Page 1
September 2007
The Hill Country Tamil Nationality Nation State & Anti-Imperiali Struggle
D Notes on the Economy
G War & Development Poetry:
Maria Sison, L
Editorial ● NDP Diary ● Sri Lankan Events ● Intern

mber 2007
ill Country Tamil nality
E Thambiah n State & Anti-Imperialist gle
Deshabakthan on the Economy
Gnanaharanan Development
Shanmugam y:
Maria Sison, Lal Singh Dil, E Yaghi,
ri Lankan Events ● International ● Book Reviews

Page 2
Palestinian am I
E. Yaghi
No one can take away from me My identity, For it is mine.
Palestinian am I. I am the river that flows Through my land. I am the mountain Noble and magnificent Rising up out of chaos and destruction. I greet the morning sun That shines down on my fertile valleys And parches my barren desert. I am the red poppy and yellow daffodil That grow upon my bloodstained hills. I am the battle cry of freedom That echoes through my corridors And every fibre of my being. Palestinian am I. I am the proud owner of Orange orchards and lemon blossoms And honey bees, wild and free.

Palestinian am I
E. Yaghi
take away from me
.
m I. r that flows land. ntain agnificent t of chaos and destruction. orning sun down on my fertile valleys
my barren desert. poppy and yellow daffodil on my bloodstained hills. le cry of freedom through my corridors re of my being. m I. d owner of ards and lemon blossoms ees, wild and free.
(Continued on inside back cover)

Page 3
From the Edito
The worsening economic crisis has compe take the desperate step of approaching a cons for a massive development loan. The loa generations will have to toil to merely pay back of the new loan on top of the already heavy bu successive governments.
The opposition UNP has threatened the ban bound by the terms of the loan if it is returned t of the UNP in making this country a debtor n companies take control over its assets surpasse so that the UNP has no right to take the moral the country deeper into debt.
The worsening economic crisis is felt by the p except for a handful of wealthy individuals m corrupt officials and politicians awarding thems salaries and allowances while denying a fair earned by people in various sectors.
There is anger among plantation workers a been deceived by a conspiracy involving the H leaders and the Employers Federation. Even t by the plantation workers in defiance of the trad betrayed by the Hill Country trade union and leadership. With the soaring cost of living tha year the unsatisfactory wage structure agreed the Employers Federation means that the work the verge of abject poverty and starvation. The is certain to play its usual double game of show workers and a conciliatory one to the emplo eventually compromise on their terms.
A section of the state employees that has se has been the teachers. The teachers have b government’s delaying tactics and failure to me

From the Editor’s Desk
mic crisis has compelled the government to of approaching a consortium of private banks pment loan. The loan means that future toil to merely pay back the capital and interest f the already heavy burden of loan piled up by .
as threatened the banks that they will not be e loan if it is returned to power. But the record is country a debtor nation and letting foreign ver its assets surpasses that of any of its rivals ight to take the moral high ground on plunging ebt.
ic crisis is felt by the people in all walks of life wealthy individuals making huge profits and icians awarding themselves higher and higher while denying a fair increase in the wages us sectors.
plantation workers about the way they have spiracy involving the Hill Country trade union ers Federation. Even the last strike organised in defiance of the trade union leadership was untry trade union and parliamentary political ring cost of living that has risen by 20% last age structure agreed upon by the unions and n means that the workers are being pushed to rty and starvation. The trade union leadership l double game of showing a militant face to the ory one to the employers with whom it will n their terms.
employees that has seldom taken strike action The teachers have been so angered by the ctics and failure to meet its commitments that

Page 4
they resorted to a one-day strike in September participating trade unions have been taken to severely reprimanded.
The strikes are signs of the rising tide government’s failure to control inflation, regulat goods including food and fuel, and provide a de and private sector employees. The use of the trade union action may provide temporary government, but will not solve the problem of an
Many tend to blame corruption and maladm doubt serious problems today, for the economi what is not realised is that it is the war costing rupees per day that is responsible for the problems and stands in the way of economic ruined the North East to an extent that any for could take decades. The consequences of prospect of which cannot be ruled out under frightening for the region and for the country as
The dangers to the country from continuing and adherence to the programme of globalisa reason why imperialism, despite nominal disap government’s record on human rights, continue the government’s policy of undeclared war is th foreign meddling by its spokespersons, the implementing the imperialist programme of glob
The challenge facing the working class struggle needs to identify the policies of successive go underlying causes of their economic burdens, and other fair demands with a call for an end to negotiated solution of the national question, an economic and foreign policies of submissio hegemony. The working class and its leaders mindful of their struggles being hijacked by N indirectly by imperialism to deprive them of the class content.
*****

ay strike in September. But the leaders of the s have been taken to court and have been
s of the rising tide of anger against the ontrol inflation, regulate the prices of essential fuel, and provide a decent living wage to state oyees. The use of the courts of law to inhibit y provide temporary reprieve to a failing solve the problem of an ailing economy.
orruption and maladministration, which are no today, for the economic ills of the country. But at it is the war costing many tens of millions of s responsible for the immediate economic the way of economic recovery. It has already an extent that any form of economic recovery he consequences of a full blown war, the t be ruled out under the circumstances, are and for the country as a whole. ountry from continuing liberal economic policy rogramme of globalisation are great, and the despite nominal disapproval of the Sri Lankan uman rights, continues with is tacit support for of undeclared war is that amid protests against spokespersons, the government is loyally list programme of globalisation.
working class struggle for fair wages is that it licies of successive governments that are the ir economic burdens, and integrate economic ith a call for an end to the war and a just and e national question, and an end to the wrong policies of submission to imperialism and class and its leaders should be particularly s being hijacked by NGOs, funded directly or to deprive them of their political essence and
*****

Page 5
The Hill Country Tamil Natio
The Struggle for Surviv
E Thambiah National Organiser, New Democrati
The Hill Country Tamil nationality based on still does not have its own housing, land or ev this would infuriate the reactionary trade unio politicians. The educated sections of the com furious. But none of them will make the slighte for the people. However, they would use the wo their ends.
The leaders of the Hill Country Tamils join governments that have been ruling the count appointments and provide support to the gov return for due rewards. They seem to act with on this tradition as their legacy to their next gen
The British brought agricultural labour fr plantations. What are called their houses or ‘lin built for them at the time. They were followed houses built on 2 perches of land by the wo multi-storey flats within the premises of the pla any way belong to the workers. The worker doe of land for a home garden.
Contrary to the claims by Sinhala Bud plantation workers have not encroached upon e land belonging to the Sinhala population. The by clearing forests in the central highlands. I produce of these plantations that remains the economy. But the plantation workers responsib

ll Country Tamil Nationality
e Struggle for Survival
E Thambiah l Organiser, New Democratic Party
il nationality based on the plantation workers n housing, land or even an address. Hearing reactionary trade unionists and parliamentary d sections of the community get even more will make the slightest effort to secure them they would use the workers in ways that serve
ill Country Tamils join hands with successive been ruling the country to secure ministerial de support to the government of the day in hey seem to act with the intention of passing gacy to their next generation.
agricultural labour from India to establish lled their houses or ‘line rooms’ are what were e. They were followed by twin huts and later es of land by the workers and ‘pigeon-hole’ he premises of the plantations. They do not in orkers. The worker does not even own the plot n.
ims by Sinhala Buddhist chauvinists, the not encroached upon even the smallest plot of nhala population. The plantations were set up e central highlands. It is the profit from the ions that remains the basis of the Sri Lankan tion workers responsible for it still do not have

Page 6
a fair wage. They do not have adequate acce and transport services, water supply or electricit
Above all, it is of fundamental importance to they secure their right to land and housing. D years in the plantations, they do not have the n houses for themselves. Their wages are inadeq
Government plans to distribute land free to up colonies with free housing schemes do no workers. Nor are there housing schemes specif treated like aliens.
Following the take over by the state of plan companies in the 1970s, many plantations transformed into entirely Sinhala villages. The lived there were driven away. No alternatives housing or employment.
Sinhala colonies were set up in several plan reduction in employment opportunities for t Colonisation, mismanagement, fraud and corrup of the plantations as well as that of the ec workers were also subject to oppressive attacks led to an insecure situation.
Against this background, the plantations we private companies in 1991. Companies which than 50 years have been imposing very strict w plantation workers. Wage schemes that were to recommendations of the Wages Commissio a collective agreement including a wage str every two years was introduced in its place. Be for housing, maintenance and hygiene were ent Plantations Trust Organisation. Money is e workers for newly built houses and multi-stor continue to be mage for a period of 15 years houses will not be issued to the workers.
Plantation companies are taking legal action the plantations from those not employed in the those who have modified or renovated their many plantation workers have been dismissed f

t have adequate access to education, health ater supply or electricity.
amental importance to plantation workers that o land and housing. Despite a history of 200 they do not have the necessary savings to buy
heir wages are inadequate for that.
distribute land free to poor peasants and set using schemes do not include the plantation ousing schemes specific to them. They are still
er by the state of plantations owned by British 0s, many plantations were wound up and Sinhala villages. The plantation workers who away. No alternatives were offered for their
set up in several plantations, and that led to a nt opportunities for the plantation workers. ment, fraud and corruption led to the wrecking ell as that of the economy. The plantation t to oppressive attacks from the colonies. This n.
nd, the plantations were given out on lease to 91. Companies which had leases for longer imposing very strict working conditions on the e schemes that were implemented according he Wages Commission were abandoned; and including a wage structure renewable once oduced in its place. Besides, the responsibility and hygiene were entrusted a body called the nisation. Money is extracted monthly from houses and multi-storey flats. Payments will a period of 15 years. But the deeds for the to the workers.
are taking legal action to repossess houses in e not employed in the plantation and against ed or renovated their houses. Consequently
have been dismissed from work.

Page 7
What emerges from the above is that the pl have the right to ownership of houses or land. have a place of permanent residence. Th residence of a member of a family of plantati employed in the plantation, poses a pro management and the Grama Sevakas of the that the plantation where one lives is one’s plac is denied registration as a resident or as a v even after six or seven generations in this count
That the plantation workers have a right to la of housing in the plantations is a basic human their living. Besides, it will be only if they are ow their descendents could establish their per address. It is only when these are establishe could be made a settlement and there will be m have schools, hospitals, post offices, streets, w the case of towns and villages.
According to a cabinet decision in 2002, 20 be provided to a plantation worker’s family for t house. That decision has not been implemen been rescinded.
Every plantation in the hill country has a con that is not cultivated. Such land could be gr workers to build houses and to cultivate. That w production in the plantation. On that basis too of housing and land. It is only through that ass them could be assured to provide a basis nationality.
Without their own houses or land or colo plantation workers have been vulnerable to c communal attacks and oppression. The climate plantation workers out of Kurunegala, Galle, K districts. The districts of Kandy, Matale an difficulties. It is only the Nuwara Eliya District th There too the plantation workers do not posse land. As a result, there too their future seems un

he above is that the plantation workers do not hip of houses or land. As a result they do not anent residence. The place of permanent of a family of plantation workers, who is not tation, poses a problem. The plantation rama Sevakas of the region refuse to certify one lives is one’s place of residence, and one a resident or as a voter. This is their plight enerations in this country.
rkers have a right to land and to the ownership ons is a basic human right that is essential for ll be only if they are owned by the workers that d establish their permanent residence and these are established that their residences ent and there will be means to ensure that they post offices, streets, water and electricity as in lages.
t decision in 2002, 20 perches of land should n worker’s family for the purpose of building a s not been implemented to date; nor has it
hill country has a considerable extent of land uch land could be granted to the plantation and to cultivate. That will not significantly affect ion. On that basis too they should be assured s only through that assurance that regions for to provide a basis for their identity as a
uses or land or colonisation schemes, the been vulnerable to chauvinistic colonisation, ppression. The climate of insecurity has forced f Kurunegala, Galle, Kalutara and Ratnapura of Kandy, Matale and Badulla pose many uwara Eliya District that offers some security. workers do not possess their own houses or o their future seems uncertain.

Page 8
There is a need for political resolutions and plantation workers their own houses and land. been made in that direction. In the 1990s governments played the charade that the plan made the owners of the line rooms where res claimed to be deeds for the houses were plantation workers. Those were season Organisations such as the CWC and the Hill which were party to that charade deceived the p the distribution of the documents was a fa political and trade union organisations in the h not acknowledged that it was a shameful affair.
What is clear from the foregoing is that th governments will not take any political decision or housing to the plantation workers. The opp the hill country is unlikely to take the necessa and housing for the plantation workers.
Therefore, to secure land and housing for th Hill Country Tamils should reject the tradit parliamentary politics. At the same time it is ess along the path of mass political struggle.
(Translation of article in P _____________

Page 9

litical resolutions and actions to secure for the own houses and land. No honest moves have ection. In the 1990s the UNP and the PA charade that the plantation workers would be line rooms where resided. Some documents or the houses were distributed among the hose were seasonal election pledges. he CWC and the Hill Country People’s Front charade deceived the people. It was found that documents was a farce. The parliamentary organisations in the hill country have to date was a shameful affair.
e foregoing is that the chauvinistic capitalist any political decision or steps to provide land tion workers. The opportunistic leadership of ly to take the necessary steps to secure land ation workers.
and and housing for the plantation workers the ould reject the traditional trade union and the same time it is essential that they mobilise olitical struggle.
anslation of article in Puthiya Poomi, August 2007) ____________

Page 10
Nation State and Anti-Imperialist Struggl
Deshabakthan
Diminishing the Role of the State
The main role of the state, whether bour defend the existing social order, ensure socia changes in society in ways that safeguard and the dominant or ruling class or classes. What that is in control of the state apparatus, and how is determined by the way class struggle manifes
The bourgeois welfare state that we have s is not the product of goodwill of the ruling explo measure of social welfare in capitalist society indirect consequence of struggle of the op transformation of capitalism into imperialism, th finance capital, and globalisation and mobility by the rise of neo-liberalism as a political force undermined the role of the state as the main s and welfare in advanced capitalist countries. Third World have been harsher, and the state abandon social responsibility under imperialist p the meagre social security provided by the sta education, health, public transport, water sup services for which the state took responsibility erode gradually and even cut down or abandone
The vision of governments in the Third W social welfare was guided by their ideology as w Many Third World countries, following indep

Nation State and ti-Imperialist Struggle
Deshabakthan
of the State
state, whether bourgeois or socialist, is to al order, ensure social stability, and manage ys that safeguard and advance the interests of lass or classes. What is decisive is the class ate apparatus, and how the state plays its role
class struggle manifests itself.
e state that we have seen in its various forms dwill of the ruling exploiting classes; and every re in capitalist society is either the direct or f struggle of the oppressed classes. The sm into imperialism, the rise and dominance of alisation and mobility of capital, accompanied ism as a political force since the 1980’s, have he state as the main source of social security d capitalist countries. Consequences for the harsher, and the state has been compelled to ility under imperialist pressure so that not only ity provided by the state but also services like transport, water supply and other essential tate took responsibility have been allowed to
cut down or abandoned in one sweep.
ments in the Third World on the question of d by their ideology as well as by global trends. ntries, following independence, had populist

Page 11
regimes and in countries with ‘democratic elect dominated by the feudal-capitalist class, but provide some degree of social security and en in at least parts of the country, if not universal The importance that education and public healt economic resources as well as the recognit sufficiently literate and able-bodied work force.
Abandoning of social responsibilities by the in the past three decades has occurred international funding agencies, in recent times and restructuring, and from sections of the eme especially those having close ties with global c of the socio-economic policies of the Third Worl exceptions like Cuba throughout its post libe recently and very remarkably Venezuela, ha principle in education and health.
This may lead one to think that the concep market and market forces, liberalisation etc. ar the role of the state in running the affairs of ‘natural forces’ of human enterprise and compe free flow of capital determine how the needs fulfilled. Governments in the Third World may encourage foreign investment and create emplo it is not for the state to intervene with the c development or unemployment, especially b poverty alleviation.
The role of the state in infrastructural diminished for lack of financial resources which of reduced levels of taxation from the b concessions to foreign investors in the form services at subsidised prices continue.
The state is also under pressure to exem special legislation, as in the case of Industrial Free Trade Zones, from obligations to safegu workers. Workers in many foreign enterprises denied not only their trade union rights but als human rights to varying degrees.

with ‘democratic elections’ even governments l-capitalist class, but recognised the need to social security and ensure essentials services ountry, if not universally, to hold on to power. cation and public health received depended on well as the recognition of the need for a le-bodied work force.
responsibilities by the state in the Third World cades has occurred under pressure from ncies, in recent times in the name of reforms m sections of the emergent capitalist classes, lose ties with global capital. One major victim licies of the Third World as a whole, with a few roughout its post liberation period and more rkably Venezuela, has been the egalitarian
health.
o think that the concepts of globalisation, free s, liberalisation etc. are designed to minimise running the affairs of countries and allow the enterprise and competition combined with the mine how the needs of the society are to be the Third World may intervene in ways that ment and create employment opportunities but intervene with the consequences of under- loyment, especially by way of subsidies or
tate in infrastructural development is also ncial resources which is partly a consequence taxation from the business sector, while investors in the form of tax holidays and ices continue.
der pressure to exempt foreign investors by the case of Industrial Processing Zones and obligations to safeguard the basic rights of ny foreign enterprises in IPZs and FTZs are e union rights but also their fundamental and egrees.

Page 12
It is true that the role of the state as a provi the ‘nanny state’ in neo-liberal parlance, is u world. But the extent to which the neo-liberals varies from country to country. Education a suffered serious setbacks and, in the capitalist electoral considerations and pressure through including political parties have helped to revers in the 1980s with the UK. The campaign aga West along with its central demands calling fo treatment of the Third World has on its agend welfare in the West from imperialist predatory gr
The situation in the Third World is les bourgeois classes that took power in these cou wave of anti-colonial upsurge in the last centu could not stand up to imperialism without allow the social structure. A string of deals between and the bourgeois political parties weakened th led to compromises with imperialism that have increasingly dependent on the imperialists countries far worse than under direct colonial ru
Borrowing from foreign governments and international banks has led to a situation whe borrower nation is directed by external pressure a main item on the economic agenda. The mon on ‘restructuring’ of state institutions and reform from social services to meet other obligations i of taxation.
The state in the Third World has in most in as the defender of social security and provide Neo-liberals and other advocates of globalisa problems faced by the Third World countries ar carry through thoroughly the prescribed pro liberalisation, privatisation, economic reforms an
In economic issues, the neo-liberals presc ‘minimum’ government or even no governme forces’ decide everything and the multi-nation world.

of the state as a provider of social security, or -liberal parlance, is under attack across the which the neo-liberals have been successful country. Education and public health have s and, in the capitalist West, popular protests, and pressure through various organisations have helped to reverse the trend that started K. The campaign against globalisation in the ral demands calling for an end to the unequal orld has on its agenda the defence of social imperialist predatory greed.
Third World is less happy. The national ok power in these countries following the tidal urge in the last century soon found that they perialism without allowing radical changes in tring of deals between the pseudo-left parties al parties weakened the national struggles and imperialism that have rendered the economies on the imperialists and the plight of the under direct colonial rule.
ign governments and lending agencies and led to a situation where the economy of the d by external pressures with debt servicing as omic agenda. The money lenders in turn insist institutions and reforms that take money away eet other obligations including reduced levels
World has in most instances failed in its role l security and provider of essential services. advocates of globalisation still insist that the hird World countries are as a result of failing to ly the prescribed programmes of economic n, economic reforms and restructuring.
the neo-liberals prescription for the world is or even no government, so that the ‘market g and the multi-national corporations rule the

Page 13
Enhancing the Role of the State
While the state is required to reduce its role needy and the socially handicapped and guaran to the people as a whole, the role of the state cause of the ruling classes and as the defender and outside national boundaries is accepted subject to what the status quo that is being d interests that the state is serving.
The police in nearly all countries use incre defend law and order. Exceptions are when overthrown to be replaced by popular democra excesses have met with popular protests and been challenged legally, but the role of the po arm of state repression continues. The visibili not military police, in many countries is an in that have taken place in the way the state population.
Insurgency, communal unrest and terrorism for prolonged public display of armed polic policeman as the people-friendly defender of corruption within the police establishment and force against suspects in detention, is chang increasingly explicit and physical abuse of detai but considered normal police behaviour. While the way police brutality occurs in the advanced the Third World and in the way the public r towards openly violent police behaviour is almos
The media and the entertainment industry of the ruling classes, glorify violence by the forces, and continued media exposure conditio of passive acceptance and even approval, whe about threat from terrorists and criminals to thei
It is interesting that the neo-liberal advoc market forces and ‘zero government’ want the role in controlling unarmed social protest, ma Often it is the state that is first to use violence

of the State
uired to reduce its role as the provider for the ndicapped and guarantor of essential services , the role of the state as the champion of the s and as the defender of the status quo within undaries is accepted without question, but us quo that is being defended is and whose serving.
all countries use increasingly more of force to Exceptions are when repressive states are d by popular democratic governments. Police popular protests and public use of force has but the role of the police as the most visible continues. The visibility of armed policemen, any countries is an indication of the changes in the way the state presents itself to the
al unrest and terrorism are common pretexts isplay of armed police. The image of the e-friendly defender of law and order, despite lice establishment and the use of excessive in detention, is changing. Police violence is physical abuse of detainees is not only routine, olice behaviour. While there are differences in ccurs in the advanced capitalist countries and the way the public responds to it, the shift lice behaviour is almost universal.
ntertainment industry also, with tacit approval lorify violence by the police and the armed edia exposure conditions the people to a form nd even approval, when adequately frightened ts and criminals to their lives and property.
the neo-liberal advocates of free enterprise, government’ want the state to play a stronger ed social protest, mass upheaval or revolt. is first to use violence, but the ruling classes

Page 14
are loud to denounce even the smallest act of the attack.
In the decades since the Second World relatively few wars between countries and, w have been put to use, they have attacked the more than any external enemy, if one were to wars waged in the name of the UN and more most remarkable exception, however, would b record as the biggest warring nation in recent the US to make a threat to its national secur nations located far from its borders.
We should be clear that not only the neo spectrum of bourgeois political parties, a counterparts with a vested interest in the bour role of the police and the armed forces in mainta order. They dare not denounce state violence to change society in any significant way.
States have been denounced as repress under two kinds of situation. In one the state pu counter to imperialist interests. Cuba and Vene because they defend the interests of the peopl as the whole of Latin America. The Iranian repressive in several ways, but the resentment in the way of US expansion in Asia. There a reluctantly denounced as repressive although known to be brutal and has been exposed too th cases like Israel, Turkey and now Ethiopia, amo there is very little said in the mainstream medi cruelty perpetrated by the state on its subjects, fought to serve US interests.
The fact that the state machinery is a device now better understood than at the time when illusions about the state in his ‘State and imperialists do not bother to conceal it.
In many countries the role of the state has b in sectors such as health, education, publ infrastructural services but also to reduce the n

en the smallest act of violence in response to
e the Second World War, there have been een countries and, where the armed forces hey have attacked the people of the country enemy, if one were to exclude participation in e of the UN and more recently the NATO. A ion, however, would be the US, thanks to its rring nation in recent history and the ability of t to its national security from the meekest of ts borders.
that not only the neo-liberals but the entire political parties, and their left-of-centre ed interest in the bourgeois state endorse the armed forces in maintaining the existing social ounce state violence against forces that seek significant way.
enounced as repressive by the imperialists ion. In one the state pursues interests that run rests. Cuba and Venezuela are most disliked interests of the people of the country as well America. The Iranian state continues to be s, but the resentment concerns Iran’s standing sion in Asia. There are other states that are s repressive although state repression is well as been exposed too thoroughly to conceal. In and now Ethiopia, among other such US allies, the mainstream media in the West about the e state on its subjects, let alone the proxy wars
sts.
e machinery is a device for class oppression is han at the time when Lenin sought to dispel te in his ‘State and Revolution’, and the
to conceal it.
role of the state has been diminished not only alth, education, public transport and other ut also to reduce the number of people on the

Page 15
payroll of the state by privatising the administra transforming government departments into age reduce the burden on the ‘tax payer’ and all market forces, from where is the need for increasingly large proportion of the GDP on th forces? Much of this has been achieved again weakening of the left movement internationall particularly the weakening of the Soviet Union in collapse in 1991, and the systematic undermi movement.
Imperialism has not only beefed up its continued to create pretexts for its neo-colon expand theirs. Part of the expansion in arms ha of the arms industry as an important and influ economy of major capitalist countries as we commercial sector in arms trade.
The neo-liberals who want less government forces and the multi-national corporation responsibility of defending with arms the right t control of the means of production and the exercise monopoly over production and distribu corporations, in fact, have their private securit armies and mercenaries on their payroll to deal
But when it comes to defending the statu expand they want the state to take greater resp the tax payer to contribute more to the war ma the state that is reinforced is its function a oppression and for the defence and adva expansion. But the state plays this role using defending freedom and democracy, defending the world a safer place or defending the Ame have heard frequently in recent years.
NGOs as Imperialist Proxy
What has taken place over the past few dec of the role of the state in preserving the exis

vatising the administration of state prisons and t departments into agencies. If the aim was to he ‘tax payer’ and allow greater play for the ere is the need for the state to spend an rtion of the GDP on the police and the armed s been achieved against a background of the ovement internationally since the late 1970s, g of the Soviet Union in the early 1980s and its e systematic undermining of the trade union
only beefed up its armed forces but also texts for its neo-colonies and client states to e expansion in arms has to do with the growth an important and influential component of the talist countries as well as that of a thriving
s trade.
want less government do not want the market i-national corporations to undertake the g with arms the right to private ownership and f production and the means for cartels to production and distribution. Big companies and ve their private security organisations, private on their payroll to deal with local opposition.
o defending the status quo and their right to te to take greater responsibility, and they want te more to the war machine. Thus the role of rced is its function as a machine for class defence and advancement of imperialist plays this role using other pretexts such as democracy, defending human rights, making or defending the American way of life, as we recent years.
Proxy
over the past few decades is the confirmation in preserving the existing social order in the

Page 16
name of the constitution and law and eventuall necessary. What has for decades been taken fo of the state towards the people, especially soci services, are curtailed even to the extent of re end of the road for the bourgeois welfare state address social concerns, especially when the w a large number is at stake, could lead to s upheaval. The state intervenes minimally to a intervention in the Third World is increasin government organisations (NGO).
NGOs are generally funded directly or interests, and governments of major capitalist c in the way the funds are used. There are chari religious establishments and ones with consider Whatever their agenda, they are not free to ‘conscience’ if their actions are in conflict with th
Funding through NGOs is conditional and purposes in mind, and among the important e within communities are that the beneficiaries te from NGO charities rather than demand what is state, and that they lose faith in mass mobilis action. Depoliticising the masses is an impo agenda and NGO funding also serves as a social activists and intellectuals who would politically alert and active. Several progress intellectuals and social activists disheartened b by the left movement in the last quarter of bought over by NGOs, and are now active c organised left.
NGOs have systematically exploited the vo of Third World states to provide essential servic a substitute for the state as a source of social w event of natural disasters as well as man-mad discriminatory approach of governments and the rights in many Third World countries, where the ethnic and other social conflicts, it is inevitabl seek support from other sources. Imperialism, encourages and even induces such conflicts to

and law and eventually by the use of force as decades been taken for granted to be the duty people, especially social welfare and essential ven to the extent of rejection. This marks the ourgeois welfare state. Failure of the state to especially when the well being and survival of take, could lead to social crisis and social rvenes minimally to avert major tragedy, and d World is increasingly by charitable non- s (NGO).
funded directly or indirectly by imperialist nts of major capitalist countries have a big say used. There are charities backed by powerful and ones with considerable public contribution. they are not free to act according to their ns are in conflict with the interests of the state.
Os is conditional and is provided with specific mong the important effects of NGO activities hat the beneficiaries tend to rely on handouts r than demand what is rightfully theirs from the faith in mass mobilisation and mass political e masses is an important part of the NGO ng also serves as a corrupting influence on ellectuals who would otherwise have been ive. Several progressive and politically left ctivists disheartened by the setbacks suffered n the last quarter of the century have been and are now active campaigners against the
tically exploited the void created by the failure provide essential services to make themselves as a source of social welfare, especially in the s as well as man-made calamities. Given the of governments and the deterioration of human ld countries, where the state is also a party to conflicts, it is inevitable that affected sections sources. Imperialism, which on the one hand duces such conflicts to destabilise Third World

Page 17
governments with the aim of bringing them u other hand intervenes in the name of providing attitude of imperialism to lasting solutions bas equality and social justice has always been common tendency to impose a solution as implementation directly or through an imperialis
The NGOs play a valuable role in the carro imperialism through downsizing the role of population dependent on NGOs whose ‘assista at will without the need to face political consequ elected governments.
NGOs have played a political role in bring and anti-imperialist governments in Eastern belonging to the former Soviet Union in th democracy. In countries facing political and wake of imperialist invasion in the name of the the US and a docile ally like the UK (as in t intervention takes the form of ‘humanitarian inte
There is no doubt that the NGOs, corporations, are major beneficiaries of i intervention by way of diminishing the role o democracy. Interestingly, not only left-of-centre several militant left parties in the capitalist Wes World that are bitterly hostile of the imperialist a state-run health and social service sectors are NGOs playing the role of the private sect responsibility from the state.
An important area of NGO political activity issues. There is generous NGO funding for hum release of political prisoners, illegally deta individuals, and in taking up the cause of politic and other individuals whose life and work oppressive regimes. However, one preconditio humanitarian causes is that political aspects o given any significance and that only issues of h rights are emphasised.

im of bringing them under its control on the the name of providing humanitarian aid. The lasting solutions based on the principles of tice has always been negative. There is a pose a solution as well as to manage its r through an imperialist agency.
luable role in the carrot and stick approach of nsizing the role of the state to make the NGOs whose ‘assistance’ could be withdrawn o face political consequences as in the case of
a political role in bringing down left-of-centre ernments in Eastern Europe and countries r Soviet Union in the pretext of promoting facing political and economic crises in the ion in the name of the UN or NATO or plainly y like the UK (as in the case of Iraq), NGO m of ‘humanitarian intervention’.
t that the NGOs, alongside multinational r beneficiaries of imperialism, and their diminishing the role of the state undermines , not only left-of-centre political parties but also s in the capitalist West as well as in the Third stile of the imperialist agenda of privatisation of al service sectors are accommodative towards of the private sector in taking away the te.
NGO political activity concerns human rights s NGO funding for human rights work, like the isoners, illegally detained or ‘disappeared’ up the cause of politically harassed journalists whose life and work are under threat by wever, one precondition for NGO support for that political aspects of the problems are not d that only issues of human and fundamental

Page 18
The role of the NGOs has been neatly su examination paper in “NGOs and Imperialism”, the Canadian author Yves Engler dated 2nd Sep magazine. To anyone with the faintest idea of and honest and intelligent enough to recognis NGOs represent, the questions hardly require a
Foreign Affairs 501 Take Home Exam
Any individual working for an aid organization is required to or higher must be achieved to attain "left wing" status.
Please write 500 words answering each of three of the foll
1) Do people really feel better when their elected governme democracy promotion rather than subversion?
2) Should it be called "aid" or "aiding and abetting" when yo of mass destruction?
3) Why is it called a non-governmental organization (NGO) funding from governments?
4) Why do progressive people, who think privatized medica services are a right wing plot in their own wealthy countries organizations that replace government-run services in poo
5) Are some major Western non-governmental organizatio imperialism?
Bonus marks will be awarded if you answer all five.
Neo-Colonialism and the State
While the state in imperialist countries plays policeman, not very different from that during th effectively and with greater force, at home it res special occasions such as mass agitation mobilisation which threaten ‘peace’, and law cooperation of the mass media over which mostly voluntary because of the vested interes and secured under duress when necessary, co most effective except during times of crisis. P large conditioned by the media to accept the

s has been neatly summarised in the mock Os and Imperialism”, a searching analysis by s Engler dated 2nd September in the Znet web ith the faintest idea of the way NGOs operate, nt enough to recognise the interests that the stions hardly require answers.
Foreign Affairs 501 Take Home Exam
id organization is required to pass this exam and a B+ attain "left wing" status.
ring each of three of the following questions.
when their elected government is destroyed by an subversion?
aiding and abetting" when you give a country weapons
nmental organization (NGO) when it gets most of its
who think privatized medical and social welfare their own wealthy countries, donate money to rnment-run services in poor countries?
n-governmental organizations really just an arm of
if you answer all five.
the State
rialist countries plays the role of the global rent from that during the colonial era, but more er force, at home it reserves its brutal might for h as mass agitations and mass political aten ‘peace’, and law and order. With the s media over which it has effective control, e of the vested interests of the media moguls s when necessary, control of public opinion is ring times of crisis. Public opinion is by and media to accept the state’s view of certain

Page 19
sections, like seeing certain ethnic groups and threat not just to the state but to peace and natio state could selectively target individual activist influence public opinion in ways hostile to rulin interests.
A good illustration of the ability of the sta opinion comprises the invasion of Iraq by the US UK ignoring strong public opinion hostile to th country as well as internationally. However, onc set in motion, opposition to war was confin minority, while even the sections of the media opponents of the war became subdued for pa and other such considerations. It is only the fai heavy price extracted by the war in terms of lo costs that brings home the reality.
Imperialism uses nationalism along with no national interest to ensure support for its a constructs imaginary threats from ‘potential ene propagated by a loyal media. Fear plays a m population into submission. Thus neo-colonialis puts to use ‘national pride’ and ‘patriotism’ as w towards the foreigner, based on racial, religi prejudices in its pursuit of global hegemony. Ne is the driving force behind the aggressively mil the US also demands curtailment of state expen and essential services to ensure bigger profi State subsidies are not altogether eliminated wealthier sections of the society. Consequence waged workers, the unemployed and other mar population as evident from the callous neglec during the natural disasters of 2006.
Consequences of the neo-liberal agenda a World. With the NGOs hijacking the role of t social welfare while subverting mass politics through their advocacy of apolitical protests a the attention of the state in the neo-colony is fo role of defending the interests of the ruling clas neo-colonialism comprise the dominant feuda

tain ethnic groups and political groupings as a but to peace and national security, so that the rget individual activists and groups who may in ways hostile to ruling class and imperialist
f the ability of the state to manipulate public asion of Iraq by the US with the support of the ic opinion hostile to the invasion, within each ationally. However, once the war machine was n to war was confined to a politically alert sections of the media that were once strong came subdued for patriotic, national security tions. It is only the failure, humiliation and the the war in terms of loss of life and escalating e reality.
tionalism along with notions of patriotism and ure support for its acts of aggression; and ats from ‘potential enemies’ that are effectively edia. Fear plays a major role in bullying the on. Thus neo-colonialism, like old colonialism, e’ and ‘patriotism’ as well as fear and contempt ased on racial, religious, cultural and other f global hegemony. Neo-liberal ideology which d the aggressively militaristic foreign policy of rtailment of state expenditure on social welfare to ensure bigger profits for the corporations. altogether eliminated, but mainly serve the society. Consequences are tragic for the low- ployed and other marginalised sections of the m the callous neglect by the American state rs of 2006.
e neo-liberal agenda are worse for the Third hijacking the role of the state as provider of verting mass politics and political opposition of apolitical protests and humanitarian pleas, in the neo-colony is focussed on its essential rests of the ruling classes, which in the era of e the dominant feudal/capitalist classes and

Page 20
more importantly their imperialist masters. The the national economy of Third World countrie becomes fully subservient to imperialism and, i survival, acts at the behest of imperialism to de any anti-imperialist challenge. Imperialism in tu its repressive role in the name of ensurin defending democracy and freedom, and of cour
Thus the role of the state in the neo-coloni essentially the same as that of the colonia absence of a colonial administration with the p under its control. Imperialism is thus spared th that is dissatisfied with the government, at leas a strong anti-imperialist movement. Even then between the state in the Third World country government. Imperialist intervention occurs on Third World country fails to deliver the goods for failure is as a result of weakness on the part colony, imperialism intervenes on behalf of the indirect support as necessary. If in the end the fall, imperialism acts to ensure that the succes its predecessor, as in the case of Pakistan toda
If a newly formed government acts in d imperialism intervenes in a variety of ways moment. Often pressure is brought on the go the imperialist agenda, as in the case governments that were elected to power recen as in the case of Haiti where Jean-Bertrand Ar accept certain preconditions even before he w government; otherwise steps are taken to sub ‘democratic’ means and where necessary mil elements in armed forces as was the case in succeeded or Venezuela where it failed. Direc is used as a last resort and carried out in democracy, fighting terrorism or eliminating a th
Imperialism leaves few options before t Political mobilisation of the mass resistance an various forms including armed struggle becom that the NGOs are most useful to imperialism.

perialist masters. The inevitable weakening of f Third World countries means that the state t to imperialism and, in the interest of its own st of imperialism to defend imperialism against enge. Imperialism in turn supports the state in the name of ensuring stable government, d freedom, and of course fighting terrorism.
state in the neo-colonies of the Third World is s that of the colonial state, except for the ministration with the police and armed forces lism is thus spared the wrath of a population e government, at least until the emergence of ovement. Even then the immediate conflict is e Third World country and the critics of the intervention occurs only when the state in a to deliver the goods for imperialism. Where the eakness on the part of the state in the neo- enes on behalf of the state, providing direct or ssary. If in the end the government is likely to nsure that the successor will be as pliable as case of Pakistan today.
government acts in defiance of imperialism, n a variety of ways at the most opportune is brought on the government to conform to , as in the case of various centre-left lected to power recently in South America or here Jean-Bertrand Aristide was compelled to ions even before he was allowed to form the teps are taken to subvert the government by where necessary militarily using reactionary s as was the case in Chile where imperialism where it failed. Direct imperialist intervention t and carried out in the name of defending rism or eliminating a threat to the US.
few options before the masses anywhere. he mass resistance and prolonged struggle in armed struggle become inevitable. It is here useful to imperialism.

Page 21
NGOs play no small a role in inhibiting m firstly by depoliticising the problems facing the conduct of parliamentary political parties, opportunist left, is taken advantage of to disc Apolitical struggles are encouraged with the us society’, not in the sense in which Antonio G meaning an apolitical and passive section of t class consciousness. The aim here is to exclu kind in dealing with the problems of the masses
There are a whole host of NGOs targeting including trade unionists and left political lea failure to make political headway, elitist fem intellectuals. In Sri Lanka, several NGOs using or with the blessings of imperialist governments setback suffered by the left movement in 19 political climate, especially following the pog inroads into sections of the population with a Their activities in the name of humanitarian as women’s and children’s rights among others successive reactionary governments. Although Evangelical Christianity by some NGOs drew organisations, the NGOs were able to as they adequate funding from foreign sources channel NGOs (INGOs). A large number of formerly p intellectuals, creative writers and artists have s the extent that they claim that the only way o pursuits, art and literature is through NGO supp
Liberation Struggles in the Era of Globalis
Class, gender, caste and national oppre forms of social oppression. Opposition to libe variety of forms. The state resorts to violence w methods of overcoming mass struggles fail. T empt the transformation of mass protests a uprisings and mass struggle for political power. that resorts to violence or provokes violence struggles. Inevitability of violence in any strugg

ll a role in inhibiting mass political struggles e problems facing the masses. Discreditable ry political parties, especially that of the advantage of to discredit politics of all kind. ncouraged with the use of the concept of ‘civil e in which Antonio Gramsci first used it but d passive section of the population devoid of e aim here is to exclude political work of any roblems of the masses.
ost of NGOs targeting potential mass leaders, and left political leaders frustrated by their l headway, elitist feminists, and vacillating , several NGOs using funds made available by mperialist governments, took advantage of the left movement in 1977 and the repressive ally following the pogrom of 1983, to make the population with a revolutionary potential. me of humanitarian assistance, social welfare, rights among others went on unhindered by overnments. Although religious conversion to by some NGOs drew protests from Buddhist were able to as they pleased with access to reign sources channelled through international number of formerly progressive and militant ters and artists have sold out to the NGOs to m that the only way of advancing intellectual
is through NGO support.
in the Era of Globalisation
e and national oppression remain important on. Opposition to liberation struggles takes a te resorts to violence when democratic political mass struggles fail. The state seeks to pre- of mass protests and agitation into mass gle for political power. It is commonly the state or provokes violence in dealing with mass violence in any struggle arises not because of

Page 22
an inherently violent nature of the oppressed the inherently violent nature of the oppressor an
The state, being political, cannot proscribe without undermining public confidence in th process.’ Thus, when it proscribes political part or mass struggles in anticipation of a threat to t represents, it uses pretexts such as combati democracy and saving the nation.
Any form of struggle against oppression class perspective and anti-imperialism as essen used by imperialism to its advantage, only to b purpose is served. Several national liberation m the illusion that it is beneficial to have imperi have paid a heavy price for it. But imperia opportunistic view of nationalist and ethnocen Third World.
Where the aggravation of internal nationalities or sections of the population based region could serve imperialist interests, they are conflicts that may even escalate into civi destabilisation of the state. Imperialism could with an oppressive state, like Israel or Tur nationality.
It could also readily switch sides as in Ethi the oppression of Eritrean and other nationa Selassie was overthrown in 1976 after wh secessionist struggles to destabilise the Me seceded from Ethiopia in 1993 following its su and the defeat of the Mengitsu governmen Ethiopia is a US ally sharing an enmity tow condones the oppression of Ethiopian mino Ethiopia is a willing partner fighting a prox neighbouring Somalia. Similar patterns have former Yugoslavia and more recently in Iraq.
The ‘divide and rule’ strategy of British col tuned by US imperialism to pit one Third World

ure of the oppressed classes but because of ure of the oppressor and the state apparatus.
itical, cannot proscribe political activity at will blic confidence in the ‘democratic political roscribes political parties, mass organisations cipation of a threat to the class interests that it exts such as combating terrorism, defending
e nation.
e against oppression which lacks a working ti-imperialism as essential ingredients could be s advantage, only to be abandoned when the al national liberation movements have suffered eficial to have imperialism on their side and ce for it. But imperialism takes a cynically tionalist and ethnocentric movements in the
vation of internal contradictions among f the population based on ethnicity, religion or ialist interests, they are transformed into major n escalate into civil war leading to the te. Imperialism could on the other hand side te, like Israel or Turkey, against a defiant
switch sides as in Ethiopia where it supported an and other nationalities until the dictator n in 1976 after which the US supported to destabilise the Mengitsu regime. Eritrea 1993 following its successful armed struggle Mengitsu government in 1991. Since then sharing an enmity towards Eritrea. The US on of Ethiopian minority nationalities, while artner fighting a proxy war for the US in imilar patterns have been witnessed in the ore recently in Iraq.
strategy of British colonialism has been fine- to pit one Third World Country against another

Page 23
to subvert, destabilise and control them. But su when the opponents of imperialism realise the n
NGOs represent a wide variety of soft tools undermining anti-imperialist movements and sta roles in different contexts. Some NGOs, while provide financial and tactical support to p countries with anti-imperialist regimes as in s former Soviet Union. In the Third World, ma depoliticising social issues so that the relatio forms of social oppression is obscured. intellectuals includes promotion of postmodern fragmentation and isolation of struggles; apoliti and Dalitist movements that reject class and deserters of the left movement, posing as left left political parties, are now beneficiaries of active on the ideological front to undermine oppressed and a united struggle against imperia
NGOs also use their access to substan sources to bait desperate leftists whose ma eroding because of their failure to do be in tou reluctance to mass political work. A veteran Tr and leader of the Ceylon Mercantile Union h involved with INGOs that he lays down a preco in meetings and mass demonstrations organi politics. More recently, leaders of two rival United Socialist Party and the Nava Sama Sa as the Left Front) that have been actively involv abuse of human rights by the Sri Lankan state kidnappings in Colombo, chose to deal with th political activists as a humanitarian problem ra issue. It seems that the NGO supporting the rights has succeeded in separating class stru state oppression from the violation of human rig
Treating the violation of human and humanitarian issues, suits oppressive regimes for the violations remains concealed and uncon justice is confined to legal technicalities or tran compassion. As a result, people are denied the

d control them. But such strategies fail to work
perialism realise the need for greater unity.
ide variety of soft tools used by imperialism in list movements and states. They play different . Some NGOs, while claiming to be apolitical, tactical support to pro-Western groups in rialist regimes as in several countries of the the Third World, many NGOs are active in es so that the relationship between different ssion is obscured. NGO activity among motion of postmodernist thinking to prescribe ion of struggles; apolitical and elitist feminism; that reject class and class struggle. Several ement, posing as left intellectuals who reject now beneficiaries of NGO largesse and are al front to undermine solidarity among the truggle against imperialism.
ir access to substantial funds from foreign ate leftists whose mass political bases are failure to do be in touch with the masses and cal work. A veteran Trotskyite, former militant on Mercantile Union has become so deeply t he lays down a precondition that participants demonstrations organised by him do not talk leaders of two rival Trotskyite factions, the d the Nava Sama Samaja Party (also known ve been actively involved in campaigns against y the Sri Lankan state, following the spate of , chose to deal with the arbitrary arrest of left manitarian problem rather than as a political NGO supporting their campaign for human separating class struggle and the politics of violation of human rights by the state.
on of human and fundamental rights as ts oppressive regimes since the political basis concealed and uncontested while the call for al technicalities or transformed into a plea for people are denied the right to know the class

Page 24
interests in play behind the threats, killings and importantly, denied the opportunity to mobilise and act to prevent their recurrence.
It is out of desperation that the state me punishment to those whom it sees as a threa ruling classes and the existing social order. The struggle for liberation would be to bring the issu the public, and extend the scope of the struggle
The recent report on Sri Lanka by Human rights INGO based in the US, dealt at length wit rights by the state and various armed group national oppression as the underlying issue. Its ‘good behaviour’ by the warring parties but ca for a just solution to the problem, let alone the self determination. This is no different from th the problems in the North-East of the co humanitarian problems, which cannot be ave the fundamental issue of national oppression.
It has also been argued by advocates champions of the humanitarian agenda as wel but ill-informed centre-left commentators that n in the modern world and the nation state has irrelevant because of the increasing interdepe across the globe. But the fact remains that the form of chauvinism and there is national oppres kind that seeks to overcome oppression is an of chauvinism, and cannot be put on par with oppressor.
Even if all forms of ethnic and national ide exist in the thinking of people and dominate the as a whole. It is true that they divide people, oppression. The case for a rational and uni problems of mankind is strong. But national cannot be wished away. They are best dealt nationality and ethnicity as aspects of identity treatment based on equality of different forms o

he threats, killings and kidnappings and, more pportunity to mobilise against such violations currence.
ion that the state metes out illegal forms of om it sees as a threat to the interests of the isting social order. The correct response of the uld be to bring the issues into the open, inform e scope of the struggle.
Sri Lanka by Human Rights Watch, a human US, dealt at length with the violation of human various armed groups, but failed to identify e underlying issue. Its prescriptions concerned warring parties but carefully ignored the need problem, let alone the right of a nationality to is no different from the approach of NGOs to orth-East of the country. They see only which cannot be averted without addressing national oppression.
argued by advocates of globalisation and itarian agenda as well as some well-meaning ft commentators that nationalism has no place d the nation state has become more or less e increasing interdependence of communities e fact remains that there is nationalism in the here is national oppression. Nationalism of the ome oppression is an inevitable consequence ot be put on par with the nationalism of the
thnic and national identity are imagined, they ople and dominate the psyche of communities t they divide people, and lead to conflict and or a rational and universal approach to the strong. But nationalism and ethnocentrism . They are best dealt with by acknowledging as aspects of identity that deserve respectful lity of different forms of identity.

Page 25
Calls for the abandoning of liberation str oppression will only worsen oppression and s imperialism. What is needed is the integration struggles with the anti-imperialist struggle in Th the inclusion of all other just struggles agains ethnicity, caste, gender and other forms of iden programme. The rise and revival of the left i much to the role played by the indigenous peo will require a greater role by a people who have denied their basic rights and remained marginal
National liberation struggles need to be cl that imperialism is under no condition their frien a collaborator with the oppressive state, and th has sided with an oppressed nationality it is on once state power changes hands to suppo agenda, the oppressed nationality and its str Thus a national liberation struggle needs alliances with anti-imperialist forces internationa nationality in whose name chauvinistic st nationalities.
Parroting formulae of the colonial era abou of the national bourgeoisie will not do. The r bourgeoisie has to be continuously assessed nature of its relationship to imperialism and imperialist domination. This approach applie national liberation movements as well, a imperialism need to be strongly resisted.

oning of liberation struggles against national sen oppression and strengthen the hands of ded is the integration of the national liberation perialist struggle in Third World countries, and r just struggles against oppression based on nd other forms of identity in the anti-imperialist d revival of the left in South America owes by the indigenous people, and for its success by a people who have been cruelly exploited, nd remained marginalised for five centuries.
ruggles need to be clear in their perspective no condition their friend, and in most instances pressive state, and that wherever imperialism ssed nationality it is only in the short term and ges hands to supporters of the imperialist nationality and its struggle will be betrayed. tion struggle needs to seek and establish alist forces internationally as well as within the ame chauvinistic states oppress minority
f the colonial era about the progressive nature isie will not do. The role of the Third World continuously assessed in the context of the to imperialism and its willingness to resist This approach applies to the leadership of ements as well, and compromises with rongly resisted.

Page 26
Notes on the Economy Gnanaharan
The Central Bank Report and Economic Development
The Governor of the Central Bank is appoi time to time, he expresses views in ways t published about the economic development o achievements of the government. Usually ec assessed on the basis of the growth of the ag service sectors. In recent times it may be obse the service sector is seen as the development in
As for the industry, those involved in the g that last year alone several hundred garment f down. Further, all which were in the control of t sector have been handed over to the private se of no benefit to the country, the people or the wo
The agricultural sector has suffered majo several years. The Central Bank Report sa agriculture sector showed a 1% growth. Cocon badly affected. As a result of the war, thousand North-East have been destroyed. Today the Colombo is between 20 and 25 rupees.
Coconut oil manufacturers have been adv trade agreement made with India in a way favo survive by importing cooking oil form other sou substitutes for coconut campaign that coconut cholesterol levels to dissuade people from usin said that this is part of a campaign by multi-natio

otes on the Economy
Gnanaharan
ank Report ic Development
Central Bank is appointed by the state. From ses views in ways that make the statistics nomic development of the country reflect the vernment. Usually economic development is f the growth of the agricultural, industrial and t times it may be observed that the growth in
as the development in telecommunications.
ose involved in the garments industry inform ral hundred garment factories have been shut were in the control of the state in the industrial d over to the private sector; and that has been ry, the people or the workers.
or has suffered major setbacks in the past ntral Bank Report says that last year, the d a 1% growth. Coconut production has been lt of the war, thousands of coconut trees in the destroyed. Today the price of a coconut in
nd 25 rupees.
turers have been adversely affected by the ith India in a way favourable to India. Traders king oil form other sources. Those who import ampaign that coconut oil will lead to a rise in uade people from using coconut oil. It is also campaign by multi-national companies.

Page 27
Experts claim that the value of tea exports ha rate for the Sri Lankan Rupee is estimated exchange rate for a weakening US Dollar ha rupees during the past several months. This decline in the value of the Rupee.
Although the government claims that it is fertiliser in order to boost agriculture, the su reached the cultivators. Officials and corrupt w minting money through the distribution of fertil facing a crisis owing to their inability to proper harvest. Although a retail price of Rs 16.50 pe set for paddy, the cultivators are unable to re rate since the government does not purc cultivators in a proper manner.
As a result, indebted cultivators are forced to at 10, 12 and 13 rupees to private traders. Ma repay their loans taken for the cultivation, have suicide. But the market price for a kilogramm rupees. The huge profit goes to private busin that in the North Western and North Central P government as well as the opposition and gove owners of rice mills.
While the government makes much prop fertiliser subsidies, the cultivators are leading a of the kerosene oil used by them increases e reason given for the increase in the price of ker the world market price for petroleum. Of the diesel and kerosene, kerosene is the fuel u ordinary, poor masses.
The government, while refusing a fuel su masses, provides diesel at subsidised prices t Board. Diesel sold at 67 rupees per litre to t rupees to the Electricity Board. Minister Fowzi sell diesel to the public at the same price as The Electricity Board is supplying electricity wo to the armed forces and state establishments financial crisis as a result. This is the caus Electricity Board. But, when raising the price of

value of tea exports has risen. But the inflation Rupee is estimated at around 20%. The akening US Dollar has risen from 99 to 111 several months. This is an indication of the
Rupee.
ent claims that it is providing a subsidy for ost agriculture, the subsidies have not duly Officials and corrupt well-to-do middlemen are he distribution of fertiliser. The cultivators are heir inability to properly warehouse the paddy il price of Rs 16.50 per kilogramme has been ators are unable to receive payments at that ment does not purchase paddy from the
nner.
ultivators are forced to sell the paddy at a loss to private traders. Many cultivators, unable to or the cultivation, have resorted to committing price for a kilogramme of rice is 40 to 50 goes to private businessmen. It is no secret n and North Central Provinces MPs from the e opposition and government ministers are the
nt makes much propaganda about granting ltivators are leading a life of misery. The price by them increases every month. The only ease in the price of kerosene is the increase in for petroleum. Of the common fuels, petrol, erosene is the fuel used exclusively by the
ile refusing a fuel subsidy for the ordinary at subsidised prices to the Ceylon Electricity 7 rupees per litre to the public is sold at 57 Board. Minister Fowzie has bluntly refused to at the same price as to the Electricity Board. upplying electricity worth many million rupees d state establishments on credit and is in a sult. This is the cause for the crisis in the en raising the price of electricity to the public,

Page 28
the Electricity Board claims that the rise is be loss, and does not reveal the cause of the loss.
Similarly the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation payments for sale on credit and is in turn borro interest rates. But point to the world market wh for petrol, diesel and kerosene. Payment due armed forces is said to be several million rupee of corruption are extracted from the people. E money to these organisations are in crisis. Th problems is the war which costs several tens o The Mahinda Chinthanaya government is shiftin of the war on to the people.
The World Bank and developed countries a Third World governments to terminate subsid countries. However the US, EU and Japan gran farmers. Grants are made to dairy farms on the The annual agricultural subsidy in the US runs a
It is only an honest government that is has t in heart that will act in the interest of the government acting in the interest of foreign mo nothing for the workers and peasants. Until the it is inevitable that the people and the country w face worsening economic difficulties and crises
[Translation of article in Tamil from
Sixty Years after the Open Econom Where does the Country Stand
It is thirty years since the open economic p 1977. The person who was at the forefront of the late President JR Jayawardane. A capital respect including his chauvinism, he was a loya achieved in 1977 his long-awaited position of implemented all the reactionary policies th prepared. To help him in his efforts he had parliament, and he was also a cunning capit

ims that the rise is because it is running at a l the cause of the loss.
etroleum Corporation too is unable to recover dit and is in turn borrowing from banks at high o the world market when increasing the prices rosene. Payment due for fuel supply to the e several million rupees. All these plus the cost ed from the people. Even the banks that lend ations are in crisis. The root cause for these h costs several tens of million rupees per day. a government is shifting the burden of the cost le.
developed countries are exerting pressure on ts to terminate subsidies in underdeveloped S, EU and Japan grant huge subsidies to their e to dairy farms on the basis of heads of cattle. ubsidy in the US runs at 300 trillion dollars.
vernment that is has the welfare of the people the interest of the vast majority. But this interest of foreign monopoly capitalists will do nd peasants. Until the masses rise up in revolt, ople and the country will continue to suffer and
difficulties and crises of life.
n of article in Tamil from Puthiya Poomi, July 2007]
fter the Open Economy: the Country Stand
the open economic policy was announced in as at the forefront of its implementation was ayawardane. A capitalist reactionary in every uvinism, he was a loyalist of the US. Once he g-awaited position of holding state power, he actionary policies that he had ready and in his efforts he had a five sixth majority in also a cunning capitalist leader who had in

Page 29
anticipation obtained undated letters of resig parliamentarian at the time of nomination of ca election.
He opened wide the doors of the country privatisation. That was called the liberalised op the past thirty years, has the country progresse this open economic policy? Did the people pro economic policy was hoisted claiming that it w into another Singapore. It was under that seventeen years, the PA under the lea Kumaratunga for eleven years and the presen government for one and a half years been ruling
But the state of the economy of the country worse. Even the minimal national economic po the coalition government led by Sirima Ba parliamentary left parties as partners durin repudiated with the arrival of the Jayawardane import restrictions that applied till then were liberalised imports.
As a result of the liberalised imports, local industrial and agricultural sectors were r destroyed. The production of paddy and progressing towards self-sufficiency fell and cultivators were reduced to destitution. Small in death by foreign imports. The larger industries to foreign companies on the pretext of lo maladministration. Through this privatisation wa
Also, free trade zones were set up, multinati in and freely allowed to exploit Sri Lankan labo claimed that employment opportunities would in living would rise and the economy would pro liberalised open economic policy. It was hoped reserves will increase. But what kind of life has economy given us? Have poverty and unem better? In 1977 December one US Dollar cou 16.13 and in 2007 July it costs Rs 111.72. Thi value of our currency has fallen. Unofficial sta rate of inflation of the Rupee is 20%, but the

dated letters of resignation from each UNP e of nomination of candidates for the general
doors of the country to foreign imports and alled the liberalised open economic policy. In the country progressed through the practice of y? Did the people prosper? The flag of open sted claiming that it will transform this country It was under that flag that the UNP for PA under the leadership of Chandrika years and the present Mahinda Chinthanaya a half years been ruling this country.
conomy of the country is getting progressively l national economic policies carried forward by nt led by Sirima Bandaranayake with the es as partners during 1970-77 had been l of the Jayawardane government in 1977. All applied till then were removed in favour of
eralised imports, local production in both the ral sectors were ruined, and eventually tion of paddy and other subsidiary crops lf-sufficiency fell and faced ruin, and the to destitution. Small industries were choked to . The larger industries and factories were sold on the pretext of losses, corruption, and gh this privatisation was accelerated.
were set up, multinational companies brought exploit Sri Lankan labour at low wages. It was t opportunities would increase, the standard of e economy would prosper as a result of the ic policy. It was hoped that the foreign currency ut what kind of life has the 30 years long open ve poverty and unemployment got worse or er one US Dollar could be purchased for Rs t costs Rs 111.72. This goes to show that the as fallen. Unofficial statistics indicate that the upee is 20%, but the Central Bank provides

Page 30
statistics that there is 7.4% annual economic gr under control.
Further, the liberalised open economy has tr foreign goods into a consumer culture. Soft dr Pepsi and fast food packets have not only spre spread to the remotest villages.
The use of wheat flour, introduced by foreig the abandoning of traditional foods, has no population and its price is now on the rise. Wh 40 and 48 rupees per kilogramme the price of w 60 rupees. Keeping prices low until usage be raising the price when the demand increases operates.
The prices of all imported items continu government nor the ministers could control ministers are in their posts merely to announ prices is due to the increase in world market pric
What is this world market that they refer to? Who controls it? What is the relationship betw comprador capitalists? The multinational corp robber barons are the keepers of the w globalisation the world market guided by impe thrusts upon us privatised, liberalised econo have accepted it are becoming its victims and are hailing it.
Such is the liberalised open economic policy and the people of Sri Lanka are exp consequences. Big capitalists and investors in profiting from the service sector, senior officials globalisation, intellectuals and senior officials s stock market speculators are making big gains have said in the opinion poll conducted by the Times that the country is benefiting from the ope
Had the workers, peasants and other toiling private sector employees been asked, the opini against the open economy. That is because the

% annual economic growth and that inflation is
open economy has transformed the import of sumer culture. Soft drinks like Coca Cola and ets have not only spread across cities but also llages.
r, introduced by foreigners and the cause for itional foods, has now reached the entire is now on the rise. While rice sells at between gramme the price of wheat is between 51 and ces low until usage becomes widespread and the demand increases is the way capitalism
ported items continue to rise. Neither the inisters could control the rising prices. The sts merely to announce that the increase in se in world market prices.
rket that they refer to? Who is in charge of it? the relationship between them and the local The multinational corporations and capitalist keepers of the world market. Through arket guided by imperialist monopoly capital ed, liberalised economy. The countries that coming its victims and the ruling class forces
open economic policy practiced in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka are experiencing its adverse alists and investors in the import sector, those sector, senior officials who are the agents of s and senior officials serving as planners, and are making big gains through it. It is they who poll conducted by the Colombo-based Sunday benefiting from the open economic policy.
sants and other toiling masses, and state and been asked, the opinion poll would have gone y. That is because they know that the decline

Page 31
in agricultural and industrial production, the rise stagnation of wages are due to this liberal econo
If a properly planned national economic pol this small country blessed with natural and hu not be facing the current sorry state today. Bu war was extended with the implicit guidance o the ruin of what was left of the remaining se Today 3.5% of the gross national product is s war. Talk about development and prosperity by eyewash.
The open economic policy that was smuggle of the war provides the base for plunder by companies. It is in the name of the very same the open economy are defended. This situation Mahinda Rajapaksha remains or Ranil Wickram
The only alternative is to build up strong-will opposed to the war and to globalisation, libera and to carry forward struggles on a broad bas people should go hand in hand with the struggle people of the world against globalisation at vario
[Translation of article in Tamil from P

rial production, the rise in cost of living and the due to this liberal economics.
national economic policy was implemented in d with natural and human resources it would t sorry state today. But instead, a chauvinistic the implicit guidance of imperialism to lead to ft of the remaining sectors of the economy. national product is spent on the chauvinistic ent and prosperity by the government is mere
olicy that was smuggled in behind the scenario base for plunder by imperialist multinational me of the very same war that the interests of efended. This situation will not change whether ains or Ranil Wickramasinghe replaces him.
to build up strong-willed people’s movements to globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation ggles on a broad basis. The struggles of our hand with the struggles carried forward by the st globalisation at various levels.
f article in Tamil from Puthiya Poomi, August 2007]

Page 32
War and Developmen
Shanmugam
The country is heading towards wreck and not the consequence of recent policies but the gravely wrong economic policies that have bee thirty years and the war efforts. The people inn every change of government the continuing tre halt only to be deceived is something that we h capitalist parliamentary system.
It is as part of that historical sequence that and the President with the banner of ‘Mahinda power. Going by past experience, one could Chinthanaya’ will achieve nothing. Some were f observers predict that whoever came to powe and more destruction. Some others challenge until things happened. Yet others argued that see since Mahinda Rajaspaksha’s family backg that of his predecessors.
It is now a year and a half since ‘Mahinda Chint But what is the situation in the country? Dur machine has been increasingly activated. Wa recurrent and capital expenditure is in tens of Funds and other resources that need to be development of the country are being consu cannons at the battle fronts. The total internal a country stands close to a staggering 40 bill continue to feed the war the government has s 56 billion US dollars from a consortium of fo HSBC.
Several hundred garment factories and local up. Many thousand workers who were emplo Owing to lack of security and the failure to m many foreign investors are relocating to other co

War and Development
Shanmugam
ng towards wreck and ruin in every way. It is recent policies but the combined effect of the policies that have been followed over the past efforts. The people innocently hoping that with ent the continuing trends will be brought to a is something that we have always seen in the ystem. storical sequence that the present government he banner of ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ came to experience, one could expect that ‘Mahinda nothing. Some were furious to hear farsighted hoever came to power there would be more ome others challenged the observers to wait et others argued that one needs to wait and paksha’s family background was different from
lf since ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ came to power. n in the country? During this period the war asingly activated. War expenditure including penditure is in tens of billion rupees annually. ces that need to be spent for the economic ntry are being consumed by the barrels of nts. The total internal and external debt for the a staggering 40 billion US dollars, and to the government has sought a further credit of m a consortium of foreign banks led by the
ent factories and local companies have folded kers who were employed there are helpless. y and the failure to make the expected profit re relocating to other countries.

Page 33
The domestic industrial and agricultural produ serious wreckage and losses, and almost al identified with the national economy are totally d advice from the World Bank and the IMF hav what was prescribed with respect to the liberal practices have been carried out by Pres Premadasa, Kumaratunga and Rajapaksha.
Nearly 80% of the proposals for privatisa World Bank and the IMF have been fulfil electricity, rail transport, postal services, water the only sectors that have escaped the clutche are moves behind the scenes to capture government of today is willing to hand them o due to the fear of strong protests from the work well as the public.
Besides, it is as important to note the fact well as those before it, which nurtured and inten many billions of rupees for it, have not given eco same priority or the necessary investment. Initi sector between 1970 and 1977 aimed at sel 1977 been drowned by liberalised imports since
The production of rice and other subsidiary to be destroyed. Similarly, industries that deve the villages collapsed as a result of foreign imp has been reduced to a state where it looks everything. The country has been transformed national companies with widespread consumer
Under the conditions, claims about develop agricultural production are mere fiction. Ex development a new international airport, ext developing a new harbour, construction of a su development, construction of five-star hotels shown as development tasks. But they are not the country or its people. They merely constitute expansion of liberal economy and privatisation imperialist globalisation.

l and agricultural production sectors are facing osses, and almost all the economic sectors l economy are totally defunct. Instructions and ank and the IMF have been carried out. All respect to the liberal economic policy and its carried out by Presidents Jayawaradane, a and Rajapaksha.
roposals for privatisation put forward by the IMF have been fulfilled. Education, health, postal services, water and state banks remain e escaped the clutches of privatisation. There scenes to capture them. Although the willing to hand them over, there is reluctance protests from the workers and trade unions as
ortant to note the fact that this government as hich nurtured and intensified the war and spent r it, have not given economic development the ssary investment. Initiatives in the agricultural d 1977 aimed at self-sufficiency have since beralised imports since 1977.
and other subsidiary food crops was allowed ly, industries that developed in the towns and a result of foreign imports. Today the country state where it looks for foreign imports for has been transformed into a market for multi- widespread consumer culture to support it.
, claims about development for industrial and are mere fiction. Extension of the airport, ernational airport, extension of the harbour, r, construction of a super highway, motorway n of five-star hotels and such activities are asks. But they are not for the development of They merely constitute the groundwork for the omy and privatisation under the programme of

Page 34
The Governor of the Central Bank recently and claimed that the universal presence of luxury goods are signs of economic growth a the Governor of the Central Bank does not kno the workers, peasants and other working people majority. The contrast between the fat salary ea of luxury, and the plight of the average person mountain peak and the depth of the valley.
In the economic development statistics p Governor, show a growth rate of 7.4% excludi exclusion of the North East is admission of the base there are in a state of destruction as a res the economic development of the country canno of statistical figures alone. It needs to be as improvement in living conditions and the cost o that manner, the impact of war on the econ clearer.
The exchange rate for the rupee is deterio 113.11 rupees to buy a US dollar, one can see has depreciated. The rate of inflation has tou prices of goods continue to rise steadily.
The ruling classes will not put an end to the liberalisation and privatisation just because the decline of the economy of the country. The we their life of luxury by exploiting and robbing the p
At the same time, they claim that they a defend the independence and sovereignty of th LTTE terror and resisting the division of the cou deceive the Sinhala people in particular.
There is no development in the agenda of are there are plans for the war which will subje destruction and make the country and its peop foreign imperialism. There can be no chang Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people recognise t term dangers.

Central Bank recently drew attention to them niversal presence of mobile telephones and of economic growth and development. Sadly, tral Bank does not know the life of suffering of d other working people who constitute the vast tween the fat salary earned by him and his life of the average person is like that between the epth of the valley.
velopment statistics published by the same h rate of 7.4% excluding the North East. The ast is admission of the fact that the economic of destruction as a result of the war. Besides, nt of the country cannot be measured in terms e. It needs to be assessed in terms of the nditions and the cost of living. When viewed in t of war on the economy will become much
or the rupee is deteriorating rapidly. If it costs S dollar, one can see by how much the rupee te of inflation has touched 20% so that the to rise steadily.
l not put an end to the war or the practices of ation just because they are the cause of the of the country. The wealthy ruling classes live oiting and robbing the people.
hey claim that they are pursuing the war to and sovereignty of the country by eradicating the division of the country. The war is used to le in particular.
ment in the agenda of the government. What he war which will subject the whole country to e country and its people prey to the forces of re can be no change in prospect until the im people recognise the immediate and long-

Page 35
There can be no salvation for the Sinhala believe that the Sinhala Buddhist ruling class e the contrary, there is a need to create condit through struggle these reactionary forces, rec entity comprising several ethnic groups and nat of the people needs to be built up for the purpos
War and development are not compatible thin forward simultaneously. Hence, the war should to an end and instead plans should be develop advance towards development and prosperity. way to prevent the country from suffering disast
[Translation of article in Tamil from Puthi
*****

ation for the Sinhala people as long as they Buddhist ruling class elite is their saviour. On need to create conditions where they defeat eactionary forces, recognise Sri Lanka as an l ethnic groups and nationalities. A mass force
built up for the purpose.
are not compatible things that could be carried ence, the war should be stopped and brought ans should be developed to make the country pment and prosperity. Without that, there is no ry from suffering disaster upon disaster.
icle in Tamil from Puthiya Poomi, September 2007]
*****

Page 36
ND
NDP Statement to the Media 29th Anniversary Statement of the ND
3
rd
July 2007
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary and National Organiser of the New Democratic Pa statement to mark the 29th anniversary of the fo
As long as the ruling classes persist in their fa the national question could be resolved thro neither salvation nor prosperity for this countr political solution are put forward for a just polit is reached through negotiations, and implem sincerity, Sri Lanka will be a scene of bloodshed economic decline. This has been demonstrate the blood soaked history of the past three decad
Hence the Party urges the government that it approach of interpreting the national question as intensifying the war in order to deflect the atten country from the grave issues faced by the meaningful steps to reach a political solutio practice rather than in mere words.
Those who believed that the election of M President with his Mahinda Chinthanaya pr changes that will lead to prosperity, peace with for the country and the people see their belief past one and a half years, murders, the destruc kidnappings and mass scale displacement of pe peaks in the North East.
At the same time, economic growth is seen on in reality the prices of all goods including esse exchange rate for the rupee has fallen and infl The price of fuel and the charges for services a

NDP Diary
e Media Statement of the NDP
General Secretary and Comrade E Thambiah, e New Democratic Party, issued the following
anniversary of the founding of the Party.
sses persist in their faith and orientation that uld be resolved through war, there can be sperity for this country. Until proposals for a forward for a just political solution, consensus otiations, and implementation is done with e a scene of bloodshed, loss of human life and as been demonstrated by the experiences of of the past three decades.
he government that it should put an end to its the national question as a terrorist problem and der to deflect the attention of the people of the issues faced by them. At the same time ach a political solution should be taken in
re words.
at the election of Mahinda Rajapaksha as inda Chinthanaya programme will lead to prosperity, peace with honour and peaceful life eople see their belief getting shattered. In the s, murders, the destruction of life and property, ale displacement of people have reached new
mic growth is seen only in the statistics, while l goods including essentials have soared. The pee has fallen and inflation has reached 20%. charges for services are being raised to levels

Page 37
unbearable to the people. At the same tim government and private sector employees hav number of government ministers has been incr ten and that of advisors to thirty five; and fat them with the people’s money. Meanwhile, c rights violations and anti-democratic acts are ra
The standard of living of the workers, peasants is spiralling downwards. The number of people rising by the month. The plantation workers, the the country, are being pushed into poverty and s
The national economy and agricultural and under it have been made defunct. The government too, like successive governments and implemented the programme of globalisa forward without protest. As a result all mann available through liberalised imports and sold at
War and globalisation are walking hand in combating terrorism, there is a boost to arms s places are earning many millions. All such anti-p hidden behind the integrity and sovereignty of t are being cheated.
Further, the war has offered golden opportuniti the one side, the US, the Western World and Ja economic, military and political interests behind the other side, India, to assert itself as a regio strengthen its grip of dominance over Sri Lanka
Thus, the adverse consequences of the war an solution point to a major disaster awaiting the Foreign forces are getting ready to impleme further divide the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim pe bloodshed. The ruling classes and the forces their tools.
This perilous political situation cannot be altered that contributed to the Mahinda Chinthanaya through the two rival political parties taking parliament. The Party emphasises that what is

le. At the same time, while the wages of sector employees have not been raised, the inisters has been increased to a hundred and to thirty five; and fat allowances are paid to money. Meanwhile, corruption, fraud, human democratic acts are rampant.
the workers, peasants and other toiling people The number of people below the poverty line is plantation workers, the lowest wage earners in shed into poverty and starvation.
and agricultural and industrial development made defunct. The Mahinda Chinthanaya cessive governments before it had welcomed rogramme of globalisation, and is carrying it As a result all manner of goods are made ed imports and sold at high prices.
are walking hand in hand. In the name of re is a boost to arms sales, and people in high millions. All such anti-people actions are being ity and sovereignty of the country. The people
red golden opportunities to foreign forces. On Western World and Japan, are furthering their olitical interests behind the scenario of war. On assert itself as a regional power, is seeking to
inance over Sri Lanka.
quences of the war and the lack of a political disaster awaiting the country and the people. ing ready to implement schemes that would , Tamil and Muslim people and lead to further asses and the forces in power are serving as
ation cannot be altered by the UNP or the JVP Mahinda Chinthanaya. Nothing will change political parties taking turns to rule in the phasises that what is needed instead is that a

Page 38
third force that reflects the aspirations of th forward as a force of mass struggle.
SK Senthivel General Secretary New Democratic Party
NDP Statement on the Arrest of Jose Mari NDP Demands the Immediate Release Jose Maria Sison
30th August 2007
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary o Party issued the following statement on behal Party regarding the arrest of Comrade Jos Netherlands Police.
Comrade Jose Maria Sison, Senior Advisor to Front of the Philippines was arrested by the N home in Utrecht. At the same time the office of Front war cordoned and searched and docum removed from the office. The fascist act of the been conducted as planned by a joint conspirac and the Philippines. The New Democratic Party arrest of Comrade Jose Maria Sison and the office of the National Democratic Front, and d release of Comrade Sison.
Comrade Sison left the Philippines to live i strengthened the struggle of the New Peop Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). He Advisor to the National Democratic Front, whic of that struggle. Through that Comrade Sis aspirations and demands of the people of the P important among those who guided the struggle

the aspirations of the people should come s struggle.
E Thambiah National Organiser New Democratic Party
e Arrest of Jose Maria Sison he Immediate Release of Comrade n
General Secretary of the New Democratic g statement on behalf of the Politburo of the rest of Comrade Jose Maria Sison by the
on, Senior Advisor to the National Democratic was arrested by the Netherlands Police at his ame time the office of the National Democratic searched and documentation and computers The fascist act of the Netherlands Police has ed by a joint conspiracy of the rulers of the US New Democratic Party strongly denounces the Maria Sison and the excesses against the mocratic Front, and demands the immediate n.
Philippines to live in the Netherlands and le of the New People’s Army led by the Philippines (CPP). He also served as Senior emocratic Front, which is a broad united front gh that Comrade Sison gave voice to the of the people of the Philippines and was most ho guided the struggle led by the CPP.

Page 39
The European Court of First Instance had rec charges laid against him and rejected the fas backed Netherlands authorities. He has now be custody on trumped up charges. There are p hand him over to the authorities in the US or in t
Hence we demand that Comrade Sison who held in detention as a result of the US-Arroy released forthwith. The New Democratic Party solidarity with the Communist Party of the P movements calling for his instant release.
General Secretary
NDP Statement to the Media Demands for Higher Wages and Endi
14
th
September 2007
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary o Party issued the following statement on behal Party.
The government while extracting higher taxes also mercilessly raising the prices of essential the same time, in the process of pursuing the rupees are spent to feed the cannons. Me enhanced number of ministers, and officials in h apparatus enjoy fat wages to live a life of lu these conditions, it is entirely fair that the s employees, including the plantation workers, p an increase in wages for themselves. It is an in to launch trade union action for the purp Democratic Party gives its fullest support and c union struggles launched by trade unions in th sector to secure their demands for a fair rise in w

First Instance had recently freed him of false and rejected the fascist moves by the US- orities. He has now been arrested and held in charges. There are plans to arrest him and orities in the US or in the Philippines.
Comrade Sison who has been arrested and result of the US-Arroyo ruling conspiracy be New Democratic Party expresses its fraternal unist Party of the Philippines and all other instant release.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party.
e Media her Wages and Ending the War
General Secretary of the New Democratic g statement on behalf of the Politburo of the
xtracting higher taxes from all the people is the prices of essential goods and services. At rocess of pursuing the war, many millions of ed the cannons. Meantime, the MPs, the isters, and officials in high position in the state es to live a life of luxurious comfort. Under ntirely fair that the state and private sector plantation workers, put forward demands for themselves. It is an inevitable necessity today action for the purpose. Hence the New ts fullest support and cooperation for the trade by trade unions in the state and the private ands for a fair rise in wages.

Page 40
The new government is approaching its com power. But none of the problems faced by the have been addressed in a fair manner or particular, the day-to-day life of workers, pea masses is facing a rapid downfall. The people a in which they are unable to cope with the prices and the cost of living rising by the day. The receive the lowest daily wages in the country ar starvation. Amid this, the attention of the Sinh by pointing to the war. Along with that are the gr rights in the form of the daily occurrences of disappearing of people in the North-East.
Time has come for the working Sinhalese pe vast majority to think and act on these matter draw attention to the direction in which the cou life of the people are being dragged behind the
Thus, the Party calls upon all trade unions to higher wages in the state and private sectors w end to the cruel war, which has led to the incre to obstructions to a fair increase in wages, and solution through negotiations to the national que
General Secretary
*****

approaching its completion of two years in problems faced by the country or the people in a fair manner or solved in any way. In y life of workers, peasants and other toiling downfall. The people are pushed to a situation to cope with the prices of goods and services, sing by the day. The plantation workers who ages in the country are being pushed towards attention of the Sinhalese is being deflected ong with that are the grave violations of human daily occurrences of murder, kidnapping and the North-East.
working Sinhalese people who constitute the d act on these matters. The Party wishes to ction in which the country and the day-to-day g dragged behind the theatre of war.
on all trade unions to link their demands for and private sectors with the demand to put an ich has led to the increase in cost of living and increase in wages, and thereby find a political ions to the national question.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party.
*****

Page 41
Appeal for Support
The New Democratic Party publishes the Tamil m Poomi and the English quarterly New Democracy role in upholding democratic values and defendin oppressed sections of the population independently any other such identity.
Puthiya Poomi and New Democracy are unique am Lanka by way of their high journalistic standards, coverage of issues that remain unaddressed by t and publications of political parties representing exploiting classes.
Besides the increase in the cost of printing, the pos been increased drastically. For the publication of relies on financial support from some of its suppor who are themselves struggling against the rising co neither uses NGO funding, nor has rich patrons. necessary for the party to seek a broader base for fi
The Party appeals to readers and well wishers Publications Fund of the Party by adding to the a making a donation, or by sponsoring the publication issue of either journal.
Payments may be made to:
S Thevarajah, account number 452868 Bank of Ceylon, Supermarket Branch Colombo 11, Sri Lanka
Please mention ‘Publications Fund’ in the covering payment. Address for correspondence:
47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo

Appeal for Support
arty publishes the Tamil monthly journal Puthiya quarterly New Democracy which play a valuable cratic values and defending the interests of the he population independently of ethnic, religious or
Democracy are unique among publications in Sri igh journalistic standards, quality of content and t remain unaddressed by the mainstream media litical parties representing the interests of the
the cost of printing, the postal rates have recently lly. For the publication of the journals the party ort from some of its supporters and well wishers, uggling against the rising cost of living. The Party ing, nor has rich patrons. Thus, it has become to seek a broader base for financial support.
readers and well wishers to contribute to the e Party by adding to the annual subscription, by y sponsoring the publication of part or whole of an
to: , account number 452868 on, Supermarket Branch Sri Lanka
tions Fund’ in the covering note attached to the rrespondence: CCSM Complex, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka.

Page 42
Two poems by Jose Maria Sison
IN THE DARK DEPTHS
The enemy wants to bury us In the dark depths of prison But shining gold is mined From the dark depths of the earth And the radiant pearl is dived From the dark depths of the sea. We suffer but we endure And draw up gold and pearl From depths of character Formed so long in struggle.
THE COMING OF THE RAIN Gathered by the oppressive heat Heavy clouds darken all beneath But thunder and lightning proclaim A new season of growth in the rain The wide wind and deepening stre Race from the mountain to bring The message in a more intimate w The coming of the rain to the plain The trees raise their arms to the s And dance in a movement so sprig The bushes raise and blend their v With the trees in song and laughte The wind sweeps away the fallen And fans the spark on the stubbly The flames leap and whet the thirs Of the earth so eager for the wate

ose Maria Sison
RK DEPTHS
wants to bury us depths of prison
gold is mined ark depths of the earth
iant pearl is dived ark depths of the sea.
ut we endure p gold and pearl s of character long in struggle.
10 April 1978
NG OF THE RAIN y the oppressive heat ds darken all beneath r and lightning proclaim
on of growth in the rain. ind and deepening stream the mountain to bring ge in a more intimate way, of the rain to the plains. aise their arms to the sky
in a movement so sprightly.
raise and blend their voices es in song and laughter. weeps away the fallen leaves e spark on the stubbly field. leap and whet the thirst
so eager for the water thrusts.
15 June 1978

Page 43
Bo
Consoling Wounded Chauvinism
Sri Lanka, the LTTE and the British Fernando, Vijitha Yapa Publications, Colomb 390/-
The declared purpose of the book was to fi speeches by British parliamentarians in misunderstandings about the debate relating to House of Commons on 2.5.2007. The bulk of t of extracts from the proceedings of the Com reportage with notes added to selectively assign as a person opposed to the anti-terrorism representing a constituency with a large Ta Khan), chair of first ever all party Tamil group identities are not used for others, especially tho views. Despite quoting directly from the main not been formally acknowledged by the autho publisher.
The second shorter 24-page section of t Lankan Reaction’ has 6 pages of an assortme Lankan politicians and 18 pagers of text compr President of the ‘Sri Lanka United National asso
The explanatory notes tend to be one-sided left out like, for example, why the LTTE walked and more seriously in footnote 7 attempt involvement of the state and chauvinist guilt in t 1983. In all the explanatory notes serve more as concise comments that would enlighten the less
The book is poorly written, considering standing, and its actual purpose seems to de title and seems to be more one of consolin angered by the debate, despite its likely futility

Book Reviews
ounded Chauvinism
and the British Parliament, Ravindra Publications, Colombo 4, 2007, pp. 192, Rs
e of the book was to find, analyse and publish parliamentarians in the context of the t the debate relating to Sri Lanka in the British .5.2007. The bulk of the book is reproduction ceedings of the Commons in the form of a ed to selectively assign political identities such to the anti-terrorism laws (Simon Hughes), ency with a large Tamil community (Sadiq r all party Tamil group (Keith Vaz) etc. Such r others, especially those with very right wing irectly from the main source, the source has wledged by the author using an experienced
24-page section of the book titled ‘the Sri pages of an assortment of comments by Sri pagers of text comprising a statement by the a United National association of Canada’.
s tend to be one-sided with important aspects why the LTTE walked out of the talks in 2003, footnote 7 attempting to whitewash the and chauvinist guilt in the Anti-Tami pogrom of ry notes serve more as padding rather than as ould enlighten the less informed reader.
written, considering the author’s academic purpose seems to deviate from the declared more one of consoling Sinhala Chauvinists despite its likely futility in helping to solve the

Page 44
national question, while doing little to overcom and propaganda.
Standing up to State Oppression
Iran Awakening, Shirin Ebadi, Random Hou 312 + xvi, £ 7.99
Shirin Ebadi was the winner of the Nobel P for her work in human rights in Iran. Not surp critic of the clerics in control of Iran and fails to of the role of the US in the region, including its to bring down the Iranian regime through a di well-to-do middle class perspective, her noti based on bourgeois democratic values, and recognise class or class struggle. The work a political analysis. She cannot thus explain how regime still enjoys mass support or why mor failed to stand up to the Islamist politics successors.
Nevertheless there is much to admire in her on in Iran as a dissident, her faith in the com and democracy (in my view genuine people’s d has in mind bourgeois democracy), her views women amid a tendency to interpret Islam in wa
This well written and highly readable boo account which deals with the state of human Islamic revolution. Ebadi is modest in her claim bravery. The book also shows other aspe including male chauvinism among the more e alone religious extremists.
It also illustrates how easy it is for a state m the repressive dictatorial regime of the Shah to forces that overthrew the Shah in the name of I the extended arms of the state can terrorise ruling elite by acting outside the law but with

doing little to overcome chauvinist prejudices
SJS-
to State Oppression
Ebadi, Random House, London, 2006, pp.
winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2003 ights in Iran. Not surprisingly she is a strong trol of Iran and fails to acknowledge the nature e region, including its use of Saddam Hussein n regime through a disastrous war. Hers is a perspective, her notions of democracy are mocratic values, and she does not seem to struggle. The work as stated by her has no nnot thus explain how an oppressive Islamist support or why more secular organisations the Islamist politics of Khomeini and his
much to admire in her: her courage in staying t, her faith in the compatibility between Islam iew genuine people’s democracy although she emocracy), her views on a dignified place for to interpret Islam in ways hostile to women.
d highly readable book is an autobiographic h the state of human rights in Iran since the is modest in her claims to her various acts of o shows other aspects of Iranian society, m among the more enlightened sections, let .
easy it is for a state machinery which served regime of the Shah to be adapted to serve the Shah in the name of Islam, and identifies how e state can terrorise potential threats to the tside the law but with the protection of those

Page 45
responsible for the implementation of the law. are chilling, but on the other hand need not be those who know threats, killings and kidnappin Given below are two samples.
Only after the bus driver abandoned the moving co Fareshteh Sari realize that he was trying to kill the novelists and poets were travelling to Armenia for a lit had chartered a passenger bus to drive them through northern Iran.... At about two in the morning, with most of the writers driver stopped the bus at the side of the road and hop up front noticed that the hand brake had not been pu driver, assuming that he’d gotten sleepy and needed boarded the bus, started it back up, and pulled o acceleration jolted most of the writers awake. They w hurtled toward a cliff edge. As it neared the precipice open and jumped out. A writer up front hurtled himse jammed the brakes, pulling the bus to a screeching writers filed out. They gathered in shock on the dirt on the side of the one another mutely. Not long after, a security officer a small town on the lush green plain near the Caspian interrogator warned them to discuss the event with no return to Tehran.... Two days before Fareshteh had friend, the poet Simin Behbahani, had told me that a d home of a German diplomat had been raided, and tha had been detained overnight. The previous fall, a tran killed, his body left lying in the street. Another writer, suspicious heart attack in his home two months later.
The ruling establishment’s tolerance for the press’s fre liberalised press opened up space for political dissent feared that criticism would be the beginning of their un of July 7, 1999, the hard-liner judiciary ordered t newspaper Salaam shut. The newspaper and its e violating national security.
*****

mentation of the law. Some of the accounts ther hand need not be so to us, or at least to killings and kidnappings as everyday events. ples. abandoned the moving coach for a second time did t he was trying to kill them. Around twenty Iranian ravelling to Armenia for a literary conference, and they r bus to drive them through the winding mountains of
ng, with most of the writers dozing in their seats, the he side of the road and hopped out. One of the writers and brake had not been pulled, and he called out the gotten sleepy and needed a quick break. The driver it back up, and pulled on to the road.... A sharp the writers awake. They watched in terror as the bus . As it neared the precipice, the driver flung his door riter up front hurtled himself into the drivers seat and g the bus to a screeching stop.... One by one the
the dirt on the side of the Heyren Pass and stared at ng after, a security officer arrived and drove them to a en plain near the Caspian Sea for interrogation. The o discuss the event with no one, then allowed them to days before Fareshteh had left for Armenia, another ahani, had told me that a dinner she’d attended at the at had been raided, and that she and two other writers ht. The previous fall, a translator in Isfahan had been the street. Another writer, Ghafar Hosseini, died of a is home two months later. (pp128-129)
tolerance for the press’s freedom did not last long. A p space for political dissent, and the hard-line clerics be the beginning of their undoing.... On the morning rd-liner judiciary ordered the popular independent The newspaper and its editor were charged with (p.148)
-SJS- *****

Page 46
Sri Lankan
Fallout of the Human Rights Watc
The report of the US-based Human Rights W 2007 highlighting the violation of human rig government has angered many on the side of t strongly criticized the government, the armed fo receiving support from the government for seri rights. Despite the declaration in the introduct HRW had in the past denounced the LTTE for i that it holds the LTTE also responsible for the government spokespersons denounced the government is keen to destroy the credibility o used in various international government forum other such issues.
The UNP leadership was as expected happy most Tamil MPs from the North East. But neith the report seem to take note of what could be report, namely making a case for having UN o The report has, without adequately justifying th of UN forces, proposed it as necessary emphasized by ‘donor countries’ and accepted visit of the UN human rights official Holmes in could not have been purely coincidental.
Starting School on a Bad Footing
The guidelines sent out by the Department of E to the first year in school has created a major Supreme Court too has got involved on the que rather than in the interpretation of the relevant proposals, comprising revisions to the admissio against a background of exposure some tim

Sri Lankan Events
Human Rights Watch Report
sed Human Rights Watch (HRW) of August iolation of human rights by the Sri Lankan many on the side of the government as it has ernment, the armed forces and Tamil militants e government for serious violations of human ration in the introductory paragraphs that the ounced the LTTE for its various violations and lso responsible for the state of affair, several ons denounced the report as biased. The estroy the credibility of the report before it is onal government forums dealing with ‘aid’ and
s as expected happy with the report as were North East. But neither they nor the critics of note of what could be the real intention of the case for having UN observers in the country. dequately justifying the need for the presence d it as necessary action that should be untries’ and accepted by the government. The ghts official Holmes in the wake of the report
ly coincidental.
ool on a Bad Footing
y the Department of Education on admissions l has created a major controversy where the ot involved on the question of education policy etation of the relevant aspects of the law. The visions to the admission procedure and coming of exposure some time ago of scandalous

Page 47
corruption involving heads of schools in school clean up the procedure sought to add rules children of intellectual and professional elite schools. This and other changes to restrictions child’s home to the school, concessions for the etc. have angered various sections of the upper
The UNP leader accused the government of d poorer section of the student population, forget that made possible a new class of private schoo Schools’ and systematically ran down the qua keeping with the prescriptions of the IMF and ot
What is forgotten is that the controversy conc schools out well over 9500 schools in the coun are themselves overcrowded and overpopula populations on par with universities in the c school admissions does not in the least concer lack of resources of an overwhelming majority labouring classes are compelled to send the concern the lack of state investment in school privileged classes have the means to ensure privileged schools that are assured of resourc networks. The debate now involving the minis and the judiciary is really about which section o has priority in school admissions.
The Return of the Runaway
Arumugan Thondaman, leader of the CWC, n controlling his flock. Having joined the gover himself and fellow MPs ministers of little signi cabinet with a record membership of 110, he before the increasingly assertive members o resigned in a huff apparently in protest at bad party men, who was also a minister. But being a matter of weeks, much to the despair of the Lea
While the unprincipled politics of the leaders o and Muslim MPs, who get elected on prom

s of schools in school admissions, rather than sought to add rules that would favour the and professional elite in admission to good changes to restrictions on the proximity of the ol, concessions for the children of old students s sections of the upper middle classes.
d the government of denying opportunities to dent population, forgetting that it was the UNP class of private schools dubbed ‘International ally ran down the quality of free education in tions of the IMF and other lending agencies.
the controversy concerns a mere 345 ‘good’ 00 schools in the country. The ‘good’ schools wded and overpopulated with some school universities in the country. The debate on not in the least concern the poor facilities and verwhelming majority of schools to which the ompelled to send their children. It does not investment in school education, because the the means to ensure that their children go to re assured of resources including old student ow involving the ministry, the political parties about which section of the privileged classes issions.
f the Runaway
leader of the CWC, now has a problem with ving joined the government merely to make ministers of little significance in a burgeoning embership of 110, he had to eat humble pie assertive members of the ruling family. He ently in protest at bad treatment of one of his a minister. But being a ‘realist’ he rejoined in a the despair of the Leader of the Opposition.
olitics of the leaders of the Hill Country Tamil get elected on promises of defending the

Page 48
interests of their communities but soon comprom offer of cabinet posts, has for long hurt th oppressed nationalities, there is also suspicio neighbouring country have been instrumental in MPs and politicians belonging to certain politica
Corruption Unlimited
Corruption in the purchase of arms and military talking point of many commentators. A recent re MIG fighters landed reporter Iqbal Atthas, a regu Times in trouble. Atthas has been a supporter o against terrorism’ and had enjoyed access to recent revelations by Atthas are the tip of corruption involving a whole range of major p reported in sections of the media, but little has b
The purchase of a luxury car by a leading mem resale to a businessman, with substantial evid transaction, embarrassed the lay spokesperso charges have been denied and the clergyma claimed that it was for his dog. The import of sports car allegedly for a son of the Pre controversy with a spate of denials, and myster of the vehicle.
Meantime, some leaders of the JVP have star to the leader of the UNP for his ‘clean’ cond realisation has anything to do with a futu bedfellows is anybody’s guess. However, that c split in the JVP.
*****

ities but soon compromise all principles on the has for long hurt the interests of the two there is also suspicion that advisors from a e been instrumental in deciding the moves by ging to certain political parties.
nlimited
se of arms and military hardware has been the mentators. A recent report on the purchase of rter Iqbal Atthas, a regular writer to the Sunday has been a supporter of the government’s ‘war ad enjoyed access to military sources. The tthas are the tip of an iceberg. Reports of hole range of major personalities have been e media, but little has been achieved.
y car by a leading member of the JHU and its , with substantial evidence in support of the d the lay spokespersons of the JHU. But the ied and the clergyman who bought the car is dog. The import of an Aston Martin luxury r a son of the President too remains a of denials, and mystery surrounding the import
of the JVP have started paying compliments P for his ‘clean’ conduct. Whether this new g to do with a future alliance of strange guess. However, that cannot happen without a
*****

Page 49
Internationa
Nepal: Putting Peace in Peril
The Maoists quit the interim government on T after issuing the Seven Party Coalition (SPA) tw deal with Prime Minister Koirala on the abolition broadly accepted in principle that the monarchy under external pressure, the SPA and the In premier Koirala, sought to beat a retreat and resolve of the people against the monarchy. Against the background of the rise in violence Terai region of Nepal, instigated by right w elements, the Maoists had expressed fear supporters were trying to sabotage the electio submitted their resignation to Koirala as soon leaders of four major ruling allies ended in dead that the failure to lead the government acco common minimum programme (CMP) and environment for Constituent Assembly polls o reason for quitting. The Maoists pledged to adh launch street protests to ensure that the electi launched a massive a rally in the capital on Tu their campaign.
Pakistan: American Brokered Shady
In August President Musharraf, suffered severe of the legal profession and the judiciary am domestic support and international credibility. A and US officials were embroiled in an ang intelligence report claiming that al-Qa'eda had

International Events
eace in Peril
erim government on Tuesday 18th September arty Coalition (SPA) two days’ time to reach a Koirala on the abolition of the monarchy. It was iple that the monarchy would be abolished but, , the SPA and the Indian-influenced interim to beat a retreat and buy time to weaken the
inst the monarchy. of the rise in violence earlier this year in the instigated by right wing ‘pro-Hindu’ Indian had expressed fear that the King and his o sabotage the election. The Maoist ministers on to Koirala as soon as the meeting of top ng allies ended in deadlock. The Maoists cited the government according to the eight-party gramme (CMP) and lack of a credible ent Assembly polls on November 22 as the aoists pledged to adhere to the ceasefire but ensure that the election is held on time, and lly in the capital on Tuesday 18th to announce
can Brokered Shady Deals
harraf, suffered severe humiliation in the hands and the judiciary amid a rapid decline in ernational credibility. Also in August, Pakistani embroiled in an angry row following a US ng that al-Qa'eda had begun regrouping near

Page 50
Pakistan's border with Afghanistan. Relations Pakistan already soured by the closer ties bet were further soured by the refusal of a US cou out military strikes in Pakistan.
Meantime, US imperialism, unwilling to sacrifice in its ‘War against Terror’ especially in Afgha between him and the desperate former Prime whereby the latter will support his bid for anoth part of her bid to become Prime Minister again. Prime Minister Nawaz Shariff, deposed by Mu refused entry to Pakistan and forced to return September, while Benazir is likely to be let in wi
While the outcome of the forthcoming elections would succeed in his bid to stay on as Preside neither is likely to make a difference to the Pakistan comprise a tiny elite group which owns wealth of the country and the leaders of the arm the state on their behalf.
What is significant is that Pakistan is now bolder mass protests against the government. B whether the wave of protests will lead to meanin
India: The Nuclear Rope
The 123 nuclear deal between the US and India criticism from various quarters within India a reasons vary, the objections need to be see motives of the ruling establishments in signing part of a larger game plan including its role in programme, gaining access to India's growin more importantly, making India a strategic America’s global ambitions.
Although the deal was supposed to benefit Indi a specific deadline was from the US, comp discussions in the case of Japan. Also the 12 unlike that with China in 1985, fails to stipu should observe the principle of international law

Afghanistan. Relations between the US and by the closer ties between the US and India e refusal of a US counter-terror official to rule istan.
m, unwilling to sacrifice Musharraf, its loyal ally r’ especially in Afghanistan, brokered a deal sperate former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto pport his bid for another term as President as Prime Minister again. Not surprisingly, former hariff, deposed by Musharraf in a coup, was n and forced to return at the airport in early ir is likely to be let in without hindrance.
forthcoming elections and whether Musharraf to stay on as President are anybody’s guess, e a difference to the people. The rulers of elite group which owns or controls much of the the leaders of the armed forces that dominate
hat Pakistan is now witnessing increasingly inst the government. But it remains to be seen ests will lead to meaningful change.
ar Rope
ween the US and India has come under strong uarters within India and outside. While the tions need to be seen in the context of the blishments in signing the deal. To the US it is n including its role in capping India's strategic ess to India's growing defence market and, g India a strategic Asian partner to serve ns.
upposed to benefit India, pressure to sign it by from the US, compared with 7-year long of Japan. Also the 123 agreement with India, in 1985, fails to stipulate that the two sides iple of international law by which neither party

Page 51
could invoke a domestic law to justify failure to the treaty.
Objections from sections of the Indian scientifi on the position that India has very little to ga opposition BJP and its allies are protesting o Indian side did not bargain for a better de overlook the political implications for India, na internationally. They fail to tell the public that th achieve its limited hegemonic goals, is seeking state of the US.
The China bogey too has been invoked in d advocates of the deal, despite the fast improvin two countries in the past two decades. In fact, t has, if at all, responded favourably to the deal, Chinese media have, knowing US intentions, w implications for stability in the region.
It is also true that that a US-India alliance is rulers because of the unprecedented military s additional factor is the increasing inclination tow hegemony among the Indian elite and consi urban middle classes, who constitute a small b population, owing to growing ties with the including the presence of a sizeable well to do This approach although short-sighted is likely t India for some time to come.
The biggest embarrassment faces the two big p the CPI and CPI(M). Having kept quiet for too informed public opinion against the treaty, they rather late and close to the stage when the dea due to be signed. Their credibility, especially been shaken by the conduct of the CPI suppressing protests by peasants in Nandigr land grab. Whether the two parties are willing t Congress-led government is uncertain, but it is use the pretext of keeping the Hindu fundame the government and themselves until it is time fo

law to justify failure to fulfil obligations under
of the Indian scientific community are based ia has very little to gain from the treaty. The allies are protesting on the grounds that the rgain for a better deal. All such objections plications for India, nationally, regionally and to tell the public that the Indian government, to onic goals, is seeking to make India a client
as been invoked in defence of the treaty by spite the fast improving relations between the two decades. In fact, the Chinese government avourably to the deal, although sections of the owing US intentions, warned against long term
the region.
a US-India alliance is attractive to the Indian precedented military superiority of the US. An creasing inclination towards identifying with US ndian elite and considerable sections of the ho constitute a small but influential part of the rowing ties with the US at various levels, f a sizeable well to do Indian community there. short-sighted is likely to influence the rulers of me.
ent faces the two big parliamentary left parties, ving kept quiet for too long without activating gainst the treaty, they have entered the scene he stage when the deal has been made and is credibility, especially that of the CPI(M), has conduct of the CPI(M)-led government in peasants in Nandigram and Singur against wo parties are willing to risk the toppling of the t is uncertain, but it is most likely that they will ng the Hindu fundamentalist BJP out to save
selves until it is time for the next election.

Page 52
What needs to be made clear to the Indian peo in their ambition to achieve their goal of region to undermine the interests of the people of India vassal of the US.
This course cannot be reversed by changing t but by transferring power to the oppressed mas and tedious process, but the prospects are getti
The Netherlands: Doing Arrayo’s Dirt
In its statement of 14th September 2007 app Comrade Jose Maria Sison the Communist P (CPP) noted that the ruling of the Hague Distri charges against Comrade Sison as unfounde Filipino people and their revolutionary forces, a the US-Arroyo regime, and a stinging blo machinations of its National Security Council.
The Dutch police arrested Comrade Sison livin 28th August, based on the charge that that h Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 an the Philippines. It is significant that his arrest o judgment issued in Luxembourg on 11th July by First Instance (ECFI) annulling the decision European Union (EU) blacklisting Prof. Sison as
CPP spokesperson Gregorio ‘Ka Roger’ Rosal Dutch and US governments united to gang up Sison]. However, the web of lies that they trie Joema were so utterly depraved and incred convince the Dutch judges." He also denounce and police authorities for violations of Sison's well as the rights of other NDFP personnel in whose homes were brutally broken into. T equipment and files, including important p personal effects were seized without accounting
Rosal, who called on the United Nations Hum (UNHRC) to carry out an investigation into t Sison and the raids against the National D

clear to the Indian people is that India’s rulers ve their goal of regional hegemony are willing s of the people of India and reduce India into a
eversed by changing the government in Delhi r to the oppressed masses of India. It is a long
the prospects are getting brighter.
: Doing Arrayo’s Dirty Work
September 2007 applauding the release of ison the Communist Party of the Philippines ing of the Hague District Court, dismissing the de Sison as unfounded, is a victory for the revolutionary forces, a big slap on the face of and a stinging blow against the fascist nal Security Council.
d Comrade Sison living in the Netherlands on the charge that that he incited the killing of turo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in ificant that his arrest occurred shortly after the mbourg on 11th July by the European Court of nnulling the decision of the Council of the cklisting Prof. Sison as a “terrorist”.
orio ‘Ka Roger’ Rosal stated: "The Philippine, nts united to gang up on Ka Joema [Comrade b of lies that they tried to weave against Ka depraved and incredulous that it failed to s." He also denounced the Dutch government r violations of Sison's fundamental rights as er NDFP personnel in Utrecht and Abcoude utally broken into. Their computers, office including important peace documents and ized without accounting by the Dutch police.
e United Nations Human Rights Commission n investigation into the August 28 arrest of ainst the National Democratic Front of the

Page 53
Philippines (NDFP) office and residences of refugees in the Netherlands and censure the D of human rights, also warned that the danger h the Dutch police and prosecution plan to app Arroyo regime is set to keep up with its male Sison and the NDFP peace panel and personn further attack the national democratic movem critics of the Arroyo regime in the Philippines.
Several anti-imperialist political parties and o globe had protested the arrest of Sisson and d release in mass demonstrations, statement statements of solidarity; but it is important that further sinister moves by the Dutch authorities US and its corrupt client regime in the Philippine
In another development, former President convicted of charges of plunder by the Arroyo re heavier and numerous crimes. The CPP in September pointed out that “in convicting Estr succeeded only in heightening the people's innumerable crimes of plunder and murder, regime and the entire rotten system of governm convicting Estrada, Arroyo's aim is to count continuing challenge of the Estrada camp ques her regime and pushing for its overthrow.... A away Estrada for good, deprive him of his asse further supporting the opposition and the wides end to her rule.... In doing so, however, Arroy burning all possible bridges of reconciliation b camps, driving deeper the political wedge bet and the reactionary opposition.
Bolivia: "They want to kill this Indian"
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during program Aló Presidente warned of a plan finan the democratically elected government of Boli

e and residences of NDFP personnel and ds and censure the Dutch police for violations rned that the danger has not totally passed as osecution plan to appeal their case, and US- keep up with its malevolent designs against ce panel and personnel in the Netherlands to nal democratic movement and other militant
e in the Philippines.
political parties and organisations across the arrest of Sisson and demanded his immediate nstrations, statements to the media, and but it is important that they keep vigil against the Dutch authorities on the instigation of the regime in the Philippines.
t, former President Joseph Estrada was lunder by the Arroyo regime that is guilty of far crimes. The CPP in its statement of 15th that “in convicting Estrada, Gloria Arroyo has htening the people's desire to punish her plunder and murder, and put an end to her tten system of government in the country.... In yo's aim is to counteract and forestall the he Estrada camp questioning the legitimacy of for its overthrow.... Arroyo now wants to put eprive him of his assets and prevent him from position and the widespread clamour to put an ing so, however, Arroyo is succeeding only in ges of reconciliation between rival reactionary he political wedge between the ruling regime sition.
ant to kill this Indian"
Hugo Chavez during his weekly television warned of a plan financed by the US to derail d government of Bolivia, including a plan to

Page 54
assassinate Morales. Chavez held responsible of the US for the consequences, and warned attacked the people, using their lackeys in Ven can be sure that we're not going to wait with our
Chavez's comments, made in the company of came at the time when up to 100,000 people fr and indigenous movements converged on Sucr Defence of the Constituent Assembly, following organised by right wing opposition groups in aimed at disrupting the process of constitutio framework for the social inclusion of the long-m majority of Bolivia; and the rioters demanded legislative powers of government be transfe capital La Paz to Sucre. Their repeated atte Constituent Assembly had already led to a one-
Chavez rejected US officials’ denial of his charg to overthrow him and other leftist governme claimed that Morales had documentary evide and intention to destabilize his government.
Chavez's claims are supported by a report human rights lawyer Eva Golinger pointing out opposition groups in both Venezuela and Bolivia that the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives (O 2004 has contracted the American company C to manage US$13.3 million granted to 379 parties, and projects in Bolivia. She also points concentrated on combating and influencing the and ‘promoting separatism in the regions rich in as Santa Cruz and Cochabamba’.
The use of NGOs and reactionary politica ‘unfriendly’ governments is not new, and has be now being applied to South America. Such ac the options before Morales to between see implement the programmes for social justice compromising with reactionary forces. The fo course that Morales is opting for and, unlike in mood in South America favours it.

avez held responsible George Bush, President quences, and warned that “if US imperialism g their lackeys in Venezuela and Bolivia, they t going to wait with our arms crossed".
de in the company of President Evo Morales, p to 100,000 people from Bolivia's campesino nts converged on Sucre for a Social Summit in nt Assembly, following a week of violent riots opposition groups in Sucre. The riots were process of constitutional reform to provide a inclusion of the long-marginalized indigenous the rioters demanded that the executive and overnment be transferred from the Bolivian . Their repeated attempts to shut down the d already led to a one-month recess.
ials’ denial of his charge that the US is seeking other leftist governments in the region and d documentary evidence of US interference e his government.
pported by a report by the US-Venezuelan Golinger pointing out that the US was funding Venezuela and Bolivia. Golinger has revealed Transition Initiatives (OTI), opened in Bolivia in American company Casals & Associates Inc. illion granted to 379 organizations, political olivia. She also points out that their efforts are ing and influencing the Constituent Assembly, m in the regions rich in natural resources, such abamba’.
d reactionary political parties to overthrow is not new, and has been used in Europe. It is uth America. Such activities serve to narrow rales to between seeking mass support to es for social justice with greater vigour and tionary forces. The former seems to be the pting for and, unlike in the 1970s, the popular avours it.

Page 55
Venezuela: Getting Bolder Encouraged by the growing strength of the (United Socialist Party of Venezuela) the gove has taken yet another bold step towards cons Revolution”. Proposed reforms to the national c President Chavez, have the intention of constr democracy comprise greater power to the peop them, as well as a change in the organizational The constitutional reform would make commu cities the basic units into which the national te According to Chavez, organized communities nucleus of the government, with each commun council, and the association of several commun These communes would represent the "terri commune, joined to other neighbouring commu basic territorial unit. The reforms also make pro federal districts and territories in previously aba advantage of their natural resources fo development. While it is important to support and encourag taken by the Chavez government to empower a and to make the masses a formidable force against imperialism, there is need for caution left, democratic and progressive forces ag vulnerability of the government to attacks from not a socialist country and the defeated reac strong and control a considerable part of th struggle is far from over. While it is wrong to denounce Chavez and th irrespective of one’s reservations about the rev even more dangerous to idealise the revolutio the pitfalls. What will be correct is to give un anti-imperialist stance that Chavez represents constructive.
*****

ing Bolder
wing strength of the newly-founded PSUV f Venezuela) the government of Hugo Chavez old step towards consolidating the “Bolivarian forms to the national constitution, according to the intention of constructing a new Bolivarian ater power to the people and participation from e in the organizational structure of the country. would make communities, communes, and which the national territory would be divided. rganized communities would be the primary nt, with each community making a communal ion of several communal councils a commune. d represent the "territorial social cell." This r neighbouring communes, would make up the reforms also make provision for the creation of tories in previously abandoned spaces to take atural resources for ecologically friendly
support and encourage the progressive steps ernment to empower and politicise the masses s a formidable force in defending Venezuela e is need for caution among the international rogressive forces against overlooking the nment to attacks from within. Venezuela is still nd the defeated reactionary classes are still onsiderable part of the economy. Thus the
ounce Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution, ervations about the revolutionary agenda, it is idealise the revolution and not be mindful of correct is to give unqualified support for the at Chavez represents and keep all criticism
*****

Page 56
(Cont I am the Palestinian David child wielding a single stone Against the Israeli Goliath. I am not afraid, For truth is with me and God is on my sid If I die, A choir of angels will honour me And later, my parents will grasp my outs And join me in Heaven. I am the tears of Mothers weeping for their dead sons. I am the footsteps of ancient prophets Who foretold of doom and destruction To those who torture and oppress me. My brethren are the doves, hummingbird That fly unhindered above my sea. I am Palestinian, Therefore, I am. No one can take my identity Away from me, Not tanks or guns or bombs Meant to desecrate me and kill me. My country lives in me. I am the cry of liberty. No matter what they take from me, They can't take away my identity Or my dignity. Palestinian am I.

(Continued from inside front cover) stinian ielding a single stone sraeli Goliath. id, ith me and God is on my side.
gels will honour me y parents will grasp my outstretched hand in Heaven. s of ping for their dead sons. steps of ancient prophets of doom and destruction o torture and oppress me. are the doves, hummingbirds and seagulls ndered above my sea.
ian, am. take my identity
e, guns or bombs ecrate me and kill me. ives in me. of liberty. hat they take from me,
ke away my identity y.
m I.

Page 57
Motherland
Lal Singh Dil
Does love have any reason to be? Does the fragrance of flowers have an Truth may, or may not have an intent But falsity is not without one It is not because of your azure skies Nor because of the blue waters Even if these were deep gray Like the colour of my old mom’s hair Even then I would have loved you These treasure trove of riches Are not meant for me Surely not. Love has no reason to be Falsity is not without intent The snakes that slither Around the treasure trove of your riche Sing paeans And proclaim you “The Golden Bird”*
* The reference is to ancient India termed a because of its perceived riches.
[Lal the Singh age of Dil, 63 a years major on figure 14 th
in August modern 2007
P
Punjab, he was a Marxist Leninist once clo the

Page 58
________
Published by E Thambiah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM C Phone: 011 2435117; Fax: 011 2473757; E-mail: newde
Website: www.ndpsl.org Printed at the Gowri Printers, Colom

Motherland
Lal Singh Dil
any reason to be? nce of flowers have any roots? ay not have an intent t without one e of your azure skies
the blue waters ere deep gray of my old mom’s hair
ld have loved you trove of riches or me
son to be thout intent t slither sure trove of your riches
u rd”*
ancient India termed as a “Golden Bird” ved riches.
or s on figure 14 th
in August modern 2007. Punjabi A Dalit poetry, hailing died from at
xist Leninist once closely associated with the Naxalbari struggle.]

Page 59
______
iah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 11 11 2473757; E-mail: newdemocraticparty@hotmail.com
Website: www.ndpsl.org at the Gowri Printers, Colombo 13