Full horrors of Tiger child abuse

The Norwegian peace facilitator has done well to specify core priority areas, which, both the State and the LTTE agree, should be addressed by the negotiatory effort. These are: human suffering, military de-escalation and reduction of violence and the political components leading to a political solution to our conflict.

Thus have the positives in the LTTE-undermined, Geneva II State-LTTE talks been singled out and we hope the thrust towards a political solution will be resumed on the basis of these areas of agreement.

As we have right along pointed out in this commentary, much will depend on whether substantial international pressure would be brought to bear on the Tigers and how effective such pressure would prove to be.

We hope the world community would now take in the full horrors of LTTE bestiality, as reports emerge of more and more underage Tiger combatants surrendering to the Armed Forces, in particularly the Eastern Province.

Among other things, such developments are a measure of how ineffective international efforts have been, thus far, on the problem of preventing child abuse by the LTTE. There is certainly an international outcry against the LTTE's child soldier phenomenon but the Tigers have been carrying on unconcerned with their heinous practice.

We hope, even at this stage, that the world would awaken to the poignancy of the condition of the LTTE child soldier. While many of these child soldiers who have surrendered to the Security Forces, have admitted to have been forcibly recruited by the LTTE, they also cry out in desperation for a resumption of their interrupted educational careers. In other words, they yearn keenly to get back to normal living.

All such crimes and more have been perpetrated by an LTTE which is today shedding phony tears over "human suffering". The facilitators' role, in particular, is, no doubt, a delicate one but it is plain to see that LTTE criminality has been growing to monstrous proportions and that too under the nose of the world community.

It should be clear to the international community that not much headway could be made in the negotiatory process unless the whip is cracked hard on the Tigers. If this is not done inconclusive talks would continue to be the order of the day.

In complete contrast to the Tiger terrorists, though, the State is not only willing to rehabilitate these surrendees under its wing, but is facilitating their travel abroad on employment. This proves the impartiality of the State and the humanity which it brings to bear in its dealings with its wards.

Accordingly, we hope a resumption of the negotiatory process would be possible on the core areas of agreement outlined by the facilitators. However, they would need to remember that with the LTTE, they are dealing with a terror organisation which would need to be subjected to extraordinary compulsion.

The international community needs to realize that recalcitrance is the essence of the LTTE. All through these years it has conducted itself in a most perverse fashion, making short work of all the good which has been achieved by way of negotiations. An eagle-eye needs to be constantly on the Tigers.

LTTE's disruptive game plan in negotiations

If the closure of the A-9 is the main cause of suffering of the people there let me ask who forced the Government to close the road, with their constant attacks on troops in Muhamalai and other checkpoints? Who pushed the Government to launch defensive operations? It was the LTTE, I will tell the LTTE that they are responsible for the suffering of the people in Jaffna.

Full Story

The problem of Municipal solid waste and its disposal

Municipal Solid Waste has now become a major issue in Sri Lanka. A large amount of solid waste is collected near the roadside and in many public places, constituting a deplorable blot on the landscape.

Full Story

3D jobs - a core issue of unemployment

In our country, jobs which were in demand in 70s when per capita income was about US $300 are no longer in demand because majority of people do not want to engage in certain jobs with present living standards with above US $ 1000 per capita income. In developed countries such as UK and USA with their very high living standards and per capita income, labour markets have very wide range of 3D jobs.

Full Story

Ananda College celebrates 120th birth anniversary

The highest seat of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka and the centre of national revival Ananda College of Colombo celebrates its 120th birth anniversary on November 1. While all the Anandians spread throughout the world join in the celebrations, it is our bounden duty to remember Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera, Col. Henry Steele Olcott and other pioneers of Buddhist education with gratitude.

Full Story