel and gather knowledge which can be usefully applied in their own =
country', Mr. Sen said.
'It is worth remembering at this juncture that Jaffna Tamil literature =
also has democratic and inclusive traditions. One need only remember the =
fine writings of Somasundara Pulavar, Nallathambi Pulavar, Thuraiappa =
Pillai and Periyathambi Pillai who wrote of a united Ceylon "Glorious =
Mother Lanka, Ceylon, glorious pearl, is our country. I walked.
It was a summer night". In more recent times one may mention the =
progressive writers' association and the writings of K. Kailasapathy who =
called Tamil and Sinhala the two eyes of Ceylon and those of K. =
Sivathambi. The two eyes may for some time be out of focus but I am sure =
that a solution to this political and historical astigmatism would be =
found', he said.
'The books in English and Tamil combine what is called the field of =
liberal and useful education. In fact, ultimately it is liberal =
education that becomes really useful in life. It is hoped that these =
rays of genius, gathered and concentrated will set youthful minds aflame =
with a spirit of critical inquiry', he said.=20
=20
Call to India to forgive and forget
The Sunday Times - 30.03.2003 -Receiving a donation of books from the =
Indian High Commissioner at a ceremony this week MP V. Anandasangaree =
called upon India to "forgive and forget" and help Sri Lanka to regain =
peace.
"The most valuable contribution India can do today is to put its full =
weight to bring peace back to this country. That is my humble request =
and that is the desire of every Indian I know. Everybody wants peace in =
this country," he said. "We always look at
India as our mother country. When I say we, everyone in this country =
looks upon India as the mother country. So India is a country that we =
already look upon as our mother country and we continue to do so inspite =
of the little differences. India also as a mother country has a duty by =
us. India must forgive and forget" he said.
While reiterating his gratitude to the Indian Government , he expressed =
surprise at having been selected to receive the books on behalf of the =
people of Jaffna.
"I am still wondering as to why I was chosen, why out of all people I =
should have been selected to receive the books on behalf of the Jaffna =
Municipal Council and the Jaffna people.
Of course I can think of one reason. Perhaps, because I got the highest =
number of votes and I represent Jaffna. No one can say that I didn't get =
those votes honestly. So that is the only satisfaction I have, in spite =
of all the controversial situations I am facing.
"Now to come back to the main subject of the day. I was supposed to open =
the library sometime back. I prepared a speech because that was a very =
important occasion at which I should make a very careful speech. I wish =
to quote just one or two sentences from this speech that I prepared. In =
that speech. I was to have said that India is our mother country and =
Tamil Nadu is our neighbour and it will fill all our bookshelves with =
valuable volumes of Tamil books.
"I was physically present when the library was burning and I never =
attribute that act to an educated man. I am very happy to see a =
gathering of representatives from Jaffna, almost all MPs representing =
Jaffna and the other neighbouring areas. Most of the members of the =
Jaffna Municipal Council, at least 20 of them are here. That shows the =
interest our representatives, our people have in developing this library =
and bringing it back to its old position."
"I don't want to make a long speech. This is not an occasion for it. In =
the meantime there are a lot of things that could be said. A lot of =
things which if unsaid could leave a doubt.
But unfortunately this is not the occasion. Let us not make a play of =
politics here.
We are all genuinely interested in the promotion of the library and the =
Indian Government has taken so much trouble, and this is not going to be =
the last batch of books that we are getting " he said.
Turning to the media, Mr. Anandasangaree said "to the media I have one =
word to say. Everyone knows that this function is specially meant to =
hand over books to the library.
But one national paper carried no news about the library books being =
handed over to me but said the Indian High Commissioner is meeting the =
Mayor of Jaffna. I don't want to tell you how mischievous it is, it is =
really mischievous.
"Today I heard over the radio, I don't know which radio, that the High =
Commissioner is meeting the members of the Jaffna Municipal Council. It =
would only make me happy if your Excellency meets them and discusses =
matters with them but these news are factually incorrect.
If you know a little about the current politics you can see through the =
type of mischief that is meant in publishing a news like this."=20
=20
I will serve the people, says former mayor
The Sunday Times - 30.03.2003 - Former Mayor of Jaffna Sellan Kandaiyan =
has reiterated his commitment to serve the people of Jaffna following =
the postponement of the re-opening of the Jaffna Library.Speaking at a =
presentation of books by the Indian High Commissioner to the Jaffna =
Library, Mr. Kandaiyan recounted the attempts made by him and his team =
of Municipal Councillors to re-open the library.
The former Mayor said that upon assuming office, one of the tasks was to =
re-open the Jaffna Library. " With this in mind , money was set aside =
and after considerable effort the work regarding renovation of the =
Jaffna Library was completed.At the eleventh hour, the representatives =
of the Tamil Eelam Students' Union as well as the LTTE's political =
commissioner in Jaffna , Illamparathi, told us not to go ahead with the =
re-opening" he said.When he had explained that the re-opening could not =
be put off at the last minute since work was almost completed, LTTE =
representatives had threatened him. In spite of the threat to his life =
and his family, a unanimous decision was taken to re-open the library, =
he said.
"I was then warned that if I went ahead with the re-opening there would =
be bloodshed similar to what happened at the World Tamil Conference in =
1974. While it was our position that the council should re-open the =
Library, fearing bloodshed and keeping in mind the welfare of the =
people, we had no option but to reconsider our decision" said Mr. =
Kandaiyan.=20
=20
Editorial -The Sunday Times - 30.03.2003=20
Challenging the Tiger
TULF Member of Parliament V.Anandasangaree has had the spunk to say that =
the LTTE is not the sole representative of the Tamil people. Hopefully =
he is not making a suicidal statement in the sense that it may be one =
that might well earn him a bullet or a grenade as a reward.
But, looked at dispassionately, this is a very significant development =
in the current peace process. It indicates that Tamil unity on the face =
of it, has been splintered -- but then this 'unity' was always very =
spurious and was a result of the fact that all Tamil politicians who =
showed any form of dissent were at the mercy of the LTTE's AK 47. The =
systematic elimination of the Tamil political leadership, be it =
political or militant leadership, resulted in a very long list of Tamil =
persons who were wiped off the face of the earth. The list is too =
numerous to be mentioned in this comment.
Mr. Anandasangaree's bold stance has sent shivers down the spine(less) =
TULF leadership, which till very recently needed Sri Lanka police =
protection to stave off LTTE hit squads.But, in spite of this chilling =
effect, Mr. Anandasangaree has his supporters also Several Mayor's of =
Jaffna were shot dead by the LTTE, and in this context, it is noteworthy =
that India for instance has thrown its weight behind Mr. =
Anandasangaree's statement.
Indian involvement in Sri Lankan affairs has surely come full circle. =
From the initial bottle feeding of Tiger cubs during the infancy of the =
monstrous LTTE, to the Indian abetted usurpation of the traditional TULF =
leadership and now to the first political pronouncement of the Indian =
High Commissioner on Sri Lanka's domestic politics is a long journey -- =
and it surely signifies the re-entry of the Indian factor in Sri Lanka's =
domestic political scenario.
While serious objections were raised from all quarters of the Sri Lankan =
polity to India's hegemonic overlordship of this country in the initial =
stages of the separatist insurrection, the current political reversal in =
which India is supporting seemingly democratic forces needs to be =
appreciated, whatever the motives may be.Needless to say, certain =
compelling forces have impelled the LTTE chief negotiator Anton =
Balasingham to concede that the LTTE welcomes multi-party democracy at =
the local government election hopefully to be held in the North and East =
soon.
Suffice to say this turnaround comes soon after LTTE giving orders to =
the Tamil National Alliance to consult it at every given moment on how =
to conduct itself in Parliament (including instructions on opposing the =
vote of no confidence on the Minister of Defence while criticizing him =
in public) and destroying the EPDP offices in the peninsula, while also =
issuing edicts to cancel the scheduled opening ceremony of the Jaffna =
public library (the burning down of the Jaffna public library was an =
issue that the TULF took maximum advantage of in its global propaganda =
campaign.)
Indian backing of the TULF to regain its former role as the =
representative of the Tamil people is one thing. But it is another that =
the harsh hierarchical caste system in the Tamil polity has played its =
own part in promoting militant groups who had little or no say in the =
politics of that part of the country.Now a whole new chapter comes to be =
written in the ongoing saga of Tamil political evolution. There is a =
challenge being thrown to the LTTE's self-anointed role as the 'sole =
representative of the Tamil people', and governments and =
non-governmental organizations all over the world which tacitly =
recognized the LTTE's supremacy will find it imperative to recognize =
this challenge.
=20
Gajendrakumar's Assistant Grilled by the LTTE=20
LTTE has grilled Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam's assistant who accompanied =
him on his visit to Jaffna on March 27, 2003. On his visit, =
Gajendrakumar, MP attended a meeting in Vaddukottai, chaired by S. =
Varatharajah, with an audience of less than thirty. The participants =
requested the MP to get the financial allocation for the rehabilitation =
and reconstruction of the area, such as renovation of cemetery road in =
Moolai, reconstruction of community centre, construction of a rest at =
the cemetery etc. In respond to this request, Gajendrakumar has told =
them that it requires large sums of money and that he would speak with =
the other Members of Parliament of the district and try to get the money =
allocated through the Decentralized Budget. The elderly in the crowd =
whispered that it reminded them of similar promises given by his grand =
father.
Two High School Students were Forced to Join LTTE=20
Two high school students, Sabapathy Sathyan and Sanjayan of Araly, =
Jaffna, have been forced to join the LTTE recently. It is said that =
Quilan of the LTTE propaganda unit in the area is responsible for this =
forced recruitment. Parents are nervous if they see Quilan wandering in =
their area and the youth hideaway from sighting him. =20
Distressed IDP's Seek Help from EPDP=20
Forty internally displaced members from twelve families were living at =
Geevothayam welfare center at Mannar for the last forty years. The camp =
authorities have sent them to Vavuniya with the promise that official at =
the Vavuniya district secretariat will take care of them and make =
arrangements to resettle them.=20
Nevertheless, no arrangements have been made by the officials of the =
district secretariat to resettle them. Instead, the officials at =
Ilamaruthamkulam and Semamadu have told them that the group would be =
provided with cooked food for only 3days and there after they should go =
to Chidambaram welfare center in Vavuniya.=20
It also transpires that the officer in charge of Geevothayam welfare =
center Yoganathan and the Grama Sevaka of that area Bala had obtained =
signatures, on blank papers, from these people before their departure. =
The 40-member group has approached the EPDP to help and sort out their =
predicament.=20
Anti-war Protest in Several Cities in Sri Lanka.=20
Several anti-war protests were held yesterday, March 28, 2003, =
throughout the country denouncing the invaders from Britain and America. =
Several thousand people marched with anti-US placards after the Jumma =
prayers in Colombo, Puttlam and Amparai. In Colombo, the protest march =
jointly organized by the JVP and the Muslim United Front was teargased =
by the Police, and several people were hospitalized with minor injuries. =
Chinese Fishing Trawler Incident- Findings by SLMM Fascinating=20
In the statement about their findings about the recent attack on the =
Chinese fishing trawler, the SLMM has said that attack was carried out =
by neither the LTTE nor the Navy but by an unknown armed gang.Political =
observers say that in the light of all the parties that were provided =
with arms in the North-East by the GOSL for their self defence were =
handed back, in the aftermath of the signing of the MOU and in the =
presence of the SLMM, the statement from the SLMM is ludicrous and with =
utter contempt for the intelligence and indeed commonsense of all Sri =
Lankans. They say that those who presume that an armed gang can operate =
in the vicinity of Mullaithivu without LTTE's knowledge, are living in a =
world of their own.
LTTE's Political Committee on World Tour.=20
( At the expense of Sri Lankan Sinhala & Tamil Tax payers)
21 members of the political committee of the LTTE have left today on a =
tour to several countries to study the various federal systems in those =
countries. They are likely to return to the island on 12th of April.=20
Split within TNA Imminent?=20
Sampanthan and Suresh Condemn Sangaree's Statement.=20
Sampanthan, Secretary General of TULF, and Suresh Premachandran of EPRLF =
have expressed their condemnation of the recent statement by =
Anandasangaree that the TULF would contest the forthcoming local =
government elections independently. Sampanthan has said that every one =
should speak with restrain, when efforts are underway in finding a =
political solution to the ethnic issue, and that the TULF would meet =
early to discuss the statement of Sangaree. Suresh Premachandran has =
said that it would not be in the interest of the Tamil people.In the =
meantime, a statement released in the name of Forum of Vavunia Mass =
Organizations, have condemned the views expressed by Anandasangaree =
recently amidst the TULF supporters in Jaffna, especially, his statement =
that the LTTE is not the sole representatives of the Tamils. They have =
also questioned as to whether this is his personal view or the unanimous =
view of the TULF.=20
What is happening in Udayarkattukulam Jungles?=20
Constructing Super Bunker?=20
Large quantities of construction materials including cement, iron bars =
and pebbles are being taken into the jungle areas adjacent to =
Udayarkattukulam in Vanni, it is reported. Security around this area has =
been strengthened and senior LTTE leaders have frequented the area =
recently. There is speculation that some top secret activity like =
building a super bunker is taking place.=20
Alayadivempu Predesha Shabha Meets, Despite LTTE Threat.=20
The monthly meeting of the Alayadivempu Pradesha Sabha in Ampara =
District was held on 25-03-03. This was the sixth sitting of the Sabha, =
which is controlled by the EPDP, in spite of intimidation and threat by =
the LTTE to the council members.=20
LTTE-Muslims Talks on Handing over of Paddy Lands.=20
Discussions regarding the handing over of the paddy lands and =
residential properties of the Muslims in Batticaloa district were held =
between the representatives of the Muslims and LTTE in Vavunaitivu on =
27th of this month, in the presence of SLMM.Although it was agreed to =
hand over the paddy lands belonging to the Muslims before the onset of =
next cultivation season, subject to prove of legal ownership, no =
agreement was reached on handing over of residential properties.
Empty Artillery Shell Casings Found in the Lorry, Driver Arrested.=20
Empty artillery shell casings were found in a container lorry, which =
came from the LTTE controlled area through the army checkpoint at =
Uyilamkulam, Mannar, yesterday 27-03-03. The driver was handed over to =
the police for further investigations.=20
Ransom Demand for the Release of Muslim Woodcutters=20
Seven Muslim woodcutters who went to the Serunuwera forest in Mutur were =
arrested by the LTTE on 26.03.03. Their bullock-carts were also detained =
by the LTTE. The LTTE has demanded Rs.35,000 for their release and for =
the release of the bullock-carts.=20
=20
WARNING to INDIANS
Peoples War Group Leader Trained by LTTE=20
- Andhra Pradesh Police=20
The leader of the People's War Group, Ramakrishna, was shot dead by the =
Andhra Pradesh state Police in a confrontation with the Police in =
Niryani, 156 KM from Hydrabad. The Police claim that the PWG leader had =
received training in land mines and guerrilla warfare from the LTTE.
------=_NextPart_000_001B_01C2F6D0.5C2738E0
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<BODY>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial size=3D4><STRONG>Tiruchelvam =
vindicated by=20
Balasingham </STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=93The new constitution that is =
in the=20
process of being drafted will contain an elaborate chapter on =
devolution. We are=20
convinced that a substantial degree of devolution represents the key to =
the most=20
vexed problem confronting the Sri Lankan nation at this time=94 =20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=97 Prof. G.L. Peiris =
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=93The package for the =
devolution of power=20
submitted to the people by the government of Sri Lanka on August 3, 1995 =
may be=20
considered more as a pre-constitutional document than as a statement of=20
government policy............ It appears that this document represents =
the=20
nation=92s alternative to Eelam................ The document contains in =
substance=20
a balance between what any government in Sri Lanka could concede to the =
Tamil=20
people while at the same time maintaining its political legitimacy in =
the eyes=20
of the majority Sinhala people=94 </STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=97 Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe=20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=93The proposals of August 3, =
1995,=20
represented the boldest attempt to redress the imbalance in the =
relationship=20
between the different ethnic groups through devolution of power to the =
regions=94=20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>=97 Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam=20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>The Sunday Leader - 30.03.2003 =
- By D.B.S.=20
Jeyaraj</STRONG> - Anton Stanislaus Balasingham described nowadays in =
chaste=20
Tamil as =93mathiyurainjar=94 (advisor) of the Liberation Tigers of =
Tamil Eelam=20
(LTTE) made a startling disclosure about the devolution package =
formulated by=20
the late Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam at a press conference on March 12, in=20
Kilinochchi. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The Jaffna based Tamil daily Uthayan of =
March 13=20
carried extensive details of what the Tiger Chief Negotiator had to say. =
Speaking within the context of the long search for a negotiated =
settlement,=20
Balasingham made explicit reference to Tiruchelvam. This is what he =
purportedly=20
stated: </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Neelan Tiruchelvam  presented in =
1995 a draft=20
amending the constitution. That was a correct draft. That was =
acceptable. But=20
later in 2000 Chandrika submitted an amended version based on that =
draft. This=20
one was only a half-baked version of the earlier draft by Neelan =
Tiruchelvam.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>My immediate reaction on reading =
Balasingham=92s=20
comments was a mixture of emotions =97 disbelief, anger, sadness, agony, =
frustration, etc. After vilifying Neelan as a traitor and the August 3rd =
1995=20
devolution package as an act of treachery for years the LTTE was now=20
acknowledging the merits of Neelan=92s draft. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>His ruthless assassination was =
supposedly for this=20
but now the Tigers were saying something different. I have been closely=20
associated with Neelan from 1977 and regarded him as friend, philosopher =
and=20
guide in many respects. Although in Canada now I was one of the last =
people to=20
speak to him. I was talking to him on the phone from 7:50 a.m. to 8:40 =
a.m. on=20
that fateful July 29, 1999 morning. I will always remember that final=20
conversation. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>He died at 9:10 a.m. when a suicide =
bomber exploded=20
against his vehicle at the Kynsey Road junction while on his way to =
office.=20
These memories came back vividly as I read what Balasingham was saying =
now.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>These comments were not to be taken =
lightly as the=20
LTTE theoretician was confident enough to assert in the press conference =
of=20
April 10, last year that =93Prabhakaran and I speak with one voice. We =
are one and=20
the same.=94 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Silent on killing =
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Several months ago in a telephone =
conversation with=20
Balasingham I had raised the issue of Neelan=92s killing with him. He =
listened to=20
me patiently but avoided a pointed reply saying nothing except =
=93appadiyo=94 (is=20
that so) placatingly in Tamil. At least three other prominent =
personalities=20
close to the LTTE hierarchy were also evasively silent when I had raised =
the=20
same issue before. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The LTTE has neither confirmed nor =
denied=20
involvement in Neelan=92s killing. The modus operandi however bore the =
Tiger stamp=20
conclusively. Tiger propagandists and LTTE fellow travellers had been =
blatantly=20
transparent in their criticism of Neelan before and after his death. In =
fact I=20
was forced to engage in an acrimonious exchange with the late Kumar =
Ponnambalam=20
in the columns of another newspaper in the process of defending Neelan.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The LTTE led and inspired propaganda =
against Neelan=20
prior to his death was that he had =91betrayed=92 the Tamils by =
formulating along=20
with Prof. G.L. Peiris the set of devolution proposals known then as the =
=93package.=94 The process of depicting Neelan as a =91traitor=92 =
continued up to his=20
death and even continued for a while afterwards in a bid to justify that =
despicable murder. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The basis of all this hate mongering =
was the=20
devolution proposals of August 4, 1995. Neelan as co-architect was =
accused of=20
having caused great harm to the Tamil cause through that. As is =
customary in=20
many matters of this nature the =91green light=92 for the barrage of =
anti-package=20
propaganda among Tamils was given by the LTTE itself. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Barely a week after the draft proposals =
were=20
released on August 4, 1995, the LTTE held a press conference in =
Chundikuli,=20
Jaffna. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Balasingham and Political Wing Head =
S.P.=20
Thamilchelvan rejected the proposed package outright even though it had =
not been=20
formally submitted to them. It was criticised as an act of treachery. =
Now the=20
very same Balasingham is praising Neelan=92s draft. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Thereafter the LTTE began a vicious =
campaign=20
against Neelan spearheaded by its self-styled poet laureate Puthuvai =
Ratnadurai=20
alias Tiyaasan. Discredited Tamil politicians hoping to gain political =
office by=20
pandering to the LTTE also began maligning Neelan. Sadly, his party the =
Tamil=20
United Liberation Front (TUFL) did not rally to Neelan=92s defence just =
as the=20
Federal Party of old let down Neelan=92s father Murugesu Tiruchelvam =
when=20
opposition jackals started howling. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Neelan with characteristic modesty and =
disdain for=20
hogging the limelight played down his involvement in the August 4 =
proposals=20
known as the =93GL-Neelan=94 package. In private and in fora that =
mattered, Neelan=20
defended the package. He would often lament that much of the mud slung =
at him in=20
Tamil circles was =93ill-informed=94 and without any grasp of what the =
package was=20
all about. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>He was very proud of it but accepted =
that it had=20
its shortcomings from a Tamil point of view. What he felt was that the =
package=20
was the best possible as a starting point. A particular source of =
satisfaction=20
was the change of the unitary state into a union of regions. He felt =
that if=20
there was a Tamil consensus around it and the LTTE itself lent its =
bargaining=20
clout the package could be enhanced further. That was not to be and the =
LTTE=20
campaign sought to undermine the package as a complete sell-out. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>With the LTTE taking up cudgels against =
the package=20
and the war intensifying, the Chandrika Kumaratunga government too =
altered its=20
approach. The new strategy was to conduct a war to weaken the LTTE =
militarily=20
and isolate it politically through building up a consensus around the =
package.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Revisions =
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>This led to a situation where the =
devolution=20
proposals drafted originally with higher ideals being utilised as an =
important=20
component in the so-called =93war for peace=94 effort. Naturally, Neelan =
was placed=20
in an unenviable position while his critics became increasingly =
strident. On the=20
other hand, the original package itself underwent a series of revisions. =
The end=20
result of all this was the systematic whittling down of the original =
package to=20
which Neelan had contributed immensely. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The August 3 package lost much of its =
lustre when=20
presented formally as government proposals on January 16, 1996. The=20
parliamentary select committee proceedings saw the devolution proposals =
being=20
diluted further when tabled as a white paper on October 24, 1997. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>With the war intensifying and Chandrika =
Kumaratunga=20
becoming increasingly enthralled with visions of becoming a latter day=20
Viharamahadevi, relations with the TULF began to sour. At one point =
Kumaratunga=20
bluntly told the TULF not to bother her about the devolution exercise =
until her=20
uncle, the reincarnation of Sapumal Kumara finished the job in the =
north.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Unfortunately for the devolution =
proponents, Prof.=20
Peiris himself was now being replaced as close confidant of the =
President by=20
Lakshman Kadirgamar. While Neelan worked in his usual behind the scenes =
manner=20
and helped spotlight the violation of human rights in the north east,=20
internationally publicity-seeking persons were playing to the Tamil =
gallery by=20
indulging in bombastic rhetoric. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Unfair criticism</STRONG> =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The positive and constructive =
endeavours of Neelan=20
remained unknown to the Tamil world while the abrasive yet negative =
play-acting=20
of others received undeserved praise. The widespread grief and =
condemnation=20
expressed by a spectrum of human rights organisations at his killing=20
demonstrated the extent of his contacts and was a tribute to his =
untiring yet=20
unpublicised efforts on behalf of the Tamil people. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The unfair criticism and allegations =
against Neelan=20
continued in the Tamil world. One of the worst instances of false =
allegations=20
was the charge in sections of the Tamil media about Neelan undertaking a =
sudden=20
trip to the USA to poison Washington against the LTTE, whereas he had =
only gone=20
to be with his brother at a time of deep sorrow due to a bereavement in =
the=20
family. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>In this climate of hate where every act =
of Neelan=20
was being distorted in negative portrayals those close to him were able =
to=20
persuade him to say =93au revoir=94 if not =93adieu=94 to Sri Lankan =
politics. This was=20
a very reluctant decision as his involvement in politics was motivated =
by a=20
missionary zeal. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Although a citizen of the world in =
every sense=20
Neelan also felt deeply about the plight of =93our people=94 as he would =
refer to=20
the Tamils in talking to me. It was this concern about the Tamil =
predicament and=20
the yearning to do something meaningful about it that drew me closer to =
him. At=20
the same time Neelan was not ethno-centric and realised fully that =
ultimately a=20
solution acceptable to all sections of the people had to be found. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Neelan became chairman of the much =
respected UK=20
based Minority Rights Group for a four year term. He consoled himself by =
saying=20
that he would spend the next few years fighting for minority rights =
globally and=20
focus on his own country later when the need for his role arose. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>He was also scheduled to lecture at =
Harvard=20
University for the fall term in 1999. He was quite excited about it and =
went to=20
Italy for a month to prepare for it. He was planning to resign his =
parliamentary=20
seat and formally suspend his political role prior to his departure to =
Harvard=20
in September. The LTTE had other ideas and struck him down before those =
plans=20
materialised. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>After Neelan=92s death, the devolution =
package he=20
conceptualised in its original form was further eroded. In the =
short-lived=20
honeymoon period between the PA and UNP the devolution proposals got =
reduced in=20
scope and scale further. Choksy was responsible for much of that. With =
Neelan=92s=20
demise there was no one from the Tamil side to contribute positively to =
this=20
exercise. Ultimately a caricatured version of the original Neelan =
package came=20
to parliament but even the TULF would not support it now. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Draft =93acceptable=94 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Kumaratunga in her address to =
parliament lavished=20
her gratitude to Choksy but omitted to even mention Neelan=92s name =
despite his=20
having paid the supreme sacrifice. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Now the wheel has turned full cycle. =
After=20
condemning the =93GL-Neelan=94 package, the LTTE is now praising it. =
There was a=20
time when Tiger apologists explained that the package was unacceptable =
because=20
the LTTE was not consulted in the preparatory phase. Balasingham, =
however, now=20
says that Neelan=92s draft was =93correct=94 and =93acceptable=94 now. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>This makes me wonder. What will all =
those Tamils=20
who branded Neelan a traitor and the August 3 package a betrayal do now? =
I do=20
not for a moment say that Balasingham is the final arbitrator of whether =
Neelan=92s draft was correct or incorrect, acceptable or unacceptable. =
The crux of=20
the matter is that the package was a sound one regardless of LTTE =
approval or=20
disapproval. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Nevertheless, those Tamils who blindly =
echoed the=20
LTTE then could do some soul searching now. Neelan is no more but =
Balasingham=20
and Neelan=92s former associate G.L. Peiris are now co-chairmen of a =
sub-committee=20
assigned the task of exploring federalism. Let us wait and see whether =
these new=20
partners can deliver the goods. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Will this partnership help achieve =
federalism, a=20
cause close to Neelan=92s heart? Much as I would like this search for a =
federal=20
goal to succeed, I have nothing to be optimistic about given what is =
happening=20
now. Moreover, the opponents of federalism are now closing ranks and =
have=20
commenced firing opening salvos. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I am unable to visualise Balasingham =
providing the=20
strength and support Neelan gave G.L. in the earlier exercise. The LTTE =
is now=20
praising Neelan=92s draft. After years of slandering and maligning =
Neelan in life=20
and death, it is now being truthful. The singer was killed because his =
song was=20
faulted. Now the song is being praised. The creator was killed for the =
creation=20
but now the creator is being lauded. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Irreplaceable loss</STRONG> =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Despite the belated recognition by the =
LTTE of the=20
intrinsic merits of Neelan=92s original package, a noble soul is no more =
due to=20
murder most foul. Balasingham praising Neelan=92s draft now is not akin =
to=20
cheering from the ranks of Tuscany. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Even though Neelan has been vindicated =
in a way,=20
the man is no more and nothing can bring him back. The loss to his =
family,=20
friends, colleagues and associates is irreplaceable. So too is the loss =
to his=20
community, country, humanity at large and the intellectual realm. =
Nothing can=20
fill this void. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>When replying to his critics in the =
aftermath of=20
Neelan=92s assassination I wrote that with the passage of time his =
positive=20
contribution would be acknowledged by the Tamils. I did not imagine then =
that=20
the LTTE=92s Political Advisor would =97 for whatever reason =97 sing =
praises of=20
Neelan Tiruchelvam=92s =93varaipu.=94 This does not mean that the LTTE =
can be absolved=20
of Neelan=92s murder. This admission by Balasingham has only placed the =
LTTE more=20
firmly in the dock. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Neelan=92s vindication is in every way =
a condemnation=20
of the Tigers. If Neelan=92s draft was indeed correct and acceptable =
then what was=20
the =91sin=92 he committed to deserve horrible assassination? If his =
draft was all=20
right then why did the LTTE orchestrate a campaign calling him a traitor =
and=20
describing the August 3, 1995 package a betrayal? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>These are questions that Neelan=92s =
party the TULF=20
should raise. Given the fact that the TULF did not even utter a word of =
protest=20
at Neelan=92s killing, one cannot expect that party to do this even now. =
Since I=20
have no communication channel with Bala-singham now, I too am unable to =
seek=20
answers directly. This does not mean that these questions will ever go =
away.=20
They will continue to linger and be a constant indictment of the LTTE.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The heinous crime of killing Neelan =
Tiruchelvam has=20
acquired a monstrous intensity in the aftermath of Anton Balasingham=92s =
revelations in Kilinochchi. <BR> <BR><STRONG><FONT color=3D#ff0000=20
size=3D4>TULF leader won't bow to LTTE orders<BR>Challenges LTTE's claim =
to be the=20
sole representative of Tamil people<BR></FONT></STRONG>The Sunday =
Times  -=20
30.03.2003 - By Shelani Perera<BR>TULF President V. Anandasangaree, at =
serious=20
odds with the LTTE over the past few months, yesterday challenged the =
LTTE's=20
position as the sole representative of the Tamil people.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>In a hard-hitting interview, the TULF =
leader said=20
he was not ready to be a yes man of the LTTE though he fully supported =
the peace=20
process and hoped it would bring justice to the Tamil =
people.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Mr. Anandasangaree said he was not =
alone in the=20
party in holding such a view for the TULF to play an independent role. =
He=20
revealed that he met about 250 party members who supported his views. =
Amidst=20
reports of a serious rift in both the TULF and the TNA regarding the =
links with=20
the LTTE, Mr. Anandasangaree said he was ready to carry out reasonable =
requests=20
from the LTTE, but would not bow to any orders from it. Excerpts from =
the=20
interview:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>You have been quoted as saying that the =
LTTE is not=20
the sole representative of the Tamil people. If so would not that be a=20
significant change in the TULF's stand?<BR>We have no right to say that =
the LTTE=20
is the sole representative of the Tamil people, because there are =
several Tamil=20
political parties, which are strongly opposed to the LTTE. So how can we =
talk of=20
anyone being the sole representative? We can say that ourselves but we =
cannot=20
speak for other parties. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But the TNA has declared that the LTTE =
is the sole=20
representative of the Tamil people? There was a proposal by one of the =
parties=20
to make such a declaration in the agreement we reached before the =
elections. The=20
TULF said we had no mandate to make such a declaration. Perhaps, some =
members of=20
the TNA had acknowledged the LTTE as the sole representative but that =
was=20
probably to win votes. The TULF never subscribed to that view. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But your former party chief M. =
Sivasithambaram also=20
referred to the LTTE as the sole representative? It may have been his =
personal=20
view at that time. His view cannot be taken as the party policy. Mr.=20
Sivasithamparam was not in the country when we signed the agreement with =
other=20
Tamil parties. May be he thought we agreed on declaring the LTTE as the =
sole=20
representative of the Tamil people. The main clauses in the TNA =
agreement were=20
for an end to the war, lifting of the ban on the LTTE and starting peace =
talks.=20
We said talks should be held with the LTTE as we believed that peace =
could not=20
be achieved by talking to parties other than the LTTE. That is the =
position,=20
they maybe our representatives but we cannot call them the sole =
representatives=20
of the Tamil people. As for voicing the views of the LTTE in parliament, =
we are=20
ready to take up various issues as an equal partner. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But reports say the LTTE has been =
dictating terms=20
to the TNA? They cannot force us. If proposals made by the LTTE are =
reasonable,=20
we will bring them up in parliament. Whatever we do or don't do, we =
won't=20
obstruct the peace process. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>What are the reasons for your sudden =
change of=20
position? That is the stand I have been taking all along. There is no =
sudden=20
change. I have always held this position.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Why were you not present at the recent =
meeting=20
between the TNA and LTTE leaders? I did not attend some meetings, as I =
was not=20
happy about the way we were being described as just the mouthpiece for =
the LTTE.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Is India bringing any pressure on the =
TULF=20
regarding ties with the LTTE?<BR>A: No. India does not interfere like =
that. I=20
met the Indian High Commissioner recently and told him his country =
should treat=20
us as an independent party. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Was the relationship between India and =
the TULF=20
affected by the formation of the TNA? I think so. Some members of the =
TNA went=20
on describing the LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamil people =
and I=20
believe India was not happy with that because of what the LTTE had done =
in=20
India. New Delhi may have thought we are trying to justify the actions =
of the=20
LTTE. We were not doing any such thing. But only seeking justice and =
peace for=20
our people. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Are you the only TULF member coming out =
so strongly=20
or are there others with you?<BR>I am not alone. Last week, I met more =
than 250=20
party supporters who are with me. R. Sampanthan and I are today most =
senior=20
members of the party, we know the full background and we know how things =
work. I=20
have a moral duty to keep the TULF flag flying. If I fail in this duty, =
I would=20
be failing those who worked so hard and even died for the party. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Do you feel that the TULF could =
function=20
effectively as a separate entity?<BR>Of course. Not only that. I feel =
such an=20
independent stance would help the LTTE more than just being its "yes =
men". See=20
what is happening now. Earlier, foreign dignitaries and others held =
talks with=20
the TULF or the TNA regarding problems of the Tamils. Now those =
dignitaries are=20
bypassing us and going straight to Kilinochchi for talks with LTTE =
leaders. I=20
hope and believe the peace talks would succeed. But in a worst case =
scenario, if=20
the talks fail, what would happen then? To whom would the foreign=20
representatives talk? I must make it clear I am not rising against the =
LTTE. It=20
was we who campaigned hard for the lifting of the ban and for talks with =
the=20
LTTE. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>You were in the centre of controversy =
over the=20
abortive opening of the Jaffna Library. What happened? I can't =
understand how=20
this became such a big issue. The mayor informed me that they wanted me =
to open=20
the Jaffna Library. The building was 99% completed. The reasons given by =
those=20
who stood against the opening are unacceptable. Some people said that =
there were=20
no furniture and books and that more time was needed to complete the =
library.=20
Now they are saying that the Library should have been retained in the =
ruined=20
form to show the world what happened. That is nonsense after spending =
more than=20
200 million rupees. If they wanted to keep it as a monument, they should =
have=20
kept it that way. But who are these people who are talking now? Some of =
them=20
don't even know where the library was. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>What is the real cause of the rift =
within the TNA=20
regarding links with the LTTE?<BR>The dispute started when a spokesman =
for the=20
LTTE said that the TNA had no role to play except to just carry out the =
LTTE=20
orders. After my protest, they reversed it.<BR>Another dispute arose =
recently,=20
when the LTTE did not allow a ceremony to commemorate the slain TULF =
leader A.=20
Amirthalingam. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Do you feel that the LTTE is trying to =
totally=20
control the TNA? One report said the LTTE wanted the TNA to consult it =
before=20
voting on any bill in parliament.<BR>We have never consulted the LTTE so =
far on=20
parliamentary matters. It would be ideal if they treat us as an advisory =
body;=20
that is what I want. We will carry out LTTE requests but not its orders. =
n How=20
do you assess the progress of the peace process?<BR>It is going on but I =
am=20
wondering why it is taking so long. Delay is detrimen=20
<BR> <BR><STRONG>Ceremony to donate books to Jaffna =
Library<BR></STRONG>The=20
Sunday Times  - 30.03.2003 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The reconstructed Jaffna Public=20
Library<BR> <BR>Indian HC hopes commitment at peace talks would be=20
translated into deeds. Indian High Commissoner in Sri Lanka Nirupan Sen =
this=20
week said that he hopes that the commitment to democracy, pluralism and =
human=20
rights emanating from the peace talks at the Japan meeting would be =
translated=20
into action.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Mr. Sen was speaking at a ceremony held =
at the=20
Indian Cultural Centre, to donate books to the Jaffna Library. Nearly =
1400 books=20
were donated of which around 800 books are in English and a little more =
than 500=20
in Tamil.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>He said that it is =
self-evident that=20
problems become easier to solve if ordinary people everywhere have =
confidence=20
that there is respect for different opinions and freedom to express =
these=20
through both the written word and by political parties.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>TULF Vice President V.Aandasangaree and =
former=20
Jaffna Mayor Sellan Kandiayan who played a major role in collecting =
books for=20
the rebuilt Jaffna Library received the book donation. " In this =
connection, I=20
am specially pleased at the presence of the TULF president and Mr. =
Kandaiyan and=20
his fellow municipal councillors.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>These are men of courage and principle =
and I am=20
sure the Tamil community and the country would benefit from having them =
in=20
public life', Mr. Sen said. He said that the Jaffna library was well =
known and=20
ranked with famous libraries like those at Saraswati Mahal of Thanjavur =
and=20
those of Chennai and Pune.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>'Seeds grow into trees and trees into =
forest and we=20
hope that seeds such as these as well as those from other benefactors =
will see=20
the burgeoning of a new Jaffna Library. Through the use of information=20
technology, the library can in time acquire rare books which libraries =
in India=20
and elsewhere have stored electronically and in CDs', he =
said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>He said that books cover a vast range =
of subjects=20
including mythology, epics, poetry, drama, biographies, history, =
politics,=20
economic analysis, education, art, culture, music, international =
relations,=20
medicine, mathematics, natural science, botany, agriculture and contain =
some of=20
the latest research in frontier areas of medicine and technology, =
including=20
bio-technology.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>'Incidentally, there are also books on =
the Indian=20
Constitution. I know that committees of very young people from the =
north-east=20
are travelling to Europe in search of constitutional =
knowledge.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>In this context, it is worth recalling =
Thomas=20
Jefferson's letter of August 10, 1787 to his nephew. Jefferson had said =
that for=20
the young knowledge does not come from travelling because first there =
has to be=20
a foundation of experience and wisdom grounded in repeated and just =
observations=20
at home', he said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>'It is from books and life among one's =
own people=20
that one learns. Jefferson therefore said that it is only those of sober =
age who=20
can travel and gather knowledge which can be usefully applied in their =
own=20
country', Mr. Sen said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>'It is worth remembering at this =
juncture that=20
Jaffna Tamil literature also has democratic and inclusive traditions. =
One need=20
only remember the fine writings of Somasundara Pulavar, Nallathambi =
Pulavar,=20
Thuraiappa Pillai and Periyathambi Pillai who wrote of a united Ceylon =
"Glorious=20
Mother Lanka, Ceylon, glorious pearl, is our country. I =
walked.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>It was a summer night". In more recent =
times one=20
may mention the progressive writers' association and the writings of K.=20
Kailasapathy who called Tamil and Sinhala the two eyes of Ceylon and =
those of K.=20
Sivathambi. The two eyes may for some time be out of focus but I am sure =
that a=20
solution to this political and historical astigmatism would be found', =
he=20
said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>'The books in English and Tamil combine =
what is=20
called the field of liberal and useful education. In fact, ultimately it =
is=20
liberal education that becomes really useful in life. It is hoped that =
these=20
rays of genius, gathered and concentrated will set youthful minds aflame =
with a=20
spirit of critical inquiry', he said. <BR> <BR><STRONG>Call to =
India to=20
forgive and forget</STRONG><BR><STRONG>The Sunday Times  - =
30.03.2003=20
-Receiving a donation of books from the Indian High Commissioner at a =
ceremony=20
this week MP V. Anandasangaree called upon India to "forgive and forget" =
and=20
help Sri Lanka to regain peace.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"The most valuable contribution India =
can do today=20
is to put its full weight to bring peace back to this country. That is =
my humble=20
request and that is the desire of every Indian I know. Everybody wants =
peace in=20
this country," he said. "We always look at</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>India as our mother country. When I say =
we,=20
everyone in this country looks upon India as the mother country. So =
India is a=20
country that we already look upon as our mother country and we continue =
to do so=20
inspite of the little differences. India also as a mother country has a =
duty by=20
us. India must forgive and forget" he said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>While reiterating his gratitude to the =
Indian=20
Government , he expressed surprise at having been selected to receive =
the books=20
on behalf of the people of Jaffna.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"I am still wondering as to why I was =
chosen, why=20
out of all people I should have been selected to receive the books on =
behalf of=20
the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Jaffna people.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Of course I can think of one reason. =
Perhaps,=20
because I got the highest number of votes and I represent Jaffna. No one =
can say=20
that I didn't get those votes honestly. So that is the only satisfaction =
I have,=20
in spite of all the controversial situations I am facing.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"Now to come back to the main subject =
of the day. I=20
was supposed to open the library sometime back. I prepared a speech =
because that=20
was a very important occasion at which I should make a very careful =
speech. I=20
wish to quote just one or two sentences from this speech that I =
prepared. In=20
that speech. I was to have said that India is our mother country and =
Tamil Nadu=20
is our neighbour and it will fill all our bookshelves with valuable =
volumes of=20
Tamil books.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"I was physically present when the =
library was=20
burning and I never attribute that act to an educated man. I am very =
happy to=20
see a gathering of representatives from Jaffna, almost all MPs =
representing=20
Jaffna and the other neighbouring areas. Most of the members of the =
Jaffna=20
Municipal Council, at least 20 of them are here. That shows the interest =
our=20
representatives, our people have in developing this library and bringing =
it back=20
to its old position."</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"I don't want to make a long speech. =
This is not an=20
occasion for it. In the meantime there are a lot of things that could be =
said. A=20
lot of things which if unsaid could leave a doubt.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But unfortunately this is not the =
occasion. Let us=20
not make a play of politics here.<BR>We are all genuinely interested in =
the=20
promotion of the library and the Indian Government has taken so much =
trouble,=20
and this is not going to be the last batch of books that we are getting =
" he=20
said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Turning to the media, Mr. =
Anandasangaree said "to=20
the media I have one word to say. Everyone knows that this function is =
specially=20
meant to hand over books to the library.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But one national paper carried no news =
about the=20
library books being handed over to me but said the Indian High =
Commissioner is=20
meeting the Mayor of Jaffna. I don't want to tell you how mischievous it =
is, it=20
is really mischievous.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"Today I heard over the radio, I don't =
know which=20
radio, that the High Commissioner is meeting the members of the Jaffna =
Municipal=20
Council. It would only make me happy if your Excellency meets them and =
discusses=20
matters with them but these news are factually incorrect.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>If you know a little about the current =
politics you=20
can see through the type of mischief that is meant in publishing a news =
like=20
this." <BR> <BR><STRONG>I will serve the people, says former=20
mayor<BR></STRONG>The Sunday Times  - 30.03.2003 - Former Mayor of =
Jaffna=20
Sellan Kandaiyan has reiterated his commitment to serve the people of =
Jaffna=20
following the postponement of the re-opening of the Jaffna =
Library.Speaking at a=20
presentation of books by the Indian High Commissioner to the Jaffna =
Library, Mr.=20
Kandaiyan recounted the attempts made by him and his team of Municipal=20
Councillors to re-open the library.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The former Mayor said that upon =
assuming office,=20
one of the tasks was to re-open the Jaffna Library. " With this in mind =
, money=20
was set aside and after considerable effort the work regarding =
renovation of the=20
Jaffna Library was completed.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>At the =
eleventh=20
hour, the representatives of the Tamil Eelam Students' Union as well as =
the=20
LTTE's political commissioner in Jaffna , Illamparathi, told us not to =
go ahead=20
with the re-opening" he said.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>When he =
had=20
explained that the re-opening could not be put off at the last minute =
since work=20
was almost completed, LTTE representatives had threatened him. In spite =
of the=20
threat to his life and his family, a unanimous decision was taken to =
re-open the=20
library, he said.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"I was then warned that if I went ahead =
with the=20
re-opening there would be bloodshed similar to what happened at the =
World Tamil=20
Conference in 1974. While it was our position that the council should =
re-open=20
the Library, fearing bloodshed and keeping in mind the welfare of the =
people, we=20
had no option but to reconsider our decision" said Mr. Kandaiyan.=20
<BR> <BR><STRONG>Editorial -The Sunday Times  - 30.03.2003=20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Challenging the Tiger<BR>TULF =
Member of=20
Parliament V.Anandasangaree has had the spunk to say that the LTTE is =
not the=20
sole representative of the Tamil people. Hopefully he is not making a =
suicidal=20
statement in the sense that it may be one that might well earn him a =
bullet or a=20
grenade as a reward.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>But, looked at dispassionately, this is =
a very=20
significant development in the current peace process. It indicates that =
Tamil=20
unity on the face of it, has been splintered -- but then this 'unity' =
was always=20
very spurious and was a result of the fact that all Tamil politicians =
who showed=20
any form of dissent were at the mercy of the LTTE's AK 47. The =
systematic=20
elimination of the Tamil political leadership, be it political or =
militant=20
leadership, resulted in a very long list of Tamil persons who were wiped =
off the=20
face of the earth. The list is too numerous to be mentioned in this=20
comment.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Mr. Anandasangaree's bold stance has =
sent shivers=20
down the spine(less) TULF leadership, which till very recently needed =
Sri Lanka=20
police protection to stave off LTTE hit squads.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2>But, in spite of this chilling effect, Mr. Anandasangaree has =
his=20
supporters also  Several Mayor's of Jaffna were shot dead by the =
LTTE, and=20
in this context, it is noteworthy that India for instance has thrown its =
weight=20
behind Mr. Anandasangaree's statement.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Indian involvement in Sri Lankan =
affairs has surely=20
come full circle. From the initial bottle feeding of Tiger cubs during =
the=20
infancy of the monstrous LTTE, to the Indian abetted usurpation of the=20
traditional TULF leadership and now to the first political pronouncement =
of the=20
Indian High Commissioner on Sri Lanka's domestic politics is a long =
journey --=20
and it surely signifies the re-entry of the Indian factor in Sri Lanka's =
domestic political scenario.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>While serious objections were raised =
from all=20
quarters of the Sri Lankan polity to India's hegemonic overlordship of =
this=20
country in the initial stages of the separatist insurrection, the =
current=20
political reversal in which India is supporting seemingly democratic =
forces=20
needs to be appreciated, whatever the motives may be.</FONT><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>Needless to say, certain compelling forces have impelled the =
LTTE chief=20
negotiator Anton Balasingham to concede that the LTTE welcomes =
multi-party=20
democracy at the local government election hopefully to be held in the =
North and=20
East soon.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Suffice to say this turnaround comes =
soon after=20
LTTE giving orders to the Tamil National Alliance to consult it at every =
given=20
moment on how to conduct itself in Parliament (including instructions on =
opposing the vote of no confidence on the Minister of Defence while =
criticizing=20
him in public) and destroying the EPDP offices in the peninsula, while =
also=20
issuing edicts to cancel the scheduled opening ceremony of the Jaffna =
public=20
library (the burning down of the Jaffna public library was an issue that =
the=20
TULF took maximum advantage of in its global propaganda =
campaign.)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Indian backing of the TULF to regain =
its former=20
role as the representative of the Tamil people is one thing. But it is =
another=20
that the harsh hierarchical caste system in the Tamil polity has played =
its own=20
part in promoting militant groups who had little or no say in the =
politics of=20
that part of the country.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Now a whole =
new chapter=20
comes to be written in the ongoing saga of Tamil political evolution. =
There is a=20
challenge being thrown to the LTTE's self-anointed role as the 'sole=20
representative of the Tamil people', and governments and =
non-governmental=20
organizations all over the world which tacitly recognized the LTTE's =
supremacy=20
will find it imperative to recognize this=20
challenge.<BR> <BR><STRONG>Gajendrakumar=92s Assistant Grilled by =
the LTTE=20
<BR></STRONG>LTTE  has grilled Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam=92s =
assistant who=20
accompanied him on his visit to Jaffna on March 27, 2003. </FONT><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>On his visit, Gajendrakumar, MP attended a meeting =
in=20
Vaddukottai, chaired by S. Varatharajah, with an audience of less than =
thirty.=20
The participants requested the MP to get the financial allocation for =
the=20
rehabilitation and reconstruction of the area, such as renovation of =
cemetery=20
road in Moolai, reconstruction of community centre, construction of a =
rest at=20
the cemetery etc. In respond to this request, Gajendrakumar has told =
them that=20
it requires large sums of money and that he would speak with the other =
Members=20
of Parliament of the district and try to get the money allocated through =
the=20
Decentralized Budget. </FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>The =
elderly in the=20
crowd whispered that it reminded them of similar promises given by his =
grand=20
father.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Two High School Students were =
Forced to=20
Join LTTE</STRONG> <BR>Two high school students, Sabapathy Sathyan and =
Sanjayan=20
of Araly, Jaffna, have been forced to join the LTTE recently. It is said =
that=20
Quilan of the LTTE propaganda unit in the area is responsible for this =
forced=20
recruitment. </FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Parents are nervous if =
they see=20
Quilan wandering in their area and the youth hideaway from sighting =
him. =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Distressed IDP=92s Seek Help =
from=20
EPDP</STRONG> <BR>Forty internally displaced members from twelve =
families were=20
living at Geevothayam welfare center at Mannar for the last forty years. =
The=20
camp authorities have sent them to Vavuniya with the promise that =
official at=20
the Vavuniya district secretariat will take care of them and make =
arrangements=20
to resettle them. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Nevertheless, no arrangements have been =
made by the=20
officials of the district secretariat to resettle them. Instead, the =
officials=20
at Ilamaruthamkulam and Semamadu have told them that the group would be =
provided=20
with cooked food for only 3days and there after they should go to =
Chidambaram=20
welfare center in Vavuniya. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>It also transpires that the officer in =
charge of=20
Geevothayam welfare center Yoganathan and the Grama Sevaka of that area =
Bala had=20
obtained signatures, on blank papers, from these people before their =
departure.=20
The 40-member group has approached the EPDP to help and sort out their=20
predicament. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Anti-war Protest in Several =
Cities in Sri=20
Lanka.</STRONG> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Several anti-war protests were held =
yesterday,=20
March 28, 2003, throughout the country denouncing the invaders from =
Britain and=20
America. Several thousand people marched with anti-US placards after the =
Jumma=20
prayers in Colombo, Puttlam and Amparai. In Colombo, the protest march =
jointly=20
organized by the JVP and the Muslim United Front was teargased by the =
Police,=20
and several people were hospitalized with minor injuries. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Chinese Fishing Trawler =
Incident- Findings=20
by SLMM Fascinating</STRONG> <BR>In the statement about their findings =
about the=20
recent attack on the Chinese fishing trawler, the SLMM has said that =
attack was=20
carried out by neither the LTTE nor the Navy but by an unknown armed=20
gang.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Political observers say that in =
the light of=20
all the parties that were provided with arms in the North-East by the =
GOSL for=20
their self defence were handed back, in the aftermath of the signing of =
the MOU=20
and in the presence of the SLMM, the statement from the SLMM is =
ludicrous and=20
with utter contempt for the intelligence and indeed commonsense of all =
Sri=20
Lankans. They say that those who presume that an armed gang can operate =
in the=20
vicinity of Mullaithivu without LTTE=92s knowledge, are living in a =
world of their=20
own.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#ff00ff =
size=3D4><STRONG>LTTE=92s Political=20
Committee on World Tour. </STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#ff00ff =
size=3D4><STRONG><FONT=20
color=3D#000000>( At the expense of Sri Lankan Sinhala  & Tamil =
Tax=20
payers)</FONT></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG><FONT color=3D#ff00ff =
size=3D4>21 members of=20
the political committee of the LTTE have left today on a tour to several =
countries to study the various federal systems in those countries. They =
are=20
likely to return to the island on 12th of April.</FONT></STRONG> =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#800080 =
size=3D2><STRONG><FONT=20
size=3D5>Split within TNA Imminent?</FONT> <BR>Sampanthan and Suresh =
Condemn=20
Sangaree=92s Statement. <BR>Sampanthan, Secretary General of TULF, and =
Suresh=20
Premachandran of EPRLF have expressed their condemnation of the recent =
statement=20
by Anandasangaree that the TULF would contest the forthcoming local =
government=20
elections independently. </STRONG></FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
color=3D#800080=20
size=3D2><STRONG>Sampanthan has said that every one should speak with =
restrain,=20
when efforts are underway in finding a political solution to the ethnic =
issue,=20
and that the TULF would meet early to discuss the statement of Sangaree. =
Suresh=20
Premachandran has said that it would not be in the interest of the Tamil =
people.</STRONG></FONT><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#800080 =
size=3D2><STRONG>In the=20
meantime, a statement released in the name of Forum of Vavunia Mass=20
Organizations, have condemned the views expressed by Anandasangaree =
recently=20
amidst the TULF supporters in Jaffna, especially, his statement that the =
LTTE is=20
not the sole representatives of the Tamils. They have also questioned as =
to=20
whether this is his personal view or the unanimous view of the TULF.=20
</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#800080 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>What is happening in =
Udayarkattukulam=20
Jungles? <BR></STRONG>Constructing Super Bunker? <BR>Large quantities of =
construction materials including cement, iron bars and pebbles are being =
taken=20
into the jungle areas adjacent to Udayarkattukulam in Vanni, it is =
reported.=20
</FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Security around this area has been =
strengthened=20
and senior LTTE leaders have frequented the area recently. There is =
speculation=20
that some top secret activity like building a super bunker is taking =
place.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Alayadivempu Predesha Shabha =
Meets, Despite=20
LTTE Threat.</STRONG> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The monthly meeting of the Alayadivempu =
Pradesha=20
Sabha in Ampara District was held on 25-03-03. This was the sixth =
sitting of the=20
Sabha, which is controlled by the EPDP, in spite of intimidation and =
threat by=20
the LTTE to the council members. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>LTTE-Muslims Talks on Handing =
over of Paddy=20
Lands.</STRONG> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Discussions regarding the handing over =
of the paddy=20
lands and residential properties of the Muslims in Batticaloa district =
were held=20
between the representatives of the Muslims and LTTE in Vavunaitivu on =
27th of=20
this month, in the presence of SLMM.</FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2>Although it=20
was agreed to hand over the paddy lands belonging to the Muslims before =
the=20
onset of next cultivation season, subject to prove of legal ownership, =
no=20
agreement was reached on handing over of residential =
properties.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Empty Artillery Shell Casings =
Found in the=20
Lorry, Driver Arrested.</STRONG> <BR>Empty artillery shell casings were =
found in=20
a container lorry, which came from the LTTE controlled area through the =
army=20
checkpoint at Uyilamkulam, Mannar, yesterday 27-03-03. The driver was =
handed=20
over to the police for further investigations. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Ransom Demand for the Release =
of Muslim=20
Woodcutters</STRONG> <BR>Seven Muslim woodcutters who went to the =
Serunuwera=20
forest in Mutur were arrested by the LTTE on 26.03.03. Their =
bullock-carts were=20
also detained by the LTTE. The LTTE has demanded Rs.35,000 for their =
release and=20
for the release of the bullock-carts. <BR> <BR></DIV>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#ff0000 =
size=3D5><STRONG>WARNING to=20
INDIANS</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial><FONT color=3D#008080><FONT=20
size=3D3><STRONG>Peoples War Group Leader Trained by LTTE <BR>=96 Andhra =
Pradesh=20
Police <BR>The leader of the People=92s War Group, Ramakrishna, was shot =
dead by=20
the Andhra Pradesh state Police in a confrontation with the Police in =
Niryani,=20
156 KM from Hydrabad. The Police claim that the PWG leader had received =
training=20
in land mines and guerrilla warfare from the LTTE.=20
</STRONG></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>
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