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May 2008
CCllaassss,, CCaassttee,, NNaattiioonnaalliittyy PPoolliittiiccaall && EEccoonnoommiicc DDeeccaayy
BBooggeeyy ooff SSttaalliinniissmm NNeeppaall && NNeeww DDeemmooccrraaccyy PPooeettrryy::
R Murugaiyan, V
Semm
Editorial * NDP Diary * Sri Lankan Events * Intern

y 2008
, CCaassttee,, NNaattiioonnaalliittyy
SK Senthivel aall && EEccoonnoommiicc DDeeccaayy
Mahendran ooff SSttaalliinniissmm
Mohan && NNeeww DDeemmooccrraaccyy
Shanmugam ::
R Murugaiyan, Varavara Rao, Semmalar Mohan
Sri Lankan Events * International * Book Review

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TOIL R Murugaiyan
The festival chariot shines In its majestic grandeur Reaching out high Into the blue sky
The bulls below, yoked to the chario Are thoroughly exhausted, Panting, foaming at their mouths. The chariot moves because the bulls
But the decorative wooden horses On the prominent top row Remain in their proud galloping pos Most of the people have lost sight o The exhausted old beasts below.
(Written circa 1970 in Tamil & transla

TOIL R Murugaiyan
l chariot shines stic grandeur
ut high ue sky
elow, yoked to the chariot ghly exhausted, aming at their mouths. t moves because the bulls pull.
corative wooden horses minent top row their proud galloping poses. e people have lost sight of sted old beasts below.
1970 in Tamil & translated by the author)

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From the Edito
Threats to journalists continue to haunt democra recent victim of the vicious campaign against the forces is Keith Noyahr, Associate Editor of ‘The Na in English, launched only a few years ago.
Noyahr was abducted by unknown individuals on on his way home and his car abandoned opposite suburb of Colombo. He had been put through before h e returned home seven hours later, badly too shocked to speak about his ordeal. The ne maltreatment produced angry responses from m organisations and individuals concerned for med and fundamental rights. A large group of angry demonstration in protest of the horrible act. The N issued a statement denouncing the abduction an the dangerous trend in curbing media freedom in
The country has barely recovered from the shock News Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corp by goons accompanying Minister Mervin Silva fo SLRC to telecast in full a speech by the minister. I the sequel to the attack, where SLRC employees restrained the intruders, and handed them over seems to have angered the authorities rather th provoked the protest.
Although Minister Mervin Silva offered to step do as MP to defuse the rising indignation, the offer five employees of the SLBC have since been i injured, two seriously, by criminal elements. identified as leaders in the protest, have been threats. A witch hunt went on for the ‘ringleade while no action was taken against the real culprit doubt if those responsible for the abduction of No before the law.

From the Editor’s Desk
inue to haunt democracy in Sri Lanka. The most s campaign against the media by anti-democratic ociate Editor of ‘The Nation’, a successful weekly
few years ago.
nknown individuals on the evening of 22nd May ar abandoned opposite his house in Dehiwela, a ad been put through prolonged brutal torture even hours later, badly battered and bruised, and ut his ordeal. The news of his abduction and ngry responses from media personnel as well as uals concerned for media freedom, and human large group of angry journalists held a public f the horrible act. The New Democratic Party has ncing the abduction and attack, and warning of bing media freedom in the country.
overed from the shock of the manhandling of the anka Rupavahini Corporation on 27th December inister Mervin Silva following the failure of the peech by the minister. It was the live broadcast of here SLRC employees stopped work in protest, and handed them over to the security staff that e authorities rather than the ugly incident that
Silva offered to step down as minister and resign indignation, the offer failed to materialise. But BC have since been individually attacked and y criminal elements. Meantime, some others, the protest, have been subject to anonymous nt on for the ‘ringleaders’ of the SLRC protest, against the real culprits. Thus there is reason to for the abduction of Noyahr will ever be brought

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Journalists in the South, since 1990, are facin treatment that has been routine in the North-Eas been forced to shut down or accept a severe fo pressure from the government forces as well as b While pro-government militia groups backed by implicated in recent attacks on the Tamil m government politicians have been prominent in t English media in the South. Even then, Tam common targets.
Several journalists have been held in detention Emergency Regulations without charges, and som for freedom continued to be harassed by unlawfu Editor of the Daily Mirror was reportedly thre person in government; two newspapers (Maubim forced to close down; and the Leader group of ne arson attack that gutted its printing press. Intern denied to Tamilnet, a fairly popular alternative national conflict. Five FM radio stations (Hiru, S Sun) were closed down in October 2007 and resu 2008; significantly, the key person in contr organisation switched political loyalties following
Ongoing private and public threats to journalists to the media, accentuated by the plans of the sta name of national security, making free expression censorship and emergency rule. The fear that th proposal announced by the government in Sept subdue the media is accentuated by the attacks on
The current threat to media freedom needs to be number disappearances and killings, whose vi young Tamil males and include humanitari personnel (source: Civil Monitoring Commission and Law & Society Trust in October 2007) as we terrorist suspects held in detention without charg complex problem; and overcoming it requires a the national question, based on the right to se foreign meddling.
Space for foreign intervention on the pretext of r human rights is already being created by nation attacks on the media will merely strengthen t intervention, put forward by some unaware of and

, since 1990, are facing only now the kind of utine in the North-East, where newspapers have n or accept a severe form of censorship under ment forces as well as by armed Tamil militants. ilitia groups backed by armed forces have been acks on the Tamil media in the North-East, ve been prominent in threats to the Sinhala and uth. Even then, Tamils have been the more
been held in detention for long periods under ithout charges, and some who won legal battles be harassed by unlawful elements. Last year, the or was reportedly threatened by an important o newspapers (Maubima and Sunday Standard) the Leader group of newspapers faced a violent s printing press. Internet access continues to be irly popular alternative source of news on the radio stations (Hiru, Shaa, Gold, Suuriyan and October 2007 and resumed broadcasting in May key person in control of the broadcasting tical loyalties following the closing down .
ic threats to journalists represent a major threat by the plans of the state to control them in the making free expression of views as hard as under y rule. The fear that the National Media Policy he government in September 2007 is aimed to tuated by the attacks on the media.
ia freedom needs to be seen against a staggering and killings, whose victims have mostly been d include humanitarian workers and media onitoring Commission, Free Media Movement, in October 2007) as well as the many arrests of etention without charges. The threat is part of a ercoming it requires a negotiated settlement of sed on the right to self-determination, free of
tion on the pretext of restoring democratic and eing created by nationalists on all sides. Rash ll merely strengthen the argument for foreign by some unaware of and others fully aware of the

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long term consequences of foreign intervention clear to the politically conscious, and it is time t democratic forces organised themselves to mobil movement to oppose war and defend human and d
*****
New Democracy is profoundly sorrowed an estimated over 100 000 lives by Cyclo struck the Irrawaddy delta of Burma on 4 the pain and suffering caused to millions cyclone related deaths and damage to property; and about the loss of an estima and several more missing as a result of that struck the Sichuan Province of Chi 2008 and the pain and suffering caused t as a result of damage to dwellings, infrastructure as a direct result of the indirect damage. New Democracy Joins the New Demo extend its heartfelt sympathies to fami community of all who lost their lives a victims.

of foreign intervention. The dangers should be scious, and it is time that the genuine left and ed themselves to mobilise the people as a mass nd defend human and democratic rights.
*****
is profoundly sorrowed by the loss of er 100 000 lives by Cyclone Nargis that addy delta of Burma on 4th May 2008 and ffering caused to millions as a result of deaths and damage to dwellings and out the loss of an estimated 80 000 lives e missing as a result of the earthquake Sichuan Province of China on 12th May in and suffering caused to millions more damage to dwellings, property and s a direct result of the earthquake and . y Joins the New Democratic Party to tfelt sympathies to family, friends and ll who lost their lives and to surviving

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IIssssuueess ooff CCllaassss,, CCaassttee aanndd NNaattiioonna
Comrade SK Senthive (General Secretary, New Democ
[Excerpts from interview by T Jeyapalan for ‘Th
Thesam: Would you claim that the armed str
party served as an example to the Tamil youth?
SKS: Certainly. There cannot be any doubt abou that the Tamil youth come into the picture. Tho to carrying forward Tamil nationalism were yo the Tamil Maanavar Peravai (Tamil Youth castes. The thought developed that if it was p were once living under conditions of near slaver within a short period, why should it be not possi win their rights by armed struggle against Sinha
Some of the youth in the Peravai maintained co those in the Peravai like Sivakumaran who nationalism endorsed the struggle against caste There was also resentment among them that the this position. That was why they constantly questioned Amirt of the Tamil United Liberation Front). The pre so strong that at a meeting Amirthalingam said pro-Peking students have infiltrated here. Do n shout about struggle here”.
The force of the struggle (against caste oppress success led to enthusiasm among the youth i

IIssssuueess ooff ss,, CCaassttee aanndd NNaattiioonnaalliittyy
omrade SK Senthivel
retary, New Democratic Party)
by T Jeyapalan for ‘Thesam’, January 2008 *]
im that the armed struggle of the Communist
ple to the Tamil youth?
nnot be any doubt about it. It is only after 1972 e into the picture. Those who were forerunners il nationalism were youth like Sivakumaran in eravai (Tamil Youth Council) from depressed eloped that if it was possible for a people who onditions of near slavery to establish their rights y should it be not possible for the Tamil youth to d struggle against Sinhala chauvinists.
Peravai maintained contact with us. There were ike Sivakumaran who while advocating Tamil e struggle against caste oppression; but not all. nt among them that their leaders did not support
tantly questioned Amirthalingam (the late leader eration Front). The pressure from the youth was ing Amirthalingam said in public: “It looks as if e infiltrated here. Do not imbibe their views and e”.
(against caste oppression) and the impact of its sm among the youth in the early stages of the

Page 7
youth movement. The TULF assessed with fa youth were allowed to follow this line, they wou That was the basis for the Vaddukkoddai resolut state of Tamil Eelam). Realising that it was students by talking about federalism or the parl it would be an even bigger danger if they moved formidable force, they came up with the Vadd resolution was not through a genuine desire to to deflect the youth away from the left.
We strongly opposed the call for Tamil Ee announced. There were debates on the question (TULF) was feasible or not. The first between E between Tharmalingam (TULF parliamentarian there were several more that followed.
Thesam: What were your reasons to say that it w
SKS: At the time the term ‘right to self determ
used. The position upheld was that the Tamil p their rights, and that they should be granted bas
The argument that we made against Eelam intervention could make secession possible. If rather be in their (foreigners’) interests and not and the whole of Sri Lanka will be subject to for for secession would only crate a condition wher be subject to foreign aggression and a deman foreign forces cannot be supported.
Considering the population of the Tamils, their of existence, there was no prospect of an indepe win Tamil Eelam. If, despite this, Tamil Eelam would be through the agency of India, the U power. There was no doubt that the demand fo taken advantage of by foreign powers. The next question concerned the ideology on based.
We also raised the question about the program Tamil society that was divided as a caste based based society.

ULF assessed with far sight that if the Tamil llow this line, they would end up as a left force. e Vaddukkoddai resolution (calling for a separate Realising that it was difficult to control the t federalism or the parliamentary path, and that er danger if they moved to the left and become a ame up with the Vaddukkoddai resolution. The gh a genuine desire to achieve Tamil Eelam but from the left.
the call for Tamil Eelam as soon as it was debates on the question of whether Tamil Eelam ot. The first between Eelaventhan and me, then (TULF parliamentarian) and Comrade Shan, and that followed.
reasons to say that it was not feasible?
rm ‘right to self determination’ was not widely ld was that the Tamil people should be granted y should be granted based on regional autonomy.
made against Eelam was that only foreign e secession possible. If that happened, it would ners’) interests and not that of the Tamil people; ka will be subject to foreign domination. The call crate a condition where the entire people would ggression and a demand that makes room for supported.
ion of the Tamils, their territory and their mode o prospect of an independent struggle that could pite this, Tamil Eelam were to be achieved, that gency of India, the US or some other foreign ubt that the demand for Tamil Eelam would be reign powers. erned the ideology on which Tamil Eelam was
tion about the programme that they had for the ivided as a caste based society as well as a class

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Thesam: There has been oppression of the Ta
How did the Communist Party approach it?
SKS: There was a serious mistake that the Com Leninists) made at the time. There was a debat people were a nationality or not. Comrade Sh That led to a contradiction between him and u that the Tamils were not a nationality.
He took that position on the basis of the q required of a people to be a nation: territory, culture (psychological makeup). Of the four, he did not have an economy and that, according t the four would not qualify a community as a nat
We said that Stalin was not incorrect, but w circumstances that would define nationalities i Tamils do not have an economy of their own does not have an economy of its own since control of foreign economies.... The economy in money order economy that it was. The ma production may be low, but there is scope for ec
I should admit that we could not then take the po on the right to self determination and on conditions prevailing from 1972, it was not decision on the Tamil national question.
Thesam: You say that Shan stood rigidly by
national position. Did he change it subsequently
SKS: Yes, he changed it subsequently. On the na differently from Shan. We clearly stated that the in Sri Lanka. The Tamils are one nationality a Country Tamils too are also nationalities essentially about autonomy. There is a need for created for Muslims within the autonomous merged North and East. Similarly, autonomous up in the Hill Country based on the dens nationality.
We do not say that we reject Stalin’s definition based on conditions before the creation of the S have developed in the era of freedom from nationalities have developed to the same degre

oppression of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Party approach it?
mistake that the Communist Party (i.e. Marxist ime. There was a debate as to whether the Tamil ty or not. Comrade Shan made an initial error. ion between him and us for some time. He said
a nationality.
on the basis of the qualifications that Stalin be a nation: territory, language, economy, and akeup). Of the four, he declared that the Tamils y and that, according to Stalin, lacking in one of fy a community as a nationality....
s not incorrect, but we have to consider the ld define nationalities in the current context. If economy of their own, then the whole country omy of its own since everything is under the mies.... The economy in the North is no more the that it was. The market may be elsewhere, but there is scope for economic development.
uld not then take the positions that we hold now determination and on autonomy. Under the om 1972, it was not possible to take a clear tional question.
Shan stood rigidly by Stalin’s position on the e change it subsequently?
ubsequently. On the national question we acted e clearly stated that there were four nationalities ls are one nationality and the Muslims and Hill are also nationalities. Self determination is my. There is a need for an autonomous structure ithin the autonomous region comprising the Similarly, autonomous structures need to be set y based on the density of population of the
eject Stalin’s definition. It is correct. But it was re the creation of the Soviet Union. Nationalities era of freedom from colonial rule. Minority oped to the same degree that the nationalism of

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the majority has. We should not use Stalin’s development of these nationalities. Our stand is definition but one of seeing that the right to Stalin’s definition in the specific contexts of th Leninism is something that continues to devel this development that we need to see ho determination could be applied to the national q
.....
Thesam: In the current situation where the natio sharp, is there a need to carry out struggles aga
SKS: There are problems (relating to caste). Bu
being carried forward intensely by the chauvi oppression is at no stage willing to climb oppression directed not just against Tamils bu and Hill Country Tamil nationalities. What we s problem on the basis of Marxism-Leninism-Ma among several contradictions that can coexist a main or dominant role. There cannot simu contradictions. To recognise the main contradic who develop policy regarding struggle.
Today the national contradiction and the cha goes with it occupy the main place. It has cre today. It has affected all the people as natio relating to this contradiction should not be carr will blunt or deflect the thinking of the Tamil pe other contradictions are projected in a man severity of this contradiction.
The Party recognises four kinds of contradiction is class contradiction, which we recognise as an contradiction. That needs to be resolved thr along the path of people’s war. The second is th which has in the course of development over a is a friendly contradiction that has become a ho not a permanent state and the contradiction status when the correct solution is found fo Reactionary elements among the Tamil nationa a hostile contradiction. The third one is the explained earlier it exists in subtle institutional

hould not use Stalin’s definition to reject the tionalities. Our stand is not a rejection of Stalin’s eeing that the right to self determination and specific contexts of the Third World. Marxism that continues to develop. It is bearing in mind we need to see how the concept of self pplied to the national question in our country.
.....
tuation where the national contradiction is very carry out struggles against casteism?
s (relating to caste). But national oppression is ntensely by the chauvinistic state. Chauvinistic age willing to climb down. It is chauvinistic just against Tamils but also against the Muslim ationalities. What we see when we approach the Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought is that tions that can coexist at any time, one plays the e. There cannot simultaneously be two main nise the main contradiction is essential for those ding struggle.
tradiction and the chauvinistic oppression that main place. It has created the war situation of ll the people as nationalities. Hence struggles tion should not be carried forward in ways that thinking of the Tamil people or in ways by which e projected in a manner that diminishes the tion.
r kinds of contradiction in Sri Lanka today. One hich we recognise as an explicit and fundamental ds to be resolved through prolonged struggle ’s war. The second is the national contradiction, of development over a long time become war. It n that has become a hostile contradiction. This is and the contradiction will revert to its friendly t solution is found for the national question. ong the Tamil nationalists like to preserve it as The third one is the caste contradiction. As s in subtle institutional forms in social practice,

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in ideology and in personal matters. It permeate concerns oppression of women. It remains a frie becoming intense. All four contradictions have society.
While the class contradiction remains the funda national contradiction has been aggravated b narrow nationalism, which have been feeding transformed into the main contradiction. To s contradiction is against reality. To hold high the the national contradiction is the main contrad caste contradiction as the main contradiction wi oppression.
Thesam: I concede that the national con contradiction. There is no dispute there. My q contradictions are to be handled while the ma unresolved.
SKS: Each has to be handled at its own level. W caste contradictions are observed in a sch government office that one should not make an that it should be ignored because it will harm should be exposed. Ideas critical of it should b handled in ways that do not deflect attention oppression arising from the main contradiction allow the caste contradiction to be used to div weaken the struggle.
.....
Thesam: Alongside national oppression is ca what basis is the struggle against caste o forward?
SKS: It has to be carried out within certain
struggle, work should be done to expose it and people through propaganda. That will help the the Tamil nationality while doing the work of br take it beyond that as a struggle would only le nationality as a whole. But we do not take the problem or that it should not be talked abo denouncing events that take place from time to

al matters. It permeates everything. The last one omen. It remains a friendly contradiction, but is ur contradictions have persisted in Sri Lankan
ction remains the fundamental contradiction, the has been aggravated by both chauvinism and ich have been feeding each other, and has been ain contradiction. To say that it is not the main reality. To hold high the caste contradiction while on is the main contradiction or to present the e main contradiction will only support chauvinist
at the national contradiction is the main no dispute there. My question is how the other handled while the main contradiction remains
dled at its own level. We do not prescribe that if re observed in a school, a university or a ne should not make an issue of it. We do not say d because it will harm the national struggle. It s critical of it should be expressed. It should be o not deflect attention from the main form of the main contradiction, and not in ways that will ction to be used to divide the Tamil people and
.....
onal oppression is caste oppression. Then on ggle against caste oppression to be carried
d out within certain limits. Rather than as a e done to expose it and take the message to the nda. That will help the unity and endurance of ile doing the work of breaking down casteism. To struggle would only lead to harm for the Tamil ut we do not take the position that there is no uld not be talked about or exposed. We write take place from time to time.

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The Party is implementing some programmes i on in villages where our struggles of the pa concerns the economic, educational, social and villages. We show the way for the landless to o the government and to work collectively on the b Given the situation in Jaffna, community c backward villages. We undertake our work ba centres. In Putthur (Vempirai) there is a village, is a village badly neglected by the forces of caste oppressed village. Up to 2006, only one student and entered university, that too in the field of s single government employee there. Only now t stone houses. Not a significant number, perha migrated abroad.
It is a large village of 500 families, and one wh people have been united. Basic educational fac difficulty. Health facilities have been set up NGOs with whom there are no contradictions.
What we tell the people is that rather than expe others they should unite and allocate a part of t community projects. On that basis, the people o 100 feet (30 metres) long hall and conduct an e the elderly. Do not think that it is only for peop over sixteen who have not been to school are b and taught to read and write. There are, besid classes for school students.
There is also cultural work. The consumption illicit liquor are strictly prohibited. A People’s where problems in the village are taken up, inqu given, and acceptable punishments meted out. the movements since the Community Centre is because the main administrators of the Commu Party. Disputes among some of the ‘upper cast for arbitration as they expect fair judgment ther
It is an exemplary village in the Northern Pro programmes are being implemented in diff prominence to educational development. Prot essential. People from Kanpollai village in Nelli in Point Pedro. A union has been organised the

ng some programmes in villages. Our work goes ur struggles of the past took place. The work educational, social and cultural uplifting of the ay for the landless to obtain land with aid from ork collectively on the basis of self reliance.
Jaffna, community centres are important to ndertake our work based on these community pirai) there is a village, Kalaimathi Kiraamam. It ed by the forces of caste domination. It is a most 2006, only one student had passed the GCE (AL) that too in the field of sports. You cannot find a oyee there. Only now they are trying to put up nificant number, perhaps a family or two, has
0 families, and one where since 1980 the entire . Basic educational facilities are provided amid ies have been set up with support from some are no contradictions.
is that rather than expect financial support from and allocate a part of their earnings to carry out that basis, the people of the village have built a g hall and conduct an education programme for that it is only for people over sixty. All persons ot been to school are brought under the scheme write. There are, besides, a primary school and ts.
ork. The consumption, sale and production of prohibited. A People’s Forum has been set up illage are taken up, inquiries conducted, verdicts nishments meted out. People do not go behind Community Centre is administered well. This is istrators of the Community Centre are from the ome of the ‘upper castes’ too are brought there pect fair judgment there.
ge in the Northern Province. A variety of such implemented in different villages. We give nal development. Protection of employment is anpollai village in Nelliyadi are harbour workers has been organised there for them. In the village

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of Saanthai in Sillalai the Party provides programmes.
But it is not possible to function freely as in th amid various pressures.
.....
Thesam: Is not there the charge that Marxism
things?
SKS: It is an absolute lie. If it is true, it is only tr Who makes the accusation? Advocates of p accusation because Marxism has not accepte endorse postmodernism? Postmodernism w Marxism. See for example how careful they are ‘class’. They simply avoid the term. They talk a and people on the fringe. They would refer to a artist and a barber as a hairstyle artist simply worker and thereby class. They reject class to Dalitism came about in that fashion.
It was the NGOs that adopted the concept o Tamilnadu from the north. There was a Individuals like A Marx took it over and p pioneers of Dalitism are disunited. Ravikumar on another side, and various little groups are in The problem today is that Dalitism has bec characters to find a place among the Tamil journalists, cinema personalities or writers loo Lanka. They get Euros, dollars and foreign trave How can they act against oppression?
.....
Thesam: Could you say something about the nea
SKS: A bitter experience in the past led to a set internationally. That situation came about beca and inner party weaknesses, including those in questions of right and wrong in them. But be historical duty of carrying forward the Marxist L is important is not whether one is a major for journey should be towards the right goal with th

i the Party provides guidance for various
function freely as in the past. We have to work
.....
e charge that Marxism does not take in new
If it is true, it is only true of dogmatic Marxism. ation? Advocates of postmodernism make the rxism has not accepted it. How can Marxism ? Postmodernism was created to destroy le how careful they are about the use of the term d the term. They talk about marginalised people . They would refer to a launderer as a laundering hairstyle artist simply to avoid the concept of ss. They reject class to oppose Marxism. Even hat fashion.
adopted the concept of Dalitism that came to north. There was a proliferation of NGOs. x took it over and propagated it. Today the disunited. Ravikumar is on one side, A Marx is ious little groups are in various directions. that Dalitism has become a means for these lace among the Tamil Diaspora. None of the onalities or writers looks in the direction of Sri ollars and foreign travel in the name of Dalitism. t oppression?
.....
omething about the near future of the Party?
in the past led to a setback both nationally and uation came about because of imperialist actions sses, including those in ours. There are several wrong in them. But beyond all that, we have a g forward the Marxist Leninist movement. What ther one is a major force or a minor force. The ds the right goal with the right policy. That we do

Page 13
with our lives at stake. We work under cond ready to fire from many directions. Five of o arrested under Emergency Regulations and ar Other comrades are working under severe su functioning amid much opposition and opp political party functioning on the basis of Marxis Thought, it is the only party that is able to f against the tide.
There are several complications in the political le
hard and difficult. But we have a political dut retreat. There are people and villages that in the us and stood by us in struggles making sacrific and starvation, and still persist in their faith. Pe they cannot even travel to Colombo believe policies, and continue to act accordingly. Our v of the people.
We do not view any movement from a hostile per time we do not compromise on matters relat stand. That was our success in the past. We movement. We continue to function with ou North-East amid continuing threats. There is the Hill Country. There we are actively carry youth organisations and on the trade union fron
The international situation is bringing about chan us. Nepal is an experimental site. Then there upsurges in South America. Then there are Marxist Leninist movements of India. I do n movement: there are several movements. Wha sign for one to lose faith in class struggle or in We are firm in our belief in class struggle and t Even in the crisis-ridden current situation, we a could be handed over to the next generation.
[*For the full text of the interview in Tamil see w
*****

We work under conditions in which guns are y directions. Five of our comrades have been cy Regulations and are in detention in prison. rking under severe surveillance. The party is opposition and oppression. Being the only g on the basis of Marxism Leninism Mao Zedong party that is able to function while swimming
ations in the political left of Sri Lanka. They are we have a political duty from which we cannot and villages that in the past placed their trust in ruggles making sacrifices of blood, tears, hunger persist in their faith. People who are so poor that l to Colombo believe in the party, accept its act accordingly. Our very strength is the might
ment from a hostile perspective. But at the same mise on matters relating to our basic political ccess in the past. We never went behind any e to function with our unique identity in the uing threats. There is a favourable situation in we are actively carrying forward activities in on the trade union front.
is bringing about changes that are favourable to ental site. Then there are the anti-imperialist rica. Then there are the developments in the ents of India. I do not say that it is a single veral movements. What I say is that we see no in class struggle or in the Marxist Leninist line. f in class struggle and the Marxist Leninist line. current situation, we are carrying out work that the next generation.
terview in Tamil see www.thesamnet.co.uk]
*****

Page 14
Political and Economic D Ruining the Country
by
‘Puthiya Malayakam’ Mah
A state of crisis
The government continues to claim that the co being salvaged from terrorism and that the de being restored. The state and the state media pr being rebuilt for the people; that resettlem development activities are being undertaken at a economy of the country is growing.
The reality, however, shows the exact opposit Buddhist chauvinistic capitalist state power is w North in the pretext of eradicating terrorism indiscriminate bombings and barbaric killings in is at the forefront of suppressing the just righ livelihood. At the same time, the state is keen on support of the right of the Tamil people to self det
Democracy in the East
The atrocities committed by armed groups wit the government hiding behind the smokesc democracy in the East are an open secret. C settlements in the name of resettlement and im land in the name of development continue to be time, the state, through its attempts to cond

cal and Economic Decay
uining the Country
by
a Malayakam’ Mahendran
ues to claim that the country and the people are orism and that the democratic environment is and the state media proclaim that normal life is eople; that resettlement, reconstruction and being undertaken at a rapid pace; and that the growing.
hows the exact opposite of this picture. Sinhala italist state power is waging a cruel war in the f eradicating terrorism. The state, through and barbaric killings in heavily populated areas, pressing the just right of the Tamil people to e, the state is keen on eliminating any voice in Tamil people to self determination.
d by armed groups with the fullest connivance of behind the smokescreen of restoration of re an open secret. Chauvinistically motivated of resettlement and improper appropriation of opment continue to be undertaken. At the same its attempts to conduct successive elections,

Page 15
without creating the conditions that favour an en normal life, is seeking to demonstrate to the terrorism has been totally overcome and that a has been created for the people.
Meantime, the state, in the name of war, is sup the fundamental and democratic rights of the other parts of the country. Kidnappings, murder arrests and detentions have become ordinary ev intimidation and fear dominate normal life. The leading spot internationally in the violation of denial of media freedom.
The decline of the economy
The economic structure of the country is headi While export income has been on the decline, imp several fold. A major part of the national econom imperialist multi-national companies. The pois brought in by globalisation at the expense of loca economy, rural industry and agriculture is bein levels of society. The plantation sector which mad the national economy has been farmed out to national companies on long leases and is being wr The prices of essential goods are increasing by and economic experts continue to provide v interpretations for the decline in economy which the ordinary people shaky. Recently, the Governo body responsible for regulating the economic net stated that the usage of motor vehicles and increased and on that basis it could be said that increased and that economic growth rate shows a
Imperialist loyalty
In order to conceal the truth that the entire country is governed by foreign imperialist powers of resistance to it from among the people, the s maximum effect the weapon of war. American Japanese capitalists compete keenly among them share of the resources of our country.

itions that favour an environment for return to demonstrate to the internal community that overcome and that a democratic environment ople.
the name of war, is suppressing with an iron fist ocratic rights of the minority nationalities in . Kidnappings, murders of individuals, arbitrary ve become ordinary events so that a climate of inate normal life. The country now occupies a lly in the violation of human rights and in the
omy
of the country is heading for a terrible collapse. een on the decline, import expenditure has risen of the national economy has been handed out to companies. The poisonous consumer culture n at the expense of local production, self-reliant nd agriculture is being thrust on people at all ation sector which made a major contribution to s been farmed out to local, foreign and multi- g leases and is being wrecked in several ways. goods are increasing by the hour, while the state ontinue to provide various explanations and line in economy which is making the daily life of . Recently, the Governor of the Central Bank, the lating the economic network of the country, has motor vehicles and mobile telephones have is it could be said that individual incomes have ic growth rate shows a large increase.
e truth that the entire economic activity of the eign imperialist powers and to prevent any form mong the people, the state has put to use with pon of war. American, European, Indian and ete keenly among themselves in their bid for a ur country.

Page 16
Imperialism, in its bid to implement economi including an educational programme, designed colonial programme of globalisation, is throwing development aid and humanitarian aid.
The chauvinistic ruling class elites that have be the country are faithfully paying homage to imp their loyalty to imperialism in order to safeguard t secure their own positions. Similarly, wh chauvinistic agenda with the blessings of th globalisation, governments have paid attentio machinery and the media to serve the purpose, dominant Buddhist forces and intellectuals who a fiddle to the upper class elite interests to create power.
The plight of the working people
Under these conditions, the daily life of the wo ordinary working people is seen to be full of stru face the denial of the right to livelihood an Meanwhile, the poisonous thoughts and decade globalisation penetrate every home right up to the
The United People’s Freedom Alliance governm in the name of ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ with at development, encouragement of local industry economy and achieving self sufficiency in the prod in order to secure its position, is most active in an to Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism and in unleas minority communities.
Meantime, state terror, the chauvinistic paras and loyal sections of the media are active in br uprising or struggle that may emerge not only fro from other ordinary people. At the same time, the leaderships which depend on the votes of the peo of the workers for their political survival and s speak up against the economic burdens, exploi which the ordinary working people are subject, ac from the government that comes to power to en luxury, and make it their politics to mortgage the to make a living for themselves.

to implement economic and other programmes programme, designed to carry forward its neo- obalisation, is throwing crumbs in the name of anitarian aid.
class elites that have been taking turns to govern paying homage to imperialism and reaffirming in order to safeguard their class interests and to itions. Similarly, while implementing their the blessings of the forces of imperialist ts have paid attention to adapting the state to serve the purpose, and enrol the support of and intellectuals who are willing to play second lite interests to create a strong network of state
ng people
, the daily life of the workers, peasants and other s seen to be full of struggles and challenges and right to livelihood and of democratic rights. s thoughts and decadent culture brought in by
ry home right up to the kitchen.
edom Alliance government which came to power Chinthanaya’ with attractive policies of rural ent of local industry, building a self-reliant lf sufficiency in the production of essential goods, ion, is most active in an open display of its loyalty vinism and in unleashing cruel oppression of
, the chauvinistic parasites nurtured by the state media are active in brutally putting down any ay emerge not only from the minorities, but also e. At the same time, the political and trade union on the votes of the people and the subscriptions political survival and should from time to time nomic burdens, exploitation and oppression to g people are subject, accept posts and portfolios t comes to power to enjoy the highest forms of olitics to mortgage the sentiments of the people elves.

Page 17
Deception by the UNP
The politics of certain other political leadersh political alternative operate on the illusion that r in power with another would lead to salvation.
However, the UNP, which is the main oppos party which provoked and developed the ethnic co which wielded political power most cruelly to sup union struggles at various times.
It was the UNP that introduced the open eco economy of the country and the all powerful exec through a constitutional change in 1978 to pa domination. The consequences of these curses a day by the people of this country.
It is such a party that is shedding crocodile tear people and cunningly play-acting on the streets a merely acting to protect its vote bank and safegua using the political theatre that it has mastered to s to capture power on the next available occasion.
The chauvinist venom of the JVP
On another side, the JVP, which once wore a Sinhala youth in particular and undermine g activities, is today at the forefront of fuelling represent and defend Sinhala Buddhist chauvinis the minority nationalities to self determination; a war aimed at ethnic cleansing.
There have been several instances when the JV on platforms about anti-imperialism and a socia fore with its bogus pro-working class slogans wh for the basic rights of people and for securing trad push back the genuine forces of mass struggle an fizzle out.
Besides that, its activities as well as those of have thoroughly exposed its true nature on many on the other hand, never fought sincerely for th working people of this country. It has always had i

other political leaderships that appear to offer a e on the illusion that replacing one major party ld lead to salvation. ich is the main opposition party today, was a developed the ethnic conflict as well as the party wer most cruelly to suppress political and trade times.
troduced the open economic policy to ruin the d the all powerful executive presidential system change in 1978 to pave the way for personal ences of these curses are being suffered to this
untry.
shedding crocodile tears for the sufferings of the -acting on the streets and in market places. It is s vote bank and safeguard its class interests and that it has mastered to stage its next performance
xt available occasion.
of the JVP
P, which once wore a leftist mask to attract the lar and undermine genuine Marxist Leninist forefront of fuelling chauvinism in its bid to ala Buddhist chauvinism; negating the rights of to self determination; and encouraging the cruel ing.
l instances when the JVP, which waxes eloquent mperialism and a socialist future, rushes to the rking class slogans when struggles are launched le and for securing trade union demands, only to ces of mass struggle and cause the campaigns to
ies as well as those of its shadow organisations ts true nature on many occasions. The JVP has, fought sincerely for the rights of the ordinary ntry. It has always had its own agenda.

Page 18
Now the bankruptcy of its anti-working thoroughly exposed and internal conflicts are gett in the making.
The plight of the old left
There are some political parties and leadership represent the grand old left of the country. Some if their old left politics is still intact, and while awa the comforts of ministerial and other posts provid power.
There is another section that holds high the war, anti-imperialism, and opposition to ar disappearances, to give the impression that it is Those involved in it also issue the occasional sta conferences and appear in the visual media to ex in their political career.
There are yet others who are pawning their M living out of collecting money from abroad and ru to today’s abnormally chaotic situation and the These leftist careerists are not only indirectly serv are also a major obstacle to carrying forward genu
Misdeeds of the NGOs
NGOs are playing a vital role in infiltrating so economic structures existing among the people, and thrust unhealthy Western values into our mi by such values and become captive to a consumer
These NGOs who are commission agents of W evolved into a major menace, obstacle and chall Their main programme of work is to infiltrate an of struggles that may emerge from among the uprisings and militancy; eliminate political mobilisation; and prevent the emergence of a gen in order to thrust into us individualistic id imperialist dictatorial thoughts.

of its anti-working class politics is getting ternal conflicts are getting sharper and splits are
ft
l parties and leaderships that proclaim that they ft of the country. Some of them like to pose off as ill intact, and while away their time wallowing in l and other posts provided by the government in
n that holds high the banners of opposition to nd opposition to arrests, kidnappings and e impression that it is leading mass uprisings. ssue the occasional statement to the press, hold the visual media to express opinions to survive
ho are pawning their Marxist politics to make a ney from abroad and running NGOs by pointing aotic situation and the abuse of human rights. not only indirectly serving capitalist interests but o carrying forward genuine left political work.
al role in infiltrating society to wreck the socio- ing among the people, ruin collective existence, tern values into our minds so that we are guided e captive to a consumerist economic culture.
ommission agents of Western imperialism have ace, obstacle and challenge to social liberation. work is to infiltrate and monopolise all manner erge from among the masses to wreck popular ; eliminate political and trade union mass the emergence of a genuine political leadership, us individualistic ideologies and poisonous ghts.

Page 19
The danger of these anti-democratic forces tak to salvation in the struggles of the people for correctly understood.
The need for firm political leadership and a Who then is to salvage the workers and pe climate of political intrigue and conspiracy? Wh rights of the nationalities for their existence? W younger generation from the cultural dec globalisation? All sincere mass activists an organisations committed to social liberation face t
No prophet or saviour will come to salvage the situation. Therefore it is necessary to build up a fi overthrow the existing power structure of the cap a need for mighty struggles and mass leade fundamental issues faced by the people, and t mobilisation a mass political leadership.
This responsibility is a historical duty that face uphold Marxist Leninist political theory for class ourselves in a period in which it is necessary thought out political programmes and firm action
***** [This is a translation of an article in Tamil by Co in detention at the Remand Prison, Welikada, C Puthiya Poomi, May 2008. Comrade Mahendra activists arrested in October 2007 under Eme currently held in detention in Colombo without tr
*****

ti-democratic forces taking the form of the path gles of the people for their rights should be
ical leadership and action e the workers and peasants from the ruinous e and conspiracy? Who then is to win the just for their existence? Who then is to rescue the m the cultural decadence poured in by re mass activists and political and mass o social liberation face these questions.
ill come to salvage the people from this unusual ecessary to build up a firm political leadership to er structure of the capitalist class. Thus there is ggles and mass leaderships to fight on the by the people, and to develop through such al leadership.
historical duty that faces the forces who sincerely olitical theory for class liberation. Thus we find which it is necessary to carry forward deeply ammes and firm actions.
***** article in Tamil by Comrade Mahendran while d Prison, Welikada, Colombo and published in 8. Comrade Mahendran is one of the five NDP ber 2007 under Emergency Regulations and in Colombo without trial.]
*****

Page 20
The Bogey of Stalinism A smokescreen for targeting Marx
Mohan
Defining Stalinism
The term Stalinism means many things to m Marxist Leninist has used it to refer to any form otherwise. Advocates of the imperialist global a anything that the Soviet Union stood for under th challenged western imperialist interests. The ter refer to any form of government led by a commu occasionally made to draw convenient distinctio means a ‘dictatorial’ government hostile to capita foreign capital. The Nikita Khrushchev regime, wh imperialism by casting Stalin as a monstrous v Union like a massive concentration camp, was s The label returned with a vengeance during the L the Soviet Union again posed a serious challenge domination. Of today’s socialist states, only privilege of being referred to as Stalinist by US im
Centre-left and liberal politicians also ritua when communists posed a threat to their vote class. The term was used by them in the sa politicians used it. That is not surprising since, i stand for anything substantially different from wh
Of those calling themselves revolutionary Trotskyites are especially fond of the term Stalin there is an elusive interplay between what are co mistakes which have been recognised by many p (and referred to as heinous crimes by reactionari and the ideology upheld by Stalin.

e Bogey of Stalinism
for targeting Marxism-Leninism
Mohan
eans many things to many people. No serious it to refer to any form of ideology, Marxist or he imperialist global agenda use it to refer to nion stood for under the leadership of Stalin that ialist interests. The term has also been used to nment led by a communist party. Exceptions are w convenient distinctions. But the term simply nment hostile to capitalist enterprise, especially Khrushchev regime, which did the dirty work for alin as a monstrous villain who ran the Soviet centration camp, was spared the Stalinist label. vengeance during the Leonid Brezhnev era when sed a serious challenge to the US bid for global socialist states, only North Korea enjoys the to as Stalinist by US imperialism.
l politicians also ritually denounced Stalinism a threat to their vote bank among the working d by them in the same way that right wing not surprising since, in substance, they do not tially different from what capitalism stands for.
selves revolutionary leftists or socialists, the fond of the term Stalinism. In their discourses, ay between what are considered Stalin’s serious recognised by many progressive-minded people s crimes by reactionaries and enemies of Stalin) y Stalin.

Page 21
The Imperialist agenda
The vicious campaign unleashed by Khrush much to do with justifying the revisionist politica Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) advocate communist movement and to enable the restora Soviet Union. Khrushchev could not last lo disastrous failure of his agricultural policy and t accommodating imperialism in the name of ‘pea mishandling of dissent in Poland by being too se not acting in time against foreign meddling and a that led to drastic action helped to discredit the S communist movement. The Cuban missile fiasc Cuba was badly let down; it showed that, in the a support for revolutionary left and anti-imperia world, the policy of collaboration and competition power balance between the US-led imperialist ‘socialist bloc’ was doomed.
Although Khrushchev went into political obliv that he did to the left movement was lasting. The rectify his erroneous line on the parliamentary pa struggle, encouraged communist parties and facti the Marxist-Leninist line upheld by the Communi parties that rejected the parliamentary path; and parliamentary opportunism to win influence ove In India, the line meant that the Communist P unconditional support to the Congress governmen the pro-Soviet communists abandoned their mili only to face destruction in the hands of nationalist
The priority that the Soviet Union gave to its cynical that, besides the bad treatment of China i threats, an armed conflict across the border was wake of Chinese denunciation of the invasion of C North Vietnam, although critical, were soon b positions owing to their dependence on Sov aggression. What was even more shameful wa sought to make capital out of anti-colonial strug more serious consequences of which were the civ tragic implications for the Eritrean liberation stru accommodate Suharto’s fascist Indonesian dictato slaughtered between 500,000 and a million su

unleashed by Khrushchev against Stalin had the revisionist political line that the Communist ion (CPSU) advocated for the international d to enable the restoration of capitalism in the hev could not last long, especially after the gricultural policy and the new foreign policy of m in the name of ‘peaceful coexistence’. Soviet Poland by being too severe and in Hungary by foreign meddling and allowing a crisis to develop elped to discredit the Soviet Union as well as the he Cuban missile fiasco was something where it showed that, in the absence of a clear policy of left and anti-imperialist struggles across the oration and competition with the US to ensure a he US-led imperialist bloc and the Soviet-led .
went into political oblivion in 1964, the damage ement was lasting. The Soviet Union, rather than n the parliamentary path and the role of armed munist parties and factions siding with it against pheld by the Communist Part of China and other arliamentary path; and continued to encourage m to win influence over Third World Countries. that the Communist Party of India would lend he Congress government. In Iran, Iraq and Syria s abandoned their militancy and independence, the hands of nationalists.
viet Union gave to its rivalry with China was so ad treatment of China including various military across the border was provoked in 1969, in the tion of the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Cuba and critical, were soon bullied into muting their dependence on Soviet support against US en more shameful was that the Soviet Union t of anti-colonial struggles in Africa, among the s of which were the civil war in Angola and the Eritrean liberation struggle. It was also willing to scist Indonesian dictatorship of Indonesia which ,000 and a million suspected communists and

Page 22
sympathisers, in view of the latter’s hostility tow that it passively endorsed the Indonesian invasio the abandoning of the colony by the Portuguese.
None of the critics of Stalin take notice of the Soviet Union after Khrushchev placed hims Khrushchev was held in greater regard by imper Gorbachev who paved the way for the collapse Boris Yeltsin who almost transformed Russia into
Even before the collapse of the Soviet Union, belittle the achievements of the Soviet Union un the key role played by the USSR in defeating fas place. Thanks to imperialist domination of the print media, history is being rewritten to read th allies that saved the world from fascism in the possible to deny credit to the Soviet Union, empha mishandling of the war effort by the Soviet Union Stalin, who is even easier to vilify).
What has been achieved for the people, n oppressed by the Great Russian Empire of the Ts economic development, national liberation, and r cultures are being concealed from public view. W things that are portrayed as violation of hum repression. Much of the information is exaggera many of the serious mistakes that were made in Zedong would have considered ‘friendly contra conditions when the Soviet Union was in a stat another. Imperialism did not relent in its efforts t and weaken it, and used every possible trick intentions, accusing the Soviet union of meddling countries, while in reality it was the imperiali undermine the Soviet state.
Soviet domination over Eastern Europe in the to be seen in the context of the shifts in attitude powers towards the Soviet Union before the outbr hoped that the Soviet communists and the Ger each other to destruction so that they could contr cooperation during critical moments of the war following the end of the war with the defeat of fas The signs were already there even before the Soviet Union has been accused of isolating itself f

he latter’s hostility towards China, to the extent the Indonesian invasion of East Timor following ny by the Portuguese.
talin take notice of the change of course of the ushchev placed himself in control. In fact, reater regard by imperialism than were Mikhail e way for the collapse of the Soviet Union and ransformed Russia into a vassal of the US.
se of the Soviet Union, the imperialist project to of the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, and USSR in defeating fascist Germany was well in list domination of the internet, electronic and ing rewritten to read that it was the US and its ld from fascism in the 1940s. Where it is not he Soviet Union, emphasis is placed on supposed ort by the Soviet Union (or more conveniently by o vilify).
ved for the people, nations and nationalities ssian Empire of the Tsars in terms of social and tional liberation, and revitalisation of oppressed led from public view. What are highlighted are d as violation of human rights and political information is exaggerated if not distorted; and akes that were made in dealing with what Mao idered ‘friendly contradictions’ occurred under et Union was in a state of siege of one kind or ot relent in its efforts to isolate the Soviet Union d every possible trick to misrepresent Soviet oviet union of meddling in the internal affairs of y it was the imperialists who were seeking to
. Eastern Europe in the post World War II era has of the shifts in attitude of the western capitalist Union before the outbreak of the war, when they munists and the German fascists would fight so that they could control the world; their lack of l moments of the war; and a hostile approach ar with the defeat of fascist Germany and Japan. here even before the surrender of Japan. The used of isolating itself from the rest of the world

Page 23
until Khrushchev entered the scene. But it was the Churchill who declared ‘Iron Curtain’ separatin from the capitalist west.
The Soviet Union and later China were blam and Vietnam, while these wars were the result o prevent these countries from choosing their ow colonies were under pressure from their former c imperialist allies from establishing any kind of li (or for that matter China, whose isolation continu
That Stalin made mistakes, some very serio Marxist Leninists. But their assessment of Stalin on his role in defending and carrying forward the be more aware of the gravity of some of the communists. They have criticised those and othe lessons from them and developed the mass importance of the notion of ‘friendly’ as opposed is an outcome of this experience.
It is easy to criticise or even denounce Stalin i wrong to pass judgment on any error without e which it occurred. It will be unacceptable today to that is with the benefit of hindsight which Stalin d
A good comparison will be with denouncing re democratic and human rights of people in the struggle and consolidating the victory of the revolu violations are exaggerations and distortions and, basis, they are presented out of context, to excl oppressor, often a powerful state; popular fury ab against them; and the creation of situations u inevitable. But Marxists do not follow bad pre mistakes and struggle to achieve their goal withou or harm to the livelihood of people. It is the conditions that lead to destruction of human life a
Reactionaries have a clear purpose in portrayi constructing ‘Stalinism’ as the sum total of that intensity of the anti-Stalin propaganda have bee some Marxists are too intimidated to counter some occasionally join the imperialist chorus deno

the scene. But it was the British Premier Winston Iron Curtain’ separating the socialist countries
later China were blamed for the wars in Korea wars were the result of imperialist meddling to rom choosing their own destiny. Many former ure from their former colonial masters and their ablishing any kind of link with the Soviet Union
hose isolation continued into the 1970s).
takes, some very serious, is not questioned by ir assessment of Stalin’s contributions is based d carrying forward the revolution. No one could avity of some of the errors than the Chinese riticised those and other serious mistakes, drew developed the mass line on that basis. The f ‘friendly’ as opposed to ‘hostile’ contradictions ience.
even denounce Stalin in hindsight. But it will be on any error without examining the context in e unacceptable today to make such mistakes, but indsight which Stalin did not have.
l be with denouncing revolutionaries for violating ights of people in the course of revolutionary the victory of the revolution. Many of the alleged s and distortions and, where the charges have a out of context, to exclude provocations by the l state; popular fury about atrocities committed eation of situations under which excesses are do not follow bad precedents, and learn from chieve their goal without unnecessary loss of life d of people. It is the oppressors who create truction of human life and livelihood.
ear purpose in portraying Stalin as a villain and the sum total of that villainy. The volume and n propaganda have been so overwhelming, that timidated to counter the charges. Even worse, imperialist chorus denouncing Stalin.

Page 24
The Trotskyite agenda
Trotskyism went bankrupt well before Trotsk in the few countries where they held sway. A misr term ‘permanent revolution’ led many to think revolutionary theory, which it was not. Slogan round the corner’ mouthed by Lankan Trotskyite while Trotskyite ideas like militarising the p revolution proved to be counter-productive ide lifetime. Trotskyite rejection of supporting forc including the national bourgeoisie as class collab theory, and today several Trotskyites are strong projects.
It was when Trotskyism was almost political came to its rescue. He made it possible to denoun and therefore claim that Stalinism is a bad thing as Stalinism are ideas that stand in opposition t for. What they really do there is to reject Lenin denounce Stalin than Lenin, who is still held in h Marxists but also other progressive forces of vario
Trotskyites use the term Stalinist to refer not Leninists but also to revisionists and other opport two revisionist parties of India as well as all M parties in India, including the Maoist Communist it would seem that Stalinism represents a wider s than Marxism Leninism itself.
The difficulty for Trotskyite schools as a whole come to terms with the fact that Marxist Leninis role in a variety of revolutionary and liberatio worse, succeeded. While orthodox Trotskyites ar haste and opportunism get the better of thos pragmatic, as evident from the events in Sri Lanka
Having rendered themselves politically impote in any successful revolution that they see even r ‘Stalinism’ (in reality Marxism Leninism). They ha the failure or any setback suffered by a revol struggle. Some trace any failure to the ‘Stali socialism in one country. To them, it is somethin orthodox Christians.

upt well before Trotskyites lost their credibility they held sway. A misreading of the meaning of on’ led many to think of it as an all embracing ich it was not. Slogans like ‘The revolution is d by Lankan Trotskyites became political jokes, ike militarising the peasantry and exporting counter-productive ideas even during Trotsky’s ion of supporting forces of national liberation rgeoisie as class collaboration is another failed Trotskyites are strong supporters of nationalist
m was almost politically dead that Khrushchev e it possible to denounce Stalin as a wicked man talinism is a bad thing. What Trotskyites define t stand in opposition to what Trotskyism stood here is to reject Lenin. It is easier and safer to in, who is still held in high esteem by not merely ogressive forces of various descriptions.
m Stalinist to refer not only to genuine Marxist onists and other opportunists. Thus, to them, the India as well as all Marxist Leninist political the Maoist Communist Party, are Stalinist. Thus m represents a wider spectrum of political views self.
kyite schools as a whole is their unwillingness to ct that Marxist Leninists have played a leading lutionary and liberation struggles and, what is rthodox Trotskyites are stuck in dogmatic mud, get the better of those who seek to be more
the events in Sri Lanka. elves politically impotent, Trotskyites find solace n that they see even remotely as a rejection of ism Leninism). They have stock explanations for k suffered by a revolution or a revolutionary y failure to the ‘Stalinist theory’ of building To them, it is something like the Original Sin for

Page 25
Stalinism and Maoism
Attempts to vilify the personality of Stalin are n vilify Mao Zedong since mid-1980s, with some agenda for capitalist revival in China. The term were originally introduced in an abusive fashion.
The former was popularised by Trotskyites to fact that they were attacking Marxism Leninism Stalin, vilifying him and casting him in an unfavou to the Trotskyite agenda of discrediting Stalin Marxism Leninism. The term was picked up in lat Marxist socialism and of the Soviet Union and has of abuse in the jargon of all manner of liberals.
Not even the most ardent supporter of Stalin e to refer to himself. One prefers the term Marxi view of the need to emphasise the Marxist es ideology. Trotskyism stood for something distinct and Trotskyites prided themselves in using th Trotskyism to refer to themselves and the vari ideology. The names of the leaders of the vario distinguish themselves from one another, without let alone Marx, although the cult of the personalit important to each of them, and ritually used stands on national and international issues.
Marxist Leninists have been accused of uphold of Stalin, not that of Lenin, however, and later tha these accusations, Marxist Leninists in China and the contribution of Mao to Marxist theory an development of Marxism Leninism in the e domination avoided the use of the term Maoist o to refer to themselves for a very long time. The Mao Zedong Thought was in currency from bef Revolution and popularised during the Cultural R used to refer to the Marxist Leninist ideology a Mao to emphasise the mass line and to addres contradictions and class struggle under socialist c after the death of Mao in 1976 that the term Ma Marxist Leninists to distinguish themselves opportunists who called themselves Marxist Leni

ersonality of Stalin are no different from those to mid-1980s, with some help from those with an val in China. The terms Stalinism and Maoism
in an abusive fashion.
rised by Trotskyites to deflect attention from the king Marxism Leninism. A personal attack on sting him in an unfavourable light, was essential of discrediting Stalin and thereby subverting rm was picked up in later years by the enemies of he Soviet Union and has become a common term l manner of liberals.
nt supporter of Stalin ever uses the term Stalinist refers the term Marxist Leninist to Leninist in hasise the Marxist essence and origin of the for something distinct from Marxism Leninism hemselves in using the terms Trotskyite and emselves and the various brands of Trotskyite e leaders of the various factions were used to m one another, without any reference to Trotsky, he cult of the personality of Trotsky had been all m, and ritually used in justifying their varied ernational issues.
been accused of upholding cult of the personality , however, and later that of Mao Zedong. Despite Leninists in China and elsewhere who endorsed to Marxist theory and practice as a further Leninism in the era of global imperialist se of the term Maoist or Marxist Leninist Maoist a very long time. The term Marxism-Leninism- s in currency from before the Chinese Cultural d during the Cultural Revolution. The term was ist Leninist ideology as creatively developed by ass line and to address, among other matters, truggle under socialist construction. It was much 1976 that the term Maoist began to be used by istinguish themselves from revisionists and emselves Marxist Leninists. It was also used in

Page 26
India by a group of Marxist Leninists follow Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist) und early-mid 1970s and the emergence of a n Communist Party of India (Maoist) was formed o in Nepal, genuine Marxist Leninists referred to th the term Marxist Leninist is used by a revisionis party. The choice of a descriptive term depen circumstances in which a political party develop Marxist Leninist parties like the Communist Party have a Marxist Leninist label or Maoist label in th
Imperialist mud-slinging at Mao reached a p paid gang of slanderers, and was helped by the Chinese leadership towards Mao at the time in capitalism in China. Attempts to blacken the between 1949 and 1976 continue, but are now less the world are now more conscious of imperialist d
Name calling and Marxist Leninists
Marxist Leninists, as long as they remain tru uphold the mass political line, and persevere in should not be perturbed by name calling by va Trotskyites and their likes who have lost touch wit
Yet they cannot stand idly by when history is leaders of revolutionary struggles are systematica recognise and acknowledge mistakes made in th and during socialist construction. Understanding which mistakes were made and why they occurr such mistakes in the future. But to join the choru reactionaries and repeat their accusations w circumstances is to play into the hands of the rea of the Chinese communists to Stalin is helpful he his contributions were 70% positive and 30% no worth remembering.
*****

arxist Leninists following the collapse of the (Marxist Leninist) under state repression in the e emergence of a number of factions; the (Maoist) was formed only a few years ago. Even Leninists referred to themselves as Maoists since t is used by a revisionist parliamentary political descriptive term depends considerably on the political party develops. Thus, several genuine ke the Communist Party of the Philippines do not
el or Maoist label in their name.
ng at Mao reached a peak in the 1990s using a and was helped by the negative attitude of the ds Mao at the time in the interest of promoting mpts to blacken the image of socialist China ntinue, but are now less effective as the people of nscious of imperialist designs.
ist Leninists
ong as they remain true to Marxism Leninism, l line, and persevere in mass political struggle, by name calling by various reactionaries or by who have lost touch with revolutionary reality. idly by when history is distorted and heroes and ruggles are systematically abused. It is correct to ge mistakes made in the course of a revolution ruction. Understanding the circumstances under e and why they occurred is important to avoid e. But to join the chorus of denunciation by the t their accusations without considering the to the hands of the reactionaries. The approach s to Stalin is helpful here. Their assessment that % positive and 30% not seems well founded and
*****

Page 27
Maoist Victory in Nep
A step towards New Demo
Shanmugam
On tenth March this year a general election to not to elect members of parliament but for el Assembly (CA) to draft the constitution for Nep monarchy in Nepal and the feudal and capitalist like such an election taking place. The hegemonic too attempted to defer the election. The election to postponed twice. But it took place as a result of mass campaigns by the Communist Party of N democratic forces.
The CPN (M) has emerged as the largest singl Together with other Marxist and democratic parti nationalities it holds an overwhelming majority i has become possible to rid Nepal of its two a monarchy. This electoral success has provided the enable the march to socialism through New Demo
The victory of the Nepali Maoists was not som through shortcuts. It was a victory secured throu struggle along the path of People’s War accord sighted political programme put forward by the struggle was not carried forward in a blind fashio as a struggle that mobilised a variety of section peasants, workers, the landless, depressed com oppressed nationalities, women, youth, students, t patriotic forces, on the basis of policy and progr class struggle.
Mass organisations under the firm leadership dedicated work among the people. At the same t

oist Victory in Nepal
towards New Democracy
Shanmugam
ar a general election took place in Nepal. It was parliament but for electing the Constitutional e constitution for Nepal. The supporters of the e feudal and capitalist classes of Nepal did not g place. The hegemonic forces India and the US election. The election to the CA had already been ok place as a result of pressure in the form of ommunist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and other
ged as the largest single party in these elections. st and democratic parties and parties of minority verwhelming majority in the CA. Through this it rid Nepal of its two and a half centuries old uccess has provided the initial victory that could sm through New Democracy.
ali Maoists was not something that was secured a victory secured through twelve years of armed f People’s War according to a definite and far e put forward by the CPN (M). There, armed rward in a blind fashion. It was carried forward ed a variety of sections of the people including ndless, depressed communities, tribal people, omen, youth, students, teachers, intellectuals and sis of policy and programme along the path of
der the firm leadership of the Party carried out e people. At the same time a people’s army was

Page 28
founded based on Mao Zedong Thought and the m People’s War were practiced. Base areas were cr Methods of guerrilla warfare were adopted. feudalism were at the forefront of struggle. Oth people, women and youth came to the fore in b development of the struggle into a comprehensiv US included the CPN (M) in its list of terrorist org
Through this struggle of the Nepali people man control of the CPN (M) and the people’s armed land reform was implemented and agricultural l the landless and agricultural labourers. There w development in the liberated areas and new app fields of health, education and other socio-cultu differences in caste were rejected and equalit individuality of nationalities was protected. Bes taken on several fronts to put an end to the op initial steps towards women’s liberation have be planned way.
All these have been undertaken within a perio Practices that should be followed in the course o by a communist party have been followed in specific conditions of Nepal. While the eliminati made the goal and an armed struggle was und conservative reactionary ideology, thought and system were explained to the people so that the p reject them. The use of weapons to intimidate peo things out of fear was avoided and the people we and politically. This was made possible through m
It should be noted that the style of work of the to be able to win over the people within the const ideology of a feudal Hindu monarchy would have of liberation struggle in South Asia should learn the Nepali communists.
At the same time, it should be noted that the r the US consistently sought to protect and prese and the reactionary capitalist forces of Nepal. America’s CIA and India’s RAW have continue Nepal. The mass line of the CPN (M) has been fi them and overcome them.

dong Thought and the multi-faceted strategies of ed. Base areas were created in the countryside. arfare were adopted. Peasants oppressed by efront of struggle. Other oppressed sections of came to the fore in battle. Unable to bear the le into a comprehensive liberation struggle, the in its list of terrorist organisations.
f the Nepali people many regions came under the nd the people’s armed forces. In those regions, nted and agricultural land was redistributed to ural labourers. There was significant economic ted areas and new approaches were used in the and other socio-cultural matters. Hierarchical e rejected and equality was emphasised. The ties was protected. Besides, initiative has been put an end to the oppression of women, and en’s liberation have been put into practice in a
dertaken within a period of ten years of struggle. llowed in the course of a liberation struggle led ave been followed in ways appropriate to the al. While the elimination of the monarchy was med struggle was undertaken to that end, the ideology, thought and practices of the feudal the people so that the people were persuaded to apons to intimidate people and making them do ided and the people were educated scientifically ade possible through mass politicisation.
the style of work of the Nepali communists for it people within the constraints of dominant feudal monarchy would have been demanding. Forces outh Asia should learn from the style of work of
uld be noted that the ruling classes of India and t to protect and preserve the feudal monarchy talist forces of Nepal. Organisations like the ’s RAW have continued with their mischief in e CPN (M) has been firm enough to stand up to

Page 29
The recent electoral success demonstrates the o (M) on the various fronts. The liberation struggl without leaning towards the US, without support endorsement by China, by relying entirely on t situation in which socialism has fallen in the European countries and where there is deviation China, and the global media howl that socialism been made to fly in full radiance o n the peak of the
The communists, revolutionary masses and a liberation in South Asia feel encouraged and a waving across Nepal. Red flags stand tall in N sacrifices made by the many thousand communis there. The liberation struggle of Nepal has set an liberation struggles. The path of the struggle f socialism in the Twenty-first Century has much to
Nevertheless, there are bound to be severe internationally by various reactionary forces t revolutionary path of the CPN (M). The wish of t that the CPN (M) should persevere in its correc overcome the various challenges, tests and obstacl
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has task of carrying forward its policies in ways ap conditions of Nepal and consistent with Marxis defeated feudal-capitalist classes of Nepal will n join hands with the ruling classes of India and the therefore important that the people of South A especially, to be firmly supportive of the people’s in Nepal.
[Approximate translation of an article in Tamil in P
*****

cess demonstrates the overall success of the CPN . The liberation struggle was launched in Nepal he US, without support from India and without y relying entirely on the people of Nepal. In a ism has fallen in the Soviet Union and East here there is deviation from the socialist path in dia howl that socialism is dead, the red flag has
iance o n the peak of the Himalayas.
lutionary masses and all the people striving for feel encouraged and assured by the red flags d flags stand tall in Nepal because of the life ny thousand communists and struggling masses gle of Nepal has set an example to contemporary path of the struggle for New Democracy and st Century has much to learn from Nepal.
e bound to be severe efforts within Nepal and s reactionary forces to deflect the victorious CPN (M). The wish of the people of the world is persevere in its correct revolutionary stand to lenges, tests and obstacles.
of Nepal (Maoist) has before it the Himalayan its policies in ways appropriate to the specific consistent with Marxist Leninist ideology. The classes of Nepal will not remain idle. They will classes of India and the US to make trouble. It is the people of South Asia, the people of India portive of the people’s power that is being won
f an article in Tamil in Puthiya Poomi, May 2008]
*****

Page 30
ND
NDP Statement to the Media Elections to the Eastern Provincial Council
1st April 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement on behalf of th regarding the forthcoming elections to the Eastern
The forthcoming elections to the Eastern Prov conducted as a device to implement the chauvinis Mahinda Chinthana government. The elections negate the existence of a national question and e the war.
The elections will be used to divide the Tamil peo East and to create conflict between the Tamils New-Democratic Party is not participating in thi elections to the Eastern Provincial Council. The of the elections to the Eastern Provincial Council u there no just proposal for a political solution intensified is an act of political deception and dive life or democracy in the North -East.
Besides, restoration, rehabilitation and resettlem properly implemented for the victims of war and East. The people in the East live amid thre movements. Repression by the armed forces Relationship between the Tamil and Muslim com and there is fear that the elections could lead to a could be communal clashes. These elections are being conducted under condi has been separated from the East, and where b taken to improve Tamil-Muslim relationship. The

NDP Diary
the Media to the rovincial Council
eneral Secretary of the New-Democratic Party, ement on behalf of the Politburo of the Party
elections to the Eastern Provincial Council.
s to the Eastern Provincial Council are being plement the chauvinistic ulterior motives of the rnment. The elections are being conducted to ational question and emphasise continuation of
to divide the Tamil people of the North and the t between the Tamils and Muslims. Hence the not participating in this meaningless exercise of rovincial Council. The government’s conducting ern Provincial Council under conditions in which or a political solution while the war is being tical deception and diversion. There is no normal rth-East.
bilitation and resettlement work has not been the victims of war and tsunami damage in the East live amid threats and bullying by the by the armed forces of the state continues. Tamil and Muslim communities is being wrecked lections could lead to a situation in which there s. conducted under conditions in which the North the East, and where basic steps have not been uslim relationship. The war to the North is being

Page 31
intensified without putting forward a proper s question.
Under these conditions, the elections to the Ea comprise an activity that is part of a chauvinistic these elections will not bring any benefit to the p Tamils, Muslims or Sinhalese.
The New-Democratic Party wishes to point out th elections will be used to deflect the attention o economic crisis and the rise in cost of living that c means to win approval for the war.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party.
May Day 2008 May Day Rallies of the New-Democratic Party 1st May 2008
Revolutionary May Day rallies of the New-Demo three regions, namely Hatton in the Hill Country, Vavuniya. The three May Day rallies were full of re
The rallies emphasised the need for a fair, neg demanded steps to control the economic crisis living, demanded the trial or release of all Tami Hill Country Tamil political prisoners, and calle Hill Country to mobilise themselves in mass stru and working class rights.
Comrade E Thambiah, National Organiser of th held in the Sakthi Hall, Hatton. The meeting was a Senthivel, General Secretary of the Party, Comrad of the Politburo, Comrade S Panneerselvam, Cen the Party, and Comrade Kaavatthayuur Mahend were sung at the meeting.
Comrade K Kathirgamanathan, Northern Region chaired the May Day rally in Putthur, Jaffna

g forward a proper solution for the national
he elections to the Eastern Provincial Council is part of a chauvinistic agenda. Participation in ing any benefit to the people of the East, be they ese.
y wishes to point out that, at the same time, the deflect the attention of the Sinhalese from the e in cost of living that confront them and by that the war.
mocratic Party.
allies of emocratic Party
llies of the New-Democratic Party were held in ton in the Hill Country, Putthur in Jaffna and in ay rallies were full of revolutionary enthusiasm.
e need for a fair, negotiated political solution, ol the economic crisis and control the cost of l or release of all Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and al prisoners, and called upon the people of the hemselves in mass struggle to win their national
ational Organiser of the Party chaired the rally tton. The meeting was addressed by Comrade SK ry of the Party, Comrade S Thevarajah, Member S Panneerselvam, Central Regional Secretary of aavatthayuur Mahendran. Revolutionary songs
than, Northern Regional Secretary of the Party lly in Putthur, Jaffna held in the Kalaimathi

Page 32
People’s Hall. Comrades K Thanikasalam, P Muru Ranjithkumar and S Thavarajah, trade union repr meeting. It is noteworthy that this was the only M and remarkable that over a thousand people elsewhere in the peninsula gathered at this revolu It was evident from the May Day rally of the Ne the workers, peasants and other toiling masses of and persevered in their revolutionary feeling and untold oppression and sufferings under the cond play was staged depicting the problems and crise and the people as a result of imperialist globalisa dance concert were also presented. The May Day rally in Vavuniya took place on a view of the bad conditions prevailing there. Secretary of the Party chaired the meeting wh Member of the Central Committee of the Pa Soodamani participated in the May Day rally and to the revolutionary sentiments of the younger gen
NDP signature campaign fo trial or unconditional rel of political detainees
The New Democratic Party formally May Day 2008 a campaign to obtain signatures on a petition demanding e without delay or unconditional relea Sinhalese, Muslim and Hill Country prisoners who are being detained wi
The Party seeks the fullest cooperati from of all those who uphold justice democratic values by endorsing the canvassing for support.

Thanikasalam, P Murugesu, K Panchalingam, S arajah, trade union representative, addressed the hat this was the only May Day meeting in Jaffna, er a thousand people from the locality and gathered at this revolutionary May Day meeting. ay Day rally of the New-Democratic Party that other toiling masses of the North have preserved volutionary feeling and revolutionary stand amid fferings under the conditions prevailing there. A the problems and crises confronting the country of imperialist globalisation. Poems, songs and a esented. avuniya took place on a more restrained note in itions prevailing there. The Vavunia Regional aired the meeting which was addressed by a Committee of the Party. Senior Comrade IK the May Day rally and provided encouragement ents of the younger generation.
gnature campaign for the r unconditional release f political detainees
atic Party formally launched on ampaign to obtain 100,000 etition demanding either the trial unconditional release of all Tamil, and Hill Country Tamil political e being detained without trial.
he fullest cooperation and support who uphold justice, freedom and s by endorsing the campaign and pport.

Page 33
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 452 Bank of Ceylon, Supermarket Bran Colombo 11, Sri Lanka
Please mention ‘Publications Fund’ in the covering payment. Address for correspondence:
47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 1

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 e 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 o 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: arajah, account number 452868 f Ceylon, Supermarket Branch
o 11, Sri Lanka
tions Fund’ in the covering note attached to the rrespondence: CSM Complex, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka.

Page 34
Sri Lankan
Polls in the East: a tragicomedy
Not all supporters of the government believed tha free elections to the Eastern Provincial Council. T in the Batticaloa District only two months earlier what could be expected. But the UNP, the JVP a Congress, despite their unanimous view that the e chose to participate. The Tamil National Alliance gun-carrying TMVP (the breakaway from the LTT and parts of Amparai districts with the backing o armed forces, kept out of the polls.
True to expectation intimidation, ballot-rigging were alleged by independent observers. Yet the alliance secured only a slim majority. The ‘Commu who were partners in power with the governm alliance in protest against the government’s allian was still carrying arms. After the elections, how announced that the outcome of the elections wa the political situation there. Whether ‘fair repr reality of armed men calling the shots in the po unclear.
Hisbulla, leader of the SLMC slate in the local month earlier, ditched the SLMC, which conte UNP, to join hands with the ruling party. H supporters even more, that he would be Chief Mi Disappointment awaited him as Chandrakanthan of the TMVP, beat him to the post. Peace in Batt way since, whoever was appointed, there would leading to communal conflict.
Hisbulla has been placated since his initial refus post, shows of protests and a threat to cross over minister. But the ill feelings that were fanned dur

Sri Lankan Events
East: a tragicomedy
overnment believed that there would be fair and rn Provincial Council. The local council elections nly two months earlier gave clear indications of ut the UNP, the JVP and the Sri Lanka Muslim animous view that the elections would be a farce, Tamil National Alliance, already targeted by the reakaway from the LTTE) dominating Batticaloa ricts with the backing of the government and the he polls.
idation, ballot-rigging and other malpractices ent observers. Yet the government party-TMVP majority. The ‘Communist’ Party and the LSSP, wer with the government, sided with a Tamil the government’s alliance with the TMVP which fter the elections, however, a CP spokesperson me of the elections was a fair representation of re. Whether ‘fair representation’ included the ing the shots in the politics of the East remains
LMC slate in the local council elections only a e SLMC, which contested in alliance with the h the ruling party. He was hopeful, and his t he would be Chief Minister if the alliance won. im as Chandrakanthan (aka Pillayan), the leader the post. Peace in Batticaloa was doomed either ppointed, there would have been dissatisfaction lict.
d since his initial refusal to accept a ministerial d a threat to cross over. He is now sworn in as a s that were fanned during the election campaign

Page 35
and the opportunist politics of the various parties and killings. What was to be a farce to validate the that it has achieved normalcy in the East and e people has already taken its first step towards a de
JVP split: Tweedledum and Twe
Much has been made of the recent split in the politically there is little difference between the fac led by Somawansa Amerasingha and that led by W has announced the formation of a new party, the (Jathika Nidahas Peramuna).
The JVP, even before it entered into a coalition w in 2004, had started to let go its pretences to left the government early in 2005, on chauvinistic issues of class politics, it was dependent on the P opportunity knocked on its door in late 2005 in th election, the JVP greedily grabbed it. It claimed t owed his victory to its support and therefore shou he had signed with the JVP, knowing well that involving other parties, and as worthless as the on
The JVP endorsed the chauvinistic policy of t escalation of the war, which it saw as the onl national question. Thus its criticism of the go possibility of the government consenting to an power to solve the national question.
As the popularity of the government showed mainly to the failing economy, the JVP leadersh from the government using the rising cost of liv issues as pretext. It was paradoxical that the JVP government on economic problems which were t the escalation of war, which the JVP wanted the go even greater vigour. Thus the JVP was not in a po government at the budget vote last year, despite th
Even a superficial examination of the issues at st the JNP will show that the issues are not ideol personal and concern seemingly shady deals invo was a political difference at all, that concerned th

cs of the various parties has led to mob violence e a farce to validate the claim of the government alcy in the East and enjoys the support of the s first step towards a descent into a tragedy.
weedledum and Tweedledee
the recent split in the JVP by the media. But ference between the faction in control of the JVP ingha and that led by Wimal Weerawansa which tion of a new party, the National Freedom Front
a).
tered into a coalition with the People’s Alliance go its pretences to left politics. Despite quitting 2005, on chauvinistic grounds rather than on was dependent on the PA for its survival. When s door in late 2005 in the form of the presidential grabbed it. It claimed that President Rajapaksha port and therefore should abide by the MoU that VP, knowing well that there were other MoUs, d as worthless as the one signed with them.
hauvinistic policy of the government and the ich it saw as the only route to resolving the its criticism of the government related to the ent consenting to any form of devolution of al question.
government showed signs of waning owing omy, the JVP leadership tried to distance itself ng the rising cost of living and other economic aradoxical that the JVP distanced itself from the problems which were the direct consequence of h the JVP wanted the government to pursue with the JVP was not in a position to vote against the vote last year, despite threats to that effect.
ation of the issues at stake between the JVP and e issues are not ideological. Most of them are ingly shady deals involving large sums. If there t all, that concerned the question of how to have

Page 36
the cake and eat it, namely how to keep the go support its war efforts, without taking the blame f
It seems that the government has succeeded in br JVP, which has now made it more secure aga turning against it in the parliament
Human Rights Council: bad lose
Sri Lanka failed to retain its seat in the United Council when it sought re-election at the end of it the government who were boastful before the vot started throwing accusations at all and sundry fo seat. They blamed the failure on the campaign NGO Coalition for an Effective Human Rig persuaded three Nobel Peace Prize winners, Desm Adolfo Perez Esquivel of Argentina and former U to publish statements urging UN members to vot even went to the extent of claiming that the campaign.
The response of spokespersons for the Sri Lankan of its human rights violations from anyone has o Critics have been accused of malice, mischief and some description. Recent utterances against countries could not have helped very much either.
The response to the defeat has so far been much i criticism in the past, and not likely to win new fr those who are not friendly.
Tamil nationalists seem to be elated by the outcom to be pleased about. Not only China, their bête which many of them still put their faith in, ha candidacy. What the Council can achieve is ano having chosen to keep out of the Council becau rights-abusing countries from membership. It is, the US has ensured that at least one of the major namely the US, will not be in the Council.
*****

ely how to keep the government in power and hout taking the blame for the consequences.
ent has succeeded in bringing about a split in the de it more secure against the risk of the JVP rliament
hts Council: bad losers
its seat in the United Nations Human Rights election at the end of its term. Spokespersons for boastful before the voting became resentful and ns at all and sundry for the failure to retain the lure on the campaign against Sri Lanka by the Effective Human Rights Council which had ce Prize winners, Desmond Tutu of South Africa, rgentina and former US President Jimmy Carter ng UN members to vote against Sri Lanka. Some of claiming that the LTTE was behind the
rsons for the Sri Lankan government to criticism ions from anyone has often been ill considered. of malice, mischief and even being terrorists of t utterances against dignitaries of influential elped very much either.
has so far been much in the style of responses to not likely to win new friends let alone neutralize .
be elated by the outcome, but there is not much only China, their bête noir, but also India, in l put their faith in, had supported Sri Lanka’s ncil can achieve is another matter with the US t of the Council because it would not prevent rom membership. It is, however, admirable that t least one of the major abusers of human rights,
in the Council.
*****

Page 37
A revealing study of the origins of bourgeois class
Nobodies to Somebodies, Kumari Jayaward Scientists’ Association, Colombo 05, 2000 ( pp. 412+xxxii, (price not stated).
The book is unique in examining the sources the elite families that came to dominate the econ of the country in the decades preceding independ rule and even after.
The sections on the elite, especially the Colom well researched and supported by a wealth of d reveals the feudal roots of the section of the eme as the ties that developed between those with diffe established feudal/land-owning classes. It also sh the feudal/land-owning elite of the coastal reg colonial patronage.
Despite its difference in style to several studie the capitalist classes in India and Latin America, the big land-owners and the capitalists is strong a no need to subvert the feudal nature of relatio countryside, it provides valuable insights into relationship between the dependent capitalist clas colonial rule in the Third World and their colonial
The role of caste is discussed in considera explores how wealth and therefore class take pre course of development of a merchant class, its through arrack and toll renting and its expansion i The failure of this class to develop into an ind significance is important and could partly be e

Book Review
dy of the origins of the Sinhala
es, Kumari Jayawardena, Social
Colombo 05, 2000 (4th Printing 2007), ot stated).
examining the sources of wealth and position of e to dominate the economic and political affairs es preceding independence from direct colonial
e, especially the Colombo-based section of it, are orted by a wealth of documentation. The book the section of the emergent bourgeoisie as well etween those with different origins and the well- ning classes. It also shows the extent to which lite of the coastal regions were dependent on
n style to several studies on the social nature of dia and Latin America, where the bond between he capitalists is strong and where capitalism had eudal nature of relations of production in the valuable insights into the dual nature of the ependent capitalist class under colonial and neo-
orld and their colonial/imperialist masters.
iscussed in considerable detail and the book therefore class take precedence over caste in the f a merchant class, its accumulation of wealth ting and its expansion into the plantation sector. to develop into an industrial capitalist class of and could partly be explained in terms of its

Page 38
dependence on the goodwill if not patronage of the kind of collaboration with colonial rulers whi departure of the colonial rulers in 1948.
The book demonstrates how willingly the new took to Western culture and lifestyles and how w with the colonial rulers. Thereby it helps in chal elite classes of today to patriotism and t collaborating with neo-colonialism and imperiali investing their wealth abroad rather than develop
The research done on the Tamil and Muslim essentially the individuals based in Colombo wh the Jaffna-based feudal-capitalists who made thei especially tobacco, and related products do not origins of the wealth of the influential families away from Colombo are hardly considered.
Also the chapter on the debut of bourgeois wom to address feminist concerns. It is misleading sinc capitalist families did not make their wealth b virtue of being an only daughter or a widow. Tha been extended to the political dynasties of the cou and modernisation of the Sinhala elite women w dominant males of their respective families than wishes, since the men of wealth themselves aspir that the women had to matching counterparts.
Some of the early leaders of the left of Sri L feudal/land-owning families. These leaders are re with little comment on how their ancestors acqu made these young men from the elite classes turn
The shortcomings seem largely as a result of comprehensive picture without adequate ac information. The work if confined entirely to the bourgeoisie and defined as such would in itself student of Sri Lankan political history. Inade communities based on poorly researched texts do to what is otherwise a valuable study.
*****

ill if not patronage of the colonial masters and ith colonial rulers which survived well after the ulers in 1948.
s how willingly the new rich classes at the time nd lifestyles and how willingly they collaborated hereby it helps in challenging the claims of the to patriotism and traditional values, while lonialism and imperialist globalisation as well as
ad rather than develop a national economy.
the Tamil and Muslim elite is weak, and it is based in Colombo who receive attention while pitalists who made their wealth from cash crops, elated products do not receive a mention. The he influential families in the provinces further rdly considered.
debut of bourgeois women seems like an implant ns. It is misleading since women from feudal and t make their wealth but rather inherited it by ughter or a widow. That tradition seems to have ical dynasties of the country. The westernisation Sinhala elite women was less in defiance of the espective families than in compliance with their ealth themselves aspired to be brown sahibs, so tching counterparts.
ers of the left of Sri Lanka were from wealthy ies. These leaders are referred to in the book but w their ancestors acquired their wealth or what m the elite classes turn to left ideology.
largely as a result of attempting to provide a without adequate access to the necessary confined entirely to the emergence of the Sinhala s such would in itself be of much value to the olitical history. Inadequate sections on other orly researched texts does more harm than good able study.
*****

Page 39
Curse Not Semmalar Mohan
You are troubled by vibrations of some sou Your lips curse someone or another.
We, like chicks spotted by the eyes of an ea You with a wounded heart....
Rumblings of fury are concealed behind sc in well planned fashion. Trying to expose treachery neatly hidden b we were pushed down and trampled unde
Your body is parched dry by thoughts of our bodies that arose to free ourselves from the scars of poverty Your skin wrinkled in lines scratched by ex the hollows of your cheeks echoing the fru of their inability to surge up.
Your dreams as an unfilled vacuum from your granny to you and you to me as an umbilical link as inaccessible distance....
How will it be possible? Without shaking off with disgust this base political lineage, starved of humidity and buried deep life will be parched dry.
Persevere to rip off the curtain and surge f
The new world to be won may not be for u but let not tomorrow curse us.
(from the Reman

Curse Not Semmalar Mohan
vibrations of some sound within you. eone or another.
ted by the eyes of an eagle – d heart....
re concealed behind screens ion. achery neatly hidden behind masks
n and trampled underfoot
d dry by thoughts rose m the scars of poverty. in lines scratched by exploitation, cheeks echoing the frustration surge up.
nfilled vacuum you and you to me
nce....
ble? f with disgust neage,
and buried deep dry.
the curtain and surge forward.
e won may not be for us, w curse us.
(from the Remand Prison, Colombo)

Page 40
International
Lebanon: A Failed Misadventur
Following the sudden move by the Lebanese go curb the power of Hezbollah, the Shiite Mu successfully defended Lebanon against Israeli declaring as illegal Hezbollah's independent c spanning across much of the country and dism head of security at Beirut Airport, located in Hezb
Separately, national discontent over wages resul poorer areas of Lebanon where support for Hezbo the strike degenerated into gun battles between an and supporters of the ruling coalition. Hezbollah roads to the airport as the fighting escalated furth
On 8th May the popular Hezbollah leader Hassa the government actions were tantamount to a de supporting the policies of the United States Hezbollah forces took control of the mainly Musl next day fighting had spread to north Lebanon.
With the death toll already in the dozens, the ar government measures against Hezbollah. The figh but sporadically. On 14th May the government demands to rescind its decisions on the telecom the dismissal of the airport security chief.
Despite clear provocation by the pro-Western gov President Bush on 12th May, on the eve of his visi stoking the fires by supporting Hezbollah. Egyp surprisingly, sided with the Lebanese regim government blamed the US and Israel for the s leaders of Syria and Qatar declared that it w Lebanon, to pre-empt the internationalization of t The pro-Western leaders of Lebanon do not ma without the backing of or, to be more correct, prom

International Events
Failed Misadventure
ve by the Lebanese government on 6th May to ollah, the Shiite Muslim organisation which banon against Israeli invasion in 2006, by ollah's independent communications network the country and dismissing the pro-Hezbollah irport, located in Hezbollah territory.
ntent over wages resulted in a strike call, in the here support for Hezbollah is strong. By 7th May gun battles between anti-government protesters ing coalition. Hezbollah supporters blocked the fighting escalated further.
ezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared that ere tantamount to a declaration of war aimed at of the United States and Israel. By 9th May trol of the mainly Muslim west Beirut and by the ad to north Lebanon.
y in the dozens, the army declared a freeze on inst Hezbollah. The fighting continued, however, May the government yielded to key Hezbollah cisions on the telecommunication network and t security chief.
by the pro-Western government in Lebanon, US y, on the eve of his visit to Israel, accused Iran of orting Hezbollah. Egypt and Saudi Arabia, not the Lebanese regime. While the Iranian S and Israel for the situation in Lebanon, the tar declared that it was an internal affair of internationalization of the issue. of Lebanon do not make major political moves to be more correct, prompting by the US; and the

Page 41
provocative act by the Lebanese rulers was aimed control, and the strong response by Hezbollah h attempt by the US-Israeli axis to destabilize and d
Colombia: a Tale of Two Protest A well-orchestrated ‘apolitical’ public protest was February 4th in Colombia against the ‘terrorism FARC-EP (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colo month later the tables were turned on the Colomb
The illegal air and ground assault by the Col midnight on 1st March inside Ecuador with intel US that killed Raúl Reyes, Julian Conrado of the their comrades drew protests across the world. R Ecuador and Hugo Chávez, President of Venezuela violation of international law and agreements Organization of the American States and the prevent the violation of a nation's sovereign terr insistence that it acted alone, concerns persist abo in the hunt for Raúl Reyes, besides technologica the Colombian regime in its war against FARC.
On 6th March, Colombian masses, led by the Natio of State Crimes, turned out in far bigger numbe rally of February to call for a rejection of Colom and those who aided them.
Paramilitary power and impunity still looms lar Colombian military closely involved with the p acts including extrajudicial executions. In Col liberal political parties that have alternated in po the same oligarchy, as was the case elsewhere recently and is the case in much of Central Ame changes are based on a small fraction of the p majority does not take the electoral exercise seri meaningful alternative emerged despite the system to pre-empt it. The assassination early in 19 progressive Liberal leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan r to potential challengers. Thus it will take a lo agitation and mass uprisings before the govern paramilitaries are brought under control.

anese rulers was aimed to bring Hezbollah under sponse by Hezbollah has frustrated yet another
xis to destabilize and dominate Lebanon.
Tale of Two Protests
tical’ public protest was successfully launched on against the ‘terrorism’ of the guerrillas of the Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army). A e turned on the Colombian government.
nd assault by the Colombian forces just past side Ecuador with intelligence support from the , Julian Conrado of the FARC-EP and twenty of sts across the world. Rafael Correa, President of , President of Venezuelan denounced this blatant law and agreements established through the erican States and the Andean Parliament, to nation's sovereign territory. Despite Colombia's e, concerns persist about direct US involvement s, besides technological support from the US to s war against FARC.
masses, led by the National Movement of Victims ut in far bigger numbers than in the anti-FARC r a rejection of Colombia’s paramilitary groups .
punity still looms large in Colombia, with the ly involved with the paramilitaries in unlawful ial executions. In Colombia, conservative and t have alternated in power serve the interests of as the case elsewhere in South America until much of Central America even today. Electoral mall fraction of the population, since the vast electoral exercise seriously; and if by chance a erged despite the system, vested interests act fast assination early in 1948 of the popular and Jorge Eliecer Gaitan remains a powerful lesson Thus it will take a lot more of mass political ngs before the government’s killer squads and under control.

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Bolivia: Making Mischief
A low turnout, autonomy referendum, held on 4 province of Santa Cruz, was denounced as unco Evo Morales as it was not authorized by the C authorities, while its promoters claimed approval The referendum was designed to allow the soy a hesitant to share their wealth with the poor Indi boasts nearly 30 percent of Bolivia's GNP, to con wealth of the region.
The Santa Cruz oligarchy sought to achieve a weaken the government argument about the illega large "Yes" vote anticipated, the government a Towards Socialism) sought to diminish the voti mass abstention. Some others asked the people feared opposition bullying of the people into casti
The oligarchy, backed by US imperialism, aims first indigenous president and regain control of t region, coming under increasing control of the sta May 1st seeks to recover control over four trans-n nationalise the telecommunications company, EN
The Bolivian people understand what is at stake the need to hit back at the tiny elite, supporte seeking to reverse the democratic and cultural re Bolivia. The 2008 May Day celebrations dem Bolivian organizations appreciate the need for un defend the country's agenda of humanity and differences and respectful of nature, represented b
Morales announced on 8th May that the country w his mandate as well as that of the governors of th The move was approved the same morning by Senate, with a rightwing majority, which seem opportune to attempt to oust Morales and to s constitution. The referendum should be held with of the bill by President Morales.
The finger prints of the foreign meddlers are all o May, legislators from the opposition political Nuevo Tiempo) in the oil-rich state of Zulia in

king Mischief
referendum, held on 4th May in Bolivia's richest as denounced as unconstitutional by President ot authorized by the Congress or the electoral oters claimed approval by 70% of the votes cast. gned to allow the soy and cattle barons who are alth with the poor Indians of Santa Cruz, which f Bolivia's GNP, to consolidate their hold on the
y sought to achieve a massive poll turnout to gument about the illegality of the process. With a ted, the government and the MAS (Movement t to diminish the voting results by calling for thers asked the people to vote "No" where they
of the people into casting their vote.
US imperialism, aims to topple Latin America's and regain control of the immense wealth in the easing control of the state, which by a decision on ntrol over four trans-national oil companies and nications company, ENTEL.
rstand what is at stake and increasingly realise the tiny elite, supported by the United States, ocratic and cultural revolutions taking place in Day celebrations demonstrated that popular reciate the need for unity between all sectors to nda of humanity and solidarity, respectful of of nature, represented by Morales.
May that the country will hold a recall vote over t of the governors of the country's nine regions. the same morning by the opposition-controlled majority, which seems to think that it is now oust Morales and to subvert the country's new um should be held within 90 days of the signing rales.
reign meddlers are all over the region and, on 6th e opposition political party, A New Time (Un l-rich state of Zulia in neighbouring Venezuela

Page 43
proposed a feasibility study for potential auto government, on the lines of the autonomy efforts i
More Left Signals from Latin Am
In Paraguay, a former Catholic bishop Fernando rule by the conservative Colorado Party by winn elected president. He defeated the ruling party can by a 10% margin. In Nicaragua, much to the chagrin of Washing right, the Sandinista (FSLN) government led by went beyond rhetoric to make its anti-imperiali and far-reaching. The government is moving fast impacts of seventeen years of neo-liberal misrule health are being restored alongside an ongoing programs to overcome hunger and child malnu stimulate and reactivate small businesses an Venezuelan aid has been of value in restori infrastructure especially in transport and energy investments are likely to bring long-term benefits
The FSLN heads a minority government and cann economic changes without the consent of a pr deputies in the national assembly. Thus the e government has to accommodate the reality o economy and a society dominated by liberal Defending the revolutionary measures of the g capitalist expansion is not easy and the governme Venezuelan cooperation and ALBA initiatives measures to attract foreign investment rema softening the impact of the grave global economic and a growth of 18% in the export earnings during
Kosovo: Double Standards
The declaration of independence by Kosovo d importance of the region to Serbia has served th weakening the Serbian state, but has really done Albanians. But what is increasingly clear is that Ko

udy for potential autonomy from the federal f the autonomy efforts in Santa Cruz.
ignals from Latin America
tholic bishop Fernando Lugo ended 61 years of olorado Party by winning 41% of the vote to be ated the ruling party candidate Ms Blanca Ovelar
he chagrin of Washington and the Nicaraguan N) government led by President Daniel Ortega make its anti-imperialist course more thorough rnment is moving fast to reverse the devastating s of neo-liberal misrule. Free education and free alongside an ongoing literacy campaign, relief nger and child malnutrition, and programs to small businesses and small-scale farming. n of value in restoring the country's failing n transport and energy. Venezuelan and Iranian ring long-term benefits to the economy.
ty government and cannot carry out far-reaching t the consent of a pro-imperialist majority of assembly. Thus the economic strategy of the mmodate the reality of a dominant capitalist dominated by liberal and neo-liberal values. ary measures of the government and resisting easy and the government strategy of reliance on and ALBA initiatives along with traditional eign investment remains vulnerable, despite grave global economic situation on the country, export earnings during 2007.
uble Standards
endence by Kosovo disregarding the historic to Serbia has served the US objective of further te, but has really done no good to the Kosovo easingly clear is that Kosovo will see continued US

Page 44
military presence there, which will be used to serve in the region and thereby adding to tension in the r
The consequences of the hasty creation of an ind region are already visible. Some member states o Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia Kosovo; and the legality of the declaration o challenged internationally.
It is interesting that the US and EU respond diffe movements in Georgia, their client state. They a following the recent flare-up between Russia and two-decade old breakaway of Abkhazia and Sou Georgia, where Russia is supportive of the breaka
Pakistan: Back to the Wall, Dem
Pakistan's fragile coalition government was dea Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim ministers from the six-week-old cabinet following Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People’s reinstate the forty-five senior judges sacked by Pr in November 2007. The split could destabilise Pa transition to civilian rule after nine years of milita
The PML instead of joining the opposition wo government on an issue-by-issue basis. Although is about technicalities, there are serious diffe advocates an immediate return of the judges, th approach, and judicial reforms to limit the Chief J The real controversy is about the fate of Musharra of the Pakistani military and the US governmen objection to the return of Chaudhry, the Chief Jus
US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Boucher with Zardari and Sharif, leaders of the PPP an London. Retaining the unpopular Musharraf as been a central issue of the discussions, as the Musharraf to do its dirty work against al-Qaida an it would trust any civilian leader. The role of the democracy activists in Pakistan who are beginn interest of the US is not about restoring democrac

ich will be used to serve US expansionist interests dding to tension in the region.
asty creation of an independent Kosovo for the Some member states of the EU including Spain, Bulgaria and Slovakia have refused to recognise of the declaration of independence is being
S and EU respond differently to the secessionist eir client state. They asked Russia for restraint up between Russia and Georgia over the nearly y of Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions from upportive of the breakaway states.
ack to the Wall, Democracy
government was dealt a blow on 12th May as the Pakistan Muslim League withdrew his k-old cabinet following the collapse of talks with f the Pakistan People’s Party, about the way to ior judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf lit could destabilise Pakistani politics and derail fter nine years of military rule under Musharraf.
ing the opposition would support the PPP-led y-issue basis. Although superficially the dispute here are serious differences. While the PML eturn of the judges, the PPP prefers a cautious rms to limit the Chief Justice's powers. ut the fate of Musharraf, who enjoys the support and the US government and has made clear his haudhry, the Chief Justice whom he dismissed.
tate, Richard Boucher has held several meetings leaders of the PPP and PML, respectively, in popular Musharraf as President seems to have he discussions, as the US trusts the dictatorial ork against al-Qaida and the Taliban, more than leader. The role of the US continues to dismay kistan who are beginning to see that the real out restoring democracy in Pakistan.

Page 45
The resignation of PML ministers, coming at a tim difficulties, rising inflation, failing business con impatience, and a decline in popularity of the PPP the PPP to turn to Musharraf loyalists for suppor back at square one. Democracy activists should realise sooner than la musical chairs with a chief of the armed forces and leaders will take Pakistan nowhere towards genui people of Pakistan resolve to overthrow the dou capitalist classes that have wielded real power their imperialist master, there can be no hope for d
Nepal: Indian Blush
The electoral success of the Communist Party of was unexpected by the Indian political establishm that the CPN (M) would finish a poor second or monarchy could somehow be salvaged went up establishment and its US allies do not give up eas exert pressure on the revisionist Communist Marxist Leninist) to collaborate with the badly ba avert a new constitution by opting for amendment
Mass enthusiasm for the CPN (M) is gaining mom to undermine the overwhelming desire for a rep only backfire. The CPN (M), although aware of Indian meddling, is guarded in its comment Whether the Indian ruling classes will leave Nep something that one has to wait and see.
Olympics 2008: Dalai Lama in U
The US, fearful of being overrun by China is t forthcoming Beijing Olympics, has chosen t themselves so that whatever glory that China m would be tarnished by blemishing China and the G
To this end it has already fielded a powerful team slave-owner monk-cum-politician Dalai Lama experience in the American game of China-bash The unethical conduct of the team in its game

inisters, coming at a time of deepening economic n, failing business confidence, growing public in popularity of the PPP government, could force rraf loyalists for support. Pakistan could then be
d realise sooner than later that playing political of the armed forces and two politically bankrupt nowhere towards genuine democracy. Unless the to overthrow the double burden of the feudal- e wielded real power in Pakistan, and the US, ere can be no hope for democracy.
n Blush
e Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in Nepal ian political establishment as a whole. The hope finish a poor second or even a third so that the be salvaged went up in smoke. But the Indian llies do not give up easily. Steps are still afoot to evisionist Communist Party of Nepal (United orate with the badly battered Nepali Congress to
opting for amendments to the existing one.
PN (M) is gaining momentum and any intrigue elming desire for a republican constitution will M), although aware of the potential dangers of rded in its comments to avoid provocation. classes will leave Nepal to the Nepali people is wait and see.
08: Dalai Lama in US Team
overrun by China is the field of sports at the mpics, has chosen to defeating the Games ver glory that China may achieve at the Games
ishing China and the Games together.
ielded a powerful team led by the former Tibetan olitician Dalai Lama with nearly 50 years of an game of China-bashing using human rights. the team in its game of hunting the Olympic

Page 46
Torch and its blood sport in the Chinese province champion human rights games commentators in t
However, the disastrous earthquake that struc killed an estimated 80 000 has taken the limeli Lama’s human rights circus. But the team will vengeance as the Games get closer and will sto discredit to China and Olympics 2008 at the biddi
Myanmar: Imperialist Folly am
US and the western media are working overtim Cyclone Nargis that on 4th May hit heavily popul claimed the lives of over a hundred thousand missing, and took a heavy economic toll as well threat to hundreds of thousands.
The military rulers of Burma refused to allow provide relief. Initial pressure through various g including the UN to allow intrusion by US arme providing aid failed. A campaign of vilification fol military junta of purposely making the people compromise was reached in late May by the per UN Secretary General who visited Myanmar.
It should be noted that several Asian countries, in despite its own problems with coping with the earthquake, had already sent in relief in vario consented to the co-ordination of international re ASEAN, of which Myanmar is a member state. Although the Myanmar regime is repressive, its meddling in the name of disaster relief is correct should be encouraged to deal with their probl resources, and with help from genuinely friendly p
US condemnation of Myanmar’s refusal to allow A carry out relief work reminds one of US refusal to were willing and ready to provide badly needed h victims of hurricane Katrina in August 2005, who the state.
*****

n the Chinese province of Tibet won the praise of mes commentators in the global media.
earthquake that struck Sichuan Province and 0 has taken the limelight away from the Dalai us. But the team will be back in action with a get closer and will stop at nothing to bringing mpics 2008 at the bidding of its masters.
mperialist Folly amid Tragedy
ia are working overtime to take advantage of May hit heavily populated areas of the country, r a hundred thousand, sent many thousands economic toll as well as created a major health sands.
rma refused to allow foreign armed forces to sure through various governments and agencies intrusion by US armed forces in the pretext of paign of vilification followed, accusing the ruling ly making the people suffer and die. Finally a in late May by the personal intervention of the visited Myanmar.
veral Asian countries, including India, and China with coping with the aftermath of a terrible sent in relief in various forms. Myanmar also tion of international relief efforts by countries of r is a member state. gime is repressive, its decision to resist foreign isaster relief is correct. The people of Myanmar deal with their problems based on their own om genuinely friendly people of the world.
mar’s refusal to allow American armed forces to ds one of US refusal to allow Cuban doctors who provide badly needed health services for the poor na in August 2005, who were badly neglected by
*****

Page 47
Theek Hai
Varavara Rao
You ask me If it is hard for me there Yes, when I think of those comrades Who in exile are suffering hardships To wipe off the misery of the people, This inaction is really hard to bear.
You ask me If am happy here, Hope for the future glimmers Like lightning hid in the cloud In the hearts of the millions of this vas It jingles in these fetters
Even in these prison dens Which wide-mouthed Seek to swallow revolution, There is unrest; Giving the slip To the exploiter’s flag on guard Each morning, Light and love of people Call to have a word with us
Birds perched on the barbed wire Over the prison walls, Jasmines that sprouted in the sweat Of the prisoners Always hold forth a message In silence
Breezes blow in the night, As a poet-friend fancied The moon gets caught in the barbed wi Over the prison walls And we, after singing and discoursing Lose ourselves in the dreams of revolu
But the poor lonely policemen Exiled from sleep and shelter Yawn out at every hour Sab Theek Hai!
October 1973, Translated from Te

Theek Hai
ravara Rao
there f those comrades ffering hardships ery of the people, lly hard to bear.
glimmers in the cloud
millions of this vast country tters
n dens ed volution,
ag on guard
eople
with us
e barbed wire lls, uted in the sweat
a message
night, ncied ght in the barbed wire
lls ng and discoursing, he dreams of revolution
policemen nd shelter hour
3, Translated from Telugu by CV Subba Rao

Page 48
A Letter from Prison
Samih Al-Qassem
Dear mother, it gives me great pain, To think that my days pass in vain; And when friends ask about me, yo Because I am thrown away, in a dee Dungeon that my enemies built for m To curb my liberty and kill the free Fighters whose voice fills the land, And brightens tomorrow, reviving th Yet, although I am caught, taken aw My cell shall soon see the light of da Inside our prison, we continue the s To bring about once more the wond Mother, our day of liberty shall come When we shall neither weep nor sw

Page 49
________
Published by E Thambiah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM C Phone: 011 2435117; Fax: 011 2473757; E-mail: newdem
Website: www.ndpsl.org Printed at the Gowri Printers, Colom

A Letter from Prison
Samih Al-Qassem
ther, it gives me great pain, that my days pass in vain; n friends ask about me, you weep,
I am thrown away, in a deep n that my enemies built for me, my liberty and kill the free whose voice fills the land, htens tomorrow, reviving the sand. ough I am caught, taken away, hall soon see the light of day. r prison, we continue the strife about once more the wondrous life! our day of liberty shall come soon, e shall neither weep nor swoon!

Page 50
_______
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