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“I do not agree with a word of what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”
-Voltaire
ISSN 0266 - 44 88
Vol. XXIII N0. 11 NOVEMBER 2003
Published by: TAMILTMES LTD PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 020 - 8644 0972 Fax: 020 - 8241. 4557
Email: prajan(a)gn.apc.org editor(a)tamiltimes.org adminG)tamilitimes.org
Website: http://www.tamiltimes.org
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
UK/India/Sri Lanka.......................... £15/US$25 Australia.........................................Aus$45 (Australian Bank cheques only) USA. US$35
All other Countries......................... E20. US$35
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.
CONTENTS
Whither the peace process? 03
Peace process in jeopardy 04 SGA: LTTE Proposal 11 Proposals for Self-Government 13 Crisis in Co-habitation 16
SGA: A Review 19 Impact of Power struggle 22 Concessions and compromise 25 News Track 27 Need for change in the law 33 Book Review 34
Classified 36
Whi
The much-awai Authority for the No anticipated, the pro Constitution of the i was the very first ti placed a set of pro| were fundamental d ready to resume ne far beyond the fede parties and the Tok characterized them
However, even the island was plun by President Chand three important cabi ing all of them unde thereby preventing On 12 November. T security.
Prime Minister States, reacted ang isters to be restorec dent's action as a 'c ess and the economi Many have blan ever, others allege t the Prime Minister : preme Court and, th
The immediate itself. The Governm interior and mass CC ess. After holding se leader Mr Velupillai announced that Nor have One Clear con were clarity about W government to ensu of peace negotiatio clarity. Until such cl Norwegian governm
There is no do Created Confusion a the Norwegian facili noted that the Norw making even after th to remain so up to r ently and hastily pul However it is m. assurances that the armed forces are in tion to the Sri Lanka Besides the per strates the tensions President and the P ing a national gover President. Already further meetings are has been tirelessly a is not putback on tri process itself may Control and drift into What the people confrontation and S peace with justice.
 
 
 

TAMILTIMES 3
her the peace process?
ed LTTE proposals for the setting up of an "interim Self Governing rtheast of Sri Lanka were released to the public on 1 November. As bosals were detailed and went outside the framework of the present sland. Many pointed to the significance of the occasion because it me, besides its objective of a separate state, the LTTE had ever posals for discussion. The Government for its part said that there ifferences between its proposals and those of the LTTE, but it was gotiations. Some analysts described the LTTE proposals as going ral parameters set out in Oslo during previous talks between the yo declaration by the international community. Some have even as a blueprint for an emerging separate state of Tamil Eelam.
before a proper assessment of the LTTE proposals could be made, ged into an unexpected political crisis. The crisis was precipitated rika Kumaratunga on 4 November when she summarily dismissed net ministers - defence, interior and mass communication - bringher own control. She also prorogued parliament until 19 November he Finance Minister from presenting the annual budget as planned he President sought to justify her action on grounds of national
Ranil Wickramasinghe, who was on a high profile visit to the United rily. He and his cabinet wanted the ministries of the dismissed minand parliament reconvened immediately. He described the Presilesperate and irresponsible attempt to undermine the peace procnic dividend of the people." hed the President for precipitating the present political crisis. Howhe President was provoked into action by the adventurist moves by and his Government to impeach, first, the Chief Justice of the Sulen the President herself. casualty of this self-inflicted political crisis is the peace process ent's view is that without its own ministers in control of defence, Immunication, it would not be able to continue with the peace procparate discussions with the President, Prime Minister and the LTTE Pirapaharan, an exasperated Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister way was suspending its facilitatory role in the peace process. "We clusion. Peace talks could have started tomorrow, provided there tho is holding political authority and responsibility on behalf of the re the continuation of the ceasefire agreement and the resumption ns. Until last week there was such clarity. Today there is no such arity is re-established, there is no space for further efforts by the lent to assist the parties," he told the press.
bt that the President's actions and the events that followed have nd uncertainty with regard to the peace process. The departure of tators, even temporarily, has made the situation worse. It is to be egians remained patient and continued with their efforts at peace e LTTE pulled out of peace talks in April of this year and continued Iow. What prompted the Norwegians on this occasion to act differ
out so abruptly and publicly is a matter of concern. atter for relief that the Government and the LTTE have given clear Ceasefire Agreement would be respected, and that the Sri Lankan structed by the President to continue extending their full co-opera| Monitoring Mission. sonal rivalry in pursuit of power, the current political crisis demonthat have developed in the cohabitation arrangement between the rime Minister. It is in this Crisis-ridden context that the idea of formnment of reconciliation and reconstruction has been mooted by the he Prime Minister and the President have had two meetings and planned. A bipartisan Consensus approach to the peace process Idvocated for a longtime, but without success. If the peace process ck as soon as possible, the present stalemate may not last and the disintegrate. The danger is that little incidents may spiral out of
an inadvertent situation of war. expect is for the main political leaders to avoid the path of partisan bek a way to share political responsibility in the national quest for

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4 TAMILTIMES
Power struggle pl peace process in jeo
The dramatic events that emanated from the power struggle in Colombo between President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has resulted in the Norwegian facilitators suspending their role in the peace process in Sri Lanka. Commencing with the dismissal by the President of three cabinet ministers on 4 November while the PM was in the United States, the political crisis is developing into a major confrontation which according to many analysts may lead to a general election that neither the President nor the Prime Minister
WantS.
The political crisis in the south virtually overshadowed what was described as a historic event, the long awaited submission by the LTTE of its counter-proposals for the setting up of an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA):
Ministers sacked: Nov 4 - The Presidential Secretariat in a press release said that the President, Ms. Chandrika Ku
maratunge, has removed Mr.Tilak
Marapone, Mr. John Amaratunga and Mr.Imtiaz Bakeer Markar from their posts as Minister of defense, interior and media respectively. The press release further states that President has removed the ministers concerned from according to the powers vested with her under the Constitution.
The President has informed the removal to the ministers concerned by letter individually. Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunge has said in the letters she has taken this decision in the interests of the country, the press release added. Meanwhile, the President has also removed the permanent secretaries of the ministries of defense, interior and media, Colombo sources said.
Parliament prorogued: Nov 4 - President, Kumaratunga prorogued the sittings of the Parliament until 19 November as Sri Lanka army took position at the state radio and TV stations and at Sri Lanka Telecom, the island's tele
communications in has been tightene printing press whe cation of the Presi is to be published Unless the Pr support of enough Minister Ranil W. ing United Nation: a new government ther prorogue Parl Prime Minist singhe's governme its budget on 12 ka's share market as prospects of pe week, plunged as crisis spread.
The President spector General ( Herath as the new and her media spc Pieiris as the Dir state TV, Rupaval
President’s actio 4 - Responding t Lanka's President tunga, Mr. Ranil Prime Minister, cu hington, DC, saic the "irresponsible tions of the Pres plunging the col anarchy.'
The PM in a st being out of the tant visit to the Ur of the donor comr of Sri Lanka’s pe nomic developm the President, He rika Kumaratung national crisis in the mandate giv by the people on reinforced in Ma authority electio “I pledge to government will ate and irrespons mine the peace prosperity of the

NOVEMBER 2003
tS bardy
:rve-centre. Security at the government e the gazette notifient’s proclamations and made law.
asident secures the MPs from the Prime ckremesinghe's rulil Front soon to form , she will have to eiament or dissolve it. r Ramil Wickrement was due to present November. Sri Lanhat was on a bullrun ace got brighter last news of the political
appointed former Inof Police, Mr. Cyril secretary of defence okesman, Mr. Harim ector General of the mini.
ns “desperate”: Nov o the actions of Sri | Chandrika KumaraWickremasinghe, the irrently visiting Wasin a statement that and precipitous acident are aimed at ntry into chaos and
atement said, “Whilst ‘ountry on an imporited States, a co-chair hunity, in furtherance ace process and ecoint, I have learnt that r Excellency Chanda has precipitated a an attempt to subvert n to my government )ecember 5, 2001 and rch 2002 at the local
S.
ou the people, your not allow this desperble attempt to underrocess and economic people to succeed. I
remain resolute in implementing the mandate of the people for peace, democracy and prosperity with the fullest support and continued confidence of the international community.
"It is blatantly obvious that these opportunistic actions are timed to deprive the people of the economic and social benefits that they are on the verge of reaping as a result of the solid foundations laid by your government over the last two years. Berest assured I will continue my mission for the people undeterred and conclude my crucial program in Washington, D.C., including the meeting with President George W. Bush, which is part of the ongoing process of consolidating the peace, unity and economic prosperity of all our people. I therefore call upon all of you, the people, the armed forces, police and public service to remain calm and vigilant in the face of this deliberate attempt to endanger the peace process, which we will together overcome.”
EU, UN, US express concern: Nov 4 - The European Union has expressed its concern over the action of Sri Lanka's President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Tuesday to sack three government ministers and the deployment of troops in Colombo. "The Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission believe that the recent developments in Sri Lanka may put at risk the spirit of cohabitation (between the President and the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers which has proven vital for the sustained forward momentum of the peace process,” the EU said in a statement.
The following is the full text of the joint statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission.
"The Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission have noted with concern the actions this morning in Sri Lanka, including deployment of troops in the capital and the action to bring under the remit of the President the Cabinet portfolios of Defence, of Interior, and of Communications.
“The Peace Process in Sri Lanka has made substantial progress up to now. This momentum has been assured by continued cooperation and commitment of both the government of Sri

Page 5
NOVEMBER 2003
Lanka and the LTTE, and by support of ordinary Sri Lankan citizens.
"The spirit of cohabitation, which has prevailed between the Presidency and the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers, has contributed significantly to this positive situation.
"The international community, including the European Union, has shown its strong commitment to this process. Norway is acting as the facilitator to the peace talks and the rest of the international community is providing funds for reconstruction as well as full political support and other measures, such as the monitoring mission.
"The Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission believe that the recent developments in Sri Lanka may put at risk the spirit of cohabitation which has proven vital for the sustained forward momentum of the
peace process.
“The Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission urge the two principal parties to continue to work together in support of a negotiated political solution, as envisaged by the peace process. The goals of peace and prosperity that Sri Lanka so much deserves can only be achieved through the continued cooperation and commitment by all the players involved.”
A statement from the United Nations said that Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the UN, is following closely the political developments in Sri Lanka. "He hopes that President Kumaratunga's decisions, which were announced today, including a temporary suspension of parliament, will not have a negative impact on the peace process.” The Secretary-General wishes to reiterate that he continues to support this process, the statement said. Meanwhile, the United States expressed concern over the impact of the actions of Sri Lanka's President on the peace process. “We are concerned that these events could have a negative effect on the peace process and talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and we stand firmly behind the government of Sri Lanka in its search for peace after 20 years of bloody conflict,” State Department spokesman, Mr. Adam Ereli, said. “We urge the president and prime minister to work together, to bolster the peace process and to protect Sri
Lanka's democrat said.
Indian concern: N pressed concern ov Sri Lanka where P Kumaratunga sack and suspended par dialogue to avoid sis.
“We are surpr political developme Foreign Ministry Sarna said in a stat
“We hope thatt provoke a constitu would impact on tl in Sri Lanka and ol process (between th ernment and Tami Sarna told the Press agency. He said Inc couldurgentlybe f cal dialogue to avoi crisis.
Unwanted politic Noting that the pre in Sri Lanka is an failure by both the the government ( Peace Council (NP( Sri Lankan peace g lease issued in Col. that the "situation will prevent progre peace process.'
The full text o lease follows:
“The country ha an escalating and ol lowing the Preside ministries of Def Media, and the tw of Parliamentary sit the crisis has been as it comes at a ti try's attention sho engagement with ti an adequate and ger LTTE's proposals ministration. Now State of Emergenc shock to the Natic and to all peace lov "The escalating tween the governm has turned the peo mism for the future dous anxiety, both

TAM TIMES 5
ic institutions,” he
Nov. 5: India has exver developments in resident Chandrika Ked three ministers liament, and urged a constitutional cri
ised at the sudden ents in Sri Lanka...,” spokesman Navtej ement.
he situation does not tional crisis which he political stability n the ongoing peace he island nation gov| Tiger guerrillas),' ; Trust of India news dia hoped that a way ound through politidany constitutional
a crisis: Nov. 5 - sent alarming crisis
end result of joint opposition (PA) and JNF), the National c), a Colombo based roup, in a media reombo today warned of political turmoil ss being made in the
f NPC's media re
as been plunged into pen ended crisis folnt's take-over of the ence, Interior and o week suspension tings. The timing of doubly unfortunate me when the counuld be focused on he LTTE by making muine response to the for an interim adthe declaration of a y comes as a great onal Peace Council ving people. g confrontation bement and opposition ple’s hope and optiinto one of tremenof a breakdown in
the peace process and a loss of economic developmental and reconstruction prospects. We note that the President, Government and LTTE have all been separately reiterating their commitment to the peace process, but the situation of political turmoil will prevent progress being made in the peace process.
"Inter party rivalry has been the bane of efforts to resolve ethnic conflict for the past five decades. We regret that the government failed to go beyond the scope of the Liam Fox bipartisan agreement of 1997 that called mostly for full information, flow between the two sides. On the other hand, the opposition was unable to win the government's confidence that they would put the peace process before political considerations. The present alarming crisis is an end result of this joint failure.
"The National Peace Council calls on the political leaders scale down their confrontation and safeguard the peace process by finding a way to share political responsibility in the national quest for peace with justice. They should realise that they are engaged in a political battle that the people do not want. We also appeal to all groups who are committed to a peaceful resolution of ethnic conflict, both local and international, to bring influence to bear on Sri Lanka's political leaders to arrive at a bipartisan approach to the peace process even at this very late stage.” TNA pledges support: Nov. 5 - The Tamil National Alliance parliamentarians have expressed their support to the UNF government led by Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe through individual affidavits. They handed over their affidavits to the UNF government chief whip Mr.Mahinda Samarasinghe. No return to hostilities: Now 6 - President Kumaratunge was committed to the continuity of the ceasefire agreement and to keeping open the channel of communication with the LTTE with the objective of arriving at a negotiated settlement within a united country, the Presidential Secretariat said in a press release. “The President wishes to assure the people of the country that there will be no return to hostilities,' said the press release.
“The United National Front government will continue to negotiate with the

Page 6
6 TAMILTIMES
LTTE and will be guided and supported in its quest for a negotiated settlement to usher peace with dignity to all communities in Sri Lanka," said the press release.
Meanwhile, presidential advisor Mr. Mano Tittawela at a press briefing held Thursday said that the President has no intention of toppling the present government. The suspension of parliament and the declaration of State of Emergency would not destabilize the self-confidence and the economic growth of the country. The President has taken the greatest care in the key measures with minimum impact on the stability of the country, said Mr.Tittawela. According to Mr. Tittawela, “The President is for co-habitation but with due dignity and respect.” He further said the President's action is to ensure national security and stability. Prorogation of parliament and the introduction of the State of Emergency were to be effective for the least period of time and they are meant to ensure stability and prevent extremist elements from instigating violence.
LTTE strong and will be patient: Nov 7 - “We have to observe the political turmoil in Colombo quite soberly. As you all know our leader has made no comment on the situation - he remains judiciously silent. We can remain patient as long as we are strong. Selfish gain and self-aggrandizement motivate and guide the politics of Sri Lankan leaders. Sri Lanka's President has scuttled the peace process at a time when things were headed in the right direction,” said Col. V. Karuna, LTTE's eastern commander, addressing a function in Batticaloa.
"The current situation (in Colombo) is creating fear among our people. We have been expecting this to happen for a long time. We have warned you from the beginning that the Sri Lankan government will not grant Tamils their rights willingly. Like smashing the pot when the milk in it is churning into butter, the Sri Lankan President has sabotaged the peace process at a crucial time - at this juncture where we submitted our proposal to take forward peace talks towards fructification. No one in the world expected her to behave like this at this juncture. We prepared the proposal (ISGA) for the In
terim Self Governi, fil the political aspi people.
The President lamities in the after ing the ISGA war peace process. She sibly. The Preside instability in the sc sons. We have to o turmoil in Colomb you all know our comment on the sit judiciously silent. . us to feel agitated CalSe We are StrC should be patient. to act according to there (Colombo).”
PM returns: Nov Front (UNF) gove parliamentarians : thronged the cour airportand accorde the Prime Ministel mesinghe when he morning around aft ficial tour to the America (USA) wh ing with President A large crowd dred thousand Katunayake Intern to welcome Prime greeted and garlanc of people along the residence in Colom Mr. Ranil Wic “Peace is at risk du undemocratic actic majority in parliam appropriate steps in solidate my positio plete change in th situation which fo missal of three of m pension of parliam remasinghe. "My solution to the pre and to bring a com present atmosph Wickremasinghe.
Political impasse The political gap b{ widened today as he was prepared to election while the
addressed to the

NOVEMBER 2003
ng Authority to fulrations of the Tamil
who expected camath of our presentited to scuttle this has acted irresponnt has precipitated uth for selfish reabserve the political o quite soberly. As eader has made no uation- he remains There is no need for over anything beIng. Therefore we We can be prepared ) the developments
7 - United National ernment ministers, and party activists try's international d warm welcome to * Mr. Ranill Wickrereturned home this era high profile of
United States of ich includeda meetGeorge W.Bush. estimated one hunhad gathered at ational Airport site Minister and he was led by large number way to his official bo. kremasinghe said, Le to the President's on. I still command ment and would take a day or twoto conhand to bring a comhe present political llowed by the disy ministers and susent,” said Mr.Wickirst aim is to find a sent political crisis plete change in the
ere,' stressed Mr.
widens: Nov 10 - etween UNIF and PA Prime Minister said face an immediate President in a letter Prime Minister has
demanded to form a "Grand Alliance of all national and patriotic forces' with the objective of forming a "Government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation'.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister Wickremeshinghe, President Kumaratunga invited him andother leading figures of the UNP to "discuss the current political situation in the country” said a press note released by the Presidential Secretariat. It stated further that "during the proposed meeting the President will seek the views of the Prime Minister and senior members of the United National Party on her call for a Grand Alliance of all national and patriotic forces, with the objective of forming a Government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation.”
Govt wants CBK to take over peace talks: Nov 10 - The United National Front government spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Professor G.L.Peiris, said in a statement that if Sri Lanka's President was not willing to assume control of the peace process, the UNF government must be "invested with responsibility for all aspects of the process, as was the case prior to the events of November 4th.'
Following a meeting of the cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr Peiris issued the following statement:
"Ministers of the Cabinet noted with deep concern the developments, which have occurred in the country since Tuesday 4 November, and the implications of these events in respect of the two major challenges confronting the country at the present time - peace process and the revival of the economy.
The Memorandum of Understanding with regard to the peace process was entered into by the Government in February 2002 on the basis of unfettered control of all ministries and institutions linked to the implementation of the Agreement which the Ministers emphatically characterized as valid and lawful, and accepted by the international community. The position has changed fundamentally in consequence of the events, which occurred during the last few days regarding the Ministries of Defense, the Interior and Mass Communication.
Ministers of the Cabinet noted, in

Page 7
NOVEMBER 2003
particular, that these developments have taken place at adelicate and significant stage of the process when the alternative proposals of the LTTE had been received and the Government had called upon the Royal Norwegian Government, in its capacity as facilitator, to arrange a preliminary meeting between the parties in order to lay a foundation for the resumption of substantive discussions.
This action was taken on the basis that the way forward consisted of direct talks to narrow down the differences between the position of the parties, as reflected in their respective proposals, and to consolidate a process which has saved innumerable lives and brought substantial economic and social benefits to the country. The LTTE had indicated their willingness to recommence the dialogue after 26 Th November. The Government has stated its position that a Muslim delegation should participate in talks in the future. It is in these circumstances that, during the absence of the Hon. Prime Minister on an official visit to Washington, there occurred this surprising sequence of events, which is bound to place a fragile process in potential jeopardy.
The government is firmly convinced that, as a pre-requisite of success, one person must have overall charge of the process. This necessarily involves control of all aspects of it, and of institutions having responsibility for all matters integral to the process. Ministers of the Cabinet assert that truncated responsibility, especially against the background of the recent events, will clearly destroy the cohesion and effectiveness of the process which had been conducted until November 4 on the footing of proper co-ordination of all relevant functions under the leadership of the Hon. Prime Minister.
If her Excellency the President is willing to assume control of the process, as a whole, and is able to secure the support of all stakeholders, the Government will be happy and entrust her with this responsibility and to support her initiative. If there is no affirmative response to this proposal, the Government, which has an unequivocal mandate from the people to pursue a negotiated political settlement with the LTTE, must be invested with responsi
bility for all aspec was the case prior vember 4.
PM, President t; Nov 12 - The m President Kumarat Minister Wickreme clusively after dis ing to the peace pr for a government c ation.
The Prime Mir dent that he would consulting his part said.
Full text of the by the secretaries c and the Prime Mi! President and the today at the Presid am in a cordial a phere. The meeti hours. After an ex events leading to the President and decided to move f the dialogue with a It was planned to ing between the pre minister in the cour discussions were a Karunaratne, Secre Bradman Weerakc Prime Minister an Senior Adviser to Senior Director G dent's Office.'
President meets Nov 12 - Norweg minister Mr. Vida peace envoy to S Solheim, Norwegia Lanka, Mr. Hans E ficer of the Norwe lombo, Mr. Toma with Sri Lanka Chandrika Kumara the resumption of Liberation Tiger (LTTE) at the Jan (President's Resic Former foreign Mi the President, Mr gamar, also attend country's political in the meeting.
LTTE leader om stability: Nov 13.

AMTIMES 7
ts of the process, as to the events of No
alks inconclusive: 2eting between the unga and the Prime singhe ended inconcussing issues relatocess and prospects of national reconcili
hister told the Presiget back to her after y and allies, sources
news release signed fboth the President hister follows: "The Prime Minister met ent's House at 11.30 nd friendly atmosing lasted for 2 % change of views on he present situation the Prime Minister orward and continue ll parties concerned. have a further meetsident and the Prime "se of next week. The attended by W. J. S. tary to the President, )on, Secretary to the d Mano Tittawella, ) the President and eneral of the Presi
Norwegian envoys: gian deputy foreign ur Helgesen, special ri Lanka, Mr. Erik un Ambassador to Sri Brattskar, and an of gian embassy in Cois Strangeland, met 's President, Ms. tunga, and discussed peace talks with the s of Tamil Eelam adipathi Mandiraya lence) in Colombo. nister and advisor to ". Laksman Kadiraed that meeting. The situation also figured
need for political . Norwegian Deputy
Minister, Mr. Vidar Helgesen, special envoy Eric Solheim, Norway’s Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Mr. Hans Brattskar met the Leader of the Liberation Tigers ofTamil Eelam (LTTE), Mr. Velupillai Pirapaharan, for discussions about the peace process and the current political crisis in Colombo in Kilinochchi. Mr. S. P. Thamilchevan, the head of the LTTE's political division and Mr. Pulithevan, the Director of the LTTE Peace Secretariat were also present at the discussions with the Norwegian team.
The Norwegian team was led by Mr. Vidar Helgessen and comprised special peace envoy Mr. Erik Solheim, Norwegian ambassador in Colombo Mr.Jan Brattskar and embassy official Mr. Tomas Strangland.
"Mr. Pirapaharan sought guarantees from the Norwegians that the Sri Lankan government would continue its commitment to the cease fire and for the safety of the LTTE's political activists in areas controlled by the Sri Lanka army,” Mr. Thamilchelvan said, after the meeting between the Norwegian delegation and the leaders of the LTTE.
Mr. Pirapaharan, had told the Mr. Helgesen that the LTTE would remain committed to the peace process and to the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) with Colombo. “Mr. Pirapaharan told the Norwegian delegation that unity regarding the peace process should emerge among the leaders of the south and the crisis and confusion in the south had undermined the trust the Tamilpeople had in the peace process,” Mr. Tamilchelvan told the press.
Meanwhile answering questions from the press at the Kilinochchi grounds where he was waiting to board the SLAF after the meeting with Mr. Pirapaharan, Mr. Vidar Helgesen said: "There is no time frame for the resumption of the talks. But I must say that Mr. Pirapaharan stated that if it was up to the LTTE they would like to start talks as soon as possible, that they should have started the talks already. He (Mr. Pirapaharan) squarely said that it was a matter for the south.'
“We hada very good meeting, constructive talks for the prospects of the peace process," Helgesen said. Responding to a question as to when talks would resume between LTTE and the

Page 8
8 AMIL TIMES
Sri Lankan government he said: "That has not been decided yet. The LTTE has stated very clearly that they would like to see the talks resumed as soon as possible but the situation in the south, of course, is what will determine when the talks will able to start again. Norway has no stand regarding the issues in the peace process. It has no stand as regards the situation in the south.
“We are of course interested to learn what implications the situation now in the south will have for the peace process. We have further meetings with Sri Lanka's Prime Minister and President this afternoon.”
Call to reconvene parliament: Nov 13 - “The burning problem of United National Front Government for the moment is the need to reconvene the parliament which has been prorogued by the President till November 19. No useful purpose will be served in resuming peace talks with the LTTE until a solution is found to the current political crisis consequent to the take over the key ministries Defense, Interior and Mass Communication and the prorogation of the parliament by the President,” said Cabinet spokesman and Minister Mr. G.L.Peiris at the weekly press briefing this morning.
Mr.Peiris further said that the leaders of all constituent parties in the UNF government would accompany the Prime Minister at the next round of talks scheduled to be held next week with the President.
Mr.Peiris added, "the Government should have the military powers to take forward the peace process and economic reforms and only these powers could be cancelled by election or by changing the composition of the parliament.”
Talks would be held among the constituent parties of the United National Front government with regard to the President's proposal for forming a national government. It was revealed in the talks held between the Norwegian peace envoys and the UNF leaders that there could be difficulties if the responsibility of the peace process was to be divided, Mr.Peiris said responding to a question by journalists at the briefing.
PM withdraws from peace process: Nov 14- Prime Minister Mr. Ranil
Wickremasinghe sa formed the Preside Kumaratunge to ta peace process as he forward such proc years ago due to cu sis.
"I have informed LTTE and to the do India through the Nc voys,” Mr.Wickrem bers of the ruling pa meeting which was parliamentary comp Mr. Wickremasii would not extendhi dent’s call for a nati she thinks of only sh folios. He pointed o ment has a majority that stage it was ina about sharing cabi tween two main pol
President wants PM - President Kumarat Prime Minister, W continue the peace in the context ofrece dent Ms Chandrika the view that there but also countrywi settlement of ethn Lanka. She reiterati lution should be honourable one,” se eral of the Presid Mr. Mano Tittawela lease issued on beh in response to a sta wegian Deputy Foi Vidar Helgesen.
The press rele "The President say, of her efforts in the to establish the clar: has appealed once parties to put the col to join hands in for of National Recons ciliation
The President her talks with Mr.H respect the ceasef also gave an assura the freedom of m political cadres in the government se also be respected. ( the President, Sri L

NOVEMBER 2003
that he had inĮt Ms Chandrika ce charge of the fas unable to take ss launched two rent political cri
my decision to the nor countries and wegian peace ensinghe told memliamentary group held today at the
6CX. ghe added that he support to Presiinal government if aring cabinet portut that his governin parliament. At propriate to think het portfolios betical parties.
M in talks: Nov 14 unge requested the ickremasinghe, to negotiation efforts ntchanges. "PresiKumaratunge is of is not only clarity le support for the ic problem in Sri es however the sosustainable and nior Director Genential Secretariat, , said in a press realf of the President ement by the Noreign Minister Mr.
se further states: that the objective past few days was ty and support. She again to relevant ntry before self and ning a Government ruction and Recon
as made it clear in lgesen that she will re agreement. She ce to the effect that vement for LTTE reas controlled by urity forces would in the instruction of linkan armed forces
have extended their fullest co-operation to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM).
"Taking over of three ministries by President is completely in agreement with the constitution of Sri Lanka. Unanimous decision of the Supreme Court was that solely the President of the country should hold the function of the defense. Our citizens of Sri Lanka are duty bound to abide by the provisions of the constitution.
"The President reiterated that the ceasefire agreement continues to be in place and the negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE should continue. This position has been made clear to the Prime Minister when he met the President last Wednesday. The President has informed the Prime Minister that every assistance will be given by the defense authority to comply with the provisions of the agreement. The President requested the Prime Minister to continue the negotiation efforts in the context of recent changes.
“It is the President's view that the Government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation should be established in Sri Lanka. In such situation all parties could assist in taking forward the peace process. The President further suggested to the Prime Minister that a committee should be appointed to ensure the smooth continuation of functions between the defense authority and the Peace Secretariat.
"The President has been engaged in discussion with leaders ofpolitical parties, members of diplomatic community and representatives of donor countries in this regard. The President will meet the Prime Minister next week to conduct further negotiations with regard to her proposals.”
Armed Forces to maintain ceasefire: 14 Nov - President Chandrika Kumaratunga has given Norweigian facilitators firm assurances on her commitment to the ceasefire agreement and the peace process, the Presidential Secretariat said yesterday.
At a meeting on Thursday evening the President told the facilitators she had given orders to the Armed Forces to maintain the status quo regarding the ceasefire agreement and the peace proc
CSS.

Page 9
NOVEMBER 2003
Responding to LTTE concerns over an alleged statement by the Navy Commander saying SLMM representatives would no longer be allowed on Navy ships, the President said no such order had been given to the Navy and reassured the facilitators there would be no changes that would have an adverse impact on the peace process or the ceasefire agreement.
The Presidential Secretariat said: “The Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Tomas Stangeland of the Norwegian Embassy called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Thursday evening at President's House.
“During the 1 % hour meeting the facilitators briefed the President on their meeting earlier in the day with the LTTE leader Prabhakaran in Killinochchi and thanked her for the opportunity to report back on the LTTE con
CCS.
"According to the Norwegians the LTTE fears for the safety of its cadres with the recent change to the Defence portfolio and for the continuation of the ceasefire agreement signed in February 2002. Further the rebels would like their political cadres to continue operating in the government-controlled areas. The LTTE also voiced concern over an alleged statement by the Navy Commander saying SLMM representatives would no longer be allowed on Navy ships. The President said no such order had been given to the Navy and reassured the facilitators there would be no changes that would have an adverse impact on the peace process or the ceasefire agreement. Responding to the LTTE's confusion regarding contradictory statements from certain People's Alliance politicians, President Kumaratunga explained that free expression prevailed in a democratic set-up but however stressed that the PA as a group had never derided the peace process.
“The President also refuted allegations that she had termed the ceasefire agreement between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE as "illegal in her address to the Nation on the November 7 and said she had been quoted out of context. She emphasized that she had merely explained that Defence as per the Constitution should come under the purview of the President. “My main obligation is to a lasting peace. I did point out flaws in the ceasefire agreement at the very outset but let it
continue. Some o now been vindic told the Norweg stated that the Arr els had been told t
cqu0.
“President Kur Minister Wickrem the peace process two years, he sho leadership and any could be discussed "The Presiden would not hesitate acceptable to all island when it is r gian facilitators in are now confiden is in good shap stressed the need f South to be resolvi ity was important tinuation of the pr
Norway withdra
talks could have st
vided there were holding political a sibility on behalfc ensure the continu agreement and the negotiations. Unti such clarity. Tod clarity. Until such lished, there is no forts by the Norw assist the parties,' Foreign Minister told reporters at a at Hotel Hilton to Although Mr. pressed hope that main committed to ment (CFA), he m ceasefire will be to sustain in a poli
The statement gian Deputy Forei “Over the past large number of three with Prim Wickremesinghe, Chandrika Bandan and one yesterday Velupillai Prabakl
Yesterday, in LTTE in Kilinoch asked for a guara fire Agreement ( spected. In particu surance that the fr for political cadre eas held by the G«

TAMILTIMES 9
f my concerns have ated, the President ians. “She further ned forces at all levo maintain the status
maratunga said Prime esinghe having taken forward over the past uld continue to give problems that arise with her. it reiterated that she to sign any solution communities in the eached. The Norweconclusion said they t "the peace process e'. However they or the situation in the ed saying that stabilfor the Smooth conocess”.
ws: Nov 14- "Peace arted tomorrow, proclarity about who is uthority and respon)f the Government to ation of the ceasefire resumption of peace l last week there was ay there is no such 1 clarity is re-estabspace for further ef. egian government to Norwegian Deputy Mr. Vidar Helgesen ress conference held day. Vidar Helgesen exthe parties would rethe Ceasefire Agreeade it clear that "the much more difficult itical vacuum'. made by the Norwegn Minister stated:
days we have had a meetings, including he Minister Ranil two with President laraike Kumaratunga y with LTTE leader haran. our meeting with the chi, Mr Prabakharan ntee that the CeaseCFA) would be reular he Wanted an aseedom of movement s be respected in arvernment. We have
received very clear assurances that the CFA will be respected and that the Sri Lankan Armed Forces (SLAF) are instructed to continue extending their full co-operation with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The freedom of operation and the security of SLMM personnel is of particular importance to the Nordic countries participating in the SLMM.
The international community has shown a remarkable degree of support and interest for the peace process in Sri Lanka. The amount of money pledged in the donor conferences in Oslo in November last year and in Tokyo in June this year clearly demonstrates the commitment of the international community to assisting Sri Lanka in its efforts for peace.
Since last week, however, developments that are not part and parcel of the peace process have changed that picture dramatically. The resumption of peace talks is seriously impeded by the political crisis in the south. This has disturbed the peace process and caused serious concerns in the international community.
We deem this a very serious situation. Not because the peace process is, fragile, but because it might be made fragile. Even though most concerned parties and players pledge their commitment to upholding the ceasefire, and even though there is overwhelming public support for the peace process, we need to make clear that the ceasefire will be much more difficult to sustain in a political vacuum. If progress in the political negotiations is made impossible, the ceasefire will become increasingly fragile.
It is clearly not, and it has never been, within Norway's mandate to facilitate between the political parties in the South. As far as our mandate goes, we have one clear conclusion: Peace talks could have started tomorrow, provided there were clarity about who is holding political authority and responsibility on behalf of the Government to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire agreement and the resumption of peace negotiations. Until last week there was such clarity. Today there is no such clarity.
Until such clarity is re-established, there is no space for further efforts by the Norwegian government to assist the parties.”
Don't sacrifice peace for political

Page 10
10 TAMILTIMES
gain: Nov 14- "The ongoing power struggle between the President and Government has reached a stage where it is clearly endangering the peace process', warned the National Peace Council (NPC), a Colombo based Sri Lankan peace group, in a media release today. NPC urged the Norwegian facilitators to reconsider their decision and appealed to the President and Government to create the conditions for their return.
The NPC's statement said, "The ongoing power struggle between the President and Government has reached a stage where it is clearly endangering the peace process. The National Peace Council is very concerned about the decision of the Norwegian government to suspend its facilitative role due to the lack of clarity as to who holds power and authority in Sri Lanka. We urge the Norwegian facilitators to reconsider their decision and appeal to the Presidentand Government to create the conditions for their return.
We welcome the verbal assurances of the President, Government and the LTTE that they are all committed to the
ceasefire and will peace process. Th Council also welco that has commenced dent and Prime Mi finding a mutually to the crisis. We ca respect to each oth further acts ofunila In working tow. the crisis, the Natic urges a three-fold b: can useto reach a pri First, we ask that all mandate of the peop settlement to the e note that two strat before the people election, who chose through ceasefire, interim administra east. The majority the path of war for p mandate for peace full political recogn Second, peace t litical and humanita in hand with secur
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ontinue with the National Peace mes the dialogue between the Presiister in regard to greeable solution 1 on them to give r and desist from eralism. 'ds a resolution of hal Peace Council sis that the parties cipled settlement. parties respect the le for a negotiated hnic conflict. We 'gies were placed it the last general the path of peace eace talks and an ion for the north of people rejected eace. The people's needs to be given ition at this time. alks that entail porian issues go hand ity considerations.
There can be no divorce of decision
making authority on those matters. Decision making powers over the negotiation process needs to be vested within a single authority and cannot be separated, which is what the present crisis has done. Peace making after years of war requires a stable framework of negotiations that has consolidated political support including bipartisanship.
Third, we propose that the government and opposition, with the participation of parties representing all ethnic communities, deal with the main cause of the present crisis, which is the constitution. We call on all parties to commit themselves to prepare the framework of an interim constitution, which addresses both the problems of central governance and an interim selfgoverning authority for the north east.
The present crisis, and the dangerous political stalemate that has emerged, must provide the contending parties with the motivation to work together to save the peace process from disintegrating.'
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NOVEMBER 2003
Nov. 1: The Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposed by the Liberation Tigers will have plenary powers for the governance of the northeast, including powers in relation to resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, raising revenue, law and order, and over land, according to the LTTE document released today. The ISGA will continue until afinal settlement to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict is reached and implemented, according to the document.
Thamilchelvan during his opening speech described the conditions that led to the armed struggle and called upon the media "to take this message of peace to the nooks and corners of the country.”
Following are some excerpts from the document released during the press conference by Mr. S. P. Thamilchelvan, the Head of the LTTE's political division in Kilinochchi:
"Representatives of the Muslim community will have the right to participate in the formulation of their role in ISGA. The composition of the ISGA shall comprise members appointed by the LTTE, members appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka and members appointed by the muslim community in the northeast.
“The number of members of the ISGA will be determined to ensure absolute majority of the LTTE appointees in the ISGA and subject to this condition Muslim and Sinhala communities in the northeast shall have representation in the ISGA.
"Separate institutions for the administration of Justice shall be established for the northeast and judicial powers shall be vested in such institutions. The ISGA will take appropriate measures to ensure the independence of the judges.
"The ISGA will have powers to borrow internally and externally, provide guarantees and indemnities, receive aid directly and engage in or regulate internal and external trade.
"There shall be an independent Human Rights Commission appointed
SGA: LTTE Prop and Govt respo
by the ISGA.
"As part of the ecutive powers, the direction and contro administrative struct in the northeast pert ers set out in clause 9 "The ISGA ma create expert advis necessary areas. Th clude, but are not lir affairs, financial affa resettlement and reh development of infi sential services.
"Since land is v of the powers set ou diction of the ISGA have the power to a mine appropriate vi the northeast that owned.
ʻThe ISGA shal commission on adm to inquire into and r of dispossessed peo land subject to encro ʻThe SGA sha terms of competenc commission.
"Occupation of forces of GoSL, anc rightful civilian ow. access to such landi norms of internation must be immediatel stored to the posses ous owners. The Go pensate the owners f session of their land "The ISGA shall the settlement and re placed civilians and land.
"The ISGA shall the marine and offshc adjacencies of the power to regulate ac
Govt response
Nov 1 – Cabine Minister G L Peiris ing statement on beh ment:
 
 

TAMILTIMES 11
exercise of its ex
ISGA shall have lover any and all ures and personnel aining to the powof this agreement. y at its discretion bry committees in ese areas will innited to, economic irs, judicial affairs, labilitation affairs, astructure and es
ital to the exercise t in clause 9 (juris), the ISGA shall lienate and deterews of all land in
is not privately
l appoint a special inistration of land eport on the rights ple over land and pachment”
ll determine the ies of the special
land by the armed the denial to the ners of unfettered s a violation of the al law. Such lands y vacated and resion of the previSL must also comor the past dispos
be responsible for habilitation of disrefugees in such
have control over
ore resources of the northeast) and the cess thereto.'
it spokesman and issued the followalf of the govern
The Government of Sri Lanka has received the proposal submitted by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to the Ambassador of Norway on 31st October 2003.
This document outlines the LTTE's vision regarding the framework for a political solution to the conflict, It dif. fers in fundamental respects from the proposals submitted by the Government of Sri Lanka. Both documents contain proposals in respect of which no agreement has been reached so far.
While the disparities between the positions of the parties are evident, the Government is convinced that the way forward lies through direct discussion of the issues arising from both sets of proposals.
The Government of Sri Lanka reiterates its firm commitment to a negotiated settlement and is convinced that it is not in the interest of either party to resume hostilities. The current ceasefire has held for almost two years and has brought relief and tranquility, with a variety of accompanying benefits, to the country. It is our earnest desire that all aspects of the peace dividend should be shared equally by the people of the North and East and the South.
The negotiations that were held between the parties over a period of seven months until the suspension of talks in April this year resulted in agreement regarding a series of core principles representing the foundation of a just and viable political settlement. Pre-eminent among the documents which articulated these principles was the Oslo Declaration of December 2002. The international community gave emphatic support to the peace process and consistently emphasized the principle of partnership.
More recently, the Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and India, in the joint communiqué issued in New Delhi at the end of the official visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in October 2003, made a definitive statement about the parameters within which a negotiated political solution should be arrived at.
It is the conviction of the Government of Sri Lanka that the challenge at present is to consolidate and build upon the gains accruing to the country from the process so far and to direct its future course to reach a sustainable settlement,
Human rights, democracy, plural

Page 12
12 AMLTIMES
ism and genuine power sharing constitute, in our view, the basic values underpinning a negotiated settlement. We regard these values as essential and indispensable in the context ofan interim structure and indeed with regard to the peace process culminating in a final accord. The Government is committed to pursuing negotiations in keeping with the principles reflected in the documents referred to above.
Accordingly, the Government will request the Royal Norwegian Government, in its capacity as facilitator, to arrange an initial meeting in late November or early December to address a range of preliminary matters in order to pave the way for the resumption of substantive talks very early in the New Year.
The Government's approach to these talks is one of principled negotiation directed towards the establishment of common ground in respect of significantly divergent positions.”
LTTE's proposals “significant
Nov 4 - "The LTTE's proposal is the first time I've seen such a comprehensive delineation of the aspirations of the LTTE, and in this regard I think
it's significant,' U Secretary of State F reported to have to Washington.
“Our strategic there is violence ar - it can spread to that regard, we har est,’Armitage exp Rediff reported Sought to allay app quarters, including I ing on a lead role because of Washing est in the island na possibility of facili and aircraft.
"First of all, the trary to what is sor lief, can do more tha For the United State sibility that Presi Kumaratunga - who peace-(and) Prime kremesinghe - who for peace - may act velop a significant, gic centre of gravit or unite society beh “The overwheln
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ited States Deputy ichard Armitage is l in a press meet in
interest is where trouble any place ther places. So to e a strategic interained to the Press.
that Armitage has rehensions in some dia, that the US takn the peace process on's strategic intertion, especially the ies to US warships
JS government, connetimes popular benone thing at a time. s, we see a real posdent (Chan-drika) began the search for Minister Ranil Wiccontinues to search ually be able to dewe would say, stratey to be able to bring ind a peace accord.
ning interest we have
is one of humanity,” he argued. "And that is the development of Sri Lanka. We want this island - this nation of over 20 million - to be a full, complete partner in the economic life - not only of South Asian, but of the globe. We see no reason why Sri Lanka can't be an engine, an engine of growth in South Asia and I look forward to the day, when it will be,” Armitage said according to Rediff.
When asked about the possibility of the terrorist' designation being lifted, Armitage reportedly said, "This in itself does not remove in any way the LTTE from the FTO list. In order to be removed from the list, the LTTE must, in word and deed eschew the use ofterrorism - that is violence against innocent as a political weapon.”
Noting that the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposals "does go outside the bounds of Oslo and that envisioned in Oslo and Tokyo, where we talked about a federation, a democratic society, respect for human rights and territorial integrity of the entire island.... we need to kind of come back towards the boundaries envisioned by Oslo,” Armitage said according to Rediff. O
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Page 13
NOVEMBER 2003
The following is the full text of the proposals submitted by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) on 1 November 2003 to the Sri Lankan Government through the Norwegian facilitators.
for Self
Consistent with the principles of the rule of law, the human rights and equality of all persons and the right to self-determination of peoples, Determined to bring lasting peace to all persons of the island of Sri Lanka, Acknowledging with appreciation the services of the Royal Norwegian Government, the Norwegian people and the international community in attempting to bring peace to the island, Recognising that a peaceful resolution is a real possibility, despite the challenging history of the peace process between the Tamil people and the Sinhala people, Determined to establish an interim self-governing authority for the NorthEast region and to promote for the urgent needs of the people of the NorthEast by formulating laws and policies and effectively and expeditiously executing all resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development in the NorthEast, while the process for reaching a final settlement remains ongoing, Being aware that the history of the relations between the Tamil people and the Sinhala people has been a process of broken promises and unilateral abrogation, by successive governments of Sri Lanka, of pacts and agreements solemnly entered into between the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the elected representatives of the Tamil people, Bearing in mind that successive Governments of Sri Lanka have perpetrated persecution, discrimination, State violence and State-orchestrated violence against the Tamil people, Noting that the Tamil people mandated their elected representatives to establish an independent sovereign, secular State for the Tamil people in the elections subsequent to the Vaddukoddai Resolution of 1976. Bearing in mind that the Tamil armed struggle as a measure of self-defence and as a means for the realisation of the Tamil right to self-determination arose only after more than four decades of non-violent and peaceful constitutional struggle proved to be futile and due to the tolerance of means to resolve the conflict peacefully, Recalling that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) first took measures towards peace by unilaterally declaring the ceasefire in December, 2000 and again in December, 2001, opening highways, facilitating trade and the free movement of people, and entering into peace negotiations in good faith in the hope of creating an environment conducive to the return of normalcy and a just resolution of the conflict, Taking note of the political courage of the present GOSL in reciprocating to the 2001 ceasefire, Realising that the war in the island of Sri Lanka was principally confined to the NorthEast resulting in the destruction of the Social, economic, administrative, and physical infrastructure of that area, and that the NorthEast still remains the region in the island of Sri Lanka affected by war,
 

TAMILTIMES 13
Recognising that
the majority of the
Prop O S als N Tamil people in the
NorthEast, by their actions in the general elections held in the year 2000, gave their mandate acknowledging the LTTE as their authentic representative, Knowing that the LTTE exercises effective control and jurisdiction over the majority of the NorthEast area of the island of Sri Lanka, Realising that reaching a final negotiated settlement and the implementation thereof is expected to be a long process, Affirming the necessity for the safe and free return of all refugees and displaced persons and their urgent need for unimpeded access to their homes and secure livelihoods at land and sea in the NorthEast, Mindful that institutions and services provided by the GOSL have proved to be inadequate to meet the urgent needs of the people of the NorthEast, Recognising the failure of the Sub-committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs (SIHRN) and other Sub-Committees formed during the peace negotiations, which failure, was due to the composition of such Sub-Committees which repeatedly led to inaction, Acknowledging the recognition by the GOSL of the necessity for an Interim Authority, as mentioned in its 2000 election manifesto, Realising that maintenance of law and order is an essential pre-requisite for a just and free society, Recognising the need for raising revenue to meet the urgent needs for the Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development of the NorthEast region, which has been devastated by war, and for the carrying out of any function of Government, Recognising the importance of control over land in resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, Mindful that the Tamils did not participate in the making of the 1972 and 1978 constitutions, which institutionalised discrimination and denied them an effective role in the decisionmaking process, Noting the practice in international relations over the last decade of solving conflicts between Peoples through agreement between the parties to the conflict on terms of equality and through innovative and imaginative measures, Relying on international precedents for establishing interim governing arrangements in war-torn countries having the force of law based solely on pacts or agreements between the warring parties recognised by the international community, Noting that measures such as the Ceasefire Agreement, including the role of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), and the establishment of SIHRN and the NorthEast Reconstruction Fund (NERF) constitute valid precedents for making such arrangements, Where, two Parties, namely the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Government of Sri Lanka, hereby agree to the following provisions: 1. Interim Self-Governing Authority An Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) shall be estab

Page 14
14 TAMIL TIMES
lished comprised of the eight districts namely: Amparai, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Vavuniya in the NorthEast, until a final negotiated settlement is reached and implemented. Representatives of the Muslim community have the right to participate in formulation of their role in the ISGA. 2. Composition of the ISGA 2.1 The ISGA shall consist of such number of members as may be determined by the Parties to this Agreement. 2.2 The Composition of the ISGA shall be: 2.2a. Members appointed by the LTTE, 2.2b. Members appointed by the GOSL, and 1.2c. Members appointed by the Muslim community in the NorthEast. 2.3 The number of members will be determined to ensure: 2.3a. An absolute majority of the LTTE appointees in the ISGA. 2.3b. Subject to (a) above, the Muslim and Sinhala Communities in the NorthEast shall have representation in the ISGA. 2.4 The Chairperson shall be elected by a majority vote of the ISGA and shall serve as the Chief Executive of the ISGA. 2.5 The Chairperson shall appoint the Chief Administrator for the NorthEast and such other officers as may be required to assist in the performance of his/her duties. The Chairperson shall have the powers to suspend or terminate any such appointment.
3. Elections The provisions of Clauses 2.2 and 2.3 shall continue until elections for the ISGA are held. Such elections shall be held at the expiry of five years of the coming into force of this Agreement, if no final settlement has been reached and implemented by the end of the said period of five years. An independent Elections Commission, appointed by the ISGA, shall conduct free and fair elections in accordance with international democratic principles and standard under international observation.
4. Human rights The people of the NorthEast shall be accorded all rights as are provided under international human rights law. Every law, regulation, rule, order or decision of the ISGA shall conform to internationally accepted standards of human rights protection. There shall be an independent Human Rights Commission appointed by the ISGA, which shall ensure the compliance with all such human rights obligations. The Commission will seek the assistance of international human rights bodies to facilitate the rapid establishment of an effective regime for protecting human rights. The Commission shall be entitled to receive petitions from any individual person, award compensation to any such affected person, and ensure that such person's rights are restored.
5. Secularism No religion shall be given the foremost place in the NorthEast. 6. Prohibition against discrimination The ISGA shall ensure that there is no discrimination on grounds or religion, race, caste, national or regional origin, age or gender in the NorthEast. 7. Prevention of bribery and corruption The ISGA shall ensure that no bribery or corruption is permitted in or under its administration. 8. Protection of all Communities No law, regulation, rule, order or decision that confers a privilege or imposes a disability on any community, which is not conferred or imposed on any other community, shall be made

NOVEMBER 2003
concerning culture or religion.
9. Jurisdiction of the SGA 9.1 The ISGA shall have plenary powers for the governance of the NorthEast including powers in relation to resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, including improvement and upgrading of existing services and facilities (hereinafter referred as RRRD), raising revenue including imposition of taxes, revenue, levies and duties, law and order and over land. These powers shall include all powers and functions in relation to regional administration exercised by the GOSL in and for the NorthEast. 9.2 The detailed modalities for the exercise of such powers and the performance of such functions shall be subject to further discussion by the parties to this agreement. 10. Separation of powers Separate institutions for the administration of justice shall be established for the NorthEast, and judicial powers shall be vested in such institutions. The ISGA shall take appropriate measures to ensure the independence of the judges. Subject to Clause 4 (Human Rights) and 22 (Settlement of Disputes), of this Agreement, the institutions created under this clause shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to resolve all disputes concerning the interpretation and implementation of this agreement and any other disputes arising in or under this agreement or any provision thereof. 11. Finance
The ISGA shall prepare an annual budget. There shall be a Financial Commission consisting of members appointed by ISGA. The members should have distinguished themselves or held high office in the fields offinance, administration or business. The Commission shall make recommendations as to the amount out of the Consolidated Fund to be allocated to the NorthEast. The GOSL shall make its good faith efforts to implement the recommendation. The ISGA will, giving due consideration to an equitable distribution, determine the use of fund placed at its disposal. These funds shall include the NorthEast General Fund, the NorthEast Reconstruction Fund and the Special Fund. The GOSL agrees that any and all of its expenditures in or for the NorthEast shall be subject to the control of the ISGA. 11.1 NorthEast General Fund The NorthEast General Fund shall be under the control of ISGA and shall consist of 11.1.a. The proceeds of all grants and loans made by the GOSL to the ISGA and the proceeds of all other loans made to the IGSA. 11.1.b. All allocations by the GOSL from agreements with states, institutions and/or other organisations earmarked in any such agreements for the NorthEast. 11.1.c. All other receipts of the ISGA, other than the funds specified below.
11.2. NorthEast Reconstruction Fund The NERF shall continue to exist in its present form except that control over it will be transferred to ISGA. All grants given for the reconstruction of the NorthEast, will be received through the NERF. Utilisation ofresources from NERF will be directly determined and supervised by the ISGA.
11.3, Special Fund All loans and any grants which cannot be channelled through the NERF for the specific purpose of RRRD will be receive into the Special Fund. As in the case of other Funds, the ISG

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NOVEMBER 2003
shall control the Special Fund. 12. Powers to borrow, receive aid and trade The ISGA shall have powers to borrow internally and externally, provide guarantees and indemnities, receive aid directly, and engage in or regulate internal and external trade. 13. Accounting and auditing of funds 13.1 The ISGA shall appoint an Auditor General 13.2 All Funds referred to in this Agreement shall be operated, maintained and audited in accordance with internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards. The accounts will be audited by the Auditor General. The auditing of all moneys received from international sources shall be subject to approval by an internationally reputed firm appointed by the ISGA.
14. District committees 14.1 In the effective exercise of its legislative and executive powers, the ISGA may formulate District Committees to carry out administration in the districts and delegate to the Committees, such powers as the ISGA may determine. The Chairpersons of such committees shall be appointed by the ISGA from amongst its members in order to serve as a liaison between the ISGA and the Committees. 14.2 The other members of the Committee shall also be appointed by the ISGA, which shall have the powers to suspend or terminate any such appointment. In appointing such members, due consideration shall be given to ensure representation of all communities. 14.3 The Committees will function directly under ISGA. 14.4 The Chief Administrator of the ISGA shall appoint Principal Executive Officers in the districts, who shall also function as the Secretaries to the Committees. The Chief Administrator shall have the powers to suspend or terminate any such appointment, 14.5 All activities and functions of the Committee shall be coordinated through the respective Secretaries to the Committee. 14.6 Sub-committees may also be appointed to facilitate administration.
15. Administration As part of the exercise of its executive powers the ISGA shall have direction and control over any and all administrative structures and personnel in the NorthEast pertaining to the powers set out in Clause 9 of this Agreement. The ISGA may, at its discretion, create expert advisory committees in necessary areas. These areas will include but are not limited to Economic Affairs, Financial Affairs, Judicial Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Affairs, Development of Infrastructure, and Essential Services. 16. Administration of land Since land is vital to the exercise of the powers set out in Clause 9 (jurisdiction of the ISGA), the ISGA shall have the power to alienate and determine the appropriate use of all land in the NorthEast that is not privately owned. The ISGA shall appoint a Special Commission on Administration of Land to inquire into and report on the rights of dispossessed people over land and subject to encroachment, not withstanding the lapse of any time relating to prescription. The ISGA shall determine the term of competencies of the Special Commission,
17. Resettlement of Occupied Lands The occupation of land by the armed forces of the GOSL,

TAMITMES 15
and the denial to the rightful civilian owners of unfettered access to such land, is a violation of the norms of international law. Such land must be immediately vacated and restored to the possession of the previous owners. The GOSL must also compensate the owners for the past dispossession of their land. The ISGA shall be responsible for the resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced civilians and refugees in such lands. 18. Marine and off-shore resources The ISGA shall have control over the marine and offshore resources of the adjacent seas and the power to regulate access thereto.
19. Natural resources The ISGA will have control over the natural resources in the NorthEast region. Existing agreements relating to any such natural resources will continue in force. The GOSL shall ensure that all monies due under such agreements are paid to the ISGA. Any future changes to such existing agreements should be made with the concurrence of the ISGA. Future agreements shall be entered into with the ISGA. 20. Water use Upper riparian users of river systems have a duty to ensure that there is a fair, equitable and reasonable use of water resources by lower riparian users. The GOSL and the ISGA shall ensure that this internationally recognised principle is followed in the use of water reSOUCCS,
21. Agreements and contracts All future agreements concerning matters under the jurisdiction of the ISGA shall be made with the ISGA. Existing agreements will continue, but the GOSL shall ensure that all proceeds under such agreements are paid to the ISGA. Any changes to such existing agreements should be made with the concurrence of the ISGA.
22. Settlement of disputes Where disputes arises between the Parties to this Agreement as to its interpretation or implementation, and it cannot be resolved by any other means acceptable to the Parties including conciliation by the Royal Norwegian Government, there shall be an arbitration before a tribunal consisting of three members, two of whom shall be appointed by each Party. The third member, who shall be the Chairperson of the tribunal, shall be appointed jointly by the Parties concerned. In the event of any disagreement over the appointment of the Chairperson, the Parties shall ask the President of the International Court of Justice to appoint the Chairperson. In the determination of any dispute the arbitrators shall ensure the parity of status of the LTTE and the GOSL and shall resolve disputes by reference only to the provisions of this Agreement. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and conclusive and it shall be binding on the Parties to the dispute. 23. Operational period This Agreement shall continue until a new Government for the NorthEast, pursuant to a permanent negotiated settlement, is established. The Parties will negotiate in good faith to reach such a settlement as early as possible, Provided however, that at the end of four years if no final agreement has been reached between the Parties to this agreement, both Parties shall engage in negotiations in good faith for the purpose of adding, clarifying, and strengthening the terms of this Agreement,

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16 TAMILTIMES
LTTE's self-rule pro and Crisis in CO-habi
Dr Jehan Perera
O Balancing self-rule complete Tamil se with shared rule Lanka. The drafters The long awaited LTTE proposals posals would have on the type of interim administration new strategy of ne they seek for the north east made their cadre who had spilt appearance on October 31, on which day the Tamil cause.
the proposals were handed over to the The LTTE propo Norwegian facilitators to be forwarded the establishment ( to the government. Governing Authori
This action by the LTTE underlined north east in which the central role that Norway continues have an absolute ma to play in the Sri Lankan peace process. Thereafter the prop The preamble to the LTTE's proposals, complete autonomy described as proposals on behalf of the ally every aspect oftl e Tamil people, also acknowledged with nomic life of the p appreciation the services of the Norwe- mention of the federa gian government and the international at by the governmen community. the Oslo peace talks It was only the following day, on No- Federalism means vember 1, that the LTTE proposals were shared rule. The LT released to the media at its headquarters cus on the self rule 2 in Kilinochchi, and thereby made known to the general public. The immediate Governmental con reaction of journalists directly covering The LTTE prop the release in Kilinochchi was neither rate institutions to be negative nor emotional. A key reason for east in respect of pol this was that the proposals had been pre- tions, taxation, loca pared with a great deal of thought and and loans, and trade concern about how they would be per- is an assurance that i ceived by the world at large. dated standards of Hence, there were no immediate red countability, multi-e flags that could set anyone's blood boil- and free and fair el ing upon a quick reading. But all the institutic In its proposals the LTTE refrained up to ensure such go from frontally addressing emotive is tices will be under sues. They made no mention either of the ISGA which w their own military or of the right of the LTTE majority. Sri Lankan military to be present in the In a society si northeast, or the Sinhalese settlements where the spirit of in the north east. The LTTE's proposals to be learnt and pra also did not call for a change in the na- absolute majority i tional flag or anthem or the special place for unilateralism. W accorded to Buddhism in the Sri Lankan coupled with autor constitution. Any mention of these could be a high degree o have generated an emotional response worthy that the LT from Sinhalese nationalists. no provision for i However, a closer scrutiny of the nationally prevailin LTTE proposals would reveal that they in this context it i are maximalist in spirit, as indeed could the Sri Lankan go have been anticipated from an organi- to the LTTE propo: sation that waged war for the cause of restrained. The go

NOVEMBER 2003
)Osal ation
aration from Sri f the LTTE's proad to justify their otiations to their so much blood for
als, insum, call for f an Interim Self y (ISGA) for the the LTTE would jority of members. osals indicate that is sought in virtule political and ecoeople. There is no l consensus arrived t and LTTE during in December 2002. both self rule and TE’s proposals fospect alone.
cernS osals call for sepaset up for the north ice, judiciary, elecand foreign grants mong others. There Internationally manhuman rights, acthnic representation ctions will prevail. ns that are to be set ld governance practhe sole control of ll have an absolute
ch as Sri Lanka's ower sharing is yet tised, obtaining an a potential licence hen this potential is bmy, the result can control. It is noteE's proposals make tegration with the structures. Viewed not surprising that ernment's response ils was cautious and ernment's immedi
ate response was to say that there were fundamental differences between the LTTE's proposals and those submitted several months earlier by the government.
In its own proposals regarding an interim administration for the north east, the government specifically excluded matters pertaining to police, land, revenue and security from the purview of the interim administration. But in the LTTE's counterproposals, all the above with the exception of security are specifically considered to be the domain of the ISGA. Further, in the government's proposals an absolute majority in the interim administration was conceded to the LTTE.
But provision was made for a minority veto on matters that affected the interests of the Muslim and Sinhalese communities living in the northeast. This provision is absent from the LTTE's proposal, which is silent about how the minority communities in the north east could truly share power with the LTTEappointed majority.
On the ground the Muslims and Sinhalese of the east, who presently constitute over 60 percent of the population, have strongly protested their inclusion into an LTTE dominated administration. The Muslims in particular have been vociferous about their opposition, as in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress they have a political party that draws virtually all its strength from the east. The SLMC's first response to the LTTE's proposals has been to say that they do not meet Muslim aspirations.
The government's cautious response to the LTTE's proposals could also be due to its apprehensions about a backlash against them from Sinhalese nationalists bolstered by opposition political parties. Pro-war Sinhalese nationalists who call for the military subjugation of Tamil separatism last week physically attacked leading Sinhalese and Tamil cultural artistes who had gathered together for an inter-ethnic cultural festival. What this increasingly frustrated minority needs is the politically motivated backing by the major opposition parties to run amok and riot on the streets as occurred on past occasions when governments appeared to make concessions to Tamil demands for regional autonomy. The unfortunate history of post-independence Sri Lankan politics is that

Page 17
NOVEMBER 2UU3
opposition parties have seized upon governmental concessions to Tamil parties as betrayals of the Sinhalese to mobilise popular opposition to the government. The last occasion for this unsavoury practice was in Parliament itself in August 2000 when many members of the present government acted with a total lack of decorum, hooted and burnt copies of the draft constitution that President Chandrika Kumaratunga sought to present before Parliament. Today, alas, it is the turn of President Kumaratunga and her party to repay with the same coin those who wield the reins of the govern
ment.
Paradigm shift
There is much to commend in the LTTE's proposals, in particular their Willingness to give weight to the principles of good governance, representative democracy and accountability. The fact that the LTTE has invested so much time and effort in a political and non-violent endeavour is to be appreciated by those who seek a peaceful solution to the ethnic conflict.
This constitutes a paradigm shift for the LTTE, to use the phrase often used by the government's chief negotiator Prof. G.L. Peiris to describe the advances in the peace process.
For nearly six months the LTTE focused its attention on the production of its interim administration proposals, holding a wide range of consultations with local and international experts in its capital of Kilinochchi and also in numerous foreign countries, including France, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. The document they have produced is a concise exposition of Tamil thinking over which there is, of course, the final authority of the LTTE. There is no doubt that the proposals are maximalist in spirit. But they are an opening offer in negotiations in which there has got to be give and take. With its proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority the LTTE has given concrete form to its expectations in a manner that is essentially compatible with peaceful coexistence in a united Sri Lanka.
The fact that the LTTE has recognised the right of the Sri Lankan government to appoint members to the ISGA, and have not challenged the right of the Sri Lankan security forces to be present in the north east, are specific indicators of a preparedness to accept a united country. Further, even with regard to the new regional institutions they have proposed, such as the police and judiciary, there appears to be an openness to
dialogue with the to set them up and is unlikely that the ther have the abilit set up new institutic existing ones durin istrative period. N require legal and cc and are of a permar appropriate for the ment. Federal system
The powers ove tion and judiciary c. are basic to most course, in democra powers are not only elites wresting pc elites, but are in t sharing at all level people.
Further, in true f are elaborate system ances, vhich inclu higher levels of a mately, to the peopl and fair elections. the LTTE needs to r will respect in the interim administrati Self rule as pro needs to be supplem both by north east T. at the central level, a government at the ri is certainly a need fr final political settle it will need to be united framework o The good offices community led by cially those who un spirit, would be esse gap in the creation of cratic Sri Lanka.
O Solution to the c in cohabitation
It seemed as ift about to take off to ment after twenty y tive conflict. The L its political proposa ministration that w was immediately w ternational commu United States, as a peace process. They a return to the neg business climate h major foreign inves their plans for emp investments in the this juncture that pC interrupted, and bro typically Sri Lankar

AMILTIMES 17
overnment on how heir composition. It government will eifor the intention to ns that supersede the gan interim adminw institutions that nstitutional change, ent nature, are more inal political settle
r police, land, taxaaimed by the LTTE, ederal systems. Of tic societies federal a matter of regional wers from central he nature of power s right down to the
2deral systems, there is of checks and balle accountability to uthority and, ultie themselves at free his is a reality that ealise and hopefully negotiations on the on proposals.
posed by the LTTE ented by shared rule, amil representatives nd by the Sri Lankan egional level. There or an ISGA until the ment is reached, but compatible with a fgovernance.
of the international Norway, and espederstand the federal ntial in bridging this a federal and demo
risis
he country was just peace and developars of self-destrucTTE had presented s for an interim adbekend. This move elcomed by the inhity, including the step forward in the collectively urged otiating table. The ad improved, and ors were finalising oyment generating 'conomy. It was at wer politics rudely ught us all back to reality.
Within days of the President's take over of three key ministries, including that of defence, Sri Lanka is back in the doldrums and the situation on the ground has deteriorated. The sudden collapse of the stock market will deter long-term economic investments for some time until stability is seen to be reestablished. Sri Lanka's international image as a country on the mend has suffered an immense blow, with the international media likening us to a South American banana republic of old, where tin pot dictators seized power at the drop of a hat, and sent the army to the streets. There was no justification for calling the troops out, but that is what the President did.
Fortunately, it is still only the economy that has been weakened. The peace process is not yet a victim of the political changes. Despite the LTTE sending in its interim administration proposals, peace talks were not expected, in any event, to recommence before the newyear. But when the President's takeover was announced, and troops brought out onto the streets, there was apprehension that the ceasefire itself might be endangered. The President responded to these concerns in a positive manner by affirming her commitment to the ceasefire, to the peace process and to the rulings of the international monitors. To a considerable extent, this was a reversal of her earlier stance in respect of each one of them.
In the coming weeks until the political crisis is resolved, it will be very important for the President, the government and the LTTE to act with utmost caution in relation to military matters. There are potential flash points that could trigger off war that the people do not want and only vested interests want. It will be difficult for the government to ensure stability in the peace process without control over the defence ministry. This may explain the government's decision to notify the general public and the international community that President Kumaratunga and her team should take charge of the peace process at this
time.
However, such a decision on the part of the government to abdicate its responsibility regarding the peace process is not a responsible one. At the general election of December 2001, the last national election that the country had, the people were presented with two visions of conflict resolution. The PA led by President Kumaratunga described the LTTE as terrorist. It pledged to reform the constitution while at the same time waging the war with the LTTE until they

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18 TAM TIMES
agreed to the constitution. The UNF led by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe of fered a ceasefire, peace talks with the LTTE and an interim administration for the northeast. The majority of people chose the UNF with its vision. Dangerous ploy
The government's decision to call on President Kumaratunga to take charge of the peace process may be to show the world at large that she is unable to take on that task. But the government should neither seek to escalate the conflict or abdicate its responsibility to lead the peace process. This is a dangerous political ploy that could cost the country dearly. Realistically speaking, it will be next to impossible for the President and her team to negotiate successfully with the LTTE whom they constantly describe as terrorists. The fact that the President's team rejected the LTTE's interim administration proposals in toto injust two days, clearly shows ineptness on their part when it comes to conflict resolution.
Theshortshriftvith vhichthe President's team dealt with the LTTE's proposals, that this militant organisation laboured over for six months and went around the world to seek advice, may have been intended to please the gallery of Sinhalese nationalists. But it failed in the ABC's of conflict resolution, which is to show respect for the opponent with whom a negotiated settlement is sought. The President's team seems to think that negotiating with the LTTE is like taking a legal brief to the courts. It is not. There is no judge to hear the case, there is only a facilitator who has no power, except what the parties to the conflict give it.
This is not the time for political ploys to expose the President and her team. Difficult though it is, the government has to negotiate a settlement with the President while at the Same time continuing to take the peace process forward. The basis for such a negotiated solution would be recognition of two realities. The first is that the President is indeed vested with enormous executive powers until the end of her term of office in December 2005. She obtained those powers legitimately by winning the presidential election in December 1999. There is no getting around that fact, which permits her to take over the three ministries and more if she so desires.
The second reality is that the President's take-over bid was really a failure. She and her advisors did not intend to merely take-over three ministries and have the process end with that, They
anticipated that men ment would cross o provide the Presider tary majority. The team believed they a new governmento not materialise and no parliamentary ba The President’s cal ance of all political and for a governmei ciliation came only a will justifiably be di it. The loser cannot While it is true presidency is vest powers in theory, the last two years show liament is even more from the time of Kir land in the 17th ce Khameini of Iran al in France in modern lar pattern, Parliam over public finance bers, is always mor chief executive in a this does not meant should aim for outri President. The gove promise, which is w about. Compromise solut A compromise t ment and President on a three-fold basi necessary for the g face saving solutio She would not wish linquishing the thre over. Therefore, it her to keep the three three deputy minist to-day operations ol was the case with fence during the pe ernment. The depu fence was clearly il He stayed in that I mal results without fering.
The second ba settlement would b quest made by the COIlITlCICCITlClt. O. term of office, that be on the govern team. This is a fair add to the represent ernment's negotiat lim community c( have a representati surely the main op tled to have one to government's own ognise the basic pr

NOVEME3ER 2003
bers of the governer to their side and t with a parliamenPresident and her ould actually form their own. This did o the President has sis for governance. for a Grand Alliarties in parliament t of national reconfter this failure, and counted because of call the shots. hat the Sri Lankan 2d with enormous experience over the s that a hostile parpowerful. Evidence ig Charles I of Engntury, to President d President Chirac times shows a simient, with its control and with its nume powerful than the confrontation. But hat the government ght victory over the rnment should comhat negotiations are
ion between the governcould be achieved s. First, it would be vernment to find a n for the President. to be seen to be re2 ministries she took may be possible for ministries, but have ars perform the daythe ministries. This he Ministry of Deriod of the last govty minister for decharge of defence. osition despite disthe President inter
is for a negotiated e to accede to a reresident at the very the government's her nominee should nent's negotiating request, and would tiveness of the govng team. If the Musuld demand that it 'e at the peace talks, osition party is enti). It is a sign of the Inwillingness to recnciples of cohabita
tion that it disregarded this early request of the President in a most cavalier fash
1ΟΠ,
Certainly the President's nominee would need to be someone who is acceptable to the government also. There are highly respected persons, such as those who formed the National Integration Programme Unit (NIPU) of the last government, or the advisor to the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs of the last government, who would be suitable candidates. They have shown their commitment as true friends of a negotiated settlement both during the period of this government and the previous government. The presence of a Presidential nominee would ensure that the solution would be easier to legitimise amongst the Sinhalese people as well.
The third basis for a negotiated settlement would be to find a direct role for the President as a democratically elected leader of the country who commenced the peace process with courageous leadership. It was during herperiod that it became uncontroversial to talk about an ethnic conflict rather than a terrorist problem. It was she who frontally confronted the critics of a federal type of political solution, proposed a semi-federal model and who invited the Norwegians to be facilitators. The President deserves recognition both locally and internationally for the very positive role she once played. A new role for her, best suited to her strengths, but mindful of her weaknesses, needs to be found.
There is a need for urgency in the task of conflict resolution. Political stability must quickly be reestablished for Sri Lanka to fulfill its economic promise and for the people to enjoy fully the peace dividend. If the conflict between the President and government is not speedily resolved, there is also the danger of the international community losing their faith in the Sri Lankan leadership. They may begin to see our leaders as persons who only care about their powers rather than about their responsibilities to the masses of people.
The conflict between the President and government appears too much of an elite struggle for power at all costs. Instead of trying to defeat each other totally, and escalating the conflict, our political leaders need to negotiate with each other in the same way the government is negotiating with the LTTE. And they need to keep in mind, especially the President and her team, that the mandate of the people at the last general election was for a negotiated peace and not for a war for peace. O

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NOVEMBER 2003
Proposal for an Int Self Governin Authority: A Rev.
Muttukrishna Sarvananthan
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has submitted a proposal to set up an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) for the North&East (N&E) Province of Sri Lanka. This is the first time the LTTE has come out with its own proposals for the resolution of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, which is a positive development. The SGA proposal is an astutely crafted and well-written document that deserves praise. Besides, LTTE's proposition for a secular ISGA is laudable, However, these proposals go beyond an "interim' administrative mechanism, Nonetheless, these proposals provide a sound basis for negotiating a final solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. In any case, the executive powers sought by the proposed ISGA (whether in the interim or in the final solution) can be vested only to the representatives of the people of the N&E Province who are directly and freely elected by the people themselves. This review is written purely in the interest of the freedom and welfare of the people, especially Tamill-speaking, of the N&E Province of Sri Lanka.
There are at least three significant omissions in the ISGA proposal; one is positive and the other two negative. The LTTE appears to have departed (at least on paper) from their claim to be the "sole" representatives to "authentic" representatives of the Tamils, which is a positive development. A far more critical omission is that nowhere the term democracy is used in the document. Though in Clause 3 which refers to Elections, it is mentioned that at the end offive years after the establishment of the ISGA free and fair elections will be held "in accordance with international democratic principles and standards under international observation", it is not convincing enough for two reasons. Firstly, an "independent Election
Commission appoi would hold these el not be democrati elected LTTE rep control the ISGA. S guarantee that ele after five years, bec that "This agreem until a new govern East, pursuant to a ated settlement, is Provided, however four years if no fi been reached betwe agreement, both Pa negotiations in goc pose ofadding, clar ening the terms o Thus, Clause 23 g the LTTE to drag tiations towards ap beyond four years s and/or amendme proposal rather tha The LTTE can use pone elections inde: sion is the term rec ISGA document. I in Sri Lanka is to eral system of gov ciliation between d munities is centra ment mentions at Rehabilitation, R Development (RRF sion of reconciliat casts doubt on the p of the ISGA.
The reviewer's LTTE cannot be til rather it should be Although the ISG the commitment t tional human right nancial resources el conforms to "inter accounting and a there is no guarant

TAMILTIMES 19
erim
D
P LEQW
nted by the ISGA" ections, which canc because the unresentatives would econdly, there is no tions will be held ause Clause 23 says ent shall continue ment for the North
permanent negotiestablished. - , that at the end of inal agreement has en the Parties to this rties shall engage in d faith for the purifying, and strengthf this agreement", ives a loophole for on the peace negoermanent settlement and seek extension/ nt/s to the present un face an election. Clause 23 to postfinitely. Third omisonciliation from the f the ethnic conflict be resolved by federnance then reconifferent ethnic coml. The ISGA docu)out Resettlement, econstruction and D) only. The excluion in the proposal yrofessed objectives
position is that the usted on its words, judged by its deeds. A proposal affirms o uphold "internaslaw”, and makefiintrusted to the ISGA nationally accepted uditing standards” ee that these will be
followed in practice given the LTTE's past record. Even if we forgive LTTE for reneging on similar commitments in the past during the time of war we cannot forgive LTTE's blatant disregard for its own commitments during the nearly two years of peace since early-2002. The following are some examples of LTTE's callous disregard for its own undertakings and commitments, and for international norms and values during the last two years of peacetime.
O Although the LTTE gave an explicit commitment not to recruit children under the age of 18 to the UN Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict in 1998 it continued to recruit children with impunity. In 2002, during the peacetime, the LTTE reiterated its commitment not to recruit children to the Director General of the UNICEF and agreed to release children under their custody. In accordance with an agreement with the UNICEF the LTTE released a first batch of 49 children to a transit and rehabilitation centre in Kilinochchi in October 2003. On the very next day after the release they forcibly abducted around 25 children in the Eastern town of Valaichenai. This is a vivid example of the contrast between the words and deeds of the LTTE even during peacetime. O The LTTE has, to date, failed to abide by the ruling of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on the issue of a newly constructed camp in the Trincomalee district. The ruling is almost six months overdue. Besides, the LTTE sometimes refuses access to their territory for the SLMM, which goes against the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). O The LTTE has still not adhered to the commitment made in the MoU with the GoSL in February 2002 on "free" movement of people through the A9 highway, because of the continued requirement to obtain a travel pass and imposition of several arbitrary and illegal taxes on the people and goods passing through the highway. O There are anecdotal evidences of the LTTE and TRO pilfering relief

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20 TAML. TIMES
goods destined for the returning IDPs even during the last two years of peacetime. How can such an organisation entrusted with the task of maintenance of law and order and establishment of an independent judiciary? In this reality the Clause 7 on Prevention of Bribery and Corruption and the commitment to “internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards' (Clause 13) sounds nakedly dubi
OS.
When the LTTE has not bothered to fulfil their commitments and undertakings in the past two years of defacto administration in the N&E, how can we expect it to fulfil commitments and undertakings made in the proposed ISGA2 Even without any legal status and power if they are able to act with impunity how can they change under a set up with such enormous "sole' executive powers?
Further, if the proposed ISGA fails to uphold the guaranteed rights and commitments, the people or the GoSL have no recourse to justice at the level of the Central Government. Although the proposal suggests establishment of an "independent" Human Rights Commission in the N&E (Clause 4) and setting up of a Tribunal to solve disputes between the parties to the agreement (Clause 22) they are totally inadequate to protect the rights of the people of the N&E. How can the proposed Human Rights Commission be independent when it is expected to be appointed by an un-elected ISGA? How can the proposed Tribunal be impartial when it is going to be represented by the unelected LTTE and the GoSL in equal number? Moreover, what is alarming is that "In the determination of any dispute the arbitrators shall ensure the parity of status of the LTTE and the GOSL
and shall resolve disputes by reference
only to the provisions of this agreement. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and conclusive and it shall be binding on the Parties to the dispute". Under any federal administration there should be recourse to justice at the Central Government level if some dispute between a citizen and the regional government or between the regional and central governments cannot be resolved at the regional level.
The LTTE's de pendent judiciary fo jurisdiction over m and order under th unacceptable for N&E, particularly i Muslims. These wol to a "sole' or "auth of the LTTE. Unde tem judicial power law and order have the regions. But suc service and police constituted by electe basis of merit and c moment what the I. is the recognition ar their de facto judici ices which cannot number of reasons police services of cruited by an un-el and the overwhelm rion is the loyalty t leader. Such an ove ary and police servi pendent and impart resenta multi-ethnic N&E. No sane pe would accept a jud police force compos of school dropouts.
The ISGA prop regarded the conce the largest minority N&E, viz. the Mus this respect the rev followingbroad con to resolve the natic Lanka.
Sri Lanka could five nations as foll
1. Tamil Nation - cc of the present N&E be named Tamil Ee isfy the “thirst of ti 2. Muslim Nation - concentration of M the Ampara distric eas of the Batticalo this nation. 3. Hill Country Tar ous areas of inha country Tamils col 4. Buddhist Nati around Kandy and form this Nation ( der to satisfy the B is the only part (

NOVEMBER 2003
mand for an indethe N&E and sole intenance of law : ISGA would be he people of the or the Tamils and ld effectively lead ntic' dictatorship r any federal sysnd maintenance of to be devolved to h regional judicial ervice have to be d legislature on the ompetence. At the TTE is asking for d legitimisation of al and police servbe accepted for a The judicial and the LTTE are reected organisation ing selection critethe LTTE and its tly partisan judicice cannot be indeial and cannot repTamil nation in the rson in the N&E icial service and a ed overwhelmingly
psal has totally disrns and welfare of community in the lim community. In iewer suggests the tours for discussion nal question in Sri
be delineated into
)WS:
imprising 7 districts Province and could lam in order to satle Tigers".
contiguous areas of slim community in t and adjoining ardistrict could form
il Nation - contigubitation of the hill ld form this nation. on - sacred areas Anuradhapura could i la Vatican) in oruddhist clergy. This f the country that
should have a state religion, viz. Buddhism. The rest of the country should become secular. 5. Sinhala Nation - the areas other than the aforementioned could form this Nation.
Thus, Sri Lanka could become an amalgamation of the foregoing five nations. All the proposed five nations should adhere to a uniform democratic model based on pluralism, secularism (barring the Buddhist Nation), equal opportunities (gender/caste/religion/ language/class) and human rights. These five nations should be given full autonomy except external security, currency, and foreign policy. The proposed five nations should be able to attract foreign aid and investment and engage in international trade directly. An appropriate mechanism of fiscal federalism should be evolved. Moreover, the proposed five nations should be granted inalienable right to self-determination including secession if and only if at least two-thirds of the population within a particular nation consent at a referendum to do so and at least three of the five nations approve such secession. The Central Government should not be given the power to dismiss any regional government unless any one of the latter abrogates the uniform democratic model agreed to. Even in such scenario the Central Government may dismissa regional government if and only if at least three of the five nations agree to such action. The contents of LTTE's proposal for an ISGA could form the basis for further discussion on the specific powers to be devolved to the regions.
In recent months theft of luxury vehicles in the Central, North-Western and Western Provinces are increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Sri Lanka Police luxury vehicles are hijacked from these provinces and taken into the LTTE-controlled Vanni region for sale. If this is in fact true then who else other than the LTTE is rich enough in the dearth poor Vannito purchase these super luxury vehicles? Thanks to the generosity of their “development partners' such as the UNICEF, World Bank, ADB & EU and the pillaging of the Tamil and Muslim population in the pretext of taxation the LTTE has unambiguously become the

Page 21
NOVEMBER 2003
richest institution in the N&E Province. The fleet of brand new posh two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles in the hands of the LTTE during peacetime could become an envy of dictators around the world. The LTTE carry on with abductions, murders, and robberies with impunity even during the peacetime. Is this the type of organisation that is likely to subject itself to "internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards' and to the "principles of the rule of law”? In order to prove its bona fides why not the LTTE subject its revenue (by way of variety of taxes and contributions from various donors) collection and expenditures incurred in the past two years of peacetime to audit by an internationally renowned accounting and auditing firm?
Even in the absence of an ISGA the LTTE has taken effective control of public and private institutions in the N&E Province during the past two years of peacetime. Besides, the LTTE trespasses on all walks of life by way of taxation. For instance, the Jaffna University (and to a lesser extent the Eastern University) is controlled by the LTTE through their proxies among students and academic staff. The Tamil print media is another institution under the effective control of the LTTE. Not only the regional Tamil newspapers but also the national Tamil newspapers have been coerced and/or bribed to become LTTE's propaganda organs. For example, news reporters and journalists of a regional Tamil newspaper have been provided motorcycles by the LTTE to propagate their news and views. Almost all the Tamil newspapers (both national and regional) have shunned alternative news and views during the past two years of peacetime. If the
LTTE's writ can run a de facto politicotion what would be t of the N&E under th The LTTE seem tive powers and juri the Palestinian Auth the LTTE fails to ut Palestinian Authori body of the people o estinian people direc President Yasser Ar ture. Therefore, ifth joy the powers it se posed ISGA then it tion or at least a ref in order to legitimi the authentic represe people.
A careful readir posals by the LTTE r interests have taken interests of the Tam is, what the propose monopoly of power devolution of powe, ticularly Tamils) o. actions of the LTTE (let alone the period this. Forcible preve ing of the Jaffna Pu ruary 2003 by the L cancellation of the l tival to have taken p tober 2003 is anothe to the relocation of (SLA) camp at Gan tels in the city of Jaf city is third example munity of the Jaffn manding the closure the heart of the city i ness resurgence. Thi to relocate this cam
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AMIL TIMES 2
so effectively under military administrahe fate of the people he proposed ISGA2
s to demand execusdiction in line with ority. However, what nderstand is that the ty is a duly elected f Palestine. The Paltly and freely elected afat and the legislae LTTE wants to eneks through the proshould face an elecrendum in the N&E se their claim to be ntatives of the Tamil
ng of the ISGA proeveals that their own precedence over the lil community. That d ISGA envisages is to the LTTE and not rto the people (parf the N&E. Several in the past two years before) also confirm ntion of the reopenblic Library in FebTTE is one. Forcible National Sports Feslace in Jaffna in Ocr. LTTE's opposition the Sri Lanka Army ams and Subhas hofna to the edge of the 2. The business coma city has been deof the SLA camp in in order to boostbusiough the SLA agreed p to the edge of the city the LTTE insisted on total withdrawal and thereby prevented normalcy being restored to the heart of the Jaffna city. The foregoing are some of the naked forcible actions by the LTTE to prevent restoration of normalcy and reconciliation in the past two years of peacetime. Reconciliation and resto
ration of normalcy in the N&E are anathema to the LTTE because those will deplete its propaganda arsenal.
In the ISGA proposals the LTTE has sought compensation from the GoSL for forcible occupation of private lands by the armed forces in the high security zones and elsewhere. This is a justifiable demand. However, will the LTTE also compensate the Muslim people who were expelled from their habitats in the Northern Province and belongings removed by the LTTE? Further, after the LTTE forced the people of Jaffna to evacuate the peninsula in late-1995 they ransacked the deserted houses. Not only furniture and consumer durables but also windows, doors, and roof tiles were removed and taken away by the LTTE to the Vanni jungles. What military significance did these household furniture, windows, doors, and roof tiles have for the LTTE Will the LTTE also compensate the private owners of dwellings whose possession they removed? During the forcible evacuation of the Jaffna City in late-1995 the LTTE also removed chemicals, computers, and valuable books from the library of the University of Jaffna. This pillage of the belongings of the University of Jaffna by the LTTE was analogous to the burning of the Jaffna Public Library in 1981 by state-sponsored hooligans and armed forces. Will the LTTE pay compensation to the University of Jaffna? Whilst demanding “parity ofstatus”with the GoSL (Clause 22) will the LTTE apply the same parity of status as regards payment of compensation for past misdeeds during the time of war?
As mentioned at the outset the LTTE should and will be judged by its deeds than by its words whether by the Tamil community or the rest of Sri Lankans or the international community. Therefore, it is high time the LTTE transforms itself into a genuine democratic political organisation and subject itself to public scrutiny by way of ref erendum or election. Only then they will have legal and moral recognition. Certainly the ISGA proposals are worthy of consideration for a lasting durable solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. However, the devolution of powers sought in the ISGA proposal can only be granted to elected representatives of the people of North&East, whether in the interim or in the longterm.

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22 TAM TIMES
om the peace pro
Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda
President Kumaratunga's taking over of three key Ministries of the UNF government occurred just four days af. ter the LTTE unveiled their proposals for an interim self-governing authority. It is unfortunate that the power struggle between Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and President Kumaratunga exploded at such a crucial moment of Sri Lanka's peace process. What the two leaders could have ideally done is to consult each other as to how to respond to LTTE proposals in order to expedite the next phase of peace negotiations. Instead, Mrs. Kumaratunga has chosen a strategy of hostile confrontation. The implications of this unfolding power struggle for the peace process are yet to be seen.
The LTTE proposals for the interim administration seek re-constitution of the Sri Lankan state, within a framework of dual power, in the Northern and Eastern provinces. This vision is conceptualized in the notion of interim 'self-governing authority. It seeks a fairly advanced form of power-sharing, more than in a regular federal model. The framework of state as envisaged in the Tiger proposals comes closer to a confederation model.
There seem to be three crucial components in the Tiger proposals. First is the setting up of institutions for what they call the interim self-governing authority (ISGA). The scope of powers of these institutions and their relative autonomy from the structures of the Sri Lankan state are clearly conceptualized and elaborated. The second component in the proposals is the broad political-ideological principles within which the LTTE has worked out the basic contours of a negotiated political settlement, from interim to final. These are basically the so-called Thimpu principles, namely, the Tamil nationhood, the right of Tamil nation for self-determination and the unified political unit of the North-East within which the
Tamil self rule shou The third compo course of action on terim period comes AS many comme the LTTE proposals isting constitution. proposals has also a tions from many LTTE's approach to conflict, whether in is one that envisage the Sri Lankan state Tamil nationalist p ible political alter and separate stateh not governed by th existing constitutio UNIF and PA have existing constitutic address the core is conflict, The P. Kumaratunga have extent of saying th stitution is an obst progress towards a point, the PA, UNF a common perspec The confederat the LTTE's perspi gives a maximalist posals. This has pri to say that the IS recipe for separatic ernment's initial noted that the LTT a fundamental di government's own Instead of dis proposals as unac alternative way to order to advance t ess, The LTTE's r are a response t ment’s minimalist the LTTE has als sues of the ethn those core issues settlement from t perspective. At le
 

NOVEMBER 2003
ibe territorialized. ent suggests the e the five-year into an end.
ntators have noted, go beyond the exThis feature of the roused sharp reaccritics. But, the a settlement to the erim or permanent, s re-constitution of . From the militant erspective, a credlative to secession as to be one that is elimitations of the 1. Besides, both the also agreed that the in is inadequate to sues of the ethnic A and President even gone to the at the existing conacle to making any settlement. On that and the LTTE share live. onist dimension of ctive on the ISGA character to the prompted many critics A proposals are a n. In the UNF gov2sponse too it was E proposals carried sergence from the proposals. missing the LTTE eptable, there is an ook at this issue in e negotiation procaximalist proposals the UNF governroposals. Similarly, addressed core isconflict and how hould be seen in a e Tamil nationalist it, the LTTE can no
longer be accused of avoiding the core issues. From the perspective of negotiations, the next task is to find a common ground between these two incompatible positions, the minimalist and maximalist. If the two sides are really committed to a settlement, the government cannot go down from its minimalist position as much as the LTTE hopefully cannot go beyond its maximalist position. Since the negotiation positions of the two sides are now on the table and since there is a wide gulf between the two positions, there is indeed enough room for the resumption of negotiations. There is also an enhanced role for the mediator. Mediation and negotiation are necessary not when parties agree, but when they disagreе.
Unfolding power struggle
However, the prospects for early resumption of talks are now caught up in the unfolding power struggle in Colombo. Obviously, the UNF administration, deprived of its partial control of the Defense Ministry is now a weakened entity. Its immediate future is also not stable since the President has the option either to re-constitute the regime, or even to dissolve parliament. The political uncertainty that surrounds the fate of the government makes early resumption of talks rather difficult. Actually, the power struggle between the UNF and SLFP leadership, or the rivalry between the two ruling families and the two ruling individuals in Colombo, has now taken precedence over the national priorities. This is Sri Lanka's real misfortune. Sri Lankan people have leaders who push their personal battles to the center of national agenda precisely at a time when the process towards managing the country's ethnic conflict has entered a crucial turning point.
However, President Kumaratunga who has now emerged as the center of both the state and the government cannot ignore the negotiation process or the LTTE's ISGA proposals. Indeed, the moment she took over the three UNF ministries, the LTTE proposals also fell on her table and she cannot now pass the buck, because it has come to stay there as long as she remains committed to her new role in the structure of

Page 23
NOVEMBER 2003
governance. This requires her to ignore the advice of some political friends whose company she has recently enjoyed. Working out an agenda for the resumption of political engagement with the LTTE is a crucial and immediate task. As she has already indicated, she will have to abide by the cease-fire agreement.
But the real challenge for Mrs. Kumaratunga will be about how she should respond to LTTE's ISGA proposals. Some of her key advisors have already dismissed them as totally unacceptable. Such a negativist reaction can hardly pave the way for the resumption of talks with the LTTE. The problem with Mrs. Kumaratunga is that most of her constitutional and political advisors think and act on outdated categories concerning the state, sovereignty, devolution and group rights, although she herselfhas made a significant break from archaic constitutionalist thinking.
President Kumaratunga's other challenge concerning the LTTE proposals is not to lether party to repeather mother's mistake of 1972. When the Federal Party presented a federalist constitutional framework to the Constituent Assembly, the United Front government of the SLFP, LSSP and CP dismissed that federalist proposal, with no adequate discussion, branding it as a stepping - stone to separation. The lack of political categories of thinking to creatively respond to a federalist constitutional proposal was covered up by a fetishistic attachment to the notions of a unitary state and the unity of the people. Thirty - one years later and af. ter two decades of civil war, the LTTE which has waged war for a separate state, has now come out with their proposals for political unification on their telS,
One may disagree with them. It is also easy to dismiss them as a recipe for secession. But that will be only repetition of the same old mistake that proved itself to be devastatingly costly. Alternatives offered by the Tamils have always been seen by Sinhalese leaders as extremist, non-negotiable and unacceptable. It is now up to Mrs. Kumaratunga, ideally in collaboration with Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, to alter that cycle of mistakes. That indeed presup
poses aparadigm shi: ing and vision. Will that test? Events in t will provide us an a From conflict to The official com meeting between the Prime Minister, he clinical, matter-of-fa say much about the deliberations. Obvi agreement reached leaders on any of th litical issues that ha sary for them to me ing in an otherwise this situation is that to meet again to c logue." .
Both the Presid Minister are in a c. making, although th ceive it that way, For been engaged in an outbidding, workin; sum outcome in the the two centres of sta dency and the parl ploded in the openl evitable outcome of embedded in a multi The dynamics o petition as well as sonal rivalries have ( than-life fashion age of constitutional im commodative gover unintended, yet pro context is the fact t just presented to the proposals for re-con state structure. The c. President and the Pi is to manage this cor that its potentially quences are arrestec bility restored.
The dominant te camps immediately ber 03 showdown ha to seek zero-sum o' conflict. The two leat under constant pre around them to ful other by opting foru of the recent actions are also largely gov designed for unilate In her call for ap

TAM TIMES 23
ft in political thinkour leaders stand he next few weeks
SWê. ) accommodation muniqué about the President and the ld recently, has a ct, tone. It does not substance of their ously, there is no between the two he contentious polve made it neces:et. One silver lingloomy picture of they have agreed ontinue the “dia
ent and the Prime risis of their own Ley might not permonths, they have exercise of mutual g towards a zeroconflict between te power, the presiiament. What exast week is the ina power-struggle plicity of contexts. f inter-party comfactional and permerged in a largeinst a background hpediments to acnance. Somewhat foundly symbolic, hat the LTTE had : government their stituting the entire hallenge before the ime Minister now flict in such a way destructive consel and political sta
indency in the two after the Novemis been to continue utcomes from the dershave also been ssure from those rther outbid each nilateralism. Some of the two leaders rned by strategies ral gains.
atriotic grand alli
ance, the President kept open the option to isolate, attack and even dismiss from office an uncooperative UNF. In his call for the President to take over the responsibility of peace talks, the Prime Minister retained the option of ensuring a disastrous failure for the President. Some of the immediate aides and advisors of the two leaders might prefer continuing confrontation, leading to greater escalation.
It is in this context that the commitment of the President and the PM to continue their dialogue has become important. Indeed, there have been signs of de-escalation particularly from the PA side. The PA Executive Committee's view that the LTTE proposals, though unacceptable, were a basis for negotiations is a way forward from the earlier hard-line position adopted by the SLFP. The Daily News editorials under the new dispensation are not only conciliatory, but also strongly supportive of the peace process.
Meanwhile, among powerful sections of both camps, there seems to be a preference for fresh parliamentary elections. Mid-term elections under normal circumstances would have been a credible option to let a political crisis resolve itself. However, in Sri Lanka's present circumstances, an election campaign is less likely to contribute to political stability.
On the contrary, it may escalate political tension amidst much violence. An election campaign will also force the main contenders to defer any serious consideration being given to the next phase of negotiations with the LTTE. Furthermore, in an election campaign defined by utmost hostility between the UNF and the SLFP, the latter is most likely to take a strongly Sinhalese nationalist stand, in alliance with the JVP, to isolate the former from the Sinhalese electorate. In sucha context, the LTTE's ISGA proposals will be transformed into the main criterion of demarcation between the UNF and PA. Passion and hatred, not reason and moderation, would be summoned to make political judgment.
Heightened electoral passion is highly unlikely to provide for the Sinhalese polity a constructive frameworkfor responding to LTTE's proposals. Besides, there arenosignsthatthere

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24 TAMILTIMES
will be an electoral outcome producing a stable regime. Dissolving parliament and holding fresh parliamentary elections is more likely to prolong the present impasse than resolving it.
As it was pointed out at a recently held civil society consultation on the present situation, the crisis also offers opportunities for its constructive management. Such an approach requires from the two sides that they find a framework of accommodation within which not only the present crisis is managed, but also the two major national issues, the peace process and constitutional reform, are effectively addressed.
The centrality of the peace process, despite its intractable nature, to political stability is beyond question. Similarly, the present crisis is largely located in the constitutional framework within which the three main organs of state power - the executive, the legislature and the judiciary - have been pushed into a relationship of confrontation.
In fact, both the President and the Prime Minister are products and victims of the present constitution and there is no reason for victims to fight it out till death. They should emancipate themselves from the shackle. That requires joint action.
Reforming of the present constitution is also at the heart of any meaningful attempt to resolve the ethnic conflict. In fact, almost all the political actors, specifically the UNF, PA and the LTTE, agree that a political solution to the ethnic conflict requires a radical re-working of the 1978 constitution.
The disagreements are about the extent to which one should go. Ironically, the PA and the LTTE have been most radical on this score. In fact, the differences between the LTTE's ISGA proposals and the PA's constitutional reform package of 1995 are much less than the gulf between the LTTE proposals and the UNF government’s pro
posals for an interi Meanwhile, it need long-term resolutic Colombo as well as to the ethnic confl twined with a con agenda. This is perh goal to which the U now re-direct their constitutional refor chaired by the Pres would provide an e tive opportunity fc inclusivity.
A modality of w the UNIF and PAs does not fall into t "national governme. ance. Without a co for political reforms government nor a survive its inner con larly in a thorough ity like ours. What til need today is a poli accommodation to initiatives for the constitutional refor to the success of th gotiations with th framework of accor ally rest on the anal dent's taking over O istry resulted in r measure, the politi tween the two rival the absence of con tion. Perhaps, the U the asymmetrical re lier existed between tres is now altere President. Yet, wha tal to the peace pro continuing tension dent and the Prime pelled by the unwill to accept the postlibrium, or by a P. the UNIF in a prel grand alliance' will
75047
EMERGENCY TRAN
 

NOVEMBER 2003
m administration. s to be noted that n of the crisis in a political solution ct are both interstitutional reform aps the immediate NF and PA should energies. A joint m committee, coident and the PM, xcellent and crear partnership and
orking together for hould be one that he trap of either a ht" or a “grand alliincrete programme , neither a national grand alliance can radictions, particuy fragmented polhe IPA and the UNF tical framework of facilitate collective peace process and ms that are central e next phase of nee LTTE. Such a nmodation canideysis that the Presif the Defense Minestoring, to some :al equilibrium becentres of power in structive cohabitaNF might feel that lationship that earthe two power cenin favour of the t is really detrimencess would be the between the PresivMinister, either proingness of the UNF November 03 equiA desire to weaken ude to a "patriotic h a multiplicity of
smaller allies. The President's suggestion, made in her TV address to the nation, that the PM should continue to lead the negotiation process while she takes responsibility of national security is a non-starter, because the framework it offers to the PM is responsibility without power.
The UNP's preference to get the defense portfolio back to successfully carry forward the peace process has the self same drawback. It accords the President constitutional responsibility for security without actual power. What the November 03 crisis suggests as an alternative is sharing of both power and responsibility. Power-sharing, along with burden-sharingshould be the conceptual premise on which a framework of accommodation can ideally rest. Such a framework will also stabilize the newly effected power symmetry in Colombo, which is crucial to carry the peace process forward in its forthcoming phase.
Can the PA and UNF agree on a moratorium of hostilities seeking partnership in the peace and constitutional reform processes? If they can, it would bean important first steptowards constructive political engagement in the South. Because it will create an atmosphere for re-stabilization through deescalation of tension and dialogue between two leaders who represent equally powerful, and rival centers of power.
The next step will involve working out of the much needed framework of accommodation through dialogue. This essay has already suggested some measures necessary for such a framework. The democratic civil society as well as the international community would certainly be there to share the burden for working out creative options.
IThe writer is Professor and Head of Dept. of Political Science, University of Colombo.1
/EL oNLY) )-SRI LANKA
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NOVEMBER 2003
Concessions and comp. crucial to avert show(
Gaston de Rosayro
From both outside and internally the political developments in Sri Lanka are being viewed with concern.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga using her Executive prerogative has suspended parliament, sacked three ministers. The President's startling move, likened by some observers to a constitutional coup d'état has deservingly made global headlines and is continuing to do so.
Still many were taken totaly unawares by the Presidential move, although several analysts maintain that such an action was not totally unexpected. Observers argue that Mrs. Kumaratunga's sudden attempt to destabilise her main political rival, Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, while he was away in Washington to meet the United States President, George Bush, was fairly predictable considering the many ground realities of her own predicament.
Nonetheless there is cause for concern that the nation’s deepening political crisis could impede the fragile peace negotiations between the Government and Tamil Tiger rebels. Not unexpectedly, the world of diplomacy and the country's concerned inhabitants reverted to prayer in the hope that the situation would not provoke a constitutional crisis that would send it plunging into a hopeless political confrontation. But judging by the visiting prime minister's calm reaction in Washington, as witnessed on the foreign TV news bulletins, many would have imagined that the looming crisis had been blown entirely out of proportion.
While the panicky feathers began flying in the Government dovecotes as if the sky appeared to have fallen in, Mr. Wickremesinghe absorbed in his diplomatic mission to the White House appeared to take the whole political reversal lightly in his stride. Undeniably, the Sri Lankan premier's deportment could hardly have been measured as the fearful image of a political leader under siege. And his demeanour while fielding questions from arguably the world's most elite press corps appeared to be the epitome of equanimity.
Downplay
Indeed, his inful patronising attitude the events to a deg seem not as earthdevelopments but r nile parish-pump would take care of lombo.
He lay emphasi. jority in the legislatu ernment was stable, with its promised rel light of the developm international media his neck of the polit rule rather than the
Even now, sev continue to Mr.Wickremesingh in a dither, to say t have a point there. S given him adequate composed and coml tional ability as a sk cian. All the same, n he was sculpted in granduncle and polit Junius Richard Jaye Not surprisingly his late mentor's fox to have rubbed offo among them both th litical proficiency unruffled manoeu course of the most s In similarity to Jayewardene, who v have lost his Wickremesinghe to jor imponderable. M siders concede that C of knowing what is stylishly coiffuredh Throughout hist ister, Mr. Wickreme lying on staying pc dialogue rather thar discourse or provoca rebellious Tamil Ti ernpolitical detract Certain discern tend that up to now right moves to ensur fast to its well-ear rather than pursue a of vengeance agai

TAMILTIMES 25
rOmise loWn
iating smirk and his served to downplay ree that made them shattering political ather as some juvenfractions that he on his return to Co
on his party's mare and said the Govand would go ahead orms. He also made hents, reminding the that such storms in ical woods were the exception. eral commentators StreSS that e has found himself he least. They may Still, many have not recognition for his mendable organizaillful political tactimany analysts assert the replica of his tical guru, president wardene. , more than a few of y uniqueness appear n him. Not the least le "Old Man's" poand the ability for vring even in the erious crises.
the late president was never known to sangfroid, Mr ) has become a ma(any of his party inften there is no way going on inside that ead. enure as prime minsinghe has been rewer and composed plumping for rash tion against both the gers and his south)rS, ng observers conhe has made all the : that his party holds ed political profits worthless campaign st his adversaries.
Without a doubt, his critics insist that he has often remained content during times of crisis to desist from making any moves at all. That is why, they claim disparagingly, he cannot be accused of making a false step.
The Government has accused Mrs. Kumaratunga of"gross abuse of presidential powers'. Indeed, the Presidential action, which is within the Executive's authority, came three days after the Tamil Tigers released a plan for power sharing which her party claimed would lead to a divided country.
Speaking on national television, the President said she had exercised her legal authority "to safeguard the interests of the country'.
The Government rebutted the presidential claim as complete eye-wash, pointing out that there wasn't the slightest need for concerns over national security. Besides, it claims that the whole world is aware that there is absolutely no necessity to justify declaring a state of emergency.
But there has been speculation that the real reason behind the constitutional commotion is that the ruling party has been engaged in a secret mission to oust the president in parliament later this month. Some secret that
The alleged plan by key ministers involved the presentation ofan impeachment motion against the President following an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva which was tabled in parliament on Tuesday.
Analysts conceive the President's gambit as a knee-jerk defensive reaction to ensure her political survival. At present, the air is thick with talk of denigration and challenges. This includes the accustomed portion of bluff and bluster from both big party heavyweights relating to the rounding up of legislative votes as well as threats of impending defections.
Impasse
Compounding the complexity of the problem is the constitutional impasse in which the President, who is the also leader of the main rival opposition party is considered the Government's archenemy. Clearly there is bound to be obvious conflict between the two hats she
WCS.
Not unnaturally, the Government since it assumed office has been whining continually that its every attempt to achieve social and economic reforms while being focussed on forging a national peace accord has been thwarted

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26 TAMILTIMES
at every turn by presidential caprice.
Many of its hawks have been affirming that it is about time some of those presidential powers were removed. Doing so would be an essential part of their strategy in dislodging an insufferable constitutional obstruction that cannot be endured any longer. However, it is not for want of trying that it has not been able to untangle the constitutional enigma. In the UNF's eleventh year of office in October last year, two of its constitutional amendments were crumpled by a Supreme Court decision.
The essential component of the 19th Amendment had been to pre-empt Mrs. Kumaratunga from harbouring any ambitions to use her sweeping Executive powers to provide the Government with a sturdy kick in the behind by dissolving parliament after it ended its 12 months in office on December 5 of that
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The exhausting tions between the Ex islature have been long. But consider a Executive’s vulnerat The constitutio Kumaratunga from c. dential election in 2 end of her second ti Executive President dently conscious th: poll will not bring h ance the possibly ho Few observers ha who will win in the election being callec course, a presidentia Mrs. Kumaratung her continued politic be to form a nation: would ensure her at in parliament. That possible way that sh cumbent of the offic
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While the nation and the world watches the enfolding political drama with trepidation, it will all the same convey the fervent hopes of all peace-loving people that a senseless face-off might be averted by saner counsel and compromise. Because this is a juncture in which the nation is engulfed in perhaps its darkest hour.
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S649m aid committed to Northeast: Oct 14“The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Food Program, the European Commission, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States have committed a total of USS 649 million to the North East to date. The donor community stands ready to support reconstruction and recovery in the conflict-affected areas,' said a joint donor press release issued from the offices of Worldbank in Colombo today.
The press release added: Sri Lanka now has a rare opportunity to strengthen peace, reduce poverty and broaden the space for economic development. The road to Jaffna was reopened after 12 years, the economic embargo on LTTEheld areas lifted last year and large tracks of land de-mined. 311,000 IDPs have returned to their homes since the ceasefire. This represents 40% of the internally displaced population registered in January, 2002 and over 50% of the IDPs who had indicated a willingness to return to their homes in a joint Government-UNHCR survey conducted in mid-2002. The donor community pledged increased financial resources for relief and reconstruction in the North East in response to a joint Government-LTTE appeal in Oslo in November, 2002. 55 schools and 25 health facilities have been reconstructed using donor funds. Another 93 schools, 90 health care centers and 75 office buildings in the North East have been identified for repair in 2004 using US$ 12 million of international resources. 45 kilometers of the A-9 highway have been rehabilitated and work on the remaining 50 kilometers almost complete. Donor resources financed the repair of 238 kilometers of rural roads, 108 irrigation tanks and 156 wells. 32,734. IDP families received the donor-financed Unified Assistance Scheme cash grant of Rs 25,000 as at September 30, 2003.
Death for Dalada bombers: Oct 15 A. Sri Lankan court handed down the death sentence to two men for organising the 1998 bombing of the country's holiest Buddhist shrine, which killed 23 people.
The High Court in the central town of Kandy sentenced Muthysamy Dharmalingam and Krishnasamy Ramachandra, both from the minority Tamil community, for their involvement in the January 1998 bombing. It sentenced anotherman to 20 years in jail and freed a fourth, a court official said. All the men were accused of staging the truck bombing of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
The bombing of the World Heritage site outraged Sri Lankans as well the international community. A few days afterwards the Sri Lankan government outlawed theLTTE, which was held responsible for the attack.
The men can appeal against the sentence. The country has not carried out capital punishment for more than 27 years and death sentences are automatically turned into a life term in prison.
TNA meets Indian Foreign Minister: Oct 15 - The visiting Indian Foreign Minister, Mr. Yaswant Sinha, told the
 

TAMILTIMES 27
Tamil National Alliance that the Indian government would extend its support to all efforts taken to find a peaceful
political solution to the island's ethnic conflict through democratic means, safeguarding human rights and based on the concept of multi-racial country, TNA sources said.
TNA parliamentary group leader and Secretary General of Tamil United Liberation Front, Mr. R. Sampanthan, met Mr.Yaswant Sinha Tuesday at a dinner hosted by the Indian High Commission for the visiting Minister. Both held discussion about the present peace process, TNA sources said. Mr. Sampanthan told the Indian minister that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been actively participating in the current peace process with dedication and with genuine interest in finding a peaceful political solution and the proposed Interim Administrative structure has been designed as a vehicle to take forward the peace process to find a permanent political solution.
Canadian FM visits Jaffna: Oct 16-"I have come to Jaffna today to see first hand the devastation wrought by the long and tragic conflict, and to gain better understanding of the ground realities," said Canadian Foreign Minister Mr. Bill Graham, addressing a press conference Thursday at the UNHCR office in Jaffna. "Canada's major foreign policy objective with regards to Sri Lanka is to promote a permanent political settlement of the conflict between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)," said Mr. Graham. He said that he met with the Security Forces commander and leaders from "a broad section of civil society people who have lived in the region throughout the conflict, and who are dedicated to assisting the population rebuild shattered lives.'
"In my meeting with the military commander, I discussed the complex military situation in the High Security Zones. The government is now working on this issue. They have some security concerns regarding resettlement in high security zones,” said Mr. Graham in reply to a question.
"I have come to Sri Lanka at this critical juncture in the peace process to underline Canada's strong and continued support for peace,” said the Canadian Minister, adding that a "negotiated settlement is the only way to secure lasting peace. A negotiated settlement must satisfy the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans regardless of language, ethnicity or religion.”
"Canada has long experience with federalism. We have learned how peoples of diverse language, ethnicity and religion can live and prosper together. I believe that some form of federalism, tailored to Sri Lanka's unique circumstances, offers the most viable political solution. For the past year, the Canada-based Forum of Federations has been sharing knowledge and expertise on federal options with all parties to the peace process. The Government of Canada has been funding this work, and I am pleased to announce today that Canada will continue such support, as long as the parties find it useful," said Mr. Graham,
"The LTTE must actively re-engage in peace talks, and

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once back at the table, stay the course,” he stressed adding that the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils - indeed all Sri Lankans-to live in peace and dignity would only be served by a negotiated settlement. "Canada has a direct interest in the peaceful resolution of conflict in Sri Lanka. The conflict here has had a direct impact on Canadian society. More than 200,000 people of Sri Lankan origin now call Canada their home. We have welcomed them and they have enriched our society. There are now close ties of family, friendship and business between our two countries.”
LTTE delegation meets Norwegian FM: Oct 16 - The LTTE's peace delegation led by the head of the organization's political wing, Mr.S.P.Mr.Thamilchelvan, met with the Foreign Minister of Norway, Mr. Jan Petersen, Thursday at the Royal Norwegian Foreign Minister.
The Norwegian delegation included the special peace envoy for Sri Lanka, Mr.Erik Solheim, and advisor Lisa Golden. ܚܝܠ ܐ
The LTTE's Special Commander for Batticaloa-Ampara, Col. Karuna, was part of the delegation.The general secretary of the LTTE's Peace Secretariat, Mr. Pulithevan, and the deputy head of the LTTE's Women's political wing, Ms. Thamilvili, also took part in the meeting with the Norwegian Foreign Minister.
Mr. Petersen wanted to know in detail the progress made so far in formulating the Interim Administration proposals and requested Mr. Tamilchelvan to brief him on the current political situation, LTTE sources said. According to the sources, Mr. Thamilchelvan told Mr. Petersen that while the LTTE's Interim Administration proposals formulated in Paris were under review by the leader of the LTTE, Mr. V. Pirapaharan, the LTTE found that certain amendments were necessary, and therefore had to conduct further deliberations with experts from the Tamil Diaspora who initially helped formulate the proposals.
According to sources, Mr. Petersen expressed keen interest in the details and showed his understanding of the ground situation in the Northeast. "Norway, as the facilitator, will take all possible measures to bring about a conducive environment for the resumption of talks and the eventual resolution of the conflict,' Mr. Petersen told the LTTE delegation.
Hakeem meets Indian FM: Oct 16 - Mr. Rauff Hakeem, the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and a Minister in the United National Front Government, met with the visiting Indian Foreign Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha and told the latter that it was of paramount importance to safeguard Muslim interests in the proposed Interim Administration for the Northeast, sources said.
Mr. Hakeem, who met with Mr. Sinha at the dinner hosted by Indian Highcommission in Colombo for the visiting Minister, explained his party's stand and said his party would not compromise its demands, the sources said.
He said that he was happy to note that India was showing concern that all communities should benefit from a solution, and added that he was awaiting the counter-proposals of the Liberation Tigers to study the proposals and provide his suggestions and opinions.

AMIL TIMES 29
Defence deal with Delhi: Oct 22- Sri Lanka's usually squabbling main parties united in a rare display of unity to support increased defence and economic cooperation with neighbouring India.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga's party which is bitterly opposed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the outcome of his two-day visit to New Delhi where both countries agreed to enhance their trade and military ties. A spokesman for Kumaratunga's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) also welcomed India's support for the island's peace effort by linking any interim arrangement to the final solution of the conflict. "We welcome the statement released at the end of the visit,' Sarath Amunugama said referring to the three-page joint statement which outlined economic cooperation and agreed to open discussions on a defence cooperation agreement.
The two countries already have close military ties, with India providing training to members of the Sri Lankan security forces as well as the police. Sri Lanka wants more training opportunities and to buy hardware from India. Following Wickremesinghe's talks with his Indian counterpart Atal Behari Vajpayee and other key ministers, the two sides on Tuesday pledged to forge defence ties and work towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The two South Asian neighbours made other announcements on more civilian flights and the prospect of licensed fishing in a bid to avoid fishermen from the two countries poaching in each other's waters.
"The two prime ministers discussed the ongoing cooperation in training and supply of equipment to the Sri Lankan defence forces and agreed that the two sides will commence discussions with a view to conclude a defence cooperation agreement at the earliest,” a joint statement said. The statement did not give details such as dates for the beginning of the negotiations or a time-frame for the forging of the programme, but defence officials here said talks on enhancing training were already underway.
The Colombo government and the LTTE have been observing a Norwegian-backed ceasefire since February last year. Peace talks have been suspended since April, but the rebels said this week they were ready to resume talks.
Police block demonstrators: Oct 22 - The Eastern Peoples' Front held a hartal (general shutdown) and demonstration in Trincomalee town against the presence of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and the establishment of an Interim Administration for the northeast province. However the Police did not allow the demonstrators reaching the SLMM office, which is located along the Inner Harbour Road.
Only shops belonging to Sinhalese were seen closed in response to the hartal call. Shops belonging to Tamils and Muslims were found opened. Schools functioned as usual. Work in the government offices were not disrupted. In short, normalcy was not disrupted in Trincomalee town, media sources said.
The anti-peace demonstration commenced from the fourth milepost on the Trincomalee-Kandy road Wednesday morning. Around 12.30 p.m. it reached the town and then proceeded towards the office of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission which is located along the Inner Harbour Road

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via Dockyard Road and Post Office Road.
Protestors shouted slogans in Sinhala and Tamil languages, accusing the Prime Minister and the SLMM ofjoining hands to handover the northeast to the LTTE in the name of establishing interim administration.
The police immediately barricaded Inner Harbour Road at the junction very close to the SLMM office by keeping two Police lorries across the road when the demonstrators attempted to go to the SLMM office with an effigy of the SLMM head in Sri Lanka, which they carried, from the start of the demonstration. Police riot squad was at the scene in preparedness to quell any disturbances if the demonstrators disobeyed their order, Police said.
As the Police were strict in their position, demonstrators abandoned the idea of going to the SLMM office. Later they tied the effigy with the electric post located at the scene and set fire to it amid shouts that the SLMM should immediately go home instead of aiding and abetting the LTTE to achieve its separate state in connivance with the United National Front government led by Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe. Thereafter demonstrators dispersed from the site peacefully, the sources said.
President wants SLMM head sacked: Oct.23 - President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunge, has requested the Norwegian Prime Minister to remove the head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Major General (retd.) Triggve Teleffsen, immediately from his post, saying his actions have caused serious doubts in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the Presidential Secretariat said.
Ms. Kumaratunge has written to the Norwegian Prime Minister following the allegation made by the Sri Lanka Navy commander that the SLMM had thwarted an attempt by the Navy to capture a ship of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that, the Navy alleges, had been carrying arms during the previous week. According to the sources, the President has informed the Norwegian Prime Minister that the SLMM head was not impartial, and his action regarding the security of her country was not satisfactory.
SLFP protest demonstration: Oct 24-Thousands of people participated in the demonstration organized by the main constituent of the opposition People's Alliance, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), against the United National Front (UNF) government of Sri Lanka Friday in Colombo, saying the UNF was paving the way for the division of the country. Demonstrations began from five corners of the city at Sugathathasa Stadium, Chandra de Silva Stadium, Henry Pedris Stadium, Campbell Park and Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
Leader of the Opposition, Mr.Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliamentarians Mr.Anura Bandaranaike, General Anuruddha Ratwatte, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera and several leading members of the SLFP were seen leading the demonstrations. Several demonstrators shouted slogans and carried banners and placards blaming the UNF government for signing a ceasefire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which they said was a 'betrayal of the nation'.
SLMM monitoring will continue: Oct 25 - The Sri Lanka

NOVEMBER 2003
Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in Sri Lanka said that the President's letter asking the Norwegian Prime Minister to remove the SLMM head would not affect the SLMM monitoring activities in the island, the State controlled Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation reported in its evening news broadcast quoting the SLMM spokesperson Ms Agnes Bragadottir. With the President's letter to Norwegian Prime Minister requesting the removal of the SLMM head, some sections of the media carried reports that the SLMM would withdraw from ceasefire monitoring. "The media reports concerned are unfounded,” Ms. Bragadottir said.
President’s letter would not affect the monitoring activities of the SLMM in Sri Lanka. Monitors would continue to discharge their duties without any interruption, SLMM spokesperson Ms Agnes Bragadottir reiterated according to the SLBC news broadcast.
SLMM spokesperson declined to comment on the President's letter on the removal of SLMM head. But she said the response to the President's letter would be made by appropriate branch of the Norwegian government.
Exports increase: Oct 26 - Sri Lanka's exports jumped by ll percent and imports increased by nine percent in the first eight months of the year but the trade deficit also widened, the Central Bank said Monday.
Export earnings up to August were 3.341 billion dollars, compared with 3.009 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2002, the bank said in a statement.
It said imports cost 4.217 billion dollars, up from 3.876 billion dollars in the first eight months last year.
The trade deficit in the first eight months of 2003 widened to 876 million dollars, up 10 million dollars from January-August 2002.
"Nevertheless, increased foreign exchange inflows due to growth intourism, port services, private transfers and capital account flows increased foreign exchange liquidity (and) enabled the Central Bank to purchase 258 million dollars from the market during the first eight months of 2003," the bank said.
Sri Lanka is targetting Gross Domestic Product growth in 2003 of at least six percent, up from four percent last year, on the back of a ceasefire with Tamil Tiger rebels that has held since February 2002.
Norwegian FM responds to SL President: Oct 29 - The Norwegian Foreign Ministry in a press release today said that the Foreign Minister, Mr. Jan Petersen, had responded to the letter from Sri Lanka's President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, in which she referred to incidents on October 16, 2003, involving the Norwegian-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). The response described the steps the Government of Norway (GoN) would take in response to her complaints and said that the SLMM would continue its monitoring without change while the GoN looks into the complaints of Ms. Kumaratunga.
It was earlier reported on October 26 that Ms. Kumaratunga had requested the Norwegian Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, to remove with immediate effect the Head of the SLMM, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Tryggve Tellefsen. Ms. Kumaratunga had also sent written instructions on the

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same day to Commanders of the Army (Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalle), the Navy (Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri) and the Air Force (Air Marshal Donald Perera) on Friday, that they need not take instructions or advice from Maj. Gen. Tellefsen. Mr. Petersen said in his response to Ms. Kumaratunga's letter that he would await the reports of the inquiry the Government of Sri Lanka had launched into the October 16 incident and carefully study it and also undertake a separate examination of the issues concerning the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The full text of the press release follows:
"The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jan Petersen, today replied to a letter of 23 October 2003 from the President of Sri Lanka, Ms Chandrika Kumaratunga, regarding a reported incident on 16 October 2003 involving the Norwegian-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.
"In his letter Jan Petersen informed the President of Sri Lanka of the steps that Norway will take in this matter and referred to the inquiry the Sri Lankan Government has launched into the reported incident. །
"Jan Petersen said he will study carefully the report of the Government of Sri Lanka and also undertake a separate examination of the issues regarding the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.
"Further, Jan Petersen stated that in this process he will consult closely with the governments of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, which participate in the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, in order to jointly assess the situation and the implications for the presence of the international monitors in Sri Lanka.
“Jan Petersen has asked the head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Major General (ret.) Tryggve Tellefsen, to be available for these discussions, including meetings with the Nordic governments.
“The Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam will both be consulted as parties to the ceasefire agreement, under which the establishment of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission was agreed.
"Jan Petersen confirmed that the Government of Norway remains committed to facilitating the peace process in Sri Lanka at the request of both parties., - adding that, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission will continue to monitor the ceasefire agreement, upon the parties' request, while we look into the incident.'
LTTE submits IA proposals: Oct31 - Mr. S. P. Thamilchelvan, Head of the Political wing of the LTTE today submitted the Interim Administration (IA) proposals to the Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Mr. Hans Brattskar, at Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka. Mr. Brattskar arrived in Kilinochchi by SLA special aircraft and returned to Colombo the same day with the LTTE proposals. The proposals were submitted to the Government of Sri Lanka the same evening.
Documentary on Volcanic Birds': Nov 2 - A documentary video production labelled Akkini Paravaikal ("Volcanic Birds') depicting the evolutionary growth of the women Tiger movement, including the early experiences in the battle field, training methods used and social difficulties faced by fighters within the conservative Tamil society, was released in Kilinochchi on November 1, LTTE sources in Vanni said.
Senior Commander Col.Balraj, who is generally credited with first deploying women fighting groups in the suc

TAMILTIMES 31
cessful attack against Mankulam camp in 1990, said that women Tigers have shown that they are equal to men in battlefield. Women Tigers have contributed immensely to LTTE's military successes, he added. The video documentary will help to inform our people and our future generations of the historic changes brought about by Tamil women in battle, Col.Balraj said.
Athiluxmy Sivakumar from Voice of Tigers, Senior LTTE member V.Balakumaran, and Ms. Arulanantham from University of Jaffna also spoke. Head of LTTE Women's Political Wing, Thamilini, speaking at the event described how the Tamil society is continuing to change as achievements of women tigers help to break dogmas rooted in Tamil society. Head of the Martyr's office of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Mr. Pon Thiyagam, and Mrs.Thiyagam lit the ceremonial lamp. Senior Women fighter and Director of Sencholai Children's Home, Sudarmahal, hoisted the Tamil Eelam flag. Head of the LTTE's Nitharsanam Television section, Pramila, presided the ceremony.
Deputy Head of LTTE Political Section, S.Thangan, presented awards to the producers, artists and technical personnel who produced the video. The event concluded at 10pm after Uthayaluxmi who produced the script with Neriyalkai and Serumathi, gave vote of thanks.
Rotary housing project for IDPs: Nov 2-A housing project comprising thirty-five houses constructed at a cost of about 3.46 million rupees for the returnees of internally displaced Tamil families implemented by the Trincomalee Rotary Club with the financial assistance of German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) was declared open at Varothyanagar, a suburb in Trincomalee town by the Rotary Governor Mr. Gamini Jayawardene.
GTZ, a company owned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is one of the official planning and implementation agencies for the official German Development Cooperation.
Mr. Gamini Jayawardene with the team leader of the GTZ-Integrated Food Security Programme (IFSP) in Trincomalee Dr.Genitz Dedo declared open the newly constructed first house in the project which belongs to Ms Sittampalam Chandra Devi, a widow mother of five children, all are girls. Trincomalee Rotary Club President Mr.R.Rajarammohan handed over the keys of the house to her.
With the ceasefire agreement came into force displaced from Varothia Nagar are returning to their lands and constructing temporary huts as they have no means to put up permanent dwellings. Trincomalee Rotary Club has again come to the rescue of the villagers by formulating a project to build permanent houses with the financial assistance of the GTZ organization.
Each house, which costs about one hundred thousand rupees, has been constructed in a four hundred square feet plot with two rooms and a kitchen. The GTZ organization contributed eighty percent of the cost and the beneficiary the balance money to complete the work by his participation.
NPC on LTTE's ISGA proposals: Nov 2 - Noting "a great deal of effort has gone into formulating the proposals with the assistance of both local and international expertise and is indicative of a serious approach to dialogue and to the peace process", the National Peace Council (NPC) of Sri Lankan peace group, in a media release issued in Colombo

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today said that "the LTTE has given concrete form to its expectations in a manner that is essentially compatible with peaceful coexistence in a united Sri Lanka'. The full text of NPC's media release follows:
The National Peace Council welcomes the LTTE's presentation of its proposals for an interim administrative structure is an important step forward in the peace process. We acknowledge that a great deal of effort has gone into formulating the proposals with the assistance of both local and international expertise and is indicative of a serious approach to dialogue and to the peace process. With its proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority, the LTTE has given concrete form to its expectations in a manner that is essentially compatible with peaceful coexistence in a united Sri Lanka.
The LTTE proposals lay emphasis on the importance of incorporating standards of human rights, accountability and multi-ethnic representation in its proposed Interim Self Governing Authority. Translating these proposals into workable mechanisms for the north east is a challenge to the LTTE, and the rest of the Sri Lankan polity. There is also a challenge to find ways to link the new institutions proposed by the LTTE with existing and reformed national institutions in a manner compatible with a united framework of governaCC.
The LTTE's position that its proposals are open to dialogue and discussion at the negotiating table is an extremely constructive one. In any situation of conflict what mightseem reasonable and just to one party to the conflict might seem threatening and unfair to other parties. The government has already pointed out that there are certain fundamental differences between the LTTE's proposals and its own. We welcome the government's statement that the LTTE's proposals constitute a basis for discussions and look forward to the resumption of government-LTTE peace talks in the near future. Proposal merits no discussions-JVP: Nov 2-The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said that the interim administrative structure proposal submitted by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) deserves no discussions with any one and should be thrown into waste paper basket. The JVP pointed out that the proposal contained all powers required for a separate state in the island, media sources in Colombo said.
Addressing a press briefing in Colombo JVP Secretary General Mr.Tilvin Silva said the interim self-governing authority (ISGA)proposed by the LTTE would pave the way for a separate state. The LTTE proposals formed the foundation for Tamil Eelam in the country.
LTTE has used its powers to get what it wanted and it seemed the government was again ready to accede to LTTE requests, he said. He added that the LTTE proposals have gone beyond the devolution process in India and the government has succumbed to the pressure of the LTTE. JVP parliamentary group leader Mr.Wimal Weerawanse said he hoped to launch a program jointly with other political par
WWW.armaSSOCiates.CO.uk - uSE
 

NOVEMBER 2003
ties which oppose LTTE interim administrative structure proposals.
U.S. supports resumption of talks: Nov 3 - Applauding the Norwegian government for its ongoing facilitation ef. forts, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka in a statement issued today in Colombo, said that it also believed that "it is possible for both sides to reach agreement on an interim administration which, over time, must lead into a permanent peace settlement'.
In a press release the Embassy said, "The U.S. Embassy has taken note of the LTTE's delivery of counterproposals made in response to the Sri Lankan Government's interim administration proposal for the North and East. The Embassy urges both parties to build on this step by resuming negotiations in a timely manner.
With a constructive approach and willingness to compromise, we continue to believe that a negotiated solution to the conflict is possible.
We also believe that it is possible for both sides to reach agreement on an interim administration which, over time, must lead into a permanent peace settlement and governmental structure, in keeping with the principles and statements put forward in Oslo and Tokyo. We salute the Norwegian government for its ongoing facilitation effort.”
Hakim to prepare alternate proposals: Nov 3 - The leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and Minister Mr. Rauff Hakim said that he did not want to comment on the Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) proposals made by theLTT, adding however that he would submit alternate proposals to meet the aspirations of the Muslims in the northeast.
Mr. Hakim added that he would be meeting all Muslim parliamentarians on Wednesday and would formulate the alternate proposals to the ISGA of the LTTE. He would submit his proposals to the government and to the LTTE through Norwegian facilitator after holding discussion with Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vidar Helgessen who is due in Colombo on November 10. SLFP's “grave concern” over LTTE proposals: Nov 4SLFP issued a long statement today condemning the Tamil proposal for Interim Self-Governing Authority. "The SLFP, and the millions who support it, will never be a party to robbing the people of Sri Lanka of their sovereignty. The SLFP will not allow any international consortium or "safety net', in the name of a spurious, unjust peace, to foist on the people of Sri Lanka any extra Constitutional arrangement that is not acceptable to all the People, all the communities that inhabit our land' said the statement.
The statement also said that the party "wishes to reiterate, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, its total and permanent commitment to the sovereignty of the Republic. Our Constitution declares that sovereignty is in the People, it is inalienable and indivisible: it is ours; it belongs to us. It is not a tradeable commodity to be weighed in the balance of expedience."
ful links - ARM Online Insurance

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NOVEMBER 2003
Need for chan
in the law
T. R. Andhyarujina
THE ACTION of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, of punishing the editors and journalists of The Hindu for publishing reports of speeches in the Assembly and for editorial comments on its action of referring those reports to its Privilege Committee, raises in acute form the perennial problem of the protection of the freedom of speech and the Press from arbitrary exercise of the power of punishing for contempt possessed by the Legislature.
So far, the pronouncements of the Supreme Court in the Searchlight case (1959) and Keshav Singh's case (1964) appear to hold that freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution is subordinate to the right of the Legislatures to exercise their privilege to punish persons for writings that bring them into contempt.
This question now requires to be reconsidered by the Supreme Court in the context of its later day evolvingjurisprudence - of expanding judicial control over all functionaries under the Constitution, howsoever high they may be - its activism in protecting the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, and the practical abandonment of the exercise of such contempt powers by the House of Commons itself whose medieval powers and immunities are said to be the root and justification for the existence of such powers in our Constitution.
The justification for retaining parliamentary privileges in modern times is their ancillary character, that is, without them the Legislatures cannot discharge their functions, and any action that impedes their functions is a breach of privilege. The right of a member of the Legislative Assembly to freely speak in the Assembly is also a privilege, and any action that prevents such a right is a breach of privilege.
But the Constitu nises that the funda dom of speech of a includes freedom o and write freely ar cise matters of pub cluding proceeding and the conduct of exercise of this fu reasonably criticist Legislature, the P1 peach or question ti in the Legislature', privilege given to th Commons by the Bi Nor does it bring t its members into di
If the Press is tempt of the Legisl: cises its fundamenta criticise the actions Assembly and its Hindu did, no new to function for fear with the claim of 1 part of their privile sive cognisance of their actions for p tempt, and immunit review of the actio) prescription for un arbitrariness and ni of law.
There is good g that the Supreme gave overriding pov in the exercise of th the fundamental ri speech in the Searc, which was followed case in 1964. But K itself exploded the ercise of the Legisla ish for contempt w; controlled as it held the Legislature was Court if it was viol
 

tion equally recogmental right of freeindividual (which the Press) to speak d reasonably critilic importance, ins in the Legislature its members. In the ndamental right to the action of the ess does not “imhe debate or speech which is the ancient e English House of ll of Rights in 1689. he Legislature and srespect. punished for conature when it exerlright to reportand of the Legislative members, as The paper will be able of contempt. Taken he Legislatures as ges to have excluthe legitimacy of unishing for cony from any judicial ns, this would be a bridled autocracy, gation of the rule
ound for believing Court mistakenly vers to Legislatures eir privileges over ght of freedom of light case in 1959, in Keshav Singh's 2shav Singh's case heory that the exture's right to puns absolute and unthat any action of examinable by the tive of the funda
TAM TIMES 33
mental right to freedom embodied in Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution.
Since Keshav Singhos case, the Supreme Court has asserted judicial review in manifest ways over every authority under the Constitution. The highest legislative function of Parliament in making constitutional amendments is now subject to judicial review. Article 21 of the Constitution is now judicially construed in the widestamplitude to include many freedoms unrelated to freedoms of the person. Decisions of Speakers of Legislative Assemblies are subject to judicial review in matters of disqualification of members. The President's prerogative of pardon can be examined by courts. As Justice P.N. Bhagwati pithily put it in one case "Every organ of the government, be it executive, legislature or the judiciary, derives its authority from the Constitution and it has to act within the limits of its authority. No one, howsoever highly placed, and no authority, howsoever lofty, can claim that it shall be the sole judge of the extent of its power under the Constitution".
The powers of commitment to prison were once described in England as “the keystone of Parliamentary Privilege”. It has now fallen into disuse. The last person to be committed by the House of Commons was Bradlaugh in 1880. The Joint Parliamentary Committee recommended in 1999 that Parliament's power to imprison persons, whether members or not, who are in contempt of Parliament should be abolished.
It has been suggested that the Legislature, by not defining the extent of its privileges, which it is obliged to do, is facilitating its unbridled power of punishing for contempt. This is true. But even if the Legislatures do not codify their privileges, if the power is subjected to judicial scrutiny, there will be fewer occasions for misuse of such powers.
(The writer is a Senior Advocate and a former Solicitor General for India. THE HINDU 14/11/2003)

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34 TAM TIMES
BOOK REVIEW
The need for a rat peace dialogu
Sri Lanka”s Peace Process - 2002Critical Pers Edited by Jayadeva Uyangoda d& Morina Pej Published by the Social Scientists' Association, C
A Review by Dr. John Gooneratn
Deputy Director General, Secretariat for Coordinating the Peac
In a democratic society, and especially in a society where an effort is being made to bring to an end a long-running war, it is important to have those who are able to point out, when it is the case, that "The Emperor has no clothes on.' The contributors to this volume, who write from a conflict resolution perspective, are eminently qualified in this task. They point out the shortcomings and how they can be remedied, the dangers and pitfalls in the peace process and how they can be avoided. They also point out the positive things that are being done, and add their encouragement to such efforts. This is what the title of the book calls "critical perspectives."
To follow the current Peace Process that was initiated in December 2001 requires the stamina and staying power of a long-distance runner. Negotiating with the LTTE to find a solution to the present conflict is a very complex and multi-path endeavour. The debate on this in our print and electronic media is quite intense. But one cannot say that the debate is as nuanced or even-handed as the complexity of the negotiating effort deserves.
By far the strongest viewpoint that comes across in the media is that of those who say - the LTTE is never to be trusted, and that their participation in the peace process is one act of trickery. But they don't offer an alternative course. Does one revert to war, which was seen to be inconclusive, wasteful in men, materiel and economic resources, and the source of untold human rights violations and social ills? Opposed to this view are those who say that a pragmatic approach is needed, and for starters, it is important to keep the negotiations going. Instinctively, they know jaw jawing is better than war warring. But just jaw jawing is not enough.
One must have an one might jaw jaw conflict to a peace here, the assistance spent time in studyin and others, and who a perspective on hov ing, is of value. I c tivists. This is what Jayadeva Uyangoda attempts to do.
The book is di reader through the early 2003, not sim stages, but in an iss The different writer volume, through th quaint the reader w rent vocabulary of c erature. The boo. through these stage ion.
To give an idea taken up in the boo sampling of a few o tributions to the Navaratna-Bandar: "The Peace Process has this to say: "So approach has work lows only the elite decision making pr that this peace proc the masses.' We a profile case of the tion exercise, and plaints about the at of the Interim Adr she received. It "nclusive' the pe peace process is n is kept at an elit Bandara states: “TI LTTE have comple mous amount of di

NOVEMBER 2003
ional
Y
pectives
ard olombo.
: Process (SCOPP)
ppreciation of how to bring the current ful resolution. And
of those who have g conflicts, both ours are thus able to give things are proceedall them scholar-ac
the book edited by i and Morina Perera
signed to take the peace process up till ply in chronological ue-oriented fashion. s contributing to this eir analysis, also acith some of the curonflict resolution litk takes the reader s in a “critical” fash
of the range of issues c, I just like to take a these “critical” conbeace debate. A.M.
in a chapter titled: and Its Real Losers," far the government's dwell, though it alto participate in the ocess. It is very clear ss has so far excluded e aware of the highot-so-cozy cohabitahe President's comhenticity of the copy inistration proposals s an issue of how :e process is. If the t more inclusive and level, Navaratnae government and the ely ignored the enorretion that the 'street
level' personnel appears to possess in implementing the clauses of the MoU." He gives a very apt comment on this point: "The situation in the East proves that the conflict will not end with the talks held in Thailand." If people don't feel they are "stakeholders" or "have ownership" of the peace process (just to learn a bit of the vocabulary of conflict resolution literature) then its successful completion is that much impeded.
Kumar Rupesinghe, who has broad experience in conflict resolution internationally, and has written extensively on the subject, takes up this same theme of the need for greater inclusivity, in the chapter “Towards a MoU Between the UNF and the PA.” As he puts it: 'For a protracted conflict as in Sri Lanka to be transformed all the stakeholders must be brought into the framework where peace is the only viable alternative. In Sri Lanka the primary stakeholders are the government and the LTTE, but of crucial importance is the opposition.' And to this end he outlines two scenarios, and a proposal for a MoU between the UNF and the PA. Sumanasiri Liyanage in the chapter: “Will the Pragmatism Work?” makes the very perspicacious observation: "One key element of conflict resolution theory is that the conflicting parties, when ready for negotiation, ought to read each other's position correctly, misinterpretation of the other's position may be self-pleasing, but such misinterpretations may lead to failure of negotiations at the end of the day.” He makes this observation in the context of his opening sentence of the chapter: "The current peace process that earlier appeared to be heading for a successful resolution of Sri Lanka's conflict has now begun to show its weaknesses." Sumanasiri Liyanage also points to the "continuous charges of evasive sabotage and rumours of war preparation (that) have become headlines of the media coverage.” And in this connection he warns that "spoilers” (another for the vocabulary of conflict resolution literature) can scuttle the peace process moving forward. He calls for "a multi-faceted nonlinear approach different from the approach currently being adopted by the government.' There are several engrossing chapters by Uyangoda. Not only is he a scholaractivist, he was also closely associated with the negotiations with the LTTE in 1994/1995, and was also a member of the government delegation to the negotia

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NOVEMBER 2003
tions with the LTTE. As a result, his analysis and suggestions always have a sense of realism of the constraints that governments face in talks with the LTTE. I would choose just two or three observations he makes in some of his contributions.
He points out the case where, as conflicts persist, and new generations come on the scene, there is a tendency for the dynamics of the conflict to repeat itself, adding their own interpretation to the origins of the conflict, and keeping the conflict going. "Some of the recent academic literature on conflicts highlights the role of "predator social formations' (PSF) in thwarting efforts towards peace making in internal conflicts. The PSF are those who thrive in the continuation of the conflict in the context of which they have come into being. They are more than simple spoilers. They include an amazingly wide variety of constituencies and characters - politicians and political parties, traders and entrepreneurs, military and guerrilla groups active in the protracted conflict itself.” Uyangoda then asks the question: “Has Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict reached the stage of its resolution, in the sense of weakening or breaking up the conflict's reproductive dynamic?”
A comment Uyangoda makes in the chapter, "Peace in Sri Lanka: Prospects after Prabhakaran's Media Conference,' is very apposite in the context of current efforts at negotiating an Interim Admin
istrative Structure f provinces:" Resear 'separatist wars' are wars that have no di mination as such. T to handle them is th esses, of course thr so that the militariz formed into a politic no violence and wal
On the subject peace process touch chapter titled "Peace Civil Society," talki be drawn from other makes the followi brief, we may conc party alone and by political backing o forces, could ensure conflict, notwithstal peace deal has been sive international su A subject much what is the nature of ment being proposed ian or democratic? man rights activist peace dilemma seel totalitarian peace co outcome ofan unequ between a “weak lib cist” entity.” Uyang subject in the chapt I should not fail to n tions of the Univers
I wish to paylrenew my subscription for One yearltWO
й й в ве от ин и в Post COde.....
L C C LLL S L LLLLLLC0LCLLLLLLL0L0LLLLLLL L LLL00L0LLLL0LLLLLLL
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I am sending you a gift subscription on behalf of........ Please Send an introductory Copy to: ........................
enclose a donation of................ My chequesdraft/M.O οί.................... Name............................. .
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TAMILTIMES 35
the North and East hers now argue that pecial types of civil finite ending or tere most feasible way rough interim procugh trial and error, ed conflict is translmode that requires
f inclusivity of the ed on earlier, in the Process, People and ng of the lessons to conflicts, Uyangoda g observation: "In lude that no ruling itself, even with the f powerful external peace in a protracted lding the fact that a reached with extenpport.”
discussed today is the interim arranged. Will it be totalitar“The way many hus problematize the ms to assume that a uld be the inevitable |al political exchange eral state' and a "fasgoda deals with this er “Illiberal Peace?” mention the contribuity Teachers for Hu
man Rights (Jaffna) - UTHR (J). They are a persistent and dogged group. In the 1980s they faithfully recorded and disseminated the human rights violations committed by the Armed Forces.
They gave details of the incidents, violations, names of those who suffered, and the localities they came from. It is an incredible record of their accuracy that, as far as I know, not one of their claims were contradicted by the state. Now it is the LTTE they point the finger at in the chapter “The Human Rights Dilemma.” And their earlier record still holds good - none of the details of their current reports have been refuted as false. The other contributors to this book include 'Cat's Eye', dealing with gender issues arising from the peace process, under the chapter titled "Women and the Peace Process;' Morinna Perera, Adrian Wijemanne and Nimanthhi PereraRajasingham.
This collection of "critical" essays is sure to answer most of the questions a reader may have on the peace process, its nature, problems, prospects and the like. A very useful component in most of the essays is the theoretical buttressing it provides in an easy to digest manner. This helps the reader to make comparative assessments with other conflicts, in their different aspects, and thus build the capacity to think through issues rationally. A rational dialogue is what is needed, in place of an irrational one.
I: CanS40.00
'ears/three years
in favour of Tamil Times Ltd is to the total value
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Page 36
36 TAMA TIMES
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About People and Events
OBITUARES
Born 04.01.30, Died 11.10.03 Mr Nagalingam Vamadevan of Thames Ditton, Surrey, UK dearly beloved husband of Vimala, loving father of Suki, Hari, and Vamini, loving father-in-law of Viran, Nishanthi, and Ramesh; muoh loved Thatha and missed by Kyran and Maya, son of late Mr & Mrs Nagalingam of Karampan West, Kayts; son-in-law of late Mr & Mrs Appiah of Kondavil East, Kondavil; nep
 
 
 
 

NOVEMBER 2003
hew of Mr N. Navaratnam former MP for Kayts (Canada);brother of Mrs Parasakthy Eliathamby (UK), Mrs Kiruba Muthucoomarasamy (Canada), late Mrs Ambika Kandiah, Mr. N Skandarajah (Canada), and Mrs Balasaraswathy Nagarajah (UK); Brother-in-law of late Mrs R. Kanagasabapathy, Mrs. S. Kanagasabapathy (Colombo), late Dr. A. Pathmanathan, Mr. A. Panchalingam (France), Mrs Pushpam Somasunderam (UK), Mrs. Ranee Retnarajah, Dr A Balasunderam (USA) and Mrs Indranee Rasiah (UK) passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-three (73). Friends and relatives paid their respects at his residence, 1 Sterry Drive, Thames Ditton; then at King George's Hall, Esher, Surrey; after which the Cremation WaS held at Randalis Park Crematorium, Leatherhead. The members of the family Wish to thank all those who paid their respects in person, sent floral tributes, telephoned and telegrammed messages of sympathy and provided support during the period of bereavement.
-Vimala Vamadevan, 1 Sterry Drive, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 OYN. Tel 0208 398 6078.
Mrs Poomany Subramaniam, beloved wife of late K.S.Subramaniam (Popularly known as K.S.S. Retired Teacher and Hostel Warden, Jaffna Hindu College); daughter of late Mr. and Mrs C.M. Ponniah, Sister of late Ramanathan, Parasakthy, Leela, Pathmanathan, Manonmany, late Puvanasingam and Nesarajan, mother of
Kunam, Para, Mahes, late Narenthiran, Ranjit, Chandri and Sri, mother-in-law of Shanmugalingam, Easwary, Thisaiveerasingam, Kala, Ramanathan, Saba and Sakunthala has passed away on 24 August 03 after a brief illness at Suthumalai, Manірау. Funeral rites were performed on 27" August 03 at her house and cremation took place at Thavady Cemetry. She is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sisters, brothers, daughters, Sons, daughters-in-law, Sonsin-law, grandchildren and great grand children.
The members of the family thank all relatives, neighbours and friends who attended the funeral, Sent floral tributes and aSSisted them in several ways during the period of bereavement.
-Chandri Saba ( 0141 3373917)
Mr. Nadarajah Ratnasabapathy of Abdul Caffoor Mawatha and Retired Manager, State Pharmaceutical Corporation and Owner of Pathy Tea Traders, son of late S. V. Nadarajah and late Thiyamutthu; son-in-law of late Mr. & Mrs. Ponniah, beloved husband of Mangaleswari lowing father of Chandradass, Mohanadass (both of UK), Kajendrani (Canada), Vasuki (UK), Sri Gowri (Sri Lanka) and Mathusudhanadass (UK); father-in-law of Jessica, Gnanamalar, Kanagasabai, Sivakumaran; grandfather ofAmy, Olivia, Araan, Anushka, Jayanthi, Karthik, Seyon, Tenya and Lavanya passed away in Colombo on 2 October 2003 and was

Page 37
NOVEMBER 2003
Cremated at the Kannatte Crematorium, Borella on 5" October.
The members of the family wish to thank all relatives and friends Who attended the funeral, Sent floral tributes, messages of sympathy and for the support during the period of bereaVerment - 172 Fairlawn Park, Sydenham, London SE26 5SD, Phone: 020 8778 9013./ MOharadaSS- PhOne 0208551 7363
Mr Saravananuttu Kandiah Mathiaparanam (Nagathasan) of Chankanai, Sri Lanka, recently resident in Sydney and then Melbourne, Australia, passed away on Sunday 12 October 2003. His remains were Cremated after the offering of last respects by a large gathering of friends and relatives at the Springvale Boyd Chapel (Melboume) between 9:30 and 11:30 am on Tuesday 14 October 2003.
Mr Mathiaparanam son of
the late Mr Kandiah and late Mrs Ponnammah Kandiah, beloved husband of Annalakshmy, loving father of Ravichandhira of Glen Waverley (Melbourne), father-in-law of Narmatha, grandfather of Sai-Nivaeithan and SaiSarangan, brother of the late Kandiah Vimalathasan, uncle of Vimal Aravinthan (Melbourne) and Nandalal (Melbourne) and brother-in-law of Pathmadevi Vimalathasan (Melbourne), Dr Paramathipathy (Singapore), Vijayalakhmy Sanmugasundaram (Lon - don), Maylvaganam (Canada), late Poopalan, Jambunathan (Malaysia) and Gunalakshmy Kathirganathamby (London). Mr Mathiaparanam served as a lecturer at the Government Technical College, Maradana and later as a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Engineering at the Jaffna Polytechnical College. The family of the late Mr Mathiaparanam requests friends, relatives and Well Wishers to kindly accept this notification. Further, the family would like to thank all friends and relatives who visited him at the hospital, attended the funeral, Sent floral tributes and meSsages of sympathy and helped during the period of bereaVerment.
-39 Chivalry Avenue, Glen Waverley, 3150, AUSTRALIA. PhOne +61 39887624 e-mail: ravi ravichandhira GDroads, vic.gov.au.
IN MEMORAMS
Fifth Death Anniversary
in ever loving memory of Miss Daisy Selva ranee Rasiah, Retired teacher, Sri Lanka on the fifth anniversary of your passing away on 10 November 1998
"Love and remembrance
Last for ever' Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your loving Sister TheVaranee and other members of the family
- 64 Jessup Close, London SE18.
 
 

TAMLTIMES 37
Fourth Year Remembrance in ever-loving memory of Viranjani Rajika Malalgoda on the Fourth Anniversary of her passing away under tragic circumstances on 7 November 1999
To A Dear Daughter Thinking of you our dear Chooty, No one knows the heartache that lies behind our smile, No one knows the loneliness that's with us all the while, Silent tears fall gently that others do not see, For a kind and loving daughter who meant the world to us. Chooty, may you rest eternally in the lap of our Mother Sai, Miss you lots and love you forever.
Mum & Dad To A Dear Sister
Our dear Chooty, Loved and missed more than words can say, Since that sad day you went away, No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you're always there. May Baba give Peace to your Soul. We love you forever, Aiya & Saloni
25th Anniversary Remembrance
Dr. T. Kanagaratnam, 11 Dutch Road, Tellippallai, Sri Lanka
In treasured memory of a devoted husband and father who departed on 20. 10.78
Your presence we miss,
Your memory we treasure
Loving you always, And forgetting you never.
Fondly remembered by his ever-loving wife Mangal-apoovathy
and children Shantha, Ranji, Gunam, Saro, Nalayini, Daksha; Son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren
- "Greenacres, 63 Sandown Road,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

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38 TAM TIMES
The Second Year Remembrance
in Ever Loving and Treasured Memory of Sivagnanam Gratian Nirmalanandan
We shall meet again in a brighter land Where farewell is never spoken. We shall clasp each other, hand in hand And the clasp shall not be broken
Sadly missed and devotedly remembered by his loving wife Chandra, Beloved mumma, the family and friends
Second Year Rememberance
In ever loving memory of Mrs Pavalam Ramasamy who passed away on 29th November 2001
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna), Vijayakumar (Jaffna), Vijayadevi, Vijayarani and Jegasothy (all of London); in-laws Selva (Research Officer in Charge of Agricultural Research Station, Thirunelvely, Jaffna), Nathan, Sundaralingam, Dear Amma, Thillainathan (alI of Lon
Everyone says that you left don), Naguleswary (Jaffus, but to us you continue na); grandchildren Puruto live with us everyday showththaman, ToothSadly missed and fondly iransali, Luxana, Anand, remembered by your lov- Meni, Luxey and Vasanth.
ing children, Eng. Vijaya- - 11 Bulstrode Avenue, ratnam (Head, Dept. of Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 Agricultural Engineering, 3AA. Tel 02085776377
Mrs Chandra Ragupathy
in ever loving memory of my wife Chandra on the eighth anniversary of her passing away on 26 NoVember 1995. Sadly missed and fondly remembered as always by her loving husband Ragupathy
- 262 Wrincklemarsh Road, London SE38DW
 
 
 
 

NOVEMBER 2003
in Ever Loving Memory of Our Dearest Appah
Richard Jeyarajasingam Born: 2011, 1928 Called to glory: 27.11.1990
Thirteen years can never fill that void. But, the spiritual leadership and the testimony of your life, Heldus to rely on the promises of our Lord and
We are comforted by the hope we have, Ofour reunion in the New Jerusalem.
Ranee, Children and their families
Fondly remembered
FORTHCOMNCs EVENTS
Nov 296p.m. Colombo Hindu College Past Pupils' Association presents Cultural Evening 2003, a colourful event with top variety of Vocal, lnstrumental and Dances, at Upper Hall, Sudbury Primary School, Watford Road, Wembley, Middlesex. For ticketS Tel 020 8548 4194/8904 2027/8395 3686/ 8540 7641 Dec.1 Third Kaathigai Somavara77 3 Feast of St. Francis Xavier 4 Sukkla Eekathasi 5 PirathOSarm 6 Feast of St. Nicholas 7 Thiru Kaarthilgai Deepam; Feast of St. Ambrose 8 Full Moon; Sarvalaya and Home Deepam, Fourth Kaarthigai Somavaram 9 Sri Vinayagar Viratham starts, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary 12 Sankadakara Sathurthi 13 Feast of St. Lucy 14 Feast of St. John of The Cross 15 Fifth & last Kaarthigai
Somavaram 19 Krishna Eekathasi 21 PiratņOSa 22 Amavasai 24 Boxing Day 25 Christmas Day, Feast of St. Stephen
26 Sathuirthi 28 Sri Vinayagar Viratham ends 29 Thiruvenba vai starts; Feast of The Holy Family 31 Feast of St. Sylvester
WEDDING BELLS
We Congratulate the following couple on their recent wedding.
Gopikumar, son of Mrs M. Gnaneswaran of 112 Buckland Way, Worcester Park, Surrey KT48NP and late Mr. Gnameswaran and Kauthami daughter of Mrs B. Kangeyan and late Mr. Ka-ngeyan On 9 November 2003 at Wandsworth Town Hall "Civic Suite", London SW182PU.

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NOVEMBER 2003
Australian NeWS
Navarathiri was Observedacross Australia and cultural events to mark the occasion were held in Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. Diversity is well recognised in a multicultural society like that in Australia and aspirations, beliefs, traditions, and practices of different people are nurtured well. Eelam Tamil Association (formerly known as Ceylon Tamil Association) in Victoria is celebrating its silverjubilee this year. When only a Small number of Tamils lived, the need for such an entity was advocated by none other than Mr Chandrahasan, Son of late SJV Chelvanayakam whilst on a visit to Meibourne. The concept of collective voice touched the hearts and minds and thus born Ceylon Tamil Association under the leadership of Professor. CJ Eliezer. It was established with a Cultural focus and With the passing of time has evolved to become a leading Tamil organization in Victoria. It is vociferous in its campaign to alleviate the sufferings of Tamils in Ceylon and supports the just cause of Tamil people. Since inception it grew from strength to strength and it is in the forefront of social, political and cultural activities today. Its name was altered replacing "Ceylon" with that of Eelam in 2000. A grand function held in Septemberat Kingston Arts Centre commemorating the silver jubilee along with annual "Muthamil Vizha" under the leadership of Mr K.Gopalakrishnan featuring traditional dances, drama, musical etc. and a Souvenir was released to mark the OCCaSiOn. TRO, TEEDOR and TECH Australia organised an Indoor Sports Festival for the second consecutive year. It was an occasion for younger members of the community to interact with each other and indeed a fitting occasion for sports loving Australians. Consortium of Tamil Associations in Victoria felicitated two of the recipients of the Order of Australia medal, Mr Kandiah Thangarajah, President of Tamil Australian Friendship Society and Bishop Deakin, an ardent human rights supporter. Yadavan Yoga-natham, young and promising vocalist from Ceylon along with Ravi Ravichandhira a reputed local artist on Mirdhangham, AGA Gnanasundaram, a disciple of legendary Lalgudi Jayaraman on Violin and R Thiagarajan, disciple and son of another legendary Dr N Ramani on Flute rendered magnificent recital at Prasanthini Janarthanan's bharathanatyam arangetram. Prasanthini, a disciple of Narmatha Ravichandhira spectacularly commenced with an invocation to Manipay Maruthady Vinayakar and rapt the audience with her luminous performance.
S. Sitsabesan, Melbourne
Global Peac
Tne Vishva Hin organised a Vishval of several religious propagating "Peace Vedic concept of V. (World is one family on from world peac Millenium World P gious and Spiritual the United Nations was blessed and , Hindu / Buddhist re erSlike H.H. Dalai L Sankaracharya, V Thero, Satya Sa Sara Swati - and P Swaminarayan Pan ited 40 international three continents. It c ofitSASia Pacificle
The function toC at the State Sports ympic Park, Home gramme began W Youth, Business a meetings at 2 p.m. there were discussic the visiting religious resenting the Hindu The speeches we bhajans and religio symposium concluic there was a vast ( unique event.
Deepavali
Parliament October 29 October 20
Hindus in the Wales enjoyed as nonth. The NSWF decorated with light that the Australian was rejoicing with th occasion was widel and the electronic in
Last year, at the the Chairman of the Bala Subramaniam Guest, the Hon. Mr. NSW to conSider li House to celebrate and appointed Ms. M.P. for Strathfield ments. AS a reSult til tion this year.
The interior of th lit with Deepavali ligi decorated with Statu Saraswathi, Mahala

TAMILMES 39
letter
:e Yaatre
lu Parishad of Sydney Dharma PraSaar Yaatra ndspiritual leaders for On Earth' based on the Sudhaiva Kuttumbam ). This Yaatra followed e efforts urged at the eace Summit of Relileaders organised by in 2000. The Yaatra supported by several ligious /spiritual leadama, H. H. Jagadgune en. K. Siri Sumedha Baba, Dayananda ramukh Swamiji of th. The Yaatra has VisCities, 30 Countries and ame to Sydney as part g of the journey. k place on 1 October Centre at Sydney Olbush Bay. The proith Women's, Hindu nd Professional group From 6 p.m. onwards ons on World Peace by /spiritual leaders repand Buddhist religions. re interspersed with is music recitals. The fed after 11 p.m. and crowd to Witness this
at the NSW : House, th to 31st 03
State of New South pecial Deepavali last arliament House was in a symbolic gesture community in general e Hindus. This historic f reported in the press ledia. annual Deepavali Fair, Hindu Council, Dr. A. requested the Chief Bob Carr, Premier of ghting the Parliament Deepavali. He agreed Virginia Judge, State to make the arrangeis dream came to frui
e historic building was its and the foyers were es of Ganesha, Durga, (Shmi and Shiva. Sev
eral State MPs spoke including the Deputy Premier Dr. Andrew Refshauge. He conveyed the good wishes of the Premier Bob Carr to all the Hindus gathered in the Jubilee Room of Parliament House. Dr. Refshauge acknowledged the enormous contribution made by the lindian community in Australia. Ms Virginia Judge, the host for the day spoke eloquently about the state of the world today and how much we can learn about the spirit of peace promoted by the late Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian Consul-General Mr. M. Ganapathi pointed out in his speech that Deepavali is one festival that cuts across all boundaries of caste and language in India. "It is a festival that reinforces India's secular credentials" he said.
The Chairman of the Hindu Council, Dr. A. Balasubramanian said that the efforts of the Hindu Council had finally been rewarded. He said that it was a day to be remembered by all and that event would be recorded in Hansard. " it has taken 200 years for Mahalakshmy to enter this historic building. Now that she is here, I am sure She would shower her blessings on all the Parliamentarians here", he said to loud applause.
Snacks and Sweets were Served Courtesy of Taj Indian Sweets as the guests were invited to view the Deepavali lights on the roof garden and the exhibition of Indian Arts and Artefacts in the foyer area.
Deepavali Fair
The Annual Deepavali Fair organised by the Hindu Council was held at Fairfield Showground on 12th October 2003. This event is awaited with great anticipation by the South Asian Community in Sydney.
The proceedings began with a pooja to Sri Ganapathy and Mahalaxmi and morning bhajans. Cultural programmes were organised from morning to evening with Bharatha Natyams, Folk Dances, Dances from Bollywood Movies and Bhangra.
There were nearly a hundred commercial stalls including an amazing variety of food stalls. Since the event is organised by the Hindu Council, the food is always vegetarian. There were even several ladies displaying the art of Mehndi on several eager customers.
The Federal Attorney General Mr. Ruddock was the Chief Guest. He and other dignitaries including the Indian Consul-General Mr. M. Ganapathi were welcomed in the evening by the Hindu CounCil Committee and its chairman Dr. A. Balasubramaniam. The highlight of the evening was the burning of Ravana's ef. figy and fireworks which were met with oohs and aahs. The thousands of visitors present left with the spirit of Deepavali in them.
Devi Balasubramaniam, Sydney

Page 40
40 TAM TIMES
Kalaipperarasu Ponnuthu
A Paragon of Culture
It is with feelings of deep sorrow and Veneration that I write theSe WOrdS of tribute and appreciation to honour Mr. A.T. Ponnuthurai who was called to rest on October 9, 2003 at Nallur, Jaffna. He was popularly called A.T.P. by almost everyone who knew him.
A.T.P. and I were Classrnates at the Madras Christian College from 1951 till 1955, where we were equally good in our studies and gained the respect of our principal Dr. A. F. Boyd, professors and lecturers. He used to call me 'Sangar and I would call him 'Ponnar. Our relationship culminated in true friendship. It was indeed providential that on completion of our education, both of us were appointed teachers on 9 May 1955. He joined Nadeshwara College and I went to my old school Atchuvely Central College. Both of us worked very hard to build up our schools and today we have a large number of distinguished and grateful Old Students in Several Countries.
Ponnar had wonderful hiStrionic talents. He used to discuss with me Shakespearean plays and write very many Tamil plays. He was not only a playwright but also
an actor, producer í Staged fifty plays anc in particular, he was i the PreSident’S “Kal, He received his “Kali the Sahithya Manda, Ponnar Was One bers of Kurumbasid and had been presic very many years. He of that Soil who mad fice to develop that Hide was a voracious r and a productive Wri ple, unassuming, hu god-fearing and abc tured. In short, he w ture.
| left Sri Lanka fo ary 1975 to take ul Senior Lecturer in Et College called Barev we maintained our fr ters to each other. A meet during holidays came to Canada.
Ponnar was the
Rev.K.S.Jeyasingam An Epitome of Pastor-ship
The ninetieth birth anniversary of Rev. Jeyasingam fell on the 28th of October 2003. He was pastor in the J. D.C.S.I in the latter half of the 20th century. He started as an assistant pastorat the innuvil Church and then served at Navaly, Colombo, Manipay, Uduvil, Tellipallai and Chavakachcheri covering a period of 43 years of fruitful and exemplary service as a pastor, evangelical officer, manager of the A.C.M Press, manager of Diocesan Schools and ultimately as a Bishop's Commissary. He was also for several years the secretary of the J.D.C.S.I.
Rev. JeyaSingam's period as a pastor
in many of the churc spiritual as well as a He had the knack ( together, wherever neered and orgar Church. His contribu was retained for eig, He was lucky in havi well accomplished in services replete in fi tions with carnatic f admiration of the m is Colombo. When Church was on a S Successors found it At Uduviland Cf able to make useful Structural facilities. 7 vakachcheri is a tri building. He was pro prayer meetings it worked. He provedt sellor solving family separated couples ranged severalmar former parishione, still remember with who Solemnised t evangelical officer, methods, he had le abroad and excelle His Contributiot of a manifold natur Sionary journeys te India and the U.S. nars and conferenc land and in the U.S ing missionary for enjoyed the friend, ing from Dr. Holm Dhinakaran of Indi
 

NOVEMBER 2003
d director. In all he von Severalawards. cently honoured with JOOShanan Award". pperarasu" title from several years ago. of the founder meny Sanmarka Sabhai "nt of that society for was one of the Sons an enormouS Sacriillage tremendously. ader, a great Speaker ær. He was very simble, truthful, friendly, ve all extremely culas a paragon of cul
Nigeria on 17 Janu
an appointment as glish in an All Nigeria 'a Unity College. Still, andship by writing letSo, we never failed to ... it was so even afterl
first person I visited
as soon as larrived in Jaffna recently after a period often years. I met him on 26 April this year. As soon as I went to see him at his Nallur residence, his grief-stricken wife told me that he would not be able to recognise me because of his complete loss of memory. it was probably a divine approval of our true friendship that, when I called him "Ponnar," he looked straight into my. eyes and called me Sangar. Then he sang the Devaram "Ponnar Meniyanae" in its entirety. I hugged him and gave him the present I took for him. He accepted it with loving response and told me "Sangar, lam happy that you still have the same brightness on your face." Then he sank into the same state of forgetfulness. My heart melted. I prayed for him and left him with a heavy heart. That was our last cruel partlr?g.
Ponnar has left behind his devoted wife and two loving and dutiful children, a daughter who is a medical doctorand a son who is a Bank Manager. Undoubtedly, Ponnar was a paragon of Culture.
May his soul rest at the lotus feet of Lord Shival
E.Sangarapillai (Godman), Canada Universal Teacher & International Poet Phone (416) 269 6150
hes he served, saw a material resurgence. of bringing the 'flock' he wanted. He piolized the Colombo tion was Such that he ht years in Colombo. ng apartner who was Singing. He organized ill Tamil cultural tradimusic, which won the ulticultural setting that he left, the Colombo ound footing and his aasy to build on it. avakach Cheri, he was additions to the infrahe PariShi-Hall at ChaJute to his interest in mpt in holding cottage all the parishes he be an excellent Coundisputes and bringing together. He had arfages so much so that S, all over í he world atitude that it was KSJ eir weddings. As an e had introduced new arned in his missions as a fisher of men.' to the J.D. C.S. were He had gone on misMalaysia, Singapore, fe had attended Semiis in Geneva, Switzerwhere he was a visityear in 1963-64. He lip of foreigners rangis of the U.S to Bro. He was a veritable “
Donovan Andree, when he organized the TER-Jubilee CelebrationS Of the J.D.C.S.l. He had the ability to plan everything in detail and also the knack to select the right person to do the job whether it is decorations or musical accompaniments. He was the manager of schools at the crucial time of takeover by government in 1961. He was a talented negotiator and played a big role in retaining Uduvil Girls' College and Jaffna College as private schools. He shouldered the responsibility of administering the Diocese on the retirement Bishop Kulendran. He magnanimously officiated at the induction ceremony of the new bishop, although he happened to be a contestant. As the 'shadow group' of the electors wanted a highly educated person as the bishop, they ignored the practical efficiency of Rev. K.S. Jeyasingam. True to his great high calling, he continued as a pastor and died in harness at ChavakachCheri. A lesser mortal would have left the diocese and joined another denomination. it is rarely that we come across a pothagar of the calibre of Rev. K. S. Jeyasingam. He strode like a colossus injecting his fervour and spirit into every activity of the Churches where he served. He used his manifold gifts and talents for the glory of God and the service of his fellowmen. He proved to be the very epitome of pastorhood and an outstanding example of a person who had answered his calling with great commitment and fortitude. We remember him on his ninetieth birthday, with gratitude and praise to the Almighty, who had given him the privilege of serving Him.
Members of the family of Rev. K.S. Jeyasingam

Page 41
NOVEMBER 2003
Kamalesh, Austra Tennis Youth Cham
Nineteen years old Kamalesh Tharma Suthan is an elite table
§ ked numberone in Australia in this age group. He had repreSented Australia twice in Oceania Youth Championships. Prior to winning this title this year, he underwent a ten week training programme in Sweden, Sponsored by “STI
GA", the World le equipment supplier with the Falkenberg TT club, and traine T Tlegend and a fon Stellan Bengtsson.
Since 1995, he tional titles in the J. Sions. He is a men State Men's and Yo these teams won t state Team Champi the youth team Kamelesh also WO award. ln 1999 aS á WOn the Australian Singles but unfortun him off the game fo
Kamalesh is a , graduate at Monasi for a double degree Subject honours de countancy/Banking younger son of Mr & of CrOWS Lane, G. bourne.
The Veena is a hoary instrument in the Indian musical tradition, inseparably linked with Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning, it has been conSidered an essential instrument to attain salvation. The Chandogya Upanishad states that chanting of "Om' to the accompaniment of the Veena in the early hours of the morning ensures this.
To those frequently attending Vocal, Violin and Mridangamarangetrams, the Veena Arangetram duet by Pavithra and Divya Logitharajah on 9 November, 2003 should have provided a refreshing change. The items were well preseinted by the young sisters. The varnam was noteworthy for the delightful variation in the Thalagathi of the charanam.
The Raga Alapana c fine touches and F was solidly renderec in Adi tala was faultl speed. The exposit was mature and the ha Pantuvarali, DeS smoothly effected. 7 in the Pallavi was g
Two aspects ( mention: both artis struments smilingly joy their own music, dering at some plac niously with the Ve
I am Sure, with 1 practice, keeping in ow's inspiring quot
 
 

TAML TIMES 41
ian Table pion 2003
ading table tennis lin Sweden, he WaS BTK, the prestigious under the Swedish mer world champion,
had won seven naniorand Youth diviber of the Victorian uth Teams and both he Australian Interonships this year. In championships, n the "Best Player" fifteen year old, he National U/18 Men 'S ately a leg injury kept r 18 month.S. second year underUniversity reading (an Australian twin gree course) in Ac& Finance. He is the Mrs TharmaSuthan 'en Waverley, Mel
et
مہم
if Hindolam Showed urvi kayani Raga . The Swararanjani essly played at high on of nadabhairavi Switchovers to Suband Revathy were he Swaraprasthara OOd. 'eserve a special es played theirinand seemed to enand their vocal renes blended harmona play. turther learning and mind poet Longfelltion which adorns
SEYCHELLES NEWSLETTER
The months of October - November saw two important national events which aroused nation-wide acceptance and enthusiasm. The last week of October had a week-long International Creole festival with multifaceted cultural events and the Deepavali festival organized by the Seychelles Hindu Council. People turned up in thousands to witness the colourful display of fireworks, cheer the children depicting the Ramayana epic, and also enjoy the special Deepavali sweet packets offered as a gift to all those who turned up for the occasion. The highlight of the event was the declaration by the Minister of Culture that the Deepavali day is a restricted public holiday for the Hindus. It might be recalled that Since 1998 the Thai Poosam festival day of the Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam was declared a restricted public holiday for the Hindus by the State. October saw the allocation of state land for organizing the first ever crematorium (Memorial Park)- a venture initiated in 1984 by the SHKS saw its completion by the all-out efforts of the Seychelles Hindu Council. The day was marked by tree planting on the site by the Government ministers and the Indian High Commissioner. Again on the cultural side there was the folk music and dance group from Goa sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations with the active support of the National Arts Council and the Indian High Commission. There were large and appreciative audience in all their performances across the country. The contemporary Film Festival at the Deepam Cinema for five days had popular Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu films.
The year's activities come to a close With the Second Series of Dr Radhakrishnan Memorial lectures from the 24 to the 29 of November by the Attorney-General of India the Honourable Soli Sorabjee jointly sponsored by the Indian High Commission and the Ministry of Education and Youth.
V. Sivasupramaniam
their Guru Sivatharini Sahathe Van 'S message in the brochure, they both will acquire the full complement of repertoire needed for a shining musical careef.
M. Balachander's Mridangam, R. N. Prakash's Ghadarn and K. Sithamparanathan's Morsing were appropriately supportive, with the crescendo being reached during the fireworks of the Thani A Varthanam.
Sri S.P. Ramh as Chief Guest, Dr. R. Nithyananthan as Guest of Honour and Sri Wimal Sockanathan as Compere enriched the evening's function.
P.P.Kanthan.

Page 42
42 TAMLTMES
 

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