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Tamil
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WO XXIII No.12 ISSN 0256-4488
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2 TAMILTIMES
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DECEMBER 2003
“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 No. 12 DECEMBER 2003
Published by: TAMIL TIMES LTD PO Box 121, Sutton, Surrey SM13TD United Kingdom Phone: 020 - 8644 0972 Fax: 020 - 8241 4557
Email: prajanG)gn.apc.org editor(a)tamiltimes.org admin(atamiltimes.org
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CONTENTS
For a bipartisan consensus 03 News Review 04 LTTE leader's Heroe's speech 07 The political crisis and peace 10
From ISGA to eternity 15 People & Politics 20 Norway: diplomacy or duplicity 23 TULFin disarray 24 NewStrack 27
Classified 36
For a
The political cri three cabinet Ministe the subjects under crisis is that the pea part of the Norwegia Crisis and the poten Underlying the c legitimacy based on enormous executive longing to another p It is the inability or th dates they got and v brought the country leader in his annual form of a governmef powerful Sinhala po each other..... The stabilisation of the S But the situatior the Norwegian role i ernment forces and defence portfolio ga ment must be strictl' of the international compliance with the rulings. Fora Presi publicly demanding to the armed forces armed forces not to government control in the meantim dent's and Prime M covering important between the Presid inconclusive discus: to meet again and C also presented a po leaked to the media to be co-chaired by direction of the peac also provides for th team, and the form the proposals conta deadlock in the pe basing of the peace One significant being manageddur ernment in that only of what really was process. It should their respective nur bly fail.
It is in the inte actors, the United that the peace proc the setting up of an Constitution. When at the negotiating t than probable that the Prime Minister does not have the The onły way in wł ment with the LTE sessed by the incu
consensus with the
 
 

TAMILTIMES 3
bipartisan Consensus
sis triggered off by the Presidential action last month in removing rs in charge of defence, interior and mass communication, and bringing her own control continues. The most damaging consequence of the ce process remains stalled. The precipitate and unwise action on the ins in suspending their facilitatory role served only to aggravate the ial dangers to the peace process. :risis is the conflict between two centres of state power both claiming popular mandates - a democratically elected President invested with powers belonging to one political party, and the Prime Minister bearty who secured a majority in parliament at the last general election. he unwillingness to respect and abide by the respective popular manwork out a compromise arrangement of political cohabitation that has to this crisis point. Giving an apt description of the situation, the LTTE address on 27 November said, "There is no coherent structure in the nt. The power of the state is torn between the heads of the two most litical parties. The Presidency and the Parliament are in conflict with power struggle between the two leaders has resulted in the detate and the peace process has come to a standstill."
is not hopeless and recovery from the brink is still possible. Though n the peace process remains suspended, the ceasefire between govthe LTTE is holding. In fact the President after taking charge of the ve specific instructions to the armed forces that the Ceasefire Agreey complied with. The President also, in confirming the status and role Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission as the body responsible for ensuring Ceasefire Agreement, directed the armed forces to abide by their dent who has been a frequent critic of the SLMM even to the extent of that the Norwegian government should remove its head, her direction represented quite a change. She has also ordered the police and the interfere or prevent any political activities by members of the LTTE in led areas. e, a top-level Committee of senior officials belonging to the Presiinister's offices have been engaged in drawing up a set of proposals areas with a view to formulating a working cohabitation arrangement ent and the Prime Minister. There have also been three rounds of sions between the President and the Prime Minister. Both have agreed ontinue with discussions to take the matter further. The President has wer-sharing scheme, though the details of which have been unwisely The scheme envisages the setting up of a Joint Peace Council (JPC) both the President and Prime Minister that would set the overall policy 'e process and to which the negotiating team would report. Her scheme e inclusion of presidential nominees to the Government's negotiating ation of an advisory body comprising civil society personalities.While ined in the President's scheme provide mechanisms for resolving the ace process that has arisen, they also facilitate a substantial broad
process with greater participation from diverse interest groups. criticism made against the manner in which the peace process was ing the last two years was the exclusivist attitude adopted by the Govmembers of the negotiating team and few other advisors were aware going on. The President herself was marginalised from the peace have been self evident from the configuration of political forces and nbers represented in parliament that such an approach would inevita
rest of everyone in the country, and particularly the three principal \lational Front led government, the PA-led opposition and the LTTE, ess is progressed without delay. The counter-proposal by the LTTE for interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) goes well beyond the present and if the talks resume, the LTTE may be persuaded to settle for less able. But for the government to deliver on the settlement, it is more amendments to the Constitution will be required. For this to happen, must realise, though his government has a majority in parliament, he equired two-thirds majority to enact amendments to the Constitution. ich the government will be able to deliver on any prospective settleis to respect and recognize the duality of the popular mandates posImbent President and the Prime Minister and arrive at a bipartisan
PA-led opposition.

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4 TAM TIMES
o Patten moderately oprimisitico
Noone candoubttheimportance of the recent visit to Sri Lanka by the European Union External Relations Commissioner, Chris Patten, though his decision to meet the LTTE supremo, Veluppillai Pirapaharan, particularly on a day which coincided with his birthday turned out to be a controversial one. The significance of the event for the LTTE should not be under-estimated for Mr.Patten was the highest ranking foreign diplomat to meet and have discussions with the LTTE leader.
Sinhala nationalist hardliners protested against a visit to Sri Lanka by Chris Patten, denouncing his planned meeting with the Tamil Tiger leader Veluppillai Pirapaharan. The Patriotic National Movement (PNM), led by Sri Lankas cricket World Cup winning former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and JVP leader Wimal Weerawansa, staged noisy demonstrations outside Patten's hotel in Colombo. Police fired water cannons to douse a burning effigy of Patten and in the process also hit journalists covering the noisy but peaceful demonstration by an estimated 1,500 protestors.
Police had stepped up security for Patten who began his three-day visit on 25 November with a briefing from Norway's ambassador Hans Brattskar on the Norwegian-led peace process. He later called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
The EU commissioner's visit came in the wake of a political stand-off between the President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which has threatened to derail efforts to broker a peace process to end a decades-long violent conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers. "We condemn this visit which insults the sovereignty of the nation,” the PNM said in a statement. Adding to the ire of the PNM was Patten's meeting with Tamil Tiger supremo on his 49th birthday, 26 November. The PNM said it wanted to know on what basis Patten was "attending Pirapaharan's birthday party.” The PNM is staunchly opposed to Norway's bid to broker peace between the Colombo government and the Tigers. The European Union is a key supporter of Oslo's peace attempts. As for Mr Patten, he did not know when the Tiger leader's birthday fell, and it was a mere coincidence that his visit was programmed for that day.
Patten in a statement shortly after his arrival said he would use his trip "to express the continued commitment of the European Commission to the people of Sri Lanka regardless of party and group and to sce for myself the chances for a speedy resolution to the current impasse." Patten said
he would be seeking a leader that he was cor ing the Norwegian which has been in o. ary last year. “He shc he has given up violc settled for politics Patten told the BBC Kilinochchi. Patten v LTTE’s practice ofre and sending some oft ers to carry out attack sassinations.
Ignoring the prot istry, now directly ur President, allowed the copter for Patten to tr the Tiger leader.
Following the r LTTE leader and Mr ber in Kilinochchi, th cal section of the LT chelvan, speaking to der Mr. Velupillai l Patten it is not at all in eration Tigers to ens turn to violence and t to the Sinhala polity turn to war. Mr. Pira explained to Mr. Patte mitted to resolving th "Our leader told Mr. fire and the peace tal velopment or recons homeland. The inter concerned that the in will eventually preci expressed these con tional community du leader,” Mr. Thamilc "This is an imp very satisfactory and portantly we discus South. We discussed affect the peace proci Patten was keen to LTTE's stand regard and the ceasefire a chelvan further said. *Our national le plained the importar told Mr. Patten that tcd to peaceful mcan (to the conflict) that tions of our people. clearly stressed to N main firmly commit proper implementa agreement,” Mr. Th:
 

DECEMBER 2003
ssurances from LTTE hmitted to implement-brokered cease fire peration since Februuld make it clear that ince for good and has and the ballot box,' before leaving for as also critical of the cruiting child soldiers hem as suicide bombis and the political as
ests, the defence minder the control of the useofamilitary heliavel for his talks with
meeting between the Patten on 26 Noveme leader of the politiTE Mr. S. Po Thamillmedia said, "Our leapirapaharan told Mr. the hands of the Libure that there is no rehatitis completely up to see there is no repaharan very clearly in that we remain come conflict peacefully.” Patten that the ceaseks have not led to detruction in the Tamil national community is stability in the south pitate war. Mr. Patten cerns of the internaring the talks with our helvan said.
ortant meeting. It was gave hope, Most imised the crisis in the how it could adversely ss. In this context Mr. find out about the ling the peace process greement,” Thamil
ader very clearly exce of peace talks. He we are firmly commits of finding a solution will satisfy the aspiraMr. Pirapaharan very Mr. Patten that we reted to the smooth and tion of the ceasefire amilchelvan said.
A journalist asked him whether they had sought the lifting of the ban on the LTTE during the meeting.
"No we did not take up the matter at all-because many EU officials have metus. They have met our leader too. European countries have concern for our people's aspirations, they have expectations from us. Hence we did not take up the issue of the ban," Mr. Thamilchelvan replied.
“We explained to Mr. Patten the aspirations of our people. We told him that 21 months have passed since the ceasefire agreement was signed; but that the provisions of the ceasefire are not properly implemented; that our people have not seen any tangible progress or benefit; that military restrictions on them are continuing, normalcy is yet to be restored in the northeast,” he said.
Asked by a journalist as to what Mr. Patten told the LTTE about the meeting he had had with the Sri Lankan President, Mr Thamilchelvam said, "Yes. He told us about it. He said that President Kumaratunga is also keen to find solution to the problem through peaceful, negotiated means. We are closely watching the situation in the south. We told Mr. Patten we will wait patiently until a firm political leadership emerges in the south that can take forward the peace process. Hence this is not the right context for us to send any message to Sri Lanka's President now.' Answering another question regarding the possibility of starting peace talks with President Kumaratunga, he said, "It is not a question of talking to Chandrika. What will matter in the future would be her commitment to the peace process.”
Mr. Patten spoke briefly to reporters at the Kilinochchi grounds before boarding the Sri Lanka Air Force Helicopter. Mr. Patten said that he had emphasised the importance of "people turning their backs on violence for good ahead of the peace process.'
On his return to Colombo following his meeting with the LTTE leader, Mr Patten told journalists, "He said six times in the one-and-a-quarter-hour meeting that his LTTE organisation was committed to the peace process and expect to reach a satisfactory conclusion.” The Tiger leader had said the choice of war or peace rested with the Colombo government.
Chris Patten said that in his meeting with the LTTE leader, he had stressed that the Tigers should renounce violence "once and for all”, stop ceasefire violations, accept a federal solution and address the issue of a Muslim delegation to the peace talks. Patten made it clear to Pirapaharan that “whatever happens in the past, the In

Page 5
CBER 2003
ternational community wants the LTTE to turn its back for once and for all on violence and commit itself to the peace process. The International Community cannot accept trying to achieve political ends through violence.” He said he had also made it "plain" to Pirapaharan that if violence broke out again, it would attract "implacable criticism of the international community.”
In the meeting with Pirapaharan, Patten said he refereed to the Oslo declaration where the Tigers accepted a Federal solution to the ethnic question and told the Tiger leader that LTTE proposals should be a set of suggestions and not the final negotiation position because it is quite difficult to associate them with any form of federal solution he was aware of
Referring to the allegations of ceasefire violations, Patten said he told Prabhakaran that if the international community finds any truth in them, it would "go to question the good faith of the LTTE in the peace process.”
Patten said he also asked that problems related to the SLMC demand for a separate Muslim representation for the peace talks - which the Tigers had hitherto denied - should be resolved in the interest of the Muslim community.
Patten said the only thing he could say about Prabhakaran's response was that the Tiger leader "was keen to say that he was committed to the peace process and renounces violence."*On six occasions during the one hour of talk he (Pirapaharan) said he and the LTTE were committed to the peace process and to reach a satisfactory conclusion." "Do I believe him? His record isn't very encouraging, but we shall see and I hope he has made the move from struggle and violence to political action." Asked if by visiting Prabhakaran, he had accorded him legitimacy, Patten said, "I think it is nonsense.”
Patten however declined to comment whether Tiger leader's commitment to peace was genuine. "What will answer this (i.e. whether the Tigers are genuine in the peace process) is whether more students going to school in future... rather not bombs going off," he said.
He also criticized the LTTE's recruitment of child soldiers, some of whom have been sent in the past as suicide bombers to carry out attacks and political assassinations. "I think Sri Lanka deserves peace. I hope politicians in Colombo and the LTTE will work for peace,” he said, adding that all sections of Sri Lanka "from the top to bottom' wanted an end to war.
Asked if he was optimistic for the end of three decades of ethnic bloodshed, Patten said he was by nature "moderately optimistic with a tinge of realism."
O Tigers mark he The Tamil Tigers heroes' week culmir ber to commemora women killed in thei rate state. The LTTE back to 1972, but the the hands of gover November 27, 1982. every month, LTTE makes his annual sp awaited by by politi and other analysts wil to minute analysis w out as to what the Ti The Liberation Ti (LTTE) had already parts of the island's yellow flags and lit war dead. Commer tended by several tho held all over the nor During the weci their war cemeteries thousands of men a during the campaigr land. The LTTE’S Pe said the l7,708 men their struggle includ ers. Pirapaharan tool celebration on 25 N closed location, the
"It is only throu struggle for the righ has captured the att tional community in Tiger peace secretar A top LTTE reg his nom de guerre, F able to hold peace ta government because by Tiger fighters." reach new heights it paving the way for to seek a negotiated s Karuna was quoted LTTE website, Tamr Karuna said th peace through neg "However, politics i prehensive of the fu ess and we will not thrust on us again."
LTTE Leader in his annual messa Heroes' Day: (1) made by President C that his organisatio military power and Denied allegations als submitted by hi lish an Interim Sei (ISGA) in the No foundation for the state; (3) Character struggle in Colomb

2. TAMILTIMES5
"oes day observed their annual ating on 27 Novem
te 17,708 men and
r struggle for a sepatraces its beginnings first Tiger fatality at ment forces was on On 27 November of leader Pirapaharan eech which is keenly cal parties, diplomats no subject its contents ith a view to finding ger leader is up to. 'igers of Tamil Eelam decorated the many northeast with red and lamps to honour their hmoration events atusands of people were heast of the island.
Tiger cadres visited to pay homage to the nd women who died for a separate homeace Secretariat website and women killed in ed 24l suicide bombc part in a hero's week ovember at an undiswebsite added. gh their sacrifices the ts of the Tamil people ention of the internathe present time," the iat said. ional leader known by Caruna, said they were ilks with the Colombo of the sacrifices made Our martyrs helped us our military prowess, he government and us olution to the conflict,” as saying by the proilNet.
Tigers believed that tiation was possible. the south make us apture of the peace procbe surprised if war is
Velupillai Prabhakaran ge commemorating the Rejected accusations handrika Kumaratunga was strengthening its preparing for war; (2) hat the recent proposorganisation to estabGoverning Authority theast constituted the creation of a separate sing the current power between the President
and the Prime Minister as a typical repeti
tive historical confrontation between the two major Sinhala political parties. He observed that this phenomenon erupted whenever one party in power attempted to seek a solution to the Tamil ethnic conflict. "This tragic political drama has been continuing for the past fifty years, aggravating the plight of the Tamil people"; (4) Warned that "if the Sinhala chauvinistic ruling elites continued to deny the rights of our people and oppose reconciliation and if the conditions of oppression continued, the Tamils would have no alternative but to secede and form an independent state invoking the right to self-determination of our people; and (5) Asserted that "Our organisation, as well as our people do not want war. We want peace and we want to resolve our problems through peaceful means. We are deeply committed to the peace process. It is because of our sincere commitment to peace that we are firmly and rigidly observing the ceasefire.'
O Live telecast of VP's address
Just three weeks after President Chandrika Kumaratunga took over the state media, the nations television Rupavahini set a historic record - facilitating a live telecast of Velupillai Prabhakaran's "Maveerar Day” address to Europe.
The live programme was made possible by a technical team from Rupavahini and Sri Lanka Telecom (facilitating the uplink of the live programme) visiting Kilinochchi. The entire segment of the programme via satellite was three hours, from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 pm and thereafter for an hour from 10.30 p.m. Rupavahini Chairman Harim Peiris confirmed that the live satellite broadcast, the first ever for the LTTE, was upon a request made by a foreign company, known to be a pro-LTTE Tamil Television Network. The network is said to have bureaus in Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland and India. However, in north Sri Lanka, the company operates as a Digital Media Network.
The programme content on "Maveerar Day” included coverage of ceremonies from Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Kilinochchi. As the live coverage of the ceremonies was being aired in Kilinochchi, footage of ceremonies held in Trincomalee and Batticaloa were interpolated. It projected pictures of cemeteries, mourning family members of those who were killed in battle with security forces, street decorations and the address by LTTE leader Velupillai Pirapahaaran.
Besides the uplink facility being provided to the LTTE for the first time, The Sunday Times (Colombo) reported that hat there has been an about-turn in the State

Page 6
6 TAM TIMES
media policy towards the LTTE. This was at the instance of President Kumaratunga who first adopted a hostile stance against the LTTE and later in a change of mind moderated herself considerably.
As soon as the Media Ministry was taken over by the President, the heads of the four state media institutions were briefed by Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at the President’s House. In the first four days after the takeover, they were instructed to highlight the implications of the LTTE proposals presented to the government on October 31, three days prior to President Kumaratunga's
Υ1OVC.
Rupavahini was given priority to spearhead this campaign and Nimal Ekanayake was appointed special programme consultant by the President, especially to look into the new programme line-up.
The programme line-up included introducing a variety of political programmes to discuss the negative impact of the LTTE proposals. Also a separate set of programmes were asked to be produced to criticise LTTE activities. They included documentaries on the North-East situation, the implications to the armed forces serving in the area. Also a special programme was scheduled to be produced to include the Navy which had earlier come under fire from the government media.
But after a few days, the whole process had been halted. Orders were sent by President's spokesperson Harim Peiris to Mr. Eakanayake, directing him to launch a campaign to support the proposed arrangements to reach consensus on national issues between the President and the government.
Defending the move to provide an uplink facility to broadcast the LTTE programmes, Rupavahini Chairman Harim Peiris said: "In the past we were criticising LTTE's illegal activities such as procuring arms, killing opponents and extorting money. But now there is a review of the LTTE activities.'
Deputy General Manager (International) Sri Lanka Telecom H.L. Sunil told The Sunday Times that the Telecom moved in following request from the Rupavahini Corporation to provide the facility. He said the Tamil Television Network had paid Rs. 400,000 for the Telecom facilities while the sum paid for transmission facilities was not known immediately. On instructions from Colombo, the Jaffna Telecom office also had provided a temporary telecommunication line with International Direct Dialing facilities to facilitate the co-oridnation of the programmes,
The JVP, the Patriotic National Movement and the Sihala Urumaya slammed the President for facilitating the live telecast. A senior JVP MPsaid: "President Kumara
tunga took over the mass communication text of safeguarding in ests. But she has prov ference between her so-called peace proce adopted by Premie singhe.*
Recalling that the tested the UNFS di LTTE to upgrade its Tigers (VOT) radio t ber last year, the JVP and her advisors oft gers by offering them “We never expe allow this," a patriotic man said. “This is ridi cising the president f stance in a bid to app community. The JVP ple would pressurise over the defence, int munication ministrie do what the UNF did "It wouldn't be long, A Senior UNIF ( president wants to co the international com prepared to help the
O Japan reassure December 5 - In yesterday, Japan's l Affairs, Ms. Yoriko government welcome mitment of the Gove and the LTTE to th pressed the hope tha on the part of the Gov is responsible for the be resolved throught ka's President and th The statement sa of Japan, as one of th kyo Conference on R velopment of Sri La ing with serious app political crisis in C which the peace pro been in suspension. It been made through President Chandrik Prime Minister Ran well as the discussio) Officials. The Go strongly hopes that t further momentum to tlement of the curre resumption of the pe "The Governme that all the parties co Liberation Tigers of have reconfirmed th peace processand fu ceasefire agreement.

DECEMBER 2003
lefence, interior and ministries on the pretional security inter'd thatthere is no difstyle of handling the is and the procedures * Ranill Wickreme
PA vehemently pro:cision to allow the clandestine Voice of roadcasts in Novemaccused the President rying to woo the Ti
various facilities. ited the President to national front spokesculous," he said, critior taking a pro-LTTE ease the international warned that the peothe president to hand erior and mass coms if she continued to before she stepped in. 'JVP said. fficial said that the nvince the LTTE and munity that she was beace process.
support a statement released Minister for Foreign Kawaguchi, said her d the continued comernment of Sri Lanka e ceasefire, and ext the question of who vernment of Sri Lanka peace process would alks between Sri Lane Prime Minister. id: "The Government e co-chairs of the Toeconstruction and Deka, has been observrehension the current olombo, because of cess of Sri Lanka has notes that efforts have he meetings between a Kumaratunga and l Wickremesinghe as is in the Committee of vernment of Japan lese efforts will create wards the prompt setht crisis and the early acc process. nt of Japan welcomes ncerned, including the Tamil Eelam (LTTE), ir commitment to the |l compliance with the The Government of Ja
pan hopes that the question of responsibility for the peace process, on the part óf the Government of Sri Lanka, will be resolved through the process to settle the current crisis, and thus create a solid basis for attaining a durable peace in Sri Lanka.
“The Government of Japan reiterates its continued determination to support the peace process in Sri Lanka, and to implement steadily its assistance pledged at the Tokyo Conference, based upon the principles of the Tokyo Declaration. The Tokyo Conference provided the people of Sri Lanka with an unprecedented opportunity to reconstruct and develop their society for the first time after two decades of damages inflicted by the civil war. The Government of Japan reminds all the parties concerned of the importance to maintain the momentum of the donor community to assist Sri Lanka, and urges them to settle the current political crisis swiftly and to resume the peace process expeditiously, so as not to miss this unique opportunity." Ya
O NPC on current crisis
The stalling of the peace process, coupled with the suspension of Norwegian facilitation, has been the most dangerous aspect of the political crisis that erupted with the President's take-over of three ministries of the government. Getting the peace process back on track would be the number one priority of the entire polity. The National Peace Council (NPC) of Sri Lanka, in a statement released on 6 December said that the joint committee of high officials appointed by the President and Prime Minister to work out an agreement between them as a positive action. We are glad that these two leaders have publicly acknowledged their need to work together even at this late Stage.
We note that unilateral actions taken when joint actions are both expected and necessary will create suspicion that what is really being sought is to implement a hidden agenda.
In any negotiation much depends on the spirit with which the negotiators enter into the negotiations. Erosion of confidence at the outset itself due to unilateral action is a bad sign. We appeal to the two sides to make a sincere effort to reach an agreement that will enable the peace process to be taken forward.
It should be clear to the politicians on both sides that people do not want another election as it will not provide an answer to the problems that need to be solved jointly. On the other hand, a successful building up of the joint committee concept could not only resolve the political crisis. It could also take the country towards a bipartisan approach to constitutional reform and to the resolution of the ethnic conflict.

Page 7
DECEMBER 2003
The National Peace Council believes that bipartisanship will be best achieved on the basis of the acceptance that the ethnic conflict can only be resolved through negotiations and that the framework should be a federal one. We call on the President and Prime Minister, with the backing of their respective parties, to agree to a joint initiative to democratise the polity through constitutional reform that also provides accommodation for an interim self-governing unit in the north east of the country.
o US Court ruling on terrorism law
San Francisco based U.S Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Wednesday, 3 December that the United States Government “cannot convict groups of individuals of violating a federal law against 'material support” for terrorist organizations unless it proves beyond a reasonable doubt that they knew the organizations were involved in terrorist activity,” The Washington Post reported. The case was brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights on behalf of a human rights organization in Los Angeles and several groups of Sri Lankan Tamils in the U.S.
“Without the knowledge requirement," Judge Harry Pregerson wrote for the panel majority, "a person who simply sends a check to a school or orphanage run by "a U.S.-designated terrorist group could be convicted under the statute, even if that individual is not aware of the group's designation or of any unlawful activities undertaken by the "group'.' the paper reported.
The ruling also reaffirmed a decision by the same court barring the government from enforcing the 1996 law's prohibitions against providing "personnel' and "training" to designated terrorist groups. The terms are too ill-defined to provide adequate notice of precisely what is banned, and are thus unconstitutional, the 9th Circuit ruled, the Post said.
David Cole, a Georgetown University law professor and lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights who argued the case, was quoted by the POst as saying, "This decision will mitigate the substantial chilling effect that this statute has cast over those who seek to provide humanitarian aid to conflict-ridden areas."
The suit was brought in March 1998 by the CCR on behalf of the plaintiffs in which they asked the court to declare that the material support statute, 18 U.S.C. S. 2339B, violates the First Amendment insofar as it criminalizes the provision of such support. Judge Audrey Collins rejected plaintiffs' argument that the ban on material support violates the First Amendment insofar as it criminalizes the provision of cash and
pre
“Our organisa people, do not w peace and we wan lems through peak deeply committed It is because of our to peace that we a observing ceasefi lutely no truth in tunga's accusatio ing for war by prc cruiting on a larg ening our militar engaged in the t peace but certain war. It is true that ing on a small sc manpower for our tures. The Preside exaggerated this n create fear among that we are prep Vellupillai Pirapa
the Liberation Ti
humanitarian aid th further the lawful p organization. Howe with plaintiffs that tionally vague to ti inalizes the provisi in the form of “pers She found that t ... appear to allow telligence to determ ing or provision of and, furthermore," tivity protected by distributing literatu training others to el She then issued liminary injunction from prosecuting at suit or any membe plaintiffs for pro "training" to the L Judge Collins' was appealed to th affirmed it in Mar judgment order wa Circuit, which he March 5, 2003, th made on 3 Decemb

TAMAIL TIMES 7
We are not paring for war'
- Pirapaharan
ion, as well as our ant war. We want to resolve our probeful means. We are to the peace process. sincere commitment 'e firmly and rigidly e.... There is absoPresident Kumarathat we are preparcuring weapons, rescale and strengthy machine. We are ask of maintaining ly not preparing for we have been recruitale since we needed administrative strucnt has distorted and hatter and is trying to g the Sinhala people aring for war,” Mr haran, the leader of gers of Tamil Eelam
at is solely intended to irposes of a designated ver, the Judge agreed the law is unconstituhe extent that it crimon of material support onnel' and "training.” lese provisions “did not persons of ordinary inine what type of trainersonnel is prohibited" ppeared to prohibit ache First Amendment - 'e and information and gage in advocacy.” a narrowly tailored prebarring the government y of the plaintiffs in the s of the organizational iding "personnel' or TE. preliminary injunction Ninth Circuit, which h 2000. Her summary reviewed by the Ninth urd oral argument on ruling of which was
.
(LTTE) in said in his annual statement commemorating the LTTE's Heroes' Day on 27 November 2003.
The LTTE leader also denied allegations that the recent proposals submitted by his organisation to establish a Self Governing Authority for the Northeast constituted the foundation for the creation of a separate state.
The LTTE leader also warned that "if the Sinhala chauvinistic ruling elites continue to deny the rights of our people and oppose reconciliation and if the conditions of oppression continue we have no alternative other than to secede and form an independent state invoking the right to self-determination of our people.”
Following are extracts from his stateአገገe}1፬.‛
"There is no coherent structure in the form a government in the Sinhala nation. The power of the state is torn between the heads of the two most powerful Sinhala political parties. The Presidency and the Parliament are in conflict with each other. Ranil Wickremasinghe's administration is severely weakened and paralysed following the President's take-over of the Ministries of Defence, Interior and Media. The power struggle between the two leaders has resulted in the de-stabilisation of the state and the peace process has come to a standstill. Frustrated by the confused situation the Government of Norway has suspended its facilitatory role. Because of this sudden development in the south, the conditions of peace are endangered. The peace talks as well as the peaceful resolution of the ethnic conflict are threatened. The Tamil speaking people and the international governments committed to peace are concerned and disappointed over this crisis.
President Kumaratunga has put forward two reasons for her intervention. One is that the national security and sovereignty of Sri Lanka are threatened

Page 8
8 TAMILTIMES
as the LTTE has been strengthening is military structure and preparing for war. Secondly, the government of Ranil Wickremasinghe has provided too many concessions to the Tamil Tigers. I wish to deny categorically that there is any truth in these allegations. These false accusations are levelled against us totarnish the credibility of our liberation organisation and to disrupt the peace process.
Our organisation, as well as our people do not want war. We want peace and we want to resolve our problems through peaceful means. We are deeply committed to the peace process. It is because of our sincere commitment to peace that we are firmly and rigidly observing ceasefire. It is our organisation that took the initiative of declaring the cessation of hostilities unilaterally and observing peace for the last two years tolerating the provocative actions of the state's armed forces.
There isabsolutely no truth in President Kumaratunga's accusation that we are preparing for war by procuring weapons, recruiting on a large scale and strengthening our military machine. We are engaged in the task of maintaining peace but certainly not preparing for war. It is true that we have been recruiting on a small scale since we needed manpower for our administrative structures. The President has distorted and exaggerated this matter and is trying to create fear among the Sinhala people that we are preparing for war.
The ceasefire has not created conditions of peace and normalcy in the Tamil homeland. Oppressive conditions of alien military occupation prevail here. The Sri Lankan armed forces are refusing to fulfil the conditions and obligations of the Ceasefire Agreement. As the military occupation continues in large areas of civilian settlements under the cover of High Security Zones several thousands of people are subjected to enormous suffering, denied the right to return to their homes and villages. Furthermore, the Tamil civilians continue to suffer harassment and persecution by the occupation army. Though the war has been brought to an end the suffering of our people continues. Our people have not yet experienced total peace and conditions of normal life. Yet, there is total peace and normalcy in the Sinhala nation. There
is also improveme life of the people. nation enjoys the the ceasefire the tra ditions of the Tami the current existent Our organisatic warded with too ma ing these two years cused by President stead, our organis losses. During the c of our merchants and destroyed by th national waters. Fu of our fishing trawl As a consequence lost twenty-six of o including senior co these provocative a the brink of tolera calm and observed iour clearly demor commitment to pea The peace talks tion organisation a of Ranill Wickre started in Thailand last year, have faile crete progress. Rei sions taken during talks that lasted mc were not implemei mittees, which we with the issues of de malisation and for 1 rehabilitation of di funct. Our efforts t government to res. tal problems faced came futile. Havin serious, critical exi settlement of the di tion of the war dan and the re-establis in the Tamil home occupation, the gov tives as well as the their main attentic and norms and ( roadmaps towards a consequence the moved in a differe venting the probler our people. In the administration wa projecting the peac model to attract ai nor countries to bl that collapsed as a

DECEMBER 2003
it in the economic While the Sinhala ositive benefits of gic oppressive conls continue. This is ial reality. n has not been remy concessions durof ceasefire as acKumaratunga. Ination faced severe 2asefire period, two hips were attacked e navy in the interIrthermore, several ers were destroyed. of these events we ur Sea Tiger cadres mmanders. Though ctions pushed us to nce, we maintained peace. Such behavstrates our serious
CC. between our liberand the government mesinghe, which during September d to make any consolutions and decithe six rounds of bre than six months hted. The sub-comre formed, to deal :-escalation and norhe resettlement and splaced became deo negotiate with the olve the monumenby our people beg ignored the more stential issues of resplaced, reconstrucmaged infrastructure hment of normalcy land under military ernment representafacilitators devoted in to human values on guidelines and a final solution. As negotiating process nt direction circumns and aspirations of meantime, Ranil's s only interested in e process as an ideal and loans from doild up the economy consequence ofwar.
At the same time, the government was also engaged in a plan to set-up an international safety net with the assistance of certain countries. This strategic ploy of Wickremesinghe's government allowed the space for the increased interest and intervention of several international governments in the peace initiative as well as in the negotiating process. Some countries have even stipulated parameters within which the Tamil national question has to be resolved. It is because of these international interventions that the peace negotiations became more complex. It was during these circumstances that a crucial meeting of donor countries took place in Washington in April this year marginalizing our organisation. As the main party in conflict enjoying equal status in the peace process, we were disappointed and saddened by such humiliation. It is because of these factors we decided to suspend our participation in the talks and to review the multiple dimensions of the entire peace process.
It is not feasible to find a permanent solution to the Tamil national conflict immediately within a short period. It may take quite a long time. But the existential problems faced by our people are very urgent and they cannot be postponed for longer period. Faced with the urgent humanitarian needs on one side and the issues of resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction on the other, the immense, complex problems faced by our people necessitates immediate solutions. Having examined these issues in depth, we realised the urgency of setting up an interim administrative authority in the Northeast. We are of the opinion that the proposed interim administrative authority should be an effective mechanism capable of restoring conditions of normalcy in the military occupied Tamil homeland and to undertake the huge tasks of resettlement, rehabilitation and development works efficiently and expeditiously. It is on this basis, we urged the government to submit draft proposais for an interim administrative structure insisting that it should be vested with substantial authority. We also informed the government that we were prepared to resume negotiations if concrete set of proposals were presented to us. I also emphasised the importance of creating

Page 9
DECEMBER 2003
an interim administrative set-up with substantial authority when I met the Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr Peterson. I also explained to him the necessity of establishing such an administrative body to reconstruct our nation devastated by twenty years of war and to rebuild the shattered lives of our people.
In response to our request, the government submitted, one after the other, two sets of draft proposals. The interim council envisaged in these proposals were not invested with adequate authority as we suggested. At the same time the role of our organisation was also not clearly defined. The proposals envisaged a development orientated administrative structure with limited powers. Therefore, we rejected these proposals as unacceptable. Thereafter the government submitted a third set of proposals for our consideration. Though these proposals were unsatisfactory, we did not reject them.
We realised that the government was hesitant to put forward a concrete set of proposals as expected by our organisation that would satisfy the aspirations of our people. At the same time, we felt that a misconception might arise as if the LTTE was continuously rejecting all the new proposals put forward by the government. Therefore, we decided not to reject the latest draft proposal out right but to submit our counter proposals to create an interim administrative council with substantial authority. We were not in a hurry to formulate our draft proposal. Since it was the first time we were forwarding our proposals in a written form we wanted to formulate a concrete, practical and original framework though it was an interim set up and might involve time in formulation. We also wanted this framework to have a proper mechanism to find solutions to the complex existential problems of our people. Therefore, we formulated our draft proposals consulting different sectors of people at different levels on a wider scale. We also consulted wider Sections of the people of Tamil Eelam, our legal and constitutional experts abroad and international scholars.
There is no need for me to elaborate in detail the draft proposals we submitted to the government for an Interim Self-Governing Authority. The draft
has already been 1 media for everyb analysis. Though have generated a lo confusion, our eff ated settlement wa eral countries. Se comed our attemp to put forward our clear and compreh administration dic posals but rather ag on that basis. But Sinhala racist for opposed to our dra racist political part raising critical voi are coming from world and from the lysts. In a stateme of the opposition p Kadirgamar prese tique ofour propo Lanka's sovereign threat as our draf contains elements What surprised us days after the rele posals President over three impor functioned under Ranill Wickremes reasons she attrib has now become she took this seri mediate response als. As a conseq intervention, Rar come paralysed w peace process Sev The allegation draft proposals th an independent T. contain stepping are not true. Our stitute a framew final solution. Ou with an interim a that our proposals istrative council c governing auth massive program ment and rehabil thousands of disp major developm be undertaken. . gional administra and order, admin location of fund lands also could

AMILITMES 9
leased through the dy's scrutiny and bur draft proposals : of controversy and rt towards a negotiwelcomed by sevme countries well, for the first time, ideas in writing in a insive form. Ranil's not reject our proreed to resume talks it the same time, the ces are vehemently it proposals. Sinhala es and the media are xes. Critical reviews the Indian media Indian political anait released on behalf arties, Mr Lakshman inted a vehement crials claiming that Sri ty was under serious t, according to him, for a separate state. was that within a few ase of the draft proKumaratunga took tant Ministries that the government of inghe. Whatever the utes to her actions, it a universal truth that Jus action as an imto our draft proposlence of her sudden il's regime has beithout power and the erely endangered. s levelled against our at they aim to create mil state or that they stones for separation roposals do not confrk for a permanent, draft proposals deal rangement. It is true for an interim adminill for substantial selfrity without which mes for the resettletation of hundreds of aced people and other nt projects could not it the same time reive functions i.e. law stration of justice, aland distribution of lot be effectively ex
ecuted. In this context an important factor has to be taken into serious consideration. That is, large areas of the Northeast are already under our effective jurisdiction and efficiently administered by us. I wish to point out that this is the factual reality.
Today, harsh oppressive conditions prevail in the Northeast with the continuous military occupation of our lands and persecution of our people by the armed forces. As normalcy has not returned the suffering of the civilian masses continues. Our people face urgent humanitarian needs as well as serious existential problems. Therefore, we have presented this draft framework as a concrete structure to find just and reasonable solutions to these problems. Our draft framework has progressive, constructive and original elements. This proposed administrative structure is invested with self-governing authority so that the majority Tamils as well as the Muslims and Sinhalese living in Tamil Eelam could promote and enhance their political, social, economic and cultural life. But we regret to note that some forces are attempting to disrupt the peace process by distorting and exaggerating some features of self-governance found in our draft framework and interpreting them as a project for a separate state. We have presented our ideas for an interim administrative authority as a counter programme to the government's proposals and as a basis for negotiations. Our initiative undertaken with an honest and sincere commitment to the peace process has unleashed a political storm in the south. Sinhalese racist forces are up in arms against us. The power struggle that erupted between the heads of two major political parties of the Sinhala nation has shaken the very foundation of the state structure. Sinhala racism, which has been denying the rights of the Tamils, now stands exposed with its mask torn apart, revealing its true, ugly face to the world. As a tragic drama without ending, the Tamil ethnic conflict continues forever. Whenever the party in power attempts to resolve the Tami issue, the party in opposition opposes it and derails the effort. This mode of conflict continues even when the opposition becomes the ruling party and attempts reconciliation. This Sinhala political
(continued on next page)

Page 10
10 AMIL TIMES
The political cri and the peace pro
Dr. S. Narapalasingam
The need for a peace process is accepted by all, including the military establishment. Conditions for achieving permanent peace, particularly after two decades of bloodshed and enormous destruction cannot be created overnight. Besides, communal politics have sustained the deep-rooted mistrust between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. If lasting peace in united Sri Lanka is the present aim, besides negotiating for a political settlement to the ethnic conflict there has to be concerted efforts to build confidence, restore normalcy and promote unity between the divided communities. Although the MoU between the GOSL and the LTTE recognises the need for these, the approach to acquire lasting peace through negotiated political settlement was fundamentally flawed. As a result, the six rounds of peace talks between the GOSL and the LTTE held between September last year and April this year did not contribute much towards a final political settlement.
Despite the disagreements over the handling of the peace process, President Chandrika Kumaratunga who is also the leader of the main opposition party has on many occasions reiterated her firm
commitment to t launched by Prin Wickremesinghe { general election. B ability to work tog the Government to the President and i powers, especially security forces, the tween the two hea in the current politi after this event the politics at the prest been recognized by and foreign govel Norway facilitating the LTTE. Executive Preside Some foreigng zations interested i seem to have been culiarities of the P government in Sri I 1978 by the then J.R. Jayewardene t cal ambition. Som UNF governmenth these for obvious Constitution bestov cive powers to the which he as head (
(continued from page9) drama with its typical historical pattern has been staged regularly for the last fifty years. The directors of this bazaar drama are the two major Sinhala political parties. Though the main actors have been changing over time the theme of the story is the same. The current political crisis in Colombo is an open enactment of this absurd drama.
As a negative consequence of this chess game, in which the Tamils are used as pawns, several peace efforts have failed; several peace negotiations collapsed, several peace agreements torn apart and several peace pacts became defunct. As such, the Tamil conflict continues without resolution. The tragic life of our people continues.
We cannot allc tential of our peop cally destroyed in Sinhala chauvinism violence, we have effort through no promote peace and international comm of this. But if the S ruling elites contin of our people and o and if the condition tinue, we have no a to secede and form invoking the rightt of our people. We litical leadership in jective conditions t people to seek this
 
 
 
 

DECEMBER 2003
he peace process he minister Ranil soon after the last secause of their inether and moves by clip the powers of gnore her executive over defence and power struggle beds of State resulted cal crisis. It is only need for consensual ent crucial time has 7 the peace activists nments, including the peace talks with
ntial system overnments/organin the peace process unaware of the peresidential form of lanka, introduced in JNP leader the late o realize his politie supporters of the ave chosen to ignore reason. The 1978 wed enormous coerExecutive President of state, head of the
}w the life and po
le to be systematithe spider web of l. Having renounced been making every n-violent means to reconciliation. The unity is fully aware Sinhala chauvinistic ue to deny the rights ppose reconciliation sofoppression conlternative other than an independent state o self-determination urge the Sinhalapoot to create the obhat would drive our ultimate option.” O
executive arm of the government, chairperson of the meetings of Cabinet ministers and Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, exercised according to the political exigencies. The former President during his tenure boasted that he had extensive powers to do what he liked, except to change the gender of a Sri Lankan. He also compared himself to the ancient monarchs who ruled authoritatively. He was able to wield power in the ways he wished as he was also the leader of the majority party in Parliament.
The Executive Presidential system was condemned by the then powerless opposition as having devalued the Parliament and made the Prime Minister a mere puppet. Although there was general agreement after he retired from active politics that the system should be changed by curtailing the powers of the President and restoring the previous status of the Parliament, this has not happened because of the bitter rivalry and mistrust between the leaders of the two main parties.
The European parliament, which passed a resolution on November 20 concerning the political crisis in Sri Lanka, was apparently not aware of the provisions of the constitution relating to the powers of the Parliament and that the President was also elected by the people. The resolution urged the President to "work together with the democratically elected government and the Prime Minister' as if the President is an unelected head of state with no executive powers. Political crisis at a crucial time
The LTTE submitted to the Sri Lankan Government on October 31 their counter proposals for interim administration for the North-East in a fairly comprehensive manner based on self-rule and their own administrative, judicial and security structures already established in the areas under their control. Government's latestset ofproposals for interim administrative arrangement was given to the LTTE on July 17. The previous two sets of proposals were rejected by the LTTE. LTTE's proposals for setting up an Interim SelfGoverning Authority (ISGA) startled the Government as these have ignored completely the Government's proposals and the structure has no similarity with federal structures obtaining in other countries.
Clearly, the proposed ISGA for the North-East under LTTE's control (ab

Page 11
DECEMBER 2003
solute majority for the LTTE is assured in the set-up) with "plenary powers” to govern independently cannot be set up within the parameters of the present constitution. The preamble to the proposals states "that the Tamils did not participate in the making of the 1972 and 1978 Constitutions which institutionalized discrimination and denied them an effective role in the decisionmaking process". At the November 1 press briefing, S. P. Thamilselvan, head of LTTE's political wing said because of this serious wrongdoing, they were not bound by division of powers enshrined in the Constitution. A solution, therefore, has to be found outside the Constitution, he asserted.
It is also relevant to note that the devolution proposals put forward by the PA government in 1997 and 2000 were rejected by the UNP, the then opposition party. These retained controlling powers over specified areas with the center. President has suggested these too to be included with other proposals as a starting point in the negotiations with the LTTE.
Government's actions usurping her constitutional powers as head of the armed forces and the move to impeach the chief justice when a crucial judgment concerning the powers of the President was about to be delivered by the Supreme Court in her favour were important factors that provoked her to retaliate. The impeachment move was condemned by the Bat Council as it threatened to undermine the independence of the judiciary. The pertinent question here is why the provocative actions and intimidation at a time when the pressing need is the resolution of the national crisis?
The confrontation between the two heads of Government came to the fore on November 4 when President Chandrika Kumaratunga, exercising her constitutional powers, took charge of three ministerial portfolios - Defence, Interior and Mass communication and prorogued Parliament until November 19. Though the political crisis has considerably diverted the attention of the people and foreign governments away from the ISGA proposal, it has compelled the Government to rethink and change its approach tonegotiated political settlement and lasting peace. The approach hitherto used by the Government to secure peace has also raised doubts about its aim. This characteristically seems to have been
influenced by short terests rather than interests. Doubts about the
Had constitution theaim when the ta Tigers started, the ( have thought of th other key parties in President's main co Government is th sidelined in Gover forts. The fact that was being used by t the LTTE to achiev aims was not obviol When the talks final delay the negotiatin meet without an ag time frame. Insteac core issues, they wel in dealing first with distress caused by t LTTE leader V karan in this year’s dress on November feasible to find a pel the Tamil national c within a short perio difficulty, there is th an interim administ the Northeast for ca tasks of resettlemen development works peditiously, he sai LTTE leadership h after the cease-fire They must have kn start that the UNF alone would not be political settlement also not its aim. In ties, the LTTE has ISGA which can b over time, if the ne political settlement If the aim of the been to reach an a LTTE that will me current cease-fire in war treaty, then th cation for keeping t the Government an the President has als many occasions th: tary solution to thi would have influenc to take this course peace amounts sim and will not help ti certainty about the ent communities an only fuel the mistrl

TAM TIMES 11
:-term political inlong-term national
real aim lal settlement been lks with the Tamil government would e need to involve the peace process. mplaint against the hat she has been nment's peace efthe peace process both the GOSL and ve their immediate us at the beginning. ly started after long g partners opted to reed agenda and a l of discussing the remainly interested the destruction and he protracted war. Velupillai Prabha"Heroes Day' ad27 said: "It is not rmanent solution to onflict immediately d.' Because of this he urgency to set up trative authority in rrying out the huge t, rehabilitation and efficiently and exd. Thus, what the as been aiming for agreement is clear. own from the very government acting able to reach a final and that this was view of these realiastutely opted for become permanent gotiations for final fail. a peace process has greement with the 'rely transform the to a permanent "noere is some justifihe talks confined to d the LTTE. Since so acknowledged on at there is no milie conflict, this too ced the Government . But this kind of ply to buying time o eliminate the unfuture of the differd the country. It will 1st that is hindering
political settlement and the country will also return to the hopeless state without peace or development. This is the kind of mistake made in the past that made it difficult to solve the ethnic problem in the ensuing years. External pressure
The Government has hoped to obtain the much needed foreign aid for reconstruction and development citing the suspension of hostilities and the on going peace talks as favourable environment for starting the related programmes and projects. The numerous violations of the terms of the MoU were ignored as both sides were keen to sustain the truce. Meanwhile, LTTE's agenda to become the only alternative authority in the North-East and international recognition as a separate political force was progressing smoothly. But when the donor community linked aid to tangible progress towards a final political settlement, the plans got disturbed. To the GOSL the pressure was intense as the US Dollars 4.5 billion aid pledged at the June 9-10 Tokyo donor meeting, despite LTTE's boycott could not be acquired without satisfactory progress at future talks with the Tigers. LTTE's present proactive stand as against the compromising stand seen at the early stages of the peace talks can in part be due to the developments in the North-East which have enabled them to become an acknowledged authority to govern the North-East region. Moreover, the time has come to press for political legitimacy now that the world has recognised the importance of LTTE's role in an interim administrative structure necessary for rebuilding the war-ravaged areas in the NorthEast. The Tigers are also in a strong bargaining position because of not only their combative strength but also Government's predicament.
Their ISGA proposal is the culmination of the tactical moves made after the cease-fire in the light of developments within and outside Sri Lanka. The keen interest of foreign governments and international organizations in the peace process is due to the intense efforts made by the Sri Lankan government to get their support. To the dismay of some groups, including the LTTE the powerful countries have indicated the parameters within which a political solution should be found for the ethnic problem. When the Government placed great reliance on the international 'safety net’ this kind of ex

Page 12
12 TAMILTIMES
ternal pressure too must have been envisaged.
SGA proposal
Government’s chief peace negotiator Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris was unusually cautious in his response to LTTE's counter proposals. He admitted there were fundamental differences between LTTE's and government's own proposals. He said: "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 common view of the local and foreign supporters of the peace process is that the ISGA proposal although falls outside the Oslo agreement to explore a suitable structure within the federal concept it is, nevertheless, useful as a basis for negotiating a political settlement. Even President Chandrika Kumaratunga despite her strong reservations has accepted this rank.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage after meeting Prime
Minister Ranil Wi November in Wash adapted version of plan could help pro ing the conflict. He the ISGA proposal the declarations by international comm for a final settleme ferences in Oslo i earlier this year. E ternal Relations Cc topher Patten, w. leader Velupilla Kilinochchi on No expressed similar v
The Governme spot because it fail declaration forwar sultation with othe able federal struct communities. This collective effort, v nored right from th process. The challe find the middle g structure and the sy
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DECEMBER 2003
kremesinghe early ington D.C. said an the power-sharing gress towards endalso cautioned that "does go outside" Sri Lanka and the unity on guidelines int after peace conn 2002 and Tokyo uropean Union Exmmissioner, Chrisno met the LTTE i Prabhakaran in vember 26, has also "iews. nt is now in a tight ed to take the Oslo i and decide in conr parties on a suitIre acceptable to all obviously needed a which has been ighe start of the peace nge now for all is to round between the stem implicit in the
ISGA proposal and the one desired by the Sinhalese and Muslims to safeguard their rights and interests in a democratic system. The importance of a Southern consensus is a must for avoiding a protracted negotiation process with the Tigers. The LTTE must also take note of the fact their ISGA proposal is not acceptable to the international community. Any move to establish it unilaterally will not be tolerated particularly by India. This is the dilemma that LTTE faces. Plea for joint effort
The pleas of religious leaders, trade union leaders, professionals and other civil society leaders to resolve the political crisis quickly and make joint efforts to settle the ethnic issue should be taken seriously by the political leaders. The ongoing power struggle in the South has exposed the underlying problem hindering peace, progress and prosperity in Sri Lanka. The LTTE leader in his address described it colourfully and blamed the two leaders of the rival parties for the current political crisis.
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Page 13
DECEMBER 2003
He wants the world to understand the compelling reason for his present approach to a final political settlement via the proposed ISGA for the North-East.
Despite the restraint and the conciliatory statements made by the President and the Prime Minister soon after the crisis erupted suddenly like a volcanic emission, there are yet no definite signs that the two leaders will pursue a new joint approach to the resolution of national issues. While the President is pressing for the formation of a national government to tackle these, the Prime Minister is reluctant to accept this proposal. The UNF leadership wants national consensus and not national government even for a year. The appointment of the four-member committee headed jointly by Malik Samarawickrema and Mano Tittawela by the President and the Prime Minister to
recommend suitable power-sharing ar
rangements to resolve the present crisis gave a positive sign that the peace process will advance in the right direction. It seemed at last they would stop quarrelling and strive together to secure peace and stability. But subsequent conflicting statements have cast some doubt about their real intentions. A major weakness in the peace process is the failure to set up similar advisory bodies comprising mainly civil society leaders who have no political ambitions but are mainly concerned about ethnic harmony, political stability, law and order, good governance and in general the future well-being of the country.
There is clear evidence that proposals concerning important political matters made by one leader are less likely to be accepted by the other. Even if their proposals appear reasonable and sound at the present time it is prudent to submit these to the committee. It is for the committee to examine the proposals and then submit their recommendations to the President and the Prime Minister. Regrettably, this approach has not been followed with regard to the President’s latest proposals for breaking the deadlock. These were released to the press before submission to the committee and not surprisingly rejected by the Prime Minister. The move seems to have even upset the work being carried out cautiously by the committee. The President's proposals include the setting up of a Joint Peace Council (JPC), led jointly by the President and Prime Minister to oversee and manage the over
For a C politi
“General agreen the Oxford Diction tion of the meaning this country, "cons word today, themal proper governance tional requirement ments, of course, ar entlyby different se
For most peopl consensus between
all Peace Process and of the entire Peace constituent operation processes. The JPC an "Advisory Counci comprising represent cal parties, clergy, pro national groups etc. in contributing to the ! and a lasting solution lem in the country. It the ACP as propose giving fair advice pr The advisory body seen as impartial bu wieldy. Hopefully, th independent"Advisol will not be abandone There is the pres the present constitut sons. But the reality ment with executive the President has tw. ent political parties. ing powers because the executive and leg delineated in the pi The leaders must als possible to have a peace and that the p forward only if the the right direction. TI ger the cart itself wi two pull it in differe The LTTE lead akaran will have th Southern polity with tials fails to resolve

TAMILTIMES 13
Onsensus On Sharing cal pOWer and Credit
Lakshman Gunasekera
ent or opinion' is ry's short definiof 'consensus. In insus is the buzz tra for the kind of o meet urgent nas. These require2 perceived differctions of society.
2 the priority is a the UNP Govern
be in overall charge Process and all its s, organizations and will be assisted by il on Peace” (ACP) atives of all politiofessional and other who are interested furtherance of peace to the ethnic probis doubtful whether will be useful for omptly to the JPC. should not only be ir also not too une idea of having an y Council on Peace' d by the leaders. sing need to change ion for several reanow is the Governpowers bestowed to ) heads from differThey share governof the separation of islative branches as esent Constitution. realize that it is not RW peace or CBK ace cart will move wo pull it jointly in here is the real dango to pieces, if the nt directions. r Velupillai Prabhe last laugh, if the democratic credenhe present crisis. O
ment and the PA-controlled Presidency for the successful conduct of negotiations with the LTTE. For some people "national consensus is needed for pushing through economic policy measures some of which are likely to heap further social and economic burdens on the poor and socially marginalised.
For others a 'Sinhala consensus is needed to confront and defeat the machinations of the other ethnic communities here which are already consolidated in their own consensus in the ethnic contest for control of the polity, territory and geographical resources.
For yet other people a 'Sinhala consensus” is needed to empower the Sinhala community not only to take courageous measures to share power with other communities in order to end the ethnic conflict, but also to build a new, truly post-colonial, selfidentity that has shed the neo-colonial cultural Subservience that currently causes the collective angst that, in turn, breeds ultranationalism.
The angst right now for the elite seems to be the need for "consensus’ between the two main political parties for the purpose of collaborative governance. The principal objectives are the smooth conduct of negotiations with the LTTE and the smooth consolidation of neo-liberal capitalism and class hegemony.
In my view, however, this emphasis on "consensus’ obfuscates the issue. It is a simplistic misreading of the current problem at the political centre of the Sri Lankan State.
The most frequent use of "consensus” here is about the need for a bipartisan understanding of the urgent task peace negotiations and a bipartisan, common, policy for this purpose. But this emphasis misses the real target. It is not that the UNP and the PA have differing views on their approach to the ethnic conflict and to peace-making. Both these parties have slowly, but

Page 14
14 TAMILTIMES
كم.
surely (thanks to their common experience of the militancy of Tamil nationalism) arrived at similar positions on the ethnic conflict, their policies and actions in the past decade differing only in style and not in substance.
Both advocate a negotiated political settlement, both advocate very substantial power sharing including extensive regional autonomy, both advocate modernist/secularist conceptions of Sri Lanka State and society that emphasise cultural pluralism as against ethno-centrism, and both now distance themselves from the Sinhala ultra nationalism of old.
Current problem
The current problem at the political centre is not really one of contradictory or even different approaches by the UNP and the PA. If you don't believe me, ask any die-hard Sinhala ultra nationalist and sheshe will tell you clearly that both these parties are "betraying the Sinhalas' and are on the path to making such concessions to the LTTE "terrorists" that will destroy the Sinhala Nation and State.
The current crisis at the centre is to do with the wielding of political power and the contest for the fruits of this power. It is not a mere irony that the Second Republican Constitution has enabled the two main, usually competing, political parties to be both parallely elected to power in the State, one in Government and one in the Presidency, but the Government with hardly any constitutional power and the President all powerful.
This is one of the major flaws of the J.R. Jayewardene Constitution. It is a flaw that betrays not only Jayewardene’s own authoritarian tendencies, but also the tendencies of the capitalist class that backed him and now backs Ranil Wickremesinghe's UNP and, to a lesser extent, the SLFP/PA.
It is this very flaw that has now backfired on the capitalist class that, in those days of “dharmista" rule so happily endorsed Jayewardene's preachings about an all powerful President not subject to the "whims of Parliament'.
That is because Jayewardene's rigidly authoritarian mechanism wholly ignores a basic dynamic of capitalist democracy: inter-party rivalry and
competition for pc minded obsession w the ruling class ha political framewo accommodates, fac litical dynamics capitalist democrac because, the Sri L being the under-d class itis, pays onl talist democracy, more sophisticatec of the Palk Straits. Hence, the Con viding for paralle ment and Presiden a balance of powe institutions. And t its "think tanks' an to fail to acknowle cal dynamic that it tem engenders: inte That competition merely for the gal retaining of power, the future regainin tions to come.
The current Col somewhat adequate parties were in clea other with one in P sition and the other tal and Presidenti alignment goverr (even if extrem
Premadasa). Tod
must share State p stitution, structura ally, simply does such sharing. Tha constitutional fran effectively contai valry in an institu structively channe Once in Gov thought that it cou post-electoral pop fact of an equall Ranil and his assoc inalise the Preside from the fruits of portant exercise of duct of the peace sively held by the leave aside all oth of government su rity, economic d welfare etc. etc.
What the UNF

DECEMBER 2003
wer. In its narrowith class hegemony, s failed to devise a rk that adequately ilitates the very pocompetition) that y engenders. That is ankan ruling class, eveloped capitalist lip service to capiunlike its infinitely Big Brother north
stitution, while proly elected Governcy, has not provided between these two he ruling class and d lobbyists continue dge the basic politis own political sysr-party competition. for power is not ning of power and , but is also aimed at g of power in elec
1stitution functioned :ly as long as the two ur opposition to each 'arliamentary Oppoin both Governmenal power. With that lance was possible aly bloody, under ay, however, both Iower. But the Conlly and institutionnot provide for any t is why the current nework is unable to n the inter-party ritionalised and conlled form.
ernment, the UNP ld use its immediate ularity to ignore the elected President. iates sought to marg ut and thereby the PA bower. The most imgovernance, the conprocess, was excluUNP. And this is to er important aspects ch as national secuevelopment, social
did was to deny the
Presidency and the PA which held it from access to any fruits of the power which the PA actually wielded in being in control of the Presidency. Indoing so, the UNP was denying the PA (and Chandrika) of that vital political resource of political credit.
Every time the UNP is successful in any governmental exercise, it gains credit for it thereby sustaining its ability for retaining political power and regaining power in future elections. Every time the UNP does this while the PA-held Presidency is side-lined, it denies the PA of their rightful share of such political credit.
PA entitled to share
So long as the PA holds any part of the State institutions, it is entitled to a share in the responsibility of governance and any credit that accrues from governmental success. This, it was denied even in the most crucial aspect of governance of today: the conduct of a peace process, the present form (Norwegian mediation, extensive regional autonomy, interim government) for which the PA, more than any other party, was responsible.
Political credit is crucial for competitive party politics. If the PA and Chandrika had continued to ignore their marginalisation they would have been committing political suicide. This is what prompted Chandrika Kumaratunga to use the profoundly authoritarian Presidential powers in exactly the way J.R. Jayewardene boasted they could be used when necessary.
If the previous failure of the capitalist political system here could not contain inter-party competition within civilian institutions and pushed the contest into authoritarian repression and political violence, today, yet again, the inability of the framework to contain that competition has caused a crisis at the centre of the State with all the potential for possible repression and violence in the South even as the more powerful anti-state force, the LTTE, remains dormant and secure in the North-East.
Thus, it is important to understand that the inter-party consensus on issues is already there and what is lacking is the sharing of the responsibility and political credit in the implementation

Page 15
DECEMBER 2003
of that consensus. And what prevents this sharing of power at the centre of the State is the lack of any constitutional framework that provides for and even facilitates such a sharing of governmental responsibility and political credit.
If any collaboration between the two parties is to be effective, it is imperative that this constitutional lacuna is acknowledged.
Thus we have to go beyond the Constitution. The last thing that is needed is the now familiar chorus both from localbourgeois "democracy'lobbyists (including former Leftists turned Liberals) as well as from Western governments with a simplistic understanding of the local context (and their usual colonial laziness to bother with local specifics).
Ifwe remain stuckwithin the confines of constitutionalism as per the ridiculously flawed Second Republican Constitution we will not be serving the democratic needs of Sri Lankan society. If any collaboration between the two parties is to succeed, then there will have to be a series of new institutional mechanisms set up that will enforce a sharing of governmental responsibility and, thereby, of political credit in the event of successful governance in any sphere.
Rather than simplistically aiming at "national government', the pragmatic approach would be to learn from the failed Liam Fox Agreement and to develop a scheme that elaborates greatly on that early endeavour, Most immediately, there needs to be a institutional mechanism, such as a hierarchical series of committees, that will enable both the UNP and the PA to jointly oversee both policy and implementation in the peace process.
This may include a committee that shares responsibility for defence. More importantly, such a structure should enable both parties to share the political credit for success as well as the blame for any failure.
There is no question of transcending the competitive dynamic. What is needed is the facilitation of shared power and shared credit. We need a win-win situation here, in the South between political parties, just as much as in the country as a whole, between communities, (Sunday Observer)
From
The lig has been
Va
The LTTE's prop administration are tc providing an opportu talks towards the rea cal' in the deeper st As is now legendar never ending first p peace talks between nam foundered arour table - often petty pt cisely the route to av about Politics in the conversations about our collective lives, terrain for struggles ability and democrat and distributive ju Lankan context too the peace process fea process of the last tw not in a state of offici running while stand these talks about tall definite extension of war-no peace” statu: livering on the most dividend, namely th democratic engagen tive lives, Against t feel that public deba arrangement propos critical opportunity shape that space fore context, rather than posal as merely a ma ing position, we wa ously, and engage about the vision of d ralism that inheres i
Plunging into t then, we would argu reflects the deeply ter of the debate abc istration, and even c stitutional arrangen sion about such arra the major political p are dominated by a moribund conceptic

3,全
TAM TIMES 15
ISGA to Eternity
ht at the end of the tunnel shut out until further notice
suki Nesiah and S. Nanthikesan
osal foraninterim be welcomed as nity to steer peace lm of the “politiInse of the word. y, the seemingly hase of the Paris the US and Vietld the shape of the blitics can be preoid conversations deeper sense, i.e., how we structure how we shape the around accountic voice, pluralism stice. In the Sri many observers of ured that the peace ) years, even when al suspension, was ing still, i.e., that ks licensed the inthe ostensible "no s quo without demeaningful peace e space to deepen lent in our collechat backdrop, we te over the interim ial may present a for civil society to ngagement. In that dismiss the proximalist negotiatnt to take it seriin a conversation emocracy and plun the proposal. hat conversation e that the proposal "egressive characut interim adminfprospective conents. The discusngements between arties in the South see-saw between ns of national se
curity and territorial integrity on the one hand, and an opportunist advocacy of “peace on any terms' on the other. Concomitantly, in the LTTE camp, the vision is informed by a conception of self. determination that is fundamentally divorced from accountability and pluralism. As the debate between the PA and UNP has crescendoed in the last month, the conversation in the South has come under much scrutiny, even overshadowing the response to the LTTE's proposal, The paragraphs that follow seek to engage with the LTTE's proposal by examining the grammar that underlies its political vision. We want to highlight two aspects of this grammar - the democracy deficit and the anti-pluralist ethos.
The democracy deficit that characterizes the LTTE's politico-military authority in the North and East, as well of any default dispensation of the Sri Lankan state pushes Lanka towards interim arrangements that will bescarred by that deficit; while that may be the lay of the land at present, we in turn need to push to ensure that rather than consolidating that deficit and giving it a veneer of legality, interim arrangements are structured to at least incrementally strengthen efforts to contest and overcome that deficit over time, The legal structure of political struggles during the life of the interim administration do not over determine the course of those struggles; however, they are obviously a significant factor in enabling vs. hindering struggles to orient such arrangements toward greater democratization and a deeper conception of pluralism. The LTTE's vision appears to be oriented towards creating a hostile legal environment for such struggles, and instead, consolidating its current military authority with the legal stamp of the interim arrangements. We would like to highlight four symptoms of this vision in the proposal:

Page 16
16 TAMILTIMES
issues of democratic participation, issues regarding institutional pluralism, issues regarding ethnicity and community, and issues regarding the role of civil society.
First, let us begin by looking at some of the more familiar arenas of democratic participation and accountability - namely, the relationship between electoral mechanisms for voice, accountability and structures of governance. The LTTE proposes that there be an Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) with governance responsibilities for eight districts in the North and East. The proposal is that the ISGA be composed of members appointed by the LTTE, GOSL and the Muslim community of the region. Elections shall not be held in the course of the interimagreement; the earliest we will see elections for ISGA seats is after five years of the interim administration when the immediate mandate of this proposal runs out and/or negotiations are reached for a final settlement.
Election, are, of course, neither the
fundamental avenu countability. An int that is so insulated esses as suggested t creating an enviro thetical to free and five years hence. I ments have suspend rights ostensibly f alone, only to leav fundamentally disn bility of democratic long term - For ins sion of general ele tive presidency an dum continues to h and pervasive reacl ration of his own t this concern in mi1 having all the sea based purely on ap LTTE's proposal could, from the b posed by a balance by internationally r and seats filled by interim-administra
sole nor sufficient condition for democ- could be structured ratization; nevertheless, they can be a this balance in favo
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for voice and acim administration om electoral procthe proposal risks ment that is antiair elections even the past, governd basic democratic “interim periods : a legacy that has embered the possimechanisms for the ance, JR’s suspentions for an execua rigged referenave this pernicious far beyond the durm in office. With d then, rather than is on the ISGA be pointments (as the all for), the ISGA eginning, be combetween seats filled nonitored elections, appointment. The tion mandate itself to gradually change r of elections where
every couple of years more of the ISGA seats previously filled by appointment become open to electoral contestation. This will also provide a potential window for parties outside the LTTE and the GOSL to participate in the ISGA. To some extent one can situate Lanka's historical movement toward independence in the first half of the last century as emerging from a gradualist approach along these lines - as with that colonial experience, this is hardly the ideal process; however, to the extent that some sort of interim administration that falls short of a more robust democratic structure is in the cards, then we should at least aim for this incremental, if hopefully decisive, orientation towards that more robust structure. It is a way in which democratic forces can get a step in the door in ways that will strengthen efforts to wedge it open wider and wider; enabling us to mobilize against having it shut in our face.
Secondly, lets us look at the lines of centralization and decentralization implicit in the formal lines of governance and accountability that structure the proposal. The ISGA is to have au
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Page 17
DECEMBER 2003
thority over the entire North and East; district committees are to be created by the ISGA, their functions are to be delegated by the ISGA, and they can be suspended or terminated at the will of the ISGA (Article 14). In fact, the ISGA is to have plenary powers for the governance of the Northeast in a wide range of issues - from taxes to law and order, resettlement of IDPs/refugees to land policy (Article 9). The independence of the judiciary shall depend on the ISGA taking "appropriate measures” to ensure that independence (Article 10). Finances for the region will be controlled by a Financial Commission appointed by the ISGA; The NorthEast General Fund “shall be under the control of the ISGA'; Control over the NorthEast Reconstruction Fund (NERF) shall be “transferred to the ISGA'; and all monies not controlled by NERF shall be received into a special fund and the "ISGA shall control the Special Fund." (Article 11). The auditing of all these funds under the control of the ISGA shall be done by an Auditor General and an auditing firm appointed by the ISGA (Article 13).
This structure is such an embarrassingly conspicuous consumption of decision making authority that it may make even J.R. Jayawaradane blush. If one of the rationales behind an interim administration is that it is intended to quell insecurity and create a constructive, confidence building environment for the peace process to move forward, then this structure is clearly directed making the LTTE secure and confident and all others insecure and crushed. Moreover, the GOSL's own anti-democratic legacy and brutally destructive role in the region means that relying on the GOSL to counterbalance the LTTE will not make the people feel any more secure or confident. As noted before, interim arrangements are born of compromise with legacies of authoritarianism. To this extent, circumstances may force an interim structure that can induce the buy-in of the powerful with some reserved seats on the ISGA for both the LTTE and the GOSL as the proposal envisions; however, if the interim administration is indeed intended as "interim', then these compromises should be tailored and limited to the particular problems we confront rather than an unconditional surrender of any
democratic input. If is in fact the demili mocratization of the structure has to bu balances that disag: gregate decision ma that deter sealing-in of the society's ins ments. There shoul elements that carry internal dynamism t the ISGA's monopo instance, even if ti GOSL will have so that ensure that the presence on the ISG. could carry a more p - internally, as well they work as a whol ing ISGA appointe tees, district level co elected by internat electoral processes fronts, from the regi parties, through cal counting ballot bo. nanced in ways tha ence and resist ma ISGA, rather than the clientage based ies that we have ha again, the shadow C rather than have thi economic decisio there could be a s genuine economic d visions for those mo ticular policy areas table; such actors co relevant district cor zations such as uni co-operatives. Rat appointed human r there could be a hu ment with jurisdicti and an international with monitoring an thority over all hu issues. Rather than judiciary, for all no sues the region co current range of in in the region to crea framework where c ine freedom to chc native fora, the C LTTE system, or, matter at hand, the tem.

TAM TIMES 17
the long term goal tarization and deregion, the interimild in checks and gregate and re-agking lines in ways power in all pores titutional arrangeil be at least some the promise of an hat pushes against ly ofauthority. For he LTTE and the me reserved seats y have a dominant A, other institutions pluralistic structure as in terms of how e. Rather than havd district commitmmittees could be ionally monitored - monitored on all stering of political mpaign periods to xes - and then fiit retain independnipulation by the going the route of hoax district bodd in the past (once f J.R.). Similarly, e ISGA control all h making bodies, tep towards more emocracy with prost impacted by parto have a seat at the uld range from the mmittees to organions and consumer her than an ISGA ights commission, iman rights agreeon over all parties, human rights body d adjudicatory auman rights related an ISGA appointed n-human rights isuld strengthen the stitutions operating te a legal pluralism citizens have genujose between alteriOSL system, the if relevant to the personal laws sys
Third, let us examine the assumptions regarding ethnicity and community suggested in the proposal. Not only does the LTTE garner itself sole representative status for all Tamils, it also implicitly and explicitly suggests that other communities in the region could also be framed through parallel models of homogenized representation. It also privileges ethnicity as the overarching axes of social solidarity and political community. If the interim administration was intended to pave the way for a new model of pluralism for Lanka, the interim administration proposal's disregard for the rights of entrenched minorities suggests a model of ethnic majoritarianism within the North and East, but equally, for the rest of the country. The proposal implicitly suggests a hermetically sealed administrative structure whose approach to pluralism is in the erection of ethnically majoritarian shields between the regional and the national. Yet the dynamics of the lives of the majority of Lankans are defined through social relations that refuse rigid boundaries. The opening of the A9 became such an iconic marker of the potential for peace precisely because it allowed the free movement of people and the re-establishing of ties of community and citiZenship, commerce and popular culture. Against this backdrop, the interim proposal reflects an almost myopic aspiration to homogenous communities. Yet, as we noted in an editorial one year ago, it is precisely the structuring of institutional arrangements in ways that privilege homogenous political communities that renders hybrid territorial spaces a dangerous place for minorities and marginalized communities. If location in different territories has problematic distributive consequences, we should seek to further loosen rather than entrench links between political 'community' and the rights and privileges that attach to particular territories. Thus we may want to encourage inter-communal territorial migration by making proactive efforts to ensure that Tamils feel they can live in safety and dignity in Singhalese dominated areas, or that Muslims can do the same in Tamil dominated areas and so on. Any interim structure has to not only look inward within regional administrative structures, but it also has to look horizon

Page 18
1 AMITIMES
tally at inter-regional and sub regional linkages - and ensure security and cultivate openness to that fluid, ongoing recasting of the demography and demands ofpluralism.
It is important to note that while we have spoken primarily of ethnicity, the analysis extends to all "minorities', whether they are rendered political "minorities' by hierarchies, distinctions and distributive relations constituted around axes such as "political affiliation', 'caste', 'gender', 'language', 'religion' or other terrain of marginalization. As noted earlier, privileging territorial walls that enhance power attaching to regional administrative authorities makes those communities that cannot control regional power even more vulnerable to majority chauvinism and political dominance within particular administrative units; the walls seal in unjust social relations. In such a context, vesting all political authority on territorially constituted ad
ministrative bound administrative walls nation of the comr unit. The implicit homogenous comm this understanding
tion, advances the pr concerns about hier that we should wor outside those wall standing of self-de walls that protect u cerns, i.e., that, in fundamental social into question the
ISGA's authority,
posal that the admi be based onseculari - as the Indian expe the uniform civil co mobilization has der ism can often be pr an anti-minority p showed with such b say engaging with l
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aries equates these with self-determimunity within that assumptions about unity that defines of self-determinaetence that the only archy and injustice ry about are those s; that this undertermination builds us from those coneffect, there are no conflicts that call legitimacy of the The LTTE's pronistrative unit will sm is a case in point rience of the use of dde in anti-Muslim monstrated, secularecisely the tool for position. As Marx biting wit in his esegalframeworks in
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Fourth, and most significantly, let us look at the role the proposal envisions for civil society. If one of the principle casualties of the past two decades of war has been an assault on civil society, then one of the precise functions of an interim period prior to the adoption of a new constitution is to provide the enabling conditions for the emergence of a vibrant critical civil society.
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DECEMBER 2003
This should be a period of demobilization and demilitarization with more and more areas of public life reverting to civilian control; a ceasefire is more than the silencing of guns - this hiatus represented by interim arrangements is also a period for the military authorities to recede, and for institutions of civil society to come forward. Yet the LTTE proposal seems directed precisely at the reverse. One of the most telling indicators of the disregard for popular participation is that the only references to robust engagement by civil society institutions that the LTTE calls on to legitimize its position is in the preamble. Namely, an invocation of the 1976 Vaddukkodai Resolution - a 25 year old edict, and one that gave a mandate to the TULF rather than the LTTE. It is deeply ironic that the preamble also deligitimizes the 1972 and 1978 constitution on the grounds that in those instances the Tamil community was not actively involved in those efforts with an apparent unself-conscious disregard for the fact that the LTTE is continuing the tradition of the SLFP in 1972 and the UNP in 1978 because there is no active involvement of the Tamil community in the LTTE effort in 2003. Instead an effort to use interim administrations to demilitarize and democratize in meaningful ways would create provision for intellectual freedom and independent student organizations in regional universities; it would make explicit commitments to a free press and media pluralism; it would commit to not interfere with freedom of association so that institutions that range from the regions' long tradition of peace committees, to more recently constituted NGOs, to the potential introduction of new regional political parties could thrive without political interference. The preamble to the proposal could also convey the propriety it places on this with the LTTE, GOSL and other players in the region admitting past abuses, and agreeing to hold themselves accountable to institutions such as international human rights monitoring bodies, as well as local accountability avenues such as a free media to guard against future abuses. Civil society has been brutally crushed by all players in the region, from the GOSL and the LTTE - in this beleaguered environment, these suggestions
just noted are but a f create the possibilit independent civil s Civil Society is pe matic arena where gal arrangements i cient, For instance, years before the reg ficient sense of sect ety to reclaim the p ever the interim ad ture is a window of gin that process and we push the legal f as possible to increa the interim periods the end of the tunne ting it off forever,
The four broad do not constitute clause by clause an proposal for an intel we merely highligh that we consider sy proposal's vision pluralism. Not only about these issues, elements of the pro be engaged with an detail but that more is beyond the scope In closing it is i the preceding analy the role of law anc broadly. We cann sometimes did, di mere reflection oft structure, or as the does, dismiss the le ishism with abstra. struggles over the In fact, law, such a the interim admini important to engag part, it can be a ter. and about what co value and cultural distributional stake stitutional arranger ment with the inter an effort to push to arrangements whos will be in favor of democracy. That should also be note rights and progres ments cannot in the mocracy or pluralis fetshize law, we sł ture ofinterim arra,

TAM TIMES 19
aw gestures to help y for a robust and ociety to emerge. haps the paradigà sole focus on les patently insuffiit will take many ion has built a sufurity for civil sociublic sphere. Howministration strucopportunity to beit is incumbent that amework as much se the chances that hows us the light at l, rather than shut
points noted above a comprehensive alysis of the LTTE rim administration; it some key issues ymptomatic of the of democracy and can more be said there are also other posal that need to i discussed in more extended analysis ; of this editorial.
mportant to situate sis in a note about l legal rights more ot, as the old left smiss the legal as he economic supernew left sometimes gal as merely a fetit rules rather than politics of culture. s the framework of stration, can be so e with because, in ain for battles with nstitutes economic meanings, and the s in alternative innents. Our engagem legal structure is wards institutional e gravitational pull efforts that deepen said, however, it d that all the formal sive legal arrangemselves deliver dem - i.e., rather than ould see the strucgements as but one
terrain for struggles over democracy and pluralism; broader social movements need to mobilize and engage in legal terrains, but we should not allow the quest for improved legal arrangements to monopolize the terrain of struggle, and not allow the ostensible promise of legal guarantees cloud our analysis of social relations. Nonetheless, it is in that context that the distribution of the proposal is to be welcomed by anyone concerned about democracy in Sri Lanka - the proposal is not merely a set of abstract rules; rather, it sets forth a vision for the future, and to that extent we can try (as we have attempted to here) to draw the proposal into a discussion about alternative visions of the future, a conversation unpacking the conception of self-determination implicit in the proposal and its underlying assumptions regarding community and pluralism.
As noted earlier, in the South the discussion of the interim proposal has been truncated by dominant political voices that argue that sovereignty and security are at stake vs, those who argue that peace and prosperity are at stake. We would like to steer the debate back to argue that it is the shape and possibilities ofdemocracy and pluralism that is at stake, and unfortunately, rather than being a step towards deepening democracy and pluralism, the interim proposal suggests a rather impoverished vision of pluralism, and an actively hostile approach to democracy. We ground our interpretation of the proposal in our reading of what's between the lines, as much as what is in the lines of the text; Looking then at both text and (con)text, we would argue that there is a certain grammar to how democracy and pluralism are both fundamentally truncated in this vision. Ideally, interim arrangements should be conceived as a contribution towards building a path that has a built in slide towards an irrevocable, if incremental, movement towards a more democratic and pluralistic destination. Unfortunately, the proposal currently on the table digs trenches around entrenched authority and only makes it even more difficult to build alternative paths.
1The peace process itself was controlled by a few powerful but non-representative actors on the Sri Lankan po(continued on next page)

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20 AMITIMES
TULF in crisis
The crisis that has hit the leadership of the once most popular Tamil political party, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), is likely to end in courts in due course. This follows a stormy Central Committee meeting held Sunday, 30 November, at the party headquarters in Colombo which, amidst scenes of violent behaviour among leading figures of the party, ended in uproar with conflicting claims and counter-claims as to what took place at the meeting.
Following the meeting, Mr Sambanthan claimed that the no-confidence move against the President was passed by 25 votes in favour with 10 against, and therefore Mr Sangaree was no longer leader of the party. However, Mr Sangaree, who presided at the meeting, claimed that no such resolution was adopted and he still remained President of the party. He further claimed that under the party’s Constitution, the Central Working Committee had no power to remove any key official, let alone the president of the party.
At the meeting which lasted more than 8 hours a faction headed by the party's General Secretary and Parliamentarian R. Sampanthan and Joseph Pararajasingham, an MP from the eastern province, sought to oust the party's President V. Ananathasangaree as leader of the party by adopting a noconfidence motion against him primarily on the ground that he had acted in contravention of the policy of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), of which the
TULF is a constitu fusing to accept tha 'sole representative ple”. Mr Sangaree’s has already acknow being the sole part Tamil people in the in the Norwegian tions with the Gov he was not in a pos "sole representative in all matters that people. If he did so there was no justific ence of the TULF a party.
It would seem t ership, which had b Mr Sangree's reluc claim to being the 's of the Tamils, want being President oft At an earlier C meeting held in Ju tempt to oust hil Sangaree emerged
(continued from pagel 9)
litical stage. Political parties like the PA and the SLMC were not given a seat at the table - but more important input from critical civil society elements, minorities within minorities, political dissidents and others were actively excluded; legitimates dissenting voices calling for human rights characterized as spoilers. In fact, in the name of a fragile peace, the process appeared to legitimize and even celebrate a process characterized by impunity and the abuse of power on many fronts - ranging from the GOSL's economic policies deepening inequality and attacking the most vulnerable sectors, to the
LTTE's military p. cruitment and polit While it is clear tha person in Sri Lank to war, many also f process was, in sad "a war by anothern of brutality it condc peace. See Running by Arjuna Parakram 4 (November 2003
2 Lines, Nov
From "Lines "( http://www.lines-n authors of this arti and S. Nanthikesar "Lines'.
 

DECEMBER 2003
2nt member, by reat the LTTE is the of the Tamil peoposition is that he ledged the LTTE as y to represent the peace process and facilitated negotia2rnment. However, sition to accept the role of the LTTE concern the Tamil , he contended that cation for the exists separate political
hat the LTTE leadbecome angry with tance to accept its sole representative' ed him ousted from he TULF. entral Committee ly this year an atm failed and Mr unscathed with a
olicies of child reical assassinations. at no right thinking a Can Want a return ound that the peace ly significant ways, ame' in the amount ned in the name of Away From Peace a, Lines, Vol. I, No. ).
ember 2002. November 2003) - lagazine.org/ - the cle. Vasuki Nesiah l, are co-editors of
staggering majority endorsing his leadership. Since then, it is alleged by his supporters that members of the Central Committee have been subjected to tremendous pressure and intimidation to support the move to oust him. Resolutions calling upon him to step down from his post had been passed by the party's branches in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara, but Mr Sangaree's supporters assert these resolutions were orchestrated at improperly summoned meetings.
It is now learnt that moves are afoot to appoint a disciplinary committee to probe charges against the TULF president, in what observers believe is a move to expel him from the party or from his post.
The charge-sheet against Mr. Anandasangaree will accuse him of violating the TNA policy that recognizes the LTTE as the sole representatives of the Tamils.
TULF MP Joseph Pararajasingham told The Sunday Times (Colombo) that the party's action against Mr. Anandasanagaree would depend on the report of the disciplinary committee to be appointed soon. He said the no-confidence resolution passed against Mr. Anandasangaree at the Central Committee was valid and it was moved af. ter repeated complaints from districtorganisations that the president of the party was violating the party policy of backing the LTTE as the sole voice of the Tamil people.
Meanwhile, Mr Sangaree charged that party general secretary R. Sampanthan had deviated from the usual practice and prepared the agenda arbitrarily for Central Committee meeting where the no-faith resolution against him was moved. "It is mandatory on the part of the general secretary to consult the president at all times, but he did not consult me this time,' he said. He said that at the said meeting, as the presiding President, he had upheld an objection by a member who pointed out that under the constitution of the party, the Central Committee had no power to remove a key official, and therefore it would be unconstitutional for the Committee even to entertain a motion for the removal of the President. "At this stage Mr. Sampanthan usurped

Page 21
DECEMBER 2003
the powers of the President and asked someone to propose and second the motion in spite of my protests. There was commotion at this stage and I had no option other than adjourning the meeting indefinitely. In the commotion that followed Mr. Sampanthan must have counted me also as having voted for the motion. After that I objected to signatures being obtained from some members for which I protested. My interest was to prevent the Members from being exposed to grave risk. At this stage Mr. Sampanthan left the party Head Quarter and went to Mr. Joseph Pararajasingham's house where I am told that signatures of a few members were obtained and some signatures were forged. Above all I was presiding over the meeting and it was I who should have put the motion to vote and not Sampanthan the Secretary of the Party. If that is the position how can Mr. Sampanthan claim that the no-confidence motion was passed. In fairness to me, the one who built up the party against several odds, when several others were reluctant to step into the of fice, Mr. Sampanthan must tell the truth. The T.U.L.F. was founded and built up by honest men. I have a sacred duty to protect the party of which I am also a founder. The most honourable thing for some of them is to quit the party as for me I will never become a traitor to the cause for which it was founded. I will serve the party till I breathe my last,' Mr. Sangaree said.
In the meantime, Mr Sangaree has written to the party's secretary, R. Sampanthan asking him to refrain from convening a meeting of the Central Committee on December 14 as he (Anandasangaree) has not authorised it. “You have neither consulted me or obtained my advice in this regard nor have I requested or authorised or advised you to convene such a meeting, the holding of which is therefore unconstitutional, irregular and illegal,” the TULF president said. Anandasangaree has asked Sampanthan to consult him and obtain his advise and consent regarding the convening and the holding of any such meeting and the date and place at which it may be held. He said that he understood through media reports the move to convene the said meeting on Decem
ber 14 at the reside dranehru’s Ampara
Reacting to the Mr Sangaree and th the TULF, Manga alingam, widow of Appapillai Amirtha view with the “Asi that it was unfortun the members of her l wanted to bring th jackboot' of the L husband, a foundé party. Mrs. Amirthal it was the TULFthat pirations of the Ta Lanka and all over til leading a low profi sassination of he Amirthalingam was August to be presel anniversary celebral Amirthalingam, hel of the LTTE le Saraswathy Hall, C Mr. Anandasangar tribute to TULF's
Bala back in acti The Liberation T Mr. Anton Balasing riorating health con severalmonths ofre well enough to rest cording to a repor website datelined Balasingham W. Kilinochchi in the next year to meet wi Vellupilai Pirapahi ior commanders to ment’s peace strate; Mr. Balasingha negotiating team to with the Sri Lanka his doctors had in concern about the i travel on his health who lives in Lon. Adele, travelled mc Tokyo, Berlin and days of talks. Mr. suffers from diabet tions and has a trans advised by his doct against long distan ing taken ill whilst earlier this year.

TAM TIMES 21
ince of Mr. Chanresidence.
ttempted ouster of e crisis that has hit yarkarasi Amirthslain TULF leader lingam, in an interan Tribune' stated ate that a section of ate husband's party e party under the TTE that killed her *r member of the ingam claimed that represented the asmil people of Sri he world. Normally le life after the asr husband, Mrs. in Sri Lanka last ht at the 76th birth tions of the late Mr. i against the wishes adership at the colombo at which ee spoke and paid ate leader.
On igers' theoretician, дham, whose detenpelled him to take est this year, is now lume his duties, act in the Tamil Net 8 November. Mr. ould travel to Vanni in January th LTTE leader Mr. aran and other sendiscuss the movegy, the report said. m led the LTTE's six rounds of talks n government, and the past expressed mpact of the heavy . The 64 year old, don, and his wife onthly to Bangkok, i Oslo, for several Balasingham, who es, coronary condiplanted kidney, was ors earlier this year ce travel, after be7isiting Kilinochchi
After several months of rest at his home in south London, it would appear that Mr. Balasingham has recovered sufficiently to resume duties.
Exploring Human Liberation
In a recently released book in Tamil, Viduthalai ("Liberation"), Mr. Anton Balasingham, theoretician for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), explores in depth, theories from ancient philosophers to seek meanings for Human Life, History and Liberation, according to a report in the Tamil Net website datelined 22 November.
In the Preface to the book, Mr. Balasingham states that the book is a compilation of edited and enhanced version of articles that he published in "Velicham (Light)" publication in Jaffna in the early 1990s. These articles were written on request by Head of the LTTE Literary Wing, Puthuvai Ratnathurai, with the objective of inspiring new and revolutionary thought processes in the minds of NorthEast student population, the author adds.
The first chapter details the contribution of late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr.M.G. Ramachandran to the TamilEelam struggle, particularly to LTTE's efforts. The second chapter documents details of the meeting between late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and LTTE leader Pirapaharan. The secret accord that was agreed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Pirapaharan on 28 July 1987 was of historical significance to Tamil struggle and hence the details have to be documented, Mr Balasingham says at the beginning of this chapter.
The rest of the book draws on thinking of Freud, Marx, Hegel and several other philosophers to attempt to answer basic and fundamental questions in human existence.
The book was released by Fairmax Publishing Ltd, P.O.Box 2454, Mitcham, Surrey CR43LJ, England.
CJ probe request declined
The Commonwealth Secretariathas spiked a request by the Sri Lanka Government to help set up a panel of judges from Commonwealth member-states to hear allegations against judges of the

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22 TAMILTIMES
supreme court or higher courts in Sri Lanka, particularly those that have been made against the present Chief Justice, Sarath de Silva, who heads the island's judiciary.
The Secretariat has informally told the Government that its request is "unprecedented" and indicated that it did not want to be apart of it, Commonwealth sources said.
At present allegations against judges of the higher courts in Sri Lanka are inquired into by parliament under provisions of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is said to have made the proposal to have Commonwealth judges in order to give such inquiries greater credibility and remove any charges of political bias.
While the Commonwealth Secretariat provides assistance to member countries by providing expertise in law drafting, understanding trade laws and regulations of the World
Trade Organisation and in honing the
negotiating skills of countries that still lack them in a world of globalised trade, it wishes to stay away from involvement in inquiries into Commonwealth judges.
Some years ago, when Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad callled for the help of judges from the Commonwealth to sit on a panel inquiring into the conduct of a Malaysian judge, the secretariat is believed to have informally advised member governments against acceding to the request.
However, President J. R. Jayewardene is understood to have ignored Secretariat advice and nominated Chief Justice Parinda Ranasinghe to the panel. If the government wishes to go ahead with the idea of Commonwealth judges hearing allegations, it might still approach individual Commonwealth countries.
The government's attempted move to involve the Commonwealth Secretariat came in the wake of its recent attempt to impeach the current Chief Justice by presenting a motion to parliament signed by a large number of MPs. This move was frustrated
and pre-empted b unexpected prorc ment by President government's ill-ti peach the Chief Ju der heavy fire fror dicial fraternity, Association of Sr because it occurr bench of Suprer headed by the C judgementin favo who had sought the constitutionalit over the subjects
ready allocated to
End to statelessn
More than 6,00 origin registered Lankan citizens in of a 10-day prc Ceylon Workers C them to gain citiz ramme was suppo tions High Comm gees (UNHCR).
The UNHCR it said: “the registra comes a critical problem for an e Tamilsbrought to 1820s to work one ity to claim Sri L. In October this passed legislation stateless people, al dren, to receive S ship. The campai those persons who dian passport un Sirimavo-Shastri who never left Sr people who havel without a passpor tification docume istration progran legislation into ef
UNHCR Re Neill Wright welc ment’s initiative til of Indian origin tections that com "Persons without nied some of the and entitlements: bank account, ow for the governme

DECEMBER 2003
7 the sudden and gation of Parliacumaratunga. The ned attempttoimtice also came uni the legal and juncluding the Bar
Lanka primarily d so soon after a he Court Judges hief Justice gave ur of the President ruling regarding y ofherselftaking which she had alcabinet ministers.
ԹSS
0 Tamils of Indian chemselves as Sri recent days as part gramme by the 'ongress to enable enship, The progted by United Naissioner for Refu
na press release on tion scheme overand long-running stimated 300,000 Sri Lanka since the 'states: their inabilankan citizenship. year, parliament that allowed these ong with their chilri Lankan citizengn will cover both applied for an In
der the so-called
Pact in 1964 but Lanka, as well as ved theirentire life or any other idennt. The 10-day regme puts the new fect.” presentative Mr. iomed the Governat provides Tamils with the legal proe with citizenship. citizenship are demost basic rights they cannot open a n property or work nt; they cannot ob
tain an identity card, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate or a passport; if they leave the country they cannot return. For almost 200 years, this has been the predicament of a great many Tamils of Indian origin living in Sri Lanka. The new legislation corrects this injustice," he said. The 10-day registration programme, which finished on Sunday December 7, enabled people to register for citizenship at Ceylon Workers Congress offices in more than 50 locations across the country. More than 300 volunteers have given their time to support the scheme.
During a one day training seminar for the volunteers, many older persons who had been working on tea plantations for their entire lives told stories of the hardship they have endured. Many cited the law passed by Parliament in October as an end to a long struggle for recognition.
Most of the stateless up-country
Tamils have never known any other country than Sri Lanka and consider it their home. An elderly woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, stated: "This is a great day for us. This is our home, my children and grandchildren have grown up here, gone to school, made friends and married. I no longer need to feel like neglected, poor and sick relatives, who despite the smiles are not welcome here. Now I am able to look each other in their eyes, knowing that we belong here and have our basic human rights protected by the State I feel like a real person for the first time in my life."
The UNHCR is also mandated to work for the reduction and elimination of statelessness around the world, in accordance with the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 196l Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. While basic human rights of stateless persons should be respected in their country of residence, statelessness itselfcreates vulnerability. Stateless persons hold an unequal status in their societies.

Page 23
DECEMBER 2003
Norways engage
diplomacy or dup
Kethesh Loganathan
The announcement by the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen, at a media briefing in Colombo on Friday 15th November, that Norway will "go home and wait" till there is clarity as to who is holding responsibility on the side of the government, was theatrics at its best- or, worst, depending on how one looks at it. But, no one can deny that it was plain theatrics and a case of playing to the gallery, The timing as well as the manner in which the decision to temporarily halt their role as a facilitator was effected has also been widely interpreted as an attempt by Norway at shaping events in the national political scene. Or, to put it another way, to stir the boiling political cauldron,
While it is perfectly acceptable for Norway as a mediator (it has long since ceased to be just a "postman") in shaping events in the interest of advancing the peace process, provided it is within its mandate, Norway's conduct as a third party mediator is beginning to be perceived as being unprincipled, partial and counter-productive. Let me elaborate.
The operative section in the cavalier declaration made by the Norwegian deputy foreign minister reads: "As far as our mandate goes, we have one clear conclusion: peace talks could have started tomorrow, provided there was clarity about who is holding responsibility on behalf of the Government for the continuation of the Ceasefire Agreement. Until last week there was such clarity. Today there is no such clarity." Hence, the decision to go home and "wait".
I see here instances of both perfidy and duplicity, disguised aspragmatic diplomacy and political realism, behind Norway's announcement. The question is, could peace talks have indeed started "tomorrow", if not for the political crisis following President Chandrika Kumaratunga's move to assume the portfolio of defence and internal security, as the Norwegian deputy foreign minister hinted at the press briefing? On the con
trary, it is common ki were not expected to c end of this year, The ( man and Chief Negoti: only indicated that th identified gaps betwee als and its own propos of an interim administi East and was prepared The Prime Minist following the political liament would be the negotiations in a bid to reconvene parliame parliament was totally peace process till the Be that as it may, th direct negotiations wa place early next year. are also fully aware th itself needed time to se ion to make it more re LTTE proposals. This Government to give in suit of legitimacy for control over the Nortl of relief and developm matter is that neither t the LTTE displayed commencing negotiati Norway has indicated. reality and Norway aware of this. Hence, tiations could have c row”, if not for the pol of perfidy. Secondly, that there was no cla responsible for the pea what surprising. This since it was widely r two meetings that the tion headed by its De ister had with Pres Kumaratunga, assural the President that sh State, Commander-inister of Defence, stoo plementing the ceasef she had some reservat ner in which the ce
 

howledge that talks )mmence before the overnment spokesutor, Prof G.L.Peiris e Government had n the LTTE proposal for the setting up ation for the Northto negotiate, er also announced, crisis, that the par: "focal" point for o get the President nt. The fact that the excluded from the is another matter, e actual timing for is scheduled to take Those in the know at the Government nsitisepublic opinceptive towards the was to enable the to the LTTE's purits politico-military -East, in the name tent. The fact of the he Government nor too much haste in ons “tomorrow”, as This is the political was certainly fully to assert that nego)mmenced “tomoritical crisis is a case orway's assertion ity as to who was ce processis someis particularly so, ported that in the Norwegian delegaputy Foreign Minident Chandrika ces were givenby e, as the Head of Chief and the Minl committed to imreagreement. That ons about the mansefire agreement
TAMLTME 23
came into existence and on matters relating to its implementation and monitoring is another matter. Be that as it may, the President went public and issued strict instructions to the security forces to strictly observe the ceasefire and to allow the LTTE cadres to engage in political activities in government-controlled areas. In fact, even the LTTE leadership demonstrated diplomacy in not wanting to be seen to be taking sides in the political crisis brewing in Colombo's political cauldron. As to what they thought about it in private is also another matter,
What the Norwegians have failed to understand is that given the political and constitutional dispensation in Sri Lanka following the last General Elections, where the Executive President and the Prime Minister belong to two different political formations, cohabitation is the only way available to forward the peace process. As such, there can be no case of a single source of authority and responsibility, What is needed is shared authority and responsibility, as Dr Sumansiri Liyanage argued in a recent article. The notion of a single source of authority could well apply in the case of the LTTE which is essentially an individual-centred authoritarian regime, with claims to be the "sole representative" of the Tamil people. Norway certainly should not expect other parties that they seek to bring together to be uniformly authoritarian and to assert their "soleness" in representing an entire people - whether they be Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims. The very notion of "sole representative" and "sole authority” is an anachronism and undemocratic, particularly if one is to make the peace process inclusive and broadbased so as to ensure its durability and sustainability.
Another instance of partiality and duplicity on the part of Norway is that no decision was taken by it to suspend its role as a mediator as a means of exerting pressure or as an expression of a political reality when, for instance, the LTTE decided to suspend its participation from official negotiations in April this year. That the LTTE sought to do so precisely at the moment that human rights conditionalities (or, "benchmarks") and core political issues were being brought into the agenda of the talks was conveniently ignored. Incidentally, Prof Nicholas Haysom, the South African Constitutional expert and former member of

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24 TAMILTIMES
ANC and advisor to Nelson Mandela, had observed several times in discussions in Colombo that he was disappointed that nothing was being done by Norway to prevent the LTTE from walking in and out of talks when it suited them.
It must also be noted that Norway adopted a studied silence when the LTTE launched its spree of political killings and child conscriptions, particularly following its decision to suspend its participation in official Track One negotiations. Norway felt constrained to express concern only when civil society and other international State and non-State actors began demonstrating their consternation and condemnation over these alarming developments. Neither did Norway threaten to suspend its role as a facilitator/ mediator when the LTTE simply ignored a ruling by the SLMM on the Kurangupanchankulam camp.
The problem of SLMM’s ineffectiveness as a monitor and in "naming and shaming" the perpetrator, particularly in the case of political killings by the LTTE, once again stems from Norway's obsession with a sole source of authority and responsibility. Perhaps, Norway finds its less complicated and expedient to deal with "sole representatives” and a single source of authority. This is also manifest in Norway's decision to arrogate to itself the dual role of a mediator as well as monitor by heading the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). That the mediator is also the monitor is quite unprecedented and is one of the major flaws in Sri Lanka's peace process.
The time has clearly come for Norway to take a close look at itself and ensure "clarity" about its own role and mandate, while "waiting” for the opportune moment to resume its role as a mediator. The time has also come for academics and intellectuals working in the sphere of conflict resolution, to take a close look at the role of Norway and its metamorphosis from that of a postman, to a mediator and, god-forbid, to that of a party to the conflict in Sri Lanka's protracted negotiations. A knee-jerk reaction branding as "spoilers' all those critical of Norway's handling or mis-handling of the peace process, simply will not do.
(The writer is a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Policy Alternatives(CPA) and Head ofits Conflict & Peace Analysis Unit. The views expressed in this article are his own).
The
ра
Adding to their Federal Party and TULF were in bad reduced to trading all to hear on Sakt drop of an exaltec Tamil who remem of the FP, it was he To many of us, be the party of hig call fondly the men esty who laid its Vanniasingham, N. vetpilai, et al.
In the glory da girls came to Jaffn tion campaign boo respectability. Me and even clergym party. Some of my are of, as a boy, ge “escort” to the Sat ladies of our parish while some boist chanted "Thook Meththai” (The gi mattress to us); of birthday party wait come out ofjail fo Sri-campaign; of h unsuccessfully se Party postage stam stack.
The party ever spy story to grip o derground because ernment’s detenti great scholar Fr. Ti ing Sole-Lord) se sages signed as E Naganathan (reall sang hymns at Ch Pavarotti, escaped wearing my fathel Along with th bravado, subsistec I recall the panic the story during th ties that the Sinha ter Somasundram

DEVEMBER 2003
grand old Tamil rty in disarray
Prof.S.Ratnajeevan H.Hoole
recent troubles, the its successor the shape last Sunday, filth (broadcast for ni TV) in the backi heritage. To any bers the glory days art-wrenching pain. the FP always will h principle. We reof impeccable honfoundations - SJV, aganathan, Kathira
ys, Ladies College a and stood in elecths to give the party n of great intellect en worked for the y fondest memories ing as my mother’s yagraha with all the and singing hymns erous Satyagrahis ku Medai, Panju allows are a cotton a cousin's delayed ing for her father to his role in the Antieroism as the Police arched for Federal ps hidden in a hay
had the thrills of a ur hearts - when unof the Srimavo govon orders, how that aninayagam (meannt telegraphic meskanayake, and how y a Hensman) who urch like a Luciano by train from Jaffna 's cassock.
is nonviolence and defensive violence. ut school on hearing æriots in the late fifese are coming. Pe, Jaffna MMC and
Post Master for the illegal FP postal service, organized the defence of Vavuniya with his rare expertise in the use of a shotgun.
As truckloads of men went in convoy down Chemmani Road to Vavuniya, senior boys playing cricket ran alongside shouting "Jey (Victory) for Tamils' and we too ran along shouting the same not quite knowing what Jey meant. During the riots, there were organized assaults on Sinhalese bakers and I remember getting some biscuits scattered in front of City Bakery down Hospital Road - my shocked parents were not convinced that my picking them up from the streets was a good €XCԱՏՇ.
In the safe Jaffna of those days I went alone to a meeting at Muthiraichchanthai to hear SJV. The next speaker drew blood from his hand with a sharp instrument, touched the blood with his thumb, made a pottu out of it and swore not to give up until victory was achieved. I ran away terrified as we were invited to do the same.
Few who grew up in Jaffna then could not fail to feel some love and awe for the party even when in disagreement. But the party was really a mixed bag-Chelvanayakam's high principles by the side of the violent poetry and deeds of the younger crowd. Although it was a time when the Tamil Congress were the “traitors', Jaffna never had a monolithic electoral group. In the prestigious Jaffna electorate in particular, it was the 3-way race between the TC, FP and Alfred Duraiappah that gave the FP the chance of capturing the seat in 1970. But the FP was, relatively, the party of principle.
The many TC MPs would easily crossover-Thiagarajah, Arulampalam, et al. who voted with the SLFP as it imposed a new Constitution and Standardisation. Thus the monolithic TUF (later TULF) was built by incorporating the TC in G.G. Ponnambalam’s

Page 25
DECEMBER 2003
absence using some local TC-ers in Jaffna.
When GGarrived at the Jaffna Railway Station to disrupt the move, he was met by a huge delegation that garlanded him as Co-leader with SJV of the TULF and he, checkmated thus, grouchily returned to Colombo the same evening.
But by the eighties, as the party collapsed, even FP stalwarts began to cross-over - Rajathurai, Kanagratnam, et al.. Some Tamils kept deriding Muslims saying they are unreliable turncoats (or turn-hats in Tamil phraseology), not seeing that we too had the same human failings. With this Tamil racism Muslim membership in the FP soon vanished and with it the party's liberal ethos. GG's son kept up the turncoatism by writing vituperative tirades in the Sunday Times against the LTTE in the 1990s and then suddenly did a flip attacking anyone who had doubts about the LTTE.
Thus while the TULF was a weak amalgam of many, cornered into this monolith, the FP component was the real core that could command the respect of the people and lived among the people. It was natural that the TULF should fall victim to its own politics when in an even greater amalgam, all parties were forced into the TNA. The likeable Sambandan, it was reported in the press, shed tears when queried at the Indian High Commission as to why
he had suddenly c to save his life, ht How could the T in an earlier era th to the smaller pa TULF? Many orig liked the TNA wh many parties and ( the TULF and lac the old guard. TU ordered to take u outsiders that the addition to taxatic tion.
This was the b leadership. He ha first contesting f nicipality on bel 1959, then the Kil tary seat for the T for the TULF, ea getting the highe 2001, with the le cal practices free the TNA. His c: LTTE cannot cla resentatives, man roots workers få from the publict bring the LTTE leader in Anandas out the hope of m of the right to spe have enough bac to defeat a move In the interin
Tani
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anged policy. It was is quoted as saying. JLF complain when y had done the same ties in forming the nal Federalists never pse MPs had lived in ven contested against ked the standards of F-ers felt they were policy positions by y had to defend, in n and child conscrip
ackdrop to Sangari’s d come to the TULF ir the Colombo Mulalf of the LSSP in linochchi parliamenC in 1970 and finally rning the prestige of st preference vote in ast help from unethily used by others in andid view that the m to be the sole repy agreed with. Grass acing the complaint hat the TULF would back to Jaffna saw a angari. His voice held ultiparty democracy; :ak out. He seemed to king six months ago to oust him.
l, forces against him
had gathered momentum. Alfonse Mary who had moved a motion of confidence in him at the earlier meeting, was queried in Batticaloa on his return and had to offer to resign and this time, . given the reality, voted against Anadasangari. Those struggling to balance pressure on them against principled position, found it hard to function when Sangari openly offended the LTTE.
It was thus inevitable that he lost the vote on Sunday (30 Nov 2003): 25 against, 10 for and 2 abstentions. It was sadly the end of a great man; a brave man. The cousin of a man from the East who had been murdered, but now voted against Sangari, was angrily asked by Sangari how he could turn-coat like this. The meeting ended up in party toprungers physically fighting each other over the recording of minutes.
The day also presumably marked the end of a grand old party that meant much to the Tamils. If Sangari goes to court as he has threatened to do, the party symbol may not be available for some time. It is now for Sambandan to cobble the party together again. He must not allow the animosity of recent days to cloud the principle that Sangari stood for - the independence of the TULF.
To do that takes courage. Without that courage, silence in retirement would be more dignified. I certainly wish Sambandan success. (Daily News)
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DECEMBER 2003
Sunday, November 16, 2003
* A committee appointed by the President and Prime Minister headed by United National Party
(UNP) Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and Senior Director of the President's Office Mano Tittawella were locked in talks trying to end the present impasse. Prime Minister says he will support a National Front to revive the peace process.
* Elections in the North and the East if they are to continue to be merged were put off by the President until November 17, 2004 (Eastern Province) and December 01, 2004 (Northern Province). She took this action under Paragraph (b) of Sub Section (2) of Section 37 of the Provincial Councils Act No.42 of 1987. Gazette was issued on November 6, 2003. For the time being they continue to be merged and function as one Province.
* The second round of talks between the President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge and Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe are expected to be held Tuesday at the Presidential office for the first time after Norway's pulling out of the peace process it has brokered twenty two months ago with a ceasefire agreement between the United National Front government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, political sources said. The talks between the leaders of the two major political parties are expected to find an amicable solution to resolve the current political crisis which followed by the unilateral action of the President in taking over three key ministries and proroguing the parliament for two weeks, political observers said, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe has said he would attend the second round of talks with the President along with the leaders of the constituent parties in the ruling UNF, namely with Mr.Arumugam Thondaman of the Ceylon Workers Congress, Mr.Periayasamy Chandrasekaram of the Upcountry Peoples Front and Mr.Rauff Hakim of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
Monday, November 17, 2003
"Anura Bandaranaike says he has got the consent of 25 parliamentarians to prepare a letter to be sent to the President to remove Mahinda Rajapakse as the Leader of the Opposition in spite of both belonging to the same party - the SLFP, which is a constituent member of the People's Alliance (PA).
"The United National Front government's media spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mr. G.L.Peiris, Monday said a conducive situation has been emerging for making decisions regarding the defense of the country. "The UNF has taken into consideration the French style constitutional arrangements in regard to defense of the country," said Mr.Peiris, addressing a press briefing Monday. Although different political parties have been in power no problem has arisen between the executive and the legislature in France, said Minister Mr.Peiris. He added that his government was prepared to negotiate on the defense issue. Without resolving the constitutional crisis that followed the take over of the three key ministries by the President, the peace process could not be taken forward. Mr.Peiris expressed optimism that the current political crisis could be resolved with the President this week and said that the government did not want to precipitate a crisis that would lead to a general election.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
* “There was no breakthrough in today's talks between the President and the Prime Minister", a senior Sri Lankan government official in Colombo said Tuesday. He said that it was agreed during the meeting to appoint a committee of officials to "work out the details of future working arrangements under which the President and Prime Minister could work together on the important national issues". The second round of talks between President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wicrekesinghe to explore means for resolving Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis began at 10.30 a.m. Tues
 

TAMILTIMES 27
day.
* V. Anandasangaree, a Tamil Member of Parliament (MP) and President of Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), declined an invitation to meet with Sri Lanka's President Ms.Kumaratunge saying that such a meeting will create misunderstanding among Tamil people, a popular Jaffna Tamil daily Uthayan reported.
* Government looks at French model with regards the management of defence. In this, there is a National Defence Council, which is chaired by the President but with the day-to-day affairs being handled by the Government.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
* Parliament meets at 10 am. Speaker Joseph Michael Perera reads out Notice summoning parliament signed by 130 parliamentarians and citing a similar situation when Anura Bandaranaike was the Speaker. On the earlier occasion Bandaranaike argued that since sovereignty is vested with the people and the people elect the parliamentarians, parliament is sovereign and it can be summoned by the Speaker,
* Budget presented at 2.30pm, UNF government presents third budget. "It is the government's wish, and of all right thinking people of Sri Lanka, that no further political crises be created which will derail the existing process and that all political issues, if any, be sorted out by objective consultation and decision," said the United National Front government's Finance Minister, Mr. K.N.Choksy, in his 2004 Budget speech delivered in parliament Wednesday evening, parliamentary sources said. "The establishment of a dialogue with the LTTE and the existence of ceasefire agreement signed by the government and the LTTE after about twenty years have contributed to the resuscitation of the country's economy," said Mr.Choksy. * Thought has been given to the formation of a National Defence Committee chaired by the President in which the Prime Minister and the Security Forces Chiefs and the Police Chief are part of. * Solheim briefing the government of India on the current situation in Sri Lanka refuted all reports that claimed Norwegians had withdrawn from their facilitator role. "We have only put ourselves on hold", Solheim is reported as saying, while stressing they were waiting "for political clarity to be re-established" between the Southern parties in Sri Lanka, to resume their role as mediator, He also said the SLMM was continuing with its duties. He further said Nor- . way was aware of India's concerns about the LTTE wanting full control of the territorial waters and marine resources in the sea separating the two countries. However Solheim said the LTTE had only stated its position and did recognize that negotiations would have to follow, Solheim ruled out the possibility of a new state for Sri Lankan Tamils emerging through the process and said the international community was aware of India's concerns.
* The First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka, Mr. Hideyuki Onishi, Wednesday afternoon declared open the renovated building of the Madduvil Srivetpillai Community Center in Chavakachcheri in the Jaffna district at a cost of one million rupees funded by the people and the Government of Japan as a token of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka. The implementing agency was the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), sources said.
The community center building was destroyed in the military operation launched by the Sri Lanka Army in the year 2000, civil sources said.
* The central dispensary and hospital located in the village of Mahilavettuvan, 30 km West of Batticaloa town in territory controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the Batticaloa district, which was damaged by the military actions of the Sri Lanka Army in 1987 and destroyed later the same year by the Indian Peace Keeping Force, recommenced operation Tuesday. Following the destruction of the hospital, the people of the area faced grave diffi

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28 TAMILTIMES
culties in meeting their health needs and had to visit the Batticaloa teaching hospital to get treatment for even minor ailments. But following the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, the North East Community Organization for Restoration and Development (NECORD) assisted the reconstruction of the dispensary and hospital at a cost of 3.3 million rupees. A doctor's quarters has also been constructed.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
* A working arrangement between the President and the government - most probably in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is on the cards to form a national consensus to take the peace process and the economy forward, Government Spokesman G.L. Peiris said. Peiris said the committee comprising UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema, Prime Minister's Secretary Bradman Weerakoon, President's Secretary W.J. S. Karunaratne and President's Senior Advisor Mano Tittawela were working in that direction. The committee met today and is scheduled to meet tomorrow as well to sort out matters.
On the three key Ministries, which were taken over by the President on November 4, Prof. Peiris said that the Prime Minister had not asked them back. He had only maintained that the person in charge of the peace process should have full responsibility with regards the process. There should be clarity with regards the process. He added that simply talking of a national government was not realistic. 'Allocating several Ministries for the members of the PA will not solve the problem. We should go beyond that and reach a national consensus, he stressed.
* The LTTE commences celebrations to mark "Heroes Week' to commemorate LTTE cadres who have lost their lives in the struggle for a Tamil homeland from today until Thursday, November 27. Celebrations are to be held all over the north and the east.
* Meanwhile, the European Parliament has expressed concern over a power struggle between the President and the PM which has
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stalled peace talks with Tamil Tigers and hurt the nation's economy. Members of the European Union assembly passed a resolution that welcomed "the bold steps taken by the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) to create the conditions in which negotiations may lead to a political solution and a lasting peace."
But the Strasbourg parliament expressed "its deep concern about the recent developments in Sri Lanka which threaten the internationally supported peace process, notably the decisions by President Chandrika Kumaratunga to sack” her defence, interior and information ministers, and to prorogue parliament. "The House urges the president to work together with the democratically elected government and its prime minister,” it added. It pointed “the need, more than ever, for a real bipartisan commitment and approach to securing a political settlement in Sri Lanka between the major parties.”
Friday, November 21, 2003
* Tittawela-Samarawickrema Committee talks held for second time to finalise the MoU. There is a suggestion to form a government of National consensus, which would continue for one year with the emphasis being on development. The committee also reportedly decided to ask the premier to take charge of the peace process and that peace talks should proceed without delay.
* The People's Alliance (PA) said that the President was willing to put the past behind and make a fresh start with the UNF Government. The four-member committee has to submit their report by December 15 to form a National Government for reconstruction and rehabilitation. President assures business community that there will be no dissolution of parliament unless inevitable circumstances compelled her to do so.
* The main opposition Peoples Alliance said that the President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge and Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremanayake have agreed to conclude the current high level talks now being held between their advisors to end the political uncertainty by 15th of December. “Thereafter the President intends to form an all party-government to bring the current political crisis to an end,” said PA media spokesman Dr. Sarath Amunugama at a press briefing held in Colombo.
* Presidential senior advisor Mr.Mano Tittawela and UNP Chairman Mr.Malik Samarawickrema have been conducting talks to find a way to sort out differences between the executive presidency and parliamentary legislature which followed with the dismissal of three UNF ministers and taking over their ministries defense, interior and mass communication by the President.
Meanwhile the UNF government media spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mr. G.L.Peiris said at a press briefing that both the Prime Minister and the President have been trying their best to find an amicable settlement to the constitutional crisis. (My government is prepared to go even beyond the Liam Fox agreement signed by the President and Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe thus signing a Memorandum of Understanding by them in the future,» said Mr.Peiris. Mr. Liam Fox was a British Minister under the then Conservative Government who brokered an agreement between President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge and Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe when he was the leader of the opposition before 2001 general election to bring out an agreement between these two leaders to find a consensus in finding a political solution to the ethnic problem during the period the Presidentis party People Alliance had a majority in then parliament, political sources reminded.
Professor Peiris further said the President and Prime Minister would review the findings of the Tittawela-Malik committee when they meet for another round of talks in few weeksi time. The MOU expected to be arrived at between the two major political parties cannot be considered as a basis for a national government. However to could help both parties to work with better understanding in the spheres of peace and economic stability of the country, Mr.Peiris said. Saturday, November 22, 2003
* Tittawela-Samarawickrema Committee identifies four areas in which they can work towards a national consensus: Peace proc

Page 29
DECEMBER 2003
ess, strengthening of democratic institutions, good governance, economic-social development. They have also focused on four key issues connected with the peace process: Security, Oslo's role, SLMM’s role, and how to bring the LTTE back to the negotiating table.
* The new building of the Sampalthivu Agrarian Services Centre (ASC), located in the village of Aththimoddai, about 7 k.m. north of Trincomalee town, and reconstructed at a cost of 2.9 million rupees with the financial assistance of Integrated Food Security Programme (IFSP) of the German Agency for Technical Co-operation (GTZ), was handed over to the Agrarian Development Committee of Sampalthivu Friday morning. The Director of International Emergency Aid, Food, Security and World Food Aid of the Federal German Ministry for Economic Co-operation and development, Mr. Horst Mueller, participated as the chief guest.
"Sri Lankas Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe Saturday said the current ceasefire agreement with the LTTE should be strengthened to avoid another war. "Negotiated political settlement could be found for the national conflict without war,” said Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe addressing the first rally at Padavi-Siripura in Trincomalee district Saturday evening inaugurating an awareness programme island wide, to explain to the public, matters related to constitutional crisis between the Executive and the Legislature.
Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe said the government was not in a position to take forward the peace process as two key ministries, defense and interior had been taken over by the President. However the UNF government would extend its support to the President if she ventured to find resolution to national issues.
He appealed to all political parties to make full use of the truce now in force to usher permanent peace. Mr.Wickremasinghe added a broad dialogue should be initiated between the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE about the interim power sharing institution for the northeast province. The LTTE has submitted its response to the government interim administrative structure proposals. The two major political parties should unite to carry out their responsibility in taking forward the stalled peace process and find a permanent solution to the national conflict, he added.
Mr. Wickremasinghe suggested that two major political parties should reach a consensus on the LTTE's interim self-governing authority (ISGA) proposal to avoid differences when a final political settlement is arrived at. Interim administrative structure should be established in the northeast giving priority to three vital issues, safeguarding the territorial integrity, sharing power for development and to maintain democratic principles in the administration, Mr.Wickremasinghe stressed.
Sunday, November 23, 2003:
* Two Muslim civilians were killed by unknown assailants in two separate incidents in the Kinniya division in Trincomalee district, security sources said. The first incident took place at Faizal Nagar on Sunday night at about 9 p.m. and the other at Kachchaikoditivu on Monday early morning around 2 a.m, sources added. A few people have also been wounded during the incidents and they have admitted to Kinniya and Trincomalee General hospitals. The General Officer Commanding of the Sri Lanka Army in Trincomalee district, Major General Sunil Tennekoon, and the Chinabay Police head, Mr.Clement Fernando, Monday morning rushed to Kinniya to assess the situation and to strengthen the security situation in the Kinniya division, security sources said.
Muslim civilians died in grenade attacks according to prelimi. nary reports reaching the police, security sources said. Additiona police and army soldiers have been deployed in Kinniya, Alankern and other villages in the Kinniya division to prevent further vio lence in the division, police said. Meanwhile the Kinniy Jemiyathulmal Ulama (Muslim Theologian) Council has appealet to Muslims through loud hailers installed in the mosques in the di vision to maintain calm, Kinniya residents said. Monday, November 24, 2003
"Snap polls if the Tittawela-Samarawickrema Committee can not arrive at a suitable compromise acceptable to both the Presider

TAM TIMES 29
and Prime Minister to solve present political crisis. The French cohabitation model is also being looked into.
* Senior UNF Government Minister M. H. Mohamed says that if UNF Government decides to form a National Government for reconciliation and reconstruction it would result in the UNF losing its identity.
* Tamil parties call for resolving of political impasse between President and Prime Minister because the delay in the peace process runs the risk of being impaired due to the lack of clarity and uncertainty.
* SLFP Central Committee under President endorses alliance with JVP.
* “It is the considered view of the Tamil people and of the fif teen Members of Parliament of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that the responsibility on the part of the government to sustain the ceasefire, and to continue with the peace process, must flow from one single authority," said the TNA parliamentary group leader, Mr.R.Sampanthan, speaking in the budget debate in parliament Monday. It is our considered view that responsibility on the part of the Government for Defense and the ceasefire is a joint responsibility, which must be vested with a single authority and the two are inseparable. Damage to ceasefire will inexorably damage the peace process. We strongly urge that this lack of clarity and uncertainty be ended at the earliest. The peace process runs the risk of being gravely impaired, if this lack of clarity and uncertainty continues, and we earnestly urge the President and Prime Minister to resolve this impasse without delay." Sampanthan said.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
* Sinhala nationalist protestors burnt an effigy of European's Union Commissioner for External Affairs, Mr. Chris Patten in the busy business hub of downtown Colombo Tuesday moring. Mr. Patten arrived in Sri Lanka's capital Tuesday for meetings with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Kumaratunga and the leader of the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Veluppillai Pirapaharan. The protest was organized from 11 a.m. by the Patriotic National Movement formed by the Sinhala nationalist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna and President Kumaratunga's People's Alliance.
The protesters shouted slogans against Mr. Patten and warned the Sri Lankan government against the "sinister designs of European Imperialism to divide the island".
The EU External Affairs Commissioner's scheduled meeting with Mr. Pirapaharan on Wednesday has drawn howls of protests from Sinhala nationalists and extremists.
* The political instability in the south of the country has been considered by the local and international community as the main obstacle to take the peace process forward, the United National Front government senior minister and media spokesman, Professor G.L.Peiris, said. (The take over of three key ministries - defense, interior and mass communication-from the UNF government by the President has hindered the continuation of the peace process the present government had launched since it came to power,» Minister Peiris told Colombo-based diplomats Monday, briefing them about the current political crisis, sources said.
Minister Peiris assured the diplomats that his government hoped to continue the current peace efforts. What was required now was not setting up of a national government thus ending sharing cabinet portfolios between the two major parties. The two major parties must join and work for the success of the stalled peace talks to resume and to reach its objective offinding permanent peace in the country, media sources quoted Mr. Peiris as telling the diplomats.
* The Varothaya Nagar Barathi Vidiyalayam in the suburb of
Trincomalee town, which has a history of being occupied during military operations in the past, till the signing of the ceasefire agreement by the Government and the LTTE has now got a new two storied building at a cost of nearly 4.6 million rupees under the North East Community Restoration and Development Project (NECORD). The building was declared open Monday. THe NECORD is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Page 30
30 TAMILTIMES
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
* Chris Patten today said that in his meeting with the LTTE leader, he stressed that the Tigers should renounce violence, stop ceasefire violations, accept a federal solution and address the issue of a Muslim delegation to the peace talks. Patten made it clear to Prabhakaran that "whatever happens in the past, the International community wants the LTTE to turn its back for once and for all on violence and commit itself to the peace process. The International Community cannot accept trying to achieve political ends through violence.'
In the meeting with Prabhakaran, Patten said he refereed to the Oslo declaration where the Tigers accepted a Federal solution to the ethnic question and told the Tiger leader that LTTE proposals should be a set of suggestions and not the final negotiation position because it is quite difficult to associate them with any form of federal solution he was aware of, he said.
Patten said he also asked that problems related to the SLMC demand for a separate Muslim representation for the peace talks - which the Tigers had hitherto denied - should be resolved in the interest of the Muslim community.
* A joint council comprising the President, the Prime Minister and senior members of the two main parties as well as from other political parties to deal with the peace process is likely to emerge soon following the Samarawickreme Tittawella talks. The committee has also been engaged in discussing the possibility of forming a joint council to carry the peace process forward and the adoption of the French model on the handling of the defence portfolio. Meanwhile, there are also reports that the SamarawickremeTittawella committee has reportedly run in to a deadlock, The government is asking for an interim period of four months before taking a decision on forming a national government while President Kumaratunga is insisting on an immediate positive response, informed sources said.
* Ten soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army were buried alive in the muddy land between Eluthumadduval and Nagarkovil coastal area in Thenmaradchi division in Jaffna district while undergoing training on Wednesday at about 6 p.m., police said. A group of about thirty army soldiers had gone for training to the muddy land located along the coastal area stretching from Thondamanaruto Vettilaikerni, The soldiers did not know the soil condition of the land where they were engaged in training, and saw three of them going down in the muddy land. Some seven soldiers had gone to the rescue of their fellow soldiers. But they, too, had gone down in the muddy soil. Finally, the rest of the soldiers with great difficulty recovered the bodies of the ten dead soldiers, security sources said, The bodies of soldiers were removed to the Palaly SLA base to be transported to Colombo and from there to the native places of the soldiers, police said.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
* LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in his annual message commemorating the Heroes' Day today (l) Rejected accusations made by President Chandrika Kumaratunga that his organisation was strengthening its military power and preparing for war; (2) Denied allegations that the recent proposals submitted by his organisation to establish an Interim Administrative Council (IAC) in the Northeast constitute the foundation for the creation of a separate state. He further argued that some of the features of self-governance had been misinterpreted as a project for a separate state; (3) Warned that if the Sinhalachauvinistic ruling elites continued to deny the rights of our people and oppose reconciliation and if the conditions of oppression continued, the Tamils would have no alternative but to secede and form an independent state invoking the right to self-determination of our people; and (5) asserted, "Our organisation, as well as our people do not want war. We want peace and we want to resolve our problems through peaceful means. We are deeply committed to the peace process.”
"The Ministry of Interior today citing police reports states there has been evidence of a "third party" responsible for the incidents in

DECEMBER 2003
Trincomalee aimed at creating disturbances between the Muslims and Tamils. It says the police have advised the public not to be roused by these events. It further states that with the co-operation of all sections of the people and religious dignitaries the police had been able to ensure peace in the area.
" A special court of inquiry was appointed today to probe the tragedy where ten army commandos were drowned in a quagmire of mud during a training exercise in Jaffna on Wednesday, November 26 evening.
* The second reading of the third budget of the UNF government was passed in parliament today with 126 votes for and 88 against. The TNA, CWC, SLMC also voted with the governing UNF.
Friday, November 28, 2003
* Three Muslim farmers were killed in Nadu Ootru in Kinniya division in Trincomalee district. Fellow farmers found their bodies Saturday morning in paddy fields with injuries said to have been caused by pointed weapons and reported the incident to the security forces. Nadu Ootru village is in the government controlled area, police said. The three dead farmers on the night of Friday had been guarding their rain-fed paddy crops from wild animals, police said, More soldiers and police have been deployed in Kinniya and its suburbs and strengthened the security of the villages, police said. A special police team has been sent to the site to conduct investigation, Trincomalee police said. The dead farmers have been identified as Nagoor Pitchchai Faleel (58), Abdul Muthalif Subair (50) and Hayathu Mohamed Hussain (58).
A dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in Kinniya police division in the Trincomalee district Saturday evening to defuse escalating tension caused by the killing of the three Muslim farmers. Muslim families living in Kandalady and other Muslim villages are reported to have fled from their residences and sought refuge in Kinniya and other secured areas due to fear following the Friday's killings. Some local Muslim activists claimed Saturday the LTTE was behind this incident but the LTTE sources had categorically denied it. Meanwhile the curfew, which has come into force Saturday 6 p.m., is expected to be lifted Sunday morning 6 a.m,
"A delegation consisting of seven members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), led by Head of the LTTE Peace Secretariat, Mr. Pulithevan, began a study tour to South Africa on Wednesday to look at aspects of federalism, constitutional frameworks and administrative structures employed in that country, The LTTE team is expected to meet South African experts to discuss matters related to South Africa's constitution, according reports. Two women tigers from the LTTE's political wing were part of the delegation, according to the LTTE Peace Secretariat.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
" President says it is about time that thc two main parties put back all differences and forged ahead to restore peace and democracy. President proposes the appointment of minister assisting defence on the recommendations of the Premier. This is a counterproposal sent by the Premier to set up the National Defence Council (NDC) on the lines of the French system of handling defence. President promotes the idea of the establishment of a Joint Peace Council (JPC) chaired by herself and the Premier. The committee will also have representation from civil society groups and nominees of the President.
* The Premier rejects the President's proposals to share defence and enlarge the representations to the peace process. General elections might solve impasse but parliament can only be dissolved af. ter December 18 that is after the third reading of the Budget is passed.
Sunday, November 30, 2003:
* While the Tittawella-Samarawickrema Committee continue its deliberations in trying to fuse a satisfactory working relationship between the President and the Prime Minister, the President has made several requests in her proposals to the Prime Minister and among them is to create a national consensus for one-year to deal with vital

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issues such as the peace process, strengthening of democratic institutions, good governance, infrastructure development and a moratorium on political crossovers in parliament.
* The Central Committee of the TULF which met today in Colombo reportedly passed a resolution stating that they had no confidence in the party's President Mr V. Anandasangaree and demanding his resignation from the post as has been reportedly demanded by the LTTE. However, Mr Anandasangaree, who presided at the meeting and his supporters have denied that such a resolution was taken, while the party's General Secretary Mr R. Sambathan claimed that the resolution was adopted.
* A dusk to dawn police curfew has been imposed in the Trincomalee police division with effect from Sunday evening from 6pm. The curfew will be lifted at 5 a.m. on Monday, police announced through loudhailers in town Sunday evening. Residents of Trincomalee town have been requested to co-operate with the security forces to maintain law and order, police said The Police deployed more army soldiers and police personnel strengthening of the town and its suburbs to contain further violence, which followed incidents in which two factions of Muslims and Tamils had been involved, police said. The curfew has been imposed as a preventive measure, police said.
Monday, December 01, 2003
* The African National Congress (ANC) in a statement issued on Monday said that the ANC is meeting with members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) delegation currently on a study tour to South Africa. The ANC would also meeting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando on Tuesday, the statement said. Full text of the press statement issued by the ANC follows: The African National Congress is meeting a delegation from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam today (Monday, 1 December) led by the Secretary General of the LTTE Peace Secretariat, Mr S. Puleedevan. This will be followed by a meeting on Tuesday (2 December) with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, the Hon Mr Tyronne Fernando. The aim of these meetings is to share experiences of the South African multiparty negotiations process in an effort to assist the Sri Lankan peace process. The delegation from the Tamil Tigers will have a courtesy meeting with the ANC Secretary General, Deputy Secretary Genera and Treasurer General, before meeting with members of the ANC's former multi-party negotiations team. They will also meet with representatives of the South African Human Rights Commission Independent Electoral Commission and Constitutional Court. The will also meet the ANC provincial leadership in KwaZulu Natal an Western Cape to discuss their experiences of coalition partnerships The ANC is committed to assist the parties in Sri Lanka to achiev. a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in that country. W hope that our own experience of an inclusive negotiations proces may be of use to the different parties in Sri Lanka.
* Four members of Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commissio (HRC), lead by Dr. Rathika Kumaraswamy arrived in Batticalo Monday morning on a two day visit to study the situation prevailin in the eastern province.
Other memebers of the HRC delegation visiting Batticaloa a Dr. Deepika Udagama, Dr.M.A.Zeinudeen, Mrs.S.S.Senanayake an Lecturer in Law N.Selvakumar. The delegation visited Meeravod in Valaichenai and talked to the resettled families on their situatio and their immediate needs. Later the HRC members visite Vinayagapuram refugee camp and met with the refugees in the cam The delegation is expected to meet with members of the differe civil groups, representatives of local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to discuss with them matters related resettlement and issues facing resettled families.
* A curfew has been reimposed in Trincomalee and Kinni police divisions in the Trincomalee district with effect from 7 p. Monday. It will be lifted at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Trincomalee poli said.
Meanwhile, the Trincomalee Police is to submit a comprehe sive report within two day's time to the President, Ms Chandri

TAMILTIMES 31
Kumaratunge, regarding the security situation of the Trincomalee district, police said. The President has instructed the acting Inspector General of Police to bring normalcy in the Trincomalee district by deploying more security personnel in the problem areas in the district, Presidential secretariat sources said.
In the meantime, the North East Muslim parliamentarians Forum is to meet Tuesday at the parliamentary complex to review the security situation in the Trincomalee district, especially in Kinniya, according to Forum Secretary Mr.M.L.A.M.Hisbullah. Mr. Hisbullah further said a delegation of the Forum would meet the President and Prime Minister Tuesday evening to bring to their notice the hardships of Muslims currently undergoing in the Trincomalee district. Two conferences were held Monday in Trincomalee town to defuse tension between two communities, Muslims and Tamils and bring back normalcy in Kinniya and Trincomalee police divisions, which had been rocked by violence for the last few days, police said.
The first conference held at the Trincomalee police headquarters where representatives of peace committees, religious organizations and village level officers (Grama Sevaka officers) participated. Presiding over the conference, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Upali Hewage said incidents daily taking place in Trincomalee and Kinniya division have caused deep concern over the maintenance of law and order in the district. He appealed to leading citizens and religious leaders of the town to act with responsibility and assist the law enforcement authorities to bring the situation under control.
Religious leaders of all faiths in their speeches said the elements behind violent incidents taking place in the Trincomalee district should be identified to sustain the peace efforts now being taken forward in the country,
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
* The proposals envisaged by the Tittawella-Samarawickrema Committee are the establishment of a Joint Peace Council co-chaired by the President and the Prime Minister, the appointment of a Minister Assisting Defence from the UNF who would handle peace related defence matters, the establishment of an Independent Governing Council for all state media on the BBC model and a moratorium on political crossovers.
* A delegation of the North East Muslim Parliamentarians' Forum (NEMPF) Tuesday afternoon met with President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunge, and discussed in detail the deteriorating security situation in the Trincomalee district, especially the Kinniya division. The delegation urged the President to take immediate steps to bring the situation under control and to help the Muslims there from being killed and wounded, sources said,
Parliamentarians of the NEMPF Tuesday morning met at the parliamentary complex with Deputy Minister Mr. Noordeen Mashoor in the chair and reviewed the security situation in Kinniya and the sufferings of Muslim families due to violence. At that meeting they had decided to make representation to the President.
The NEMPF delegation brought to the notice of the President that eight Muslims had been killed and about 15 had been injured in recent violence in the Kinniya division. The delegation further brought to the notice of the President that around 5000 families had been displaced and sought refuge elsewhere. Of the refugees, about 3500 are from the Muslim community and the rest are Tamils. The President was informed that six people had been killed in what appeared to be inter-communal clashes in the past few days. The delegation appealed to the President to strengthen the security in Trincomalee town and Kinniya division by deploying more security personnel.
The President promptly instructed the Defense Ministry Secretary, Mr. Cyril Herath, Interior Ministry Secretary Mr.M.N.A.Junaid and the acting Inspector General of Police Mr.Indra de Silva to take immediate steps to provide security to all communities in the Trincomalee district. "The president ordered the police to arrest any person, including Tamil Tiger cadres, who are responsible for an

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breach of the peace," said an official in Kumaratunga's office.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003:
* Following the recent attacks on Muslims in the cast more so in Trincomalee District in Kinniya, a "third force” was suspected of organizing these attacks. Reports say that the LTTE and Security Forces are working together to resume normalcy. President has also observed that the violence started in Kinniya following her take over of the Defence and Interior Ministries. While some Muslim community leaders have denied the presence of a "third force” and blamed the Tamil Tigers for instigating the violent acts, they have called for an investigation as to identify who this "third force” is.
* Mrs. Mangayarkarasi Amirthalingam, wife of the former TULF leader, who was slain by the LTTE in Colombo in 1989, commenting on the no-confidence vote on the current TULF leader Anandasangaree says that the TULF is trying to surrender itself to the LTTE - the party that assassinated her husband and many other TULF leaders. She added that the TULF represented Tamil aspirations in the country as well as abroad.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
* President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunge, and Prime Minister, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe, held their third round of talks on the cohabitation crisis, but did not reach any consensus. They agreed to meet again on December 10 and terminate their talks on or before December 15, ruling United National Front sources said. The discussion focused attention on finding a consensus to sort out the current crisis about sharing power between them, sources said. The President and PM reviewed the progress made so far by the Samarawickrama-Tittawela committee, expressing some hope of a settlement as long as the talks continued. Among the matters discussed were the set of proposals forwarded by President Kumaratunga on the peace process, good governance, strengthening democratic institutions and improving infrastructure. But there were some ar
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DECEMBER 2003
eas that needed to be discussed in depth before arriving at a final decision, the sources said.
However, unlike in the two previous occasions the committee did not issue a joint statement but said at the discussions which lasted only for an hour at President's House the parties took a firm stand to meet the December 15 deadline set by the President. Political analysts in Colombo say that a dissolution of parliament followed by a general election will become inevitable if the President and the PM do not arrive at some form of power-sharing arrangement,
* Hundreds of Buddhist monks from the National Bhikku Front held a demonstration and protest march against the Interim SelfGoverning Authority (ISGA) proposals of the Liberation Tigersof Tamil Eleam (LTTE). Thursday afternoon in Colombo.
The demonstration and protest march started in front of the Buddha statue at the Viharemhadevi Park in Town Hall and the march reached the Botree at Colombo Fort. The demonstrators carriedbanners, Sri Lanka's national flag and Buddhist flag, ands protested the ISGA proposals, saying the LTTE should be defeated and its proposals should not be considered at all. Civilians also marched in the procession along with the monks. Some of leading monks of Buddhist society, including Ven. Madiyathila Vijith thera and Ven. Bengamuvay Nalake thera participated in the demonstration.When the procession reached the Bo tree, the monks and other protesters sat down under the Bo tree and started singing Buddhist hymns against what they said was "handing over ISGA to the LTTE. The NBF's leader, Ven. Kalavalgale Chandaloka thera, speaking to the press said, (We plan to hand over a petition signed by 3000 monks to the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, against the handing over of Interim Administration Authority to the LTTE.)
* Sri Lanka would get more funds for clearing mines in the northeast if it acceded to the Ottawa Convention banning the use of landmines said Mr. Ted Chaiban, the head of the UNICEF in Sri Lanka, in a brief presentation on behalf of the UN at the launch of "Mine Action Media Campaign' at the Prime Minister's office in Colombo on Thursday. Sri Lanka is one of the 44 countries that have not signed the Ottawa Convention.
The Mine Action Media Campaign, initiated by the “National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA) under the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's office, was produced by Young Asia Television (YA TV) with assistance from the UNICEF and the UNDP. Though the Government is agreeable in principle to sign anti-mine Convention, it will be difficult for it to do so until it is certain that the armed conflict is over and the Tigers also give a binding commitment not to use landmines, a government source said.
* The Asian Development Bank funded North East Community Organization for Restoration and Development (NECORD) Project today launched the Village Rehabilitation Programme (VRP) under the Community Development Project (CDP) in eight districts of the North-East, with the signing of two agreements with non-governmental organizations to implement two projects in the Trincomalee district. Fourteen villages have been selected in the province in the first phase under the CDP, NECORD Deputy Project Director Mr.N.Puhendran said.
Friday, December 05, 2003
* LTTE Political Wing Leader S. P. Thamilchelvan at a press conference in Kilinochchi says that they are ready for peace but are watching the political instability in the south. They need to know with whom to continue the peace process.
* The Government yesterday declared that the two major political parties will have to decide on alternative means to resolve the current political crisis, if the ongoing talks for a national consensus on critical policies fail to reach a conclusion by December 15.
Cabinet spokesman Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris told the Cabinet press briefing: cin an unfortunate contingency, one will have to take stock of the situation and resort to practical measures to resolve the situation.) However, he refused to disclose what this alternative means the Government had in mind, in reply to inquires by the media.

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The Minister said if the two parties cannot come up with a "desired solution” before the set deadline, it would be necessary to seek alternative ways for a "practical solution” so as to gain much needed political clarity to revive the peace process. (A long pause between the peace talks can put the peace process in a fragile situation,) he emphasised adding that the Eastern situation can be effectively addressed in a more stable political set up.
Referring to the recent set of conciliatory proposals by the President which included the appointment of a minister assisting Ministry of Defence, Prof. Peiris said the suggestion was unacceptable since the set up would not give full authority to the PM on matters concerning the defence. Explaining the Government stance, the minister said, (There was no desire to embarrass the President or to create undue conflicts.) Nevertheless, he added that the government cannot be entirely satisfied unless the PM is in total control overall aspects concerning the peace process. He reiterated that the immediate need of the hour was for a national consensus not a national government.
* The Sri Lanka Army and police Friday strengthened the security of the Muttur town following the death of a Muslim person, Mr. Raheem alias Bala, in a bomb blast that had taken place in Muttur town close to a mosque Thursday night around 7.30 p.m., police said. The Trincomalee police headquarters said that security forces had recovered another live grenade at the site where the incident had taken place.
Meanwhile, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Friday denied any involvement in the Muttur bomb blast. In the meantime, security forces Friday said Kinniya division has been limping back to normalcy as religious and community leaders have been working closely to monitor development in the area after a series of killing of eight Muslims by unknown persons. Meanwhile, police said they had complained to the SLMM that the LTTE was constructing a bunker in the Mutur coast.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
* Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at a rally in Kurunegala ruled out the formation of a National Government stating that it would lead to a conflict with President Kumaratunge who is a member of the opposition.
* Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader and Ports Development and Shipping, Eastern Development & Muslim Religious Affairs Minister, Rauff Hakeem called on Shipping Minister, Central Government of India, Satrugan Sinhaathis ministry in New Delhi Thursday.
They discussed wide ranging issues relating to shipping and ports with special emphasis on the immediate need to commence passenger ferry service between the two countries, Ministry of Ports Development and Shipping release said. Since the ferry service between Colombo and Chennai is in question it was pointed out that efforts should be made to operate a ferry service to an alternative destination in India preferably Cochin. Hakeem has proposed that training and development cooperation in the sector between the countries and the possibilities of investing in ports and shipping field. Both Ministers exchanged views on Sedu Samuthra and Sagara Mala projects mooted by India. Hakeem invited his counterpart to visit Sri Lanka and requested him to sign the MoU relating to the ferry services between the countries.
* LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham tells a Martyr's Day meeting in London that the LTTE was totally against the western style of solving the ethnic issue. He was referring to the massive aid package linked to the LTTE making a permanent commitment towards peace. “We cannot accept the imposition of limits of the Tamil people's political aspirations by them. Our people alone must decide on their political status and destiny, not international actors. LTTE abhors Western democratic systems depending on multi-party polity and publicly preaches a one party state where other parties should take guidance from the LTTE," he said. Sunday, December 07, 2003
* India says story is false that they are going to chaira top-level

TAM TIMES 33
committee representing America, the European Union, Japan and Norway in a move to work out a better relationship between the President and Premier, which would last for two years - December 2005. Instead, India said that they are working independently on the peace process and do not want to interfere in the cohabitation problem.
* Speaking at a meeting held in Puttalam Saturday, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe, said that if the current cohabitation crisis is solved through talks, it would usher in a new political culture, but if the crisis is not resolved, the public would face several difficulties, sources said. The PM also said that the Muslims in the North East have certain problems and the government would take steps to ensure their security, especially in the East. The Puttalam meeting was part of Mr. Wickremasinghe's ef. forts to explain his policies to the public at several places in the South. “The current crisis has set back the peace process and the country's economy. So the crisis should be resolved through talks. Such a solution would be a good sign of progress,» said Mr. Wickremasinghe. (We don't want to go fighting and conducting a struggle the traditional way to solve this crisis because that would only cause more difficulties to the people.)
"Though the set-back to the peace process was triggered by the take-over of three ministries by the President, I have since conducted talks with her three times. But the progress in the talks has not been as good as expected," said the PM, adding that a committee consisting of representatives of his government and the President is continuing to look at the issue.
* The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), a constituent of the ruling United National Front government Saturday announced that it would submit its response to the government's proposal for an interim administrative structure for the Northeast by the end of December.
The SLMC leader and Ports Minister in the UNF government, Mr. Rauff Hakeem, on his return from India after a week's study tour on devolution of power there, told reporters that the SLMC proposals would be handed over to the government, LTTE and the international community before the end of this month. He said his visit to India had helped him to formulate an interim administrative structure proposal to meet the aspiration of Muslim people in the northeast. Mr. Hakeem led an eleven-member delegation to India at the invitation of the Indian government on a study tour regarding the devolution of power to the states in India.
* President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga appealed to all communities to co-operate in establishing a national government for the well-being of the country. President made this appeal at Ramazan celebration at the "President's House' on Thursday.
Monday, December 08, 2003:
* The once most popular and longest functioning Tamil political party, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) is struck by an internal crisis splitting it from top to bottom. The meeting of its Central Committee of the TULF, which is now a constituent member of the Tamil Nationalist Alliance (TNA), on 7 December ended in uproar and conflicting reports about a resolution reportedly adopted expressing no confidence in the party's President Mr V Anandasangaree. While the party's General Secretary Mr R Sampanthan claimed that such a resolution was adopted by 25 votes in favour to 10 against, its President Anandasangaree who presided at the meeting said that no such resolution was adopted.
* Following the intervention by the Sri Lanka Monotoring Mission, the LTTE removed a bunker they were constructing near the Muttur Police Station yesterday evening. Army Spokesman Colonel Sumedha Perera said the LTTE had agreed to remove the bunker after discussions with the SLMM following a complaint by the security forces. It was reported that the LTTE was involved in constructing a bunker near the Muttur Police station last week.
* Through the World Bank had insisted on the imposition of VAT on the retail trade the Government of Ranil Wickramasinghe refused to bow down to such pressure and presented a Budget that

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34 TAMILTIMES
caters to the needs of the people, said Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs at a public meeting held after the inauguration of the new Industrial Park at Fullerton Estate, Nagoda, Kalutara.
* After privatising 40 percent of CWE shares in SATHOSA Retail Ltd. and 100 percent of its management, the permanent staff of nearly 6,000 who refuse to continue employment under the management of "International Grocers Alliance' or to join other institutions of SATHOSA Holdings Ltd. will have to go home without compensation by next year.
*Three leading Muslim MPs from the East have expressed consternation to President Chandrika Kumaratunga over the alleged statement made by the Interior Ministry about the "existence of a "third force' instrumental in the recent spate of killings in the East. Deputy Minister for Housing Bashir Segu Dawood, Trincomalee District Parliamentarians K.Thawfeek (SLMC) and M. Maharoof (UNP) brought to the President's attention the situation prevailing in Kinniya and Mutur in the Trincomalee district. They have called for immediate action to maintain law and order. The three parliamentarians have urged the President to take steps to redress the grievances of the Muslims. They maintained that the invention of the story of a third party involvement in the Kinniya incident in Trincomalee was a clear attempt to divert the attention of the people in a situation where the President and the law enforcing authorities had failed in their duties.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
* President's spokesman Harim Pieris says that President will not give back Defence portfolio at any cost. The Supreme Court has deliberated that her actions are Constitutional. The President believes that the peace process cannot be handled by a single political party. It has to have the consensus of all political parties.
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* LTTE Political Wing Leader S. P. Thamilchelvan meets a delegation of TNA Parliamentarians in Kilinochchi and requests them to campaign for a favourable Indian stance. Promises respect of rights of Muslims and position on Interim Administrative Council. Fourteen TNA parliamentarians except Batticaloa M.P., Mr.K.Thangavadivel, and Jaffna M.P., Mr.V.Ananadasangaree attended the meeting.
* The SLFP-JVP talks presided over by President Chandrika Kumaratunga ended yesterday with the JVP agreeing to two crucial amendments put forward by the SLFP. Both Parties stressed this agreement in no way signalled a merger of the two parties. The task of deciding upon a date for the signing of an MoU was left to the two General Secretaries, Maithripala Sirisena and Tilvin Silva,
* The Sihala Urumaya yesterday threatened to stage a massive protest near what it calls an LTTE bunker at Maha-oya in Ampara urging President Chandrika Kumaratunga to take immediate action to dismantle it before December 20. The alleged bunker had been built 500 metres away from the police barrier at Tampitiya in Mahaoya, the party Propaganda Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said. “It would be meaningless for the President to head the Defence Ministry if she continues to follow the weak policies of the UNF government,” he said.
Meanwhile, a top army official told the Daily Mirror that they were unaware of such an LTTE bunker or camp at Maha-oya.
* Sri Lanka's army chief Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle on yesterday visited the disputed border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir, defence sources in New Delhi said. Balagalle would be the first foreign visitor to the Line of Control (LoC) - the de facto border dividing Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani administered regions - since the two South Asian rivals began a ceasefire on November 26.
Balagalle, who arrived in New Delhi late would hold talks with India's Defence Minister and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Airforce. India and Sri Lanka pledged to forge closer defence ties during a visit by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in October.
* A youth allegedly abducted by the LTTE surrendered to the Siththandi Army Camp on 7 December fleeing from his abductors, Military spokesman Colonel Sumeda Perera said. The youth said he was abducted by two LTTE cadres at Kalawanchikudy and was detained at the LTTE office at the old post office, Kalawanchikudy. He escaped from his captors and surrendered to the Siththandi Army Camp. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has been informed about the incident,
Wednesday, December 10, 2003 w
* Former Indian Foreign Secretary M. K. Rasgotra, Jawaharlal University Professor S. G. Muni and former Chief of India's Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral P. S. Das say that the LTTE will not be allowed to take full control of the north and the east. Vice Admiral Das also adds that India will not recognise the LTTE as a third Navy besides they have only 500 odd boats and they are terrorists. This statement follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram calling for joint operations between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy to prevent the Indian Ocean becoming a breeding ground for terrorist organisations.
* A bus conductor was seriously injured when a soldier opened fire at an LTTE cadre who refused to be body searched near the Jaffna bus stand, an Army official said. He said the soldiers had seen an LTTE cadre selling a pro-Tiger newspaper and there was suspicion he might be carrying a grenade. When he was questioned, an argument arose and the LTTE cadres refused to allow the soldiers to body-check him. The official said that in the melee, a soldier opened fire, but the shot hit a bus conductor nearby while the suspect ran towards an LTTE camp in the vicinity. The SLMM has been informed of the incident while the bus conductor has been warded at Jaffna hospital.
* The Supreme Court has clearly mentioned that the takeover of the Defence portfolio by the President is a constitutional requirement. Therefore the President will not give back this portfolio,

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DECEMBER 2003
Presidential Media Spokesman Harim Peiris told a media briefing yesterday.
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga firmly believes that the peace initiative cannot be implemented by a single political party and is engaged in a sincere effort to create a consensus among all the political parties, he said. Peiris said the President believes that the peace initiative should be implemented in collaboration with all political parties.
((A Constitutional amendment is needed to properly implement the peace talks and it is compulsory to obtain a two thirds majority. The President believes that the peace effort cannot be a reality without unity among all political parties.) Peiris said that a consensus among all political parties is the best way to seek public support towards the peace initiative.
* Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Deputy Minister, Mohideen Abdul Cader rejoined the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress accepting Minister Rauff Hakeem's leadership on December 9 morning at his official residence in the presence of SLMC parliamentarians and party supporters from the Kalkuda electorate, Batticaloa district, states an SLMC press release.
Mohideen Abdul Cader said though he left the party and work with the Ashroff Congress which was formed and led by Minister Athaullah he had great respect for SLMC leader Minister Hakeem.
Thursday,December 11, 2003
* President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Rani Wickremesinghe yesterday held extensive discussions on the peace process at the President House. A top Presidential aide said the three hour meeting focused mainly on matters concerning the peace process and the Government's position on the LTTE proposals.
(The PM explained what will be the Government's limits on devolution and what powers he wishes to give to the Interim Administration,» he said. He described the meeting as cordial.
The meeting was in response to a request made by the President at the previous meeting to outline the Prime Minister's stance on the LTTE's proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority to the North-East. The progress of the Samarawickrema-Tittawella committee was also discussed. The Samarawickrema-Tittawella Committee - which has met almost daily since the second week of November - will continue deliberations separately with another meeting scheduled today.
Sources close to the committee said the December 15 deadline was flexible in the light of continuing deliberations. It is understood that a proposal has been made to establish a Ministry of National Security, which will deal with the ceasefire, SLMM and matters connected to the peace process. According to this proposal, the President, as Defence Minister, will be in charge of the Armed Forces and overall defence. It has been pointed out that similar arrangements existed during the tenures of Presidents J.R. Jayewardene, R. Premadasa and D.B. Wijetunga.
* The Cabinet last night approved a Cabinet paper seeking to rectify salary anomalies in the health sector, Government sources told the Daily News last night. (The Cabinet has approved the demands and proposals seeking to rectify the salary anomalies in the health sector, sources said. Earlier, the Health Sector Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA) decided to further suspend all its trade union action following a written assurance from Health Minister P. Dayaratne that their demands will be taken up at yesterday's Cabinet meeting.
* The Cabinet also decided that in future no government adver. tisements would be given to the government media both print and electronic and also that no Minister or MP of the ruling party would give any interviews to the government media or participate in any panel discussions organized by the Rupavahini and the ITN. The
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AMIL TIMES 35
President was not present at the Cabinet meeting.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga told the press last night that she would not dissolve Parliament and go in for Parliamentary elections. (I have no intention what so ever of dissolving Parliament ahead of time unless it is really necessary,» President Kumaratunga told Daily Mirror in a hurried interview at President's House last night after addressing a ceremony of small scale businessmen and academics. She also told this newspaper that her talks with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday which lasted three hours, were inconclusive and had to be continued.
* The expanded programme of immunization survey is to be launched in the Jaffna district, after two decades, with the UNICEF funding Thursday. All children under school-going age would be brought under the survey to ensure whether they have been immunized properly during the war period and after, health ministry sources said.
The Health Ministry's epidemiological unit has sent a team of fifteen medical officials and about fifty nursing students from Colombo and provincial health ministry in Trincomalee to conduct this house to house survey with the ground staff selected in the district under cluster basis. All children under 1, 2, 3, 5 and school-going ages would be brought under scrutiny to ensure whether they have been immunized for diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles and rubella in the past.
The five-day survey would conclude on December 15. Earlier such survey was conducted in Trincomalee district and other districts of the northeast province. This is the first time such a survey has been undertaken in the Jaffna district after two decades and the after the ceasefire agreement, health sources said.
* The National Youth Services Council (NYSC) together with the Sri Lanka Youth Club Federation has implemented a flagship program to educate youth attached to Youth Clubs on the Government’s peace initiative.
This programme is implemented with the full sponsorship of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process. Three days peace camps will be conducted at district level to educate youth on the peace initiative and seek their contribution to make the peace process a success, a NYSC spokesman said yesterday. He said 100 youth will be selected to each peace camp held at district level representing Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim youth club members. Youth club members at Divisional Secretariat level will be educated on the Government's peace initiative with the assistance of the 100 youth who had participated in the district level peace camp. The three-day peace camp will conduct eight lectures to educate youth on the history of country's ethnic conflict and the process of devolution of power, advantages gained from the peace initiative, socio-economic problems created by the ethnic conflict, LTTE proposals and the role of the Sri Lankan youth towards the peace process, he said.
* The Tamil Language Day celebrations and distribution of awards to winners of the All Island Tamil Language Day Competitions organised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Education and Cultural Affairs will be held on Sunday, December 14th at New Kathiresan Hall, Bambalapitiya commencing at 9 a.m. Minister of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku will be the chief guest. Minister of School Education Suranimala Rajapaksa will be the guest of honour.
Secretary of the Ministry V. K. Nanayakkara, Additional Secretary Thillai Nadarajah, Director of Education (Tamil Unit) N. Nadarajah and Assistant Director C. Sivaniththananda have made arrangements for this event.
More than 1500 students will participate and will be presented with certificates as a mark of encouragement. A Magazine titled «Koormathy» will be released on this occasion. This magazine contains articles written by students, teachers educationists and several others.
OR VAKT (ON, S) (T Eo nkans.co.uk

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36 TAMILTIMES
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IN MEMORAMS
In ever loving memory of Mr. Camagasabai Viyakesparan on the first anniversary of his passing away on 13th December
2002.
First Year Remembrance
Dearly loved, sadly missed and fondly remembered by his beloved wife Neelambal; loving sons Jivitkumar, Brana van and Senthuran; daughters-inlaw RoShanthi and Ramanthi, precious grandchildren Manisha, Manojkumar, Ambika and Janaka, sister Viyakeswari, brotherS-in-law Saha de Van, RaSade van, Vamade van and Nadarajah.
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—Flat 15, Girtin House, 44 Brighton Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM25JO. Tel: O20 8404 6541.
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DECEMBER 2003
Sybil Sakuntala Kanagasur
- A Tribute
Sybil passed away on August 9th 2003. She was eighty-two when she departed from us. For those who have had the joy and privilege of knowing her, Sybil's departure from our midst is an irreparable loss. If ever there was a person in whom the Gods placed the right mix of qualities to create the perfect woman, it was in her.
The eldest daughter of the late Dr.S.L.Navaratnam, Sybil was born to a life of comfort and privilege in the colonial era, when the emphasis was on western culture. Her father, deeply rooted in traditional Tamil Culture, Saw to it that She trained both in Western music, learning to play the piano, and also in the Eastern tradition, studying the Veena and training her voice in Carnatic music. Her cultural training enabled her to make a valuable Contribution to the Sri Lanka Tamil Women's Union, an organization founded in 1909 for the Cultural advancement of Tamil women. Sybil was the President and at the time of her death, its Patron.
As the wife of a Senior Civil Servant of the prestigious Ceylon Civil Service, she played a significant role in the social and welfare organizations of the districts in which her husband Served. He was the first Ceylonese civil servant to hold the post of Chairman of the Gal Oya Development Board. It was during his tenure of office that race riots broke out following the passing of the Sinhala Only Bill. Mr. Kanagasundaram was one of the early victims of this discriminatory legislation which was to later tear this country apart. Sybil did not become bitter and discontented that her husband was overlooked in the Service due to his ethnic roots. Instead her experiences made her empathize with the aspirations of the Tamil people, endeavour to build a secure home base, and promote the welfare and the security of those affected by the riots. She subsequently committed her time and efforts to provide, to the best of her abilities, a sanctuary for the displaced. Sybil lost her husband and companion when her two children were young and needed that vital parental care. She was only forty when Kanags had a Sudden heart-attack and died instantly in a foreign land. The young widow returned to Sri Lanka with her Children and tried to rebuild a life without him. Valiantly She nurtured her children to become a Successful Scientist and an able banker of repute . Her brothers, only sister,
brother-in-law and ported and counselle able to gather hersel tribute meaningfully lived in. She always row Sectarian lines and religion in every never uttered a har and her capacity to was immense. She her inner Self to Co others who had, like and Could not find C. Last year at the She visited Jaffna t tion there for hersell guish not only hero decades completel those of many other and desolation of a ince made her dete ute towards the re-t On a visit to Bali, collected samples of palm handicrafts, W. introduce to the Jal women to help rebu
MR. N.
Mr. Nagalingam larly and affectiona who passed away ir On 11 October 2003 background which ality and instilled it thirst to engage in fellow countrymen v to take up residenc
Born in 1930 a Kayts in Sri Lanka was 73 years of ag disease, a disease having a fondness victims, claimed his
His father was who had been in World War I and S mia aS a helm Snm plying the Tigris R. regaling his son young lad attendin Anthony's College Lawrence of Arab pades and floating young Armenian v Allenby's attack ( ince of Armenia a the Tigris to the P

TAM TIMES 37
daram
her mother suptherunti she was togetherand conto the Society she boked beyond narind lived her faith hing she did. She h or unkind word, forgive and forget drew deeply from nfort and console ler, lostloved OneS
nSolation. age of eighty-one ) See the destrucShe saw with anwn home for many 7 ruined, but also S. The devastation once thriving provrmined to contribuilding of Jafna. in August 2002, she beautiful palmyrah hich She wished to fina Craftsmen and ild that Once thriv
ing rural economy and help war widows to earn an income. She even brought back samples of tiles which she thought could be used to rebuild Jaffna in a distinctive manner. So strong was her Christian faith in rising up from the ruins of one's life and restoring the soul, that she would not merely lament but try to seek that elusive silver lining and soldier on. She kept an open house and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. The first trainees from Jafna on the Jaipur Foot Scheme"stayed in her home, and she catered to their needs. Her hospitality was legendary. It was the generosity of a truly remarkable person. Neveranticipating rewards for her goodwill she gave of her very best to the world, and when the end came She Was indeed blessed. She accepted her illness with tranquility in her heart. She had all those who deeply loved and cared for her her beloved sister Saro, her friends both affluent and poor, her daughter Prithiva, and son Ajit all came and nursed her through her last days. One recalls the adage "Give, and thou shall receive." She gave of her all and received in plenty.
Saro Kadirgamar
AGALINGAMVAMADEVAN
- An Appreciation
Vamadevan, poputely called “Vama”, London peacefully , had a picturesque shaped his personhim an insatiable ublic Service to his ho had been forced 2 in London. f Kararnpon West, (then Ceylon), he when Parkinson's which Seems to be or Celebrities as its
life. ат ex-servicетат he British Army in 2rved in Mesopotan on supply boats fer. He was fond of amade van, then a school at Kayts St. With Stories about a's War-time eScabodies of beautiful Dmen killed in Lord the Turkish provd being carried by Sian Gulf.
Vama attended Ananda College, Colombo, for his secondary education and finished it with a Stint at Zahira College, Colombo.He joined Ceylon Government Service as a technical assistant in the P.W.D. and Worked for SOme years in different parts of the island, but his ambition was always to become a qualified civil and structural engineer. He had developed a predilection for England although avenues to obtain it in Ceylon were not wanting. Possibly his boyhood imaginations and impressions kindled by his father's World War stories had planted a deep-rooted interest in England. His thirst for learning was so overpowering that by dint of hard work and perseverance in the midst of a job and self-sought Social activities in England he was able to obtain an M.Sc. degree from university.
He arrived in England by ship in 1966 accompanied by his amiable young wife Vimala and took up residence in London. Mr. Vamade van Was thus one of the earliest and longest standing resident coterie of London Tamil citizens of Sri Lankan origin who came to be recognized as the elders of

Page 38
TAMITMES
the expatriate community. His inherent kind-heartedness and readiness to respond to the cultural needs of the evergrowing Hindu Tamil community of London quickly made him join the small band of public spirited workers, led by the late Mr. S. Sabapathipillai, which also included the indefatigable Mr. A. Vairavamoorthy, the late Mr. C. Vinayagamoorthy, the late Mr. A.T.S. Ratnasingam and a couple of others, who were labouring incessantly for the establishment of a Saiva temple in London. The Highgate Sri Murugan Temple stands today as a monument to the untiring efforts of this group of elders of the London Tamil community, and Vama's contribution therein Will be remembered for all time.
Vama was one of the seven Trustees from the very inception of the Brittania Hindu (Shiva) Temple Trust which owns and manages the Sri Murukan Temple and continued to be a
Trustee to the end of trusted and devoted companion of Vairave ning the affairs of th manages the Trust all was their Combined readiness to compron many an awkward sit times threatened to di working of the Society alism based on prejuc
London Will not for Combined Skill and the in which Vamadeva Trustees administere the affairs of the Tem which made Buckingh ognize the Highgate S ple as the most suité one, out of all the ten for Her Majesty Quee visit as part of the ce 50th Anniversary of Throne, and Mrs. Vin
Kumari Sughashini's Veena Ara
The Veena Arangetram (debut public performance) of Kumari Sughashini Murugesu took place on the 27th of July 2003. The Venue was the splendid purpose built Music Auditorium Of St Paul S School, London known as 'The Wathen Hall'. Sughashini's musical rendition was further enhanced by the acoustically near perfect auditorium, making the evening an unforgettable experience. The entrance to the hall was decorated mainly with Hindu deities and floral arrangements which created a divine atmosphere. This theme was maintained within the auditorium too. Sughashini is a student of Srimathi Renuka Shriananda who is one of the foremost artists in both vocal and veena in London.
The concert began in the most appropriate raga for the time of day (evening) - Vasantha. The next item 'Pranamamyaham' with its brief introduction of Alapanai' and well punctuated Kalpana Svaras gave the audience the feeling of a true Kachcheri. Sughashini then performed the Naatai raga "Pancharathna Krithi’ with accuracy and perfect flow. The detailed alapanai in Amruthavarshini' and attractive kalpana svara korvai that followed the krithi — ' 'Sudhamaayee' depicted the traditional
inspired the audiet through. The Pallaviii heard ragas, 'Chak "Mishra chapu' thalar by Sughashini's guru characters. The alapa formed with typical rag thanam took the enti near divine experienc arthanam'that followe tivated the hearts oft "Ragamalikai” song "ln the notes of Dr Chit sented with fluency in fast tempos.
The Chief Guest Lakhani, head of Vive London, spoke on thi religion. He said any lead One to God. Of plines, veena is the m Vine. Goddess Sarasy tion of aesthetic a teacher of all is repres Veena is a physical
 

DECEMBER 2003
his life. He was a
aSSOCiate and irmoorthy in rune Society which ld the Temple. It Visdom, tact and ise Which Saved lation that Somesrupt the smooth , Such as regionlices back home. get that it was the efficient manner and his fellow d and managed ple and the Trust an Palace to recri Murukan Temble and elegant ples in England, ?n Elizabeth ll to lebrations of the Ascending the mala Vamadevan
receiving Her Majesty at the entrance by waving the traditional auspicious Aalaathi' light.
Vama's demise has certainly created a hiatus, which will be found to be difficult to fill. His greatness lies in his ability to strike a balance between his duty to the London Tamil community and his responsibility to his wife and three children. He gave his son Hari and two daughters, Suki and Vamini, a good education which made them professionals in their time. He had them wel married and Settled in life So as to be blessed with grandchildren. Many obServers have noted with admiration how his wife and children repaid with their unbound love and unreserved devotion and care during his last illness. Let the grieving widow and children take solace in the knowledge that dear Vama's services are cherished and appreciated.
Navaratnam. C. Mohan
ngetram
yle of veena perirmance i.e. full of nique intricacies. /ith the charming Xhitta SvaraS' in he song Sarasathy in Saraswhy raga the first alf of the Concert oncluded.
The main item hich is the Ragm Thanam Palla Vi hce all the way one of the rarely ra vakam” Set to n was composed ! with all its pure nai was well pera bhava while the re audience to a Ce. The 'Thania V'd the Pallavicapmusic lovers. The bakana Onru’ and tibabu were preboth the Slow and
Mr Jay Prakash kananda Centre, e role of music in discipline would all musical disciOSt Crucial and dirathy, personificand the greatest ented with Veena. tool to develop a
one pointed concentration which will lead us to God. It was an inspiring speech which vouched the spiritual atmosphere of the evening and the disciplined training Sughashini has had under heresteemedguru Srimathi Renuka Shriananda.
Sughashini was ably supported by experienced and professional artists. On the Mridangam was Shri M Balachandar, whose innovative and precise playing encouraged Sughashini to perform her best. The Ghatam was melodiously played by Bangalore Shri RN Prakash, the best known Ghatam artist in London. Kumari Brinta Rabindra kept the entire music in harmony with perfect Sruthi on the Thambura. Srimathi Rathika Rajaloganathan, an experienced TV presenter compered the event in a professional manner.
An attractive Thilana' followed by a rhythmic Thiruppugal"beautifully concluded with a brisk "Mangalam'. Precise timing, superb selection of ragas and songs, quality music and an appreciative audience came together on this day and were left yearning for more at the end of the concert. The entire performance was of a unique and high Standard.
Sughashini also performed her Samarpanam at the Ealing Amman Temple on the 11th of November 2003 to an audience made up of Amman Kovil devotees and well wishers.
We wish Goddess Saraswathy's blessings will be with Sughashini throughout her musical and academic CareerS.
- Rasikan

Page 39
DECEMBER 2003
Amuthan Ascends the St
It has now become a practice in England that the end of summer is marked by a series of "Arangetrams". This year, once again, is no exception. Usually every Fine Art teacher manages to have one such event. Occasionally, some managed to have two or three but in different Weeks if not months. Sri Praksah had two this year on successive days of the same weekend. This warrants a lot of courage. To have an
Arangetran is, in itse, lo have two and bol beyond belief and de The first of the, Chandrakumaros. lt 11th October 2003. Catford Theatre was event Started almost the eminent singers Sowmya, on the sta started to accompa angam. Sri Balu Ra thap and Sri Sithan other artists suppo stage. Surprisingly ti Guru on the stage. C finished did the Gurt This in itself, I though it showed, firstly tha of faith in his disciple he took in checking e event was perfect.
Although Amutha ous, there was no S rhythmic melodies in Annuthan started his at an early age. Ther for five years to lear this instrument. Amt
Rhythm on the Finger Tips
Kumaran Vigneswara was the second disciple of Sri Prakash in a weekend who ascended the stage on the 12th October, 2003. Here the VOCalist Was Sri SP Ramh. The other accompaniments were the same as on the previous day.
Kumaran was full of confidence on the
stage and played very well. He was very ably aided by the two accompanists Sri Prathap on the Gatam and Sri Sithamparanathan on the Morsing. Kumaran Was under the guidance of Sri Prakash for six years, which were well spent. The opportunity to listen to good Karnatic music is rare for the budding artist in this country. Moreover, they have the added need of concentrating on
theiracademic Studie factors, I think that Amuhans deserve p,
Sri Ramh sang to have full Confiden to accompany him. Guru's (Sri Lalgudi when he sang "Enna Kapi The Sangat kaddi vaali pothy Eng of Lagudi, who, abo the same Sangathi London. Sri Ragur Ramh. On the violin
Ve
The Veena A DarShini Tha Vara Theatre, Hayes, o to the immense di
 
 
 

TAMILTIMES 39
age
a greatachievement. of Some standard is erves some praise. e two was Amuthan was on the Saturday, The auditorium of the it its full capacity. The promptly. With one of rom Tamil Nadu, Smt je, Singing, Amuthan y her on his Miruthruraman, Sri R. R. Praparanathan were the 'ing Amuthan on the ere was no sign of his nly when the "Varnam' appear on the stage. is a credit to Annuthan. , Sri Prakash had a lot and secondly, the care verything to ensure the
in appeared to be nervhortage of enchanting his playing. Apparently training from his father he went to Sri Prakash the fine art of playing Ithan has the ability to
play different Nadais' within the same "Tala' as was evident during the concert. He has managed to grasp the technique of playing this instrument and has the potentials to go further. If Amuthan interacts with the accompanying artists a bit more with his body language, it would enhance his image further.
The concert was of good standard. I especially liked the Deekshidar Krithi, “Meenakshi Memutham” in the Raga Poorvikalyani. This supposedly is the final composition of Deekshidar before attaining "Mukthi. I love the way the composer brings the raga bhava in his Krithis and Smt Sowmya rendered it well. The alapanas of the rags were also good. I wonder why Sowmya did not sing any of her Guru's (Dr Ramanthan) lovely compositions. Sri Raguraman was following the vocalist on the violin like a shadow. Sri Prathap and Sri Sithamparanathan joined on Gatam and Morsingrespectivelyand contributed much to the delight of everyone.
if there is any criticism, it is the lengthy speeches and compeering that springs to the mind. The compere could have spent a little time familiarising with the titles of compositions and names of the ragas. Frequent announcements were like the speed breakerS on rural roads and Could have been avoided. Full credit goes to Amuthan and to his Guru.
- Hindolan
Stoo. Given these two the KumaranS and the raise. really well and seemed ce in Kumaran'sability
Sri Ramh brought his
G Jayaraman) stamp * Thavam Seithanai" in hi” in the Verse "Urasil la Vaithai" reminded me ut 30 years ago, played at the Indian YMCA in aman accompanied Sri Vel.
When the Head Teachers or Form Tutors speak at Arangetrams, they normally refer to the academic achievements of the debutant. I was pleasantly surprised when Kumaran's Head Teacher spoke of Kumaran's Miruthangam playing.
Smit Anantharani Balendra, an experienced presenter compered the arangetam in a professional manner.
Sri Prakash can be proud of his two disciples. The London "Rasikas' have two good miruthangam players added to their group.
-Hindolan
ena Arangetram of Darshini
angetram (Debut) of ah WaS held in Beck 21st September 2003 ight of a packed audi
ence. She was presented by her Guru, Smit Suthamathy Srisatkunam, Director of Mathangi Fine Arts Academy, Harrow, under whose tutelage Darshini was trained in veena since the tenderage of eight. The art of playing the veena and singing simultaneously is called gayaka veena. Darshini's proficiency of playing the gayaka veena had been the highlight of this delightful arangetram.
The first part of this arangetram enabled her to present the technical aspects of Carnatic music and draw the fans of the same calibre. The arangetram started off with "Virutham', Mathangi Fine Arts Academy anthem in ragams Tilang, Hamsadhwani.
Darshini chose “Nera nammi, Ata Thala varnam for her opening composi

Page 40
40 TAM TIMES
tion and did the composer Ramanathapuram Srinivasa lyangar proud by doing it justice by rendering it with an amazing precision of Sruthi Layam and meticulous co-ordination, followed by Gajana Nayutam in Ragam Chakravakam and Adi Talam, which was her introductory gayaka veena composition that attracted all Sections of the audience regardless of their carnatic musical knowledge, her joy at Sharing the music was portrayed in her smile throughout the arangetram.
Subsequently "Entharo mahanu' in Sri Ragam and Adi Thalam by Sri Thiyagarajah Swamigal was followed by a Mathimakala Kirtana Mamavathu Sri in Hindola Ragam rendered with Ragam-Thanam, Niraval and Kalpana Svaram. Hindola is a beautiful ragam when played on veena and indisputably it was rendered very well. Prior to the interval Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi was followed by Nagumomu ganaleni'in Abheriragam and Adi Thalam composed by Sri Thiyagaraja Swamigal. She played niraval in medium and fastest speed in addition kalpana svaram was played in raga malika consisting of 4 ragas namely Simmedramadyamam, Kapi, Panthuvarali, and Madyamavathy One can elaborately play Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi to reveal their true talent and the degree of their mano tharma sangeetham, Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi was crafted in a style of dialogue with the most gifted accompanying artistes which was performed for more than 45 minutes and revealed her enthusiasm and hard work as an individual and the accompanying artistes made it a SuCCeSS.
The Mirudamgam player Sri M.BalaChandar is well known in the international arena as a leading percussionist. Gatam was by Bangalore Sri. R. N. Prakash and Thampura by Mas. Ramanan Thavarajah, the younger brother of Darshini, who is a student of carnatic and western music. Compere Smit Sumathy Suresan is a well known TV presenterand programme producer in London and trained in Carnatic music at the Music Academy, Madras.
To an avalanche ofapplause Darshini commenced the second part of the arangetram with the well-known Composition in Tamil, "Kaliyuga Varathan' in Brindavanasaranga ragam and Adi Thalam, and eloquently began with an introductory interlude and performed the gayaka Veena. A wide choice of Tamil Compositions was one of the key aspects of this Arangetram. Conveying Ragamalika (as the name suggests, garlands of ragas) in veena is a challenging act, but in addition, concentrating on singing was evident of a genius artiste. The Tamil
compossition "Katpa malika and Adi Tha Veeramani lyer was taining to the worshi The arangetram was the padam 'Asaintha madhyamam in Adi mous amongst bha Which DarShini rende Speeches follow sition “Thamarai Po dustani Kanthaaria trated the elegance age and once agai audiences with its Chief Guest Shri
lt WaSan intere Witness Anandini Y atic Vocal Arangetra 2003 at Beck Theat attracted the arriving drop recreating the a rangan Temple at Swami Gnananand ram. The Brochure OCCasion was a Stor tion, spiritual and m Guru Bhakthi for the Sri HaridhOS Giri hé basis for Anandini's kthi, and She, in turt be a worthy disciple Saraswathy Packia, much due to the ardc of parents like the Y cultural advanceme that the latter have young musicians oft
Starting her re Sthuthi, Anandini Thala Varnam, with ations in Charanam Pancharathna piece rendered faultlessly Shanmukhapriya R and the item 'Parvatl
 

DECEMBER 2003
jawali nin'in Ragalam by Yahlpanam her next item perof goddess Durga. in full swing when dum " in Samendrahalam, which is faratanatya artistes, red beautifully. ved by the compobtha' in ragam Hinand Adi thalam illusof the Tamil langun mesmerized the divine melodies. T. V. Ramanathan
complimented Darshini by articulating his experience of viewing the arangetram as equal to enjoying a katcheri in Madras, consequently Darshini won a part in his orchestra. Tharanny Srisatkunam spoke on behalf of Mathangy Fine Arts Academy and congratulated Darshinion her unrivalled performance, then the Guru awarded hera Shield with the title of "Isai Thendral.
Thillana composed by Balamurali Krishna which Darshini was taught in vocal by the very composer, then customary Thirupukal and magalam concluded the arangetram marvellously.
- Charanee
)Cal Viborant Debut
sting experience to oganathan's Carnlm on 2 November, e. The stage decor f invitees, the backmbience of PanduThennangur and a Giri Peeta AShbrought out for the ehouse of informaisical. Her parents' r Spiritual Sathguru is truly formed the Musical Guru Bhal, has turned Out to of her Guru, Mrs. ra Sah. It is indeed urand Commitment oganathans for the it of their children, blossomed into the Oday in the U.K. Cital with a Guru sang Bhairavi Ata pleasing Gati variand Swarams. The in Raga Nataiwas The delineation of aga was pleasant y Nayakane' which
followed was evocatively sung, with the full Bhava brought out in the phrase "Nee Maravaadenaiyal Jagadeesa'. The Ragam, Thanam and her Guru's Palawi in Raga Kharaharapriya drew sustained applause from the discerning audience. The recital concluded with Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman's Mohana Kalyani Thillana followed by Mangalam.
Deft raga touches on Violin by K.T.Sivaganesh in Vasantha, Shanmukhapriya, Mohanam and Kharaharapriya showed his class. The Thani Avarthanam by M.Balachander on Mridangam, R.N. Prakash on Ghatam and K. Sithamparanathan on Morsing was a scintillating team effort. It was pleasing to hear the Mridangam accompaniment by Anandini's brother Hariharan and to note the Strides made by him since his own Arangetram in 1997, at which I was privileged to speak. There was a galaxy of spiritual and cultural V.I.P.'s who graced the occasion: Sri Chaithanyananthanatha as Chief Guest and H.H. Swami Nannananda Giri, Srimathy Kalyani Mami, Sri S.P. Ramh and Dr. R. Niththyananthan as Guests of Honour, all of Whom Contributed to the success of the evening. P.P. Kanthan.

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DECEMBER 2003
Australian NeWSletter
The concept of multiculturalism is conspicuously vibrant in Australia and continues to forge unity among ethnic Communities with diverse Cultures. It manifested distinctly during the Annual Multicultural Banquet in Clayton with the theme "Living in Peace and Harmony" where Hon Nicola Roxon, Shadow Attorney General was the guest of honour and other guests included several federal and state parliamentarians, local councillors and community representatives. No doubt, it was one amongst many such momentous occasions revealing the magnitude of multiculturalism. Two of the institutional providers of Tamil language education in Victoria, Eelam Tamil Association's Tamil School Board and Bharathy Academy prolifically conducted their annual cultural events and the range oftalents displayed by children in Tamil language and in dance, drama and instruments received admiration from all those present. TAMMEDAid, a non-profit organization targeting to assist in health care Sector in the North and East Tamil areas had a grand fund raising cultural Show in Melbourne and Continues to receive espousal from Tamils living across Australia. It is worth mentioning that a stupendous concept is gaining momentum through the activities of Interfaith Network in Australia. Established in 1989 and it encompasses faiths such as Baha'i, Buddhists, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh. It advocates the dogma of "Many faiths, One people" and prompting yet another Sustainable endowment to multiculturalism. The scope available for children to develop skills in various Tamil art forms in Melbourne, Sydney and other major cities in Australia are enormous and it is reflected in the number of Student Concerts in various Cities. In Melbourne, students of Rama Sivarajah on
Violin and Vocal, Meena Elankumaran
and duo Yamini Paranetharan & Rushani Puvanenthirarajah on Bharathanatyam were put on show recently. Many in the audience had admiration for the dedication of both teachers and Students. Tamil literary functions are gaining verve and recently Mr S Sriskantha
Appeall foi Haemo AK95 at Value: RS
I am informed b Jaffna General Ho Aru Thirumurugan, lyser machine at th ken down beyond the patients have b lombo Hospital anc ing severe hardship ate transport and There appears to be us to help those in C is possible to allevi
l have taken Ste munity Account N Code 208417 wit Sutton Business name JAFFNA GE DIALYSIS MACHIN
Path
The World re Natiyam celebrity F
rajah, a lawyer a activist released ty in a humble yet an in Preston. Jaffna in New South Wale anniversary in an
Annual Maveerar
WWW.armaSSOCiates.Co.uk - use
 
 
 
 
 

TAM TIMES 41
the Supply and Installation of 2 lyser Machines, Gambro Model
e Jaffna General Hospital. Total 3,400,000 (approx E 21,000)
the Director of the pital through Mr. hat the only old dia2 Hospital has broepair. As a result, 2en referred to COthey are undergoin finding appropriaccommodation. 'an urgent need for istress and do what
te the Situation. ps to open up СотlO. 60492655 SOrt h Barclays Bank, Centre, under the NERAL HOSPITAL E FUND. ThiS aC
count will be operated jointly by Mr. N. Kugadason (Kugan), an accountant and myself. On completion of this project, the account will be closed and a Statement Sent to all the donors.
Please send your donations in the name Of JAFFNA GENERAL, HOSPITAL DALYSIS MACHINE FUND. ConSidering the urgency, we would like to seCure at least one machine installed at the Jaffna Hospital by this Christmas. I would therefore appreciate your commitment to this noble cause as early as possible.. V.Sivasundram, Western Jewellers, 5 Plaza Parade, 29-33 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx HAO 4YA. Te: O20 8903 0909.
masiri Adaiyar Lakshman
nowned Bharatha 'athmasri Adaiyar K.
ld an ardent Tamil 'O of his Tamil books mpressive ceremony Hindu College OBA S Celebrated its tenth mposing ceremony. laas WaS COmmemo
feted in London
LakShman visited London in October 2003 and graciously agreed to Conduct a twoday workshop at the Hendon Tamil School, where his senior disciple NatiyaSironi mani Bharatha Chudamani Vasanthaku, mari Sinnathamby is a dance teacher. The picture above was taken on that occasion along with the Head Teacher of the school Sumathy Sivamohan, members of the school management Committee and dance Students.
rated in various parts of Australia and in New Zealand and the local Tamil fortnightly, Eelamurasu, released special number on the occasion.
Sivasupramaniam Sitsapesan, Melbourne
O Sace
ful links - ARM Online Insurance

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42 TAM TIMES
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