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The heroic Armed Forces who are at present, engaged in combat
operations against the ruthless LTTE terrorist organisation in the
Northern part of our country for the first time, have been able to
confine them to a small area, from where they are left to languish and
lick their wounds. Thus the annihilation of the LTTE terrorist outfit,
no longer remains an illusion but, a stark reality, attainable within a
short period of time.
This phenomenon that is defeating the megalomaniac LTTE terrorist
outfit completely, should be rejoiced by all the peace loving people
throughout the world without any distinctions. In this connection, the
importance of condemning terrorism in whatever form, or in whichever
country it occurs cannot be under-estimated, for the apparatus of
terrorist groups more often, than not work in connivance and in unison.
Therefore it is of paramount importance that economically powerful
Western countries vocalise their unequivocal stand against any kind of
terrorist activities by stating clearly their stand of zero tolerance
against such barbaric and inhumane atrocities.
It is ironic that the LTTE propaganda machine, operating from abroad,
at present is having a field day, spreading disinformation and canards
to the extent that some powerful personnel in august bodies such as the
United Nations have not been immune to such tirades of disinformation.
It is apparent, specially in the Western countries, which boast of a
credible track record of democracy, in which the safeguarding of the
human rights and press freedom as fourth estate, are given highest
priority, find it difficult to come to terms with the ground reality of
our country.
So without endorsing any blatant violations of the human rights and
curbs on press-freedom such as killing or maiming of journalists under
any circumstances, which indeed should be stopped immediately. The LTTE
too should be condemned in no uncertain terms for proscribing child
soldiers day by day, diminishing ranks and also keeping their remaining
populace as a human shield.
The atrocities they have committed against hapless civilians who
tried to flee from their clutches, amply, proves that in reality they
remain a bunch of battle hardened criminals, who do not possess and iota
of compassion towards their own community.
It is heartening to note how our soldiers, in contrast, treat the
civilians who escape from the barbaric LTTE control, though some
miscreants misconstrue such noble actions with ridicule, comparing the
hurriedly constructed welfare camps by the Sri Lankan Government to ill
famous concentration camps.
In this connection, it is clearly evident that some powerful
officials of NGOs and INGOs in the not so distant past has had the
opportunity of establishing ‘a tender relationship’ with the hierarchy
of the LTTE.
Therefore, it is not surprising at all when these ‘enlightened souls’
equation of Sri Lankan Government with the brutal LTTE terrorist outfit.
However miraculously so called ‘lofty ideals’ have been discarded as
irrelevant, due to the innumerable, sacrifices made by our gallant
soldiers, who ensured that the unitary state of our country is
non-negotiable.
It must be admitted without any bias, that Tamil community who are a
minority, has been to a certain extent, discriminated in the past who
deserves mutual understanding as they can undoubtedly contribute their
Mite to the rapid development of our country. Furthermore, the sharing
of thoughts specially between Sinhalese and Tamils have unlimited scope
to harbinger a fruitful relationship.
Thus ushering of peace instead of blood-letting and indiscriminate
violence, will have mutual benefits to both the Sinhala and Tamil
communities.
Understandably, the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil
populace who proclaim as Buddhists and Hindus eschew any kind of
violence. This practice of killing human beings is abhorred by other
religions such as Christianity and Islam. Therefore, the followers of
these religions too do not subscribe to flaring-up of violence, as a
means of achieving their purported goals.
Just like in the Eastern Province in which provincial elections were
held sometime ago giving political clout to Tamils, Muslims, Sinhalese,
Burghers etc. the majority populace in these areas are given a mandate
to rule this province, thus, fulfilling their political ambitions.
However the Central Government of the country should play a
supervisory role as without any checking, representatives of these
Provincial Councils may entertain, political ambitions, seeking
succession from the Central Government. In this manner, the golden rule
of sovereignty of the country, which after all is non-negotiable will be
preserved, while other minority ethnic groups are given political power
to develop their provinces to the best of their abilities.
In lighter vein, all our noble kings in the ancient past, who were
undoubtedly paragons of good taste and harmony always selected and
brought fairy like attractive queens as their counterparts from their
close ally India.
So the sky remains the limit in cultivating longlasting and fruitful
relationships, which have been established as normal or noble, bestowing
them nuptial bliss, from the annals of our ancient history.
Ranjan Amarasinghe Nugegoda
It had been reported in (The Hindu) that the Propaganda Secretary of
the MDMK in Tamil Nadu, Nanchil Sampathan, had been detained under the
National Security Act (NSA) and is to be lodged in prison for a year for
making derogatory remarks against the Indian Congress President and
calling for a separate nationhood for Tamil Nadu. A few others had also
been detained under the NSA for making provocative speeches supporting
the LTTE, which is banned in India.
Thus in India, a person cannot support or even speak on behalf of a
terrorist organisation.
We can visualise how LTTE sympathisers, International Media, NGO’s
etc., would have reacted if Sri Lanka had passed an Act in Parliament
like the NSA. Compared to the reaction in India, some countries, Peace
Agencies and Human Rights Authorities hold the view that Sri Lanka
should allow safe passage to the terrorists who are waging war on a
legitimate government.
In contrast to the Indian approach to terrorism and the LTTE, there
have been reports of Malaysia becoming a breeding ground for the LTTE.
The main ethnic groups in Malaysia are Malay (50.4 percent), Chinese
(23.7 percent), Indigenous (11 percent) and Indian (8.1 percent).
The common spoken languages are Bhasa Malay, Chinese and Tamil. Thus
among the 8.1 percent Tamil speaking Indians, there is no doubt there
are LTTE sympathisers.
According to current movements of the LTTE and its supporters, there
is a strong suspicion that the LTTE is already having a foothold in
Malaysia. An English daily on March 16, reported of a LTTE build up in
Malaysia and it had become a gathering point for the LTTE operatives.
According to this, the base had been set up by a LTTE leader named K.
Pathmanathan who had been involved in procuring arms for the LTTE and
smuggling them to Sri Lanka.
So while India and some countries are tightening the screws on the
Tigers, it appears that Malaysia is opening the doors to the LTTE,
banned in several countries.
With the Tigers sandwiched between the Security Forces and the coast
line and India being out of bounds for the LTTE there is every
possibility that the Tigers are casting their net over new territory for
clandestine operations.
The news about the LTTE perched in Malaysia is worrying because
Malaysia could become the escape route for Prabakaran and the LTTE
leaders now taking cover behind the old and the feeble civilians as the
young had been made to combat the war.
The beleagured Tigers are now not sparing even the UN workers as some
have already been forcibly conscripted to fight for the Tigers. The
irony is that with all this brutal terror brought to civilians, the
Human Rights Custodians, Peace Activists and the International media
paint the Tigers as ‘angels’ and depend on the Tamil Web for information
and for writing reports.
Dr. P. A. Samaraweera Australia
Your editorial of March 27 quite rightly points out that no adequate
steps have been taken to protect visitors from wasp attacks. Wasps are a
type of ‘big bee’ - Apis Dorsata is its technical name. They almost
never attack without a reason. It can be the wind, the noise or even a
leaf falling on its comb. Honey bees too behave in the same manner.
These combs have been there for ages, as such it could be a cruel act
to wipe them out, painting areas with wood preservative could control
the wasp nests multiplying. A cheap hat with strong plastic veil
shielding the face and neck could protect people from wasp attacks,
gloves and long trousers also could protect the body. Never wear minis
or shorts here.
T. H. Wickremasinghe Colombo 9
The decision to deduct Rs. 50 from the pensioners in February by the
Director General of Pensions has been taken with the concurrence of 11
of the Pensioners’ Associations. Now the Vishramikainge Ekabadda Jatika
Sanvidanaya (Pensioners’Joint National Front) and The Public Pensioners’
Trust Fund have disowned this statement. (Vide ‘Sahana’ 2009 March
issue).
However, this decision would be interpreted to show that it’s for a
good cause and the benefits would be for the entire pensioners.
Why do you want to clamour for mere Rs. 50. No doubt? But, how many
of the pensioners have the time to spend in Holiday Homes or do they
have the essential requisites for their expenses when they have to spend
fair amount of the pension for doctors and medical tests.
What has happened to the Pensioners’ Home at Wedamulla built on
Government expence? It’s a 4 acre building site which is entirely
Government owned and I wonder it is being used only by the pensioners.
Had this proposal to construct a Holiday Home for the present day
public employees it would have been more sensible. This would have been
the ultimate motive as suggested by several writers. The gallivanting
trips around the island including Holiday resorts can be expected of
from them only.
When a person is employed as a public employee, he is bestowed the
right of pension at the recruitment itself.
When he retires it’s his legal right. Some may try to interpret it as
a Dole to make deductions as and when it is required. As only a fair
number of pensioners are members of Pensioners’ Associations, is it
reasonable to take decisions in consultation with some of them.
“The purpose seems good. The means to that end is bad”. Every
pensioner would endorse this sentiment expressed by another writer.
The deduction has created precedence by the Director General. In a
future date, if he deducts Rs. 500 giving the reason that the amount so
deducted would be utilized for the construction of a large reservoir
like Victoria or Moragahakanda and such a scheme would be more
beneficial to the entire citizenry in the island. Where would we stand
then?
This deduction is unreasonable and unjustifiable. We earnestly
requests the Director General to refund this amount as we have tendered
our requests to the relevant AGAs.
Tikiri Bandara Ekanayke Ampitiya
Whilst we see the war ending, thanks to our Forces who now are
capable, experienced and determined, let’s plan what happens after
victory?
We as a nation, and not as people of various ethnic and religious
backgrounds, should work together for peace and harmony to achieve
prosperity.
Let all leaders lead by example, be honest and keep the country at
heart.
Let all religious leaders see to the spiritual aspects of their
flocks and leave the running of the country to the political leaders
elected by the people.
There is a generation of young Sri Lankans, who know nothing but war
and hatred. They will have to have Counselling and experience a gentle
immersion of the various cultures on the island.
I am excited for the new era is dawning, in my lifetime.
Rohan de Silva Jayasundera
via email
So at last a motley group of citizens from Kandy is to discuss
matters relating to the cruel slaughter of cattle. This group includes
the Kandy Humanitarian Organisation, some animal lovers and a number of
butchers.
The irony of all this is how these animal lovers, butchers and a
Buddhist monk too have got together. They point out some of the acts of
cruelty faced by the cattle with no comfort for their safety.
Surely don’t these people understand that slaughtering of cattle is
the highest form of cruelty and that there can be no ‘Comfortable’ or
‘Humane’ slaughter? To advocate ‘Comfortable’ or ‘Humane’ slaughter is a
big joke.
Slaughter is straight forward killing and there can be no
‘Comfortable’ killing.Why not go the whole way and try to stop the
slaughtering of cattle?
Ranjith Gamini Perera Panadura
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