Page 1
November 2008
Anti-Imperialism & Solidarity with Cuba
JVP & Indian Expansionism
Revolution & Socialism
D
Global Economy in Turmoil
Poetry:
Mahmud Darwis
Editorial ? NDP Diary ? Sri Lankan Events ? Intern

November 2008
mperialism & rity with Cuba
E Thambiah
Indian Expansionism
Daya
ution & Socialism
Deshabakthan
l Economy in Turmoil
Mohan
:
Mahmud Darwish, Ithayara ja
ri Lankan Events ? International ? Book Review

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IDENTITY CARD
M
AHMUD
D
ARWISH
[Mahmud Darwish, the best known modern Pales 9th August. "Identity Card" is from his first collect
Write down! I am an Arab And my identity card number is fifty I have eight children And the ninth will come after a summ Will you be angry?
Write down! I am an Arab Employed with fellow workers at a qu I have eight children I get them bread Garments and books from the rocks.. I do not supplicate charity at your doo Nor do I belittle myself at the footstep So will you be angry?
Write down! I am an Arab I have a name without a title Patient in a country Where people are enraged My roots Were entrenched before the birth of ti And before the opening of the eras Before the pines, and the olive trees And before the grass grew
(Continued on

IDENTITY CARD
M
AHMUD
D
ARWISH
known modern Palestinian poet passed away on s from his first collection “Leaves of Olives”.]
ity card number is fifty thousand
ildren will come after a summer gry?
h fellow workers at a quarry
ildren ad
books from the rocks... icate charity at your doors
le myself at the footsteps of your chamber angry?
without a title untry are enraged
hed before the birth of time e opening of the eras es, and the olive trees e grass grew
(Continued on the inside back cover)

Page 3
From the Editor
Many a things is swept under the carpet of natio the ‘biggest democracy’ and in the ‘most powe and Sri Lanka is no exception. Sri Lanka, beside with sheer wantonness of government a contradictions among the nationalities to oppression and war. The conflict has come to be on terrorism so that not only the war but also associated with it are easily defended and just security.
The failure of the peace negotiations in 200 the ceasefire in 2006, and the unilateral withd from the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) in early 20 back to the years of intense war preceding t government and the leadership of the armed for the war to a finish but a sizeable section of the on it; and the main opposition party is a government’s plan to militarily defeat the LTTE.
The belligerence of the government follows East, aided by the split in the LTTE in 2004, set to the tsunami later in the year, and logistic India. The war has been extended into the LT fought intensely, but the end, despite confident is not in sight. Its claims of military success stronger than it should be in with its miserable e promise of total military victory against the LTT among the Sinhala electorate. Although govern its declared military goals are long past, inform military success here and another there helps rapidly deteriorating economy.
The government has with little resistance hea a people already choking under a high rate of in high and rising cost of living. Yet military spend in the past few years to reach an unprecedented by increased taxation. Cess, just another name on imported items including food and other ess

From the Editor’s Desk
er the carpet of national security. It happens in d in the ‘most powerful democracy’ on earth, on. Sri Lanka, besides, has its special features, of government after government letting e nationalities to develop into national nflict has come to be termed officially as a war nly the war but also criminal acts of cruelty ly defended and justified in terms of national
negotiations in 2003, the effective failure of the unilateral withdrawal of the government nt (CFA) in early 2008 have taken the country se war preceding the CFA. Not merely the ship of the armed forces are intent on fighting zeable section of the opposition is even keener position party is all too agreeable to the rily defeat the LTTE.
government follows its military success in the he LTTE in 2004, setbacks suffered by it owing e year, and logistic support from the US and extended into the LTTE-controlled north and d, despite confident claims by the government of military success have made it electorally n with its miserable economic performance. Its ctory against the LTTE has raised expectations te. Although government deadlines to achieve are long past, information trickling in about a another there helps to keep up spirits amid a my.
h little resistance heaped economic burdens on nder a high rate of inflation and an unbearably g. Yet military spending has increased steeply ch an unprecedented high, and is to be funded , just another name for tax, has been imposed g food and other essential goods. Existing cess

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rates have been increased to 50% on a variety are bound to reflect in the prices of many goods
The government had delayed lowering the budget, although crude oil price fell sharpl economic crunch in the US and fears of globa reduction in fuel prices and bus fares is in no w increases that followed the surge in oil prices.
Yet the government is hopeful that the peop rise in cost of living and other economic burde alongside the drift towards global recession. Th that requires a continuous flow of news of success on its battlefronts. News of serious milit the armed forces is not only demoralising but al credibility, whose only basis for support is its c terrorism. Also reports of corruption and vario power would hurt enthusiasm for the governmen
Recent attempts by the government to rein should be seen in the context of its desperate over the news media. New Democracy has on se drawn attention to the threats faced by the me for freedom of expression. The potential thr realisation, and violence and threats against now criminal could then become lawful acts.
As warned by the New Democratic Party November, proposed regulations to control pr stations will lead to the suppression of democr against the government, and make way for the g pursuit of war and to frustrate the protests of th under the economic crisis.
The reason why the government is keen to tig is that in the event of the war not going the way end, people’s attention will turn away from ter closer to home. Silencing the media could be ver
Whatever the outcome of the moves by controlling the media, the absence of free medi fascist state that may emerge from the economi saves the country from it
*****

to 50% on a variety of imported goods. These
rices of many goods and in the cost of living.
elayed lowering the price of fuel until the il price fell sharply following signs of an
and fears of global recession. The proposed bus fares is in no way commensurate with the surge in oil prices.
opeful that the people will bear the imminent ther economic burdens that are due to follow global recession. The people will perhaps, but s flow of news of unhindered government News of serious military setbacks and losses to y demoralising but also hurts the government’s is for support is its claim of success in fighting corruption and various misdeeds by people in sm for the government.
government to rein in radio and TV stations text of its desperate need to have full control Democracy has on several occasions editorially eats faced by the media and their implications . The potential threats are getting close to nd threats against media personnel that are come lawful acts.
w Democratic Party in its statement of 1 st lations to control private television and radio ppression of democratic views and objections d make way for the government to continue its ate the protests of the people who are suffering
rnment is keen to tighten its grip on the media ar not going the way it expects or comes to an l turn away from terrorism towards problems
e media could be very difficult at that stage.
of the moves by the government towards absence of free media will be a blessing to any ge from the economic mess, unless revolution
*****

Page 5
Anti-Imperialism an Support for Cuba ar Inseparable
Comrade E Thambi
(Address by Comrade Thambiah at Regional Conference for Solidarity with
15 th June 2008)
Anti-imperialism over the decades
Lenin established that imperialism was the hi and emphasised that the struggle for socialism oppressed classes against imperialism. That situ But there have been changes to the imperialist taken the form of globalisation today. Since Cub faces severe pressures and threats as a r globalisation programme, it is the bounden d people to support Cuba. Amid economic conspiracies, Cuba stands defiant against US Cuba comprises supporting struggles against im to defend socialist structures.
The above solidarity is not the monopoly of t parties and liberation movements of the world imperialist globalisation today, it is useful to imperialist solidarity in historical perspective.
The civil organisation initiated by Comrade Italian Communist Party to unite all forces opp on fascism was not only strong but also an inspi of ‘Civil Society’ formed the basis for uniting a v

nti-Imperialism and upport for Cuba are
Inseparable
omrade E Thambiah
ade Thambiah at the 4th Asia Pacific r Solidarity with Cuba, Colombo 14th & 15 th June 2008)
er the decades
erialism was the highest form of capitalism, ruggle for socialism is also the struggle by all perialism. That situation has not changed yet. es to the imperialist agenda. Imperialism has ion today. Since Cuba with a socialist structure nd threats as a result of the imperialist it is the bounden duty of all countries and . Amid economic embargos and political defiant against US imperialism. Supporting struggles against imperialist globalisation and s.
ot the monopoly of the communist parties, left ements of the world. Thus, in the context of
day, it is useful to remind ourselves of anti- torical perspective.
nitiated by Comrade Antonio Gramsci of the unite all forces opposed to imperialism based ong but also an inspiring example. His concept
basis for uniting a variety of forces.

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Comrade Dimitrov’s concept of united fro united fronts to combat Nazism. It was throug Nazism was defeated in many countries and place in several countries.
It was through his united front policy that C able to make the struggle against imperialism m
Following their establishment, the social strengthen ties among themselves as well as wi Ties were developed between governments societies that were established for the purpose ties.
Given the constraints that inter-state relat relationship between peoples, socialist countrie three categories; namely those relating to tho between political parties and between peopl between political parties and that between peop time, what were called socialist countries too between socialist and capitalist states as one bet
As a result, when neo-liberalism and moves imperialist globalisation got active in the 1980 broad-based unity among parties, peoples and c although not organisationally centralised, anti- of the world, communist parties and mass organ
Cuba in anti-imperialist context
US imperialism intensified its pressures on Cub economic embargos on Cuba to compel it structures and adopt in their place capitalist economic policies. Inside Cuba, US imperi conspiratorial attempts to assassinate politic Cuban President Fidel Castro and to create rival
Cuba faced serious crises following the coll after 1989 and Cuba was compelled to carry ou measures. Securing international collaboration imperialist actions and to struggle against became important.
The anti-imperialism of the people of the adversely affected by imperialist globalisation support for Cuba. It is in that context that t

ncept of united front provided the basis for azism. It was through such united fronts that any countries and socialist revolutions took
d front policy that Comrade Mao Zedong was ainst imperialism more broad based.
ishment, the socialist states were able to selves as well as with non-socialist countries. ween governments and peoples. Friendship hed for the purpose acted to promote stronger
hat inter-state relations place on developing les, socialist countries classified relations into hose relating to those between governments,
and between people. With the relationship d that between people abandoned in course of cialist countries too treated the relationship alist states as one between the countries.
beralism and moves for a new world order for t active in the 1980’s there was no room for arties, peoples and countries of the world. Yet, lly centralised, anti-imperialism of the people rties and mass organisations continued to rise.
list context
its pressures on Cuba. It continued to impose uba to compel it to abandon its socialist heir place capitalist politics and neo-liberal Cuba, US imperialism persevered in its assassinate political leaders including the ro and to create rival political forces
es following the collapse of the Soviet Union ompelled to carry out many drastic protective ational collaboration to defend Cuba against o struggle against imperialist globalisation
f the people of the world and governments rialist globalisation came together to provide
that context that the Asia Pacific Regional

Page 7
Organisation for Solidarity with Cuba has been leftist and democratic political parties and me the region jointly participate in it. The fourth r organisation is taking place now on the 14th and
It is important on this occasion to assess t challenges faced by Cuba.
Yesterday’s challenges are today’s success today’s challenges would be tomorrow’s succ failures are temporary and short term setback progressive. Thus successes and failures consti advance.
Patriotism
To build up the patriotism of the Cuban people yesterday’s challenge. The continuing challen develop it as part of the spirit of internatio patriotism is a symbol and concept for national and concept for attacking another nation, count
The people of Cuba built anti-imperialist transcended narrow nationalism, religious racialism. Although it is today’s success, it also form of the need to defend and develop it into s and to match and to be an integral part of the stand of the people of the many other nations.
Socialism
Neo-colonialism and imperialist globalisation the socialist structure. A worldwide programm defend Cuban socialism against these challeng globalisation; and the initiative for it needs to be
Socialist structures have been wrecked in wha Amid them Cuba stands proud facing challenges structures to suit its objective realities. That is to has not bowed down to imperialist globalisation far, it needs to advance among continuing challe
The Communist Party of Cuba and its lead what is called globalisation is imperialist global many of the preconditions necessary for the st

with Cuba has been functioning. Communist, tical parties and members of governments in te in it. The fourth regional conference of the now on the 14th and 15th of June in Colombo.
occasion to assess the successes of Cuba and
are today’s successes or failures. Likewise, be tomorrow’s successes or failures. While short term setbacks, history will always be s and failures constitute a chain of historical
of the Cuban people against imperialism was continuing challenge is to protect it and spirit of internationalism. That means that concept for national defence and not a symbol nother nation, country or race.
uilt anti-imperialist Cuba as something that onalism, religious identity, ethnicity and day’s success, it also poses a challenge in the and develop it into something more extensive, integral part of the anti-imperialist patriotic any other nations.
rialist globalisation are serious challenges to orldwide programme has to be developed to ainst these challenges and defeat imperialist tive for it needs to be taken on several fronts.
been wrecked in what were socialist countries. ud facing challenges and adapting its socialist ve realities. That is to say that Cuban socialism perialist globalisation. Despite its success thus
ng continuing challenges.
f Cuba and its leaders have determined that is imperialist globalisation, and have fulfilled necessary for the struggle against it. Mainly,

Page 8
they have organised to that end the internal affa Cuban socialism lies in the fact that alth constructed within one country, it is not confi confines of a country. The anti-imperialism of t on socialism.
Anti-imperialism based on socialism has to anti-imperialism of religious fundamentalism (l bin Laden) or of dictatorial governments led by that of Saddam Hussein in Iraq until his down countries and Burma among others) or of nationalism. Nationalism based on religion and imperialist pronunciations does so subject to and in defence of the imperialist system.
Cooperation
Comrade Fidel Castro has stated that the hist developed on the basis of cooperation. Coope people with different points of view and with p with different points of view.
In the past, several socialist countries that t solidarity and communist and socialist interna in their own national interest. While it was sai part of the international revolution, they d appreciation of the meaning of international r proletarian internationalism met with setbacks socialist structures to be demolished in several c
In an anti-imperialist united front there will socialist countries and non-socialist countries and non-communists. Communists alone or soc forward the anti-imperialist struggle to succes imperialism of non-socialist countries and non- succeed either.
Local and international cooperation agains united front strategy that unites all anti-imp anti-imperialism and solidarity with Cuba shoul forces, namely the primary and secondary one communists. No anti-imperialist united front c since communists consider opposition to impe not as a tactic. Thus, letting forces that treat op a tactic, and not communists, play the fundamen

end the internal affairs of Cuba. The success of the fact that although socialism is being untry, it is not confined to narrow nationalist anti-imperialism of the Cuban people is based
on socialism has to be distinguished from the s fundamentalism (like that of al Qaeda led by governments led by individuals or a junta (like Iraq until his downfall, those in several Arab ong others) or of chauvinism and narrow ased on religion and ethnicity that makes anti- does so subject to the needs of imperialism ialist system.
stated that the history of Cuba was one that cooperation. Cooperation means that among s of view and with people outside the country
.
alist countries that talked about international and socialist internationalism acted primarily est. While it was said that their socialism was revolution, they did not really act in full ng of international revolution. That was why m met with setbacks, and it was possible for molished in several countries.
ited front there will inevitably be ties between -socialist countries and between communists munists alone or socialists alone cannot carry st struggle to success. In the same way, anti- t countries and non-communists alone cannot
l cooperation against imperialism involves a unites all anti-imperialist forces. However, rity with Cuba should take note of two types of y and secondary ones. The primary forces are rialist united front can advance without them, r opposition to imperialism as a strategy and g forces that treat opposition to imperialism as ts, play the fundamental leading role cannot be

Page 9
healthy. Thus, while there is no question abou opposed to imperialism in the broad anti-imperi healthy to have them as the leading force.
Thus the basic feature is that success reinforcement of the relationship that the peop Cuba have with the people, communist par organisations of other countries and its devel with communists in the lead. On that basis
1. Cuban patriotism should be further devel
of broad-based anti-imperialism.
2. Cuban anti-imperialism and solidarity w
on socialist principles.
3. Solidarity with Cuba should be based on
Cuba.
4. International solidarity of the people of
people should be broad-based and tr boundaries.
It is important that solidarity with Cuba communists and other genuine anti-imperial genuine friends of Cuba. It is our view that lin opportunist forces will not help to build up genu
Long live Comrade Fidel
Long live socialist Cu
Victory to international solidar
*****

is no question about having secondary forces he broad anti-imperialist united front, it is not leading force.
e is that success depends on continuous onship that the people and the government of ple, communist parties and anti-imperialist ntries and its development into cooperation d. On that basis
ould be further developed into an integral part imperialism.
ism and solidarity with Cuba should be based s.
should be based on the socialist structure of
ity of the people of the world with the Cuban broad-based and transcend state and party
lidarity with Cuba should have at its core enuine anti-imperialist forces, who are the t is our view that links and relationships with help to build up genuine solidarity.
ive Comrade Fidel Castro!
ng live socialist Cuba!
ernational solidarity with Cuba!
*****

Page 10
JVP’s Opportunism a
Indian Expansionism
Daya
The JVP is once again on its anti-India trail, scale this time. Its Chairman Somawansa Am Tilvin de Silva speak in detail about governm several places in the Eastern Province to In handing over of oil exploration in Mannar Kankesanturai and the chemical plant in Parant over of oil trade to India, and about the In Agreement and the consequent economic setba What they say is not without substance as Sri La economic colony of India.
The JVP besides drawing attention to these m is exercising hegemony over the Sri Lankan federal system in the North-East and hand over
Thus the opposition of the JVP to India rep the right of the Tamils to self-determination. O anyone’s claim that India is making a construc right of the Tamils to self-determination.
Indian Expansionism and Hegemony
In the 1960s The Ceylon Communist Party, also Communist Party, led by N Sanmugathasan m that the Indian ruling classes seek to expand India and that the struggle against it was part o people of Sri Lanka. There are ‘India loyalist belittle that position as a ‘pro-Chinese position’

P’s Opportunism and ndian Expansionism
Daya
its anti-India trail, but on an unprecedented man Somawansa Amarasinghe and Secretary detail about government plans to hand over tern Province to India, about the intended loration in Mannar, the cement factory in ical plant in Paranthan, about of the handing , and about the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade uent economic setbacks suffered by Sri Lanka. t substance as Sri Lanka has almost become an
g attention to these matters also says that India ver the Sri Lankan government to create a -East and hand over the region to the Tamils.
the JVP to India represents a stand hostile to self-determination. One cannot simply ignore s making a constructive effort to ascertain the etermination.
and Hegemony
ommunist Party, also known as the Pro-Peking Sanmugathasan made public its observation sses seek to expand their hegemony outside against it was part of the struggle of the entire e are ‘India loyalists’ who even today try to ro-Chinese position’. They sought to accuse by

Page 11
extrapolation that the Ceylon Communist Pa Zedong Thought was taking a stand hostile to I policy opposing Indian expansionism in the sam China on the question of the Sino-Indian bord that while China took steps of a peaceful nat dispute India provoked the armed conflict. Indi itself when India annexed Sikkim. Much earlie position on Sri Lanka, Jawaharlal Nehru resp time will come. Besides, India in its external r uphold Indian interests above the principle of hegemonic approach of India towards Pakist Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka is explicit.
As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, India has as talks with Sri Lanka concerning the status of settled in Sri Lanka, especially the Nehru-Kotal Shastri pact and the Sirima-Indira pact; and la Peace Agreement of 1987 and the Free Trade Agr
Among South Asian countries, the economy education of Sri Lanka were well ahead of the were political leaderships that did not submit national question served as a trump card in In state of affairs. Several Tamil youth organisa training in India, and most of them were ma found its climax in the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Agr
Although it is possible to continuously obs action, there are still some who still argue that expansionism is a pro-Chinese position. misunderstanding that contributed to this. D Ceylon Communist Party on whether to take the parliamentary path, the two sides were mistaken as pro-China and pro-Soviet.
The communist party that functions under Party of Sri Lanka’ took the parliamentary road with the Soviet Union. Those who accepted Mao revolutionary path. Since those who took concurred with the position of the revoluti Communist Party of China internationally, they and portrayed as hostile to India.
The JVP, founded by youth expelled from the emphasized the stand of opposing Indian exp

ylon Communist Party which accepted Mao g a stand hostile to India in putting forward a ansionism in the same way that it sided with he Sino-Indian border conflict. It is no secret s of a peaceful nature to resolve the border armed conflict. Indian expansionism exposed Sikkim. Much earlier, when asked about his aharlal Nehru responded by saying that the dia in its external relations has continued to ove the principle of equality of nations. The ndia towards Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, i Lanka is explicit.
ncerned, India has asserted its hegemony in its erning the status of people of Indian origin ially the Nehru-Kotalawala accord, the Sirima- a-Indira pact; and later in the Indo-Sri Lanka d the Free Trade Agreement of the late 1990s.
ntries, the economy and systems of health and re well ahead of the rest in the 1970s. There that did not submit to India. The Sri Lankan s a trump card in India’s hand to wreck this amil youth organisations were given military st of them were manipulated by India. That -Sri Lanka Peace Agreement of 1987.
to continuously observe Indian hegemony in who still argue that the stand against Indian Chinese position. There is an important tributed to this. During the debate in the whether to take the revolutionary path or the o sides were mistakenly or deliberately dubbed
t.
hat functions under the name of ‘Communist parliamentary road and internationally sided se who accepted Mao Zedong Thought took the those who took the revolutionary path ion of the revolutionary camp led by the internationally, they were dubbed ‘pro-China’ India.
th expelled from the Ceylon Communist Party, pposing Indian expansionism and hegemony

Page 12
from the point of view of its extreme nationalist The JVP was never a party that accepted maintained a close relationship with China in its
Professor Sucaritha Gamlath has stated in his ‘Birth, Existence and Death of the JVP’ expansionism and hegemony was a policy borro Communist Party. But he has not gone into th JVP had or had not interpreted it correctly (or correct or otherwise).
The Position of the JVP
The hostility of the JVP towards India is b chauvinism. One of the ‘five political classes’ c forerunner to its insurrection of 1971 was entitl In it, the JVP identified the plantation work Indian origin as the representatives of Indian that they should be extradited to India and plantations should be closed down. India provid Lanka to suppress the insurrection of the JVP were stationed in the Colombo Harbour during t
The second insurrection of the JVP had as its of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Agreement. The JV because it was instrumental in setting up a Tamils of the North-East.
The JVP did not seriously oppose the In Agreement. Nor did it oppose the military sup the Sri Lankan government. It is out of fear political solution for the Sri Lankan Tamils tha against India. The JVP did not oppose India mo Lanka.
The JVP now speaks out against India merely recent political setback that it suffered. Its oppo its desire that not even the smallest degree of po the Tamils who are struggling for their right t JVP, which feigned support for India to w undertaken with Norwegian facilitation, did not hegemony exercised by the EU, Japan and th outside the context of the peace process

s extreme nationalist and petit bourgeois stand. rty that accepted Mao Zedong Thought or ship with China in its early years.
lath has stated in his book in Sinhala titled the eath of the JVP’ that opposing Indian ny was a policy borrowed from the ‘pro-China’ has not gone into the question of whether the reted it correctly (or whether its position was
VP
towards India is based on petit bourgeois e political classes’ conducted by the JVP as a on of 1971 was entitled ‘Indian Expansionism’. the plantation workers and small traders of sentatives of Indian expansionism and stated dited to India and that the tea and rubber d down. India provided military support to Sri urrection of the JVP, and Indian naval forces
bo Harbour during that period.
of the JVP had as its main policy the rejection e Agreement. The JVP opposed the agreement tal in setting up a provincial council for the
usly oppose the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade ose the military support provided by India to nt. It is out of fear that India may secure a ri Lankan Tamils that the JVP is speaking out not oppose India monopolizing oil trade in Sri
against India merely in an effort to rectify the t it suffered. Its opposition to India is based on smallest degree of power sharing is assured for ling for their right to self-determination. The ort for India to wreck the peace initiative facilitation, did not oppose with due force the e EU, Japan and the US in Sri Lanka, well the peace process. It underestimates its

Page 13
significance. It plays down the issues. A few mo in its comments on Indian expansionism.
Thus, the opposition of the JVP to Ind imperialism and foreign hegemony is really a sta Tamils. It is its Anti-Tamil stand that manifests to imperialism.
The Marxist Leninist Position
A genuine Marxist Leninist stand oppose country. Anyone giving primacy to the ind sovereignty of Sri Lanka, the unity and the righ the nationalities of Sri Lanka, and social transfo the workers, peasants and all exploited and oppr cannot be warm towards Indian expansionis harming the relationship with the people of Indi democratic forces there. On the contrary, it is independence, integrity, sovereignty and unity o
The Ceylon Communist Party led by Sanmug the plantation workers as a symbol of Indian ex hand, it said that the plantation workers should Sri Lankan revolution. That party is now inact Party which emerged from it takes a stand aga since Indian expansionist hegemony is hosti integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and nationalities of Sri Lanka.
India, while pretending that it was helping th national question, brought Sri Lanka under its Sri Lanka Peace Agreement. Thereafter, it government military at every turn and brought under its control.
Today the Indian ruling classes have becom globalisation. The bureaucrat capitalist class support of imperialist globalisation, is also establish its hegemony in the region.
Under these conditions, the Indian rulin structures act on the basis that they should bri region under their control and face globalise basis.

the issues. A few months ago, it was subdued xpansionism.
of the JVP to India or its opposition to gemony is really a stand against the Sri Lankan stand that manifests as opposition to India and
Position
ninist stand opposes the hegemony of any rimacy to the independence, integrity and e unity and the right to self-determination of ka, and social transformation in the interest of ll exploited and oppressed people of Sri Lanka Indian expansionism. This does not imply ith the people of India and the progressive and n the contrary, it is a stand that respects the vereignty and unity of India.
Party led by Sanmugathasan did not consider symbol of Indian expansionism. On the other tion workers should be the leading force in the t party is now inactive. The New Democratic it takes a stand against Indian expansionism hegemony is hostile to the independence, of Sri Lanka and to the freedom of the
hat it was helping the Tamils in the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka under its control through the Indo- ent. Thereafter, it helped the Sri Lankan ry turn and brought the Sri Lankan economy
classes have become partners in imperialist crat capitalist class, besides acting fully in obalisation, is also aggressively seeking to
e region.
s, the Indian ruling classes and the state that they should bring other countries in the l and face globalised market rivalry on that

Page 14
Meantime, the Indian ruling classes inte integrity and sovereignty of India and the freed terms of imperialist globalisation. As a result th of India as well as the national interests. Conse Sri Lanka and the struggle of the Tamil people the basis of its approach to the national question
Thus, one cannot correctly understand Indian or anti-China stances. That is not to deny the between China and India. Anyone who sides wi with China cannot ignore Indian hegemony. N China are cautious of Indian hegemony. Nevert threat” is something associated with conser thinking. The effect of Indian hegemony on Sri of the Tamil people for self-determination can from that position. Nor will it be possible to dev against Indian hegemony from that position.
The JVP and the Jathika Hela Urumaya opp rejection of the right to self-determination of th Sinhala Chauvinist point of view. India canno from the standpoints of the JVP or the JHU or of the SLFP or the UNP, which act as the client India cannot be understood correctly from standpoint. These standpoints seek to sacrifice of the Tamil people for self-determination hegemony.
It is worth noting that several Indian analysts Indian ruling classes have become part and pa opposing Indian hegemony is not one of destro of struggle to defend Sri Lanka and the righ determination against Indian hegemony and an the people of India.
[Approximate translation of an article from Puth
*****

ruling classes interpret the independence, f India and the freedom of the nationalities in isation. As a result they act against the people onal interests. Consequently, India approaches of the Tamil people for self-determination, on the national question in India.
tly understand Indian hegemony, based of pro- t is not to deny the existence contradictions Anyone who sides with India in its differences Indian hegemony. Nor are all who side with n hegemony. Nevertheless the line of ‘Chinese ociated with conservative Tamil nationalist an hegemony on Sri Lanka and on the struggle lf-determination cannot be correctly assessed l it be possible to develop strategies and tactics
om that position.
a Hela Urumaya oppose India, based on their f-determination of the Tamils from an extreme f view. India cannot be understood correctly JVP or the JHU or for that matter from those hich act as the clients of imperialism. Equally, tood correctly from the Tamil nationalist nts seek to sacrifice Sri Lanka and the struggle self-determination at the altar of Indian
veral Indian analysts have pointed out that the become part and parcel of imperialism. Thus is not one of destroying India. It is a strategy Lanka and the right of the Tamils to self- an hegemony and an expression of support to
f an article from Puthiya Poomi, September 2008]
*****

Page 15
Revolutionary Road t
Socialism
Deshabakthan
A revolution is an act of overthrowing an e replacing it with another. Transformation of a based on the exploitation of one section, usu another, usually a small minority, is accompan with a struggle for power between forces in con and forces seeking to replace it with one that sui
The emergence of private property, accumula private ownership of the means of production le stratification of society based on classes, w relationship to social production. Classless socie of the world, often alongside, class societies. Th as the mechanism for domination and control of made it necessary for the state to strengthen desire of the ruling class for greater wealth an threats to the existing order from within and w inevitable as a result and along with it conflict.
In the process, the history of mankind bec struggle. Thus conquest of territory, colonisatio linked with class interests and class struggle, a over of class conflict outside the territory under
Wherever there is oppression there is strug social orders have been able to sustain themselv threat of violence; and more effectively thr thinking in a variety of forms. Thus struggles ha scope and have stopped far short of overthr order.

evolutionary Road to
Socialism
Deshabakthan
overthrowing an existing social order and Transformation of a hierarchical social order of one section, usually the vast majority, by inority, is accompanied by a social upheaval etween forces in control of the existing order e it with one that suits their interests.
e property, accumulation of private wealth and eans of production led to the organisation and ased on classes, with a bearing on their ction. Classless societies have existed in parts e, class societies. The development of the state nation and control of society by the ruling class state to strengthen itself to serve better the for greater wealth and power and to counter r from within and without. Expansion became ong with it conflict.
tory of mankind became the history of class territory, colonisation, wars and genocide are and class struggle, and represent the spilling e the territory under the control of a state.
ession there is struggle. However, oppressive e to sustain themselves through violence or the ore effectively through conditioning social s. Thus struggles have mostly been limited in ar short of overthrowing the existing social

Page 16
Struggles for social justice and fair treatmen the state, ruthlessly when necessary, only to re- another form and have formed the process of so class struggles constitute a process running up leads eventually to the emergence of a new socia
Revolutionary changes in the social order alt and productive relations, and reorganise the cla emergence of new classes. It was only after the the emergence of the industrial working clas egalitarian society or socialism emerged. Marx c of class and class struggle in social change working class in bringing about social tra recognition of the of the role of the state, it manifestation of this violence in preserving the Marx concluded that a just social order cannot b designed to uphold class oppression and exp revolutionary struggle led by the working cla inevitability of armed struggle were based on endorsed by every great Marxist thinker.
The socialist movement has from the tim witnessed bitter debates and undergone internationally, over questions concerning the need for revolution to achieve socialism, a struggle. Marxist Leninists rejected the parliam not for lack of faith in democracy but because th loaded against the working class. They ruled ou transition from a capitalist society to socialism in violence as the only means of social change b violent nature of the bourgeois state and how vi the forces of social change when the class in come under threat.
By revolutionary struggle Marxist Leninists country into civil war. To them, revolutionary variety of activities by which the oppressed clas power to overthrow the existing state machiner classes and replace it with a different kind of erstwhile oppressed classes who are the produc industrial countries the working class can take industrialised situations the working class appropriate to the nature of the revolution and r

ice and fair treatment have been put down by ecessary, only to re-emerge at another time in ed the process of social transformation. Such process running up to a major upheaval that rgence of a new social order.
n the social order alter the mode of production nd reorganise the class structure alongside the It was only after the arrival of capitalism and ustrial working class that the notion of an ism emerged. Marx correctly identified the role e in social change and the potential of the g about social transformation. It was in role of the state, its violent nature and the ce in preserving the existing social order that social order cannot be achieved through a state oppression and exploitation. His call for a by the working class and insistence on the ggle were based on experience and have been rxist thinker.
t has from the time of Marx and Engels s and undergone splits, nationally and ions concerning the nature of the state, the chieve socialism, and revolutionary armed rejected the parliamentary road to socialism ocracy but because they know how the dice are class. They ruled out the prospect of peaceful society to socialism, not because they believe ns of social change but because they know the eois state and how violence will be imposed on e when the class interests of the bourgeoisie
le Marxist Leninists do not mean plunging a them, revolutionary struggle comprises a wide ch the oppressed classes stake a claim on state isting state machinery controlled by the ruling a different kind of state dominated by the who are the producers of wealth. In advanced rking class can take power by itself and in less the working class forms alliances that are f the revolution and revolutionary struggle.

Page 17
Recent political changes in South America an reformists and revisionists to mean that a revo necessary to achieve socialism and an armed st distorting facts when they claim that these d socialism possible without revolutionary armed s
It was a unique set of circumstances that power in Venezuela. His endorsement of socialis developments that took place in Venezuela, bu class forces that can take Venezuela towards developed. A violent attempt to overthrow Chav it will be well to be aware that such attempts c has not given up on its plans to eliminate successors.
Rafael Ramirez, Venezuela’s Minister of En warned: “In Venezuela we are in a basic and c sovereignty and return to the nation the use of passes through the defence of the right of the Ve their destiny with the aim of moving towards so socialism, in capitalism, is very difficult, beca relations are still present, they influence and p mistake, they reproduce themselves. That is socialism in Venezuela has to consider that thi beginning, and which has to be accompanied by New Democracy 30, p. 48).
The reality is that the political right is wait back, and when it does it will be with the help o to be far more violent that its earlier failed cou therefore to mobilise the working class and ot sections of the massed as well as to prepa revolutionary violence.
It is important to commend the positi Venezuelan state, especially its firm anti-imperi countries in the region to free their economies and control. At the same time it is necessary optimism and over-enthusiasm.
There is a tendency to make Venezuela the m 21 st Century. The advocates of this line can American country to which the Venezuelan m national solidarity against the imperialist threat Venezuela and that cannot be entrusted to any s

in South America and Nepal are interpreted by to mean that a revolutionary struggle is not ism and an armed struggle even less. They are claim that these developments have made evolutionary armed struggle.
circumstances that brought Hugo Chavez to dorsement of socialism was also a result of the ce in Venezuela, but the politically conscious Venezuela towards socialism remain to be pt to overthrow Chavez had been defeated, and that such attempts can recur, and that the US plans to eliminate Chavez and his political
ela’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum has are in a basic and crucial battle: rescue our he nation the use of its resources. This battle of the right of the Venezuelan people to decide of moving towards socialism.... To struggle for very difficult, because capitalist values and they influence and pressure us. If we make a hemselves. That is why the discussion over to consider that this is a process that is just o be accompanied by an intense practice”. (See .
olitical right is waiting for a chance to strike ill be with the help of imperialism and is likely its earlier failed coup attempt. It is necessary orking class and other toiling and oppressed s well as to prepare them against counter
mmend the positive contributions of the its firm anti-imperialist stand and support to free their economies of imperialist domination time it is necessary to caution against over- asm.
ake Venezuela the model for socialism in the tes of this line cannot find a single Latin h the Venezuelan model will fit. Reinforcing the imperialist threat remains the main task in be entrusted to any section of the bourgeoisie.

Page 18
To achieve that, the country needs to be more control over the major sectors of an economy w Venezuela has no precedents to follow in this r is that the masses are armed ideologically a prospect of an armed counter-revolution.
The election of Evo Morales in 2006 was no much more blood was shed recently to defend past two years. It was the reactionaries who violence; and it was mass mobilisation that en power and saved the country from a right-wi forces comprising the affluent classes are still i they will not raise their head again to strike ev folly. Mass mobilisation without disarming the Bolivia of effective resistance against a counter-
The Maoist Communist Party of Nepal has party democracy and expressed confidence socialism by peaceful means. They are able to s strength made possible by over ten years of Progress in that direction is bound to be hamp who are already agitating to reverse the chan countryside in the course of the People’s War.
The move to merge the Nepal Army and the is intended to disarm the reactionaries at least p grip on the armed forces while affirming the in give up the armed struggle. However, there is the reactionaries and opportunists will obstr prevent the Democratic Republic from meetin masses. There is also the risk of revisionist ideo in former socialist countries. These need to b struggle, not to plunge the country into a state one from occurring.
The two Indian revisionist parties gleefully ar of Nepal have given up armed struggle the Mao suit. They forget a few important parts of the sto not regret any part of their armed struggle; seco struggle after achieving an important goal, nam monarchy to an end, and from a position of s political. On what basis do they demand th should disarm while the state is siding with the class, caste, nationality, ethnicity, religion and g

ry needs to be more than a welfare state with ors of an economy which needs diversification. ts to follow in this respect. What is important med ideologically and physically against the er-revolution.
rales in 2006 was not without bloodshed and d recently to defend the achievements of the he reactionaries who instigated and enacted mobilisation that enabled Morales to come to try from a right-wing coup. The reactionary ent classes are still intact; and to pretend that ad again to strike even more viciously will be thout disarming the reactionaries will deprive ce against a counter-revolutionary coup.
Party of Nepal has committed itself to multi- xpressed confidence in advancing towards s. They are able to say this from a position of y over ten years of sustained People’s War. is bound to be hampered by the reactionaries, to reverse the changes brought about in the f the People’s War.
Nepal Army and the People’s Liberation Army actionaries at least partially by loosening their hile affirming the intention of the Maoists to . However, there is the strong possibility that ortunists will obstruct progress and try to epublic from meeting the expectations of the isk of revisionist ideology creeping in as it did ies. These need to be resisted through mass country into a state of civil war but to prevent
ist parties gleefully argue that since the Maoists ed struggle the Maoists in India should follow rtant parts of the story : firstly, the Maoists did armed struggle; secondly, they gave up armed important goal, namely bring the dictatorial from a position of strength both military and do they demand that Indian revolutionaries te is siding with the oppressor on every basis: nicity, religion and gender?

Page 19
Marxist Leninists know that revolution is not simple. It includes a number of forms of strugg violence does not come out of any craving that t out of the need to confront an enemy at home and backed by an even more heavily armed enem
Both friendly and hostile contradictions i resolution. Marxist Leninists reject the use contradictions among the people or for that m against the principal enemy, even if the alliance
To Marxist Leninists, revolution is an act indiscriminate violence is therefore not accepta forces resort to armed struggle after a careful co military aspects but also the political aspects a for the masses. Their position is best summed Zedong:
Every communist must grasp the truth, " of the barrel of a gun."
The revolutionary war is a war of the only by mobilizing the masses and relyin
Our principle is that the party comman must never be allowed to command the p
Their endorsement of armed struggle is a r reality, failing to recognize which will be to invit putting politics in command and adopting the m Leninists place the people in command of the g the revolutionary forces.
When people who want social change and a are uncertain about the need for armed struggle them by the oppressor, who never takes chance Ecuador simply cannot afford to learn the expe Third World country has learnt when it sough peaceful means, without offending imperialism a
*****

that revolution is not armed struggle pure and er of forms of struggle and the inevitability of of any craving that they have for violence, but t an enemy at home who is armed to the teeth e heavily armed enemy of the humanity.
tile contradictions involve struggle for their ists reject the use of violence to resolve people or for that matter with potential allies
, even if the alliance is in the short term.
evolution is an act of love for mankind and herefore not acceptable; and the revolutionary gle after a careful consideration of not just the e political aspects as well as the implications tion is best summed up in the words of Mao
ust grasp the truth, "Political power grows out
."
ar is a war of the masses; it can be waged he masses and relying on them.
t the party commands the gun, and the gun ed to command the party.
rmed struggle is a reflection of the objective which will be to invite defeat. Nevertheless, by d and adopting the mass political line Marxist in command of the gun through the agency of
social change and are ready to struggle for it d for armed struggle, the decision is made for o never takes chances. Venezuela, Bolivia and rd to learn the expensive lessons that many a earnt when it sought to move to socialism by ending imperialism and local reaction.
*****

Page 20
Global Economy in Turm
Whose Crisis it?
Mohan
Introduction
The most serious financial crisis since the Grea is far from over. Since April this year three o investment banks in the US have ceased to be will be a major stake holder in the American In the world's largest insurer, to prevent its collap in the UK, the US Treasury is considering contro
US-led finance, which dominated and sha system, has suffered a big blow with major impl the system and the power rivalries within it. Al knock-on effect on West Europe and governm large banks facing failure. Its impact went fu crashed in many countries with large Foreign Di
Many blame fraud, greed and bad financial re without justification. But the essential truth i result of any form of malfunctioning of the syst way it has functioned. The crisis has deep stru nature of the system, in its insatiable thirst disregard for the human condition. It is a mani capitalist production, and concerns the essentia bloating of the financial sector in the financialisation, and the rapid globalisation especially since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
This growth and expansion have led to sever financial system with its eyes on future profits

al Economy in Turmoil:
Whose Crisis it?
Mohan
crisis since the Great Depression (1929-1935) ril this year three of the largest independent S have ceased to be; and the US government r in the American International Group (AIG), , to prevent its collapse. Following steps taken
is considering control of major US banks.
dominated and shaped the global capitalist low with major implications for the stability of rivalries within it. Already the crisis has had a urope and governments are busy bailing out . Its impact went further and stock markets with large Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
and bad financial regulation for the crisis, not the essential truth is that the crisis is not a nctioning of the system but the outcome of the crisis has deep structural causes in the very ts insatiable thirst for profit and its callous ndition. It is a manifestation of the anarchy of oncerns the essential relationship between the al sector in the US, the mechanics of rapid globalisation of capitalist production, e of the Soviet Union.
ion have led to severe imbalances between the yes on future profits, and the accumulation of

Page 21
capital needed by the production systems for rei on the exploitation of wage-labour.
Run-up to the Present Crisis
The current crisis did not come out of the several decades. The ‘oil crisis’ of 1974 and the r ridiculously low values to more realistic ones ha based on cheap fuel. The US, following its humil its Vietnam War in 1975, suffered hyper-inflat US federal interest rates to 20% between 19 inflation induced deep recession between 1980 huge deficits for the military build-up starting u met by loans from Japan. "Junk bonds" and companies moved to the fore during this period.
The first major Third World debt crisis occ Third World countries, especially in Latin A defaulting. Losses of the US creditor banks wer In 1984 the US became the world's biggest debto
Deregulation of the London Stock Exchange activity in world markets; but was followed b crash in 1987. The savings and loan meltdown added a further $150 billion to the national deb acknowledged in 1990, and house prices plumme
The financial markets worldwide continued to Japanese stock market index collapsed by m Japan with its bad bank loans and real estate su of deflation. In 1994 Mexico had a crisis, and t out American holders of Mexican bonds to the Asian financial market crisis 1997 -98 led to eco Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand, w were based on massive foreign credit and sp Russia defaulted payments in 1998 and the hedg Management was wiped out, the US governmen dollar rescue involving various banks.
The US economy went into recession in 200 ‘Dot.com’ boom in 2000 (causing a 60% fall in market plunge in 2001 following ‘9/11’, constit the bear market from 2000 to 2003. The Enro deepening crisis of "off-balance sheet" scam

ction systems for reinvestment of profit, based -labour.
t Crisis
not come out of the blues. It developed over sis’ of 1974 and the rise in oil prices from their ore realistic ones had an impact on economies S, following its humiliating and costly defeat in suffered hyper-inflation in the 1970's. Raising to 20% between 1979 and 1982 to control ssion between 1980 and 1982. Meantime, the y build-up starting under Reagan in 1980 were . "Junk bonds" and "leveraged buyouts" of e during this period.
orld debt crisis occurred in 1982 with many specially in Latin America, on the verge of S creditor banks were effectively nationalized. world's biggest debtor nation.
don Stock Exchange in 1986 led to expanded but was followed by the world stock market s and loan meltdown in 1989-1991 in the US n to the national debt; recession was officially house prices plummeted by 20%.
rldwide continued to suffer crises. In 1990 the dex collapsed by more than two-thirds, and ns and real estate suffered more than a decade o had a crisis, and the US government bailed exican bonds to the tune of $50 billion. The is 1997 -98 led to economic meltdown in South sia, and Thailand, whose ‘economic miracles’ reign credit and speculative investment. As in 1998 and the hedge fund Long Term Capital t, the US government cobbled up a $13 billion ous banks.
nto recession in 2000-01. The collapse of the ausing a 60% fall in NASDAQ) and the stock lowing ‘9/11’, constituted an important part of 0 to 2003. The Enron bankruptcy signalled a alance sheet" scams, followed in 2003 by

Page 22
World.com. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recover slowly to 14,000 by 2007).
Arrival of the Crisis
Federal interest rates were reduced to 1% t growth. This gave the banks ready access to 2003 asset inflation (stocks, real estate), driv credit, accelerated the rise in house prices in banks pushed mortgages on people by fair and mortgages to investment banks; the investmen these and other loans to create complex financia investors in the U.S. and elsewhere. These m circulating in financial markets became the b ultimate collateral for this chain of borrowing a the original mortgage loans. When house price mortgage holders were unable to pay back original collateral lost much of its value.
Despite intervention in the face of mounting government, the representative and guardian o US capitalism still faces danger in the form collapses in the financial sector, and the dryin which could drive the economy into a rapid rece
Explaining the Crisis
Explaining the crisis as a flaw in the banking s for financial institutions to raise capital concea is intertwined with the path of world capitalist g programme of globalisation.
Globalisation has involved direct productive abroad, including extensive outsourcing and s the assimilation of the export economies of the capitalist market to create a globally-integrate based on cheap-labour. Consequently, US tra excluding their sub-contracting component of im US imports now; and 30% of US corporate pro super-profit sweatshops.
Globalisation, to be profitable for the co restriction on the rapid transfer of capital. ‘Fr Third World countries became part of the proc

s Industrial Average fell to 7,300 in 2002 (to
2007).
re reduced to 1% to stimulate lending and ks ready access to plentiful cheap credit. In ks, real estate), driven by massive easing of
in house prices in the US and Europe. The n people by fair and foul means and sold the anks; the investment banks in turn combined ate complex financial products for sale to large elsewhere. These mortgage-backed securities rkets became the basis for other loans. The chain of borrowing and lending was, however, s. When house prices fell and more and more nable to pay back their housing loans, the h of its value.
the face of mounting financial crisis by the US ative and guardian of the interests of capital, danger in the form of mounting losses and sector, and the drying up of lending channels
my into a rapid recession.
law in the banking system leading to difficulty raise capital conceals the truth that the crisis of world capitalist growth, and the imperialist .
ed direct productive and financial investments e outsourcing and subcontracting. It enabled ort economies of the Third World to the world a globally-integrated manufacturing economy onsequently, US trans-national corporations, ting component of imports, account for 40% of of US corporate profit is generated abroad in
ofitable for the corporations, required less ansfer of capital. ‘Free-trade agreements’ with ame part of the process. With financialisation

Page 23
dominating the path of world capitalist growth financial services sector in advanced capi Financial institutions including investment b services to gamble on interest rate variations, other risks. Financial speculation itself becam short-term and lucrative profits.
Global financial assets rose sixteen-fold fro $200 trillion between 1980 and 2007, far ou world output or the expansion of trade. During credit increasingly dominated growth in adva For example, in the US, the share of manufactur (production of goods and services) in 2005, co financial services, whose share of total corpora 40%.
Meantime, the artificially stimulated cons thrust China into rapid manufacturing growth trade deficits. The massive uninterrupted inflo necessary to shore up the piling debt and US tra and now China with huge amounts of US Treasu
Contradictions of Globalised Capital
Aggressive globalisation of production and between economies brought the global econom the crisis in one economy could very quickly across the world.
Attempts by financial institutions not only t profit from it by improvising a variety of dive spread over a wide field of international investm concerned more vulnerable than before. Thus which spurred economic growth also heightened The global economy is now loaded with billions imaginary wealth that is inconvertible into tangi
In the end, the combined forces of globalis which spurred economic growth ended u accumulation of capital and led to imbalances an seemed a mighty force of capitalism has tr opposite.
The US dollar is of crucial importance to US whole of the current global economic order. I currency for international financial transaction

rld capitalist growth in the past 15 years, the
in advanced capitalist countries thrived. luding investment banks provided financial rest rate variations, currency fluctuations and ulation itself became an attractive means of ofits.
rose sixteen-fold from $12 trillion to nearly 0 and 2007, far outstripping the growth of sion of trade. During this period, finance and ted growth in advanced capitalist countries. share of manufacturing fell to 12% of the GDP ervices) in 2005, compared with 20% for the hare of total corporate profits rose from 5 to
lly stimulated consumption and borrowing nufacturing growth and in turn worsened US uninterrupted inflow of capital from abroad iling debt and US trade deficits has left Japan mounts of US Treasury debt.
obalised Capital
f production and markets and closer ties t the global economy to a situation in which could very quickly trigger a string of crisis
stitutions not only to reduce risk but also to ing a variety of diverse financial instruments international investments, in the end, made all e than before. Thus the expansion of credit owth also heightened global financial fragility. loaded with billions if not trillions of dollars of onvertible into tangible, productive assets.
ed forces of globalisation and financialisation growth ended up obstructing profitable led to imbalances and instabilities. Thus what f capitalism has transformed itself into its
al importance to US global supremacy and the l economic order. It is not only the leading financial transactions and for holding foreign

Page 24
exchange reserves but also an investable comm selling and trading of international currency m away from the US dollar by foreign central ban off a global monetary crisis and to the emerg implying rival economic power. The signs a happening. Several South American countries h dependence on the US dollar in bilateral tra economies away from the US dollar is no more a
The power of the imperialist system rests o territories by military might and where necess militarism costs to the US economy is seldom and politicians alike. Growing resentment o political interference and aggression by US resistance. The response of the US is to aggr wrong policies and get itself bogged down in un-
The Real Crisis
The impact of the financial meltdown is far reac their homes at the start of the crisis. The wo investment in pension funds has come down b the fall in share prices. The economic slowdown losses especially among the low-paid, and w vitally needed social programs and service education.
Globalisation has already made the Third Wor to crises of global capitalism. The soaring of foo and of petroleum this year, and its fall following slowdown are partly related to financial sp policies imposed on the Third World by imper people of the Third World, especially the poor months and probably years to come.
While the lives and livelihood of millions is at s the state is seeking to protect a financial sy disaster and rescue its owners and investor bene
Political Implications
Despite the acuteness of the crisis and the c created and will continue to create in the month imperialist system nor global capitalism wi

an investable commodity used in the buying, national currency markets. A significant move y foreign central banks and investors could set is and to the emergence of a rival currency, power. The signs are already there for this merican countries have already signalled less ollar in bilateral trade. Movement of large
S dollar is no more a remote possibility.
ialist system rests on the domination of vast ht and where necessary brutal force. What US economy is seldom discussed by economists owing resentment of economic exploitation, aggression by US imperialism has led to f the US is to aggressively pursue the same f bogged down in un-winnable wars.
meltdown is far reaching. People started losing f the crisis. The worth of their savings and ds has come down by at least a fifth owing to economic slowdown has started to lead to job he low-paid, and will lead to curtailment of grams and services including health and
made the Third World increasingly vulnerable . The soaring of food prices over the last year and its fall following the anticipated economic ted to financial speculation, and economic hird World by imperialism. The plight of the , especially the poor will be unenviable in the
to come.
od of millions is at stake at home and abroad, otect a financial system responsible for the ers and investor beneficiaries.
s
the crisis and the chaos that it has already o create in the months to come, neither the US lobal capitalism will collapse. Unless it is

Page 25
overthrown by revolution, it will find ways of su in a modified form but with the same essence tremendous human cost.
It is true that the crisis has once again ma and revolution, which were dismissed as outmo the 20th Century now seem relevant, even more the time of socialist revolutions in the wake of think that the crisis of capitalism will inevitably of socialism. If that were possible, the US and have become socialist countries in the course of what the world witnessed was the rise of fascism
Fascism is not a natural choice of the people. the ruling classes by devious means. All form religious fundamentalism and sectarian ideolog of fascism at times of serious economic and polit
When the capitalist class fails to resolve the the bourgeois democratic system, it sees fas Fascists use populist methods and pander to ba racial and religious prejudices and hatred. organised revolutionary left movement that is revolution to take state power and transform the threat of fascism is real.
The way things are the prospects for revolut advanced capitalist countries. But things ca changes in the neo-colonies can affect the glo implications for the advanced capitalist countri the revolutionary movements there.
Whatever the outcome, the crisis has revalid the oppressed and exploited people of the world cannot solve the problems of human need; ever only make life more miserable for mankind revolution and socialism that can offer hope for
*****

it will find ways of survival and will re-emerge h the same essence of capitalist greed and at
has once again made socialism, communism dismissed as outmoded in the last decade of relevant, even more relevant than they were at tions in the wake of World War II. Some even talism will inevitably lead to the strengthening possible, the US and much of Europe should tries in the course of the great depression. But as the rise of fascism in Europe.
choice of the people. It is thrust upon them by us means. All forms of narrow nationalism, nd sectarian ideologies are breeding grounds s economic and political turmoil.
s fails to resolve the economic crisis through system, it sees fascism as its only option. ds and pander to base emotions arising from dices and hatred. Without a strong, well ft movement that is able and willing to lead a er and transform the existing social order, the
prospects for revolution are not bright in the ries. But things can change. Revolutionary es can affect the global economic order with ed capitalist countries, the working class and ts there.
the crisis has revalidated some old lessons for d people of the world: Capitalism in any guise of human need; every new form it adopts can erable for mankind as a whole. It is only at can offer hope for humanity.
*****

Page 26
ND
Stop Victimising the People o
NDP Statement to the Media 30th September 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement on behalf of t concerning the plight of the people caught up in
Nearly 250,000 people have been displa suffering as refugees owing to the land and a region. They urgently need food and medic shortage of milk powder. Patients suffer for treatment. People live their daily life under tree jungles. The government should promptly st medicine as weapons to win the war. The emphatically demands that the government sh people of the Vanni by starving them and urgen food, milk powder medication and other essentia
The war is focussed on capturing Kilinochch president and his ministers are vehemently jus consequence of the ferocity of the war, nearly 2 displaced and are in a desperate situation wi shelter, unable to provide milk to infants and for patients. The president and ministers who doctrine pay little heed to this human trag suffering in the Vanni citizens of this countr them by starving them to be considered democr Mahinda Chinthana is today seen to be Milit emphasise that, instead of making token ges trucks for the relief of the people suffering in should be taken by the government to prov essential food and medicinal goods.
At the same time we wish to point out that th is the cause of the war, cannot be resolved th Kilinochchi and free Vanni. The way to end the political solution arrived at through extensive the parties concerned could participate. Such a p

NDP Diary
mising the People of Vanni
the Media
neral Secretary of the New Democratic Party ment on behalf of the Politburo of the Party
people caught up in the war in the Vanni.
have been displaced and are undergoing g to the land and air attacks on the Vanni ed food and medication. Infants suffer for Patients suffer for lack of proper medical daily life under tree shelter, in open fields and should promptly stop the use of food and win the war. The New Democratic Party t the government should stop victimising the ving them and urgently send to them essential on and other essential needs.
capturing Kilinochchi and freeing Vanni. The s are vehemently justifying it. But so far, as a y of the war, nearly 250,000 people have been sperate situation without food, clothing and milk to infants and the necessary medication t and ministers who talk about the Buddhist to this human tragedy. Are not the people izens of this country? Is seeking to victimise e considered democracy or Buddhist doctrine? ay seen to be Military Chinthana. Thus we f making token gestures like sending a few
people suffering in the Vanni, urgent steps overnment to provide adequate amounts of l goods.
h to point out that the national question, which nnot be resolved through the war to capture . The way to end the war is only through a just t through extensive negotiations in which all participate. Such a political solution is what is

Page 27
needed by not merely the Tamils but also the en The Party firmly believes that a new climate in groups could live in harmony could be created in
General Secretary,
Control of Television and Rad
NDP Statement to the Media 1 st November 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement on behalf of th denouncing the recent Gazette notification freedom of the Media.
New regulations to control private televisio announced by recent gazette notification const media freedom. This action will lead to the sup views and objections against the government. way for the Mahinda Chinthana government to and to frustrate the protests of the people wh economic crisis. The objection and legal action organisations in this context are welcome. Th strongly denounces the above gazette notificatio
It is a matter of concern that the Mahind while boasting that it has not laid hands on med the future, has published a gazette notification will control private radio and television stations this situation will be extended to its next stage. comes into practice, the situation will arise in w lay hands on the print media. Through it w situation where the freedom of the media and t of the people are controlled and suppressed.
Therefore, the New Democratic Party suppo forward by the five media organisations and action of the government.
General Secretary,

amils but also the entire people of the country. hat a new climate in which the various ethnic ny could be created in that way.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party
f Television and Radio
he Media
neral Secretary of the New Democratic Party ent on behalf of the Politburo of the Party azette notification designed to control the
trol private television and radio stations as te notification constitute a move to suppress will lead to the suppression of all democratic st the government. These regulations make hana government to continue its pursuit of war ts of the people who are suffering under the tion and legal action instituted by five media ext are welcome. The New Democratic Party ve gazette notification.
rn that the Mahinda Chinthana government, ot laid hands on media freedom and will not in gazette notification whereby a single minister nd television stations. There is the danger that ed to its next stage. If this gazette notification uation will arise in which the government will edia. Through it will emerge the dangerous
of the media and the freedom of expression and suppressed.
ocratic Party supports the just demands put a organisations and strongly denounces the
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party

Page 28
Concern for the Plight of Tam
NDP Statement to the Media 8th November 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement on behalf of the the expression of support and sympathy towa Lankan Tamils by the people of Tamilnadu.
The emotional wave of popular support and with a population of 65 million Tamils regard Lankan Tamils cannot in any way be ignored. Central governments in India but also the g carrying out chauvinistic oppression should pay of surge in response to the sufferings of the juncture requires the creation of a new climate f of the national question. Under the prevailing to make moves towards ceasefire, negotiations and peace in ways that are, unlike in the pas people. It is only initiatives in this direction t terrible desperation and suffering of the Tami Democratic Party emphasises this need.
The hunger strike movement organised by India on 2nd October was the event that prov expression of the abundant feeling of suppo Tamilnadu for the Tamils of Sri Lanka. The hu which several parties including the Communist participated, surged as a tremendous wave acro the intention of preventing this surge from risin that the Chief Minister M Karunanithi sought meeting, a threat to resign seats in the parliam campaign, and thereby stabilise the support for acting by Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and that activity. The wave of feelings of the Tamil 800 tonnes of food and medicine and collectio this the state and central governments and the thereby achieved consensus and solidarity amo not only the Sri Lankan Tamils but also the p expressed support for them got cheated. Whil there are only making use of the surge in sup Tamilnadu for the Tamils of Sri Lanka for their

or the Plight of Tamils
the Media
neral Secretary of the New Democratic Party ent on behalf of the Politburo of the Party on and sympathy towards the plight of the Sri le of Tamilnadu.
popular support and sympathy in Tamilnadu illion Tamils regarding the plight of the Sri ny way be ignored. Not merely the state and ndia but also the government of Sri Lanka pression should pay due attention to this state e sufferings of the Sri Lankan Tamils. This on of a new climate for a just political solution nder the prevailing conditions, it is necessary asefire, negotiations, a just political solution e, unlike in the past, truly beneficial to the s in this direction that can put an end to the uffering of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The New
es this need.
ement organised by the Communist Party of the event that provided the platform for the nt feeling of support among the people of of Sri Lanka. The hunger strike campaign, in ding the Communist Party of India (Marxist) emendous wave across Tamilnadu. It was with this surge from rising further and deflecting it Karunanithi sought to organise an all party seats in the parliament, and a human chain bilise the support for him and the DMK. Play anmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee helped feelings of the Tamils was substituted for with edicine and collection of relief funds. Through overnments and the government of Sri Lanka s and solidarity among themselves. Meantime amils but also the people of Tamilnadu who m got cheated. While various political parties of the surge in support among the people of f Sri Lanka for their purposes, they are unable

Page 29
to come to a common policy or common conse should be carefully examined.
The Marxist Leninist parties of India have policy the resolution of the Sri Lankan natio principle of self-determination. Now the Comm the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are em of Sri Lanka should be granted autonomy with the same time, the lack of a unified policy am parties of Tamilnadu tends to weaken the po situation prevails among various Sri Lankan Tam
Therefore, the New Democratic Party em movement with ceasefire, negotiations, a just po as common policy should be carried forward in T
General Secretary,
An Anti-People Anti-National
NDP Statement to the Media 11th November 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement on the Budget on the Party.
The President has presented a budget that h for a pay increase of Rs 5000 and not granted a state and private sector employees. But nearly 1 allocated to carry forward the war. Preside unashamedly imposed taxes on essential goods h name of a reduction in fuel prices. That will not or control the rising cost of living. What is on o the war effort and the well-to-do upper classe hostile to the entire working population. As a population including the hill country plantation facing difficulties at various levels in the coming
The fourth budget of the Mahinda Chintha relief or concession as consolation for the terrib working people. While the government servant the offer of Rs 1000 increase in the cost of livi

cy or common consensus. The reason for this
d.
rties of India have already put forward as a he Sri Lankan national on the basis of the tion. Now the Communist Party of India and dia (Marxist) are emphasising that the Tamils nted autonomy within a united Sri Lanka. At a unified policy among the Tamil nationalist s to weaken the popular upsurge. A similar rious Sri Lankan Tamil factions.
emocratic Party emphasises that a people’s egotiations, a just political solution and peace carried forward in Tamilnadu a nd Sri Lanka.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party
eople Anti-National Budget
he Media
neral Secretary of the New Democratic Party ent on the Budget on behalf of the Politburo of
nted a budget that has rejected their demand 0 and not granted a pay rise for the 7.5 million ployees. But nearly 180 billion rupees has been d the war. President Rajapaksha who has s on essential goods has offered eyewash in the prices. That will not reduce the prices of goods f living. What is on offer is a budget that suits l-to-do upper classes while at the same time ng population. As a result the entire working ll country plantation workers undoubtedly risk
levels in the coming year.
e Mahinda Chinthana government offers no olation for the terrible difficulties faced by the government servants have been cheated with se in the cost of living allowance, the private

Page 30
sector employees have been totally abandone Meanwhile the price of wheat flour and esse increased through taxation. The small decrease compensate the rise in cost of living faced by t budget is aimed at encouraging local produ eliminate the negative aspects of globalisation Who under the advice and guidance of the Worl likes privatised about a hundred state corporatio to foreigners and ruined agriculture by libera UNP and the SLFP. It is not possible to resc condition by empty words and budget spee production be developed without proper develo allocations for industrial and agricultural produ the government are perpetrating a great injustic who are involved in the export economy by keeping them in a state of poverty and starvat that the government has offered ministerial po trade union leaders for ‘removal of injustice’, ‘ ‘plantation infrastructure’ and thereby fooling Similarly it is waving its flags of ‘Eastern Dawn is utter fraud to talk about development and transforming the North East into a cemetery, m in the wilderness of war, and duping the Sinh these as ‘heroism’ and ‘victory ’.
Hence the Politburo of the New Democratic P budget for 2009 proposed by the President parliament is an anti-people, anti-national wa further unbearable burdens on the people.
General Secretary,
Remembering Comrade Ma
Founder General Secretary of the New Democ Subramaniam, fondly known as Comrade M friends passed away on 27 th November 1999 General Secretary of the Party in a tribute to m anniversary said that Comrade Maniam was a communist in word and deed. Excerpts from the
Comrade Maniam joined the communist cam full time cadre. His full time political service an

en totally abandoned with nothing on offer.
heat flour and essential food items will be . The small decrease in fuel price will in no way t of living faced by the people. Claims that the uraging local production and one that will ects of globalisation are fanciful empty words. guidance of the World Bank, the IMF and their dred state corporations and handed them over agriculture by liberal importation. It was the not possible to rescue the country from this s and budget speeches. How can national ithout proper development plans and financial nd agricultural production? The capitalists and ating a great injustice upon plantation workers export economy by slave driving them and poverty and starvation. It is to cover this up ffered ministerial posts to bogus hill country moval of injustice’, ‘youth empowerment’ and
and thereby fooling the plantation workers. gs of ‘Eastern Dawn’ and ‘Northern Spring’. It ut development and national economy while st into a cemetery, making Tamil people suffer and duping the Sinhalese people by depicting ory ’.
he New Democratic Party points out that the by the President and currently debated in le, anti-national war-oriented budget adding on the people.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New Democratic Party
ering Comrade Maniam
of the New Democratic Party, Comrade KA wn as Comrade Maniam to comrades and 7 November 1999. Comrade SK Senthivel, arty in a tribute to mark his nineteenth death rade Maniam was an exemplary and upright d. Excerpts from the tribute are given below.
d the communist camp in his young days as a e political service and leadership qualities led

Page 31
to more and more political responsibilities fo played in the Northern Region Communist P historical importance. His skills were useful ri Central Committee. He put politics first and mad Zedong Thought an aspect of his family life. He his very end to ensure that his political work wa and rewarding to the Party.
Comrade Maniam served as the General Se guided it during the last ten years of his life. Hi by the intensification of severe political crises. T armed forces and armed Tamil movements cond hostile to the people. He as well as Party comra and again. Eventually he was compelled to wor diabetes took a toll on his health. Amid all thes facing challenges and tests, and carrying forw steel-like courage and ability characteristic of a c
The life that he led, characterised to its v confidence in the ideology of Marxism Lenini that he embraced, is a wealthy legacy full of exe Maniam emphasized the importance of buildin party in Sri Lanka and acted on that basis. Wi contribution to the theory and practice of the ensure that it followed that path. He breathed revolutionary appeal that after his death the Pa its revolutionary duty and handing over t comrades. The greatest tribute that we could pa forward his final revolutionary wish amid dif fronts.
People’s Campaign against t Kotmale Hydropower Proje Third Anniversary of Mass Prote
2nd October 2008 marks the third anniversary against the Upper Kotmale Hydropower P campaigns were carried out against the Upper April 2005 there was a demonstration in Bogaw May there was a protest meeting and demo Protest campaigns were launched throughout th

al responsibilities for him. The role that he egion Communist Party was solemn and of skills were useful right up to the level of the politics first and made Marxism Leninism Mao of his family life. He worked with dedication to his political work was beneficial to the people
d as the General Secretary of the Party and n years of his life. His final years were marked ere political crises. The Sri Lankan and Indian mil movements conducted themselves in ways well as Party comrades faced life threats time as compelled to work from underground, and health. Amid all these, Comrade Maniam acted s, and carrying forward the Party, displaying
y characteristic of a communist.
aracterised to its very end by his trust and of Marxism Leninism Mao Zedong Thought thy legacy full of exemplary conduct. Comrade mportance of building up a Marxist Leninist ed on that basis. With far sight, he made his and practice of the New Democratic Party to t path. He breathed his last after making his fter his death the Party should carry forward nd handing over the responsibility to his ute that we could pay to his memory is to carry nary wish amid difficulties faced on several
Campaign against the Upper Hydropower Project: iversary of Mass Protest
e third anniversary of the People’s Campaign ale Hydropower Project. Massive popular t against the Upper Kotmale scheme. On 29th onstration in Bogawantalawa town and on 8th meeting and demonstration in Talawakelle. nched throughout the hill country on 15th May

Page 32
and day-to-day activities came to a standstill demonstration opposite the Colombo Fort Railw
The whole of September was declared a mon activities were carried out. Protest was made to providing financial support for the project and a the Japanese Embassy in Colombo. Many September protests faced opposition and threat those involved in the poster campaign. On 2 conference was convened at the Talawakelle Kat
A mass protest demonstration was held in October 2005 as a strong expression of publi Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project and to m September campaign. Participants in the demon thugs. The attack was an activity planned chauvinists. Reactionary hill country trade unio the attention of the people who participated in t went on to support the government to implem Kotmale scheme.
The scheme is now being implemented, and environmental consequences. People affecte compelled to relocate were promised comfor compensation in cash. The pledges have not b acted against the protest campaign now regret Yet, rather than join the protest movement or co it they go pleading for compensation behin leadership that betrayed the protest campaign. leaders who were associated with the protest mo the government and are enjoying various favour
No left organisation that was involved in t betrayed the protest movement. Five comrades Party, some comrades from the Railway Worke artists, and journalists associated with the pa twenty months ago under Emergency Regulation without legal inquiry.
The people and those who fought for them But the Hill Country Tamil leaders who betraye favours. Such is the character of the Hill Country

came to a standstill. This was followed by a
Colombo Fort Railway Station on 3 rd June.
r was declared a month of protest and protest Protest was made to the Japanese government for the project and a petition was handed in at n Colombo. Many activists involved in the pposition and threats. Action was filed against ter campaign. On 25th September, a protest t the Talawakelle Kathiresan Temple.
tration was held in Talawakelle town on 2nd expression of public resentment against the er Project and to mark the conclusion of the cipants in the demonstration were attacked by n activity planned by the government and ll country trade union leaders sought to deflect who participated in the protest movements and vernment to implement the disastrous Upper
g implemented, and the people are facing its ces. People affected by the scheme and re promised comfortable housing, land and e pledges have not been fulfilled. Those who ampaign now regret the effects of the scheme. otest movement or come forward to strengthen compensation behind the very Hill Country e protest campaign. Some of the trade union d with the protest movement have since joined oying various favours.
at was involved in the protest movement has ent. Five comrades from the New Democratic the Railway Workers’ Union, some travelling ociated with the paper Akuna were arrested mergency Regulations and are under detention
ho fought for them are suffering oppression. l leaders who betrayed the people are enjoying
er of the Hill Country Tamil leadership.

Page 33
NDP signature campaign for the t unconditional release of political
The campaign launched earlier this year by the obtain 100,000 signatures on a petition dem without delay or unconditional release of all Tam Hill Country Tamil political prisoners who ar trial is in progress. The Party expressed appr received thus far and called for the continued co all those who uphold justice, freedom and dem endorse and canvass support for the campaign.
.
Appeal for Support
The NDP publications, Puthiya Poomi and Ne democratic values and defend the interests of the op of ethnic, religious or any such identity. They are un journals for high journalistic standards, useful co issues unaddressed by mainstream media and p parties representing the interests of the exploiting c of printing and postage have added to the financia which relies on financial support from supporters an burdened by the rising cost of living. The Party has n rich patrons. Hence the Party appeals to reader contribute to its Publications Fund by adding to the donation, or sponsoring the publication of part or wh journal. Payments may be made to:
S Thevarajah, account number 4 Bank of Ceylon, Supermarket Br
Colombo 11, Sri Lanka Please mention ‘Publications Fund’ in the cover to: 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 11, .

campaign for the trial or release of political detainees
rlier this year by the New Democratic Party to s on a petition demanding either the trial nal release of all Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and al prisoners who are being detained without arty expressed appreciation for the support for the continued cooperation and support of e, freedom and democratic values to formally rt for the campaign.
.
Appeal for Support
Puthiya Poomi and New Democracy uphold fend the interests of the oppressed, independently such identity. They are unique among Sri Lankan istic standards, useful content and coverage of mainstream media and publications of political terests of the exploiting classes. The rising costs ave added to the financial burdens of the Party, upport from supporters and well wishers, who also st of living. The Party has neither NGO funding nor Party appeals to readers and well wishers to ns Fund by adding to the subscription, making a e publication of part or whole of an issue of either made to: rajah, account number 452868 f Ceylon, Supermarket Branch Colombo 11, Sri Lanka lications Fund’ in the covering note addressed
M Complex, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka.
.

Page 34
Sri Lankan
Aliens in their Own Land
The Police required Tamils originating from t Colombo since any time during the last five police. Registration took place on 20th and 21 police stations and selected public premises. T for Tamils from the East two weeks later. Th Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksha exp sharp increase in exodus from northern surrounding areas in the last few weeks.
He argued that thousands arrive in Colomb parts of the war-torn nation, many of them eth in the north and claimed that most of them without any valid reason and that they should that were the reason, asking Tamils who came t years to register suggests other intentions. It sh an attempt to expel Tamils from Colombo in Ju the intervention of the Supreme Court.
What is sad is that a blatant act of discrimin by the government was allowed to go unc protested but did not call for resistance. Had th defiance and canvassed support among pa nationalities, especially the Sinhalese, it would understanding between the people of different rebuild a campaign for peace.
Wound up by Dead Ropes
When the involvement of Indian technicians wo armed forces came to light following the LTTE a base on 9th September, the Communist Par successful protest campaign against Indian milit

Sri Lankan Events
eir Own Land
s originating from the north and resident in uring the last five years to register with the lace on 20th and 21 st September at designated d public premises. The exercise was repeated two weeks later. The move came days after aya Rajapaksha expressed concern over the s from northern region to Colombo and st few weeks.
ds arrive in Colombo each month from other n, many of them ethnic Tamils fleeing fighting that most of them were staying in Colombo nd that they should go back to their areas. If g Tamils who came to Colombo in the past five ther intentions. It should be remembered that from Colombo in June 2007 was thwarted by eme Court.
tant act of discrimination against a nationality allowed to go unchallenged. Tamil leaders or resistance. Had they initiated a campaign of support among parties representing other e Sinhalese, it would have helped to improve e people of different nationalities and also to
e.
y Dead Ropes
ndian technicians working with the Sri Lankan following the LTTE attack on the Vavuniya air the Communist Party of India organised a against Indian military support for Sri Lanka.

Page 35
Fearing that rival Tamil nationalists will ma issue, Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tami deflecting the wave of popular feeling by listin Indian government including the cessation of su and persuading the Sri Lankan government Possible Indian armed intervention too was deadline was given and post-dated resignation l all DMK MPs, to be handed in if the Indian gove demands. Anyone who knows the politics of Ta through Karunanidhi’s game and that nothing w
The Sri Lankan media got agitated in exp applauding and others denouncing the events. ever, became an instant hero to Tamil newsp government ones, and to Tamil nationalists. W Marxist Leninists fell on deaf ears. When Karunanidhi expressed satisfaction with unk prime minister, and the protest was over. Th prophetic once again.
Karunanidhi, to cover up, initiated fund-ra food and medicine to those affected by the con over. Accusations and counter accusations fly Tamilnadu and the entertainment industry w business among the Tamil Diaspora has jumped
The Sri Lankan Tamil media rather than trea contempt that they deserve, still gives them misleads the Tamils into counting on Indian inte
US Ambassador and Military S
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake de Chennai witnessing a wave of public protest ag conflict in Sri Lanka that “America’s experience elsewhere has taught us that terrorism can enforcement and military measures alone.... O Lanka to complete the work of the All Parties R which has reached agreement on 90% of a blu reform that most Sri Lankans believe offers gre his position again in Colombo in November, wh the American policy on the Sri Lankan conflic Obama is elected.

nationalists will make political capital of the ief Minister of Tamilnadu, limited damage by ular feeling by listing several demands to the g the cessation of supply of arms to Sri Lanka ankan government to agree to a ceasefire. tervention too was hinted at. A two-week t-dated resignation letters were collected from in if the Indian government failed to meet the ws the politics of Tamilnadu would have seen e and that nothing would happen.
got agitated in expected fashion, with some ouncing the events. Karunanidhi, cunning as ero to Tamil newspapers, excluding the pro- amil nationalists. Words of wisdom from the deaf ears. When the deadline was over tisfaction with unknown assurances by the rotest was over. The Marxist Leninists were
p, initiated fund-raising to supply essential e affected by the conflict. But the game is not nter accusations fly across the political sky of tainment industry with a vested interest in
iaspora has jumped in with its protest.
edia rather than treat such gimmicks with the rve, still gives them publicity and thereby unting on Indian intervention some day.
ador and Military Solution
ka Robert Blake declared on 24th October in of public protest against India’s conduct the America’s experience in Iraq, Afghanistan and that terrorism cannot be defeated by law measures alone.... One way forward is for Sri k of the All Parties Representative Committee ent on 90% of a blueprint for constitutional ns believe offers great promise”. He reiterated bo in November, where he also confirmed that e Sri Lankan conflict will not change even if

Page 36
Quite a few have overreacted to Ambassa subjectively reading into it their hopes or fea Lanka for a ceasefire and negotiations. A careful only said that “terrorism cannot be defeated military measures alone”, thus not rejecting the the US does in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewher solution of some kind, but without the slightes the LTTE.
The US has been the biggest direct and indire the cruel war by the Sri Lankan state. Neither U ambassador has learnt anything worthwhile abo US creates and promotes conflict in the Third terrorists parties to the conflict that do not ser well to note that Ambassador Blake has said not
Conquer and Divide
The split induced more than four years ago in government to dislodge it from control in the overcame the faction calling itself the TMVP vengeance with support from the armed forces TMVP and the Pillayan faction seemed to have helped by Karuna’s exile and arrest in the UK. T the electoral success in the Provincial Council e the Chief Minister.
Karuna’s return to Sri Lanka has altered t from the armed forces, which once sided with P MP on the national list, replacing a JVP MP wh the JVP for unethical conduct, Karuna is now Pr of not just Pillayan but also other Tamil leaders party. Karuna is being used by the governm Eastern Provincial Council its own police for would absorb former TMVP cadres. Karuna’s anger within the TMVP which asked him f announced his removal as leader.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: scored yet another political victory for its chauvi
*****

reacted to Ambassador Blake’s statement by t their hopes or fears of US pressure on Sri egotiations. A careful reading will show that he cannot be defeated by law enforcement and hus not rejecting the continued use of force, as anistan and elsewhere. He calls for a political without the slightest hint of urging talks with
gest direct and indirect patron and promoter of nkan state. Neither US imperialism nor the US thing worthwhile about fighting terrorism. The onflict in the Third World and then brands as nflict that do not serve its interests. Thus it is or Blake has said nothing really new.
d Divide
an four years ago in the LTTE facilitated the from control in the East. The LTTE militarily ing itself the TMVP, which returned with a om the armed forces. Splits took place in the tion seemed to have the upper hand and was d arrest in the UK. Things have changed since Provincial Council election that made Pillayan
Lanka has altered the picture. With support ch once sided with Pillayan, and nomination as placing a JVP MP who was forced to resign by uct, Karuna is now Prince Charming to the envy other Tamil leaders who are loyal to the ruling sed by the government even to deny to the l its own police force which Pillayan hoped P cadres. Karuna’s utterances have provoked which asked him for explanation and then eader.
one thing is certain: Mahinda Chinthanaya has
victory for its chauvinist agenda.
*****

Page 37
Changing the Way of Reading Our
Periodization in Sri Lankan History – Special Emphasis on the Development Gunawardana, Social Scientists Assoc 2008 pp. 81 +iii, Rs 350.00
It is common practice to divide the history periods. The way in which the history is divide socio-political approach of the historian, and co history is written, read and understood.
Professor Gunawardana draws attention to periodisation has been carried out in relation particular attention to the continuing practice the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods an of division is not helpful in understanding the other fields of activity such as irrigation and ag by the author the project undertaken is n periodisation applicable to all fields of activity b politics and state.
Following a brief discussion of earlier approa outlining how the author arrived at his method, periods as those of Chieftans, the Early St (associated with the development of the hydrau Medieval State (associated with the disso civilisation), Multiple Kingdoms, Besieged King power), the Colonial State, and the Post-Colonia
The benefit of such an approach to understa changes in Sri Lanka are obvious, and reviewin the country in this fashion would also help to d narrow nationalism is built.
This short book is based on ideas that the au the 1960s as a young researcher and expressed writings and is essential reading for young hist history.

Book Reviews
ay of Reading Our History
Lankan History – Some Reflections with the Development of the State, RALH l Scientists Association, Colombo 5,
50.00
o divide the history as well as prehistory into the history is divided in time is based on the the historian, and conditions the way in which understood.
draws attention to inadequacies in the way ried out in relation to Sri Lanka. He draws continuing practice of separation in terms of nnaruwa periods and points out that this line n understanding the history of Buddhism and as irrigation and agriculture. As pointed out ct undertaken is not aimed at a general all fields of activity but one with emphasis on
sion of earlier approaches to periodisation and rived at his method, he proceeds to demarcate ftans, the Early State, Power-Sharing State pment of the hydraulic civilisation), the Early ed with the dissolution of the hydraulic doms, Besieged Kingdoms (resisting European and the Post-Colonial State.
pproach to understanding political and social bvious, and reviewing the written histories of would also help to dispel the myths on which .
on ideas that the author had developed since archer and expressed at different times in his ading for young historians and all students of
-SJS-

Page 38
Interpreting the Social Role of Bud
Buddhism in India – Challenging Brahm Omvedt, Sage Publications, New Delhi (price not specified)
The book provides a fairly extensive coverag decay of Buddhism in India, and in its course ex relating to caste and Hinduism to which ma scientists have knowingly or unknowingly subscr
Despite the sound historical account of the the development of Buddhism and its role in con caste, the book tends to idealise Buddhism a answers to all human ills. As a result, the autho the mildest criticism that draws attention to inadequacy.
For example, Marxist commentators like Kos earn her wrath for claiming that Buddhism dev slave society. To counter that position the autho society at the time was “a dynamic and in m society” (p. 144), based on the existence of w relationships and to call it an emerging commer
The author, like many reputed writers of the attention to historical developments in the Drav of a strong Buddhist movement from the pre-C the 9th Century in the Tamil kingdoms and th Buddhist epics are well known but fail to draw author. But the author cites in endorsing fas sangam poetess Avvayaar was the oldest know and that Thiruvalluvar of the post Sangam neither of which has a serious basis.
References like “the kural written under Bu are also misleading, since kural (commonly ref known to show a stronger influence of Jainism.
The author accepts without further probing that the Dalits were in fact originally Buddhist untouchables (p. 17). Discussion of the Bhakti hasty; and, in the process of attaching a Bra misses important progressive trends within them
Perhaps because the work is confined to t India, comments by the author on Buddhism in

e Social Role of Buddhism
Challenging Brahminism and Caste, Gail ations, New Delhi, 2003, pp. 314+xi.
rly extensive coverage of the development and , and in its course explodes many of the myths duism to which many historians and social r unknowingly subscribed.
rical account of the context and the nature of sm and its role in confronting Brahminism and idealise Buddhism as a thought system with As a result, the author takes exception even to draws attention to what may be an obvious
mmentators like Kosambi and Chattopaddyaya g that Buddhism developed in the context of a at position the author goes on to claim that the dynamic and in many ways even capitalistic the existence of wage labour and monetary n emerging commercial society.
puted writers of the history of India, pays poor lopments in the Dravidian south. The existence ment from the pre-Christian era until around mil kingdoms and the existence of important own but fail to draw due attention from the tes in endorsing fashion the claims that the was the oldest known Buddhist woman sant the post Sangam period was her brother, us basis.
ral written under Buddhist influence” (p. 57) kural (commonly referred to as tirukkural) is nfluence of Jainism.
hout further probing the claim by Ambedkar t originally Buddhists who had been rendered ssion of the Bhakti movements is patchy and of attaching a Brahminic label, the author ve trends within them.
ork is confined to the political entity called thor on Buddhism in ancient and medieval Sri

Page 39
Lanka are, if at all, in passing. There no ev historical development of Buddhism in Sri Lank dominant religion without break for longer tha proximity to India and continuous interactio kingdoms which were ruled mostly by ‘Hindu spells in which some rulers came under Jain or is, however, more detailed reference to Anagari one of the most important leaders of a revi Buddhism in Sri Lanka (p. 234).
The main weakness of the book is a lack of o That could probably be the result of the author of Ambedkar and his interpretation of Buddhi Cause, and a tendency to defend Buddhism agai that questions its relevance or adequacy in hostility towards Marxism has been inherite identify themselves with Dalitism, especially i too shows such inclinations.
Ambedkar’s leading the conversion to Buddh Dalits in Maharashtra was an effective protest and exposed the hypocrisy of MK Gandhi. His i was undoubtedly great; but Buddhism per se f cause of the Dalits. EV Ramasamy (commo correctly pointed out that leaving Hinduism for of no benefit; he prescribed the rejection of confrontation of Brahminism as the way community.
Omvedt would have helped to understand th had probed how Buddhism has been abused by become a powerful tool in the hands of impe exemplified by the conduct of the Dalai L establishment in neighbouring Sri Lanka.
The book is nevertheless essential reading understand the respective roles played by Buddhism in India, and especially those with i nature of ‘Hinduism’.
*****

assing. There no evidence of interest in the uddhism in Sri Lanka where it survived as the break for longer than two millennia, despite ntinuous interaction with the South Indian d mostly by ‘Hindu’ rulers, except for brief came under Jain or Buddhist influence. There reference to Anagarika Dharmapala becoming t leaders of a revivalistic and nationalistic 34).
e book is a lack of objectivity in many places. result of the author’s uncritical endorsement rpretation of Buddhism to advance the Dalit efend Buddhism against any school of thought ce or adequacy in any context. Ambedkar’s has been inherited by his adherents who alitism, especially in Tamilnadu. The author .
conversion to Buddhism of a large number of an effective protest against the caste system of MK Gandhi. His impact on Dalit awareness t Buddhism per se failed to take forward the Ramasamy (commonly known as Periyaar) leaving Hinduism for any other faith would be ed the rejection of religion as a whole and nism as the way forward for the entire
ed to understand the fall of Buddhism if she has been abused by the state and how it has the hands of imperialism and reaction, as uct of the Dalai Lama, and the Buddhist ing Sri Lanka.
ss essential reading for those who want to e roles played by caste, Brahminism and pecially those with illusions about the liberal
-SJS-
*****

Page 40
International
US: Changing of the Guard
The US presidential election was an important e powerful but parasitical nation on earth, and wide range of minerals, raw materials and fin skilled persons from the rest of the world. It is a war and military equipment.
The election also had other important asp victory was made possible by Black liberation st of white supremacy; and marks an important ps has been a fundamentally racist society. Oba political speaker of the United States in recent more educated than the reactionary John McCa overcoming racial prejudice and had to m compromises to win nomination by his party an
The election was held amid the worst financ and the world since the 1930s. His electoral helped by the crisis, owing to the association policies of the present government which w responsible for the mess that the US is in today.
Obama has pledged to completely exempt reduce taxes for the middle classes, and increas He has claimed that the revenues will not the us
In the light of the current financial crisis and people are more worried about the economy tha did not want in the first place, or for that matt Obama has repeatedly denounced the ruinous war paid for by US citizens, and promised to e troops, but not all of them though.
The pressing problems of the world are not Obama. He supports the American system and Thus, his commitment to ‘fight terrorism’ wil troops will go to Afghanistan to join the other

International Events
g of the Guard
n was an important event since US is the most ation on earth, and the biggest importer of a w materials and finished products as well as st of the world. It is also the biggest exporter of t.
ther important aspects. Obama's convincing y Black liberation struggle through the erosion arks an important psychological break for what racist society. Obama is arguably the best ited States in recent decades, and cleverer and ctionary John McCain. Yet he had a hard time ice and had to make some unprincipled ation by his party and eventually the election.
mid the worst financial crisis faced by the US 930s. His electoral success was considerably g to the association of his opponent with the overnment which was in no small measure at the US is in today.
completely exempt the poorest from taxes, classes, and increase taxes for the wealthiest. enues will not the used to bail out banks.
t financial crisis and its impact, the American out the economy than the war in Iraq that they ace, or for that matter the war in Afghanistan. ounced the ruinous spending on Bush's Iraq s, and promised to end it and bring home the
hough.
of the world are not really a major concern to merican system and will be supported by it. ‘fight terrorism’ will stand and some of the tan to join the other unjust war. He has also

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conceded during his contest for nomination on d exist’ and Israeli refusal to talk to Hamas.
There is no doubt that Obama is the better view of domestic politics. The less affluent ca under a president representing the most corrup of the exploiting classes. But Obama’s electio American society to bring justice to the Blacks continue to be discriminated against. Nor can consumerism which is a major ill of American contributor to the present crisis.
The gun lobby and the tobacco lobby will not insurance and health businesses will do their be and welfare for the poor. These forces have presidents who declared their good intentions health and social welfare.
Had the bellicose McCain won the Preside would have increased, but let there be no illu Obama to transform the Pentagon, the CIA an that represent vested interests with a major sta at war with humanity.
Thus there is some reason to celebrate, but little to hope for in the Third World.
US: the Master Arms Peddler
The Bush administration is pushing through a abroad to rearm Iraq and Afghanistan, contain N strengthen ties with former Russian allies. The U (DoD) has, so far in this fiscal year, approved th $32 billion in military equipment, compared Deliveries on orders placed now will continue fo
In the Persian Gulf region, the rearmament is Iran. The Emirates are planning to spend $16 systems from the US according to DoD notifi Emirates also intend to order offensive weapons year alone, has signed at least $6 billion wor weapons from the US — the highest figure for Israel, a major buyer of US military equipme orders, including four US-made coastal warships Korea has signed sales agreements worth $1.1 bi

t for nomination on defending ‘Israel’s right to talk to Hamas.
Obama is the better choice from the point of The less affluent cannot suffer another term ting the most corrupt and reactionary sections But Obama’s election will not transform the justice to the Blacks and Latin Americans who ted against. Nor can it bring to an end the ajor ill of American society and an important risis.
bacco lobby will not go away and the parasitic esses will do their best to subvert public health . These forces have succeeded against past eir good intentions about gun control, public
in won the Presidency, the danger of a war let there be no illusions about the ability of entagon, the CIA and other arms of the state ests with a major stake in maintaining the US
on to celebrate, but with a lot of caution and d World.
ter Arms Peddler
s pushing through a number of weapons deals fghanistan, contain North Korea and Iran, and Russian allies. The US Department of Defence cal year, approved the sale or transfer of over uipment, compared with $12 billion in 2005. now will continue for years as legacy of Bush.
n, the rearmament is driven mainly by fears of nning to spend $16 billion on missile defence rding to DoD notifications to Congress. The er offensive weapons. Saudi Arabia, this fiscal least $6 billion worth of agreements to buy e highest figure for Saudi Arabia since 1993. S military equipment, is also increasing its ade coastal warships worth $1.9 billion. South ements worth $1.1 billion this year.

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The US, for long the world’s top arms pedd the global arms trade from 40% in 2000 to n Russia at 21%. The list of nations with US as a weapons systems has grown in recent years.
The value of foreign arms deliveries complet a modest increase from an average of $12 billio to $13 billion in 2008. Complex weapons system that the increase in sales agreements will be refl of the next several years.
The surge in weapon deals since 2006 is pro among advocates of arms control but also frien the flow of sophisticated military equipment int day compromise the m ilitary edge of Israel.
India: Who is to Blame for the F
The State of Bihar experienced perhaps it history following a breach in the embankment important to northern Bihar, with its source a 7000 m in the Himalayas and its upper catch Parts of Nepal too suffered from the flooding meander because of its heavy sediment load an about 160 km between 1723 and 1948.
On 18th August 2008, at a time of relatively m when the embankment was breached in West Nepal, the Government of Bihar failed to r became irreversible. The Koshi spilled out of th been allowed to build over decades to inundate f district in Nepal, with a population of some 35,0 east through Bihar, towards its old channels Blocked on the west by towering embankments, roadways, the river created a massive lake, wh Ganges in September.
By 31 st August, more than three and a half 1700 villages in 16 districts were affected, with 100,000 hectares (1000 square kilometres) flo houses damaged. The government response to t inadequate; and the officialdom sought to exon ‘natural calamity’ and treating the 18th Augu embankment of Koshi at Kusaha, on the Indo-N one-off event.

rld’s top arms peddler, increased its share of 40% in 2000 to nearly 52% in 2006, with nations with US as a primary source of major
in recent years.
s deliveries completed by the US showed only average of $12 billion between 2004 and 2006 plex weapons systems take time to produce so reements will be reflected in the arms delivers
als since 2006 is provoking concerns not only ontrol but also friends of Israel who fear that ilitary equipment into the Middle East may one
y edge of Israel.
is to Blame for the Floods?
erienced perhaps its worst flood disaster in in the embankment of the river Koshi, a river ar, with its source at an elevation of around and its upper catchment in Nepal and Tibet. d from the flooding. The river is known to vy sediment load and its course has shifted by
and 1948.
a time of relatively moderate flow of the Koshi, s breached in Western Kusaha Panchayat in f Bihar failed to respond, and the damage oshi spilled out of the plateau of silt that it had decades to inundate four Panchayats of Sunsari ulation of some 35,000 and then spread to the ds its old channels leading to the Ganges. ering embankments, and to the south by raised d a massive lake, which broke through to the
an three and a half million people from over were affected, with thousands dead, well over quare kilometres) flooded, and over 280,000 rnment response to the disaster was criminally ldom sought to exonerate itself by calling it a ating the 18th August breach in the eastern usaha, on the Indo-Nepal border, as a unique,

Page 43
The genuine left and concerned social activi that neither the flood nor the response to it w that the negligent and callous conduct of centr over the past fifty years was to blame. The Biha demand for a judicial enquiry which is expected by March 2009.
Critics of the state and central governments h since early 1960s, whichever party was in po suffered as consequences of official apathy towa the Koshi; and that this time it was a clear case the state government in repairing upstream monsoon of 2008 that has resulted in devastatio
The technocrats and their political bosses in of reneging on commitments to maintain and d embankments on its side, owing to preoccupa there. The truth was that the maintenance embankments was the responsibility of the Department. The explanation then became tha the river tending to change course to move ea questions about the role of the embankments co and whether they were not meant to prevent the
Amid this tragedy, Prime Minister Prachanda to Sunsari, as one of his first tasks as PM, said t of 1954 was "a historical blunder." Indian prom in the 1954 Koshi agreement (and subsequent a out to be lies. The irrigated land is within Ind power is charged for at high rates; compen leached Nepali lands remains unpaid after many were not built by India; and the embankments they collapsed.
An Article in Analytical Monthly Review, Sept not only the embankments that have been b agreement -- an unequal treaty if ever ther breached as well. Under international law it is of paper. There is no hope for a rational challenges of the ecological water crisis fro bourgeois Bihari politicians, from deranged gia Chidambaram & Co, from the "cross-fire" Bangladesh, or from the gentle hands of the San necessary participant in any water plan; th commence. When Prachanda sits down to rene he will be representing not only Nepal, but the

ncerned social activists promptly pointed out the response to it was a natural calamity and ous conduct of central and state governments s to blame. The Bihar Government yielded to a iry which is expected to come up with a report
entral governments have also pointed out that, er party was in power, the people of Bihar f official apathy towards the embankments on e it was a clear case of dereliction of duty by repairing upstream barrages ahead of the esulted in devastation.
ir political bosses in Bihar first accused Nepal ts to maintain and dredge the barrage and the owing to preoccupation with political events t the maintenance of the barrage and the sponsibility of the Bihar Water Resources on then became that the flooding was due to e course to move east. That has led to bigger the embankments constructed along the river meant to prevent the river from meandering
e Minister Prachanda of Nepal following a visit st tasks as PM, said that the Indo-Nepal Treaty lunder." Indian promises of benefits to Nepal nt (and subsequent amendments) have turned d land is within India; "concessional" electric high rates; compensation for submerged or ns unpaid after many decades; promised roads d the embankments were not maintained and
al Monthly Review, September 2008 said: “It is s that have been breached, the 1954 Koshi treaty if ever there were one -- has been ternational law it is now no more than a scrap ope for a rational solution to the dramatic cal water crisis from the criminal gang of s, from deranged giant dam proponents, from m the "cross-fire" murdering generals of ntle hands of the Sangh Parivar. But Nepal is a any water plan; that is where the rivers da sits down to renegotiate the water treaties only Nepal, but the hopes of all in the region

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for a better future. Yet ultimately if we are su looming environmental water disaster it shall r the balance of class forces in society in both Ind hope that Nepal will light the path”.
Also relevant is the comment by Kuntala Wasson in Water First: Issues and Chall Communities in South Asia (Sage, New Delh lessons does the Koshi flood teach us? The anthropogenic causes have heightened and aggr and that ‘flood control’ as seen by the state m only viable response to floods. The technolo overtly on insulating floodplains from rivers by The current disaster devastating the lives o emphasises the urgent need to rethink water m policies. The future well being of millions of because it is well-known that the official philoso in India has been keenly in favour of the constr large structures such as dams and emban government is currently toying with the ‘Riverl idea of linking all rivers through a series of c water-grid for the transfer of water from on another. The long-term environmental impacts can only be assumed”.
Nepal: One Country, Two Armie
Despite the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) democracy and to struggle peacefully towards i still exist and find expression through various without. There are several outstanding issues o will be tested, and the opportunists in the C (United Marxist Leninist) will continue to b participation in government for the posts and always been craving after. The next big issue co Nepal Army (formerly the Royal Nepal Army) an Army. Their fusion is not simple, and raises fres
Comments below by Chetan Kunwar on the su CPN(M) journal Red Star of 11.9.2008 are partic
There is a serious debate about fusing the two Federal Democratic Republic (FDR), and we peace process to carry it to the logical end

timately if we are successfully to manage the ter disaster it shall require a radical change in n society in both India and Bangladesh; we can
e path”.
omment by Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt and Robert Issues and Challenges for Nations and ia (Sage, New Delhi, August 2008): “What ood teach us? The recent flood shows that heightened and aggravated the flood impacts, seen by the state may not necessarily be the loods. The technology of such control relies plains from rivers by embankments and dams. astating the lives of so many poor people d to rethink water management strategies and eing of millions of rural Indians is at stake at the official philosophy of water management favour of the construction of capital-intensive dams and embankments on rivers. The ying with the ‘Riverlink Project’, based on the hrough a series of canals to create a gigantic r of water from one part of the country to ironmental impacts of such a gigantic project
ountry, Two Armies?
rty of Nepal (Maoist) agreeing to a multi-party peacefully towards its goal, external pressures ion through various forces within Nepal and outstanding issues on which the government portunists in the Communist Party of Nepal will continue to barter their support and t for the posts and privileges that they have The next big issue concerns the merging of the oyal Nepal Army) and the People's Liberation mple, and raises fresh issues.
n Kunwar on the subject in an article in the f 11.9.2008 are particularly significant.
about fusing the two armies. Nepal is now a ublic (FDR), and we have to concretize the it to the logical end. The fusion of the two

Page 45
armies is compulsory. However, no other about the outline and plan of fusing the a Maoist. Rather, the parliamentary political p issue of fusing the armies only as a barg sharing. These political parties should try an mature and honest in politics. The popular p virtue and vice’ should be the basis of fusing the one of the principal basis of the fusion. Logic without essence is only logic to pass t that can only create problems. The Nepal Arm protecting the nation by fighting agai intervention and against Tibetan invasion in the unification of Nepal. The NA has a history and devotion for the protection of the natio including its tasks in peace keeping under U different countries of the world. However, th aspect that it has always been used to crush and the people's war. The NA should review it On the other hand, the People's Liberation unprecedented record in the history of dedication and devotion of the PLA have libe Nepalese people from the chains of injustice, and discrimination and the external interfer the establishment of a new glorious history of In other words, the NA has played an impor integrity and the PLA has played an imp liberation of the Nepalese people and makin Nepal has its own new identity in the world. A unknown identity in the world before rev introduced in the world through the identity o War (PW) and the PLA. These historical a synthesized in building the new Nepal. The fusion of both the armies, the NA affiliate the unification of Nepal and the PLA fight sovereignty of the people, will be the new mo in Nepal. So far as the issue of the influence o over the army is concerned, we should be clea a means. It is necessary that the means is gui means leadership. Therefore, it is not necessa over the question of purity. If we talk abo remain loyal to the former monarchy and t CPN-Maoist. This is a hangover from the pas

However, no other parties know anything lan of fusing the armies except the CPN- iamentary political parties are misusing the ies only as a bargaining card for power arties should try and be sincere if they are litics. The popular phrase 'according to the e the basis of fusing the armies. This will be asis of the fusion.
only logic to pass time over trifling issues lems. The Nepal Army (NA) has a history of by fighting against British colonialist t Tibetan invasion in the earlier periods of The NA has a history of dedication, sacrifice otection of the nation and the nationality, ace keeping under United Nations in many world. However, there is also the negative been used to crush the people's movements NA should review its misdeeds of the past. People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a new in the history of Nepal. The sacrifice, of the PLA have liberated the nation and the chains of injustice, exploitation, repression the external interference. It has fought for w glorious history of Nepal.
as played an important role for territorial has played an important role to aid the e people and making them sovereign. Now, entity in the world. A small country, with its e world before revolution, has now been hrough the identity of a decade long People's . These historical achievements should be e new Nepal. mies, the NA affiliated since the beginning of and the PLA fighting for the liberty and , will be the new model of the national army ue of the influence of any ideas and ideology ed, we should be clear that any army itself is that the means is guided or used by any idea fore, it is not necessary to blame each other rity. If we talk about purity, the NA will er monarchy and the PLA will be loyal to ngover from the past that may lead the two

Page 46
armies into conflict. Everyone must be serio fusing the two armies. No army is without ideas or ideology. An without mind and life. Therefore, we should on fusing the armies, and this debate shoul random way. The debate should be held in a p carry it up to a logical end. Understanding necessary here. The NA should change their because of the changing situation. Certainly Likewise, PLA should professionalize and bri its changed role and responsibility. The dem and professionalisation of the PLA is the me of both the armies. Any bias is another obstac and the fusion. After merging and building a guided by the ideas of the federal democratic
However, because of the external influence o environment of confidence that problems will process of fusion does not exist. However, we expect that the national interest should be armies, whatever the interests of foreign p national interest can fulfil the dream of all the
Pakistan: Growing Anger
Owing to frustration that the US-led coalitio the war in Afghanistan there is an increas Pakistan for the failure. While calling for ma the Pakistani government and military, the trying to bully Pakistan into co-operatio occupation in Afghanistan on terms dictated
Since early September, US forces based in carried out armed intrusions and air attacks in Baluchistan and the NWFP. These attacks to anger among the people and to calls by m government to retaliate against attacks by US
In September, tribal elders in the border intrusions and attacks warned of attacks o neighbouring war-stricken Afghanistan in r air and ground strikes.

ryone must be serious over the question of
as or ideology. An army is not a machine herefore, we should be aware of the debates d this debate should not be expressed in a should be held in a plan, set and sequence to end. Understanding and transformation is should change their old ideas and thinking situation. Certainly, there are challenges. fessionalize and bring changes according to ponsibility. The democratization of the NA of the PLA is the meeting point of the fusion ias is another obstacle that rejects fraternity ging and building a national army, it will be
federal democratic republic.
external influence on the politics of Nepal, an ce that problems will not occur in this sensitive t exist. However, we have our own stand and interest should be in the fusion of the two terests of foreign powers may be; only the il the dream of all the Nepalese people.
owing Anger
the US-led coalition troops are not winning there is an increasing tendency to blame
hile calling for maximum cooperation from t and military, the US policy makers are n into co-operation with the forces of
on terms dictated by the US.
, US forces based in Afghanistan repeatedly ons and air attacks in Pakistan’s tribal areas FP. These attacks by the US forces have led le and to calls by mass organizations to the gainst attacks by US-led forces.
lders in the border regions affected by US arned of attacks on US military bases in n Afghanistan in retaliation for recent US

Page 47
Pakistan Trade Union Federation General called upon the representatives of trade uni demonstrations across the country, slamming keeping mum over the situation.
Nisar Ali Khan, leader of the main opposit party was very concerned about the country's that the PPP-led government convened a joi as soon as possible.
Resentment is also strong within the a expression in Army Chief General Ashfaq warning that the country's borders will be d that the military would decide to respond to Pakistani troops fired at US military aircraft they entered Pakistani air space in South W aircraft to retreat.
The Communist Worker Peasants Party analysis of the political situation noted t knocking on our door and invading our terr fight against US imperialism assumes even g before. CMKP calls upon the democratic gove army to defend the territorial integrity and When military incursions become the no seminars are not enough. The circumstances against imperialism. US imperialism is the en the world. Its militarist and aggressive polic worst massacres in recent history. We must forces of Pakistan to fight against US imperia
The CMKP also cautioned the people that democratic parties had the stomach to wage bourgeois-democracy in Pakistan, and called organize the working masses to take the dem a people's democratic revolution. It also e persevere in the struggle against militar democratic government is subservient bureaucracy; against US imperialism which territory; and against and Islamic fundam reactionary nature.

Federation General Secretary Gulzar Ahmed tatives of trade unions to hold strikes and e country, slamming the political parties for uation.
of the main opposition PML-N, said that his about the country's security and demanded ent convened a joint session of parliament
rong within the armed forces and found ef General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani’s words 's borders will be defended at all costs and ecide to respond to coalition troops. In fact US military aircraft on 15 th September when r space in South Waziristan and forced the
ker Peasants Party (CMKP) in a recent situation noted that “US imperialism is d invading our territory. In this regard, the ism assumes even greater importance than he democratic government and the Pakistan orial integrity and the people of Pakistan. s become the norm, then protests and The circumstances call for militant action mperialism is the enemy of all the people of nd aggressive policies have resulted in the t history. We must unite all the democratic
against US imperialism.”
ned the people that none of the bourgeois- e stomach to wage a relentless struggle for akistan, and called upon the Communists to ses to take the democratic struggle towards volution. It also emphasised the need to le against military rule as the present is subservient to the civil military imperialism which is invading Pakistani d Islamic fundamentalism because of its

Page 48
Ecuador: A New Constitution
Ecuador, with a population of 13.9 million, ov new 444-article constitution by a referendum on to 28 percent majority .
The new constitution, inspired by the re policies by Venezuela and Bolivia, is desi government's hold on the economy now based coffee exports, and remittances by its emigrant the state in participatory development plannin care, education, housing, and water supply, guarantees universal health care, free educat adequate home, independent of one's social an proposes the development of policies to discrimination towards women, including the v in the home. The constitution also addresses th people on the exploitation of protected areas.
While the constitution stops short of na natural resources, it declares energy, telecommu renewable natural resources, refining of hyd genetic heritage, and water as strategic sectors the right to administer, regulate, control, and m
The constitution also has articles impor prohibit foreign military bases, which is particu violation of Ecuadorian territory by Colomb support from the US. The US military bases controlling drug trafficking have already been pe
The constitution gives the president more co prone armed forces and the right to stand fo terms; and the Constitutional Assembly (CA) constitution, will organize general elections for President Rafael Correa is likely to seek re-elec reached on the composition of the Legislation an comprising 76 members of the CA and to va facilitate the transition.
How successfully the government can deliver constitution will depend on how effectively it imperialist control. Defending the sovereignty greater vigilance and mobilisation of the intervention and subversion by the US supporte

New Constitution
n of 13.9 million, overwhelmingly approved a n by a referendum on 29th September with a 64
inspired by the repudiation of neo-liberal d Bolivia, is designed to strengthen the conomy now based chiefly on oil, banana and nces by its emigrants; and recovers the role of evelopment planning in areas such as health and water supply, among other things. It th care, free education, and a dignified and nt of one's social and economic situation, and t of policies to eradicate inequality and men, including the valuation of non-paid work ion also addresses the concerns of indigenous f protected areas.
stops short of nationalising the country’s es energy, telecommunications, transport, non- ces, refining of hydrocarbons, bio-diversity, r as strategic sectors where the state reserves ulate, control, and manage.
has articles important to sovereignty that ases, which is particularly important since the erritory by Colombian forces with strategic US military bases stationed in Ecuador for have already been persuaded to leave.
he president more control over the coup d’etat he right to stand for two consecutive 4-year onal Assembly (CA), which drafted the new general elections for February 2009, in which likely to seek re-election. Consensus has been of the Legislation and Supervision Committee f the CA and to various sub-committees, to
vernment can deliver on the pledges in the new n how effectively it frees the economy from ing the sovereignty of the country will require obilisation of the toiling masses against n by the US supported by local reactionaries.

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Bolivia: The People Win Again
After months of street battles and political me Bolivian constitution was ratified by Congress o put to a national referendum on 25th January general election will be held in December 200 Morales has, the referendum is likely to adopt th
The draft constitution includes changes to a land and gas wealth for the benefit of the majo give increased rights to indigenous people. regarding amendments that were made to the or to secure the support of the opposition legislator
The road to the new constitution was long violent. It started with the election of mem Assembly (CA) on 2nd July 2006 and the right-w might to block the advance of the CA and set off assembly delegates so that the CA was forced compound, without most of the opposition dele the new constitution in December of 2007.
The Congress approved the constitution only by more than 100,000 comprising union mem farmers, and miners from Caracollo in the O administrative region) to the capital La Paz, de the constitution. President Evo Morales partic march stretching 15 km, the longest ever in La P
The indigenous nationalist project of the Mov (MAS) government led by Morales is seen as economic interests of the agribusiness elites and had through their control of the prefectures an departments of the east, worked hard to s indigenous nationalist project. The winning of Morales with 67% of the national vote on a r August 2008, with not less than 40% in any de wing so desperate that it heightened its clamour five right-wing controlled Departments in easte in natural resources. Encouraged by the US, it ‘civil war’ and resorted to murderous violence Morales. In Pando and Tarifa the oil and gas causing extensive damage and costing million revenues. Besides, the US encouraged and gui efforts to subvert Bolivia since Morales took ove

People Win Again
les and political meetings, a new draft of the atified by Congress on October 21, and will be m on 25th January 2009. If it is accepted, a ld in December 2009. Given the support that
is likely to adopt the constitution.
cludes changes to allow the redistribution of e benefit of the majority of the country and to indigenous people. Questions still remain t were made to the original draft as concession
opposition legislators.
onstitution was long, complicated, and often the election of members to the Constituent 2006 and the right-wing opposition used all its of the CA and set off a wave of violence against the CA was forced to convene in a military f the opposition delegates, to draft and adopt ember of 2007.
the constitution only after a 160 km long march mprising union members, activists, students,
Caracollo in the Oruro Department (major he capital La Paz, demanding a referendum on Evo Morales participated in sections of the longest ever in La Paz.
ist project of the Movement Towards Socialism Morales is seen as a serious threat to the ribusiness elites and gas trans-nationals. They of the prefectures and civic committees of the worked hard to stop the advance of the ject. The winning of a vote of confidence by national vote on a recall referendum on 10th than 40% in any department, made the right- ightened its clamour for full autonomy for the epartments in eastern Bolivia which are rich raged by the US, it launched an unsuccessful murderous violence against the supporters of rifa the oil and gas pipelines were blown up, and costing millions of dollars in lost state encouraged and guided the opposition in its nce Morales took over as President.

Page 50
The trouble created by the Bolivian reactiona them, and led to greater solidarity among the op Agreement was signed on 17 th September by urban and social movements constituting th Change and the Bolivian Workers Centre (COB) to defend the unity of Bolivia and democracy subversion, consolidate support for the Morales programme, expel the US ambassador for subversion, and bring to justice Leopoldo Fer Pando Prefecture for violating the constitution a thirty poor farmers who were in a large group capital of Pando) on 11th September.
Morales promptly expelled the US ambassad conspiracy and acted fast to arrest Fernández, charges of genocide.
Another good outcome of the attempted re three days after the massacre, an emergency South American Nations (UNASUR) unanimous decided support for the constitutional gover Morales" and warned that “its respective govern and do not recognise any situation that implie d'etat, the rupture of institutional order, o territorial integrity of the Republic of Bolivia".
The events in Bolivia have politically awoken South America whose organisations lost no time Morales government and to denounce US meddl
Argentina and Brazil: Ditching
Brazil and Argentina launched in October the Currency (SML) for bilateral trade standing at a per year. This arrangement will do away with t of exchange and help small and medium indus saving them bank charges for converting local cu
While the SML is due to gradually eliminate trade, the US dollar will play a role in trans central banks will set the exchange rate for respect to the dollar.

he Bolivian reactionaries made things worse for lidarity among the oppressed people of Bolivia. 17 th September by the indigenous, peasant, ents constituting the National Coalition for orkers Centre (COB) on a seven-point proposal ivia and democracy against foreign and local port for the Morales government and its social S ambassador for his role in facilitating justice Leopoldo Fernández, the Governor of ing the constitution and ordering the killing of ere in a large group marching to Cobija (the ptember.
led the US ambassador for his role in the coup o arrest Fernández, who is now facing trial on
of the attempted reactionary coup was that acre, an emergency summit of the Union of NASUR) unanimously declared its “fullest and constitutional government of President Evo its respective governments energetically reject situation that implies an intent of civil coup stitutional order, or that compromises the epublic of Bolivia".
ve politically awoken the indigenous people of isations lost no time to express support for the denounce US meddling.
nd Brazil: Ditching the Dollar
hed in October the Payment System on Local al trade standing at about 25 billion US dollars t will do away with the US dollar as a medium l and medium industries in both countries by or converting local currencies to US dollars.
gradually eliminate the dollar from bilateral play a role in transactions, as the respective exchange rate for the local currencies with

Page 51
It is expected that countries like Paraguay follow suit, although this move is far from the America to free the economy from control by the
Venezuela: Falling Oil Prices D
President Chávez rejected as part of the great and uncertainty among Venezuelans claims in that Venezuela’s “Bolivarian Revolution” will be prices from over $145 in July to around $65 in even if the price fell back to 2006 levels of Venezuela would continue to grow socially and e out that its economy grew by 15% in 2004, wh $32.8 per barrel, and grew for five years, four w than it is today. Finance Minister Alí Rodrígu budget proposal for approval by the Nationa average oil price of $60 per barrel next year, and
Venezuela enacted a tax on windfall oil prof nearly $40 billion in foreign currency reserve 60% of its reserves out of US banks into a Swiss remaining deposits, which Rodríguez said prote recent collapse of US banks.
“For 10 years they have been saying that th sinking, and now they are the ones who sank,” C
Lebanon: US Re-supplies the A
The US has resumed military supplies to the L Times reported that “the weapons are the leadin commitment to re-supply the military of this Eastern country, which emerged three years ag domination”. So far, the deliveries of heavy wea to require formal notification to Congress and t early stages according to US.
The revival of American military assistance when the US assisted the Lebanese Army only trapped in a civil war, is meant to build an arme Hezbollah which controls southern Lebanon in

ntries like Paraguay and Uruguay may soon ove is far from the necessary move for South y from control by the US dollar.
Falling Oil Prices Don’t Hurt
as part of the great campaign to foment fear nezuelans claims in the international media n Revolution” will be devastated by falling oil ly to around $65 in October . He argued that, k to 2006 levels of around $55 per barrel, to grow socially and economically; and pointed by 15% in 2004, when the average price was for five years, four with average oil price lower Minister Alí Rodríguez, presenting the 2009 val by the National Assembly, predicted an barrel next year, and economic growth by 6%. on windfall oil profits last year, and now has ign currency reserves. In 2005 it transferred S banks into a Swiss bank, and diversified the Rodríguez said protected the reserves from the .
been saying that the Venezuelan economy is he ones who sank,” Chávez commented.
(Source: venezuelanalysis.com )
S Re-supplies the Army
ary supplies to the Lebanese army. New York eapons are the leading edge of a new American the military of this small but pivotal Middle erged three years ago from decades of Syrian liveries of heavy weapons have been too small on to Congress and the arms deals are in their
.
military assistance, ceased since the 1980s Lebanese Army only to end up with US troops ant to build an armed force that could counter southern Lebanon in defiance of attempts by

Page 52
Lebanese reactionaries to disarm it. Hezbollah r force that has successfully defended the country
Officials in the US military and adminis reported to have expressed concern about ex Lebanon as Hezbollah has close Syrian and Iran gain political power. Also Israel is known to lower level of support in view of the risk of US t used against Israel one day.
US imperialism and Zionists seem to wa everywhere in the Middle East but that is not al
Colombia: Workers Rise in Pro
The repressive US-backed Colombian regime, l half a century with leftist guerrilla movements in of Colombia is now facing increasing resist controlled parts of the country.
The one-day strike on 23rd October call Confederation (CUT) proved to be particul employees and teachers, but also affected all sec strike was organized by the CUT and social and protest the imposition by the government Concussion, decreed on October 18. The stri support to indigenous communities, which sinc out several actions to demand the restitution of of outrages and killings of many of them.
Schools, hospitals and courts around the cou 700,000 Colombians took part nationwide in m around the country protesting against the President Alvaro Uribe Vélez.
Colombia: Army Commander R
American-trained Gen. Mario Montoya, the army resigned on 4th November after an inves military personnel under his command to the armed forces to inflate the number of insu members killed in combat. The scandal has alr the Colombian military even as it gloats over it guerrillas in recent months.

isarm it. Hezbollah remains the only Lebanese efended the country against Israel.
ilitary and administrative establishment are d concern about extensive military aid to a close Syrian and Iranian ties and continues to Israel is known to have been lobbying for a w of the risk of US tanks and helicopters being .
ionists seem to want to have it both ways ast but that is not always possible.
orkers Rise in Protest
Colombian regime, locked in conflict for over uerrilla movements in control of a sizeable part ng increasing resistance in the government
try.
23rd October called by the Trade Union ved to be particularly strong among state t also affected all sections of the economy. The CUT and social and political organizations, to y the government of a state of Domestic ctober 18. The strikers also expressed their munities, which since October 11 have carried nd the restitution of ancient lands and the end
any of them.
ourts around the country were closed; and over part nationwide in marches held in 40 cities testing against the pro-US government of
z.
rmy Commander Resigns
Mario Montoya, the commander of Colombia’s ember after an investigation linked dozens of is command to the killing of civilians by the he number of insurgents or criminal gang The scandal has already led to a shake-up in n as it gloats over its ‘victories’ against leftist .

Page 53
General Montoya was the most prominent a chafed at greater judicial scrutiny of their m against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colo largest rebel group, including the staged ‘rescu Political analysts in Colombia said that the isola investigation in recent weeks into the latest killings was a move by Uribe’s government to pr also investigating accusations that 1,015 civilian combat since 2002 when Uribe intensified the w the National Liberation Army (ELN).
The scandal demands scrutiny on Uribe’s gov the US, which provides Colombia with about military assistance and is responsible for vetting for human rights abuses before they can receive
Bulgaria: Crime Rules
The New York Times reported in September t Bulgaria can be as cheap as spent bullets, wit waging a murderous struggle for their cut of ev deals to millions in European aid. More th occurred since 1993, according to a list compil Sofia, excluding at least four killed this year; remain unsolved.
The NYT, which labelled Bulgaria as the mo 27 -member EU, pointed out that EU membershi criminal networks richer, raising worries that if criminal activity in a member state it may ha fragile nations wanting to join. The paper warn heavy costs of drawing fragile post-communis away from Russia’s influence.
The US, which helped Bulgaria into NATO, boost its armed forces. The EU, has pledged 11 b concern that the money rather than halt crime w The situation in Bulgaria is a continuation of Russia and several former members of the So collapse of the Soviet Union. At the core of the p and differences lie in the style of operation of the
*****

e most prominent among senior officers who scrutiny of their methods in their victories rmed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Colombia’s ing the staged ‘rescue’ of 15 hostages in July. bia said that the isolation of Montoya from an
eks into the latest claims involving civilian e’s government to protect him. Prosecutors are ns that 1,015 civilians had been killed outside ribe intensified the war against the FARC and
y (ELN).
rutiny on Uribe’s government and its top ally, olombia with about $500 million a year in sponsible for vetting Colombian military units fore they can receive American aid.
(Source: New York Times)
ime Rules
rted in September that lives of politicians in as spent bullets, with murky business groups le for their cut of everything from real estate pean aid. More than 125 contract killings ding to a list compiled by the US Embassy in our killed this year; and most of the killings
Bulgaria as the most corrupt country in the t that EU membership has arguably only made ising worries that if the EU cannot tamp down ber state it may have little sway over other oin. The paper warned Western nations of the agile post-communist states into their orbit,
e. Bulgaria into NATO, is pumping in money to
EU, has pledged 11 billion Euros in aid despite her than halt crime will feed it.
is a continuation of the kind of situation that members of the Soviet Union faced after the . At the core of the problem is capitalist greed; yle of operation of the capitalist classes.
*****

Page 54
Renewed Spirit
Ithayaraja
In this nation abundant in democ Where even a meal time snack Cannot be decided upon freely. While pestles pound away uninhi Security fences of the police Keep track of places where needle While big rats grow fatter The intelligence services Meticulously monitor on their com The movement of little mice.
We have been forced to be joyful On cemetery grounds Over which vultures encircle. Like little creatures That perish In the contest of skill Of the jungle dwellers Human beings, renew their spirit To carry on their daily tasks.
(Translated from Meeralkal, ant

enewed Spirit
Ithayaraja
abundant in democracy meal time snack ided upon freely.
ound away uninhibitedly s of the police
laces where needles pierce. grow fatter e services
onitor on their computers t of little mice.
forced to be joyful rounds ltures encircle. tures
of skill wellers , renew their spirit eir daily tasks.
d from Meeralkal, anthology of Ithayaraasan, 2008)

Page 55
(Continued from the inside front cover)
My father ... descends from the family Not from a privileged class And my grandfather ... was a farmer Neither well-bred, nor well-born! Teaches me the pride of the sun Before teaching me how to read And my house is like a watchman's hu Made of branches and cane Are you satisfied with my status? I have a name without a title!
Write down! I am an Arab You have stolen the orchards of my an And the land which I cultivated Along with my children And you left nothing for us Except for these rocks ... So will the State take them As it has been said?!
Therefore! Write down on the top of the first pag I do not hate people Nor do I encroach But if I become hungry The usurper's flesh will be my food Beware ... Beware ... Of my hunger And my anger!

de front cover)
escends from the family of the plough ivileged class
father ... was a farmer red, nor well-born! e pride of the sun g me how to read is like a watchman's hut hes and cane ied with my status?
without a title!
n the orchards of my ancestors which I cultivated
children othing for us se rocks ... te take them said?!
the top of the first page: eople ach e hungry
flesh will be my food
!

Page 56
A State of Siege
Mahmud Darwish
The siege is lying in wait. It is lying in wait on a tilted stair in the midst of a storm.
We are alone. We are alone to th of drunkenness with our own al with the occasional rainbow visi
We have brothers and sisters ov kind sisters, who love us... who look our way and weep. And secretly they say "I wish that siege was here, so th But they cannot finish the sente Do not leave us alone. No. Do not leave us alone.
Our losses are between two and And ten are wounded. Twenty homes are gone. Forty olive groves destroyed, in addition to the structural dam afflicting the veins of the poem, and the unfinished painting.
(2002, translated
Published by E Thambiah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Phone: 011 2435117; Fax: 011 2473757; E-mail: newd Website: http://ndpsl.org/ Printed at the Gowri Printers, Co

A State of Siege
Mahmud Darwish
ying in wait.
ait on a tilted stairway f a storm.
. We are alone to the point ss with our own aloneness, sional rainbow visiting.
hers and sisters overseas... who love us...
way and weep. they say iege was here, so that I could"
ot finish the sentence. us alone. No. us alone.
e between two and eight a day.
ounded. s are gone. oves destroyed,
the structural damage veins of the poem, the play, ished painting.
(2002, translated by Ramsis Amun)
ah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 11 011 2473757; E-mail: newdemocraticparty@hotmail.com
Website: http://ndpsl.org/ at the Gowri Printers, Colombo 13