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15 ARCH2001
“I do not agree with a word of what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”
-Voltaire
Mami a
ISSN 0266 - 44 88 Vol. XX No. 3 15 MARCH 2001
Published by: TAMILTIMES LTD PO Box 1 21, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 020 - 8644 0972 Fax: 020 - 8241 4557 Email: prajan0gn.apc.org editor(a)tamiltimes.org admin(atamiltimes.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.
The Challenge of Peace O3 LTTE Ban Approved 04 Ban will affect Tamil interests 04 Not a time for triumphalism 05
Father strangled O6 Bindunuwewa Probe O7 LTTE to challenge ban 08 News Digest 10 News Review 15
Restoration of Tamil Rights 18 US policy on Lanka conflict 21 International support for peace 24 LTTE Ban - indian position 27 Bulldozing the Buddhas 29 Classified 30
The
The widely antici was confirmed by the regard to the merit of challenge by way of Cides to remove the L remain in force.
Certainlythe Briti tional image, althoug Lanka.
Predictably the L affect Tamil interests age the Sri Lankang amilitary path". How erate With the NorWe The government and fairly" in banning British decision to ba OCCasion forthe mani treated as a blow air pealed to the LTTE Ongoing."
What is promisin to abandoning its Ce: WOuld Continue to be unilateral Ceasefirem tive transition in its st retreating into the "fig government forces, t front where no large. Now that its muc the primary responsil On the Sri Lankangc able toengage in det to a settlement of th prospect is when ith mobilised a Consens aCCount of its Own W must Seek to SeCure As things stand, the very antagonistican subject. These parti tions and forge a CO tween the governme sider the prospect of With the LTTE.
There is much track with its special lombo-London-New message Contained is indicative of the p negotiated politicals of Sri Lanka, its polit is the Challenge of with responsibility is
 
 
 
 

TALMES 3
lated proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) British parliament on 14 March. Whatever views One may have in the decision, the reality that has to recognised is that, untilalegal an appeal succeeds or the British Minister for Home Affairs deTTE from the list of proscribed organisations, the proscription will
sh ban is a severe blow to the LTTE and particularly to its internah it will have limited impact on the ground conditions back in Sri
TE is deeply disappointed. It said that the ban would "adversely and severely undermine the Current peace initiatives" and encourVernment to be "more uncompromising, intransigent and to adopt ever, the LTTE"would continue with the peace process and Coopgian facilitatory efforts."
of Sri Lanka "saluted the British govemment for having acted wisely the LTTE. However, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said that the n the LTTE should not be amatter of gloating or exultation, Oran festation of triumphalism by the Sinhalese people, nor should it be ned by the British Government at the Tamil people. He also apo "continue to remain engaged in the peace proces that is now
g in the post-ban situation is that the LTTE has not been provoked asefire. On the Contrary, despite the ban, the LTTE has said that it engaged in the Ongoing peace process. The LTTE has held to its nonth after month. The hope is that the LTTE has made a qualitarategy and it will continue to be in the "ceasefire mode" and avoid hting mode". Although no official ceasefire has been declared by here has been a Substantial level of de-escalation On the battleScale Operations have been undertaken in recent times.
h desired proscription of the LTTE in Britain has been achieved, bility for taking the peace process forward rests fairly and squarely vernment. The question is whether the government is ready and ailed negotiations with the LTTE on a set of proposals that will lead e Conflict. The Only context in which it can seek to deliver such a as not only ensured the Support of its Constituency, but also has us with other wider sections in the south of the COuntry. Taking eak numerical strength in the country's parliament, in particularit he support of the main opposition party, the United National Party. relations between the governing party and opposition UNP are | hostile and they are at each other's throat on every Conceivable is should rise above partisan, parochial and personal Considerammon approach On the package of proposals for discussions bent and the LTTE. Still better would be for the government to ConConstituting a bipartisan negotiating team to engage in peace talks
vidence that the Norwegian facilitated peace process is still On envoy Erik Solheim making his frequent trips between Oslo-CoDelhi having discussions with the interested parties. The strong n the recent speech made by the American Ambassador in Jaffna blitical and diplomatic pressure that is being exerted in regard to a olution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. A challenge is facing the people cal elite and particularly the government, the UNP and the LTTE. It Peace making. Will they respond to this challenge positively and the question. If they do not, posterity will not forgive them.

Page 4
4 TAM TIMES
LTTE Ban App
15 March - The British House of Commons on 14 March approved, 396 MPs voting for with 17 against, the list of organisations recommended by the Home Affairs Minister Mr Jack Straw to be proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000.
On 28 February, the Minister placed before parliament for approval after debate the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2001 recommending the proscription of a total of 21 international organisations operating in the United Kingdom,
Specific offences relating to membership, support for and funding of a proscribed organisation are included in
T
By UK Parliam
the new the Terroris
year.
Home Secreta nounced the list of c February stating th; that they were invo Included in the tion Tigers of Tai which has its inter in London. The folle the LTTE are given Aims: The LTTE fighting for a sepal the North and East
History: The LT ing since 1983. MoI ple on all sides have conflict.
“Ban Will Affe Tamil interests
- An
28 February - Britain's decision to include the LTTE on the list of proscribed terrorist organizations “will impose severe restraints" on the Norwegian initiative, the LTTE said on 28 February, the day on which the British Home Affairs Minister announced a list of 21 proscribed organisations.
The ban will "adversely affect Tamil interests and severely undermine the current peace initiatives' and wiould "encourage the repressive Sri Lankan regime to be more uncompromising, intransigent and to adopt a military path of State violence, terrorism and war', the London based LTTE's chief negotiator Mr Anton Balasingham said in a in a statement. However, the LTTE said that "irrespective of the British ban the Tamil Tigers would continue with the peace process and co-operate with the Norwegian facilitatory efforts."
The full text of the statement made by Mr Anton Balasingham issued in the form of a press release is follows:
“The British decision to include the
LTTE on the list of organisations will straints on the curre undertaken by the N ment to resolve th Lanka. So declared gham, chiefnegotia visor of the Liberati Eelam (LTTE) com usion of his politica list of proscribed nounced by the Ho Straw in the British termOOn.
"It is regrettabl movement, the auth organisation of the which has been fig cal rights of our pe years, is included scribed organisatio sad day for the Ang The Tamil people, lectively campaigni against the propose ously disappointed
 

15 ARCH2001
m Act. enacted last
y Jack Straw anrganisations on 28 at he was satisfied ved in terrorism. listare the Liberamil Eelam(LTTE) national secretariat owing details about
in the list: 3 is a terrorist group rate Tamil state in of Sri Lanka. TE has been fightethan 60,000 peo2 been killed in the
Attacks: The LTTE has mounted both a military assault and a terrorist campaign, the latter mainly in Colombo. Attacks are mostly targeted against Sri Lankan military and leading politicians using suicide bombers. Attempts to assassinate the Sri Lankan President in late 1999 and early 2000 were attributed to the LTTE by the media and the Sri Lankan authorities.
Attacks on UK or Western interests: The LTTE has never targeted Western interests directly, though Westerners have been injured as a result of LTTE attacks in Sri Lanka. The LTTE's only attack outside Sri Lanka was the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 in response to India's military support for Sri Lanka.
Representation/activities in the UK: The LTTE's International Secretariat is based in the UK, and is responsible for the group's press releases. The UK is also a source of funds for the LTTE. O
D
ton Balasingham
proscribed terrorist impose severe rent peace initiatives iorwegian Governe civil war in Sri Mr. Anton Balasintor and political adon Tigers of Tamil menting on the incl movement on the organisations anme Secretary Jack Parliament this af.
that our liberation entic representative Sri Lankan Tamils, nting for the politiople for the last 25 on the list of prons in Britain. It is a lo-Tamil relations. who have been colng as a single voice d ban will be seriby the British deci
sion. The proscription will adversely affect the Tamil interests and severely undermine the current peace initiatives. Furthermore, the British decision will encourage the repressive Sri Lankan regime to be more uncompromising, intransigent and to adopta military path of State violence, terrorism and war.
"The decision to include the Tamil Tigers in the proscribed list was taken primarily on the logical criteria of the legislation which provides a wider definition of terrorism to include all forms of legitimate armed political struggles for freedom and dignity. The British decision makers have paid scant regard to the lengthy and complex history of the Tamil political struggle, the ugly history of the genocidal mode of State repression and the glorious history of armed resistance against repression and gross violations of human rights. The British ban of the LTTE is a triumph for Buddhist racism and fascism and a severe blow to peace and justice.
"Irrespective of the British ban the Tamil Tigers would continue with the peace process and co-operate with the Norwegian facilitatory efforts. "The peace initiatives depend precariously on the leniency or the harshness in which this draconian legislation will be implemented by the law enforcing agencies in Britain.” O

Page 5
15 ARCH2001
TLTTE Ban -
NOt a
- Fore
March 2 - The British decision to ban the LTTE should not be a matter of gloating or exultation, or an occasion for the manifestation of triumphalism by the Sinhalese people, nor should it be treated as blow aimed by the British Governmentat the Tamil People, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar said at a press conference in Colombo on 2 March.
The Minister said that "the British Government has taken the only decision it could possibly have taken as a responsible, law abiding member of the international community, within the terms of its own law, and also in terms of the two International Conventions, the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings of 1997 and the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing of 1999, both of which the British Government has signed. The British Government, together with a number of other Governments, including the Government of Sri Lanka, was in the forefront of the campaign to have international legislative measures put in place to combat international terrorism. The Government of the United Kingdom has made, within its purview, a sovereign decision. It is not for me, or for anybody, to thank the British Government for what it has done. One sovereign does not thank another sovereign for acting in terms of its own law.”
Denying news reports that he was going to the United Kingdom to thank the British Government for proscribing the LTTE as "utterly and totally unfounded,' the Minister said, "I have absolutely no intention of doing any such thing. In fact, it would be inappropriate, unnecessary, undignified, indeed foolish, for me to go on a venture of that kind. The British Government has not given us a gift or granted us a favour.” However, he saluted the British
Government for h and fairly in that in its own llaw.
Addressing the Minister said, "I wi to the Sinhala peo say to the Sinhala respect, do not trea scription of the L gloating or exultat for the manifestati All sections of mo Lanka will find rel that the law of anc the LTTE was, un ing with license ha to heel. That is as would be a great in again with respect ple, to use this as a rification. Look at of one chapter, ho chapter of our rect opening of anoth might presage pe prosperity for our it like this: one batt the biggest battle and that is the batt rable peace."
Addressing the Minister said, "To would say, with e. do not treat this pro aimed by the Britis Tamil people. It is said a moment ag ernment is merely its land and that lav distinction betwee against, or in resp. may have to be er self is a perfectly It contains a defil which is now univ proscribing a part be it the LTTE or
 

ign Minister
aving acted wisely hanner in respect of
Sinhala people, the sh to address a word ble of our country. I people, with great t this event, the proTTE, as a matter of ion or an occasion on of triumphalism. derate people in Sri iefand satisfaction ther country where fortunately, operats brought the LTTE it should be. But it histake, and I say it to the Sinhala peoun occasion for gloit rather as the end pefully, the violent 2nt history, and the er chapter, which ace and, therefore, people. I would put le has been won but is yet to be fought, le for a just and du
: Tamil people, the the Tamil people I ual respect, please scription as a blow Government at the no such thing. As I ), the British Govapplying the law of does not draw any n the organizations ect of, who the law forced. The law itneutral instrument. lition of terrorism, 2rsally accepted. In cular organization, be it a Muslim or
TALTMES 5
ganisation or be it any other type of organization, the British Government is certainly not aiming a blow at any section of the people of the country where that organization operates. It will be unrealistic for the Tamil people to look at the matter realistically, and ask themselves has not the time come, finally, when they should say to the LTTE "turn over a new leaf, enough of violence, and let us join hands with other moderate, sensible people in the rest of Sri Lanka who earnestly desire peace'.
To the LTTE the Minister had this message: "I would say to the LTTE itself, as their spokesman has said, yes, this proscription is indeed a blow. But the LTTE cannot objectively be heard to complain about that because the LTTE knows very well what the definition of terrorism is in the UK Act. The UK Act, as I said a moment ago, is not concerned with the worthiness of a cause. It passes no judgementatall, one way or another, on whether a cause is a good cause or not. What the law does is to prohibit violent activity in pursuit of any cause whatsoever. So I say to the LTTE, let us look at it like this: the proscription has occurred, but that has nothing whatever to do with the peace process that is going on. In the first place, the British Government is not a party to the peace process. The peace process involves the Government of Sri Lanka, the LTTE and the Government of Norway. It is, if I may say so, not a sound argument for the LTTE to say that if the British Government bans it then it might pull out of the peace process. There is no logical connection at all between the proscription and the peace process. I am confident that the LTTE will ultimately see this matter in the correct light; that it will realize that if it is keen on peace, as the Government of Sri Lanka is, then the LTTE will continue to remain engaged in the process that is now ongoing. So that is my appeal to the LTTE. What I am saying is that the Government of Sri Lanka is determined to go on with the peace process and bring it to a successful conclusion for the benefit of all the people. I urge the LTTE to look at it in that way.” O

Page 6
6 TAMILTIMES
March 6 - The differences between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers over holding peace talks to end the ethnic war were narrowing, raising hopes that the two sides may meet soon after a gap of five years. "The way things are going, I feel that gaps are indeed narrowing," Erik Solhiem told the media.
“In a situation like this you can't have an "I do or I don't' answer. But I feel that in the coming months, the two will be thinking seriously about a meeting,” Solhiem said.
After arriving in Colombo on 4 March, Solheim met President Chandrika Kumaratunga, top opposition lea
der Ranill Wick United National affairs minister G High Commissi Gandhi on 5 Marc Solhiem decli the proposed talks ment and the LTT man for the Norwe the talks construc
"The meeting we hope to bring gether,” Tomas bassy spokesma Solhiem-Kumarat
Solheim has than a year to na
Daughter Saw Father
Beaten and Strang
March 7 - "I saw the soldiers beating up my father with a club and he cried out in pain. My brother and I cried when we saw this. Our father told us that he was being taken to the Tharapuram Navy camp and asked us to come there in the morning. The soldiers then took him away. We saw our father being walked down the street later around 10.30 p.m.' said Anusiya Uthayakumar, 16, the daughter of the man who was allegedly beaten and strangled to death by Navy personnel who arrested him on the night of February 28, in her evidence in the Mannar Magistrates Court on 7 March.
Answering a question by Inspector of Police (Mannar crime branch) S.Abeyawardena during her evidence, Anusiya said that she also saw the naval ratings strangling her father while they were beating him up.
In their evidence before the Magistrate earlierom 5 March V.E Raveendra S.Harischandra, 23, the sub-lieutenant from the Tharapuram Navy camp in Mannar and three ratings who went with him to arrest Uthayakumar on the night of 28 February had claimed that they did not assault him at all during the arrest or questioning.
The sub lieute dence that Uthaya on information pl formants. He clair electricity in the camp when they there for questio) tempted to escape room where they him went out. Ho the sub-lieutenant K.A.S Prasad Ku had overpowerec brought him back he had suddenly from a corner of h
“Suspecting th suffering from a ( to the hospital nounced dead,” til adding that they Uthayakumar ev escape bid was foi ant's statement W2 three naval rating
However, the ficer for Mannar, who examined t kumar states inhi submitted to the am of the opinion
 

15 MARCH2001
remesinghe of the Party, constitutional .L. Peiris and Indian Oner Gopalkrishna ch. ned to give a time for between the governE. Earlier, a spokes2gian embassy called tive. was constructive, and , the two parties toStangeland, the eman, said about the unga meeting. been trying for more rrow the differences
between the LTTE and the government to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table. The last peace talks were held five years ago, commencing shortly after Kumaratunga's Peoples Alliance coalition came to power in August 1994 which broke down in April 1995 when the LTTE pulled out of the talks and resumed armed hostilities.
Solheim, left Colombo on Tuesday 6 March for talks with a London-based LTTE's chief negotiator and advisor Anton Balasingham in a bid to push forward the island's peace process.
The Tigers had earlier warned they would pull out of talks if Britain proscribed them under the new anti-terrorism laws. However, in a statement following the ban the LTTE said that although there were now constraints imposed on them they were committed to remaining in the peace process and were supportive of Norway's efforts.O
inant said in his eviakumar was arrested rovided by three inned that there was no Tharapuram Navy took Uthayakumar ning and that he atwhen the lamp in the were interrogating wever, according to , he and naval rating mara, 22, of Matale | Uthayakumar and to the room where collapsed, frothing is mouth. at Uthayakumar was lisease, we took him where he was prohe Navy officer said, had not assaulted 2n when his alleged led. The sub-lieutenis corroborated by the s who gave evidence. District Medical Of Dr. G. Somasekeram, he body of Uthayasmedical legal report courts on 2 March "I the death would have
occurred due to Hypoxia following strangulation of the neck". He noted that there was muscle and bone damage in Uthayakumar's neck and bleeding into muscle. His report says that there was bleeding into the mouth and the nostrils.
Continuing her evidence in court, Uthayakumar's daughter Anusiya said “We are from Atchuvely in Jaffna. We were displaced due to army operations in 1997. We have been living in Mannar since then. I have three sisters and three brothers. My father had to chop firewood to eke out a living. My mother went to the Vanni on 16 February to visit one of my sisters who lives there with relatives. As my mother was not at home, my father went out to chop firewood on the evening of 28 February. Eight soldiers came home around 9 p.m. that night. They questioned and chased away a neighbour who had come to listen to the radio news. Then they told my father that they had come to arrest him because they had information that he was involved in smuggling.”
She said that a naval rating had woken them up around 3.30 a.m. and told them Uthayakumar would return home in the morning and that they should prepare to welcome him. The rating had given the children a chit in Sinhala which Anusiya said she could not understand as she did not know Sinhala. O

Page 7
March 8 - The Sri Lankan President, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, has appointed Justice P. H. K. Kulatilaka, Justice of the Court of Appeal, on 8 March to function as the One-man ommission of Inquiry into the massacre of Tamil detainees at the Bindu-nuwewa Rehabilitation on October 25 last.
The Commission of Inquiry has been given a period of three months to inquire and report on the following matters:
i. The circumstances that led to the incidents that took place at Bindunuwewa Rehabilitation Camp on 25/10/ 2000 in the course of which 27 inmates died and 14 persons were injured.
ii. The administration of the Rehabilitation Camp at Bindunuwewa and the
Commission to P. BindunuWeVa Mass
conduct of public o is relevant to the sai iii. The person c rectly or indirectly r omission for:-
(1) bringing abC (2) causing injurie death of the inmate iv. Criteria app: sion of persons to r and the location of v. Methods ado tion of persons adm vi. The measures the recurrence of Su remedial measures this regard and to m dation with referen
Lanka Owes Deep of Gratitude to In
March 2 - Foreign Minister Laks` hman Kadirgamar said that Sri Lanka owed India a “deep debt of gratitude' for persuading Britain to include the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in its list of banned terroristorganisations. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to India. Unsolicited by us, Jaswant Singh (External Affairs Minister) made representations to the British government for the banning of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam),” Kadirgamar said, two days after the British government's announcement of its new anti-terrorism laws. Kadirgamar said he had taken up the matter with his Indian counterpart, but Singh had told him that New Delhi had already lobbied London. "That is a particularly friendly gesture by India,” he said. terrorist organisations.
The foreign minister said he “saluted" Britain for imposing the ban, but denied state media reports that he was going to London over the weekend to personally convey Sri Lanka's gratitude.
"There is no truth in that. There is no question of one sovereign state thanking another. But I salute the British government for their action despite
the pressures of a ( He said the Bri not given Sri Lank a favour, but “all the world will appl done. They have fairly and squarely
Analysts and claimed the Britis diplomatic victory which had feveris the LTTE includec national terrorist leased by London
However, Kac both the Sinhales
March 8 - The ( British Governmen
banning under its
lation ends a perioc growing unwilling tional community by non-state actor ing even legitimat indicated by this
 
 
 
 

TAM TIMES 7
fficers in so-far-as it ld incident.
or persons, if any, diesponsible, by actor
ut the said incidents; s to persons, or the S. licable to the admisrehabilitation centers such centers. pted in the rehabilitalitted to such centers. s necessary to prevent ich incidents and the if any, to be taken in lake such recommence to any of the mat
ters that have been inquired into under the terms of this Warrant.
As many as 27 inmates were killed and 14 grievously wounded in the attack on the camp by an armed mob. Most of the inmates were suspected LTTE cadres. The camp was located in central Sri Lanka in a pre-dominantly Sinhala village.
The Commission, which has been assigned the task of pinning responsibility for the incident and making recommendations to prevent recurrence of the tragedy, has to report back in three months.
The Government came in for sharp criticism both at home and abroad for the incident, which also sparked ethnic riots in the neighbouring Tamil-dominated districts.
The tragedy is likely to be raised by human rights groups at the annual session of the United Nations Commission for Human Rights in Geneva which began on March 19. O
Debt dia”
lemocratic society." tish government had a a gift or done them the governments of aud what Britain has lone the right thing
,.”
media in Colombo h ban was a major for the government, hly lobbied to have in the list of "interorganizations' reon February 28. irgamar cautioned e majority and the
Tamil minority communities against giving in to gloating or despair.
"I say to the Sinhala people of the country, please do not treat it as matter of glory, exultation or triumph. And to the Tamil people, I say, don't treat this as a blow against the Tamil people. The British government is not aiming any blow at any particular group of people,” he said.
The government will, however, step up its campaign to have the LTTE banned in other countries, including Norway which is trying to prod the separatists and Colombo to thrash out apolitical settlement to the decades long ethnic conflict.
France, Germany, Canada and Australia were among the countries considering anti-terrorism legislation and Colombo will lobby the governments of these countries to proscribe the Tigers, he said. O
lecision taken by the it to list the LTTE for anti-terrorism legisi of uncertainty. The ness of the internato tolerate violence 's aimed at promote political causes is British decision, the
National Peace Council said in a state
ment on 8 March.
The National Peace Council welcomes the statement of the LTTE's international spokesperson Dr Anton Balasingham that the LTTE will continue with the Norwegian-facilitated peace process. We also welcome For(continued on next page)

Page 8
8 TAM TIMES
LTTE to Challenge
The LTTE is planning to contest through legal and political avenues the proscription imposed on it by the British government while continuing to cooperate fully with the on-going peace process facilitated by Norway, according to a news report in the Sunday Leader published from Colombo.
Quoting informed sources in London, the report said that the LTTE is presently consulting leading lawyers in Britain over possible legal action in connection with the recently imposed ban. It has also commenced exploratory discussions with human rights advocacy groups in a bid to associate itself with positive efforts contemplated to challenge the new legislation on terrorism.
LTTE chiefnegotiator, Anton Balasingham, has also submitted a report on developments after the proscription came into effect, to the Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabakharan. The LTTE (Continued from page 7) eign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar's statement that the ban on the LTTE is neither a defeat for the Tamil people nor a cause for gloating by anyone and that the Sri Lankan Government would proceed with the peace process.
As stated by the NPC in a previous statement, the British ban does not af. fect the fundamental issues of justice and power sharing between the ethnic communities that have been long unresolved in Sri Lanka. It is also necessary to note that despite the British ban on the LTTE, the ground reality in the north-east is that of two undefeated armies and ofsuffering peoplewho crave a just political solution and an end to the warfare that has blighted their lives foreighteen years. The Sri Lankan parties in conflict need to make use of the situation that has arisen after the ban for the positive purpose of speedily ending the ethnic conflict by means of a just and negotiated political solution. As a civic organisation, the NPC is prepared to join with those who would work for a just and negotiated political solution. O
chief will thereaft politico-legal cour response to the ban after discussing the ior military comma leaders in the North Wanni, the report a The report quo said that the LTTE down its already di Secretariat located and generally adop exploring all legal a available to persua ernment to lift the The report det legal options said
Ban
U
March 5 - The the United States C rejected the appeal foreign organiza Workers Party(PK tion Tigers of Tai in the two cases o' Project v. Ashcrof roft v. Humanitari 1077.
The LTTE and ignated by the US rorist organisation
In 1996 the U the Antiterrorism Penalty Act on the organizations tha activity would p among the Worl Law delegates po the Secretary of eign organization ful activities that ( curity of the Unit zens. It is a crime 10 years in prisor ganizations tangi money, weapons. training or persor

15 MARCH2001
r decide upon the e to be adopted in on his organisation issue with his sennders and political ern mainland ofthe dded. ting Tamil sources is expected to close funct International in Catherines Road a low profile while nd political options de the British govproscription. iling the available that in the first in
stance, the LTTE could apply to the British Home Secretary to deproscribe it, and if that application is refused an appeal could be lodged to the Proscribed Organizations Appeal Commission. Further legal recourse is available through appeals to courts of appeal.
The report added that apart from legal remedies, Tamils in Britain are also contemplating political options. The coalition known as the Expatriate Tamils British Parliamentary Campaign will continue lobbying British parliamentarians, foreign and home ministry officials on an on-going basis even af. ter the ban comes into force. Although the law is expected to be passed by the lower and upper houses of parliament without much difficulty, the Tamil lobby will persist with its endeavours in the future. O
On PKK & LTTE Jpheld in USA
: Supreme Court of on Monday March 5 to lift the ban on two tions - Kurdistan K) and the Liberamil Eelam(LTTE) — Humanitarian Law ,00-910, and Ashcan Law Project,00
the PKK were desgovernment as ters in October 1997, S legislature passed and Effective Death premise that foreign engage in terrorist ay a negative role 1 Community. The wer in the hands of tate to ban any forinvolved in unlawould threaten the se2d States or its Citipunishable by up to to provide such orple support such as false identification, nel. There is no ban
on providing medicine or religious materials.
The justices also rejected the government's bid to reinstate two provisions of the law that a lower court barred from being enforced. Thus the Court upheld the decision of the Federal judge in Los Angeles, confirmed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which confirmed that medicine and religious materials can be sent to the designated organizations; people are free to align themselves with designated organizations through expressions of solidarity and advocacy of their causes, and barred enforcement of the ban on providing personnel ortraining as those provisions were too vague.
The Court orderstated that anyone, who is providing money, weapons or other tangible support including raising funds to encourage terrorism would be a thought of as a criminal offense. The people who are accused of such an offense should bear in mind that they would not be able to get bail.
Two US citizens and six domestic organizations, including the Humani(continued on next page)

Page 9
STARCH 200
8 March - The Paris based international organisation, Reaporters Sans Frontiers (Reporters Without Borders), has called for the release of a Tamil journalist detained in Sri Lanka for more than two months. The organisation made the appeal in a letter to the Sri Lankan Justice Minister, Prof GL Peiris. It said the Jaffna-based journalist, Subramaniam Thiruchelvam, the correspondent for the state run Tamil daily Thinakaran in Point Pedro in Jaffna. was arrested on 2 January 2001
March.6 - Some sections of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka are up in arms over foreign and local Christian evangelical organizations reportedly converting villagers in remote areas using, what the describe as "unethical, coercive and sometimes barbaric methods.”
The Centre for Buddhism International (CBI) located inthe central province hill town of Kandy, where the Temple of the Buddha's Tooth is the focal point, has accused Christian missionaries of invading rural villages and tea and rubber plantations to proselytize their faith. "Such missionary
activity has upset the quiet and peaceful life of the rural community by the unethical, coercive and sometimes barbaric methods of conversion adopted by these evangelical groups thus creating a conflict situation which often leads to a breach of peace," the organization said in a statement. The statement said the
(Continued from page 8)
tarian Law Project challenged the law. They said they wanted to provide support for lawful, nonviolent activities by two groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations: the Kurdistan Workers' Party in Turkey and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. O
Appeal for Rele OfTamilJOurna
Protest Against Christian Conversio
in Colombo and de alleged links with
Robert Ménar of RSF, notes in his longed and excess journalist from the a very worrying w professionals work since it has occurr ter the still unpuni reporter Mayilvag from Jaffna.' Rob “RSF considers th
work of at least 73 fo gelical groups, with Crusade for Christ, ary Crusade, had b South Asian think Centre for Strategic Calling on the g cording to the count protect the Buddh charged that other Ch tried to justify the \ lists and decry oppos as "the work of extr Last month, t Hingurakgoda in th ince was shocked b. attack by club-wield tian prayer hall as
held. At least 38 pe
anti
TIMES
wish to paylrenew I am sending you a gil Please Send an introd
enclose a donation O
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

tained since for his Tamil Tigers.
l, general secretary letter that “this proive detention of a Jaffna peninsula is arning to all media ingthere, especially d a few months af. shed crime against anam Nimalarajan ert Ménard added, at the violence and
TAMLTIMES 9
degrading treatment to which the journalist was subjected during the first weeks of his detention must be investigated and punished. In fact, such treatment by the security forces is in complete contradiction with the international commitments of Sri Lanka, such as the Convention against Torture."
The RSF letter further states, “According to his family and a human rights activist who visited him, the journalist was beaten with a pipe several times by policemen. He was also handcuffed night and day. Police stated that he confessed his links with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eeelam (LTTE). But his family is adamant that he confessed under duress. Subramaniam Thiruchelvam is accused of collecting money for the LTTE". O
reign and local evannames like Campus and Christian Litereen studied by the tank, the Regional Studies.
OVernment tO act aCy's Constitution and list faith, the CBI uristian organizations work of the evangeition from Buddhists emists.”
he small town of 2 north central provy a Sunday morning ing mobs on a Chrisservices were being ople were seriously
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injured and the hall badly damaged.
Three people were arrested and President Chandrika Kumaratunga had to call for a special inquiry into the incident to forestall any fanning of inter-religious conflict.
Some of those belonging to the mainstream Catholic and Christian churches also seem to be unhappy about the activities of the "crusading evangelists." Their detractors say that the evangelists are from among newly sprung up groups with foreign links who blend religion with relief work, doling out jobs and material aid to converts.
Though the Sinhala-Tamil ethnic conflict in the island has continued for over two decades, there has been little tension among the people on religious lines. With 70 percent of the country's population being Buddhist, the other major religions of Hinduism, Islam, Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism have always steered away from controversy and co-existed peacefully. O
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Page 10
10 TAMILTIMES
O DEFENCE SPENDING HITS $862 MILLION
March 8- Sri Lanka will spend 75 billion rupees ($862 million) on defence in 2001, parliament was told, but there was confusion whether that was an increase or decrease as Some of the money will cover pay-ments forlast year. Deputy Fin-ance Minister G.L. Peiris told parliament in a budget speech some of the money would cover costs from last year when defence spending boomed to an estimated 80 billion rupees as the government fought an increasi-ngly costly ethnic war.
"Defence expenditures, incl-uding the deferred payments for last year's procurements, is estimated at 75 billion rupees in 2001," he said. In February, Pei-ris told parliament that defence spending this year was expected to total 63 billion, about one-sixth of the government's expe-cted overall expenditures. The original forecast for last year was 53 billion, but that rose rapidly after government troops suffered setbacks in fighting Tamil rebels in the northern Jaffna peninsula.
Peiris said economic growth would slip to 4.5 percent this year, from six percent in 2000, on expected falls in agriculture output and slower trade growth.
O US COMMANDO TRAINING
Fifty personnel from an elite commando unit of the United States army arrived in Colombo and were taken to Hotel Lanka Oberoi. They are here to provide military training to the Sri Lankan military. The military trainers will stay couple of days in the island before returning home, according to reliable sources in Colombo.
The arrival of the military trainers was a result of the discussion between the Sri Lankan military chiefs and a US delegation led by Brigadier General B. Donald, stationed in the Pacific region, early this month. The US delegation pledged to provide military training for the Sri Lankan troops.
Both countries' military personnel are concealing the training location. However, the military commanders are lodged in a five star hotel, which is located in the heart of Colombo under heavy security of Sri Lankan authorities.
There is still no public knowledge about the number of Sri Lankan troops,
which will benefit training. These U. andos are in the c exercises while th Lanka pledged to f tion to the ethnic months with the su Government and o'
The United Sta to provide military training to Sri Lank in active combat wi The US Governme reports of providir to strengthen the forces.
O LTTE’S HI-TE
ROCKETLA March 8 - The 'stealth technolog boats and also the " double tube 107 m launcher, probably Writing in the l Intelligence Review that a video of th Lankan passenger malee harbour by squad last year, cle acquisitions. "This on,” the author say double tube rocket These weapons aigns of insurgent LTTE in Sri Lank terrorists with a fol ort that can be tran easily used. Thero rically from a few simply connectin Davies says.
O GAMBLING ( March 8 - Sri L. lise gamblingands national lotteries across the board to war. Junior Financ iris said he hopedt to regulate casino: accept bets on fore ound races in a mo tively legalise the may be taking a b to legalise casinos

from this military S. Military Commountry for training le President of Sri ind a political soluconflict within two pport of Norwegian ther western States. tes of America used 7 and human rights can soldiers who are th the Tamil Tigers. nt never denied the ng military training Sri Lankan armed
CH
JNCHERS LTTE has acquired y' for their speed rare' but very useful m Katyusha rocket from North Korea. atest issue of Jane's 1, Roger Davies says e sinking of a Sri ship at the Trincoa Sea Tiger suicide 'arly indicates these is quite a rare weaps about the 107 mm
launcher. are ideal for campgroups such as the ka and provide the m of artillery suppsported, hidden and ckets are fired electyard's distance by g with a battery,”
ON CASNOS anka moved to legaaid it was privatising and raising taxes finance the ongoing e Minister G. L. Pebring in legislation and centres which gn horse and greyhwe which will effecm.The government
g gamble by trying as a similar proposal
15 MARCH2001
in the 1997 budget had to be put on hold after the influential Buddhist clergy opposed the move."We are facing a financial crisis. We are facing a foreign exchange crisis,” said ports minister Ronnie de Mel who had presented 1 l budgets under the previous administrations. “We are indeed facing a crisis situation.”
O JUDGE SLAMS RANATUNGA
March. 7 - Sri Lanka's cricketing legend Arjuna Ranatunga has been castigated by a judge over allegations he assaulted teenage cricket players, seven of whom ended up in hospital. Magistrate Kusala Weerawardhana said Ranatunga had committed a “very serious act” unbecoming of a celebrity and warned him to be better behaved. Press reports here highlighted the judge's comments made after Ranatunga appeared before him following the cricketer's arrest at a local police station. "As a respected person in the country you should have behaved in a more decent manner. You should not have acted in this fashion,' the Colombo magistrate was quoted as saying in the Colombo press. Ranatunga is accused of beating high school children who chased a cricketball that went into the compound of the Ranatunga family home on 2 March. The Ranatunga home adjoins the Asoka College in Colombo. "Children are children. You were also a child. When dealing with children you should have been more careful as a respected person in the country," Weerawardhana said.
O U.S. TO RECONSIDER
LTTE BAN F... The US may reconsider a ban on the LTTE if they shed its terror tactics and the use of violence to achieve a political objective, the US ambassador, Ashley Wills, said in speech in Jaffna on 7 March. The US proscribed the LTTE as a "foreign terrorist organisation' in October 1997.
“Can the LTTE be transformed into a democratic, political, non-violent organisation? If it can, those who have seen it at its ugliest and those who are opposed to its tactics, including the United States, will be obligated to recoinsider how they regard the LTTE," Mr Wills said.
"If anyone in this audience has contact with the LTTE leadership,

Page 11
please convey two messages from the US government. "If the LTTE is still fighting for Tamil Eelam, please accept that that goal cannot be achieved., and, if the LTTE really cares about the Tamil people and about assuring their rights, giving up violence and negotiating are the way to go.'
O LANKA FIGHTING
INDIAS WAR February 26 - A former commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force, Air Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe, has said that the war Sri Lanka is fighting now with the Tamil Tigers is not Sri Lanka's but India's.
In an unsolicited four-page submission to the Sri Lankan President, Mrs Chandrika Kumaratunga, Ranasinghe says: "At present, we are fighting a war which is not ours but India's. We are fighting it in our country for India.” Ranasinghe did not say more on the Indian angle, but his point was that India was cleverly engaging the LTTE outside its shores in order to prevent the militant group from interfering within India itself. “Like the Americans, we should have fought the war in somebody's else's country such as India, UK, Germany or Canada where funds are being generated for the LTTE,” he wrote.
About four years ago, Ranasinghe told an inquiry that tender procedures had to be circumvented for the purchase of Israeli Kfir aircraft because other countries were not willing to sell attack aircraft to Sri Lanka saying India would object.
O SLUM CITY COLOMBO
BEATS KOLKATA March 7 - Sri Lanka's commercial capital of Colombo has emerged on top to share the dubious honour of being the worst slum city in the world with San Salvador, the island's Housing Minister said. With nearly half of Colombo's population living in slums, the city has overtaken Kolkata in India, Housing Minister Mangala Samaraweera said in Colombo. He told reporters that some 420,000 people out ofa population of about 850,000 lived in slums of Colombo. "Calcutta (Kolkata) may have more slums, but when you take the numbers per capita, Colombo is worse than Calcutta and at par with San Salvador,” Samaraweera said.
O UN CONDE
STATUE DES The UN Security its voice to worldw of the decision by in Afghanistan to de ues of the Buddha a Islamic relics.
In a statement, th Taleban to stop the and wanton acts of tural heritage of Afg sures being destroy the world's cultural statement said.
The Taleban ha calls to stop the de reports from Afgh that work to demol tinuing.
Ukrainian amba Yelchenko, who is of the Security Coul that the latest infor that preparation for started - but the act not yet taken place. continuing its effort ahead.
O SPECIAL UN ONLLEGAL
A special poli round the clock to complaints relating and harassments ha at Rajagiriya. This u Justice Ministry A Nelum Gamage.
This unit will c cial Committee of complaints of ille harassments func Ministry of Justice. established for the e of complaints invo and injustices caus of Sinhala, Tamil a unities in the cours ntain law and orden This committe complaints in resp. by the Police and Forces. Minister Ba been appointed as Committee.
Former Minist kody functionsas th other members are Peiris, S.B. Dissn Kadirgamar and DC

TAL TES fi
MINIS STRUCTION 7 Council has added vide condemnation the ruling Taleban stroy two giant stats well as other pre
he council urged the “incomprehensible violence on the culhanistan”. The treaed formed "part of I treasure,' the UN
ad refused to heed struction, although anistan suggested ish them was con
Issador Volodymyr the acting president İncil, told journalists mation he had was the destruction had ual demolition had He said the UN was s to prevent it going
T DETENTION ce unit operating investigate public to illegal detention as been established initis headed by the dditional Secretary
ome under the Speinvestigations into gal detention and tioning under the This committee was xpeditious disposal blving harassments ed to the members und Muslim commse of duties to mai
in the country.
e entertains public ect of arrests made the three Armed atty Weerakoon has the President of the
2r Lakshman Jayahe co-ordinator. The Ministers Prof. G.L. ayake, Lakshman uglous Devananda,
Legal Consultant H.M. Zuhair, TULF Member R. Sampanthan, CWC member R. Yogarajan and PLOTE member D. Siddharthan.
So far 680 public complaints have been received and more than half of that number has been disposed. The committee is empowered to render relief immediately by accelerating the inquiry proceedings and releasing the innocent while prosecuting the suspects and affording facilities for early disposal of justice.
O U.S. GIFTS MEDICAL
SUPPLIES TO UAFFNA
March.7 - US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ashley Wills Tuesday visited the embattled northern town of Jaffna and gifted $500,000 worth of medical equipment to the region's main hospital. Wills presented the equipment in Jaffna, as part of a humanitarian assistance program that allows the US Department of Defense to help civilian institutions, the US embassy here said in a statement.
The equipment gifted consisted of anesthesia apparatus, portable heart defibrillators, dental equipment and therapeutic ultrasound equipment. "I am pleased to be able to make this donation on behalf of the US government and am confident that it will assist the highly capable staff of the teaching hospital in helping Jaffna residents live better, healthier lives," Wills was quoted as saying.
O LITTE BAN, A BRITISH
BETRAYAL March 4 - TULFMP Joseph Pararajasingham commenting on the LTTE proscription in the UK said that it would not affect the peace talks because the LTTE declared and maintained the cease-fire, only because the LTTE wants the Tamils to live peacefully and their suffering to come to an end. When the Irish could have talks even after proscription, the Sri Lankan govt must also reciprocate the cease-fire and come forward for talks. Only then the international community will trust the government. On the other hand, if this opportunity were also missed it would end in disaster. The secretary of ACTC N. Kumaraguruparan said that if the government wants to settle the crisis either by peace talks or militarily, the role of the LTTE is a must adding that

Page 12
12 TAMLTIMES
British betrayal is nothing new. Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan was betrayed by the British in 1927 and G.G. Ponnambalam was also betrayed in 1947 and what has happened today is also the same.
O EPDP LEADER ONLTTE BAN
March.5 - EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda commenting on the LTTE ban in Britain said that none will accept the demand for a separate state of Tamil Eelam as a solution and no one is going to accept the position that no solution can be found without the participation of the LTTE. He said that the Tamil speaking people, in their anxiety to achieve equality and freedom, tolerated all types of misdeeds and atrocities by the LTTE in the midst of all other sufferings and losses. They put up with immense hardship and suffering.
They never realized that they were being led along the wrong path. Britain is a country with hallowed democracy traditions. It is in its liberal soil many of world's independent and liberation movements sprouted. It is in that fertile soil progenitors of Sri Lankan Tamil student and freedom movements, such as EROS, GUES, ELF, ELO, were born. The same country has now decided to shut its doors to the LTTE's failure to stick to the basic norms of democracy and its failure to judge correctly the changing global sentiment and environment. Its ingratitude of cutting the Indian hand that fed it and its murder of Rajiv Gandhi who would have become Prime Minister for the second time had taken their toll. The LTTE is not solely to be blamed.
Its supporters, fellow travelers, silent spectators and above all the cheering squad are all joint creators of this situation especially those politicians and JOURNALISTS who found justifications for all its actions and torments. They helped to blind the LTTE to the growing hostility of international opinion against it. It had noticed the dark cloud forming in the horizon, if it had realized the international feeling when Kittu was extradited by Britain a lot of hard-ship and suffering could have been averted, he added. O REFUSAL OF REGUEST
TO MEET UK PM February 27 - The British High Commissioner in Colombo, Ms. Linda
Dufield, said in a le political parties o their request for British Prime Minis had not been grante earlier requested sioner to make arra Prime Minister of ( him not to proscril as a terrorist organ According to s political parties, th intiment with Prim also brief him ofth less ethnic crisis.
The High Com her letter to the Ta that the British Pri dule does not per leaders of these pal that Britain had rec of letters from Tam and that Britain w their views in ma relating to the LT
Tamil parties h ian High Commi Krishna Gandhi e and requested to m Minister Hon. At Rhat request also
0 MUSLIM LE CONDEMNS February 28 - cabinet minister st Taliban regime of decision to demolis of the Buddha. Le Muslim Congres Minister for Trade Shipping Develop told BBC's Sande which he said was the ignorance of til tolerant teachings condemned by a would launch an aign to stop the Statues.
O PRESIDENT
February 28Chandrika Kumar eye in an assassina her remaining eye her death. Official would sign papers as part ofa campa donation of 100,0

etter to the ten Tamil n 21 February that a meeting with the ster Hon. Tony Blair :d. These parties had the High Commisingements to see the Great Britain to urge be the Tamil Tigers ization. In the UK.
ources in the Tamil ey wanted the appole Minister Blair to e tragedy of the end
missioner stated in mil political parties me Minister’s schemit him to meet the rties. She mentioned
2eived vast numbers
ils around the world ould take note of all aking any decision (TE. |ad also met the Indssioner Mr. Gopal arlier in the month heet the Indian Prime al Bihari Vajpayee. was refused.
ADER
TALIBAN A leading Muslim rongly criticized the Afghanistan for its sh two unique statues ader of the Sri Lanka s (SLMC) and the , Muslim affairs and ment RauffHakeem shaya that the move, a demonstration of he Taliban about the of Islam, should be ll Muslims and he International campdemolition of the
DONATES EYE
Sri Lankan President atunga, who lost an tion bid, has pledged : for transplant after s said. Kumaratunga donating her left eye ign to encourage the 00 eyes.
is MARCH 2001
O COMPENSATION
FOR CAMPKILLINGS
February 28 - The Sri Lankan government has paid compensation to the families of nineteen people killed at a rehabilitation camp for Tamil detainees. President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who handed the money to the families, said she believed that groups such as the Tamil Tigers and hardline Sinhala nationalist parties were behind the incident at the rehabilitation camp at Bindunuweva in Bandarawela in October last year in which twenty-six people died.
O CHEAP WEAPONS
February 24 - The civil war in Sri Lanka has led to a situation where the cost of everything except firearms is skyrocketing, a retired police official in Sri Lanka said in Colombo. Speaking at a seminar on the proliferation of small arms, a retired high level security official, Tassie Seneviratne, said the price of weapons had dropped drastically in Sri Lanka because corrupt police and security forces officers were selling pilfered arms and ammunition. He said that as a result of nearly two decades of war against the LTTE and earlier JVP uprising, weapons are easily and inexpensively available on the black market. A T56 rifle now costs fifteen thousand rupees whilea handgrenade can be bought for a mere five hundred rupees.
Some twenty thousand weapons have been issued to parliamentarians and their bodyguards over the years but only a fifth have ever been returned, Mr. Seneviratne further added.
O AIRFORCE ACQUIRES
50 NEWAIRCRAFT
March 2- Sri Lanka's airforce acquired 50 new aircraft, including combat planes, to bolster its strength. "The Sri Lanka air force can, at last, proudly call itself a full-fledged, combat-ready force,” its chief, Air Marshal Jayantha Weerakkody, said in a statement.
The air force received several Israeli-made Kfir and Russian-made MiG-27 jets, Weerakkody said. Other aircraft added to the force include AN32 and Hercules C-130 transport planes and Bell helicopters.
Weerakkody's statement came as the air force celebrated its 50th anniversary. The government rarely announ

Page 13
15 ARCH2001
ces new military acquisitions. The government began buying sophisticated planes and other military hardware after the military suffered its worst defeat since 1983 at the hands of the LTTE in April and May 2000. The new acquisitions turned the tide in the military's favour, with air bombings beating back the guerrillas into the jungle.
O STRIKE BY DOCTORS
IN NORTHEAST March 13 - Doctors in state hospitals in Sri Lanka's embattled northeast wenton a token strike 13 March demanding better working conditions after a medical officer died in a Tamil Tiger attack.
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said its members in the northeastern province struck work to urge the government to provide them with better transport and pay them a risk allowance.
"The government promised us a total of 10 vehicles for five regions, but only one car has been made available for our members' use," a spokesman said.
He said they had demanded better transport after the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrillas began targeting public transport in the eastern district of Batticaloa in December. In one landmine attack, a doctor was killed and three others were wounded.
The GMOA said the doctors also had 14 other pay and administration related demands and hoped to stage a nation-wide token strike March 20.
O LTTE SAFE HOUSE
BUSTED SAY POLICE
March 15 - Police in Colombo claimed that they had made a major breakthrough in their investigations into the attempt to assassinate President Chaindrika Kumaratunga in December 1999, when one of those arrested on 11 March in Dehiwela confessed to being a LTTE suicide bomber and "spilled the beans' revealing details of his involvement in the operation.
The man was among four others, including a woman, arrested from what the police alleged was a LTTE safe house.
The safe house, where all arrested suspects were staying, was located at Waidya Road, Dehiwala where the police claimed they found a quantity
of suicide jackets, nition, detonators triggering explosio
Police claimed revealed that, in t Kumaratunga, the l the suspect conce LTTE bomber at th election meeting.
When she blew claiming the Presic made his getaway, r police cordoned ol been waiting at a p( up, in case the won One of the fiv, following a raid or safe house reveale interrogation.
The safe house have been the pla LTTE suicide jacl ones that caused t MP Dr.Neelan Til and Industrial Dev C.V. Gooneratne) w of the suspects in cu confessed that Co Minister Peiris was the late C.V. Goone latter was killed bu ped as he did not jo Ratmalana as planı Those arrested i woman suicide bor The main LTTE to the Colo-mbo when he attem-pte by swallowing tw He is now repor-tec This man had goth the Dehiwela Polic cing forged docum in Colombo on thế employment abroa
O ONE IN EGF
MENTALLY One out of eve fall victim to menta Lanka one of the highest rate of mer ding to statistics naya, a leading l working with the m eeds the world aver
“One or two every hundred suff tal sickness, and the the need for more athy towards their

explosives, ammuand timers used for
S.
that the suspect has argeting President igers had deployed rned and a female le PA's Town Hall
her-self up, nearly lent's life, the man mom-ents before the ff the area. He had bint to blow himself nan failed.
e suspects arrested h the Waidya Road d this under police
is also believed to ce from where all kets (including the he deaths of TULF uchelvam in 1999 felopment Minister vere assembled. One stody is said to have nstitutional Affairs targetted along with »ratne on the day the ut, Prof. Peiris escain the procession at ned earlier. included a suspected mber.
suspect was rushed National Hospital, d to commit suicide o cyanide capsules. to be out of danger. imself registered at xe station by produents. He had arrived : pretext of seeking d.
T
ILL y eight Sri Lankans al illness making Sri countries with the ital patients. Accorcompiled by SahaNGO organisation lentally ill, this excage of one out often. Sri Lankan out of er from severe menese numbers indicate awareness and empo cause,” Sahanaya,
TALTES 13
Information Officer, Buddhi Karunaratne said.
Mr. Karunaratne, disclosed these details during the nineteenth anniversary celebration of the Sahanaya Institute held at the Sahanaya, Auditorium on 3 March.
According to Mr.Karunaratne, WHO has declared 2001 as the 'World Mental Health Year'. Sahanaya in keeping with this theme has organised several awareness raising programs to eradicate the inaccurate concepts in the society towards mental illnesses.
The institution has published several hand books as well with a view to focus on different types of mental illnesses to dispel misconceptions about mental illnesses and mental patients, he said.
O NEW PRESIDENTIAL
COMPLEX CRITICSED President Chandrika Kumaratunga has come in for sharp criticism from the opposition over the construction of a multimillion-rupee luxury official residence using public funds.
The main opposition United National Party (UNP) said it was a "sin" that Rs.600 million were being spent on the presidential palace when citizens were asked to tighten their belts.
"Nobody would raise a whimper of protest if the president builds a palace for herself from her personal funds,” a UNP statement said. "The crime is the construction of a super luxury presidential palace with such a huge amount of public funds at a time when the country and the people are struggling to survive in a very adverse economic environment created by the government itself,' it stated.
The residential complex coming up at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the country's administrative capital where the legislature is located, will have ballrooms, banquet halls, a swimming pool and stables, the UNP charged.
Urban Development Minister Mangala Samarawickreme told reporters previously that the 12,897 square foot house would have five bedrooms, two visiting rooms, one dining room, a library, a kitchen and a pantry with an adjoining office complex.
The UNP pounced on the cost of the construction and worked out the cost at Rs. 46,587 per square foot. “Professionals in the construction indu

Page 14
4 ANL TES
stry say the presidential palace must be the first and only building in the entire world that spends such a huge amount of money for a square foot,” said the opposition.
They also alleged that the minister had withheld details of the extent of the entire complex and its cost and challenged him to a live television debate to answer their charges.
Residents in the area around the new residence are reportedly up in arms at the prospect of inconvenience that the increased security, including closed roads and military checkpoints, that Kumaratunga's decision to change her house will bring in its wake.
O LITTE FUNDRASING
TARGETED IN SINGAPORE March 14 - Singapore has broken up a fundraising network for Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels and banned two members from the city state while placing the leader of the ring under tight curbs, a Reueter's report said.
The Home Affairs Ministry said 13 people, including five permanent residents, were found to be involved in activities supporting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) after a swoop by the Internal Security Department late last year.
“The clandestine network was involved in covert fundraising and procurement activities in support of the LTTE," the ministry wrote in response to questions from Reuters. "The action taken was not in response to any request or in coordination with any foreign government.” The ministry gave no details of the amount raised or the nature of the procurement.
The ring's leader, a professional who obtained Singaporean citizenship, was put under a two-year restriction order in February that requires him to stop all LTTE activities and seek official permission to travel abroad, move house or change jobs.
"Administrative action has been taken under the Immigration Act to ban two of them, who were more seriously involved, from Singapore,” the Home Affairs Ministry said. "The others in the network were warned.' The LTTE is technically not allowed to exist as a group in Singapore because it is not officially registered. The city state expelled 10 Sri Lankans for similar activities in 1985.
0 RAGGINGLE
TO SUCDE March 15 - A f Technical Colleg Dambulla who was severe ragging, cor hanging, on his ri March.
Investigations r dent identified as Si Dabare(19) residing Matale had been th ragging on admissi college. His vital or injuries as a result ( Police investiga that the student ha due to methyl-caly being applied on his had also suffered ragging which had c tionally and promp. suicide.
Following the ra had been admitted to kaduwa base hosp where he had beel three days. He had on his return home
His grieving fat said that although S go back to college incident, he advised ause of its relevance
OLANKA OFFERS
AFGHAN HSTO March 14 - Sri L ster Ratnasiri Wickr to purchase whateve are left in Afghanis yake conveyed the 40-minute meeting \ Abdul Salam Zaeef Sri Lankan Hi General C.S. Weeras Lanka was concerne vation of the world and the offer relate dhist relics. Zaeef pi nicate immediately t to the Taliban leade militia's southernba he said.
Sri Lanka, a seat dhism, joined the c onal protest after t started destroying : Afghanistan to stop Afghanistan wa hism as late as then

AOS
esher at the Swiss : in Inamaduwa, hospitalised due to hmitted suicide by turn home on 13
vealed that the stumeera Chaturanga at Kawatagamma e victim of brutal bn to the techinical gans had sustained f the ragging. ions have revealed i suffered injuries cilete, a chemical sexual organs. He further forms of listurbed him emoed him to commit
igging incident, he the Denzil Kobbeital, in Dambulla, hospitalised for committed suicide from the hospital. her, P.P.H.Dabare Sameera refused to after the ragging him to do so bec2 to his future.
TO PURCHASE RIC ARTIFACTS ankan Prime Miniemanayake offered rhistoric artefacts tan. Wickremanaproposal during a with Taliban envoy in Islamabad. gh Commissioner ooriya said that Sri d about the presers cultural heritage to not only Budomised to commune Sri Lankan offer ship in the Islamic stion of Kandahar,
of Therevada Budhorus of internatihe Islamic militia tatues throughout idolatry.
center of Buddnth century and its
15 MARCH 2001
most famous monuments, two colossal Buddha figures dating back more than 1,500 years, were the main targets of the Taliban's iconoclasm.
Wickremanayake, who arrived on a five-day visit, also met Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf and President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar.
O MILITARY PURCHASE SCAM
March 10 - An Army Colonel and four soldiers have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in connection with their investigation into a multi-million rupee military hardware procurement fraud.
CID sources said that investigations had allegedly revealed that Rs 9 million had been paid by the Army to a bogus business establishment using five forged vouchers submitted in November 2000. The CID had been called in to investigate the weapons scan by the Sri Lanka Army.
The five vouchers had been submitted with supporting receipts for the supply of weapons to the Army by a bogus business establishment called “Mahajana Establishment' in Mount Lavinia.
CIDInvestigations conducted so far into this alleged racket had revealed there had not been any Mahajana Establishment at the said address but a restaurant. On a search made at the restaurant by the CID they were able to recover certain documents pertaining to the issue of these forged receipts.
And Bank statements under the name "Mahajana Hardware' to which account this money was in form of cheques issued by the Army. The owner of the restaurant and the manager who operated the account were taken into custody by the CID.
A CID source revealed that arrests . of few more army personnel are imminent in relation to this inquiry. Also it is understood that some of the civilian suspects who are involved in this alleged fraud have distributed money to certain Army personnel out of the defrauded money.
O INDIAN HC
VISITS JAFFNA March 3 - The High Commissioner for India, Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, made a two day visit to the Jaffna peniInsula, from March 3 and 4, Arriving (continued on next page)

Page 15
15 ARCH 200
O PEACE PROCESS
Peace hopes glistened on March 4 when Norwegian facilitator Erik Solheim left Colombo for a meeting with LTTE negotiator Anton Balasingham with new thoughts about resolving the sensitive question of easing Governmentos economic embargo, a measure which the LTTE sees necessary to create a conducive climate for peace talks.
"The way things are moving I feel that the gap is indeed narrowing,” a beaming Solheim told newsmen on his way to the airport.
A Norwegian official based in Colombo, Thomas Strangeland, described the March 3 meeting with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga constructive. He said: "The meeting is constructive and we hope to bring the two parties together.”
Solheim is expected back in Colombo with Balasingham's response to President Kumaratunga's suggestions in a few days before the President leaves on a 3-week European tour which include Germany, Belgium and Netherlands.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar told an Indian business magazine, Business Online, on March 7 that the progress in the on-going Norwegian effort to commence talks is painstakingly slow as many obstacles and hurdles had to be cleared.
NEWS R
"It is a very co Kadirgamar said. E. taken very carefully
A week earlier tive. He told the med lomats in Colomb( meetings that the p "moving forward” a as the Year of Agre reaffirmed the info Chandrika Bandaran provided to Chenna tline.
She told the int who asked whether had commenced: Th gun; we have made we have told them t of the talks there h Eelam is out of the willing to discuss short from Day On stantive issues.
She revealed in in New Delhi on Fe had told Solheim to two months to comm Kadirgamar told Bu keeping deadlines W. problems crop up a he told foreign diplo and venue of the talk
(Continued from page 14) on the morning of March 3 by air, he went by road to Point Pedro to visit the Sri Ramakrishna Seva Ashrama in the contextr of the on-going birth anniversary celebrations of the great sage Sri Ramakrishna. He was received at the Ashrama by Swami Chidrupananda. Special prayers and chants were offered at the shrines of Sri Ramakrishna and Ma Saradadevi.
Swami Chidrupananda explained the salient features of the educational and medical work done by the Ashrama for the people of Point Pedro and its surrounding areas.
The High Commissioner thereafter proceeded to Jaffna where he paid a courtesy call on the senior citizen of Indian origin and retired medical practitioner Dr. Rangamma. Later Shri Gandhi joined devotees in the evening puja at the historic temple of Lord Muruga at Nallur. He also visited the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the town and paid a call on Rev. Dr. S. Jebane
san, Bishop of Jaffr
The High Comm offices of the Intern of the Red Cross in fed by senior offici its humanitarian W. Jaffna and two Men paid a courtesy call missioner, who app visit of Her Excell of Sri Lanka to Ne when the governmel its belief that, for ethnic conflict, the p irireplaceable and til of India supported t litation for talks wi of Sri Lanka’s unit
The Governme also called on the H Before leaving Jaff missioner paid hor of the illustrious Chelvanayakam, al onal poet Mahak Bharati.

implex problem,” ach step has to be
he was more posiia and foreign dipat two separate eace process was nd he viewed 2001 ement. By this he rmation President aike Kumaratunga i fortnightly Fron
erviewer N. Ram talks about talks at has already beour position clear; hat from Day One has to be agenda.
question; we are anything else; in 2 we start on sub
another interview bruary 24 that she fix a date within lence negotiations. siness Online that ould be difficult as long the way. But mats that the date (s were under con
la. missioner visited the ational Committee affna and was brieals of the ICRC on ork. The Mayor of lbers of Parliament on the High Comraised them of the ency the President w Delhi last month it of India reiterated he solution of the olitical process was hat the government he Norwegian facihin the framework
V. nt Agent, Jaffna, igh Commissioner. na, the High Comnage at the statues Gandhian, S.J.V. id the Indian nati.vi Subraaamania
TAMILTIMES 15
sideration. He declined to tell where and when the talks would begin.
The President said that she was prepared to commence talks "even today” and the two month delay was due to the LTTE demand for conducive measures before the beginning of talks. Kadirgamar revealed that talks about some of those matters were still on. LTTE wants substantial lifting of the economic embargo which prevents the transport of a variety of goods to areas under its control in Vanni and the east. Informed sources said the Government which at one time denied the existence ofan economic embargo had relented and had agreed to supply some of the essential commodities including kerosene, petrol and diesel. But it wants the right to restrict the quantity. It is under immense military pressure to do so.
President Kumaratunga and Kadirgamar reiterated the government position that peace talks on the political basis of the solution should begin while the war is on. "There will be no ceasefire,” Kadirgamar said emphatically and added, "Let's go for peace.”
O BRITISH BAN ON TIGERS
The British decision to include the LTTE in the list 21 terrorist organizations had not hindered the peace process as was earlier feared. Balasingham had announced LTTE's determination to continue the unilateral ceasefire it declared on December 24 and had extended twice despite the Government's refusal to respond. President Kumaratunga and Kadirgamar had repeatedly called it a fake but the Government was forced by the international community to desist from launching massive military operations. It seems to be content with sporadic air and artillery attacks just enough to keep its Sinhala hardliners happy.
Analysts here and abroad argue that the international community that shackled the LTTE with terrorism label had come hard on the Gover-nment to prevent it from using the clout to score military victories. Commentator Victor Ivan says the international community which had taken away armed struggle, the easiest we-apon in the hands of the oppressed, had also blunted the capacity of the Governments to suppress the just rights of minorities and other groups.
US ambassador Ashley Wills hinted at that approach when he told the

Page 16
6 TAML TES
Jaffna audience that his Government would review the ban on the LTTE if it behaves as it had done the past three months. LTTE had refrained from attacks on civilians or civilian targets since the November 1 PirabakaranSolheim meeting in Vanni.
British Home Secretary Jack Straw who presented the draft law, Terrorism Act 2000, in the House of Commons on February 28 said the recommended ban would have no bearing in the peace process in Sri Lanka if the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE were genuinely committed to the search for a negotiated settlement and elaborated the appeal procedures available to the listed organizations to contest the ban. Proscribed organization can appeal against the ban to the Home Minister. If he rejects the appeal the concerned organization can appeal to a new tribunal to be set up soon
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, Kadirgamar revealed, had had played a subtle role in getting the LTTE banned. Singh had made representations to Britain against the LTTE. Kadirgamar is now planning to ask Norway, Canada, France, Germany and Austr
alia which are con anti-terrorism laws He said the Gover proach South Africa Britain, despite ban, had reiterated its of support to a neg which addresses the communities with a and to continued N tion.
The British ban h reactions among dif the Sri Lankan soci ment owned Daily N ban as a diplomati Lanka. Sinhala hardli Mahanayakes of the iriya Chapters welc read it as strengthen that LTTE should be and efforts at a politic ved. Sihala Urumaya naratne called upont seize this opportunit talks with the LTTE party's opposition to tation and threatene ternational campaign nations including N
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sidering enacting to ban the LTTE. nment would aptoo in that matter. listing LTTE for s firm commitment otiated settlement aspirations of all united Sri Lanka orwegian facilita
ad evoked diverse ferent sections of ety. The Governfews presented the c triumph for Sri ners headed by the Malwatte and Asgomed the ban and ing their position militarily crushed cal settlement shelleader TilakKaruhe Government to y to call off peace . He reiterated his o Norway's facilid to launch an into force European orway to ban the
15R 20of
LTTE. Sinhala opinion generally was upbeat.
Tamils, generally, were downhearted. They had, in a rare show of unity, had called upon Britain not to ban the LTTE as they feared that Sinhala hardliners would prevent any effort at a peaceful settlement. Their unity was the outcome of the Tamil community's historical experience. All previous efforts of moderate Sinhala leadership to settle the Tamil problem had been derailed by Sinhala extremism. It happened in 1957, 1965, 1981, 1987 and last August when President Kumaratunga abandoned her attempt to enact the new constitution.
Disappointment among the Tamil parties and groups was widespread. Mavai Senathiraja of the Tamil United Liberation Front, Suresh Premachandran of the EPRLF and Sri Kantha of the TELOsaid Britain had letdown the Tamils and weakened their negotiating position. Jaffna and Batticoloa. LTTE too was disappointed. Balasingham made it clear that the bargaining position of the Tamil people would be weakened, eroded.
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15 ARCH2001
east who were spearheading the Tamil demand for the return of peace for the Tamil areas were equally disappointed. "Britain had helped the Sinhalese to deny their aspiration," a Batticoloa University spokesman said.
Tamil aspiration had been identified in the resolutions the two university communities passed in the last two months as recognition of the separate identity of the Tamil community, their historical areas of habitation comprising the northern and eastern provinces,
autonomous administration and the
right of self determination.
Kadirgamar tried to allay the Tamil fear. He told the Sinhala people not to treat the British ban on the LTTE as a "matter of gloating or triumph” and told the Tamils not to consider it as a blow against them. “We ought to look at it rather as the end of a violent chapter and the opening of another of peace and prosperity,” Kadirgamar said.
Doubts still linger in the minds of the Tamil people. Will President Kumaratunga and her Government be able to withstand the onslaught of Sinhala extremists? Will she be able to marginalize the Sinhala hardliners within her Government? Will she be able to get Parliament and the people to accept any settlement worked out with the LTTE? And, this is the most important of all: Cabn President Kumaratunga deliver a solution that would satisfy the aspirations of the Tamil people?
The President seems to be unsure herself. She told Ram that restarting the constitutional process would involve getting the entire people to talk about the constitutional basis of the settlement. This would have to be done while negotiating with the LTTE. She had spoken to the Indian leaders about the possibility of setting up Constitutional Council. Will she be able to do it?
O UNREST IN TEA ESTATES
The country's robust and vital tea industry is simmering. The protest started as a prayer campaign at a junction in Hatton on February 19. Ceylon Workers Congress president Arumugan Thondaman and a few others sat on a temporary stage while tea plucker girls sang religious hymns for two hours. They demanded that the monthly allowance of Rs. 400 awarded by the Government to state and private sector workers as compensate for the cost of
living rise should be tation workers too.
Neither the pla nor the Governmer campaign seriously the entire estate se storm. The pent-up plantation workers backed the protest in ers shed their trade and gathered in tho the prayer campaig leadership to follow site. This resulted unity among planta leader holding hanc make the unity to el On March 10 t other dimension w Tamil and Muslimp dging their support. daman who holds th of Estate Infrastru Kumaratunga Gove on March 11: The pr united the plantatio united all sections c community. Now it nority community.
This unity had c tation companies ar to take notice of the The plantation com that the requested tail an additional an Rs. 140 million was made a profit of R: year.
Then they climt ducted two rounds c the trade unions w yield results. But til not ignore the prot protest had spread and production had incidents of violenc The Superintenden perintendent of a te ima were kept capt for a day and were 1 effort. Some of the ecutives had gone h lar fate for them. I quantity of the le dwindled. In one e bly prevented the tri to the Colombo auc expect a settlement ure would lead to c consequences.
In another deve National Party Mer handed to the Ceylc

TANTES 17
given to the plan
tation companies it took the prayer but within a week :tor was taken by grievances of the surged and they unison. The workunion differences usands and joined h compelling their them to the prayer in a rare sense of tion trade unions, ls and pledging to ndure. nis unity took anith the leaders of olitical parties pleArumugan Thone cabinet portfolio cture in President rnment told media ayer campaign first n workers. Then it of the Indian Tamil has united the mi
ompelled the planld the Government a prayer campaign. panies which said pay rise would ennual expenditure of s told that they had s.2000 million last
ped down and confnegotiations with hich had failed to he companies canest any more. The to the estate level begun to fall. A few a had also occurred. t and Assistant Sua estate in Madulsive by the workers released after much estate company exiding fearing simiin some estates the aves plucked had state workers forciansport of teachests tions, Trade Unions on March 13. Failleath fast and other
lopment 35 United mbers of Parliament on Electricity Board
asking it not to implement its 25 percent surcharge on electricity rates. They alleged that the state board is seething with inefficiency, financial mismanagement and corruption. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and UNP are organizing strikes to demand salary increases to the workers. Massive labour unrest is on the cards. Next few weeks are going to heap troubles on the Government.
O THE BUDGET
Meanwhile the confederation of state sector trade unions are meeting on March 14 to decide on astrike demanding a wage hike. Its organizer Patrick Perera said that private sector trade unions too had pledged their support to their strike move.
Perera said workers are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Cost of living has become unbearable "We asked for a monthly pay rise of Rs.3000. The Government appointed a committee to look into the matter but is asking the workers to bear the difficulties for the next six months.
Inflation rose in February to the four-year high of 8.7%. It will soar further. Trade unions and the public expected relief in the budget. They received only a pledge that the wage would be increased before the end of the year. That pledge given by the Deputy Finance Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris when he presented the budget on March 8 was based on the expectation that the war would cease in the next six months.
People are not happy with the budget. Reflecting this displeasure UNP and the JVP have announced their opposition to the budget and the UNP boycotted the traditional Finance Minister's Tea Party. “We don't want your tea when you have made it difficult for the people to drink a decent cup of tea," a UNP MP told his colleagues in the Government bench.
The business community too is not happy. "More taxes, more borrowings and increased spending,” was the pithy comment by an economist. There were only two taxes- one-percentage point rise in the defence levy which went up to 7.5% and 20% surcharge on corporate tax which raised the tax on listed companies from 30% to 36% and on non-listed companies from 35% to 42%. Both taxes would hurt the consumers and businesses.

Page 18
18 TAMILTIMES
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka's premier trade chamber, in a caustic comment said the budget is not tuned to realize neither the vision of the private sector not the Government's Vision 2010. It said the budget was not properly targeted for development.
The Chamber doubted whether the Government could achieve the targeted revenue or the targeted curtailment of expenditure. It also doubted the capacity of the Government to raise the Rs. 106 billion allocated for capital expenditure. Budget deficit would not be contained to 8.5% of the GDP and interest rates reduced to the projected 16%, the chamber said.
That there are a few positive traits in the budget cannot be denied: accent to the modernization of agriculture, encouragement for small and medium industries and the incentives provided for the development of the information technology are examples.
Prof. Peiris's enumeration on the cost of war was a gem. He said: It is foolish to deny or ignore the cost of war. The increase in defence expenditure from around 1.5% in early 1980s to 6% of GDP in 2000 has a huge cost on our economy. According to Central Bank estimates, economy could have achieved over 8% growth and reached aper capita income of US$2500 by now instead of 5% growth with US$900 per capita income, a loss of income of USS 1600 per person.”
"The budget gives us a bundle of lies," said UNP spokesman Dr. Karunasena Kodituvakku. UNP is targeting its attack on two issues: construction of the Presidential complex and the elephantine cabinet. The Presidential Complex will cost Rs. 1.7 billion and the 44-member cabinet is costing the country dearly.
The latest joke in the grapevine is this: President Kumaratunga telephoned Minister Mangala Samaraweera around 1 am and asked him why the telecast of the music program to help the soldiers was stopped at midnight. "Your Excellency! I am no more the Minister in charge of the media. You must ask my successor!” Mangala replied.
The cabinet is so large that the President herself does not know her ministers O
“My stintas aj Northern and Easte ened me as to the tions of the vast ma of those two provi lution nor sharing They seek the resto Rights which were by virtue of math where the majorit were added to th provinces and thu nority in nine pi sought to be corre taining to the Reas were formulated in even these were g derstandingtheim the newly elevat Judge, C. V. Wigr ceremonial addres March
The Bench and to the two New Su Justice Hector S. V. Wigneswarana ting held at the S plex to welcome til Associated on Chief Justice, Sal occasion were Ju Amerasinghe, S.W PC, Priyantha Pe Bandaranayake, I Ameer Ismail, P. E and C. V. Wigne Court of Appeal Ju and other Judges peal, High Court. Colombo Distri Chief Magistrate: istrates were accor Justice Wigne: three languages s your kind sentime rare occasion in t Court Judge. Mo ises that having si Court District Ju after 15 years of youngest in the h
 

15 MARCH 2001
ls Seek Restoration
- Justice C. V. Wigneswaran
udicial officer in the In Provinces enlightfeelings and aspirajority of the citizens nces. It is not devopf powers they seek. ration of their rights. snatched from them ematical innovation y in two provinces majority of seven
'ovinces. This was cted when laws peronable use of Tamil 1958 and 1966. But iven up without unplications involved,” ed Supreme Court leswaran, said in his is on Wednesday, 7
the Barpaid tribute preme Court Judges, Yapa and Justice C. ut the ceremonial situperior Court Com
16II1,
the Bench with the ath N. Silva on the stices, Dr. A. R. B. V. B. Wadugodapitiya rera, Dr. Shirani A. ). P. S. Gunasekera, dussuriya, H. S. Yapa swaran. President of istice Asoka de Silva of the Court of Apudges, Judges of the :t Court, Colombo und Additional Magmodated on the dais. waran speaking in all id: "I thank you for ints. This is indeed a he life of an Original e so when one realarted as a Combined dge cum Magistrate ractice, as one of the ierarchy at the point
of entry into the Original Judiciary, despite many a young officer being appointed above him, not due to any intrinsic capability absent in himself, but due to the discretion of the Executive ofwhatever hue in power who preferred kindred spirits in the Higher Judiciary, that it was yet possible to enter the portals of this hallowed institution even at this comparatively late age. I am aware that age, judicial experience, eldership coupled with erudition together are no more relevant in appointments.
Loving kindness cannot be a mere concept. It has to be a living reality. Often today we miss the wood for the trees when we wax eloquently about the Teachings of the Great Masters in mesmerising language forgetting the spirit of their Teachings and failing to imbibe them in our lives. Otherwise how do we account for the echoing of war drums of hatred from the portals of Love and Religion?
I have a purpose in speaking tổ you in my mother tongue which I am delighted to note is the tongue of you Mr. Attorney.
As a Tamil speaking denizen if I do not use my mother tongue, I would soon be forced to converse in my brother's tongue only. Some may ask why not But it should not be so if I feel pressured to do so. It should not be so if by design I am compelled to do so. It should not be so if by arbitrariness I am forced to do so. Let us not forget that each of us is Sovereign in this country.
Singapore and Ceylon in the old days had the same problem. One country decided to give equal recognition to all four languages right from the beginning and that country flowers and flourishes. The other forced one language in preference to the others on all and that country is in precarious political turmoil. While such turmoil goes around

Page 19
15 MARCH 2001
in this country, Globalisation goes on and Mother Earth is becoming a smaller place to live on, with technological advances ensuring instant correspondence, intermingling of races and indorsing of international tongues for easy communication.
Mr. Attorney and Mr. Gunaratne, I must confess that I have had a background and conditioning which makes me truly Sri Lankan. My parents hailed from the Northern and Eastern Provinces. I was born here in Hulfsdorp in the Western Province. My early education before joining Royal Primary School was in the North Western and North Central Provinces. My father had worked as an officer of the Government inter alia in the Central Province and Southern Province where I had occasion to mingle with the people of those areas. I have worked as a Judicial Officer in the Uva Province and I count the friendship of many from the Sabaragamuwa Province. I feel every inch a native of this country. I have always felt proud in foreign forums to be recognised as a person hailing from this blessed Isle. All three languages spoken by the denizens of this country have nourished me. I have been nurtured not only in one but in all four major religions of this country having started comparative study of religions from an early age. I am one of the few still living among those who organised from the then Congress of Religions in 1965 or thereabouts the visit of the then Mahanayake Thera of the Malwate Chapter to Jaffna.
It was a relative of my mother, Sir Ponnampalam Ramanathan, who risked his life to travel to England to place the case of the Sinhala Buddhists before the Queen in the early part of the last century. Thanks to the education I had at my Alma Mater, I have never felt second to any human being in this country despite the disabilities decreed on my community, though I have respected and do respect most humbly the intrinsic humanity and the unique individuality ofevery human being. I do respect their talents and capabilities sometimes dif ferent from mine. I respect the divinity in every one of them. Loving kindness cannot be a mere concept. It has to be a living reality. Often today we miss the wood for the trees when we wax eloquently about the Teachings of the Great Masters in mesmerising language forgetting the spirit of their Teachings and failing to imbibe them in our lives. Oth
erwise how do we a ing of war drums portals of Love and Mystint as a Ju Northern and Easte the turbulent period enlightened me as aspirations of the v denizens of those t not devolution nor they seek. They see their Rights. Rights hed from them by vi cal innovation wher provinces were ad in seven provinces the minority in nine sought to be correc taining to the Reasc were formulated in even these were gi derstanding the imp I have always re that used to happen ble playing youngs! of our seniors who would pounce upon legally confiscate a der that they woul with them. When would keep 90% of ferus 10% and ther increase it to about all the marbles wel iors had no right to ( instance. The majc Northern and East always Tamil speak ence and their La Culture and Custor Christian and Hinc within the special climatic environme allowed to blosson out interference aft too the special cult that had grown up the Central Provin done and we face t day.
Even thoughy I are today in our positions we canno rows would not ma there were many m positions due to th almost every field the last century. B gressively depletir part of the Island a we too would soo) in Judicial, Lega Service or even th

:count for the echoof hatred from the Religion? licial Officer in the in Provinces during from 1979 to 1986 to the feelings and ast majority of the wo Provinces. It is sharing of powers k the Restoration of which were snatcrtue of a mathemati: the majority in two led to the majority and thus made into provinces. This was ted when laws perinable Use of Tamil 1958 and 1966. But ven up without unblications involved. ferred to an incident when we were marers in school. Some ) were not Prefects us suddenly and illl our marbles in orld themselves play we protested they the marbles and of eafter progressively 20% forgetting that 'e ours and the senconfiscate in the first rity of those in the ern Provinces were ing until Independnguage, Religions, ns - mainly Islamic, lu, and ways of life topographical and nt should have been and flourish withrIndependence. So ure and way of life in certain areas of ce. These were not he consequences to
»u Mr. Attorney and espective honoured forget that two sparke a summer. In fact ore sparrows in high cir intrinsic worth in luring the middle of ut we are today prog in numbers in this nd like the Burghers be hardly heard of or Governmental Private Sector. It is
TAM TIMES 19
a sad reflection of our times that after me there had not been a single Tamil speaking President of the Law Students Union after 1962 at the Sri Lanka Law College.
It is because I love this country and all its people including those who hate me for what I am, that I take this opportunity to say - not for my sake, not for the sake of the Tamil people but for the sake of cordial relationship among all communities in this Island of ours, for good governance and a progressive future, that unless we recognise that the Tamil Language and its culture are to the Tamils what the Sinhala Language and culture are to the Sinhalese and therefore make Tamil the dominantlanguage of the Northern and Eastern Provinces requiring the study of it compulsory for all in those two Provinces just as Sinhalese is recognised as the dominant language of the other seven provinces, with English as the link language between equals.
The wrong done by the enthroning of one Language in 1956 could never be erased; the havoc created by the deletion of Article 29(2) ofthe 1947 Constitution and the doctine of ultra vires from subsequent Constitutions could never be put right; the feelings of the Tamils wounded inter alia by the 1958, 1977 and 1983 riots cannot ever be assuaged. Whether the Tamil Language is spoken and preserved in other countries is irrelevant. The Sri Lankan Tamils need to develop their language and culture peculiar to themselves in their mother country. The sterile and impotent cosmetic provisions now appearing in our Constitution has little meaning to the Tamil speaking people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. They need to govern themselves in their own Language with the little interference from outside.
An Original Court Judge cannot under the present system of nomination aspire to the Higher Judiciary, ever hope to occupy the highest office in the Judiciary except due to the condescending discretion of the Executive. Therefore I must feel that the acme of my career has arrived today, that I cannot aspire for anything more but only fade away with time into oblivion.
Inevertheless thank both of you for making this a memorable event for me. I thank all my well-wishers who found time to be present here today. May all beings be happy! May Divinity descend upon their Hearts!" O

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15 ARCH 2001
US Policy on Sri Lanka Spelt (
Observations on Sri Lanka's Con
By Mr E. Ashley Wills, United States Ambassador to Sri Lank
"Our approach to Sri Lanka proceeds from the following official US opinions: this war must end, the sooner the better; we reject the idea that there is a military solution to this conflict and favour a negotiated outcome (all that is needed is the political will to negotiate, we are also convinced that in these negotiations neither side need be the loser, both can win); the opportunity cost of the war in economic terms, and the human cost in deaths, injuries, displaced persons and dysfunctional families, are staggering and no longer tolerable; that is why we, India, the EU, Japan and many other nations support the noble effort of the Norwegians to facilitate direct talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE; we reject the idea ofan independent Tamil state carved out of Sri Lankan territory; we regard the LTTE as a terrorist organization and do not believe it is the sole representative of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka; we also are for Tamil rights; the Tamil people must be treated equally, respectfully and with dignity within a democratic Sri Lankan state whose exact political form should be determined by the people of this country; we do not believe Sri Lanka, or any part of it, is the special preserve of any one ethnic group; indeed, we regard Sri Lanka as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-cultural state, and although we are convinced that the solution to this conflict can and must be negotiated by Sri Lankans; we stand ready to assist in ways the principal parties find appropriate,” United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr E. Ashley Wills, said in a speech 'Observations on Sri Lanka's Conflict on 7 Marchatthe Jaffna Public Library during his recent visit to Jaffna in the north of the island. The following the full text of the US
Ambassador's spi
"We live in a which there is a p systems anda dif a world of conflic within nations; a collide; and a worl States and a few ( frightening destri ten find it imposs Corporations and ereign governme never before. In th we are all subjec technology and cc wildering movem rencies and mark ject to fervent n supremacists and any nation or gro anger known, if I bles, then by met bombing or hosta world so dizzyin seek the comforti slogans and onegies, fitting facts story of the Procr
“In such a wo and interests arep one encounters ad cans to turn away lems and retire to coasts, to a fortres: begun to look w newspaper headli. were expecting a sense a terrible lic horizon of the nev for surcease and yet where is it sa could return fron Ithaca, but the mc permit such refug other peoples, ye.
ple of Jaffna, a
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dangerous world in frofusion of different fusion of power. It is ts among nations and world where values d in which the United other nations possess ictive power, yet of. ible to order events. NGO's vie with sovnts for influence as is globalizing world, t to radical shifts in ommunication, to beents of refugees, curets. We are also sublationalisms, ethnic old-fashioned haters; up can now make its not at conference talans of assassination, ge-taking. And it is a g that far too many ng symmetry of neat dimensional ideoloto theory as in the ustean bed. rld, American ideals lainly at risk. And yet esire by some Amerifrom complex probthe fastnesses of our s America. They have arily at the morning nes, almost as if they sudden blow. They boming just over the ws; they are pleading disengagement. And fe to hide? Odysseus n his wanderings to odern world does not e. Americans, like all s, including the peoare hostage to the ss of things.
TA' TES 21
The United States and South Asia are closely connected, despite the geographic distance that separates us. Family ties are strong; almost two million Americans are of South Asian descent. Trade between us is growing; we are already South Asia's, and Sri Lanka's, biggest export market. And ideas link us, including the idea of human rights. This latter idea arises often when US policy-makers regard South Asia. This region has several flourishing democracies and yet these democracies are being tested and torn by conflict, in particular ethnic conflict. The United States - a nation committed to equality, the rule of law and human rights - wants to be helpful in resolving these conflicts. But we must be careful about how we do so. We know the limits of our power and wisdom. We do not believe that the planet comprises the United States and countries aspiring to be the United States. In devising policy toward this region of ancient cultures, we know that a rounded historical perspective and due regard for South Asian attitudes are needed.
And so is humility. As an American diplomat who has lived five years in India and about six months here in Sri Lanka, I appreciate the need for humility in approaching South Asia. Sometimes, frankly, it seems to me that this region produces more history than it can consume. So complex are the various religious, ethnic and political relationships in South Asia that I often think one needs a degree in higher math to make sense of it all
Forgive me for whining for a moment. One of the afflictions of being a superpower is that in most cases the actual leverage the United States can bring to bear is perpetually overestimated. Nowhere is this truer than in Sri Lanka. Many of the letters I have received from concerned Americans regarding Sri Lanka are permeated with the notion that, if only we wanted to, we could right all the wrongs in Sri Lanka, a country half a world away from us. Some write to me in tones that suggest I am the Governor of the 51st state. Their underlying assumption seems to be that American power must match the level of their personal con

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22 TAMLTIMES
cern. The problem, of course, is that it doesn't and never will. The only puzzling aspect of this is that this kind of thinking prevails among those who are often the first to bemoan American interventionism elsewhere.
Another aspect of these letters is their frequent use of simple syllogisms. One kind of letter argues thusly: the US has declared war against terrorism worldwide, Sri Lanka is being attacked by terrorists, the LTTE; therefore the United States should declare war against the LTTE. Another kind takes this tack: the United States opposes discrimination; Tamils are discriminated against in Sri Lanka; therefore the United States should support the creation of Tamil Eelam.
If arguments acquired cogency from vehemence, then these cases would be made. But the cases are not compelling because the logic breaks down even if the emotion is understandable. Of course we acknowledge that terrorism is an ugly feature of Sri Lankan life, and of course we are aware of the deprivations visited on Sri Lanka's people, notably the people of Jaffna, and the northeast, by this conflict. To be fair, I must also point out that this ugly war has affected tens of thousands of Sinhala families too. The point is we do not see solutions in simplifications of Sri Lanka's complexity.
Another kind of letter I have received asks the provocative question: what right does the United States have to preach when, within its own borders, ethnic tensions abound. Isn't this hypocrisy?
It is a fair question and one worthy of elaboration. Hypocrisy has long been a preoccupation of puritannical America, as novels from The Scarlet Letter to Catcher in the Rye make clear. Does the United States, facing unresolved racial tensions of its own, lack the moral standing to address ethnic conflicts around the world?
Although this is a tempting argument, it is flawed. In most areas of moral endeavour, the United States doesn't usually demand perfection as a precondition for doing good. American history is full of public figures and plain
citizens whose person not prevent them fro our nation's progress I think most reasonal the world, recognize t sicians may be care health, or builders ma in poorly maintained ers may occasionally temper, these people ers. To demand perfel charitable impulse ho traits. Nations, like pe others - even when are not fully in order The United State ishes. But the trend tive. The United Stati where cultures ming where most people a table water flows fron And it is still a countil dest test - that Cub; refugees of every so ing to enter.
What is our mor preserve America an ple - in particular its ance, equality and in - as far as possible. C out tending our owne If America loses its tality, it loses one of But can it do so witho global conflicts? No, at home and abroa Americans who diec militarism, imperia ideologies of the left, nic cleansing. If the U its willingness to en ally, its generous im soul. Balance, that moral reasoning, is v What does our m us about Sri Lanka, translate into policy Sri Lanka proceeds f official US opinions end, the sooner the l the idea that there is to this conflict and fi outcome (all that is litical will to negoti convinced that in tl neither side need be win); othe opportun

15 ARCH 2001
|al weaknesses did m contributing to . Americans, and ple people around hat although phyless of their own ly themselves live homes, or preachindulge in a fit of can still help othction is to hold the )stage to personal 'ople, can confront their own houses
s has many blemines are still posies is a melting pot le. It is a country re literate and pon nearly every tap. y - to cite the sadans, Haitians and rt are literally dy
al obligation? To d extend its examexample of tolerdividual freedom 'an we do so with:thnic garden? No. melting-pot menits core strengths. ut helping resolve again. Cemeteries d are filled with l fighting against lism, totalitarian and right, and ethJnited States loses gage internationpulse, it loses its great principle of what it's all about. oral reasoning tell and how does this Our approach to rom the following : o this war must better; owe reject a military solution avour a negotiated needed is the poate; owe are also hese negotiations the loser, both can ity cost of the war
in economic terms, and the human cost in deaths, injuries, displaced persons and dysfunctional families, are staggering and no longer tolerable, O that is why we, India, the EU, Japan and many other nations support the noble effort of the Norwegians to facilitate direct talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE; owe reject the idea of an independent Tamil state carved out of Sri Lankan territory; owe regard the LTTE as a terrorist organization and do not believe it is the sole representative of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka; owe also are for Tamil rights; the Tamil people must be treated equally, respectfully and with dignity within a democratic Sri Lankan state whose exact political form should be determined by the people of this country; owe do not believe Sri Lanka, or any part of it, is the special preserve of any one ethnic group; indeed, we regard Sri Lanka as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multilingual, multi-cultural state, O and although we are convinced that the solution to this conflict can and must be negotiated by Sri Lankans, we stand ready to assist in ways the principal parties find appropriate.
These then are the essential views of the US Government regarding Sri Lanka's conflict. Please take them for what they are worth. This is your country, your future and you, Sri Lankans, must decide in which direction to go. But as a friend of longstanding, the United States offers these views for your consideration.
Within these broad official USparameters, there are of course many nuances. One of these regards our view of the LTTE. The French have a wonderful word, lucidite, whose metaphorical meaning is the ability to face facts. One of the facts we must face is that although we regard the LTTE as a terrorist organization and do not believe it is the sole representative of the Tamil people, we accept that the leaders of the Tigers will be involved in the negotiations. This is because of the LTTE's military standing.
Let me also say a word about the wish for separation. Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict in a sense is a planetary drama. As Salman Rushdie has written, cul

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15 ARCH 2001
tures collide constantly in the modern world, crisscrossing at high velocity; one moment we are in a village with a charming sense of remoteness; in the next, we turn on TV and are connected instantly to a global village. In this confusion, it is entirely understandable that some people want to retreat into a community where everyone believes the same thing.
But as I said at the outset, such a retreat was possible for Odysseus. It is not possible, or even desirable now. My father used to say that we find comfort from those who agree with us - growth from those who don't. Diversity, having to cope with differences, tolerating the points of view of others, and accepting that all of us have multiple identities - ethnic, racial, religious, linguistic, sexual, professional and, yes, geographical - this is the normal state globally, including here in Sri Lanka.
In the years before the American Civil War, “abolitionists” wanted slavery abolished. But that could not be done immediately, so some of them favoured abolishing the American nation lest they be sullied by further association with the slave states. That would not have helped the slaves, but helping slaves was not their primary concern. A sense of purity - rightmindedness - was. Those in Sri Lanka who advocate separation of the state long for ethnic purity, a genetic and geographical impossibility. Worse than that, it is an atavism, a denial of the harmonizing, connecting forces at work in the modern world. These ethnic hygienists, or separatists, are about the past, not the future - or at least not a future that we should wish for our children.
As I reflect upon the prospects for peace in Sri Lanka, I must say that I regard the coming months hopefully. I have lived in several ethnically diverse nations and regions - Romania, South Africa, the West Indies, Yugoslavia, Belgium, India, and, of course, the United States and I am struck not by the hopelessness of Sri Lanka's dilemma but by how tractable and soluble it is. The differences - believe it or not - are not all that great. Sri Lanka's various ethnic groups have lived to
gether on this lov peacefully, forman is needed is to find a tory, contemporary accommodate the is making this perhap tion, I do not minim Among the Sinhal there are ethnic supr Certain people in C have told me Sri Sinhala; in Trincom and here in Jaffna, northeastern Sri Lar Such views are ext me of the man who can flag and only s he is not describing in all its multi-colol
no means an exper but it seems to m Lanka - north, soutil a diverse nation.
Perhaps I am w most Sri Lankans a complex nation anc lieve its people can|| fully. Serious thinki from here to there other challenges, th ernment must find Tamils and other n come and secure i assuring those who secession that the te the state is inviola Sri Lanka, meanw some people, who t democracy, expre LTTE, an essentia with an ugly past o disagree with its li LTTE be transfor cratic, political, no tion? If it can, thos at its ugliest and tho to its tactics, inc States, will be obli how they regard th we can even today there are encouragil LTTE”s recent con the LTTE will cont attacking civilian the other basic rule one in this audien the LTTE leaders

ALTES 23
:ly island, mainly centuries. All that mutually satisfacpolitical system to land’s diversity. In s surprising asserize the difficulties. a and the Tamils, emacists to be sure. plombo and Kandy Lanka is for the alee and Batticaloa I have heard that ka is Tamil terrain. eme. They remind regards the Ameriees the colour red; the American flag ured glory. I am by t on your country, obvious that Sri l, east and west - is
rong, but I believe ccept that this is a l that they also belive together peaceng about how to get is in order. Among le Sri Lankan Gova way to make the minorities feel weln Sri Lanka while are worried about rritorial integrity of ble. In this part of hile, I have heard ell me they support ss support for the lly military entity fkilling those who eadership. Can the med into a demon-violent organizae who have seen it se who are opposed luding the United gated to reconsider e LTTE. Certainly, acknowledge that ng indications in the duct. We hope that inue to refrain from targets and respect s of conflict. If anyce has contact with hip, please convey
two messages from the U.S. Government: A: If the LTTE is still fighting for Tamil Eelam, please accept that that goal cannot be achieved; and, B: If the LTTE really cares about the Tamil people and about assuring their rights, giving up violence and negotiating are the way to go.
A new world is developing in Sri Lanka, like a Polaroid photograph, a vivid surreal awakening. The effect is contradictory: a sense of sunlight and elegy at the same time, of glasnost and claustrophobia. The reality of the last nearly 18 years - conflict and hardship - could be giving way to something new, something more tranquil. "All changed, changed utterly" in W.B. Yeats” smitten lines about the Irish rebellion of Easter, 1916. Eighty-five years later, the Irish troubles proceed but there is hope. The eczema of violence in Ireland fades and peace is at hand.
Perhaps the same is true in Sri Lanka. The heroes of the coming months will be those who advocate tolerance, not violence, those who see the need for compromise and moderation rather than those who wish to push ahead toward unattainable visions of separation and exclusivity.
As I said at the beginning, we are all subject to the interconnectedness of things in this modern world. This includes Sinhala, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and all other Sri Lankans, who have more in common with each other than the extremists suggest. On the Great Seal of the United States you will find the Latin phrase, “E Pluribus Unum,” which means, of course, “Out of Many, One.” Even more than two centuries ago, the founders of the United States saw that our country would be diverse and we should reject efforts to stress differences among its people. The idea was and is that diverse people can come together and build one country, one nation. I think Sri Lanka can do it, too. The United States fervently hopes that you all can come together again and live in peace. Pluralism and prosperity, as with other diverse societies, will then keep you united. Thank you. O

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24 TAMITMES
International Sup
For Peace Proce
Dr. S. Narapalasingam
Norway's help was solicited by both the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE to facilitate direct talks between them with a view to reaching a political settlement of the protracted conflict. The Norwegian Government appointed Erik Solheim, the leader of the Socialist Party as the Special (Peace) Envoy. Having resigned his seat in the Storting (Parliament) for the purpose of working full-time on this mission, he has been functioning as the facilitator since February 2000. He has also been keeping the Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Indian government informed of the efforts being made to bring both the warring parties to the negotiating table. In view of India's concern for her position in the region and interest in the final resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka, this task is also recognised by other countries as necessary for achieving the desired aim.
Nationalism at a price
The political parties against Norway's involvement are mainly the JVP and the Sihala Urumaya. A section of the Buddhist clergy and some nationalists are also against "foreign intervention'. So far questioning Norway's motive and casting doubt about the credibility and integrity of the envoy/ facilitator has not affected the peace efforts. Their stand is influenced by nationalistic feelings, ignoring the seriousness of the national problem and the need for finding a permanent solution that is crucial for the future well-being of the country. It is this attitude that has retarded the pace of progress in Sri Lanka since independence.
Despite receiving considerable foreign aid for more than two decades, Sri Lanka's development record is unimpressive compared with many Asian countries whose earlier levels of per capita income and human development were in some cases below ours. They are now more prosperous and advanc
ing steadily. Besides lenge of alleviating p is facing new chall from increased compe market and the pres the people for better comparable with th other countries. But of little concern to the ious to retain majorit which they considel safeguarding their ra is not surprising tha world has not taken si oted views that only progress. International Supp Strong support h to Norway (not a me pean Union - EU) b ments interested in Lanka as an undivid prosperous island in verse ethnic and reli
live in harmony, hav
opportunities and pro are also interested in i racy, human rights, tl country's economic a agement, allthese hav independence as a r and divisive politics ties. Long-term intei try were sacrificed f litical gains.
The last meeting velopment Forum he December 18-19, 20 tended by 24 donor ternational organisati the urgency to settle flict and create the c cive for socio-econo These with the buildi stitutions and econo) were considered as ments for reducing pc ing the lives of all pe
All delegates to out the deep linkages and conflict. Sociale.

port SS
the existing chaloverty, Sri Lanka enges emanating tition in the world 2nt aspirations of living conditions ose obtaining in these seem to be 2 nationalists anxy rule and rights, as essential for ce and religion. It at the rest of the eriously such bighinder peace and
D as been extended mber of the Euroy all the governthe future of Sri led, peaceful and which all the digious groups can e equal rights and sper freely. They mproving demoche rule of law and nd financial maning suffered since esult of cutthroat of the main parests of the counor short-term po
of Sri Lanka Deld in Paris during 00 which was atcountries and inonsl) emphasised the ongoing cononditions condumic development. ng ofefficient inmic infrastructure critical requireverty and improvople in Sri Lanka. he forum pointed between poverty (clusion driven by
15 MARCH 2001
ethnicity, language or religion had resulted in reduced opportunities over decades and created the extreme tensions which drove conflict. Repeated references were made to “the perceived gap between official policy and commitment on the one hand and, on the other, the voices on the ground in Sri Lanka'. Apparently, this "disconnect” has given a sense of frustration among the donors. Government was urged to build efficient institutions acceptable to all Sri Lankans. The forum considered the recent talks between Norwegian officials and the LTTE as a new window of opportunity for a resolution of the conflict. Norway's efforts have the full support of the donor countries.
The opening address by Ms. Mieko Nishimizu, Vice President, South Asia Region, the World Bank contained some elementary lessons in good governance, leadership, people's participation, teamwork, quality growth with equity and social harmony and "working for the sovereign people of Sri Lanka'. She quoted from the speeches of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, drawing attention to her concern about the regression that had taken place in the country transforming it from a peaceful and tolerant nation to one overwhelmed by ethnic, political and social violence. Delegates, were also reminded of the President's urge to build a new nation where peace andrichness of the diversity of the people will be the foundation forstrong and stable economic development.
She explained the circumstances that have compelled the donor community to come to the assistance of Sri Lanka in its efforts to solve the major problems that are hindering peace and economic and social progress. Their interest in the domestic affairs is confined to those matters influencing directly peace and development. The fact is that without peace, development cannot be sustained and without meaningful (to all ethnic groups in the society) development, there cannot be lasting peace.
She affirmed that in the end any solution must be of Sri Lanka's own, to which foreign partners could contribute their knowledge and experience. For this to happen, the donors wanted the present efforts of Norway a fellow member to succeed.

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European Union
The declaration of the European Union (EU) at the Paris meeting, while confirming its readiness "to provide constructive support to the Sri Lankan Government in its endeavour to restore peace in the country,” evoked the attention of the government to the urgent need to act effectively on several areas to improve the observance of human rights and to rid the shortcomings in government that are hampering the country's development. The Sri Lankan Government was also reminded of the 16 post-election recommendations made by its "observer mission" which need to be implemented "to guarantee greater transparency in future elections."
The EU statement referred specifically to the murder of 27 Tamil detainees in the Bindunuwewa rehabilitation camp on 25 October 2000 who were under the protection of Sri Lankan authorities and asked the government to do its utmost to bring to justice the murderers. In general, the EU wanted the Sri Lankan Government to identify and bring to justice those responsible for human rights violations in the country. At the same time, the EU reiterated “its firm condemnation of the terrorist acts and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the LTTE. Attention was also drawn to the "extreme social, moral and physical precariousness” of the displaced persons.
EU while backing Norway's "facilitator' mission in Sri Lanka, stressed the urgency of a national consensus on a peace plan. In conclusion, the EU invited the parties to start negotiations without delay, “taking substantial account of the aspirations of the Tamil minority and not breaching the intangible principle of the territorial integrity and unity of Sri Lanka." It also expressed the hope that LTTE's announcement to enter into peace negotiations with the Government is sincere and will result in meaningful talks.
The delegation from the European Parliament that visited Sri Lanka during February 18-24 stressed the need for both sides to support the Norwegian facilitator for the peace process to begin. The delegation was led by Gerard Collins, MEP, from Ireland and the other parliamentary members were
Thomas Mann, RC Mann and Maria M cials who accompa egation visited Jaff they met the Chi Malwatte and Asg fore leaving Gerar press briefing, hum high on the Europe and urged Sri Lan democratic reform human rights recor tion expressed its r so far been no ci Bindunuwewa dete
CC. Terrorism and LT Collins also sa urged Britain to ban The commitment o the principles of the tion for Human Rig the observations Colombo on Sri I concerted efforts of Lanka and campaig supporters urging ment not to proscri included in the lis ganizations recomn tion by the Home S. on February 28. T
- that came into for
forbids a wide ran support terrorism2 belong to any of 1 support or raise fu taining offices anc transferring money are also forbidde1 comment in Colom on the LTTE woul going Norwegian b Government and t gotiating table sig cision, though mal to be announced st
In fact, the Eul stance on the LTT earlier from its resc which noted - “ov called Liberation Eelam have carrie acts of terrorism th claiming many hl lives.” Not only the but also others com will not approven bilising or underm political structure

obert Evans, Erika artins and four offinied them. The della and Kandy where ef Prelates of the Iriya Chapters. Bed Collins said at a an rights were very an Union's agenda ka to push through Is and improve its d. The EU delegaegret that there had onvictions on the ntion camp massa
TE id that the EU has | all terrorist groups. If the EU to uphold European Convenghts is evident from made in Paris and lanka. Despite the Tamil parties in Sri ns abroad by LTTE he British Governbe the LTTE, it was t of 21 terrorist ornended for proscripecretary, Jack Straw errorism Act 2000 ce on February 19 ge of activities that ). It is an offence to the banned groups, nds for them. Mainusing London for for terrorist actions h. Collins' earlier bo that a British ban d not affect the onid to bring Sri Lanka he LTTE to the nenalled Britain's dehy did not expect it
) SOO. opean Parliament's E was known much olution on Sri Lanka er the years the soTigers of Tamil i out indiscriminate roughout Sri Lanka, undreds of civilian European countries mitted to democracy noves seen as destaning the democratic in Sri Lanka (not
TAMILTMES 25
withstanding its present weaknesses). Will those who encouraged the LTTE to proceed vigorously along this path realise at least now their blunders?
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2000 (on Sri Lanka) released by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour in February 2001 must be read in full to understand their interests in championing Democracy and Human Rights throughout the world. The report is critical of both the Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE. With regard to the latter, the report states - "The LTTE continued to attack civilians. The LTTE continued to commit serious human rights abuses in the ongoing war with the Government. The LTTE regularly committed extrajudicial killings, including killing prisoners taken on the battlefield, and was also responsible for disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrest, detention and extortion'. It is true that these same charges apply to the government security forces as well but this has not helped to portray the LTTE differently as the victim of state terror for obvious reasons. Moreover, the reportmentions - "Through a campaign of killing and intimidation, the LTTE continued to undermine the work of the local government bodies in Jaffna whose members were elected in free and fair elections in January 1998." Such obstructive acts have been viewed as undermining democracy. Conclusion
During President Chandrika Kumaratunga's official visit to India from February 22 to 25, Indian leaders stressed that a negotiated political settlement was the only way to restore lasting peace which would meet the aspirations of all groups in the multi-ethnic Sri Lankan society. India has also consistently stood for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. By keeping India informed of the developments in the efforts being made by Norway and also having discussions at the highest level on the ethnic issue, Sri Lanka has seen to it that nothing is done contrary to India's interests in the region. LTTE was banned in the USA in October 1997. Nevertheless like India and Britain, the US also believes that the only way to find a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is through a negotiated

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settlement. A positive development that is apparent now is the willingness of the LTTE to settle the conflict peacefully, respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. By ceasing all offensive attacks, it is anxious to create a favourable climate for launching the peace talks.
Although the "confidence building” measures suggested by Norway as a necessary prelude for the planned talks on the substantive issues have not been agreed by the government, the indications are that the process of reaching an agreement is under way. President Chandrika Kumaratunga herself mentioned in a recent interview (Frontline
Footnotes:
March 3 - 16, 2001) "the best window O has been offered to since the war began' pute over banning th is settled, concerted directed towards res through the process a new political struct that led to it in the f to its escalation as v each community ab Sri Lanka must be co found to remove the
Sri Lanka’s ethni the attention of other ing the governmen
1) The Forum was attended by delegates from (list of participa
Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom an Asian Development Bank, European Commission, European Investm Finance Corporation, International Fund for Agricultural Developm velopment, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Developme ment Programme. As usual, the meeting was chaired by the leadero 2) Under Part II of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Secretary of Stat concerned in terrorism'. An organisation is "concerned in terrorisr terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism or is otherwise concerne as including "any association or combination of persons'. The Home
with the European Convention for Human Rights.
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that we have now opportunity that any government Now that the dise LTTE in Britain efforts should be lving the conflict fnegotiations for ure. All the causes rst place and then ell as the fears of ut their future in hsidered and ways Υ1. c problem evoked countries, follow
sponsored anti
15 MARCH 2001
Tamil pogrom in 1983. Any solution now has to win the support of India and other countries providing development assistance to Sri Lanka. The situation that exists now is very different from that prevailed during the previous peace talks that collapsed for well known reasons. Not only the people in Sri Lanka but also others interested in restoring peace in Sri Lanka will not condone the side seen as unreasonable, uncompromising and intransigent. The present time is, no doubt, a decisive moment for Sri Lanka; the well-being of the country and all the inhabitants depends crucially on the way the leaders settle the self-destructive conflict.
ing countries) - Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, d the United States. International organizations present included ent Bank, International Committee of the Red Cross, International 2nt, International Monetary Fund, Kuwait Fund for Economic Dent, Saudi Fund for Development and the United Nations Developf the World Bank team.
e has the power to proscribe any organisation which he believes "is n' if it commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for d in terrorism either in the UK or abroad. "Organisation' is defined ; Secretary said that the Act has brought the UK provisions in line
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15 ARCH2001
The Indian Posi on the LTTEB
T.N.Gopalan
he British Home Secretary Jack Straw's recent announcement including the LTTE in the list of foreign organisations to be banned has been greeted with a deafening silence in India.
Not a word from any quarter, neither the government of India nor that of Tamil Nadu or yet the various avowedly proLTTE parties like the PMK and the MDMK would open their mouths on the issue.
The Indian media chose to ignore a reportin Sri Lankan newspapers quoting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadir-gamar as saying that India too had lobbied for the ban in the UK. Sri Lanka had sought India's assistance to mount pressure on London, but New Delhi had on its own taken up the issue, Kadirg-amar said, according to some agency reports.
"I took it up with India's External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and he told me they had already taken up the matter with Britain,” Kadirgamar told reporters. "That is a particularly frien-dly gesture by India," he said adding, “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to India. Unsolicited by us, Jaswant Singh made representations to the British government for the banning of the LTTE.” If Kadirgamar has been quoted correctly, certainly that marks a dramatic turn-around in the National Democratic Alliance government's stand on the militant group. This is the first time since Atal Behari Vajpayee came to power back in 1998 that the Centre has chosen to position itself so completely as an adversary of the Lanka's Tamil Tigers, and so openly in support of the Government in Colombo.
Having to depend on such Tamil Nadu parties like the PMK and the MDMK which make no secret of their admiration for the Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, the Vajpayee government has always tread a very cautious line on the LTTE issue until recently. (The PMK quit the NDA only last month, but that was out of its compulsions in Tamil Nadu and the decision had nothing to do whatsoever with the Tigers.)
Even the DMK which, these days, makes a show of its "patriotism” and attacks the LTTE on various counts, has never allowed the Centre to adopt any
position which migh ive of the Lankan go recall the furore in t were reports that Pi was seeking the su government to fend recapturing Jaffna i In the circumstan tifying why India sho on its own and ask LTTE. It would be this particular myste does, that is. But the tern emerging, slow Vajpayee governmet Lanka is increasingl Indian bureaucrats tended to view the L menace, the most ch being that they are an Mr.A.P.Venkateswa tary under Rajiv Gat a huff at the height confrontation, has r at the "complacent, formed and insensit mandarins in the N any issue affecting til is a Tamil Brahmin well disposed towar thing touching upol in general. Madha south Indian journ Delhi, has echoed views in his muchexperiences in the n Still how come ment like that of Va ter such a temerity a some pet sentiments
It may be usef even during the 199: MDMK and the PN NDA under the AIA they had claimed to mitment to the Tige ent Eelam even tho self was seen as b LTTE. When they si later, there was ev restrained, for "is n nidhi a Tamil chan ever his compulsion ministrative actions again back in the A while Vai.Ko is st
 
 
 
 

TAMILTMEs 27
be overtly supportovernment. One can he state when there resident Chan-drika pport of the Indian off the Tigers from n April last year.
cesit is clearly myspuld have intervened the UK to ban the uite a while before
y unravels, if it ever
re seems to be a patly but steadily; the 's policy towards Sri y dictated by North who have always TTE as a forbidding laritable perspective l'avoidable nuisance. ran, Foreign Secreldhi and who quit in of the IPKF-LTTE speatedly lashed out self-centred, ill-inive" approach of the orth Block towards he south. He himself , a tribe not exactly ds the Tigers or anyn Tamil nationalism van Kutty, a noted alist based in New Venkateswaran's praised book on his ational capital.
a coalition governjpayee’s could muss to fly in the face of of its constituents? il to recall here that 3 polls when both the MK trooped into the ADMK's leadership, stand by their comrs and an independugh Jayalalitha hereing violently antiwitched camps a year en less reason to be »t Kalaignar Karunanpion at heart whats and some of his ad' The PMK is once AIADMK camp now icking to the DMK.
Surely whatever the configuration at any given point of time, the PMK and MDMK, both with some mass base in the state, have tended to champion the LTTE cause, to a lesser or greater degree. Karunanidhi himself could be less vocal and may have hisown reasons to behostile to the Tigers, but his Tamil identity politics would never allow him to endorse any action "which would jeopardise the larger interests of the Lankan Tamils.” But at the same time it bears iteration for the nth time that the commitment of these parties remain only at the rhetorical level, they very rarely bothering to apply any real pressure on the Centre to make it act in favour of the LTTE.
The Jaffna crisis of last year was perhaps a solitary exception when they could ensure that India would not militarily intervene in favour of a beleaguered Lankan armed forces. How the Centre would have reacted if the situation had indeed deteriorated and the Tigers tightened the noose, is a very different story altogether.
There was even a self-serving report recently on President Chandrika's visit to India claiming India had "advised" the government of Sri Lanka to refrain from attempting a military option towards resolving the ethnic crisis and instead keep on pursuing the current peace process facilitated by Norway. Cautioning Colombo about pursuing the military option, New Delhi made it known that "an escalation of the conflict could result in creating new tensions that may cause unsettling consequences for India." No Indian commentator has made such a claim so far. But even assuming that Vajpayee had proffered such a piece of friendly advice, it would only go to show the Janus-faced approach of successive governments in New Delhi. They make pious declarations over the plight of the Lankan Tamils, but with little follow-up action. On the other hand they go to great lengths to make life difficult for the LTTE, whether banning it here or lobbying for a ban in the US or the UK.
The point is that the BJP has quietly shifted from an overtly pro-Tiger stance to a more conventional approach. There is indeed a significant section within the party which generally roots for the LTTE as part of its Hindutva. The notorious Shiv Sena leader, Bal Thackeray, rarely misses an opportunity to pay glowing tributes to the valiant Velupillai Prabhakaran. When the Sena took out a barelynoticed Rath Yathra supporting the Tigers, Then Seidhi, an organ of the Thamizh Thamizhar Iyakkam, gave it a prominent coverage. When some of his supporters demurred over projecting such a

Page 28
28 TAMILTIMES
rabidly communal organisation, Pazha Nedumaran, chief of the lyakkam, reportedly shot back, "What's the big deal about it? What do we care what their views on other issues are? We must accept support from whichever quarter it come.' Besides another question raised by the pro-Tiger lobby is, "The Congress could be obsessed with bringing to book the assassins of their leader. Why should we be constrained by such considerations? Anyway the upper caste Lankan Tamils are increasingly moving towards a Hindutva position and the Tigers do not oppose such a trend.”
It was such a fringe group which seemed to be calling the shots for sometime as seen in a retired pro-BJP Foreign Office official's open call during a tour of Lanka for greater autonomy to Tamil areas. Last year the group firmly opposed any move to go to the rescue of the Lankan armed forces. But the Prime Minister's Office is getting increasingly autonomous and the bureaucrats there are functioning as Super bosses, giving little leverage for the BJP leaders themselves, leave alone the much more tentative allies. The ban on the LTTE has been renewed; a formal request was made for the extradition of Prabhakaran in connection with the Rajiv murder trial; a person suspected to have had a role in the assassination of Neelan Thiruchelvam was bundled into a plane bound for Colombo; a prominent Tiger-supporter, Eelavendan, was deported; and, now finally, in the case of the UK ban - it is clear the bureaucratic lobby, with its obsession with "India's security interests," is in tight control of the situation.
External Affairs minister Jaswant Singh himself is an odd man out in the Parivaar, with no great ideological commitment one way or another. He had no compunction in normalising ties with the Myanmarese junta. Whether it is Israel or Saudi Arabia or the USA or even China, Singh's moves seem to be dictated by real politik and he is backed strongly by the Prime Minister though the RSS might look askance at him.
In such a situation, those like George Fernandes have little option but to swallow their pride and not to make an issue of it whether it is Myanmar or China or Sri Lanka. If such stormy petrels prefer to lie low in order to protect their own interests, little needs to be said of the likes of Vai. Ko. and Ramadas whose professions are far more suspect.
Vai. Ko apologists keep asserting that he is doing whatever he could within the constraints he is facing and that the Tigers appreciate it. If the most enthusiastic votary of the LTTE prefers silence as the most effective weapon, that only goes to show how much the Tigers have squandered the goodwill they once had on this soil; what the Mishras and Jaswants think and do are of little consequence in this regard. O
ISLAMABAD-Afte the diplomatic front foi dia have taken their d which critics say will onl people. A series of filr months by the Pakist Caled "Lollywood", hav gations of human right rity forces against the tered Kashmir.
"These movies art of Indian films that link telligence agencies to dian soil, particularly the Kashmir territory," wrot in the Urdu-languagen But not all associa dustry agree that the m political purposes. "W medium of films to ret among people," says E of the government-run Corporation. He believe to Create wars. “Since ti kistan have access to e evision programs, the p Opportunity to promotep of catchingon to the th adds.
Pakistani joumalist WOrks with a domesti "Peace is not an isolate ments," he points Out.
The release of the newed efforts by the gov Asian neighbors to re. since their undeclared K ago, Pakistan, which w, religion, claims Kashm only Muslim-majority p weapons-capable matic Over Kashmir since thef India, Soon after the Sub parting Colonial Britishr kistan administers a thi For Over a decade, unleashed a violent Car ley in India's Jammu an killed more than 35,00C aCCUSeSIslamabad of tr tants, while Pakistan ac of rights excesses in Ka However, a larger in Pakistan think that Lo Terey Piyar Mein (In Y (Muslim), are a fitting made by the Indian film dian movies have putdc Over the last few years ing buta bunch oflies." dent in a local giris col ema halls after its releas
 

Films Help Fan e Flames of atre
15 MARCH2001
By Muddassir Rizvi
fighting over Kashmir on decades, Pakistan and Inpute into movie theaters, fuel animosity among their s released in the past few ni film industry, popularly themes Centered On alleexcesses by Indian secupeople of Indian-adminis
our rejoinder to a number ld Pakistani forces and inubversive activities on ininsurgency in the disputed a film critic Shahid Naqvi, ewspaper Ausaf.
ed with Pakistansfilminedium should be used for should use the popular luce rifts and differences az Gul, managing-director lational Film Development is that films have potential he people of India and PaChother's m0wies andtelroducers should seize the eace and hamony, instead emes that fuel hatred," he
Najeem Haider Zaidi, who C news agency, agrees. ld effort made by govem
se films Coincides with reernments of the two South ume peace talks stalled argil border war two years as Created On the basis of ir-Hindu-majority India's Ovince. The two nuclear ns have fought two wars )mer princely state joined :ontinent's partition by detlers in the year 1947. Paj of Kashmir, armed Secessionists have paign in the Kashmir ValKashmir state, which has people so far. New Delhi ining and arming the miliises Indian security forces hmir, Imber of cinema viewers (wood's new productions, ur Love) and Musalman 2sponse to similar films ndustry. "A number of Inin Pakistan and its forces these movies were nothays Nadia Rehmat, astuge. Still showing in cinin December 2000, Terey
Piyar Mein is about an Indian Sikh girl who falls in love with a Pakistani boy during a visit to Sikh holy shrines in Pakistan. Her Pakistanilover follows her to India where he is caught by an Indian army officer, who is also in love with the Sikh girl. The film ends with Kashmirimilitants helping the Pakistani boy escape jail and Cross the border into Pakistan with the Sikh girl. In keeping with the Pakistangovemment's allegations against Indiansecurity perSonnel in Kashmir, the film shows the Indian army officer torturing the Pakistaniman in jail.
"I am glad that Pakistan has finally started using cinema for rousing feelings of nationalism in the young people," says Begum Tasadduc, an elderly woman who watched the film in Islamabad, "India has made many movies against freedom fighters in Kashmir that are viewed by OuryouthS I feel that the government should patronize such efforts that portray the true feelings of the PakiStani nation," she adds.
She was referring to the high popularity of Indian films Roja, Border, Mission Kashmir and Refugee in the Pakistani home video market. These films, which depict the Indian view of the Kashmir issue, are being secretly rented after a ban by the government, which dubbed them as Indian propaganda.
"We cannot give out these movies though we get frequent demands," says an attendant at a home video rental in Islamabad. Films made by India's Hindi cinema industry, known as "Bollywood", are highly popular in Pakistan. Terey Piyar Mein is not the first effort of famed producer ShahZad Gul to Cash in on the anti-india sentiment in Pakistan. A year ago he produced the highly successful Ghar Kab Aao Gey (When Will You Return Home?) that dealt with subversive activities, allegedly carried out by Indian intelligence agencies in Pakistan. The success of the movie has made me work on Such themes as realized how a majority in this country thinks," Gul said in a press interview.
What Gul did not mention was the help he got from the Pakistani Army's Inter Services Press Relations department in filming many of the scenes. Terey Piyar Mein was also made with the technical support of the military's public relations department. The military's press relations wing has also given financial and technical help to staterun Pakistan Television in the filming of the popular drama series Angaar Wadi, (The Valley of Flames), which deals with the operations of the Indian security forces in Kashmir.
Critics, however, say that by cashing in On such sentiments, the producers of these films are hurting efforts to build trust between the people of Pakistan and India. "What are we trying to achieve through these movies? Simply, indoctrinating people that we cannot live in harmony with people across the border," says Zaidi.
(IPS-Asia Times, 27 February 2001)

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15 ARCH2001
BULLDCOZ
Yoginder Sikand
The destruction of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan by Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers has been greeted with shock, horror and anger by almost the entire international community. Even Pakistan, one of the only three countries to have recognised the Taliban regime, and its major sponsor, has reacted sharply to the news. Unfazed, the zealously iconoclastic one-eyed Mulla Omar, the self-styled “Amir of the "Islamic Emirate' of Afghanistan, has now gone ahead and announced that all statues and "false gods' in the country, including priceless artefacts lying in various museums in the country, would meet with a similar fate.
This comes at a time when Afghanistan has been racked by a devastating earthquake, a continuing and seemingly never-ending civil war, the collapse of all civic services and almost total isolation from the rest of the world - that is, at a time when what the Afghans most need is support from the outside world to help build their war-ravaged country which today has the dubious distinction of being one of the poorest in the world. Following the bull-dozing at Bamiyan, whatever little public concern there was for the plight of the hapless people of Afghanistan seems to have vanished with one fell swoop. Deeds speak louder that words, and despite the Taliban's loud and deafening claims of being ardent champions of Islam, there can be little doubt that their actions have done the greatest disservice to the faith that they claim to profess, only helping to reinforce the stereotypical images that most non-Muslims have about Islam.
Islam, at least as I know it, certainly does not allow for the destruction of the places and objects of worship of others. "There is no compulsion in religion' is a cardinal tenet of the Quranic revelation. What the Taliban has done, then, has no Islamic sanction. Rather, it goes against
the very tenets of I of a piece. First we orgy of violence in Afghanistan let loo lums against the co ity, in which thousa precious lives.
Then, the bann schools and emplo public sphere in ge) in reducing thousal ing families into cc Then, the conv into the world's opium, the consum sternly prohibits, wily Mulla Omar most of the dreade in any case, to wi hands.
Then, reports volvement in the s ing of various ter ing as crusaders foj brutal vandalism a We have reacl mands that all of l lims concerned ab name of Islam is b to pursue an agend terror, must raise ( monsterswallows promising in its m opposition to idol is its greatest stren the one God who efforts at represent the Quran, to be te tolerance of other how wrong they Quran at some po ers that they shou and deities of oth provoke them to r One needs on porting in the pres at Bamiyan to se
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Please Call.
 
 

AILES 2
lam. This is all part
were witness to an western and central se by Taliban hooduntry's Shia minornds of Shias lost their
ing of women from yment and from the heral, which resulted nds of already starvmplete destitution.
2rsion of the country argest producer of ption of which Islam but justified by the on the grounds that i drug made its way, estern, non-Muslim
of the Taliban's inponsoring and train'orist groups, paradIslam. And now the t Bamiyan. ned a point that deis, particularly Musout the way the fair eing sullied in order a of blind hatred and our voices before the is up. Islamis uncomonotheism and in its atry, and this indeed gth. Yet, this faith in is beyond all human ation is, according to mpered with a broad 's beliefs, no matter may seem. Thus, the int warns the believd not revile the idols ers, lest this should evile Allah in turn. y to glance at the reabout the vandalism ; what the Taliban's
latest antic has meant for the way nonMuslims perceive Islam. Mulla Omar insists that in destroying the Buddhas of Bamiyan he is simply following in the path of the Prophet Muhammad, who, once he had conquered Mecca, proceeded to destroy all the idols in the Ka'ba. This analogy might at first sight seem compelling, but it has actually little to commend for two reasons. Firstly, because the Ka'ba, to begin with, was, as Islamic tradition has it, built by the Prophet Abraham as a shrine for Allah and had no idols in it. Graven images were installed only later by the Meccans, and in doing away with the idols the Prophet was only restoring to the Ka'ba its former sanctity.
The Buddhist shrines at Bamiyan are a completely different category. Secondly, the Prophet proceeded to destroy all the idols in the Ka'ba only after all the denizens of Mecca had converted to Islam, that is, when they had renounced their faith in their pagan idols. Their new faith insisted on the worship of a formless God, and it was then that the Prophet ordered that all the 365 images that had been installed in the Ka'babe destroyed. To argue that Islam demands that Muslims should go about hammering down graven images and idols worshipped by others, as Mulla Omar seems to suggest, is thus a complete travesty of Islam itself.
I see little difference between the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban and the demolition of the Babri Masjid by Hindutva hoodlums in India. Both are impelled by a blind hatred, an irrepressible intolerance for the 'other', a menacing zeal for a cause that is a complete travesty of true religion and genuine spirituality.
Their celebration of hatred, of the killing of innocents, of the reviling of other faiths and of endless violence is a new idol that demands the incessant sacrifice of innocent human blood at its altar. This new idolatry is far more sinister than its predecessor, for it comes in the guise of an iconoclastic zeal speaking the language of religion but subtly, and, at times, as at Bamiyan now, brazenly, working to subvert it from within. It is this new idol that must be hewn down. O
LONLY)))) .SRI LANKA
SOUTH INDIA -SINGAPORE

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30 TAMILTIMES
MATRMONIAL
Tamil Catholic parents seek handsome groom for fair, pretty daughter, 29, part qualified accountant in employment in London. Religion no bar. Please send details. M 1227 C/O Tamil Times.
Jaffna Hindu parents seek professional groom for pretty, Bio-Science graduate daughter, 27, in good permanent employment in London. Mars afflicted. Please Send horoscope, details. M 1231 C/o Tamil Times.
Jaffna Hindu parents seek professional bride for son, twenty-six, Doctor working in London. Contact With horoscope and details. M 1232 C/o Tanni Times. Jaffna Hindu parents seek qualified groom under 35 for their daughter Ph.D., British Citizen, an innocent party to annulment, no encumbrances. Contact M 1233 C/O Tamil Times.
OBTUARIES
ञ्जे x8XS8 Mr. Muttucumaru Jayaseelan, (Chartered Accountant) of Alaveddy, Sri Lanka; beloved husband of Saradha, loving father of Praveen and Pradeesh, son of late Mr. V.S. MuttuCunnaru and of Mrs. A. Muttucumaru, son-in-law of late Dr. A. R. Breckenridge and of Mrs. Pathma Breckenridge; brother of Jeyarajasingham (Uduvil), Pathmaranee
CLASSIFIED ADS
st 20 words 10, each word 60p charge x No. £3. (Wat 17 1/2% extra). Prepayment esse
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mil Times Ltd, PO Box 21, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD 020-864.40972 FAX: 020-824. E.mail admin Gitamitimes.org:
Rajanayagam (New Zealand), Ranji Sinnadurai, Vanitha Winslow, (both of Australia), Jeyasothy Paul (Colombo), Jeyanithy Kirubanayagam (Australia) and Rajee Rajasingham (Canada) passed away in Lusaka, Zambia on 19th February 2001. Funeral service took place on Saturday 24th February at The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Lusaka followed by burial at Leopards Hill Cemetery, Lusaka.
The members of the family thank all relatives and friends Who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes, messages of sympathy and provided support in various ways during the period of bereavement. - Mrs Saradha Jayaseelan, P.O. Box 31892, Lusaka, Zambia. PhOne +260 l 29 1385. Ennail: jpraveen Gezamnet.zm
Mr.
Somasun dram Sivagnanam (92) Attorney-atLaw and Notary Public of
Chankanai, Sri Lanka, presently resident in London, eldest son of late Mr. Kanthappasegarar Somasundram and Valliammai of Kanthappa Valavu, Valveddy son-in-law of late Mr. Ponniah and Theivanayagi of ‘Cathiresu Vasa", Church Road, Chankanai; beloved husband of Devi; brother of Mr. Mylvaganam (Malaysia), Mr. Mahadeva (Valveddy), late Mrs. Sivakolunthu Sivasubramanian and late Mr. KathireSU
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Valveddy), loving father of Gnanade vi (UK), Kulanayagan (Gerтany), Kengadevi (UK), Somasuntharam (Canada), Nirmalathasan (UK), Sivagumar (UK), Ravindran (UK), Mahesan (Canada), Sri Ram (Canada), Ganesan (New York), Kaladevi (UK) and Sri Jeyadevi (UK); father-in-law of Sivagnanasekaram, Selvaranchitham, Subramaniam, Suseela, Jeyadevi, Lalithadevi, Bavani, Suchitra, Shantha, Siwananthan and Nanthakumar; loving grandfather of
Ranjan, Mohan, Keerthi, Caneshan, Kalyanie, Jeyakaroshan, Thanujah, Gavusala, Karnan, Kavitha, Selina, Selwyn, Bharathy, Rangan, Uma, Eeshan,
Sangeetha, Milani, Waanathy, Harrisan, Siyamini, Suban and Aran passed away on Friday, 2nd March 2001. The funeral rites were performed on 8th March at Merton Hall, Kingston Road, London SW19 and later the cremation was at Putney Vale Cemetery, London SW15.
Mrs. Devi Sivagnanam and
15 MARCH2001
all family members wish to thank all friends and relatives who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes, messages of sympathy, assisted and supported them during the period of bereavement. They regret their inability to thank them individually. - 43 Lynton Road, New Malden, Surrey KT35ED.
Mrs. Someswary Kanagasabai, beloved wife of the late Mr. S.A. Kanagasabai, Retired Accountant; loving mother of Chandra (Colombo), Indra, Logendra (both of UK),
continued on page 31
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Page 31
15MARCH2001
continued from page 30
Yogendra, (Colombo), late Kulendra, Ambi, Gowri, Jayanthi (all of UK), mother-in-law of Kamaleswary (lindra), Rathy Yoga, Frank Ragu and Glyn Lewis passed away in London on 17th March 2001 and was Cremated.
The members of the family Wish to thank all friends and relatives who attended the funeral, sent floral tributes and messages of sympathy and assisted them in several ways during the period of bereavement. — 21 Rose Walk, Purley, Surrey CR83LJ. Tel: 0208660
1522.
IN MEMORAMS
First Death Anniversary In treasured Memory of Mr. Kullandavelu Subramaniam, formerly of the Survey Department, Colombo,
Born: 23.05, 1923 DieCd 09.03.2000 Deep in our hearts your memory is kept You were loved too dearly to ever forget
Fondly remembered by his loving wife, children and sisterS.
Fourth Death Anniversary
Арра Four years have gone by, since you left our midst. Your
loving care and inspiration are strongly missed. In your peace We find Solace.
In loving memory of Miss Rathin i Ananthamoorthy, Lecturer, Eastern University of Batticoloa on the ninth anniversary of her passing away on 5th March 1992.
Sadly missed and fondly remembered by her parents Ananthamoorthy and Yogarani brothers Sivapalan and Sivakaran, sisters Mathini, Malini, Rajini, Sivarubini and families. - 2070 Camilla Road Apt. 609, Mississauga, Ontario L5A 2U7, Canada. Tel: 905279 O918.
In loving memory of Mrs. Nallammah Kulanayagan, beloved Wife of the late Mr. V. Kulanayagam (Deputy Government Analyst, Colombo) and the loving daughter of the late Mr. Kandiah (Upper Balangoda) and late Nallammah, on the first anniversary of her passing away on 4th March 2000 at the age of 86 on Mahasivarathiri Day.
She served as a devoted mother to Pathma (Australia), Dr. Ganeshanayagam (Sri Lanka), Dr. Shanthy (UK), Logi (Canada), Siva (UK), and mother-in-law of Ratnasabapathy (Julius and Creasy, Sri Lanka), Pama (Australia), late Dr. Parameswaran, late Mr. V.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TAMILTIMES 31
Mariathasan (Rubber Metal Technique - Malaysia), llamurugan MBE (Customs and Excise - UK) and grandmother of Radeesh, Thushara, Sahana and Arwin.
She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who have known her. - 60 Portland Avenue, New Malden, Surrey KT36BA.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Apr. 3 11am Colombuthurai Yoga Swamigal Abisekham and Guru Poojah followed by Prasatham at Shree Ganapathy Temple, 123 Effra Road, London SW19. All Welcorne.
Apr 4 Eekathasi.
Apr 5 Pirathosam, Feast of St. Vincent. Apr 6 Pankuni Uththiram - Parwathy Kalyanam. Apr 7 Full Moon; Feast of St. John Baptist. Apr 11 San k a da kara Sathuirthi. Apr 13 Good Friday, Visuyarsha Hindu New Year, Sashti; Feast of St. Martin. Apr 16 Easter Monday. Apr 20 Pirathosam. Apr 21 Feast of St. Anselm. Apr 22 4pm Kokuvil Hindu College O.S.A. (UK) Annual Cultural Show at Archbishop continued on page 32
In Memoriam Pradeep Jeganathan - Fourth Anniversary
Born: 01.12.1964 Tragically Taken Away: 31.03.1997
Time moves on and days pass us by To live with our grief so hard we try Fond memories of you no one can steal
The pain and the anguish only God can heal. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his parents Jeganathan and Shakuntala, sister Mythili; brothers Janarthana and Sanjayan and their families.
In Loving Memory of our
Daddy Mummy Ponnampalam Vemalaranee Kanagaratnam Kanagaratnam
Born: 11.10.1909 10.07.1923
Rest: 02:03.1982 31.03.1990
We speak of you with Love and Pride Years may pass and time may fly Memories of you both will never die And shall live in our hearts for ever, Sadly missed and fondly remembered by sons Sara, Brem and Dubsy daughters-in-law Lalitha and Shyamala, grandchildren Janarthan, Mehala, Uthistran, Arani and Anuja. - 19 Huxley Place, Palmers Green, London N13 5SU. Tel: O2O 8886 5966.

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32 TAMILTIMES
continued from page 31 Lanfranc School Hall, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Tel: 01293 881181/020 8761 O358.
Apr 23 Amavasai; Feast of St. George Patron of England.
Apr 25 Karthigai; Feast of St. Mark. Apr 26 Sathurthi. Apr 29 Sashit, Feast of St. Catherine of Siena.
Apr 30 Feast of St. Pius.
Mr. E. Rajakulasuriar - A Tribute at his funeral On 13.2.01
Mr. Eliyathamby Rasakulasuriar, Retired Chief Mechanical Engineer, Ceylon Government Railways was born in 1917 at Ariyalai, Jaffna and had seven brothers and sisters. He had his early education at St. John's and St. Patricks Colleges, Jaffna before proceeding to Colombo for his higher education at St Joseph's College. He married Kamalambikai in 1955 and had five children, two sons and three daughters, who are happily married and settled in life.
Mr. Rasakulasuriar joined the Chief Mechanical Engineer's Department as an apprentice in 1935, when he was 18 and was sent for a two year course of training at Janupur in India. On his return, he rendered several years of meritorious service in the department and was appointed Chief Mechanical Engineer, the highest post he could have aspired for. Mr. P. Rajagopal his predecessor and Mr. B.D. Rampala the then General Manager and a strict disciplinarian were very appreciative of his devotion and efficiency. He won the hearts of all those who came in contact With him, especially his subordinates and no one had a bad Word for him. He seldon lost his tenper and put every one at ease. When he retired in 1972, he was accorded a grand farewell by his staff. He was unassuming, humble and unselfish. He was a dedicated social worker too and as the General Secretary of the Tennis Club in Moor Road, Wella watte organised competitions for the welfare of its members.
Mr. Rasakulasuriar migrated to the UK in 1990. He was elected Patron of the Sri Lanka Railway Past Employees Welfare Association UK at it's inaugural meeting held on 20th June 1995 and functioned as such till his death. He was the guiding force of the association, took an active interest in all its activities. He along with his wife attended the last Christmas celebrations of the asSociation held on 9th December and joined in the fun and frolic and enjoyed themselves. I believe this is the last function he attended.
On behalf of the Association, my wife and myself; I extendour deepest sympathies to his wife and other members of the family on their loss and pray that the Almighty grant them the strength to bear the loss and the courage to face the future with equanimity and fortitude.
"Life on earth is only a passing phase
in the infinity of time
May his soul rest in
Balendra Electe
Mr. Balendra who is Tanni to be elected a Government Authori been elected the Dep in Sydney. He migrate and has since then be cational and cultural a Tamil Study Centres Sydney and has c enrolled in them. He Secretary of the hu international Conferer held in Sydney in Octo an active member of whichbuilt a large Hin rannatta. He Was the Sé Tamil Foundation and Tamil Resource Centri Mr. Balendra is a F his wife Jaya known t tion and Cultural C Owner/oirector of Lidic Park Pre-schools in S. Tradition, Religion, A ture: A national Hin held in Sydney from F, 28th January 2001 by tion, Religion, Aspiratic the main theme was Aspirations' The focu, was on empowering y able feature of it was organised by Hindu Hindu men and WOn speeches making the computerised graphics There were three Dato, J. JagadeeSan Suresh Govind, an ac versity of Malaysia an nam, author of a num duism. Spiritual talks by cultural demonstra workshops provided y opportunity to explore the theme, Attendance In addition to talks there were demonstra a Sari”, “How to tie a \ vegetable curries' etc
 

реаCe.
M.Balasundram.
eWSeter
Deputy Mayor
辍 he first Sri Lankan Councillor of a Local y in Australia has uty Mayor of Auburn d to Australia in 1986 en interested in eductivities. He founded in different parts of )Ver 500 StudentS was the Conference gely successfull 5th 2Ce On Tanil Culture ber 1992 and is also the Saiva Manran du Temple near Paracretary of Australian President of Sydney 9. inancial Advisor and or her SOCial educaOntributions is the ombe and Regents ydney. spirations and Culdu Conference Was riday 26th to Sunday Hindu TRAC (Tradions and Culture) and 'Hinduism and my s of the Conference Ouths and a remarkthat it was mainly youth. Ten young len made excellent m interesting using
keynote speakers - from Malaysia, Dr. adermic fronn the Urnid Dr. K. Dharmaratper of books On Hinwere complemented ions and interactive Outh and adults the various aspects of I was free of charge. and entertainment, ions of "How to wear 'eshti', 'How to Cook These demonstra
3.
15 MARCH2001
tions were well attended, especially by young people. Dozens of Hindu youth were volunteers serving food, giving directions and compering the programme. On Saturday, 27th January, lunch was cooked and served to hundreds of people by the youth. Adults were greatly heartened by the enthusiasm shown by the young people for their religion and culture. Many older people who felt that their children were abandoning their religion and culture were pleasantly surprised by the commitment shown by the youth and the efficient way in which the events were organised.
Since Friday, 26th January was a Public Holiday, the events were spread over three days. The auditorium of the University of Western Sydney was packed every day morning and evening. Both parents and young people are looking forward to next year's conference.
The National Co-Ordinator for the Cornmunity of Hindu TRAC, Australia is Mr. Krishnan Nair and the Conference Co-ordinator Mr. Vargeese Thillainathan.
Canadian NeWSetter
Trauma of Methusam: Eighteen-month old Methusan succumbed to the deadly bacterial meningitis after paramedics had failed to assess the seriousness of the infant's condition. The first emergency crew called by the infant's parents Seevaratnam and Jeyarani of Scarborough, Ontario failed to rush the infant to the emergency services of the local hospital. When the condition grew worse, the parents called 911 again at 1.30 am. and had to literally beg the ambulance crew to take Methusam to hospital. The mother, a registered nurse herself, who was waiting at the door with the baby in her arms when the three paramedics arrived, told them that her child needed immediate hospital attention. She was met with the retort, as reported in The Toronto Star of 18th February that it would be a Waste of time.
When the child was finally taken to Toronto East General Hospital, the emergency doctor accosted the parents with the words: "Why did you get late to get here'. When Methusan was finally transferred to the world famous Sunnybrook Hospital for Sick Children, it was too late for him despite all the efforts made by his parents to rush him to hospital.
The paramedics involved have been placed on administrative jobs, pending investigation. A spate of shocked letters appeared in the national and local newspapers following the media coverage of this tragedy.
Victor Karunairajan, Canada.
For Sale Newly built house in Kandy on 20 perches, 3 bed rooms, 3 toilets, garage, parapet wall all around, close to New Peradeniya Road. £ 35,000 ono.
Telephone 0141 3349227 (UK)

Page 33
15MARCH2001
DPK Group acquires 37%
of George Steuarts
A UK based investor acquired a 37% stake in Sri Lanka's oldest business establishment, (George Steuart & Co. Ltd. (founded 1835) housed at 45, Janadhipathi Mawatha, on 12th February Dubsy P. Kanagaratnam, representing the DPK Group located at 'DPK House' in London bought over the holding of the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka in the company, following a decision by that Bank to divest all of its non banking investments.
The DPK Group is a widely diversified financial institution offering management, advisory, and financial services to companies and corporate clients both in the UK and overseas. The Group arranges finance for investments in residential and Connercial properties and in business enterprises.
Chairman of the DPK Group, Mr. Kanagaratnam, said that his company was delighted to make this investment in such a long standing and highly reputed organization, as his board saw the long term potential for considerable growth in an already diversified and stable portfolio. There are additional overseas investments that we intend to bring into Sri Lanka and see George Steuarts as an excellent name to group these with and to help build the company into a conglomerate to be on par With the "blue chips" in Sri Lanka.'
The two nominees of the investor Who will serve on the board of George Steuart & Co. Ltd. are Gamani Abeysuriya, the former Marketing Director of Singer Sri Lanka, who has now relinquished that position to take up his appointment as Executive Director with George Steuarts, with effect from the 1st March, 2001, and Roy Dacosta, a property developer from West London.
The Chairman of the George Steuarts Group, S. Skandakumar, said that his board was pleased to Welcome the new investor and observed that it also provided an opportunity to re-establish relationships with British interests, one which dominated the company's history in its first 140 years. "lt took us time to overcome the Consequences of the nationalization of plantations in 1975, since their management was the company's only line of business at that time. The group has since successfully diversified into new areas of businesses. Despite the devastation caused by the Central Bank bomb explosion in January 1996, we have consolidated the group's activities due largely to the efforts of loyal and dedicated teams of management and staff in our various operations'.
However, the Chairman added that the continued closure of Janadhipathi Mawatha for normal vehicular traffic was having its impact on business and expressed the hope that Sri Lanka's prime business centre would return to normalcy in the near future.
"We are confident that along with our new investor we will be able to achieve the
objectives that ha identified and agre Skandakumar ak appreciation of th the Merchant Ban period that they he пу.
The reconstitut Steuart & Co. Ltd. (Chairman), J. (Managing Directic (Finance Directo (Executive Directo Roy Dacosta.
The group's Cur airline ticketing, travel, import and ceuticals, export tea, manufacture port services for i distribution of no warding, airline ré employment, insur,
Sakthi
Sakthi Sangamam consisting of Clas and Dance-Drama students of Natya on 18th February Churchill Hall, Rui Kanaga Thurrkai A
Smit Shanthi Tha the school, chor drama which was audience. Smt Arnt posed the music a The other accor Rathiruban -- Mrida man - Flute, and Violin.
Honour hi
can C Claude Shannon, Master's thesis des fmation Could be tra switching circuits. I Mathematical Thec Which was the foi theory, which dev communicating in the basis of the er tion revolution, frC internet. Dr. Shann concept oferror C
 

ve now been mutually ed upon' he added.
to placed on record, his a contribution made by of Sri Lanka during the ld a stake in the compa
9d Board of George will be. S. Skandakumar M. Wimalagooneratne r), R. Wickramasinghe ), Gamani Abeysuriya ), G. E. S. Dirckze, and
rent activities comprise nbound and outbound distribution of pharmaand local marketing of of telephones and Supnstallations, import and tor spares, freight forpresentation, overseas ance and education.
Sangamam
, a dance programme ssical Bharata Natyam was performed by thirty Shethra Dance School 2001 at the Winston slip, UK in aid of Shri mman Temple, Ealing. yaparan, the director of 3ogaphed the dancewell received by the Pika Thanotheran comnd gave vocal support. mpanists were Sri P ngam, Sri. T. RagavaraSri Kartik Ragunathan -
m for What We lo today
a mathematician, in his cribed how digital inforInsmitted by automated n 1948, he published A ry of Communications, Indation of information sloped the concept of binary code. This was tire digital communicam cell phones to the on even developed the orrection, which makes
TAMILTMES33
the communications accurate. Without him, none of the things we know today would exist. The whole digital revolution started with him. He was 84 when he died on 24th February.
lnpathamil Oli Broadcasters Set New
Record
International history was made on Sunday, 28th January 2001 by two radio broadcasters Suresh Joachim and Bala Prabhakaran of "Inpathamil Australian 24 hour Tamil Radio Station in Sydney, Australia when they established a new world record by their non stop live broadcasting for 85 hours.
They entered the Guinness Book of Records beating the previous record of 73 hours and 33 minutes set by Greg Dainess in London last year.
The unique broadcast linked up live with Canada and the UK. They had played 602 song requests from listeners and accepted 876 Calls from well Wishers / Callbackchats.
They were hosted and honoured at a mayoral reception by Joe Tannous, Mayor of Burwood.
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