General (Retired) Sarath Fonseka has been taken into custody by the Military Police, says Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle.
Mr. Hulugalle said that General Fonseka was arrested for discussing with certain sections of the Opposition, conspiring to topple the government and also for creating divisions within the Sri Lanka Army while he was its Commander and also when he was the Chief of Defence Staff.
The retired General is to face a Court Marshal where evidence against him will be produced, Mr. Hulugalle told the media.
Earlier in the evening, the BBC carried the following report:
Sri Lanka’s former military commander says that he is prepared to give evidence in an international court on war crime charges against Sri Lanka. General Sarath Fonseka speaking to journalists in Colomboon Monday said, “I am not going to save anyone who has committed war crimes”.
International human rights organisations as well as the US State Department have alleged that the Sri Lankan government committed war crimes during the final phase of the war against Tamil Tigers.
Several human rights organisations have called to try the Sri Lankan state in international courts on alleged abuses against civilians and surrendees.
During the presidential election where Gen. Fonseka challenged President Mahinda Rajapaksa, both claimed credit for defeating the LTTE.
“I am definitely going to reveal what I know, what I was told and what I heard. Anyone who has committed war crimes should definitely be brought into courts,” Gen. Fonseka said.
“Those who reveal the truth are not traitors,” he added.
>> Full Story: Ada Derana
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Fonseka to face Court Marshal: MCNS
Monday, February 8, 2010
Fonseka to 'testify on war crimes'
Sri Lanka's former military commander says that he is prepared to give evidence in an international court on war crime charges against Sri Lanka.
General Sarath Fonseka speaking to journalists in Colombo on Monday said, "I am not going to save anyone who has committed war crimes".
International human rights organisations as well as the US state department has alleged that the Sri Lankan government committed war crimes during the final phase of the war against Tamil Tigers.
Several human rights organisations have called to try the Sri Lankan state in international courts on alleged abuses against civilians and surrendees.
During the presidential election where Gen. Fonseka challenged president Mahinda Rajapaksa, both claimed credit for defeating the LTTE.
"I am definitely going to reveal what I know, what I was told and what I heard. Any one who has committed war crimes should definitely be brought into courts," Gen. Fonseka said.
"Those who reveal the truth are not traitors" he added.
>> Full Story: BBC
Sunday, February 7, 2010
People Friendship University of Russia honors Sri Lanka President with a doctorate
Feb 06, Moscow: The People Friendship University of Moscow in Russia (former Patrice Lumumba University) Saturday conferred a Honoris Causa Doctorate on Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a ceremony held at the Kremlin Conference hall to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University.
Here the Rector of the University Professor Vladimir M. Filippov presents the President with a diploma. President Rajapaksa addressed the audience following the conferment.
(Pictures by Sudath Silva)
>> Full Story
China, Sri Lanka 'good partners', Hu told Rajapaksha
Colombo:Chinese President Hu Jintao has said Beijing and Colombo are "good partners" and hoped that in coming years bilateral relations would scale new heights.
In a message on Sri Lanka's
62nd independence day, Hu, who has pledged USD 350 million as post war financial aid to develop Sri Lanka's infrastructure, said he hoped the country would achieve new progress "on the road of national building".
"In the days to come, I am willing to make joint efforts with Your Excellency to further promote China-Sri Lanka All - round Cooperative Partnership to new heights," Hu said in his message to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of the independence day that was celebrated on Thursday.
China has bagged the largest chunk of post-war development projects in Sri Lanka's North and South with ongoing and concluded projects estimated at more than USD 6.1 billion, according to a media report.
"China and Sri Lanka are truly good neighbours, good friends and good partners," Hu said.
China has pledged USD 350 million as post war financial assistance to develop Sri Lanka's infrastructure, including a key facility of the strategic Hambantota Port built with Beijing's assistance.
"Under the leadership of Your Excellency (Rajapaksa), Sri Lanka has maintained social stability, developed its economy and the living standard of its people has been continuously uplifted," he said congratulating Sri Lankans.
>> Full Story
Saturday, February 6, 2010
President Obama vows to continue long lasting relations with SL
The President of the United States of America Barack Obama said the US stands ready to continue their long-lasting bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.
The US President in a message of congratulation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of country's Independence Day said for the first time in over a generation, Sri Lanka is not under the shadow of terrorism.
Full text of the message by the US President:
Dear Mr. President
I extend my very best wishes to you on behalf of the American people as Sri Lanka celebrates its National Independence on February 4.
The ties of friendship between our two peoples date back to 1789, when merchant ships from New England first sailed into Sri Lanka's harbors.
The United States celebrates this long friendship with the Sri Lankan people and sends its hopes for peace and prosperity throughout Sri Lanka in the coming year.
The recent end of the war creates a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to heal the divisions of conflict, and build a society that offers equality and opportunity for all. For the first time on over a generation, Sri Lanka is not under the shadow of terrorism. I urge you to seize this opportunity to provide the leadership that will allow all Sri Lankans to come together and meet their aspirations to live in a country that is rooted in tolerance, respect for human rights,accountability, the rule of law, and freedom of the press- all elements essential for national reconciliation.
The United States stands ready to continue our long-lasting bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.
Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
>> Full Story
Monday, February 1, 2010
Leading Expat Group in US Calls on the International Community to Respect the Democratic Mandate of the People of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Presidential Election - 2010 : Jan. 26, 2010
We, the members of Sri Lankan Patriots, an organization that has been in the forefront of the anti-LTTE campaign, have closely monitored the progress of the presidential election in Sri Lanka and, we are happy to note that the independent election monitoring bodies have reported that it has been conducted virtually free of violence and absence of any malpractices. The candidates must accept the people’s decision and not seek other means to unlawfully change the result which may not be to their liking.
In light of this, we request that the international community respect the democratic mandate of the people of Sri Lanka and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka on behalf of any candidate of their preference.
We trust the international community will respect the sovereign rights of the Sri Lanka and help the rebuilding of the nation in a new era, free of the scourge of terrorism.
“Sri Lankan Patriots”
California 91352, USA
Fonseka is ready for another betrayal
Defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka said that he has handed over a sealed affidavit detailing some sensitive information about Defence Secretary to the relevant authorities, BBC Sandeshaya reported. However he did not reveal who the authorities are. Earlier in his election campaign Fonseka's contravotial statement about shooting by the 57th division at LTTE leaders who came with white flags to surrender, destroyed his image as a war hero. According to the political analysts, his reputation as the commander of an army that eliminated 30 years old LTTE terrorism was the key reason for his politics. JVP and UNP expected Sarath Fonseka could attract the Sinhala voting base at the presidential election. He was the only acceptable figure for the Sinhala community on his side. Unfortunately Fonseka killed himself and shattered JVP and UNP hopes on Sinhalease votes by making careless statements. President Mahinda Rajapaksha and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha have become undisputable leaders in operations that liberated the country from terrorism as proved by the 70% of overwhelming majority in Sinahala majority areas. Crtitics say if Fonseka wants to remain in national politics, he need to maintain his nationalist image and he has lot to do to re-build that. Question is wheather Sarath Fonseka could manage to get the international support for his future planes where the people of his country rallied against his opponent in thousands. Any such attempt without people's support will be another failed conspiracy and can diminish his popularity.
Full Story: Times of Lanka
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sri Lanka Election Secretariat says no computer manipulation of votes
Jan 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka Election Secretariat has dismissed the allegations by the opposition parties that computer manipulation of votes took place during the counting process of last Tuesday's presidential election, the Island newspaper reported.
The common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka and the opposition parties that backed him, the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna have alleged that the government and the election staff had manipulated the results to help incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa to win the election with a majority of 1.8 million votes.
The Island quoting Bandula Kulatunga, a consultant to the Elections Secretariat said that that counting of ballot papers was done manually though computers, too, were used in the process. According to the official, the computers have been used in addition to the manual counting.
The official asserted that manipulating the results would have not been possible and that the election staff had also allowed recounts.
Kulatunga has emphasized that results of each counting centre had been made available to the counting agents of the three top candidates, who obtained the highest number of votes at a particular centre.
According to the official the major parties were fully aware of the situation and their representatives had been present at all counting facilities to ensure transparency.
Sri Lanka Election Commissioner prior to the election assured that every possible measure had been taken to ensure a free and fair election.
The opposition parties have made claims that there were votes rigging and malpractices at the counting centers after the international as well as local election monitors concluded that the elections were free and fair.
Political analysts however point out that the incumbent President won with a huge margin, nearly 2 million votes and rigging such a huge margin is impossible.
>> Full Story
Defeating Fonseka: The Final Blow for the LTTE
By Dr. Stephen Long, Los Angeles, California
My last article about Sri Lanka was entitled, “Is Sri Lanka Crazy Enough to Elect a Retired General as President?” Yesterday’s election answered that question with a resounding “No!” It actually answered a number of questions with a resounding “No!” Here are a few of those questions:
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who was a convicted rapist, serial womanizer, and alleged wife beater?” That’s what I like: a role model for the nation’s youth.
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who was a national hero last May, and became a traitor in November?” Another inspirational role model for the kids.
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who was duped into being a puppet for the traitor Ranil, the next ‘Executive Prime Minister,’ according to his statement during a recent interview on GTV, a Tamil network in Europe’?” He thought no one was watching.
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who, in his ignorance of geography, offered free land that doesn’t exist for every newborn – forever?” Come on, General, do the math!
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who is so arrogant and fiscally-irresponsible (not to mention patronizing) that he would promise high raises for everyone in the country – in both private and public sectors?” Once again, General, do the math!
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who had a son-in-law who, under his aegis, illegally sold weapons to both the LTTE and the Army – and pocketed millions for the family coffers?” Do I hear the word “hypocrisy” anyone? Kinda makes me laugh – or hiccup – or is that “Hicorp”?
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who tried to bribe MP’s in order to gain their support?” This is so hypocritical it makes me want to roll around on the floor.
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who threatened to put his own officers in jail because they came forward with embarrassing information against him?” Earth to General: read Dale Carnegie.
“Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who lied when he said the Defence Secretary gave orders to kill LTTE cadres who waved the white flag?” Someone quickly get the fire extinguisher; the General’s pants are blazing!
This last question is the most critical: “Is Sri Lanka willing to elect someone as President who, because of backroom promises, would leave the barn door wide open for the LTTE to re-group and start the terrorist war all over again?”
There are many more questions like this – the list is a long one – to which the electorate wisely said “No!”
In a conversation I had this morning with my wise, analytical, and insightful friend, Ven. Maitepe Wimilasara, he said, “Fonseka’s defeat is the final end of the war with the LTTE. They’re finished for good.” I have to agree with him. If Fonseka had won the election the horror would have begun again, and we wouldn’t have President Rajapakse to defeat them. A resurgence of the LTTE would have been pure delight for the Diaspora supporters overseas, the Tamil Nadu political leadership, and the LTTE remnant still licking its wounds and hiding somewhere in Sri Lanka – just waiting for the right opportunity to pounce. Sorry Charlie; no more pouncing.
Yes, I believe it’s finally over, and we’re all grateful beyond measure.
I offer my heart-felt congratulations to President Rajapakse for winning his re-election – just as I congratulated him for winning the war against the terrorists when I was in Sri Lanka last May. I know the President to be a good man who is just, fair, highly-intelligent, and sincere about his love for the people he is privileged to govern.
By the way, I have a list of important questions for him, too. I hope he will answer “Yes!” to all of them very soon, and not be offended by my asking.
“Mr. President, are you willing to really put a stop to corruption in your administration – I mean really stop it?”
“Mr. President, are you willing to give key Government positions to men and women who are truly qualified – and fire people you hired for purely political reasons, like the accountant in charge of the Central Bank, and the Mercedes-betting gangster at the Labor Ministry who is a constant source of embarrassment for you?”
“Mr. President, are you going to arrest Fonseka’s son-in-law and see that he is tried for illicit weapons trading – and prove that Fonseka was behind the whole charade?”
“Mr. President, are you willing to mend fences with the Western Powers by allowing appropriate investigations for alleged war crimes, and claims of abuses of power and interference with the media?” I admired you for sticking to your guns last May and insisting that the Western Powers mind their own business. It’s time now, though, to shake hands and work it out.
Finally, “Mr. President, are you willing to respond calmly and wisely the next time you are confronted by Fonseka and his misguided and mismatched political cronies?” I ask this question because they are not going to go away just because they lost an election. Ranil, for one, has had a taste for power and has proven that he will stop at nothing to get it back.
In conclusion, I am confident that President Rajapakse will have “Yes!” answers to all of these important questions, and that the next six years of his administration will bring peace, prosperity, and many tourists to your beautiful land. After all, nearly 60% of the electorate gave him this mandate with these expectations.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Landslide for President Rajapaksa
Sweeping victories for President Rajapaksa in Sinhala-dominated areas while Fonseka wins in North and East
President Mahinda Rajapaksa swept to a landslide victory at Tuesday’s presidential election polling 57.88 per cent of the votes cast.
Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayaka who announced the final results last evening said President Rajapaksa had polled 6,015,934 of the votes while his main rival, common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka obtained 4,173,185 votes. Mr. Rajapaksa was re-elected as President with a majority of 1,842,749 votes.
A significant feature at this election was that President Rajapaksa recorded sweeping victories in almost all the Sinhala-dominated polling divisions while General Fonseka won the North, East and the hill country that have a significant Tamil and Muslim population.
President Rajapaksa who contested under the ‘Betel leaf’ symbol received more than double the votes received by General Fonseka in the polling divisions of Karandeniya, Wellawaya, Mulkirigala, Monaragala, Devinuwara, Kamburupitiya, Hakmana, Eheliyagoda, Deniyaya, Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Bentara-Elpitiya, Tangalle, Tangalle, Dambulla, Kolonna, Galgamuwa, Mihintale, Anuradhapura, Kalawewa, Medawachchiya and Gampaha.
For instance in the polling division of Medawachchiya, President Rajapaksa polled 35,996 votes or 69.25 per cent while General Fonseka only polled 14,971 or 28.80 per cent of the votes. In Karandeniya the President received 34,809 votes or 71 per cent while at Wellawaya he received 68,310 votes or 70 per cent.
General Fonseka who contested under the ‘Swan’ symbol won several polling divisions in Colombo including Colombo East and West, the North and the East including Jaffna, Mutur, KKS, Mullaithivu, Samanthurai, Point Pedro, Mannar, Negombo, Haputale, Passara, Borella, Kandy and Galle.
In the postal voting, General Fonseka won the Districts of Jaffna and Batticaloa while President Rajapaksa won all other districts.
Though General Fonseka performed well in Colombo, President Rajapaksa won the District in the final result recording an overall 614,740 votes or 52.93 per cent when compared with General Fonseka’s 533,022 votes or 45.90 per cent.
President Rajapaksa won easily at Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Polonnaruwa polling 582,784 (63.08%), 298,448 (66.32%) 201,981 (58.70%) and 144,889 (64.92%) respectively.
Rajapaksa also won the Districts of Badulla – 237,597, Galle - 386,971, Gampaha – 718,716, Kalutara – 412,562, Kegalle- 296,639, Kandy – 406,636, Monaragala – 158,435, Hambantota- 226,887, Matara – 296,155, and Ratnapura – 377,734.
General Fonseka took the Districts of Batticaloa – 146,057, Digamadulla – 153,105, Nuwara – Eliya 180,604, Jaffna – 113,877, Trincomalee- 87,661 and Wanni 70,367.
Tuesday’s presidential election was one of the keenly fought elections in recent times and it will go down in history as the first presidential election held in a post war Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa seeking a new mandate from the people pledged to make Sri Lanka one of the success stories in Asia by transforming it as the region’s trade, naval, air, IT and knowledge hub.
General Fonseka sought a mandate to make a regime change and promised to take Sri Lanka to new heights by putting an end to alleged corruption and waste and pledged to do away with the executive presidency and to implement the 17th Amendment.
Election monitors, Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and the Camaign for Free and Fair Election (CaFFE) said that overall the election was held in a free and fair manner with only a handful of minor incidents reported.
They conceded that no major incidents that could have affected the final results of the election were reported on January 26.
A Big Thank You
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday that he was pleased to take the opportunity to thank all those who trusted and gave him a resounding victory.
This is Mr. Rajapakse’s second term.
Reminding that it was the first National Election held after the elimination of terrorism the President mentioned that the people of North and East came forward to cast their votes without fear and doubt.
He says that it was a free and fair election and that was why the victory gained cannot be blemished by anyone.
He added that the victory is complete and that it is a victory which proves how grateful the people of the country were about the peace they got and that it is a victory for the people who love this country and one which can help them to have a sigh of relief.
Real victory was born only when there was no one defeated.
“We must think that this victory belongs to all of us.”
He says that he invites all to share the fruits of the victory peacefully.
In front of the law all are equal. Remember that the one who protects law is protected by the law. All must unite. The future is for prosperity.
He says that he would give a law abiding country, a developed country, a country with good governance.
He would deliver a future with all those for the future generation and for motherland.
>> Full Story: Daily Mirror
Fonseka returns to his residence
The Hindu: The high drama staged by retired General Sarath Fonseka, main opponent of the incumbent President who was declared elected for a second time with a huge margin and the defeated candidate in the Sri Lanka Presidential election, ended on a tame note late on Wednesday night after the former chose to return to his residence from a local hotel where he had taken shelter.
Hours after the counting commenced, Gen. (retd) Fonseka had checked into a local hotel in the early hours of Wednesday citing security concerns. Taking advantage of the presence of a large contingent of the international media here, he accused Mr. Rajapaksa of 'stealing the election' and 'plotting to eliminate him'.
Ironically, the questioning of the legitimacy of the outcome of the presidential election was not shared with equal enthusiasm by the opposition parties that backed him to the hilt in the course of the six week long intense campaign. Besides, the 'discovery' that the retired General had not deemed it necessary to enrol himself as a voter and its adverse impact among the people seems to have clearly embarrassed his supporters from the opposition ranks.
The issue is particularly delicate for every one as the island nation is to witness a general election in the month of April. Two reasons seem to have compelled Gen. (retd) Fonseka to end the hotel show. Sections of the opposition leaders are believed to have counselled him to act with restraint as any further rash moves by him would adversely impact their prospects in the forthcoming parliamentary election.
Besides, Mr. Rajapaksa sought to defuse the situation by his comment, in response to questions about his first informal interaction with the media that the retired General is free to contact him to discuss any issues related to security. "What is his problem? He can always get in touch me. After all he was my former Army Chief," he quipped, when asked about the issue of threat to his life raised by the commander turned politician.
>> Full Story
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
President Mahinda heading for great victory!
For latest election results, visit facebook.com/mahinda2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
An Easy Decision
We are certain of our victory.
Should we sit back and relax?
Or should we make sure that critical VOTES go to our Mahinda Rajapaksa
We have come a long way in the past four years. We achieved peace and started massive development drive throughout the country. Achieving all this was not easy but it was all possible because we came together as a nation.
Many of you have asked what else you can do to help, and we appreciate that. At this time, you can talk to your neighbors and friends. You can call your mother or father. Make sure they know the importance of VOTING for "President Mahinda."
Now that we're in the final, crucial days of this campaign, letting up is simply not an option. If supporters like you make sure that voters go to the polls, we're going to win with a great majority on the 26th.
We have to take advantage of this historic opportunity to build a brighter future:
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Rajapaksa's sure victory at coming election
Government of Sri Lanka warn the public about possible post election violence stage managed by the opposition to belittle the sure victory of president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election on 27 Jan.
According to the police sources, strict security measures have been implemented to prevent such situations. With the available information, likely violent situations are expected in Colombo suburbs, the sources added
According to government authorities, the opposition have specifically planned their attacks in Kelaniya and Gampaha areas in order to exploit the prevailing tense political atmosphere in the areas. The ease of putting blame on the government for violence is the reason for opposition to select these areas, said the sources.
Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel yesterday found two T-56 riffles , 54 hand grenades , a pistol, and large number of live ammunition from a Buddhist Temple , at Maligawatte, Colombo. The head monk, who is also a strong supporter of opposition candidate S. Fonseka was taken to custody. Propaganda materials in support of Fonseka, such as posters, handbills, caps and also few cyanide capsules used by LTTE cadres were among the other things found by the STF personnel during the raid.
Meanwhile, state owned media today exposed about a letter sent to the United National Party (UNP) members asking them to do whatever they want to ensure victory for the party. According to the sources, a letter signed by Mr. Themiya Hurulle distributed among district managers and electorate organizers has carried this message
>> Full Story
LTTE Terrorists Honoured at Fonska Rally - Jaffna
An election rally organised in support of UNF-TNA-JVP presidential candidate Sararth Fonseka this evening (JAN 23) in Jaffna, observed 5 minutes silence to honour the dead LTTE Terrorists. The meeting which is still in progress at Sattadar Kovil, Nallur has been organised by LTTE proxy Tamil National Alliance (TNA).
According to the sources in Jaffna, TNA leader R.Sambandan, and TNA parliamentarians, Suresh Premachandran, Selvam Adaikalanathan Solomon Cyril, K Thureiratnasingha and Padmini Sidambaram are participating for the event.
The meeting started at 4.30 PM with the participation of about 500 people. At the outset itself, the organizers blamed the EPDP, another Tamil Political party for less turn up for the meeting saying that the EPDP has threatened their supporters.
>> Full Story
Fonseka Party Supporter Arrested with Weapons
Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have arrested a supporter of UNF-TNA-JVP presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka with two T-56 riffles and 54 hand grenades around 7PM today (Jan 23). According to the STF sources, the items have been found inside Bodhirukkaramaya, a Buddhist temple at Maligawatta, Colombo 10.
Uwathanne Sumana , a Buddhist monk and a strong supporter of opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka has been taken into custody by the STF, said the sources.
Government officials believe that the finding reveals a plot by Fonseka party to create violence and put the blame on the government during the election scheduled on 26th January.
>> Full Story
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Opposition planning for Iranian-style chaos after election
H. L. D. Mahindapala
What is already known is that President Mahinda Rajapaksa will win on January 26. The question then is: what will the opposition do on January 27? Informed sources predict that they will come out crying foul on January 27 and ask for re-count or another election with the JVP-led mobs taking to the streets, hoping to create chaos.
Reason: The NGOs, JVP, UNP and some sections of the local media have already launched a massive campaign to invalidate the election on the lines of the Iranian election of 2009 which declared the incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner. Another ominous pointer is that the Daily Mirror has already come out saying that it is legitimate to invalidate the election on grounds of violence.
>> Full Story
‘Overseas rump of the LTTE is still active’- Kohona
In the back drop of opposition claims that the Rajapaksa government messed up the foreign policy of the country, Dr Palitha Kohona foreign secretary and permanent representative to the UN, speaks to C.A.Chandraprema about the foreign policy of the Rajapaksa regime. He also touches on the current tensions with the European Commission regarding the extension of GSP+.
Q. There is this view that over the past four years, the foreign relations of Sri Lanka were strained as never before. The main reason for this was obviously the war. Is there a way that this could have been done without the acrimony that we saw in the recent past?
A. I don’t agree with your assertion that the foreign relations of Sri Lanka were strained over the last four years. We had excellent relations with India, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Iran and a range of countries. President Rajapaksa personally handled our relationship with India and as you know, India supported us in winning the war.
Q. I was referring mainly to the west.
A. With regard to the west, we had some difficulties mainly owing to the fact that the LTTE had a well oiled propaganda machine operating in western capitals and in various international agencies. They influenced the policy makers in such a way that they tended to take a fairly sympathetic view of the LTTE. Despite this, Sri Lanka was successful in getting the LTTE proscribed in 27 European Commission states, in the United States, in Canada and so on. So we did have a number of significant successes in our foreign relations, even with regard to the west. We also had the TRO an LTTE front organisation, banned in the USA and Canada and an application to ban the TRO is before the EU at the present moment. We also succeeded in getting western countries like the USA, France, Italy, Canada among others, to prosecute a large number of LTTE operatives, fundraisers and organisers. The president has consistently maintained that Sri Lanka is a non-aligned country, and therefore, we have to ensure that good relations are maintained with all countries. It has to be said that the president’s influence on foreign policy formulation in the last four years was a significant factor in managing our foreign relations in a satisfactory way. There was a time when we were not getting what we needed from the west including military material and funding for our development efforts. President Rajapaksa turned to other friends in the region which led to Sri Lanka being accommodated by countries like India, Iran, China and Russia.
Q. During the time of Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar, tensions with the west went down significantly. But things seem to have regressed since then.
A. The proscription of the LTTE in Europe, took place after the time of Mr Kadirgamar. The TRO was banned by the USA after Mr Kadirgamar. Most of the prosecutions of LTTE operatives took place after Mr Kadirgamar. So I think it’s wrong to say that tensions were eased during one period and they got aggravated later on. By and large I think Sri Lanka as a country, both during the time of Mr Kadirgamar and subsequently, succeeded in convincing our critics that ours was a worthwhile cause, and that the LTTE which masqueraded as the sole representatives of the Tamils was a brutal terrorist organisation that needed to be stamped out.
Q. With regard to Europe, what we notice is that the European Commission seems to have gone out of its way to come down hard on Sri Lanka. If we take the two reports that they released last, year, it shows that there is some sort of tension between the EU and the Sri Lankan government.
A. It is not the European Union, but the European Commission that put out these reports, and it was done by a committee engaged by the commission. The commission has been bombarded by human rights groups and LTTE supporters and sympathizers. Like many western governments and institutions, they tend to respond fairly positively to NGO pressure. This was one such case. We have a task in front of us. We need to counter the pressures being exerted on institutions such as the European Commission.
Q. The GSP+ trade concession is in limbo at the present moment with a recommendation for its withdrawal by the European Commission. What steps has the government taken in this regard?
A. The government will take several steps. On the one hand, we continue to engage western capitals on this issue, and point out that the withdrawal of GSP+ will be a greater violation of human rights than what they seek to address thereby.
Q. How concerned do you think the Europeans are about the human cost of their reprisals? I remember watching an NHK World programme in which you were also a participant where Yasushi Akashi revealed that the Co-chairs, Norway, USA and the EU wanted to cut off all aid and concessions to Sri Lanka but that Japan blocked the move. So how do you convince a party with a mentality like that?
A. It is a curious phenomenon that on the one hand, the proponents of human rights will unsheathe their sword ostensibly to advance the cause of human rights, but in the process will not have any compunction in taking measures that will result in greater violations of humanitarian standards and human rights. It’s unbelievable that right thinking people would even dream of taking measures of this nature.
Q. The opposition says that if there is a change of government, they can guarantee the continuation of GSP+. Do you think a change of government would suffice to ensure the continuation of GSP+?
A. The European Commission has consistently maintained that they are recommending this measure on the basis of their own guidelines. As to whether a change of government in Sri Lanka is part of those guidelines, is not very clear to me.
Q. The USA has not been as half as judgmental in their State Department report on Sri Lanka put out late last year as the EU has been. What do you make of that?
A. I think it is a recognition that all the hype generated by the LTTE and its sympathizers should not be the basis of policy making. I think at last the reality is sinking in. The foreign ministry has been conducting a campaign to convince western capitals that here was another point of view in addition to that of the LTTE and its sympathizers. This is now beginning to sink in. Then of course there is another factor touched upon in that US report. Sri Lanka is an important country in that she sits in the middle of one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, and the US report acknowledges that instead of pushing Sri Lanka away, it would be far better to engage SL. This country of course will respond to friendly gestures rather than threatening actions.
Q. Coming to the question of engagement, there is this question of Philip Alston. I would say that Alston has been extremely fair by Sri Lanka in the past – much more so than most other UN officials who visited Sri Lanka. He has asked for an investigation on that Channel 4 tape. There are arguments going back and forth, but what’s finally going to be done about his request?
A. I think Philip Alston has been totally misguided in the recommendations he has made. I have serious concerns about the manner in which he presented the report. He went to New York to present the report, where the UN general assembly and security council meets. That suggests to me that he was looking for political mileage. Moreover, he chose to release the report (on the Channel 4 video) just two weeks before the presidential election. In addition to that there are serious doubts about the conclusions drawn by him on the basis of reports by his experts who were engaged and paid by him. We have contrary reports by experts engaged by the government of Sri Lanka.
Q. When the LTTE was wiped off in Sri Lanka, their overseas network remained intact. So is what we are faced with is a long drawn out tussle with an LTTE in exile?
A. The entirety of the LTTE’s foreign operations does not exist in the same form any more. Their main arms procurer and fund manager is in our custody now. There are other senior operatives who have been prosecuted by western countries. However the rump of the LTTE is still active. The government will continue to work with friendly countries to ensure that the terrorist organisation does not raise its head again. We have reached out to the Tamil diaspora groups and invited them to become partners in building a prosperous Sri Lanka. Many have responded to that call.
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2 Tamil Tiger backers sentenced to US prison
NEW YORK -- Two supporters of the now-defeated Tamil Tiger insurgents in Sri Lanka have been sentenced in New York to prison in the United States.
Nadarasa Yogarasa (NAH'-duh-rah-suh YOH'-guh-rah-suh) and Sathajhan Sarachandran (SAH'-thuh-jahn sah-ruh-CHAN'-drahn) had pleaded guilty last year to providing material support to terrorists.
Sarachandran received 26 years behind bars on Friday in federal court in Brooklyn. Yogarasa got a 14-year term.
The FBI lured the pair from Canada in 2006 to a meeting in New York with undercover agents posing as arms dealers. They were arrested after allegedly agreeing to a shipment of 10 surface-to-air missiles and 500 AK-47s.
Government forces routed the Tamil insurgency last year to end more than 25 years of civil war.
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