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Wo XW No.5
LADY IN TRouBLE FACING PROSECUTION
Tämi| Nadu Chief Minister
Ms. Jayalalitha Jayaram
 

ANNUAL SUESIN
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og E USA
All Sailed "Goluntries **20ll:535
Sri Lanka Barck To Square One
Govt. Blames Tigers and Tigers Bame Govt. for Breakdown
Religious conversion omis
k, SFIDT LE SE ST
OR

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2 TAMIL TIMES
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do mot agree with a word Of what you say, but ill defend to the death your
right to say it
... voltaire.
ISSN 0266-4488
VO.XIV NO.5 15 MAY 1995
Published by
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Phone: 08-644. O972 Fax: 081-241. 4557
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CONTENTS
NeWS Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.
We have not closed the doors for eventual peace - LTTE. . . . . . . . . 6
Govt. siams Tigers for breakdown of Peace Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Breakdown of Truce - Foreign and local Reaction. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Interview with LT TE Leader. . . . 10
Interview with Sri Lankan President. . . . . . . . . . 11
Misconceptions and Anxieties. ...15
SAARC and Sri Lanka. . . . . . . . . 17
Tamil Nadu Newsletter. . . . . . . . 19
Religious Conversion
of Tamils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Book Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Readers Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Few people with developments tha Was almost unive initiated by the g negotiations and to a just and last normalcy would I have been a par north and east of past. But it was na foreign countries Country have left
The LTTE's Wi hostilities and th government forc Fighting has rest SCenario of death and defeats are deaths and the st boats have been being overrun. Be Civilians are be Hundreds are be repeating itself a
In the emergin One Side is denC up to nOW adv Solution to the e Who advocated sidelines are gra area.
Sadly we hav Clained. Defeat Celebrated. Def experience over prepared to learl military stalema ing perpetrated
In the Sri Lan, ultinate defeat more than one expressing their that once they a Courage and pat intractable prob mutual suspicio Combination of engage in dialog
The breakdow With all that it e. expectations. Ti and return to the expect no less.
 
 
 
 
 

TAMIL TIMES 3
Back to Square One
in or outside Sri Lanka would have wished the latest at have occurred since 18 April. On the contrary, there rsal hope, expectation and wish that the peace process lovernment and reciprocated by the LTTE leading to a cessation of hostilities between both Sides Would lead ing solution to the ethnic conflict, and that peace and eturn. They hoped that the death and destruction that and parcel of the life of the people, particularly in the the island, since the early 1980s would be a thing of the Otto be. Even the Peace Monitors who came from three which wanted to see the ushering in of peace in the disappointed and sad.
thdrawal from the peace process and the cessation of e resumption of armed hostilities between them and es have brought the situation back to Square one. umed with a vengeance leading to the all too familiar and destruction. In the battles that are raging, victories being judged by the ignoble criterion of the number of cale of damage that one side inflicts on the other. Naval ! sunk. Planes have been shot down. Army posts are ombing and shelling have recommenced. Thousands of ing displaced. Embargoes have been reimposed. ing taken into custody on mere suspicion. And history is s the tragedy of a renewed War is being re-enacted.
g atmosphere following the recommencement of war, nising the other. Those who occupied the centre stage ocating and campaigning for a peaceful negotiated thnic conflict are bound to be sidelined. Warmongers a violent military option and who were pushed to the dually creeping back to the centre stage of the political
fe been in this situation before. Victories have been 's have been inflicted. Battles have been won and eats have been sustained and mourned. But What the years demonstrates and teaches those who are is that at best what either side can hope to achieve is a e accompanied by unendurable and continuing sufferupon the civilian population in the war-torn areas.
kan context, it is the incapacity of one side to inflict the on the other that had compelled them in the past, on occasion, to gravitate towards the idea of negotiation commitment to a peaceful solution. But the tragedy is re there at the negotiating table, they seem to lack the fence to continue making the effort. Seeking solutions to lems between parties particularly with long-standing is is a difficult and tortuous task. What is needed is a sustained commitment, conviction, will and patience to Jue until a solution is arrived at.
in of the peace process and the resumption of fighting ntails constitute a betrayal of the peoples' hopes and he government and the LTTE should cease hostilities negotiating table before more lives are lost. The people

Page 4
4 TAMIL TIMES
NEWS REVIEW
SAMS BRING DOWN
ARFORCE PLANES
President Kumaratunga had to cut short her visit to New Delhi to attend the SAARC summit to deal with the fallout from the downing of two aircraft belonging to the Sri Lankan Airforce on two successive days killing
nearly one hundred personnel on board.
Using sophisticated heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles, the LTTE shot
down a British-built Avro HS-748
transport aircraft on 28 April killing all 45 personnel on board. The aircraft was attacked by missiles as it was taking off from the Palaly airbase in northern Jaffna peninsula.
On the following day, 29 April, an identical aircraft was again destroyed by the Tigers in another missile attack along with all 52 personnel on board including three journalists from Colombo who had flown to cover the story of the previous day's disaster. The aircraft was attacked during its descending course to land at the Palaly airbase, but the wreckage of the plane with all its ill-fated passengers fell in Tiger controlled territory outside the airbase.
Military authorities and the government in Colombo seemed to be baffled by the knowledge that the LTTE had acquired an air defence system to counter their superiority in the air. They had no intelligence clue as to the quality or number of the missiles that the LTTE possessed. Some 18 months
ago, the defence establishment would.
appear to have come by information that the LTTE had acquired SAMs, but no further work was undertaken to gather more intelligence or to acquire anti-missile systems.
The Airforce immediately responded by suspending all scheduled flights to the northern region. A military analyst said that civil aviation was also threatened by the LTTE's latest military acquisition and that many commercial flights to regional destinations, particularly in south India, would now have to avoid flying over northern Sri Lanka.
This was the first time the Tigers had used such surface-to-air missiles in the long running armed conflict with the government forces. The mis
sile attacks had completely changed
the previously perceived military equations on both sides, and brought to an end the military’s effective su
periority in the different ball gam to carry out high but you can’t col your camps and si because of the SA analyst in Colomb After referrin, caused to the Sri destruction of the anchored in the T by Tiger suicides western diplomat was quoted as say tion by the Tige) changed the entir conflict. Mr. Pira in a mood to sit ( these kind of suci unless he gets wh his separate state
Reports during that Tigers had lai army camps in r confirmed that Ee only begun in earl was bound to esc cedented level. Lanka troops we number of camps. sula and adjoini were surrounded territory. There ha of troop reinforce supplies to the can attacks which dov late April.
A field comman preferred to rem reported to have sa to break the siege a major operation be sitting ducks a ing our camps, we our lives'. Quoting cepts, he added buildup of LTTE fc military base in th Pooneryn army using the radio-tel ing the peace pro commanders of t security forces to the LTTE was a troops to surrende However, milita gadier Sarath Mu ports that the a north were un Although the los aircraft did temp supply lines, all t the north were sı and the sea was control, Brig. Mur
Meanwhile, the that the security Sri Lanka have de

15 MAY 1995
air. It is now a e. You may be able
altitude bombings, me down to supply upport your grounds Ms, said a military
KO. g to the damage Lankan navy by the two naval gunboats rincomalee harbour uads on 19 April, a
based in Colombo ing that the acquisis of SAM missiles e complexion of the yakaran may not be lown and talk after cesses. At least not at he wants, that is
the first wek of May d siege to a string of orthern Sri Lanka lam War III had not nest, but also that it 'alate to an unpreAbout 20,000 Sri re bottled up in a in the Jaffna peninng districts which by Tiger-controlled ad been no airlifting ments or fresh food ups since the missile wned two planes in
der in Jaffna, who ain unidentified is aid: "There is no way except by launching . Otherwise we will nd only be sacrificapons and above all LTTE radio interthat there was a orces near the Palali e peninsula and the amp. In addition, ephones setup durcess to enable local he LTTE and the contact each other, lready asking the r.
ry spokesman Bri
nasinghe denied remy camps in the der LTTE siege. s of the two Avro orarily disrupt the he major camps in upplied by the sea, still under Navy asinghe said. e have been reports forces in northern ployed anti-aircraft
guns following unconfirmed reports that the Tigers have set up their own 'air force' having acquired microlight planes and/or gliders and that they would be used to launch suicide attcks on vital military installations. In this connection the 'Military Analyst of the Sunday Times (30.4.95) wrote: "It is also likely that the LTTE Air Tiger program will come into operation in the next few months. The destruction of LTTE airfields from the air have been a setback to this program which could have devastating effects on the war. Shankar alias Sornalingam, a double engineer from Canada, who developed the program had confided in a colleague, "This will be decisive point in the War for Tamil Eelam”.
Seeking Foreign Help
Since the resumption of fighting, and particularly following the shooting down of the two aircraft, there have been credible reports, both from Colombo and outside, that the government was seeking military assistance from foreign countries, including India, United Kingdom, USA and China.
It is said that the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, was sympathetic when President Kumaratunga apprised him of the predicament of her government during her visit to New Delhi for the SAARC summit. While Colombo might seek and obtain some assistance in the form of military hardware, the induction of Indian troops again was out of the question both from the point of view of Colombo and New Delhi.
In fact the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Salman Kursheed specifically denied that Mrs. Kumaratunga had asked for any military assistance from India, although Colombo newspapers were speculating on the subject. However, defence analysts say that the Indian Prime Minster's remarks about the LTTE acquiring surface-to-air missiles indicated that New Delhi had not closed the door to helping the beleaguered Sri Lankan government. After his meeting with the Sri Lankan President, the Indian PM is reported to have said: The situation developing in neighbouring Sri Lanka is causing deep concern because the kind of weaponry coming into the hands of non-government individuals and organisations is frightening.
Reports that India had despatched naval gunboats to the northern waters of Sri Lanka have been strongly denied in New Delhi. Referring to

Page 5
15 MAY 1995
reports that the Indian Navy had blockaded the Palk Straits at Sri Lanka's request, a defence Ministry spokeman in New Delhi said that the Navy as well as the Coast Guard were conducting normal patrols on the Indian side of the international boundary. He said that these patrols were undertaken all along the coast as a preventive measure to stop smuggling of arms into Indian territory.
While New Delhi has been more discreet in commenting on the latest developments in Sri Lanka, the newspapers there have not been so reticent in their comments. The Times of India in its editorial warned that the surface-to-air missiles in the hands of the Tigers was not only a threat to Sri Lankan military operations, but also endanger civilian air traffic even in Tamil Nadu. While India should not repeat the mistake of inducting Indian personnel into Sri Lanka, there should be no reservation in providing material and other help to the Sri Lankan government; and security in Tamil Nadu and the waters around Tamil Nadu coast needed to be reinforced, the editorial added.
However, in Tamil Nadu, the DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, the leader of the MDMK V. Gopalswamy, and the leader of the Patali Makkal Kadchi, Dr. Ramadas have expressed strong opposition to any assistance to Colombo from the indian government.
Military Build-up
Despite the fact that the government has stated that it would continue with the peace process with or without the LTTE, and does not want to engage in another "disastrous war, the developing scenario is one of military build-up for a confrontation with the Tigers.
The military began a recruitment drive on 2 May to have 6,000 more soldiers. The walk-in recruitment at 15 centres across the island, other than in the Northeast, saw hundreds of young men lining up several hours before the enlistment began to boost the beleaguered military weakened by an estimated 26,000 desertions besides the thousands killed in battle with the Tigers.
The military had put up posters in the streets and radio and newspaper advertisements for new recruit
ment.
It is said that banking on the unshakable belief in the success of the peace talks with the LTTE, President Kumaratunga had cancel
led many orders pl vious government
and replenishing t. hardware and o Whether she liked resumption of figh renewed military b budget which was f account of a probab was destined to go
A military team sia to purchase f transport planes, port helicopters an warships each cost Army delegations v land, the Czech Rei to purchase tanks sonnel carriers and artillery. The Navy command ships an Russia and Israel. A already been given of nine new Dvo $43.9 million from
To counter the sion of the LTTE, also seeking to purc missile systems fit craft.
Arrests in Color
Since the fight Tigers and govern on April 19, secu Colombo and its su intensified. Among asures adopted are tion for important stallations, addit manned by troops cles for possible stringent checks the main Kastuna main railway stati
Police also ha arrest almost on a dreds of Tamils li and adjoining are: tracking down alle tors and operatives to have moved int a view to mount a ment installations leading politicians
Persons, mainl have been taken their homes, hotel. police warned lar and hostel keeper ot rooms or buid without proper che ties. The police a targeting those w rooms for short pel huge sums as rent
Of the hundred rounded up almos

TAMIL TIMES 5
aced by the prefor refurbishing he military with ther weapons. it or not, the ting called for a uild-up. The first ormulated taking le peace dividend haywire. was visiting Rusour Antonov-32 six MI-17 transd two large navy ting $13 million, vere visiting Holpublic and China , armoured peran assortment of was looking for d gunboats from Authorization has for the purchase ra each costing Israel.
SAMs in possesthe Air Force is chase anti-missile ited to their air
mbo
ing between the ment forces began rity measures in uburbs have been the security meincreased protecgovernment inional roadblocks , checks on vehicar bombs, and on passengers at yake airport and OS.
ve continued to | daily basis hunving in Colombo as in the hope of ged Tiger infiltrawho are reported o the capital with ttacks on governand assassinate
y young Tamils, into custody from s and hostels. The dlords and hotel s against renting ngs to strangers ck on their identire reported to be ho had procured iods after paying S.
s that are being t daily, the over
whelming majority are reported to . be released within 24 hours after questioning, but those whom the police suspect of alleged Tiger connections or who allegedly do not have valid explanations for their presence in Colombo are being detained for longer periods. The Crime Detective Bureau disclosed that they were holding at least 60 Tiger operatives captured in the course of these roundup operations. A 28year-old Tamil woman, identified as Sivagnanasundari Agaliya from Nallur in Jaffna, alleged by the police as a LTTE suicide bomber, taken into custody from her temporary residence at Kohuwela in Colombo, committed suicide by swallowing cyanide at the police station.
The scare in Colombo is that the LTTE will target VVIPs in Colombo for assassinations, and may even stage an Oklahoma Federal Building type strike in Colombo. The Sunday Times (30.4.95) Military Analyst' wrote: "It will be surprising if the LTTE had not already brought to Colombo at least a fraction of the 50 tons of TNT and the 10 tons of RDX purchased from the Chemical Plant in the Ukraine producing false end user certificates from Bangladesh and Myanmar'.
On the Battle Front
Nineteen soldiers including an officer were killed, fourteen others injured in a midnight amphibious attack by Tigers on the Forward Defence Locality (FDL) at Araly Point in Kayts on 17/28 April. Tiger cadres had infiltrated the Kayts defences by moving in several boats across the Jaffna lagoon on to the island from the peninsula and attacked the military from the front and the rear. The army's 27th Brigade located at Velanai had sent reinforcements, but a separate group of Tigers had intercepted the reinforcements and inflicted heavy casualties. A spokesman for the military said that the fighting had gone on from midnight to 4 am and that the LTTE too had suffered many casualties - at least four of their bodies were recovered by troops.
The attack at Araly Point came less than 24 hours after the troops in a major ground operation backed by about ten helicopters and fixed wing aircraft had raided and set fire to two LTTE bases at OmanthaiNochchimoddi in the Vavuniya district where, according to the milit
Continued on page R

Page 6
6 TAMILTIMES
'We Have Not Closed the
for Eventual Peace' -
"In deciding to withdraw from the agreement on cessation of hostilities, the LTTE has not closed its mind, or its doors towards an eventual, durable peace. At the same time it cannot drop its guard, as long as the Sri Lankan government persists in its hidden agenda of a military option. Creating the necessary space for Peace rests on any new initiatives from the Sri Lanka government', a statement issued by the Political Committee of the LTTE on 24 April said.
The LTTE was mindful of the international community's concern in sustaining the peace process in Sri Lanka and that the Tamil people themselves have the biggest stake in the peace process. But the government "was inspired by other motives' which became clear as the talks dragged on. One can understand a ruling party trying to woo the Tamil people over the heads of a liberation movement fighting for their rights.
It can be a useful ting', the statem
The LTTE had insisted that the ties should be permanent ceas ernment's reluct was "obviously a military threat a
Even on the qu of the economic ernment did not to ensure that ev goods on which and gazetted rea the north. The m niya checkpoints cles.
The governme the relaxing of fishing ban as a the negotiations when the gove the embargo and soon after the LT
Continued from page 5
ary, at least 20 Tigers were killed and 50 of their huts destroyed.
At least eight civilians were wounded in air attacks on alleged Tiger bases in the Jaffna peninsula on May 1. Airforce bombers blasted alleged LTTE positions and bases close to army defence lines as well as Sea Tiger bases on the northern coast.
On 8 May, 19 elite police commandos belonging to the Special Task Force were killed in a Tiger ambush attack. The Tigers exploded a landmine and directed a barrage of small arms fire at the STF platoon in the eastern Kangikudchchiaru jungles. The STF victims included an Inspector and a Sub-Inspector who were leading the commandos on an operation against LTTE bases located in the jungles. "The casualties are very high considering that the STF is specially trained in jungle warfare. But they seemd to have walked into a well-laid out ambush', according to a defence source.
Adding to the spate of reverses suffered by the security forces, Tigers overran a police post in northcentral Sri Lanka on 10 May killing 16 personnel. The Tiger mounted a pre-dawn assault with a barrage of small arms fire on the Kela
Puliyankulam p Anuradhapura ( ables escaped those killed i Inspector, 11 con military homegu, a constable.
The latest k casualty figure forces to a stagg breakdown of th
According to r 14 May at least 4 killed as army ported by infant jungle hideouts Trincomalee ar tricts. Brig. M. that the army h. LTTE satellite b Eight soldiers v others injured ir that ensued betw the military.
Amidst persist build-up aroun camps, Sri Lan out air strikes a positions near ) Pooneryn on 13 first time that th action since th aircraft by Tige ing raids wer Chinese-built F-' extremely high a reach of missile

15 MAY 1995
DOOrs TTE
ploy worth attempent said.
from the beginning cessation of hostiliconverted into a fire. But the govance on this issue way of keeping the live'. lestion of the lifting embargo, the govtake prompt action 'en a fraction of the the ban was lifted ched the people of ilitary at the Vavuhad placed obsta
nt had been using the embargo and bargaining chip in . This was proved "nment re-imposed the ban on fishing TE withdrew from
police post in the district. Six constwith injuries, but included a Substables, three paraards and the wife of
illings raised the among government ering 210 since the 2 truce on 19 April.
military sources, on 3 Tiger cadres were
commandos supry troops attacked of the LTTE in the nd Batticaloa disunasinghe claimed ad smashed several ases in the jungles. vere killed and 16 the fierce fighting veen the Tigers and
ent reports of LTTE d northern army ka Airforce carried gainst alleged Tiger Elephant Pass and May. This was the e Airforce resumed e downing of two SAMs. The bomb2 carried out by 's probably flying at ltitudes beyond the attacks.
the peace process.
The government had not still deviated from the policy of its predecessor governments in bottling up the peninsula with a ring of army and navy camps. The request of the LTTE to remove at least the Pooneryn army camp was also consistently rebuffed.
The President's hesitation in sending officially accredited representatives of the government for the talks, and instead in sending personal emissaries who had neither political authority nor government status had made the peace process spurious and revealed a lack of serious intent.
The accusation made against the LTTE that it was not prepared for talks on a political settlement was not true. What the LTTE emphasised was that while the talks towards a political settlement could take a long period of time, the immediate day to day problems of the people had to be resolved here and now, the LTTE's statement added.
In response to the LTTE's statement, a government spokesman said that the government had decided to respond positively to the statement despite continuing hostile actions by the Tigers, because the Government was committed to exploring all avenues to revive the peace process. "But we are willing to resume the negotiations only if the Tigers stop their attacks. It was they who broke the truce and attacked the security forces. We wish to stress that the doors are still not closed for the resumption of peace talks. Let the LTTE take some meaningful steps towards the resumption of the dialogue before the Government could reciprocate. If they stop their attacks, security forces will stop all operations'.
Wanted Mirudangam & Violin Teachers
British Asociation of Tamil Schools needs a qualified Mirudangam and a Violin teacher with a sound knowledge of Tamil and a minimum of 10 years experience in accompanying Bharatha Natya dancers and proven ability to compose music for Bharatha Natyam. Basic salary E8000 per annum plus benefits. Closing date for written applications to:
Mr. K.Sivagurunathapillai, Chairman B.A.T.S., 18 St. Michael Close, Kent BR1 2DX. by 7th June 1995

Page 7
- 15 MAY 1995
Government Blames for Breakdown of Peace
The breakdown of peace for the time being is the product of a situation which is of the LTTE's making, and certainly not of the Government's making. In this situation, we wish to assure the people of the country that, just as we faithfully adhered to the cessation of hostilities agreement and remain unyielding in our commitment to peace, we are equally conscious of the Government's paramount obligation to preserve the security of the nation and to defend the lives and property of its citizens. Military action will certainly meet at our hands with a military response, State Minister for Defence, Mr. Anurudha Ratwatte, told Parliament on 12 May during debate to extend the State of Emergency.
The following are some salient points from his long speech:
The genuineness of the government was reflected in the offer to commence reconstruction work without the slightest delay in the North to substantially mitigate sufferings of the people. It was prepared to utilise substantial resources to put this work in hand immediately. Cement, rollers, heavy machinery and even two generators to restore electricity were despatched. The LTTE did not permit the commencement of these reconstruction works and persistently obstructed by insisting on a variety of conditions being fulfilled before the most basic of humanitarian work could be commenced.
år The underlying aim of the government was to ameliorate the living conditions of the people. The economic embargo was the cause of immense misery and deprivation. The government took action to remove the embargo in respect of all goods with the exception of eight items which had direct military implications. The 7-year ban on the transport of fuel was also lifted. When the government came to know of the delays and other administrative problems with the goods physically reaching the North, prompt action was taken to remove these obstacles.
fir Appreciating the difficulties faced by the people as a result of the ban on fishing in Northeastern waters, the government was prepared to remove the restrictions on fishing
throughout thes very small num nated zones in army camps in
ernment took th risk it posed to
who had taken by Sea Tigers.
Ever since J the exchange ( LTTE, the Presi the government were ready, an LTTE to suggest ing the proposa their substance. ment desired m commencement logue which wou underlying issu perspective and depth. The LTTE fuge and strain obstruct the con political dialogue
yr LTTE’S cho aborting the pea imposition of col tion, knowing fì ance of which wa the conditions v mantling of the
"The Movement
tice and Equali cerned and pert tion that has a withdrawal of 19th from the
and the Cessa Agreement. The itiated by the L a renewal of the
MIRJE was the government through a negot, the war and to f ethnic problem. the LTTE acti from this proce terms of the p. and therefore c. er, it is equally c government an some aspects ( reaction are has and do not bode
"The governme

TAMIL TIMES 7
igers Process
e waters, except in a ber of clearly desig
close proximity to the north. The govis action despite the the Navy personnel he brunt of attacks
anuary, throughout if letters with the dent indicated that s political proposals d called upon the dates for entertainls and reacting to
What the governlost of all was the of a political diald have enabled the es to be viewed in to be discussed in E used every subtered every sinew to nmencement of the
sen instrument for ce process was the ndition after condiull well the acceptsimpossible. Two of vere the total disPooneryn camp and
the insistence that LTTE cadres should be given the right to carry arms in the East. On the Pooneryn camp issue, the government agreed to move it by 600 metres, and said no further action could be taken prior to the commencement of political talks. The demand that LTTE cadres should be given the right to carry arms was totally incompatible with the entire basis of the cessation of hostilities agreement. It was no different from demanding that the Sri Lankan army should have the right to carry arms in the areas of the North under LTTE control.
fir The LTTE's decision to attack two naval craft anchored in Trincomalee harbour in flagrant violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement and to resume violent hostilities even before ascertaining the qontent and scope of the political proposals made by the government represented the high watermark of unreasonableness and cynicism and reflective of callous disregard of the political process.
The government is certainly not at war with any section of its people. It always believed that the peace process is indispensable to the wellbeing of the Sri Lankan community as a whole and, whatever setbacks might occur from time to time, this cherished goal would inspire the government forever.
IRJE Appeals to LTTE
and Government
for Inter-Racial Justy (MIRJE) is conurbed by the situarisen following the he LTTE on April negotiating process tion of Hostilities military actions inTE have now led to
War.
fully supportive of to initiate and carry ating process to end nd a solution to the MIRJE beleive that on in withdrawing ss is unjustified in ogress of the talks indemns it. Howevur duty to warn the d the people that f the government ty and ill-conceived well for the future.
nt had begun to lift
the embargo on the transport of certain specified foods to the North even before the peace negotiations had begun. The proposal to re-open land routes to the peninsula was also based on consideration of the hardships faced by Tamil civilians. However, with the renewal of hostilities, the government has not only reimposed the embargo on a large range of goods and banned transport across the Kilaly lagoon, but it has also totally banned fishing along coastlines of the north and east. Large number of Tamils have also been arrested in Colombo and its environs. These are actions which once again serve to blur the distinction between ordinary Tamil civilians and members of the LTTE; they hurt the livelihood and wellbeing of Tamil civilians which should be the prime concern of the government.
"MIRJE appeals to the government to reconsider these measures.

Page 8
8 AMİ MES
BREAKDOWN OF TRUCE
FOREIGN REACTION
European Union
"This act (attack on naval boats) constitutes a serious violation of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE that nothing in the on-going peace negotiations between the two parties could justify. It can only go against the aspirations towards peace of the people concerned and the necessary search for a negotiated solution.
"Following the very regrettable attack by the LTTE on April 19, the European Union requests them to cease these violent activities and hopes that political negotiations will begin on the dates proposed.
"It urges the LTTE to give a positive answer to the peace initiatives of the Sri Lankan government and start with it negotiations on the elements of a political solution'.
Canada
A statement issued in the name of the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Andre Ouellet, said:
We are dismayed at the precipitate actions of the LTTE and at the further loss of life. We call on the Tiger leadership to reconsider its decision and return to the pursuit of a negotiated settlement. The LTTE has taken a step backward, given the fact that peace had held in Sri Lanka since January without major incidents. Through it all, the Government of Sri Lanka has demonstrated a strong willingness to respond to many of the concerns of the LTTE.
"Mr. Ouellet noted that the Government of Sri Lanka has indicated that it is still willing to engage in the peace process despite the latest developments. He commended this courageous approach, which reflects a commitment to achieving a just and lasting solution to the ethnic discord in Sri Lanka. This is the only approach that offers a future for Sri Lanka.
"Canada remains committed to peace in Sri Lanka and has been actively supporting the peace process. A Canadian peace observer has been in Sri Lanka since January at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. Norway and
Netherlands ha observers as wel
United States
The United April 19 LTTE Lankan naval v attacks on army condolences to : tims.
“The LTTE hostilities threa hope of the peop an end to the d LTTE must bear the peace proces down.
“We request th Lanka to perseve effort to find a p urge the LTTE this task now. W join fully in disc issues, as well as
Australia
The Australia Senator Evans, : issued on 24 Ap
"The Austra strongly condem. Liberation Tiger Lanka naval ves on April 19 an army camp in ea April 22.
These attacks deaths of a large military personn ilateral decision the cessation of the government had been in forc
I welcome the Lanka's stateme dicating that des unjustified provo comalee attack, mains committe not be diverted seeking a sustai tion to the eth north and north
"The Australia on the LTTE to tiating table an further acts of only lead to a re. of the past. The people of Sri La their support fo ciliation and the heavy responsib ity for a peace conflict opened year of the Ku ment is ultimate
 

ve provided peace
'.
States deplores the attack on the Sri essels and April 20 bases and offers its families of the vic
ecision to resume tens to deny the ble of Sri Lanka for ecade-old war. The the responsibility if is ultimately breaks
e government of Sri rein its courageous olitical solution and to join seriously in 'e urge the LTTE to ussions on political s on economic ones.
Foreign Minister, said in a statement r:
lian government ns the attack by the s of Tamil Eelam on sels at Trincomalee id an attack on an stern Sri Lanka on
, which caused the number of Lankan el, represent a unby the LTTE to end hostilities between and the LTTE that e since January 8.
government of Sri ent on April 19 inpite the severe and bcation of the Trinthe government red to peace and will from its goal of nable political solunic conflict in the east of the country.
in government calls return to the negod refrain from any violence, which can newal of the tragedy vast majority of the Inka have indicated r peace and recone LTTE will bear a ility if the opportunful solution to the by the election last maratunga governely lost”.
15 MAY 1995
Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan has been dismayed at the recent breakdown of the peace process in Sri Lanka. The unilateral decision of the LTTE to break the agreement on the cessation of hostilities will result in a severe deterioration of the situation. LTTE's arbitrary withdrawal from the peace process will severely damage the hopes to end 11 years of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and is a cause for concern for all those who wish to see the return of normalcy and peace.
"Pakistan commends the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to find a negotiated settlement of this issue and express the hope that LTTE will rejoin the peace process for the sake of stability in the region and the wellbeing of all the communities in Sri Lanka”.
Japan
"The Government of Japan reiterates its hope that Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict be resolved through peaceful talks, enabling the rehabilitation of the northern and eastern regions, where this protracted conflict has reportedly caused deterioration of the economy and worsening of the living environment, and considers it regrettable that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has recently abrogated the agreement on a cessation of hostilities and the door to peace talks is threatened to be closed.
"The Government of Japan supports the sincere efforts of the Sri Lankan Government towards peace and earnestly hopes that the LTTE will return once again to the negotiating table to attain lasting peace'.
indonesia
"The government of Indonesia is deeply concerned at the resumption of hostilities in Sri Lanka following the attacks against the Sri Lanka government vessels at Trincomalee on April 19 and against an army camp in the Eastern part of the country on April 22.
"The attacks constitute a unilateral act by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in violation of the cease-fire agreement which it had earlier agreed to with the government.
"The government of Indonesia reiterates its firm support for a peaceful dialogue to find a sustainable solution to the long-standing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

Page 9
15 MAY 1995
"In this context, the government of Indonesia wishes to express its appreciation for the endeavours of the Sri Lankan government towards a peaceful solution to the conflict and at the same time calls upon the LTTE to return to the process of dialogue and refrain from further acts of violence.
"The government of Indonesia is of the opinion that any further acts of violence will only lead to the renewal of the tragedy that has already brought immense suffering to the people of Sri Lanka’.
LOCAL REACTION
Rt. Rev. Kenneth Fernando, Anglican Bishop, Colombo.
"I am disappointed with Wednesday's dawn attack on the naval boats by the LTTE. I'm disappointed but do not despair as any peace process is bound to have its ups and downs.
"We fall at one time and subsequently we must also get up and go forward. Despite the present setback, we have to keep one thing in mind. That is to go forward.
"War is not an option that is open to us. I am indeed glad that the government has taken a firm stand on this matter and had issued a statement with regard to this matter'.
Hindu Council
The Hindu Council of Sri Lanka, a federation of Hindu Societies, is deeply distressed at the violent turn of events in the peace process. While we regret the LTTE action, we commend the Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga Government for its restraint and resolve to go ahead with the peace process.
The overwhelming desire of all sections of the people for peace was reflected in the Parliamentary and Presidential elections. The government should go ahead with the peace process despite setbacks and publish without delay for the benefit of the people the package of proposals for a political settlement of the Sinhala-Tamil problem, which has bedevilled relations between the two major communities since independence. It is our fervent wish that the government proposals would ensure unity by granting autonomy to the Tamil areas to enable the people to manage their own affairs in the intext of a united Sri Lanka.
"The Sinhalese have many religi ties in common an Lanka for over tw Let us build on the towards peace wit
S. Sampanthan,
'Whatever has objective of peac firm. We can't sir peace objectives a other processes to to the ethnic crisis
None of us w deceived just beca cess was going on not have any illusi We could only do C is to pursue peace
"One should not sion that the LTT cere following We We do not know t this attack. The L may or not be acc
we cannot arrive say that the LTTE
"The governmen committed to pea the whole nation {
Rauf Hakeem, S Muslim Congres
“We would lik LTTE that it has ponsible manner something which v the LTTE, even a rounds of peace ta
"At the outset of the SLMC had Nevertheless web ernment because atunga attempted an end to this ble
peace process appointing.
"There was no tion from any qua talks between the the LTTE. We do LTTE should have
peace process an recent attack is cli the LTTE's ultima its power-base. O1 damental to the not allow the gove the LTTE cadres the eastern provir mently opposed to
"Despite the resl ties by the LTTE, t this juncture shou fact that it has a g ity to implement

TAMIL TIMES 9
and the Tamils ous and cultural d have lived in Sri o thousand years. ese links and work h justice to all'.
TULF
happened, the e should remain mply abandon the nd think there are
evolve a solution
'ere going to be use the peace pro
smoothly. Let us on on this matter. ne thing and that
come any concluE has been insin'dnesday's attack. he reasons behind TTE's explanation eptable to us, but at a conclusion to E is not sincere. nt should remain te as this is what 2xpects'.
iri Lanka
SS
e to inform the acted in an irresand this was not was expected from after holding four lks.
the peace process,
its reservations. acked the IPA govPresident Kumarsincerely to put body war. But the was rather dis
significant opposirter for the peace government and not know why the to pull out of the d the truce. The early indicative of te aim to expand ne issue was funSLMC and it will rnment to permit to carry arms in hce. We are vehe
it.
umption of hostilihe government at ld not forget the ceater responsibilt the devolution
package. The recent attack should not at any cost hinder the implementation of the constitutional reforms'.
Douglas Devananda, Eelam Peoples Democratic Party
"We are not surprised at the turn of events or the attack on the naval boats. Observing the way in which the peace process was proceeding between the government and the LTTE, we knew that the process would one day come to an abrupt end. But it had come sooner than we expected.
“We do not blame the LTTE. Instead we blame the government because I personally informed the government and the President, of the LTTE and its motives and intentions. However the government thought peace could be achieved by negotiating with the LTTE only.
"There are two problems facing the north and east. One is the problem of the LTTE while the other is the problem faced by the Tamil speaking people. I strongly feel that the government went beyond limits to meet the demands of the LTTE but not attempted to meet the aspirations of the Tamil people.
"The government should now place its political package before the Tamil parties in Parliament and go ahead with a concrete solution of the ethnic problem'.
Vasudeva Nanayakkara, MP
“I condemn the LTTE's violation of their agreement with the government to cease hostilities. When I visited Jaffna recently as part of the Peace and Democracy Movement, we appealed to the LTTE to continue with the peace process.
"The LTTE has turned the peace process into an outright war. If the government would take a line of . action with the co-operation of all ethnic communities and parties, they will be able to compel the LTTE to abandon their recourse to violence and return to the negotiating table. The government should also take precautions to ensure the safety of the innocent civilians of Jaffna'.
M. Sivasithambaram, TULF
"The people of the country have always yearned for peace. This recent attack, although unfortunate, does not in any way detract from their desire for peace.
"It is the duty of the LTTE and the Continued on page 29

Page 10
10 TAMIL TIMES
"No Fundamental Difference Present and Previous Re
Interview with LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran by BBC Tamil Service journalist Ms. Anandi Suriyapragasan in Jaffna on 27th April.
Question: Mr. Prabhakaran. Why did you decide to withdraw from the peace negotiations and from the cessation of hostilities at a time when there was hope in the country that peace would be restored in the North-east and the Tamil problem would be resolved?
Answer: We made this painful decision at a time when our people had lost all hope that peace would return to the Tamil homeland and the Tamil problem would be resolved. At the beginning we entertained a hope that peace and normalcy would be restored and the Tamil national question would be resolved by political negotiations. Based on this belief we entered the peace process and agreed for cessation of hostilities.
In the peace negotiations we argued that talks should proceed stage by stage and that the urgent and immediate problems of our people should be resolved at the early stages of the dialogue. The Government agreed to this.
The Tamil people have been subjected to enormous suffering as a consequence of the economic embargo, fishing bans and the blockade on traffic imposed by the previous Government. In the peace talks, we requested nothing other than the removal of these bans to alleviate the suffering of our people.
The Chandrika Government which came to power with the pledge that justice would be done to the Tamils, should have, on its own, removed the injustices imposed on our people But the Chandrika Government did not do so. Instead of viewing these issues as constituting the problems of the Tamil people, the Government took them as specific demands of the LTTE. Furthermore, th es e is su es vere approached within a military perspective. We were told that these issues were linked to national security and any attempt to resolve them would spark off military repercussions. We were disappointed with this response. It was under these circumstances we gave an ultimatum to the Government. We pointed out that the continuation of the
- L.
peace negotiation meaningful purpo of our people are consequence of Government ass would remove t tended our deadli to allow time fort implement its plec ernment delayed tion of its decisic the resolution of felt that the Gov sincere and truth It committed an the previous Sinh It is becasue of people have lost fe Government. The a decision that n pose would be se the peace negotia
Question: Why discontinue the even though Pre lifted the econo) removed the ba offered several co
Answer: I wis) here. That is, g implementing thc different things.
It is true that ka gave us pledge taken constructiv plement them.
In the past the
been betrayed sel vious Sinhalese
ments were ma plemented. Pacts abrogated. This is drika's Governme tion. We stipulate Government to pr to implement i pledges. As we an ka's Government
mentation of its d ernment did not
seriously. They tr wrong on the Chandrika to cla given concessions did not ask for a raised the proble The rights that v people should not concessions.
Question: Don you should have

15 MAY 1995
Between gimes TTE Leader
is would serve no se if the problems not resolved. As a this pressure the jured us that it he bans. We exne for three weeks he Government to lges. But, the Gov
the implementaons and postponed
other issues. We fernment was not ful in this matter. act of bad faith as nala Governments. this, we and our uith in Chandrika's refore, we came to o meaningful purrved in continuing tions.
I did you decide to peace negotiations >sident Chandrika mic embargo and n on fishing and incessions?
n to make a point iving pledges and se pledges are two
President Chandries. But she has not re measures to im
Tamil people have veral times by pre
regimes. Agreeade but not imwere signed and our history. Chanent is not an excepld a deadline to the ovide a time-frame ts decisions and ticipated, Chandridelayed the impleecisions. The Govtake our deadline ied to evade it. It is part of President aim that she has to the LTTE. We ny concessions but ms of our people. vere denied to our ; be categorised as
't you think that been a bit patient
since the delay in the implementation of the lifting of the economic embargo could have been caused by administrative hurdles?
Answer: We have showed enough patience. We could say that we reached the brink of tolerance. In so far as the day to day problems of the Tamil people are concerned the Government dragged its feet for more than six months. On these issues, there were four rounds of talks and more than forty letters exchanged.
Furthermore, we gave a two week deadline and that was further extended to three more weeks. Do you think that this period of time is inadequate? If there was a genuine will on the part of the Government it would have lifted the bans and proceeded with the implementation within 24 hours. I think that if the Gqvernment had been sincere there would not have been any delays or difficulties.
Question: What do you feel about the Government's decision to reimpose these bans?
Answer: This action has made one thing very clear. That is, in so far as the Tamil issue is concerned there is no fundamental difference between the present Government and the UNP regime. This Government is perpetuating the injustices committed by the past Governments. I do not see any difference between both Governments in their strategy to seek political gains by imposing economic and military pressure on the Tamils. If this Government has a genuine concern for the welfare of the Tamil people it should not have re-imposed the bans. This action demonstrates the fact that the Government is only concerned to secure the interests of the military and to utilize problems and predicaments of the Tamils to seek political advantage.
Question: Under the terms and conditions of the Declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities, you should have given 72 hours notice if you wished to terminate the agreement. Why didn't you give that period of time.
Answer: We have given the Government ample period of time. A period offive weeks was given to the Government since the first deadline which was later extended. The Government chose to ignore the meaning and purpose of our ultimatum and now attempts to lay the blame O S.
Question: Several foreign Governments have condemned you for

Page 11
15 MAY 1995
having terminated the peace negotiations and the agreement on the cessation of hostilities. This has given rise to a view that the LTTE is opposed to the peace process: What do you say to this?
Answer: We are fully aware that the international community is genuinely concerned about the Tamil issue. We are also aware that the world community wants the conflict resolved through peaceful means and a political settlement reached. I think that accurate information with regard to the problems, difficulties and setbacks that arose in the negotiating process has not reached the outside world. Some foreign countries have chosen to condemn the LTTE on the basis of the onesided story provided by the Government without recognising the legitimacy of our position. We deeply regret the haste in which the Governments have issued condemnations before studying the issue in depth.
Question: President Chandrika has made it clear that she is determined to pursue the peace process with or without the co-operation of the LTTE. What is your response to this?
Answer: If it is practicable to achieve peace without the cooperation of the LTTE, let her continue her effort.
Guestion: The International Secretariat of the LTTE in London has issued a statement recently that the Tigers have not closed the doors for peace. What steps do you expect the Government to take to resume the peace initiative?
Answer: Our doors for peace are still open. It is true that we are dissatisfied and disillusioned with the approach of the Government. Yet, we have not lost hope in the peace process. We are convinced that the Tamil national conflict can be resolved by peaceful means. It is the Government which should take initiatives to resume the peace process. As a constructive measure the Government should lift the reimposed bans on economic items and on fishing and should ensure implementation. This action should be viewed as fulfilling the needs of the people rather than as concessions granted to the LTTE. If Chandrika's Government makes favourable decisons on the other issues we raised, and is prepared to implement them, we will be prepared to cease all Ystilities and return to the peace
SS.
No Cai
- Pl
In one way, Cha anaike Kumaratu power in Sri Lanka to the subcontine history of flourish amid assassination an orphan or a wi the mantle of a sle drika's father, S. anaike, was assas when he was Pre star-politician h Kumaratunge in 1: Sirimavo Bandarar franchised and ho than a decade aften
In another way, Chandrika stands other legatees of th violent democraci and secured, a ma with the majority rivals, the Tamils centrepiece of here and it brought her per cent vote. Neve the region has alez party used peасе plank in such a r indeed in modern v cept perhaps the r Israel, which sough prochement with She was brought up heady days of the ment and liberalisir imbibed first at the she studied, and where, hiding fra right-wing Janata muna (JWP) activis sinated her husban a Ph.D thesis on po Sri Lanka. She Amnesty Internat civil-rights groups many of her Sinhal by the time she ca. had begun to ide with the Tamil c. become 'dangerous the issue. Chandril she was only tryi that hers was the C of Sri Lanka”.
But survival is n makers on Sri Lal tleground as was events of last week drika's bitterness.

TAM TIMES 11
More Logic Ο 'ry on the War”
esident Kumaratunga
ndrika Bandarnge's ascent to conforms cruelly ntʼs paradoxical ing democracies and the trend of dow taking over in leader. ChanW.R.D. Bandarsinated in 1959 sident, her film usband Vijaya 988. Her mother, laike, was disenunded for more she lost power.
the 50-year-old apart from the e subcontinent's es. She sought, undate for peace Sinhalas' ethnic . This was the lection campaign a landslide 62.5 r in the history of der or a political
as an election manner - rarely world history, exuling coalition in ut a vote for raphe Palestinians. in Europe in the students' moven, traits that she Sorbonne, where later at London om the violent, Vimukthi PeraEs who had assasd, she worked on litical violence in had friends in onal and other
in Britain and a critics say that, me to power, she tify so strongly use as to have y equidistant' on a, however, says ng to emphasise overnment of 'all
t easy for peасеka's ethnic batproved by the , much to ChanThe truce be
tween her government and the LTTE collapsed when the Tigers sank two navy gunboats (a fourth of the Sri Lankan navy's entire gunboat fleet), wiped out a military camp killing at least 30 soldiers, and destroyed a police post killing another six. With the gloves off Chandrika, too, was left with no option but to send her army into battle.
The resumption of war has brought out of the woodwork in Colombo all the sceptics of the I-told
you-so school, many of whom had
dismissed Chandrika as no more than a "bleeding-heart liberal wishfully employing a Sorbonne style in Sri Lanka'. She vehemently contests that description, but deep down, the resumed fighting has shattered many of her beliefs, hopes and, most of all, the ambition to grow into a figure who would be remembered by history for settling with peace what apparently stronger men, and armies, had failed to sort out with aS.
Some of that bitterness and disappointment marked the exclusive two-hour interview with Senior Editor Shekhar Gupta at Temple Trees, her official residence in Colombo. Excerpts:
Q: How do you look back on your six months as President?
A: To be very honest, we can be happy about what we have achieved. We got a clear mandate to repair democracy, which had been very severely damaged. We have restored the right of speech, freedom and the right to not be killed. Despite grave continuing threats and pressures, we have not misused the vast emergency powers.
Q: But surely the security situation has not improved and you might have to fall back on those powers soon.
A: We could have fallen back on that mode. There were problems as soon as we took over. The UNP (United National Party) and the JVP caused strikes not just in the public sector but also in crucial areas of foreign investment. It was very easy to go back to emergency regContinued on page 13

Page 12
12 TAMIL TIMES
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Page 13
15 MAY 1995
Continued from page 11
ulations and arrest everybody. We used the method of dialogue. Even with the Tigers, our approach has been very different. We have treated them as equals. We hoped that the human aspect would prevail. Yet we did this without betraying the armed forces as the previous government had done. They would talk to the Tigers, give them arms and money, and tell the armed forces to fight them.
O: Doesn't it now look as if there was some wishful thinking behind your approach?
A: No. We had a mandate for peace — 62.5 per cent of the people had asked us to bring peace. So we negotiated without any preconditions. We did not ask them to lay down arms. The Indian Government insists on certain conditions before talking to such groups. Benazir Bhutto has also said that she will not talk to (extremists) unless they lay down arms.
Q: Do you agree with your critics who call you a bleeding-heart liberall who miscalculated?
A: We had no choice. We had to fulfil the mandate. We did our best to alleviate the problems of the Tamil people. We lifted the blockade, we even conceded the demand for lifting the ban on the supply of fertilisers, wires and batteries. In the hands of skilful people, you know, that adds up to an explosive device. We lifted the fishing ban totally while knowing that this would be very bad for our navy.
Q: But didn't the navy pay the price for this ultimately, with the Tigers sinking two gunboats last week?
A: The two boats that were sunk were supposed to have been secure in the harbour. I have set up a court of inquiry to go into this. It looks as if there was quite a lot of negligence on the navy's part.
Q: Do you now regret conceding so much?
A: No. We had to do all this even when the Tigers did not reciprocate. We sent shiploads of free rations and fuel for the people of Jaffna which the LTTE grabbed.
Q: How bitter are you? A: Not at all. I did not expect anything else from the Tigers. It is the most ruthless and most effective guerrilla organisation in the 20th century. But that doesn't mean we're saying that they are useless,
so we must kill thi best, keeping in I dealing with a me niac who was has person who was Even the way h blood to kill Rajiv were nurtured, armed by Mrs. Gandhi. He just Rajiv off. And I w very much aware get from me wh would be the first On that count doubt.
Q: In hindsight handled the LTTE
A: I have been question last week any other way I w it given the com taken on. Except score which I cal But, politically, i been possible to c. because we have a south. We are not Pirabhakaran anc
Q: When you process, a lot of Government does dealing with. That a limb. Do you right?
A: No, because thing that was u ceeded. There is n ble apart from go war against the L and armed forces v best trained and n For 11 years, the had waged a wa forces were very And the Tigers kr about this. You military equipme know what hap money that was and billions of do evidently hadn’t what was necessa
Q: So you had A: We were cer go into an all-out if we wanted to, w ly equipped. And let us try someth had tried till now. Q: And you tho very much to los get into discus months, and it di A: Yes. Exactl was that if it does then we cannot

TAMILTIMES 13
em. So we tried our mind that we were erciless megalomakilled every single opposed to him. e decided in cold Gandhi. And they fed, financed and Gandhi and Rajiv decided to bump tas also personally that if he did not hat he wanted, I person on his list. now, there is no
, would you have : differently?
asking myself this ... I cannot think of ould have handled mitments we had , perhaps, on one nnot mention yet. t would have not hange that either, un electorate in the dealing only with
the LTTE. started the peace people said the sn't know Who it's t it's going out on think they were
very other kind of Lsed had not suco other way possiing for an all-out TTE with an army which were not the Lot at all equipped. past government r and the armed badly equipped. how all the details know, as far as nt goes, I don’t pened to all the spent, the billions ollars. A lot of it gone into buying ry. no option. tainly not going to war. Second, even 'e were not properwe thought, well, ing which nobody
ught there wasn't e anyway? If you sions for a few dn't work out. . .'? y. But the feeling n't work out, well, rule out other op
tions. But we did not say it. We can't say it. So we thought let us tell them for the first time there is a government that is willing to consider them as our equals and consider very favourably their requests, except the one for a separate state.
There was another calculation. The people of the north desired peace desperately, like never before, because they felt that this time if there is peace they will not get licked by the government in power. You see, the chemistry had changed. Though we knew that the LTTE, and especially Pirabhakaran, is paranoid about peace. He's terrified of peace.
Q: Are you saying the chemistry had changed but the psychology hadn’t? A: It seems like that. Then, you see, the psychology also changes when external factors play on it. We knew from our intelligence that the LTTE was very seriously divided. There was the Mahatya group which was saying you should be flexible with this government. This is why Mahatya has disappeared now. Whether he is alive or not we don't know but he's not allowed to Operate.
Q: What is your analysis of Pirabhakaran and his psychology?
A: Apparently, he had stated to somebody in discussions: "I have killed so many of my own people, how can I live in a situation of peace? Q: if you look at it from his point of view, what guarantees does he have? A: Maybe you are right. But there are solutions to these things and we wanted to discuss with him within a framework of a devolutionary package while he could still keep his own security guards who, you know, could perhaps be paid by the state.
Q: But if you think of it from his point of view, what is his charisma unless he's fighting a war? A: But, of course, in a situation like this where a war has dragged on for 12 years, people get tired of war. They want to live normal lives. He also has two young children. And as I said, the pressure of his own people who want to live normally. And look at people like Anton Balasingham, his main spokesperson, making statements like they are willing to go in for a federal solution as an alternative to Eelam.
Continued on page 14

Page 14
14 TAMIL TIMES
Continued on page 13
Q: The Tigers have complete con trol of the place. All they need is foreign recognition, but you can't help them with that. So what can you offer them as a bargain? A: The first thing is that they can live peacefully. Without getting bombarded from the air and sea and shot at from the ground. And I think that this is a strong, very strong point in favour peace.
Q: Suppose they don't attack your forces and carry on just running their own administration in the north and the east. Then what do you do?
A: Well, that was the situation there for about eight months. So, in fact, some people felt we shouldn't have pushed them to discuss the political package. We should have allowed them to go on with the administration and keep on building bridges to pacify the people and deal with whatever Pirabhakaran's mental problems were.
Q: What mental problems?
A: Fear of peace. His desire for power, as I told you, and various other things. There must be very serious mental problems if you polish off all your lieutenants.
Q: Then how does one explain Premadasa's assassination? He was talking to them.
A: He was another man who needed psychiatric treatment pretty seriously. You see, in his case he wanted the Indians out first. His hatred of Indians was more than his hatred of the LTTE. And he thought he could manipulate the Tigers to get the Indians out and continue to manipulate Pirabhakaran with money and arms and all this, and then do what he wants,
Q: Where do you see India in this equation now?ls it neglecting the problem?
A: I think the Indian Government is taking a very right attitude saying it is your internal problem and hands off as far as the Indian Government is concerned, which is quite right. Why do you say neglect? It is not the Indian Government's business to solve our problems unless we ask them. Q: it was seen like that for a long time. A: That's very wrong. The Indian Government is very concerned as a friendly neighbour but they have taken the very clear decision that
Sri Lankan G them to. And eve would think ten which should be
O: How did the play in all this? the concern mind?
A: That could ve fear and we had paper group wh: taging the peace reported your fi having said tha: India and that I extradition pro prime minister, and truly false. the agenda.
Q: Did you get a Tigers checking A: Well, we sent correction that I denying all tha work like that. others. I had ser Q: But isn't hypothetical - dite Pirabhakar, caught him? A: Exactly. Q: But why this
A: In a situation ( thinking that it catch him. In a would have to be politician, he wou he would have t think Pirabhaka anything can e. different from th C: You mean his ls absolutely firr Crete? A: He is incapa there are other p to think and fe thought that understand that ity of a Sri Lan government bein don't think he Yet, it's worth tr O: Weren't the ri
A: The only risk v knocked off. I kn the beginning. W something that
Then, the first re kill me off. It ha They began re spying on me al months ago. But
ly said, people vacuum. In fact ham said this abc
they shall not interfere unless the

overnment wants n then I think they times before that, he correct attitude.
extradition factor Do you think that is Prabhakaran's
y definitely be one a very major newsch has been saboprocess. They misreign minister as , I was coming to would discuss the blems with your which was utterly it was not even on
ny feelers from the On this?
them a copy of the sent to the papers t. But they don't They don't trust ious problems.
the whole thing low do you extraan unless you've
fear then?
of peace, he must be will be easier to situation where he come a democratic ld have to be seen, o go about. I don't ran can see that xist in the world e way he sees it.
view of the World m and cast in Con
ble of seeing that eople who are able el diferently. We maybe he would there is a possibilkan Sinhala-based ng human. But I understands that. ying. sks large? tas that I would get ew this right from e were trying to do didn't suit him. action would be to Ls already started. connoitering and bout three to four as I have constantlo not exist in a Anton Balasingut two months ago
15 MAY 1995
to a French journalist who interviewed him.
Q: You think that the fear of your government gaining popularity in the north was on Pirabhakaran's mind when resuming hostilities?
A: They were very worried about it. They had these posters that were issued during elections, they used to keep them inside their houses along with the deities and they used to light lamps saying that this person is going to bring us peace. And they called me by the name of some goddess that they worship. There were Chandrika bangles and Chandrika bracelets. So it became a myth-like thing which was particularly terrifying Pirabhakaran. Everything went against his accepted view of the world. I am sure that he couldn't possible accept that a woman can be leader, a Sirhala woman at that, and that a Sinhala could talk peace. All the factors that helped the Tigers get sympathy, money and arms in the past don't exist any more. We have removed all the black marks. The LTTE has no more logic to carry on the war now supposedly on behalf of the Tamil people, except for the personal likes and dislikes of a handful of LTTE leaders.
Q: Where do you go from here?
A: We are not going to take it lying down. But we are still trying to avoid going into an all-out war which would mean a lot of civilian casualties. But because of the way the Jaffna peninsula is, if you have to defeat the LTTE there, you have to launch an all-out attack and the place will be wiped out.
Q: ls that possible? Can the Sri Lankan forces do it?
A: Of course it is possible. That is what the IPKF tried to do. The point is, if this Government gives the orders to wage war, we won't go back on our word on that either, unlike the previous governments who told the army to fight but cut private deals with the Tigers, Q: Do you believe allegations that Premadasa supplied arms to the LTTE while the IPKF was still fighting them? A: Yes. Arms and Rs 200 million from the treasury, out of secret funds which don't have to be accounted for. Billions of rupees have gone out of that fund.
Q: How do you assess your two
Continued on page 15

Page 15
15 MAY 1995
predecessors, Premadasa and Jayewardene?
A: Disastrous. Both were disastrous for Sri Lanka.
Q: Who was worse?
A: Definitely Jayewardene. Because he started everything which was horrible. Premadasa only continued it. He was more dangerous because he was smarter, more suave.
G: Did he take Rajiv for a ride?
A: He was the dirtiest of politicians. But he was one of the most shrewd. He could lie like a Trojan. He could have taught Machiavelli how to write his book.
Q: So you agree that he fooled Rajiv? A: Jayewardene actually gave them (India) the rope to pull out and hang themselves with. By then India was so deeply involved they had to somehow unravel this thing. So Jayewardne set the Indians and the LTTE against each other, washed his hands of it and sat back and had a good laugh. And Rajiv Gandhipaid for it with his life.
Q: And Premadasa?
A: He was killed for different reasons. The Tigers perhaps felt he did not keep his part of the bargain.
C: But even that is no conclusive logic as to why they would kill Rajiv and expose themselves to opprobrium in Tamil Nadu.
A: This is where the other factors come in. They were just paranoid when they saw the possibility of Rajiv coming to power. They are very much like the Corsican mafia. Once they swear vengeance against somebody, they kill him.
Q: But in terms of timing, politically, wasn't it a disastrous move to kill Rajiv? A: I think anyway it was a disastrous move to kill Rajiv, I really think he was a decent man. I don't think they thought the Indian Tamils would turn against them. But he was getting so much support in Tamil Nadu that they feared him. They must have thought they will finally get the support of the Tamil Nadu government and the people anyway (even after killing Rajiv).
Q: Do you worry about the India factor while talking to the Tigers ?Wסח
A: We had the confidence that the Indian Government has sufficient statesmanship to realise that the solution to terrorism in the north is more important than having one
Miscon
in a
(Continued from
The Singapore
The question w style democracy i system to promot and social and ec in low income Lanka, may be ju Singaporean expe to be a paradigm. colonial country : high economic grc dard of living wit The political syst the rapid developr lar to that in Sri racial country's responsible and ju Kuan Yew, ruled manner for the ve ing discipline, eff giance and equali the established sy ned the various st ernment.
Singapore was had a leader of would have succul tion to abuse such ers for serving t interests. The way to become one o economies of Asia stability is uniqu
person behind heinous the cri. him. Q: Did you get that? A: Some signals.
Q: Was your vie signals or your
A: Both.
C: There is a cy. that the resump good because F bad guy is politi nlent than Pirabl guy while India tradition,
A: How can any many people be a have to be realist controls one-thir two-thirds of its one likes him or 1 with him, But Pirabhakaran a

TAMIL TIMES 15
ceptions and Anxieties Time of Change -
by Dr. S. Narapalasingam
last issue).
an Experience
hether the westerns the most suitable e political stability nomic development countries, like Sri stifiably raised. The rience is considered
of a small former achieving sustained with and high stanhin a short period. em that facilitated ment is very dissimiLanka. This multiiynamic, impartial, dicious leader, Lee in an authoritative ry purpose ofensuriciency, unity, allety. Meritocracy was stem that underpinructures of his gov
fortunate to have this stature. Many mbed to the temptaauthoritative powheir own or group Singapore evolved f the high growth with enduring social e. Despite its con
tinued aversion to western-style democracy, it attracts foreign capital. Lee Kuan Yew’s successor, Goh Chok Tong also follows faithfully the same enlightened policies of the veteran leader, which explain its persisting social stability, high standing in international financial markets and high economic growth. Sri Lankan leaders had aspired to imitate the economic success of Singapore, without realizing the above important background that contributed to the success.
Recently the governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, described the rule of law as the guardian angel of the colony's decency and the engine of success. His comment, "freedom under the law is not a mere slogan but it is the history and way of life of the Hong Kong people', is significant. The strict adherence to the rule of law has in fact helped its market economy to flourish. His recent emphasis on guaranteeing certain political freedoms to the Hong Kong people seems to have been not well received in Singapore and not surprisingly in mainland China.
Election Promises
Promises given to the electorate are in essence contracts between the voters and their political parties represented by the elected candidates.
Continued on page 16
bars, however me committed by
any signals like
w based on these
88essment?
nical point of view tion of fighting is 'irabhakaran as a cally more convenakaran as a good demands his ex
one who killed so good guy? But you ic. The man today d of our country, oastline, Whether Lot, one has to deal
we can accept s the democratic
leader of the north if he gave up terrorism and turned the LTTE into a political party. Q: Do you worry for your life?
A: Fear is a word I do not know. when I took over this responsibility I knew what this would mean. The only thing I am worried about is that I have two children who are very attached to me. Apart from that there are no fears.
Q: Are they interested in politics? A: They hate it. Q: What do you think of Narasimha Rao? A: He is a very wise, erudite and old man who looks at the world very philosophically, Q: But he must feel a bit strange, surrounded by young women leaders in hills neighbourhood. A: Why, he must feel good about it,
(Reproduced by kind courtesy of India Today, 15.5.95).

Page 16
16 TAMILTMES
Continued from page 15
These are often concrete in the form of party manifestos, which are published and distributed widely before the elections. The perception that not much debate takes place in Sri Lanka with regard to written undertakings promised in the party manifestos and similar formal pamphlets (e.g. From J.R. . . . . . . To You, distributed by the UNP leader before the 1977 elections) but thrown to the winds after getting elected on deceitful promises, leads to the following conclusions.
1. There is a convention between all major parties in Sri Lanka not to discuss the previous election promises, as the subsequent apathy and contempt are their common tactics.
2. Voters themselves are sceptical of election promises; yet are anxious about their fulfilment at least in the short term. The current anxiety concerning the promises of the PA government relates to this phase.
3. This scepticism appears to prevail even amongst leading political analysts as inferred from the absence of commentaries on unkept election promises.
Guaranteed Ethical Rule
In practice, there is no political system that automatically assures freedom, social justice and prosperity. Sri Lankans know of government committed to democracy but ruling unethically. There is also evidence to show that strict but benevolent rule, despite greater restrictions on freedoms, can be beneficial to the progress and wellbeing of the society as a whole. What contributes primarily to the sustained ethical rule of governments is the attribute of being responsible. Being responsible means "liable to be called to account, answerable; morally accountable for actions'. The eminent civil servant, Stanley Jayaweera, in an excellent contribution on “Who is a responsible human being?” published in The Island of 26/2/95, has given illustrations of irresponsible actions of past Sri Lankan democratic leaders. He has affirmed the perception that the various problems confronting the people and the country today are "due to the utter irresponsibility of the vast majority of politicians who have bluf. fed the people, masquerading as their servants and what is worse, as their saviours.
Given the political history and realities in Sri Lanka, it is foolhardy to assume that a succession of responsible leaders in either community would be at the helm to ensure equity and prosperity to all its members. The risk associated with this uncertainty is
great in dictatorsh only in true democr citizens' right to de ers and change u ments by peaceful n of government has ir not in the short terr the longer term. Re man beings in an day's increasingly in cannot be let to th viduals alone. Reg isms, which inevita are necessary to ens cially those wieldir sponsibly.
Watchdogs of Et
The tendency to g even in countries wl claim to be committe facilitated by restri certain basic rights dom to air or publis and criticise the elec Examples of such r. either overtly or cove cratic' governments abundant. People h demand transparen bility from elected g observance of ethi managing the affa. depends crucially or all the citizens. Gov be constantly remind tions to the people. of testing the popu ments during the in between two succes through b-elections. was denied to the Sri their elected represe larly after extendir office to 6 years. I negligence of the vot the restrictions on d nificantly contribute cratic behaviour of of Sri Lanka. PeoI blame themselves fo: ments to suppress rights and govern some of their power ish interests before (
As stated at the freedoms people a democracies are no much as the gove pected to govern res ple too have certa towards the State. F cannot demand clas from the governmer would be harmful t terest. The mass misuse the freedom formation that wil credibility of politi even governments.

15 MAY 1995
ps and minimal cies. Without the ose corrupt leadpopular governеans, any system herent dangers, if but definitely in ponsibility of humperfect and toaterialistic world e whims of indiulatory mechanbly are complex, ure that all, espeg power act re
hical Rule
overn unethically hose governments 'd to democracy is cting or denying such as the freeh opposing views ted governments. 2straints imposed rtly by the 'demoof Sri Lanka are ave the right to zy and accountaovernments. The cal principles in irs of the State the vigilance of ernments need to led of their obligaDne effective way larity of governIntervening period ssive elections is This opportunity Lankan voters by ntatives, particung their term of n retrospect, the ers together with emocracy had sigd to the undemopast governments le have only to allowing governtheir democratic uthlessly putting ul members” selfommon interests. very outset, the e entitled to in t absolute. In as rnments are exponsibly, the peon responsibilities or example, people sified information t, if its revelation the national inmedia should not to spread disinundermine the ians, parties and The free media to
be accepted as a watchdog of democracy must act responsibly. In the real world, governments, polities, businesses etc. and individuals all require some form of involuntary control to ensure that they act responsibly. It is precisely this necessity that lends itself to excessive controls by irresponsible governments intent on abusing the ruling powers for narrow or opportunistic reasons. Obviously, it is impossible to specify where the line should be drawn to have the minimum of unavoidable controls in democracies without denying the fundamental human freedoms. Certainly, excessive controls impinging on fundamental human rights as in a police state are unacceptable. In this regard, the role of democratic institutions outside the government control such as the judiciary and private non-partisan organizations in ensuring justice and fairness cannot be overemphasized.
Education also has a vital role in increasing awareness among citizens of their fundamental rights and in their becoming an effective watchdog of ethical rule. Had this process been initiated a long time ago, politicians would have behaved more responsibly not only in giving promises to the electorates but also in keeping them. If the circumstances have changed making it difficult to fulfil the promises, the people have the right to know about these changes.
The recent emergence of many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), human rights groups, mothers movement, anti-censorship group, peace activists etc. in Sri Lanka is an indication of the important role that conscious citizens will play in frustrating the irresponsible actions of politicians. There is, however, a dire need to give additional momentum to these collective efforts. Some courageous prominent as well as ordinary persons had paid the ultimate price with their lives in the course of exposing the mistakes and injustices, despite the known threats they faced from those wielding powers. The right to point out the mistakes of governments at all levels, their unkept promises and deficiencies in the system and to change peacefully governments that have lost the confidence of the people must remain the cornerstone of any political system, in which the will of the people is sovereign. Without this right, any system will eventually end in tyranny or anarchy.
Tamil Homeland
The Tamils in Sri Lanka claim the Northern and Eastern parts of the island to be their homelands and want
Continued on page 17

Page 17
5 MAY 1995
SAARC AND SIR AN
Shadow Over the Su
by T.N. Gopalan
The eighth summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which concluded at New Delhi on May 4, unequivocally condemned all 'acts, methods and practices of terrorism' as criminal and the leaders deplored such acts for "their ruinous impact on life, property, socio-economic development and political stability as well as on regional and international peace and co-operation'. The downing of two Sri Lankan aircraft by Tamil Tigers cast an invisible shadow over the summit.
Addressing a post-summit press conference, the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, said: "...the situation in Sri Lanka in the last few days is causing concern, it ought to cause concern not only to the SAARC but every peace-loving country. The type of weaponry that is coming into the hands of individuals is frightening...'.
However, apart from vaguely talking about “combatting terrorism, including trans-border terrorism',
Continued from page 16
to preserve this region as such for all times. In so far as the North is concerned this position is widely accepted but it is contested with regard to the East by the Sinhalese. Attention has been drawn to the differences between the Sinhalese and Tamil perception of the history of the people of Sri Lanka (Ref: As mentioned earlier). Both sides cite historical information to support their stands. The early history of the people of Sri Lanka is slanted and controversial.
The disagreement seems to depend on the benchmark period chosen to justify the two opposing positions. The data in the early censuses (which is more scientific than the preceding historical information) provides indisputable evidence of the distribution of Sri Lanka's population by ethnic groups in different provinces. This shows clearly that the inhabitants in both the Northern and parts of the Eastern provinces were predominantly Tamil speaking people (including the Muslims in the Eastern province). On the other hand, if the census date of recent years after large numbers of Sinhalese families were settled in the Eastern
the Indian side w itself to any specif that would pit it di LTTE, and that wa off some apparentl tures from Preside A visibly distra made it to the Ne despite the serio back home in th spectacular missil Lankan military , cause she was app: renewed Indian in ethnic tangle. But out, she only drew some pious sentim ing words.
While interpreta over the type of mi the Tigers, the fact very supply-line to is in danger and t lives in mortal fe camps in the nort to death.
Whatever the f Lankan military
province under the tion schemes of the then the demograpl province is obviously areas of Sinhalese c Both the USA a countries occupied
recent migrants f
natives were the and the Australian the present inhabit that the lands th grated to are not th the roots of other ra history, it will be ancestors originate countries. The fac Sinhalese and Ta ancestral roots in In A sensible approac. into very ancient hi to settle the bound region. In line with i tice to be consider region, it is not ne back beyond a re. history as for instal fore the Portuguese as the first Western is relevant to note Portuguese and Duti
 
 

TAM TIMES 17
Immit
ould not commit ic course of action rectly against the Ls in effect fending y desperate overint Chandrika.
aught Chandrika w Delhi summit, us developments he shape of the e attack on two aircraft, only bearently hoping for (volvement in the then, as it turned a blank except for ents and comfort
tions might vary issiles acquired by remains that the the forward posts the Lankan army lar of having its h being strangled
ancy options the r establishment
various colonizaState, are analyzed nic pattern of this t different showing oncentration.
und Australia are by relatively very om Europe. The American Indians Aborigines. Will tants there admit eir ancestors miLeirs? If one traces ces far waybackin seen that their ed from different it that both the mills have their dia is not disputed. h without getting story is suggested lary of the Tamil nternational praced a native of a !cessary to go far asonable time in nce the period belanded in Ceylon colonial power. It that under the ch rule, the Tamill
might be contemplating, the President herself perhaps thought there could be no better way of countering the Tiger threat than dragging India into the conflict all over again, in some form or other.
But then once bitten, twice shy, India would not like to get trapped in a no-win situation. According to reports, Chandrika did try to suggest to Rao that the LTTE posed as much a threat to India as it was to her own country and hence the need for the bigger neighbour to chip in with 'some help' in tackling the "menace'.
However, Rao, aware of the serious consequences of stepping into such a potential mine-field as Sri Lanka's especially of the possible opposition from his own military heads apart from the political fallout of such a precipitous move, neatly skirted the issue, only offering his deep sympathies and promising not to allow the Tigers to develop any roots yet again on this soil.
Chandrika herself took part only in the inaugural session and returned to Colombo after a brief meeting with Rao. She skipped the one-day retreat of the heads of the SAARC as also the closing session. Disappointed as she is with the Indian response, she seems to be
Continued on page 18
speaking territories of the North and East maintained their administrative separation from the rest of the island. It was the British, who brought all territories in Ceylon under one central administration. However, the present realities consequent upon statesponsored colonization of Sinhalese in parts of the Eastern Province cannot be ignored. For instance, the proportion of Sinhalese in Seruvila, Kantalai, and Tambalagamam in 1981 was 58%, 83% and 58% respectively. The administrative district of Amparai created in 1963 had 20% Tamils, 38% Sinhalese and 42% Muslims in 1981.
The Muslims in the Eastern province have an understandable fear of being marginalised in a regional government dominated by the Tamils. The Tamils jointly need to win their confidence by concrete actions and by secure guarantees that will allow them to exercise, if they so desire at any time, the same right of regional 'selfrule' which the Tamils in the NorthEast region have been demanding for nearly three decades. However, such fragmentation of the minorities in Sri Lanka is not advisable from both political and economic considerations.

Page 18
18 TAMIL TIMES
Continued from page 17
contemplating seeking military help from other quarters.
According to some observers here, her regime is toying with the idea of seeking Chinese help to counter the LTTE which could in turn provoke India to come forward with its own support, in some concrete form, even if not direct military involvement, but definitely a stepped up interaction.
It is also said that the RAW is yet to reconcile itself to the Lankan fiasco and could be up to some more mischief on that front.
Be that as it may, the LTTE missile attacks have had their impact on India in other ways too. To wit, all Indian Airlines and Air Lanka flights to and from Sri Lanka have stopped overflying the Jaffna peninsula.
Though jet aircraft fly at heights not usually in the range of ordinary missiles and hence there is no imminent threat to aircraft operating in the region, the decision not to overflly Jaffna has been taken.
All civilian aircraft now fly over Trichy en route to Madras or Colombo. Also all pilots have reportedly been advised to climb to a height of at least 25,000 feet within 80 nautical miles after take-off from Colombo.
According to some other sources, consequent on the detour, the aircraft on the Colombo-Madras sector are flying 14 minutes more and carrying an additional tonne of aviation turbine fuel. How far the resulting financial burden on the airlines concerned would affect the viability of the route remains to be seen, though the I.A. management seems to have expressed its unhappiness over the "uncalled for and knee-jerk' response of the higher authorities on the matter.
Security also has been beefed up further, what with the passengers being photographed prior to boarding.
The fear-psychosis induced by the Tiger strikes has also affected the repatriation process. In the wake of the improved situation in the island after the coming to power of Chandrika, the state and central governments in India had sought to accelerate the repatriation of the Lankan Tamil refugees accommodated in various camps in Tamil Nadu.
Around 8,000 persons were sent
Continued on page 25
“BOm
April was not t months for the Iind: only for a film-ma Nadu.
Well, Prime Min Rao was reeling election defeats in but the internal reb leadership of the muted, and he cont his way through.
On the other han director, the you had a tough time handiwork, Bomb theatres across the had to face charge the Hindu commun
The film, made dubbed into at le languages includin on the tension in between the two m of India, the Hind lims and makes a p communal harmon,
Maniratnam ha reviews for his prev of sorts, Roja, whic Kashmir issue. Fir and then dubbed proved a smash apparently the fill justification of the Kashmir and the the Muslim terrori with the tremendo ceived in the Nor was, Bombay whicl limelight on the riot city, in the wake of the Babri Masjid a aroused a lot of exp the country.
Also as in the which the music set among the young proved a great hit, tes of the songs of the sales charts eve whetting the appe fans and critics.
But Maniratnam even as he was gett release of the film duled, significantly the Republic Day,
But then the C understood the sig release of the film & for the elections to Assembjy were o! months away, and

15 MAY 1995
bay' Troubles India
T.N. Gopalan
he cruellest of ian politician but aker from Tamil
ister Narasimha under successive March and April, ellion against his Cong-I was very tinued to bumble
ld, the gifted film ng Maniratnam, getting his latest ay, released in country and then s of going soft on alists.
in Tamil, but ast three other g Hindi, focuses the relationship ajor communities us and the Mus
assionate plea for.
y. d received rave ious political film h deals with the st made in Tamil into Hindi, it ing success - m's not-so-subtle official stand on denunciation of sts' has a lot to do us ovation it reth. Whatever it h was to turn the is in Bombay, the the demolition of t Ayodhya , also ectations all over
case of Roja, in ; by the new rage , A.R. Rehman, the audio cassetBombay, topped rywhere, further tite of the film
got into troubles cing ready for the , originally sche, on January 26,
ensor Board too gnificance of the at that juncture - the Maharashtra nly a couple of the Cong-I was
not expected to do well in the state mainly because the party had antagonised the minorities by the way its government had handled the riots and all that which followed in their wake. How the film would affect the voting pattern in the Muslim community and how the rabidly communal Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Shena supremo, who too had been turned into a character in the film, would react, the censors did not know and they did not want to take any chances. They simply passed the buck on to the Maharashtra government allegedly in view of the sensitive nature of the issue the film handles. Predictably the outgoing Pawar regime sat on the matter till the March elections.
Meantime Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, whose company had reportedly bought up the distribution rights for the North for a whopping Rs.2.5 crores, entered the picture and he arranged a special screening of the film for Thackeray.
Apparently it was here that Maniratnam committed a colossal blunder. The great artist, never known to compromise on the standards he has set for himself in film-making, allowed his commercial interests to overtake his creative instincts and self respect - he caved in before almost all of the imperious demands of that arch Hindu fanatic.
One of Thackeray's wellpublicised and most notorious objections was that Tinu Anand who plays the role resembling Thackeray is seen as overcome with contrition in the aftermath of one of the riots, "There is no question of any remorse or any penitence', he was quoted as saying, "The Sainiks (the Sena cadres) had done nothing wrong. They were only retaliating...".
When he meekly gave in to the diktats from Thackeray, Maniratnam virtually ruined the effect of those powerful sequences wherein rival community leaders are seen egging on their followers to acts of violence, Not only that he was allowing the film's quality to suffer, he was also laying himself open to the charge that he was appeasing the Hindu fundamentalist forces, granting them the status of “super censors”. Further the fact that he did not come forward to confer any such veto power on any Muslim leader

Page 19
15 MAY 1995
was another sore point with his critics.
Whatever it was, after a lot of heart-burning and nail-biting and amid some critical acclaim from those who had had a preview of the film, Bombay was released first in the South only in April. But it was the turn of the Muslim organisations to protest against the unjustified portrayal of the minorities as the marauders. In as many as four out of the five riot sequences shown in the film, Muslims are shown as the aggressors and the Hindus as the victims. But it was the Muslims who suffered the worst during the Bombay riots in 1993, claimed a Bombay-based Urdu journalist.
The screening was suspended in many places including Hyderabad and Bangalore following protests from the Muslims. In some places like Pune and Nagpur where the film was released subsequently the theatres concerned were vandalised. To add to his cup of woes, the Sainiks took over the job of providing security to many theatres.
Actually the film is indeed a resonant cry for sanity, and for those who are not familiar with the intimate details of the Bombay riots, the film would not be seen to suffer from any bias. A Hindu boy from Tirunelveli and a Muslim girl marry against the wishes of their parents and settle down in Bombay where the hero is employed as a journalist. After two children are born to them, the riots overtake them, but in the process the divided families are reunited. Though the fathers of both the hero and the heroine perish in the course of the riots, and the children are almost lost to the rioters, good sense ultimately prevails.
In the original uncensored version, the Hindu leader representing Thackeray is indeed seen at his worst, what with his inciting statements and arrogant gestures. And even as it is seen now, every act of aggression by one community is balanced by another instance of assault by the other. Any way the demolition of the Babri Masjid is clearly portrayed as having sparked it all off. Well, some sequences seem to reek of average Hindu prejudice. but over all, the impact is overwhelmingly secular - but the Bombayites would not agree. The film is running into problems everywhere barring Tamil Nadu. An indication of how vicious the atmosphere has become on the communal front. A large number of secular journalists and
activists including Shabna Asmi have the film in varying
But Maniratnam blame himself if his tials are being ques those of unimpeacl He had always man in such of those featl prove a draw in the while preserving th him. And now he h too clever by half b the communal elem seeking to project a - predictably he has
Jayalalit GOVernO
The queen is on dramatic reversal o subjects who are cla head now.
For the 47-year. Jayaram, Chief Mi Nadu, used to havin whimsical and irra executed without so mur, it could indee experience to have
But certainly Go Reddy’s green signa maverick Dr. Subra to prosecute Ms. Ja. ruption charges see nerved her so mu resorting to all kinc to tide over the cri the courts, sending to the Prime Minis cadres to organise h. strations against th SO O.
This is the first til of Independent Ind Minister has had to rassment of being tion while in office fronted with the pr trial.
Unlike in the p High Court has fai angry Chief Minist terim stay on the G. and she is going al hair, ranting and r 'sinister and diabo the Governor to hav cally elected gover through unconstit
 

noted film star frowned upon degrees.
n has only to
secular credenstioned even by hable integrity. aged to squeeze res which could
box-office even he creativity in as sought to be by pandering to ents even while secular message
not only failed,
NADU NEWSLETTER
TAMIL TIMES 19
but also tarnished his own image in the process.
When the Hindu communalists went to the court against Tamas, a TV serial revolving around the Paritition holocaust, two judges of the Bombay High Court snubbed the petitioners, saying, "To dissect each and every scene is a mistake. The overall impact is what matters. Tamas says: "Remember what has happened do not let yourself fall prey to fundamentalism... Use your own head, learn from the past, live like brothers and may the past never be repeated'. Amen.
ha’s Head On the Block? r Sanctions Prosecution
by T.N. Gopalan, Madras
the run. In a f roles, it is her mouring for her
old Jayalalitha mister of Tamil g even her most tional decisions much as a mur'd be a strange to run for cover. vernor : Channa l to that political maniam Swamy yalalitha on corms to have umch that she is ds of stratagems sis, appealing to frantic messages ter, getting her ysterical demonLe Governor and
me in the history lia that a Chief face the embartried for corrupor even is conospect of such a
ast, the Madras led to oblige the er with any inovernor's orders, pout tearing her aving about the lical designs' of re her democratinment dismissed :utional means,
while the Opposition is baying for her blood, demanding her resignation on "moral grounds'.
Ultimately the lady could come out unscathed, not that the courts would exonerate her but simply that a victory-starved Prime Minister Narasimha Rao could decide to bale her out and she could come up trumps in the next year's General Elections, sweeping aside Channa Reddys, Subramaniam Swamys and corruption charges in the course of her victorious march towards the Fort St. George.
But then that is all into the fu
ture. Right now the imperious lady is spending sleepless nights over what could happen if and when Dr. Swamy's complaint against her is taken on file in any of the courts designated for the purpose of conducting trials under the Prevention of Corruption Act,
She is resorting to desperate stratagems to stave off the prospect of stepping down from office, albeit temporarily, in order to face a trial against her.
On the one hand she is said to be sending fervent appeals to the Prime Minister through some private channels, pressing him not to set up any special court to try her, transfer Channa Reddy and rein in his hatchet man Swamy even while promising the Cong-I a lion’s share in the next year's Lok Sabha elections, but on the other hand her party cadres
Continued on page 20

Page 20
20 TAMIL TIMES
Continued from page 19
are staging noisy and ugly demonstrations against Dr. Reddy, evidently at her instance, the State Assembly has passed a resolution demanding recall of the Governor and she is going about lashing out at the “inert PM - a twin-track carrotand-stick policy, aimed at bludgeoning the Centre into submission.
Now the problem for Jayalalitha is that while the proverbially indecisive Rao could even oblige her by default, say by not instituting a special court, but the moment any of the Designated Courts decide to take up Swamy's complaint, her position could become untenable.
For these so-called designated courts are nothing but ordinary sessions courts whose presiding judges are appointees of the state government. And the judges themselves will have little option but to admit a case preferred by Swamy since he is armed with the necessary Governor's sanction. In such an eventuality, it would be difficult for even such a morally insulated personality like Jayalalitha to continue in office - nothing could be more ludicrous than a Chief Minister finding herself in the dock in a sessions court. And hence her current manoeuvres.
Jayalalitha is also unnerved by another factor at this juncture, viz. the perceptible change in the attitude of the courts to her.
Times were when the Madras High Court seemed all too ready to oblige her, granting stays on any kind of case against her - she had to merely ask for one and she would be given that without much of a fuss, whatever the issue and whichever the bench concerned.
But now it has refused to intervene in her favour, leaving her to stew in her own juice.
It may be recalled that for two years now Dr. Swamy had been trying his best to convince the courts on the disqualification petition against the Chief Minister - his case is that she had contested an Assembly seat and won when a contract between the Jaya Publications in which she is a major partner and the state government subsisted, a very strong ground indeed for disqualification, according to legal experts. The case is yet to go before the Central Election Commission, such has been Jayalalitha's ability to make effective use of the courts in her cause.
And when she sought an injunc
tion against Mr biography on thi contained sland against her mento Court sat on a Su her wishes - and 1 injunctions had a ped against the bC
But now a two bench of the Madr firmly ruled again alleged factors wh vated Channa Re ing the prosecutio
One of the twoj had also been part which had dismiss the DMK challen Governor Bhishm denial of permiss her, saying a Gove such matters were
Holding that th secute the CM w function of the Go cised by him in h Court had this to t counsel who had Bhagwad Gita to disgrace was wors man of honour — t red to in the slog out of failure to do not mean that in: would arise out of was no question : petitioner at th charges of corrup were only in the st
For a good mea up the Chief Sec before the Court that his governme al and practical plementing the C saying that he h; necessary clarific Governor himself. have been more r Jayalalitha regim appealing to the S the matter.
It is still not knc ernor Reddy had sanction before pas Dr. Swamy's pli Perhaps he had a pique, angry as he for failing to play the matter of bri recalcitrant Jayala
Originally Red Bhishma Narain abashed admirer Governor only be had wanted to reir Chief Minister, jus set upon his task

15 MAY 1995
'. T.N. Seshan's 2 ground that it derous remarks or MGR, the High nday to carry out thus when several lready been slapbok.
|-member division as High Court has hst going into the ich allegedly motiddy into sanction
udges in the bench of another bench ed a petition from ging the previous a Narain Singh's sion to prosecute rnor's decisions in e not justiciable.
e sanction to proas the 'exclsuive vernor to be exeris discretion', the ell the petitioner's cited a sloga from the effect that se than death to a he disgrace refera was one arising one's duties. It did famy or ignominy allegations. There of disgrace of the is stage as the ption against her age of allegations.
sure it also pulled retary for coming , and contending int would face legdifficulties in imGovernor's orders, ad better get the ations from the The slap could not esounding for the le which is now Supreme Court on
own whether Govthe PM's prior ssing his orders on etition to him. cted out of sheer was with Mr. Rao ball with him on nging round the alitha.
dy had replaced
Singh, an unof Jayalalitha, as cause the Centre h the Tamil Nadu st as Swamy was of tarnishing her
image with the blessings of Mr. Rao, but midway the latter got cold-feet, reeling as he was under electoral debacles everywhere - the frustrated duo have now chosen to strike back.
The Centre too went out of its way to disassociate itself with the Governor's decision, thus perhaps giving Jayalalitha some hope.
And hence perhaps she set herself on a course of embarrassing Channa Reddy in every way she could, having his convoy greeted with rotten eggs and chappals, sponsoring rallies in which he was denounced in hysterical terms, getting a resolution passed in the Assembly demanding his recall and, hold your breath, charging that he had misbehaved with her at the Raj Bhavan once.
While speaking in the Assembly, - she mournfully recalled that when she called on him once in 1993, he had "misbehaved' with her, though she left teasingly open the actual import of her remarks, for she went on to say he had hurled abuses at her and kept harping on that aspect.
For those who know Channa's ways, it was easy to refer what Jayalalitha was hinting at. However, the sensational allegation failed to get off the ground, except for some strong condemnation of the CM by the opposition for her unseemly remarks. She also chose not to follow up the matter - if she had, it would have assumed serious dimensions.
But it is not as if the opposition has been able to derive much of a mileage from her discomfitures. For one the bandh called by DM, and endorsed by the rest of the Opposition including the Cong-I evoked a poor response from the people - except for the closure of shops and establishments on 4 April, the bandh day, normal life in the state continued in its own usual gear, proving that the people at large are yet to be drawn into any great moral crusade against a corrupt government. For them it is nothing but yet another ugly chapter in an endless power struggle.
Secondly the opposition could not agree on a common candidate against the AIADMK for the Pudukottai Lok Sabha by-election (since cancelled).
All the same it will be hard times ahead for Jayalalitha, if the Supreme Court too fails to come to her rescue. And if Swamy succeeds in setting up a trial against her in any court, Jayalalitha's head will be on the block.

Page 21
15 MAY 1995
Religious Conversions C To the GOVernment Ré
by Ratnajeevan H. Hoole
From the columns of Tamil Times (15 February) it would appear that there are strong views held among Tamils that Christian conversions were for financial gain - 'souls sold' "for a soupson (sic) of sour-soup’ and “a mess of pottage' - and that one who has converted out of his ancestral faith” has betrayed his forefathers'. These charges impute a poor character to the Christians (and, by extension, the Muslims), who form such a sizeable section of the Tamils that the charges deserve to be examined closely. It is the purpose of this article to do that. We will see that belonging to the government religion' was the general tendency among Tamils until the British introduced freedom of conscience and that the charge of changing religion for financial gain does not stand up generally to close scrutiny.
So, did the Christians convert for a soupcon of sour soup? This question must be posed in context. If Christians did convert for money, is such conversion “the preserve' of the Christian? Addressing this first, we know that the Saivite revival of AD 600 to 900 was achieved by peaceful conversion only initially and then, as the adherents got strong, by outright force, force that included the forcible conversion of Buddhist shrines into Hindu ones' and with it, Buddhist nuns into Devadasis. The latter part of the process also included the conversion of kings which was followed by the forcible conversion of the subjects. Professor R.C. Majumdar states that debates between religions were "on the express condition that the vanquished should either adopt the religion of his opponent or forfeit his life and surrender the property of the religious establishments, if he had any'. Nilkanta Shastri too affirms that this was integral to the process of mass conversions. The Saivite leader Appar for example, won over the king and hence the king's subjects. In the case of Gnanasampanthar, following a debate, he converted the Pandyan king Sundara and his subjects from Jainism, and 8000 Jains, presumably those who refused to convert, were killed by impalement, an event that is celebrated to this day at the Madura temple." The Chola dedication to Saivism completed this process.
Thus we see that being of the government religion' has been a part of the Tamil ethos, at least from the Saivite period, a good part of the
conversions havil not at the point with elephants or tear the nonbelie It is in this co examine the conv ity of the Tami appear, followe although there is same level of viol sions were, like ir peaceable and fï earliest converts t were from Manna of the work of Fra the Palk Straits their own caste, him over to preach 1543. The king o jah, reacted by converts in Dec. doing the Raja principle that the jects was the relig and a change of the sovereign. Fo with the Portugue "...the people we) and were casting C whether for good they had inherite and which they h Religion, he point soul and salvatio the object of the him of his kingdor for the Portuguese no cause of quarre
By 1619 when . by the Portuguese 12,000 converts in berrapidly expand 1624 to 1626, the baptized 52,000 them all the nobi ... the three Mod greater part of t with their wives 1634, “nearly all ná ians' in Jaffna accc reports and this is Abeyasinghe on t sources.'
Thus we see th Tamil were followi moving to the rel ment. After 1619, revival, induceme were applied to sions. This was b March 1546 from to his Viceroy at C the idol worship g tories. The letter

TAM TIMES 21
}f Tamils 2ligion
ng been achieved, if of a sword, at least either side ready to ver into two halves. intext that we must jersion to Christianls, which, it would d a similar path, little evidence of the lence. Initial converthe Saivite revival, "om the heart. The o the Roman Church r who, having heard incisco Xavier across among members of the Paravas, invited to them around AD if Jaffna, Chaga Ramassacring 600-700 ember 1544. In so was going by the religion of the subion of the sovereign religion threatened or, after the treaty ese he declared, that re getting rebellious ff the religion which or evil was the one d from their fathers lad so far observed. ed out, uvas the very n of kingdoms, and converts uvas to rob n my emphasis. As themselves, he had el with them".o Jaffna was annexed , there were already Jaffna, which numed thereafter - from e Franciscans alone souls and "among lity of the kingdom laliares . . . and the he Bragmanes . . . and families'." By atives were Christrding to Portuguese s affirmed by Tikiri he basis of several
hat once again, the ng their tradition of igion of the governlike with the Saivite nts and disabilities encourage converased on an order of the king of Portugal Foa, embarrassed by oing on in his terridemanded that all
idols be smashed and those practising idolatry be severely punished, while new Christians be exempted from press-gang service and taxes.' Thus it was that foreign Brahmins who refused to convert were banished, and temples demolished, just as Buddhist temples were destroyed during the Saivite revival (Mosques, being free of idols, were allowed to function, but were levied a tax to support the Dominicans). But unlike in the Saivite revival, there was no large scale confiscation of property,' nor, according to Tennent, "does it appear that any actual compulsion was employed'.' Similarly, there was no massacre of Hindus like the massacre of the Mannar Christians, or the Buddhists and Jains earlier (massacres did occur, but in the context of punishment of rebels - 40 Aaraachis fighting for the king were decapitated in Kopay in 1560 and 800 'Wadakkaru and Moor troops' and the king whose head was exposed on a pike for some days in 1591). The soldiery tended to loot, but such looting was directed equally at the Christians and the clergy were at odds with the soldiers on account of this." Again, the looting is only one side of the picture. On the obverse we even see affinity between the citizenry and the Portuguese regime. The first CaptainMajor of Jaffna, Phelipe de Oliveyra, always argued with Goa for reduced taxes and had "genuine sympathy for the poor in Jaffna.' He lost his life through a flu contracted during a storm that swept through Jaffna in 1627 pushing the sea long distances inland, when he stood out in the gale
risking his life and carrying women
and children into the sanctuary of the church. He appears to have been married to a Tamil from his instructions to her from his death bed not to do any loud wailing (oppari) as was the custom.' So loved was he by the people of Jaffna that he came to be known as the Apostll of Jafanapatao and as Pilippu Raja, and on his death, the Modeliares of Jaffna asked the Portuguese not to appoint another CaptainMajor and instead to simply have his portrait which by itself, according to them, would keep the peace in the kingdom.”
Those who did not like the new order, presumably those who were genuine Saivites, moved to the Vanni, resulting in a redistribution of the Jaffna population. Thus ironically, it is those of the Vanni - whom Jaffna Tamils hold as low - who are the descendants of those who were the genuine adherents of Saivism, while the ancestors of practically all of today's Jaffna Tamils converted to
Continued on page 23

Page 22
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15 MAY 1995
Continued from page 21
Christianity. Perhaps the latter were following the Tamil tradition of belonging to the government religion, but conviction was a strong element in some of the conversions as seen by the refusal of the Mannar converts to turn apostate. Qeyroz describes the conversion of the Queens of Jaffna by Friar Antonio de Santa Maria.” The process involved long debates about the religious choices over a period, with the Queens showing appreciation for the precepts of the new religion, but not being moved enough to change; and then suddenly one day, one Queen, moved to ecstatic tears, converts and begins to preach to her sister, the other Queen and she too converts. The most convincing of the aspect of sincerity is the conversion of Changili, who clearly had nothing to gain at the point of his conversion. He had been banished to Goa, tried and sentenced to death. There he and his wife were baptised and he said that he had been convinced at a tender age by the preachings of Friar Pedro de Betancor, but had not sought baptism because he wished "to remain with his own'. Thereafter, uttering "the sweet name of Jesus' he was decapitated. He had refused to have his hands tied as was customary to avoid any possible panicky struggle, and declared that he went to his death with pleasure and it was better to be a Christian cooly than a Pagan king'. Other members of his family even entered holy orders. To suggest that these converts had no religious experience and converted for "soup' is to attempt to rewrite history.
Subsequent to the advent of the Dutch, who were more intent on their mercantile interests, there was a change. The Dutch Protestants were virulently against the Roman Catholics (because of their historical animus towards the Roman Church, as well as their rivalry in colonial expansion). In fact, a proclamation of 1658 forbade, on pain of death, the harboring of a Roman Catholic priest. Although they had some natural Protestant antipathy towards Hinduism, they did not put down Hinduism the way the Portuguese had. Their only insistence on belonging to the Protestant religion was when they made certain appointments such as of Muduliyaars and Muhaandirams, and prohibitions against Hindu worship applied only in the townships.” At this point, it is interesting that the genuine Catholics - large numbers of them - went underground, while the "Government Catholics’ largely went over to Protestantism in name, while they relapsed into Hindu practices at home. In addition, there were some who were
genuine convert through the effo. Baldaeus.**
Thus by 1684, J Protestants in 278,75999 and b Protestants.o Allov numbers of Roman lims who refused ta appear that practic again converted. again underscores insignificant part o Roman Catholic genuine, and ii) tha belonging to the gc was deeply rooted possible to revert to Dutch, few did so in appear to be cor teaching that "to bec one of the major Saivite Vellalah Navalar. For we a nent that "the Sinl no means the san Tamils in accepting conflicting doctrine Rome. . . and those Holland' and that “e unwilling to foregc dignity and emolu ready profession of Tamil Hindus were other to become Pro with this alacrity nent, there was "no on record of E Mahomedan who ha embrace Christianit Moslems and Roma convert in the face sion, the conversion an aspect of choice Protestantism, wha Were.
With British rul cept - freedom religion.”“ Three hu temples were built the first year alone Ceylon, often at c The benefits of bei now relatively few scholarships in the employment as teachers. With t nefits, those Protest genuine Christians ism. As with the S the Roman Catholic were conversions ti denominations for were conversions o' gious experience. S gious experience w with Hinduism (wh unrecognizable form acterized by practic Vannarponne phy

s to Calvinism
rts of those like
affna had 180,364 a population of y 1785 200,233 wing for the large Catholics and Musconvert, it would ally all Hindus had This phenomenon two points: i) a not f the conversion to Christianity was e Tamil practice of }vernment religion ; although it was Saivism under the public. This would sistent with the zome rich should be aims' of the good, as taught by lso hear from Tenhalese exhibited by he alacrity as the g in succession the s of the Church of of the Church of ven Brahmans . . . the prospects of ment . . . made a Christianity'. As falling over each otestant Christians described by Tent a single instance Moor man or ad been induced to :y'. Given that the n Catholics did not of Dutch oppresn of Hindus shows in their embracing tever their reasons
e care a reW coof conscience in undred new Hindu ; in Jaffna during of British rule in ompany expense.o ng Christian were , except for some mission schools and
mission school he absence of betants who were not
reverted to SaivSaivite revival and conversions, there o other Protestant benefits and there ut of genuine reliometimes, the relias a negative one ich was in a sorry h at the time, chares like those of the 'sicians described
TAMIL TIMES 23
below, which practices were mere
vestiges after 300 years of Christian suppression), prompting conversion
out of it. At other times, it was a positive experience with Christianity that led to conversion into it. Just as
there were those who converted to get
a training teachers job in a mission school, there were many others who as a result of conversion lost ancestral property and were humiliated and chased out of their homes during British times, showing the strength of conviction that moved the converts. Two documented cases in point are the conversions of i) The Rev. Canon S.S. Somasundaram with privileges and extensive lands at the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, who lost all his material inheritance as a result of his conversion to Christianity with no palpable gain." He was, for his apostacy, tied to a tree, with chilli thrown in his eyes, and banished from his village of Karulhampanai, and ii) one Srinivasam of a temple in Point Pedro who on his conversion gave up his extensive inheritance. As described by him, the conversion was because the absurdities of Hinduism appeared to me in their true light and the glorious truths of the Gospel began to gradually unfold themselves to my view'.' It is noteworthy that the hostility to conversions arose only with the Hindu revival half-way through the British period - the large-scale conversions of all Hindus being a distant memory, the time was ripe for rewriting history, claiming that the Hindus had always been Hindu.
We will now consider if it is indeed a wrong thing (betrayal) to change religions as claimed in these columns. To this end let us examine the lives of the Hindu revivalists, the Aalvaars and Naayanmaars. We know" that Thirunavukkarasu (Appar) went from Saivism to Jainism and came back to Saivism. Thirumalisai went from Jainism to Buddhism and Saivism before settling down as a Vaishnavite. Thirumangai changed his religion to Waishnavism to marry a Vaishnavite's daughter. Surely we would not say that they "betrayed their forefathers'? Why then is conversion to Christianity a betrayal? Indee 'o argue a little differently, consider 3 examples of "our' previous religious beliefs: i) Those of the lower castes are inferior and dealings with them would pollute us; ii) Sex as a part of worship' achieves heaven (moksha), and iii) Through child sacrifice to Siva as Rudra, maidens may be seduced and enemies cursed. In all these instances, we have now abandoned these practices (at least, so we say to the
Continued on page 24

Page 24
24 TAMIL TIMES
Continued from page 23
outside world). But in so doing, have we betrayed our forefathers?
It would seem clear from the foregoing that simple assertions that Christians converted for soup and the double standards being applied to Christians and Hindus in judging their motives for conversions, are the trademark of an effete society that lapses into hurling insults as it loses its members. In fact such insults in these columns are a continuation of the calumny that new Christians faced in the British period when they converted. The real picture is that conversions happened for a mixture of reasons ranging from the noble to the ignoble and that conversions to the government religion' for material gain have been part of the Tamil ethos from the Saivite period. It would appear that today's Roman Catholics and Muslims and non-Jaffna Saivites - as well as Protestant Christians who have shown resilience in the face of defamatory charges like these meant to harass and humiliate them - are perhaps the only communities' among the Tamils that have held on to their faith in times of adversity, visibly demonstrating its tenacity.
Notes
All 4 of the critiques to my piece of Dec. 15 on biographies had this imputation. I shall not address the other aspects of those critiques here since my object there was to make Tamils think. I have given extensive references in that piece and, I believe, the interested readers are adult enough to make up their minds on the issue by consulting those references.
* One needs to consult Changam literature to recognize the animistic nature of the earliest stratum
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لے سے ســــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ ـــــــــــــــــــــــــ ــ ــ
of Tamil religion, alth such as sati (for examp Pootha Pandyan's wido to be just entering Tam
N. Shastri, History, pp. 422-423.
"Ramesh Chandra Ma Motila Banarsidass, 196
° N. Shastri, p.416. ° N. Shastri, p.412. " R.C. Majumdar, p.43
* Paul E. Pieris, Ceyla Wol. 2, p.98.
o Paul E. Pieris, Vol. 2
Father Fernao de Spiritual Conquest of C Perera's translation in p.659.
* T. Abeyasinghe, J Colombo, 1986, p.54.
"o Paul E. Pieris, pp.1
"o T. Abeyasinghe, p.4
Sir J.E. Tennent, p.25.
15 Paul E. Pieris, p.16 o Paul E. Pieris, pp.2 17 Paul E. Pieris, p.17 *T. Abeyasinghe, p.4
' His marriage to consistent with the polic Portuguese marry into means of control, rather in Jaffna; it was felt tha enough settlers to col Abeyasinghe, p.26). Whil of the extent to which thi glimpses of it through b and the number of light sons among Tamils. Inde Vanni who avoided the exceptions, darker skinn and Batticaloa which might well be explained
o Queyroz, pp.647-652 o T. Abeyasinghe, p.6% o Queyroz, pp.686-. o Queyroz, pp.690-1.
* T. Abeyasinghe, p. cynics that the Portugu this, since once the me holy orders, the royal lin there is no direct evident evidence is that the con
oJ.E. Tennent, 1850, was taken, its nose cut-o then it was fired by a mo during the siege of Colol
o J.E. Tennent, 185 prohibited Catholic gath
o K.M. de Silva, A H Co., London, 1981, p.19
* Phillipus Baldaeus, the Great Island of Ceyl
oJ.E.Tennent, 1850, Adrian de Mey, prefec Jaffnapatam.
o K.M. de Silva, p.19
* Arumuga Navalar, dren), Jafna, 1871 (R 1916), Vol. IV, pp.23,46. that all three of the trim dharma (righteousness, Kama (sex) - have to b There has been no agre (Encyc. Britannica, Chic
 
 
 
 

15 MAY 1995
Iough Brahminical influences le, Puram. 246: 11-15, where w is burnt) and caste are seen il life at the time.
of South India, Oxford, 1958,
jumdar, Ancient India, Delhi: 50, pp.427-9.
0, N. Shastri, p. 418.
n, the Portuguese Era, 1913,
, 1913, p.95.
Queyroz, The Temporal and eylon, Lisbon, 1688 (Fr. S.G. to English, Colombo, 1930),
affna Under the Portuguese,
04-.
3.
Christianity in Ceylon, 1850,
8.
(6-2.
i.
7.
a Tamil woman would be y decision from Lisbon to have well-to-do Tamil families as a than have Portuguese settle ut Portugal could not produce ntrol Jaffna effectively (T. ethere is little direct evidence spolicy was effected, we catch y-the-way references like this ;-skinned and light-eyed pered, the fact that Tamils of the Portuguese are, with some ed tham the Tamils of Jaffna. had Portuguese settlements, in part by this policy.
23. It has been suggested by ese had an ulterior motive in mbers of the royalty entered e was discontinued. Although e of this, even if it is true, the ferts were sincere.
p.40: A statue of St. Thomas , nails hammered into it, and rtar into Portuguese positions mbo.
0, p.41. A plakaat of 1715, erings and baptisms.
istory of Sri Lanka, Hurst & i.
True and Exact Description of n, CHJ, 1959 (Reprint).
pp.73-74, quoting letters from of the Malabar College at
S.
Palapatam (Lessons for Chilsprinted in 1885, 1886 and It has been held in Hinduism urty - that is Artha (wealth), caste-duty, justice etc.) and pursued with vigour in life. ment as to which is foremost ago, 1989, Vol. 20, p.581). For
a more detailed discussion, see S.R.H. Hoole, "The Tamils: The Problem of Identity and Religion', Indian Church. History Review, Vol. XXXVI, No. 2, pp.88-135,
992.
J.E. Tennent, 1850, p.45.
J.E. Tennent, 1850, p.64.
4. This also explains the absence of whole-sale conversions of the Tamils in India, as in Sri Lanka, since they were mainly under the British.
° Dagmar Hellmann-Rajanayagam, Arumuka Navalar: Religious Reformer or National Leader of Eelam, The Indian Economic and Social History Review, Vol. 26, No.2, 1989, p.236.
While Hindus have traditionally resented such scholarships, the Christian community's view is that they were based on designated contributions from home-churches for the education of a co-religionist; no less parochial than Tamils from outside Sri Lanka sending charitable contributions to Tamils as opposed to the Sinhalese or those in want in their new home countries. As for mission school employment, it was legitimate for Christian schools to seek Christian teachers in fulfilment of their mission to provide a Christian education. And what could the mission do if Hindus pretended conversion to get jobs? As is well known, many of those who dissembled conversion in or times to get teacher-training, have since reverted to Hinduism.
See footnote 42 below.
S. Kulandran, A Life Sketch of Canon S.S. Somasundraran. ACM Press, Jaffna, 1970.
39 File No. C. CE 071/1-12 on The Rev. Fr. Elijah Hoole, Church Missionary Society Archives, University of Birmingham.
40 N. Shastri, pp.411-418.
* A belief held by those on the baktipath (marg) as well as those on the Vedic Dharma marg or Gnana marg. See N. Shastri, p.421-422: Occasionally the cult, especially of Radha, tended to degenerate into erotic excesses. This was particularly true of the followers of Wallabhacarya (1479-531), a Telugu Brahmin and founder of a system called suddhadvaita which exalted bhakti above knowledge. . . . The highest ambition of his followers was to become gopis and sport eternally with Krishna in his Heaven, an ideal which in practice degenerated into gross eroticism. For those on the Vedic Dharma marg see Brhadaranayaka Upanishad VI, 4:2-3: Prajapati (the Lord of Creation). . . created woman. When he created her, he honoured her below. Therefore one should honor woman below. He stretched out for himself that stone which projects (the Siva lingam). With that he impregnated her. Her lap is a sacrifical altar; her hairs the sacrificial grass; her skin, the somapress. The two lips of the yoni are the fire in the middle. Verily, indeed, as great as is the world of the person who performs the vajapeya sacrifice (the drink of strength), just as great is the world of him who practices sexual intercourse knowing this. He takes the good deeds of women to himself (my emphasis), cf. the
Devadasis of Maviddapuram.
J.E. Tennent (Ceylon, 4th ed, 1860, Vol.2, p.990) calls this a general' universal' belief of the Jaffna Tamils and refers to an 1848 case in Wannarpoonne (sic) where some physicians were engaged in running a home for unmarried pregnant women whose newborns and other kidnapped children were then decapitated for use in the Saivite ceremony. The case came to light following a complaint investigated by the government. It was believed that the head of the child was most efficacious for love potions and cursing enemies when it was cut off for this express purpose; but heads from corpses also could be used.
It is perhaps not without significance that these very same communities are also generally dismissed as low-caste by Jaffna folk. That Jaffna folk dismiss Batticaloa folk as those who indulge in sorcery (chooniyam) was made possible only because Jaffna was largely purged of chooniyam during its Christian period. (Even in Jaffna, chooniyam through tossing coloured pumpkins into enemy houses was a recent practice that this writer has seen several times). Navalar's harangues against the Pattini worship of Batticaloa and dismissal of Pattini as a Jaina goddess of the Chettiar caste are worthy of note.
-- ན་འབྱམ།།

Page 25
15 MAY 1995
Continued from page 18
back in March-April, leaving behind 55,000 persons in the camps. The state government was hoping to increase the tempo in the latter part of the year and wind up the camps in the next couple of years or so.
But now with the break-down of the cease-fire in the island and letters from those already repatriated to the refugees here disssuading them from opting to return in the near future, the repatriation process has indeed suffered a set-back. Whether the authorities will also contemplate improving the conditions in the camps, one has to wait and see.
Taking Forward the SAPTA
Apart from the glib commitment of the participating nations to "eradicate poverty' in the region by 2002 A.D., and eradicate illiteracy two years earlier and the tall talk about environmental degradation and empowerment of women, the summit is reported to have made substantial progress in the matter of the SAPTA (SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement).
Already the first round of negotiations between the member nations in this regard since the Dacca summit two years ago have been completed. The New Delhi declaration agreed that all necessary steps to ratify the agreement will be taken expeditiously and the SAPTA will become operational by the end of this current year.
The leaders hoped that the operationalisation of the SAPTA will herald the beginning of a new and significant process of regional cooperation'.
While inaugurating the summit, Mr. Rao said: "Our objective must be to work practically towards a free market of the countries of the region and integrate our economies to enhance their range and dynamism and our collective strength in the global trading community.
Almost all the leaders who took part stressed the economic aspect of the meet — in the new era of liberalisation the SAARC countries would be tempted to work for ever more advantageous trade terms by first arriving at a better understanding among themselves, ignoring the political differences for the moment.
Pakistan which also took part in the meet chose to adopt a relatively low profile.
Engagin Conse
LIVING WITH TO Lankan Society, Perera; (publish Colombo, pp.90,
Profes A
Violence is an incr topic in the academic to be asked whethe simply related to an lence throughout the within the academi stimuli which have more academics jum, wagon. To some ex argued that the w academics are little r larly version of their in violence shown in f those produced in th One of my own colle: completing yet anoth 'communal conflict, general fascination w its forms; to what app tion to representatio ity of violence. Anoth the discourse of inte rights agencies leads al” descriptions ofvio an exploration of tl torture and death. W intellectual interest lems have become, suspect many others to a voyeuristic fa pornography of viole Such issues are of ly evident in the wr by academics from North. What I hav voyeuristic and porr in violence can bestl the analyst is at as the events describe academic through co ity, and of course ticket, can observe lence of others. This contemporary orier violence has to be a characteristics of th associated with “rac conflated with 'cu. synonym. For thos contexts of violence, ism is not such an them, violence can with a distant othel be addressed as p

TAM TIMES 25
g With The Causes and quences of Violence
TURERS and Other Essays of intervention: Sri culture and Politics in Perspective by Sasanka d by International Centre for Ethnic Studies,
995, Rs.150).
Reviewed by R.L. STIRRAT or of Anthropology, School of African and ian Studies, University of Sussex.
asingly popular world. Yet it has r or not this is increase in vioworld, and what, world, are the led to more and bing on the band tent it could be ritings of many nore than a schocreasing interest ilms, particularly e United States. agues, at present er monograph on admits to a more ith violence in all roaches an addicns if not the realer complains that rnational human to bland "techniclence rather than he full horror of hat started offas in specific probfor them and I , something akin scination with a
ՈCe. course particulartings on violence countries in the suggested as a ographic interest e sustained when afe distance from d, or where the our and nationala return airline n safety the viondeed is a form of alism in which lded to the list of 'other' and if not is all too often ure” or a close working within academic voyeureasy option. For ot be associated but rather has to rt of their lived
experience. Not surprisingly, understandings of violence which assert the primacy of culture are much less popular in such contexts than in the countries of the North. Violence, its causes and consequences, has to be engaged with rather than treated simply as spectacle, or as an object to be interpreted, explained or otherwise distanced.
Sasanka Perera's collection of papers, Living With Torturers, is firmly within this second tradition. Although not only concerned with violence, the most moving and most significant essays are concerned with the present conflict between the Sri Lankan state and the LTTE, and the aftermath of the conflict between the state and the JVP. Written from the inside', these essays are aimed at a non-specialist audience and represent once more one of the strengths of a section of the Sri Lankan academy: the willingness of writers to address their comments to the general public rather than limit them to a narrow academic audience. The result is this volume which in the main consists of previously unpublished papers.
Cry for justice
Two of Perera's most powerful essays address the problem of how the survivors of terror can deal with the past. In one, from which the title of this volume is derived, he discusses how the living can cope with the continued existence of the killers and torturers of their kin. Drawing not only on Sri Lankan materials but also parallel situations from Latin America, he points out that whilst there may be a cry for justice, it is extremely unlikely that such justice will be achieved and that whilst there may be 'show trials' for an audience of international human rights organisations and major donors, the likely outcome is a general amnesty which leaves their victims with the problems of coping with the past; not only with the death
Continued on page 26

Page 26
26 TAMIL TIMES
Continued from page 25
of loved ones but the continued existence of their murderers on the streets and in the villages of Sri Lanka. In such a context, argues Perera, recourse to the world of the gods, spirits and ghosts may be the only solace available to those seeking justice.
The opening essay deals with similar issues. The discovery of mass graves at Suriyakanda in January 1994 provides a starting point for a discussion of how those who are left deal with the disappeared. As Perera points out, the lack of a body'subverts' the normal expression of grief in contexts such as Sri Lanka. What the discovery of the bodies provided was, for the kin of the disappeared, the necessary first stage in mourning the past and constructing the future. Whose bodies they actually were is in a sense immaterial. What was and is important is that the survivors can believe that these are the remains of their loved ones and deal with those remains accordingly.
The other nine essays range widely across the cultural terrain of contemporary Sri Lanka. These provide ellements of the context necessary to engage with the violence and its aftermath dealt within the two central essays previously mentioned. Running through them all is a continual meditation on the nature of postcolonial society and the role of the academic in such societies. One group of essays deals with both sides of the present conflict between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan state. The final paper in the book concerns what he sees as the 'silence' of Tamil intellectuals and their failure, with notable exceptions, to address the violence and terrorism of LTTE rule in the north. In another paper, he attacks what he sees as the 'subversion' of the Tamil conscience through the appropriation and transformation of the Elara myth by a section of Tamil activists, whilst a fascinating ess deals with the ways in which the Ravana story has been used by both Sinhala and Tamil factions.
Sense of identity
Yet perhaps of much greater importance are Perera's attempts to reformulate his own sense of identity in contemporary Sri Lanka; of what it means to be Sinhalese; of what it means to be Buddhist. One of the early essays deals with the vexed issue of patriotism'. Here, Perera takes issue with those 'self-confessed patriots' who ac
cuse others with as "unpatriotic'. In that dissent is an of patriotism, and the tradition of Bı row definitions of implies, "unpati Sinhalese traditio this essential elem tradition.
Similar themes other essays. One those who would c is a plural society the hegemony of S the extent of writil 'Sinhala Buddhi second is a detail controversy surr Buddhism Betray out that there are TAMBAH HAS defends his right and castigates m whose position : chauvinistic pat attempt to deny Sinhala Buddhis Buddhism. Yet Perera points out writings on Sri La and thus not acces of Sri Lankans w many of the deba myth and collecti have taken place world over the pas
This in some was problem. The worl global world, and t world necessitates particular set of c languages for a wo Perera points out, form of language post-colonial socie become a method used by lcoal elit position. For eng countries such as lem is not just one debates accessible but also making th ble to those who dc of international la culties for such an be underestimate Perera writes tha planned to publish in widely accessib journals, but evel and radical editors out to be ruthless The problems of non-English reade greater. One can collection is soon t Sinhala and Tamil

15 MAY 1995
whom they disagree contrast, he argues essential ingredient that this is part of uddhist ethics. Narpatriotism are, he iotic' within the in that they deny ent of the Buddhist
are addressed in two of these centres on leny that Sri Lanka and seek to assert inhala Buddhists to ng of such entities as st Muslims'. The 2d discussion of the bunding Tambiah’s d? Whilst pointing weaknesses in what WRITTEN, Perera to publish the book any of the critics is one of narrow riotism and who he right of a nont to write about equally seriously, that most academic inka are in English sible to the majority ho are unaware of ates about history, ve identities which ! in the academic t decade or so.
ys is the crux of the d of academics is a o participate in this writing within a onventions in world rld audience. Yet as
this can involve a imperialism, and in ties language can of social exclusion es to protect their aged academics in ri Lanka, the probof making academic
to non-academics, ese debates accessinot have command nguages. The diffiundertaking cannot l. In the preface, , originally he had
such interventions le newspapers and "the most liberal in one context turn sensors in another'. ensuring access to rs would be much only hope that this ranslated into both
READERS FORUM
GANDH AND THE FOUR WARUNAS
I READ with interest N. Shanmugaratnam's review of the book, Hindi, Hindi, India by S.V. Rajadurai (TT, April 1995). The reviewer has identified the author Rajadurai as 'a Marxist intellectual from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu'. According to Shanmugaratnam, this Marxist intellectual has criticised Gandhi for never rejecting the vedic hierarchy of society into four varunas, namely Brahmin, Ksaitrya, Waisya and Sudra.
Though I do not endorse the distinction based on the "four varunas', when one views the human society in anthropological terms related to power distribution, it becomes apparent that the division of four varunas existed (and still exists) in all the human societies of five continents. In terms of power distribution, the members of any human society can be categorised under four groups, which are roughly equivalent to the four varunas of Hindus. These are.
1) power holders (royalty in good old days, but heads of state and their coterie in this century)
2) power sharers (military commanders and members of the Intelligence Agency of every nation)
3) power peddlers (bureaucrats, media moguls, chief executive officers of business enterprises and mafia bosses)
4) powerless (ordinary citizens) These four "castes' exist in almost all the nations, irrespective of the political system (democratic or socialist ordictatorial) that is practised. Even in the so-called "classless societies' promulgated by Lenin and Mao in this century, these four 'castes' existed. The Politbureau members, who owned dachas, were the power holders. The generals representing the armed forces and the top echelon officers of the KGB belonged to the power sharing caste. The editors of the nowdisgraced Pravda newspaper represented the power peddling caste. Majority of the peasants represented the powerless caste. Power holders, when pushed from their pedestals (due to palace-plotting) become power peddlers. Thatcher and Gorbachev are good examples of this transformed caste, who join the lecture circuit and earn a quick buck by other deals such as syndicated columns and book publishing.
So I believe that Gandhi was more pragmatic in realising that the vedic hierarchy of four varunas cannot be

Page 27
15 MAY 1995
outrightly rejected in any human society, because of the power equations they represent. On the contrary, Ambedkar was naive in standing for "genuine democratisation'. Which country exists in this globe where there is such a 'genuine democratisation' and which has abolished the caste order?
Sachi Sri Kantha, 5-16-305 Tsukimicho, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka 437-01, Japan.
CHANDRIKA AND THE LITTE
ADELE Balasingham's article under the title Chandrika the LTTE and the Tamil Conflict (TT, April 1995), is, despite its seeming intellectual bent, an attempt to fight the truth. Through several false positions stated as truths there is in it an attempt to present the peace process as a solo enactment by Chandrika, and by debunking it, to knock out the whole peace process itself from the Northern mind.
Adele acknowledges Chandrika's impact on the Tamil mind. To do less would have affected her own credibility. She says that in the run up to the Presidential election Chandrika's special characteristics relevant to that time, generated a great deal of optimism amongst the Tamil community in the north and east'. This she relates to the expectation of these people that Chandrika could offer a political solution that would satisfy the aspiration of the Tamil people'.
The impact of Chandrika on the Tamil people is a fact and it is not surprising that Adele should take cognizance of it. But what she goes on to state, once more as fact, is surprising. She states, "However the euphoria and expectation of the Tamil people when Chandrika assumed the Presidency have slowly disintegrated into disillusionment." As reason for this she states:
“Her approach to the national conflict, her handling of the LTTE in the negotiating process and her attitude towards the sufferings and hardship of the Tamil people indicate that she is unrealistic and unskilled in the art of dealing with complex and serious issues.'
She fathers on the Tamil people as reason for their disillusionment what is no more than her own judgement.
In Adele's presentation of events and moods there is wanting the perception that there has been change in the attitudes to the ethnic problem
on both sides - takin and not as armies. published in the dai 7th 1995 the claim government that th achievement of its solving the ethnic acceptance that the but a political settle butes to Dr. Anto statement made on that “they are willin sive devolution o alternative to separa that the reaction oft the peace process LTTE.
Adele has a simpl. ing the Tamil peopl She writes on this people's politics is th struggle for self de commitment, deterr paredness for extra self-sacrifice by the ducting that struggl unmatched in the w
It may be idle t LTTE could in the be isolated from t north. But there is a significant distinct Tamil people and th PA government its this distinction is to where necessary it direct to the Tamil mediation of the L expected. The gove of the ban on goods opening of the acce promise of more to c as part of such an e Adele's own measu Tamil people have r what they saw as Ch to get to them no Sinhala chauvinis Could it conceivably the same attempt w the Tamil people in LITTE? Adele is aliv ties in this situatio sents it as Chandrik State to look to the people irrespective they are conductin self-determinational the LTTE. This ack self though made for tive approach marks ress. This is a major one could not have E of the LTTE leader
agO.
What Adele fears in the scenario she what was Chandri polls strategy. She w
"It is generally as:

TAMIL TIMES 27
g these as peoples In its statement y papers of March s made by the PA e most important policy towards re
conflict is, "the solution is not war ment.” It also attrin Balasingham a ehalf of the LTTE g to accept extenpowers as an tism. It is obvious he Tamil people to has affected the
stic way of equate with the LTTE. score, "The Tamil e politics of armed termination. The nination and preordinary feats of organisation cone - the LTTE - is orld today.' o think that the foreseeable future he people of the nd can always be a ion between the e LTTE. That the elf is conscious of be expected. That should reach out people without the TTE is also to be rnment's relaxing to the north, the ss roads, and the ome can beviewed xercise. In fact on ure of things the 2acted postively to Landrika's attempt matter what the ts might think. be any different if 'as made to get to dependent of the re to the possibilih. Hence she prea's duty as head of needs of the Tamil of the fact that g “their right to nd their support of nowledgement itjustifying a negaa degree of progadmission which xpected from any ship just an year
is expresed by her draws as part of ka's Presidential rrites,
sumed that Chan
drika was not confident of an outright victory at the Presidential polls and anticipated that elections will be held in the north and therefore attempted to win the Tamil vote by offering pledges to resolve all the urgent problems coupled with extensive economic relief. Furthermore an yes vote for Chandrika from the Tamils in the north would certainly have enabled her to argue that she and she alone was the authentic representative of the Tamil people. Her political leverage over the Tamil population in the north would have been complete.” Chandrika's political leverage in the north appears to be the major concern. It is certainly not impossible that Chandrika herself is pushing for this. Hence the attempt by Adele to isolate Chandrika as a factor and show her as no different from JR.J or DBW (why not RP2) except that she is subtle.
Adele shows no perception of the possibility that Chandrika herself has no alternative but to push forward her peace initiative. In the course of this if the LTTE blocks the path she would need to go over the head or heads of the LTTE and offer to the Tamil people peace in all its totality.
In this, the LTTE is certainly on the horns of a dilemma. What Adele re
veals is this.
Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.
Batty Weerakoon, MP,
/

Page 28
28 TAM TIMES
THE ROLE OF THE LITTE
IT would be of much importance and relevance for Tamils in particular, to evaluate the role of the LTTE, in Tamil affairs, past and present. This importance is heightened by the present state of affairs with negotiations for a settlement heading for a climax. The past too is of equal relevance, since the present is a consequence of the past.
Many and varied are the criticisms of the role played by the LTTE, based on individual and group perspectives, motivated by genuine concern, personal and group interests, and also from personal prejudices. This attempt is for an impartial assessment and evaluation, though dependent on circumstances and perspectives.
It would be agreed that the Tamil Community has been subject to discriminations and indignities, beginning in 1956, due to the rousing of communal passions particularly by politicians and Sinhala chauvinists, which in time permeated almost the whole Sinhala community, just as a little of fermented milk curdles a pot of milk. The rising hatred and discord was accentuated by leaders in power, and culminated in the holocaust of 1983. Tamil stooges in power in the North and East, helped to increase the resentment of the Tamils still further.
It would also be agreed, that peaceful agitations, appeals, and conferences have been of no avail, and in fact evoked a degree of arrogance, sadism and contempt on the part of the Sinhala community. This has been all too obvious. The result had been the rise of youth Tamil militancy, in the conviction that only by violent means, the rights of the Tamil community could be won. In the beginning, all Tamil militancy groups were dedicated to the cause of Tamil interest, but as was to be expected, group rivalries began, resulting in almost all the groups, being motivated by jealousy and power to oust the LTTE rather than serve Tamil interests. This led most militant groups to seek support of India or the Sri Lankan Government and fighting alongside the security forces, whilst benefitting from extortion from Tamils.
Violence, once launched, can hardly be circumscribed by good and evil, for all is fair in war and love. Much of the criticism of the LTTE has been directed to its acts of violence against civilians in particular and its opponents. It is to be noted that in modern times of conflict, violence is directed both as a measure of offence and also as a deterrent, which includes all forms of pressure on the opponent. Success or failure is the main criterion
for justification, ir and ends. No do creed is extolled, bu in the modern worl in the partition rio
It would also be quote the words fighter in the Stati relevance to the in struggles being wa of the world. To qu whole history of thi liberty shows that made to her augus born ofearnest str struggle, there is who profess to favo deprecate agitatic want crops withou ground - they wal thunder and lightn ocean without the waters'. Those who that has ensued struggle, should do these words, and violence of LTTE n Politicians are ra place national int own, whatever bet and so it is, in the political party whi speak up for the Ta noted that they we stay in the North ol but headed to India the ordeals of the T move, they have under obligation t openly proclaimed hood of the Tamils As for the claim conventional forms by the LTTE, it intrusion of Tamil the militant and po red to above. It wo appreciate the ne prevent a stab in destabilisation oft and structures. A its back to the w situation can har take chances on th
cracy.
If motivation an Tamil cause is the noted that the LT in great measure, from the thousand girls who have sa for a cause in whic to share. What ot has displayed eve for a cause to whi committed. On the of the other groups Tamils, and som funded and feted b. are also proclaime the guise of intelle

15 MAY 1995
espective of means bt the Gandhian t hardly applicable l, as was so evident is of North India. f some relevance to if a black freedom es, which has much numerable freedom ged in many parts ote his words: "The ! progress of human all concessions yet t claims, have been uggle. If there is no no progress. Those ur freedom, and yet in, are men who t ploughing up the at the rain without ing. They want the roar of its many decry the violence with the freedom well to ponder on particularly on the nethods. rely to be trusted to erests above their heir proclamations, case of the Tamil ch has claimed to mil cause. It is to be re not prepared to reven in the South, , reluctant to share amils. Also by such placed themselves ) India, which has its hostility to self in Sri Lanka. is of, democracy in , as being hindered would mean the stooges, including litical groups referuld be necessary to 2d of the LTTE to the back, or the heir administration party fighting with all, in a do or die illy be expected to e grounds of demo
d dedication to the criterion, it is to be TE has displayed it
as would be seen s of young boys and crificed their lives, h they will not live her party or group h a minor sacrifice sh they claim to be other hand, many have extorted from have even been the Indians. There d Tamil votaries in ctuals, who pose as
*ற்
armchair critics, who have been unwilling to move even a finger to help the Tamils in their hour of need. Some may even seem to be self serving, having their own axe to grind against the LTTE or with an eye to benefits that would accrue to those who blunt Tamil unity and demands of a just settlement. There are also those unwilling to be practical in evaluating the circumstances that are compelling in a struggle with a vastly superior power.
If ability and efficiency be the criterion, and this must necessarily be so, with a minority struggling against an overwhelming majority, commanding the resources of the country, then the LTTE has obviously displayed it in full measure. A few thousand Tigers, had stood up against the fourth largest army in the world (Indian) compelling them to withdraw, and thereafter against the power and might of the Sinhala army of perhaps 100,000 men supported by sophisticated armour, a powerful naval and air force. The Tigers have been acclaimed as the most efficient and able guerrilla force in the whole world, by friend and foe. It is also to be admitted that it is unthinkable for a David to best a Goliath, without sacrificial courage and motivation.
Above all it is to be admitted that if not for the ability and sacrificial courage of the LTTE, there would have been no peace talks. The war weariness of the army, the desertation of soldiers unwilling to fight, and the present conviction that a military solution is not possible, is the only reason for the present willingness of the Government to talk of a settlement. Many Tamil critics have been wont to bypass this obvious fact, in their eagerness to intrude with advice and cooperation with the complexities of the peace settlement. An ex-president spoke out plainly when he asserted the Sinhala position on the grounds that "there is no Tamil problem, but a problem of crushing Tamil militancy' (terrorists).
In the present stage of negotiations for a settlement, and into which a great many individuals, and groups are rushing in, it must necessarily be that dedication and commitment to the Tamil cause must be the final criterion, to be so considered. Those willing to play ball with the government by weaning the Tamils away from the LTTE and its commitment to negotiate a just settlement, must ever be suspect. The fear is that the other Tamil groups and individuals would encourage Tamils to be satisfied with “the hiss of the oil rather than the oil cakes'. Ontario,
Canada. A. Tambalan.

Page 29
15 MAY 1995
SAMs - Add New Dim To the Conflict
from Rita Sebastian, in Colombo
What the Sri Lankan Air Force dreaded, but perhaps never expected, became a frightening reality on April 28 and 29 when two aircraft were brought down by the LTTE using surface to air (SAM) missiles.
In Eelam War 1 and Eelam War 2, the Sri Lankan Air Force dominated the skies providing air cover for military operations on the ground and taking on rebel targets.
The attack on the aircraft however has brought a new dimension to the 12-year conflict. The airforce is reported to have been alerted to the possession of SAMs by the LTTE, but its high command seems to have chosen to dismiss it.
Although the earlier perception that the LTTE was a band of rag-tag fighters had been long dropped from the vocabulary of both the forces and the civilian population, there was always a doubt whether they could threaten the Air Force.
Having demonstrated their capability on the ground, as well as at sea, what was left to be challenged was the Air Force which they did with disastrous consequences by shooting down the two aircraft.
With the mob supplies to the c. territory depend transport, the go in a serious situa
In his recent Lanka, Mr. M.R makes a revealin
He writes: P. ) the LTTE's staun Tamil Nadu, reco According to him were trained in Ir 1986-88 in the aircraft weapons that the weapor available to them
“When the LTT the weapons, h. sisted that they Indian army off RAW then gave names of ex-ar ported to be resi Nadu districts of Dharmapuri and them could be rec the story is told b
“Pulendran, th malee commande those trained in
Continued from page 9
government to halt any further escalation of conflict which would lead to incalculable human suffering and misery. Both parties should resume direct political contacts to resolve the crucial outstanding issues'.
A. Sivajilingam, Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation
The peace process was at a standstill when the LTTE attacked the naval boats. The government should not only talk to the LTTE to iron out the problems between them, but also should engage in talks with other responsible Tamil political parties.
The government must place its proposal in public to end the northeast crisis. The public do have a greater responsibility to find a solutaon to the problem. If a solution is agreed, the government should go to the extent of publishing it and takLng action to implement it'.
Prof. Bertram Bastiampilai
The LTTE have time and again
proved that the desire to contin process since thi stantial reduction LTTE in the No.
The LTTE's re. moves have been the impatient TI the internationa have been inten bring a quick conflict. The gov longer be made s
Campaign for and Democrac
The Campaig Democracy is dee the LTTE attack its decision to br with the Govern (GofSL). We have on the GoSL anc sue the peace pro disruptions.
Our peace de with both parti views on the pe

TAMIL TIMES 29
2nSiOn
lity of troops and amps in rebel held ant largely on air vernment is placed tion.
book Tigers of Narayan Swamy g disclosure.
Neduraman, one of chest supporters in unts a bizarre tale. l, 10 LTTE cadres dia for 6 months in handling of antiwith the promise is would be made
TE asked them for owever, RAW inkeep two retired icers as advisers. a list of 20-25 my personnel reding in the Tamil North Arcot and said that two of ruited'. The rest of y Neduraman. e LTTE’s Trincor, who was among anti-aircraft tech
have no genuine Je with the peace s would mean subof the power of the th and East.
:ent apparent peace mainly to placate amil civilians and l community who sifying pressure to and to the ethnic ernment should no capegoats”.
Peace /
n for Peace and ply disappointed by in Trincomalee and eak-off peace talks ment of Sri Lanka consistently called the LTTE to purcess irrespective of
legation has met es to express our
ce process.
nology, came to me with a list and
said it might create problems if he approaches these people directly so I agreed to go with him. For 3 days both of us went to each house in the list only to find that the names were all fake'.
Pulendran committed suicide in the infamous Pallaly incident during the time of the IPKF, but others who were trained may be among those who have survived the conflict so far.
Although much water has flowed under the bridge since then India's active involvement in the Sri Lankan conflict still remains a continuing debate.
Meanwhile, while military officials are shopping abroad for much needed military hardware, specially anti-missile mechanisms, the government has requested military assistance from the United States, India and some other countries.
But an all-out war does not seem to be on the government agenda with President Chandrika Kumaratunga still determined to salvage the peace initiative and put it on track again.
Already there is frantic behind the scenes lobbying by international mediators. Whether they will succeed in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table is yet to be seen.
The decision of the LTTE to opt out of the peace process came as a rude shock to President Kumaratunga. At first the government was not sure whether the attack on the two naval vessels in Trincomalee on April 19 was the beginning of Eelam War 3, or as the LTTE's international spokesman, the Paris based Lawrence Thilagar made known in an interview, it was merely a symbolic gesture over the LTTE's displeasure with the government over the peace negotiations.
But the attacks that followed made it abundantly clear that the LTTE meant business.
Political analysts are puzzled at the LTTE calling off the truce within such a short time. Clearly there was a legacy of distrust that neither side was able to overcome. Both the government and the LTTE continued preparations for war and reinforced themselves in the expectation that the peace process would collapse sooner or later.
And it did. And the victims once again will be the civilian population trapped between the two warring sides.

Page 30
30 TAMIL TIMES
CLASSIFIED ADS
First 20 words C10. Each additional word 60p. Charge for BOX NO. £3. (Wat 17 1/2%o extra) Prepayment essentia
The Advertisement Manager. i Tamil Times Ltd. PO Box 12
Sutton, Surrey SM13TD
Phone: 0181-644. O972
Fax: 0181-241 45
MATRIMONIAL Highly respectable Jaffna Catholic parent seeks honourable groom, 37-40, for conscientious caring professional daughter. Photo and full details please. M 790 C/o Tamil Times.
Jaffna Hindu seeks partner for sister, 30, computer consultant, New Zealand citizen, Mars afflicted. Send details, horoscope. M 791 c/o Tamil Times.
WEDDING BELLS
We congratulate the following couples on their recent wedding. Varuna son of the late Mr. Ratnasabapathy and Mrs. P. Ratnasabapathy of 11 Albert Place, Dehiwela and Kaushala Devi daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T. Yogarajah of 18 inner Fairline Road, Dehiwela on 14.5.95 at Hotel Sapphire, Colombo 6.
Kumaraswamy son of the late Mr. Gnaneswaran and Mrs. Maragatham Gnameswaran of 112 Buckland Way, Worcester Park, Surrey, U.K. and Rubaki daughter of the late Mr. Ganes han and Mrs. Y. Ganeshan of K 1/2 Bambalapitiya Flats, Colombo 4 on 17.5.95 at Seaview Hotel, ColOmbo 3.
OBTUARIES
Mr. Vyapuripilai Sivarajan (72), of Kantharmadam Jafna (formerly of The State Plantations Corporation, Balangoda) last of 31 Rosecroft Road,
Southall, U.K., beloved husband of Annapooranam, only brother of the late Mr. V. Kandasamy Retired Principal of Sinnathamby Vidiyalayam Alvai, brother-in-Law of Sellamma Kan das am y Retired Teacher Vadamarachi Hindu Ladies College, Pt. Pedro, very dear and loving father of Padmini, Ranjani, Mahendran and Vasanthi, devoted father-inLaw of Chelvachandran, Verskumar, Shivani and Uma Mahesh, affectionate paternal uncle of Dr. K. Ganeshalingam (Wales) and Bavani Balasingann, darling grandfather of Sentouran, Aarani, Kabelan, Saiyijan, Janani and Saivickneish, fond grand uncle of Atchuthan andAnusha, passed away suddenly on Sunday April 30th, 1995. The Cremation, Well attended by friends and relatives, took place at the South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex U.K. on 4th May, 1995.
The family members extend their sincere and grateful thanks to all those who visited them, assisted in various ways in the funeralarangements participated in the funeral rites, attended the funeral, sent floral tributes and messages of sympathy. They much regret their inability to thank all concerned individually - M. Uma Mahesh, 31 Rosecroft Road, Southall, Middlesex UB12XJ.
Mrs.
Ratnes war y Navanathan, beloved wife of Chel
 
 
 

15 MAY 1995
liah Navanathan; eldest daughfer Of the late Mr. & MrS. A.S. Kandiah of Kondavil East; loving mother of Sivakumar, Shanthakumar (USA), Sukunar (Student, Medical Faculty, Colombo); sister of Mrs. Ratnasingham, Thirunavukkarasu (UK) and Mrs. Balasubramaniam, loving mother-in-law of Shalini; fond grandmother of Thanendra, Sister-in-law of C. Raja kulas ingham, Mrs. Јеyadevi Jesudasan, D.C. Jeyarajah (UK), D.C. Balarajah (Canada), D.C. Devarajah (UK), Mrs. Selvadevi Joseph and Mrs. Pushpadevi Arulannarajah expired in Colombo on 12.5.95. The funeral took place at the Kanate Cemetery on 14.5.95 - D/8 Anderson Flats, Colombo 5.
Dr. K. Nithiananha, dearly beloved husband of the late Saroini; loving father of Shivanthi, Sivakumar, Shankari and Shivaharan, father-in-law of Sri Ranjan, Sue, Dr. Sivakumaran and Kim; grandfather of Sharmistha, Sandesh, Shanya, Sakishna, Shehan and Shantha passed away in Dallas, Texas on 174.95 and was Crenated on 20.4.95 - 24 BarnCroft Drive, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent ME73T.J.
IN MEMORIAM
ln loving memory of Mr. Tham
bidura i Shan mugarajah, Attorney-at-Law, J.P.U.M. of Konda vil East, Sri Lanka, on the first anniversary of his passing away on 5th May 1994.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his beloved wife Ananthavalli; loving daughter Sharmini; son-in-law, Ranjit; loving grand children Praveen and Anjana — 102 Loutitt Street, Yellowknife, N.W.T., Canada X1A 3ለ/45.
in everloving memory of Dr. Parameswaran Kandiah on the fifth anniversary of his passing away on 12.5.90.
Sorrowfully remembered by his wife Pathmasany and loving children Thayalan and Pathanịali - 29 Mounstan Close, Hartside Grange, Hartlepool TS26 OLR, U.K.
in loving memory of Dr. Manohara Nadarajah, formerly of Katsina, Nigeria and later Bedford General Hospital, UK on the third anniversary of his passing away on 29.5.92.
You are always in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your wife indranee and sons Suthaharan and Waseeharan. - 52 Marnharm Crescent, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9SW, U.K.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
May 29 9.00am Festival of Cricket organised by the Sri Lankan OBAs in UK at Norman Park, Bromley. Tel: 0181 884 O276. June 1 Feast of St. Justin. Jun. 2 Sathurthi. Jun. 3 Feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions. Jun. 9 Eekathasi. Jun. 11 Vaikasi Visakam. Jun. 12 Full Moon. Jun. 14 Feast of Corpus Christi.

Page 31
15 MAY 1995
Jun. 18 11.00am International Tamil Foundation presents Panel Discussion on "The Path to Peace' and Lunch at Dryburgh Hall, Putney Leisure Centre, Upper Richmond Road, London SW15. Speakers: Prof. James Manor, Dr. Arjuna Sittampalam, S. Sivanayagam and Adrian Wijemanne. For tickets telephone 0181 567 3221.
Jun. 22 Feast of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More.
Jun. 23 Eekathasi.
Jun. 246.30pm MIOT presents Carnatic Vocal by Rajkumat Bharathi and Bharatha Natyan by Thanuja Bhavani Shankar in aid of Tamil Projects in Tami Homelands at Kelsey Park School, Manor Way, Beckenham, Kent. Tel: 01322 666330/0181 460 5235.
eseseaеaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
CANADAN NEWS LETTER Provincial Elections
The NDP Socialist Premier of Ontario, Hon. Bob Rae is seeking another term of office. The elections have been called or June 8th and the other two major parties in the field are the Progressive Conservatives and the Liberals. A fairly tight race is expected. Two Tamils are aspiring to be members of the Provincial Parliament. Krishnasamy Parthiban is the 'Liberal" candidate for Scarborough-Ellesmere and Gnanaki Balakrishnan is the choice of the ruling NDP' for Don Mills.
Senior Tamils' Centre
The Senior Tamils' Centre of Ontario held its 9th A.G.M. on 29th April '95 at the Oriole Auditorium. The following were elected without a contest. President: Rosaline Rajanayagam, Vice President: Mani Pathmarajah, Secretary: Siva. S. Nathan, Treasurer: V. Eeswaranathan, Past President: (Ex-Officio) S. Tharma
lingam, Board Mem ham, C. Kanagain gar, S. Thiagarajah, an and P.S. Soosa
Logan Senathiraj tered ACCountant w Rosaline is the first Over 300 members and 250 participate dinner that followed
Sad LOSs: Montre Canadian Tamils in of Mr. S.A. Sivapath worker who passed the Registrar of the versity of Sri Lanka
Appointment: M wamy, President ol ety of Canada h, member of the Or able' on anti-racism vehicle to impleme ment's Anti-Racism wamy a senior adm. Commissioner of L Lanka.
presents
KALA MALAI
KARNA TIc VocAL
алd
FAKATHA NAYAM swith Rajkumar Barathi - vocal)
Accompanied by
MEDICALINSTITUTE OFTAMILS
ST tulékeglow
A5107.)
WITH YOUNGMUSICANS OF THE YEAR
Mr. Rajakumar Bharath į 8 awa i Ia be for indivivual classes and workshops between 11th & 25th June on weekdays. Please Tei: 013:22666330.
Ra GREAT GRANDSON OF THE FREEDOMFIGHTER - POET. SUBRAMANIABHARATH PATRON - 8RTFSF ASSOPCATIONW OF OW MSC.WS
Bharwani Shankar. Muthu Swarajah. L. Korhandapani, Bangalore Prakash,
K. Sithanparanathan
2th JUNE 99s (SATURDAY
Af 6.3Ᏸ PᎷ (re aw so be punctual-please ensure yours too)
venue: Kelsey Park School, Manor way,
Beckenhansent BR33SV
THCKET: S.00 SPONSORS 23,00
schildren under 12 yrs - FREE
to aid of Haalik Pre Zanzini THANUJA BHAVANSHANNAR
Director, "SAMUDRA" (loNDON) School of All Indian Music dance and Related Arts
01322666330(secy. MIOT) 08:14603235(secy, MoTISETR) osi 4274920(secy. SAMUDRA)
SOR any member of MOT committee - for details
WILL BEAVALABLE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TAMIL TIMES 31
Jun. 24 6.30pm Gana Kuyil 1995 at Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middx. Tel: O181 904 3937. Jun. 27 Amavasai.
Jun. 29 Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Jun. 30 Feast of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.
At the Bhawan Centre, 4A Castletown Road, London
W149HQ. Te: O1713813086/ 4608. Jun. 57.30pm Dance Ballet on Saint Gnana Sambanthar by the students of Dr. Padma Subramaniam and Dhananjayans. Jun. 18 6.30pm Bharatha Natyam by Lakshmi and Parvati from India, Jun. 24 7.00pm Karnatic Flute by Shashank Subramanyam
from India.
LLLSLALSLSLSLALLSLLLLSLLALSL LLLLSLLLSLSLLLLLSLLLLLSLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLSLLALLLL L LSLLLLL LL LLLLLLLLS
bers: Aloy Ratnasingann, T. ManickavasaBavani Sivaramalingthasan. h, the Canadian Charas re-elected Auditor. ady to head the S.T.C. attended the A.G.M. I in the Congregational
all in particular and the general mourn the loss Iam, a prominent social away recently. He was 2 Jaffna Campus, Uni
urugesapillai Durais* the Tamil Eelam Socias been appointed a tario Cabinet 'Roundt. The 'Roundtable' is a nt the Ontario Governinitiatives. Mr. Duraisinistrator was Assistant ocal Government in Sri
Sivasakthi & Prakash to Entertain & Help Worthy Causes
Smit Sivasakthy Sivanesan, the wellknown Carnatic singer and Sri Prakash Yadagudde, renowned Bharatha Natyam dancer both teachers at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, are visiting Canada and in addition to providing excellent entertainment on their first visit to Canada, helping worthy causes. Their programme is as follows:
3rd June 6.00pm in aid of Ramanathan Old Girls' Association at Tuxedo Court, 18th Floor Scarborough. Tel: 416 289 3801/467.5221.
4th June 3.00pm in aid of Richmond Hill Hindu Temple at Temple Auditorium. Tel: 905 883 9109.
7th June in aid of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, 5178 St. Lawrence Blvd., Montreal, Quebec. Tel: 514279 3545.
YOGA. & CO.
For all your legal work and conveyancing
Solicitors & Administrators of Oaths
47 Booth Road, Colindale, London NW55JS
Telephone 0181-2050899
Full time courses Weekend Courses
Course fee
Private Tuition
CIMA-NOVEMBER '95 Examination
: Commencing on 3rd July 95 : Commencing on 5th August '95
: Stage 1-3 £400
Minimum 180 hours tuition will be given Emphasis will be given on frequently examined syllabus areas Past examination question will be done Specific attention will be given to case studies Free revision course
PhOne: 0181-422 4382
Stage 4 £450

Page 32
32 TAMIL TIMES
Bharatha Natyam in Netherlands
The well known Bharatha Natyam dancer Indra Devi gave several recitals in some of the principal cities of the Netherlands. Her performances in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Nijmegen and Den Haag were well attended by Dutch, Indian and Sri Lankan residents of the Netherlands. She received a standing ovation at the Tropical Institute in Amsterdam where royalty and dignitaries were a part of the audience.
lindra Devi is a pupil of Smt Rajamani and Tanjore Kittappapillai. Sri Kittappapillai is one of the oldest nattuvanars of Tamil Nadu and is a descendant of the Tanjore quartet.
The accompanists were Nattuvangam: Sri K. Chandrasekaran (son of Guru Kittappapillai) Tanjore, Vocal: Smt Ambika Thamotheram (London), Mirdangam: Sri S. Giridaran (Bangalore), Violin: Smt Komala Ramalingam (Paris) and Thambura: Smit Stin Nova (Holland).
KokuVil Hindu Old Students Meet
Old Students of Kokuvil Hindu College, an old and reputed educational establishment in Jaffna, gathered at the Heath Clark Tertiary Centre, Croydon on 22nd April. The occasion was their annual cultural show, I could count well known figures from the London Tamil Circle, Medical and Legal Professionals, academics, and Simple art lovers - mostly all of them past pupils and products of the K.H.C.
The programme opened with the School Anthem which transported the audience and made them to travel through time back to the days of their morning school assembly. Dr. P. Arumugaraasah — the President of the Association delivered an address of welcome followed by a Baratha Natiyam performance by Miss Jane Rasaiyaah a student of Srimathi Menaka Raviraj. The audience were treated to a violin recital by students of Thiruvarur L. Kothandapani, a veena recital by Sangeetha Vidwan Sivatharini Sahadevan and a Baratha
Natiyam performanc Sundaram a studer Jeyanayagam. The programme was co light music presente Group. Almost all th hits from South lindi
The Chief Guest Sangeetha Vidwan jah a former music has today attained Srimathi Vidya Mah Compere for the eve ence with her melod
Although the Old in UK is still in its inf Colombo Celebratec March this year with the Sugathadasa lr, the Taj Samudra bumper souvenir w
OCCasion and was function to raise fur production magnific has very impressiv sages from the Pre the P. M., the Lead Minister of Educatio ombo, and various c - to name a few - F balasunderam, M. V.
ton National Bank, many others. The sc that must be preserv
Kalabhavanan
Kalabhavanam Fine just three year ag minded friends in Cl unique respectabili musicians and mus: Besides vocal and special expositions aspects like Pallavis Dasa vidha Gamaka students and Conno) Their monthly c volunteering artistes after events. The la experiment which u bonanza. On 26th maestro Somasunda ly entrusted his ins disciple Ranjith K. himself gave a full and on the 30th ofA London violinist Thi left his instrument league Gnanavarad Vocal recital.
SomaSundara De respected senior V. Sikar, is a discipline bound. He sang wit raga bhava spiced ments, revealing h Common rule that a tice in vocal music instrumentalist is p, Somu's expertise or uvarur Kothandapé singing faithfully anc on the mridangam w Muthu Sivaraja on
 

15 MAY 1995
se by Miss Ahrani Balat of Srinathi Malathi Second half of the mprised of Melisai - d by the 'Geethavani' e songs were popular
arri FirS. of the evening was Saraswathy Packiaraeacher at K.H.C. who international acclain. eethan who acted as ning treated the audiious voice.
Students ASSOCiation ancy its counterpart in its golden jubilee in an impressive show at door Stadium and at hotel in Colombo. A as published for this sold at the Croydon ds. lt was a colossal ently presented and e articles and messident of Shri Lanka, er of the Opposition, n, the Mayor of Collistinguished old boys Professor R.S. ThanaTheagarajah of HatA. Sinnathamby and uvenir is a production ed by all old students.
Winal Sockanathan.
n Does it Again
Arts Centre, founded p by a group of art oydon has acquired a ty among practising Sic lovers in London.
instrumental recitals,
On certain technical singing, Griha Bedam, m etc., have attracted sseurs alike.
hатber concerts by have become soughttest innovation is an nexpectedly proved a March the mridangam ra Desikar, Confidenttrument to his young anagasundaram and length vocal concert; pri last the Well knOwn ruvarur Kothandapani in charge of his colan and himself gave a
sikar, son of the well idwan iyakkannu De2d artist and tradition h a sure grasp of the with rhythmic adornis early training. The knowledge and prac2 is a must for any roved in the case of the mridangam. Thirni followed Somu 's f young Ranjith played fith a mature handling. the Ganjira and Chi
dambaranathan on the morsung filled the bill as a tearn.
Kothandapani comes from the well known Thanjavur Nadaswaram dynasty in which the humming of Karnatic tunes is heard even among little children. Pani’s vocal recital for Kalabhavanam that day reflected that dynastic legacy in the brigas and gamakas produced though at times the vocal cord refused to cooperate. A serious effort if taken by Pani to practice, we can expect some authentic renderings from him. Gnanavaradana on the violin is another Thanjavur strain through Alaveddy and Inuvil in Jaffna who displayed remarkable ability. Somu's rhythmic syllables were captivating. Chidambaranathan's morsung added colour.
Smit. Manorama Krishna Prasad, musicologist and member of Kalabhavanam paid a glowing tribute to the emerging team of artistes whose contributions to Kalabhavanam are well recognised and appreciated.
S. Sivapatha Sundaram.
警》
Chithampara - J.S.S.A. Soccer Champions
The J.S.S.A. (UK) soccer tournament took place on 6.5.95 at Warren Farm Sports Centre, Southall, commencing at 9.30am in the presence of a large gathering. Mr. M. Francis who had played for the Sri Lankan National team from 1971 to 1979 and captained it in 1974 was the chief guest.
888
In the final match Chithampara became champions defeating Trincomalee Hindu by 2 goals to 1. Hartley was placed third. The challenge cups for these teams were distributed by the chief guest.
Anton of St. Patrick's scored the largest number of goals, Uthayakumar of Trincomalee Hindu was adjudged the man of the tournament and Thirukumar of Chithampara was declared the man of the match. Medals for these winners were presented by Shandy Ravichandan of Kreeda SportSea.
Hindu New Year at London Sivan Temple
Devotees in large numbers thronged the London Sivan Temple at 4A Clarendon Rise, London SE13 to usher in the Hindu New Year. Besides poojas throughout the day on 14th April, there was a religious

Page 33
15 MAY 1995
discourse by Dr. Rajan Namasivayan, a Bharatha Natya Recital by Subha Dharshini daughter of Dr. & Mrs. S.T.S. Somsegaram of Bexley and a Veena Recital by Sange ethaa Vidwan Sivatharini Sahathevan.
Veena Arangetram of Shobana
The Veena Arangetram of Shobana daughter of Drs. M. Sreetharan of 1 Lupin Close, Shirley Oaks Village, Croydon took place on 65.95 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London W14, Shobana is a disciple of the versatile carnatic musician Smt Sivasakthi Sivanesan and was presented by her after 5 years of intensive training. Smt Geetha Ramanathan Bennet was the Chief Guest and Dr. John Marr and Mrs. Pauline E. Davies, the Head Mistress of Shobana's school were the Guests of Honour.
Shobana delighted the large audience present with her excellent presentation of the melodious music from the Veena, ably accompanied by Sri M. Balachandar on the Miridangam, Bangalore Sri R.N. Pracash on the Ghatam and Dr. Mythily Vimal on the Thambura.
Dinner, Miss New Y
The Sri Lankan Sp tion had their Dinner North Ealing Leisu, Middx. The highligh the "Miss New Yea. Selvadurai was adju and was Crowned Chandran, Wife of foundation.
M.I.O.T. - VN
The Educational and of the Medical inst to hold a full day m Allied fields for pers of 16 and 30, on Sa 1995 at The Robe Guy's Tower, Gu Bridge, London SE
The Medical lns: professional, non founded in 1989 fi Lanka and the di people. It seeks to C health care profess Seas to assist the homelands and as tries.
Those interested ing are requested to tor, Mr. Suren R. Lane, Grove Park, O181857 2742.
Carnat
Carnatic muSic lo enthralled by the Bombay S. Jayash, Theatre, University
 
 
 
 

TAMIL TIMES 33
Dance & fear Contest
orts and Arts FoundaDance on 16th April at re Centre, Greenford, it of the evening was r' contest. Miss Sarah idged "Miss New Year' by Dr. (Mrs.) Ouadsia
the Chairman of the
Youth Forum
ResearCh Committee itute of Tamils hopes eeting on Medical and ons between the ages turday 30th September ens Suite, 29th Floor, y's Hospital, London f 9RT.
titute Of TamilS is a political organisation plowing events in Sri persion of the Tamil OOrdinate the efforts of ionals in UK and over
Tamils living in their efugees in other coun
in attending this meetcontact the Coordinaaymond, 204 Marvals Ondon SE129PL. Tel:
RALAN
ETTER
ic Concert
vers of Sydney were focal music concert of iOn 193.95 at Wallace
of Sydney. This was
the inaugural concert presented by the newly formed cultural organisation, Pallavi which hopes to present more concerts by well known artistes and become an integral part of the Sydney music scene.
For over two hours, Jayashri transported the rasikas to a "musical heaven. Her wonderful voice mesmerised the audience and the ragas, kintanas, neravals, swaras she sang were a joy to hear. She began the concert with a varnam in Saveri raga and followed with a song on Ganesha - Bhaja Manasa Vigneswara - in Bahudaari and sang several kritis in Telugu and Kannada. Raga, Thana, Pallavi was presented in Kalyana Vasanta and she sang several pieces in Hindi and Tamil- Javali, Meera Bhajan, Thilana etc - each one a gem,
Vital Ramamurthy, a disciple of Lalgudi Jayaraman accompanied on the Violin, Palani Kumar was the Miridangist and Aruna Parthiban was on the Tamura. Carnatic music lovers of Sydney are looking forward to the next Pallavi presentation.
Tamil Cultural & Educational Centre
The Saiva Manram Inc. celebrated the opening of their Tamil Cultural & Educational Centre on 14.4.95 at their new premises at 217 Great Western Highway, Mays Hill, Sydney. The Manram intends to use the hall as a place of worship till they build a traditional temple. Statues of Murugan, Pillayar, Nadarasar and SivakamaSundari were ceremoniously established in the hall, the Prathisdai ceremony took place in the morning and Thirukalyanam for Murugan was performed in the evening. Sangabishekam for Pillayar was performed on 15th and that for Murugan was done on the 17th. Large crowds of devotees participated in the celebrations on all four days which happened to be the Easter weekend holidays. There were cultural shows, lectures and colouring, poetry, educational and fancy dres competitions for children.
Abishekam at Sri Venkateswara Temple
Sahasthra Kalasa Abishekam which is traditionally performed with 1001 pots of water on Good Friday holiday at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, Sydney every year coincided with Tamil New Year Day on 14.4.95. A large crowd of devotees sponsored the abishekam donating $10 for each pot. On Sunday, 16th April a Sanga Abishekam with 108 sangus was performed for Sri Ganesha and after the pooja, the Utsava Murthy was placed on a traditional Pallakku and taken in procession around the temple in a Thandikai specially constructed by a group of devotees from Sri Lanka. Devotees from India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia participated in this festival.

Page 34
34 TAMIL TIMES
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உங்கள் உடமைகள் யாவையும் கப்பல் மூலமாகவோ அல்லது விமான மூல
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Page 35
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TAMILTIMES 35
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Page 36
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