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Page 2
2 TAMLTIMES
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15 MAY 2000
“I do not agree with a word of what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
-Voltaire
SSN 0266 - 44 88 Vol. XIX No. 5 15 MAY 2000
Published by: TAMIL TIMES LTD PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 081 644 0972 Fax: 0181 241 45.57 Email: prajanG)gn.apc.org
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Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork.
News Commentary 03 Battle for Jaffna 06 Tigers Call troops Surrender 13 india to Act 13 Norway Delegation 14
India, A Key Player - US 15 Diplomatic Ties Restored 16
UNHCR Concerned 17 Conditions Grim in Jaffna 16 No Going Back - Kalkat 19 Karunanidhi and LTTE 20 Bomb Attack on Vesak Day 20 Uthayan Shut Down 21 Thousands Stranded 22 Nalini's Sentence Commuted 24 Humanitarian Crisis 26 Intolerance of Dissent 29
Classified 32
May 26 - With re-entering into Jaffna determinec former strongho humanitarian Cris population and a of some 30,000 g entrapped in the p facing Sri Lanka h truly internationali The Sri Lankar sought Indian m forms of assistanc emist hardline sec previously viewed the island's affairs ility, pleaded for in Norwegians ar ged in a mediatio the conflict by pro tions between the the LTTE. On May Foreign Minister Johansen, and Mr. special nominee O government with seek a resolution O flict, arrived in SriL visit. They had deta with the President, ster and the Opp They also visited emphasised the in Indian role in the p Sri Lanka.
Recently, Uni officials visited Co Delhi and displayed rest in resolving the Israel was amo ntries to respond fi Shopping Spree ammunition, as wel communication equi the government to matic ties with Sr. been reports of the aeli military person to be in the island as advisors and to ertise with their Sr gues. The govern hatic that they woul in any actual comb
On May 18, the issued a statemen kan situation, signe
 
 
 

he Tamil Tigers he heartland of orecapture their and posing a for the civilian reat to the lives vernment troops hinsula, the Crisis is been Well and ed.
government has itary and other e. Even the extrions, which had any Indian role in with bitter hostlian intervention. 2 already engarole to resolve moting negotiagovernment and 22, the Deputy of Norway, Mr. Erik Solheim, the f the Norwegian the mandate to f the ethnic Conanka for a 2-day illed discussions he Foreign Miniosition Leader. New Delhi and portance of an eace process in
ed States top ombo and New high profile inteisland's Conflict. ng the few couvourably to the for arms and as for advanced pment. This led resume diploel. There have presence of Srel Who are Said n a limited role hare their expLankan colleaent was empnot be involved
aropean Union in the Sri Lanby Portugal as
NIMIS COMMENTARA
TAMILTIMES 3
the present President of the EU. The statement called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities on a basis agreed by all parties' and urged the LTTE to accept the offer by the government of Sri Lanka to open talks. The statement called for the Emergency regulations to be lifted as soon as possible, and urged "the governments of the member states of the EU to take steps to proscribe organisations operating on their territory which continue to provide financial and other support to terrorist actions in Sri Lanka'. The statement also contained a call to bring the situation before the UN Security Council.
It has also been reported that the British government was on the point of raising the issue of the Sri Lankan crisis in the UNSecurity Council, but was dissuaded from doing so by the Indian government.
The much publicised reports that have dominated the media for a number days about the prospect imminent direct Indian intervention in the ongoing armed conflict in Sri Lanka has so far not materialised. However, units of the Indian military - navy and airforce - are said to be on red alert ready and waiting in country's southern cities for orders to leave for Sri Lanka at short notice. There is much confusion as to the extent and nature of the assistance Colombo has asked and aS to what Delhi has agreed or prepared to offer. What role India is going to play is not yet clear. However, Delhi has firmly ruled out direct military assistance and intervention Colombo has sought in the face of the relentless advance of the Tigers into the the Jaffna peninsula following the fall of the Elephant Pass military base complex on 22 April. Statements by Indian politicians, including the Prime Minister and Defence and Foreign Ministers indicate that India is set against direct military intervention, though they say that they are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to evacuate the 30,000 government troops trapped in Jaffna, mainly at the sprawling

Page 4
4 TAMITMES
Palaly military base.
The LTTE also in an apparent diversionary move fired mortar bombs late on 24 May at Kalladi army camp, just south of the eastern city of Batticaloa in which six civilians, including children, were killed and three wounded.
In another move as intense fighting in the outskirts of Jaffna continued, the LTTE announced in a statement issued on 26 May that it "will observe atemporary ceasefire between 10am and 10pm Saturday May 27 to facilitate the evacuation of civilians to Safe areas from batteZeones of the Then marachchi division of the Jaffna peninsula to safe areas."
India's External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh during a visit to London on 24 May is said to have discussed the Sri Lankan situation, and the developments in the Jaffna in particular, with his British counterpart, Robin Cook A report attributed to Mr Singh said, "Mr Singh is notifying friendly countries the circumstances under which India will render humanitarian help to Sri Lanka and explaining India's stand on all related issues. There is no question India considering any military role, nor are we trying to Seek UN Or Commonwealth intervention." A report attributed to the British Foreign Office spokesman said that UK was supporting the efforts of the Norwegian government to initiate a peace process, adding that, "We recognise the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and believe that the problem the problem can only be solved through negotiations."
The opposition Congress Party has come down heavily on the Indian government for its "shabby handling of the Sri Lankan crisis." The party's foreign affairs spokesman Mr K Natwar Singh described the government's attitude as "strange and inimical" to lndia's long-term interests. "Far too long they kept saying hands-off Sri Lanka with the result that now Norway, China and Pakistan have become active in the island nation." He said that the hostility of some of these countries against India was not a Secret, "in
my opinion He sa Minister expresse for Sri Lanka's u ignty, should have support Eelam, a in practical ways." Still afresh ar memories of the Indian troops we failed military miss island's conflict ment forces and during 1987-90. upon Colombo to 1987 indo Sri La viding for a certai nomy for the coul munity living pred the north-east of then Prime Minis Sent in the Indiar Force to ensure th of the provisions ( the ending of the However, what fol and protracted mill between the PK Tigers, who in th Struck an alliance enemy, the Sri La headed by Presi who supplied mc hardware to fight dasa and the LT departure of the the end of March red an enormous alties - 1200 dea injured.
There is no do is taking a very c and declining mil beleaguered nea ghbour for sever yee's governme ated by the BJP, i eral regional parti the National De The conflicting pc tituent parties of reflect the currer times Contradict Delhi.
"Some Sectic have a mistaken in Sri Lanka as a Ween the Buddh lese and the mi and that the lat deserve the Sup

15 MAY 2000
that the Prime
India's support ity and soveresaid India did not d given Support
also the bitter 2cent past when e Sucked into a on to resolve the etween governhe Tamil Tigers laving prevailed inter into the July nka Accord prodegree of autotry's Tamil comminantly living in the country, the ter Rajiv Gandhi | Peace Keeping e implementation f the ACCOrd and armed Conflict. owed was a bitter tary confrontation F and the Tamil e meantime had e With their bitter nkan government dent Premadasa bney and military the PKF. PremaE demanded the PKF Which left at 990 having suffenumber of Casud and Over 5000
ubt that New Delhi autious approach tary support to its est southern neireasons. Vajpait, though domina Coalition of sevis which Constitute nocratic Alliance. sitions of the Conshe NDA doubtless confusing, and at y, stance of New
is within the BJP fiew of the Conflict religious one betst majority Sinha)rity Hindu Tamils er, being Hindus, Ort of the Hindus
of India," a Columnist from Delhi said adding, "These elements do not take into account of the fact that there is a substantial Christian component within the two communities."
Then there is the factor of Tamil Nadu where political parties seek to exploit the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. Two parties, MDMK led by Vaiko Gopalasamy and the PMK led by Dr Ramadas have been outspoken supporters of the Tamil Tigers. The ruling DMK led by M Karunanidhi, though reluctantly, has to make the "proper politically correct" noises not to be outdone by the MDMK and the PMK. Then there is the Samata Party led by Mr George Fernandes, OCCupying the powerful position of Defence Minister in the Vajpayee government. He has been reputed to be an undisguised supporter of the cause of the Tamil Tigers. Mr Fernandes, as Defence Minister, no doubt would wield a considerable degree of influence in matters relating to the prospect of any military involvement in Sri Lankan affairs.
But New Delhi also does not want to be completely left out in the Current efforts to resolve the Sri Lankan Crisis, particularly when other countries are seeking to move into the vacuum.
With the much desired indian military support not forthcoming, Colombo now appears to favourthe involvement of other countries along with Norway to make a joint effort in resolving the crisis in the island. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar, said on 23 May that he saw the possibility of a "joint effort" by Norway, India and the US to bring the government and the LTTE to the negotiating table to solve the ethnic conflict in the country. Asked if there would be a joint Indo-Norwegian effort because Norway was already on board and India had expressed an interest in getting on board, Mr Kadirgamar said: "That could be. It would be an effort whereby India is involved in the process with Norway. The USA is also saying that they would like to be involved in the process in a Suitable capacity, but always through India, with the consent of India".

Page 5
15 MAY 2000
Mr Kadirgamar further said that Norway had no problem about accepting India on board and it was keeping India informed on Sri Lanka's request. The US too had Said that India's Concerns in the region would have to be addressed. Asked how long it would take for this consortium of peace makers to take shape, the Lankan Foreign Minister hinted that there was no problem as far as these three COuntries were concerned.
It is clear as crystal that Sri Lanka is eager to have India on board because the latter is perhaps the only country in the world which has a stake in seeing that Sri Lanka is not divided and its territorial integrity and unity maintained.
While the LTTE has accepted Norwegian, it is doubtful whether it would agree to a community of countries including India and the US playing a role in the peace process precisely for the reason that these two countries set against the creation of a separate state in the island. AS if to reiterate their stand On this issue, India and the United States on 24 May ruled out support to any independent Tamil State carved out of Sri Lanka and said there was no military solution possible to the ethnic strife in the island. "The US does not support any kind of independent State in Sri Lanka," US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering asserted and was joined by the Indian Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh who said "that remains our position too."
Rejecting the possibility of any military solution, Pickering, who had wide-ranging consultations with Mansingh, said Washington supported any constructive role by India in Sri Lanka.
Answering questions whether any evacuation of beleaguered Sri Lankan troops was imminent, Mansingh told reporters that so far there. had been no request from Colombo in this regard, adding that according to reports with New Delhi heavy fighting was still raging between Government forces and LTTE.
Pickering, who also held discussions with Defence Minister George
Fernandes, said done to avert a strophe” in Jaffna nitarian Considel ount in the Currer innocent civilians Crossfire,” he sa US was watching island nation C supporting the broker peасе.
In the meantin given the deadlin troops to surrenc not the Tigers h attack the base government woul the "disasterous The deadline pa that the Tigers pitched battles ag Chavakachcheri ula, 15 km east o A LT TE Statemen said that their for a new offensive ar towards Meesal situated on a key Chavakachcheria government state troops backed by artillery had repuls the army's defenc and Meesalai. Th apparent diversic mortar bombs la Kalladi army cam eastern city of Ba Six civilians, includ killed and three W ln another mov, ting in the outskirt ued, the LTTE ann ment issued on 2 observe atempora Ween 10am and May 27 to facilita of civilians to safe Zeones of the The sion of the Jaffna areas."
The plight of th caught in the pen in the Jaffna town of grave concern first days of the there was not mu of people outsid situation had cha when thousands

TAMITMES 5
verything must be umanitarian catabeninsula. “Humations are paramsituation to avoid being caught in the i adding that the he situation in the refully and was orwegian role to
e, the Tigers have of 25 May for the ær, and if they do ave promised to warning that the be responsible of consequences." ssed with reports vere engaged in ainst troops in the area of the penisf the Jaffna town. issued on 24 May ces had launched ld were advancing a, a small town highway between nd Kodikamam. A ment Claimed that airforce jets and ed a big attack on es near Sarasalai e LTTE also in an Inary move fired te on 24 May at ), just south of the tticaloa in which ing children, were Dunded. eas intense figh; of Jaffna continounced in a state5 May that it "will ry ceasefire bet10pm Saturday e the evacuation areas from battlenmarachchi divipeninsula to safe
civilians Who are insula, especially area, is a matter Although in the newed fighting, of a movement
the town, this ged by May 20 f people began
moving out.
There have been no telephone lines open to Jaffna since early May. Up to mid-May there was a possibility to telephone Jaffna from Mannar, but later this link too was severed. Due to this situation, thousands of family members of civilians living in the peninsula are unable to find out what has happened to their relatives.
Following the commencement of air attacks, people began to leave the Jaffna town to move to Walikamam West. The LTTE radio also issued a warning asking people to leave before they began shelling in the direction of the town. In midMay, there were some reports of evacuees in Pandateruppu, and on May 20, the UNHCR reported that there were about 4000 persons living in very Cramped and unsanitary conditions in 5 community centres in Manipay. On May 16, MSF reported several civilian deaths, and there were reports of some civilians killed When a bomb fel On a Home for the Aged at Kaithady.
As the clashes between the Security forces and the LTTE continued, most international agencies including the UNDP withdrew their staff from the peninsula. The UNHCR, ICRC and MSF (Medecins Sans Frontiers)remained in place, with 25 expatriate workers remaining in the peninsula up to May 19. Following the increased shelling of Jaffna town, workers for both the UNHCR and MSF moved to areas Outside the town. According to reports, only Some staff members of the ICRC remained in Jaffna town by May 23. There are reportedly shortages of essential medical supplies, and even predicted shortages of food and other essentials if the fighting continued with the same intensity into the end of May. MSF had warned in late April of an impending medical emergency due to changes in procedures for transport of essential medical supplies to north.
Several UN and other international agencies issued appeals calling on both parties to the conflict to
respect the principles set out in hum
anitarian law regarding the treatment of civilians in Conflict situations.O

Page 6
6 AMILTIMES
Batte for Jafna
Tigers Poised To Recapture Lost Stro
DBS Jeyaraj
serious crisis with international A ramifications is now brewing in
the north of Sri Lanka. The ascendancy of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the military front has raised a question mark over the possible fate of 30,000 Sinhala soldiers currently deployed in the Jaffna peninsula. Although proclamations from Colombo are repeatedly "confident' most observers of the military scene are of the opinion that it is only a matter of time before the Tigers establish control all over the Peninsula. If and when that situation is imminent a massive "Dunkirk' type evacuation is deemed necessary. It is yet unclear as to how this exercise would be conducted and whether India would do it. Also it is not clear as to whether India will engage in such a move with the concurrence and cooperation of the LTTE or whether it will do so in a hostile climate. If in the latter the situation is quite dicey and a 1987 scenario may very well occur again. Also the impact of a total "surrender' by the Government in the North on the Sinhala South and its possible backlash against Tamils living in the South are also worrisome factors.
Jaffna or Yarlpaanam in Northern Sri Lanka is now the main theatre of conflict. The LTTE or Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is now focussing it energies and attention on Jaffna described by its political adviser in London, Anton Balasingham as "the cultural capital of the Sri Lankan Tamils'. After its string of victories in the northern mainland of the Wanni and later in the south-east of the Jaffna Peninsula the LTTE Is now advancing further upwards with the ultimate objective of establishing control over the whole region. Although there have been several stages of fighting the entire operation codenamed "Oyatha Alaigal' or unceasing waves continues still. It is apparent from LTTE literature that these “lashing waves " will "cease' only after
"engulfing" the Jaffr lar and the Peninsula There is howevel in media circles wher na. There is a tenden single entity when it raphically Jaffna is northern peninsula. It of the district. Jaffna of all the areas in tth outlying Islands exce hilaippalli Assistant C sion . The latter bel nochchi district. Both ochchi districts toget Jaffna electoral disti Jaffna the electoral d electorate in the ea tem.Then there is Jaff city or municipality c na electoral division from adjoining Nall ion. Ariyalai and C instance are part and municipality. So tech is in Jaffna City afte bothurai or Ariyalai reports state that the in on Jaffna City. W is the heart of Jaffna the “old” Jaffna tow made a municipalit these differences ab helpful to understar hting better.
After the fall of LTTE went on to Jaffna-Kandy road also took towards t Puloppalai to the Nc The Tigers also we the A-9 highway to outskirts of Eluthu advanced up the Sc to reach Kilaly, Or the LTTE targette Sri Lankan armed ngthening their def line that extended f Kovil via Eluthuma
 
 

15 ΜΑΥ 2000
ghold
a City in particuin general.
some confusion referring to Jaff. cy to treat it as a is not so. Geoghe name for the is also the name district consists Peninsula and the pt for the PachcGovernment DiviJongs to the KiliJaffna and Kilinher comprise the ict.There is also ivision known as rlier voting sysna city. The Jaffna onsists of the Jaffas well as areas ur electoral divisolombothurai for parcel of the Jaffna inically the LTTE * entering Colom. Yet some news Tigers are closing hat is meant here city or what was n prior to it being 7. Cognizance of but Jaffna will be d the current fig
Elephant Pass, the ke Pallai on the r A-9 highway. It e North-East and th-West of Pallai. t further north on each the Southern nattuvaal. It also th-Western coast the Eastern coast Nagar Kovil. The orces began strences in a diagonal m Kilaly to Nagar uvaal. At the same
time the LTTE had also established fixed positions in Keratheevu and Southern Thanankilappu in the South-west of the Peninsula. Also it had a presence in Eastern Ariyalai in the places around "Munai' or point including the settlement scheme "Poompuhaar”.
The Elephant Pass debacle along with the clear cut military ascendancy of the LTTE had caused grave apprehensions about the future of the Sri Lankan armed forces in the peninsula. If the LTTE succeeded in advancing further and besieging the Palaly-Kankesanthurai base complex the military supply lines between Jaffna and the rest of the country would be placed at great risk. After the recent change in the military equation, Palaly airport and Kankesanthurai harbour were the only viable entry and exit points for Air and Sea communication. If the LTTE juggernaut rolled on relentlessly and interdicted this link, the physical safety of 30, 000 troops in Jaffna was greatly imperilled. It seemed that a "Dunkirk'like evacuation was necessary to relocate these troops.Speculation was rife that India would have to intervene and ensure this.
Even as a huge controversy arose in India about this issue the LTTE offered a “temporary ceasefire". The Tigers stated that their ceasefire would enable the Sri Lankan government to evacuate the “beleaguered troops' safely through the good offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross and avoid further "escalation of violence and a bloodbath”. Calling upon the Sri Lankan government to "respond positively without delay' the Tigers also hinted at "a permanent ceasefire' in the future that would “create cordial conditions for peace talks and a negotiated political settlement'.The LTTE also held out a warning that the government will “bear total responsibility for the disastrous consequences of heavy military casualties if it rejects our proposal for deescalation and continues the war effort'.
Whatever the motives behind the LTTE offer, it seemed to open a "window of opportunity” for deescalation of the conflict. While the government could not be expected to accept all the terms of the offer, analysts felt that Colombo would accept a ceasefire in principle and then negotiate further. But the Sri Lankan government reacted quickly and defiantly. The offer Was

Page 7
15 AY 2000
rejected out of hand as "psychological warfare'. There would be no withdrawal. Instead the government urged the army to fight on. The government position was that the people of Jaffna could not be abandoned.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga attempted to restore morale by issuing a special message of enthusiastic hope to the soldiers at the frontline. Deputy Defence Minister Anuruddha Ratwatte announced in Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura that "we would fight to the last man”.
Analysts point out that the LTTE "offer' had been drafted in a manner that offered no face saving way out. It was an ultimatum demanding total surrender without explicitly stating so. The government could not cave in simply. Also the retention of Jaffna was of paramount importance to the political fortunes of the Peoples Alliance government. The PA's record of governance has been quite dismal and in recent times the only effective "plus point" had been the taking of Jaffna. It was the PA's "jewel in the crown'. If the government was seen as abandoning Jaffna it was likely to affect the PA in the Parliamentary elections to be held anytime after August this year. Besides if the government was perceived as letting go of Jaffna without a fight there was a possibility of anti-Tamil violence breaking out in the Sinhala dominated areas. Ithas also been poiinted out that what is at stake here for Colombo is not the future of the state but that of the incumbent regime.
Apart from these reasons there was a view in government circles that the LTTE had overstretched its limited resources. It was felt that the Tigers lacked the wherewithai to sustain the current kevels of pressure. Also that it was short of manpower and firepower necessary to take over the Greaterpart of the Peniinsula including Jaffna city and the Palaly-Kankesanthurai base complex. Therefore the ceasefire offer was interpreted as a stratagem of the LTTE to cover up its deficiency and a bold gamble aimed at getting the army out without fighting. There was also optimism that after obtaining fresh quantity of arms and armaments, valued by Foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar at USS800 million dollars, the military satuation would tilt against the LTTE.
The Sri Lankan government also unleashed a massive aerial bombardment spree within and without the peni
insula. The bombi aimed at preventi inducting its cadre into the peninsula. was also a "search a against LTTE heav times the Tigers ha artillery and armou and successfully Lankan Air Force search of these. Ti destroy these befo move them and rea firing range of the thurai base. In spite ardment there have Colombo of targett lery or armoured v hand there have be the Israeli built K-f airforce have been in the case of the near Pooneryn on five civilians were been the plight o LTTE appealed tc bunkers to protect bombing sprees.
Observers hav and pounce' strate; Tigers do not fig without a break. Ir intermittent assau ween. Despite this the LTTE fightin lulls were misintel circles as signs of v erous exercise of st of the Colombo in viewpoint that the ebbed. The pause a mistakenly seen manpower. Ther assertion that the c government had p "turned the corner lded proved how this assessment w calm before the st 10th. In a tri-pronge LTTE cadres attac the Kilaly, Eluthur Kovil defence lines aly was particularl camp was assailed directions. But ulti uvers proved to be diversionary tactic was close to Jaffna on three fronts but each other.
A simultaneou nched on all three

TAMILTIMES 7
ng was ostensibly ng the LTTE from s from the mainland More importantly it ind destroy" mission y artillery. In recent lve used long range red cars extensively in combat. The Sri scoured the skies in he objective was to re the LTTE could ich positions within Palaly - Kankesanof intensive bomb: been no claims by ing the LTTE’s artilhicles. On the other cen instances where ir jets of the Lankan way off the mark as Pallikuda bombing the mainland where killed. So severe has f civilians that the them to construct
themselves during
e detected a "pause gy in the LTTE. The ht on continuously stead they conduct lts, resting in betobvious pattern in g mode temporary preted in Colombo weakness. In a dangalf delusion sections nedia projected the LTTE “wave' had nd pounce tactic was as LTTE's lack of 2 was a confident ritical period for the asses and that it had ''. Events that unfodangerously wrong as. The temporary orm ended on May d deceptive exercise ked simultaneously nattuvaal and Nagar . The assault in Kily severe as the main from three different mately these manepart of an elaborate . The "real' action city. This was also within proximity of
offensive was laufronts by the LTTE.
The first was when LTTE cadres crossed the western parts of the lagoon from Kalmunai on the mainland in the Pooneryn area and reached Ariyalai munai on the peninsula. These cadres advanced further up through Poompuhaar and attacked the army detachment at Maniyan Thottam in Ariyalai. As the army retreated, the LTTE moved through Ariyalai's interior and reached the Nedunkulamjunction on the JaffnaKandy road. Technically the Tigers were now in Jaffna city. It was only two kilometres more on the Jaffna road to reach the Jaffna district secretariat at Chundikuly. The LTTE moved along Mambalamjunction and reached Pungankulam junction where another army detachment was stationed at a community centre-cum-library. Fighting ensued and the army withdrew. There is however a very large camp at the Old Park premises opposite the Jaffna secretariat. Personnel deployed here also entered the combat. Thereafter the LTTE has not moved beyond Pungankulam junction while exchanging fire with the army at Old Park.
The second front was at Navatkuli. It is on the outskirts of Jaffna city. A very long causeway cum bridge across the lagoon known as the Navatkuly palam” is situated on the Jaffna - Kandy road here. This is of strategic importance as it links the Thenmaratchy sector with Jaffna City. Navatkuly has large military installations. Places like a government warehouse and granary and housing schemes etc are now parts of an army camp. Likewise privately owned shrimp processing and hardware manufacturing plants too were incorporated as part of the military complex. After Elephant Pass, a move into Jaffna City by the Tigers was anticipated and Navatkuly, its gateway, was beefed up extentively. A squad of LTTE commandoes known as Leopards raided Navatkuly and established control initially on a two km stretch of roadway that included the vital Navatkuly “bridge'.
The third front was at Thanankilappu.The shortest points between the Peninsula and Mainland on the Western lagoon is Keratheevu and Sangupiddy respectively. The LTTE was already in possession of both. There is a road that proceeds from Keratheevu and reaches Navatkuly along the coast. This is somewhat parallel to the A-9 Highway. The Keratheevu-Navatkuly road branches off at Thanankilappu junction

Page 8
8 TAMITMES
where one goes straight on to Navatkuly through Kovilaakkandy while the other forks off to Chavakachcheri which incidently is the largest town in the Thenmaratchy sector. LTTE cadres moved in great numbers from sangupiddy to Keratheevu and then launched a twin pronged attack on the defences at Thanankilappu on the one hand and Kovilaakkandy on the other.
As fighting progressed the LTTE claimed successes over both the Thanankilappu and Kovilaakkandy bases. Thereafter the LTTE could have moved further up the Thanankilappu road towards Chavakachcheri town. Doing so would have made the Tigers very vulnerable to Sri Lankan artillery and aerial attack as the winding road goes through wide. open spaces most of the time. Instead of taking that route the LTTE moved towards Navatkuly. After a brief lull the LTTE went along the axis of the Navatkuly road and attacked the smaller camp at Thachchanthoppu on the way. Troops withdrew after skirmishes. Then came a ferocious onslaught on the Navatkuly base with the Tigers encircling and attacking it on three points from the directions of Tha
chanthoppu, Ariyal bridge. After fierce announced the captu Meanwhile ano gent came across in from Nachikuda in landed at the Colomb Peninsula. Colombc Jaffna municipal lim alai on the coast. The ther area called Thu with a large army pri bypassed Thundi b away in Colomboth Tigers have started m Jaffna city centre by the coast. From C. Tigers moved to adja from there to Karaic Gurunagar.The LT" resistance in both pl in proceeding quite coast. At the same t not moved into the in thurai, Pashaioor or ( ntain their presenc only, at least for nov led to conflicting government says th position while the L
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ai and Navatkuly fighting the LTTE Ire of Navatkuly.
her LTTE. contina flotilla of boats the mainland and bothurai jetty in the thurai also within its is beyond Ariyre is however anoindi between both esence. The Tigers y landing straight rai. Thereafter the loving closer to the proceeding along olombothurai the cent Pashaioor and oor now known as TE met with Stiff aces but suceeded a distance on the ime the LTTE has terior of ColomboGurunagar but maie along the coast v. This is what has claims where the ese areas are in its TTE says it moved
15 MAY 2000
along the coast and took these places. Both sides are partially if not totally correct. The balance however would alter drastically if and when the LTTE decides to move into the interior of Jaffna city in a decisive manner.
More significant and from Colombo's perspective fatal strides were made in the Thenmaratchy sector. After taking Kovilakkandy, another LTTE column went along an interior road through Maravan Pulavu and reached Kaithady situated between Navatkuli on one side and Mattuvil/Nunavil on the other. The village is about six miles from Jaffna City centre and consists of areas on either side of the Jaffna-Kandy road. A sprawling army camp consisting of several houses in the vicinity has been set up at Kaithady junction. Technically it may not be defined as a "base' but it is certainly a key and vital military installation set up at a strategically important spot.
Branching off from Kaithady Northwards is the Kaithady-Kopay road. This road bordered by Chemmani on one side wields its way through sections of the lagoon, paddy fields, palmyra groves and open spaces till it
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Page 9
15 MAY 2000
reaches the Irupaalaijunction in Kopay on the Jaffna - Point Pedro road. If one were to proceed straight further along Urumpirai junction would be reached. Urumpirai is on the axis of the PalalyJaffna road. A slight change of direction and a short distance covered means Punnalaikattuvan on the outer peri-metre of Palaly complex is reached. If one turns at Irupalaijunction in the direction of Point Pedro then the villages of Puthoor, Neervely, Atchuvely etc can be reached along the Point Pedro-Jaffna road. All of them provide access through the interior to reach vantage points rendering Palaly extremely vulnerable. If one were to turn in the direction of Jaffna one can cover Kopay. Kalviyan Kaadu, Nallur etc on the Jaffna-Point Pedro road. This would enable the LTTE to move in on Jaffna city from other directions too.
Latest reports from the warfront indicate that the LTTE has after a l 2hour battle overrun the Kaithady camp. Thereafter they have progressed some distance along the Kaithady-Kopay road and reached the large area known as Kopayveli. This is about 12 kilometres from the Palaly base. Thereafter the LTTE has started using 122mm artillery guns with a range of 17kms against Palaly. Shells fell first in Punnalaikattuvan north and then Vasavilaan. All these areas have been acquired by the state and incorporated as part of the Palaly base. Nearly 12,000 acres of prime agricultural land in the Valigamam North AGA division have been annexed to the Palaly-Kankesanthurai complex to ensure territorial contiguity between Airfield and Harbour. Expanding the base also ensured immunity from LTTE attacks. But with the newly acquired long range artillery the LTTE was now targeting Palaly.
By May 20th it seemed certain that the Tigers could now target Palaly effectively. The LTTE claimed that the control tower at Palaly had been hit and damaged. It also claimed that its shells had fallen on the runway as well as several buildings and barracks within the Palaly base and killed a number of personnel. Significantly the Government has denied that shells had fallen on the runway but was silent about other claims. The LTTE also claimed that shells were now falling on Kankesanthurai harbour area too. The harbour was about 5kms away from the airport. It was not clear whether the LTTE was
targetting KKS froi along the coast or w advanced along media outlets abroa 20th that the gove inded air and sea tr Kankesanthurai aft those places. The Gc her denied nor co LTTE too had not s by May 20th. Late claimed that Palaly a were fully function A few days lat med that its shells f KKS to the west suc Mathagal, Ilawaalai the LTTE was now Palaly or had move lery like the 152mn Elephant Pass with Palaly-Kankesanth Army's safety was i A small group o infiltrated the Valig and was seen in th weapons. The army several camps in thi rmath of the Elepha included the ones at kkoddai and Sithanl of information that in these places a larg converged in Vadd kerny and Chankan cordon and search ol however were nette and around Jaffnah inning of a displac into this sector.
The possession well as progress on pay road has afford advantage vis a vis reaching strategic eeding along the rc also use the Kopayv ing the all pervasiv Kappoothu in the V Mattuvil in the Th Vatharavathai-Puth Neervely in the Vali May 20th reports LTTE was pursuing options successfull A small road l ttiaan Kulam road parts of Kopayvel north with Mattuvi proceeded along th beyond the famous the Pandrithalaich

rwLTIMES 9
n a different point hether it had further Kopayveli. LTTE d claimed on May rnment had suspeaffic at Palaly and *r its shells fell in vernment has neitnfirmed this. The tated this officially :r the government ind Kankesanthurai al.
er saw LTTE claiell in areas beyond has Senthankulam, etc. This meant that inching closer to d more lethal artilh guns seized from in firing range of rai. This meant the ni greaterjeopardy. fLTTE cadres also amam West sector e area with heavy had closed down s sector in the afteint Pass fall. These
Chankanai, Vaddu
cerni. Upon receipt Tigers were visible :e number of troops ukkoddai, Sithanai and conducted a peration. No Tigers :d. The fighting in as caused the beged persons inflow
of Kopayveli as
the Kaithady-Koed the LTTE great Palaly. Apart from positions by procad the Tigers can eli ”plains”boundlagoon and reach adamarachi sector, 2nmaratchi sector, por and Sirupiddygamam sectors. By indicated that the at least one of these
(nown as Chapparunning through links Kaithady north. The LTTE s road and passed Mattuvil landmark, Amman temple.
Thereafter comes the Mattuvil-Sarasaalai junction. The Sarasaalai junction is commonly known as the Kanaganpuliady junction. Five roads converge here. There is a massive army camp in this area at the building that once housed the Madduvil-Sarasaalai Skandavarodhaya Maha Vidyalayam school. Many places of worship, schools, warehouses, factories and big buildings etc. have been transformed into military camps in Jaffna. Heavy fighting has ensued between the LTTE and the army at Sarasaalai. The importance of Kanaganpuliady junction renders its control utmostly essential to both sides.
Five roads lead out of Kanaganpuliady. Firstly, there is the Madduvil-Nunavil road that merges with the JaffnaKandy road at Nunavil junction. It is possible to travel through Madduvil and reach the Jaffna-Kandy road at Nunaavil. Secondly, the Sarasaalai-Kappoothu-Kaligai-Point Pedro road. Thirdly the Sarasaalai-Vembiraaijunction road that mounts the Jaffna-Kandy road between Meesaalai and Kodikamam.
Thirdly, another road from Vembiraaijunction goes through Manthuvil and joins the Nelliaddy-Kodikamam road at Varany. Fourthly, there is the Chavakac-hcheri post office road through Keru-davil (not to be confused with Keru-davil near Valvettithurai) and Perunkulam that reaches Chavakachcheri town.
Fifthly, there is the Sarasaalaisouth road that reaches the Puthoor area after crossing the Vannathi Paalam bridge.
The vast potential and possibilities of the strategic Kanaganpuliady and to a lesser extent the Vembiraaijunctions made the taking of Kanaganpuliaddy quite attractive to the LTTE. Fighting was quite intensive. Ifand when Kanaganpuliady fell to the LTTE and the Tigers took overall control of the linking roads the army would have to vacate Chavakachcheri town and environs. If the LTTE roceeded downwards from Chavakachcheri then the greater part of the Thenmaratchy sector would come under LTTE control. The armed forces will have no choice other than to move out from places like Kilaly, Eluthumattuvaal, Kodikamam, Kachai etc. In addition to Thenmaratchy the Tigers can move far more easily into Vadamaratchy and Valigamam sectors apart from edging closer to Jaffna city from other directions and increasing pressure on Palaly-Kankesanthurai.

Page 10
10 TAM TIMES
All these factors compelled the LTTE to go for Kanaganpuliady. Using the Chappatiaan road the Tigers entered Madduvil North and then launched their attacks on the Madduvil - Sarasaalaisector. The LTTE overan the smaller military posts in the area including one near the famous Pandrithalaichi Amman temple. After heavy fighting the Tigers claimed victory over the army personnel stationed at the Maddu vil school. Thereafter the LTTE moved up through Madduvil South, Nunavil etc and reached the Kandy road. Another LTTE column moved along Perunkulam on the Post Office road and marched towards the heart of Chavakachcheri town. A third LTTE column moved along the railway track from the Navatkuli direction abd entered Chavakachcheri town from another point. The three pronged offensive met with stiff resistance from the army and after 12 hours of fighting the Tigers announced that they had taken over Chavakachcheri town the second largest next to Jaffna in the Peninsula.
The armed forces however retain a presence in the Sarasaalai-Vembiraai sector yet. On the Kandy road the Tig
ers have moved into not beyond Meesaal Kachchairoad the T Mahilambaaveli and but not Allaarai. Ev army exchanged fire LTTE geared itsel ferocious onslaught forces in Kilaly. Tl well as a Navy det “boat squad” are ir Kilaly area. The L hard to overrun K. succeeded by May
The LTTE strat pounce“ seemeddir in Thenmaratchy Kachchai, Kilaly, Mirusuvil, Manthuv If and when the LTT maratchy thenit wo to move into Vada various Valigamar would also find it ea mainland as a rear men, artillery and a great logistical prob insula. In fact it wa men and materials f the Peninsula for se
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15 AY 2000
Sangathaanai but 1. Likewise on the gers have covered Kovilkudiyiruppu as the LTTE and in these points the up to conduct a against the armed a 52" Brigade as chment known as the well fortified TE was fighting aly but had not 3rd. 'gy of "pause and cted at major areas ike Kodikamam, Eluthumattuvaal, il and Varani etc. Edominates Thenuld be in a position maratchy and the n zones easily. It sy to use the Wanni base and move its rmaments without lems into the Peniis already moving rom the Wanni into veral days at nigh
tfall. One school of military thought in Colombo felt that the Tigers would put the taking of Jaffna city on hold for awhile and concentrate on taking the Peninsula in its entirety in the coming days. In comparison with the swift pace at which the LTTE progressed in the early days of this campaign, the progress in the current fighting seems comparatively slow. This is likely to be mainly due to logistical reasons. The LTTE needs time to move its cadres and heavy weaponry in sufficient numbers into the upper portions of the Peninsula. This is particularly so in the case of relocating its artillery. Heavy camouflaging is needed to prevent it being targeted by air and destroyed. Also avenues to ensure speedy mobility have to be ensured because the secret of Tiger successes has been its ability to move the heavy guns quickly from point to point in combat. Also fighting positions like bunkers, pill boxes and trenches have to be constructed at vantage points.
Ideally the LTTE would have pref. erred to "pause' for longer periods, prepare adequately, and then "pounce" but circumstances have compelled LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabakharan
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Page 11
15 ΝΑΥ 2000
to expedite his moves after the Elephant Pass victory. Firstly the LTTE leader knows that his recent victories were due to the widespread demoralisation that has set in within army ranks more than any other factor. Therefore he is constrained to extract maximum advantage out of this demoralised mood. To pause too long may give the troops some time to restore at least part of lost morale and regain a fighting spirit. As such the LTTE has to relentlessly keep the military pressure on.
Secondly the LTTE has to reach striking artillery distance of the PalalyKankesanthurai complex as soon as possible. By achieving proximity the LTTE can commence and sustain an intensive artillery barrage. An"encircle and enfeeble” strategy similiar to Elephant Pass seems somewhat an ambitious project at this juncture. But maintaining an artillery barrage is imperative now for the LTTE. This would help disrupt supplies to Jaffna and retard the army's logistical equilibrium. It would also unnerve the troops, reduce morale and increase panic. Also with Colombo embarking on an expedited worldwide shopping spree for arms and armaments, the LTTE wants to prevent those from reaching Jaffna by a preemptive decommissioning of its one and only conduit the Palaly-Kankesanthurai base complex. Another factor causing concern for the LTTE leadership is the accelerated movement in the international dimension. The LTTE knows that at some point international pressure or possibly intervention will compel both parties to suspend fighting and start talking. If and when that moment comes, the Tigers want to have as much of real estate as possible under their control in addition to contracting and undermining the Palaly-Kankesanthurai military facility. The LTTE may have scant regard for the rule of law, but it knows that "possession is ninetenths ownership' in law.
If the Tigers are impelled to strike out and "pounce' without enough time to "pause" and prepare, they are forced also to go slow in actual fighting. This is particularly so in the case of densely opulated places like Jaffna or ChavaKachcheri. Ironically these constraining concerns are very much similiar to the actors that cramped the Indian army a hen confronting the LTTE during Operation Pawan" in 1987 to take over Jaffna. The Sri Lankan army was not
constrained in this Jaffna during Opel Ray) in 1995. Lt Kalkat who comi Army in Jaffna th clearly in an interv 1995 (FRONTLIN Kalkat said that ur, army that followed egy to take Jaffna, concern for loss to and property. The avoid civilian cas ction. It could not ything to rubble f Now the LTTE fin what similiar positi ject themselves as f describe the current to "liberate their ho aggression'. So the ply launch an all ou ply march in. The be fighting on be people haveto dem ern for the civili simply fire artillery troy buildings. The nger civilian lives un dy there have been civilian casualties i ting due to the use illery fire. The m Kaithady when she hady home for th senior citizens and There are also Propagandists in C eam” about the Tige firepower and thei manpower to the e cadres in waves. A military observersk ect. Judicious and ( artillery coupled flexibility and mobi LTTE to gain ma; from their artillery. and indefatigable cadres to press on re of tremendous ad simply not enough ( human wave sacrifi A close examin leader's recent wal trates that great car prevention of loss t from its strategic si ical brilliance the mical management case of extracting n of minimum resou

AMIL TIMES 11
hanner when it took tion Riviresa (Sun General Amarjit landed the Indian en, explained this ew with N. Ram in E of Dec 29 1995). ike the Sri Lankan a broad front strate was hampered by civilian life, limb ndian army had to |alties and destruimply reduce everr Territorial gain. is itself in a someon. The Tigers proeedom fighters and war as one seeking meland from alien LTTE cannot simoffensive and simTigers claiming to half of the Tamil onstrate their concans. They cannot at random or desv also cannot endanecessarily. Alreasome incidents of in the current fighof long-range artiost tragic was at Ils fell on the Kait2 aged killing 16 Injuring 31. logistical reasons. olombo may “scrshaving unlimited wreckless use of tent of sacrificing ll knowledgeable now this is incorr!conomic usage of with unbelievable ity has allowed the imum advantage Zealous dedication morale enable the beatedly in the face ersity. There are adresto indulge in 'CS. tion of the LTTE strategy demonsis taken to ensure Tiger lives. Apart beriority and tactlement of econos also there. It is a aximum gains out ces, material and
human. All these factors restrict the LTTE in conducting an all out onslaught. Even if it wins pitched battles the LTTE would suffer immense losses making the victory Pyrrhic. The overwhelming concern however has to be for civilians. If the LTTE succeeds after demolishing and destroying much of Jaffna or Chavakachcheri and after causing immense civilian casualties it will be accountable to some level at least to international and Tamil public opinion. These inhibiting factors are crystal clear in its current approach. Instead of moving to Chavakachcheri by way of the main Kandy road it is adopting a more elaborate tactic of encirclement that would enable it to take the town with minimum damage and losses. LTTE has also asked the civilians residing in potential battle zones to move into safer areas. Likewise it has scrupulously avoided fighting in the thickly populated interior of Jaffna City. Instead it is encircling the Jaffna municipality along the Municipal limits coast. These are in comparative terms sparsely populated. Though civilians have started moving out from Jaffna to areas like Manipay relief organizations in Jaffna estimate 75% of the population to be remaining in Jaffna still.
Now the LTTE has issued a oneweek deadline for the army in Jaffna City to surrender "with dignity and hon our'. If they lay down arms they are promised safe passage out of Jaffna within 24 hours through Red Cross auspices. This message is being relayed in Sinhala over the LTTE radio "Voice Of Tigers' and also blared through loudspeakers. It is no doubt a shrewd psychological ploy and only time will bear testimony to its effectiveness. Already the Northern Army commander Gen. Janaka Perera hasina TV interview rejected the offer and stated that he would drive the Tigers out from Jaffna.
At the same time this "interregnum' will allow civilians to move out from places that are likely to be affected in heavy fighting. Also the Tigers gain more time to move their artillery, construct fighting positions, deploy cadres and spread out widely. The immediate objectives of the LTTE will be increasing pressure on Jaffna, and the PalallyKankesanthurai Complex while acquiring territory in the Peninsula. If and when the time is ripe the LTTE will strike. The temporary pause” will lead to a ferocious "pounce". (23 May 2000)

Page 12
12 TAMLT
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Page 13
15 MAY 2000
The Liberation Tigers on 19 May appealed to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers in the Jaffna peninsula to surrender "to avoid a bloodbath.”
The LTTE said in a statement dated 19 May from its London offices that soldiers who lay down their arms "will be treated with dignity and honour” and handed over to the custody of the International Committee of the Red Cross "within 24 hours". The Tigers have also called upon civilians residing in the Valigamam West and Vadamarachi division of the Jaffna peninsula to move out to safer areas.
The LTTE statement said, “As a genuine endeavour to avoid the conti
Tigers Call Troo in affna to Surren
nuing bloodbath ar
the escalating vio Liberation Tiger (LTTE) has mad today to thousands diers entrapped in 1 to lay down arms a The LTTE has who lay down arms dignity and honour the protection of Committee of the F hours.
“The call for sul ounced by loud s battlefronts in the J and also by the Vo
India to Act" if neces
May 20 - Though previous statements rejected the idea of Indian intervention in Sri Lanka's conflict, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on 20 May that New Delhi was ready to act "if necessary.”
Vajpayee said on the sidelines of a conference with Indian state chief ministers that the situation in Sri Lanka was extremely fluid, and "rapidly changing'. "If we have to take any step, we are ready for it, if necessary,” he said and added that India was willing to extend all humanitarian help possible.
India had previously ruled out military intervention in Sri Lanka but said it would consider humanitarian assistance, and brokering a peace if approached by both Colombo and the Tamil rebels, who are locked in combat with government troops in the northern Jaffna peninsula.
Indian experts say the government is trying to defer a decision on Sri Lanka as much as possible but expect the government will be forced to take a stand if Jaffna should fall into LTTE hands.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was quoted by Inda's Outlook news magazine as saying
events could force in resolving his cou lem. “It is gearing its a role, one that mi upon it by events," “(In) Sri Lanka favour of India col something,” Kadirg oned that "I don't ti expect the impossib The Sri Lankan a variety of reason bones of its opposit India blames th the May 21, 1991 a mer premier Rajiv which the LTTE w; Only recently New proscription of the two years.
Kadirgamar sai whatever action to ition. If it feels Sri threatened, India w necessary action. I the action might be. it will be a well-col On 21 May, Mr Sri Lanka's deputy ( ister, told reporters "Details regarding a ia have been discu
 

TAMITMES 13
d to bring an end to ence and war, the of Tamil Eelam a fervent appeal of Sri Lankan solhe Jaffna peninsula nd surrender. pledged that those will be treated with and handed over to the International ed Cross within 24
render is being annpeakers at different affna theatre of war ice of Tigers radio.
Explaining the precarious nature of their predicament, the LTTE has been impressing upon the government soldiers that their vital supply lines are cut and their lives are ingrave danger. They are being told that the Tamil Tigers want to avoid the human tragedy of heavy casualties of innocent Sinhala youth who are being manipulated and forced to fight a futile war to promote the political ambitions of the chauvinistic elites in Colombo. The LTTE has also given a week's ultimatum for the Sri Lankan troops to lay down arms and surrender.
“In the meantime the LTTE is also making consistent appeals to the Tamil civilian masses to move to safe areas from battle zones allocating specific locations in Valigamam West and Vadamarachi division of the Jaffna peninsula.”
Sary yy
India to play a role intry's ethnic probself up for assuming ght even be thrust he said. there is a mood in ming in and doing amar said but cautilink that we should ble from India.” minister said: "For s, India makes no ion to the LTTE.' e Tamil Tigers for ssassination of forGandhi following as banned in India. Delhi extended the LTTE for a further
d: "India will take meet its stated posLanka is seriously ill, I believe, take can't predict what but we can be sure sidered one.'
Lakshman Kiriella, xternal affairs minat Chennai airport ssistance from Indsed by my senior,
the foreign minister, Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar. It has been worked out.”
Mr Kiriella flew to Whitefield near Bangalore to speak at a function organised bythe Sathya Sai Baba Foundation. He did not talk to reporters in Bangalore.
"No political connotations should be drawn from my visit', Mr Kiriella said. Sri Lankan chief of defence staff, General Rohan de Silva Daluwate, too had recently visited India, apparently also to seek the Baba's blessings. The General too had gone to Whitefield.
There has been speculation that India was readying to launch itself into the Lankan crisis in some way. Gen. Daluwate's hush-hush visit to hiruvananthapuram, headquarters of the southern air command, could have been to oversee preparations for India's assistance to his forces.
Fifteen thousand Indian troops have been moved to Thiruvananthapuram, and residents of Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts say there has been nightly movement of aircraft along the Thiruvananathapuram-Colombo air corridor.
However, the Indian Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, said on 20 May that India could not be compelled by anyone to play a role in resolving the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and reiterated the country’s stand on nonmilitary intervention.

Page 14
14 TAMITMES
Commenting on the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar's statement that events in Jaffna might force India to play a role, he said New Delhi had already made its position clear. "There is no question of New Delhi intervening militarily, though we can provide humanitarian
aid including helpi Mr. Fernandes to addressing the Sout on "Legacy of M Human Developme Institute of Social S
Replying to a there was "no ques
As fighting between the security forces and the LTTE continued and the international community called for a peaceful settlement of the dispute, Norway, which is acting as a facilitator for the proposed talks, has announced that a top-level three member delegation will visit Colombo on 22 May for discussions.
The delegation will be led by the new Norwegian Deputy, Foreign Minister, Mr. Raymond Johansen, He will be accompanied by Special Advisor, Mr. Evik Solheim and executive officer, Ms. Kjersti Tromsdal.
A press release from the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said they will be visiting Sri Lanka "for familiarization and discussions on the situation in the country'.
The delegation will hold meetings with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and the Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Embassy said that the delegation would also meet other members of the government as well as representatives from civil society during their three-day stay in the island.
The Norwegian delegation was expected to have wide ranging talks with the Sri Lankan government and opposition party leaders. These discussions were expected to cover the present war situation, examine whether there was any possibility of starting talks with the LTTE as earlier envisaged and what role other countries like India could play in such talks.
Solheim, who is co-ordinating Norway's bid as facilitator, said earlier in Oslo that he was not discouraged by the latest LTTE offensive, but warned peace was still far off.
"It is clear thes acute,” Solheim sa cannot let our work
day developments We have a long ter
Eric Solheim, and after discussi affairs minister Jas situation in the isla that no solution to was possible witho role'.
"In no way ca solved without Indi
The Sri Lanka pended operations port and cancell single airstrip on both came underd Liberation Tigers datelined 19 May ces that its gunsh Palali airbase and at Kankesanthura hile, advancing c ops captured the a Sarasali today, tl adding that fight strategic Sarasali
However, th the claim by the port and the Palal non-operational fully functioning
The LTTE S sands of Sri Lar in the Jaffna pen
 

15 MAY 2000
in evacuation,”
reporters after Asia Conference hbub-ul- Haq: "organised by the ences here. uestion, he said on' of providing
military assistance to the Sri Lankan Government to fight the LTTE. On Pakistan supplying arms to Sri Lanka, he said "it is nothing new".
"SriLankan military officers have been taking training in Pakistani institutes as they do here. I find nothing new in this.'
luation in Jaffna is l adding, "But we depend on day-ton war or politics. n perspective.” isited New Delhi ons with external want Singh on the nd said on 11 May the ethnic conflict ut India’s “positive
in the problem be a playing a positive
role," he told reporters after the meeting but parried queries on what specific role New Delhi should play to end the crisis in Jaffna.
An external affairs ministry spokesman said Solheim shared India's approach that the solution to the ethnic conflict lay with the Sri Lankans themselves in a manner by which all communities could realise their aspirations within the context of the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
US under secretary of state Thomas Pickering is also expected in the island shortly. The Norwegian peace effort in the protracted ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has the support of many countries including the United States and India.
(KS Portand Palali se Crippled, Says TE
n military has susin Jaffna's only sea d flights from the the peninsula after rect artillery fire, the said in a statement om its London offid hit the runway at bilitary installations KKS)port. Meanwumns of LTTE trocas of Madduvill and organization said, g was raging at the inction. military has denied igers that the KKS Air Base has become d asserted that they
ement said, “Thouin troops marooned ula faced grave log
istic problems of supply as the Tamil Tigers intensified artillery bombardiment on Kankesanthurai (KKS) harbour and Palaly air base, the only life lines of supply to the Sinhalese army by sea and air.
“Several Sri Lankan military personnel were killed as volleys of artillery shells fell on military positions in the KKS harbour last night and this morning causing panic and chaos among government troops. As a consequence the government suspended operations in the harbour and cancelled all civilian and military traffic.
“The air base and military installations at Palaly came under intense artillery assault for the third day today. Military positions and the runway have been hit regularly posing grave danger to air traffic. Scores of soldiers have been killed and injured in the artillery
(continued on next page)

Page 15
15 MAY 2000
India, A Key Player
In ankas Conflict, Says Unite
THE United States believes that India is the key outside power in the ongoing Sri Lankan conflict and that anything to be done by the international community must be done very much with India, according to a top official in the Clinton administration.
US Assistant Secretary of State, Karl Inderfurth who is in charge of South Asian Affairs said that the United States was concerned that the ongoing fighting in Sri Lanka could bring on a "humanitarian crisis' and would therefore like to see an early end to the hostilities in the Jaffna peninsula.
The US would also favour a solution within the framework of Sri Lankan unity and territorial integrity.
Spelling out the administration's view of the current crisis in Sri Lanka, Mr. Inderfurth, made categorically clear in an interview with the Hindu orrespondent in Washington that the United States would not entertain any notions such as that of the LTTE of a separate state of Tamil Eelam.
“We would not, nor do we believe that the international community would, recognise a unilateral assertion of independence.” The United States, he said, was closely consulting with the Indian Government and was supportive of the Norwegian initiative to facilitate negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.
(Continued from page 14)
barrage. "In the meantime, columns of heavily armed Tiger commandos who overran military bases at Kaithady yesterday advanced further deep into Chavakachcheri sector last night bringing vast tracts of territory under their control. Large areas of Madduvil and Sarasali have fallen to the LTTE. Heavy fighting is still raging at the strategically crucial Sarasalijunction.
"In a meticulously planned pincer movement, the LTTE fighting formations are encircling Chavakachcheri town, the capital of Thenmarachi division where several thousands of troops are encamped. The LTTE has been appealing to the Tamil civilians in the Chavakachcheri sector to move to areas of safety.”
Mr. Inderfurth als Under-Secretary of S ering, who is visitin this month will als Lanka. He emphasis Sta-tes had “long be for a negotiated polit Sri Lankan conflict, ( lude constitutional II ution of power.” In th ted States supporte initiative.
Mr. Inderfurth r. with the U.S. UnderThomas Pickering, h wegian special env{ who had briefed ther egian peace initiativ Mr. Inderfurth s had informed them o of the Norwegian G( the role of an hones to both parties and try erences.“ Mr. Solhei that the fighting in th was a setback in term effort... this would ha in some fashion” bef peace initiative coul Mr. Inderfurth sa special envoy had in rican officials "with the situation in Sri L mitment to perform said he had noted Mr. during his later visit India was the only ex a role in the resolution conflict.
Asked whether th stration would go alo Mr. Inderfurth said: India is the key outsi anything to be done b community must be with India.”
The United State of the legitimate inte in Sri Lanka and re administration also r Indian Government v iously to determine riate role for India to inly understand Ind become involved mi He said the Clint
 

TAM TIMES 15
o said that the U.S ate, Thomas Pickg New Delhi later be going to Sri ed that the United lieved in the need cal solution to the ine that would inceform and devolis regard, the Unid the Norwegian
:called that along Secretary of State, e had met the Norby, Erik Solheim, nabout the Norwe in Sri Lanka. aid Mr. Solheim f the “willingness overnment to play ; broker, listening ring to bridge diffm had clearly "felt e Jaffna peninsula is of an immediate veto resolve itself ore the Norwegian d proceed. id the Norwegian pressed the Amehis knowledge of anka and his coming his role." He Solheim's remark to New Delhi that ternal power with of the Sri Lankan
e Clinton admining with that view, "We believe that de power and that y the international done very much
s was well aware rest that India has spected that. The 2cognised that the (as "moving cautthe most appropplay and we certaa's desire not to itarily.”
pn administration
appreciated India's willingness to consider humanitarian assistance if the need arose and would likewise be willing to extend such assistance.
What was significant in the current situation was that there was now a "community of concerned countries' which had expressed their view of the Sri Lankan crisis and that Sri Lanka was "clearly in the forefront of the international community's consumes at this point," Mr.Inderfurth said, pointing to the statements made by the European Union and U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as instances of this international concern.
Asked why the United States was not explicitly throwing its weight behind the Kumaratunga Government's package of peace proposals that the United States had said was necessary for a resolution of the conflict, Mr. Inderfurth said, "We have long said that we believe that President Kumaratunga's proposals would serve as a basis for a political settlement taking into account the interests of all the Sri Lankan people...while we do not want
to be in a position of endorsing one pac
kage or another... it's not for the United States to do that, it's for the Sri Lankans to do so.'
He added that the United States had urged opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, to work with the Ku-, maratunga Government."We were encouraged after the national election when Mr. Wickremesinghe stated that his party would sit down with the Government to start discussing whether or not a consensus could be developed...” Would the United States offer assistance to the Sri Lankan Government if the military situation in the Jaffna peninsula deteriorated further and the Sri Lankan army found itself trapped? Mr. Inderfurth's response was: "No request has come from Sri Lanka for the assistance of the United States... we are clearly concerned about the situation and as with other Governments, including India, we will look at the requests if they are made... we would not want to see a humanitarian crisis unfold.” He said the Clinton administration was especially concerned about the safety of civilians in the Jaffna peninsula and that it had “urged both parties to observe relevant international standards of conduct with respect to both combatants and civilians and to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts.'

Page 16
16 TAMILTIMES
Chava
May 20 - Chavakachcheri, the second largest town on the Jaffna peniinsula, fell to the Tigers on 20 May, after 12 hours of heavy fighting, the LTTE said in a press release from its London offices. The troops of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) were fleeing towards Kodigamam, the last SLA-held position in the Thenmarachchi sector, the Tigers said.
The LTTE statement said, “The Sri Lankan army suffered another serious military debacle in the war for the liberation of Jaffna peninsula as Chavakachcheritown, the capital of Thenmarachchi division, fell to the armed forces of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This strategically important town situated in the heart of the Jaffna peninsula came under the control of the Tamil Tigers after 12 hours offerocious fighting.
"Columns of heavily armed commandos of the Tamil Tigers supported by artillery and mortar fire launched a multi-pronged attack on the Chavakachcheri town in the early hours of the morningtoday. Intense fighting continued through the day. Unable to sustain the power and fury of the Tiger assault the resistance of the government troops collapsed late in the evening around 6p.m culminating in a chaotic withdrawal. Defeated and demoralised, the troops are fleeing toward Kodigamam town, the last defence position of the Sri Lankan army in the Thenmarachchi sector.
“In the bloody battle of Chavakachcheri the Sri Lankan army suffered heavy casualties. Dead bodies of soldiers are scattered all over the town area. The LTTE fighters have also recovered a huge quantity of arms and ammunition.
“In the heavy fighting that continued yesterday and last night, the combat formations of the LTTE overran military bases at Maduvil, Nunavil and Sarasalai junction and brought under their control vast tracts of territory in the Chavakachcheri sector. With the fall of Chavakachcheri town and its
achcheri Cap SayS LTTE
surrounding villag Tigers, Kodigama last bastion in the sion of the penins Lankan army.'
In another stat LTTE said that t positions in Madd Amman Kovil, K ction, Madduvil S salai and Madduv rrun according to
These position stern sector of the
Facing a criti military front, Si Israeli help to fig are threatening to stronghold of Jaf During the fi government annc established diplo the Jewish state tap into Israel's a “I talked to tl in New Delhi ... Colombo and Te establishing ties consideration by to office in 1994 "We have as militarily," the Minister Lakshi the press on 15
The move cal providing milit Lanka as the reb objectives on the sula.
Sri Lanka est eli presence in C the then preside was in power, Successor, Rana ed the Israelis to est section” ma
 
 
 
 
 

is to the Liberation town stands as the henmarachchi divia for the fleeing Sri
ment on 20 May the Le Sri Lanka army FvilPanrithalaichchi nakampuliyadi junvan Kovilady, Sarajunction were ovehe radio.
s are in the southearoad from Puthtur to
15 MAY 2000
Sarasalai. Puththur is on the road from Jaffna town to Pt. Pedro. It is less than eight kilometers as the crow flies from the Sri Lankan army's Palaly base complex.
The statement added that the latest advance of the Liberation Tigers in Jaffna, threatens to cut off all supply lines to the Sri Lanka army troops in Jaffna’s southern sector. The SLA has four garrisons in Kilali, Kodikamam, Kachchai and Chavakachcheri in the Thenmaradchi division.
With the fall of Sarasalai and Madduvil, the Kodikamam - Varani road remains the main viable supply route for the troops in Thenmaradchi. This road is also in imminent danger of being completely interdicted by the Tigers who have advanced into areas very close to it.
Sri Lanka Restores matic Relations With is real
cal situation on the i Lanka has sought ht Tamil Tigers who ) retake their former na. st week of May, the unced that it had rematic relations with n a desperate bid to rms industry. e Israeli ambassador and within 48 hours Aviv agreed on rewhich had been under is ever since we came
red Israel to help us Sri Lankan Foreign an Kadirgamar told lay.
e after India ruled out ry assistance to Sri s closed in on stratgic orthern Jaffna penin
blished a limited Isralombo in 1985 when Junius Jayewardene t five years later his nghe Premadasa, asklismantle their "intertained under the US
embassy.
Jayewardene said at the time that he was prepared to get help from the "devil himself to fight terrorism.”
Before 1990, Israel had sent military advisors and helped set up an elite, commando unit for the Sri Lankan police.
Minister Kadirgamar also said seven other countries were also invited to discuss arms sales. “These are no donations. We have to pay up to 800 million dollars. There are countries willing to
give us arms at a price,” he said.
The minister discounted reports that neighbouring India had played a role in Sri Lanka re-establishing ties with Israel after severing them nearly three decades ago. "I read a report that the Indian ambassador in Washington had talked to the US government about our establishing relations with Israel. That's pie in the sky. There was no such axis,” he said.
"As a sovereign state we don't require the help or permission of any other state to establish relations with another state.” The Minister also ruled out any form of United Nations intervention. “The Chinese and the Russians will not allow the UN Security Council getting involved in Sri Lanka,' he said.

Page 17
15 MAY 2000
UNHCR Expresses Co. For Plight of Refug
Geneva, May 19 - The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says it is concerned about thousands of Sri Lankan civilians who have been displaced by fighting between government and rebel troops in Jaffna peninsula.
The UN refugee agency says most of the displaced people are living with relatives and friends. But, it says those who are camping in communal centers are in a difficult situation.
UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond said UNHCR remains very concerned about the condition of people forced to leave their homes in Sri Lanka's Jaffna peninsula. While most of the displaced people have found shelter in the homes of friends and relatives, a number of those who are encamped in communal centers are in a difficult situation. Food
has not been delivere tation is causing conc to the Manipay area. town, UNHCR repo 4,000 people are cı communal centers,
water and sanitatio children were suffer chickenpox and diar
UNHCR staff, all agencies, are atten today(19 May) urge supplies to the area. has been hampered by which was extended May) from Jaffna tov boring areas to the UNHCR staff, how move with curfew pa this week, the curfev three hours. During t
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il and lack of saniern. Duringavisit ust outside Jaffna ed that more than ammed into five which have little facilities. Some ng from malaria, hea.
ong with other aid pting to deliver ntly needed relief
The relief effort 7 a 24-hour curfew on Thursday(18 Vin and two neighentire peninsula. ever, are able to sses. For two days v was relaxed for
his period, UNH
CR staff reported a surge of people leaving their homes heading for safer areas to the north and west of the peninsula. But with the extension of the curfew to the entire peninsula, movement of people has been restricted.
UNHCR staff have been urging authorities both in Jaffna and Colombo to allow people to seek refuge away from the fighting. At Chennai, in southern India, Indian officials today reassured UNHCR that India will continue to open its borders to refugees from Sri Lanka.
UNHCR was told that prepara-tions are being made to receive refugees and that the effort is being supported by the central government in New Delhi. The Indian officials said that few people have arrived from Jaffna and the 400 Sri Lankans who had come to India over the past two months were mostly those from areas unaffected by the current fighting but were apprehensive they may soon be engulfed in the conflict.
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Page 18
8 TAM TIMES
Ciwilliam Life Mu be Protected
As fighting in the northern Jaffna peninsula escalates, Amnesty International on 12 May appealed to the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to respect international humanitarian law.
Previous escalations in this long conflict have brought widespread violations and abuses to the civilian population. “Half a million civilians live in this contested area,' Amnesty International said. "Every effort must be made to respect their security.'
As LTTE forces are reported to be advancing towards Jaffna town, Amnesty International called on the group
to adhere to the pro tional humanitariar those which protect bers of the armed fo ded or have laid do
Intermational hu down clear standarc any war, and applies ies to a conflict. B Army and the LTTE lity to uphold these
In an apparent r htened conflict, the ities introduced new lations on 3 May police and armed f
Living conditions in the northern Sri Lankan city of Jaffna have deteriorated rapidly since the Tamil Tiger pushed closer in their offensive against government troops, an aid agency said on 12 May.
Gabriel Turjillo of Medecins Sans Frontieres(MSF) told the press by phone from the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, that a day-and-night curfew had been imposed in the northern city since 10 May.
He said all but a few patients had been discharged from the city hospital - which has about 1,000 beds - because an army camp was nearby, and there was a shortage of medical supplies such as antibiotics and surgical materials.
“The very sick were taken to other hospitals,” he said. "The others were taken by ambulances to their homes."
Turjillo said he was keeping abreast of events in the main town of the battlescarred Jaffna peninsula through radio reports from MSF officers stationed there.
Journalists have been banned from travelling to the war zone and since last month there have been no
phone lines to J Turjillo, who he mission in Colomb Tigers had come V mile) of central Jaf hear the boom of t was no fighting ins "The normal pa was from 9:30 p.r
As the war in th between the Tamil ment forces reach the Tamil Tigers its former strongh nsula, non-LTTE T are calling for an rvention.
India has kept Lankan conflict fc previous interven Indian troops wer the Indo-Sri Lan
 
 

15 MAY 2000
visions of internalaw, in particular 2ivilians and memces who are wounwn their arms. manitarian law lays s in the conduct of equally to all partoth the Sri Lankan have a responsibistandards. 'sponse to the heigSri Lankan authorEmergency Regu2000, granting the orces wide powers
of arrest and detention and allowing for restrictions on freedom of assembly, and extensive censorship of the local and international media. This makes assessment of the true situation in the conflict zone all the more difficult.
Amnesty International today reminded the Sri Lankan government of its obligations under international human rights law not to derogate certain fundamental rights, even in a state of emergency. "Even in a national emergency, some rights are fundamental," Amnesty International said. "No one shall be subjected to torture or ill-treatment, and the right to life must also be upheld.”
In a recent statement welcomed by Amnesty International, the Sri Lankan government said that steps have been taken to protect the lives of ethnic Tamil civilians in the south of the country, against any possible backlash.
affna. ads the MSF France )o, said the Tamil vithin one km (0.6 na. Residents could he battle, but there ide the city. ttern for the curfew 1. until 4:30 a.m.,
but in the last two days...it was day and night,” he said, adding that the curfew was preventing nurses and orderlies from reporting for duty at hospitals.
Turjillo said the curfew was lifted briefly at midday on 12 May to allow people to go shopping, but there was apparently a shortage of food and petrol was not easy to obtain.
Refugees from the peninsula arriving in southern India said earlier this week that the power supply in Jaffna city and its surrounding area was precarious, with a couple of diesel generators mainly supplying electricity to Colombo's troops.
n-TIE Tamil Groups
2 northern Sri Lanka Tigers and governcritical point with owing to recapture ld, the Jaffna penimil political parties active Indian inte
aloof from the Sri lowing its ill-fated ion in 1987 when inducted following a Accord of July
1987. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who signed the Accord and sent the troops was himself assassinated by a suicide-bomber in September 1991.
"India's domestic pressures are their own concern. India has a moral responsibility to do something in the present situation,’ asserts PLOTE leader, D Siddharthan.
“There's no doubt that Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the Tigers. But in its own interest today, India will

Page 19
15 MAY 2000
have to either talk to the Tigers or tackle them,” adds Suresh Premachandran of the breakaway faction of the EPRLF.
For the Douglous Devananda led EPDP, the 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, is still a valid document. Says EPDP Member of Parliament, S Thavarajah, "We don't see a role for India in the present war. But in the eventofimplementation of a package, India will have to be involved, even if that means militarily."
Of all the Tamil parties, the EPDP has been more demanding, seeking humanitarian and military intervention in Jaffna on the lines of Tanzania's intervention in Uganda and Vietnam's
move into Cambodia, both of which
were upheld by the United Nations. "The lives of civilians are in danger, the only way to help the situation is by intervening militarily,” Wigneswara,
India should not "go back” to Sri
Lanka despite Colombo's SOS for mili
tary assistance to save its trapped troops facing the LTTE onslaught, former Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) commander Lt-Gen A S Kalkat has said.
In an interview to the Times of India on 7 May, Kalkat said Sri Lanka double-crossed the IPKF by supplying to the LTTE weapons and explosives which were "used against us' and by not devolving powers to the Tamildominated North and East provinces under the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord.
Asked about the likelihood of Israel or Pakistan rushing to the aid of the Sri Lankan government, Kalkat said, "Ultimately, the ethnic problem of Sri
spokesperson for
Douglas Deva EPDP said he ha minister Jaswant S "some form of nt humanitarian, wha Jafna fals,” Deva lives of hundreds residents would b Tigers would nev choosing to live ir army control." H LTTE take revenge and supporters of who participated in
For the TULF, seek is more mode The TULF, which Commissioner, Sh. Colombo on 12 M main demands: se Tamil population.
No Going Back, says PK
Lanka can only be themselves.' But S were always incli help to deal with Pakstan’s possible thought Islamabac own problems to Lanka.
However, he member to seek ex involvement in th be appreciated by bers. "They know ding foreign troo close backyard.
Q: Does the Sr need outside help A: Their troo times the number gone through thes
Tani
TIMES
Deleteing whichever is ina wish to payirenew my subscription for One year two years/three years
I am sending you a gift Subscription On behalf of............................................. Please send an introductory Copy to: .................
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TAMEL TIMES 19
PDP, said. landa, leader of the called up foreign ingh and requested arvention: military, everyou call it". “If nanda warned, "the of thousands of its e in danger as the Sr forgive them for Jaffna while under 2 also said that the againstall members other Tamil parties the local elections. the intervention they rate, but important. met the Indian High v Shankar Menon in ay, pitched for three :curity for the local saffna, medicine and
food supply, and protection for civil
ians in the eventuality of a withdrawal
by the Sri Lankan army.
Some things perhaps never change, and some lessons of history are meant to be ignored. The Tamil leadership in Sri Lanka, caught up in the whirlpool of the present situation and an exaggerated sense of their country's regional importance, can only reiterate India's obligations towards its smaller neighbour. "Culturally and in every way, we are linked to India. How can they ignore us at this stage?" questions Thavarajah.
But what has dramatically changed is that, even the Sinhala hardline sections, which had previously displayed inveterate hostility to any Indian role in the island's affairs, are pleading now for Indian military intervention in the face of Tamil Tiger advance in the north of the country.
solved by Sri Lanans Sri Lankans, he said, ned to seek outside
their problem. On involvement, Kalkat has too many of its get involved in Sri
said, for a SARRC tra-regional coutries' eir affairs would not other SARRC memIndias views regarps' presence in our
i Lankan army really
s' presence is three required. They had a routes and perhaps
$25.00 in Bank cheques only)
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APITALS PLEASE)
οι
they are finding it difficult to sustain the troops as the road link is closed. Either Colombo is hiding something from public or the troops' morale is too low to fight the LTTE.
Recalling three years of IPKF operations, from July 1987 and March 1990, during which about 1,200 Indian armymen were killed and nearly 3,500 injured, Kalkatsaid, "Sri Lanka is again asking India to deal with the symptom and not the disease.'
The former commander refuted that the IPKF operations were a "fiasco". "That is an uninformed perception.” Kalkat said, pointing out that under the accord the IPKF's task was to prevent the Sri Lankan forces committing atrocities on Tamils, two lakh of whom had fled to India, and to restore normalcy to the North and East provinces so that democratic processes could go through. After a year of operations, the IPKF had succeeded in both tasks, Kalkat said.
The only way the LTTE could survive was to get the IPKF out of Sri Lanka and for that purpose they embraced their sworn enemy - the Sri Lankan government, which not only welcomed the LTTE with open arms but also provided them with weapons and explosives which were used against the IPKF, Kalkat asserted.
According to him, the "fiasco' was over political issues - the refusal of newly elected Sri Lankan President to honour the commitment on devolution of power to North and East provinces.

Page 20
20 TAMITMES
Karunanidhi Dist From the LTT
With the much publicised successes of the LTTE in the battlefield against government forces and the pressure brought on New Delhi to play an active role relating to the crisis facing the Colombo government, the issue of Eelam and the LTTE has increasingly become a matter of debate in Tamil Nadu.
Though the LTTE is a banned organisation in India, it is no secret that it has many supporters there particularly in Tamil Nadu. The MDMK led by Vaiko Gopalaswamy and the PMK led by Dr Ramadas are open and articulate supporters of the LTTE and its cause.
However the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK led by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, has kept a respectable distance from the Tigers having previously been accused of consorting with them. But as the Sri Lankan issue became a matter of political focus in Tamil Nadu in recent weeks, Karunanidhi has been sending conflicting signals about his stand and that of his party.
First, in response to a question from reporters on 12 May, Karunanidhi was quoted as saying that he would be happy if Eelam was formed either by means of war or through talks. This remark of the Chief Minister was interpreted as a statement of support to the LTTE and was subjected to much critical comment in the Indian media as reflecting a stance which contradicted India's oft repeated position on Sri Lanka that the ethnic conflict in the island should be resolved within the framework of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As if reacting to the critical comments, and some say acting in pursuance to a request from the Centre at New Delhi, Karunanidhi came out openly against the LTTE while speaking in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly on 15 May. Signalling a change from his earlier statement, The DMK yesterday came out openly against the LTTE asking how an organisation which had killed prominent Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka could claim to be the Saviour of the ethnic minority community there.
The Chief Minister asserted in the
State Assembly th “distanced” itselffr it murdered importar Eelam” movement, of the TULF, Sri Sab K. Padmanabha of Uma Maheswaram o “How can a mov killed the leaders of Tamils from annihi Minister asked whil stion in the Assemb The Chief Mini 1983 genocide of Ta four or five groups for their cause. In 19 ted to distribute som in connection with h. among all the Sri Lal LTTE refused to re. said, adding "this is we had with the LT Mr. Karunanidh the statement he had
Twenty three, i ent civilians, mostly security personnel time bomb allege( LTTE exploded ne outside the Mangal Batticaloa on 17 Ma ning.
Nine school ch the 16 civilians kille which occurred ab injured 69 people ians, 18 soldiers and injured were admitt teaching hospital.
The nine studen lims from Ayiththar dły on a Vesak sig their Parish Priest was also injured an care at Batticaloa h
The bomb had ice-cream box of ab
 

DCCS E
at the DMK had om the LTTE after t leaders of "Tamil A. Amirthalingam arathnam (TELO), the (EPRLF) and f the PLOTE. ement, which had its own race, save lation,' the Chief replying to a quely. ster said after the mils in Sri Lanka, had been fighting )86, when he wanemoney, collected is birthday, equally lkan Tamilgroups, ceive its share, he s the kind of link, ITE.” isought to clarify made in the House
15 AY 2000
on May 12 supporting the demand of a separate homeland for Tamils in Sri Lanka. "I had only pointed out that I would be happy if“Tamil Eelam” was achieved through negotiations,” he said.
The State Government had banned a conference by the LTTE supporters at Chidambaram on May 7, he said, adding it showed government's commitment to prevent LTTE supporters from holding such meetings in support of the outlawed organisation.
The organisers, who had originally stated that the meet was for supporting the cause of the Sri Lankan Tamils, had tried to change the agenda into one for hailing the LTTE victory at Elephant Pass. "Such activities of LTTE supporters will not be tolerated,' Mr. Karunanidhi said.
According to observers, Mr Karunanidhi's remarks amount to finally toeing Delhi's line on the Sri Lankan crisis, after sending a conflicting signal that he would be happy if Eelam was formed after war or talks. Such an open change ofstand could have come about, observers feel, only after the Centre sternly told Tamil Nadu to fall in line with Delhi's policy.
b Attack on Vesak
y Condemned
ncluding 16 innocTamils and seven were killed when a ily placed by the ar a Vesak pandal ramaya Temple in y, Wednesday eve
ldren were among d and the explosion out 5.30 pm had including 41 civil10 policemen. The ed to the Batticaloa
s, Tamils and Musmalai, were reporteht seeing tour with Rev. Chandra who d he is in intensive bspital.
been planted in an icycle and the expl
osion had occurred when a boy wanting an ice cream had reportedly put his hand into the ice cream box.
The blast in Batticaloa where the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities live in harmony, seems to be an attempt by the LTTE to trigger an ethnic backlash and bolster their propaganda machine, a government statement alleged.
A curfew has been declared in Batticaloa and all reports of the bombing was censored. The news of the attack was reportedly withheld because the government wanted to take necessary steps to safeguard innocent civilians and prevent any backlash against the act of setting off of a bomb near a temple on Vesak day.
The Vesak pandal and lantern exhibition near the police station in Batticaloa is an annual event organised by the Army and Police.

Page 21
15 MAY 2000
The precise circumstances of Wednesday's (17 May) bomb attack which killed 29 people, including 22 civilians, in Batticaloa town in eastern Sri Lanka remain sketchy as witnesses have alleged that members of the security forces opened fire after the bomb exploded, killing and injuring people, Amnesty International said in a statement on 19 May.
The statement added, "No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing which also injured 90 people, 64 of them civilians. The majority of the victims were members of the Tamil community who were gathered at a Buddhist temple to watch the celebration marking of the Buddhist festival of Wesak. Several children were among those killed.
"The Sri Lankan authorities have blamed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the bombing and the deaths and have not made any known reference to allegations that government security forces opened fire, causing deaths and injuries themselves.
"The bomb was reportedly concealed inside a freezer box for ice-creams mounted on a bicycle. It was reported to have detonated after two policemen and a soldier had stopped the cyclist - who ran off - to check the contents of the box.
“Amnesty International condemns the bomb blast in Batticaloa town, which indiscriminately killed and injured civilians, and has called on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to institute a full, impartial inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the deaths. If such an inquiry confirms that some people had been shot after the bomb blast, and that they may have been victims of extrajudicial or indiscriminate killing, those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
"Amnesty International has appealed to the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE to protect the lives of civilians as fighting between the two sides escalated in the Jaffna peninsula. The LTTE is fighting for an independent state called Tamil Eelam in the north and east of the country. In November 1999 it overran ten army camps in the Wanni area and more recently in April 2000 it launched an offensive to oust the army from Jaffna peninsula - its former stronghold - and regain control of the area themselves.'
As the battle f between the Tamil ment forces, there apprehension amo the south of the cou hension of an out violence directed a is lost to the LTTE
In July 1983 v communal riot oc only about 75,000 the Tamil commu) the island's capital, ining areas. Since armed conflict in years, hundreds c families have move island. An estimat are reported to be n mbo and adjoining are said to be livi island's western seem that the mood unity is characteris ety,and fear. The g ng them appears t tread carefully.
Sri Lankan auth the closure of nor newspaper"Uthaya lating censorsip re! Confirming the ayan”, a Tamil new chiefcensor Arya R the newspaper offi on 19 May followin lation of censorship were imposed on bc foreign press follo fighting between and the LTTE in month.
Sources at Utha ombo said that sc newspaper's office disconnected the te ked the building keys.
The recently p security ordinance ( ernment to seal the
 

TAMITIMES 21
ti-TamilBacklash?
or Jaffna continues Tigers and governis growing sense of ng Tamils living in ntry. There is apprebreak of communal , the Tamils ifJaffna
when the last major curred, there were people belonging to hity who resided in Colombo, and adjohe escalation of the the north in recent if thousands Tamil ld to the south of the ed 200,000 Tamils ow resident in Coloareas. Many more ng spread over the province. It would in the Tamil commed bytension, anxieneral attitude amoo be stay quiet and
In northern Jaffna, the Tamil Tigers have launched a massive military onslaught to recapture the peninsula which they lost to government forces in late 1995. An estimated 20,000 government troops are stationed in Jaffna and the Tigers have laid siege to their last remaining bases which have become targets for intense artillery and mortar attacks.
There is a general fear that thousands of these troops may be killed if the Tigers succeed in overrunning these last remaining bases. If such a tragedy for were to materialise, which is quite possible, then the Tamils living in the South may become victims of an antiTamil backlash, although the government has proclaimed its determination to prevent an outbreak of such violence.
Government spokesmen have sought to justify the recently imposed draconian censorship regulations preventing the publication of war-related news on the grounds that publication of such reports might provoke an anti-Tamil backlash from which they must be protected.
orities have ordered thern Jaffna's only n' for allegedly viogulations. closure of the "Uthspaper, government (ubasinghe said that ce had been sealed g complaints of vioregulations, which oth the domestic and wing escalation of government troops Jaffna early this
yan’s office in Colldiers went to the in Jaffna town and lephone lines, locund took away the
romulgated public impowered the govnewspaper offices
ayan” Shut Down
and seize their printing presses for violation of the censorship rules. Human rights and journalists' organisations have denounced the censorship regulations as draconian and an interference with press freedom.
Uthyan is one of the oldest Tamil newspaper which has been functioning in adverse conditions for over 12 years. The newspaper has the distinction of functioning under different regimes, including the five year period between 1990-95, when the LTTE controlled Jaffna.
Previously, the Sri Lanka army in Jaffna had reprimanded and warned the editor of Uthayan, Mr.C.N Vithyatharan on 14 May for publishing in his paper a story about the Sri Lankan President breaking into tears during her meeting with Indian Air Force chief A.Y. Tipnis. He was also severely warned that action would be taken against (continued on next page)

Page 22
22 TAMILTIMES
CPI-M Calls for M
Support to Sri L
Chennai, May 19: The Communist Party of India-Marxist on Friday said a separate Tamil “eelam” was not the answer to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and wanted India to extend humanitarian aid, including arms, to the army which was again fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Party politburo member, R. Umanath claimed that the best solution would be give autonomy to Tamils within a united Sri Lanka. He felt that when countries like Pakistan and China
were selling arms nothing wrong Indi said that CPI-M h this stand for 17 y. conflict broke out
Alleging that th resenting the viev the island nation, b be a terrorist orga criticised the supp political parties like PMK. The two divergent views
Thousandsstranded
as Passenger Vessels are Ca
All movement of people between the Jaffna peninsula and the mainland has ceased since latest round of fighting between the LTTE and government forces commenced and particularly since the fall of the Elephant Pass on 22 April to the Tigers who are continuing their relentless offensive to recapture Jaffna.
“The City of Trinco', a passenger ship to Jaffna that was scheduled to depart in the morning of 19 May from the eastern port of Trincomalee was cancelled by the Sri Lanka Navy for security reasons, officials said. The ship was to set sail with 350 passengers to the Kankesanthurai harbour(KKS), located adjacent to the sprawling Palaly base complex in the northern sector of the Jaffna peninsula.
Three thousand forty people have registered and reserved seats for pass
age to Jaffna at the onal Secretariat, of nds more are awaii from Jaffna. The l Jaffna sailed on A service was cance stepped up their of nsula in late Marc Muditha was used as well. In a statem London office on said that their artil firing on the base
The statement air base and the K only viable supply the Sri Lankan tro ancing troops oft in the peninsula.
“The Tigers fir the base killing 7 ing 28 in the base
(Continued from page 2 l) him for publishing in his paper, Uthayan, the names of the five civilians, including two children, who were killed in the Sri Lanka Air Force bombing in Pooneryn on Friday, May 12.
The SLA had summoned Vithyatharan during the day and told him that he had no right under the recently promulgated regulations of the Public Security Ordinance to publish these news stories in the Uthayan.
However, Mr. Vithyatharan had
pointed out that th authority in Jaffna approval before p
"But given t disruption of co Jaffna, we canno paper to faxall th nment's Media Ce then patiently awa censor. Deadlink Jaffna under such Vithyatharan saic
 
 

o Lanka, there was a too did so. He also ad been advocating ars since the ethnic n the island nation. eLTTE was not repvs of the Tamils in ut only appeared to nisation, Umanath ort to the LTTE by the MDMK and the parties had taken on the issue, even
15 AY 2000
while con-tinuing as partners in the NDA government at the centre.
He said the CPI-M welcomed the stand expressed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi in the state assembly that the LTTE cannot protect the interests of the Tamils as it had killed Tamil leaders. He said that the CPIMappealed to Karunanidhi to raise his voice in support of autonomy to Lankan Tamils within the unity of Sri Lanka.
Claiming that a Tamil homeland under LTTE would only endanger the unity of the Sinhalese and the Tamils in Sri Lanka as also the security of India. The CPI-M demanded that the Vaj-payee government take a clear stand on the Lankan issue and not permit any minister to make statements contrary to the Centre's stand.
nceed
Trincomalee Divisificials said. Thousating transport to and ast passenger ship to pril 1 this year. The led after the Tigers fensive into the penih. This ship, Lanka to transport troops ent issued from their 19 May, the LTTE lery units have been since 17 May.
added, "The Palaly KS harbour are the points available to ops battling the advhe Liberation Tigers
ed severalvolleys on soldiers and woundyesterday said sour
are was no competent to submit articles for ublication.
he fighting and the mmunications with
expect the Uthayan stories to the governtre in Colombo, and ita response from the s cannot be met in
circumstances' Mr.
ces in Colombo. The Voice of Tigers radio said that LTTE's artillery fire had knocked out the communications tower of the base and had hit its runway."
The statement added that the KKS harbour may also be within the firing range of the LTTE's field guns as the Tigers have advanced into Kopay Veli, about 12 kilometers from the Palaly base as the crow flies. The 22 mm howitzers captured from the SLA by the Tigers have an effective range of 17 kilometers.
Parliament to Meet
Behind Closed Doors
As the situation relating to the war in the north of the island is becoming more and more precarious, the government has agreed to a request by the opposition United National Party to hold weekly sittings of Parliament to brief the opposition. But the sessions are to be held behind closed doors with the media being shut out and even without any record being kept in the Hansard.
This arrangement is unprecedented. The Hansard is maintained for future reference and correct reportage of the proceedings. Many are of the view that that parliamentary sessions on an important subject like the war should be made public as the people have a right to know as public funds are allocated to fight the war. With a strict censorship on at present, the only avenue open to the people is the Parliament where no censorship is enforced at present in respect of reporting its proceedings.

Page 23
15 MAY 2000
Ce
COLOMBO, 19 May: For journalists reporting from Sri Lanka on the country's latest outbreak of a nearly two decade-old ethnic conflict, the imposition of censorship on local and foreign media, has given rise to a new form of interpretative journalism. This means, distilling the truth from claimsby Tamil Tigers in their updated web sites and verbiage churned out by the country's information department.
The government's lines on "strategic repositioning", "effective relocation' and "change of line of attack', may well, imply, that the Tigers have had their day of triumph in the heavy exchange of mortar in the northern peninsula. The two statements which followed Tuesday's cross-fire are telling: amilcanadian.com, a pro-Tiger web site, went on to announce: “The
nsorship Makes
Read BetWeem Li
Sd
decisive battle for Ja great intensity as formations of the LT frontal assaults anc Lankan troops in a Pasaiyur and Karun cipal outskirts of the
The governmen ding. A statement iss Media Information nse fighting contin hours on Wednesday intrated fire by the te ground commander nces to prepared pc ards the north east (
"Censorship can productive,” said S minister, Lakshman interview to a promi spaper, recently, Co
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TAMELTIMES 23
ffna resumed with heavily combat TE opened up two engaged the Sri day-long battle at agar in the muni: city.” t was less conceued by the Special Centre read: "Inteled into the early . Due to the concerrorists, the senior shifted the defesitions more towof Tanankillapu)." often be counterri Lankan foreign Kadirgamar in an ment weekend new
insidering the inter
national denouncement that the country has come into for imposing a new
regulations on journalists, ironically, a
day before World Press Freedom Day, Kadirgamar, definitely has a point.
Theseare “the most draconian regulations ever imposed on the media in Sri Lanka," says Committee for Protection of Journalists (CPJ). At a recent conference jointly organised by UNESCO and the Swiss Government, on media reporting in conflict zones, freedom of the media in Sri Lanka, for the first time became a point of debate at an international forum. In their list of recommendations, the organisers proposed greater interaction between all journalists in war-torn areas and a greater interplay of media watch-dog bodies to ensure free reporting.
In a statement issued recently, the US State Department too, came down heavily on the mposition of censorship on the media in the country. But clearly, decision-makers in Sri Lanka are not listening, yet.
(The Times of IndiaNews Service)
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Page 24
24 TAM TIMES
Nalini's Death Sen
Commuted
Tamil Nadu Governor Fathima Beevi has commuted the death sentence on Nalini, one of the four convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, to a life-term. However the mercy petitions of three others, Murugan, Nalini’s husband, Perarivalan and Chinna Santhan, have been rejected.
The mediapersons came to know of the development only from Vellore prison sources. The four are currently detained there. There was no official communique issued at Chennai itself, indicating how the DMK government feels chary of the whole affair.
Nalini's mercy petition has apparently been accepted on the ground that she has a seven-year-old daughter who is now being brought up by some of her husband's friends in Colombo.
The Governor's orders only means that the DMK government has decided to bite the bullet and take a decision which might not please the Tamil nationalist lobby. However the last word has not been said as yet on the subject. The convicted could still appeal to the President for clemency.
It may also be recalled here that Congress President and widow of Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi herself, had suggested that Nalini's life be spared taking into consideration the future of her child.
The LTTE supporters say that once the matter goes to the President, they have enough wires to pull in the Vajpayee government to put off the inevitable as long as they can and hopefully get the sentences commuted in the case of the other three too.
Of the 26 sentenced to death by an anti-Terrorism court in Chennai two years ago, 19 were acquitted by the Supreme Court and three others sentenced to life, leaving the four to face the noose. Their review petitions were rejected by the apex court.
Subsequently the four appealed to the Governor for clemency, but their petitions were peremptorily rejected, things still remaining unclear what role the Karunanidhi government had played in the issue.
Karunanidhi blowing hot and co he had always be sentence, later government's cour clear stand when t in the High Court t mercy petitions.
On the groundt had not consulted before rejecting th Govindarajan setas asked her to consic after consulting the in December last.
The Chief Min
A report dateli Deccan Herald un Gears Itself for Jaf “Even as Sout and prepares itself that might arise due in Sri Lanka, a “q Lankan Chief of Rohan De Silva Da sparked off intenst Sources Sugges is in India "shoppi on the wish list o' forces including co ment.
While the war Northern peninsul and coastguard co the coast of Tami reported fall in n coming to Tamil N ight, the Navy do any chances.
They are plan ncies, including ev Lankan troops fr« large scale refugi across the Palk Str: been made to mo around the area of tal security and co Minesweepers and Kashin class c
 
 

15 MAY 2000
himself has been ld, now saying that en against death
retracting. The Insel did not take a he four challenged he rejection of their
hat Governor Beevi the state cabinet e petitions, Justice ide her decision and der the issue afresh cabinet. That was
ister did defend the
Governor's decision even after the Court's ruling, but clammed up when pressed what would be his government’s approach when Beevi consulted it. He kept reiterating that the matter was being examined by legal experts.
The issue itself does not evoke much emotion one way or another among the people of the state, though not many seem to bay for the blood of the four. Karunanidhi has taken a calculated risk in advising the Governor to reject the mercy petitions of the three. He could come under tremendous pressure from the Tamil nationalists.
Apparently he would now put it out that he has saved the life of one, Nalini and the other three could be taken care ofby the Centre. The four have already appealed to the President. With one saved, the other three could do so again, after the Governor's order.
sing for Jaffna Fallout
ned 19 May in the der the title “Navy fina Fallout” states: hern Naval Commfor all contingencies to the ongoing fight liet” visit of the Sri Defence Staff Gen aluvatte to India has
speculation. t that Gen Daluvatte ng” for several items f Sri Lankan armed mmunication equip
rages in Sri Lanka's a, the Indian Navy ntinue their vigil off Nadu. Despite the umber of refugees adu in the last fortines not want to take
ning for contingeacuating trapped Sri »m Palaly and also :e migration from its. Thus plans have nitor maritime zone conflict, ensure coasntrol refugee flow.
landing tank ships estroyers have been
positioned around the east coast near Chennai. Contingency plans include using LSTs forestablishing beachheads for ground troops or for evacuating people trapped along the coast.
TU-142 long range maritime patrol aircraft are flying reconnaissance missions off the eastern seaboard from Arakonam while Do- 228 surveillance aircraft keeps watch on the coastal areas, said sources.
All this activity is to ensure that India is not caught unawares by any sudden influx of refugees or is at the receiving end of intense fighting. Fall of Jaffna to the LTTE, analysts say, might witness refugees moving out. This may happen also if SILA troops tactically withdraw to Palaly air base in the north from Jaffna.
India has twin worries about Sri Lanka, regarding any outside power moving into Trincomalee harbour and third countries, like China supplying arms to Colombo. It is this, analysts say caused military intervention in 1971 and IPKF going to Sri Lanka in 1987. The 1999-2000 defence ministry annual report notes "most of Sri Lankas military hardware have been supplied by China at comparitively lower costs compared to western sources.'

Page 25
15 MAY 2000
Sri Lanka on A Buying Spre
Sri Lanka has embarked on massive arms buying spree in a bid to steel its forces fighting a last-ditch battle to save Jaffna from falling into the hands of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to an agency report datelined 11 May.
Highly-placed Government sources indicated that as many as seven Kfir ground attack fighters from Israel have landed in Colombo to boost the Sri Lankan Army's campaign against the LTTE. It is believed that Sri Lanka has contracted for arms purchases from Israel, Pakistan, North Korea, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
These ground augment the existin aircraft (5 Kfir C2 the Sri Lankan air ! that three aircraft c are grounded. Sou laden ship is on its from Pakistan. The carrying 122mm n launching systems ( rockets.
The MBRLs ar the adversary's (in fighting capability ating power and to arm of the beleag
Refugee Flow E
Ramanathapuram, May 18: The Indian Navy has declared "Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee-Free Week' following the non-arrival of refugees since May 10. The last to arrive, on May 9, were 12 stranded Tamil refugees who were rescued by local fishermen from the sixth island of Sri Lanka.
The naval marine commandos started undertaking regular patrols at the Lands end from March 10. A forward observation post was set up on April l l in Arichalmunai near Dhanuskodi. Despite the fall of Elephant Pass on April 22 and the proclamation of emergency in Sri Lanka, there has been no exodus of refugees as vigil has been stepped up in the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram district. Keeping an eye on the illegal ferrying of refugees also yielded good results, asserted Lieutenant Commander Satish, Executive Officer, Naval Detachment, Rame
SW32.
He told 'The Hindu' on Thursday(18 May) that despite strict vigilance of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard along the Indo-Sri Lankan International Border, a large number of refugees crossed into India in the past because of lack of vigil on the Sri Lankan side. As the distance between Thalaimannar to the Lands End was only 25 km, the refugees could cross
over within one anc
But with the forward observation ferrying the refugee them on the sixth is territorial waters. Th as Indian Navy and
MinOrit
Watching a filr even for a Christi hazardous occupa informing the polic saved from violence shtra police expect goons recently ran: girls hostel, burnt damaged school eq a Bible reading prog a film on Jesus. All Christians, so the f threat of conversic Luckily the female thanks to the vigila ding the show. The wledged that the at VHP elements b organisers should h in advance for pro
 

TAMITMES 25
nS
aY
A7
attack fighters will g fleet of six combat and l Kfir CT2) of force. It is believed f the existing fleet rces said an armsway to Sri Lanka ship is reportedly nulti-barrel rocketMBRLs) with 1600
e used to decimate this case the LTTE) through its devastgive a shot in the uered Sri Lankan
: forces.
It is understood that Sri Lanka has procured huge amounts of ammunition with no less than 24 containers of arms and equipment being purchased from Israel.
Pakistan is also airlifting arms and ammunition in large quantities to Colombo. It is learnt that Pakistan, in spite of request made by the Lanka Government, has refused to land arms and ammunition at Palali air base in Jaffna. The government sources indicated that Sri Lanka has approached the Czech Republic for supply of tanks to beef up the infantry's fighting capabilities. These tanks are expected to be airlifted to Colombo in the coming days. These off-the-shelf arms purchases are seen as an effort on the part of the Sri Lankan Government to prolong the Jaffna conflict and hold on to the strategic Palali air base.
ibbs
a half hours.
setting up of the post, the boatmen, s, started dropping land in Sri Lankan is created problems Coast Guard perso
nnel could not cross the international border. When this was reported to the higher-ups, the Navy was given permission to open fire at fleeing boatmen. This brought the refugee arrival to a halt. As the LTTE is advancing towards Jaffna, the Tamils who helped the Sri Lankan Army have also started moving towards Thalaimannar to move into the Indian territory, according to highly placed sources.
Missionary Zeal y Schools Under Attack
m on Jesus Christ, an, has become a tion and requires e if one wants to be 2, or so the Maharaof citizens. VHP sacked a Christian three vehicles and uipment to protest ramme followedby those invited were alse argument of a on does not apply. boarders were safe nce of those attenpolice have acknotackers were local ut argue that the ave informed them tection. Does that
mean from now on every minority community which wishes to practise its faith even in the privacy of their homes, has to seek police protection.
Attacks on minority educational establishment have become the norm, and the BJP Government have done nothing to stop them. In UP three missionary schools were attacked in the guise of robberies. The principal of one school in UP has been charged with sexual harassment by a sacked female employee. That it took the alleged victim seven years to make the charge is intensely suspicious. It offends common sense to take notice of such fabrications. There is also the vicious police violence on the Jamia Millia Islamia campus. Innocent students of this minority institution were beaten up,

Page 26
26 TAMILTIMES
while Hindu students were given worse treatment for mixing with what the police called “ISI agents'.
The students were jailed, their careers ruined, while the policemen went scot-free. The government refused to order an inquiry. This supports the hypothesis that such behaviour is impossible without political support. If such
attacks continue, r in schools will Hindu parents wil children to missio of fear of conversi but for fear of at Universities like Aligarh Muslim U. at least 40-50 pe
Humanitarian Cris in Sri Lanka - NG( Express Concer
Agroup ofNon Governmental Organisations have made a joint statement expressing grave concern about the situation that has developed in Sri Lanka leading to a humanitarian crisis. Following is the text of the statement titled "A Joint Statement and Call for Action” by the NG)s:
"The conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) has resulted in the deaths of over 65,000 people. Since 1983, 1 million people have been internally displaced and a further 600,000 refugees have fled the country.
We, as organisations working in the war zones and actively involved in seeking a negotiated and peaceful end to the conflict, are deeply concerned by the grave and immediate threat to the lives, security and basic humanitarian needs of 500,000 civilians currently caught in the fighting between the military forces of the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE in the Jaffna peninsula in the north of Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, we wish to express our concerns for the safety of 40,000 personnel of the Government of Sri Lanka stationed in the Jaffna Peninsula.
We call upon the Secretary General of the United Nations to urge the parties to the conflict to resolve the immediate crisis in Sri Lanka in a manner that ensures compliance with International Humanitarian Law and reduces to an absolute minimum the risks to life and security of civilians and combatants alike.
We propose that the United Nations
High Commission immediately unde and Colombo to situation througho
We request Union agree finan visit and for any dations which may We urge the na onal community t all the parties to th the Government o liamentary parties need to resolve the Lanka in a manne absolute minimum security of civilia The internatio seek respect, by : relevant provisio Humanitarian Law - all civilians in safe from any forr murder, cruel treat ages, outrages up humiliating and de the armed forces C - all civilians in de facto control C safe from any form out previous judge a regularly constit all judicial guaran - members of both parties who arms or are placed in all circumstance ely, and
- all civilians a quate access to es ding supplies off medicines.

eligious segregation become inevitable. |l stop sending their nary schools not out on, that is ludicrous, tacks by the VHP. : Jamia Millia and niversity which have ir cent non-Muslim
sis OS
n
er for Human Rights rtake a visit to Jaffna assess the current ut the entire country. hat the European cial support for this further recommeny arise. tions of the internatio communicate with he conflict including fSri Lanka, the parand the LTTE, the a present crisis in Sri 'r that reduces to an the risks to life and ns and combstants. nal community must all parties, with the ns of International
to ensure that: Jaffna Peninsula are n of violence to life, ment, taking of hoston personal dignity, grading treatment by f either side; n the areas under the f the LTTE remain of punishment withment pronounced by uted court affording tees; the armed forces of have laid down their hors de combat shall, es, be treated human
reprovided with adesential items, incluood, water, fuel, and
15 AY 2000
students will become institutions for minorities. Segregation will create more misunder-standing between communities and the rise of bigotry. This is what the VHP wants, but is this what India wants? Let us tell the bigots that their tactics are exposed and will not pass.
(Editorial, The Statesman, 17 May 2000)
By these actions the international community may assist to create conditions which will allow access for medical and emergency supplies to provide care for the wounded and sick and the respectful burial of the war dead of all parties.
Impartial bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the relief agencies currently working in Jaffna may offer their services to the parties of the conflict. Such services will require the financial support of the donor countries for the provision of relief supplies and to supplement current personal levels if required. It is essential that there be effective monitoring of the humanitarian situation and adherence to International Humanitarian Law by the parties to the conflict. The visit of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should therefore investigate the possibility of establishing a monitoring team throughout Sri Lanka. A monitoring system may be convened under the auspices of the United Nations, multi-national bodies from the region, the Commonwealth or the European Union as is felt appropriate and agreed in discussions with the parties to the conflict. Such an initiative must agreed with the LTTE and apply to areas of the country under their de facto control.
Any political commitment to these measures will require a commensurate financial commitment from the international community.
We urge a swift response to provide transportation, coordination and care for the wounded and sick, if the Government of Sri Lanka requests the international community to assist an evacuation of its personnel from the Jaffna peninsula. The international community should endeavour to use all channels of communication to ensure that any evacuation takes place with full adherence to International Humanitarian Law and to agree modalities to

Page 27
15 MAY 2000
provide monitors to ensure strict adherence.
As organisations who have worked for many years in all areas of Sri Lanka we recognise that the current situation in the Jaffna peninsula may have serious political and humanitarian implications in the rest of the country. We therefore propose that the international community use its good offices with both the Government of Sri Lanka and all parliamentary parties, including the parliamentary Tamil parties, to ensure that the above modalities are made in the spirit of a bipartisan approach to the long-term resolution of the conflict. A bi-partisan approach may pre-empt the possibilities of increased tensions in the country leading to inter-ethnic violence.
We have witnessed the dangers of such violence in Sri Lanka in 1983 and again in 1988-92. The Government of Sri Lanka must be confident of the support of all parliamentary parties within the country and of the international community if it is to prevent any extremist political, religious or racial groups from manipulating the current situation for their own ends to instigate ethnic violence.
It is imperative that such support be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Aid Consortium in Paris. This meeting must now incorporate a full debate on humanitarian and peace issues. The Framework on Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation currently being prepared for the Government of Sri Lanka by the World Bank must specifically focus on methods to support a long-term peace process in Sri Lanka.
We welcome and encourage the current initiative of Government of Norway, at the invitation of both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, aimed at peaceful and negotiated resolution to the conflict.
We request that the international community take all decisions in relation to Sri Lanka with the view to supporting the Norwegian initiative and seek
ing further possibil building measures t parties. Particular crisis, which thre dented escalation o that any decisions ( tary transfers to any be meticulously scri The internation also engage with al lict to ensure that frt is protected for all areas of Sri Lanka ures should not ext established in Inte unreservedly believ of continual, acc information is esse respect for the fu rights and hum Moreover, fully in analysis need to b prerequisite for a the conflict.
To summaris immediate action t national community and sensitive poli assistance to respo - The Secreta United Nations to the conflict to res. crisis in Sri Lanka;
- The United ssioner for Human on-site assessme country,
- The European visit;
-All nations o community to con to the parties to th - Establishment rights monitoring Sri Lanka;
- Adherence Humanitarian Law tarian norms by conflict,
- Financial supp humanitarian agenc
75047
EMERGENCY TRAV posee 5
 
 
 
 

ities for confidence between the warring ly at this time of atens an unpreceif the war, it is vital yn financial or miliparty to the conflict utinised in this light. al community must l parties to the conf. eedom ofexpression people living in all . Emergency measceed the limitations rnational Law. We ye that the free flow urate and reliable intial to monitoring ll range of human anitarian norms. clusive debate and be guaranteed as a bolitical solution to
e, we are taking o mobilise the interf to ensure sufficient tical and financial nd to this crisis:
ry General of the urge the parties to plve the immediate
Nations CommiRights to make an nt throughout the
Union to fund this
f the international municate concerns e conflict,
of effective humansystems throughout
to International and other humaniall parties to the
bort to the ICRC and lies so that they may
AMILMES 27
care for the wounded and sick of all parties in the Jaffna peninsula;
- Essential humanitarian supplies for all civilians affected by the conflict; - All measures to prevent interethnic violence throughout the country; - Ifrequired, urgent assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka to evacuate personnel form the Jaffna Peninsula;
- Communication with all parliamentary parties to ensure a bi-partisan approach to the immediate crisis and the longer term peace process;
- Support for all initiatives aimed at facilitating a de-escalation of the conflict and leading to a negotiated peace process in Sri Lanka;
- Consideration of all humanitarian and peace considerations at the forthcoming meeting of the Paris Aid consortium;
- Consideration of financial and military transfers in the light of the dangers of contributing to an escalation of the conflict;
- Support for the free flow information to ensure the monitoring of respect for the full range of human rights and humanitarian norms throughout the country.
The signatories to the above document are: Andrew Carl, Co-Director, Conciliation Resources - London, UK; Basil Fernando, Executive Director Asian Human Rights Commission - Hong Kong; Daisy Francis, Director, Canada Asia Working Group - Toronto, Canada, Cornelia Fuellkrug-Weitzel, Director, Bread for the World - Stuttgart, Germany; Janet Hunt, Executive Director, Australian Council for Overseas Aid - Australia; Julian Filochowski, Director, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development - London, UK; Miriam A. Young, Executive Director, Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace - Washington U.S.A.; Peter Bowling, Director, International Working Group on Sri Lanka - London, UK; Rienzie Perera, Research Director, Life and Peace Institute - Uppsala, Norway.
EL )). SRI LANKA
Sa ag gag
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28 TAMILTIMES
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Page 29
15 MAY 2000
SUmChrista
Lanka Nesiah
ope Paul constantly reminds the world that war should belong to the tragic past, to history. It should find no place on humanity's agenda for the future. But, noble as these sentiments of the pontiffare, we have to admit that war does belong to the present as an evil we are compelled to put up with. War has at times become inevitable to halt the terror, chaos and destruction caused by the irrational and brutal element in man.
But the problem with war is that it has terrible consequences. Particularly in a prolonged conflict situation, there is a huge human cost. Tens of thousands are killed or maimed. It degrades the human soul and destroys the talents and resources of the people who are caught up in it.
We know this in our own situation here. That the Tamils and the disadvantaged had genuine grievances and suffered increasing discrimination since independence and that the political leadership at the Centre failed to resolve these is now acknowledged by all major political parties. It is also acknowledged that it is only the war that has woken up our people to this reality. But what has been the cost of this war over the last two decades. Hundreds of thousands of our people, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, have been killed, maimed or psychologically traumatised. And the tragedy continues with senseless brutality.
This is why it is necessary for men and women of goodwill, of all religions, to create the right conditions and attitudes among our people to compel the political leadership to end the war and to deliver a just and reasonable settlement. This is also why the tone and tenor of the Rev. Dr. S.J. Emmanuel's 'A Call to TULF Leaders' (Tamil Times, 15 April 2000) is so disappointing. Father Emmanuel says he is writing as a Tamil Christian Priest from Jaffna. As a Tamil Christian layman from Jaffna, I feel doubly disappointed with one of my Christian leaders. Speaking soon after the war between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, Lord Runcie, then Archbishop of Canterbury, said: " As Christians, we believe that man can overcome the deadly
selfishness of class discovering himsel universal God of L realises that he is the Creator of all, then h neighbours in the w sisters. That is one re dare to interpret Go claim him as an ass group rather than ar from the love and lo be offered to God be God-substitute, one erous being national the power to oblite icing the whole race God-substitute.' I nuel will ponder ove Father Emmanue way agreeing to be toric moment of trut is that truth? Surely, reasonable solution c through dialogue. D way forward. etoric, and labelling the gov Buddhist' does not Father Emmanuel e the mouth of Presi stating that accordin a Tamil Problem problem. Let us havi fair-mindedness tc President Chandrik leaders who has con both when in the op government, the ni their due. Even as had President Chan nation and appeali designed to grant 'th demands of Tamils not be delayed any to her credit that she once deviated from
Translating her has, however, bec Admittedly, variou share the blame fo over the last 4.5 y only way forward Neelan Tiruchelvar balam, each in his
 

TAMILTIMES 29
or sect or race by as a child of the ove. When a man beloved child of the 2 is ready to see his rld as brothers and son why those who l's will must never it for one nation or other. War springs yalty which should ing applied to some of the most dangsm. Man possesses ate himself, sacrif. on the altar of some wish Father Emma:r these words. lsays that with Norfacilitator, the hish has arrived. What it is that a just and an be arrived at only bialogue is the only calling people names 'ernment as 'Sinhala help in this process. ven puts words into dent Chandrika by g to her, this was not ut only a terrorist : the honesty and the acknowledge that is one of the few sistently recognised, Iosition as well as in ed to grant Tamils te as this week, we lrika addressing the ng that the reforms 2 just and reasonable (her words) should further. Indeed, it is personally has never his position.
houghts into action another question. parties have also to the lack of progress rs. But, clearly, the s through dialogue. and Kumar Ponnamwn distinctive way,
were engaged in dialogue with groups
and individuals in the South. It is our tragedy that, for this very reason, both were assasinated by the forces of reaction. Like Neelan and Kumar, the TULF and countless other Tamils, individually and collectively and in all parts of the country, are engaged in fruitful dialogue. War, without dialogue, is a hopeless exercise and will lead the Tamils nowhere. Like in all communities, there are differing opinions among Tamils as to the best approach forward. Neelan and Kumar, while sharing a common belief in dialogue, had contrasting ways of engaging in dialogue. And it was good for the Tamils that these differences existed, as much as these differences exist among other communities. Constructive dialogue requires both sides to be on the same wavelength: Dialogue is most constructive when it is between two likeminded people.
There is an unsaid chord that runs through the whole of Father Emmanuel's article. Either you conform to my views on this problem or you quit. What else does he mean when he states: "Stand up! And speak with one clear voice the Truth concerning the Tamils" (emphasis mine). This is great pity. Intolerance of dissent is not only unchristian but also a tragedy for a whole people. The peace process in Northern Ireland moves forwards not just because it engages in dialogue but also because it recognises different points of view. On the Republican side, Jerry Adams and John Hume are totally different individuals, as are also Ian Paisley and David Trimble among the Unionists. The Good Friday agreement was made possible because each party was willing to accommodate the other, even when they had different approaches while yet being on the same side. There are inevitable stumbles on the way but the peace process keeps moving forward.
That should be our approach as well. Ethnic cleansing, intolerance of dissent and murder of individuals because their views differ from that of the killers (all sadly and unashamedly condoned by various groups and individuals) should have no place in our society. Religious leaders like Father Emmanuel are in a supreme position to denounce such evils and encourage dialogue that will create the space for a just and reasonable solution, where all our people can live with justice, dignity and self-respect.
On that, Easter evening, Jesus greeted his disciples with the words: “Peace be with you." May the risen Lord speak those words to our hearts today. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” O

Page 30
30 TAMILTIMES
Sanmugam Arumugam wasborn in Nallur, Jaffina, Sri Lanka on 3 l August 1905, the only son of Vairavanather
Sanmugam
(1905
Sanmugam. When the time came to enterprimary school, Arumugam was admitted not to Jaffna Hindu College, where a scholarship awaited him as the son of a former Director of the College, but to St Johns College purely because travel to the school from his home in Nallur was easier. In 1921 he passed the Cambridge Junior examination with distinctions and was ranked first in the school. His mother then decided that his further education should be in a Colombo school. When the Principal of St. Johns, Revd. H. Peto heard about this, he visited Kanagammah in her home and tried to persuade her to let Arumugam continue at St Johns. The compromise that was reached was that if Arumugam was to study in Colombo, it would not be at Royal College but at St. Thomas College which was in the same mission as St. Johns.
In 1922 Arumugam set forth from Jaffna in the relatively new train service to Colombo and joined St. Thomas College which was then headed by Warden Stone (known by contemporaries as the Stone Age of the College!). Arumugam passed the Cambridge Senior examination in 1923 with distinctions and based on his performance in the examination he was exempted from the London Matriculation examination.
He entered the Ceylon University College in 1923 and obtained a Science Degree in 1927, coming second in order of merit. At that time there were two Government Scholarships awarded annually for further study in the UK, and he assumed that normal selection policy would be followed and he started making arrangements to proceed to UK to study for an engineering degree at Kings College, University of London. When the scholarship results were announced, he found to his surprise that the first and sixth in order of merit were awarded scholarships! Nevertheless he decided to proceed to the UK to study engineering at his own expense.
He graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from Kings College in 1930 and then proceeded to work in Haweswater in the Lake District on construction work for a reservoir for the Manchester City water supply. He liv
ed in the little villa where he was an obje ause none of the loc previously seen acc
He returned to C joined the Irrigation) he was the third Cey be recruited. He r( ment’s Directorate | continued to work Department until hi age of 60 years in l
During his 32 ye Department, he wol the country, includi zone. Three schem fully involved deser The first was in 194 Divisional Irrigatio) ern Division, based used some surplus minor village irrigal a dam at Palavi, thu for the Thirukethe This enabled the " to be held at Thir 1949 after a lapse He was fully involvi of the temple and h the Construction Ci
The second schi Well Windmill pu Jaffna. At Puthur th as Nilavarai which is tomless' and all pre ng back over 100 ye the water with pow hardly any impres
 

15 MAY 2000
Arumugam
2000)
level. This engaged the natural curiosity of Arumugam, and he was determined to get at the bottom of it. First of all
ge of Butterwick !ct of curiosity becal inhabitants had loured person. eylon in 1932 and Department, where lonese engineer to pse to the Departlevel by 1950 and in the Irrigation s retirement at the 965. ars in the Irrigation ked in all parts of ng the malarial dry es in which he was fe to be mentioned. 8 when he was the Engineer, Northin Vavuniya. He unds available for ion works to build s providing a tank eswaram Temple. Palavi Theertham' uketheeswaram in of over 300 years. 'd in the restoration 2 was Chairman of immittee. me was the Urellu mping scheme in ere is a well known reputed to be "botvious attempts goiars at pumping out erful pumps made sion on the water
Soundings were made
and it was established that the well was not bottomless but was about 164 feet deep ending up in huge underground C3VCT1.
Next, samples of water were taken at different depths and it was found that there was a light fresh water lens of water about 50 feet deep riding on top of heavier sea water below. When pumping was commenced with powerful diesel engine driven pumps, it was found that the fresh water lens became narrower as the pumping rate was faster than the rate of fresh water recuperation. However the well level was being maintained because the saltwater percolated rapidly into the well from the sea several miles away through the fissures in the Jaffna limestone strata. Mystery solved. The hydrological data obtained from these pumping trials was then used at the Urellu Pokkunai well, which has similar recharge characteristics, to install a Hercules Windmill pump in 1952 to provide irrigation waterfor the surrounding fields at virtually Zero running cost. This was the first windmill installation in the Jaffna Peninsula.
The third scheme was his proposal for a "River for Jaffna' which is yet to befully implemented. Everytime during the North East Monsoon when he crossed the Elephant Pass bridge, he would stop in the middle of the causeway and look at the large volumes of fresh water flowing from the Elephant Pass lagoon in the east to the sea (Jaffna lagoon) in the west and think "Surely there must be a way of utilising this fresh water for the benefit of the Jaffna Peninsula?'
The scheme that he proposed (called the “Arumugam Plan” by others) was briefly as follows. The Kanagarayan Aru which flows from the Vanni mainland northwards, discharges monsoon floodwaters into the Elephant Pass lagoon, and this water flows under the Elephant Pass bridge and westwards into the sea. A dam and spillway at the Elephant Pass bridge and a 4700 foot long embankment and spillway at the eastern seaside end of the Elephant Pass lagoon at Chundikulam would trap

Page 31
15 MAY 2000
this fresh water in the l l 400 acre Elephant Pass lagoon. A two and a half mile long link channel at Mulliyan is then constructed from the northern end of Elephant Pass lagoon to lead this fresh water into the Vadamarachchi lagoon at its southern tip.
The Vadamarachchi Lagoon is a large inland lake which stretches from Mulliyan in the south, through Chempiyanpathu, Eluthumadduval, Varani and Karaveddi and then to the sea at Thondaimannar. It also branches off at Sarasalai and extends towards Jaffna Town connecting to the sea also at Ariyalai near Chemmani. It has an average width of about a mile and more or less extends through the heart of Jaffna Peninsula. The barrage at Thondaimannar prevents salt water intrusion at that end, and a spillway and gates at Chemmani will prevent salt water intrusion there, and you then have a river of freshwater flowing through the heart of the Jaffna Peninsula
The barrage at Thondaimannar was refurbished and the spillway at Chemmani constructed in the 1950s and this brought immediate improvements to the well water quality in many parts of Jaffna, which the older generation will no doubt recall. In the 1960s work commenced on the Chundikulam bund, the spillway at Elephant Pass bridge and the Mulliyan channel. The Chundikulam bundwasconstructedbutsubsequently breached. The spillway at Elephant Pass bridge was completed, but the Mulliyan channel which was to lead the fresh water from Elephant Pass lagoon to the Vadamarachchi lagoon was never completed. It was Arumugam’s hope that one day this scheme will be completed because the benefits that it will bring to the Jaffna Peninsula are immeasurable.
After his retirement from the Irrigation Department, he continued to work in the Water Resources Board as Chief Engineer and Director until he finally retired at the age of 72 years. He was the President of the Institution of Engineers, Ceylon and President of the Engineering Section of the Ceylon Association for the Advancement of Science. He read numerous technical papers before these two organisations. He alerted the general public to the dangers of over-pumping water from wells in Jaffna as this would lead to increasing salinity. His published technical books
include "Developn ation Works” (195 Major Irrigation W. ter in the Jaffna monumental volu! lopment of Water lonʼ (1969) which ofevery river basi standard reference His last two papers will in fact be publ. and will appearshc to be issued by th ment tO COmmel anniversary of the was established in D.L.O.Mendis, of the Institution Lanka, and Advise Planning and Eco self-confessed aca Arumugam and w books that "This all paid tribute to S. , nonagenarian living foremost enginee recognised the tru value of the ancient He was thus implic conventional wisdo engineers who dom. the Irrigation Depa Irrigation Ministry t conventional wisdc the small tanks wel had to be replaced and channel syster raulic engineers ha In fact it was Al in small tanks that ductive period in w culture and Hindu te irement. He had nic ating abandoned N Province village tan oration that each ta temple beside it, u started taking phe temples and collecti ut them, and this le of his book "Some mples of Sri Lanka followed by “Thi (1981), he was a f the Thiruketheeswa ciety and a Vice-Pri ty. "Stone Sculptul du Temple"(1990) ram” (1990), “Lom les"(1991) an explo ancient Hindu mon

ent of Village Irrig), “Maintenance of rks', "Ground WaPeninsula' and a ne entitled “DeveResources of Ceywas detailed study in Ceylon, and is a vork on the subject. on technical matters shed posthumously rtly in a publication irrigation Depart1orate the l 00th Department which 1900. a former President of Engineers, Sri r to the Ministry of nomic Affairs is a demic disciple of rote in one of his thor has repeatedly Arumugam, now a g in London, as the r in his time who e significance and small tank systems. itly opposed to the om of the hydraulic inated the scene in rtment and led the o follow them. This om maintained that e "inefficient' and by large reservoirs ns. Sadly the hydi their way.” umugam's interest ed to his most proriting about Tamil mples, after his retted when investigrthern and Eastern ks for possible restnk invariably had a ually in ruins. He tographs of these ng information abo| to the publication Ancient Hindu Te(1980). This was *ukethees waram” bunder member of am Restoration Sosident ofthe Socies in Colombo Hin“Thiru Koneswabok and its Tempratory study of the ments of Java, Bali
TAMILTMES 31
ァ
and Lombok, and “More Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka” are amongst his other publications.
In 1998 he completed and published a "Dictionary of Biography of Ceylon Tamils'. This publication contains potted biographies of more than 750 Ceylon Tamils over aperiod ranging from the Kings of Jaffna to the present day. This book publicised some of the achievements of Ceylon Tamils, for example the fact that the first Asian lawyer to be called to the London Bar was a Ceylon Tamil, Muttu Coomaraswamy in 1862. During the past two years he has been a regular visitor to the London Tamil Elders Centre in Wembley, where he delivered over 50 educational and informative lectures on a wide variety of topics on Hindu culture and Tamil civilisation.
In 1999, Shruthi Laya Shangham, a London based cultural organisation, approached him for information about the five ancient Shiva (Pancha Ishwaram) temples in Sri Lanka, Koneswaram, Thiruketheeswaram, Thondeswaram, Naguleswaram and Muneswaram, Arumugam duly obliged with the background information on these pre-Christian era temples of antiquity, and lyrics and music were added by the foremost violinist from Tamil Nadu, Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. Choreography and dancers were from Kalakshestra in Chennai and the performance was held at Logan Hall, University of London on 6th Ocotber 1999. At the end of the performance which was rapturously received by the audience, Lalgudi came down from the stage to the audience and draped a “Ponnadai” on Arumugam as recognition of his lifelong work.
He was by nature a quiet, humble, man who avoided the limelight, but he was a life long workaholic. He mastered the computer in his eighties and until a few weeks before he passed away he would spend several hours a day on the word processor, interspersed with a long daily walk in the park, whatever the weather. He passed away on 6th March 2000, after a brief illness.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at Close of da Rage, rage against the dying of the light,
And you, my father, there on the sad height, Bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light,"

Page 32
32 TAMIL TIMES
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WEDONG BELLS
We congratulate the following couples on their recent wedding. Sivaranjan (Ranjit) son of Mr. & Mrs. K. Sivanantham of 51/4 Alexandra Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka and Ajantha daughtor of Mr. & Mrs. N. Vigneswaralingam of 42 Kenwood Drive, Beckenham, Kent BR36QJ on 14th May 2000 at Wandsworth Civic Suite, Wandsworth High Street, London SW182PU. Shankaran SOn Of Mr. & MrS. Kumarasamy of Uyarapulan, AnaicOddai, Jaffna and Premalatha daughter of Mrs. S.
Ponnuthurai of 5-3/1 Frances Road, Colombo 6 and late Mr. Ponnuthurai on 28th May 2000 at Dehiwela Conimara Reception Hall.
OBITUARIES
Bonadozgo Died 26.03.2000
Mrs. Katpakam Muthubalasooriyar, daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Chelvarayan, beloved wife of late Muthubalasooriyar, loving mother of Swami Yogeswarananda (Rishikesh), Rajan, SarWeswaran, Vijayan, Roopa, Yogi, Vasanthi and Shanthi, sister of late Mannavarayan, late Manmatharajan, Mahadevarayan, Rajarayan, Mrs. Maheswary Vivekanandarajah and Mrs. Pavalam Kanagalingham, mother-in-law of Ganeshanathan, Sivapalan, Thanabalasingham, Alalasundaram, Selva, Malar and Vatsala; grandmother of Gayathri, Girthika, Meena, Senthil, Sarvesh, Satish, Ramesh, Kishani, Mathuri, Priya, Nirushi, Dharshan, and Kumaresh; great grandmother of Harshini and Shayaka passed away On 26th March 2000 in Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4. The members of the family Wish to thank all friends and relatives Who attended the funeral, sent messages of sympathy and floral tributes and assisted them during the period of bereavement. - 152 Cherry Wood Lane, Morden, Surrey SM44HQ.
 
 
 
 

15 MAY 2000
Mr. Sinnapoo Nagalingam
Na darajah of Annaicottai North, Manipay, Sri Lanka, Son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Nagalingam, son-in-law of the late Mr. & Mrs. Sabapathy, beloved husband of ThereSe Parimalam Nadarajah; loving father of Nadine (USA), Ragini (UK), Jegan (Len) (UK), Suresh (Bernie) (Zimbabwe) and Pragash (UK); father-inlaw of Kugendran (USA), Shanmuganathan, (UK), EdMvina (UK), Vaksala (Zimbabwe), and Thevankathy (UK); grandfather of Nishan and Brenan (USA), Kavitha and Laksha (UK), Natasha and Jessica (UK), Kajen and Priya (Zimbabwe), and Nithiya (UK); brother of Shanmugampillai, Puvan-eswari, Thangeswari and the late Sivapakiam, Annaledchumy, Saraswathy, Manonmaini, Thiagarajah; brother-in-law of Agnes, Annette and the late Rev. St. Christable and Albert passed away on 13th of April 2000 and the funeral took place at the Breakspear Crematorium, Ruislip on 19th April.
His wife and children Wish to thank all friends and relatives who attended the funeral, Sent messages of sympathy, floral tributes and helped in various ways. They regret their inability to thank them individually. - 50 Canonbury Avenue, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 1TS.
Ward & Vythialingam danadarajah, retired school
Davy Mr. Anan
principal, husband of the late Kamalawathy, loving father of Skandamalar (Australia), Sivanandan, Sivakumari, Gayathri (all of UK), Ravindran and Bhahirathan (both of Australia); father-in-law of Indrakumar, Bhama, Sandirakumar, Shan Navaratnam, Vasundra and Vathsala, brother of late Muttucumaraswamy, late Annapoorani Sinnadurai, late Proctor Sivasubramanian, late Sivajoti, late Seethaluxmy Sinnadurai, late Dr. Th a n g a ra ja s i n g a m , Kamalanayaki Param Thillairajah and Pathmavathy (Dr.) Balasingam, brother-in-law of late overseer Balasundaran and grandfather of Pradeep, Prasanna, Sharmatha, Murali, Brindan, Thayanuji, Sivanuji, Mayruja, Aarani, Luxmy, Kannan, VibuShini, Kailesh, Lalithayini, Sanjutha and Shivanthi passed a Way in Luton, UK on 12th May 2000 and was cremated on 15th May.
The members of the family thank all relatives and friends who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes, messages of sympathy and provided Support in several ways during the period of bereavement. - V.A. Sivanandan, 4a Ringwood Road, Luton, Beds. Tel 01582 58.2619.
IN MEMORAM
*
in loving memory of Mrs. Ranjini Geetanjali Thirunavukarasu On the fourth anniversary of her passing away on 24th May 1996.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Thirunavukarasu, Children Poornima and Pradeep; father Mahalingam; mother-in-law Mrs. P. Ponnuthurai, Sisters Mrs. Lalitha DilkuShi Karunakaran and Priyadarshini Damayanthy; brothers Premkunmar, Mohanakumar, continued on page 31

Page 33
15 MAY 2000
continued from page 30 Ranjitikumar, Nimalkumar and Tilakumar; brothers-in-law Karunakaran and Balanathan, Sisters-in-law Kamalarani, Vijayalaxmi, Nirmala, Yasothara, Nalini, Kamaladevi and Sugirthadevi. - M . Ranjitkumar, 12 Chase Lane, Barkingside, Essex IG6 1BH Tel, O2085542095.
Tenth Anniversary Remembrance
In ever loving memory of Dr. Parameswaran Kandiah on the tenth anniversary of his passing away on 12th May
1990.
Ten years have rolled by since the passing away of a much dedicated doctor, a loving husband and father.
To have lived and known a man such as him is surely an inspiration to bring out the goodness and the kindness in us all. God bless yои.
Sorrowfully remembered by his beloved wife Pathmasany and loving children Thayalan and Anjali - 29 Mounstan Close, Hartside Grange, Hartlepool TS26 OLR.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Jun 1 Karthigai; Feast of St. Justin.
Jun 2 Amavasai. Jun 3 South London Tamil
Welfare Group (SLTWG) Drop in. Tel: O2085423285.
Jun 5 Sathurthi. Feast of St. Boniface. Jun 6 Feast of St. Norbert. Jun 7 Shasti.
Jun 11 Feast of St. Barnabas.
Jun 12 Eekathasi. Jun 13 Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Jun 14 Pirathosam, Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jun 16 Full Moon. Jun 18 SLTWG Welfare Trip to Brighton. Tel: 020 8542 3285.
Australian NeWSieter
Dwaraka's Bharatha Natya Arangetram
The
Bharatha Natya Arangetram of Dwaraka, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
Wimaleswaran of Box Hill, Melbourne and Sishya of Dr. Chandrabhanu took place before a packed audience at The George Wood Performing Art Centre, Ringwood, Melbourne on 22nd April 2000
with the blessings of Shiva Sri Parameswara Dikshitar of Chidambaran, South India
The proceedings commenced with the traditional Pushpanjali, the dance of offering flowers to the almighty and the Consecration Of the stage followed by Jethiswaram, the nritta (pure dance) piece which blends the adavus of the dance with Complex timings and rhythmic patterns to make an exciting display of technique, dynamics and control over rhythm, which Dwaraka executed perfectly. The central piece of the repertoire is the Varnam Which COrnbines all the elements of the art form and in which passages of pure dance alternate with the lyrics of the song. In this Warnan DWaraka addreSSes Lord Krishna as the beloved and the ease with which she wove complex movements won the hearts of the audience. This was followed by Chidambaram in Kalyani Raga, Thaye Yasotha in Todi and a Padam in Huseni Raga. The performance concluded with Thillana, a pure
 
 
 

TAMILTIMES33
Jun 20 Sathurthi. Jun 22 Feast of St. Paulinus. Jun 24 SLTWG celebrates Founder's Day Tel: 020 8542 3285. Jun 28 Karthigai; Eekathasi. Jun 29 PirathoSam. Jun 30 Feast of the First Martyr of the Church of Rome. Juli 14 7.00pm Bharathanatyam by indhumati Srikumar at Sir James Hawkey Hall, Broomhill Road, Woodford in aid of Cancer Victims of North & East Srilanka. At the Bhavan Centre, 4A Castletown Road, London
V14 9HG. Te: O2O 7351 3056/4068
Jun 4 6.00pm Bharata Natyam by Meenakshi Chitaranjan. Jun 17 6.00pm Hindustani Vocal by Swati Natekar.
Jun 18 6.00pm Vocal - Indrani Sen and Folk Dance - Pinache Khan.
Jun 25 6.00pm Kuchipudi Dance by Kaushalya Reddy.
Jun 26-29 6.30-8.00p m Daily Srimad Bhagvad Gita Lectures by Swami Parthasarathi. All Welcome.
dance piece, on an exciting note with a series of beautiful arrangement of movements and rhythm presented with verve and vitality. The engaging choreography of Dr. Chandrabhanu and Adyar Lakshman was quite fast and Dwaraka managed it very well with clarity and an impressive command of rhythm.
Dwaraka's Guru Dr. Chandrabhanu Should be congratulated for the excellent training he had imparted which was clearly noticeable. The other members of the orchestra Who Shared in the SuCCeSS were Sivaganga Sahadevan - Vocal, Balasri Rasiah — Mrdangam, V. V.S . Murari — Violin and Rajalakshmi Bhargavi Ramash - Tampura. Sixteen year old Dwaraka migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka with her parents in 1985 and commenced her training in Bharatha Natyam in 1991 under the guidance of Dr. Chandrabhanu and had her initial foundation in the technique from Arun Munozz, before she began repertoire
Work under Dr Chandrabhanu's tutelage. Her parents have been wholeheartedly involved in her dance interests and helped her to develop artistically and spiritually. She is a conscientious student, a charming and graceful dancer and uses her eyes beautifully in her interpretations. Besides Bharatha Natyam, she is on the school magazine, Patchwork and Pound committees, plays hockey and cricket and has acted in Several school dramatic productions.
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Sydney Murugam Temple Inaugural Mahotsavam 2000
The Sydney Saiva Mantram held ከhe inaugural Mahotsavam of the Sydney Murugan Temple from 11th March to 22nd March 2000. It is remarkable for the Mantram to have organised the annual festival of the temple before the first anniversary of the Maha Kumbabiekham which was held on 17th June 1999. The president of the Mantram Mr. Danikaiskandakumar and the Committee deserve to be complimented for their hard work in respect of both these events.
The Mahotsavan Cornmenced with the initial Vinayaga puja on 10th March, followed by the hoisting of the flag - Kodietram on 11th March continuing with a few days of festivals culminating in the Colourful Chariot FestivalThertiruvilla on 19th, the Theerthotsavan - the Water cutting ceremony on 20th, Thirukkalyaanam - the wedding ceremony on 21st and finally the lowering of the flagKodiirrakan. On the 22nd March.

Page 34
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